Publication of South Congregational Church, UCC East Hartford, CT

May 2021

East Hartford, CT

Senior Pastor’s Message

Dearest friends,

Sometimes it snows in April, right?! Yet, springtime seeps into my soul whether the weather shifts on schedule

or not. My nose knows that a new season is at hand; and my spirit senses it too. I awoke this morning thinking

about one of my muses and favorite poets, Mary Oliver whose writing celebrates and calls attention to the quiet

occurrences of nature – budding leaves, bursting bulbs, and beautiful birdsongs. These phenomena call to mind

the reality that always there are turns (some expected, some not) along life’s journey – shifts (some subtle, some

significant) that are beyond our control and comprehension.

Over the course of the last year, I’ve written (and preached) so much about the pandemic wilderness and its

difficulties without recognizing my own effort to sculp and smooth out the narrative rather than simply

acknowledging the mystery of what we have seen and experienced. Pastoral leadership requires a certain

amount of “story shaping”, I suppose. The inescapable truth, however, is that trying to figure out the answers and

formulate the right responses is more futile than faithful. Sometimes, we ought to take a moment to stand still in

speechless surprise and say: “Holy moly…what a wild ride!”

In hindsight, I can see clearly that I may have missed many opportunities to stop and smile and say nothing at all.

That, too, is what reverence for and devotion to the Creator looks like. I think Mary Oliver puts it perfectly in her

poem entitled, “Mysteries, Yes”:

Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous to be understood.

How grass can be nourishing in the mouths of the lambs. How rivers and stones are forever in allegiance with

gravity while we ourselves dream of rising. How two hands touch and the bonds will never be broken. How people

come, from delight or the scars of damage, to the comfort of a poem.

Let me keep my distance, always, from those who think they have the answers.

Let me keep company always with those who say “Look!” and laugh in astonishment, and bow their heads.

It is my great hope that we are moving closer and closer toward better days…one day at a time. Still, we

cannot have certainty about much, except uncertainty...and mystery. Meanwhile, let us look for signs of new life

and the abiding presence of our ever-faithful God that we might be awed.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Rev. Fredd

2

The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021

Church Council Meeting Summary – Meeting held April 21, 2021

Review of prior Minutes & Correspondence: March minutes were accepted with corrections

Upcoming Events – Save the Dates!!

Description Date

Live Streaming of Sunday Church Service Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

Ice Cream Truck! Rescheduled for Sunday, May 2nd from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00

Strawberry Fair Planning Meeting Sunday, May 2nd at 11:00 in the Library

Mother’s Day – “To Go” Sticky Buns, Photo Exhibit Sunday, May 9th

Strawberry Fair – Plant Order Pick up Saturday, May 22nd

South Church Antique Road Show Sunday, May 23rd 11:00 – 12:30

Strawberry Fair Activities!! Saturday, June 12th

Treasurer’s Report:

• Balance @ 12,773

• Pledging at 25%, on target.

Staff Reports:

Pastor Report – No Report

UCC Report:

• Synod to be held virtually

• Annual meeting in May

Christian Education and Faith Enrichment (CEFE) – Lisa Griffen

• Cross placed in place of crèche to be moved to side of church by Memorial Garden

• Comfort hearts – spread South Church love – available in the Church office Shared with local nursing homes;

Riverside and Salmon Brook)

• May – South Church Antique road show planned

• Youth Survey to be included in the View

• Series “Processing the Pandemic” to be held in June

• “Be the Church” lawn signs available for sale

• Curriculum for next year has been ordered

• For Mother’s Day, “to go” sticky buns will be served! In addition, a photo exhibit to celebrate mothers will be

posted in the Narthex

Board Reports:

Deacons:

• Jean Foisey has agreed to join the Deacons, filling vacancy

• Caring Ministry meetings to resume in May

Missions:

• Easter food basket distribution on March 27th went well!

Trustees:

• Spring clean-up went well!

• Siding repairs completed

Church Growth:

• Collaboration with Church Growth and Diaconate – ice cream truck after worship Sunday, May 2nd at 11

• Habitat for Humanity – another EH build (Forbes and Chester) under consideration

• “Church Merch” will be available for purchase!! Sweatshirt, golf shirts, t-shirts in 4 colors!

Old Business:

• Pandemic Response committee to re-convene to review upcoming changes in state guidelines

• Strawberry Fair – Shortcake, plant sales, and Chuck Wagon will be available Saturday, June 12th!

New Business:

• Talent/Service Auction under consideration – Sue Smith to provide leadership

• Cleaning service to be replaced with staff Sexton, Bill Vibert.

Next Meeting planned for May 19th at 7:00 p.m. in Church Library and ZOOM

Respectfully submitted, Maureen Miller Council Clerk

3

The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only

love can do that.”

Martin Luther King, Jr

Celebrating Mothers and Women of Influence: On Sunday, May 9th, we honor the important

women in our lives. The traditional cinnamon buns will be lovingly prepared and served by

Kelly and Lisa G. Additionally, all are invited to submit a framed photo of their significant

someone to be included in our Celebration of Mothers exhibit. Photographs will be displayed in

the narthex before the Sunday service. If you would like to participate, please leave a framed

photograph, in the church office by Wednesday, May 5 th (include your name on the reverse

side). To ensure that there is enough space for all, we ask that photos be no larger than a 4x6

or 5x7 and that, if possible, ONLY the special celebrant should be pictured.

South Church Antiques Roadshow: Sunday, May 23. 11 am-12:30 pm. Phil Papadakis, Lisa

G.’s partner, will be on site to identify and appraise your treasures, trinkets and thingamabobs.

Phil has more than 45- years of experience buying and selling antiques, so he is qualified to

provide information and insight about the value of your collectible items. For a donation of

$20 dollars, each person/pair is entitled to have 3 items appraised with 100% of the proceeds

going to CEFE ministries. While you wait to meet with Phil, lemonade will be provided and

cookies made by SCC member Nicole Schufer will be available for purchase.

(Rain date: Sunday, June 6)

Comfort Hearts Update: At the time of printing, over 30 handcrafted Comfort Hearts have

been gifted to members, neighbors, strangers and friends of South Church. An additional 15

hearts have been donated for distribution at Salmon Brook Rehabilitation Center in

Glastonbury; and another 15 at Riverside Health in East Hartford. Congratulations and thank

you to all of our knitters who have dedicated themselves to this important outreach ministry!

You. Are. Loved.

4

The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021

Processing a Pandemic: Emerging from the Wilderness. I recently attended an exhibit and

was challenged to confront my feelings about the Covid-19 pandemic. Through a series of

photographs and questions, I found myself facing some unsettling new revelations. Although I

had navigated the pandemic landscape to the best of my ability, I had not allowed myself the

space to process everything that I was seeing, feeling, or experiencing. It occurred to me too

that folks in this community of faith might benefit from what I have learned. Please join me

and Kelly as we explore the following topics:

June 6: In the face of the sheer magnitude of this global pandemic, how have you tended to

your own spirituality? Reflect on a time during the pandemic when God’s love followed you,

whether it be mourning a loss, the experience of isolation, or anywhere else?

June 13: What are the things you want to keep from this time in the wilderness? What are the

things that have frustrated you? What has liberated you? Where did you hear God speaking?

June 20: How have you connected with creativity during the pandemic? What were the stories

that engaged you (television, novels, games)? Where did you experience God’s warmth and

humor?

June 27: Are there photographs, news clips, or stories about the pandemic that particularly

moved you? The loss of a public figure? The economic impact? What is a story from this time

that you want to be sure to remember? Why is that image or story important to you? Where is

God in that story?

All gatherings will be held at 11 AM, outside, for approximately 45 minutes. You are welcome

to attend one or all sessions.

Please note that Sunday morning children’s lessons continue to be available on Facebook

CEFE contact information: To sign up for an initiative, ministry or to simply ask a question, we

can be reached at cefe@southucc.org or 860.568.5150. We look forward to hearing from you!

Yours in love, laughter and peace: Kelly and Lisa

5

The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021

2021 Strawberry Fair - Saturday, June 12th!!

2021 Strawberry Fair - Saturday, June 12th!!

It’s that time of year again!!

We will be holding plant, shortcake, and chuck wagon sales in person!!

Be a part of the Fair!!

• Help with Activities the Day of the Fair

• Volunteer to help the day of the fair

• Donate Supplies for Shortcake

• Donate dollars to defray the cost of strawberries

Please stop in to the Fair meeting May 2nd in the Library after church to find out more!!!

Thank you - Fair Coordinators

If you would like to donate supplies for shortcake, please consider dropping off one or more of the

following items during church office hours, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the month of May:

• 5 lbs. of flour

• 2 lbs of confectioners sugar

• 5 lbs. white sugar

• Pure Vanilla

• Baking soda

• 1 lb./4 sticks of butter

• Crisco – individual baking squares

Contributions to defray the cost of strawberries may also be left in the office as well

If you would like to help the day of the fair from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. please let Maureen know via

email: maumlr46@gmail.com or via phone at (860) 918-8038

• Hullers

• Shortcake servers

• Cream whippers

• To go Prep

• Curb-side Delivery

• Dining room servers

• Ticket Sales

6

The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021

Strawberry Fair 2021 – Offering Curb-side Pick up!!

Strawberry Fair 2021 – Offering Curb-side Pick up!!

Proprietary

On Saturday, June 12th, we will be holding an event featuring our traditional plant

sales as well as strawberry shortcake and chuck wagon items!!

We will be providing on-site seating and service as well as pre-ordered “curb-side”

pick-up!

Date: Saturday, June 12th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Cost: $5.00 per lunch, additional $5.00 for strawberry shortcake

Location: South Church parking lot OR please feel free to enjoy your

selections in Charrier Hall!!

If you would like to pre-order for curb-side pick-up, please make checks payable to “South

Church” and, with enclosed order form, mail to:

Maureen Miller, 1202 Dzen Way, South Windsor, CT

Orders must be received by Saturday, June 5th for curb-side pick up

Please feel free to reach out to Maureen Miller if you have any questions, 860-918-8038

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Order Form

Lunch choices: 2 hot dogs, 1 Kelly dog, 1 hamburger or cheeseburger and potato chips.

Please select a pick up time between 10 and 2.

Lunches are $5.00,

shortcake $5.00 all

available for curb-side

pick up!*

Hot Dog

Lunch

Kelly Dog

Lunch

Hamburger

Lunch

Cheeseburger

Lunch

Strawberry

Shortcake

How many

Total $

Name _____________________________ Phone # __________________________

7

The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021

Online Newsletter

The View is now available online on the South Church website in the public domain. Issues for

the last six months are available and can be found at the bottom of the homepage as displayed

below.

Would you be willing to share the blessings of South Church with

the community? All it takes is $10 and a spot on your front lawn.

CEFE and the Growth Team are selling lawn signs to promote our

church for all to see. The sign features our logo, our name, location

and the proclamation that “You Are Loved”.

We know what a special place South Church is in our lives. Help us

spread that message to anyone who may be searching for a faith

community. We have plenty of love to share!

Signs will be available for sale at the church beginning on Sunday,

April 25th as part of our outdoor Ice Cream coffee hour. For more

information, please contact Lisa Griffen or Felix Piersa. To place an

order after April 25th please send an email to cefe@southucc.org.

8

The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021

Please keep in your prayers…..

Margie Articolo’s grandson, Andrew Maureen Kosha, friend of Margie Articolo Dick McCarthy, member of the Rotary Club Addison Murphy, great-granddaughter of George and Peggy Schoen Carol Poehnert, friend of Maureen Miller Elaine & Bill Vendetta, Debbie Wall’s sister and brother-in-law

Rev. John Adams Liz Costa-Mayerson Mary Ann Higgins Rev. Al Turner

Myrtle Backus Eugenia Dansinghani Ivy Lehmann Debby Wood

John Carella Jr. Bill Fagan Beth McCashland

Veona Cashman Charlie Goding Beth McGinnis

Eleanor Cooley Barbara Guthrie Barbara Slocum

Hospitalized/Convalescing:

–David Abbott is recovering from recent heart surgery. –Dorothy Smitko, Margie Articolo’s sister, has been hospitalized with pneumonia. Of Special Concern:

–Theresa Violette, Barbara McNamara’s friend’s daughter

EARLY PLANT SALE!!!

May 22nd, 10:00–11:00a.m.

Our annual (early) plant sale will be held in the church parking lot on Saturday, May 22nd, 10:00-11:00a.m. Included in

this newsletter is an order form with available plants and pricing. We are requesting pre-orders and payment if at all

possible. This will make the sale run more smoothly and safely for all. You may place your order one of three ways:

1) email your order to rickrod19@cox.net, 2) text your order to 860-930-2312, 3) mail your order to Rick Rodrigue,

10 Bush Hill Rd., Manchester, CT 06040. You may make payment through Venmo using Rick’s email or you may

mail a check to his home address. Checks should be made payable to South Congregational Church. If you must pay

cash, please bring exact change to pick-up. Place your order by May 21st (any orders after the 21st, call Rick for plant

availability).

9

The View from South Congregational Church ~ May 2021

Church Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-noon

Church Staff & Positions

Senior Pastor….………...Rev. Fredd L. Ward III Minister of Music………………...Mary Douglas Coordinator of CEFE……………Kelly Consalvo Coordinator of CEFE……………….Lisa Griffen Minister in Residence……Rev. Dr. Henry Millan Pastor Emeritus……….Rev. Albert P. Turner Jr. Treasurer……………….…..........George Schoen Assistant Treasurer……..…….Robert Fitzgerald Office Manager……………………...Krista Goh Accounts Manager……………..Madeline Harris Moderator..…...…….………………Susan Smith Clerk……………………………Maureen Miller Chairpersons: Board of Deacons...Bob Handel & Peggy Schoen Board of CEFE………….………...Sandra Ward Board of Missions.…………………Lisa Handel Board of Stewardship……………Jane Porowski Board of Trustees………………...Rick Rodrigue Board of Church Growth…………...Felix Piersa

Emails

Rev. Fredd Ward…...…….pastor@southucc.org Mary Douglas.....…………music@southucc.org Krista Goh………………...office@southucc.org Madeline Harris………..accounts@southucc.org Lisa Griffen………………....cefe@southucc.org

Bulletin and View Deadlines

Bulletin: All announcements are due by Wednesday.

View: All submissions are due by the 3rd Friday of the

month.

www.facebook.com/SouthUCC/ office@southucc.org

Search for us on YouTube: South Church East Hartford Visit our website at southucc.org

The office will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 31st

1 MaryAnn Barber 7 Karen D'Attilio 23 John Carella

Amy (Guthrie) Keyes 9 Rebecca DeCrescenzo 23 Patrick Lynch

3 Krista Goh Jack Wakefield 26 Rev. Henry Millan

Andrew Schleicher 10 Eileen Marino G. Alden Nettleton

5 Georgi Beers Bea Piersa Cassidy Ward

Jan Lincoln 11 Jared Handel 27 Bob Reid

6 Myrtle Backus 15 Peter Higgins Sue Smith

19 Ben Goh 29 Lisa Handel

MAY BIRTHDAYS

May 2021

South Congregational Church 1301 Forbes Street East Hartford, CT 06118-2898 Telephone (860) 568-5150; Fax (860) 568-5152 office@southucc.org southucc.org www.facebook.com/SouthUCC/

NON PROFIT ORG. U. S. Postage

PAID HARTFORD, CT

PERMIT NO. 4088

Dated Material Deliver no later than the 12th of the month

I wish to honor/remember a loved one or someone special by doing the following: □ Worship folders ($10 per week)

□ Lighting of the steeple ($1 per day)

□ Flowers for the altar ($40 minimum)

□ Purchase choir music ($40 for 25 copies)

My Name:_____________________________________ Telephone Number__________________ I wish to honor/remember: __________________________________________________________ Reason/note for bulletin:____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Please make all checks payable to South Congregational Church.

South Congregational Church is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC) Connecticut

The View is published monthly with the exception of 1 issue during July and August. The deadline for submissions is the 3rd Friday of each month. Please contact Krista Goh with any questions at 860.568.5150 or office@southucc.org