The Renewing Wind
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF
MIDDLE ISLAND CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
271 Middle Country Road
Middle Island, NY 11953
Pastor
Stephen Shick
Visit us at: www.middleislandunitedchurchofchrist.org
January 2012
Worship
and Sunday School at 10 AM
Coffee
Hour Fellowship After Worship
Ongoing
Missions of Little Church with a Big Heart
Food Pantry each Wednesday from 4-5 PM
Children’s
International Support of Child
Mentoring
at Coram Elementary School
Pennies
for People
January
2012
Dear Friends,
The Christmas season
is often a difficult time of year for many people.
Memories of loved ones who have gone to be with the Lord, sickness, family
difficulties, loss of a job all seem to get in the way of the joy we are
supposed to feel during this special time of the year.
In response to what I
feel are real difficulties in people’s lives, especially in a season that was
supposed to be marked by merriment and joy, I am reminded of a sermon I
preached several years ago titled, Nothing Shall Separate Us From the
Love of Christ from Romans 8:28-37.
I would like to share of a few of the high points of that message with
you here.
Paul says in Romans 8:35,
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or
danger or sword?” and then he goes on to say in verse 37, “No, in all these
things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” What Paul is saying here is that no matter
what life throws at us, and all of us go through trials and difficulties as we
make our way through this veil of tears, that no matter what happens to us, it
cannot be so terrible that we are removed from the love of Christ.
Corrie Ten Boom said , “There is no pit so deep that He in not deeper
still.” There is no experience we can
have in life that will separate us from the love of Christ. All we have to remember to do is to remind
ourselves of his vast and tremendous love for us.
I know the Christmas
season is almost over, but I want the truth of this message to ring loudly in
your hearts that NOTHING CAN SEPARATE YOU FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
In Christian love and service,
Pastor
Steve
DVD based Book Discussion Jan 10,17,24,31 at 7:30 P.M.
C. S. Lewis’ classic “The
Screwtape Letters” will be reviewed and discussed on Tuesday evenings at the
Gaidrys’ home, 30 W. Denis Lane, Coram, NY.
The DVD provides a summary of themes of the book and study questions.
Therefore, one does not have to read the book to participate. “The Screwtape
Letters” explore the battle of good versus evil and the struggle of man to
embrace God’s will rather than his own selfish desires.
Seal
Walk at Cupsogue Beach on Jan. 21
Bundle up and meet at the
church at 10 AM to carpool to the Cupsogue Beach. The seals are already being sighted on the
sand bars. The half mile walk to see the seals is worthwhile. A coffee house is
nearby, so the hearty participants can warm up after the walk.
Congregational
Meeting After Worship on Jan. 29
All members and friends of
MIUCC are encouraged to attend the annual Congregational Meeting on January 29
after worship. Rolls and cold cuts and salad will be provided for lunch.
Members will vote on the budget and people who have been nominated to fill
leadership positions as specified in the church constitution.
Thanks
for Supporting the Stewardship Drive
To date over
$38,000 has been pledged toward the 2012 operating budget pledge goal of $47,800.
The budget will be voted on by the members at the Congregational Meeting set
for January 29, 2012. All those who wish to support the 2012 operating budget
are asked to fill out a pledge card and put it in the offering plate or send it
the Treasurer of MIUCC at PO Box 90, Middle Island, NY 11953.
Update
on Church Restoration Projects
Repairs were made to the
church chimney and a chimney cap was installed. Repairs were also made to the
church steeple. Rotted wood on the northeast corner was replaced.
Several donations were made
to the Building Restoration Fund in November. Sufficient funds are available to
have storm windows built and installed over the 7 large arched windows next
year, and thereby qualify for the $1000 grant that has been awarded for this
project by the New York Landmark Conservancy. Major repairs are still needed to
the church steeple. Therfore, please continue to support the Restoration Fund.
Also, a volunteer is needed to write grant applications.
January Birthdays: Congratulations & Best Wishes to all!!!
Jan. 4 Heidi White 30 Betsy Gaidry
7 Athena Tuleja 31 Lori Santoro
18 Hanna Amed
27
Luke Santoro
January 2012 Middle Island Congregational United
Church of Christ
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
|
1 Worship
& Communion & Sunday School 10 AM |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 Soup Kitchen 5 – 6 PM |
6 |
7 |
|
8 Worship
& Sunday School 10 AM |
9 |
10 Study of CS Lewis’ “Screwtape Letters” 7:30 |
11 Food Pantry 4 -5 Soup Kitchen 5 – 6 PM |
12 Soup Kitchen 5 – 6 PM |
13 |
14 |
|
15 Worship & Sunday School 10AM |
16 |
17 Study of CS Lewis’ “Screwtape Letters” 7:30 |
18 Food Pantry 4 - 5 Soup Kitchen 5 – 6 PM |
19 Soup Kitchen 5 – 6 PM |
20 |
21 Seal Walk 10 AM meet at church |
|
22 Worship & Sunday School 10AM |
23 Council Meeting
7 PM |
24 Study of CS Lewis’ “Screwtape Letters” 7:30 |
25 Food Pantry
4 - 5 Soup Kitchen 5 – 6 PM |
26 Soup Kitchen 5 – 6 PM |
27 |
28 |
|
29 Worship & Sunday School 10AM Congregational Meeting 11: 30 |
30 |
31 Study of CS Lewis’ “Screwtape Letters” 7:30 |
|
|
|
|
Middle
Island Congregational
United
Church of Christ
P.O.
Box 90
Middle
Island, New York 11953
"The little church with the big heart"