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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
What is ALPHA? |
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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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Come and Share! Alpha meets Sundays at 11:30.
Lent Schedule 2023
Palm – Passion Sunday ~ April 2, 2023 ~ 10:00 am
This special worship experience commemorates the final week of Christ’s life.
The service will feature a Palm Parade, Readers Theater,
Special Music, and Symbols of the Season.
This special worship experience commemorates the final week of Christ’s life.
The service will feature a Palm Parade, Readers Theater,
Special Music, and Symbols of the Season.
Maundy Thursday ~ April 6, 2023 ~ 7:00 pm
Join us as we honor the Last Supper Christ
shared with his disciples and reflect on the
final days of his life with a Tenebrae Service.
Join us as we honor the Last Supper Christ
shared with his disciples and reflect on the
final days of his life with a Tenebrae Service.
Easter Sunrise ~ April 9, 2023 ~ 6:00 am
With the dawning of Easter Day,
we celebrate the new life of Christ!
Join us to honor resurrection at Easter sunrise.
With the dawning of Easter Day,
we celebrate the new life of Christ!
Join us to honor resurrection at Easter sunrise.
Easter Worship ~ April 9, 2023 ~ 10:00 am
Halleluia! Christ is risen!
Celebrate the Resurrection of Christ
with song, scripture, and special music!
Halleluia! Christ is risen!
Celebrate the Resurrection of Christ
with song, scripture, and special music!
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Many churches have a prayer shawl ministry, in which knitters create shawls which are given to people who are grieving, in crisis, or need prayers. The completed prayer shawls are blessed and then delivered. Making a shawl involves very basic knitting, which is perfect even for beginners and those who wish to learn to knit. If you would like to participate in a prayer shawl ministry at NGCC, please contact Carol Wadelin at carol.wadelin@gmail.com .
Faith In Grief |
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Join us for a safe space to share in the journey of grief together. Loss comes in all forms, and we grieve many things. This group is for those experiencing grief
and wishing to explore where God is during grief.
Starting January 2, 2023 through May 1, 2023
First Mondays at 7:00 pm in the SPARK Youth Room
Christine: Christine.sima@stuhartfordinternational.edu
and wishing to explore where God is during grief.
Starting January 2, 2023 through May 1, 2023
First Mondays at 7:00 pm in the SPARK Youth Room
Christine: Christine.sima@stuhartfordinternational.edu
Loss & Remembrances
NGCC is here for you during your times of loss to offer support in times of grief, to provide funerals and memorial services, and to offer ways for families to honor their loved ones.
NGCC is here for you during your times of loss to offer support in times of grief, to provide funerals and memorial services, and to offer ways for families to honor their loved ones.
Living Nativity Sunday School
Thank you!
Theresa and Christine for coordinating such a meaningful Christmas experience.
Theresa and Christine for coordinating such a meaningful Christmas experience.
Angel Tree
Provides Christmas gifts for:
- Department of Children and Families
- Riverview Hospital/School for young women
Thank you for donating!
In-Kind Donations of Specific Items
Click here for a link to specific items that we need. Once you sign up, you will be instructed to where to bring items. Items should be new, like-new or in very good condition.
Please check back often!
As we gather items, and get more information about our family and apartment, we will identify more items that are needed! Once we learn the composition of the family (how many family members, ages and genders) we will need clothing!
As we gather items, and get more information about our family and apartment, we will identify more items that are needed! Once we learn the composition of the family (how many family members, ages and genders) we will need clothing!
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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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2022 Holy Week Services
Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through Easter, is the most sacred time in the church calendar. To honor the last week of Christ’s life, NGCC is offering special worship experiences. We hope you will attend these spiritual services.
PALM / PASSION SUNDAY ~ APRIL 10 - 10 am
This special worship experience commemorates the final week of Christ’s life.
MAUNDY THURSDAY ~ APRIL 14 - 7:00 pm
Join us as we honor the Last Supper Christ shared with his disciples and reflect on the final days of his life with a Tenebrae Service.
EASTER SUNRISE ~ APRIL 17 - 6:00 am
With the dawning of Easter Day, we celebrate the new life of Christ.
EASTER WORSHIP ~ APRIL 17 - 10:00 am
Celebrate the Resurrection of Christ with song, scripture, and special music.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR!!!
(2019)
The Holiday Bazaar this year was a rousing success!!!
Thank you to all the volunteers ~~~ looking forward to next year!!
This is a holiday tradition in North Guilford!
Thank you to all the volunteers ~~~ looking forward to next year!!
This is a holiday tradition in North Guilford!
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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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November 20-21, 2021:
Chapel on the Green!
Chapel on the Green!
- Saturday evening, Nov 20, 6 pm - sandwich making! Meet at church in the Fellowship Hall!
- Sunday, Nov 21, 12:30 pm - meet at NGCC to load cars then leave NGCC for New Haven, to participate in an outside worship service and serve lunch!
- Lunches include:
- Sandwiches (ham, turkey, PB&J)
- fruit (bananas, grapes, or apples)
- granola bars
- home-made brownies/rice crispy bars
- goodies
- Socks!!!!!
How can you help???
- Donate $$$ - gift cards to Big Y, Stop and Shop
- Donate Socks! Socks are one of the most needed items for people who are struggling!
Thank you for joining us at our
Son Rise Easter Worship
Easter Sunday ~ April 4th ~ 8:00 am
Son Rise Easter Worship
Easter Sunday ~ April 4th ~ 8:00 am
NGCC and St. John Episcopal Church came together to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ
on Easter morning at 8:00 am.
Worship was outdoors, using an FM transmitter for those who wished to remain in their cars.
on Easter morning at 8:00 am.
Worship was outdoors, using an FM transmitter for those who wished to remain in their cars.
The Christmas Fund
provides emergency relief to retired clergy, who cannot pay for basic expenses.
Since the pandemic began, the plight of these struggling clergy has increased dramatically, and the Christmas Fund is needs our help to meet that need. Online donations can be made through this link Donations to The Christmas Fund. If you would like more information about The Christmas Fund and the mailing address for donations, the link is
The Christmas Fund Information
provides emergency relief to retired clergy, who cannot pay for basic expenses.
Since the pandemic began, the plight of these struggling clergy has increased dramatically, and the Christmas Fund is needs our help to meet that need. Online donations can be made through this link Donations to The Christmas Fund. If you would like more information about The Christmas Fund and the mailing address for donations, the link is
The Christmas Fund Information
New Weekly Church Office Hours:
Monday - Friday from 9 - 1
--- Our office is temporarily closed ---
NGCC follows the Guilford Public School snow schedule; if Guilford has a snow day, the office will also be closed.
Monday - Friday from 9 - 1
--- Our office is temporarily closed ---
NGCC follows the Guilford Public School snow schedule; if Guilford has a snow day, the office will also be closed.
Weekly Worship
in-person Worship is temporarily suspended,
but please visit our "Messages from the Pastor",
and weekly online worship services
but please visit our "Messages from the Pastor",
and weekly online worship services
10 am Sunday Worship from Sept - June
Summer worship starts at 9:30 am during July & August
with Sunday School and Nursery Care
Fellowship Hour immediately following the service
Summer worship starts at 9:30 am during July & August
with Sunday School and Nursery Care
Fellowship Hour immediately following the service
North Guilford Congregational Church
Old fashioned
COUNTRY EMPORIUM
SATURDAY, 15 AUGUST
9:00 a.m. ~ 2:00 p.m.
159 Ledge Hill Road, North Guilford
Historic Meeting House Hill
[Rain Date: Sunday, 16, August - 1:00 p.m. ~ 4:00 p.m.]
Masks required
ALL ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD OUTDOORS!
Estate Sale - Tag Sale
White Elephant - Plants - Books -
Puzzles - Country Crafts - Tools
Basket Raffle - Penny Candy
*** Our Famous Homemade Peach Shortcake!!! ***
Old fashioned
COUNTRY EMPORIUM
SATURDAY, 15 AUGUST
9:00 a.m. ~ 2:00 p.m.
159 Ledge Hill Road, North Guilford
Historic Meeting House Hill
[Rain Date: Sunday, 16, August - 1:00 p.m. ~ 4:00 p.m.]
Masks required
ALL ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD OUTDOORS!
Estate Sale - Tag Sale
White Elephant - Plants - Books -
Puzzles - Country Crafts - Tools
Basket Raffle - Penny Candy
*** Our Famous Homemade Peach Shortcake!!! ***
Please Scroll down for Holy Week Services
Virtual Holy Week Services
EASTER SUNDAY
April 12, 2020
HALLELUJAH! CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
April 12, 2020
HALLELUJAH! CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
With joyful hearts, we celebrate the Resurrection on this Easter Sunday. While we cannot gather in person in our own worship space, we still gather in spirit as the community of believers.
Additionally, the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ is offering an online Easter worship experience, led by our Conference leaders. While this service is intended for churches without the ability to create their own worship online, we wanted to offer it to you as well, since there is never too much worship on Easter.
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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. 
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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. |
Printable Calendar
Third Sunday BRUNCH!!!
Yum!
Please join us for brunch immediately after church! Brunches are usually held on the third Sunday of each month (Sept through June).
Come meet new friends and connect with old friends!
Come break bread with us - and egg casserole and salad and fresh-baked coffee cake and delightful conversation!
Yum!
Please join us for brunch immediately after church! Brunches are usually held on the third Sunday of each month (Sept through June).
Come meet new friends and connect with old friends!
Come break bread with us - and egg casserole and salad and fresh-baked coffee cake and delightful conversation!
Check out what's new!!
It is with great sadness, that we must announce the cancellation of our Cinco de Mayo Family Fiesta.
We look forward to celebrating next year!
We look forward to celebrating next year!
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LET IT SNOW!!! - Monday,
March 23, 2020, Outside the church office |
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Sunday Services!!!
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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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Obviously, we prefer to worship together in person. While creating worship experiences remotely from different locations is a new challenge for us, we are glad to be able to offer an online experience. Technology has been a great gift to us during this time of physical isolation and social distancing, and NGCC is working on ways that we can better utilize it. We are working toward Zoom meeting for committees, for our children's ministries, and of course, for worship. As we slog our way through life during a pandemic, God is continually blessing us with new ways to minister!
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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 |
Sunday Services!!!
Pastor Judith is working on a way to share worship with you at home!
this coming Sunday (3/29/2020) will be our first Sunday online worship.
Please stay tuned for more details!
Pastor Judith is working on a way to share worship with you at home!
this coming Sunday (3/29/2020) will be our first Sunday online worship.
Please stay tuned for more details!
*** Save the Date ***
Feb 8, 2020 ~~~ 6:00 pm
Valentines Day
Chicken Pie Dinner!!!
Guilford Parade!!!
September 21, 2019
Join us as we march in the Guilford Parade, a tradition!
Walk alongside Little Toot,
help pass out water to parade watchers,
or simply wave to us as we go by!
September 21, 2019
Join us as we march in the Guilford Parade, a tradition!
Walk alongside Little Toot,
help pass out water to parade watchers,
or simply wave to us as we go by!
HOMECOMING SUNDAY!!!
During Worship service, 10 am, September 8th, 2019
During Worship service, 10 am, September 8th, 2019
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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 |
HOMECOMING SUNDAY!!!
During Worship service, 10 am, September 8, 2019
During Worship service, 10 am, September 8, 2019
Sermon: Building the House of God
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-6, 17-18
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-6, 17-18
ANNUAL MULTI-ESTATE SALE!!
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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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Cinco de Mayo Family Fiesta !!!
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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 office@northguilforducc.org. See you there! Adults = $18 Children 12 and younger = $5. |
Festivities include:
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Pulled Pork Prep - YUM!!!!!
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FOOD!!!!!!
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Pulled Pork Prep - YUM!!!!!
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DANCING!!!
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PINATA!!!!!
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