It has been a beautiful year, thus far. The new year came in with a bang, and God has blessed us each and every day since!
Early in February, our youth ministry program, Southside, returned to Camp Berea in Hebron, NH for the “Deep Freeze” weekend retreat. More than a dozen youth attended, as well as four of our leaders, spearheaded by Alex Thomas. The night they arrived, it was about -17ºF, which rose to roughly -4ºF the following day. Even though Jack Frost was nipping at their noses, the group took part in worship, games and activities, studied the word, made repeated trips up the wintery hill to go tubing, and of course a brave few accepted the challenge of the DEEP FREEZE, and took a dip in the arctic waters of northern New England, including our very own Miguel Delvalle! Camp Berea is a special place in the hearts of our Southsiders, and leaders alike. They plan to return for Summer camp from July 2-8, for a week of praise, worship, prayer, games, talks, rifle shooting, rock climbing, swimming, obstacle courses, arts&crafts and more!
February is Black History Month, and we honored a Hartford hero that had a unique connection to us here at South Church. Former star of the Negro Baseball League, Johnny ‘Schoolboy’ Taylor’s wife, Estelle, was a longtime member and attendee of South Church. This baseball season, The Hartford Yard Goats honor Taylor by competing in select games throughout their schedule, rebranded as ‘The Hartford Schoolboys’. As a fellowship event for our church, we will be attending one of those games on July 8th. *Go Schoolboys!*
We also celebrated our 353rd birthday on February 22nd! Hooray, and here’s to many, many more!
Shortly thereafter in March, we launched this very website, an upgrade and redesign from the old one! Features like our Event Calendar, Live Streaming video player, connection to our Instagram posts, and more…brought our potential reach and breadth of content to new heights. Later in the month, our Board of Deacons and friends, gathered together to develop and pack ‘Blessing Bags’ full of hygiene, convenience and sustenance items for the less fortunate.
Our online store, CHURCH+MERCH, was cleaned up and inventoried, adding a few new items, color options and more!
During Holy Week, we posted daily videos detailing the journey from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection, as well as poignant artwork that really spelled out the events of the week.
Later in the week, Pastor Adam and his dedicated group of volunteers delivered “The Upper Room: A Maundy Thursday Presentation”, complete with actors portraying the step by step accounts of the Last Supper, the betrayal and the Crucifixion. The presentation was beautiful, reverent and well-performed. We were truly luck to experience it the way we did.
On Good Friday, multiple members of staff, Deacons and their families participated in “The Stations of The Cross”, a processional of worship and praise, based on the journey of the Cross on its way to Golgotha. There were dozens and dozens of participants, from many churches and groups proudly proclaiming their love for Christ as they walked the streets of Downtown Hartford.
Easter was a glorious celebration for all of us, complete with an Easter Egg Hunt for the Sunday School, as well as a beautiful Sunday service. Everyone was joyous and colorful, dressed to the nines. We are blessed to have such a wonderful, loving congregation.
For Mother’s Day, a breakfast was organized to honor all of the mothers in our congregation and beyond. Coordinated by Pastor Adam himself, including hours of cutting fruit and prepping; he was joined by ‘Mike & Tony’s Grill’ (Deacon Mike Savery & his partner in culinary crime, Tony Casiano), as well as a number of youth including Sam & Maria Mingolelli and Angel Valdes. The mothers and their families enjoyed pancakes, sausage, eggs, cinnamon rolls, pastries and fruit salad! Thank you to all who contributed!
On May 20, our Sunday School Superintendent, Caryn Pascale and friends took part in the “Great Strides Walk to Cure Cystic Fibrosis”! The Pascale family was joined by Pastor Adam & Miss Renee, Veronica Mingolelli and assorted friends and family. It was a bit rainy, but the message was concrete and the steps were taken. If you are interested in supporting the fight against Cystic Fibrosis, visit CFF.org for more information.
Lastly, we would like to extend some congratulations! ALL of the marriages between Mike & Sandy Carpenter, Suzanne & Mike Savery, AND Tony & Shelly Casiano…celebrated their 37 year anniversaries! Additionally, Juan & Moneca Liz hosted their vow renewal ceremony here on May 21, which was just a wonderful, joy-filled, touching, well-deserved celebration, after never having had a formal wedding ceremony initially. To cap it all off, we would like to join our Sister-in-Christ, Doris Duggins, in applauding her many years of teaching, as she enters the world of retirement! Congratulations to all of you! You are loved and appreciated!
Until next time, Southies (and more)…GOD BLESS YOU, AND MAY YOU BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE ELSE TODAY!