Wednesday Note

The Wednesday Note

weekly e-news

In this Issue May 15:

Worship Notes
Musicians - Pentecost Sunday
Focused Retreat May 18
Beach Bucket Collection
Faith Forum
Anne Davis Meals
Full Moon Drums-Labyrinth May 23
Memorial Day photos

Worship Notes - May 19

This icon was created in 2008 by Mary Jane Miller, a self-taught Byzantine style iconographer from Guanajuato, Mexico.

The apostles are gathered together, each holding a book or a scroll, and something is coming down from above to touch them.

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, our text is Acts 2, which is a celebration of the work of the Holy Spirit and considered the birthday of the church's founding.

None of the original churches which the Apostles began still exist, instead, their influence has created a worldwide dynamic communion of churches. And that story is ongoing.

The Holy Spirit inspires and moves us to continue to share the good news wherever life takes us. That is true for us as individuals, and it is also true for churches which have beginnings and endings also.

My sermon title is "As the Spirit Moves." How is the Spirit moving you right now in your life? How is the Spirit moving in our community? It's a good story. Join us!

Rev. Erica

Memorial Day Sunday this year we are inviting friends and members of the congregation to submit photos of family members and loved ones who have served in the military and are no longer living. We will share the photos in a montage tribute during worship.

Please email your photo to the office by Tuesday, May 21. Be sure to include their name, your name, and your relationship to them. Send to the church office at: info@nianticcommunitychurch.org

Musicians invited! Anyone interested in singing, strumming, or drumming for Pentecost worship on May 19, please contact Mary Mirecki by email HERE.

Faith Forum

Faith Forum - Conversation about Matters of Faith

This week's topic: Eternity Is Now in Session - Are We There Yet?

May 19 at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room

The gospel of John provides us with the only definition of eternal life the Bible records as coming from Jesus himself. Do you know how Jesus defines eternal life?

(Hint: Check out John 17:3)

Save the date! Our young people will be accepted into membership by Confirmation on Sunday, June 2nd. We hope you will join us.

Club 2-6 is filling beach buckets to donate to Waterford Youth & Family Services. Items include: ball, sunscreen, flip flops, sand-molding toys, drink boxes, bubbles, individual snacks, and your favorite beach toy. Accepting donations now through June 2nd. Thank you for your support!

Email Marsha

Prayers for Youth Mission.

Write a blessing to our Mission trip team - use the blue sheets available outside the office and at coffee hour.

Youth Mission Trip Stock Dinner will be held on Sunday, July 21 at 5:00pm in Church Dining Hall. All are invited to attend.

Faith in Action

Faith in Action special offering #3 – Immigration and Refugee Support

This Sunday May 19, we will welcome Angela Florez from the Immigration Advocacy Support Center for a mission moment. Faith in Action will be sharing information and collecting offerings for Immigration and Refugee Support (special offering #3) during coffee hour. Click the link below to learn more:

About IASC

Anne Davis Meal Ministries

Sign-up here to donate food or help serve the meal on Sat. May 25. Coffee donations accepted at church.

Crosby Fund for Haiti - Dinner May 19

Crosby Fund for Haitian Education Presentation and Dinner

Sunday, May 19th - 5:30pm

First Congregational Church of Old Lyme

FCC will host an authentic Haitian Dinner prepared by Mommy’s Restaurant of Norwich. For reservations call the church at 860-434-8686. Suggested donation: $10 per person.

See Sandy Spencer for more information.

Announcements

NCC Focused Retreat - Saturday, May 18, 9am-2pm.

Two main areas of focus:

2024 Goals and Mission/Vision statements.
Grow and Glow - what is working and what needs 'tweaking'

Open to the congregation, lunch provided. Please RSVP with the office here or with Carol Donovan, Nancy Hunt.

Flag-raising Ceremony May 25

The annual NCC Memorial Day American flag-raising is set for Saturday, May 25th at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Sanctuary doors. Please join us for a brief reading and prayer to honor our Veteran's, past and present. Hope to see you there. Nancy Hunt, Vice President

Governance Office Hours

Carol Donovan (President) and Nancy Hunt (Vice President) are holding office hours on Tuesdays from 1 -3 pm and at other times by request.

Educational Grants

The Memorial Fund is now accepting grant applications for those seeking higher education this includes college, technical schools, and other post high school education. Applicants must be NCC members or their children. The firm deadline to receive applications is June 30. Click here for the application.

Seeking Rental House

A church member is seeking to rent (year-round) a 2-bedroom house in the Niantic/Waterford/Old Lyme area. 1 adult, 1 dog. Contact information 860-395-9149.

Text or call.

Safe Futures Collection in May - Fact: Former name was the Women's Center of Southeast Ct. The name was changed to include men, LGTBQ+ and the elderly.

The collection bin outside by the front entrance to the office is labelled Safe Futures. Ready to collect body lotions for the month of May! Any other items are welcomed. No clothes donations please. For more info, contact Sue Gagliardi at Sue email

Volunteer Opportunity – NCC Children’s Center is looking for someone who would like to be the Chair of the Board of Directors. For more info, contact Mary Brailey or Carol Donovan.

Farewell Potluck June 8 - After four years at NCC, Jeff will graduate from Seminary on June 14. On Saturday, June 8 we will hold a church potluck to bid him farewell and show our gratitude for his service to NCC.

Announcements

Full Flower Moon Drumming Circle

and Labyrinth Walk

Thursday, May 23 6:30pm-8:00pm

McCook Park (near Labyrinth)

Join us! No drumming experience necessary. Some drums will be available, or bring your own. Presented by Niantic Community Church and OneTone Therapy.

Prayer Shawl Ministry has decided to make our cold weather Outreach Project a year-round program. We are seeking additional help from church members and friends. If you can knit or crochet, we would appreciate your help. We are looking for hats, scarves and mittens. Last December, we were able to distribute over 200 hats and scarves. We have yarn and patterns. Feel free to join us the 4th Tuesday of each month, or knit at home, if you prefer. If you have questions, please call: Jane Barth 860 739-6002, or Nancy Hunt 860 395-9149.

Bible 101 - date survey

The Pastors have been asked if we can offer a Bible Study introducing what the Bible is and how to read it for adults who are interested to learn to read the Bible. The request was made by someone who works during the day, so they are interested in an evening or weekend option. We would like to see if there are others who would like to join, please use this form to let us know your interest and availability: Respond Here.

Announcements in Worship

Please submit your announcements here. Your submission may be communicated via worship bulletins, social media, online slides, our Tidings newsletter, and verbal announcements in worship as appropriate. If you want to make a verbal announcement in worship, speak to one of the Pastors in advance. Announcements submitted may be edited to conform with church style guidelines, for clarity, and for brevity. If you have any questions about communications, please contact the office:

The link to the online form is here: https://bit.ly/NCCAnnouncementForm

Meet with Interim Minister Rev. Erica Avena

Contact Rev. Erica for a one-to-one meeting, using the links below, or call the office to find a time on her calendar.

Email Pastor Erica

Meet with Pastor Erica

Meet with Associate Pastor Kaleigh

Contact Rev. Kaleigh for a pastoral counseling appointment, or if you/someone you know in the church needs a prayer, a warm hug, or a visit from Kaleigh or Parish Life Ministry.

Meet with Rev. Kaleigh