Hser Nay Chris Memorial Scholarships

'Loaves and Fishes' backdrop
Children's Sunday

On Sunday, June 16th the Hser Nay Chris Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Elizabeth Htoo and Mission Paw during Children’s Sunday. Elizabeth was the First Winner and received a check for $1000 and Mission Paw received $500 as the Second Winner. Both girls will be attending Manchester Community College in the fall. The scholarship founded by Thomas J Foran is for Karen youth at Central Baptist Church graduating from high school and attending a further education site. The scholarship was originally called the Karen Youth Scholarship and was renamed in honor of the departed Hser Nay Chris who was instrumental in the development of ESOL classes for Karen adults. In their essays the girls wrote on the subject: 'What Further Education Means to Me'. Mission Paw says: 'Many children my age are unable to achieve an education because society requires them to find a job that would help support themselves and their families.' Elizabeth writes: Society values educated people because they are the ones that will better their communities in the future.'

Doris Brown Memorial Service

Today was the Service for the Worship of God in Memory of Doris Brown. The church was full of friends and family for the sendoff of a wonderful woman to her rightful place in heaven. 

2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV

'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which The Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.'

Hser Nay Chris Funeral

A Service for the Worship of God 'Celebrating the life of Hser Nay Chris' was held this morning in the filled sanctuary. So many people turned out to honor her. There was music by Kari Miller, prayers by Rev. John Endler, Rev. Nguyen Duc Ich and Pastor Gie Dor, Meditation by Rev. Daniel, a reading by Pastor Taw Nay Moo and a Remembrance by Maw Lay for the family. Music from members of the Karen Community was heartfelt.

My fondest memories of Hser Nay Chris are of her sitting in front of me on the floor in Pastor Gie Dor's apartment during the first two years of the Karen community arrival. That is where we started the English classes that outgrew that apartment into the church library. She was always ready to help by organizing groups, passing out papers, translating and making sure that I did a good job. I will miss her very much as will the rest of the Central Baptist congregation.

I have renamed the Thomas J Foran Annual Karen Youth Scholarship to the 'Hser Nay Chris Memorial Scholarship' in her honor. May her legacy live on!

Patricia Vanette Dodge Memorial Service

Attended a beautiful memorial service today for Pat Dodge. She was a good friend and a wonderful person. The service here at her Central Baptist Church was well-attended and the speakers were all very thoughtful. The hymns and music were especially poignant. She will be remembered by all.

CELEBRATING OUR MINISTERS of MUSIC

Wonderful program today at church: Celebrating Our Ministers of Music. Kari Miller, Director of Music, gave an overview of the history of music at Central Baptist Church. Then three former music directors/organists spoke and played for us. Such a powerful program in the sanctuary. After the musical portion of the program, there was an unveiling of the pictures of all nine former organists. Then a wonderful reception in the church parlor where everyone got a chance to renew old acquaintances.

Four of the Music Directors/Organists that were present:

William R Gable
1953-1974

Lois Jungas
1974-1975

Bruce Henley
1983-1995

Richard Matteson
1996-2006

Church Clean-up Day

Getting Central Baptist Church ready for the Lenten Season and Easter, a small group this morning cleaning up the church. This is an annual event and very well organized.

cleaning supplies are ready

Ordination of Mr. Doan Ngoc Son

The ordination of Doan Ngoc Son [Sonny] was held today at the end of the service. Pastors John and Ich officiated and presented Sonny to the congregation. After answering to the questions presented he was officially named a pastor and received his robe. Members of the Vietnamese community sang 'Amazing Grace'. After the service the congregation was invited to a reception.

Youth Bell Choir

The Central Baptist Church Youth Bell Choir played during the service today. They played 'Where You There When They Crucified My Lord' for the Offertory and 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross' for the Postlude.

Karen Youth Scholarships Awarded

The First Annual Thomas J Foran Karen Youth Scholarships were awarded during service. The winners receive money to help them with their post High School studies.

Khadara Htoo, Caroline Htoo, Taw Mu Ku

The winners were:

First Winner was Khadra Htoo with $1000 for study at Capital Community College
Second Winner was Caroline Htoo with $500 for study at Manchester Community College
Third Winner was Taw Mu Ku with $200 for study at Great Path Academy

Infant Dedication

Nguyen Thien Han Gabriella daughter of Nguyen Duc Kinh-Luan and Nguyen Le Thanh-Tuyen was dedicated this morning. She is the granddaughter of The Rev. Nguyen Duc Ich our Associate Minister. A cake was served in the Parlor after service.

Linda Carrasquillo's Retirement Celebration

Yesterday the congregation, family and friends celebrated Linda Carrasquillo's retirement at the Chowder Pot restaurant. It was a wonderful joy-filled and sad afternoon as we wished her the best in her retirement.

Karen Celebration

Today the Karen community celebrated their 4th anniversary at Central Baptist Church!

Three Kings' Day

Addressed the congregation today on Thursday's coming departure for Myanmar:

"Jesus chooses unlikely candidates to serve His purpose." Rev. Ich Nguyen 1/21/07 at CBC
"He give us the capacity to do the unthinkable." Isabela Carvalho 3/25/09 at JAMI in Brazil

Winter session classes ended today! 

The 2010 Winter Session Beginner ESOL Class and the Teacher Assistant Class both had their last session in Pastor Gie Dor's apartment. Certificates will be awarded tomorrow at church between the two worship services. Fourteen participants will received a Certificate showing that they successfully completed the 9 week Beginner session. Five of these participants will also have it noted on their certificate that they had Perfect Attendance! The five Teacher Assistants will also receive certificates for the successful completion of the Winter Session Part 1 Course.

Karen Thanksgiving

  Today the Karen community celebrated their second anniversary in the United States. For some members, this was their first year. The celebration was hosted by Central Baptist Church. There were at least a hundred people present in the sanctuary. Many children were present also. The music was wonderful!

The program started with the Baptism of eight new members. Pastor John and Pastor Ich officiated. After the baptism a Teen Choral group sang during the Communion Service. This was followed by a Thanksgiving Feast in the community room. The variety of food was overwhelming and delicious.

Today I met many new people: Karen from other neighborhoods, Hartford school teachers, Karen from other parts of Connecticut and so many people helping out and volunteering to better the lives of the new Connecticut Karen community.

Traditional Artists' Marketplace

Went to the IRC Open House today for the Traditional Artists' Marketplace & Community Threads Exhibit. Three members of our congregation were there: Mu Wah with her loom [picture 1 top], Hser Nay Pah [picture 2 bottom] and Thadah [picture 3 top] both in the sale room. The Karen handwoven fabrics will be available in the CBC Crosswinds Store soon!

bloginfo: Today's event was held at The Institute for Community Research, 2 Hartford Square West, Suite 100, 146 Wyllys Street, Hartford, CT

blognote: CBC members at the exhibit: Cheryl Zeiner, Joan and Bruce Davidson, me

Commitment Cards

On their commitment cards, several members have expressed interest in being 'guest presenters' at our weekly Play, Pray, Hello USA! classes for the winter session.

Those signed up so far:

Victor Agosto [returning]
Joan Breakenridge
Florence Cato
Bruce Davidson
Joan Davidson [returning]
Lynn Leavenworth
Norma Sproul [returning]
Cheryl Zeiner [returning].

There is plenty of time to get involved; just call the church office and let Linda know. We will have an information meeting at the end of January.

Shining Stars

At today's service [postponed Lessons and Carols], I awarded a Stewardship 'Shining Star' certificate to each person that helped out this session in the 'Play, Pray, Hello USA!' ESOL classes for the Karen community.

The certificates went to the three pastors: John Endler, Ich Duc Nguyen and Gie Dor.

Those who had helped out with the program [in many different ways] were: Victor Agosto, Linda Carrasquillo, Bruce Davidson, Joan Davidson, Amy Endler, George Grisevich, Kari Miller, Norma Sproul and Cheryl Zeiner.

Without the help of the above, the program which provided 243 hours of English instruction would not have been possible. Thanks to everyone!

guest presenters...

Looks like the every other week guest presenter format is going well.

Amy Endler was the guest presenter today and I will hear about her class tomorrow in church. She was going to work with descriptive words and prepositional phrases. Will post on the details.

Last slot Kari Miller took on the subject of knitting and worked with colors, clothing, body parts and measuring. The class really enjoyed it. Pastor John used a Bible story for his presentation. Cheryl Zeigler and Victor Agosto talked about job skills and preparing for the job market.

George Grisevich will be the next presenter and wants to talk about Hartford and its history; good subject for the newcomers. The last slot for guest presenting will be Joan Davidson. She is scheduled for early December and will work with the words to Christmas music. That's a good idea as she is an alto and mentors some of the Karen young women in the choir.

blognote: The Fall session ends on December 19th with a Certificate Party at 10am. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Benediction Prayer

as we leave this hall today
do not leave the message here
make it clear, take it home
shine the light, keep it bright
the message of Jesus is dear
to our hearts, bless those who
were recognized today, those
absent, those of us who will
take on the struggle, the fight.
Lord, show us the light; amen



blognote: This is the Benediction I will use as Master of Ceremonies at the conclusion of the Membership Recognition Dinner today at Central Baptist Church.