February 2021 - The United Church ...
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February 2021
The Reverend Susan Murtha, Interim Senior Pastor The United Church of Christ, Southbury
Corinne Brewer, Director of Music and Organist 283 Main Street North
Carla Preiman, Bridge Leader of Pastoral Care
Southbury, CT 06488
Kyle Davis, Bridge Youth Group Leader
203-264-8807
Bonnie Havery, Bell Choir Director
E-Mail: churchoffice@uccsouthbury.org
Susan Belknap, Bridge Christian Ed Administrator
Carla Preiman, Office Administrator Website: www.uccsouthbury.org
Open, Nursery Coordinator Call-In Telephone Ministry: 203-405-2448, Passcode 315391#
Sunday Worship Services
Amy Hannon, Teaching Director, The Preschool Center
9:30 a.m. - Worship
Deborah Bennard, Teacher, The Preschool Center
Fellowship after 9:30 a.m. Worship
Katie Keane and Sarah Welch, Teacher Aides, The Preschool Center
Bruce Kennedy, Church Sexton
A note from Pastor Susan:
Spiritual Nourishment: Winter and Lent 2021
In the midst of winter, covid-19, and significant church transition, we could all use some spiritual
nourishment! Here are three opportunities to feed your soul this winter and Lent:
Praying Like Jesus
Would you like to learn more about prayer and/or deepen your prayer life? This 8-week series is an
in-depth study of the Lord’s Prayer, led by our Pastoral Care Leader, Carla Preiman. The Lord’s
Prayer is one we pray every Sunday and the one we know by heart. This is a guided journey
through the Lord's Prayer. This series is an opportunity to learn about it and pray it as Jesus
commended – with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.
We will be trying out new ways to connect with God and with each other.
This will be a personal and interactive journey with Jesus as our guide. Be bold, ask as the
disciples did "Lord teach us to pray." Luke 11:1b
The series begins Monday, February 1. To accommodate everyone’s schedule, there’s a 2:30 p.m.
group and 7:00 p.m. group – both on Zoom. If you missed the first week, no worries; join in week
two. Look for the flyer in this newsletter for details. To join, please sign up at:
www.signupgenius.com/go/9040B4EA9A72FA1FC1-praying See the newsletter email for
hyperlink.
1
Ash Wednesday.
The season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday (February 17), is a forty-day journey to mirror
Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. Though we cannot gather in-person for disposition of ashes or
an anointing with oil, we can observe this day. I will send out Ash Wednesday prayers and scriptures
for your mediation to begin your Lenten journey.
Lenten Series: The Spiritual Path to Forgiveness
UCC Southbury and Roxbury Cong’l Church will continue the tradition of gathering on Wednesday
evenings for a Lenten series with one difference: it will be in a Zoom room. Our topic this year is
the spiritual path to forgiveness. Forgiveness is at the very core of the Christian gospel; one could
even say it is at essence of Christianity. And yet it is struggling ground for us. We feel we “should”
forgive, but often we know not how to get to this grace. We know the trespasses – upon us and by
us; we know the bitterness and guilt they brought and that continue to dwell below the surface; we
know our faith teaches forgiveness; but we don’t always know “the way” to this forgiveness.
Our Lenten program is for every person who desires to make the great quest to forgiveness and to
grow toward a life-practice of forgiveness. We will discuss common misconceptions about
forgiveness that keep us stuck, the cornerstones of forgiveness, the gospel stories of forgiveness
and some surprising discoveries about what we find on the journey. And for those who would like
a spiritual practice to undergird the Lenten season, I will offer weekly exercises for the forgiveness
journey.
The program is a series, but if you can’t make them all, it’s OK. On the forgiveness journey we
discover that it is not how many steps you practice that matters, but how deeply you practice each
step. So, come when you can and practice the steps you can!
Wednesday evenings, 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
February 24, March 4, 10, 17
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040444A4AD2AA5FE3-thespiritual
See the newsletter email for the hyperlink.
Winter and Lenten blessings,
Pastor Susan
2
3
Sunday school Happenings, Insights, News & Events
February
Gazing at God’s Wonders – Saturday, February 6th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Join us on the Church Green for an all church, socially distant event where we will use
provided telescopes to learn about what lies beyond our boundaries and further into God’s
creation.
Three different 30 minute time slots are available. Sign up on Signup Genius for the time that works
best.
Neighbors in Need – Valentine’s Day Cards
Our children used their artistic talent and love
for others to create beautiful Valentine’s Day cards
for friends and members who are homebound or, like
most of us this year, have not been able to get out and
greet their world and others as they used to.
Feeling creative? We are welcoming any Valentine’s
Day cards, hand created or purchased with your own
message of love and hope! Please make sure that they are placed in the CE Box by the Social Hall back
door before February 8th. Thank you and Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!
Tuesday Pancake Supper (Fat Tuesday) – February 16th
Join us either on the Green or on Zoom (depending on our community’s
COVID status) for a fun, pre-Lent event! Check your weekly S.H.I.N.E. or
Church Announcements to keep updated on how to sign up and whether you will
be enjoying your pancakes and activities on the Green or at home via Zoom.
Either way be prepared for a great, active and fun time!!!!
4
Sunday Hike - Sunday, February 28th from 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Families are invited to join us on a hike of the Mine Hill Preserve at 6 Mine Hill Road in
Roxbury – keep in mind that our location may change due to trail conditions. Everyone who signs
up will be notified of any location changes.
This is a great hike for all levels and abilities.
Dress for the weather and bring your own water and snacks.
Come and enjoy the great outdoors!!!!
Sign up on Signup Genius
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044aadab2ea7fd0-sunday
Kid’s Chapel – Sundays from 9:00 am – 9:20 am
We will continue to follow Jesus’ life and ministry by exploring his healing and life changing
interactions with others. Check your weekly S.H.I.N.E. for each week’s topic, activity pages and Zoom
invitation.
We have a lot going on in February!!!!
Please note that our next BoCE meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 26th at 7:00pm via
Zoom.
5
UCC Southbury Update: News from Council
Pastor Susan and the Staff are keeping in touch with all of us via regular emails on Tuesday and
Friday, and we want to make sure that you feel connected to all that is going on in our congregation.
God is still speaking to us, and guiding us every step of the way into a bright future!
★ Worship and Fellowship -- we will continue to worship online as long as Southbury (and most of
Connecticut for that matter) remain in Code Red relative to infection rates. Our Covid Rules &
Guidelines have not changed since they were published in December. If you would like to see
the packet of guidelines, please contact the church office and Carla will send you the link.
6
★ SMILE -- our children and their families collected socks, gloves & mittens throughout the
month of January for our “Neighbors in Need” to keep warm. These monthly mission-oriented
activities will continue to nurture our outreach.
★ JPF/SPF raked leaves for some of our church members on a sunny Sunday afternoon in
November.
★ Sue Belknap has initiated winter hikes over the last couple of months, most recently on the
Orzech Family Preserve Jan. 17. Chilly weather, and muddy parking, but still good attendance
and good spirits among the group. Keep it up! We encourage participation, but do need sign-up
ahead during Covid times.
★ Our Racial Justice Forum hosted a fascinating discussion about the ways that Southbury and
Region 15 are starting to address issues of racism in our community. The racism exists, and we
are ready to talk about it! More than 120 people attended this on-line discussion with Rabbi
Eric Polokoff and Dr. Erin Birden, so it appears that others think this is an important topic.
★ Michelle and Allie Benish have hosted two sessions of BINGO on Friday nights to provide
entertainment, fellowship, and even raise some funds for our church. This too will continue
into February, because it is so much fun!! Great initiative from the Stewardship Committee.
★ We continue to share information through congregational conversations on the first Sunday of
every month (after Communion). In December we talked about . . . And in January we
addressed . . . There is so much to talk about, but if you have a topic that you don’t feel has
been addressed, please direct them to Pastor Susan or to John Bacigalupi or Anne Westerman.
★ The Pastoral search committees have shared the progress they are making toward finding a
Senior Pastor and an Associate Pastor in the coming year.
Stay well and stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you outside, or on Zoom, or
around town!
Anne Westerman and the entire Church Council
7
Hello Readers,
The Youth Group is jumping into the New Year by celebrating our 2020 mission trip! On 01/24/21,
the Youth Sunday worship will culminate with a wonderful 2020 mission trip video prepared by
Ellie Boyd. Following worship, the Youth Group will have its first meeting of 2021.
The theme of the Youth Group meeting on 01/24/21 is Moses and the Burning Bush. While on the
church green, we will tell the story of Moses and the Burning Bush. We will then discuss fire
safety as a group. Finally, we will learn different ways of making primitive fire (making fire
without matches or a lighter).
01/24/21 is also the start of the Youth Group Spring Fundraiser. The Youth Group will be selling
rubber ducks for a rubber duck race on 05/23/21. You can purchase a rubber duck from a Youth
Group member for $10.00. You get to keep your duck, which will be numbered. On 05/23/21 a
second set of rubber ducks, with correlating numbers, will be raced down the Pomperaug River at
George Bennett Park. 1st place wins $200, 2nd place wins $50, and 3rd place wins $25!
The next Youth Group event is a Nature Hike at Kettletown State Park on 02/07/21. The Youth
Group will meet at Kettletown State Park 1400 Georges Hill Road in Southbury. During our hike
Youth Group members will learn how to identify various trees.
Looking forward, the Youth Group will have a Spring Clean-up Fundraiser on 03/28/21. If you
would like your yard to be cleaned-up by the Youth Group this spring, please contact Youth Leader
Kyle Davis at kyledavis675@yahoo.com or 203-586-8220. We are requesting donations towards
our 2021 mission trip for spring yard cleanups.
Thank you,
Kyle Davis
8
9
Greetings All,
Happy February! It’s Saturday evening and the cold frigid winds of the
day have finally settled down as night falls. As we continue through
this challenging time of Covid I would like to share how lucky I am to
work with the volunteer soloists that record and sing for our Sunday
church services. Instead of being a stressful, heartbreaking, gut
wrenching experience it has been a relaxing, inspirational and fun time
that I get to share with people of great faith recording music for our
church services.
As we look forward to the spring, hopeful for new opportunities to
worship God and share His message I hope you will consider joining one
of our music programs. Whether it’s singing in the choir, serving on the
music committee, ringing a bell, participating in one of our new
programs or attending a concert, join us, just join us, you won’t be
disappointed!
Winter is passing and Spring is on the way, let’s renew our energy
worshipping the Lord in song and music!
Thank you for being a part of supporting and encouraging our church’s
music programs.
Keep Singing,
Corinne
1011
Bingo with the Benish’s!
On behalf of the UCC Board of Stewardship
Who? ALL are welcome! We invite all ages and
UCC families to join us!
What? Allie and Michelle Benish are hosting Zoom
Bingo! Each Bingo night will include five fun games! A pack of Bingo cards will be
mailed to your home in advance where each pack contains five individual Bingo
sheets – enough to play all of the rounds!
Where? Michelle Benish’s Zoom Room!
https://uccsouthbury.zoom.us/j/3273569971
(Meeting ID: 327 356 9971) (Dial-Ins: 888-788-0099 US Toll-free)
When? Fridays January 8th and 22nd from 7-8:00 pm!
Why? For social engagement and UCC fundraising! January proceeds will be
divided 50/50 between the UCC General Fund and the Youth Group Mission Trip!
How? Go to the Sign-Up Genius link below to reserve your spot:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044dafab2ca0f94-uccbingo
Please sign up one week in advance so Bingo cards can be mailed to your
home. Donations should be mailed to UCC, Southbury and should indicate
they are for Bingo so funds can be distributed appropriately. The suggested
donation is $10 for each pack of cards (5 Bingo games).
Prizes: While there are no monetary prizes, we will have donated treasures such as
homemade baked goods, crafts, and even games and puzzles! Winners will have the
opportunity to choose their prize after each game and delivery will be coordinated
accordingly.
If you would like to contribute prizes please contact Michelle Benish by email at
michelle_benish@sbcglobal.net or by cell at 203-788-7242!
1213
A Stewardship Moment
"To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so
much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of." Ephesians 3:20
This Bible verse is part of our church profile’s pastoral search closing prayer. Does it speak to you the
way it speaks to me? This verse asks us to do more than we think we can. I am grateful for the
ability, talent, and compassion that God has given me to allow my hands and heart to give back to our
church and our community. With the gifts I’ve been blessed with, I am hopeful I can do more to DO
LOVE in and around Southbury.
The Board of Stewardship is grateful to those who have been able to honor their pledge giving in a
very trying 2020. We are most grateful to those who have given their 2021 pledges during an
extraordinary time. Your gifts allow us to DO LOVE.
Many of us have seen different ways hands and hearts have been moving forward during this pandemic.
Nonetheless, our church has been challenged by fundraising. The building has been closed, but the
staff and ministries and initiatives are going full steam. Many hands and hearts are working to move
forward. We have cut back on expenses as best we could, but we do have some new initiatives which
create new expenses. Yes, our church needs to focus on financial aspects, but our church needs to be
equally focused on how to DO LOVE.
Love is quite the focus during the month of February when we see hearts displayed all over for
Valentine’s Day. Greg Mobley’s reflection on Sunday, January 17, 2021 focused on 1 Corinthians
13:13, NASB: "But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” In
relation to MLK Jr weekend, his reflection was about how love is an action, it never ends, and we grow
in love. Looking up the Greek words for love on Wikipedia, these two jumped out at me.
Agápe (ἀγάπη agápē[1]) means "love: esp. charity; the love of God for man and of man for a good
God".[2] Agape is used in ancient texts to denote feelings for one's children and the feelings for a
spouse, and it was also used to refer to a love feast.[3] Agape is used by Christians to express the
unconditional love of God for his children.[4] This type of love was further explained by Thomas
Aquinas as "to will the good of another"
Philia (φιλία philía) means "affectionate regard, friendship", usually "between equals". [8] It is a
dispassionate virtuous love, a concept developed by Aristotle.[9] In his best-known work on
ethics, Nicomachean Ethics, philia is expressed variously as loyalty to friends (specifically, "brotherly
love"), family, and community, and requires virtue, equality, and familiarity.
So can your God-given gifts be used to DO LOVE? Please think about, pray about, and consider what
your hands and hearts can do to help our church DO LOVE. In what ways can your time, talents and
treasures be used “to will the good of another” and to show “brotherly love.” The abilities and
compassion of your hands and hearts can be used to teach those around us about Jesus’ love for all
people by DOING LOVE.
Peace and blessings from the Board of Stewardship, Heidi Kossakowski, Brian Jones (chair),
Michelle Benish, Bill Wolf, Randy Bowles, Maria Platt, Amanda Morgante
14GWIM: A big change for Food Donations over the next few months!
Over the next few months with falling, freezing temperatures, we will be changing what we
collect for the GWIM Soup Kitchen behind the social hall. What we will be collecting items
that DO NOT have a liquid base and please consider donating items such as crackers, cookies,
granola bars, fruit roll ups, rice, instant mash potatoes, powdered milk, dry cereals and soups,
pancake mix, coffee, tea, jello, pasta, parmesan cheese in a container, mac and cheese, dried
beans, etc... Any questions please call Jandi du Bois at 203-405-1640.
Beginning now, and throughout the colder winter months, we’re asking that donations for
the Southbury Food Bank be taken over to the bins, either at Stop & Shop or ShopRite in
Southbury. The bins are located just inside the doorways of both stores. Our Church
collects cans of soup and stew for the Southbury Food Bank, but any non-perishable food
donations would be gratefully accepted. Also, gift cards to Shop Rite or Stop & Shop
would be very much appreciated. Gift cards may be sent to UCC, then will be passed on to
the Southbury Food Bank.
Many Thanks, UCC Board of Missions
SAFE HAVEN -
provides crisis intervention to any
SAFE HAVEN victim of domestic violence
OF GREATER WATERBURY, INC.
Safe Haven’s Wish List
Gift Cards Diapers
*Walmart Baby Wipes
*Stop & Shop Toothpaste
*Walgreens Deodorant
*CVS Non-Perishable Food
Please be collecting these items and we will let you know in
the near future where you can drop them off.
1516
The Puzzle Catalog is
HERE!
Are you bored? Tired of the same ole’ TV shows?
Borrow a puzzle to put together!
25 Puzzles to choose from!
It’s easy…
1) Click the link for in the body of Friday’s email for the catalog.
2) Call the church office (203-264-8807) with your request, use the
number and title of the puzzle.
3) Pick up from white mailbox outside the church office. If you need
delivery let Carla know.
4) Return and choose another…
Please tell your friends without email to call and request a catalog be mailed to them.
HERE’S A SAMPLE OF OUR PUZZLES:
17Senior & Associate Pastor Search Committees
UPDATE
In an effort to keep our Congregation informed during the search process, the search
committees will provide an update in the monthly newsletter.
Senior Pastor Search Committee
While profiles continue to be received, our committee has started conducting the first round
of interviews. Through the end of January, we will have conducted or scheduled several
interviews. Once the first round of interviews has been completed, second interviews will be
conducted for those selected candidates.
Associate Pastor Search Committee
The week after Christmas, we had a practice interview with a UCC Associate Pastor from
Fairfield County. Michael Ciba, our Regional Minister, was an observer. Both gave feedback
to the team. We have had one interview and plan on more.
Please continue to keep both committees in your prayers as we continue on this journey
together.
Faithfully,
Doug Boyd & Craig Perry
Chairs
NEW EDITION FOR JANUARY - FEBRUARY
UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL online version or PICK UP
Type into your browser: https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals for Upper Room
Or Click here for the day's devotional
OR Call in for the day’s devotion at: 1-877-600-7218
And you may also pick up your copy of the Upper Room by the Social Hall door.
Large print and small booklets available.
18Directions for Joining Worship Service
Joining Worship by Phone (audio only):
1. The toll free phone numbers: 877-853-5247 OR 888-788-0099
2. Enter the Meeting ID: 802 855 502 followed by #
Join Worship by Live Streaming - If you already have a
Zoom account:
10 minutes prior to worship, click on this link: https://uccsouthbury.zoom.us/j/802855502
OR open your Zoom program on your computer or your App,
Press the “Join” icon/button
Enter the following Meeting ID: 802 855 502
Press the “Join” button
Directions for Joining the Social Hall Experience
AFTER WORSHIP: Hang up / leave Zoom Five minutes later join the Social Hall Experience
Join the Social Hall Experience by Phone (audio only):
1. The toll free phone numbers: 877-853-5247 OR 888-788-0099
2. Enter the Meeting ID: 954 790 337 followed by #
Join the Social Hall Experience by Live Streaming - If you already have a Zoom
account:
5 minutes AFTER worship, click on this link: https://uccsouthbury.zoom.us/j/954790337
OR open your Zoom program on your computer or your App,
Press the “Join” icon/button
Enter the following Meeting ID: 954 790 337
Press the “Join” button
Live Streaming – Creating a UCC, Southbury Zoom Account
1. If you do not have a UCC, Southbury Zoom account, you will be receiving a separate email
from Zoom. Please register right away in order to avoid last minute glitches / get technical
support if needed.
2. In the email from Zoom, Vinny Antezzo from Church
Council (v.antezzo@uccsouthbury.org) will be inviting you to join the Church’s Zoom account
for free.
3. Click on the “Activate Your Zoom Account” button and follow the directions.
4. If you need help registering, please email Vinny at v.antezzo@uccsouthbury.org.
19Thank you to Pastor Susan, Carla, Patti Kahl, and Anne Westerman
for organizing a meaningful Blue Christmas Service.
The Holiday Fair Committee thanks all of you for making the Fair a
success this year! Our hearts are full of gratitude to those of you who
pivoted with us on a weekly basis, to all who donated auction items, and to all who
willingly participated in the virtual auction and craft fair. A special thank you to Carla
Preiman for dealing with our many last minute decisions; to our mask makers - Barb Butler,
Bonnie Loiseau, Heidi Namin and Pat Wolf; to our food makers - Anne Westerman, Lois Byron,
and Trudy Kelly; to Ellie Boyd who provided additional marketing support; to our awesome
auction team - Sue Belknap and Julie Pope, who spent many hours creating the exciting
auction site; and last but not least, to our talented crafter, Pat Wolf, who spent many hours
helping us with the craft fair, and her craft team, for their beautiful variety of holiday
crafts.
Thank you to Holly Patrick for all the food donations that went up to the Waterbury
Soup Kitchen.
Thank you to our church family for all the food donations that went to the Soup
Kitchen.
Thank you to Erik Olmsted for all his help with the food deliveries that go up to the
Waterbury Soup Kitchen.
January 18, 2021
Dear United Church of Christ Southbury and Missions,
Thank you again and again. Your kindness means everything to GWIM. The Soup Kitchen is
beyond grateful for your donation and will certainly purchase great selections for our
families in need to enjoy daily. The gourmet healthy food take outs that GWIM provides are
thankworthiness to all of Missions!! God bless, be well, and Stay Safe!
Barbara Ann Dublin, MS Executive Director of GWIM
Thank you to Sue and Allie Belknap for a great hike on Sunday. It was adventurous!
20Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to:
The family of our member Nancy DeAngelis who passed into eternal life on
Christmas Day 2020.
The family of Ellen Schwartz (mother of Glenn Gulick), who passed into eternal
life on January 8. Our prayers are with you…
You can now give online by just clicking the link below.
Of course we continue to accept pledges and donations from
your bank by EFT, or by mailing your check to the church.
UCC SOUTHBURY is enrolled in ION BANK's 12th
ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARDS PROGRAM! ION
BANK will donate
$25.00 to our church for EVERY vote UCC
SOUTHBURY receives!!! If you hold an ION BANK
account, you may vote by mail or on line and each
account holder may vote once! The campaign runs
from February 1 through March 31. Please join ION BANK in acknowledging
the important charitable work UCC SOUTHBURY provides to its members
and its community!
We thank you very much!
Board of Missions and Fellowship
21BIRTHDAYS
01-Feb Sam Cruz 07-Feb Servane Rogers 16-Feb Sue Uchida
01-Feb Forest Herron II 07-Feb Wes Rouse Jr. 17-Feb Geri DeVoid
01-Feb Mike Niver 07-Feb Ryan Sokol 17-Feb Matt Galiette
01-Feb Meg Watson 08-Feb Robbie Kohler 18-Feb Tom Donnelly
02-Feb Harrison Andrews 08-Feb Rob Szost 19-Feb Jack Marlor
02-Feb Sharon Bucciarelli 09-Feb Jill Michel 20-Feb Jill Grady
03-Feb Sal Cappuzzo 09-Feb Courtney Mulligan 20-Feb Katy Hunter
03-Feb Lauren Kamerzel 10-Feb Laura Opsahl 20-Feb Sean Yamanaka
03-Feb Daniel Skelly 11-Feb Ben Bergman 22-Feb Ever Welch
04-Feb Kyle Fenn 11-Feb Tracy Bette 23-Feb Matthew Kahl
04-Feb Helen Jurgens 11-Feb Megan Cascella 23-Feb Joe LaCava III
04-Feb Sandy Sikora 11-Feb Mitchell Cascella 23-Feb Claudia Meade
05-Feb Emma Broadwater 11-Feb Tyra Lohmann 23-Feb Kelly Powers
05-Feb Shirley Burrows 11-Feb Gary Tolin 24-Feb Art Mulligan III
05-Feb Maddox Legg 12-Feb Stephen Houle 24-Feb Ben Rolfe
05-Feb Bobby Rubino 12-Feb Lynn Melanson 24-Feb Will Rolfe
05-Feb Dru Saren 13-Feb Marilyn Vida 25-Feb Elaine Kelemencky
06-Feb Tayden Barbarisi 14-Feb John Claflin 26-Feb Ben Namin
06-Feb Emma Jones 14-Feb Terry Roberts 27-Feb Doug Boyd
06-Feb Jonathan Platt 15-Feb Patti Kahl 27-Feb Jake Schick
07-Feb Matt Holden 15-Feb Carol Plecan 28-Feb Haeley Barrett
07-Feb Frank Misiewicz 15-Feb Zack Sniffen 28-Feb Winson Chen
07-Feb Alli Ostar 16-Feb Michael Connelly 28-Feb Pam Davis
Please note if you do not want your name on the birthday list please contact the
church office at 203-264-8807 or email at churchoffice@uccsouthbury.org
2223
Faith
“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrew 11:1
Faith is a gift given to us by God. We can’t manufacture our own faith without the Holy Spirit working
within us. It is God’s greatest desire that we all have faith and trust in Him, but we must first open
our hearts to God, and there are many who don’t even consider God in their daily affairs. Some don’t
see any particular need for God, as they feel life is manageable without Him. Others may be afraid of
admitting weakness in themselves by allowing God in their lives, and still others may feel let down by
tragic circumstances that have occurred, feeling God should have intervened.
A logical question when trying to understand how faith works would be, “How can we be sure of things
we hope for?” Well, isn’t this what the scripture tells us? We all have our “wish lists,” but just
because we hope for something no matter how noble the cause, doesn’t mean we can be assured of
receiving it. In the middle of any one of life’s “storms,” even when others assure us that everything
will be ok....no one can know for sure. However, what God actually promises, we can be sure of. God
promises that He will comfort us and never leave us, so for those things we can be certain. Assurance
is based on what God has truly promised. Our faith helps us not to waver or waffle in believing God’s
Word.
The key to understanding the above scripture is realizing that faith is a gift from God. He would not
give us a worthless gift. When God states that He will be with us forever, that’s His promise. It’s our
faith that assures us of this, even though we have not seen it fully happen. God has never actually
promised us that while we live on Earth, we or our loved ones would not have to go through trials but
nonetheless, we should still hope and pray that terrible things don’t happen. We are assured by faith
that God does hear our cries for His help. “When you search for me, you will find me. If you seek me
with all your heart, I will let you find me.” Jeremiah 29:13. He certainly intervenes so that many
disasters and close calls may be avoided. In fact, God blesses us every day in so many ways, that we
don’t even notice or appreciate. As God opens our eyes to the multitude of blessings around us, we
realize that, “All things are possible with God.” Matthew 19:26. That verse assures us there is
ALWAYS possibility with God, and for that we can remain hopeful.
John 3:16 states: “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, so that everyone who
believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.” Because this is God’s promise, by faith we have
the assurance of Eternal Life with God. Belief in what Jesus did for us at the Cross will open the
Gates of Heaven. Jesus took our sins upon Himself, so that we could be righteous in the eyes of
God. God sees only the Purity of Jesus as He looks upon us. This is God’s AMAZING GRACE! Now we
no longer need to be separated from God eternally. God will increase our faith to believe that, if we
ask Him. Today, let us give God thanks for our Salvation. If any lack assurance of this wondrous hope,
may we ask God to bless us with the faith to believe in God’s PROMISE of Everlasting Life. Thanks be
to Jesus. “By his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
24UCC MEMORIAL WALL
The Memorial Wall is a columbarium, a final resting place for those
of our Church family who choose cremation, and a place for
memorializing loved ones interred elsewhere. Current and former
members of our Church and their immediate family members
(spouse, children, parents and siblings) are eligible. To have a niche
reserved for interment of an urn ($800, includes plaque) or a
“Remembering” plaque reserved for someone interred elsewhere
($400), please call Donna Ryan at 203-264-1877.
Church Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Website: www.uccsouthbury.org
E-Mail: churchoffice uccsouthbury.org
203-26 - 07
Southbury, CT 06
2 3 Main Street North
The nited Church of Christ, Southbury
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