Calendar and Announcements for the Week of June 26, 2011

THANK YOU to the following members of the Hill Church Hillbillies who are able to be with us this morning to provide our music: Jen Beck, vocals; Ellen Boylan, guitar; Ted Bradley, guitar and bass; and David Hagan, mandolin.
Want even more Hillbillies music? The “full crew” will be performing at the East Woodstock Jamboree on the 4th of July again this year so be sure to catch them that day to hear many of your old favorites as well as some new ones!!


THIS IS the last Sunday before summer union services with East Woodstock begin. All services in July will be held here. There will be Sunday morning childcare in the downstairs area of the church for infants through grade one. Child care will include a small Bible craft, snack, and outdoor play when weather appropriate. Children in grades two and above will have the opportunity to worship together with their families. For the month of August, all worship services will be held at the East Woodstock Congregational Church.

OUR LOCAL CHURCHES will be well-represented at the UCC General Synod in Tampa, FL next week. Ian Sorensen from East Woodstock will be a youth delegate from the Windham Association and Rev. Mike Ader will be serving as a clergy delegate. In addition, Alana Spalding and Olivia Arsenault of East Woodstock and Kat Bottieri and Gloria Knust from the Hill will be traveling with Debby Kirk and the CT Youth @ Synod group. Please keep these folks in your prayers as they travel, serve, and worship with UCC members from all over the country.

SAVE THE DATE for the Giv2 retreat. This is for all members of the Giv2 Planning team and other adults who would like to get involved with this outreach program. Rev. Day McCallister of the CT Conference will lead and afternoon workship from 2 to 6 PM on Saturday, July 23. It will be held at the CT UCC Conference Office at 125 Sherman Street in Hartford and we will have an opportunity to compare notes with leaders from other Giv2 chapters. Speak to Debby Kirk at 860-377-2675 if you would like to attend.


Calendar of the Week
Today:
2:00 p.m. Woodstock Academy Graduation
Monday
7:30 p.m. AA
Tuesday
3:30 p.m. Knitting Circle
Wednesday - CT Youth at Synod
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Thursday
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Book Group
7:00 p.m. Hillbillies - special rehearsal

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of June 19, 2011

SERRV” will be available during Coffee Hour today. Time to purchase that last minute gift for Dad, a graduate or just some items for summer fun. See all the exciting items Laura has purchased. All items are made by third world artisans who appreciate the help you give them through your purchases.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE FATHER’S DAY CARDS are still available for only $5.00, at Coffee Hour.

SUMMER CHILD CARE – Throughout the remaining weeks in June and all of July there will be Sunday morning childcare in the downstairs area of the church for infants through grade one. Child care will include a small Bible craft, snack, and outdoor play when weather appropriate. Children in grades two and above will have the opportunity to worship together with their families throughout the remainder of June and all of July. For the month of August, all worship services will be held at the East Woodstock Congregational Church.

PLEASE have your July SHARE articles in by Tuesday!!

THE JUNE council meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m.

Twilight Oasis: A Mid-Week Holy Rest"
Wednesday June 22, 6:30-8:00 PM
At Bruce and Sam Lyman’s

“God promises wings to fly in the sunshine, rainbows after the rain and courage for future dark nights.” (Ron Buford)

Let’s leap into a new spiritual venture during the summer and reflect on such things. If this activity sounds interesting to you, come to an alternative, informal worship experience consisting of faith and life topics, stories and songs (Attention everyone; bring instruments).





Calendar of the Week
Monday
7:00 p.m. Council
7:30 p.m. AA
Tuesday
7:30 p.m. Hillbillies
Wednesday
6:30 p.m. Twilight Oasis service @ Lymans
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Thursday
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Book Group

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of June 12, 2011

2010 - 2011 CHURCH SCHOOL CHILDREN

INFANT/TODDLER - Blake Goodhall, Zachariah Ferruci, Xandar Miller

PRE-K - Elsabet Ferruci*, Ellie Klee, Devan Veach*, Drew Veach*

KINDERGARTEN – Natalie Eichner, Katie Fortin, Talia Jessurun*, Bryn Miller*, Anna Wong

GRADE 1 – Tatum Fisher, Dustin Veach*

GRADE 2 - Sarah Wong

GRADE 3 Tatum Bentley, Caroline Frost, Grace McWilliam, Matthew Trudeau*

GRADE 4 - Grace Borski, Madison Fisher, Daniel Wong

GRADE 5 – Tanner Bentley, Julia Chute*, Jacob Cloutier, Erica Frost, Elijah John*, Ciri Miller*, Lily Stockwell, Wyatt Taylor

GRADE 6 - Serenity Bottieri*, Graham Sweetnam*, Jesse Viteri*

GRADE 7 - Sydney Fisher, Sienna Rose Jessurun*, Robbie John*, Marina Kawasaki, Alena Klee*, Lela Miller*

GRADE 8 - Matthew Miller, Lucas Hoffower

*Members of the Junior Choir

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR EIGHTH GRADE CHURCH SCHOOL GRADUATES!
Matthew Miller and Lucas Hoffower

WELCOME NEW CHURCH SCHOOL MEMBERS! We are so pleased to have the following new friends join our church school family this past year: Dustin, Devan and Drew Veach, Zachariah Ferruci, Blake Goodhall, and Lily Stockwell Welcome!

2010 – 201 ROTATIONAL WORKSHOP LEADERS
Charlie Bottieri, Kat Bottieri, Kelly Bottieri, Cherie Swenson, Joan Fortin, Eva Hulme, Ellen Boylan, Jennifer John, Emily John, Brittany LaFleur, Maria Sangiolo, Leslie Sweetnam, Laurie Trudeau, Diane Peterson and Ginny Viteri.

NURSERY LEADERS – Sammi and Kassi Miller, Kate Donahue

DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AND JUNIOR CHOIR – Ellie Donahue

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TEAM – Jennifer John, Joan Fortin, Jennifer Beck-Ferruci, Karen Cloutier

JUNIOR CHOIR ACCOMPANISTS – Ellen Boylan, Leilani Nixon, Leslie Sweetnam, Eva Hulme, Charlie Bottieri, Maria Sangiolo, Ted Bradley, Donna Dufresne, and Katherine Donahue

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP LEADERS – Jennifer John, Ellie Donahue

DIRECTOR OF SENIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRIES AND SENIOR BELL CHOIR – Debby Kirk

YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM - Charlie Bottieri, Andy Perry, and Ginny Viteri.

THANK YOU ELLEN BOYLAN. In addition to her weekly administrative duties, Ellen volunteered extensively with our Church School program and Junior Choir over the past year. Ellen accompanied the Junior Choir during all of our rehearsals and for our anthems. She taught on various levels throughout the year, willing to step in wherever needed. We can’t thank you enough Ellen!

THANK YOU SAM LYMAN for organizing today’s cookie donations for our brothers and sisters just over the border in Massachusetts who suffered great loss during the damaging tornadoes that swept through their area. Thank you also to Jock and Jean McClellan for organizing and transporting food to this area.

THANK YOU TED BRADLEY for keeping our church school area tidy throughout the year! We are appreciative of all of your help with both set up and clean up for our Christmas pageant, Lock-In, and various other events.

DAILY BREAD - The church school would like to thank all of you for the many food items donated over the course of the year for our friends in need. Please continue to supply the Daily Bread table located in the Great Room throughout the summer months.


SUMMER CHILD CARE – Throughout the remaining weeks in June and all of July there will be Sunday morning childcare in the downstairs area of the church for infants through grade one. Child care will include a small Bible craft, snack, and outdoor play when weather appropriate. Children in grades two and above will have the opportunity to worship together with their families throughout the remainder of June and all of July. For the month of August, all worship services will be held at the East Woodstock Congregational Church.

HEIFER PROJECT - Through our children’s weekly offering and the congregation’s Christmas gift card contributions, we raised over $800.00 during the church school year (September 2010 through June 2011). Seven pigs will be sent to families stricken with poverty and hunger to help them improve nutrition, provide income and achieve self-reliance! The church school wishes to thank you for your generosity!

IN THE TRADITION of our covenantal relationship as partners in the ministry of the Connecticut Conference, your Conference staff has included our church and ministries in prayers this month. Our church has also been included on the prayer list published as part of the “Spirit Calendar,” A weekly devotional sent out to subscripers through FIDO, the internet-based discussion forum available on the Conference website. Also, let us remember in prayer our Conference in its transition as it seeks a new Conference Minister.

THOSE WISHING to donate to assist the residents of Brimfield affected by the tornado are asked to send or drop off a check payable to “The Town of Brimfield” and note on the check “Harding Fund”. Please mail or drop off monetary donations to the Selectmen’s Office, 23 Main St., Brimfield, MA 01010.

SERRV store will be open during Coffee Hour next week, June 19!"

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE FATHER’S DAY CARDS are available for only $5.00, at Coffee Hour or in the church office..

~ A special thank you to our Church Family ~
Robert and I want you all to know how grateful we are to you for having loved, nurtured, and guided our daughter Emily through the years. Her Confirmation was a very special celebration, and though we could have had a family gathering at home, it felt important to share our love and gratitude with you...our church family. Thank you all for sharing in a most special day, not only for Emily, but for Brittany, Gloria, Julie and Kassi, too.
~Jennifer John

Calendar of the Week
Today - Picnic after church!!!
4:00 p.m. Eagle Scout Court of Honor
Monday
7:30 p.m. AA
Wednesday
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Thursday
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Book Group
Friday
5:00 p.m. Ellie Piano Recital

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of June 5, 2011

THIS MORNING’S CHURCH SCHOOL
Pre-K and Kinder –– Leader - Ellen Boylan Grades 1-8 –– Children’s Sunday Preparation
Junior Choir –– there will be a brief rehearsal this morning after church.

Children’s Sunday –– June 12th! - We invite EVERYONE to our Children’s Sunday worship service. It will be a joyful celebration of Pentecost! There will be an all church picnic on the common following the service, including hot dogs on the grill and yummy potluck side dishes! Mark your calendars!
Friday, June 10th - Children’s Sunday rehearsal for grades 1 –– 8 from 4:00 –– 7:30 p.m. Pizza will be served. Rehearsal/Snack/Fun!

PICNIC! June 12th is our Children’s Sunday with the rollicking all-church picnic on the lawn after worship (or downstairs, if it rains). Our skilled grillmasters will prepare hot dogs, and we hope you will provide the salads and sides. Please take a look at the sign-up sheet at Coffee Hour today, or respond to the email you received this past week. See Sam Lyman with questions. This event is always great fun, and you must come!

Children's Sunday Request: Please see Jennifer John if you would be willing to bake 1 or 2 dozen white cupcakes with red frosting for Children's Sunday. We need 6 - 8 dozen more. Ellie Donahue has special cupcake liners for your use. We will be celebrating the birth of the Christian Church!

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE FATHER’S DAY cards are available during Coffee Hour. $5.00 donation.

REMINDER: SIGN UP SHEETS are in the Great Room - for Roseland B & B, Woodstock Fair Chicken Barbeque; as well as for Ushers, Coffee Hour Hosts and Lay Readers.

BULLETIN COVER CREDIT: photo collage by Julia Correira.

A MEMORIAL DAY THANK YOU! A little lightning, thunder and rain were not enough to cancel our Woodstock parade. The skies cleared just in time to go ahead with our annual Junior Youth Group fundraising event! Though there wasn't the usual attendance due to weather, we had plenty of fun and fellowship. Lela, Ciri, Jessie, Emily, Robbie, and Elijah were a tremendous help; they had great fun playing in the rain as we awaited word if the parade would go on as scheduled! Diane Miller, Ginny Viteri, Ellen Boylan, Bob Donahue and Robert John all pitched in to make this event a success. Thank you to Melanie, a visitor from NY and guest of the Miller family who gladly chipped in wherever help was needed...she was very excited to experience our rural celebration of Memorial Day. Thank you to our church family and friends for supporting our efforts. And lastly, a special thank you to Sweet Evalina's for generously donating 4 dozen of their yummy, old fashioned, home made, sugar donuts! ~Jennifer John

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP: The Annual Meeting of the Women’s Fellowship will be held on Wednesday, June 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the home of Susan Waldron, 17 Maple Lane in Thompson. After the business meeting, the reading of Annual Reports and worship offered by Lynn Singleton, we will share in a Pot Luck lunch. Plan to bring your favorite salad to share. Call Susan at 860-923-2887 to tell her you’ll be coming and what type dish you’ll be bringing. Also bring your ideas & wishes for next year’s programming along with your calendar so you can sign up to hostess or do worship!

Eat and Talk with our Conference Minister, June 7, 2011 7 to 8:30 p.m.
How can we organize ourselves for fruitful ministry when there are fewer of us? How about pre-summer dessert to meet with our UCC Regional Minister, Susan Tarolli, about who we can become as a church? The Transition Team invites you to explore this question over strawberry shortcake (speaking of fruitful) on June 7th.
The Church Council takes this issue of smaller church seriously. We trust that you do also. Susan Tarolli, our Regional Minister, will share her experience of other congregations, as we accept the challenge of our journey in transition. Everyone is welcome. RSVP to Ellen in the office or sign up on the kiosk.
Calendar of the Week
Today - Confirmation Sunday
11:30 a.m. Junior Choir
Monday
7:30 p.m. AA
Tuesday
10:30 a.m. Staff Meeting
7:00 p.m. Discussion with Conference Minister
Wednesday
10:30 a.m. Women’s Fellowship at Susan’ Waldron’s house
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Thursday
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Book Group
Next Sunday - Church School Sunday and Picnic