A monthly publication of the Somers Congregational Church, UCC June, 2011Gathered in Somers, Connecticut, March 15, AD 1727 Volume 284 Number 6

The Reverend Dr. Barry Cass, Pastor

Church Email Addresses:

Barry Cass - bcass@somerscongregational.org Carly Sanborn - somerscong@somerscongregational.org Jacqueline Nappi - jnappi@somerscongregational.org Barbara Anderson - careroom@somerscongregational.org Website: www.somerscongregational.org

The First Sunday of each month is

Name Badge Sunday! Be known! Wear your Name

Badge.

No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP CORNER, located in the Foundation Room will be open on the second and fourth Sunday’s of the month. If you are interested in buying one of the items, please contact Barbara Anderson

BROWN BAG SUNDAY IS JUNE 19 -

PLEASE BRING A GROCERY BAG DONATION OF NON-

PERISABLE FOOD FOR THE FOOD PANTRY!

Second Hour Sneak Preview of the New Website

Immediately after the 10 AM service

on Sunday, June 19th Room 206

We will be displaying portions of the new website on the big screen.

Come take a look, feedback is welcome!

From your Pastor . . . .

Just before 6 P.M. on May 21 I turned on my television and clicked

to CNN. They were counting down the last seconds to 6. That was the time

and date that had been predicted to mark the beginning of the end of time – the moment at which God would

begin judging the world, taking up those who were found to be faithful and leaving the unfaithful to struggle

and suffer over the next few months until the end finally arrived. The reporters were making some tongue-in-

cheek comments and wondering aloud what those who believed the end had come on May 21 would be doing

on the 22nd.

I have to admit I did not take the prediction very seriously. From the moment of Christ’s Ascension

forty days after His resurrection there have been those who have predicted His return and many who have

claimed that the truth of the Bible had been revealed to them. Individuals have given away or sold all their

belongings, left family and friends to gather in specific places predicted to be the site of Christ’s return only to

be disappointed. Popular books like 1984 which predicted the end of time in that year, have been left with little

comment after their predictions did not come to pass.

Some of the faithful seem to forget that Jesus said the time and manner of the end of time had not been

revealed even to him, so it is futile for any of us to think that some Bible code has been unraveled and the date

revealed.

There are a couple of things that have been on my mind in relation to all the news about the May 21st

Rapture and the fact that it did not happen. The first is a concern for the people who believed wholeheartedly in

the prediction. Where were they on May 22nd? In light of such disappointment, how does one recover? It

seems to me that even though we may think these folks to be misguided, they are still part of the community of

God and still in need of the love and succor of the wider community. We who are quick to exclaim the

inclusivity of God and the Holy Spirit must be careful to not judge too harshly those who are less open. How

do we include those who promote and cherish an exclusive faith?

The second question the May 21st failure to rapture has brought to mind is perhaps deeper – fodder for

upcoming sermons. We believe God is still speaking and the proponents of the Rapture believed God had

spoken to them. How do we figure out what is the authentic voice of God speaking in the twenty-first century,

and what is some other voice? As there have always been those who tried to pinpoint the end of time, there

have always been those who believe God has spoken to them, and there has always been a need to identify the

authentic voice and presence of God.

I believe a beginning to the answer to the question of authenticity lies in the fact Jesus calls us to

community. The experience of the early church was the Holy Spirit acting in the midst of the gathered faithful.

Congregationalists believe it is through the gathered community the Spirit is effective in the world. Private

revelation is confirmed and affirmed in the Body of Christ.

I am glad the world did not end on May 21st! I am glad we are here to continue to discover God’s

presence and God’s message for this time. I hope the discussion of recognizing God’s authentic voice and

presence is one we will continue to explore together. God is still speaking, let us listen together.

Yours in Christ Barry

Second Tuesday Book Club

Meeting on the second Tuesday of most months, the book group reads one book to

discuss for each meeting, but the conversation invariably encompasses other books

people are reading, some movies and television shows that have caught their attention,

and current events that impact our lives. Some of the group’s previously discussed

books are available for borrowing on the shelves in room 206. The book for next

month . . . .

The book for June 14th is The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

Although never having seen battle Stephen Crane vividly depicts the grueling intensity of the American Civil

War. The story revolves around Henry Fleming, a member of the 304th regiment of the Union Army. At the

start of the novel Henry is eager to show his patriotism in battle but when faced with the savagery of death he

flees the frontline. Throughout the novel Henry struggles with his courage in the face of the horror of war. "The

Red Badge of Courage" is a classic modern depiction of the psychological turmoil of war from the perspective

of an ordinary soldier. Historic and timely.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

JUNE 3, 2011 1:30 P.M.

FOUNDATION ROOM

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Altar Flowers for the Month of June June 5 OPEN June 12 Altar Flowers this morning are given by Herbert Wells

and Family in loving memory of Priscilla Wells June 19 Altar Flowers this morning are given by Dr. Barry Cass in

honor of all the fathers in the congregation June 26 Altar Flowers this morning are given by the families of

Barbara Anderson and Brad Pellissier in loving memory of their mother, Edna Pellisssier

It is our custom that altar flowers are donated in memory of or in honor of loved ones. Arrangements can be bought or hand-done. An individual or a group of individuals can donate them.

There can be more than one bouquet on any given Sunday. If you would like to give flowers for the altar in June, please call Mary Alsing (860-749-9197)

Needed items:

Jelly or Jam, Canned Meat, Hamburger Helper, 1 Skillet Packaged

Meals, Canned Fruit, Apple/Cranberry Juice, Juice Boxes, Soup,

Cereal, Coffee, Macaroni & Cheese, Mayonnaise, Snacks for

Children, Sugar/Salt FREE foods, Crackers

Champ’s Place has served 6,506 meals from January to April.

We gratefully accept monetary donations as they go a long way at Foodshare.

Somers Congregational United Church of Christ

Free Community Supper 5 to 6:30 P.M. – Wednesday June 15

EVERYONE is invited to share the free Community Supper hosted by the Circle of Faith Bible Study. The supper this month features barbeque chicken. Enjoy fellowship and a good time.

Bring your family, friends and neighbors. Hosts are needed for July and August Suppers...

If you are interested in knowing more, or in volunteering to host a supper, talk to Barry.

Church History 

Did you see our Service Flag on Memorial Day, a big banner with blue stars and a

single gold star on a white background?

This usually hangs in our church history room along with our Honor Roll, a large

wooden plaque with brass name plates for all the church members who served in

World War II.

Our only gold star is for Robert Ward Merriman, a navy seaman who died on Jan. 15, 1945 after a five week

bout with pneumonia having returned to sea duty before he was fully recovered from surgery.

We would like to honor other church members who have served our country since WW II by adding them to our

Honor Roll plaque. If you have names of those who have served would you please give them to Barry or leave

them in the church office.

The following is from an earlier article by Marge Griswold.

At the Annual Meeting of Somers Congregational Church held on May 8, 1943, a vote was taken to purchase a

service flag.

The Service Flag was the gift of Mr. Fred L. Smith of Springfield MA who was president of the George

Washington Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. Stars on the flag represent the service men and women

who were members of the Somers Congregational Church.

The Honor Roll was a gift from the Anna C. Kibbe Fund, and the lettering was done by William Goodwin. This

recognized all the service men and women in our church family.

Both the Service Flag and Honor Roll were dedicated during the morning worship on Sunday, February 13,

1944. At that time there were thirty-one names on the Honor Roll and seventeen on the Service Flag. By

December of the year there were forty names on the Honor Roll.

There was also a special “Victory Tree” honoring these service men and women, with a light placed on the tree

for each name on the Honor Roll.

www.somerscongregational.org

Changes are coming to the Church Web Site. If you have not checked it out recently, this would be a good time

to take a few minutes to see what is there. You’ll find information on our programs, a calendar of events, Field

of Flag photos and much more!

Worship at Blair Manor

On the Second Tuesday of each month our church is responsible for a worship service

at Blair Manor Worship service. Led by our pastor, it begins at 10:30 A.M. and lasts

about a half hour. We are fortunate that Anne Larson accompanies the group in

singing two hymns as part of the service. Other members and friends of the church

are more than welcome to join us, to be a part of the service and to add voices to the

singing. If you have any questions, talk to Barry.

In June the Blair Manor worship service will be Tuesday, June 14 at 10:30 A.M.

Have You Joined the “Birthday Club”? The “Birthday Club” is a way to increase our Church’s Endowment and celebrate your birthday by helping others. Here’s how it works – On or around your birthday donate $1.00 (or more) for every year that you are celebrating. If it is your 45th birthday, write a check to the church for $45.00 with a note saying “Birthday Club” on the message line. This money will go into our Endowment to benefit the Church

now and in years to come. You can also donate on a spouse’s, child’s, grandchild’s, or any relative’s birthday. You can also donate for any reason such as: you want to provide for the Church’s future, you need a tax deduction, the Church has a birthday, the country has a birthday, etc.

Thank You for providing for our Church’s future!!!!

Over the past several months the church and church office have been robbed twice. We have taken several steps to increase security in the parking lot and the church building, including making sure no cash is left in the building. Please be sure to lock your car in the parking lot, and check to be sure the doors are locked and building secure when you leave. Thank you.

 

The House and Grounds Committee will be re-keying the building in June. The

exact date is not known as of yet. All keys to the building will need to be turned

in. If you are on a committee or board that requires you to have a key to the

building you will be re-issued a new one. The H&G Committee will be at Coffee

Hour in mid to late June to change out keys. Look for further notices about the

exact date.

Field of Flags The 6,028 flags are currently at the

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danbury, Connecticut

This letter is long overdue. I can’t tell all friends in my Church

family what it has meant to me to have your support through

visits at the hospital, cards, encouragement, and most recently,

transportation to Mclean for therapy. I have all of you to thank

for the progress I have made. Ever since I came to Somers

Congregational Church, I have been made to feel welcome and a

part of all activities. I feel at home here. Thank you for being an

important part of my life. ~Jean L. Keiper

Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism in May:

Kendall Edith Schechterle is the daughter of Melissa and Kevin

Schechterle. Kendall was born on June 25, 2009. Her godparents are

Mikaela Elia and Kris Weber.

SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 16 – Somers Golf Center

Don Kennett Memorial Crop Walk

RENEW Grow in Faith – Have Fun – Change the World

Vacation Bible School 2011 August 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 9 A.M. -- Noon

Let’s work together to care for creation!

It’s time to register for RENEW: The Green VBS!

RENEW: The Green VBS invites kids to learn about Jesus, help build our community and grow as

they become stewards of God’s creation.

At RENEW: The Green VBS kids will

Explore God’s Word though the Parable of the Sower.

Learn about God creation and what we can do to care for it.

Meet members of the community who are stewards of the environment.

Make new friends and have a great time!

Calling everyone between 3 years old and eighth grade who was to ReNew! Let’s grow in faith, have

fun and change the world. To sign up call (860) 763-4021, email VBS@somerscongregatinal.org or

stop by the RENEW: The Green VBS registration table at church.

VBS Adult Leaders Needed!

To get our VBS off the ground and to make sure we have a smooth week, we are looking for lots of

adults to help us. The list below shows the main leaders. In addition to those listed below, there is

also a need for assistants for each of the positions and “go-fers” through the week. One does not

need to volunteer for all five days, but can help out for a day or two if that works for you.

• Gather/Send Leader: Leads the Gather and Send time each day—teaching the Bible story, leading (or co-leading)

music, and guiding the Daily Ritual and ReNew It! Challenge. These leaders help VBS kids catch the ReNew vision as

they arrive and send them home to share the vision.

• Activity Site Leader: Leads one of the activity sites—Self, Community, or World. Site leaders help kids dig deeper.

Kids’ love for the wonder of the vastness of creation leads to a sense of the awesome responsibility and opportunity

Christians have for its care.

• Preschool Leader: Leads the self-contained Preschool Activity Site.

• Snacks Leader: Coordinates and leads daily snack time, if your schedule includes this option.

• Games Leader: Leads the Games Site if your church space has the capacity or time scheduled for these activities.

Other important roles for VBS may include:

• Musicians: Lead the group in growing in faith through song and action during the Gather and Send times.

Council Corner May 17, 2011

Share the Good news. Tom Gorksi from the Technology Committee presented information on the updated church website in progress. (See separate article in Share the Good News) Search Committee Update. The search committee has now interviewed five candidates. The candidate that was offered the job

did not take it. Three additional resumes had been received, so the committee interviewed the three “new” candidates and will meet soon to continue the process. Committee members include: Jill Conley, Lisa Gay, Lois Lindell, Sharon Renzoni, Brenda Samson, Rev. Cass and Sheryl Stanton, Chair. 603 Main Street. The new tenants have moved into the house. It’s nice to see the lights on again at night when you drive by. Dumpster. The church dumpster has been moved to the rear of the parking lot with a sign posted for “church use only”. Hopefully this will help to solve our “overflowing trash issue”. Community Suppers. The community supper in April was sponsored by the Mission Board and Membership Board with a delicious chicken chow mein meal. The Bible study group will be sponsoring the June dinner and July and August are both open! Committees, neighborhood, friends, groups, families …. any group can sponsor a supper. Call Carly in the office: 763-4021. Blood Drive. The next blood drive at the church will be on Friday, June 3rd (note date change) from 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Contact the church office if you would like to give blood or donate some finger foods for snacks. Chili-fest. Champs Place received 60 boxes of food that was donated at the Chilifest on May 7th. Personnel Handbook. The handbook will be reviewed by the Finance Board, the Music & Arts Board and the Christian Education Board to see if there is anything in the handbook that does not apply to the organist, church secretary, care room supervisor or Christian Education Director. Committee appointment. No appointments, but someone has expressed an interest in the Finance Board. Lead paint. Under a new federal law, all daycare and pre-schools must be inspected for lead paint. Some lead paint was found on the exterior cinderblock of the Bugbee Center. A letter has been sent to the company requesting a mitigation plan, as required under the law, and will then we will need to hire a certified lead abatement painting company to remove it. Anne Kirkpatrick (abksomers@aol.com)

Share the Good News Tom Gorski, member of the Technology Committee gave a

presentation on the church website. The Technology Committee has discussed the church website during the past several months.

One of the four themes in the Long Range Planning Report in 2010 was “communicate more effectively within the church and between the church and the larger community.” The report also went on to say “in looking at communication in a quantifiable way, with our

long range goal as outreach and growth and strengthening our church community, we have targeted the website and communicating technologically as a primary method, such as through the church newsletter. We recognize that the website is how the church community will access information, and understand that ‘ease of access’ and ‘immediate answers’ are preferable in today’s society.”

We are fortunate that Tom Gorski has the expertise to revise the website to ease access and provide additional information for church members and the larger community. Tom showed the new home page to the Church Council and asked for questions and feedback from the council members. It is a work in progress and Tom will give a presentation during a “Second Hour” following the church service on Sunday, June 19 so that members and friends can also ask questions and provide feedback to Tom and the Technology Committee. Tom hopes the new website will be completed sometime during the summer. The Church Council commended Tom for all of his efforts and his willingness to spend his two school vacations working on the church website. The Christian Education Board is preparing for exciting upcoming events for our church and local community, including a wonderful Vacation Bible School offered through our church this summer. A Rock-A-Thon, led by the YAKS, as a fundraiser within our church is in the works as well. Our Vacation Bible School will be held the week of August 1-5th, for children aged preschool through fifth grade, though we are eager for volunteers from grades sixth through high school...or even college if you are still home! The theme this year is Renew, and there are fantastic, creative activities to go along with the teaching of the message, which is the Parable of the Sower. Those fantastic, creative activities require a good deal of supplies and we have included a list here of some of the things that we will need and we will greatly appreciate your assistance in gathering these for the program. The list includes such things as: scrap fabric, egg cartons, gardening catalogues/magazines, seeds of ALL kinds!, pipe cleaners, old greeting cards, leftover game parts from old board games, sidewalk chalk, books about seeds and plants, magnifying glass, empty tomato paste cans or baby food jars, gardening tools (the small ones for children would be ideal), farmer's and trucker's hats, grocer's apron, and empty baskets. Thank you so much for anything you can share with us to make this year's VBS a huge success!

June Scripture Readings Following are the Scripture Readings for June 2011. An asterisk (*) indicates the

passage that is the theme passage in the Church School each Sunday.

June 5

Acts 1:6-14 Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 John 17:1-11

June 12 PENTECOST (Children’s Day)

Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 20:19-23

June 19 Fathers’ Day

Genesis 1:1 - 2:4a Psalm 8 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20

June 26

Genesis 22:1-4 Psalm 13 Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42

The Network Against Domestic Abuse has an ongoing wish list for the following items. The Mission Board will be collecting these items and delivering them periodically. Look for the

collection box in the Church Office.

   Network Against Domestic Abuse Wish List 

 New or gently used items that will be bleached 

White bath mats White twin sheets, extra pillowcases Blankets, comforters, bedspreads 

Towels (hand, face, bath) Sanitary napkins 

Large size diapers and pull‐ups Deodorant 

Laundry and dishwasher detergent Vinyl gloves 

 Brooms, mops, dust pans Garbage bags, plastic bags 

 Bleach  Dryer sheets 

Open Mic Night SATURDAY, JUNE 4

Church Foundation Room 6-9PM Tickets are $5.00 in advance ~ $7.00 at the door

Includes pizza, soda, snacks

For tickets contact the church office

somerscong@somerscongregational.org

860-763-4021

Annual Strawberry Lunch

Tuesday, June 14: 10:45 am – 12:30 pm

Can you help with the Strawberry Lunch?

Packing lunches with 750 sandwiches and 900 shortcakes takes many hands……..

Can you come and help for one hour??

____ Help wash strawberries on Sunday morning June 12 (8:00 am-noon)

____ Help hull strawberries Sunday June 12 (11:00 am-6:00 pm)

____ Help hull strawberries on Monday morning, June 13 (8:00 am-11:00 am)

____ Help make sandwiches on Tuesday, June 14 (8:00 am-10:00 am)

____ Help assemble shortcakes on Tuesday June 14 (9:00 am-11:00 am)

____ Help deliver lunches to businesses on Tuesday, June 14 (10:45 am-12:15 pm)

____ Help in the kitchen on Tuesday June 14 (11:00 am-1:00 pm)

Name ________________________________ Phone __________________

Questions? Call Judy Bothwell (860) 684-7839

2nd Annual Community Mini-Golf Tournament

To Benefit Somers Congregational Church Date: June 18th (Rain date June 19th)

Inclement Weather: Please call the church office at 860.763.4021 on Saturday, June 18th after 8 a.m. for a

recording indicating whether or not there are any changes due to weather conditions. You may also go to the

church website www.somerscongregational.org

Location: Somers Golf Center – 349 Main Street, Somers, CT

Entry Fee: $15.00 single

$55.00 foursome

Fee Includes: 1 round of mini golf

Food Coupon (Hot dog or burger, fries & drink)

Token for 1 round of Mini-golf at a later date

Information and Tickets: (860) 763-4021 or minigolf@somerscongregational.org

Thank you to our event sponsor:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

REGISTRATION Team Name: __________________________________________________________

Start Time: 9 a.m. ______ 10:30 a.m _____ No Preference ________

Captain Name

Captain Email

Captain Phone

12 &

Under (√)

Golfer 2-Name

12 &

Under(√)

Golfer 3 –Name

12 &

Under (√)

Golfer 4 – Name

12 and

Under (√)

Total Payment Received: ______________ Received By: _______________________ Date: _________

Proud to be an American Our Red White and Blue Collection… Memorial Day thru July 4th Our latest church connection to the conflict in Afghanistan is Kim’s daughter Samantha Kelley. Sammi’s fiancé, Michael Turcotte, with about 100 soldiers from Fort Drum, New York (A 4 – 25 FA), is stationed in a remote area of Kandahar. Through limited communication we have a list of most needed items. The mission board is asking the congregation to support the troops defending our freedom. Please place donated items in the mission box labeled “Proud To Be An American”. Any monetary donations will be used for postage or to purchase needed items. As always, thank you for supporting the missions we feel are important. Baby powder Foot Powder Deodorant Chapstick Disposable Razors Shave Cream Hand Lotion Hand Sanitizer Toothbrushes/paste Icy Hot Patches Shampoo Sunscreen Drink Mixes (you can add to water bottles) Snack Pack - crackers, puddings, jell-o, cookies Gum or Lifesavers Please drop off donations between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

Somers is participating in the North Central Connecticut Relay For Life to be held June 4th and 5th at the middle school in Suffield. Anyone interested in walking please contact Kim Kelley, 860-265-2098. Donations accepted to sponsor Kim Kelley on Johns Kids team or Scott Champion on Team NETTTS.

www.relayforlife.org/suffieldct

Somers Congregational Church Strawberry Lunch Order Form Tuesday, June 14

Name _________________________ Phone_____________________ Pick Up Time _______________ (Pickup time is 10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Choice of Sandwich: Egg Salad _____ Full Lunch $7.00 Ham Salad _____ Full Lunch $7.00 Tuna Salad _____ Full Lunch $7.00 Shortcake only _____ Shortcake only $5.00

Due on pickup $ ______________ Paid in advance $______________

Deadline for Next Highlights is June 15, 2011.

U.S. Postage Paid

Non-Profit Org. Permit Number 3 Somers, CT 06071

Somers Congregational Church 599 Main Street, PO Box 295 Somers, CT 06071

To Be Removed From Mailing List Check Here □ and Return.

Address Service Requested

Sunday Worship: 8:15 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Office Hours (M-Th.): 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Telephone: (860) 763-4021 Fax: (860) 763-5146 E-mail: somerscong@somerscongregational.org Web site: www.somerscongregational.org Senior Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Barry Cass Organist/Music Director: Jacqueline Nappi Care Room: Barbara Anderson Administrative Secretary: Carly Sanborn