The Anchor

“Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been

promised. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

~ Hebrews 6:12, 19

Dear Good People of Mystic Congregational Church!

The month of November holds much in store for us. We

will search our hearts and ask God’s guidance as we determine

our 2017 pledges. We will gather at a special open Council

meeting on November 13 to begin to set our 2016-18 mutual

ministry goals based on the CAT survey results. We will thank

God for the abundance in our lives on Thanksgiving Day; and,

before the month is over, we will begin the season of Advent

waiting and watching for the Christ Child.

Beyond our church lives, our nation will hold its 58th

quadrennial presidential election on Tuesday, November 8. Just

as Jesus calls us to immerse ourselves in a life of discipleship, as

citizens of our country, we are called to exercise our privilege

and responsibility by voting. Neither Christian discipleship nor

national citizenship is lived out by staying home and ignoring

our role and responsibility in God’s world. I join with fellow

clergy all over our country of every political persuasion and

urge you to vote on November 8.

You will see from the enclosed Advent/Christmas schedule,

our theme for this season is “Be Not Afraid”. At separate times

in the gospels the angels assured Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and

the shepherds not to be afraid in the face of the glorious miracle

unfolding before them. Before his death and resurrection, Jesus

assured his disciples not be afraid. Relying on our faith, we

need not be afraid as we are called to engage with the Holy

Spirit in planning for and supporting the future of Mystic

Congregational Church. Our high energy and openness to

change position us well so that we need not be afraid to pledge

generously (especially if it’s your first time!) and we need not

be afraid to “dream big” as we set our goals. God is with us.

Jesus said, “From everyone to whom much has been given,

much will be required; and from the one to whom much has

been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48) In

November, let us thank God for our abundance and let us

respond with thoughtful and generous commitment by pledging,

voting and participating fully in all the facets of this amazing

life to which God calls.

In faith and with love,

Pastor Ann

Mystic Congregational Church

Gathered on January 20, 1852

November 2016 Vol. 57 Issue 10

Book of Life Entered into Eternal Rest: Edward J. Wheeler, on July 4, 2016. Brother of Norton C. Wheeler, Jr.

Gladys L. Chudy, on September 27, 2016. Mother of Carl Chudy. Kenneth G. Burse, on September 28, 2016. Father of Rebecca Giulini.

George O. Delap, on September 30, 2016.

Jean Noyes Evans, on October 4, 2016. Wife of David J. Evans.

CONFIRMATION SCHEDULE Sunday, November 6, 2016 11:30 a.m., Parish Hall Kitchen Prepare meal for WARM Shelter

Sunday, December 18, 2016 2:30 p.m., StoneRidge Chart Room Lead Christmas Service for residents

ANCHOR DEADLINES

November 10, Thursday is the deadline

for submitting contributions

for the December 2016 issue of The Anchor.

December 10, Saturday is the deadline

for submitting contributions

for the January 2017 issue of The Anchor.

SPECIAL

OPEN CHURCH

COUNCIL MEETING Sunday, November 13 11:30 AM, Parish Hall

All are welcome to attend

to join with church leaders to begin

our Mutual Minstry goal-setting process based on

the CAT (Congregational Assessment Tool)

survey results.

In the Month of October our High School Youth gathered

for fellowship and learned the ‘secret life of bees’….which

is that they ALL live at Clyde’s Cider Mill! We ate the

most delicious donuts, slurped down cider slushies’ and

started to learn about one another, and only one of us was

stung!

In October a number of you participated in some of the

church-wide ministries that were focused on food insecuri-

ty, including a wonderful youth turnout for the CROP walk.

We read in the gospel of Matthew Ch. 25, Jesus saying,

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and

you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you

welcomed me … whatever you do for the least of these you

do for me.”

So, in November, we will continue serving those in most

need and get a little more hands-on. Both our High school

and Middle School youth are invited to join in on an oppor-

tunity for mission in food preparation and serving.

Mark your calendars!

High School Youth: Sunday, November 6

WARM Shelter Meal Stay after church to prepare and deliver a meal

to the WARM (Westerly Area Rest and Meals) Shelter.

Middle School Youth: Saturday, November 12

New London Breakfast Club We will meet at the church at 11:00 AM,

go to First Congregational Church in New London,

and help to prepare, serve, and clean up the lunch meal

for the guests of the Meal Center.

This fall the children have heard six Godly Play Stories from

the Old Testament and the Gospels. The Middle School

Youth harvested their Brussel sprouts, garlic, tomatoes, po-

tatoes and watermelon. Each week, children served as Wor-

ship Volunteers. On Pinecone Sunday there were 33 chil-

dren present to create pinecone bird feeders to be donated to

the Women’s Fellowship Holiday Bazaar. The older chil-

dren created 60 Halloween napkin and utensil rolls to bright-

en up the trays for residents at Apple Re-

habilitation Center. Whew! As we look

toward November, the children will hear

the Story of Advent and once again pre-

pare for the Children’s Nativity. If you

have any questions about Children’s Min-

istries, please feel free to contact me at

any time! ~ Suzanne Burns, Director-Children’s Ministries

CALENDAR Nov 6 Communion Sunday - No Sunday School

11:15 am Youth Choir with Andrew in Music Rm

Nov 13 10:00 am Godly Play and Grades 6-9 Youth

11:15 am Youth Choir with Andrew in Music Rm

Nov 20 10:00 am Godly Play and Grades 6-9 Youth

11:15 am Youth Choir with Andrew in Music Rm

Nov 27 First Sunday of Advent

10:00 am Godly Play and Grades 6-9 Youth

11:15 am Youth Choir with Andrew in Music Rm

ADULT MISSION TRIP! May 13-20, 2017

The Connecticut Conference of

the United Church of Christ and

Simply Smiles are partnering to

offer a service and learning trip

to the Cheyenne River Sioux

Tribal Reservation in South Da-

kota from May 13-20, 2017. You may remember how en-

gaging and inspiring Simply Smiles President and Founder

Bryan Nurnberger was when he preached here on Mission

Sunday, 2013.

This is a wonderful opportunity for interested adults in our

church to help Simply Smiles “provide bright futures for im-

poverished children, their families and their communities.” If you are interested in participating with Pastor Ann, please

contact her at ann@mysticucc.org to indicate your interest.

For further information about Simply Smiles and the good

work they do, visit their website at www.simplysmiles.org.

KEEP US GROWING On November 1, the Stewardship Committee will kick off its

2016 campaign, Keep Us Growing, which will continue

throughout the month until Pledge Sunday on November 20.

Mystic Congregational Church has the desire and the openness

needed to soar into the next year serving God and ministering

to God’s people in a vibrant and impactful way. To accomplish

these goals, we must keep growing, both in faith and in minis-

try, while expanding our church community AND continuing

to support and build upon the significant commitments made

by our church in 2016.

This is an exciting time for our church and we look forward to

sharing members’ testimonies with you, as well as what we

hope to accomplish through your gifts in the coming year.

MONTHLY CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Since September 2013, Parish Care has sponsored a safe and

confidential hour on the first

Monday morning of the month at

11:00 am in the church library for

family caregivers to come togeth-

er for mutual support. The group

is graciously led by Elena

Schjavland, APRN, a nurse prac-

titioner who specializes in geriat-

ric and behavior health. Over the past three years dozens of

attendees have found both support and expert advice in travel-ing through the difficult days of caring for those they love.

This group is open to all, including those beyond our own faith

community. If you or someone you know might benefit from a

group like this one, please feel free to attend.

CHRISTIAN MISSION CORNER

UPDATE on REFUGEE FAMILIES

Two refugee families arrived in New London over the

summer, one from Syria and the other from The Su-

dan. The Kabny family with 5 children and the Elnemair

family with 4 children have been enjoying the wonderful

furniture and household items that members of MCC

generously donated.

The big need now is for JOBS!

Please contact Cheryl Molina (cherylamo@yahoo.com)

or Ron Ward (ron2get@gmail.com)

if you have any leads.

Cheryl and Ron are the co-founders of Start Fresh,

which in turn works with Integrated Refugee and

Immigrant Services (IRIS) of New Haven.

MCC has partnered with Start Fresh to prepare the apart-

ments for incoming refugees. Other volunteer opportuni-

ties are available for drivers, translators, and tutors. Let

Kathy Parker (kayoparker@gmail.com) know if you

have an interest in getting more involved!

SAVE the DATE!

Salam Neighbor,

a documentary about a refugee camp in Jordan, will be

screened at Connecticut College on Thursday,

November 10 at 6:30 pm.

Start Fresh is co-sponsoring the

event along with Connecticut Col-

lege. The movie is open to the gen-

eral public and free of charge, but

donations will be accepted to benefit

Start Fresh refugee resettlement.

The tentative location is Evans Au-

ditorium, to be confirmed in the bul-

letin.

CHRISTMAS

MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS

To order a memorial poinsettia for the church

sanctuary, please complete an order form

(available in this Anchor issue or in the office).

Deadline: December 12, 2016 (Monday) Cost: $25.00 per plant.

Submit forms to the church office with

appropriate memorial wording and payment

check made out to “Mystic Congregational

Church” (with “Poinsettia Memorial”

in the note/memo line).

SPECIAL VISITATION TRAINING Saturday, November 12, 2016 9:30am – Noon in Parish Hall

led by

Rev. Jessica A. Sommar Manager, Spiritual Care Department

YNHH Lawrence & Memorial Hospital

Rev. Sommar will lead participants through the best

approaches and techniques for effectively visiting the

sick, the dying and the grieving, enabling visitors to

provide a comforting, prayerful presence.

Open to all who desire to be a consolation to others.

Sponsored by Parish Care

Refreshments provided

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

The Women's Fellowship will gather on

Tuesday, November 8 to hear Miranda

Chapman, School Liaison Officer at the

Naval Submarine Base, present "Military

Kids Count". Continuing our year-long

theme of Caring for Ourselves, for Others

and for Our Planet she will talk about her

role supporting military students as they transition into or out

of the area. As there are military children in every school

district in the state, there are many challenges working with

this mobile population and Ms Chapman will discuss her

work with families, school counselors and state-wide policy

makers and how the lessons learned apply to non-

military mobile students.

Bring friends and neighbors and come at 9:15 am for refresh-

ments and good fellowship!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation,

who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able

to console those who are in any affliction with the consola-

tion with which we ourselves are consoled by God.

~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

STONERIDGE RESIDENTS!

SAVE the DATE! Special Christmas Prayer Service

Sunday afternoon, December 18 at 2:30 pm Led by Pastor Ann, Pastor Christa

and the Confirmation Class!

ACADEMY POINT RESIDENTS!

SAVE the DATE for Prayer Services led by Pastor Ann!

Wednesday, November 9 at 3:00 pm Wednesday, December 21 at 3:00 pm

Wednesday, February 22 at 3:00 pm

Wednesday, April 19 at 3:00 pm

Wednesday, June 21 at 3:00 pm

CHUCKLE CORNER

CHURCH BULLETIN NOTE Attention:

The bowl at the back of the church, marked “For the sick,”

is for monetary donations only.

Annunciation by Matthew Stomer

“Be not afraid…” ~ Luke 1:30

Advent and Christmas 2016

Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day

Worship – 10:00 am ONLY

“Comfy Clothes on Christmas Morning”

Sunday, January 1 – New Year’s Day

Worship – 10:00 am ONLY

Sunday, November 27 – 1st Sunday of Advent

Worship at 8:00 am and 10:00 am

Thursday, December 1- 7:00 pm

“Be still and know…”

Special Candlelit Service – Sanctuary

Sunday, December 4 – 2nd Sunday of Advent

Worship at 8:00 am and 10:00 am

Monday, December 5 – 7:00 pm

Adult Program & Discussion (Library)

(details to follow)

Saturday, December 10

4:00 pm – Children’s Nativity Rehearsal

(Sanctuary)

5:30 pm – Advent Potluck Dinner (Parish Hall)

Sunday, December 11 – 3rd Sunday of Advent

Worship – 8:00 am

Worship and Children’s Nativity – 10:00 am

An evening with Andy Scrimgoeur,

Christmas Storyteller

7:00 pm (Library)

Sunday, December 18 – 3rd Sunday of Advent

Worship – 8:00 am and 10:00 am

Wednesday, December 21 – 7:00 pm

Service of Light (Blue Christmas) – Sanctuary

Saturday, December 24 – Christmas Eve

4:00 pm – Service for All Ages

10:00 pm – Lessons and Carols

Sept 20, 2015—BIBLES to 3rd GRADERS Photo courtesy of

Katie Korpi

September 29, 2016 Sue Barker, Don Parker, Jim Battaglia, Jody Capen and Pastor Ann

after special tour of new Hartford Mormon Temple.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS 2016

If you are interested in having a Christmas Poinsettia Memorial, please fill out the following form and

return it to the Church Office. DEADLINE: Monday, December 12, 2016.

DONOR NAME(S): ________________________________________________________________________

MEMORIAL WORDING FOR CHURCH BULLETIN:

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

______ NUMBER OF 8” POINSETTIA PLANTS @ $25.00 each = $ ____________

Check for $ ___________ is enclosed.

Please check one: I will pick up my plant(s) after the Service.

I will NOT pick up my plant(s) after the Service.

(Please note “Christmas Memorial Flowers” on memo line of checks

made out to “Mystic Congregational Church”.)

October 16, 2016—MCC Youth at C.R.O.P. Walk Photo courtesy of

Pastor Christa Swenson

NOVEMBER 2016 Worship Services

Sunday, November 6, 2016

25th Sunday after Pentecost Sacrament of Holy Communion

8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Rev. Ann M. Aaberg

Haggai 1:15b-2:9 Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 or Psalm 98

OR Job 19:23-27a Psalm 17:1-9 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

Luke 20:27-38 ______________________________

Sunday, November 13, 2016

26th Sunday after Pentecost 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.

Rev. Ann M. Aaberg Isaiah 65:17-25 Isaiah 12

OR Malachi 4:1-2a Psalm 98 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Luke 21:5-19 _____________________________

Sunday, November 20, 2016

27th Sunday after Pentecost Thanksgiving Sunday

8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Rev. Ann M. Aaberg

Jeremiah 23:1-6 Luke 1:68-79 OR Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 46

Colossians 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43

_____________________________

Sunday, November 27, 2016

First Sunday of Advent 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.

Rev. Ann M. Aaberg Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122

Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44

_____________________________

Mystic Congregational Church “where hope is alive and love is visible”

An Open and Affirming Church

43 East Main Street

Mystic, CT 06355

Office (860) 536-4259

Fax (860) 572-2716

Email office@mysticucc.org

Website: www.mysticucc.org

www.youtube.com/mysticcongregational

Facebook Mystic Congregational Church UCC

Sunday Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.* *Sunday School & Child Care

All MCC Members Ministers

Rev. Ann M. Aaberg Pastor

Rev. Christa D. Swenson Associate Pastor

Katrina M. Korpi Moderator

Andrew P. Howell Director of Music

Suzanne M. Burns Director of Children’s Ministries

Franklin G. Davis Treasurer

Stacey I. Herrman Assistant Treasurer

Susan B. Lettrich Contribution Treasurer

Eleanor S. Pomeroy Office Secretary

Our Mission Statement: to joyfully bring the Christian principles

of faith, hope and love to all through quality worship, education,

fellowship and outreach.

Non-Profit Organization

U. S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 31

Mystic, CT 06355