Rocky Neck Hike- Important, please read
Sunday, May 22- 12:30-2:00 Meet at Giants Neck Heights Parking lot located on Giants Neck Road at the train tracks and we will walk into the park for our hike. Make sure and wear comfortable shoes for walking. I need an adventurous adult to join us and snacks for after our trek. Thanks for letting me know how you will be able to help. We are meeting here rather than the park because Rocky Neck State Park has already started charging parking fees for the season.
May MSF Calendar is on Shutterfly
Just wanted to let everyone know that the MSF Calendar for May is on Shutterfly now. It is on the lower right hand side under Downloadable Files.
Wanakee pictures are on Shutterfly now!
Hello to all and I hope that you have had a great start to your week. Are we all feeling much stronger than when we left town on Friday afternoon? What a fabulous weekend we had in New Hampshire! We can't thank you enough, Deb and Frank, for all of the preparation, care, and planning that went into our mission trip. We worked hard and accomplished soooo much on Jen's farm, we played hard and had lots of fun, and we saw the lights shining in our friends and in ourselves. Shine on, so that others can see your light! (I have some gloves from Wanakee and a nice pair of black work boots in my office. Please let me know if they are yours.)
Our last game day...
Thanks to all of you who were able to make it on Sunday. And thanks, Frank for more fun Minute To Win It games! And welcome, Oliver Falla. We are so glad that you are joining us on our service trip to Wanakee! Check your emails. Deb Fountain just sent a letter and the revised packing list. Hope to see you all on Easter Sunday, but if not, Happy Easter and see you next Friday, April 29 at 2:45 PM. Wanakee, here we come!
Work Sunday and Our Checker Tournament
Thanks to all of you who helped clean up the grounds around the church on Sunday. We got so much done and it looks great!
Hope that you had fun playing checkers (eating cookies) and playing floor hockey. Thanks so much Deb for planning such a great afternoon. We will be meeting next Sunday, April 17 from 12:30- 2:00 PM. Please join us if you are in town. This is our last time to get together before Wanakee!
What a Rock-a-Thon! WOW!
Incredible is just not a strong enough word to convey how great the Rock-a-Thon went! It was AWESOME! MSF raised over $1900!!!! Thanks to every one of you for getting pledges, collecting the money, rocking, moving rocking chairs, rocking, helping take care of those rocking, working together, and smiling! It was a great day. Thanks to our parents who kept us all well fed during the day. Especially special thanks to Deb for guiding us through so many fun and thoughtful moments so far and who will be leading us all the way through our weekend at Wanakee! Frank, can't wait to see the t-shirts! Thanks for organizing every detail that went into our creations. And thanks for the Minute to Win It" games. They were so much fun.
Thanks, Nan, for being the best Oompa Loompa!
Remember to wear your work clothes (and bring work gloves, clippers, shears, rakes and brooms) to church this Sunday, April 10. We will be working outside after a short reflection service in the sanctuary. This will be good practice for Wanakee. Then, MSF from 12:30-2:00 with planning the meal that you will be preparing next week and some fun new games. See you Sunday!
Rock around the clock....
Well, almost. Remember that this Sunday, April 3 is the Wanakee Rock-a-thon from 6:45 AM-3:00 PM. And the winner of the Quarter Contest, Nan Rigdon, will be singing her Oompa Loompa song, in costume (!) between services in the Dining Hall. See you Sunday. (New pictures posted from some of the last few weeks at MSF.)
Pictures posted from Youth Service- Sunday, March 13, 2011
Just to let everyone know that I added a new album to Shutterfly. It contains photos from Youth Worship Sunday. Thank you, Evan King, for the wonderful photos of the service and the beautiful PowerPoint Presentation at the end of the Youth Sunday service.
And the winner is....
Nan Rigdon, who will be singing a song from Willy Wonka in an Oompa Loompa costume. I will keep you posted as to when she will be performing! She is the winner of this year's Wanakee Quarter Contest. We raised over $360!!!!
Thanks to you all....
for a wonderful Youth Worship Service on Sunday. You planned, rehearsed and presented such a meaningful service for the congregation. The entire service was awesome! Thank each of you for all of the gifts that you shared-ringing, speaking, singing, acting, power pointing, instrument playing, story telling, and picture taking! Photos from the service will be posted later this week.
On another note, REMEMBER to be gathering Pledges for the Rock-a-thon. I have more Pledge Sheets if you need them. An updated MSF Calendar has been added to the Website for the rest of March and all of April. Wanakee, here we come!
Youth Worship THIS Sunday, March 13
Just a reminder to all youth who are participating in the services on Sunday. We will be leading Worship at both services (9:00 and 11:15). Please meet in the sanctuary at 8:00 AM on Sunday morning to go through the service one more time. Thank you all for the amazing work that you have put into the service. See you Sunday! (Remember to SPRING forward....set your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night for Daylight Savings Time.)
Wanakee Kick Off and Pancake Supper
I just wanted to let everyone know that I posted pictures from the Wanakee Kick Off Celebration and also from the Pancake Supper. Huge thanks to Deb Fountain and Frank Mirecki who are leading our Service Trip this year. It is less than 7 weeks away.
Our supper was a great success and the pancakes were delicious. Thank you David King for making them from scratch and to all who were able to help in the effort. We raised over $312 toward our trip!
The quarter contest is drawing to a close and getting pledges for the Rockathon has started. Must just about be spring, because we are gearing up for WANAKEE!
Youth Worship Service-Rehearsal March 6
Thanks to each of you who were able to be a part of the planning portion of Youth Sunday yesterday. You completed most of the parts of the service and your thoughts and words are wonderful. We just need to put together our second skit.
I have added some pictures from the afternoon to the site. See you next Sunday, March 6 at 12:30 for the service rehearsal. Any middle and high school youth are welcome to come to our next session. We need readers, actors, acolytes, and ushers for both services on March 13. Thanks! Amy
Wanakee Quarter Contest Update
Here are the totals so far: Pastor John- $19.06, Mrs. Rigdon- $78.12, Mr. Althouse- $38.15 and Kayla C.- $8.61. We have collected over $140 in just 2 Sundays! Let's keep the good momentum going. If you can help collect quarters this Sunday, February 27, please let Amy know. Thanks!
Youth Sunday Service Planning- Sunday, February 27
All kids in Middle School and High School are encouraged to participate. We need ushers, lay readers, actors, artists, musicians, photographers and any who are great at PowerPoint presentations. Planning for the Service is on Sunday, February 27 and Sunday, March 6 from 12:30-2:30. We invite you all to share your gifts! You do not need to be present at both sessions to participate in the Youth Service on Sunday, March 13.
Youthworks Mission Trip- Last Year Boston
Looking for pictures from the Boston (Lynn, MA) Youthworks trip last summer. If you can send any .jpg files to amy.agles@nianticcommunitychurch.org that would be great! Or if you have copies, you can just drop them in my box. Thanks in advance!
Middle School Fellowship- Roller Skating
Hello! Just wanted to let you know that I added pictures from the MSF Roller Skating on Sunday. Have a great February vacation (no MSF on Sunday, February 20). See you on Sunday, February 27 from 12:30-2:30 for Youth Worship Service Planning.
Middle and High School Youth needed for Youth Worship Service
Youth Service- Sunday March 13- Calling all interested Middle and High School students to participate as artists, actors, lay readers, ushers, musicians, etc. Our theme for the service is Bullying. Please come share your thoughts, prayers, and gifts! Planning and rehearsal- Sunday, February 27 12:30-2:30 and Sunday, March 6 12:30-2:30. It is hoped that you will be able to attend both sessions, but not required to be involved in the service. Questions? Just give Amy a call at the church.
High School Fellowship
All Philadelphia Youthworks Participants. Remember that this Sunday, February 13 is our Valentine's Day Cake Auction. Please bring a cake before the 9:00 service so that we can set up. Also, please join us on Saturday, February 12 at the Gonsalves' home, 54 Heritage Rd., East Lyme from 10:30- 12:00 to decorate cupcakes that will be offered Sunday for individual sale. All $$$ raised will be used to offset the costs of the July Mission Trip for all those who participate.
Middle School Fellowship
Thanks to everyone for a really successful SOUPer Sunday yesterday. We collected over 700 pounds of food! Photos from the day are in the new Shutterfly album that I added today. Thanks, Amelia for being our official event photographer!
Next week- Sunday, February 13 we meet at Galaxy Roller Rink in Groton from 1:30 - 3:30. Please bring $6 for admission and your skates or roller blades. If you need to rent, skates are $2 and roller blades are $4. See you there!
High School Fellowship
Sunday, Feb. 6 Shelter Meal at St. James, New London. Meet here at the church at 6:00PM and we will return to NCC between 7:30 and 8:00PM. Please bring cornbread to go with our Super Bowl Sunday Chili, chips and dips to go with the grinders we will be serving, and dessert, if you can. Parents, Can anyone else drive on Sunday? Please let Amy know. Thanks!
Middle School Fellowship
Remember that this Sunday, February 6 is our big SOUPer Sunday Canned Food Drive at NCC from 11-2. Lunch, hot cocoa and snacks will be provided. So, just bring yourself, a friend if you like, and make sure and dress warmly. It is going to be cold. The Gemma Moran Food Bank TRUCK is GOING TO BE HERE again this year. Hope that we can fill it!
Middle School Fellowship
Middle School Fellowship will be on Sunday from 12:30-2 in the dining hall. We will be making breakfast for lunch and watching a movie.
Dr. Kate Ott
Dr. Kate Ott will be holding a workshop for youth from 7-12th grade on Sunday January 23rd from 1-4pm there will be pizza and soda served.
The youth program is be based on an interactive format (game playing, small groups, q&a). The workshop highlights the difference between sexuality and “sex”, what our Christian faith says about building healthy relationships, and how to communicate what we want/need to achieve a healthy relationship based on our values. We take on the difficult questions of saying “yes” and “no” to sexual behaviors and develop a relationship ethic (or sexual ethic) that includes identifying qualities of a healthy relationship.
Mission Trip to Philadelphia
The remaining balance for the mission trip to Philadelphia is due this Sunday.
No Middle School Fellowship
There is no middle school fellowship this Sunday because of the long weekend.
Vacation Bible School
If any Youth or Adults are interested in helping out with Vacation Bible School this year please let me know as soon as possible so that we may begin to start planning!
Sunday 1.9.10
Middle School Fellowship will take place in the Dining Hall from 12:30-2 you will be planning your fundraisers for Wanakee and creating ad's. If any adults are available to help that day please let me know as I will be out of town this weekend.
Youthworks Trip
We still have 8 spots available for the Youthworks trip this Summer to Philadelphia. We are looking to fill these spots as soon as possible. The trip is open to all youth not just those who attend our church. If you know of anyone who is interested in attending please have them contact me as soon as possible. This trip is open to any youth entering 9th grade in the fall of 2011 to graduating in the spring of 2011. Please email me if you have any questions.
High School Fellowship
High School Fellowship has their monthly homeless shelter meal this Sunday. Please meet at the church at 6pm.
Middle School Fellowship
Middle School Fellowship this Sunday is from 12:30-2pm please bring props for our photo calendar shoot!
Homeless Shelter Meal This Sunday!
There will be a homeless shelter meal this Sunday! If anyone is able to bring a desert or bread please let me know.
Middle School & High School Fellowship
There is no Middle School Fellowship on January 2 but High School has the homeless shelter meal on Sunday.
5pm Christmas Eve Service
If you are planning on attending the 5 pm Christmas Eve service please arrive at 4:30pm to allow time for the children to get on costumes for the service.
Youth Works
There will be a meeting for all youth attending the Youth Works trip to Philadelphia and their parents on November 29th at 7pm.
Middle School Fellowship
Middle School Fellowship will be from 1-3pm this Sunday at East Lyme High School Pool. Please make sure to bring a suit and towel!
Jack Frost Bazaar
Middle School Fellowship will be this Saturday helping to serve lunch at the Jack Frost Bazaar. It is from 10am-2pm. If any parents want to accompany their youth to help out they are more than welcome! There will be no Middle School Fellowship on Sunday.
Any High Schoolers who would like to help at the Jack Frost Bazaar are more than welcome as well!
Middle School Fellowship
Middle School Fellowship will be switched this upcoming Sunday. We will meet at 1:10 at Niantic Cinema's to go see the movie Megamind at 1:20 it runs an 1 hour and 45 mins. We are changing it this week because of all the preparations for the Bazaar. Please bring money for snacks!
Great Bullying Class being offered!
Youthworks trip
We still have 8 spots available for the Youthworks trip this Summer to Philadelphia. We are looking to fill these spots as soon as possible. The trip is open to all youth not just those who attend our church. If you know of anyone who is interested in attending please have them contact me as soon as possible.
Ecumenical Halloween Party
St David's Episcopal Church
Route 12
Gales Ferry, CT
6pm-9pm
Come celebrate the season and time of year with your friends, families and other churches in the area! There will be
-BRING YOUR OWN pumpkin carving and painting contest (pre-made, or made on the premises),
- crafts,
- goodies,
- games and
- trunk-or-treating.
- Plus, a "Historical Haunted House" for those who venture something truly different than you've ever seen! ... :)
Middle School Fellowship
Middle school fellowship this week will be changed to movie day. Please bring your favorite PG movie and everyone will vote on which one they want to watch. Middle school fellowship will be from 12:30-2 this Sunday.
Middle School Fellowship/ Senior High Mission Trip
Please bring a pumpkin to Middle School Fellowship this Sunday. Middle School Fellowship will take place from 12:30-2 in the dining hall.
Anyone still interested in going on the Senior High Fellowship to Philadelphia this summer please turn in your deposit as soon as possible. The spots are filling up quickly so don't delay.
Confirmation Lock-In/ Middle School Fellowship
The confirmation Lock-In will begin this friday at 5pm and go until Saturday at 12, please make sure to bring pajamas, a change of clothes, sleeping bag, pillow, air mattress, toothbrush and toothpaste, we will provide the fun!
Middle School Fellowship will be on Saturday Night from 5-6:30 pm at the Chili Cook-Off at Niantic Community Church, please make sure to bring $5 to enter the event!
No Middle School Fellowship this Sunday
There is NO MSF this Sunday due to the long weekend, the following week we will be meeting at 4:30pm on Saturday for the Chili Cook-Off.
Middle School/High School Fellowship
High School Fellowship will be meeting at 5pm in the dining hall this Sunday to make deserts for the homeless shelter, and then going over at 6 to serve the meal.
Middle School Fellowship will be meeting at Scotts Orchard at 1 pm please bring money for apples.
Also check out the cute video I uploaded about kids prayers to God
High School Youth Group
There will be a meeting for all high school youth interested in going on the Youthworks mission trip next summer on October 3rd at 10:15 in the library. If anyone cannot make it please contact me as soon as possible.
Middle School Fellowship/High School Community Service
Middle School Fellowship will be from 12:30-2pm this Sunday in the dining room! We will be pizza making, and bring your instruments!
Any High Schoolers looking for community service the Chili Cook-Off committee is looking for help with the activites for children that night. Please contact me if you are interested in helping out.
Dog Saying Grace
Calling all middle and high schoolers
Starting on Sept 17th to October 17th we are going to be having a contest for the youth who can sell the most cookbooks. One Table, Many Meals has 624 tried, tested and truly fabulous recipies submitted by friends and family of Niantic Community Church. They are great gift ideas for people. The order form can be picked up in the DRE-YM office and there are ITUNES $25, 15 and 10 gift cards for First, Second and Third place!!! If you have any questions please contact Kayla
Confirmation/Community Service
Reminder there is a confirmation meeting tomorrow at 6:30pm. If you cannot make it please contact Pastor John or Kayla
Anyone High Schooler interested in earning some Community Service hours please contact Kayla, we could use more help with DAT, Sunday School, and the Nursery
Homeless Shelter Meal
There is a homeless shelter meal this sunday for all who are interested in helping out. Sept 12th is Friendship Sunday, there will also be middle school fellowship from 12:30-2 pm, where we will snacks and be getting to know eachother. any questions feel free to email me at
kayla@nianticcommunitychurch.org
Confirmation Class
Anyone who will be participating in Confirmation Class this year needs to turn in their information sheet to John or I as soon as possible, they can be emailed to either one of us and found under downloadable files. The first meeting will be Wednesday Sept 8th at 6:30 pm at the church not on thursday as originally planned. If you have any questions you can email me at kayla@nianticcommunitychurch.org
Sunday School and Middle and High School Fellowship
Sunday School and Middle and High School Fellowship start on Saturday Sept 12. Don't forget to turn in your Christian Education Registration Forms which can be found on the right hand side of the web page. If you have any questions please contact me at
kayla@nianticcommunitychurch.org Also the Middle School Fellowship schedule is in the downloadable files, we are looking for volunteers to help out at the events as well as volunteers to provide lunch.
Need Communoty Service Hours?
Serve at a Summer Supper....Help out with Vacation Bible School....Go to the Homeless Hospitality Center --> there are LOTS of ways to get involved, see Jess Bunger for more details :)
BBQ Cancelled, Shelter Still On!
Based on the feedback I have received, very few families are be able to attend a BBQ on June 6th due to schedule conflicts. The weather doesn’t look promising either so I am planning on providing a time to gather and celebrate the restart of the youth fellowship at the end of August. I will provide information about that gathering later this summer.
Please keep in mind that high school youth are still invited and encouraged to serve at the shelter this Sunday. We will meet at the parking lot behind the church building as we usually do to carpool to New London. At this point, the shelter looks like it will stay open this summer to mark the first Sunday of each month this summer and plan to participate in serving meals in July and August as well.
Check out the VIDEO section!
"Reasons (why people don't come to church)"
This video was done by a congregation who is lead by a friend of Pastor John, I think what they have to say would apply to NCC too.
Share the Grace!
Habitat Service Opportunities!
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Saturday, May 15th : * Hadlyme and * Women's Build-Fitch Ave Thursday & Saturday, May 13/15th Youth United at Davis Farm Saturday & Sunday, May 15/16th The ReStore Please consider Volunteering. Anyone 18 and older is welcome to sign up. |
If you have any questions please contact |
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Vacation Bible School
Registrations for vacation bible school will be forthcoming so STAY TUNED :)
Mark your calendars because this Galactic Adventure will be July 12-16 from 9am-12pm each day. Tell your friends --- all are welcome!!!
BOSTON Service Trip ~ July 18-23, 2010
The trip to serve in Boston is only 2 months away!! Stay tuned for details about the final informational meeting and keep the community we will be serving in your prayers.
Music and Support!
Enjoy great music and help support the shelter at the same time!
Date: Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 2 PM
Place: All Soul’s Unitarian Universalist Congregation on 19 Jay Street in New London
Event: “Modern Romance” Melodia -- a nationally-recognized cello-piano team of John and Barbara Metz will perform Rachmaninoff, Schumann and Stravinsky in a concert to benefit the New London Homeless Hospitality Center.
Tickets: Suggested donation $15, students $5 at the door.
There will be a concurrent art display by John Sargent.
Please join us if you can. Thank you.
TRUE COLORS Conference
Below is information on an opportunity to participate in a conference put on byTrue Colors, Inc. This is a not-for-profi t 501(c)(3) organization that combats homophobia, gender bias and racism while working to create a world where youth, adults and families of all sexual orientations and gender identities are valued and affi rmed. True Colors challenges all forms of oppression and provides support through education, training,advocacy, youth leadership development,mentoring and direct services to youth and those who care for youth.
NCC will sponsor up to 2 youth to be a part of this conference -- in other words, no cost, just an incredible opportunity. Contact Jess Bunger at 860-739-6208 if you are interested.
True Colors Annual Conference
True Colors XVII: Focusing on OUR Families
Friday, March 12 & Saturday, March 13, 2010
University of Connecticut - Storrs, CT
No MSF on Jan 24th
Because of the annual meeting, there will be no fellowship meeting.
Small Change On HIGH SCHOOL FEB SCHEDULE
Note -- Rollerskating on February 21st is from 2pm-4pm.
Summer Service Trip 2010
July 18-23, 2010 a group of high school youth from NCC will go to Boston/Lynn to serve for a week. The $60 deposit is due no later than October 14th to ensure a space on the trip. Anyone interested in going should contact Jess Bunger at 739-6208 or jessbunger@nianticcommunitychurch.org .
Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Day of Prayer
Interfaith Day of Prayer, Worship and Praise! Please plan to come and celebrate with us |
Where and When? |
| Sunday October 18th 2009 Beth Jacob Synagogue 400 New London Tpke. Norwich, CT 06360 |
Song Writing Workshop at NCC
November 7th from 10am-2:30pm there will be a professional song writer providing a workshop at NCC for anyone interested in learning to write songs. See the Wednesday Email, bulletin, and signs around the church building for more details.
High School News
There are lots of activities going on for the High School Fellowship Group:
We will meet every Sunday morning for a Java and Jesus time in the Youth Room (old Library) from 10:15am-11am.
We will meet at 6pm on the 1st Sunday of every month to serve at the Shelter together in New London.
We will meet on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 6pm to hang out with the youth from St Luke in Gales Ferry. Activities will include ice cream contest, bowling, games, etc.
A Cross America – Spiritually Intoxicated Ex-Addict Walks from Maine to Mexico
Did anyone see this guy around our area on Monday? AMAZING!!!
NEW EMAIL
Hunger Banquet in Stonington!
Oxfam Hunger Banquet at Wheeler
March 20th, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Tickets $5 each
* We would carpool from NCC meeting at 5:30pm.
* Please let me know by March 1st if you would like to go so we can purchase tickets in advance.
* I will be speaking at this event -- I hope you all can make it!
Thanks!
Mission Program for Young Adults
Young adults age 18 to 30 are invited to participate in a week long mission program this summer! United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth (U.M. ARMY) is pleased to announce that St. John's UMC in Dover, NH will host our young adult program during the week of May 31-June 6, 2009. Participants will camp at the church and work in the local community on home repair and small construction projects for those in need. Work may include small roofing projects, handicap access ramps, stairs, door and window repair as well as yard work and painting. The group will worship together each day and enjoy fun evening fellowship.
U.M. ARMY has been in the Northeast since 2002 with mission programs geared primarily for high school students. There has been an overwhelming interest from young adults who wish to participate in the same type of program which emphasizes leadership and strong relationships with those being served.
Registration fees are $250 per participant and include all work materials, meals and activities. Participants must be one full year beyond high school or older. Groups are encouraged to register together and should include at least 1 adult over age 25 for every 3 under that age. For more information contact Lorraine Macpherson
lorraine@umarmy.org or visit us on the web at
www.umarmy.org/conference/northeast
Hearts for Honduras!!
I STILL have BEEEEEEAAUTIFUL Silver Jewelry FOR SALE that was handcrafted by a high school student (Koby Nelson) who went with the group NCC sent to Honduras last spring. He has started this project in order to raise money for a health care for Jesus, a young boy with a heart problem we met and all fell in love with while serving the village of Chachaguela. Please let me know if you would like to purchase some jewelry to support this important cause.
Thanks!
Jess Bunger
739-6208
jessbunger@gmail.com
Banner designers needed
The Worship Team is creating a new set of white on white banners to be used during the Christmas and Easter season. Initial thinking is to have a different symbol and/or text on each banner and that the design be “generic” so the banners could be used at any time.
Interested in applying your design talents, and moved by God, to help with this project? Send a sketch of your idea(s) to the Church office by Jan 30, 2009. Include your name, phone number, and email address.
Open to all who are interested.
Drop Off and Pick Up Policy
Please note the recently added File regarding the Drop Off and Pick Up Policy for Children and Youth on the right hand side of the webpage.
Podcasts!
Starting this week you can download podcasts of Pastor John's sermons -- pretty awesome huh? Just check out the link on the NCC Main Page to download something.
