February 2015 TIDINGS Page

From the Pastor and Teacher

Dear Friends,

One surefire way to get a group to stop talking, say, before a meal or a church meeting, is to ask, “Who will offer a prayer?”

There are exceptions. If you’re a regular at the Tuesday or Thursday morning Bible studies, you know that most members of the group, after only a slight pause, will invite God’s blessing. As one who is often asked to pray, I appreciate hearing prayers from others. Truly, we are all equally close to God — and it a true gift of being in a faith community is hearing the intimate words of prayer from people we care for.

Often, I hear that the reluctance to pray is that “I don’t know how to do it well.” Well, here’s one example that you might hang onto:

Dear God: So far today I have done all right. I have kept my mouth shut. I have not gossiped, yelled, or lost my temper. I have not been greedy, grumpy, hasty, selfish, or overindulgent. I am really glad about that.

But in a few minutes, God, I really must get out of bed. From then on I’m going to need a lot more help. Thank you. Amen.

Phillips Brooks, over a century ago, used to pray for the grace to both rise above criticisms as well as to resist firing them back.

“Oh, God,” he prayed, “give the strength to live another day.

Keep me from losing faith in people. Keep me sweet and sound,

in spite of occasional ingratitude and meanness. Above all, keep

me from giving little stings, and minding them.”

continued on page 2…

Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Avenue

Niantic, CT 06357 Phone: (860) 739-6208

judy@nianticcommunitychurch.org www.NianticCommunityChurch.org

Pastor & Teacher:

The Rev. Dr. John A. Nelson

Community Minister: Patty Chaffee

Christian Education/ Youth Minister:

Russ Kirby

Music Minister: Richard Schenk

Choral Minister/ Bell Choir Director:

Lynne Floyd

Church Secretary: Judy Snitkin

Parish Nurses: Marie LaTourette, Donna Hathaway,

Edie Watrous

Lay Health Ministers: Jill Johnson, and Judi David

Children’s Center Director: Kathy Tiller

Worship Schedule: Sundays at

9:00 am and 11:15 am

A Federated Church of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church

An Open, Affirming, Reconciling Congregation

Editor: Heather Larson

tiding.larsonallen@sbcglobal.net

Tidings

Monthly news for members & friends from Niantic Community Church

February 2015

Inside This Issue:

Pastor’s Message.…….. 1,2

Events …..……………. 3-5

Inspiring Generosity.…. 6

Nurturing Faith……….. 7,8

Calendar ……………… 9

Cabin Fever Review Performers (more pictures on Page 3)

February 2015 TIDINGS Page 2

Get Ready for Worship!

Follow the “Preparing for Sunday” link on our website (NianticCommunityChurch.org). You will find the scripture readings for the current week, a brief description to set them in context, a reflection on the passages, and a prayer starter.

continued from page 1

If you’re curious about prayer, or if you would like to deepen your prayer life, or learn some approaches to prayer you might not yet know, please consider joining the “Soup and Soul” Lenten series, which begins on Wednesday, 25 February, at 5:30pm. We’ll have a Lent-long journey through many kinds of prayer. Please let the church office know, so we can order sufficient copies of our prayer resources. I hope you’ll join us.

Grace and peace,

Pastor John A. Nelson

Sunday Worship at 9:00 & 11:15am

Feb 1st • Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Texts: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28

Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “Astonishment”

Feb 8th • Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany | Youth Sunday | Scouting Sunday

Texts: Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39

Worship led by church youth groups

Feb 15th • The Transfiguration

Texts: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9

Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “Vulnerability, not Certainty”

Feb 22nd: First Sunday in Lent

Texts: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15

Pastor John A. Nelson, preaching: “A Long, Long Wilderness”

Ash Wednesday Worship: February 18th, 7pm

Lent begins with a special service on the evening of Ash Wednesday. Please join us for a meaningful beginning of this rich season of the year.

Welcome New Members

Bob Stange (left) and Maureen and Merrill McClain (right) officially joined our congregation in January. Please join us in welcoming them to our church family.

February 2015 TIDINGS Page 3

EVENTS

BOOK CLUB

The Women's Fellowship Book Club has selected "Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes as their next book. Me Before You brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heartbreakingly romantic novel that asks, “What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?”

Please join in a fun discussion on February 8, 2015 at 7:00 pm. Any questions, contact Carol Donovan at carod3000@aol.com.

Open, Affirming, Reconciling Scholarship Opportunity

The Open, Affirming and Reconciling Committee announces 8 scholarships for youth and/or adults to attend the True Colors Conference at UCONN on Friday March 21st and/or March 22nd. The True Colors organization hosts this annual event which is the largest LGBT youth conference in the country with more than 2000 attendees. NCC members often attend, volunteer and present workshops. For conference info go to www.ourtruecolors.org. For info about the scholarships or questions about the event, speak with any OAR member or email norilembree@yahoo.com.

HISTORY QUIZ

You may have read in the paper of the

350th Anniversary of the Loving Parting

between Saybrook and Lyme. What do

you know about it and is there a

connection to our church?

NCC Men’s Spring Weekend Outing

Friday April 17-19, 2015

Trip includes:

Saturday rafting trip on the Indian River/Hudson

Gorge with Beaver Brook Outfitters on Class III and IV

rapids. www.beaverbrook.net

Two nights accommodations in the Main House at

Adirondack Cabins at Mill Creek in Johnsbury, NY

www.adirondackscabins.com

Saturday evening and Sunday morning spiritual

program in Main House

Meals included but bring your own snacks.

Cost:

$185 due at registration/first come, first served. Wait

list will form after first group of 15 registers. Deadline

to register is February 15th

For more information contact:

Ron Deziel (860-739-8063) rdeziel@sbcglobal.net

Ron Johnson (860-287-0759) ron.johnson3121@att.net

Craig Holch (860-451-8711) cholch@earthlink.net

Sign up form and registration available from above

contacts or church office.

February 2015 TIDINGS Page 4

Winter Retreat Day

“The poetry that sustains me is when I feel that, for a minute, the clouds have parted and I've seen ecstasy or something.” ~ Rita Dove

Begin this abundantly blessed

new year with a day of retreat

using inspiration from Christine

Valters Paintner’s reflective art

journal, Sacred Poetry: An

Invitation to Write. The day will

offer opportunity to read and

write poetry and explore the sacredness of that

writing through reflection, sharing, music and

labyrinth walk. Homemade soup and bread will be

served for lunch. No poetry writing experience

required and booklets will be provided.

Register by calling church office (860)739-6208

A nurturing faith opportunity with Community Minister Patty Chaffee

Niantic Community Church, 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, CT 06357

Follow us on Twitter (@NianticChurch) and like us on Facebook

(facebook.com/NianticCommunityChurch).

Photos of some of the performers that participated in

the Cabin Fever Review held on January 24th. The

evening comprised of lots of great acts, including groups,

music, magic, improv, a wonder dog, and more with a

family friendly, coffee house feel. The funds raised help

the Sr. Youth Mission trip to New Orleans.

Cabin Fever Review

Crystal Bowl Meditation Celebrate lent with a Crystal Bowl Meditation guided by Donna Hathaway at NCC on February 25th, 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This is a free Nurturing Faith event. Contact Patty Chaffee with questions. 860-739-6208.

Saturday, January 31, 2015

10:00 a.m. -2:30 p.m.

Free program

Soup & Bread Served

Labyrinth Walk

Ripple Effect "A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple." Grab some tissues and watch this story of the ripple effect of kindness. http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=5717

February 2015 TIDINGS Page 5

Blood Pressure Clinic between services

every month on 2nd Sunday, next 2/08/15.

PARISH NURSE

Upcoming COFFEE HOUR hosts are:

February 1, 8, 15, 22 = Outreach March 1, 8, 15, 22 = Music and Worship Arts March 29 = Finance/Stewardship

Operation Love is part of the Parish Life committee

and is headed by Carolyn Lombardo. Carolyn is in

charge of organizing volunteers for making and

bringing dinners to members in need. Patty Chaffee,

our Community Minister, usually lets Carolyn know of

people who are in need of a meal(s) or members

often will bring the needs of others to her attention.

If you would like to be on the helping end of this

wonderful committee, she is always looking for new

people she can call to help provide a meal. She

rotates the volunteers so the actual commitment is

about 3-4 times per year.

If you need, or know of someone who is in need of

this support, or would like to help out, Carolyn

Lombardo can be reached at (860) 739-3405.

COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS

Have you ever wondered what a church committee is all about? Check out a subcommittee of Parish Life...Operation Love and wonder no more. If this ministry is of interest to you, call the church office to get involved at (860) 739-6208.

The next Considering Membership Session will be held Saturday, February 7th from 9 am-12 pm. If you are thinking about becoming a member and would like to attend, email Patty Chaffee at Patty@NianticCommunityChurch.org or call her at (860)739-6208.

Deadline for the March edition

of Tidings is February15th.

Please e-mail submissions to tidings@nianticcommunitychurch.org

We are a community of Christians: learning God’s ways; sharing God’s love;

extending God’s peace and healing grace to all.

February 2015 TIDINGS Page 6

Inspiring Generosity…

We are surrounded by those who inspire us to give, work, and live generously.

Honoring the Gifts of Carol Vara

Carol Vara feels called to helping singles find a date or even a soul mate through her monthly program offered at Niantic Community Church. The free program, Christian Singles & Dating is held the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and all are welcome.

As a social worker at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, Carol’s career has always been about helping people. She received her master of social work from Salem State College in 1992 and after a short stint in a school, she accepted a position as medical social worker at L&M. Over the past few years she has been offering a dating program through New London Adult Education, but stumbled upon a bit of insight after attending the now defunct, Spirited Singles group at NCC.

“I feel an urgency to help others,” says Carol. “I know what they are dealing with. I’ve been divorced. I’ve been there. Here at church there is a spiritual component that I can’t do at adult ed. I feel very comfortable with that. People don’t think about how their faith can help in the dating process. But God is with us on this journey.”

She offers a few suggestions for those who are interested in dating, for the first time or for the first time in a long time.

1. Have a positive attitude

2. Be friendly and smile

3. Make it known that you are available

4. Don’t try too hard

5. Ask yourself what you might do differently

For more details about these ideas she invites people to come to her program. She suggests instead of going through a drive through for your morning coffee, try going into a coffee shop and sit down and relax a few minutes. No one will chase you down in your car but they might strike up a conversation over a mocha latte at a table.

“Belief in God on this journey can open us up to possibilities, but there has to be intention.”

Carol grew up Catholic but is now a member of NCC. She remarried in 2012 after meeting her husband Edward Kardys on Match.com, but her mission to help people celebrate the dating life with success continues.

To learn more about her program call Niantic Community Church located at 170 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, (860)739-6208 or drop in any one of her sessions the third Wednesday of each month.

~ Patty Chaffee, Community Minister

February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

Everyone can make the world a little bit better. Do something unexpected for someone else - it’ll brighten your day as well as theirs.

February 2015 TIDINGS Page 7

Nurturing Faith

Sacred Source Painting

Prayer/Meditation/Painting/Sharing

A universal creative process that returns you

to your natural state of oneness with the

divine Source….many have found this process

genuinely transformative. Awaken your

artist’s soul with painting in its most basic

form.

Free your

creative spirit!

For every ability...even if you’ve never picked

up a paintbrush. Materials and inspiration

provided.

2nd Friday of each month 10:00 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

Bring a bag lunch. $5 materials fee (if you are able)

Registration required. Call church office.

Facilitated by Community Minister, Patty Chaffee (860) 739-6208

The Healing Art of Photography

An interactive program that will require a

camera, and time outside of the group

session to respond to a monthly

assignment. Inspired by the book, God is at

Eye Level by Jan Phillips.

Discover God from behind the lens

No high tech skills needed

A fun/supportive group

Thought provoking & challenging

1st Thursday of each month

7:00-8:30 p.m.

FREE !

Facilitated by Community Minister,

Patty Chaffee (860) 739-6208

Anything Goes …minimize, simplify, organize

How it works: 1. Bring unwanted items that you want to give away. If

you can carry it, you can bring it. Bring as much as you want.

2. Bring one non-perishable food item for the NCC Food Pantry and a brown bag lunch to enjoy following the exchange.

3. Each participant offers their items in turn. See what others have to give away and claim all you want. Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity immediately following our gathering.

Why?

1. Because it’s an opportunity to clean out, get organized. Letting go of what we no longer want/need, makes room for what IS important to us.

2. Discover the spirituality of being organized during thoughtful reflections and discussion over lunch.

3. Break bread and enjoy fellowship with like minded souls.

4. Support the NCC emergency food pantry.

10 a.m. on the 3rd Monday of each month

February 23

March 16

(Contact Community Minister, Patty Chaffee with questions)

Fellowship Room, Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic (860)739-6208

NCC PRAYER WALL

Visit the NCC Prayer Wall at http://www.nianticcommunitychurch.org/prayers to review prayers, indicate that you have prayed for the concerns and joys submitted by others, and add your own prayer requests. You may also send prayer requests to prayers@nianticcommunitychurch.org. All posts are automatically added to the ongoing prayer chain.

February 2015 TIDINGS Page 8

History Quiz Answer

In 1639 people from Saybrook began to settle on the east side of the Connecticut River then called East Saybrook. By 1664, as church going was a part of their lives and getting over the river to Saybrook could be extremely difficult, they petitioned the Connecticut General Court to become their own plantation. On February 13, 1665 an agreement was signed by representatives of both sides of the river which became known as The Loving Parting". The name of Lyme probably came from Lyme Regis in England which some of the settlers had ties to. It was in 1718 that the people living in this area also decided that the 9 miles to church in Lyme was a burden and petitioned the Court to become a separate church. In 1719 we became the 2nd or East Ecclesiastical Society of Lyme.

Don’t know how to knit? We’ll teach you ! Don’t have any yarn? We’ll provide it !

Need a pattern? We have em ! Prefer to crochet? That’s okay !

Bring a friend to the Fellowship Room at NCC located at 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, CT. (860)739-6208.

Save the Date and join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for the Niantic Community Church

Prayer Shawl Ministry 2015

January 27 February 24 March 24 April 28 May 26 June 23

July 28 August 25

September 22 October 27

November 24 December 22

Use your faith to create an active, successful dating process for

casual dating and/or a life mate

Join Us !

Wednesdays, Feb. 18/Mar.18/Apr. 15 Time: 6-8pm In the Parish Life Ministry office It’s FREE – And all are welcome ! Facilitated by Carol Vara

Niantic Community Church 170 Pennsylvania Ave, Niantic, CT 06357

(860)739-6208

A Forum to Discuss a Resolution Concerning Mass Incarceration

for Non-Violent Offenses

A forum will take place on Sunday, March 8th at 3:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. Some excerpts from the resolution:

“Whereas the United States has the highest

rate of incarceration in the world, 6 to 10 times greater than other wealthy industrialized nations, and surpassing in both absolute and

per capita terms countries such as Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran; and

“Whereas rates of incarceration in the U.S. quintupled in the past 40 years, with persons of color…incarcerated in vastly

disproportionate numbers, more than half for non-violent crimes, and receiving longer sentences than white persons for the same

offenses;

“Therefore be it resolved that we…call upon

members of Connecticut Conference Churches to express to all elected officials in our local communities, our state, and our

nation that this system of mass incarceration is unjust and a morally outrageous abuse of human rights.”

All are encouraged to attend, become informed about forces creating injustices in our criminal justice system, discover ways in which other states have

been successful in reducing incarceration rates while at the same time improving public safety, and find out how we in Connecticut can create a Department

of Corrections that rehabilitates instead of warehouses non-violent offenders.

February 2015 TIDINGS Page 9

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Music by Gospel

Choir

9:00 AM Worship

11:15 AM Worship

6:00 PM High School

Fellowship (Shelter)

2

6:30 PM Music & Worship

Arts Comm. (O)

6:30 PM Open, Affirming,

Reconciling Comm. (FR)

6:45 PM Christian Ed.

Committee (TBA))

7:00 PM Toastmasters (DH)

3

7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst

(Charlie's Place)

5:45 PM Children's Choir

(SA)

6:15 PM Gospel Choir

(SA)

6:15 PM Youth Bells (M)

7:00 PM Adult Bells (M)

7:00 PM Boy Scouts

(DH)

7:00 PM Men's Choir

(SA)

7:00 PM Parish Life Min.

(FR)

7:00 PM Worship Team

(PLO)

4

9:00 AM Disciple IV

(Fellowship Room)

7:30 PM NA (DH)

5

7:15 AM Bible Stdy

Brkfst (Charlie's Place)

7:00 PM Adult Choir

Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

7:00 PM The Healing

Art of Photography-

Take II (FR)

8:00 PM AA-Thurs

(DH)

6 7

9:00 AM Considering

Membership Class

(FR)

10:00 AM AA ("Family

friendly") (DH)

7:30 PM AA (DH)

8

Music by Children's

Choir

Super Bowl of Caring

YOUTH SUNDAY

9:00 AM Worship

11:15 AM Worship

1:00 PM

E.L.Historical Society

Lecture (DH)

7:00 PM Women's

Fellowship Book Club

(PLO)

9

5:45 PM NCC Children's

Center Board (M)

6:15 PM Church Officers

(Pastor's Study)

7:00 PM Communications

Committee (PLO)

7:00 PM Finance Commit-

tee (FR)

10

7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst

(Charlie's Place)

5:45 PM Children's Choir

(SA)

6:15 PM Gospel Choir

(SA)

6:15 PM Youth Bells (M)

7:00 PM Adult Bells (M)

7:00 PM Boy Scouts

(DH)

7:00 PM Maintenance

(O)

7:00 PM Men's Choir

(SA)

11

9:00 AM Disciple IV

(Fellowship Room)

7:30 PM NA (DH)

12

7:15 AM Bible Stdy

Brkfst (Charlie's Place)

6:30 PM Confirmation

Class (FR)

7:00 PM Adult Choir

Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

8:00 PM AA-Thurs

(DH)

13

10:00 AM Sacred

Source Painting (FR/M)

5:00 PM Wedding

Rehearsal

(Rue/Stange)

14

10:00 AM AA ("Family

friendly") (M/FR)

11:00 AM Wedding

(Rue/Stange)

7:30 PM AA (DH)

15

Hymn Sing

9:00 AM Worship

11:15 AM Worship

16

President's Day Holiday-

Church Offices Closed

7:00 PM Prudential Board

(FR)

7:00 PM Toastmasters (DH)

17

7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst

(Charlie's Place)

1:00 PM WCSA (FR/M)

5:45 PM Children's Choir

(SA)

6:15 PM Gospel Choir

(SA)

6:15 PM Youth Bells (M)

7:00 PM Adult Bells (M)

7:00 PM Boy Scouts

(DH)

7:00 PM Men's Choir

(SA)

18

9:00 AM Disciple IV

(Fellowship Room)

6:00 PM Christian

Singles & Dating

(PLM)(MPR)

7:30 PM NA (DH)

19

7:15 AM Bible Stdy

Brkfst (Charlie's Place)

7:00 PM Adult Choir

Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

8:00 PM AA-Thurs

(DH)

20 21

10:00 AM AA ("Family

friendly") (M/FR)

7:30 PM AA (DH)

22

9:00 AM Worship

11:15 AM Worship

23

10:00 AM Anything Goes

(FR)

7:00 PM Outreach Commit-

tee (M)

7:00 PM Personnel (PLO)

7:00 PM PPRC (FR)

24

7:15 AM Bible Stdy Brkfst

(Charlie's Place)

5:45 PM Children's Choir

(SA)

6:15 PM Gospel Choir

(SA)

6:15 PM Youth Bells (M)

7:00 PM Adult Bells (M)

7:00 PM Boy Scouts

(DH)

7:00 PM Men's Choir

(SA)

7:00 PM Prayer Shawl

Knitting Group (FR)

25

9:00 AM Disciple IV

(Fellowship Room)

7:00 PM Meditation

with Crystal Bowls

(sanctuary)

7:30 PM NA (DH)

26

7:15 AM Bible Stdy

Brkfst (Charlie's Place)

6:30 PM Confirmation

Class (FR)

7:00 PM Adult Choir

Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

8:00 PM AA-Thurs

(DH)

27

1:30 PM American Red

Cross Blood Drive (DH)

2:30 PM NL Soup

Kitchen Meal Prep (K)

7:00 PM Drum Circle

28

9:00 AM NL Soup

Kitchen Meal Prep (K)

10:00 AM AA ("Family

friendly") (M/FR)

7:30 PM AA (DH)

CALENDAR