Church and Community Upcoming Trips and Travels
321 Route 164
Preston, CT 06365
(860)887-4647
E-mail: pccc@snet.net
ALL INFORMATION for the March newsletter is due in the church office by February 19th. You may leave information in the holder located on the wall just inside the kitchen.
FROM THE MINISTER…
How’s your vision?
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2
The Bible is full of references to sight, eyes, vision, blindness, etc. Over and over again, the Word encourages the reader to remain focused on Christ and to see God’s goodness extended to his people. Do you see God at work in your life and others? Do you give thanks for his goodness and faithfulness? You should.
I saw God’s faithfulness to the ministry of our church ever so clearly in 2011. In the fall, it was reported by our Financial Secretary that we were $19,000+ from being on track in reaching our budget. For many, it looked as if we would end the year with a sizeable deficit. Never before had we been so far behind. The dismal economy was not only harmful on people and businesses, but churches as well. We found ourselves in the same financial position as many congregations around us – not good! Many people prayed, hoping that somehow the situation we were in would turn around.
AND IT DID!
The $19,000 deficit was reduced to $3,545.77 by year’s end! This news would be great in-and- of-itself IF that’s where things stood. BUT, at a
meeting of the Finance Committee held in mid-January, our church Treasurer reported that expenses for 2011 came in under-budget!! We actually started 2012 with a small surplus of money!
The words of the banner hanging in the sanctuary remind us once again that “Nothing is impossible with God.” Nothing!
With our eyes fixed on him, let us continue to put our faith and trust in him, remembering that He is a God of unimaginable possibilities. The best IS still to come. I know – I’ve seen him at work in this place these last 27 years!
See you in church!
Rev. Stan
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DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER & JANUARY
WE WELCOMED into the Household of Christian Faith, through the Sacrament of Baptism:
12-9 Grace Leigh and Lily Breen Christiansen, twin daughters of Amanda & Brian Christiansen of North Andover, MA
WE EXTENDED OUR SYMPATHY to the family of Margaret Sorensen who passed away January 7th.
We were sorry to learn that Charles “Ted” Lotrek passed away on January 16th. Ted was a wonderful man who faithfully supported the endeavors of the church through the years. Our prayers are with his wife, Joanne, and his family.
ANNUAL MEETING NEWS
Join us for the Annual Meeting which will be held on Tuesday, February 14th (not the 8th, as stated in the DEC/JAN newsletter) at 7 P.M. Refreshments will be served starting at 6:30. We hope many of you will attend this important meeting which looks back on the events of 2011, and forward to the hopes and goals of 2012. Copies of the Annual Report will be available for review on February 12th. If you live away from the church and would like us to mail a copy to you, simply contact the office and we’ll be happy to accommodate your request.
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2012 PLEDGE CAMPAIGN
Some pledges for the new year are still coming in; have you offered your pledge of financial support for the work of the church? We are counting on our members and friends to help us reach the budgeted goal of $220,401 (to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, 2/14).
To date, we know the following:
92 pledges have been offered toward the budget totaling $120,525.00
35 pledges have been offered to Missions totaling $5,906.00
26 pledges have been offered toward Youth Missions totaling $3,519.00
The total received thus far: 129,950.00. Keep in mind, $9,425. of this amount is ear-marked for Missions. As you can see, we need your financial support. Please give as generously as possible. Pledge forms are available on the Information center table, or by contacting the church office.
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SENIOR LUNCHEON
Calling all seniors from our congregation, the next luncheon will be held on Valentine’s Day, February 14th at Noon. Join us for a nice meal, and lots of fun and fellowship! Due to the increasing popularity of these meals, we must limit the number of attendees to 60. A sign-up sheet is posted on the hallway bulletin board. You may also call the church office to reserve a seat. We look forward to seeing you!
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WELCOME BACK!
It’s nice to have Robin Lyon back at the organ bench playing for our services and directing the choir while Joyce Costner is away this winter.
Robin is hoping to begin a community handbell group soon. The group will meet on Tuesday mornings; the time has not yet been determined. If you are interested in learning to play the bells, or have questions about what it involves, contact Robin at 860.642.6662, or at lyon.family@comcast.net. She’ll be happy to tell you more!
PRESTON TURNS 325 YEARS OLD!
And to mark this milestone, many events have been planned throughout 2012. You’ll hear and read all about the wonderful events being planned in the future.
Rev. Stan has been asked to organize a chorus and present a patriotic musical (“The Spirit of America”) to be performed on Saturday, April 21st, at the Preston Veterans Memorial School; the time has not been determined. The chorus (high school and up) is now being organized, and the first rehearsal is Tuesday, February 21st from 7-9 P.M. here at the church. Singers from Preston and surrounding towns must purchase their music ($10) at the first rehearsal, and must sign up by calling the church office or Stella Dawley at 860.887.6452. We hope you will consider being part of this historic event.
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FLASHBACK
TO
SUMMER!
The Senior Pilgrim Fellowship hopes you will mark your calendar to join them for this summertime meal in the winter! It will be held at the church.
Meal includes: A hamburger of hotdog, fries, pasta salad, dessert and a beverage.
February 25th, 4:30-6:30 P.M.
Cost: $6.00 per person; tickets are available after worship beginning February 5th or by calling the Giulianos (860.376.8901).
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BIBLE STUDY
Join us Monday mornings at 10 in the Meeting Room for a one-hour class led by Rev. Stan. We are studying the Beatitudes of Jesus, and how his statements apply to our lives today. It’s an hour of learning, sharing, and discovering something new about the Faith. It’s a relaxing and informative 60 minutes, and you meet some really wonderful people at the same time! As always… the coffee pot will be on!
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ASH WEDNESDAY
The 40 days of the season known as Lent begins February 22nd. We will observe this solemn day which recalls to 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness before the start of his public ministry with the annual Prayer Vigil from Noon to 6 P.M. in the Sanctuary. Volunteers are asked to sign up for a 15 minute period of prayer. If you would like to take part in this meaningful event, please sign your name on the sheet posted on the hallway bulletin board. At 7 P.M., there will be a communion service in the Sanctuary. Plan to be with us on this night.
MEN’S GROUP NEWS
The Men’s group, now in its 6th year, continues to meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 7 P.M. Our February meeting will focus on Lent . “How to have a meaningful Lent” will be a one-night study, and we pray that many of our church will attend. Plans are being made to attend the “Iron Sharpens Iron” (Proverbs 27:17) conference in Hartford on March 17th. For information, contact Tim Bowles at 860.889.9936 or Jack Smiley at 860.889.7820.
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CUB SCOUT NEWS
Members of Troop 75, under the leadership of Karleen Zachem and Tara Hurt will receive their “God & Me” award during the 9 A.M. morning service on February 26th. The Scouts, along with their leaders, met with Rev. Stan and completed the requirements for this award just before Christmas. Join us on the 26th, as we recognize their achievement!
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LOOKING AHEAD…
Renovation work is progressing nicely in Halls’ Hall (aka the Coffee Hour room). It is nearing completion, and that means the Community Center will re-open in an area that has been completely remodeled! Watch for the “grand re-opening!”
March 11 – turn your clocks AHEAD 1 hour!
It’s also Confirmation Sunday during the 10:30 service. Be with us as we welcome 7 young people into the membership of the church through the “Rite of Confirmation.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
The church now accepts credit cards. Purchase items or dinner tickets using your Visa, Master Card, or Discover Card at the church office.
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YOU DID IT!
Thank you to the W.W. Benjamin Company (Winnie and Wayne) for taking care of the drainage problem by the steeple. For years, after a heavy rain, water would leak into the building via the stone foundation causing damage to the floor and storage area. This problem has now been resolved. This is great news since the problem area has now been sheet-rocked during renovation work. Thank you!
During a bad wind storm in December, a sizeable amount of aluminum siding on the steeple blew off. Thanks to the Coughlin brothers, (Bob and Bill) new vinyl siding was put in place, and the old steeple looks so much better! Thank you for coming to the rescue.
Tom Ames, one of our wonderful Trustees, is always fixing something at the church! Most recently he fixed the broken lock on one of the church doors. When something needs to be looked at, investigated, or repaired, Tom comes to the office and willingly takes on the task. Thanks, Tom; we appreciate your help.
Imagine where our church would be if we didn’t have people who were willing to step up and fix things that need fixin’; saving the church hundreds of dollars. We are fortunate to have so many devoted members and friends.
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Trips & Travels…
Two wonderful trips are planned for 2012, and we hope you’ll consider joining us on one, or both of them!
APRIL 13 – 22, SUNNY PORTUGAL – 10 days, 14 meals. COST: Double occupancy $2,799; Triple $2769; Single $3,099. Cost includes: transportation to and from Logan Airport in Boston, air, hotels, and all sightseeing.
SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 1, CALIFORNIA COAST – 9 days, 11 meals. COST: Double occupancy $2,719; Triple $2,689; Single $3,619. AFTER March 23, 2012, rates will rise: Double occupancy $2819; Triple $2789; Single $3,719. Cost includes: transportation to and from T.F. Green airport in RI, air, hotels, and all sightseeing. Highlights of the trip include: San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Monterey, 17 Mile Drive, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego
Brochures with all the details of these trips can be found on the Information Center table. Please contact the church office if you’d like us to mail a brochure(s) to you. As always, these trips are open to your friends and the community!
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BE ON THE LOOKOUT!
The Friends & Family Cafe
RE-OPENING SOON!
Tuesdays 9 – Noon
In the newly renovated Halls’ Hall
“I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:5
THIS SCRIPTURE passage comes from the last book in the Bible and if you read the chapter you will find another of God’s promises to us that one day there will be a new heaven and a new earth. God constantly has our best interest at heart and prepares for us things we could hardly imagine!
ONE THING we can count on in this life is changes. I love the month of January because it seems like a month where we are cleaning out what we don’t need. Because it’s the beginning of a new year, many of us think of getting rid of the old and starting with something new. It might not only be “things” but old ideas, thoughts and habits. It’s often not an easy task. We often like to hold onto “things” and old ideas, thoughts and habits seem familiar and safe. Sometimes something unexpected happens with our health and we lose our good health or someone we really care about through death or through a misunderstanding. We see the end...God sees the new beginning.
WHATEVER HAPPENS, what comfort there is in knowing that God never changes. His love for us will take us through whatever we are going through and He will help us find a way to make everything new! One of the things I have enjoyed about growing older is having lived long enough to see this over and over again. God breathes hope into hopeless situations and shows us the way when “we see no way.”
CHANGES...whatever ones lie ahead for you in 2012, whether cleaning out closets, cleaning our souls of those things that we’d be better off without, or learning to accept changes we do not welcome, we can rest assured that God is with us, God loves us, and God can be counted on...thank God some things never change!
May the SONshine through me,
Sandy Dudek
FEBRUARY BIBLE VERSES
Students Nursery 3-Grade 2 “...God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Students Grades 3-12: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
PLEASE ENCOURAGE students to learn these verses. To qualify for an award at the end of the year, verses must be correctly recited by the end of each month to a Bible Memory Verse Coordinator assigned by Mrs. Dudek. Nursery 3 & 4 students say their verse to the teacher and she will mark them off.
THANK YOU BRENDA HOPKINS who will joining us as a Second Grade teacher. We thank Lisa Houghton who taught the first part of the year, but now is pursuing further educational goals.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL dates have been set: July 16-20th, 2012. Sandy Dudek will be directing it and Judy Ladegard has agreed to assist her (THANK YOU!) as Rev. Stan will be on sabbatical at that time. We will welcome Naomi Bushnell back to do Music, and Mary Lou Jensen will serve as Treasurer and. cover the office. Shari Purcell has volunteered to come from New York to help again this year...what some members won’t do for their church! We are in the process of reviewing curriculums at this time.
THE CONFIRMATION CLASS OF 2012 is preparing for Youth Sunday on February 12th at the 10:30 a.m. We hope you will plan to be present as they conduct various parts of the worship service. Several of them will speak on “What The Church Means To Me.”
THE PANCAKE SUPPER sponsored by this year’s Confirmation Class is February 12th from 4:30-6:00 p.m. In addition to “all you can eat pancakes”, there will be sausage, juice, coffee and assorted pastries. The cost is Adults: $5.00, Children 12 and under: $3.00. The profit will be used to purchase their Class gift and will be presented to the church on Confirmation Sunday, March 11th. Tickets are available Sunday mornings and through the church office.
JACK SMILEY (5 YEARS) and ROBIN HOPKINS (3 years) have both finished up their terms on the Board of Religious Education. Jack has served as the Chairman of the Board for many of those years and Robin has served as Vice-President. I could not have asked for two more dedicated and faithful members on this Board. They will be missed, but I’m sure will continue to serve the church in other capacities.
THE SENIOR PILGRIM FELLOWSHIP (grades 7-12) plans to go bowling January 29th from 1-3:00 p.m. at the Norwich Ten Pin. They are planning for a fundraiser on February 25th, “Flashback to Summer”, which is outlined elsewhere in the newsletter. The Giulianos (860.376.8901) are the leaders of the group; contact them if you have any questions.
THE SUMMER YOUTH MISSION TRIP is full (18 spots). They will be going to the Adirondack Mountains from 07/22/2012 to 07/27/2012. A second deposit of $60.00 is due by February 12th. It is hoped the balance of the cost will be raised by fundraisers and the continued support of this trip by the congregation pledges. Please give your deposit made out to “PCCC Youth Missions” soon. You may reach mission trip leaders, Cheryl & Jerry Giuliano (860.376.8901) if you have questions.
THE JUNIOR PILGRIM FELLOWSHIP (6th, 7th, and 8th) plan to go bowling January 28th. They are looking ahead to their fundraiser which will be a lasagna dinner scheduled on March 24th from 5-7:00 p.m. Hope you will plan to be there. If your child is not yet enrolled in the Jr. P.F. why not encourage him/her to join in the fun. For further information about the group call Diane Schrage (860.376.6360).
THE RECOGNITION DINNER for everyone who works with our youth...Sunday School teachers, the Board of Religious Education, youth choirs leaders and youth group leaders is scheduled for Saturday, March 3rd at 6:00 p.m. Much help is needed and many items are needed for this full course turnkey dinner; a sign up sheet will soon be posted in the Information Center. Speak to Coordinator Sandy Dudek to volunteer your help of if you have questions.
THOUGH THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT is now but a memory, many thanks go to JUDY LADEGARD who directed “The Nativity” presented by the preschool and kindergarteners and to TIFFANY BARRY who directed “Sleepover At the Stable” for 1st grade and up. GREAT JOB! Many thanks to the Board of Religious Education for sponsoring the pizza supper following the pageant and to the Sr. Pilgrim Fellowship for setting up, serving, and cleaning up. It was a memorable day for all involved.
CONGRATUATIONS to JORDAN SCHRAGE who will receiving the GOLD AWARD! It is the highest award one can achieve in Girl Scouts and will be presented to her in Hartford sometime in June. Jordan is now in the nursing program at UCONN, Avery Point and teaches the fourth grade Sunday School class here at church. We sure are proud of you Jordan!
CONGRATULATIONS to RACHEL ORLOMOSKI who will be playing French Horn on February 12th at the Carnegie Hall as part of the Honors Performance Band program. Last spring, she was nominated by the music department staff at Woodstock Academy and she submitted an audition recording. In October, she was notified that she was selected to play with the band for this special performance. In addition to this, she is Woodstock Academy’s nominee for the Governor’s Scholars Program. The nominee must be a junior who is ranked in the top four percent of their class and who must have a strong composite score involving their class rank, PSAT/SAT scores. She will now have to write and submit an essay to be judged by the Governor’s Scholars Committee to determine whether she will go forward in this competition. Your church family applauds you Rachel!
CONGRATULATIONS to ALEXANDRA KOBELSKI for achieving highest honors at NFA. Way to go, Ali!
SCHOLARSHIP MONTH
FEBRUARY has been designated “Scholarship Month.” We ask the congregation to consider giving a monetary gift of any size to the Helen Benjamin Scholarship Fund in honor of, or in memory of someone. If you wish to contribute, please make your check payable to the church, and be sure to write Scholarship Fund in the memo section. All donations will be listed in the worship folder on Scholarship Sunday, June 10th. Thanks for supporting our many deserving young people.
THE SCRIP PROGRAM is an ongoing fundraiser that greatly benefits the youth missions trips program. Scrip (debit) cards are available to purchase for hundreds of stores, gas stations, donut shops, bookstores, grocery stores, etc. where you do business. You do not pay any extra amount to purchase these cards; however, the youth missions will receive a percentage back that varies according to the business. For example…if you purchase a Macy’s card for $100.00, youth missions will be rewarded 10% for the sale…no charge to you, but profit to the program; WalMart is 2%, Stop & Shop 4%, etc. Cards can be purchased for varying amounts. Sheets with participating businesses listed are always available in the Information Center. Checks to purchase these cards should be made out to “PCCC Youth Missions”. If you have questions, call coordinators Jerry & Cheryl Giuliano (860-376-8901).