On Tuesday night we had a meeting of the Louisiana Mission Team scheduled but onyl a few of us showed up. We decided to postpone the meeting to next month and concentrate on the Fund raiser on February 5th. Our next meeting will be on January 4th at Central Baptist at 6:00 p.m. We will be asking all of our mission team partners past and present to find one auction item and to give us some time on Friday or Saturday of the pasta dinner.
We hope to raise $3500 for the mission team next year and build on the success of the past two years. So save the date - February 5, 2011 at Central Baptist Church.
Cal
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
45 MPH services
Tonight we hosted our regular "45 MPH service" at church. We prayed for several people including Rachel B. who is having her tonsils out next week and Pam K. who had knee surgery on Tuesday. We also gave thanks that Judy D. cataract surgery went well and that Treasure H. was celebrating another birthday (even though she played hooky tonight.)
Cheryl and Steve offered up some praise music to get us started and then I spoke for a few minutes about the confrontation Jesus had with the Pharisees in John 8. I closed out my message by lifting up the joy that was ours in the birth of Christ which reminds us that we all have benefited from the love of God that came down at Christmas.
We will continue to meet right through the end of the year. Join us next week as we celebrate an early Christmas service!
Cal
Cheryl and Steve offered up some praise music to get us started and then I spoke for a few minutes about the confrontation Jesus had with the Pharisees in John 8. I closed out my message by lifting up the joy that was ours in the birth of Christ which reminds us that we all have benefited from the love of God that came down at Christmas.
We will continue to meet right through the end of the year. Join us next week as we celebrate an early Christmas service!
Cal
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Our coat give away
This morning we hosted our Annual Coat Give Away. This year we set up in front of the church and pulled out dozens of coats and sweaters, shoes, mittens, gloves and assorted other goodies. We laid everything out on tables and waited for folks to drop in. We gave away quite a bit of stuff and over thirty families took advantage of our offerings.Thank you to those who helped today: Erica Corbett, Michelle Chaffee, Sharon Fishkin, Cheryl Dimmock, Kelly Bolin, Robert Phillips, Zelda Earle and Julie Wagner. It was a great day.
Cal
Friday, November 12, 2010
An amazing Trustee meeting
We had an amazing meeting of the Board of Trustees last night. We acted on three decisions and praised a fourth one. Yes, I said we acted on three things.
It really started last month when we approved the decision to lease a new copy machine. The next day we signed the contract with Flo-Tech and made plans to bring in a new Canon 2525 copier. After two weeks of using it, everyone was impressed. It warms up quickly, it prints right from the computer and it is very user friendly. When I asked about whether it was worth the money, Frank Royce responded that it was worth every penny.
The second thing we did last night was approve the snow plowing contract from Hyde Landscaping. After Monday's surprise 1/2 inch of snow, this decision was a no-brainer. They came back with a proposal that was slight higher than last years. Motion approved.
The third thing we looked at was a repair to the stove in the kitchen. Mark Kane had a representative form Adam's Restaurant Equipment come in to evaluate the stove. We had a bid in hand to repair it. The cost was about $573 and it was quickly approved.
The final item on our list was a big one. We finally received two bids to replace the furnace that services the chapel area of the church. We reviewed them and decided on the one we were going to take. As we discussed how to raise the money we were alerted to the fact that two major gifts were being offered to cover the cost of the conversion. So we voted to recommend going forward with the project and will call a special congregational meeting on November 28th to get congregational approval to do the work.
God is amazing and you could feel his hand at work as we went about his business last night. Thank you Lord. We hope to have the new furnace in place by the end of the year.
Cal
It really started last month when we approved the decision to lease a new copy machine. The next day we signed the contract with Flo-Tech and made plans to bring in a new Canon 2525 copier. After two weeks of using it, everyone was impressed. It warms up quickly, it prints right from the computer and it is very user friendly. When I asked about whether it was worth the money, Frank Royce responded that it was worth every penny.
The second thing we did last night was approve the snow plowing contract from Hyde Landscaping. After Monday's surprise 1/2 inch of snow, this decision was a no-brainer. They came back with a proposal that was slight higher than last years. Motion approved.
The third thing we looked at was a repair to the stove in the kitchen. Mark Kane had a representative form Adam's Restaurant Equipment come in to evaluate the stove. We had a bid in hand to repair it. The cost was about $573 and it was quickly approved.
The final item on our list was a big one. We finally received two bids to replace the furnace that services the chapel area of the church. We reviewed them and decided on the one we were going to take. As we discussed how to raise the money we were alerted to the fact that two major gifts were being offered to cover the cost of the conversion. So we voted to recommend going forward with the project and will call a special congregational meeting on November 28th to get congregational approval to do the work.
God is amazing and you could feel his hand at work as we went about his business last night. Thank you Lord. We hope to have the new furnace in place by the end of the year.
Cal
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wednesday nights with Jesus
I love Wednesday nights. Tonight I really felt the spirit moving around the sanctuary. Robert Phillips joined Cheryl Dutrumble and Steve Contois tonight. As they were singing and playing he offered us some back-up on the tom tom drums. It was cool.
As we entered prayer time there was a quiet acknowledgment of God's presence. We lifted up several people going through difficult times including the family of Jenna Smith whose calling hours were tonight in Jewett City. We also continued our practice of asking God's blessing on seven different families in the congregation. It was a great time.
I jumped on that in my message where I talked about the woman at the well and how Jesus helped fill the deep longing that was in her heart. He does the same for us as he gives us the living water.
Wednesday nights give us the opportunity to simply be together with God and each other in a relaxed setting. That's what makes it so special. If you haven't been to a service recently, I invite you to come and join us.
Next week Robert Phillips is going to share the message and lead the service because I have another commitment. So come and be blessed.
Cal
As we entered prayer time there was a quiet acknowledgment of God's presence. We lifted up several people going through difficult times including the family of Jenna Smith whose calling hours were tonight in Jewett City. We also continued our practice of asking God's blessing on seven different families in the congregation. It was a great time.
I jumped on that in my message where I talked about the woman at the well and how Jesus helped fill the deep longing that was in her heart. He does the same for us as he gives us the living water.
Wednesday nights give us the opportunity to simply be together with God and each other in a relaxed setting. That's what makes it so special. If you haven't been to a service recently, I invite you to come and join us.
Next week Robert Phillips is going to share the message and lead the service because I have another commitment. So come and be blessed.
Cal
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Pentecost revisited
Sunday is always a blur of activity in our building as we worship and praise God in at least three languages from sunrise to sunset.
We kicked off the activity with our Sunday School. Then we went all out with Worship. This week George Strouse was our worship assistant and Amy Rezendes offered the Children's Moment. I wrapped up our series on the Sermon on the Mount by talking about persecution and our faith.
After worship we had our Quarterly meeting and discussed some of the things that have been happening at church.
*We noted that pledges were behind a little bit but that was offset by the miscelaneous and regular/not pledge giving which was up.
*I shared the fact that I would be away the week of November 29 to travel to Germany with my daughter, Rachel, as she competes in the international Tap Dance Championships. Rev. Bill Huegel will be filling the pulpit for us and it should be a real treat.
*A lot of people commented on the Stewardship Brunch and unofficially voted thast we should do that again.
*We also talked about the furnaces and Dick Strouse laid out what we wanted to do. He told the group that we were looking to replace the furnace that heats fellowship hall and the chapel area with a unit that will be gas fired. It is in the worst shape of the two and can be switched out fairly easily and quickly. The other furnace is inefficient but it is in better shape and can wait a little longer. Now we are just waiting on a couple of bids to come in so we can vote on where to get the funds from.
At 12:30 p.m. Pastor Daniel Song and the members of the Korean Methodist Church began their worship. They love to sing and you can hear them all throughout the building. After worship they gather in fellowship hall for a meal. They really take the Biblical model for community to heart.
At 3:30 p.m. Pastor Jorge Morales and the folks from Buenas Nuevas start arriving for Sunday School and worship. On Sunday they finished up a little early because it was Halloween and I think a lot of folks wanted to get home. Talk about music, they really light up the neighborhood when they start singing. Their praise team does a nice job and they rock the sanctuary when they get going.
We gathered for our weekly Bible study at 6:30 p.m. but only a few of us made it this week. I thought briefly about cancelling it but didn't think Halloween would affect us that much. Of course, I do love to hand out the candy and was torn. But we went for it. We had a good discussion despite the low turnout.
So that was our Sunday at church. Praise God, it was a good day.
Cal
We kicked off the activity with our Sunday School. Then we went all out with Worship. This week George Strouse was our worship assistant and Amy Rezendes offered the Children's Moment. I wrapped up our series on the Sermon on the Mount by talking about persecution and our faith.
After worship we had our Quarterly meeting and discussed some of the things that have been happening at church.
*We noted that pledges were behind a little bit but that was offset by the miscelaneous and regular/not pledge giving which was up.
*I shared the fact that I would be away the week of November 29 to travel to Germany with my daughter, Rachel, as she competes in the international Tap Dance Championships. Rev. Bill Huegel will be filling the pulpit for us and it should be a real treat.
*A lot of people commented on the Stewardship Brunch and unofficially voted thast we should do that again.
*We also talked about the furnaces and Dick Strouse laid out what we wanted to do. He told the group that we were looking to replace the furnace that heats fellowship hall and the chapel area with a unit that will be gas fired. It is in the worst shape of the two and can be switched out fairly easily and quickly. The other furnace is inefficient but it is in better shape and can wait a little longer. Now we are just waiting on a couple of bids to come in so we can vote on where to get the funds from.
At 12:30 p.m. Pastor Daniel Song and the members of the Korean Methodist Church began their worship. They love to sing and you can hear them all throughout the building. After worship they gather in fellowship hall for a meal. They really take the Biblical model for community to heart.
At 3:30 p.m. Pastor Jorge Morales and the folks from Buenas Nuevas start arriving for Sunday School and worship. On Sunday they finished up a little early because it was Halloween and I think a lot of folks wanted to get home. Talk about music, they really light up the neighborhood when they start singing. Their praise team does a nice job and they rock the sanctuary when they get going.
We gathered for our weekly Bible study at 6:30 p.m. but only a few of us made it this week. I thought briefly about cancelling it but didn't think Halloween would affect us that much. Of course, I do love to hand out the candy and was torn. But we went for it. We had a good discussion despite the low turnout.
So that was our Sunday at church. Praise God, it was a good day.
Cal
Monday, November 1, 2010
Norwich Baptist Habitat Build
On Saturday, October 31 we put together a crew to work on a Habitat for Humanity home in New London. Amanda Duntz organized the day. Several folks from church and members of Amanda's wider family joined us for the day. You will recognize a few people in the pictures. For example Amanda and her mom, Kathy Spielman, were there. Pete and Betsey Adams were a big help with sanding and painting. Rachel Batter and her friend Emily Hendrick worked on installing the floor boards in the kitchen and upstairs. Marc Vaillancourt and I rounded out the crew from church.
Amanda's aunts Tina and Heidi were also there to help along and they brought along their mother and Amanda's grandmother, Mrs. Spielman. She worked circles around a few of us, especially an unnamed pastor.
Cynthia Strouse dropped by in the morning with all kinds of goodies for our break. That was a special treat. Well here are some of the pictures from the day. Enjoy.
Cal
Amanda's aunts Tina and Heidi were also there to help along and they brought along their mother and Amanda's grandmother, Mrs. Spielman. She worked circles around a few of us, especially an unnamed pastor.
Cynthia Strouse dropped by in the morning with all kinds of goodies for our break. That was a special treat. Well here are some of the pictures from the day. Enjoy.
Cal
A wonderful brunch after church
I forgot to mention that on Sunday, October 24 we had a great brunch after church. It was part of the kick-off to our Annual Stewardship Campaign. Our Stewardship Committee hosted the event with some help from Rodney Green and Olde Tymes Restaurant. Rodney gave us a good deal on the basic breakfast platter and our committee served it up with coffee and a smile.
We laid out some posters around the room where people could put down their wishes for the three areas of our ministry. Then Nancy Allen, Mary Brockway and I performed a little skit that pointed out how we can be thankful for little things. It was titled, "Wake Up and Smell the Coffee Beans."
We had about 40 people stay for the celebration. A few of the things that got added to the list were ...
* renovate the kitchen
* hold a neighborhood block party
* have more pot luck suppers
* have a choir cantata
* Projector/screen for church
The list will grow in the coming weeks as people turn in their wish lists. So stay tuned.
Cal
We laid out some posters around the room where people could put down their wishes for the three areas of our ministry. Then Nancy Allen, Mary Brockway and I performed a little skit that pointed out how we can be thankful for little things. It was titled, "Wake Up and Smell the Coffee Beans."
We had about 40 people stay for the celebration. A few of the things that got added to the list were ...
* renovate the kitchen
* hold a neighborhood block party
* have more pot luck suppers
* have a choir cantata
* Projector/screen for church
The list will grow in the coming weeks as people turn in their wish lists. So stay tuned.
Cal
Saturday, October 30, 2010
A transition at Pierce Baptist Home
On Thursday night I conducted my last meeting as the Chairman of the Board of Pierce Care up in Brooklyn, Connecticut. I came on the Board in April of 2006 and began serving as President in October of 2006. We were reeling for a shake up that devastated the Board and my job was to help bring back some stability and civility. I can proudly say that I have done that.
Robert Avena takes over and he is a good man. He has served on the Executive Board for four years and as treasurer the last two years. He is an attorney and is the wife of Rev. Erica Wimber Avena. We also have some representation on the Board from our church. Scot Rapoza, June Deptulski, Gwyn Green and newly elected Mark Kane all serve on the Board. June was elected as the Vice Chairman this week.
Pierce Memorial Baptist Home began with a gift from the Pierce Family in the 1950's. They wanted to see a home established for elderly Baptist women. By the early 1960's the home had expanded and become more of what we would know as a nursing home. An addition was put on the building in the early 1970's and again in the late 1980's. In 1999 Creamery Brook was built which provided congregate housing for independent residents and it became part of a continuum of care. In 2007 we added the Cottages. These are separate duplexes that offer independent living in a home with a garage. This year we are on the verge of launching our own health care agency which allows us to give Pierce Care to people in their homes.
We've come a long way! You will hear more about thew ministry in coming months. It is one of the things we support with our benevolence budget.
Cal
Robert Avena takes over and he is a good man. He has served on the Executive Board for four years and as treasurer the last two years. He is an attorney and is the wife of Rev. Erica Wimber Avena. We also have some representation on the Board from our church. Scot Rapoza, June Deptulski, Gwyn Green and newly elected Mark Kane all serve on the Board. June was elected as the Vice Chairman this week.
Pierce Memorial Baptist Home began with a gift from the Pierce Family in the 1950's. They wanted to see a home established for elderly Baptist women. By the early 1960's the home had expanded and become more of what we would know as a nursing home. An addition was put on the building in the early 1970's and again in the late 1980's. In 1999 Creamery Brook was built which provided congregate housing for independent residents and it became part of a continuum of care. In 2007 we added the Cottages. These are separate duplexes that offer independent living in a home with a garage. This year we are on the verge of launching our own health care agency which allows us to give Pierce Care to people in their homes.
We've come a long way! You will hear more about thew ministry in coming months. It is one of the things we support with our benevolence budget.
Cal
45 MPH services
On Wednesday night we talked about how much God loved the world. This Fall we have been working through the Gospel of John in our messages. We've also been praying for different families in the congregation. along with the normal prayers for healing and comfort, we've also been praying for seven families each week. We've been asking God to bless them and to meet their needs. It has been a nice addition to our line-up.
We have been blessed to have Cheryl Dutrumble and Steve Contois lead our singing each week. When the Praise team broke up because Fred and Gwyn Green left to tend to family matters, we weren't sure what we were going to do. We were back in the same place we were before Steve Contois and Cliff Vanase stepped up to offer some guitar back up in the early 00's. This week Robert Phillips pulled out the overhead projector and put up the words to the music so some of us memory challenged participants could sing along. It was great.
We've been calling our services "45 MPH" worship. That's because they offer us a chance to slow down for music, prayer and a word of hope. We have averaged 18 people each week and that's not counting Caleb Dutrumble because he has to be there. The rest of us choose to get together. This past week we have 23 people present.
Speaking of prayer, lift up Bob Duntz. He has been in Yale New Haven Hospital following by-pass surgery. Think of Jane Seder too. She is doing rehabilitation following her emergency surgery to repair a broken leg. And remember Jenna, our 9 year old friend who is battling cancer.
Cal
We have been blessed to have Cheryl Dutrumble and Steve Contois lead our singing each week. When the Praise team broke up because Fred and Gwyn Green left to tend to family matters, we weren't sure what we were going to do. We were back in the same place we were before Steve Contois and Cliff Vanase stepped up to offer some guitar back up in the early 00's. This week Robert Phillips pulled out the overhead projector and put up the words to the music so some of us memory challenged participants could sing along. It was great.
We've been calling our services "45 MPH" worship. That's because they offer us a chance to slow down for music, prayer and a word of hope. We have averaged 18 people each week and that's not counting Caleb Dutrumble because he has to be there. The rest of us choose to get together. This past week we have 23 people present.
Speaking of prayer, lift up Bob Duntz. He has been in Yale New Haven Hospital following by-pass surgery. Think of Jane Seder too. She is doing rehabilitation following her emergency surgery to repair a broken leg. And remember Jenna, our 9 year old friend who is battling cancer.
Cal
Fun in the choir
On Tuesday night we were singing God's praises. Of course we do that every week at our choir rehearsals but it was fun because we had a few guests. Shawn Rucker was back and Robert Phillips came back a second week. That was good news because some of us always worry whether we will scare newcomers away because we have so much fun. Curt Brockway, Paul and Carol Johnson were with us too. They signed up to sing with us in the choir festival. It was really nice to have a strong men's section again.
This past spring we lost several faithful members. Patricia Ohlund moved to Lebanon and is now going to the Lebanon Baptist Church. Fred and Gwyn Green were pulled away because of family commitments. Cliff Vanase also decided to take a break.
Adele DiBiagio gives her heart and soul to the choir and we really want to work hard to pay her back. Most musicians don't do what they do for the money. That's true with Adele. She does it because she loves us and wants to see us do our best as we lead worship every week.
We are taping our choir this fall and I hope to have a compilation of our anthems up on the church web site sometime in the next few weeks. I think you will enjoy it.
Mark your calendars now and put down November 14 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Washington Street. That's the date of the Annual Choir Festival. It is always a lot of fun and a great night. We get to see what is happening in Christ's churches across the city. See you there.
Cal
This past spring we lost several faithful members. Patricia Ohlund moved to Lebanon and is now going to the Lebanon Baptist Church. Fred and Gwyn Green were pulled away because of family commitments. Cliff Vanase also decided to take a break.
Adele DiBiagio gives her heart and soul to the choir and we really want to work hard to pay her back. Most musicians don't do what they do for the money. That's true with Adele. She does it because she loves us and wants to see us do our best as we lead worship every week.
We are taping our choir this fall and I hope to have a compilation of our anthems up on the church web site sometime in the next few weeks. I think you will enjoy it.
Mark your calendars now and put down November 14 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Washington Street. That's the date of the Annual Choir Festival. It is always a lot of fun and a great night. We get to see what is happening in Christ's churches across the city. See you there.
Cal
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Hospital and convalescent home visits
On Monday I traveled down to Yale - New Haven Hospital to visit Bob Duntz in the cardiac ICU after his double by-pass surgery on Sunday. He was doing well according to his doctors, but the first 48 hours are critical to long term health. I prayed with him and his mom, Bev Duntz. Bob has had an amazing ability to bounce back in the past and we pray his streak will continue.
On the way back home I stopped in to visit Jane Seder at Bridebrook Rehabilitiation Center in East Lyme. She is doing well after her surgery a week ago Sunday. She will be there at least another two to three weeks. We are praying she will be home well before Thanksgiving.
I didn't bring a blanket down to Bob because I knew he was in the ICU and couldn't have one but I did notice that Jane had hers on the bed. We have been giving our "No Sew" blankets to people that have hospital or convalescent stays. The people have loved getting them. So thank you to all who have taken the time to make them. They have become reminders of God's love and faithfulness in times of need.
Cal
On the way back home I stopped in to visit Jane Seder at Bridebrook Rehabilitiation Center in East Lyme. She is doing well after her surgery a week ago Sunday. She will be there at least another two to three weeks. We are praying she will be home well before Thanksgiving.
I didn't bring a blanket down to Bob because I knew he was in the ICU and couldn't have one but I did notice that Jane had hers on the bed. We have been giving our "No Sew" blankets to people that have hospital or convalescent stays. The people have loved getting them. So thank you to all who have taken the time to make them. They have become reminders of God's love and faithfulness in times of need.
Cal
A day of worship
We had another great Sunday that began with Sunday School and concluded with our Video Bible Discussion later that night.
Lori Lord welcomed everyone in the morning. We sang a few of our favorite songs to get things started. After a Bible quiz, we took up the offering, prayed and then broke out into classes. The Adult class is studying the Book of I Corinthians this Fall and having great discussions. Pam Kane and Kelly Bolin are working with the kids in grades 3 -5. Rachelle Weimer, Janet LaFlamme and Zelda Earle are teaching the youth in grades K- 2. Mary Brockway is working with the middle school kids and I am using Rob Bell's videos as a discussion starter for the Senior High. Fran Rogers and Sandra Lucien are loving our nursery and pre-school kids and teaching them about the love of God.
Each week we seem to have someone new joining us and that's always good. People come and go as their schedule allows and we always have room for more kids. So if you haven't come yet, don't hesitate to start this week.
At worship we continued with our series of sermons on the Sermon on the Mount. Peace was the the theme of the day and we sang "I've got Peace like a River" and "It is Well With My Soul." Our choir sang a variation on the hymn, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and Steve Contois, Anna and Cheryl Dutrumble offered some special music.
My message was titled, "The Prize Is In the Box" and to punctuate my point I pulled out a package of Cracker Jacks and grabbed the prize inside. It was a temporary tattoo. I noted that when you work for peace, God gives you the prize in the form of an immediate blessing. God's peace fills you up.
Here is the whole order of service in case you missed it.
Prelude Adele DiBiagio
Call to Worship Pete Adams
*Processional Hymn“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” No. 22
*Words of Welcome
*Greeting One Another
*A Prayer to Celebrate the Lord's Presence
& *The Gloria Patri No. 620
Responsive Reading (page 900 in the Pew Bible) Psalm 65
Worship In Song and Deed
Worship Through the Offering of Our Gifts, Talents and Tithes
The Offertory *Doxology (No. 623) *Prayer of Dedication
Special Music “God Loves You And Me” Cheryl Dutrumble
and Steve Contois
The Children's Moment
Sharing the Good News
The Choir Anthem “Come Thou Fount”
The Prayers of the People
The Pastor's Prayer The Lord’s Prayer (Using Trespasses)
Celebrating God's Word For Today
Scripture Reading (page 1830 in the Pew Bible) Philippians 4:4-8
*A Hymn “Peace Like A River” No. 360
The Sermon “The Prize Is In The Box”
*Closing Hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” No. 453
*Benediction & Response
Organ Postlude Adele DiBiagio
*Please stand if you are able
At 6:30 p.m. we gathered to watch Rob Bell's Zooma video titled, "Dust." It spoke about what it means to be a disciple. We had a good discussion and talked about the fact that Jesus called ordinary people like us to do his work in the world.
By 8:00 p.m. we were heading home and looking forward to the week ahead and the opportunity to come together again next week.
Cal
Lori Lord welcomed everyone in the morning. We sang a few of our favorite songs to get things started. After a Bible quiz, we took up the offering, prayed and then broke out into classes. The Adult class is studying the Book of I Corinthians this Fall and having great discussions. Pam Kane and Kelly Bolin are working with the kids in grades 3 -5. Rachelle Weimer, Janet LaFlamme and Zelda Earle are teaching the youth in grades K- 2. Mary Brockway is working with the middle school kids and I am using Rob Bell's videos as a discussion starter for the Senior High. Fran Rogers and Sandra Lucien are loving our nursery and pre-school kids and teaching them about the love of God.
Each week we seem to have someone new joining us and that's always good. People come and go as their schedule allows and we always have room for more kids. So if you haven't come yet, don't hesitate to start this week.
At worship we continued with our series of sermons on the Sermon on the Mount. Peace was the the theme of the day and we sang "I've got Peace like a River" and "It is Well With My Soul." Our choir sang a variation on the hymn, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and Steve Contois, Anna and Cheryl Dutrumble offered some special music.
My message was titled, "The Prize Is In the Box" and to punctuate my point I pulled out a package of Cracker Jacks and grabbed the prize inside. It was a temporary tattoo. I noted that when you work for peace, God gives you the prize in the form of an immediate blessing. God's peace fills you up.
Here is the whole order of service in case you missed it.
Prelude Adele DiBiagio
Call to Worship Pete Adams
*Processional Hymn“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” No. 22
*Words of Welcome
*Greeting One Another
*A Prayer to Celebrate the Lord's Presence
& *The Gloria Patri No. 620
Responsive Reading (page 900 in the Pew Bible) Psalm 65
Worship In Song and Deed
Worship Through the Offering of Our Gifts, Talents and Tithes
The Offertory *Doxology (No. 623) *Prayer of Dedication
Special Music “God Loves You And Me” Cheryl Dutrumble
and Steve Contois
The Children's Moment
Sharing the Good News
The Choir Anthem “Come Thou Fount”
The Prayers of the People
The Pastor's Prayer The Lord’s Prayer (Using Trespasses)
Celebrating God's Word For Today
Scripture Reading (page 1830 in the Pew Bible) Philippians 4:4-8
*A Hymn “Peace Like A River” No. 360
The Sermon “The Prize Is In The Box”
*Closing Hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” No. 453
*Benediction & Response
Organ Postlude Adele DiBiagio
*Please stand if you are able
At 6:30 p.m. we gathered to watch Rob Bell's Zooma video titled, "Dust." It spoke about what it means to be a disciple. We had a good discussion and talked about the fact that Jesus called ordinary people like us to do his work in the world.
By 8:00 p.m. we were heading home and looking forward to the week ahead and the opportunity to come together again next week.
Cal
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Korean Church family celebrates
On Sunday afternoon I joined Mark and Fran Rogers and their girls at the Korean Methodist Church's Sixth Anniversary service. We represented our church well. Rev. Dr. Daniel Song hosted the service and asked me to bring greetings from the First Baptist family. Then we joined them singing God's praises.
Even though I couldn't understand much of what Rev. Song said during the service, you could tell that he was filled with the Holy Spirit as he preached. He was excited as he talked about God's call upon the church. He threw in a few phrases in English as he talked about God calling them to minister here in southeastern Connecticut in the shadow of the casinos.
I was very proud of the fact that we had opened the door for this ministry. I remember how Rev. song came to our Wednesday night services back in the winter of 2003-04 and worshiped with us. He didn't know much English but he sat there and prayed. That summer he approached us about starting a ministry for Korean immigrants. Our church voted to welcome them.
Those first months were very difficult. Daniel averaged three or four people. It had to be discouraging. Yet he labored on. A bit later Daniel married and felt called to leave the area. In the interim period the church had two other pastors. But then two years ago Daniel returned and from that point on the church has blossomed. He wrote me a few weeks ago and told me that they had 37 people in worship. It was a new high.
Praise God for Rev. Daniel Song and his flock. You could feel God's joy in that service on Sunday.
Cal
Even though I couldn't understand much of what Rev. Song said during the service, you could tell that he was filled with the Holy Spirit as he preached. He was excited as he talked about God's call upon the church. He threw in a few phrases in English as he talked about God calling them to minister here in southeastern Connecticut in the shadow of the casinos.
I was very proud of the fact that we had opened the door for this ministry. I remember how Rev. song came to our Wednesday night services back in the winter of 2003-04 and worshiped with us. He didn't know much English but he sat there and prayed. That summer he approached us about starting a ministry for Korean immigrants. Our church voted to welcome them.
Those first months were very difficult. Daniel averaged three or four people. It had to be discouraging. Yet he labored on. A bit later Daniel married and felt called to leave the area. In the interim period the church had two other pastors. But then two years ago Daniel returned and from that point on the church has blossomed. He wrote me a few weeks ago and told me that they had 37 people in worship. It was a new high.
Praise God for Rev. Daniel Song and his flock. You could feel God's joy in that service on Sunday.
Cal
Mission plans decided for 2011
Yesterday we met after church with representatives from both Central and First Baptist Church to talk about our plans for a 2011 mission trip. We decided earlier that we would not return to Mexicali this year while Rick and Mercy Barnes were on home assignment. We do hope to send a gift to El Buen Samaritano though.
We talked about heading west to work with some of our Native American partners on one of the reservations or heading south to work with others who are still working to rebuild on the Gulf Coast after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
At our meeting Melanie reported that we did not have much success in locating a place needing our help out west. Every phone call produced a dead end. On a positive note she did manage to find a great program sponsored by the United Methodists that is co-ordinating efforts to rebuild homes in Louisiana. So we voted to work with them.
We will be heading to Slidell, Louisiana between August 9th -16th to work on the Epworth Project. This program works in conjunction with the Northshore Disaster Recovery Inc to provide spiritual, emotional and physical resources to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Projects include general contracting, carpentry, cabinetry, framing, insulation,drywall hanging, flooring, plumbing and roofing.
The group will fly down to New Orleans and drive 30 minutes to Slidell to a dorm facility where it will be housed for the week. We will be cooking our own meals and be responsible for our own transportation. More information on the Mission work and the project can be found at www.epworthministries.com. There is also a facebook page at Project Noah.
We have limited the group to 20 participants between the ages of 14 years and up. We estimte the total cost per person will be about $750 per person. There will be fundraisers to help offset the cost for the trip, including our annual Pasta Dinner and Auction tentatively scheduled for February 5 at Central Baptist.
Deposits of $100 will be needed by December 12 to secure your spot. All spots are on a first come, first served spot so get your deposit in early to insure your participation.
We have three meetings scheduled for particpants from now through the beginning of the year. The dates are
Nov 16 at 6 pm at Central Baptist - We will have a better idea of prices and talk about the Pasta Dinner fund raiser
December 14 at 6 pm at First Baptist - We will meet as a team and go over what we will need and expectations of the trip.
January 11 at 6 pm at Central Baptist - We will finalize plans for Pasta Dinner and report back on airline tickets and final budget numbers.
Please pass the word to other potential team members. This should be another great experience for those whom God has called to go with us.
Yours in Christ,
Cal
We talked about heading west to work with some of our Native American partners on one of the reservations or heading south to work with others who are still working to rebuild on the Gulf Coast after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
At our meeting Melanie reported that we did not have much success in locating a place needing our help out west. Every phone call produced a dead end. On a positive note she did manage to find a great program sponsored by the United Methodists that is co-ordinating efforts to rebuild homes in Louisiana. So we voted to work with them.
We will be heading to Slidell, Louisiana between August 9th -16th to work on the Epworth Project. This program works in conjunction with the Northshore Disaster Recovery Inc to provide spiritual, emotional and physical resources to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.Projects include general contracting, carpentry, cabinetry, framing, insulation,drywall hanging, flooring, plumbing and roofing.
The group will fly down to New Orleans and drive 30 minutes to Slidell to a dorm facility where it will be housed for the week. We will be cooking our own meals and be responsible for our own transportation. More information on the Mission work and the project can be found at www.epworthministries.com. There is also a facebook page at Project Noah.
We have limited the group to 20 participants between the ages of 14 years and up. We estimte the total cost per person will be about $750 per person. There will be fundraisers to help offset the cost for the trip, including our annual Pasta Dinner and Auction tentatively scheduled for February 5 at Central Baptist.
Deposits of $100 will be needed by December 12 to secure your spot. All spots are on a first come, first served spot so get your deposit in early to insure your participation.
We have three meetings scheduled for particpants from now through the beginning of the year. The dates are
Nov 16 at 6 pm at Central Baptist - We will have a better idea of prices and talk about the Pasta Dinner fund raiser
December 14 at 6 pm at First Baptist - We will meet as a team and go over what we will need and expectations of the trip.
January 11 at 6 pm at Central Baptist - We will finalize plans for Pasta Dinner and report back on airline tickets and final budget numbers.
Please pass the word to other potential team members. This should be another great experience for those whom God has called to go with us.
Yours in Christ,
Cal
Sunday morning celebrations
On Sunday morning we opened up our day of worship at First Baptist with Sunday School classes. Because the Korean congregation was planning to have a reception downstairs following their sixth anniversary service, we met in the sanctuary for opening exercises before breaking up to head to separate classrooms.
At 10:30 a.m. we opened up our worship celebration with singing and prayer. Bob Walker was the worship assistant and he welcomed everyone. Muriel Roderick had a message for the kids and I preached on Matthew 5:21-37. I talked about purity. The sixth beatitude states, "How happy are the pure of heart for they shall see God." I noted that we need to clean up our talk and refocus our eyes if we want to see God. I then pointed out that God wants a new heart in all of us and all we needed to do was turn to him and ask for it.
It was a nice service. The choir sang one of my favorite anthems, God of Grace. We sang an old gospel hymn, "Are You Washed in the Blood?" and a very popular one, "Living for Jesus" to close out the morning. The music was very nice.
Jerry and Anna Hurd were among those worshiping with us yesterday. They were married in our sanctuary one week before. Keely Backus was also with us as and we learned she was celebrating her second wedding anniversary. There were a lot of prayer concerns and several celebrations noted. It was all part of a good day.
Cal
At 10:30 a.m. we opened up our worship celebration with singing and prayer. Bob Walker was the worship assistant and he welcomed everyone. Muriel Roderick had a message for the kids and I preached on Matthew 5:21-37. I talked about purity. The sixth beatitude states, "How happy are the pure of heart for they shall see God." I noted that we need to clean up our talk and refocus our eyes if we want to see God. I then pointed out that God wants a new heart in all of us and all we needed to do was turn to him and ask for it.
It was a nice service. The choir sang one of my favorite anthems, God of Grace. We sang an old gospel hymn, "Are You Washed in the Blood?" and a very popular one, "Living for Jesus" to close out the morning. The music was very nice.
Jerry and Anna Hurd were among those worshiping with us yesterday. They were married in our sanctuary one week before. Keely Backus was also with us as and we learned she was celebrating her second wedding anniversary. There were a lot of prayer concerns and several celebrations noted. It was all part of a good day.
Cal
25th anniversary celebration in North Carolina
On Thursday I flew down to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to help my friends Mike and Kim Slomianyj celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Shortly after I arrived in Norwich they asked me to marry them. On October 12, 1985, with mums all around the sanctuary, Kim walked down the aisle to meet Mike at the platform.
On Friday night we recreated a bit of that magic in front of twenty friends and family members as they renewed their vows. Mike welcomed and thanked everyone and then turned the floor over to me. With tears in her eyes Kim said "I do" all over again.
Kim planned the party but she had no idea that I was coming. Mike arranged everything and wanted to surprise her. Of course I warned him that it was awful risky doing something like this. Even though it is a romantic gesture, she might say "no" this time.
He didn't have to worry. She was totally surprised and happy to go through the service and affirm her love for a second time.
Participating in these kind of services always make me glad that I went into ministry.
Cal.
On Friday night we recreated a bit of that magic in front of twenty friends and family members as they renewed their vows. Mike welcomed and thanked everyone and then turned the floor over to me. With tears in her eyes Kim said "I do" all over again.
Kim planned the party but she had no idea that I was coming. Mike arranged everything and wanted to surprise her. Of course I warned him that it was awful risky doing something like this. Even though it is a romantic gesture, she might say "no" this time.
He didn't have to worry. She was totally surprised and happy to go through the service and affirm her love for a second time.
Participating in these kind of services always make me glad that I went into ministry.
Cal.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Mercy is love in action
Here is that sermon I promised you. It is titled "Mercy is love in action and was preached on Sunday, October 10th. Sorry about the poor audio quality. I am working on making it better.
Cal
Cal
Monday morning ministry
Yesterday was a great day. I got up early and went to the gym. Then I drove out to Camp Wightman to pick up seven ladies who were in Connecticut for their Fall Retreat. They were members of the American Baptist Women's Ministries Executive Committee. I volunteered to drive them to the airport with our church van. I had the opportunity to show them around Norwich and brag a bit about our city.
After I dropped the ladies off at Bradley, I drove to Farmington to check in on Hillary and Lee McFalls. On Sunday night Hillary gave birth to Cameron and Logan McFalls. Both boys weighed in over 4 and 1/2 pounds and were doing very well. One of the boys needed a little boost with the oxygen for a few hours but by morning both of them were doing very well.
Emily and Margaret McFalls were at the hospital when I got there and both of them had the opportunity to see the babies and were very excited. Seeing newborns is definitely one of the best parts of my job as a pastor. I prayed with the family and then made my way back to Norwich.
As I passed through Colchester I stopped in to see Leon Dalbec. Leon i a good friend of mine from High School who is part of our extended church family. He supports the church and has come to worship off and on for many, many years.
When I finally got back to church the was a message on my machine that the small wedding that was planned for this coming Sunday had been called off. I contacted the bride and told her that I would be happy to oblige them when the time was right.
I finished my day by making a visit to one of our members who has been going through a tough time. I stopped in and dropped off a little gift from the Deacon's fund. We talked and we prayed.
As I made my way home I smiled and thanked God for a good day of ministry. I also thank you for making it possible.
Cal
After I dropped the ladies off at Bradley, I drove to Farmington to check in on Hillary and Lee McFalls. On Sunday night Hillary gave birth to Cameron and Logan McFalls. Both boys weighed in over 4 and 1/2 pounds and were doing very well. One of the boys needed a little boost with the oxygen for a few hours but by morning both of them were doing very well.
Emily and Margaret McFalls were at the hospital when I got there and both of them had the opportunity to see the babies and were very excited. Seeing newborns is definitely one of the best parts of my job as a pastor. I prayed with the family and then made my way back to Norwich.
As I passed through Colchester I stopped in to see Leon Dalbec. Leon i a good friend of mine from High School who is part of our extended church family. He supports the church and has come to worship off and on for many, many years.
When I finally got back to church the was a message on my machine that the small wedding that was planned for this coming Sunday had been called off. I contacted the bride and told her that I would be happy to oblige them when the time was right.
I finished my day by making a visit to one of our members who has been going through a tough time. I stopped in and dropped off a little gift from the Deacon's fund. We talked and we prayed.
As I made my way home I smiled and thanked God for a good day of ministry. I also thank you for making it possible.
Cal
Monday, October 11, 2010
Sunday at church
Yesterday was an awesome day. It began with Sunday School and worship and ended with a Rob Bell video discussion.
I love Sundays at First Baptist Church. I think it begins with the anticipation of seeing all the people. As the kids and their parents start arriving for Sunday School I get excited. They are mostly pretty excited to be here. Once the opening exercises begin we get to sing all the kids songs that are so fun. Yesterday we sang the Butterfly Song and Jesus Loves Me. Every once in a while I try to sneak them into worship but I am told that these are kids songs. I love them just the same.
We are watching the Rob Bell series in my Senior High Class. I think the kids like it but they aren't a very talkative group. Of course it probably hurts that I fill the void. Yesterday we saw the segment titled Sunday. It talked about the fact that God wants to do is establish an intimate relationship with us but we hinder that sometimes by getting hung up on rituals and rules.
The Sunday School hour goes by pretty quickly. Then it is time for worship. We've been averaging about 95 people a week. I usually walk through the sanctuary early on Sunday mornings and pray for the people who will be there. After twenty five years in the pulpit, you get to know about where people sit each week. A lot of people settle into a pew and stay there for years. Others move around a bit. I always think that moving around gives you a little bit of perspective. But then again, I shouldn't talk because I am the ultimate creature of habit.
If I get a chance I like to greet some people before worship. It is harder during the year because I run from Sunday School to choir warm up and get back upstairs just before we process down the aisle. I still do it if I can.
I think we have a good choir. We lost a few people this past year but we still do a pretty good job. Our voices come together to give a good sound. I tell them all the time that I look at them as a partner in leading the worship service each week.
Yesterday Lee McFalls was supposed to be our worship assistant. He called in at 8:00 a.m. saying that his wife, Hillary, was having contractions and they needed to go to the hospital. It turns out that Hillary delivered twin boys at just after 11:30 p.m.. Cameron and Logan arrived about five weeks early but both of them were healthy and mom came through it OK.
I've been preaching a series of sermons on the Beatitudes and using the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5 - 7 as the context for them. Yesterday we talked about mercy. The message was well received. I've been excited by this series and fur of the five sermons have made my A list. I'll post the video of yesterday's sermon in the blog here tomorrow and you can judge for yourselves.
Sundays have been busy in the last month. Last week I participated in the Installation service of Willis McCaw at First Baptist Middletown. The week before I was down in Mystic at Union Baptist church participating in the installation service for Associate Pastor Rob James. Yesterday I had the afternoon free but took a little time to set up for our new, eight week video series with Rob Bell.
We had six of us show up for the initial session. It was titled Trees and in the video Rob talked about the fact that many Christians look at the Genesis story and the Revelation Story and live life looking forward to the new heaven and new earth. Believing in Christ becomes a
ticket to heaven. Yet he pointed out that this way of thinking doesn't speak to the here and now. Bell points out that what we do here is important. Jesus focused on how we should live, how we should treat others, how we should respect the earth and give God glory. Some good discussion followed. Next week we will be back at it again.
If I missed you this past week, I hope you will join us next week. I look forward to seeing you. God bless. Have a great week!
Cal
I love Sundays at First Baptist Church. I think it begins with the anticipation of seeing all the people. As the kids and their parents start arriving for Sunday School I get excited. They are mostly pretty excited to be here. Once the opening exercises begin we get to sing all the kids songs that are so fun. Yesterday we sang the Butterfly Song and Jesus Loves Me. Every once in a while I try to sneak them into worship but I am told that these are kids songs. I love them just the same.
We are watching the Rob Bell series in my Senior High Class. I think the kids like it but they aren't a very talkative group. Of course it probably hurts that I fill the void. Yesterday we saw the segment titled Sunday. It talked about the fact that God wants to do is establish an intimate relationship with us but we hinder that sometimes by getting hung up on rituals and rules.
The Sunday School hour goes by pretty quickly. Then it is time for worship. We've been averaging about 95 people a week. I usually walk through the sanctuary early on Sunday mornings and pray for the people who will be there. After twenty five years in the pulpit, you get to know about where people sit each week. A lot of people settle into a pew and stay there for years. Others move around a bit. I always think that moving around gives you a little bit of perspective. But then again, I shouldn't talk because I am the ultimate creature of habit.
If I get a chance I like to greet some people before worship. It is harder during the year because I run from Sunday School to choir warm up and get back upstairs just before we process down the aisle. I still do it if I can.
I think we have a good choir. We lost a few people this past year but we still do a pretty good job. Our voices come together to give a good sound. I tell them all the time that I look at them as a partner in leading the worship service each week.
Yesterday Lee McFalls was supposed to be our worship assistant. He called in at 8:00 a.m. saying that his wife, Hillary, was having contractions and they needed to go to the hospital. It turns out that Hillary delivered twin boys at just after 11:30 p.m.. Cameron and Logan arrived about five weeks early but both of them were healthy and mom came through it OK.
I've been preaching a series of sermons on the Beatitudes and using the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5 - 7 as the context for them. Yesterday we talked about mercy. The message was well received. I've been excited by this series and fur of the five sermons have made my A list. I'll post the video of yesterday's sermon in the blog here tomorrow and you can judge for yourselves.
Sundays have been busy in the last month. Last week I participated in the Installation service of Willis McCaw at First Baptist Middletown. The week before I was down in Mystic at Union Baptist church participating in the installation service for Associate Pastor Rob James. Yesterday I had the afternoon free but took a little time to set up for our new, eight week video series with Rob Bell.
We had six of us show up for the initial session. It was titled Trees and in the video Rob talked about the fact that many Christians look at the Genesis story and the Revelation Story and live life looking forward to the new heaven and new earth. Believing in Christ becomes a
ticket to heaven. Yet he pointed out that this way of thinking doesn't speak to the here and now. Bell points out that what we do here is important. Jesus focused on how we should live, how we should treat others, how we should respect the earth and give God glory. Some good discussion followed. Next week we will be back at it again.If I missed you this past week, I hope you will join us next week. I look forward to seeing you. God bless. Have a great week!
Cal
Monday, October 4, 2010
A funeral that reminds us of the generations gone by
On Wednesday, September 22 we hosted a memorial service for Charles F. Hamblen. Charlie grew up in the church where his mother and father and his grandparents were active members of the congregation. His father, Charles P. Hamblen, was the Moderator of the church for many years and his mother, Elsie, sang in the choir. Charlie had a great voice and he was also very active in the music ministry of the church as a young man.
Charlie and Judy had a daughter, Bethany, and they lived on Huntington Lane in Norwichtown for many years. Charlie taught at Norwich Free Academy. He loved to read and especially enjoyed anything connected to history.
He will be missed by his family and friends.
Cal
Charlie and Judy had a daughter, Bethany, and they lived on Huntington Lane in Norwichtown for many years. Charlie taught at Norwich Free Academy. He loved to read and especially enjoyed anything connected to history.
He will be missed by his family and friends.
Cal
Habitat and the Norwich Baptists
We had 55 people join us at our Foundations Class for Habitat for Humanity on Monday, September 20th. Amanda Duntz welcomed everyone and then led us through the informational and safety sessions that are required to participate in building sessions.
This session was open to the public but we had a good number of people associated with First and Central Baptist Churches. Our hope is that we can plan a few days when we can work on a house as a group as well as encouraging people to get involved on their own.
The following people were certified at the meeting; Marc Vaillancourt, Ray & June Deptulski, Pete & Betsey Adams, Jake Shanks, Randy Sargent, George & Lois Strouse, Amy Rezendes, Rosie Rakowitz, Stephanie Mattos, Gwyn Green, Erica Corbett, Bob Sullivan, Carol Calkins, Sandy Stone, Chelsey Calkins, Meagan Malone, Kaitlyn Beavan, Andy & Melanie Schueurmann, Mark Salomon, Kathy Spielman and me.
We are planning our first group build on Saturday, October 30. We will be working at 18 Cape Ann Court in New London. The work day is from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m and they are looking for fifteen volunteers. To sign up you need to go to http://www.habitatsect.org/ and click on the "Volunteer up button on the top left hand corner of the page. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and look for the FBC Norwich link.
If you have never volunteered before you will need to register and then sign up. For those who haven't taken the foundation course, you need to speak to Amanda Duntz. The next class is on October 9th is at the Habitat for Humanity Office from 10 - 11:30 a.m. You can sign up by registering online or by calling 860-442-7890. The address of the office is 377 Broad Street in New London.
Cal
This session was open to the public but we had a good number of people associated with First and Central Baptist Churches. Our hope is that we can plan a few days when we can work on a house as a group as well as encouraging people to get involved on their own.
The following people were certified at the meeting; Marc Vaillancourt, Ray & June Deptulski, Pete & Betsey Adams, Jake Shanks, Randy Sargent, George & Lois Strouse, Amy Rezendes, Rosie Rakowitz, Stephanie Mattos, Gwyn Green, Erica Corbett, Bob Sullivan, Carol Calkins, Sandy Stone, Chelsey Calkins, Meagan Malone, Kaitlyn Beavan, Andy & Melanie Schueurmann, Mark Salomon, Kathy Spielman and me.
We are planning our first group build on Saturday, October 30. We will be working at 18 Cape Ann Court in New London. The work day is from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m and they are looking for fifteen volunteers. To sign up you need to go to http://www.habitatsect.org/ and click on the "Volunteer up button on the top left hand corner of the page. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and look for the FBC Norwich link.
If you have never volunteered before you will need to register and then sign up. For those who haven't taken the foundation course, you need to speak to Amanda Duntz. The next class is on October 9th is at the Habitat for Humanity Office from 10 - 11:30 a.m. You can sign up by registering online or by calling 860-442-7890. The address of the office is 377 Broad Street in New London.
Cal
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The September luncheon
On Sunday afternoon we hosted the monthly community luncheon. Erica Corbett put together the kitchen crew which included her mother, Ginger Sullivan, Michelle Chaffee and Keely Backus. We cooked and served up a quiche dinner with a green salad, a summer vegetable medley, slice of ham, some au gratin potatoes and bread. It was yummy. For dessert we offered them a tasty fruity, chocolaty treat.
We offered up a blessing and included some prayers for some of the 55 guests who were present. Then Judy Vickers, her daughter, Janet LaFlamme and her daughter, Jennifer began bringing out the dinners. They had help from Taylor Chaffee, Chelsey Calkins and Else Chaffee.
After lunch everyone chipped in to clean up and we were out of there shortly after 3:00 p.m. It is a great way to spend an afternoon. Check out some of the photos from our outing.
Cal
We offered up a blessing and included some prayers for some of the 55 guests who were present. Then Judy Vickers, her daughter, Janet LaFlamme and her daughter, Jennifer began bringing out the dinners. They had help from Taylor Chaffee, Chelsey Calkins and Else Chaffee.
After lunch everyone chipped in to clean up and we were out of there shortly after 3:00 p.m. It is a great way to spend an afternoon. Check out some of the photos from our outing.
Cal
Friday, September 24, 2010
An enlightening Sunday
Worship was great on Sunday. We continued our series of sermons on the Sermon on the Mount that I am calling "Walking with Jesus, Growing in Faith. Our choir sang another upbeat anthem and we came together in prayer for each other and our world. Here is a clip of our choir singing thjis week. You will notice that Shawn Rucker is missing. She is away for the next two weeks. So once again I am calling all singers to join us next Tuesday. Oliver Bray and I are lonely in the men's section. We have fun and as you can see from this anthem, we sound pretty good too. Come join us if you like to sing and want to use that gift for God.
My message focused on the reality that all of us have problems in our lives. Just because we are Christians we shouldn't think we will be exempt. I pointed out the truth that god never promised us a "problem free" life. As a matter of fact he talked about walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
What God did promise though, was that he would be with us to comfort and strengthen us. I pointed out three ways that God does that. First he hears our sighs and our cries. He gave us the gift of prayer to remind us that he is always there. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray in the srermon on the mount and we forget that this was a new idea. Prayer was always something you did as a community but Jesus personalized it and said we can call on God anytime.
Second he shines a light into our darkness with words of promise and hope from the scriptures. When God shines his light into our lives the problem never seem as big or imposing. Finally I noted that god always comforts us with a human face. He sends people with us to encourage us and help us get through. I noted how my step mother was there for me as a 13 year boy when my natural mother died. She was a gift from god. The truth is that God does this all the time. Even more amazing is the fact that after we have been comforted God often sends us out to comfort others.
If you are going through a tough time and think this sermon might be helpful for you, check it out here on youtube.
As I said, it was a good day of worship and the fun continues next week with a message titled Is that God's Yardstick?" as we look at how God defines success.
Be blessed.
Cal
My message focused on the reality that all of us have problems in our lives. Just because we are Christians we shouldn't think we will be exempt. I pointed out the truth that god never promised us a "problem free" life. As a matter of fact he talked about walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
What God did promise though, was that he would be with us to comfort and strengthen us. I pointed out three ways that God does that. First he hears our sighs and our cries. He gave us the gift of prayer to remind us that he is always there. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray in the srermon on the mount and we forget that this was a new idea. Prayer was always something you did as a community but Jesus personalized it and said we can call on God anytime.
Second he shines a light into our darkness with words of promise and hope from the scriptures. When God shines his light into our lives the problem never seem as big or imposing. Finally I noted that god always comforts us with a human face. He sends people with us to encourage us and help us get through. I noted how my step mother was there for me as a 13 year boy when my natural mother died. She was a gift from god. The truth is that God does this all the time. Even more amazing is the fact that after we have been comforted God often sends us out to comfort others.
If you are going through a tough time and think this sermon might be helpful for you, check it out here on youtube.
As I said, it was a good day of worship and the fun continues next week with a message titled Is that God's Yardstick?" as we look at how God defines success.
Be blessed.
Cal
Looking for our Mission Statement
On Thursday night the Deacons met at church. It is an exciting time. We are looking at our purpose and trying to discern God's will for FBC Norwich. Sounds silly doesn't it? We know why the church exists. It is here to glorify God and to fulfill the great commission.
We are not looking to reinvent the world wide mission of the church. God did a good job. We are looking to focus in on what God is calling us to do and be here on the West side of Norwich, Connecticut, USA. It is the kind of thing we talked about when we were engaged in discussions with Central Baptist Church talking about a possible merger. We want to discern what God is calling us to do in 2011 and beyond.
So we began by looking at a list of things we decided were part of our purpose fro coming together as a church. The list included the following.
If you have ideas on this subject, feel free to share them with Curt Brockway, our chair, or any member of the Diaconate.
Peace!
Cal
We are not looking to reinvent the world wide mission of the church. God did a good job. We are looking to focus in on what God is calling us to do and be here on the West side of Norwich, Connecticut, USA. It is the kind of thing we talked about when we were engaged in discussions with Central Baptist Church talking about a possible merger. We want to discern what God is calling us to do in 2011 and beyond.
So we began by looking at a list of things we decided were part of our purpose fro coming together as a church. The list included the following.
- Bring Christ Into Our Lives
- Do God's Will
- Fulfill great commission
- Share God's love
- Feed & Clothe Poor
- Teach God’s Word
- Gather With Other Believers
- Pray For Each Other
- Share God’s Word
- Learn (Study) God’s Word
- Bring God’s Word To Life
- Comforting The Sick
- Beacon To Jesus’ Love
- Bring New Believers To Christ
- Physical Care For One Another
- Christian Education For All
- Share God’s Love Around World
- Deepen Each Others Understanding Of Gospel
- Inspire & Refresh
- Glorify God
- To let God’s love shine through you…
- To bring the knowledge of God’s love to everyone…
- Put God first before making any decisions.
- A Bible believing church family that seeks to reveal Jesus’ saving message in fulfilling the great commission to other believers and teach God’s word to the unsaved. Will do this by living as Christ like example bringing God’s word to life. Caring for all in our community.
- Coming together to learn, experience & see God’s love
- Open our doors & sharing God’s love to all who walk in…
- Seeking to do God’s will by meeting together regularly to pray for each other, share and teach God’s word…
- Spread the good news of God’s love & grace to our human family, through word & deed, so that those who already know will be encouraged to always do their best to live in the way Jesus taught and showed us we should, and so those who do not know it will see the light of God’s love in us.
- Open our hearts to people who need help in knowing God.
- An authentic faith community showing God’s will through word and deed.
If you have ideas on this subject, feel free to share them with Curt Brockway, our chair, or any member of the Diaconate.
Peace!
Cal
Monday, September 20, 2010
45 MPH services begin
On Wednesday night we had our first mid week service of the Fall. we are calling them 45 MPH services. I stole the title form my fried Rev. Michael Crane at the Essex Baptist Church. It stands for 45 minutes of music prayer and hope. That's what these services are about. They give us a little dose of worship and encouragement in the middle of the week.
This Fall we are trying to keep them to 45 minutes beginning at 7:00 p.m. each Wednesday. Our singers weren't prepared for the first week so we sang some old favorites to get us warmed up. Then we spent some time in prayer. One of the things we will be doing this year is praying specifically for individuals and families in the congregation at random as well as focsing on those who have needs. We want to make sure that prayers are said for every family in the church. So each week we will lift up seven families or individuals and prayer for them even if there is nothing in particular going on in their lives. Then we will send a card to the family alerting them that we were thinking of them.
This week we lifted up the Tag & Joy Griffin and the family, Harry, Dot & Chelsey Calkins, Curt & Mary Brockway, Steve Contois, Adele & Harts Cofer, George & Lois Strouse and
We also kicked off things by watching a short video by Rob Bell. He is a pastor of a church in Minnesota and he has received national acclaim for his Nooma Series of short, thought provoking videos. I offered the first in a series of these videos titled, "Rain" and then made a few comments on what Bell said. We are going to use these videos as the starting point for a Bible study on Sunday nights in October and November.
The service ended at 7:46 p.m. with people already excited for the next Wednesday night adventure.
Cal
This Fall we are trying to keep them to 45 minutes beginning at 7:00 p.m. each Wednesday. Our singers weren't prepared for the first week so we sang some old favorites to get us warmed up. Then we spent some time in prayer. One of the things we will be doing this year is praying specifically for individuals and families in the congregation at random as well as focsing on those who have needs. We want to make sure that prayers are said for every family in the church. So each week we will lift up seven families or individuals and prayer for them even if there is nothing in particular going on in their lives. Then we will send a card to the family alerting them that we were thinking of them.
This week we lifted up the Tag & Joy Griffin and the family, Harry, Dot & Chelsey Calkins, Curt & Mary Brockway, Steve Contois, Adele & Harts Cofer, George & Lois Strouse and
We also kicked off things by watching a short video by Rob Bell. He is a pastor of a church in Minnesota and he has received national acclaim for his Nooma Series of short, thought provoking videos. I offered the first in a series of these videos titled, "Rain" and then made a few comments on what Bell said. We are going to use these videos as the starting point for a Bible study on Sunday nights in October and November.
The service ended at 7:46 p.m. with people already excited for the next Wednesday night adventure.
Cal
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Fun at choir
Choir met on Tuesday night and began working through the anthems for the coming weeks. We have a lot of new music so its been fun. It has also been harder than normal because we are learning a lot of new pieces instead of simply refreshing our memories on anthems we have done in the past.
We don't have a professional choir. That means most of us simply have fun singing. In order to catch on with a new piece Adele has to drill it into us. We need to go over and over it. That can be tedious at times but when you finally get it right, it is so rewarding and makes you glad that you decided to join the choir.
This week we are doing one that we did a few years ago that everyone liked. By singing it, we have a little breathing room to put the finishing touches on the first of the brand new pieces of the Fall. I put last week's anthem up on the page here and hope to do that regularly now that we are video recording the services. So look for them. Of course, I hope you'll plan to be here in person. There's nothing like it.
If you want to join the choir come next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. and you will see for yourself how much fun it can be.
Cal
We don't have a professional choir. That means most of us simply have fun singing. In order to catch on with a new piece Adele has to drill it into us. We need to go over and over it. That can be tedious at times but when you finally get it right, it is so rewarding and makes you glad that you decided to join the choir.
This week we are doing one that we did a few years ago that everyone liked. By singing it, we have a little breathing room to put the finishing touches on the first of the brand new pieces of the Fall. I put last week's anthem up on the page here and hope to do that regularly now that we are video recording the services. So look for them. Of course, I hope you'll plan to be here in person. There's nothing like it.
If you want to join the choir come next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. and you will see for yourself how much fun it can be.
Cal
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sunday School opening
Lori Lord greeted everyone and welcomed them to the opening day of Sunday School. We call it "Rally Day" because we root and cheer everyone on and rally them to come back to join us. We had a good number show up for our kick off event. There were several more who promised to be here in the coming weeks as they wrap up the fair season and come back from family vacations and illness.There were goodies for everyone to enjoy and some welcome back gifts for all those who registered. After everyone got settled in we began with a salute to the flags and a few fun songs. Then Noah and Chelsea helped by taking up the offering.
Lori then introduced this year's teaching staff.
Fran Rogers and Sandra Lucien were introduced as the Nursery Class teachers.
Rachelle Weimer, Janet LaFlamme and Zelda Earle were leading the K - 2nd grade class.
Pam Kane and Kelly Bolin welcomed grades 3 - 5.
Mary Brockway was announced as the new teacher for grades 6 -8.
I am working with the High School class again this year.
Curt Brockway was named as the Adult Sunday School Teacher.
We finished up our opening exercises by going out front to take our annual photograph. As we look back over the years it is fun to see who was there and how much everyone has grown up.
Classes will run from 9:15 am - 10:15 a.m. again this year and anyone is welcome to attend. You don't have to be members of the church. All you have to have is a willing heart.
Pam Kane is the Superintendent of Sunday School. You can contact her if any questions arise. Lori Lord will be co-ordinating the opening exercises again this year and she and Cynthia Strouse will be working on music for the Sunday School. Cheryl Dutrumble has also offered to help.
Mary Brockway will be directing this year's Christmas Play so stay tuned for news as we move toward through the Fall.
It was a good day and we got aff to a great start. It is going to be a fun year for all of us.
Cal
Monday, September 13, 2010
Rally Day: The first worship service of the Fall.
Rally Day. That's what they call it. It marks the beginning of another year of Christian education and religious programming at Church. I like it because everyone who was taking time away for the summer comes back. It is like a mini reunion.
Gary and Nancy Schuster were at the door welcoming everyone and we had a good turnout for the service. Our custodian, Will Calderon, had worked very hard to make sure everything looked good for the day.
The choir was back and singing again. They not only led us in singing the hymns, but they also sang the anthem, "Make a Joyful Noise." It was great. Of course I put in a plug for people to consider joining the choir. Right now we have 13 of us in the group. It is a good size but we have had as many as 21 in past years and I believe in the saying "the more, the merrier!"
Check out the video from Sunday and you'll see what I mean. We really enjoy singing God's praises.
I began a sermon series based upon the Sermon on the Mount. It is titled, "Walking with Jesus, Growing in Faith." The Beatitudes provide the jumping off point each week.
The title of my first message in the series was "GPS for Dummies." The first beatitude says that those who are poor in spirit, those who know they need God, will see the kingdom of God.
I talked about building a foundation upon which to grow our relationship with God. To do that we need to program our God Positioning System with four settings. First, we need to give God the first part of our day. Second, we need to give him the first part of our week. Third, we need to give him the first part of our finances. Finally we need to give him the first part of our relationships. By doing so we will receive all the blessings of God's kingdom.
Our text was from Matthew 7:24-27 which encourages us to build our house on the solid rock. I can't do this every week but here is the full sermon in three parts. I hope to be able to post them on our church web site in the future. If you like this then you can check them out
It was a great day of worship and it got us off to a good start this Fall. If you missed it, we hope you'll join us next week as we continue in worship and praise together.
Cal
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Gary and Nancy Schuster were at the door welcoming everyone and we had a good turnout for the service. Our custodian, Will Calderon, had worked very hard to make sure everything looked good for the day.
The choir was back and singing again. They not only led us in singing the hymns, but they also sang the anthem, "Make a Joyful Noise." It was great. Of course I put in a plug for people to consider joining the choir. Right now we have 13 of us in the group. It is a good size but we have had as many as 21 in past years and I believe in the saying "the more, the merrier!"
Check out the video from Sunday and you'll see what I mean. We really enjoy singing God's praises.
I began a sermon series based upon the Sermon on the Mount. It is titled, "Walking with Jesus, Growing in Faith." The Beatitudes provide the jumping off point each week.
The title of my first message in the series was "GPS for Dummies." The first beatitude says that those who are poor in spirit, those who know they need God, will see the kingdom of God.
I talked about building a foundation upon which to grow our relationship with God. To do that we need to program our God Positioning System with four settings. First, we need to give God the first part of our day. Second, we need to give him the first part of our week. Third, we need to give him the first part of our finances. Finally we need to give him the first part of our relationships. By doing so we will receive all the blessings of God's kingdom.
Our text was from Matthew 7:24-27 which encourages us to build our house on the solid rock. I can't do this every week but here is the full sermon in three parts. I hope to be able to post them on our church web site in the future. If you like this then you can check them out
It was a great day of worship and it got us off to a good start this Fall. If you missed it, we hope you'll join us next week as we continue in worship and praise together.
Cal
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The sound man
Steve Contois is another of our unsung heroes here at First Baptist. Most of us see him in the choir loft playing the guitar and working with the Praise team. He does a great job there but he also works our sound system each week. That may be even more important to making worship go smoothly.
Steve does a sound check each week and makes sure there are fresh batteries in the lapel mikes. He sets up the microphone stands for special music and adjusts the volume for the different people who speak each week. He also makes audio tapes of the services for Adele and anyone else who wants one.
He is always looking for help but for now he is a one man show and the rest of us owe him a big "Thank you!"
Cal
Steve does a sound check each week and makes sure there are fresh batteries in the lapel mikes. He sets up the microphone stands for special music and adjusts the volume for the different people who speak each week. He also makes audio tapes of the services for Adele and anyone else who wants one.
He is always looking for help but for now he is a one man show and the rest of us owe him a big "Thank you!"
Cal
Monday, September 6, 2010
A family dedication in church
WE had a great day in worship on Sunday. We marked Labor Day by talking about the work of the church to make disciples. We also welcomed the Dutrumble family, their relatives and friends as Dan and Cheryl brought Caleb James forward to ask God's blessing on him in a service of family dedication. Cheryl's father, Paul Johnson sang "I Was There To Hear Your Bourning Cry" with piano accompaniment by his wife. It was beautiful.We closed out the service around the communion table and then formed a circle of fellowship around the sanctuary and sang "Bless Be the Tie Which Binds."
Cal
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Unsung heroes at FBC
Bob Walker was at church today folding the weekly bulletins and getting things set up for worship on Sunday. He changes the numbers on the hymn board, replaces missing visitor cards in the pew racks and checks to see that everything else is in order in the sanctuary. On the first Saturday of the month he also prepares the communion table and gets it ready for the service.
Most people who walk into church on a Sunday morning don't think about all the little things that have to happen in order to make Sunday morning worship a spirit filled time. People like Bob quietly work behind the scenes so that you and I can connect with the Lord.
Over the next several days and weeks I am going to lift up a few of the people who make themselves available to the Lord so that we can enjoy the service. Bob Walker has been doing this job for several years now. He took over as the chair of the reception committee from Oliver Bray and he has gone over and above the call of duty.
Thank you Bob for your prayerful preparations.
Cal
Most people who walk into church on a Sunday morning don't think about all the little things that have to happen in order to make Sunday morning worship a spirit filled time. People like Bob quietly work behind the scenes so that you and I can connect with the Lord.
Over the next several days and weeks I am going to lift up a few of the people who make themselves available to the Lord so that we can enjoy the service. Bob Walker has been doing this job for several years now. He took over as the chair of the reception committee from Oliver Bray and he has gone over and above the call of duty.
Thank you Bob for your prayerful preparations.
Cal
Friday, September 3, 2010
It's choir time
I met with Adele and Cynthia this morning to talk about the music program this fall. They are ready to go and have several new pieces of music picked out that will delight the choir. Rehearsals begin next Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. and we never know who will show up. We have a great group of faithful members now. The following people have indicated they are coming back this year; Mary Brockway, Amy Rezendes, Susie Rothholz, Cindy Costa, Nancy Allen, Cynthia Strouse, Lori Lord, Rosie Rakowitz and Helen Walker as sopranos and altos. Oliver Bray, Shawn Rucker and I singing Baritone.
Several of the new anthems are variations of familiar hymns or praise songs that touch upon the idea of God's grace. We will mix in a few old favorites along the way too.
Adele picked out a very nice anthem for the Annual Choir Festival. It is always a lot of fun and is usually held on the second Sunday of November. It is also one of the highlights of our ecumenical life in the city of Norwich.
We will also be practicing advent and Christmas anthems before we know it. I have to confess that they are my favorite.
So if you like to sing and are looking for something fun to do this Fall, consider joining us on Tuesday nights. You don't have to be a member of the church. The only requirement is a desire to sing God's praises. While you are at it, invite a friend to come with you. They will thank you and it will only add to the fun.
Cal
Several of the new anthems are variations of familiar hymns or praise songs that touch upon the idea of God's grace. We will mix in a few old favorites along the way too.
Adele picked out a very nice anthem for the Annual Choir Festival. It is always a lot of fun and is usually held on the second Sunday of November. It is also one of the highlights of our ecumenical life in the city of Norwich.
We will also be practicing advent and Christmas anthems before we know it. I have to confess that they are my favorite.
So if you like to sing and are looking for something fun to do this Fall, consider joining us on Tuesday nights. You don't have to be a member of the church. The only requirement is a desire to sing God's praises. While you are at it, invite a friend to come with you. They will thank you and it will only add to the fun.
Cal
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
He lifts us up
After a busy couple of days I had the opportunity to surf the web a little tonight. I was looking for some inspirational pieces I could for worship or in these blogs. I came across this video tonight and it spoke to me.
The truth is that this is the message of the church. We live in a broken world where dreams are unrealized and hopes are dashed. God sends us out to lift each other up and to help one another make it to the finish line. God himself often empowers us to to make it to the finish line.
A church that glorifies God is a church that carries his love out to the world to restore hope and make dreams become reality. I think our church is that kind of place.
Thank you Lord,
Cal
The truth is that this is the message of the church. We live in a broken world where dreams are unrealized and hopes are dashed. God sends us out to lift each other up and to help one another make it to the finish line. God himself often empowers us to to make it to the finish line.
A church that glorifies God is a church that carries his love out to the world to restore hope and make dreams become reality. I think our church is that kind of place.
Thank you Lord,
Cal
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
A Habitat Afternoon
On Sunday afternoon Joslaire and Noah Lucien, Amanda Duntz and I participated in the walking tour and dedication of five Habitat houses in New London. It was a great event. We got to meet the families and see what was happening in the neighborhoods where Habitat was working to make a difference. There were five houses in different stages of rehab and/or being built.
There were at least seventy five people on hand as we began the walk. with singing and prayers and short devotionals we dedicated each of the houses. We participated in some demolition in the first house. We prayed over the walls in another house. We wrote our names and made our mark on yet another house. At the last house a group actually erected a wall.
We support Habitat with an offering from our mission budget every year but this year we plan to take the next step. We are going to offer a foundations class at church which will allow the participants to work on homes. The date for the class is Monday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m. right at the church. Then we plan on organizing a couple of days to actually volunteer on one of the houses. The good news is that in the next year there is a house scheduled to go online right in our own neighborhood. We want to be ready to jump in with both feet.
So come on board and let's make a difference in our own community by making this mission part of our mission at FBC Norwich.
Cal
There were at least seventy five people on hand as we began the walk. with singing and prayers and short devotionals we dedicated each of the houses. We participated in some demolition in the first house. We prayed over the walls in another house. We wrote our names and made our mark on yet another house. At the last house a group actually erected a wall.
We support Habitat with an offering from our mission budget every year but this year we plan to take the next step. We are going to offer a foundations class at church which will allow the participants to work on homes. The date for the class is Monday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m. right at the church. Then we plan on organizing a couple of days to actually volunteer on one of the houses. The good news is that in the next year there is a house scheduled to go online right in our own neighborhood. We want to be ready to jump in with both feet.
So come on board and let's make a difference in our own community by making this mission part of our mission at FBC Norwich.
Cal
Monday, August 30, 2010
Day of celebration at FBC Norwich
When Jamie and Ingrid brought Gorman forward it was just the beginning of a very special day of worship. We had already sung "The Old Rugged Cross" and had a chance to greet some old friends. Fred Green was back and all aglow with that smile that only new grandparents can share. Stacia and Nick had given him his first grandson, Maximus Grange and Gwyn was down in Florida taking pictures and giving hugs. Patricia and Steve Ohlund were back too. They have been attending the First Baptist Church of Lebanon this summer. It is a little closer to their home and a very welcoming congregation.
Jamie and Ingrid had family and friends present for the celebration and Gorman was awake and ready. They came forward during the singing of the hymn "This Child We Dedicate" and then I explained the rationale behind our family dedication ceremonies. It is a simple service where the parents thank God for the gift of their child and promise to raise him or her in a Christian home where the child can come to know about the love of God.
We also ask the congregation get involved by asking them if they will stand with the parents and support them by providing a church family that they can come to for encouragement and advice. On Sunday I introduced Gorman to everyone and told him that he had several big brothers and sisters that he could count on to help him and his parents going forward. He smiled and looked around at everyone. Then I prayed over him and his parents asked God to bless them with wisdom and good health.
I invited the children forward and brought out baby Jesus, the one we use at Christmas. I noted that we always bring him out and put him in the manger on Christmas eve but then we put him away until next year. I said that this made Jesus sad. He wanted to be with us all the time. Then I pointed out that Jamie, Ingrid and Jesly were going to be baptized and when they did that they were really inviting Jesus to be with them every day from now on.
After the offering and announcements we sang "Just As I Am." Our scripture was from Luke 14:1-12 and in my message I noted that Jesus was the guest of honor at a banquet and he used the occasion to talk about who God wanted to see at his table. The point was that God cares about us and wants us all to sit at table with him.
That set the stage for our baptism service out at Camp Wightman. We left church at 10:2o a.m and drove out to North Stonington to our Baptist camp. There we invited Jesly Souvenance, Ingrid and Jamie Todd to come forward to be baptized by immersion.
Jesly came out to the water first.
Ingrid came next.
Jamie was the third and final person to enter the water.
It was a beautiful ceremony and celebration of new life. It was also the end of a great morning of worship.
Cal
Jamie and Ingrid had family and friends present for the celebration and Gorman was awake and ready. They came forward during the singing of the hymn "This Child We Dedicate" and then I explained the rationale behind our family dedication ceremonies. It is a simple service where the parents thank God for the gift of their child and promise to raise him or her in a Christian home where the child can come to know about the love of God.
We also ask the congregation get involved by asking them if they will stand with the parents and support them by providing a church family that they can come to for encouragement and advice. On Sunday I introduced Gorman to everyone and told him that he had several big brothers and sisters that he could count on to help him and his parents going forward. He smiled and looked around at everyone. Then I prayed over him and his parents asked God to bless them with wisdom and good health.
I invited the children forward and brought out baby Jesus, the one we use at Christmas. I noted that we always bring him out and put him in the manger on Christmas eve but then we put him away until next year. I said that this made Jesus sad. He wanted to be with us all the time. Then I pointed out that Jamie, Ingrid and Jesly were going to be baptized and when they did that they were really inviting Jesus to be with them every day from now on.
After the offering and announcements we sang "Just As I Am." Our scripture was from Luke 14:1-12 and in my message I noted that Jesus was the guest of honor at a banquet and he used the occasion to talk about who God wanted to see at his table. The point was that God cares about us and wants us all to sit at table with him.
That set the stage for our baptism service out at Camp Wightman. We left church at 10:2o a.m and drove out to North Stonington to our Baptist camp. There we invited Jesly Souvenance, Ingrid and Jamie Todd to come forward to be baptized by immersion.
Jesly came out to the water first.
Ingrid came next.
Jamie was the third and final person to enter the water.
It was a beautiful ceremony and celebration of new life. It was also the end of a great morning of worship.
Cal
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Special times with church families
We had a good day at church. This afternoon we hosted a memorial service for Kathie Wright. Kathie and her family attended the church back in the 1980's for a while. She was friends with Betty Watson and they came together. Of course being a Navy family they traveled all over and they left the area for many years. When she came back, she never really got involved in church again. Last week she passed away and the family looked to the one place where Kathie had found a spiritual home. Today we celebrated her faith in a service at church.
I got home about 4:30 p.m. and then decided to head up to Canterbury for an open house at the new home of Kevin and Lindsey Mariano. They invited friends and family over to break in the new house. It was nice to be a part of this new chapter in the family's life.
The book of life has many chapters and the church can often be found in between the pages. From celebrating birth to remembering life, to blessing a new home or starting a new path in life, God wants to be a part of all of it. So I feel blessed to be invited to so many intimate gatherings. I am absolutely certain that God feels the same way, even more so.
Cal
I got home about 4:30 p.m. and then decided to head up to Canterbury for an open house at the new home of Kevin and Lindsey Mariano. They invited friends and family over to break in the new house. It was nice to be a part of this new chapter in the family's life.
The book of life has many chapters and the church can often be found in between the pages. From celebrating birth to remembering life, to blessing a new home or starting a new path in life, God wants to be a part of all of it. So I feel blessed to be invited to so many intimate gatherings. I am absolutely certain that God feels the same way, even more so.
Cal
Friday, August 27, 2010
New life
I can't wait until Sunday. It's going to be a big day at church. We'll begin with a very special family dedication service within our worship service. Jamie and Ingrid Todd were told they couldn't have any children. Yet through a miracle, Gorman was born earlier this year. As Jamie tells it, he got word that Ingrid was pregnant almost at the same time he decided to give his life to Christ. They look at it as a miracle of Biblical proportions.
They will be coming to worship to give thanks to God for the precious gift that they have in their son. It doesn't get better than that. Or does it? After the sermon we will be heading out to Camp Wightman where Ingrid and Jamie will join Jesley Souvenance in the waters of Christian baptism. The three of them will confess their faith in Christ and begin their Christian walk.
New life. That's what our faith is all about. Whether it is in the birth a tiny child or in the first few steps of a lifetime of faithfulness, our faith opens the door to wonder and joy. I hope you can be with us on Sunday as we taste the goodness of God.
Cal
They will be coming to worship to give thanks to God for the precious gift that they have in their son. It doesn't get better than that. Or does it? After the sermon we will be heading out to Camp Wightman where Ingrid and Jamie will join Jesley Souvenance in the waters of Christian baptism. The three of them will confess their faith in Christ and begin their Christian walk.
New life. That's what our faith is all about. Whether it is in the birth a tiny child or in the first few steps of a lifetime of faithfulness, our faith opens the door to wonder and joy. I hope you can be with us on Sunday as we taste the goodness of God.
Cal
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Missions
Last night Mark Kane, our treasurer, and I sat down to go over our mission giving and to make sure we had everything up to date. It is very satisfying to know that we support so many good ministries.
For example we give $400 a year to St. Vincent de Paul Place and their ministry to the hungry. It isn't much but every little bit helps. St. Vincent de Paul feeds breakfast and lunch to several hundred people every week. They also provide groceries for several hundred families. It is a safe place for people going through transitions. They are on the front lines working with people below the poverty line. It is great to have a small part in this ministry.
We also give $100 to the Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center. This group works with young women and offers them an alternative to abortion. They provide information and support for young mothers. They work to provide affordable medical care and offer encouragement for these ladies who make the hard choice to keep their children or put them up for adoption. They have so many testimonies to share and it is great to know that we are saving lives and making a difference.
We give money to Pierce Baptist Home, the Noank Group Home for Girls, Camp Wightman, Andover Newton Theological School and Eastern College. All of these ministries reach out to different segments of our population.
We can't do it all but through these partnerships we are able to have a hand in God's work as He makes a difference all around us.
Cal
For example we give $400 a year to St. Vincent de Paul Place and their ministry to the hungry. It isn't much but every little bit helps. St. Vincent de Paul feeds breakfast and lunch to several hundred people every week. They also provide groceries for several hundred families. It is a safe place for people going through transitions. They are on the front lines working with people below the poverty line. It is great to have a small part in this ministry.
We also give $100 to the Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center. This group works with young women and offers them an alternative to abortion. They provide information and support for young mothers. They work to provide affordable medical care and offer encouragement for these ladies who make the hard choice to keep their children or put them up for adoption. They have so many testimonies to share and it is great to know that we are saving lives and making a difference.
We give money to Pierce Baptist Home, the Noank Group Home for Girls, Camp Wightman, Andover Newton Theological School and Eastern College. All of these ministries reach out to different segments of our population.
We can't do it all but through these partnerships we are able to have a hand in God's work as He makes a difference all around us.
Cal
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
A day in God's hands
There weren't enough hours in the day for all the things I could have done today but I did manage to maximize my time and get to several divine appointments.
I got to church at 8:00 a.m. and went to work on my weekly epistle. It usually takes me a couple of hours to work it out and then send it. The epistle began as an occasional email to members of the church with something to think about. It went out as a reminder that God is always at work, always with us during the six other days of the week when we are away from church. About six or seven years ago a friend of mine at the Norwich Bulletin picked it up and starting using it as a weekly column for the Spirit page. It's popularity has grown and over the years I have heard many testimonies on how it has touched people's lives. People who don't go to church read it. People who are active members of different parishes read it. My Jewish friends read it. I even had a Jehovah's witness call me and tell me she enjoyed it. Today I consider it a part of our ministry as we reach out to share the good news. Just because someone doesn't come to our church on Sunday doesn't mean that we can't minister to them.
The truth is that you do it in your own way every day. When you give your day to Christ, everything you do becomes an opportunity to serve him. I do it with my column. You do it when you share yourself at work or at school.
I finished up my column and sent it off and then headed to the US Navy Base. Shane Stroud was retiring from the Navy as a Chief Warrant Officer after 20 plus years. I met Nikki and his daughter, Kyla, and a few family friends. I was asked to do an invocation as part of the ceremony and I agreed. What I didn't realize was that the MC had me sitting up front for the ceremony. I went from trying to hide in the back to being up front and center. I didn't mind and it turned out to be a real nice ceremony.
Nikki and Shane came to Norwich a few years ago. He was in the Navy and assigned to the Sub-base where he would be working with Electric Boat to build a new submarine. She was expecting twins. They came to church and I got to know them. They came a few times but then Nikki was told she had to lay low. She ended up delivering her twin boys prematurely and I made a few trips to the hospital and we prayed through those difficult days. Nikki had her hands full when the boys finally got to come home. A few of our people went to visit and help out with the boys and the Strouds became part of our extended family.
So I was extremely proud to be a part of their day. Shane had served for over twenty years and they were closing this chapter in their lives and getting ready to head home to Oklahoma. For their time in Connecticut, we were their connection to church and our prayers made life in New England bearable.
We get lots of people who pass through. They visit us and come into the life of our church family for a time and then move on. I think God sends them to enrich us and bless us as much as we bless them. I think of the Keithleys, the Eisans, and so many others who came and went like the seasons in a year.
After leaving the Stroud's celebration I went to New London to meet a former member of our softball team. I hadn't seen him in years but he called and asked me to stop by. He was going through a difficult time and asked me to pray with him. That's what I do and I was happy to see him again and I know he is on the right path. He told me he wanted to invite Christ into his life. Can you imagine that? He asked me how to do it. He came to me because of our relationship and he wanted what I had. The truth is that people come to you and me when they see Christ in us. We are the ones who can help them find peace and hope and the love of God because of our relationship with them. I left there thanking God.
I got back to church and met a woman who I have known since I was a teenager. She wanted to talk about her funeral. She has terminal cancer and was making her final arrangements. We prayed and talked about her life and what we were going to do at her service. She had made her peace with God and was ready. That is what faith can do for you.
It was only 2:00 p.m. when she left and I had already had a full day. I went home for a bit to catch up on my e-mail and before heading out again for more meetings. I am tired tonight but I was blessed today. I can't wait to see what God has planned for tomorrow.
Cal
I got to church at 8:00 a.m. and went to work on my weekly epistle. It usually takes me a couple of hours to work it out and then send it. The epistle began as an occasional email to members of the church with something to think about. It went out as a reminder that God is always at work, always with us during the six other days of the week when we are away from church. About six or seven years ago a friend of mine at the Norwich Bulletin picked it up and starting using it as a weekly column for the Spirit page. It's popularity has grown and over the years I have heard many testimonies on how it has touched people's lives. People who don't go to church read it. People who are active members of different parishes read it. My Jewish friends read it. I even had a Jehovah's witness call me and tell me she enjoyed it. Today I consider it a part of our ministry as we reach out to share the good news. Just because someone doesn't come to our church on Sunday doesn't mean that we can't minister to them.
The truth is that you do it in your own way every day. When you give your day to Christ, everything you do becomes an opportunity to serve him. I do it with my column. You do it when you share yourself at work or at school.
I finished up my column and sent it off and then headed to the US Navy Base. Shane Stroud was retiring from the Navy as a Chief Warrant Officer after 20 plus years. I met Nikki and his daughter, Kyla, and a few family friends. I was asked to do an invocation as part of the ceremony and I agreed. What I didn't realize was that the MC had me sitting up front for the ceremony. I went from trying to hide in the back to being up front and center. I didn't mind and it turned out to be a real nice ceremony.
Nikki and Shane came to Norwich a few years ago. He was in the Navy and assigned to the Sub-base where he would be working with Electric Boat to build a new submarine. She was expecting twins. They came to church and I got to know them. They came a few times but then Nikki was told she had to lay low. She ended up delivering her twin boys prematurely and I made a few trips to the hospital and we prayed through those difficult days. Nikki had her hands full when the boys finally got to come home. A few of our people went to visit and help out with the boys and the Strouds became part of our extended family.
So I was extremely proud to be a part of their day. Shane had served for over twenty years and they were closing this chapter in their lives and getting ready to head home to Oklahoma. For their time in Connecticut, we were their connection to church and our prayers made life in New England bearable.
We get lots of people who pass through. They visit us and come into the life of our church family for a time and then move on. I think God sends them to enrich us and bless us as much as we bless them. I think of the Keithleys, the Eisans, and so many others who came and went like the seasons in a year.
After leaving the Stroud's celebration I went to New London to meet a former member of our softball team. I hadn't seen him in years but he called and asked me to stop by. He was going through a difficult time and asked me to pray with him. That's what I do and I was happy to see him again and I know he is on the right path. He told me he wanted to invite Christ into his life. Can you imagine that? He asked me how to do it. He came to me because of our relationship and he wanted what I had. The truth is that people come to you and me when they see Christ in us. We are the ones who can help them find peace and hope and the love of God because of our relationship with them. I left there thanking God.
I got back to church and met a woman who I have known since I was a teenager. She wanted to talk about her funeral. She has terminal cancer and was making her final arrangements. We prayed and talked about her life and what we were going to do at her service. She had made her peace with God and was ready. That is what faith can do for you.
It was only 2:00 p.m. when she left and I had already had a full day. I went home for a bit to catch up on my e-mail and before heading out again for more meetings. I am tired tonight but I was blessed today. I can't wait to see what God has planned for tomorrow.
Cal
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Gearing up for Sunday School
It's hard to believe that summer is drawing to a close. Tonight we met to talk about Sunday School. Sunday School Superintendent Pam Kane led us through a number of questions that needed to be answered as we look forward to a new year.
Sunday School classes will open on September 12. Lori Lord will be back to lead opening exercises and Mary Brockway noted that she has some gifts to donate for recognizing birthdays. We are also going to continue our practice of giving little gifts for those who arrive on time each week.
Fran Rogers and Sandra Lucien will be teaching the Nursery Class again this year. Janet LaFlamme and Rachelle Weimer will be back with the K - 2 class. Pam Kane and Kelly Bolin will be working with the kids in grades 3-5. I'll be back with the High School kids this year. The only change will be the addition of Mary Brockway to the staff. She'll be teaching grades 6-8 this year.
On September 12 we will welcome everyone back at 9:15 a.m. with registration and refreshments. We will also take our annual photograph. Flyers will be going out in the next week or so to all of our families inviting them back. We will also put an ad in the newspaper.
We set the dates for our special events as well. The Christmas Pageant and Party will be on December 19th at 6 p.m. The snow date will be Thursday, December 23rd. Our Children's Day celebration is scheduled for May 22nd.
We are so excited for the year to begin. We hope that you will join us. Bring the kids. Come and enjoy the adult Bible Study taught by Curt Brockway. They will be studying I & II Peter and Jude this Fall. It's a great study for those who are just jumping into the Bible for the first time as well as for those who have been reading it for a while.
Cal
Sunday School classes will open on September 12. Lori Lord will be back to lead opening exercises and Mary Brockway noted that she has some gifts to donate for recognizing birthdays. We are also going to continue our practice of giving little gifts for those who arrive on time each week.
Fran Rogers and Sandra Lucien will be teaching the Nursery Class again this year. Janet LaFlamme and Rachelle Weimer will be back with the K - 2 class. Pam Kane and Kelly Bolin will be working with the kids in grades 3-5. I'll be back with the High School kids this year. The only change will be the addition of Mary Brockway to the staff. She'll be teaching grades 6-8 this year.
On September 12 we will welcome everyone back at 9:15 a.m. with registration and refreshments. We will also take our annual photograph. Flyers will be going out in the next week or so to all of our families inviting them back. We will also put an ad in the newspaper.
We set the dates for our special events as well. The Christmas Pageant and Party will be on December 19th at 6 p.m. The snow date will be Thursday, December 23rd. Our Children's Day celebration is scheduled for May 22nd.
We are so excited for the year to begin. We hope that you will join us. Bring the kids. Come and enjoy the adult Bible Study taught by Curt Brockway. They will be studying I & II Peter and Jude this Fall. It's a great study for those who are just jumping into the Bible for the first time as well as for those who have been reading it for a while.
Cal
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sports Recognition Sunday celebration
The Softball season came to its official end yesterday as we celebrated their success in morning worship. Several of the team members were present as we handed out end of the season awards. Sean Wilding was named Most Improved Player. Mark Staron was voted the 11th Player. The Best Defensive Player was Chip Chaffee.
The Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player was Tony Snurkowski. He joins Bill Discordia, Bruce Startz, Andy Miller, and Chip Chafe as the other players to win both awards in their first season on the team. Tony led the team with 23 games played, a team record 50 hits, 7 triples and 45 RBI. He and Eric Larsen combined to put up some pretty nasty numbers on offense. Eric led the team with 21 extra base hits, 40 runs scored, 47 hits and 13 doubles. Both of them also batted over .600 for the season and played great defense.
During the service Steve Contois shared some special music and the message was titled, "Hitting With God on Deck." The point of the sermon was that when we offer God our best he will make it count.
We also inducted two new members into our Sports Ministry Hall of Fame. Amy Brockway Meyer and Fred Stone were invited to come forward as we recognized them for their work in the bowling League and on the softball field, respectively. We also noted that Fred was a two time champion in bowling and a long time coach and past President of the Norwich Little League.
It was a great day.
Cal
The Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player was Tony Snurkowski. He joins Bill Discordia, Bruce Startz, Andy Miller, and Chip Chafe as the other players to win both awards in their first season on the team. Tony led the team with 23 games played, a team record 50 hits, 7 triples and 45 RBI. He and Eric Larsen combined to put up some pretty nasty numbers on offense. Eric led the team with 21 extra base hits, 40 runs scored, 47 hits and 13 doubles. Both of them also batted over .600 for the season and played great defense.
During the service Steve Contois shared some special music and the message was titled, "Hitting With God on Deck." The point of the sermon was that when we offer God our best he will make it count.
We also inducted two new members into our Sports Ministry Hall of Fame. Amy Brockway Meyer and Fred Stone were invited to come forward as we recognized them for their work in the bowling League and on the softball field, respectively. We also noted that Fred was a two time champion in bowling and a long time coach and past President of the Norwich Little League.
It was a great day.
Cal
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Celebrating with the Kane Family
The best part of being an ordained minister is the fact that you get to be there and actually participate in the special moments of peoples lives. On Saturday I had a front row seat for the wedding of Cassie Kane and Brandon Frechette. I watched as Mark Kane walked his daughter down the aisle and gave her away. I witnessed the heartfelt exchange of wedding vows between this young couple and saw tears of joy in his mother's eyes.The wedding took place on the shore of Ocena Beach Park in New London. Mark Kane had built an a lovely canopy for them to stand under and Brandon's grandmother sewed the cloth covering for it. Brandon's brothers joined Cassie brother, Mark and a few friends as groomsmen on one side and several of Cassie's good friends stood up for her as bride's maids. Julia Rogers, Summer Barber and Rylan Bolin were the flower girls and ring bearer.
Priscilla and Nicole passed out the programs to everyone who came. It was a beautiful setting for a wedding. Several spectators joined the fun and watched the ceremony. One of Cassie's friends sang for us. I integrated a few Native American touches to honor Brandon's Nipmuk heritage. The couple wrote their own vows and shared them with each other.After the service we all went over to the Port & Starboard Hall for the party. It was so nice to see the family together and enjoying the evening. The Father daughter dance always gets me. Maybe that's because I see myself in every dad. As I said, this is the best part of ministry. It is the blessing of being part of the God's family.
Cal
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