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THE UNITED CHURCH OF CLINTON, 109 Haskell Avenue, Clinton, Massachusetts 01510 |
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY
Our Christian Education program consists of Nursery, Sunday School and Confirmation Class. The Nursery does not have a set curriculum but there are age appropriate Bible story books and music available. The Sunday School is using the curriculum "Rock Solid!" with several age levels exploring the same weekly theme through reading and activities. The curriculum also includes worksheets and coloring pages that can be used to reinforce lessons in the classroom and at home. The Confirmation Class is broken into Years I & II. The curriculum includes discussion of both the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist views in preparation and application of faith. They also participate in a mentoring program with members of the church, monthly meetings with the Pastor and become actively involved in the workings of the church.
Please feel free to join the Sunday School on any Sunday from September thru May. Look for Vacation Bible School in June!
----Christine Dobeck & Heather McNamara, Co-Chairs
YOUTH GROUP MINISTRY
The United Church of Clinton has a well established Youth Group that shares their meetings with the Youth Group of the Presbytarian Church (USA) of Clinton. During the school year, the Youth Groups meet bi-weekly in rotation at the two churches sharing fellowship, a meal, devotional time and different activities. Although a small group, it is active and enjoys passionate mission work, laughter and shared spirituality.
Some of our Activities include:
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Annual host of World Vision 30-hour Famine Fundraiser/Mission activity
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Annual Souper Bowl of Caring Fundraiser
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Operation Christmas Child
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Relay Center volunteers
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Clinton Community Cafe (soup kitchen) volunteers
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Active Participants in Clinton Ecumenical Worship services
Fellowship activities including bowling, laser tag, christian music concerts, mini-golf, LL Bean Scavenger Hunt, and pizza parties.
The Youth Group is grateful to the congregation who consistently give their time and financial support to help them be truly active young members of a vital congregation. The Youth Group exists due to the love and patience of the entire congregation.
-------Sue Smethurst, Youth Leader
MUSIC MINISTRY
"Making a Joyful Sound"
Our music ministry has grown out of who we are as a congregation and is very much "our" thing. We think of our music ministry as a three-legged stool. One leg is Paul Buono, our professional musician, who supports our singing in many ways with a variety of musical styles; another leg is occasional congregational and guest soloists; and the third leg is The Ensemble, an approach to music worship in which everyone is invited to participate. This invitation takes several forms. Although The Ensemble leads our congregation in song, its role is not limited to singing. People in our church family have other musical talents, which include playing a variety of musical instruments. Participation in The Ensemble is on a project-by-project basis and is designed to accommodate the busiest of lives. All that's required is a commitment to some preparation time, typically two to three practices. We think of practice as a fun type of spiritual discipline. Since we view our music ministry as a form of worship and not performance art, we believe that God deserves our best and so we don't "wing" it. Blest be the (musical) ties that bind.
-----Gloria Parkinson, Coordinator of Music Ministry
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
" You created every part of me, knitting me in my mother's womb. For such handiwork, I praise You. Everything
You do is marvelous!" Psalm 139:13-14
The Prayer Shawl Ministry in the United Church of Clinton is alive and well thanks to our many talented
knitters, those who crochet and those who make the fleece blankets. Our Prayer Shawls come in a variety of shapes and
sizes so that one can take one that is suitable for the person who will receive it. The shawls that have been
blessed during worship are kept in a container in the sacristy. A card with the blessing imprinted on it has been
attached to each one so thay are ready to be taken to anyone in need of a warm hug from the congregation. New
instructions are kept on the literature table as we welcome new knitters or crocheters.
This ministry is a wonderful way to send the love and prayers of our congregation out into the community. Any
questions can be directed to the coordinators.
-----Mary Ellen Matthew and Elizabeth Neuman, Coordinators