More than a little — A proud dimension in the ministry of South Church is
the generosity of our members and friends in reaching out to others through our
Board of Christian Concern. Each year percent of our operating budget is
extended to those in need in a variety of ways; through the United Church of
Christ’s Wider Mission Giving, special offerings such as Neighbors in Need,
Christmas Fund Special Mission Offering, and One Great Hour of Sharing.
The
Board of Christian Concern also broadens our giving through financial aid
offered to other local, national and international efforts to combat poverty
and to work for peace and justice. The Board works carefully and prayerfully to
discern how best to spend our mission money.
The
Board extends South Church’s mission efforts as well by supporting and
coordinating more “hands on” efforts such as Holiday Food Baskets, providing
meals to shelters in Hartford and the Knitting and Crocheting Ministry (makes
prayer shawls, lap robes and baby blankets, hats and booties). The Board is
consistently seeking to serve those who are most in need here in our own
community as well as away from home.
Contacts: Lynne Clark,
653-4989 / Mark Diters, 653-7289
Mission
Trip — Mission trips are a part of
our community/world service. They include both adults and youth in proactive
efforts to bridge and bond with people who have fewer advantages than us. In
July 2007, 28 young people and adults, volunteered with the Appalachian Service
Project (ASP) and traveled to West Virginia for a ten-day trip of work,
fellowship, and worship. The mission group shares its experiences with our
church, and the mission trip benefits those we serve, those who take part in
the trips, and the wider church as a whole. Contact: Mark
Diters, 653-7289
Special
Music Programs — Music in the church includes four focuses of church
life: worship, education, fellowship and outreach. The following is a list of
this year’s programs:
Contact: Bruce Porter, 653-2765
Spiritual Nurture and Enrichment
What is South Church and what is the united church of christ (ucc)?
South Church was founded on November 20, 1872. The
church offers the word of God, family and fellowship to all who choose to
worship here. South Church has been an active and contributing member of the
community since that first day. Today our statement of mission reads, “Centered
in God, as revealed in Jesus Christ, we are South Congregational Church.
The UCC was founded in 1957 as the union of several
different Christian traditions: the Congregational Christian Churches and the
Evangelical and Reformed Church. The UCC is one of the most diverse Christian
Churches in the United States.
Sunday Worship — Our
week begins as we gather for worship. Sunday services are at 8:30 AM and 10:30
AM from September through May (with some exception noted in advance) and at
9:30 AM during the summer months. Communion is offered on the first Sunday of
each month, as well as on Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Maundy Thursday.
The Gathered Community — On
several occasions each year, special town-wide services are offered by the
Granby Area Clergy Group. Among these are services on Thanksgiving Eve, Good
Friday, and Easter Sunrise. In addition, services are offered as needs arise,
such as Community Prayer Services and Services of Memorial.
Chancel Choir — A
hallmark of South Church, the adult choir, enhances weekly worship service
while bringing together those interested in music and singing. Rehearsals are
on Thursdays from 7:30 to 9PM. Contact: Bruce Porter, 653-2765
HANDBell Ringers — These
Ringers provide an interesting and challenging musical outlet enabling members
to participate in leading worship and to extend outreach to the community on
behalf of South Church. Rehearsals are on Saturdays from 9 AM to 10:45 AM. Contact: Bruce Porter, 653-2765
Youth HanDBELL Band — This
band introduces youth to the unique experience of bell ringing using our four
and a half octaves of bells and three and a half octaves of chimes. Bell
ringing offers solid musical learning and an opportunity to serve the church.
Open to children 4th grade and up. Rehearsals are held Sundays after worship
from 11:45 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Contacts: Kaye
Imbt, 653-2631 / Maisie McCann, 653-2649
SINGING CHILDREN — This
choir gives our younger children the opportunity to participate in worship.
Rehearsals will begin in late October.
Contacts: Bruce Porter,
653-2765 / Carolyn Taylor, 844-8948
Community Bible Study — An opportunity for Bible Study is offered most Tuesdays at 10:30 AM in
the Teale Room. Leadership is shared between South Church and First Church.
Sessions begin in September in the parish building and continue through
mid-May, and people may attend at any time. Contacts: Mark
Diters, 653-7289 / Bridget Hughes, 653-4537
men’s ministry — A renewed season for the Men’s Ministry begins in September as the
group meets to choose the resource book that will guide their discussions on
faith development and applying Bible teachings to daily life. Twice-monthly
meetings are held on the 1st and 4th Tuesdays of each month in the Library, in
the parish building. Contact: Steve Lacey, 683-2391
The Caring Ministry — Our
Caring Ministry engages individuals in person-to-person caring within our
community. Participants are trained in caring skills following the model of the
Stephen Ministry program. Supervision and continuing education are
provided. Contact: Della Pandolfi, 653-3615
PROGRESSIVE
BIBLE BASICS AND COMMUNITY BUILDING — Would you like to
learn the basics of the Bible from a progressive point of view? Would you like
to grow in community with others? If you share one of these goals, you will
want to be a part of this six-session gathering. We will explore these ideas
and Bible texts:
·
Who is God? Genesis 1
·
Who are human beings?
Genesis 3
·
What is the church? Acts
2:42-47
·
What is justice? Exodus
3:1-15
·
Who is Jesus? Luke
7:18-35
·
What is your calling?
Luke 5:1-11
We
will be meeting in homes, starting with Denny’s (you don’t have to volunteer
yours). We will be meeting during Sr. High Fellowship time, 6:00-8:00, on
Sunday evenings, twice a month: Sept. 16 and 23; Oct. 14 and 28; Nov. 4 and
18. Contact: Denny Moon, 653-7289
Coffee Hour — Following both worship services each Sunday is a coffee hour in the
Fellowship Hall. Come share in conversation and get acquainted with fellow
church members and visitors. Many persons take a turn in hosting the coffee
hour, with a contact person providing information and help. Put your name on
the sign-up list in Fellowship Hall.
Contact: Lee French,
653-7138 / Candy Miltimore, 653-2325
FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEONs — Continue a conversation from coffee hour or break bread with a new
friend at this monthly gathering. Our potluck luncheons, held directly after
the second service coffee hour, provide great opportunities to greet old
friends and make new ones. Simply bring a main dish or salad to share. The
beverages and desserts are provided. Come, eat, and enjoy! Contact: Rowena York, 658-2153
Sow & Reap garden club — We offer a bounty of opportunities for people who share a love of
gardening. Meetings are held monthly for planned activities in gardening, craft
programs, trips, and garden tours. We come together for enjoyable potluck suppers.
We design and make May Day baskets, and we offer visits to shut-ins.
Contributions of time and financial support to community projects and
maintenance of the church grounds are always welcome. Be sure to join us for
our annual May Plant Sale and stock up on a variety of perennials, annuals, and
houseplants. Contact: Irene Cizman, 688-4503
quilting Group — Those
with an interest in quilting will be challenged and rewarded by the work that
the Quilting Group completes to benefit South Church. Those who sew and do
needlework are welcome also. The group meets every Wednesday from 10 AM to 2 PM
in the parish building. Contact: Polly Hall, 653-2189
crafter’s Group — Handcrafted
items, including Christmas ornaments and decorations, are made to sell at the
Pumpkin Patch. All crafters are welcome. Contact: Betty Hart, 653-3636
Scrap booking and more — We
meet once a month for an evening of fellowship and a chance to spread out
projects on large tables and share scrap booking tools and craft
materials. Contact: Rowena York, 658-2153
Nursery
Care — During
weekly worship, infants and children up to 3 years old are welcome to join
other children in the church nursery for supervised play. Reservations are not
required.
We have a primary care giver each week. We request
that parents assist periodically to provide additional support. Contact: Church
Office, 653-7289
Sunday School — Christian
education is provided for three-year-olds through Grade 8. Classes are held on
Sunday mornings during our 10:30 AM service, from mid-September through
mid-June. The first Sunday of each month the children gather in fellowship hall
for a brief children’s program followed by classes. On the remaining Sundays,
children begin in worship and are dismissed to their respective
classrooms. Contacts: Maggie Burnett, 844-8384 / Kathy Pidgeon, 844-8468 /
Mark Diters, 653-7289
Youth Groups — Youth groups are offered for young people in the sixth
grade through senior high school. The groups meet on a regular basis. They also
take part in Farmington Valley United Church of Christ and statewide
opportunities. The focus of the groups is on fellowship, service, and community
building in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Contacts: Mark
Diters, 653-7289 / Linda Pirek (Senior High), 653-5603 / Robbi Boston &
Andy Schlosser, 653-4899 (6th, 7th, 8th grade)
Children's Pageant — Each year the children of South
Church create and share a special Christmas program performed for the
congregation. Some years they reenact the story of the birth of Christ with a
traditional Christmas Pageant; other years a more modern look is taken by
sharing the Christmas spirit through song and stories. It always proves to be
most enjoyable!
December 16, 2007. Contact: Kathy Pidgeon. 844-8468
Confirmation Class — Confirmation is offered annually for students presently in the 9th
grade. The class welcomes older teens not yet confirmed as well. Confirmands
are mentored by church members and take part in regular meetings from fall
through spring. Confirmation runs from the end of September through May and
includes a statewide retreat in November, at the Silver Lake Conference
Center. Contact: Mark Diters, 653-7289 / Denny Moon, 653-7289
IMMIGRANTS,
REFUGEES & EXILES —
This is a two evening primer for
those who have come to South Church from different traditions, specifically
Roman Catholicism. We will use the provocative images of change coined by the
Rev. Mary Luti to explore the cultural gap between the Roman Catholic world and
that of New England Congregationalism and our United Church of Christ (UCC). If
you came to South Church from the Roman Catholic tradition and find yourself
wondering where you fit in and why “things” happen the way they do, this
program is for you! December 3 & 10. Contact: Mark Diters, 653-7289
Ways of “Prayer-ing” —
Ways of “Prayer-ing” will be a
mid-winter, six-week study of prayer and spirituality. Private prayer and
public prayer, prayers of confession or intercession, and Lectio Divina will be
included. Each evening we will examine one form of practice or discipline,
allowing the spirit to move the words and the words to move the spirit.
Wednesdays in January and wrapping up with participation in the Ash Wednesday
service. Contact: Mark Diters, 653-7289
Lenten Bible Study: The Phoenix Affirmations/A New Vision For
The Future Of Christianity (Part I) — Do you sometimes find yourself having to explain to people, “I’m a
Christian, but I believe that people who believe differently than I won’t fry
in hell; women are equal to men; homosexuals are not evil; poverty is an
important issue; we need to take care of God’s creation; the Bible is essential
but not to be taken literally?” This little book, scripturally based, points
out why the word “Christian” stands for people of grace and generosity who are
abundantly loving and associate with acts of courage, justice and compassion.
Come for discussion on current issues and the path of discipleship. Wednesdays,
February 13-March 19, from 7:00-9:30 PM.
Contact: Denny Moon, 653-7289
Lenten Devotional on the web — We are always looking for time to stop and reflect, pray and meditate,
but our busy lives seem to drive it away. Here is an opportunity to join with
others at South Church by taking ten minutes a day for the forty days of Lent
for prayer and meditation. Access www.sacredspace.ie
and click on “Prayer for Today in English” to get started. Contact: Denny Moon, 653-7289
The PUMPKIN PATCH — Throughout the month of October, South Church hosts an annual event
…the Pumpkin Patch. This wonderful event includes pumpkin painting,
storytelling, and games as well as a craft sale. Bring the whole family to
shop, socialize, and enjoy delicious food. This is a great way to support South
Church and to experience the changing of the seasons. The Pumpkin Patch will be
open 7 days a week from 12 PM until dark. October 1-31, 2007. Contact: Dick Mullen, 653-6232
THANKSGIVING DINNER — This dinner has been a tradition at South Church for many, many years.
Join us as we gather together to give thanks and enjoy each other’s company
over turkey with all the traditional fixings and desserts. Saturday, November
10, 2007. Contacts: Lee French, 653-7138 / Candy Miltimore, 653-2325
TOWNWIDE CAROL SING —
Join us for Christmas Caroling!!
Sponsored by the Music Committee, this will be a community event to which all
are invited. Bring your whole family and join us on the front steps of our
portico to sing the familiar carols and songs of the Christmas season.
Refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall. December 23, 2007. Contact: Pat Van Inwagen, 653-7322
Mardi Gras Brunch —
To kick off our Lenten season, join
us for a pancake brunch, between services. We’ll enjoy festive decorations and
terrific jazz music while sharing this delicious brunch cooked up by our
Fellowship Committee. Saturday, February 3rd. Contacts: Lee French, 653-7138 / Candy Miltimore, 653-2325
easter ACTIVITIES — At Easter time,
families join in our Easter activities including crafts, Easter stories and an
Easter egg hunt. Contact: Maggie Burnett, 653-7289 / Kathy Pidgeon, 844-8468
SNOWFLAKE BALL — Beat the wintertime blues by
dancing the night away to live, Big Band music. This will be our first
Snowflake Ball. A light dinner will be served. “At home” babysitting will be
available to those with young children. So come to dance, eat, or just enjoy
the music! Proceeds benefit our Appalachian Service Project (ASP). January 26,
2008. Contact: Terri Cote, 653-4018
Progressive Dinner — Host
a group for appetizers, an entrée or desserts. During this social evening,
you’ll progress to and from a few homes and enjoy good food and good
conversation. April 26, 2008. Contacts:
Lee French, 653-7138 / Candy
Miltimore, 653-2325
ASP SILENT AUCTION — This annual event has been an
enjoyable and successful fund-raiser over the last few years. Come browse the
numerous items donated by many generous people, businesses and organizations in
our community. Every item has a bid sheet with a description of the item, a
dollar value of the donation and a starting bid to get things started. There is
also a tea cup auction for the children. Proceeds benefit our Appalachian
Service Project (ASP). Friday, April 4th.
Contact: Mark Diters,
653-7289
special one-time events may be added during the year. The SouthWind will
announce the details as the dates draw near.
Note: To receive regular issues of our newsletter,
the SouthWind, call or e-mail the church
office, or fill out a pew card during worship.
About South Church
Ministers
Senior Minister ..................................................... The Rev. Dennis P. Moon
Associate Minister .................................................. The Rev. Mark E. Diters
Church
Staff
Director of Music .................................................................. Bruce E. Porter
Office Administrator ............................................................ Linda K. Calder
Monday
through Friday ~ 8 AM to 3:30PM
Denny’s day off each week is Friday, and Mark’s day off is
Thursday. Exceptions to these planned days off are announced in Sunday’s Events
& Comments and in the SouthWind.
Telephone ............................................................................ (860) 653-7289
Fax ....................................................................................... (860) 653-7952
Website: ........................................................... www.southchurchgranby.org
Email Addresses:
Denny ................................................... denny@southchurch.necoxmail.com
Mark ......................................................... mark@southchurch.necoxmail.com
Bruce ................................................................................... pegville@cox.net
Linda........................................................ office@southchurch.necoxmail.com