September Trumpet - Kensington Congregational Church

A Newsletter for the Members and Friends of
Kensington Congregational Church
WEBSITE: WWW.KENSINGTONCONG.ORG
E-MAIL: [email protected]
Gabriel's Trumpet
October 2016
A Note from Our Pastor
Dear Members and Friends,
The theme for October is
forgiveness. It is actually a difficult
subject for some people. But, the root
of the word forgiveness is “untie” to
untie ourselves from the weight of not
being able to forgive. This month I saw the
movie “The Light between Two Oceans”. I had
read the book so I was surprised by a line I had
forgotten from the book. The German
husband and his wife are talking and she asks
him how he was able to forgive so much after
the War. He said “It is easier to forgive once
than all the work it takes to hold resentment
every day.” I was taken by the whole theme of
forgiveness in the movie. People make
mistakes and even when they are not sorry,
forgiveness benefits us not them.
Each week in October we will look at a
different aspect of forgiveness: Forgiving
Others, Forgiving God, Forgiving Ourselves,
and Forgiving the Church.
I am looking forward to seeing you at the
Gathering and honoring our long-term
members. Of course the Berlin Fair, the Getty
Concert, the Family Promise Walkathon and
so much more. Happy Fall!!
Please let me know if you or a friend would
like me to visit!
Peace,
Reverend Olivia Robinson
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving on
another as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Sundays at KCC
W ORSHIP SERVICE AT 10:00 A.M.
THE THEME FOR OCTOBER IS FORGIVENESS.
October 2 – World Wide Communion Sunday
Scripture: Matthew 18: 21-35
Sermon: FORGIVENESS 101
*BAPTISMS: BRADY & GRIFFIN MCKEE
October 9 – 21st Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture: John 20: 19-23
Sermon: WHEN IT IS HARD TO FORGIVE OTHERS
*BAPTISMS: ABIGAIL MOSKITES
October 16 – The Gathering Sunday
Scripture: Job 42: 1-6
Sermon: FORGIVING GOD
*11:30 THE GATHERING IN PARISH HALL
(HONORING 40 YEAR MEMBERS, MUSIC, FOOD, PROGRAM)
October 23 – 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture: Colossians 3: 12-17
Sermon: FORGIVING YOURSELF
*COFFEE HOUR PRESENTATION: STAR ISLAND
October 30 – Reformation Sunday
Scripture: Luke 23: 34
Sermon: FORGIVING THE CHURCH
Church Bulletin Board
Baptisms:
DYLAN ROWLAND: SEPTEMBER 18, 2016
OWEN ALEXANDER GUARINO: SEPTEMBER 25, 2016
GRIFFIN MCKEE: OCTOBER 2, 2016
BRADY MCKEE: OCTOBER 2, 2016
Birthday:
MARIE RICH: October 18, 1926, Age:90
Christian Commitment
Greeters
Season of Giving with Kensington Congregationalist
Church Covenant to Go and Do More. As the KCC
family heads into the 2016/17 season of Learning,
Loving and Sharing, the Christian Commitment
Committee would like to share with you some
important information.
Jesus said, “As you enter the home, give it your greeting.”
Two big changes this season, FIRST – prior to our
November 13th message on giving, we will have
several members speak each week on their reasons
for giving:
DATE
Oct 30
TOPIC
November 6
November 13
November 20
Generation X Y
Millennial Witness to
generosity
The Great Generation
witness to generosity
Baby Boomer’s
witness to generosity
Covenant Sunday
SECOND – between now and Stewardship Sunday,
you will see messaging focus on “the value of KCC”
and how you can “Go and Do More” for the greater
community. It is our hope that by Stewardship
Sunday, November 20th, you will make an informed
and generous offering to support all we do
together.
If you have any questions or would like to join the
message, please contact the Christian Commitment
committee.
Thank you, and God Bless,
Kathy Morell
Peter Robinson
Scott Newbury
YOUR LINK TO KCC WEB SITE,
JUST CLICK ON GIVING:
Budget Update
AUGUST INCOME FROM OFFERINGS AND THE TD
BANK AFFINITY PROGRAM:
$17,523.13
AUGUST SPENDING ON BUDGETED EXPENSES:
$16,137.18
We like to thank everyone who signed up to be greeters
for the months of October, November & December, who
are listed below:
OCTOBER:
2nd Kay Murray
9th Sandra Baclaski
16th Paul & Jim Waldrop
23rd John & Grace Fuller
30th Helen Graham
NOVEMBER:
6th Judy & Allan Hall
13th Lisa & Joshua DeGroff
20th The Bradbury Family
27th Peter Hungerford & Wendy Kingsbury
DECEMBER:
4th The Roe Family
11th The Anderson Family
18th The Carlson Family
25th Terry Perrelli
Tuesday Circle
Tuesday Circle has now been completely
dissolved. We would like to thank everyone that has
supported us through the years with donations of
craft materials, yarn and fabric. It was a big help in
all our projects. I was unable to find out when the
craft group started, but we know the ladies of the
church made the Civil War Flag - that may have been
the first group of meeting ladies. Any yarn that was
left in our closet this month was given to those of us
who will still make lap robes and prayer shawls for
the mission projects. Some yarn was so old it had to
be thrown away, but the rest of it went over to the
Senior Center for the knitting group there. Funds
from the sale of their efforts goes back to the Senior
Center for special things. We were very concerned
about our many shelves of fabric, but thanks to
Graham Hall who made a phone call to some ladies
he knew at First Church in Southington, they came
over and took the whole thing. It was mostly quilting
type of cloth and patterns, and they plan to use it to
continue making Valor Quilts which are quilted for
wounded members of all branches of the US Armed
Forces. Again, our thanks to our church family for
supporting this group for so many years.
News from Missions Committee
BACKPACKS: 24 backpacks were filled and delivered to
Covenant to Care for the start of this school year.
Thank you for your continued generous support of
this project.
BERLIN FOOD PANTRY: We continue to collect canned
and other non-perishable items for the Berlin Food
Pantry, and toiletries for Prudence Crandall Shelter
and the Friendship Center in New Britain. All
donations are appreciated.
EL SALVADOR: The Missions Committee will begin
collecting for El Salvador education fund in October.
It is $40.00 to sponsor a child for the year – you can
donate any amount. Last year we funded 41
students.
CCC CRISIS FOOD PANTRY: The Crisis Food Pantry is in
need of a KCC coordinator/liaison. Linda Aglio is
stepping down after many years of dedicated service
in this mission. Thank you so much, Linda. Anyone
who is interested is helping to coordinate, or wants
more information please contact the Church.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE: We will be co-sponsoring a
blood drive with the Outreach Committee on Friday,
Oct. 28. Sign-ups for giving blood will be in October.
KCC Blood Drive Rapid Pass
RapidPass allows donors to complete their
pre-reading and donation questions online
from the comfort and privacy of their home
or office; reducing the time they spend at
the blood drive by up to 15 minutes.
It's simple! Donors just:
1. Visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass
2. Read the information
3. Answer the questions
4. Print the pass or email it to themselves
Important to know! RapidPass cannot be completed
prior to the date of the drive. Donors must complete
the steps to redeem their pass on the day they
donate. Donors who do not bring the printed pass
with them to their donation or cannot show it on a
mobile device will be asked to complete the
questions again.
RapidPass does not take the place of scheduling an
appointment.
FPCC’s 1st Annual “Walk Away
Homelessness” Walkathon
Saturday, October 8th
Walnut Hill Park, New Britain
What time does the walk begin?
The registration table opens at 10:00 am. There
will be pre-walk speeches and the presentation of
our National Anthem beginning at 10:15. The walk
will officially “kick off” at approximately 10:30.
What if I arrive late to the walk?
Join us whenever you can! The registration and
donation tables will remain open until 2:00.
Where do I park?
There are two parking lots on the side of the park
near the band shell, but they will fill up quickly.
There is ample parking on side streets surrounding
Walnut Hill Park, and along the park perimeter, as
well. Please exercise caution when crossing the
street to the Park.
Where do I go once I arrive?
Head toward the “shell” area of the Park. There
will be a DJ playing near the shell beginning at 10:00,
so follow the music!
Can I register the day of the walk? Can I bring friends
to register the day of the walk?
Yes, and YES! Anyone who brings a donation to
Family Promise of Central CT is welcome!
Do I need to sign a waiver to participate?
We ask that every walker sign a waiver at the
registration table, and receive a hand stamp before
walking. Minors must have a parent signature to
participate (waiver forms will be available at the
walk, but can also be accessed from our website at
www.familypromiseofcentralct.org).
Will there be food and drinks?
Bottled water and bagged chips will be provided.
Feel free to bring a picnic lunch with you!
How far do I have to walk?
The walk is a paved loop approximately 1-mile
long. You may walk it as many times as you wish!
There is no minimum distance required to
participate.
THE TRUMPET DEADLINE WILL BE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016
From the Diaconate
The Gathering
In keeping with our theme for the upcoming year,
“Seeking Peace Through God in a Stressful World,”
the Diaconate shares an article by Dr. Bill Bright of
the Campus Crusade for Christ International:
The KCC Outreach Committee will host their annual
Gathering on Sunday October 16, 2016 at 11:30 a.m.
We will be honoring individuals who have been
members of the church for over 40 years. There will
be entertainment and a luncheon. All are welcome!
RSVP with the KCC Church Office at (860) 828-4511
or [email protected] by October 11th.
JESUS GIVES PEACE
Jesus of Nazareth, the Prince of Peace, is the only
One who can give us unshakable peace in a world of
turmoil….Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my
peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world
gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not
be afraid"(John 14:27). He also said, "Come to me, all
you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
rest"(Matthew 11:28).
Everyone experiences difficulties. The Christian is not
exempt. Becoming a Christian does not mean that
we will suddenly be ushered into a utopian situation,
but rather that we have One with us who said, "Lo, I
am with you all the days - perpetually, uniformly and
on every occasion - to the (very) close and
consummation of the age. I will never leave you, nor
forsake you. My peace I give you"(Matthew 28:20,
Amplified).
What kind of peace does He give those who trust in
Him? It is a quiet confidence that, since our
sovereign, loving, all-powerful God is in control, we
have nothing to fear. Jesus gives us peace with God
through the forgiveness of sin. He provides peace of
mind through an unhindered relationship with Him.
He shows us how to have peace with man by
teaching us how to love others. When He is in
control, no situation, heartache or sorrow can ever
disturb that peace.
Tragedy, heartache and sorrow will come into your
life, but Christ, the Prince of Peace, waits to sit upon
the throne of your life to give you His pardon, His
purpose and His peace.
Gabriel’s Trumpet
Gabriel's Trumpet needs 2-3 more
people, male or female, to help with
the mailing of the Trumpet, one
time/month September to May,
usually the third or fourth Tuesday, at
11:30 for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
Please call Cassandra at the church office if you are
interested. Thanks.
All Saint’s Day Service
During the morning worship on Sunday November
6th, we will be remembering those who have passed
away in the past year. If you have a loved one you
would like named, please contact the church office.
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Daylight Savings time ENDS on Sunday
November 6th. Don’t forget to turn your
clocks back an hour before you go to bed on
Saturday November 5th.
Save the Date
Joint Potluck at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion on
November 7, 2016. Mark your calendars!
Building Committee
Your building committee has reached out to two
firms specializing in capitol campaign development
for churches. We have interviewed one firm from
Mass. that worked with the Storrs Congregation
Church and will be interviewing another firm on Oct.
12th. At this time, we are focusing on finances not
the actual structural changes to be made. Once we
determine the church's funding capability, we will be
able to focus on the project as finances dictate. This
is a process that needs a lot of thought. As the
committee continues to move forward, it is
important that everyone keep this conversation alive
in your homes and with your church family
conversations. We are bound not by a building
project, but by the belief that whatever we do, it will
best serve the promotion of our Christian Faith and
Beliefs.
We are doing our best to prepare us for this
challenge and we ask for your support.
Regards,
Building Committee, Allan Hall
WSL Upcoming Programs
OCTOBER 24TH, 6:30 PM: A Cup Of Blessing - Fall Program:
The busy activities of fall are among us and it can be easy to
feel tired and depleted. So take some time out to recharge your
batteries at our Women’s Service League Fall Program, which
will kick off our theme for the year: ‘Come Fill Your Cup’. Our
evening together will include a brief business meeting followed
by a time of devotion. We will make simple blessing/prayer jars
and share what ‘fills our cup’. Dessert and beverages provided.
All women of the church are welcome! Sign up at coffee hour.
NOVEMBER 15TH, Noon: WSL Book Discussion
The book selected is The Tin Ticket: The Heroic Journey of
Australia's Convict Women by Deborah Swiss. We will meet in
the Parish Hall at noon. Please bring a bag lunch
Thoughts From The WSL
BY VIRGINIA STARK
“Come, fill your Cup” is the theme for this year and
several ways to do that will be presented. In fact, I
think our collective cups “runneth over” before we
even start! One cup not mentioned, but ever present
in our lives every day, is the cup of love: Love so wide
that it overflows all the time. It doesn’t always need
to be verbal, but as Christians it shows in what we do
and say (and how we say it!), in our attitude toward
others and in our general living. The words of Jesus
ring loud and clear: “God is Love”. So spread it
around. Your cup of love may overflow, but it will
never run dry.
Jars Wanted
The Junior PF (for youth in middle
school) is collecting clean, empty quartsized canning jars for their upcoming cookie mix
fundraiser. A carton is stationed in the Narthex for
drop off. Thank you in advance for your support of
this annual and much-anticipated Junior PF project!
Calling All 4th Graders
The fourth graders will be receiving
their Bibles on Sunday, November
13th. A Family Bible Orientation class
will be held after church at 11:30 a.m.
Come and learn to use your Bible and enjoy a lunch
provided by the Christian Faith Formation
Committee. Please, RSVP to Gwen McCann, email:
[email protected] or by phone
(860) 828-0064.
Attention Everyone!
Family Promise of Central Ct is
planning to open our doors to
our first guests by the end of
this year. We are in need of a
14 passenger, plus driver, van to transport families
to and from the day center in New Britain and to
bring families to their next host church in the area. If
anyone has such a van, or knows anyone who does,
and is willing to sell/donate it to Family Promise,
please contact Maggie Simcik, 203-233-3742 or Judy
Hall, 860-829-8282. Family Promise is a registered
non-profit organization and all charitable donations
are tax deductible.
About Star Island
John and Grace will present a 10 minute slide show
on Star Island during coffee hour on Sunday October
23rd. Pictures will show the facilities and things to do
while there.
Children’s Playgroup
The Christian Faith Formation program will again
sponsor a Parent/Child Playgroup on Tuesday
mornings from 9:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. This group will
meet weekly, on a “drop in” basis, in the Crib Room
located in the Reeves Center, The playgroup is open
to all who care for children, from infants to
preschoolers!
Sunday Morning Flowers
There are many dates available for the upcoming
months. Sign-up to celebrate someone special, a
birthday, an anniversary or in memory of a loved
one. If you would like to sign up for flowers on the
altar, the book is located in the Narthex. If you would
like the flower committee to order them, they are
$30.
The New Britain Chorale
The New Britain Chorale is hosting a party to
celebrate the great city of New Britain. We are
seeking singers to join us for a fun concert to sing
songs from the Great American Songbook. The
concert will be Sunday, November 13 at 4:00. Please
see Corinne Terlecky for more information.
BERLIN FAIR REMINDERS:
SEPTEMBER 29 – OCTOBER 2
MONDAY 9/26:
7: 00 PM MANAGERS MEETING AT FAIR BOOTH
WEDNESDAY 9/28:
PREP PARTY 3-6 AND 5-8 AT FAIR BOOTH. PIZZA & SALAD 5-6.
PIE BAKING BEGINS IN CHURCH KITCHEN
THURSDAY 9/30:
SHIFTS BEGIN, PIE BAKING CONTINUES
VOLUNTEER REMINDERS:
- VENDOR PARKING, ACCESS NOW VIA NORTH (RED) LOT
- HATS OR HAIR TIE-BACKS ARE REQUIRED
SEVERAL SHIFT POSITIONS ARE STILL OPEN.
PLEASE VISIT SIGN-UP GENIE OR TEXT OR CALL JUDY ZUFFELATO AT 860.919.4970 TO SCHEDULE A SHIFT.