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September 2008
Contributions to United Views Newsletter June be sent to:
Email address: dforman@snet.net
|
Published monthly except August by the United Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
877 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, CT. 06604
Subscription price $5 per year
Periodical postage paid at:
Bridgeport, CT USPS 649-460 |
From the Minister's Desk…
"Good morning, United Church." If you've ever called the Church office, chances are you've heard this familiar greeting and the voice that you associate with it is the voice of Jean Kaechele. While Jean's job responsibilities have changed over the years, she has been a constant, in terms of answering the phones, for more than 40 years. That's a lot of phone calls! And it has been said, with complete sincerity, that Jean Kaechele is the voice of United Congregational Church. I think it's fair to say that Jean is also the keeper of records and family histories, the keeper of many confidences, and the only person who can make sense of her unique filing system.
When I sat down with each Staff member in April to talk about their goals, I asked Jean how much longer she intended to work. Jean's response was clear- she wanted to make it to the end of her 40th year. Neither one of us knew it at the time, but the date that marks this significant anniversary is January 7, 2009. In light of this upcoming date, the planning for Jean's successor is something that the Pastoral Relations Team, Officers, and Personnel Committee have taken very seriously. And after speaking with Jean, we have a plan.
Before sharing the plan with you, I want to give you some background information.
- Jean has been working part-time for the past 4 years- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00-5:00.
- The Church office is open Monday through Friday- leaving the phone and door to be handled by other staff members and Officers who happen to be in the building.
- United is on an upward slope- our attendance on Sunday mornings is up; pledges and open plate donations are up; visitors attend worship on a regular basis and there are already folks ready to join the Church in October.
Based on this information, the plan for Jean's successor includes expanding the office coverage to Monday through Friday from 9:00-2:00. The plan also includes expanding the responsibilities of the Secretary to include: producing the monthly newsletter, maintaining the Church website, and possibly even researching grants.
The plan also includes a time-line that would allow for a new person to begin as early as September (the start of a new program year) and this person would work with Jean through a scheduled transfer of responsibilities. Once a new person is on board, Jean's hours will be reduced to Wednesday and Thursday. Now I think we all know the line: "One way to make God laugh is to tell God your plans." So the "plan" is being held loosely as we walk through the process of getting the word out and selecting a qualified person; making sure questions and concerns are heard and addressed, and making sure United's ministries receive the staff support this upward slope requires.
Stay tuned in subsequent newsletters for more information about this transition- including information about the celebration of Jean's ministry here at United!
Blessings forward,
Sarah
Member News
Kristianna Ibsen, daughter of Jocelyn Ibsen and Paul Ibsen, will be attending Eastern Connecticut State University in the fall. Kristi, a National Honor Society member, will play volleyball for ECSU and be a member of the University's track team.
Emily Chudy, granddaughter of Jean Kaechele will be attending Princeton Theological Seminary in September. Emily, a May 2008 graduate of Dickinson College, will be pursuing a Masters Degree in Divinity and a Masters of Arts and Youth Ministry Theology.
Don and Dee Forman announce with great pride, their grandson Joseph's acceptance to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Joseph, who will be a senior in September at Lindenhurst H.S. on Long Island, is a member of the National Honor Society. He was named one of the best fifty Lacrosse players on Long Island and will play Lacrosse for Navy.
The family of Donald Damtoft has informed the church that Don passed away on August 3rd in Exeter NH. Condolences may be sent to his wife Nancy and family at 7 Riverwoods Dr. Unit F202 Exeter NH 03833.
Happy September Birthdays
Sept 1
Dee Wust Forman
Sept 3
Peter Evan
Sept 4
Miah Hudler, Sarah Gonzalez
Sept 5
Sade English, Alton Sanford
Sept 11
Neil Erickson, Henry Polite
Sept 18
Tom Layman
Sept 20
Diane Benitez
Sept 21
John (Jack) Jensen
Sept 22
Nancy Lane Rossi
Sept 26
Cheri Gordon Evan, Arthur Williams
Sept ???
Carolyn Gordon, Maribeth Johnson
The names and dates printed here reflect the church records. If your name has been omitted and you would like it to be published in the future, please call the church office with your information. Please accept a sincere apology for names not included.
Join United's Prayer Ministry
If there is one ministry in which every person can participate it is United's Prayer Ministry. Beginning in September members will have an opportunity to "covenant in prayer" for those on the prayer concerns list, which is currently included in the weekly bulletin. The prayer list will be sent to participants on a weekly basis, via email or postal mail. Each participant will, over the course of the week, agree to privately pray for those on the list. Our prayers will concentrate on United's long-term prayer requests reserving the weekly worship bulletin for new and immediate prayer concerns. If you would like to join this important ministry please contact the church office by phone 203-335-3107 or email to: kaechelelj@snet.net
Come to the Cabaret, My Friends!!
On Friday September 12, United's Stephen ministry will host a cabaret style evening of live music with good friends. The entertainment will include contemporary popular songs rich in spirit as well as traditional hymns and heartwarming stories of God's love in action. A free will offering will be collected and baked goods will be available for purchase in support of United's Stephen Ministry. Doors will open at 6:45pm and child care will be available at a very nominal charge. While reservations are not necessary, we ask that you contact the church office at 335-3107 if you plan to attend.
Social Hour Schedule
If you would like to serve coffee or tea during the after worship social time, please contact the chairperson of the board that is scheduled for any particular month $$$$ Looking for a tax credit? $$$$ Feel the Warmth has been approved for the Neighborhood Assistance Act, which allows Corporations to make donations and receive a 60% tax credit for 2008. We need help identifying Corporations that may be interested in taking advantage of this opportunity. The window for this benefit is limited and requires immediate attention. Please contact Kim Hudler @ 203-521-3760 or Rev. Sarah Verasco @ 203-335-3107 so we can follow-up on your suggestions.
September Board of Christian Concern - Jill Bruno -203-521-0033
October Board of Christian Education - Joyce Layman 203-5224624
November Board of Trustees- Jim Motavalli - 203-367-0847
December Board of Deacon - Herb Koehler - 203-255-3830
January Board of Music - Judy Wilkinson - 203-259-6703
Please note, Subchapter S Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships, and Limited Partnerships are not eligible for the credit.
For last month's United Views, click HERE
Now taking orders for the new 2009 Calendar. Click HERE for a printable form.
For Christian Education news, click HERE
Stephen Ministry Update
Eric Gramse, Director of United's Stephen Ministry reports that a new class of Stephen Minister's has begun. Prayers of guidance are asked as this important part of United's ministry continues its work and studies over the 50 hours, 20 weeks training period. As always if you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please call the Stephen Ministry office at 203-225-3107 x 307.
Newcomer Invitation
Are you new to United? Or wondering what it means to be a member of the Congregation? Let's get together for a newcomer orientation where you can share your questions and quench you curiosity. Plan on gathering after the 10:00 worship on September 28th OR October 5th in the Guild Room and we'll talk through United's rich history and unique ministries, as well as any other topics that you bring to the table.
Questions in advance? Contact Rev. Sarah @ 203-335-3107 x305 or via email @ sjverasco@snet.net
Our wonderful choirs, the Adult Choir and the Norma Pfreim Children's Choir, will start rehearsing on Wednesday, September 3 at their usual times: 4:15pm for children; 7:30pm for adults. We have had lovely music this summer and look forward to hearing the full choirs again.
Judy Wilkinson,Chairperson
United's Annual Fall Rummage Sale will be held the weekend of October 4 and 5. Co-Chairpersons, Leslie Farrell and Betty Lucas ask that all donations be brought to the church after Labor Day. Drop off your donations between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Please let the church office know you are coming so someone will be available to assist you. Please bring only clean items that are in working or wearing condition.
Set-up Sunday will be September 28 after church until 3 p.m., lunch will be provided. Sorting will continue Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Please plan on volunteering. Bring your lunch and enjoy the fun! Put some of your time aside to help at the weekend sale: be a cashier, work in The Boutique, stack clothes, sort books, etc. Monday morning, October 6 please come and help put Pilgrim Hall back in order. We need lots of help.
Leslie Farrell and Betty Lucas, Co-Chairs, Rummage Sale
United's 2009 Calendars
The Board of Deacons will again sell United Church Picture Calendars. The site from which they are made is "under construction" however orders will be taken as soon as "construction" is completed. The charge per calendar is $20 and they will be available for holiday giving. An order form will follow in a future issue of United Views.
Check out our Website!
When was the last time that you visited the church website? There is always something going on at United. Logon to: unitedchurchpfbpt.org for the calendar, current events, the church bulletins, an online copy of United Views, photos and much, much more. If you have suggestions for our site just email them to:info@unitedchurchofbpt.org
The search is on for a new style monitor for the church secretary's office. If you or anyone you know is upgrading or divesting themselves of a computer monitor and would like to donate it, please call the church office 203-335-3107.
Rummage Calendar
Starting on Sunday September 21 and continuing thru to Friday September 26 we will be setting up for the Fall Rummage Sale. The actual sale will be on Saturday September 27 9:00am-2:00pm and Sunday September 28 11:00PM-2:00PM. From beginning to end volunteers are needed for all phases of this event. Our annual rummage sales (Spring and Fall) bring thousands of dollars of revenue to the church, which ultimately relieves some of the burden put on our endowment. To volunteer contact, Leslie Farrell 203-929-4036 or Betty Lucas 203-254-3711.
A follow-up from our last quarterly meeting:
United Congregational Church: Who Are We?
In July a diverse group of volunteers met to build on the work already begun by the Church Council and Boards to revise our church's mission statement. Our goal was to net out the carefully thought-out language while honoring the spirit of the revisions that were submitted.
We were blessed to have the fresh perspectives of two relatively new members, Dede Fitch and David Collins, and the critical insights of Nancy Rivers and Herb Koehler into our special past. Rev. Sarah Verasco and Jim Motavalli captured ideas as we brainstormed. Jim had laser-like focus in scribbling, editing, and producing what we're sharing below.
Please keep in mind that a mission statement is meant to be short. It doesn't stand alone. It doesn't necessarily explain all of the great things that we do to live out our purpose as a congregation. We look forward to helping revise that more detailed language (like the church values) in the coming months.
A mission statement is designed to succinctly describe "who we are" or "why we exist." Here is the result of our efforts that evening:
Our Mission
The United Congregational Church, a welcoming community - bringing together city and suburb to worship God, develop our faith, and serve our neighbors near and far through social outreach.
As we worked on the mission, we found it helpful to remember the other language that we regularly use in our church community. Here are some examples - and an explanation of why they're important.
Our Covenant
This statement sets forth the commitments we make as members of this congregation. We covenant with the Lord and with one another and give ourselves unreservedly to God's service in the fellowship of this church. Ever mindful of the welfare of our fellow members, we promise to walk with them in faithfulness and Christian love. We promise that, so far as able, we will attend the worship services of this church, observe its sacraments, share in its work, support and benevolence, and endeavor to make it a fruitful body of Christians.
Our Words of Welcome
This statement is an invitation to join us in worship. It describes what people can expect when they walk through our doors. If you are looking for a word of hope or an encouraging spirit, we trust you will find it here in our time of worship and the social time that follows. Your presence is an important part of our life as a community of faith.
Mary Ann Masarech
NUTS * NUTS * NUTS
Once again, we will be selling Terri Lynn nuts as a fundraiser to benefit the general fund at United. We will be taking orders with payment during September. The nuts will be available for pick up at church Sunday, November 2. The following will be available for order:
- Fancy Mammoth Pecan Halves-Natural, $9
- Light Walnut Halves and Pieces Mixed, $9
- Deluxe Mixed Nuts-No peanuts, Roasted & Salted, $9
- Giant Salted Whole Cashews Roasted & Salted, $9
- Colossal Natural Pistachios, Roasted & Salted $8
- Whole Almonds, Roasted & Salted $8
- Chocolate Coated Jumbo Raisins $6
All nuts offered come in 1-pound bags and make great gifts for the holiday season. Order forms will be available in the Narthex in September. Orders must be received at the church by September 30. Thank you in advance for supporting this benefit for United.
Betty Lucas and Patricia Oburchay, co-chairs