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Sunrise on the Beach, Rain or Shine
Each year as we prepare for the Easter Sunrise Service the Diaconate considers a rain contingency. And, each year, we don't make any alternative plans. The Sunrise Service is about being on the beach and if it rains, we assume everyone stays home. After 26 years I am sure there have been times when we had some rain, but I can only remember one such Sunday with any clarity.
One Easter, about 20 years ago, I woke to the sound of rain pounding on the roof. It was pouring cats and dogs, or perhaps, bunnies and eggs. Feeling responsible for the event (I am the pastor) I got up and drove down to the beach to see if any other diehards showed up to our sunrise service. As I sat in my car watching the rain pour down on the lovely sand one other car drove up with a member of our church. He parked next to me and for a few moments we sat there in a game of rain chicken to see who would get out of their car. My super ego again prevailed and I jumped into his car. After chatting for a few minutes we confirmed that no one else was crazy enough to come to the beach that morning. So we sat in his car and shared a prayer together for the congregation in absentia. Then we hurried home to get dry.
It wasn't a big event, but it is one of the few Easter services of which I have a distinct memory. Sitting in the rain, with friend, saying a prayer. In a way we experienced a sunrise that day. A new dawn of experience and a new day of faith.
Easter comes each year, not because the sun shines, but because God's love prevails. It prevailed over the most powerful empire by the resurrection of Jesus, and it will prevail in our lives, regardless of the hard rain that may be falling.
I hope to see you in on the beach or in church this Sunday. Have a blessed Easter!
Peace,
Pastor Mark
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Worship Calendar
April 16: Easter
6:30 AM Sunrise Service at Fleet's Cove Beach
10:00 AM Family Service in the church sanctuary
April 23: Earth Day Celebration
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Action Against Opioids
Are you tired of just hearing about how bad the opioid epidemic is and not being able to do anything about it? Then come to "Action Against Opioid" on Wednesday, April 26, 7:30 PM at St. Anthony's High School gym to make a difference. Our church is joining with many other congregations on Long Island, and the Long Island Congregations, Associations and Neighborhoods organization to begin to make a concrete plan of action to battle the opioid epidemic on our community. Talk to Pastor Mark for more information.
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Joys and Concerns
On Saturday, April 22, we will be holding a memorial service for Bill Cowie, Nancy Sordi's brother. The service will be at 10:00 AM and a reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
On Thursday Spencer Vibbert had successful knee surgery. Please hold him in your prayers for a quick recovery.
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Pastor's Book Group
April Book: The Last Days of Night, by Graham Moore
Great inventors take the stage in this historical fiction/legal thriller based on the lighting of New York City in the 1890s. The story is told by Paul Cravath, an attorney hired by George Westinghouse to take on Thomas Edison in a battle over lightbulb patents. The setup may sound dry, but Graham’s pacing keeps the story driving forward. There are crimes. There’s a mysterious woman. There’s a mad genius in the form of Nikola Tesla. And it’s all sets against the backdrop of the glittering Gilded Age. Every so often an historical fiction comes along that captures the imaginations of legions of readers. The Last Days of Night will join that elite group of novels. —Chris Schluep, The Amazon Book Review
This historical thriller is not only a fun read, but also presents many interesting ehical questions about the role of technology in our world. There is also a glimpse of 19th century Congregationalism.
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Pastor Mark's Sermons
on CCH Website
In case you missed church this past week, Legislator William Spencer's sermon, "A Prescription for Peace," is on-line.
Pastor Mark's sermons have returned to the website of The Congregational Church of Huntington, United Church of Christ. If you miss a Sunday, or want to rehear the message, you can go to the church website, lichurch.org, and look for the sermon's page. The most recent sermons are also on the front page of the website. Be sure to share the link with friends who can't make it to church.
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PROGRESSIVE DINNER
April 29, 2017
The Membership Committee is happy to announce that we have scheduled a Progressive Dinner for April 29. For those not familiar with these events, appetizers are enjoyed at one house (Rose and Fred Munch are hosting), dinners at multiple homes, and then we all gather together for dessert (Paul and Glen's home). Participants may be asked to bring a side side by their host. We have a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board. Sign up to host a dinner, or be a participant and we will let you know who your dinner host will be. Progressive Dinners are always really wonderful events — good food and a great opportunity to enjoy old and new friends. Be sure to sign up soon!
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Volunteers Needed
Summer Garden Project "Gardener of the Week"
Each summer we raise organic vegetables at the church that are donated to the Northport Food Pantry. This year the Outreach ministry is asking members to sign-up to tend and harvest the garden for one week in the summer. See the sign-up sheet at the church.
Northport Food Pantry
We collect food for the Northport Food pantry each week at our church. Please place donations in the box by the church office. June is our month to be the congregation of the month at the food pantry. Please sign up to volunteer to help on Mon-Thurs, from 10-noon.
Peace and Plenty Food Outreach: You are invited to help make sandwiches and prepare snacks for children in Huntington. Peace and Plenty will meets on Mondays at 6:30 PM. They are also in need of donations of lunch meats and cheeses, fruit and healthy snacks.
Cooks Needed for the Peace & Plenty program
We're looking for a few volunteers who can help us send the Tri CYA trays of
cooked food such as baked ziti, chicken and rice, pasta with meatballs or meat sauce, etc. Most children at the Tri CYA receive free breakfast and lunch at school during the school year and rely on the Tri CYA for at least one nutritious meal. We try to support
that effort with some substantial dishes, beyond sandwiches. Some of the food may also be sent to individuals unable to get out to food pantries and living with food
shortages.
If you would like to help please contact Anne: acanadeo@aol.com.
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Upcoming Events
Sunday, April 16 Easter
Sunrise Service at 6:30 AM – Fleets Cove Beach
Intergenerational Worship at 10:00 AM
Fellowship Hour at 11:00 AM: Rosenzweigs, Wright & Miller
Monday, April 17
Peace & Plenty Lunch Program at 6:30 PM
Noah’s Ark Board at 7:00 AM
Wednesday, April 19
Ancora Imparo at 7:30
Thursday, April 20
Bell Choir at 6:30 PM
Choir Rehearsal at 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 22
Bill Cowie Memorial Service at 10:00 AM
Sunday, April 23
Worship Service and Church School at 10:00 AM
Fellowship Hour at 11:00 AM: Dot & Krista
Confirmation Class at 11:30 AM
Monday, April 24
Peace & Plenty Lunch Program at 6:30 PM
Tuesday, April 25
Book Club Group at 7:30 PM
Wednesday, April 26
Opioid Action Meeting at St. Anthony’s at 7:30 PM
Thursday, April 27
Bell Choir at 6:30 PM
Choir Rehearsal at 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 29
Progressive Dinner
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