North Haven Congregational Church

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Steve Peterson is a long-timer at NHCC!
He and his wife, Mabel, have been members of NHCC since 1972. Steve’s ministry, humor, and generosity to this church is uplifting and inspiring! Over the years, he has taught several classes in our adult education program, including a three-course sequence on the literature of the New Testament. He chaired the hymnal selection committee, which brought Voices United to our worship and has served on the Finance Board and the Board of Deacons. He and Mabel have been to the Mississippi Gulf twice to help rebuild homes lost to Katrina, and Steve also participated in one youth mission trip to Watertown, New York. Steve has now joined the Board of Christian Education and, with Kim Coughlin, is serving as a co-chair for 2010. He is deeply committed to intergenerational worship and the full participation of children in worship. He also is a strong supporter of drama in worship and of a wider role for music...choral, instrumental, and congregational...in worship. For more than thirty years Steve has been a member of the New Haven Oratorio Choir...an ensemble which concentrates on performing sacred music of the Baroque era and presents three concerts a year. Steve retired in 2006 from Trinity College where he served as Associate Academic Dean and College Professor. He served Trinity College as College Librarian from 1991 to 1999. Prior to joining Trinity College, Steve was Divinity School Librarian in Yale University from 1972-1991. His career included leadership roles in several national and international research projects involving library development and cooperation. Much of this work related to the study of World Christianity and particularly Christianity in Africa. This work took him to almost every theological school in the United States and Canada as well as to Bangalore, India, Papua New Guinea, Ghana, and several European centers. Steve tries to be a serious angler and enjoys entertaining friends and family at a summerhouse on Lake Spofford in New Hampshire. His motto is “If you’re not fishing or singing, you are wasting your time.” [1]

Steve Peterson is a long-timer at NHCC!

He and his wife, Mabel, have been members of NHCC since 1972. Steve’s ministry, humor, and generosity to this church is uplifting and inspiring! Over the years, he has taught several classes in our adult education program, including a three-course sequence on the literature of the New Testament. He chaired the hymnal selection committee, which brought Voices United to our worship and has served on the Finance Board and the Board of Deacons. He and Mabel have been to the Mississippi Gulf twice to help rebuild homes lost to Katrina, and Steve also participated in one youth mission trip to Watertown, New York. Steve has now joined the Board of Christian Education and, with Kim Coughlin, is serving as a co-chair for 2010.

He is deeply committed to intergenerational worship and the full participation of children in worship. He also is a strong supporter of drama in worship and of a wider role for music...choral, instrumental, and congregational...in worship. For more than thirty years Steve has been a member of the New Haven Oratorio Choir...an ensemble which concentrates on performing sacred music of the Baroque era and presents three concerts a year.

Steve retired in 2006 from Trinity College where he served as Associate Academic Dean and College Professor. He served Trinity College as College Librarian from 1991 to 1999. Prior to joining Trinity College, Steve was Divinity School Librarian in Yale University from 1972-1991. His career included leadership roles in several national and international research projects involving library development and cooperation. Much of this work related to the study of World Christianity and particularly Christianity in Africa. This work took him to almost every theological school in the United States and Canada as well as to Bangalore, India, Papua New Guinea, Ghana, and several European centers.

Steve tries to be a serious angler and enjoys entertaining friends and family at a summerhouse on Lake Spofford in New Hampshire. His motto is “If you’re not fishing or singing, you are wasting your time.” [1]

This is Jessica McKosky
A delightful young lady who is involved in her church...NHCC of course!...and who enjoys a wide variety of activities outside of church. She’s twelve years old and a 7th grader at North Branford Intermediate School. Her family members include her Mom, Deb McKosky, who teaches in the 4year old 2nd grade classroom in our Church School program; Dad,Stefan; Sister. Kayla; and Dog, Molly. AND, she is the granddaughter of Nancy Gutowski. Jessica loves the Junior High Youth Group (JYG) at NHCC and is serving as Chair of that group this year. As Chair, she is committed to the JYG and takes her responsibilities seriously...although she always blends her seriousness with a smile and a great attitude! She helps guide the Youth Advisors and Rev. Care with the planning of our Youth Group events and activities; and at youth group she also helps with some of the administrative responsibilities. At school she’s on the Yearbook Committee, plays clarinet and saxophone...and would like to learn to play the guitar. She’s also a dancer...having attended Mess Wendy’s for the past three years. And just for fun, Jessica likes horseback riding, being with her friends, taking pictures, reading and listening to music. She’s a wonderful young lady to know and to work with! Thanks so very much for being such a beautiful presence in our midst, Jess’! God bless you! [2]

This is Jessica McKosky

A delightful young lady who is involved in her church...NHCC of course!...and who enjoys a wide variety of activities outside of church. She’s twelve years old and a 7th grader at North Branford Intermediate School. Her family members include her Mom, Deb McKosky, who teaches in the 4year old 2nd grade classroom in our Church School program; Dad,Stefan; Sister. Kayla; and Dog, Molly. AND, she is the granddaughter of Nancy Gutowski.

Jessica loves the Junior High Youth Group (JYG) at NHCC and is serving as Chair of that group this year. As Chair, she is committed to the JYG and takes her responsibilities seriously...although she always blends her seriousness with a smile and a great attitude! She helps guide the Youth Advisors and Rev. Care with the planning of our Youth Group events and activities; and at youth group she also helps with some of the administrative responsibilities. At school she’s on the Yearbook Committee, plays clarinet and saxophone...and would like to learn to play the guitar. She’s also a dancer...having attended Mess Wendy’s for the past three years. And just for fun, Jessica likes horseback riding, being with her friends, taking pictures, reading and listening to music. She’s a wonderful young lady to know and to work with! Thanks so very much for being such a beautiful presence in our midst, Jess’! God bless you! [2]

Hello Everyone!
I invite you to get comfortable before reading on...maybe get a cup of tea and put your feet up...because you’ll need some time to read and reflect on all that’s going on with the adult education programs, church school, youth groups, summer mission team, and VBS at NHCC! Enjoy! Faithfully, Rev. Care+ [3]

Mardi Gras Pancake Supper
Thanks to you our 2010 Summer Mission Team raised approximately $1,400.00 from our Mardi Gras Pancake Supper, Raffle and donations related to it. The proceeds are being applied toward our goal of $7,400.00 for the New Orleans mission project in July. In spite of the snow, at both the 5:00 and 6:00 seatings, Carroll Hall was filled with friendly conversation and laughter, good food, and live music! Our heartfelt thanks to Sally, Tony and Mary Pallatto for chairing this profitable, and fun event...to all of the Boards, committees and organizations who provided the raffle baskets...to all of the young people and adults who worked together so beautifully and tirelessly...and to Joey Burr, Kenny Broccoli and their friends for providing us with live music! As a team-building event and outreach ministry, our Summer Mission Team also volunteered to prepare and serve the meal for our friends in the Abraham’s Tent program on Valentine’s Day. And thanks to the insightfulness of Carol Amico, area Girl Scouts provided special Valentine’s Day notes and treats to the men we were hosting! The Summer Mission Team invites you to join us on Sunday, March 14th when we will host a church breakfast as we continue to strive to meet our fundraising goals. Come and indulge in the tasty dishes of the day without guilt! (Sundays are not a part of the Lenten fasting discipline! Did you know that?) [4]

Mardi Gras Pancake Supper

Thanks to you our 2010 Summer Mission Team raised approximately $1,400.00 from our Mardi Gras Pancake Supper, Raffle and donations related to it. The proceeds are being applied toward our goal of $7,400.00 for the New Orleans mission project in July. In spite of the snow, at both the 5:00 and 6:00 seatings, Carroll Hall was filled with friendly conversation and laughter, good food, and live music! Our heartfelt thanks to Sally, Tony and Mary Pallatto for chairing this profitable, and fun event...to all of the Boards, committees and organizations who provided the raffle baskets...to all of the young people and adults who worked together so beautifully and tirelessly...and to Joey Burr, Kenny Broccoli and their friends for providing us with live music!

As a team-building event and outreach ministry, our Summer Mission Team also volunteered to prepare and serve the meal for our friends in the Abraham’s Tent program on Valentine’s Day. And thanks to the insightfulness of Carol Amico, area Girl Scouts provided special Valentine’s Day notes and treats to the men we were hosting!

The Summer Mission Team invites you to join us on Sunday, March 14th when we will host a church breakfast as we continue to strive to meet our fundraising goals. Come and indulge in the tasty dishes of the day without guilt! (Sundays are not a part of the Lenten fasting discipline! Did you know that?) [4]

Festival Day
Our Church School provided us with another creative and insightful lesson on Festival Day held on February 7th during the Worship Service. Some of the highlights of this past Church School term include the special instructional program by Rabbi Donna Mesite who came from Manhatten to work with all of our students and teachers; and, again this term, our Church School was supported by the musical talents of Pete Lucibelli; and, as an outreach project, our youngsters in the 4 year old...2nd grade class held a bake sale during coffee hour one Sunday. Those little ones and their teachers raised more than $186.00 to benefit the people devastated by the earthquake in Haiti. Through efforts like these we learn again and again that even our little ones can make a big contribution to Christ’s ministry! Thank you all for supporting this important work! Our final Festival Day this program year will be held during the Worship Service on May 16th and is expected to include some delightful surprises for all! [5]

Festival Day

Our Church School provided us with another creative and insightful lesson on Festival Day held on February 7th during the Worship Service. Some of the highlights of this past Church School term include the special instructional program by Rabbi Donna Mesite who came from Manhatten to work with all of our students and teachers; and, again this term, our Church School was supported by the musical talents of Pete Lucibelli; and, as an outreach project, our youngsters in the 4 year old...2nd grade class held a bake sale during coffee hour one Sunday. Those little ones and their teachers raised more than $186.00 to benefit the people devastated by the earthquake in Haiti. Through efforts like these we learn again and again that even our little ones can make a big contribution to Christ’s ministry! Thank you all for supporting this important work!

Our final Festival Day this program year will be held during the Worship Service on May 16th and is expected to include some delightful surprises for all! [5]

Youth News
The Jr. Youth Group and Sr. Youth Group (JYG and SYG) have been, and will continue to be, VERY active throughout the remainder of our program year! First, a reminder to read the Sunday bulletin and your email for notices of any changes and updates that may occur after our calendar has been published, as dates/times/events may change due to developing circumstances. Perhaps the biggest news is that we rejoice that we’ve had the opportunity to welcome a number of new members to our Youth Group over the last few weeks! Our first meeting in February was in preparation for the friendly ‘chair soccer’ competition we had initiated with First Baptist Church, Wallingford. Since their youth group is made up of only Sr. High and college age students...we needed some practice! Then, on February 21st we hosted the First Baptist group, engaging in a very lively game of ‘chair soccer’, followed by a wonderful meal. Our very special thanks to Susan Beth and Onalee Collins, and to Robert Higgins for providing us with such a great meal! (BTW: Onalee bakes THE BEST brownies!) Twenty-two of us will be going to the CT Sportsplex on Feb. 28th to play Laser Tag. We’ll also be enjoying the fellowship of new friends who will be joining with our JYG and SYG that day. March holds some special events, as well. We’re working on another ski trip, possibly in mid-March, and hopefully an overnight trip this time. All of the details of date/time/cost/etc. will be available shortly and will be posted and emailed to the JYG and SYG. As a group, we’ll also be attending a worship service at another church (it’s a surprise!), followed by lunch (also a surprise!) in downtown New Haven on March 21st. All who dare to indulge in these ‘surprises’ are encouraged to join in the fun! [6]

Youth News

The Jr. Youth Group and Sr. Youth Group (JYG and SYG) have been, and will continue to be, VERY active throughout the remainder of our program year! First, a reminder to read the Sunday bulletin and your email for notices of any changes and updates that may occur after our calendar has been published, as dates/times/events may change due to developing circumstances.

Perhaps the biggest news is that we rejoice that we’ve had the opportunity to welcome a number of new members to our Youth Group over the last few weeks!

Our first meeting in February was in preparation for the friendly ‘chair soccer’ competition we had initiated with First Baptist Church, Wallingford. Since their youth group is made up of only Sr. High and college age students...we needed some practice! Then, on February 21st we hosted the First Baptist group, engaging in a very lively game of ‘chair soccer’, followed by a wonderful meal. Our very special thanks to Susan Beth and Onalee Collins, and to Robert Higgins for providing us with such a great meal! (BTW: Onalee bakes THE BEST brownies!)

Twenty-two of us will be going to the CT Sportsplex on Feb. 28th to play Laser Tag. We’ll also be enjoying the fellowship of new friends who will be joining with our JYG and SYG that day.

March holds some special events, as well. We’re working on another ski trip, possibly in mid-March, and hopefully an overnight trip this time. All of the details of date/time/cost/etc. will be available shortly and will be posted and emailed to the JYG and SYG. As a group, we’ll also be attending a worship service at another church (it’s a surprise!), followed by lunch (also a surprise!) in downtown New Haven on March 21st. All who dare to indulge in these ‘surprises’ are encouraged to join in the fun! [6]

Ash Wednesday Service
Thank you for providing me with the responsibility of leading our Ash Wednesday Service with Imposition of Ashes. Sharing the depth and intimacy of such a service with you has been a deeply moving, and spiritual experience for me. I give thanks to God for allowing me to minister with, and to, each of you in this special way. [7]

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CALENDAR

Friday, July 9th

New Orleans Youth Mission Trip
NHCC is sending 13 people (10 youth and 3 adults) to New Orleans in July to serve on a short-term summer mission project. Our work is being coordinated through the Youthworks organization which is a ministry dedicated to bringing young people from all over the country to places and projects where there are people in need. Joining us at this work site will be youth and adults representing 4 different Christian denominations, hailing from 4 different states...all coming together to share Christian love and friendship with people in need in New Orleans. Our group includes: Martina Benassi; Joe Burr,Jr. and his good friend Kenny Broccoli; Onalee Collins and her good friend, Alex Addesso; Amy and Jesse Morrow; Mary Pallatto; Danielle Powers; Kalie Siciliano; Paul Powers; John Tibor; and, Rev. Care Goodstal-Spinks. Please support us with your prayers (and if you are able, with your financial assistance) as we begin our fundraising for this rewarding and life-changing ministry together! July 09-18.
7:00 am - New Orleans [1121]
Contact: Rev. Care