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The
Congregational Ranger Newsletter of The Fellowship of Connecticut Congregational Christian
Churches Volume
XLII Issue 4 Winter
2007 Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Fellowship of Connecticut Congregational Christian Churches. Preliminary steps were taken in September 1957 toward formation of the Fellowship, including a draft Constitution and By-Laws. The first Annual Meeting was held at South Church in Hartford on April 17, 1958. There were almost 200 in attendance, with 20 churches represented. After much discussion, the proposed Constitution was accepted on a one-year provisional basis, pending ratification in 1959. Officers and members of the Executive Committee were elected and plans were made for various events to be held later that year. Dr. Henry David Gray, minister at South Church, was elected the first Moderator. The Ecclesiastical Society for the Fellowship was formed at the 1959 Annual Meeting to comply with Connecticut regulations concerning the acceptance of bequests and ownership of property. In 1961, it was decided that a central office was needed and a person in place to coordinate the Fellowship’s activities. South Church made office space available in its building and Dr. Roy Gilmour Pavy became the first Executive Secretary. A separate organization within the Fellowship – the Connecticut Fellowship of Continuing Congregational Women – was also created in 1961. This group elected its own officers, met at different times than the Fellowship and developed their own programs. One of the most positive functions of the Fellowship began in 1962, when the New Churches Committee was formed with the hope of raising funds to help in establishing three new churches in Connecticut. Of those first three churches, two are still Fellowship members: Founders Congregational in Harwinton and Newbury Congregational in Brookfield. Other new church starts were explored, with one church being established in December, 1968 – the Five Corners Community Congregational Church – in Ellington, Connecticut. Unfortunately, in 1973, due to various circumstances, it was decided to disband and return the church’s assets back to the Fellowship. The Church Assistance & Development Committee was formed in 1968 to provide financial aid to member churches. The committee continues today in this important function. In 1969, with financial help from United Congregational Church and Miss Hilda Camp, the Fellowship was able to purchase the property on Fishers Island that became Congregational Fellowship House. After much work by member churches over several years, the House was ready, in 1974, for use as a retreat facility and for summer youth camps. At the end of the Fellowship’s first quarter-century, the membership had grown to 28 churches, including the three new church starts. Of those, 24 are still members. Watch for Part II in the Spring, 2008 Ranger. (Ed. Note: Information for this article gathered from The Fellowship of Connecticut Congregational Christian Churches – The First Twenty-five Years in Review, written in part by Rev. Fred M. Dole, and from Executive Committee Minutes, April 17, 1958) In an effort to make the Fellowship more accessible to our members - and to non-members - on-line, we have registered a domain name unique to us and have linked it to our existing website. Please check your church’s listing on the “Member Churches” page and contact the office in Hartford if any changes are needed. Email: connfell@sbcglobal.net On the Web: www.connecticutfellowship.org is for more Fellowship churches (Reps) to attend the monthly meetings. We need participation from our churches to have an effective and worthwhile Fellowship. is for committees and boards to become active. While a few have met this year, MANY have not. Come on, people - I know there are lots of good ideas out there! is for people serving our Fellowship to do so with “a cheerful heart.” A positive attitude in any organization is key to its success and accomplishments. Nothing hurts our Fellowship (and churches) more than unkind thoughts, words, and actions. The Golden Rule should always be our measuring rod! Too often, however, it is NOT. is for churches to financially support OUR Fellowship. As I write, a total of $5,225 in contributions have been received from 8 (out of 40) member churches. The Budget & Investments Committee who plans the Fellowship’s annual budget was hoping churches would contribute at least $17,000. EVERY member church should give. When churches do not, it appears they do not care about their Fellowship, or don’t believe it’s worth supporting. Even the smallest of contributions, when added to others, can aid the Fellowship greatly in its work. is for ALL our churches to be healthy. So many of our churches are struggling – to survive, to secure and/or maintain a pastor, to pay the necessary bills associated with the day-to-day operation of the local church. Add to these the need for healthy leaders who “lead” rather than “follow” their congregations – who keep the focus on God and Christ (where it should be) and the tenets of Congregationalism alive. As a child, my Christmas wish list was always longer than it should have been. My mom would constantly remind me not to be greedy, and not to expect everything I asked for. Often, I would narrow down what I really wanted for Christmas to 4 or 5 items (usually toys, no socks!). There are other things I wish for our Fellowship, but I’ve selected these 5 as the ones I (WE) really need. I believe they will benefit ALL OF US. As Christmas races toward us and our churches, I ask you (your church) to think about my Christmas list and respond to it. I won’t expect everything I have asked for (but it really, really, really, would be nice), but I will be grateful for any serious consideration given to these thoughts. I wish you and your church a blessed Christmas, and I pray that the year ahead is overflowing with God’s presence in your life and ministry. Now, off to the mall… From Rev. Bobbie Chapman – The two committees continue to act on requests for loans and grants as well as assisting churches with related issues like stewardship, church growth, etc. From Marjorie Burr Carmody, Chair, Fishers Island Committee Christmas will soon be here and in the spirit of giving, let me tell you a couple facts about past giving. Each group who stayed at the House used to bring a “House Gift” - a new toaster, or a new skillet, perhaps new pots and pans. There is a need for new lamps. Also, when the Congregational Women group was active, we would have “House Showers” and bring items such as dish towels, liquid soap, and cleaning items. If this sounds like a good idea to you, please remember us at after-Christmas sales! On another note, we were recently inspected and can no longer use extension cords, so please remember this. There will be power strips in each room. More news next Ranger. Happy Holidays! The Fellowship’s Nominating Committee will begin its work early next year in preparation for elections in May and June. If you are interested in serving on a standing committee, please contact the Fellowship office in Hartford. On November 11, United Congregational Church, Norwich, hosted the 15th Annual Norwich Area Choir Festival. There were nine area churches represented, with over 80 voices. Each choir selects and presents an individual anthem, with all combining for an anthem at the end of the program. The program is free of admission and an offering of non-perishable food items is collected at the door. Donations benefit the Norwich Clergy Association Food Pantry. The Festival is held on the second Sunday of November each year and is organized by United’s organist/choir director, Maggie Schumacher. Again this year, South Congregational Church presented A Holiday Prelude with The Taubl Family in concert on November 24. This musical event included Pops and Classical music, Broadway hits, and Christmas favorites. The Taubl family – Dad, Mom and their 7 children aged 12 to 24 – have been performing together for over ten years, presenting a blend of vocal harmonies and stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello and harp). This special program was sponsored by the church’s Fellowship and Music Ministry Teams. New Year’s Eve “First Night Hartford” events will be held at South, beginning at 2:00 pm and continuing until 9:00 pm. As they did last year, the church youth will be having refreshments in the “coffee/hot chocolate shop” (the converted Robinson Lobby). If you plan on celebrating First Night in Hartford, stop by. Joyce Costner, music director at Preston City Congregational Church, was recently honored by the congregation on the occasion of her 25th anniversary at the church. Joyce was presented with a gift certificate for travel to a destination of her choice and a plaque in recognition of her many accomplishments and valued service to the church. Her photo appeared on the cover of that Sunday’s bulletin and she was also featured in an article in a local newspaper. A reception followed the worship service. Preston City has begun a new ongoing fundraiser to benefit the youth missions trips program – the Script Program. Members can purchase gift cards for use at hundreds of stores, gas stations, book and grocery stores, etc. When the cards are used at the retailers, a percentage of the sale (anywhere from 2% to 8%, depending on the retailer) is rebated back to the church. The program is FREE – the only cost is the face value of the card, and the church benefits by the rebate from the business. If any Fellowship churches would like more information about this program, they may contact the PCCC office for details at 860-887-4647. From Church of Christ, Congregational in Stony Creek . . . "The Capital Campaign Improvement Fund is going well. Old buildings are costly to maintain. Tower repairs, bell securing, and hall redecorations are envisioned. The new state-of-the-art modern $80,000 kitchen was christened into service at the recent Seafood Dinner, Harvest Supper, and Christmas Fair. Tower restoration has begun.....The Topical Discussion Group has discussed healthy churches, immigration, Judaism, mega-churches, and community change. It uses current magazine and newspaper articles, passed out in written form a week before the meeting, as the basis for discussion from a more Christian point of view.....The outdoor Christmas Pageant with live sheep, goats, donkeys, a cow, and llama, 2,200 luminaries lining the street, 22-member youth cast in 7 scenes, roving singers, and church open house always draws huge crowds. Over 130 volunteers from church and community work together.....Umm, be grateful for your own church, community, Jesus, Life, and all blessings!" Merry Christmas! ~ Wayne From Ponckhockie Congregational Church ~~ “The Ponckhockie Congregational Church (Kingston, NY) is currently without a full time pastor. Sunday Services are led by Guest Speakers and members of the congregation on a rotating basis. CFTS students or others who might be interested in gaining additional experience in speaking and leading a Sunday Worship Service, are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to Ponckhockie Congregational Church, c/o Charlie Lawrence, 39 Frederick Drive , Lake Katrine, NY 12449. Retired ministers are also encouraged to submit their name and resume for consideration for a long term part-time position. A formal search committee and process is currently NOT underway.” Thank you, Charlie Lawrence, President: Board of Trustees On November 25 Rev. Norm Erlendson was installed as the 26th Pastor of the Third Congregational Church in Middletown, CT. A reception was held immediately following the service. Fellowship Clergy Meetings will resume again in February, weather conditions permitting. Details as to date, time and location will be sent via email. As always, we welcome input from our pastors and suggestions for meeting topics. The National Association is seeking applications for positions on Boards, Divisions, Commissions and Committees. The application forms are on the NA web site, NACCC.org. Applications were due by Dec. 3 but any submitted after that date will be kept on file. The Youth Services Commission of the NA is sponsoring a youth leaders retreat Jan. 31-Feb. 3 outside of Detroit. The cost is $200 including lodging and meals. Youth leaders who have attended previous youth leaders retreats continually speak of the benefits they received from the presentation and networking with other youth leaders from across the country. The applications are on the NA web site, NACCC.org. Feel free to contact Bobbie Chapman (860-485-1210) with any questions. One of our greatest attributes as Congregational Christians is the fellowship and support we share with each other (the others are faith and freedom). Back in the day, area Associations met monthly and a church would not even think of not having a representative present. Ecclesiastical Councils, Ordinations, Installations and Dedications were attended by all, not just so they would not miss something, but because of pride in our tradition. When I was ordained more than ten years ago, it was a struggle to get the requisite number of churches from two Associations. The attendance lately at these events is dismal; we are lucky to get two or three, seldom more than five out of more than forty churches in our own Fellowship. The examination of clergy candidates for ordination is a profound responsibility and should not be left to the few in a tradition with a proud foundation of educated clergy. I am aware that distance, time, other commitments are factors, but some of us go to all the events, are willing to drive; will accommodate and are friendly souls. I challenge the churches to take pride in our tradition, we are among the few where clergy are not assigned; dogma is not prescribed; and the freedom to follow The Lord in our own way is alive and well. I challenge the churches to be present to support and fellowship with our sister churches at these important events. Rev. Bobbie Chapman, Pastor Founders Congregational Church Signing up for camp is not far off! Plan now and look for the new 2008 Fishers Island Youth Retreat Brochure in February at your church. This summer we will compete in our own version of the Olympic games . Day in and day out competition. We’ll also study the discipline or training in godliness which holds the promise of eternal rewards.We, the staff, promise another fantastic, fun-filled adventure! “And every man who takes part in the sports has self-control in all things. Now they do it to get a crown which is of this world, but we for an eternal crown.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 The Messengers serving our churches (see names on back page of “The Ranger”) will begin serving as “resource people”/ Messengers effective immediately. Now, instead of Messengers contacting leaders or individuals to learn of news/events taking place at Fellowship churches, these “resource people” will offer assistance, give direction, and be of support and encouragement when called upon by churches. This new approach will, hopefully, make it easier on both the Messenger and the church. It is hoped that churches will continue to stay in contact with their “Messenger/Resource Rep.” so important events taking place may be shared with other congregations. When possible, we’ll be happy to publicize your news in The Ranger. Of course, contacting the Fellowship Office (860-527-7001) directly is always another option. Please know we are here to serve and assist our churches. -- The Messengers It was a beautiful fall day (October 21st) that brought 75 people to the “Fall Gathering” hosted by the Preston City Congregational Church. After a time of conversation, tea, and desserts, meeting-goers assembled in the Sanctuary for a brief worship service consisting of hymns and a devotion led by Seminarian, Amanda Ladegard. The program that afternoon was, “Things That Work.” Those in attendance were asked to share ideas that worked in their church. Some very interesting ideas were presented, and prizes were given to people who suggested the 3 voted best “things that work.” It was lots of fun. The Gathering concluded following a delicious chicken pot pie meal served in Fellowship Hall. It’s always nice to meet and renew old friendships at these get-togethers. Plans are already “in the works” for the 50th Anniversary meeting in May 2008 at South Church in Hartford. Plan to attend this historic event – 50 years! Location: South Congregational Church, 277 Main St, Hartford, CT 4:00 pm Jan. 10, 2008 March 13, 2008 April 10, 2008 June 12, 2008 Sept. 11, 2008 Nov. 13, 2008 Now’s the time to mark your new 2008 calendars. The Executive Committee meetings are open to all Fellowship members and we encourage all, who are able, to attend, whether a voting member of the committee or not. Listed below are the officers and committee members of the Fellowship and Ecclesiastical Society for the current fiscal year. A full listing has been mailed to each member church. If anyone wishes to contact the committees directly, please call or email the office in Hartford for contact information. Moderator: Assistant Moderator: 2nd Assistant Moderator: Retiring Moderator: Executive Secretary: Recording Secretary: Assistant Recording Secretary: Fellowship Treasurer: Assistant Fellowship Treasurer: Eccl. Society Treasurer: Assistant Eccl. Society Treasurer: Budget & Investments Committee: Rev. Bobbie Chapman, Russell
Blakeslee, Marjorie Carmody, Rev. Dr. Ken Wildrick, Kay Page Greaser, Rev. Dr. Steven
Blackburn, Rev. Irv Gammon. Church Assistance & Development Committee: Russell Blakeslee, Rev. Lee
Edwards, Rev. Bobbie Chapman, Dale Bishop, Rev. Arthur Wright. Fishers Island Committee: Marjorie Carmody, Barbara
Perry, Bryan Brandriff, Harley Hill, Jann Carmody-Tanner, Len & Ruth Kozlowski, Rev. Gail Mills, Chet Perkins, Rev. Stan
White. Missions Committee: Rev. David McGee, Rev. Lin
McGee, Anne McAwley-Leduc. Peg Braman, Rev. Josh Davis. Nominating Committee: Henry Grabber, Paul LeDuc, Rev. Dr. Steven Blackburn, Rev. Norman
Erlendson, Karen Reich. Pastoral Relations Committee: Rev. Stan White, Rev. Bobbie Chapman, Rev. Paul Ricard, Rev. Norman
Erlendson, Personnel Committee: Rev. Lee Edwards, Frank May, Russell Blakeslee, Rev. Bobbie Chapman, Rev.
Dr. Steven Blackburn. Religious Education Committee: Maureen McCall, Kathryn
Dupont, Corinne Sternberg, Rev. Lin McGee, Rev. Lisa Dembkowski. Youth Committee: Rev. Lee Edwards, Rev. David
McGee, Lynn Robertson, Amanda Ladegard, Rev. Gail Mills Chair, Congregational Women: Rev. Gail Mills The Congregational Ranger, the newsletter of the Connecticut Fellowship, is published 4 times each year, generally in March, June, September, and December, to foster communication among Fellowship churches, members, and friends. All members are invited to submit articles for publication. The Editors reserve the right to limit submissions as to length and/or content. The deadline for information to be included in the SPRING 2008 issue is Please mail or call church-related news, happenings, events to: The Connecticut Fellowship, 277 Main St, Hartford, CT 06106 (860-527-7001) -OR- email to: connfell@sbcglobal.net -OR- via your zone Messenger The Fellowship of Connecticut Congregational Christian Churches was formally organized in 1958 when, at its first annual meeting, the Constitution and By-Laws were adopted. The purpose of the Fellowship, as summarized by its first Moderator, Dr. Henry David Gray, is to “serve the churches and act as the agent of the churches in their cooperative work and witness of Christ.” The membership of The Connecticut Fellowship has grown to 40 churches from not only Connecticut, but also Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. Our members are old (1670) and new (2001), formal and informal, traditionalists and progressives. Support of our member churches takes many forms, including financial assistance, pastoral placement services, youth activities, visioning seminars, bi-annual gatherings to conduct the Fellowship’s business and to share news and information between member churches. The Fellowship-owned “Congregational House” on Fishers Island, NY provides a unique location for church retreats, meetings and the annual Summer Youth Retreat, which is open to all members. MESSENGERS and CHURCH ZONES Rev. Bobbie Chapman 860-485-1210 RevBAC@aol.com Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Hartland, Harwinton, Otis (MA), New Boston (MA), Ponckhockie (NY), Richmond (MA), South Egremont (MA), Williamsburg (MA) Zone 2 Rev. Bobbie Chapman 860-485-1210 RevBAC@aol.com Bound Brook (NJ), Brookfield, Derby, Eagle Rock, Warren (NJ) Zone 3 Karen Reich 860-284-1067 kcreich@comcast.net Longmeadow (MA), Farmington, Florence (MA), Hartford, Middletown, Wachogue (MA), Westfield (MA) Zone 4 VACANCY - temporary: Rev. Stan White 860-887-4647 sewhite1234@sbcgobal.net Canterbury, Eastford, Holland (MA), Staffordvile, West Warwick (RI) Zone 5 Rev. Lee Edwards 860-889-6503 leebozrah@sbcglobal.net Greeneville, Hanover, Jewett City, Lebanon, Norwich, Preston, Stonington Zone 6 Rev. Gene deJongh 413-783-7904 pastorgenewccc@yahoo.com Bozrah, Branford, Centerbrook, Mohegan, Montville Center, Salem, Westchester Pray for our Fellowship, our churches, our pastors and people Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with Peace and Happiness |
