Prospect Congregational Church Office Phone: 203-758-4872 Fax#: 203-758-6316

Pastor’s Email: revkps@gmail.com Church e-mail pccucc@snet.net

Church Website www.prospectctucc.orq Office Hours Monday- Friday 8:00a -1:00p

The Prospectus 2015

CHURCH STAFF Rev. Kristen Provost Switzer, Pastor

Dale Deckert, Music Director Mark Wilson, Sunday School Administrator

Articles can be left in the Prospectus mailbox in the coatroom or e-mailed to pccucc@snet.net. Deadline for the

newsletter is the third Wednesday of the month.

In spite of war and terror, Mary gives birth to the Prince of Peace. In spite of hunger, Mary gives birth to the Bread of Life. In spite of lost sheep, Mary gives birth to the Good Shepherd. In spite of hearts pregnant with hatred, Mary gives birth to LOVE. It is not done! It is not done! It is not done! The birthing is not over. The blessings continue. Angels wait in the wings! -Ann Weems It is not done. God is not done with this world. Advent is the season when we prepare our hearts for the new possibilities that God is birthing into our lives. God is working on a great reversal and it begins with Mary, a lowly peasant pregnant with a King. Then the Word made flesh is born, unable to speak a word. The mystery of God is revealed as a baby who only has the ability to love and be loved. God is turning everything on its head. The love that comes down at Christmas is not about power. Or control. It’s about vulnerability. It’s about selfless action. It’s about hope. So, this Advent, you are invited to journey with the God who will not leave us in fear and darkness but instead, whose light shines and makes all things new. Let us have the courage to turn towards the light this Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. See you in church, Rev. Kristen

People to Pray for During the Week Roger Allen Joan Hart Mary Ellen Pearce Jennie Bayse Al Hamilton Bill Trumbley Louise Beach Arnie Koehler Tina Sierra Gloria Benson Barbara Koshier Joan Slapikas Kirsten Berube Lindy Jacobson Dave Stewart Rev Carmen Cavallaro Linda Jerzierny Babette Strumpf Janet Cronn Ellen Lampros Fred Strumpf, Jr Jillian DiTommaso Michael Lohne Georgianna Tata Jake Dzubak Sheryl Mann Andrew Vilardo Peter Creasey Dennis McGuire Charlotte VanKirk Judy Fiengo Barbara Menturweck Kathy Vander Eyk Gwenn Fischer Ed Mitoraj Barbara Walcott Gayle Gourley Lois Nemet Sherie Wilson

Prayers for our Military, including PFC Marissa Bainer Thomas Brunetti, Jr. Christopher Chucta, Turkey Jon Conlon Anthony DiTommaso Thomas Greene, Afghanistan Darren Hale, Jr., Afghanistan Jim Jackson, Marine Kenny Jeannin, Ft. Drumm, NY A1C Johnny Dee, Washington 118th Med Bn FC James Kabusk, Cherry Point, NC Pvt Michael LeBlanc, Ft. Benning GA Jonathan Saxton, Fairfield, CA Lcpl Alex Theil, Ft. Leonardwood, MO ACAN Jessica Zielonka, Norfolk, VA Glendale Paradigm Jo Collins Raymond & Shirley Stewart Roy Schellhardt Prayers of Concern for our Extended Family Diane & Lonzia (friends of Rick and Tina Sierra) Sarah & Family (Christine Creasey’s niece and family) Tabitha (Lindy Jacobson’s niece) Uncle Howard (David Bell’s uncle) Yves Allard (Erik Soderberg’s Uncle)Norman Anderson (Babette Strumpf’s brother) Barbara Andrews (Eileen Flanagan’s daughter) Bill (friend of Eileen Flanagan) James Bayse (Jennie Bayse’s father) Anita Capen (friend of Diane Cavallaro) Robin Carlson (friend of Sandy Pavlowski) Mabel Caudill (Linda Jerzierny’s mother) Mary Grace Cavallo Carolyn Coleman (friend of Mary Ellen Pearce) Donald Covino (brother of Carm Villani) Joyce Cronin (friend of Sandy Pavlowski) Terri Dinatali (Debbie Brooks’ friend) Michael Dingle (Louise Beach’s nephew) Justine Egan (Kelly Evon’s cousin) Agatha Falcone (Tina Sierra’s mom) Charlie Fortier (brother of Anne Marie Burr) Richard Fortier (brother of Anne Marie Burr) Justine Fortin (grandson of Charlotte Geary) Sue Fulton (friend of Sherie Wilson) Sam Gourley (Gayle Gourley’s father-in-law) Anthony Guistinello (Mary Ellen Pearce’s Grandson) Eddie Hannula (Diana Trumbley’s uncle) Lloyd Hannula (Diana Trumbley’s dad) Dianne Hart (sister of Joan Hart and Janet Searles) Fran Hart (Mother of Joan Hart and Janet Searles) Pam Hartnett (Bob and Kathy Hartnett’s daughter-in-law) Ellie Held (Barbara Rowe’s sister) Russell Held (Barbara Rowe’s nephew) David Holley (John Holley’s dad)

Mary Hudson (John Hudson’s mother) Paul Hudson (John Hudson’s dad) Douglas Hughes (Arlene Hughes’ son) Diane Humphrey (Christine Creasey’s sister) Conall Hurley (Howie Steeves’ nephew) Ingrid (Sharon Blair’s Sister) Jason Juraska (Debbie Brook’s grandson) Edna Kainer (Sandy Pavlowski’s grandmother) Marie Kluge David Knapp (Rev. Phyllis’ brother) Jackie LaCroix (friend of Melissa Saxton) Robert Luddy (neighbor of Gwenn and Brad Fischer) Bertha & Charles McCollough (Sharry Sargeant’s mother and father) Madalyn McDaniel (Barbara Menturweck’s niece) Dolores Mikishko Carol Miner (friend of Christine Creasey) Christina Mitchell (Mary Ellen Pearce’s daughter-in-law) Josh Morgan (friend of Glenn and Denise Warme) Mary Nelson (Barbara Menturweck’s cousin) Deolores Paonessa (Sue Hudson’s aunt) Megan Pearce (Mary Ellen Pearce’s granddaughter) Mark Peel (friend of Mary Ellen Pearce) Tiffany Perry (friend of Kim Palmerie) Teresa Preziosi (Mary Ellen Pearce’s niece) Doreen Proul (dear friend of Edie Sherwood) Marion Raven (John Raven’s daughter–in-law, Kim Palmerie’s Sister-in-law) Matthew Raven (John Raven’s son) Kathryn Reynolds (Rev. Phyllis’ sister) Bill St. Jean (Denise Masulli’s brother) Henry Sarbeski Michelle Scotto-Lanzoni (John Hudson’s Cousin) Jim Scully (Howie and Deb Steeves’ brother-in-law) Dotty Searles (John Searles’ mom) Ryan Sierra (Rick and Tina Sierra’s son) Edward Smith (son of Janet and Steve Cronn) Lauren Stanczyk (Friend of Lindy Jacobson) Bob Steeves (Howie Steeve’s cousin) Leslie Studwell (Debbie Steeves’ cousin) Maggie Thompson (friend of MaryEllen Pearce) Sharon Trumbley (Diana Trumbley’s sister-in-law) Bob Wallin (friend of Rev. Carmen & Diane Cavallaro) Jack Walsh (student at Woodland High School) Beverly Wyman (Debbie Brooks’ sister and Joan Slapikas’ cousin) Arthur Wood (Christine Creasey’s father) Joan Wood (Christine Creasey’s Mom)

December Birthdays

1 Tina Worden 14 Kim (Normand) Jeannin Ronald Foley, Jr. 15 Walter Smegielski 2 Lorraine Goddard 17 Gwenn Fischer Billy Holley Larry Vitko 5 Diane Cavallaro Fallon Rowe 7 Betty Naylor 18 Liz Patrick 8 Jan Snyder 19 Roy Schellhardt 9 Brad Fischer Matthew Holley 10 Nicole Lukeski 23 Kevin Linsley 11 Robert Harvey III 25 Jack Geary Rev. Kim Wadhams 27 Betty Holley Ginny Chatfield 28 Darren Hale 29 Hope Vitko

Advent Soup and Scripture Series

Join us each Thursday in Advent (12/3, 12/10 and 12/17) from 6:00 PM - 7:00(ish) PM in the Parlor as we break bread, eat soup and explore the Scriptures surrounding Jesus' birth and infancy. Bring your favorite soup to share and see Rev. Kristen with any questions - hope to see you there!

Pen/Stylus Fundraiser: We have ordered pens that also act as a stylus that you can use on all your tablets and mobile phones. We have 6 colors and as a Holiday Special we are asking for a donation of $7 each or if you donate $20 you will receive 3 pens/stylus. If you purchase a plain stylus at a local office supply store they run from $12 and up. The pens are engraved with church information so people will remember where to go if they want another. This is a church fundraiser and would make great Christmas gifts for anyone on your list or as a stocking stuffer. Keep some on hand for unexpected holiday giving. I will have pens with me each Sunday through December and you can also find information on our website where you can also order pens. (Sandi Stewart)

White Gift Sunday December 13th

The Mission Board is looking for gifts for the GWIM Children's Christmas Party.

The children that come to the GWIM Soup Kitchen are invited to a party

every year where Santa distributes gifts. Many of these children are

homeless or living in shelters with the average age newborn to 10 years.

Any toys (except war toys), books and games are welcome, as are gift

cards to food chains, and hats, gloves, socks and scarves. Please wrap and

label the gifts with age and gender. We will be receiving them on

December 13th. If you have extra wrapping paper or gift bags we would

welcome those also for items received unwrapped. The Mission Board

thanks all those who have so generously given to food baskets, the Mitten

Tree and White Gift Sunday this year.

CHRISTMAS BASKETS

The Board of Missions will be distributing approximately 30 Christmas baskets to folks in our community. We need your help to provide these baskets. We will have cornucopia cards printed with the food items needed for each basket. Please pick up one of these cards in the narthex or down in Fellowship Hall. Once you purchase the

food, please place it all inside a brown shopping bag. If you are able, a gift card for the purchase of a turkey would also be appreciated. The bags can be left in the coatroom with the cornucopia card inside the bag. The final date to bring in the bags is Sunday

December 20th. Thank you for helping to make someone else’s holiday joyful.

The Mitten Tree

Each Advent Season there is a number of children in our community who would not have a joyous Christmas morning without our assistance. A tree is set up in Fellowship Hall. The tree will be decorated with paper mittens. The mittens will list a child’s gender, age and a desired toy. To participate in this mission, please choose a mitten (or two if you can), purchase the item, wrap it in Christmaspaper and tape the mitten to the outside of the gift. Please place your gift under the tree by December 20th .

HOLIDAY BAZAAR UPDATE I would like to personally thank all of the Evening Women ‘ladies’ who had their wonderful talents shine through creating, baking, cooking, and/or helping out in one way or another. All of your hard work enabled us to successfully pull off another Holiday On The Hill Bazaar. Evening Women’s Association would also like to thank those of you who helped out with our Bazaar this year who are not members of the Evening Women’s Association. We had great new items made by some, others manned tables, or helped out in other ways. Each and every one of your efforts was greatly appreciated. As always, all proceeds go directly towards helping out our church. Without your support, great events such as this would not be possible, thank you ever so much. I would like to sincerely thank all of the wonderful bakers who donated their flavorful specialties to our Baked Goods Table for the Bazaar. Thanks to all who slaved tirelessly. The Baked Goods Table could not and would not have been such a success without your delicious talents and time. Again, I thank you all for helping to make this year a success. May you all be blessed for your kindness. With great appreciation, Sheri Budnik President

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HOLIDAY COOKIE WALK

On Sunday, December 13th during Coffee Hour we will have our ‘Annual Holiday Cookie Walk’. Again, we have several bakers who will contribute their tasty creations. The cost per pound is $5.00. This is a great way to make up a flavorful cookie tray for gift giving or for your holiday table. Ready made cookie trays will also be available for sale. (We’ve removed all of the extra holiday calories from each and every cookie – purely for your consumption only)

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EVENING WOMEN’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

The ladies of Evening Women’s would like to extend an invitation to ALL of the women of our Congregation to attend our annual Christmas party on December 16th at 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall. We all bring potluck appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. Entrees will be provided. If you would like to participate in our grab bag, there is a $10 limit on what you bring. Please come join us for some good food, good company, fun games, and laughter. Really, we are not just a bunch of old ladies. If you would like more information, please call Sheri at 203-758-0279. Otherwise, just show up – we look forward to seeing new and old friends.

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KITCHEN REMINDERS While we do appreciate it when you take home the dirty dishtowels and pot holders to launder, we really would appreciate it more if you could return them to the Church kitchen towel tote. Please remember to take home any containers that you may bring in to the kitchen. Our kitchen storage space is very limited and cannot store everything left behind. Containers, plates, etc. left and not claimed, will be tossed or donated. Thank you

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 6p Advent Soup/Scripture Series 7:30p Choir

4

6p. Mac & Cheese Sampler

Dinner

5

6 10 a Worship Foster Granparents

11a Coffee Hr CE Mtg

7 7p Deacons Meeting

8 7p BOT Mtg

9 6:30p Confirmation Class 7:30p Choir

10 6p Advent Soup/Scripture Series

11 12

13 Christmas Pageant 8:30a Brkfst 10a Worship 11a Coffee Hr Cookie Walk 11:15 Nominating Mtg

14 7p Committee Night

15 16 6:30 Evening Women’s 7:30p Choir

17 6p Advent Soup/Scripture Series

18 19

20 10a Worship 11a Coffee Hr

21

No Council Mtg

22 23 7:30p Choir

24 5p Candlelight Service 11p Candlelight Service

25

26

27 10a Worship 11a Coffee Hr

28 29 30 31 Deacon of the

Month:

Jerry Burr

December 2015