SHROVE PANCAKE DINNER
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Missions Blanket Drive
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Christmas Worship ScheduleDecember 22, 2024 ~ 10:00 am
Sunday Worship The 4th Sunday of Advent is a family Sunday! In the place of a sermon, our youth will act out the children’s story “The Deliverer Has Come” by Sarah Shin. There will be angels, shepherds and kings traversing the pulpit as it transforms from fields to clouds to a lowly stable housing The Deliverer himself in infant form. Refresh yourself in the Spirit as we sing our way through the most famous love story of all time! . |
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Christmas Eve - December 24, 2024 ~ 5:00 pm
Blessing of the Creche Saint Francis created nativity scenes to tell the story of the first Christmas. Following his example, in preparation of the birth of Jesus, we will synchronize scripture with the presentation of creche figures. This traditional service also includes candlelight and special music as we rejoice in the miracle of Christmas. |
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SPIN ART
CAKE WALK SNOW CONES DANCE PARTY FACE PAINTING AMAZING MAZE ANIMAL EXHIBITS COUNTRY GAMES ICE CREAM TRUCK LITTLE TOOT RIDES |
Kids can spend the whole day in the KIDS KORNER!!! |
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In the Bible, we read of the faithful people crying to God in their most painful times, pleading with God for help and healing. And now, we echo Psalm 6:3-4, which reads, “My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.” When we are unable to find the solutions we need, we turn to God.
Like the Psalmist, I also cry out to God in prayer. I pray for peace – not the pretend peace that comes with silence, but the peace of Christ which comes with the end of oppression. I pray for forgiveness, for centuries of injustice and oppression, for becoming numb to the racism around us. I pray for unity, so that this divided nation may come together and work together for the good of all people. I pray for justice, that the fairness and equity and mercy of God may guide how we behave. I pray for wisdom to understand how we can move forward, valuing every person and treating them with dignity. I pray for hope, trusting that nothing is too broken for God to breathe new life into. |
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Columbus House is more than just a hot meal to the homeless of New Haven. Its mission: "to serve people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, by providing shelter and by fostering their personal growth and independence." NGCC cooks, delivers and serves dinner to about 100 people at Columbus House once monthly. You are welcome to join in this life-altering experience. |
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Click here for the latest status report on top walkers and top teams! Donate online to boost your team!
There will be a scavenger hunt along the route to find countries and projects supported by the funds we raise, along with all the other Crop Hunger Walks - one of the people with all the correct answers will get a prize!
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Crop walks were started 50 years ago, and this one was started 25 years ago by Clyde and Betsy Work. They both died recently so this year's walk is in memory of their dedication to fighting hunger and poverty throughout the world. This includes right here on the Shoreline, because 25% of the money we raise stays here to support 4 different Local Food Banks.
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To help with the Covid-19 pandemic, members of the NGCC sewing group have been making cotton masks.
The masks have a channel to insert a twist tie or pipe cleaner over the nose and an opening to insert a filter of the wearers’ choice. They have been donated to the staff at Middlesex Hospital Emergency Room, the volunteers at Guilford Meals on Wheels, the Guilford Food Bank and the volunteer shoppers, plus the staff at Bill Memorial Library in Groton which is now closed. |
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Rev. Paul F. Goodman - Sabbatical Coverage
The Rev. Paul F. Goodman was born in Berkeley, CA in August of 1952 and transplanted to Milford, CT just before Christmas of 1957. In 1974 he earned a B.S. in Special Education from SCSC and taught for 6 years in New Haven at the Foster School (now the Lorraine D. Foster Day School in Hamden). Received M.Div from Union Theological Seminary in NYC in 1983, returned to teaching and did stints at the National Council of Churches and the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation (now Department of Developmental Services). In 1989 his 33-year career in ministry began in Milford as Associate Pastor of First UCC, Congregational for 10.5 years. He then began a career as an intentional interim in Saugatuck (Westport), Enfield, East Haddam, Ridgefield, Hartford, Trumbull and finally as settled pastor in Plantsville (section of Southington) for the last 8 years, retiring on March 7, 2022.
He and his husband Pat Timpanelli (owner/operator of A-1 Cleaners and A Room With A View in the Strawberry Hill Shopping Center in Guilford), and their two cats George and Elroy have taken up residence in Branford. In his retirement he is enjoying walking, reading, knitting, riding trains and catching up with a handful of longtime friends. The Rev. Goodman will be providing sabbatical coverage for Judith, who will be away May through July. Sabbaticals are granted to clergy to provide an intentional season of rest in order to strengthen their spiritual life and renew themselves for future service. Paul’s time at NGCC will focus on worship and pastoral care. |
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Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that freely explores the basics of the Christian faith. No pressure, no follow up, no charge. It runs in churches, bars, coffee shops and homes around the world. Typically, Alpha includes snacks, a short talk, and a discussion where participants can share their thoughts.
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Alpha is now using Biblical studies of various Bible passages - looking at those focusing on the Holy Spirit - the relationship between the persons of the Trinity, and the meaning of the scriptural teachings in light of this relationship. Alpha is also discussing any other Biblical readings that come up in the course of conversation. The film series is still used periodically, depending on where the Spirit leads. Alpha is not a conventional Bible study. Alpha does not read chapters sequentially from whole books.
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Let it Shine!
The steeple of the North Guilford Congregational Church has been a beacon of light to the community for many years. Its significance is both a historic treasure and a symbol of our faith. Even though it was repaired a few years ago, in 2018 the church has had to replace the remaining columns.
While the steeple has been restored, the cost of the repair was onerous, and we are still paying off the loan. If you would like to offer your support to help cover the expense, donations can be made by check to the church or through the tithely app online. |
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Held just before Thanksgiving every year, it is a great chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones. The kids can watch a Christmas movie, make a craft or buy inexpensive holiday gifts. You can shop for delicious baked goods, candies, handcrafts, scarves, hats, jewelry and even homemade Christmas wreathes.
Then sit back and enjoy a hot bowl of our famous chowder, soup or chili while you enjoy live acoustic music. The Sewing and Quilting Group has a great time together creating all sorts of wonderful crafts. The things they produce are amazing! If you enjoy the fellowship of an old-time quilting bee you can join in the fun! |
The barn will be open, as well! Come browse through to see what treasures you find!
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Online Offering Plate
please click here: |
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Our NGCC Easter worship can be found here.
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To access this service, please use this link
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Palm Sunday
April 5, 2020 Palm Sunday is when Christ began his journey into Jerusalem for the final week of his earthly life.
As we honor this sacred and special day, we have two Zoom recordings for worship. The first is the Palm Sunday worship with music and message. The second is a children's conversation for our younger members. |
Maundy Thursday
April 9, 2020 Maundy Thursday is the day when we commemorate the events surrounding Christ's arrest. The traditional Maundy Thursday worship is a service of tenebrae, which involves reading the different scriptures of the final days of Christ's earthly life. For our online worship experience of Maundy Thursday, please use the link below.
Please remember that if you need anything, I am available by phone or email. You are all in my continued prayers!
Stay safe and healthy! Faithfully, Judith If you view these videos on your smartphone, you will need to download the Zoom app first. If you watch on a computer, once you click the link, it should direct you how to download Zoom. |
Good Friday Message
April 10, 2020 This Friday does not feel “good.” Today, there is a heaviness in the air – a mix of sadness and anxiety. Commemorating the crucifixion is always heart-wrenching, as we remember the abuse and execution that Jesus endured. But, this year is especially difficult. With COVID-19 afflicting so many, people are feeling especially somber, even apart from the mournfulness of Good Friday. Staying home to be safe makes good sense, but it also makes people feel almost imprisoned. This sense of confinement is also a theme of Good Friday. After Jesus died, his body was wrapped in burial cloths and confined in a tomb. All of the hopes and beliefs of his followers were crushed. Their spiritual leader, who had healed the sick and performed miracles and preached the good news, had been killed like a common criminal. They had thought Jesus was unstoppable. But now, his body lay in the darkness of the tomb. And yet, what makes Good Friday “good” happened in that tomb. What we see as a place of death, was actually where a miraculous rebirth happened. Like a caterpillar inside a cocoon that grows and changes into a new creation, Christ’s body did not remain a lifeless corpse. What we see as the Good Friday tomb, God saw as the Good Friday womb. Today, we sit with the discomfort of confinement. We know that God has promised new life, yet this is not when we celebrate it. This is the day to wait with heavy hearts, mourning the suffering around us, grieving the loss of life, and struggling to make sense of it all. On this dark day as we hold fast to God’s assurance of new life, may we remember that Christ’s grave became the womb that holds the promise of resurrection. |
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Welcome to NGCC's first online Sunday worship experience! To access it, please use link provided, or click on Judith: If you view this on your smartphone, you will need to download the Zoom app first. If you watch on a computer, once you click the link, it should direct you how to download Zoom. This is not live, you may watch it at your leisure, over and over! I am especially grateful to Hallie (who helped me plan this), Bill and Hallie (for singing) and to David Bell (who played the piano). |
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Please remember that if you need anything, I am available by phone or email. You are all in my continued prayers!
Stay safe and healthy! Faithfully, Judith |
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If the link above does not direct you correctly, please copy and paste the following into your browser:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/uednFZfU_G9OYqPKsRHRV4IMXaHneaa8hyMd8vdfnkftYviRVs1AOqnyz67wfZw4?startTime=1585156706000 |
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Join us for our celebration of our longtime members, dedication of Sunday School teachers, and the start up of the regular Sunday School year.
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Sermon: Building the House of God
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-6, 17-18 |
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May 11, 2019 9am - 2pm
Proceeds to benefit Simply Smiles, a mission working with the Lakota Sioux in South Dakota.
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Find your new treasures at our Estate Sale!! In order to make room for incoming Fair donations, we offer a variety of treasures:
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NGCC is hosting a Cinco de Mayo Family Fiesta!
This a wonderful time for the whole family! |
Festivities began at 5:30 pm
May 4th, 2019. ***** SATURDAY ***** Please RSVP to 203-457-0581 or email [email protected]. See you there! Adults = $18 Children 12 and younger = $5. |
Festivities include:
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