Ash Wednesday – Beginning of Lent, February 17th, 7:30 p.m.
The congregations of the Hamden Plains United Methodist Church, Mount Carmel Congregational Church, Dunbar UCC and Spring Glen Church, UCC will gather at Spring Glen Church, UCC for a joint Ash Wednesday service with Communion and the Imposition of Ashes.

Scripture Study Opportunities with Rev. Brenda

 Weekly Bible Study -- Mondays, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., at the home of Dotey Noyce.  Text is the
          Gospel of Luke, the predominant gospel in the current lectionary year.

 Downtown Thursdays –  Feb. 25, Mar. 4, 11 and 25.  12:00 – 1:00 lunchtime       
               gathering in New Haven, open to all but especially for those who work near the green. 
               Location to be announced.  Focus will be text coming up in the following Sunday’s worship.

            One-evening Bible Study – Tuesday, Mar. 23, 7 p.m.,  Fellowship Room
      “The Easter Stories:  What Do They Say?”
      A comparative look at the four different gospel accounts of the resurrection of Jesus.

Journey to the Holy Land
Come to Great Hall on Thursday, February 25th at 7 pm.
to hear about  Pastor Nancy’s recent trip to the Israel.

Race: The Power of an Illusion

The acclaimed PBS series on race

7-9 p.m. in the Fellowship Room

Tuesday, March 2
Episode 1: The Difference Between Us
Is there a biological basis for race?

Tuesday, March 9
Episode 2: The Story We Tell
Did you know that the concept of race
is a recent invention?

Tuesday, March 16
Episode 3: The House We Live In
How do our institutions advantage whites
at the expense of other groups?

Each week there will be an hour-long film, followed
By group discussion facilitated by Lee Laster and Pastor Nancy

Interim Process and Preparation for the Pastoral Search:
All-Church Discussions Coming Up

An interim period is a chance for a congregation to reflect on its history, identity, sense of mission/purpose and hopes for new leadership, in preparation for the search for a new senior pastor.    In the next few months, we will be having three all-church discussions as an important foundation in this process.  Each will take place after worship on a Sunday, over a simple lunch.  There will be a general topic for each, and the discussion will be prompted and facilitated by Rev. Brenda.  The more participation we have, the more effective this work will be -- all voices needed!!   A search committee will soon be named and will begin its important work on behalf of this congregation.  This is one of the best opportunities each member will have to add thoughts and perspectives to the discussion, as Spring Glen Church moves forward.

The all-church gatherings will be held as follows.   Programs are being planned for children during the meeting times, to help make it possible for parents to attend.

Sun., Mar. 7, 11:30 – 1:00    
What is our story and how do we feel about it?

Sun., Mar. 21, 11:30 – 1:00    
What is our sense of future?   Our hopes & dreams for what comes next?

Sun., Apr.25,  11:30 – 1:00
What kind of leadership do we need to be with us in that future?

Watch for more information to follow about sign-ups, lunch arrangements, etc.  
Please plan to be with us for these important discussions.

Additional Concerts 

February 27 (Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.) Hillhouse Opera Company concert. A wonderful community based Opera Company featuring among others our own Jim Coatsworth.
  March 11 (Thursday night) Wheeler School Handbell Ringers Concert-exciting group of young handbell ringers on tour.  Event will be in the Great Hall from 6 to 9 p.m.

WOMENS RETREAT MARCH 12-14, 2010

                                       “Body, Mind, Spirit: A Holistic View of Women in the Bible”

Each year the women of Spring Glen Church take time apart to go on retreat together. This year the retreat will focus on the integration of body, mind, and spirit as seen through the lives of several women in the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. We will explore the stories of biblical women and our stories through creative storytelling, movement, music, reflection, and contemplative prayer.

The retreat will be at the Incarnation Center in Ivoryton from Friday night through Sunday lunch, where we will enjoy great meals, the beauty of being in a pine forest, and the warmth of a fire in the large stone fireplace in our meeting room in  Brooks Cottage. The retreat includes two nights stay, two dinners, two breakfasts, and two lunches at a cost of $170 per person. The accommodations are two to a room, with comfortable beds. Confidential financial aid is available by speaking with Pastor Nancy.  There are six more spots available.  You may reserve your place by signing up on the sheet in the entry. The leadership team this year includes Carmen Silva-Baker, Shelia Brantley, Belinda Legere, and Pastor Nancy. Sign up in the entry at church or call the church office.