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VOLUME 72 | ISSUE 11DECEMBER 2017

IN THIS ISSUECONGREGATIONAL MEETING 2

ADVENT ON THE HILL 3

CARING MINISTRIES 4

STEWARDSHIP 4

WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY 4

MUSIC & ARTS 5

ADULT EDUCATION 7

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT 8

YOUTH & TEENS 11

CHILDREN & FAMILIES 10

HIGHLIGHTS 12

Hill Church News THE NEWSLETTER OF ASYLUM HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Helping people grow in faith and love as disciples of Jesus

Highlights of the Congregational MeetingNovember 12, 2017

Exciting news! Approximately 150 members joined clergy and lay lead-ers for this informational meeting, to hear updates on our transition progress, budget and giving, and vitality. Below is a summary of the meeting; the minutes of the meet-ing will be posted on the Member Portal in early December.

Transition ProgressErica began with a recap of the foundational work of the Sacred Circles. Drawing over 250 members, these gatherings began the rebuilding of our capacity for important conversations as a faith community. For a complete report on the lessons from Sacred Circles, go to ahcc.org/about-ahcc/transi-tion-news.

Stepping Stone 2 – Café Conversations began in November with nearly 100 peo-ple attending so far. More gatherings are scheduled in December and January, and all are encouraged to sign up. Taking the aspirations and the concerns we shared in the Sacred Circles, the Café Conversations take us deeper into the things that matter most to our church: rebuilding our sense of community, for exploring challenges together, and readying ourselves as a faith community for the call of a new minister.

December Café Conversation

Sun, Dec. 10, 11:45am

All are welcome to a conversation about creating a church culture of respect and gratitude for all God’s people, church governance, our church’s relationship with the UCC, racism and its effects, the mandate to “do justice” and what that looks like for AHCC. Register online, at the table in Drew Hall on Sundays following worship, or by calling the church office at 860.525.5696. The most up-to-date information on the transition process and progress can be found on our website at ahcc.org/about-ahcc/transition-news.

See “Congregational Meeting,” pg 2

Members gather in the chapel for a Café Conversation

Healthy Communication

What is healthy communication? At AHCC, it means being able to voice your comments, questions or concerns to church leadership, and know that you are “heard.” Beginning Sundays in mid-January, look for the table in Drew Hall with the balloons, and take some time to connect with a deacon to:• Promote and foster healthy communications between members and diacon-

ate leaders;• Help members make meaningful connections within AHCC;• Help leaders be aware of commonly held observations, questions and con-

cerns.

2 For a complete list of events, programs, and volunteer opportunities, please visit ahcc.org.

Thanksgiving Sunday altar decorations are a beautiful and

beloved AHCC tradition

Asylum Hill CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH814 Asylum Ave., Hartford, CT 06105-2892

Ph: 860.525.5696 | Fax: 860.525.3457www.ahcc.org | e-mail: [email protected]

The Hill Church News USPS245-160 is published one time per month (every six weeks during June, July and August) by Asylum Hill Congregational Church. Periodical postage paid at Hartford, CT.

Items for publication must reach the office by noon on or before the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Please submit items to Rhonda Mitchell, Communications Director, at the above address OR [email protected]

Postmaster Send address changes to Hill Church News at the above address.

Worship Services 9:00 & 10:15am

Sunday morning services are recorded. Sermons are posted on our website, ahcc.org Church Leadership Rev. Erica A. Thompson, Acting Senior Minister Rev. John W. Collins, Interim Assoc. Minister Tobey Aubert, Youth Director Susan Carroll, Organist Helena Carvalho, Director of Operations Rev. Mia Douglas, Director of Discipleship Marcie Jackson, Dir. of Children & Family Min. Rhonda Mitchell, Communications Director Jack A. Pott, Director of Music & Arts Holly DeYoung, Moderator Bart Halloran, Vice Moderator

Congregational MeetingJohn shared that Stepping Stone 3, a Vision Gathering, we anticipate tak-ing place in March, will be a celebration and culmination of our transition work together. At this church-wide gathering, we will create a statement that articulates the vision we have for AHCC, and acknowledges the lead-ership gifts we will need to move us forward. Immediately following the Vision Gathering, our Senior Minister Search Committee will be launched. Deacons have been asked to make recommendations for Search Committee candidates. The formation of a team to help plan and facilitate the Vision Gathering is now underway. Anyone wishing to assist, please contact Bart Halloran, Erica or John.

Budget and GivingHolly offered an update on our current $2.2M budget. In October, the Ad-ministration and Finance Committee worked with the Diaconate to close a projected budget gap of over $200,000 using the following strategies:

• Keep our expenses flat, as opposed to cutting, in order to maintain the qual-ity of worship, programs and events we value

• Raise the endowment draw to the 5% cap. We strive to contain the draw to between 3-5% in order to protect the principal funds in the endowment. The endowment has recently provided 25-30% of our annual budget, so preserv-ing the principal of the fund is acknowledged as a worthy goal

• Use four non-endowment, unrestricted funds and one endowment income fund specifically restricted to cover church maintenance

Holly offered a review of pledging/giving over the past two years, show-ing a consistent level of giving at $1.3M. However, several changes in the patterns of giving have made budgeting difficult: roughly $185,000 in non-pledged, unpredictable giving last year, and approximately $128,000 in pledge payments made after the fiscal year had ended, likely due to house-hold preferences regarding the timing of pledge payments. We continue to study these changes in giving to help inform our plans for stewardship.

Vital SignsErica concluded the presentation with reflection on the measures of vitali-ty. Churches often gauge their strength in terms of membership numbers, worship attendance and pledging. The good news is, despite our fears that many have left the church this past year, only 19 people formally withdrew membership since June, and seven of those due to moving out of area. On November 26, we welcomed 10 new members. For a church steadying itself, examining its direction and rebuilding its sense of community, these num-bers suggest that we are moving forward and upward.

There are many signs of vitality at AHCC, far too many to list in this writ-ing. A reading of any HCN issue, weekly bulletin or Thursday email will reveal the opportunities for fellowship, worship, education and faithful action. Lean in, participate in our transition time and help build the future of AHCC!

Asylum Hill Congregational Church | www.ahcc.org | 860.525.5696 3

Advent on the Hill: a Season of Anticipation Worship Services

First Sunday of Advent: Hope | December 3, 9:00 & 10:15am Donated poinsettias grace the sanctuary; Rev. Erica Thompson preaching Second Sunday of Advent: Peace | December 10, 9:00 & 10:15am Rev. John Collins preaching at 9:00am service; Children’s Christmas Pageant at 10:15am service Third Sunday of Advent: Joy | December 17, 9:00 & 10:30am (note service times) This festive Advent worship features a full orchestra. Rev. Erica Thomson preaching Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love | December 24 | 10:15am (one morning service) Come ready to join in the song. Rev. John Collins preaching

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Services

4:30pm Family Service | A kid-friendly telling of The Night Before the (First) Christmas 8:00 & 11:00pm: A service of carols and anthems, leading up to the beautiful candlelighting service. Rev. Erica Thompson preaching at both services

Christmas Day Worship Service | 10:15am (no childcare)

Come to the manger and celebrate Christ’s birth as the “Word becomes flesh and dwells among us.” Rev. Erica Thompson leading worship

Watch Day Brunch (9:30am) & Worship Service (11:00am) | Sun, Dec. 31

We will ring in the new year with a festive brunch in Drew Hall followed by a Watch “Day” service, commemorating the history in the African-American community, where slaves gathered in churches on New Year's Eve 1862, to await news and confirmation of the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. All are welcome after the service for a “bubbly” toast at 12:00noon.

Other Events and Services

Advent Wreath-making and Potluck | Sun, Nov. 26, 5:00pm All are invited to come together as a church family to celebrate the season of joy and sharing. Suggested donation: $20/wreath, and a potluck dinner item to share. Women’s Advent Retreat: Walking the Way of Hope | Sat, Dec. 2, 11:00am – 2:00pm Connect with women and explore questions of wholeness using Jan Richardson’s book, Walking the Way of Hope. Childcare provided (please indicate on sign-up form if needed). Angel Tree | Sun, Dec. 3 | Drew Hall Purchase a gift for a child or teen in our community. Please return gifts by Sunday, December 17. Children’s Christmas Store | Sun, Dec. 3, 10:00am – 12:00noon | Twichell Room The church’s youngest members have an opportunity to experience the joys of giving in a non-commercial and God-centered environment. Wrapped, modestly priced gifts (ranging from $0.50 - $5.00) are available for purchase. Service of Remembrance and Healing | Mon, Dec. 4, 7:00pm If you have experienced loss, this healing service of prayer, song, and a time of sacred remembrance, will provide a sense of peace and comfort. Music for Humanity: Choral Masterworks Christmas Concert | Sun, Dec. 17, 4:00pm The AHCC Choir, orchestra, and soloists present a concert of choral masterworks for the Christmas season. All proceeds benefit ImmaCare, striving to eliminate homelessness in the Hartford region.


AHCC Investment Committee Update

AHCC’s Investment Sub-committee is responsible for overseeing and mak-ing recommendations to the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) with regard to the church’s financial assets, including but not limited to the church’s endowment and other property held by financial institutions. Current members are Jim Liddy, Chair, Frank Barrett, Sharon Disque, Linda Kelly, Bob Laraia, Rich Rapp, Ralph Takala and Dan Tracy.

The Committee meets quarterly to review financial market conditions, port-folio activity and performance, and manager or Committee recommended changes to portfolio fund holdings. Longer term governance discussion includes specifically scheduled review of benchmarking comparisons, best practices, spending policy, and appropriate asset allocation. Each year the Committee recommends the investment draw to the AFC and Diaconate. The latter has final approval of the annual draw.

AHCC endowment funds managed by Fiduciary Investment Advisors (FIA) total $17.4 million. FIA is headquartered in Windsor ,CT. For the most recent performance period ending September 20, 2017, the trailing 12 month and since inception (Oct. 1, 2008) returns of AHCC funds were 12.2% and 7.4% respectively, which modestly exceeded their market benchmarks for the matching time period.

Stewardship

Prayer Groups

Tuesday morning groupDec. 5 & 19 10:00am

at AHCC

Our time together is spirited, joy filled, full of laughter and incredi-bly prayerful. No need to commit to being present every Tuesday morning - come as you are, when you are able.

Women’s Spirituality & Fellowship

Thursday evening group7:00pm | 136 Whiting Lane,

West Hartford

If you have obligations during the day, then this evening Prayer Group is for you! Our time is cen-tered on the joys and challenges of living as a woman of faith in today’s world We share with one another, pray with and for one another, and engage in fellowship.

If you have any questions or would like more information about ei-ther group, please contact Erica Thompson at [email protected] or 860.216.9823

Caring Ministries

Flower Arrangers and Deliverers Needed

One of the most valued, behind the scenes ministries at AHCC, is the volunteer arranging of flowers into small bouquets from the altar flow-ers, and delivering them to the ill and shut-in members. They appre-ciate the flowers, and knowing they are remembered by their church. We are working with a declining list of people to deliver. If you would be willing to spend a small amount of time after the 11:00am. coffee hour, please call Betty Joan LaCha-pelle at (860) 649-9697 to be part of this important and rewarding Ministry to all participants.

Service of Remembrance and Healing

Come unto me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28

Mon, Dec. 4, 7:00pm | Chapel

All types of losses bring sadness, be it a loss due to death of a person or pet close to your heart, loss due to divorce, or even a loss of a belong-ing. And while the holiday season abounds with happiness and good cheer, it can cause those dealing with heartbreaking circumstances to feel discouraged and sad.

If you have experienced a loss, recent or long ago, this healing service can provide a sense of peace and comfort.


Music Notes ...

For over half a century our church has been blessed with the presence of vocal section leaders. These professional singers have allowed our music program to maintain an enviable level of performance excellence in the region. They also provide essential vocal leadership and support for our amazing choir, and throughout the year you get to hear them sing as soloists in worship as well as in concerts. This month is our second installment highlighting the section leaders each of the four voice parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass), so that you can get to know them better.

Meet your Sanctuary Choir Tenor Section Leaders

Michael Hughes has a Bachelors degree in Music from Central Connecticut State University where he studied composition and voice. This is his second year at AHCC, and he is overjoyed to be making music with such talented people. During his time at CCSU he was a member of the University Sing-ers, an internationally touring group. His composition, O’ Death, was pre-miered by select singers at CCSU and his work Temporal Currents for wind quintet was debuted by the Hartford Independent Chamber Orchestra. He can’t thank Jack Pott enough for tutoring him throughout school, and also giving him the opportunity to perform at AHCC.

Favorite time of year? Summer; Favorite composer? Hans Zimmer;Favorite author? Stephen King; Favorite dessert? Chocolate Chip Cookies; Desert Island CD? Soundtrack to 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Matthew Weisher is a tenor, actor, composer and arranger from Windsor Locks, CT, and joined AHCC as a section leader in spring 2016. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Voice and Composition from Central Connecticut State University. Weisher is an active singer both classically and in the a cappella world, where he can be seen as a member of the nationally-ranked group, CONNECT. As a composer, his pieces, often for choir, have been premiered in the United States, Europe and Asia. His Quem Vidistis Pastores for choir & organ will be premiered by the AHCC Sanctuary Choir on Christmas Eve. He wishes to thank his musical director, as well as former voice teacher, Jack Pott for this opportunity to make music with and for the incredible people of Hartford.

Favorite time of year? Late summer, early fall (not just because it’s my birthday time...); Favorite composer? Prokofiev and Handel; Favorite author? Any good comedian writing their memoirs; Favorite dessert? Cheesecake or creme brûlée; Desert Island CD? Toradze’s recording of the 5 Prokofiev piano concertos

Music & Arts


Boar’s Head Festival Tickets on Sale

2018 Festival Dates: Fri, Jan. 5, 7:30pm; Sat, Jan. 6, 3:00 & 6:30pm; Sun, Jan. 7, 1:30 & 5:00pm.

Call 860.278.0785 or go online at ahcc.org to purchase tickets (all reserved seating): $25, $22, $18

NEW this year – donor tickets. Some of the very best seats in the house have been set aside for donors. Donor and regular admission tickets available at ahcc.org. The pre-show returns with a magician, stilt-walker and more, and a young student (on horseback!) is knighted for his bravery.

Time to Bake the CookiesThe Boar’s Head Reception Committee needs homemade cookies, both regular and gluten free, to be delivered to the church kitchen anytime in December, up to and including the weekend of the Boar’s Head performances. Please package the cookies in airtight plastic bags or containers so they don’t get freezer burn or get dried out. If you would like your container returned after the performance, put your name on the cover and the container. Every year we receive some store bought cookies, but they are not served at the receptions unless we are desperate ... we have a reputation to uphold for delicious homemade goodies! The bought cookies are donated.

Christmas Books & Boar’s Head Tickets

Dec. 3, 10 & 17 | Drew Hall

Great Christmas gift ideas! A Connecticut Christmas featuring AHCC’s Boar’s Head Festival and Christmas scenes throughout the state, will be on sale at a reduced price, along with copies of a beautiful children’s book, The Boar’s Head Festival: A Christmas Celebration. Tuck a couple of Boar’s Head tickets in the book or in a stocking – a great way to cap off the holiday season.


Adult Education

SUSO News

Love one another as I have loved you. - John 13:34

Candlelight Vigil to Commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the Sandy Hook Tragedy

Thurs, Dec. 14, 6:00pm | Chapel

SUSO is organizing a candlelight Vigil of Remembrance, Re-commitment and Peace, where we will recognize the victims of gun violence and their families, remembering the lives lost in the horrific mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and individuals in Hartford whose lives were tragically taken due to gun violence during the past year.

With Rev. Erica Thompson’s blessing and commitment, we will be collaborating with other churches and organizations such as Mothers United Against Violence to make this event special and meaningful, and we hope you will make every effort to attend.

MLK Birthday RemembranceSun, Jan. 15, 11:30am

As we honor Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., SUSO will be showing a video of Father Gregory Boyle’s talk in September at the Franciscan Urban Center, which several of us were privileged to attend. AHCC member Marilyn Rossetti, executive director of The Open Hearth Association, will join us to tell us more about Father Boyle, whom she has gotten to know well over the past several years.

SUSO November Recap

November 3 – the SUSO Planning Team attended the UCONN School of Social Work’s Second Annual Symposium, “Schools and Communities Working Together: Intervening and Preventing Violence,” where we learned about several innovative methods for engaging all students, but particularly those who are at risk.

November 19 – SUSO sponsored an after-church forum on Prisoner Re-entry into the Community at which two formerly incarcerated women shared their emotionally stirring and moving life stories. Each woman credited the people and pro-grams of Community Partners in Action (CPA) for enabling them to turn their lives around and become highly contribut-ing members of society. Deborah Rogala, CPA Program Operations Director, however, noted that the recent extreme bud-get cuts in CPA’s funding as well as the funding of many of the other agencies with whom CPA interacts, have severely hampered their ability to provide re-entry support to all who need it.

November 29 – SUSO set up a supper and book discussion facilitated by Courtney Bourns on Michael Eric Dyson’s Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon for White America for which over 35 people signed up.

During the coming months, the SUSO Planning Team will be developing ways to share more in-depth information on various aspects of the book with both the AHCC community and the community at large.


Member Engagement & Community Outreach

For many years, members and friends of AHCC become angels during the holiday season by purchasing gifts for children and youth in the commu-nity and in the city of Hartford.

Beginning Sunday, December 3, the Angel Tree will be up and decorat-ed in Drew Hall. Select one or more ornaments with information about the recipient and their gift wish. Purchase the appropriate gift(s), wrap and place them back under the tree no later than Sunday, December 17. Please remember to wrap and secure-ly attach the ornament tag onto the package so the gift can be matched to the correct recipient. When you be-come an angel, others find joy, hope, and blessings! The Angel Tree project is a partnership between the AHCC Outreach Committee and the follow-ing organizations. Please contact Rev. Mia Douglas if you have any ques-tions, comments, or concerns.

ConnectiKids, Inc. is an indepen-dent, non-profit youth development agency that began in 1978, when volunteers from AHCC and neigh-borhood corporations came together to provide after-school tutoring for students at West Middle School. The mission of ConnectiKids is to connect Hartford children and youth to their potential by building relationships and providing educational opportu-nities.

Asylum Hill Family Center (AHFC) strives to improve the school read-iness and success of Asylum Hill’s young children from birth to eight years old. AHFC believes that 1) parents are a child’s first and most influential nurturer, teacher, and ad-vocate; 2) strong supportive families

The AHCC Thrift Shop

Open Sun, Dec. 3, 10 & 17 10:00am - 12:30pm

Do a little holiday shopping with us! We have an abundance of excellent Christmas merchandise: ornaments, gifts galore, books, and decorations, as well as some warm winter coats and scarves.

Our proceeds are used to support the church’s outreach programs.

are the key to healthy and successful young children; and 3) families need access to information and supportive services.

Hartford Juvenile Detention Center provides a continuum of services for children and youth pending court hearings, judicial dispositions of cas-es, hospitalization, or while awaiting placement with a new family. These children are unable to be home for the holidays. The goal of this program is to make the best of an unfortunate situation by showing love, care, and providing gifts so the kids can enjoy the holidays.

Youth Challenge of Connecticut has been operating as a residential outreach center since 1970, for wom-en and men recovering from drug addiction. The program emphasizes personal and social development in a sharing and caring environment. The healing process begins with a unique combination of acceptance, discipline, and structure. Youth Challenge offers an atmosphere of growth through biblical counseling and work-study.

Covenant to Care for Children is a nonprofit agency with a 25 year histo-ry of working with AHCC and other faith communities to meet the needs of abused, neglected and impover-ished children and teens in Hartford and surrounding communities. A statewide network of volunteers, donors, and businesses assist to foster nurturing, caring environments, and relationships for children and youth, by providing them with basic materi-al needs and mentoring relationships.

Trinity Academy is an independent elementary school serving Hartford

area children and their families in the Asylum Hill neighborhood. They are a safe and nurturing community where students develop literacy and critical thinking skills that build the foundation for future academic suc-cess. Students experience joy as they begin to discover who they are, how they learn and the opportunities that await them.

Be An Angel This Christmas Season!


Hurricane Harvey Relief Update There is good news from Houston, TX! Vawn Gretta Stearnes sends her gratitude to the AHCC communi-ty and members who responded to the needs of her family in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. She recently wrote to Director of Disci-pleship, Rev. Mia Douglas saying, “I hope and pray all is well with you and everyone. My good news is I finally have a car and I just got off of the phone with my apartment approval. I’m so excited! [We] move November 18. Boy, this [has been] a hurtful, emotional, and financial-ly pressing situation. But, it has mostly been a faith-building, joyous wonderful time of growth. Thank you to you and the congregation for your prayers and your support.”

Trunk or Treat Event at AHCCby Bernie Michael, Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association

Asylum Hill Congregational Church hosted a Trunk or Treat event on Sunday afternoon, October 29. Trunk or Treat is a Halloween event with volunteers who deco-rate their car trunks and provide treats for the children going around the parking lot to view the dec-orations. The event also features games and entertainment to help enliven the festivities. The event is intended to provide a safe way for neighborhood children to celebrate Halloween and have a good time. Unfortunately, this year Mother Nature did not cooperate. The day was decidedly gloomy with cold

rain, wind and was just a generally raw unpleasant day. This did keep some people away, but for those that showed up it turned out to be a great day! The event was moved indoors to Drew Hall where tables were set up and the trunk decorations were adapted to the tables.

The atmosphere was joyful, full of laughter and the kids had a lot of fun. It was wonderful to see all the kids in their costumes, many playing out the super hero roles they were portraying. There were plenty of snacks and treats for all. Games included a bean bag toss that was very popular since every time someone scored a goal the gamekeeper would shout out a loud “GOOOOOAL” exclamation to the delight of the players with lots of ap-plause. Every player relished the challenge to get the cheer for their efforts. Every winner could pick from a basket of little toys and Halloween trinkets and the line to play was never empty. There was also an inflatable limbo setup that was fun for all who tried to see how low they could go. There was Halloween background music, although the fun and laughter often overwhelmed it. For what may have been a diminished and lack-luster event due to weather condi-tions, turned out to be a wonderful and joyous day for all who attend-ed. It was so successful, I’m sure it will be repeated. See you next year.

Look for more pics from the event on the back page.

Center Church Community Meals

are back!

January 28, February 25, and March 25, 2018

Sign up at the Faith in Action table in Drew Hall

Table to table Collection

Thank you for your continued support of AHCC’s Table to table collection. Please place your do-nations in the labeled bins at the front entrance to the sanctuary or in the hallway leading to Drew Hall on Communion Sunday. Donated items benefit the patrons of Loaves and Fishes Ministry

December – canned vegetables


Children & FamiliesAnticipating the Sundays of Advent with Young Children

As a parent, I know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed during Advent, trying to balance all of the activities at home, school and church, so my suggestion of adding one more item to your to-do list may not win me any blessings this Ad-vent season! With so much going on, it can be easy to lose the excitement and anticipation around celebrating the birth of our Lord. You can help your child feel that anticipation by discussing the theme we celebrate each of the four Sunday’s in Advent at church. It does not have to be a Sunday school lesson, or be around your Advent wreath, or even involve read-ing scripture, but just a short talk with your child at bedtime or in the car on your journeys from activity to activity.

Advent 1: Hope “a strong and confident expectation”Some questions to ask your child: What does it mean to anticipate something? What kinds of things do we look forward to? Be prepared for talk of presents and Santa Claus. You may need to model for your child what you might be anticipat-ing such as, “I am excited to spend time together as a family,” or “I cannot wait to see you in the Christmas pageant and hear the story of Jesus’ birth.” You can say this simple prayer with your child: Dear God, we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Jesus, and for our hearts to be filled with the hope he brings. Amen.

Advent 2: Peace “tranquility, harmony, or security”Children often associate peace as the opposite of war between countries. You may need talk about how peace or lack of peace not only affects countries, but individuals as well. For example, how the peace between two people can be broken and mended. Or how we can feel peace within our hearts by praying to God a prayer like this: I am so excited for the arrival of Jesus, and pray that the peace he brings will surround me, my family, my church and all those in the world, like a warm blanket. Amen.

Advent 3: Joy “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness”For some, it can be hard to feel joy at this time of year, and our children are not immune from sadness, even with the upcoming holiday. As adults, we need to remember that joy is not just found in “big things,” but can be found in small things such as seeing the first snowfall of the season, reading Christmas cards or hanging up favorite decorations. Once you find a little joy with your child, it will become easier to find more and more things that bring your family joy. For a child who love facts and numbers, the word “joy” appears 88 times in the Old Testament in 22 books, and 57 times in the New Testament in 18 books, so I am guessing that God really wants us to feel joy and to share it with others! A joyful prayer: May I feel the joy in my heart that the shepherds felt the first time they looked upon baby Jesus. Amen.

Advent 4: Love “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31Love abounds at this time of year with family and church gatherings, but what are some ways you can encourage your child to show love for their neighbors? Start by modeling behaviors such as saying “hello” to your neighbors, or helping an elderly neighbor to shovel snow off their sidewalk, or just holding a door open for someone. We often overlook the smaller actions in our everyday lives, when it is these smaller actions of love and respect that can lead to greater ones. Lord, you sent your son to teach us to love each other. Help me learn to love my neighbor this Advent season. Amen.

Christmas Day: Jesus the Savior is born to us today. Alleluia!One of the traditions we have in our family is leaving Baby Jesus out of our Nativity set during Advent, then placing him into the manger on Christmas Eve after our son is in bed. Such a simple action, but it brings a moment of peace to me to have to slow down to do it, and it brings my son such joy to look for Jesus on Christmas morning. It is a reminder of the hope and love that Jesus brings to so many. Jesus is born to us today. Alleluia!

Whatever the Advent season brings your family this year, remember to take a deep breath and enjoy with your child the anticipation of the hope, peace, joy and love that the birth of our Lord brings to us.

With many Advent blessings,Marcie Jackson, Dir. Of Children & Family Ministries


Youth & TeensDecember is a great time to connect and build some momentum so we can rock 2018! The new year will bring a sea-son of action as we plan mission trips, local service opportunities, and some fun team-building events.

Children’s Christmas Store

Sun, Dec. 3, 10:15am – 12:00noon

As Christmas approaches, it can be challenging to help our children remember the true meaning of Christmas while surrounded with the commercial chaos of the season. Without competition or commercial pressure, AHCC’s Christ-mas Store provides children the opportunity to shop for gifts in a supportive environment under the guidance of adult volunteers. CFMC members and volunteers have assembled an impressive array of modestly priced gifts, ranging from $.50-$5.00 with gift wrapping available.

This year, in the spirit of giving with open hearts, please consider a donation of toiletries to support the Hartford No Freeze Shelter. These precious necessities will be distributed to those in need in our community.

Adult volunteers are needed to assist with set-up, helping children shop and cleanup after the event. Please con-sider offering the gift of time to our children during this blessed season. Volunteers may contact Marcie Jackson, [email protected] for more information.

Children’s Christmas PageantSun, Dec. 10, 10:15am

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all peo-ple. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:9-11

Join us for the retelling of Jesus’ birth through the eyes and voices of our Spirit Hill children. The Children’s Christ-mas Pageant offers all a chance to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the coming of the Christ child.

High School: Sundays, 7:00pm, Youth Lounge

1. Christmas Theme: Emmanuel, God with us. Straight talk about what the birth of Jesus means in our every-day lives. Is God still here with us? Creative faith practices to make the Christ “holy day” relevant in the lives of teens.2. Connection: Teens have so many programs, sports, and activities, connecting to church friends can be scattered at best. How can we make youth group close knit during the Christmas season?3. Competition: We’ll be playing some friendly reindeer games for a little Christmas cheer.

Middle School: Sundays, 10:15am, Youth Classroom & Youth Lounge

Middle Schoolers have been giving excellent thoughts about life as a Middle Schooler, and we look for-ward to growing together in the love of Christ. We will be continuing our Images of God series with a special “Two sides of Christmas” theme each week in December.The Fun Side: Holiday treats, deco-rations, friends, and, of course, silly holiday games for candy.The Love Side: We will inspire cu-riosity with the idea of discovering God as present in their world, using questions, opinions, stories, discus-sion, and faith practice.


Highlights: Trunk or Treat Event

hill church news - asylum hill congregational churchour time together is spirited, joy filled, full...

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