United In the Dust
On Monday evening I had the privilege to worship with almost 20 of my clergy colleagues and over 600 attendees in Heckscher Park. The "We Stand United In Love," prayer service honored the sacrifices of 9/11 by dedicating ourselves to build a more loving community and to resist hate groups. The most enduring image for me was given by Sydney Martin, a retired New York City firefighter who was part of a hazmat team that worked at the trade center site after the attacks. He said that after the attacks everyone was so covered in the grey dust that they all looked the same. The tragedy erased all our differences and made everyone the same in their loss and in their commitment to help. This inspirational hero urged us to serve our communities in the same inclusive way, seeing the value in all God's children.
It will, of course, take much more than one prayer service to begin to counter the rise of white nationalism and neo-Nazi groups in our country, but this event was a shining example of the desire to build the beloved community. It was particularly impressive for the clergy on the stage as the spotlights were so bright we could not see anything beyond the front of the stage. That is until the audience members starting lighting their candles for the closing prayer and song. What started as a few little lights in the darkness became a sea of bright shining stars that transformed the night. So too each of our congregations is a small candle, but together we may light the way to a better future.
Peace,
Mark
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Inspired Gardening
Glen Grayson and Paul Prentiss
Tuesday September 26, 7:30 PM
Paul and Glen, two very talented and dedicated gardeners, will share some of their secrets for building beautiful landscapes.
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Church School Begins
Sunday, September 17
Our fall church school program begins on Sunday, September 17. After the children's time in worship the children will go to their new classes. For the second year in a row our classes will follow the scripture readings in the Narrative Lectionary, that will also be our readings in worship. If you are not going to be in church on that day, please contact Ron Rudaitis, church school director, to register your child(ren).
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Worship Calendar
September17: Church School Begins
Pastor Mark's sermon kicks-off our fall series, "Be the Church." In recognition of the UCC Just Peace Sunday he will explore how Christians are called to be peacemakers.
September 24: Pentecost 16
October 1: World Communion Sunday
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Joys and Concerns
We offer prayers for Anne Canadeo for a quick recovery from surgery this past week.
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Pastor's Book Group
The book group does not meet in July and August, but you can still do the reading. The September discussion book will be "The Underground Railroad," by Colson Whitehead.
"The Underground Railroad," is "Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, the #1 New York Times bestseller from Colson Whitehead, a magnificent tour de force chronicling a young slave's adventures as she makes a desperate bid for freedom in the antebellum South."
You have plenty of time, so start reading!
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Paint 'N Sip
Friday, September 29, 7:00 PM
The Outreach ministry invites you to a fun paint and sip night. Each participant will follow the instructor in painting a beautiful picture. There will be snacks and drinks provided. Cost is only $25/person and no experience is necessary.
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Hurricane Relief Efforts
The devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey require the assistance of the entire nation to help people in need. You may assist by giving through the United Church of Chirst Disaster Ministries. Your donations will go directly to help with disaster relief where it is most needed.
You may give by:
Donate directly on the UCC website for Hurricane Harvey relief
Send a check to our church made out to The Congregational Church of Huntington, designated for Hurricane Harvey relief, and we will send all donations to the UCC relief program.
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Volunteers Needed
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.
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, September 17
Teacher Training at 8:30 AM
Worship Service at 10:00 AM
First Day of Sunday School at 10:00 AM
Fellowship Hour at 11:00 AM: Eileen & Bruce Rosenzweig
Monday, September 18
Peace & Plenty Lunch Program at 6:30 PM
Tuesday, September 19
Outreach Meeting at 7:30 PM
Thursday, September 21
Bell Choir at 6:30 PM
Choir Rehearsal at 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 24
Worship Service and Church School at 10:00 AM
Fellowship Hour at 11:00 AM: Gail Engelking
Monday, September 25
Peace & Plenty Lunch Program at 6:30 PM
Diaconate Meeting at 7:30 PM
Tuesday, September 26
Ancora Imparo at 7:30 PM
Thursday, September 28
Bell Choir at 6:30 PM
Choir Rehearsal at 7:30 PM
Friday, September 29
Paint and Sip at 7:30 PM
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