May 1, 2009

“Come to this table, not because you must, but because you may…Not to express an opinion, not because you have any claim on heaven’s reward, but because in your frailty and sin,

you stand in constant need of God’s mercy and grace…”

The communion table is the symbol at the center of the Christian community. The bread and the cup symbolize Jesus’ life and death, given in vulnerability and compassion revealed by his words on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This gospel story, this good news, shows us the way to salvation “on earth as it is in heaven”, for it is through this kind of vulnerability that God works miracles, the greatest of which is God’s victory over death in the resurrection. The mystery of this miracle is beyond our measurement, scientific or otherwise, and like other works of the “ruach” of God, meaning either “spirit” or “wind”, you know it only by its effects, not through analysis of its inner workings for they are not available to us. The spirit blown effect of the resurrection was the energizing of a group of fisherman, tax collectors and women, to begin a movement in Jerusalem which was carried by the Apostle Paul to small Mediterranean churches which became the backbone of the Roman Empire and led, eventually, to the founding of South Church, Granby.

We’re not much for miracles these days. Liberals are embarrassed by anything that can’t be measured and repeated, while conservatives insist that the evidence of science must bend to a literal rendering of the Biblical text. Neither understand that God works through the vulnerability and compassion of committed people who live for God’s glory and neighbor’s good-- which is the meaning of the communion table.

The communion table calls for a particular kind of courageous and compassionate conversation. Those who gather around it do so “not to express an opinion” but to seek God, and God’s community. As I look back at this past year I have experienced this many times at South Church: In our Home Gatherings, while seeking to understand our identity and purpose; In our forums on same gender marriage, where compassion and vulnerability led to a measure of understanding; In our The Future is Here committee, where we descended to a place of opening ourselves to critique at deep places. My understanding is that The Artist’s Way group has also been to this place. This vulnerable place is the intersection of God’s work and one’s own life. When you get there, your heart beats fast and your hands sweat.

This kind of conversation, symbolized by the communion table, though sometimes awkward and risky, carries with it the hope for the future. It is not programmable, but simply makes it possible for God to work through us. So let us continue at this table, gathered with whom ever wishes to be there, seeking God’s mercy, grace and direction.

Peace,

Denny Moon

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Articles for the June edition of the SouthWind are due in the church office by noon on Wednesday, May 20th. Articles for the Sunday bulletin are due by Tuesday of each week. Your help with these deadlines is appreciated.

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MAY & JUNE WORSHIP

May 3: 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM worship service

Scripture: John 10:1-18

Sermon: “Good Shepherd or Hired Hand?”

Communion

May 10: 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM worship service

Scripture: John 15:1-8; Guest Preacher—Rev. Jonathan Lee

Mother’s Day

May 17: 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM worship service

Scripture: John 15:9-17

Music Celebration Sunday; New Member Sunday

Hand Bell Band; Sr. High Singers; Dance Troupe

Annual Meeting following the 10:30 service

May 24: 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM worship service

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21

Sermon: “Love Casts Out Fear!”

Guitar led music

May 31: 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM worship service

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Sermon: “Spiritual Skeletology”

Pentecost Sunday

June 7: 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM worship service

Scripture: Psalm 29

Sermon: “A Message for the Mighty Ones”

8:30 AM – Communion; 10:30 AM – Confirmation

June 14: 9:30 AM worship begins

Children’s Sunday

Guitar led music

June 21: 9:30 AM Worship

Scripture: 2 Cor. 6:1-13

Sermon: “Open Wide Your Hearts!”

Union Worship with First Church at South Church; Mission dedication

Worship outside (weather permitting); Guitar led music

Baptism of David Peling, Jr.

June 28: 9:30 AM Worship

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43;

Sermon: “A God without Boundaries!”

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UCC – CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING

May 9, 2009

Asylum Hill Congregational Church

For more information or to register, go to: http://www.ctconfucc.org.

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THE FARMINGTON VALLEY ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

31 Maple Street, Bristol, CT

Join the Farmington Valley Association for a program by the Alban Institute on practical strategies for ministry and mission in difficult financial times. All are welcome. If interested in attending, call Denny, 653-7289.

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WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE

Hartford XL Center, June 12-13, 2009

Make plans now to be part of Women of Faith’s 2009 event, “A Grand New Day.” This exciting 2-day event is a mix of laughter, music and storied that will touch your heart. Bring your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors – any woman you know who needs a new perspective... a new enthusiasm...A Grand New Day. For more information, go to the Women of Faith website: http://www/womenoffaith.com/harford or call 1-888-49-FAITH.

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GRANBY FOOD BANK

The Board of Christian Concern would like to thank those who faithfully support the food bank by placing non-perishable goods in the baskets located in the narthex. In addition, they would like to encourage others to donate items to this worthy cause. In particular, there is a need for canned meat items such as canned hams, beef stew, canned chili, etc. Thank you for your generosity!

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WASTE NOT – WANT NOT COMMUNITY MEALS

The Granby Clergy, in concert with Granby Village Health, are sponsoring Waste Not – Want Not Community meals (free) on Wednesdays, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM for people in need in our community. The food is donated by local businesses and prepared and served in Fellowship Hall, by volunteers. This is a three month experiment and as we learn more, we may be coming to the churches for donations and to ask for volunteers.

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MASSED RINGING BY

FIVE FARMINGTON VALLEY CHURCHES

Sunday, May 3, at 4:00 PM

The public is invited to Avon Congregational Church on Sunday, May 3 at 4 PM to hear the 15^th annual Spring Massed Ring of five churches in the Farmington Valley. Ringing choirs from Granby, Simsbury, Avon and Canton Center will be represented in the free concert which will include favorites such as Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho, and I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry, rung by the five choirs combined. Individual Ringing Bands will also perform their chosen solos.

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MUSIC APPRECIATION SUNDAY

Sunday, May 17, at the 10:30 AM service

On Sunday May 17 in 10:30 morning worship all of our musical resources will combine to enhance the service with special musical selections from the past year mixed with several new pieces by handbells and choirs. This is also the Sunday on which the Music Committee recognizes the importance of the Music Ministry in our church life and acknowledges the individuals who contribute so much personal time and talent through the year to provide music for our liturgy week after week. Come if you can!

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We have a group of people who plan to join the church and will be received into membership on Sunday, May 17th, during the 10:30 AM worship service. If you were unable to attend the April 5th New Member Information Meeting and are interested in joining, please speak to the minister or call the church office (653-7289).

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KITCHEN REQUESTS

The following two requests are from the Board of Fellowship:

1. Does anyone have any stools that they would like to donate to use at the kitchen woodblock counter in Fellowship Hall?
2. After coffee hour, or any event in Fellowship Hall, please do not leave food in the refrigerator - take all leftover food with you. Thank you!

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Youth News and HAPPENINGS!!

Middle School Youth Group

w May 1st (Friday night): St. John the Divine Church overnight.

w May 17th at 6:00 PM: Glow in the dark Mini-golf.

w May 31^st: Hike at Granby Land Trust.

Senior High/ Mission Group

We meet Sundays, unless specified:

w May 3rd: 12:00 PM: Mission Meeting to build picnic tables to sell May 16th

w May 10th: 6:00 PM: Youth Group Meeting

w May 16th (Saturday): Plant Sale/Car Wash/Vendor Sale

w May 17th: 6:00 PM: Mission Meeting

w May 31st: 6:00 PM: Youth Group Meeting

Confirmation Class 2008

w May 10th at 9:00 AM: Class

w May 31st at 4:00 PM: Class

w June 6th, 5:00-8:00 PM: Confirmation rehearsal and Statements of Faith

w June 7th at 10:30 AM: Confirmation

Parents of Middle School & Senior High Youth:

Please plan to attend a meeting on May 31st at 12:00 PM, in the Gathering Room to discuss next year’s program.

Kaleidoscope Corner

Kaleidoscope Corner is completing the final session of the year and beginning plans for Children's Sunday.  Please check out the kid's garden in the back of Fellowship Hall and ask them about the disciple Peter and why he is  important to the formation of Christianity.  As always, nursery care is available each Sunday throughout the year.

Dates to remember:

w May 24^th: Family Worship Service

w May 31^st: Children’s Sunday Rehearsal

w Jun 7^th: Children’s Sunday Rehearsal

w Jun 14^th: Children’s Sunday - 9:30 Service

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***GRADUATES***

We want to honor our graduating students, high school and post high school. Please call the church office (653-7289), or send an email to: office@southchurch.necoxmail.com, with your student’s name, school and a little information on plans for after graduation. We’ll recognize our graduates in the June edition of the SouthWind.

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SILVER LAKE

It’s Time to Register for Summer Conferences

Summer conferences at Silver Lake are life-transforming and spirit-renewing. Do not let your child or young adult miss the opportunity for a truly rewarding week away which is also so affordable! There are no summer overnight camps offering anything like it at such a low cost.

To register online for Silver Lake, go to: http://silverlake.ctucc.org. Sign up now, conferences tend to fill up quickly!

Staff and Volunteers Needed

Each year, Silver Lake needs a large number of both paid staff and volunteers to make this camp work. If you are interested in serving as a staff person, or volunteer, check the Silver Lake website or see Sarah Annis for an application.

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SPRING EVENT AT SOUTH CHURCH

SATURDAY, MAY 16TH

BEGINNING AT 9:00 AM

GOT GOLD OR PLATINUM?

On Saturday May 16^th cash in by selling your unwanted gold jewelry – and make a little money for ASP. Maggie Percival will take your unwanted, outdated, mismatched or broken chains, bracelets, rings, earrings, etc. and send you home happy with CASH! ASP will receive 15% of what is paid out to guests.

Please join Maggie and many other vendors offering jewelry, scrapbooking and stamping materials, Tupperware, picnic tables along with the Sow and Reap Garden Plant Sale, and ASP’s car wash, on Saturday, May 16 from 9 – 1. Help ASP reach their fund-raising goal!

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MOTHER’S DAY

At both coffee hours on May 3rd, the Board of Christian Concern will sell Mother’s Day cards ($5) to support the Tools of Hope and Blanket Program through Church World Services. What a great way to celebrate moms and support a tremendously worthwhile cause!

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MAY HIGHLIGHTS

SOW & REAP GARDEN CLUB

The Sow and Reap Garden Club will have its spring potluck supper on Thursday, May 7^th at 6:00 P.M. in the Teale Room. Hostesses are Debbie Finney, Cilesta Adamick, Rowena York and Shirley Hahn.

We would like to remind all that the annual plant sale will be held on Saturday, May 16^th starting at 9:00 A.M. Hope to see you all there.

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OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, May 9th from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Your Board of Property will be holding a "working" Open House. If you have an interest in, or knack for, painting, paving, cleaning, etc., or just want to get to know the current board members a little bit better and learn about what they do, please set this morning aside.  It should prove to be a productive and worthwhile activity.  All are welcome and yes, lunch will be served.

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FELLOWSHIP POTLUCK LUNCH

Sunday, May 31, 12:30 p.m.

All are invited to attend the May Pot Luck Lunch sponsored by the Board of Christian Fellowship. If you attend the first worship service please come back and join us – this is a great opportunity to visit with old friends or to make new ones. You may bring a salad or casserole to share, beverages and dessert are provided. Casseroles may be heated during church or coffee hour. If you have any questions please call Rowena York (658-2153) or see her at coffee hour.

This is the last scheduled Potluck until fall. We would like to give a special thank you to Irene Cizman and Cilesta Adamick for helping with desserts, to Bob Hahn for saying Grace, and to all who have helped with set up and clean up this year.

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THE ARTIST’S WAY . . . WALKING IN THIS WORLD

The Artist Way Group is finishing its first 12 week course and began another 12 week course on Sunday April 26th. Going forward, we will meet at 6:00 pm in the parlor.  We will begin Julia Cameron’s book, Walking in This World, and would like anyone interested to join us!  You do not need to have completed The Artist’s Way to work through this next book.  We are a warm and welcoming group of women – please feel free to join us in this creative and engaging journey. Please contact Kathy Hokunson @ 653-2961 or via email: khokunson@cox.net

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AUSTIN LIBRARY NEWS

“We’re all alone, oh so all alone, there is no one else but us.” With apologies to whoever wrote that song, we wish more of you would come see us. Perhaps you don’t understand all the goodies you can find here. Are you a Beverly Lewis fan? We have many of her stories. Are you interested in what Marcus Borg has written about Jesus? There are lots of his books here. Are you a gardener? Spring is an appropriate time to discover the gardening books on our shelves. Are you a child who loves to read or be read to?

There are books for all ages—classics like Alice in Wonderland or The Narnia Series and picture books by Dr. Seuss, Patricia Polacco, and many others. If you haven’t read the Easter stories yet, it’s never a bad time for those books. And while you’re looking at holiday stories, try some of the Christmas collection, too. A church library not only has bookworms, but many types of books. Come see. You’ll find us in the first door on the left after you climb up the stairs next to the kitchen door.

We haven’t seen much of Joyce lately, either. We think she needs some help processing new books. Are you interested in typing book cards and pockets on the typewriter in the library, and sticking them in the materials so they can go on the shelf? If so, please talk to Joyce, or give her a call at 254-5818. (She doesn’t know we’re telling you this, so she’ll be surprised when you volunteer.) You needn’t be afraid of us—we’re friendly, and rarely seen, but we’d love to see you!

It’s SPRING! Enjoy God’s beautiful world.

Blessings,

AL, Alice, and Uncle Aloysius

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THANK YOU!

Our thanks go out this month to the following people:

w The Youth Handbell Band and the Handbell Ringers for joining the Chancel Choir in providing beautiful music on Palm Sunday and Easter;

w The 2009 Confirmation Class for leading us in worship on April 19th;

w To the team members who did such a fantastic job representing South Church in the Gran Bee (April 3) this year: Barbara Porter, Pat Van Inwagen, Eric Berggren, Bob Williams, Ray Sweetland and Steve Burnett;

w To all of you who participated in ASP’s “Bills for the Hills” fund-raiser. Your support is greatly appreciated.

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SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Granby, CT

ANNUAL MEETING

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Following the 10:30 AM Worship Service

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the South Congregational Church will be held Sunday, May 17, 2009 following the 10:30 AM worship service in Fellowship Hall to transact the following items of business:

1. To hear and act upon the Reports for the year;

2. To elect Officers and Board members;

3. To take such other action as may legally come before this meeting.

Given April 24, 2009

Charlene M. Bordonaro, Clerk

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MAY AT A GLANCE

Friday, May 1: The Future is Here Fellowship Hall 5:30 PM Middle Youth Gp NYC Saturday, May 2: Handbell Ringers Choir Room 9:00 AM The Future id Here Fellowship Hall 8:30 AM Sunday, May 3: Worship Service Sanctuary 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Youth Handbells Choir Room 11:45 AM Sr. High Youth/ASP Gathering Room 12:00 PM Tuesday, May 5*: Comm. Bible Study Teale Room 10:30 AM Men’s Ministry Library 7:30 PM Wednesday, May 6*: Quilting Group Parlor 10:00 AM Community Meal Fellowship Hall 4:00 PM Thursday, May 7*: Sow & Reap Teale Room 6:00 PM Membership Library 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Choir Room 7:30 PM Saturday, May 9: Handbell Ringers Choir Room 9:00 AM Property Open House 9:00 AM Sunday, May 10: Worship Services Sanctuary 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Confirmation Gathering Room 9:00 AM Sr. High Youth Gathering Room 6:00 PM Tuesday, May 12*: Comm. Bible Study Teale Room 10:30 AM Christian Education Parlor 7:00 PM Christian Concern Teale Room 7:00 PM Property Library 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 13*: Quilting Group Parlor 10:00 AM Community Meal Fellowship Hall 4:00 PM Thursday, May 14: Chancel Choir Choir Room 7:30 PM Saturday, May 16: Handbell Ringers Choir Room 9:00 AM Plant Sale/Car wash/Vendors 9:00 AM

Sunday, May 17: Worship Services Sanctuary 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Sr. High Youth/ASP Gathering Room 6:00 PM Jr. High Youth Golf 6:00 PM Monday, May 18 Caring Ministry Parlor 7:30 PM Tuesday, May 19: Comm. Bible Study Teale Room 10:30 AM Music Choir Room 6:00 PM Steering Parlor 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 20: Quilting Group Parlor 10:00 AM Thursday, May 21: Chancel Choir Choir Room 7:30 PM Saturday, May 23: Handbell Ringers Choir Room 9:00 AM Sunday, May 24: Worship Service Sanctuary 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Youth Handbells Choir Room 11:45 AM Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Tuesday, May 26: Comm. Bible Study Teale Room 10:30 AM Deacons Parlor 7:30 PM Mens’ Ministry Library 7:30 PM Wednesday, May 27: Quilting Group Parlor 10:00 AM Community Meal Fellowship Hall 4:00 PM Thursday, May 28: Chancel Choir Choir Room 7:30 PM Saturday, May 30: Handbell Ringers Choir Room 9:00 AM Wedding Sanctuary Sunday, May 31: Worship Service Sanctuary 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Sr./ Jr. High Parents Gathering Room 12:00 PM Potluck Lunch Fellowship Hall 12:30 PM Confirmation Gathering Room 4:00 PM Sr. High Youth Gathering Room 6:00 PM