January 2012
United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational
Minister
Micki Nunn-Miller
Director of Music
Anne Chamberlain
STAFF:
Dir. of Christian Ed.
Tracy Gray
Church Secretary
Tracy Gray
Church Sextons
Donna and Ted Larson
PASTOR’S WORD
Happy New Year! May 2012 be a good year for you and your loved ones. Of course, I am speaking of
the calendar year. The new liturgical year began with the first Sunday of Advent. What a contrast there is
between the somewhat dark and foreboding start to Advent and the hoopla that usually marks New Year’s Eve!
Advent, with its emphasis on watching and waiting, wonder and amazement, prophecy and judgment, is quite
different from our celebrations around January 1 emphasizing joy and change (new year’s resolutions).
And yet, maybe the start of these two new years are not as different as they might first seem. We all
begin the new calendar year with hope and anticipation for a year that is better than the last. As the season of
Advent gives way to Christmas, our hopes and dreams are fulfilled in Emmanuel, God-with-us and we sing,
“joy to the world!”. Our church calendar reminds us of what grounds us and defines us in 2012. And as change
comes in the new year – as it inevitably will – we will hold in our hearts the wonder and amazement of the
Christmas season now ending.
Here at the UCC there is much to look forward to in the season of Epiphany. Our Church School classes
come back together to learn about God’s love and presence. Our Continuing Education for adults will include
Bible study, a session about results from our recent survey, a talk from a young Egyptian-American, and further
discussion about the work needed at the North Cornwall Meeting House. Confirmation classes continue as does
service to the community through tutoring, Medical Equipment Ministry, Operation Overflow, the Cornwall
Food Pantry, the Torrington Soup Kitchen, and through other local groups to which we give money for their
fine work.
During Epiphany we are called to find the Light of God in the world. We can help that Light shine in
our worship, in our prayers, in our giving of time to ministries beyond the church. Join us, as Barbara Brown
Taylor says, in “smuggling God into the world in our own bodies.”
See you in church!
Micki
PINE RIDGE MISSION TRIP!
Join us for the Pine Ridge Mission trip to the reservation in South Dakota, August 18 – 24. Participants will
build in homes and build relationships as we meet members of the tribe which live on Pine Ridge. There will be
a time for learning about the history of the Lakota people, time for sharing in the wisdom of their elders, and
time for repair to homes and for building beds, latrines, and other needed improvements. Children need to be
with their parents or shepherded by another adult and have to be 13 or older.
Please send $80 by Feb. 15 to reserve your space. The cost is about $400 per person for room and
board and transportation to and from the airport. The airfare is additional. Our hope is that some fundraisers
will help defray some of that cost for participants.
Photos and information are available from last year’s trip, so if you would like more information, please
speak to Pastor Micki.
IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Happy Birthday, to all the young
people who are celebrating a birthday this month!
January 1 Soledad Nadel
January 5 Elizabeth Decker
January 15 Cooper Riley
January 20 Rebecca Ridgway
January 22 Clotile Laigle
January 30 Natalie Nestler
We extend our sympathies to the family of
Laura Van Doren Brazee who passed away on
Nov. 5.
We extend our sympathies to the family of
Peter Frost who passed away on Dec. 10.
We extend our sympathies to the family of
Ralph Scoville who passed away on Dec.14.
We extend our sympathies to the family of
Ken Keskinen who passed away on Dec. 31.
Merry Christmas from UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries
from Rev. Linda Jaramillo, Executive Minister
Sending you wishes for a very merry Christmas. Thank you for all your advocacy, prayers and
dedication to making a better world possible. This year has proven to be a challenging one for public policy
advocacy. As we are aware, the decision making deadlock in the halls of Congress and the White House has
resulted in disappointment and frustration for those engaged in justice advocacy. A recent Gallup Poll indicates
that the 7% approval rating of Congress is at its lowest point in history, coupled with the 38-43% rating for
President Obama. The poor economy worldwide is certainly one of the factors at play; however other key
issues such as jobs, the federal budget deficit, and the failure of the “super-committee” to reach agreement on
deficit reduction contribute to the lack of confidence in our public officials among the American people.
In spite of this discouraging landscape, people faith must continue set our sights toward justice. We
cannot weaken our resolve especially as the year turns into an election time that promises to be filled with hotly
contested debates. As Christians, let’s keep in mind the HOPE that the resurrected Jesus represents.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught
in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance
and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. (Romans
15:4-5)
We are called to be a BOLD PUBLIC VOICE setting our sights toward the common good where the
marginalized must not be forgotten. Thank you for your relentless commitment to be that voice. We look
forward to continuing our efforts in partnership with you in 2012 – take courage in knowing that with God
nothing is impossible.
GOODNEWS! GOODNEWS! GOODNEWS! GOODNEWS!
 Over 50 items were collected for “Mary’s Baby Shower” and these will go to families in need.
 A hearty crowd of carolers sang to 6 folks who greatly appreciated their music!
 The annual Christmas Pageant was well-attended and well done. Our own Margaret Hopkins beautifully
performed the part of Mary and many children, youth and adults from the church took part in bringing
the Christmas story to life once again.
 Gifts for 20 children and 10 mothers were collected for social services in Torrington.
THANKS FOR PLEDGES RECEIVED
The Pledge Drive Committee wishes to thank all who have turned in a pledge card for the 2012 budget
year. We appreciate your gifts in 2011 and your intentions for 2012. We have not yet reached our pledge drive
goal. So if you have not yet pledged, it is not too late! Please see Charlie Milligan for a card.
PINE RIDGE NEWS!!!
We recently received good news from the Director of Re-Member, the organization with which we
volunteer at Pine Ridge Reservation. Ted tells us that Matt and his family were able to purchase their new
home, a trailer offered for sale by the Tribal Council! After we returned from our Pine Ridge trip in 2011, we
used funds raised for the trip and additional gifts to send a significant contribution towards Matt’s purchase.
Volunteers at Re-Member recently skirted the trailer, so it is now insulated and ready for winter. For more
information on the work of Re-Member, go to www.re-member.org or find them on Facebook. Meanwhile, we
continue to collect new twin sheet sets for use on the bunk beds built by Re-Member crews.
FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENTS SCHEDULE
January - June 2012
DATE
Jan. 1
Jan. 8
Jan. 15
Jan. 22
Jan. 29
Feb. 5
Feb. 12
Feb. 19
Feb. 26
Mar. 4
Mar. 11
Mar. 18
Mar. 25
Apr. 1
Apr. 8
Apr. 15
Apr. 22
Apr. 29
May 6
May 13
May 20
May 27
June 3
June 10
June 17
June 24
NAME
PHONE AND EMAIL
New Years’ Day Pancake Breakfast
Victoria Strange & Ron Rapp
672-3431 or 212-866-0304
ronandvicnyc@aol.com
Becky Hurlburt
672-6725
bexbill@aol.com
Karen & Larry Stevens
672-6065
karen.stevens@snet.net
Anne Scott & Debra Tyler
672-0595
annescott@optonline.com
672-0229
localfrm@yahoo.com
Donna Larson
672-4888
donna.larson@att.net
Julie Brandfield
672-6007 or 212-877-8091
sbrandfield@nyc.rr.com
Nancy Lacko
672-0398
nlacko2001@yahoo.com
Chris Gyorsok
672-2715
chrisgyorsok@gmail.com
Lisa & Peg Keskinen
672-6486
kpkeskinen@optonline.net
lisa.keskinen@snet.net
Pam Longwell
672-6175
chesterlongwell@optonline.net
Church School
Mary Ann Packard
672-6201
mpackard823@gmail.com
Cay Hosterman
672-0105
tysonhouse@optonline.net
Easter
Pat & Jerry Blakey
672-6516
gblakey@snet.net
Irene Hurlburt
672-4495
hautboyhill@optonline.net
Joan Edler & Joyce Hart
672-0247
rukkilahart@yahoo.com
Annual Meeting
Ginny Potter
672-6191
gnbpotter@optonline.net
Victoria Strange & Ron Rapp
672-3431 or 212 - 866-0304
ronandvicnyc@aol.com
Alison Martier
212-988-8190 wschweizer@nyc.rr.com
Becky Hurlburt
672-6725
bexbill@aol.com
Children’s Sunday
Kate Freygang
672-6010
kfreygang@aol.com
Karen & Larry Stevens
672-6065
karen.stevens@snet.net
THANK YOU, ALL, FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION !! IF YOU CANNOT DO THE DAY ASSIGNED
TO YOU, PLEASE SWITCH WITH SOMEONE ON THE LIST AND LET ME (PEG KESKINEN - 672-6486
OR kpkeskinen@optonline.net) AND THE CHURCH OFFICE (672-6840) KNOW AT LEAST BY THE
WEDNESDAY BEFORE YOUR SUNDAY.
Coffee, teas, sugar and sweeteners, cups and napkins are provided. Please do not leave left-overs in the
fridge or cabinets. JUICE FOR KIDS, MILK FOR COFFEE, AND SNACKS ARE YOUR OFFERING.
With many thanks, Peg Keskinen
UCC in Cornwall, Congregational
Congregational Meeting
December 4, 2011
The meeting was called to order by Clerk Barbara Gold at 11:15 AM.
Pastor Micki Nunn-Miller opened the meeting with prayer.
Moderator Pam Longwell conducted the meeting.
The purpose of the meeting was to consider a proposed budget for 2012 and to discuss the work of the
Friends of North Cornwall Meetinghouse.
Treasurer Charlie Milligan presented the proposed budget approved by the Church Council. He noted
that it is essentially flat with expected increases in utilities and maintenance. He also noted that if we continue
our current pace of deficit budgets, in five years we will deplete our Savings Reserve Account, from which we
draw to cover deficits.
Charlie Gold moved and Tracy Gray seconded that we approve the budget for 2012 as proposed by the
Trustees and recommended by the Church Council. The motion was approved unanimously.
Jim Longwell, Chair of the Friends of North Cornwall Meetinghouse, led a discussion of that group’s work
and proposals for maintenance, repair and possible renovation of the building. In order to determine the sense of
the meeting a straw poll was conducted on three options distributed for purposes of the discussion. The results
were:
1. Restore the building as it currently is, including the steeple work (and other necessary maintenance and
repair items; e.g., painting, carpet, ramp improvement) and stop.
18 in favor
2. Restore the building as it currently is, including the steeple work (and other necessary maintenance and
repair items; e.g., pointing, carpet, ramp improvement) plus add some enhancements; e.g., sanctuary
lighting, stone walkway to front door, toilet of some sort not needing water.
9 in favor
3. Restore the building as it currently is, including the steeple work (and other necessary maintenance and
repair items; e.g., painting, carpet, ramp improvement) plus some enhancements like those mentioned in
2 above, plus some more significant enhancements; e.g., an addition on the back of the NCMH for a
bathroom and/or handicap lift (a proposal for this appeared in the plans which were drawn up for the
2001 building campaign, and a small kitchen unit in a front closet (which might include running water,
heat, waste collection/septic, etc.).
0 in favor
Those attending the meeting were encouraged to discuss these proposals with other members of the
congregation; there will be a Continuing Education program on the matter in the new year.
Meeting adjourned at 11:57 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Gold, Clerk
OUTLOOK Series:
Continuing Education at the UCC
January 8
Egypt Through the Eyes of a Young Egyptian
Speaker: Mohamed Elserafy
Mohamed Elserafy, an Egyptian-American born in Mecca who came with his family to Sharon when he
was eight, will speak about his experiences, thoughts and impressions of Egypt today following a recent return
trip to Egypt over the summer. Mohamed is a 2010 graduate of HVRHS where he was Valedictorian of his
class, captain of the soccer team and voted Most Valuable Player. He is now a sophomore studying mechanical
engineering at the University of Connecticut. This program will take place in the Parish House.
Lectionary Lunch Planned!
There will be a 4-session Bible Study based on the Lectionary texts beginning on Tuesday, January 10 at
noon in the Church Library. Bring a sandwich and discuss the texts for the worship service the following
Sunday. Each session will include a brief opening devotion, scholarly input, and personal reflection. Help
make the ancient words of Scripture become the living word of God! After all, God is still speaking. The first
study will include 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 and John 1:43-51.
Peanut Butter (and Jelly too!) Sunday!
On January 22, the Church School children and members of the congregation are encouraged to
bring jars of peanut butter and/or jelly to church for our annual collection. These jars will be distributed to area
food banks to help those who need help making ends meet.
So many people in the world and in our own corner of it alone suffer from malnutrition and neglect and
what better way to show how much we love God than by doing our part to help others.
Bring your jars of peanut butter and/or jelly to worship on Sunday, January 22 and the children will help
collect them. As usual if you are not going to be in worship that day you may drop your donations off at the
church office anytime.
Many thanks to all of you who have helped the Church School with their various mission projects this
past year.
Our annual Heifer Project Campaign begins in February. Our Church School will host a Chili Fest on
February 25 – mark your calendars!! Watch for our annual Stone Soup sale in March!!
Church School Family Page
Much has been happening in the Parish House on any given Sunday morning during the fall (with much
more to come!) and we have many to thank for that. So my thank you to:
 June Merrill who taught our Pre-school – First grade class this fall. Tonya Kalmes will teach for the rest of
the year.
 Emery Gray who teaches our Second grade through Fourth grade class (Elizabeth Decker helps out in this
class).
 Diana Johnson who teaches our Fifth, Sixth and Seventh grade class.
 Our Christian Education Committee: Diane Beebe, Emery Gray, Meredith Gray, Diana Johnson, June
Merrill and Tonya Kalmes.
We walked for CROP, we made and sold Holiday Breads to buy Thanksgiving fixin’s for three local
families, we held a “Foodraiser Dinner” to help stock the shelves of the Food Pantry (gathered over 300 food
items!!), and we have focused our All Church School events around hunger awareness. All this took place
around lessons learned in the classrooms. Well, we all deserved this rest over the Christmas holiday. When
Church School returns to action on January 8 we begin a new unit about what it means to be called as a disciple
of Jesus. We also begin our work for Heifer Project. It is hard to believe that our year is half over! So the old
saying: “time flies when you are having fun,” is true because it truly has flown by this fall!
January 6 brings us Epiphany, the visit of the Magi to Jesus and his folks. In honor of this visit make the
following easy and decorative craft to remind you of the Magi and the special gifts they brought to Jesus.
Star Candle Holders
You will need:
One empty, clean soup or veggie can (with label removed)
Hammer and nail
One votive candle
Kitchen towel
permanent marker
Fill the can with water (leave about ½” space at the top for expansion) and freeze it overnight. When ice is
solid, mark star patterns with permanent marker on the outside of the can (or make a paper pattern to stick on
the can with tape). Use the nail and hammer to put a hole through each dot of the star patterns. Allow the ice to
thaw and empty and dry the can. Place the votive candle in the bottom of can and light!
Stained Glass Star Cookies
1/2 cup Margarine, Softened
1/2 cup Honey
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Sugar
1 Egg
3 cups All-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
5 packages LIFE SAVERS Fancy Fruits
In large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed, beat margarine, sugar, honey, egg and vanilla extract
until thoroughly blended. Blend in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cover; chill at least 2 hours. On
lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4" thickness. Cut dough with star-shaped cookie cutters. Cut out and
remove dough from center of cookies. Place cookie outlines on baking sheets lined with foil. Crush each color
of candy separately between two layers of waxed paper with mallet. Spoon crushed candy inside centers of
cookies.
Bake at 350º F. for 6-8 minutes or until candy is melted and cookie is lightly browned. Cool cookies
completely before removing from foil.
January 2012
United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational 860-672-6840 cornwallucc@aol.com
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
2
8:45 Choir
rehearsal
10:00 Worship
No Church
School
8
3
4
Food Pantry
open,
11:00 – 12:00
9
10
5
6
Food Pantry Food Pantry
open,
open for drop11:00 – 12:00 offs only, 9 - 1
7
Cornwall
Assoc., 9:00 DR
Confirmands:
Boar’s Head
Festival trip,
2:45
14
11
12
13
Food Pantry Food Pantry
open,
open for drop11:00 – 12:00 offs only, 9 - 1
Church
Council, 7:00,
Lib.
18
19
Food Pantry
open,
11:00 – 12:00
20
21
Food Pantry
open for dropoffs only, 9 - 1
23
24
25
8:45 Choir
Food Pantry
Food Pantry
rehearsal
open for dropopen,
10:00 Worship offs only, 9 - 1 11:00 – 12:00
26
Food Pantry
open,
11:00 – 12:00
27
28
Food Pantry
open for dropoffs only, 9 - 1
8:45 Choir
Food Pantry
Food Pantry
rehearsal
open for dropopen,
10:00 Worship offs only, 9 - 1 11:00 – 12:00
and Church
Blood Pressure
School
Clinic, 12 – 1,
11:20 Children’s
PH
Choir rehearsal
11:30 Cont.
Ed., Mohamed
Elserafy, speaker
15
16
17
8:45 Choir
Food Pantry
Food Pantry
rehearsal
open for dropopen,
10:00 Worship offs only, 9 - 1 11:00 – 12:00
and Church
School
11:20 Children’s
Choir rehearsal
22
and Church
School
11:20 Children’s
Choir rehearsal
11:30
Confirmation
Class w/Micki
29
30
31
8:45 Choir
Food Pantry
Food Pantry
rehearsal
open for dropopen,
10:00 Worship offs only, 9 - 1 11:00 – 12:00
and Church
School
11:20 Children’s
Choir rehearsal
11:30 Cont.
Ed., Survey
Results and
discussion
PH = Parish House
DR = Day Room
Lib. = Church Library
United Church of Christ in
Cornwall, Congregational
NON-PROFIT
3RD. CLASS BULK
PERMIT #1
CORNWALL, CT 06753
8 Bolton Hill Road
PO Box 35
Cornwall, CT 06753
Phone: 860-672-6840
Fax: 860-672-6840
Email: cornwallucc@aol.com
Web:www.uccincornwall.org
Morning Worship: 10:00
Church School: 10:00
Office Hours: M – F, 9 –1
God is Still Speaking!
We are an Open and Affirming
Church.
All are welcome here!
Travelers
Epiphany, the visit of the Magi, takes place in January. The Magi traveled from their countries, their
homes, and away from their families on a lengthy journey following a bright star that eventually led them to
Jesus. For centuries people have traveled for many reasons. The puzzle below introduces you to other travelers
from the bible. Use your bible to help you find the answers to the following questions. Clues have been given to
you!
1. Who insisted on traveling with a prophet, going with him from Bethel to Jericho?
_______________________ (2 Kings 2:2-7)
2. Who traveled with a mother-in-law to Bethlehem? _______________________ (Ruth 1:18,19)
3. Who was a fellow traveler of Saul (Paul) when he set out on his first missionary tour?
_______________________ (Acts 13:2-4)
4. Who walked alongside two disciples, traveling together to Emmaus?__________________ (Luke 24:13-15)
5. Who traveled to Egypt accompanied by 70 descendants? ______________________ (Genesis 46:2-27)
6. Who, because of a dream, traveled in the middle of the night with his wife and child?
_______________________ (Matthew 2:19-23)
7. Which uncle and nephew were fellow travelers? _______________________ (Genesis 12:1-5)
8. What men who were traveling in a group were not allowed to carry food, money or extra clothing?
_______________________ (Luke 9:1-3)
9. Who traveled with a servant, en route to her wedding? _______________________ (Genesis 24:58-61)
10. How many brothers traveled together to buy grain? _______________________ (Genesis 42:2,3)