Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Feb. 27

NEW WOMEN’S GROUP FORMING: A thirteen week group for women will be starting on Wednesday, March 2, at 7:00 p.m. We will be studying the book “What Happens When Women Pray.” See Beth Foote if you have any questions, or call her at 860-928-3314.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER: Sign up taking place now for the Fellowship/Progressive Dinner on March 12. We are inviting Confirmands and older youth to join us. There is a table in the Harrison Hall to sign up and pay the $10 per person cost. Please see one of the Deacons with questions.

THE ANNUAL MEETING of the Cemetery Association will be held on Saturday, March 5, at 10:00 a.m. here at the church.

THANK YOU to all who supported our Italian Dinner last night! It was a wonderful evening of fellowship. Grazie to our waitstaff, servers, and especially our talented chefs, Charlie Bottieri and Jim Nowak.

BOSTON URBAN OUTREACH TRIP is planned for March 4-6. A group of 14 senior high youth and adults will learn about homelessness and do service work at a downtown soup kitchen. We will meet at the Hill Church at 2:30 on Friday afternoon to pack up. Please keep our group in your prayers as they travel, work, and worship together.

“DIVE IN” TO SERVICE at the Special Olympics Swim Meet. Sorry, you won’t be able to get in the pool this time, but you can help a special athlete have a wonderful competitive experience. Giv2 Northeast invites all youth in grades 7-12 to join us at the Windham High School Pool on Saturday, March 12. Pick up a registration form from Andy Perry and fill it out today! We will meet at the East Woodstck Church at 7:15 am and carpool to Willimantic.


This Morning’s Church School: “Burning Bush and Other Images of God” Rotations
Pre-K – Storytelling – Jennifer John Kinder/Gr 1 & 2 – Games – Brittany LaFleur Grades 3/4/5 - Cooking – Maria Sangiolo Grades 6/7/8 – Art – Joan Fortin

Daily Bread – The church school will be collecting PEANUT BUTTER during the months of March and April for our local food bank. We are also collecting packages of DIAPERS (preferred sizes are Step 1 thru 6, day time only) for their recently formed Diaper Bank. Bring along these items on Sunday mornings, or at any time you are stopping by the church. The volunteers at the food bank were SO APPRECIATIVE of the large quantity of tuna and 30 boxes of cereal we delivered!

Teach Us How To Pray - This will be our church school unit of study during Lent. We are in need of a few rotation leaders for the children. Please check out the curriculum in the Great Room and sign up today! Please don’t say “been there, done that”. Get to know the youth in our church! They want the opportunity to know YOU as well!


CALENDAR OF THE WEEK
Today
9:15 a.m. Sr. Bell warm-up
11:15 a.m. Confirmands in Library
Monday
7:30 p.m. AA
7:30 p.m. Sr. Bells
Tuesday
7:00 p.m. Transition Team
Wednesday
9:00 a.m. PCT
6:30 p.m. Deacons
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
7:00 p.m. Book Discussion
7:30 p.m. Giv2 Planning Team
Thursday
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
1:30 p.m. L’Apres Midi
7:00 p.m. Sr. Choir
Friday
2:30 p.m. Boston Urban Outreach trip
Saturday
10:00 a.m. Cemetery Association Annual Meeting

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Feb. 20

8TH ANNUAL ITALIAN DINNER! Our Youth Group will be serving a delicious meal on Saturday, February 26 at the Hill Church beginning at 5:30 PM. Tickets are available from Charlie Bottieri, and from youth group members. Invite some friends and reserve a table—this is a great way to introduce newcomers to our church! You may also call the Hill Church office at 860-928-7405 to make your reservation. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children up to age 12.


THIS MORNING’S CHURCH SCHOOL
Pre-K – Games – Brittany LaFleur Grades K/1/2 – Cooking – Maria Sangiolo Grades 3/4/5 – Art – Joan Fortin Grades 6/7/8 – Storytelling – Jennifer John

HARRY POTTER LOCK-IN - Twenty three church school children in grades 5-8, were “Locked-In” to the church for 13 hours this past Friday night for copious amounts of fun and fellowship! Our theme focused on the strong bond of friendship between the main characters of the Harry Potter book series. In our “Defense Against The Dark Arts” class we delved into anti-bullying and conflict resolution.
We dabbled in potion making, wand making and a rousing game of Quidditch! We dined in the Great Hall for late night beef stew and shepherd’s pie prepared by Tracy Knust. Tracy also greeted us in the morning with porridge, sausages and tea! Midnight worship in the sanctuary took us on a guided meditation up the changing staircases to an encounter with God who dispelled each of our personal fears and in turn filled us with peace. There was little sleep, but it left generous amounts of time for faith building and strengthening the bonds of friendship.
Please take some time to walk through the building and visit our Hogwarts room décor.
The Great Room was our Great Hall for the sorting ceremony as well as dining. It also included Honeydukes Candy Shop. The library became the Gryffindor Common Room. Our downstairs classrooms were transformed into Olivanders Wandshop and the Defense For The Dark Arts Room. Games were held in the large downstairs area. Potion making began inside and moved outdoors for dazzling illumination under the late night sky.
I wish to express my utmost appreciation to the following Lock-In Ministry Team for their creative brainstorming and wonderful collaboration putting this very successful event together: Jennifer, Rob, Emily, Robbie and Elijah John, Kate Donahue, Tracy Knust, Caroline Chute, Andy Perry, Bobby Donahue, Maria Sangiolo, Sienna and Barry Jessurun, Ginny Miller, Ginny Viteri and Charlie Bottieri. This team has created wonderful lifelong and faith-filled memories for our youth. Blessings! Ellie Donahue


SOUPER BOWL UPDATE—we are now up to $485.60 in our collection for the Daily Bread Pantry in Putnam. The soup kettle remains in the church office today for those who would still like to make a contribution. Note: Please make checks payable to “Senior High Youth Group” so we can send one check to Daily Bread. Thank you for your support!

BOSTON URBAN OUTREACH TRIP is planned for March 4-6. All senior high youth and adults who would like to put faith in action doing service work at downtown soup kitchens should turn in trip deposits today. Registration forms are posted by Debby’s office or available online at www.hillhurch.org

“DIVE IN” TO SERVICE at the Special Olympics Swim Meet. Sorry, we won’t be swimming this time, but you can help a special athlete have a wonderful competitive experience. Giv2 Northeast invites all youth in grades 7-12 to join us at the Windham High School Pool on Saturday, March 12. Pick up a registration form from Andy Perry or Debby Kirk today! We are looking for a few adults who can drive so let us know if you would like to help out.

NEW WOMEN’S GROUP FORMING: A thirteen week group for women will be starting on Wednesday, March 2, at 7:00 p.m. We will be studying the book “What Happens When Women Pray.” See Beth Foote if you have any questions, or call her at 860-928-3314.

WANTED: ONE “TECHIE”! As I explore the things needing the attention of the church publicist, it is becoming woefully apparent to me that my limited knowledge of technical stuff is slowing me/us down:( I am looking for someone with an advanced working knowledge of computers, video cameras, projection and anything else that would help get me/US into the latest century! Work would be on a needs basis. Could you volunteer some time to the church? If so contact Susan Waldron, 860-923-2887 or swaldron01@snet.net

PROGRESSIVE DINNER: Sign up taking place now for the Fellowship/Progressive Dinner on March 12. We are inviting Confirmands and older youth to join us. There is a table in the Harrison Hall to sign up and pay the $10 per person cost. Please see one of the Deacons with questions.


THE SHARE deadline will be tomorrow!! Last time, it took 8 days after we mailed SHARE for them to arrive in Woodstock mailboxes. Further destinations took even longer. We would like to get them in the mail earlier, so we are asking that you please respect this deadline. Especially with Lent and Easter approaching, it is important that everyone get their copy of SHARE before the events in the beginning of the month occur. Thank you for your understanding.

THE ANNUAL MEETING of the Cemetery Association will be held on Saturday, March 5, at 10:00 a.m. here at the church.


CALENDAR OF THE WEEK
Today
11:15 a.m. Confirmation Class and Rev.Mike meet in library
Monday
7:30 p.m. AA
7:30 p.m. Sr. Bells
Tuesday
1:30 p.m. Bread Baking for Italian Dinner
3:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry
Wednesday
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Thursday
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
Friday
10:00 a.m. Bread Baking for Italian dinner
Saturday
5:30 - 7:00 Italian Dinner
Next Sunday
11:15 a.m. Confirmation Class

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Feb. 13, 2011

This Morning’s Church School: The children will begin a new unit this morning entitled, Burning Bush & Other Images Of God.
Who is God? What is God like? Throughout history people have expressed the reality of God through images and metaphor. Children will explore some of the many images of God in the Bible and discover how those images can help us know God.
“Mixing It Up With Harry Potter” –– Junior Youth Group LOCK-IN – (grades 5-8) - will be held this coming weekend, Friday, February 18th from 7:00 p.m through Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. Please sign up today with Mrs. Donahue! Enter the magical world of Hogwarts! What house will you be assigned by the Sorting Hat? Wonderful things will unfold in your Hogwart classes! We’’ll explore friendship, loyalty, courage, and choosing the right path in difficult times. We’’ll mix it up a bit with food, fun and games. Then we’ll wind down for our midnight worship service by candlelight. Please remember to bring a box of cereal for Daily Bread, to help our friends in need.

LOCK-IN Planning Team –– there will be a meeting after church this morning in the downstairs, center classroom.

Junior Choir Rehearsal - This morning’s rehearsal will be led by a “special guest”, while Mrs. D attends a LOCK-IN planning meeting.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER: Sign up taking place now for the Fellowship/Progressive Dinner on March 12. We are inviting Confirmands and older youth to join us. There is a table in the Harrison Hall to sign up and pay the $10 per person cost.
Please see one of the Deacons if you have any questions.

SOUPER SUCCESS! Thank you to all who made donations for local hunger relief through the SOUPER BOWL OF CARING. Last week we collected $392.19 at our two churches for the Daily Bread Pantry in Putnam. The soup kettle remains in the church office for those who would still like to make a contribution. Note: Please make checks payable to “Senior High Youth Group” so we can send one check to Daily Bread. Thank you for your support!

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 8TH ANNUAL ITALIAN DINNER! Our Youth Group will be serving a delicious meal on Saturday, February 26 at the Hill Church beginning at 5:30 PM. Tickets are available from Charlie Bottieri and youth group members. Invite some friends and reserve a table—this is a great way to introduce newcomers to our church! You may also call the Hill Church office at 860-928-7405 to make your reservation. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children up to age 12.

BOSTON URBAN OUTREACH TRIP is planned for March 4-6. All senior high youth and adults who would like to put faith in action doing service work at downtown soup kitchens should join us for a planning meeting TONIGHT (Sunday, February 13) at 7 PM at East Woodstock. Registration forms are available online at www.hillhurch.org

CONCERT AT EAST WOODSTOCK TODAY at 3:00 p.m.! Performing will be Pomfret School’s The Griff Tones and Chorus. Please come and enjoy the wonderful music and support these students. All proceeds will help fund their trip to Bolivia in March.

NEW WOMEN’S GROUP FORMING: A thirteen week group for women will be starting on Wednesday, March 2, at 7:00 p.m. We will be studying the book “What Happens When Women Pray.” See Beth Foote if you have any questions, or call her at 860-928-3314.


WANTED: ONE “TECHIE”
As I explore the things needing the attention of the church publicist, it is becoming woefully apparent to me that my limited knowledge of technical stuff is slowing me/us down:( I am looking for someone with an advanced working knowledge of computers, video cameras, projection and anything else that would help get me/US into the latest century! Work would be on a needs basis. Could you volunteer some time to the church? If so contact Susan Waldron, 860-923-2887 or swaldron01@snet.net


CALENDAR OF THE WEEK
Today
11:15 a.m. Confirmation and mentors meet in library
11:15 a.m. Compassion Camp meeting @ EW
7:00 p.m. Youth Group @ EW
Monday Community Kitchen
7:30 p.m. AA
Tuesday
7:30 p.m. Hillbillies jam
Wednesday
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Thursday
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Sr. Choir
Friday
7:00 p.m. til Sat. 8:00 a.m. Junior Lock-In
Next Sunday
11:15 a.m. Confirmation Class meets with Rev. Mike in library

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Feb. 6

THIS MORNING’S CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS:
• There are no church school classes this morning. Families will worship and celebrate communion together.

• THE BURNING BUSH AND OTHER IMAGES OF GOD church school rotations will begin February 13th.

• CHILD CARE will be provided this morning (infant - age five) in the downstairs infant/toddler room.

• THIS MORNING’S COMMUNION BREAD is a dark whole wheat, no yeast bread, which was prepared and baked by the church school children.

• JUNIOR HIGH LOCK-IN (Grades 5-8) – February 18th at 7:00 p.m. – Saturday at 8:00 a.m. See Ellie Donahue for registration forms.

SOUPER BOWL of CARING is TODAY! Did you know that Windham county has some of the highest rates of food insecurity in CT? Many families have to choose between paying medical bills, filling the oil tank, or buying nutritious food. You can help TACKLE hunger with the Souper Bowl of Caring. Simply place a donation of one dollar or more in one of the soup kettles as you exit the sanctuary today. Our gifts will help be sent to the Daily Bread Food Pantry in Putnam to help hungry families in Northeastern, CT.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 8TH ANNUAL ITALIAN DINNER! Our Youth Group will be serving a delicious meal on Saturday, February 26 at the Hill Church beginning at 5:30 PM. Tickets are available from Charlie Bottieri and youth group members. You may also call the Hill Church office at 860-928-7405 to make your reservation. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children up to age 12.

BOSTON URBAN OUTREACH TRIP is planned for March 4-6. All senior high youth and adults who would like to put faith in action doing service work at downtown soup kitchens should join us for a planning meeting on Sunday, February 13 at 7 PM at East Woodstock. Registration forms are available online at www.hillchurch.org

THE SERRV CART will be out today at Coffee Hour. Come and see what we have new and do some Valentine’s shopping! Your purchases support third world artians!

HELP! THE CEMETERY RECORD BOOK is missing. It is a large, white, 3-ring binder normally kept in the church office. If anyone borrowed it or knows where it is, please let Ellen know. Thank you.

OUR NEXT WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP MEETING will be held on February 9, 10:30 a.m. We will be assembling Hygiene Kits for Church World Service. Hostesses will be Marilyn Pomeroy & Barbara Child with Linda Chase offering Worship. This is our last chance to donate hand towels, face cloths, nail clippers, individually wrapped bath size bars of soap, tooth brushes, combs & band-aids. Gallon size zip lock bags are also needed. Come & lend a hand---it’s fun!

THERE IS A BOARD OF OUTREACH MEETING scheduled for Thursday, February 10 at 7 p.m.

CALENDAR OF THE WEEK

Today: “Souper” Bowl of Caring
Please stay for Second Hour with DaVita McCallister!
Monday
7:30 p.m. Bell Choir
7:30 p.m. AA
Tuesday
7:00 p.m. Church Council
Wednesday
10:30 a.m. Women’s Fellowship
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Thursday
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
7:30 p.m. Outreach
Friday
5:00 p.m. Daisy Scouts
Saturday
5:00 p.m. “What it Means to Be Our Church”
Next Sunday
11:30 a.m. Confirmands meet with Mentors
7:00 p.m. Youth Group (EW)