the trumpet...2020/01/02 · the trumpet february 2020 a publication of the east woodstock...
TRANSCRIPT
The TRUMPET
February 2020
What is “mercy”?
My star gift this year is “mercy.” What comes
to mind when you hear that word? My initial thought
was that “mercy” is given to a prisoner by a captor.
That goes along with the dictionary definition: Mercy
is “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone
whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.”
After reading that I felt slightly guilty since it made
me wonder what I had done that deserved punishment
or harm. How bad was I that I required mercy?
On further reflection, I realized that every
month I drive to the Mercy Center in Madison CT, a
beautiful retreat center on the Long Island Sound that
is run by the Sisters of Mercy. They are renowned for
offering hospitality and welcome. The Mercy Center
is a place of rest and renewal. That definition of
“mercy” appeals to me. Who doesn’t need a safe,
comforting spot where one will be loved and
accepted? It sounds like healing and renewal.
In order to learn about mercy, I’ve started a
collection of quotes. Maybe you’ll be able to add to
them – I have, after all, a whole year to immerse
myself in the study of mercy. Here are some quotes
that speak to my heart about mercy:
- “Mercy and forgiveness must be free and
unmerited to the wrongdoer.”
- “It is mercy not justice or courage or even
heroism that alone can defeat evil.”
- “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire
mercy, not sacrifice’ for I have not come to call
the righteous, but sinners,” (Matthew 9:13).
There is something both powerful and
humbling about realizing that God gives to us what
we need, not what we deserve. God offers
forgiveness, love, new beginnings, and – mercy. What
if we could be so generous with others? What if we
were that generous with ourselves?
I hope you are enjoying your star gifts. I
would be interested to hear what you have learned so
far, what questions you still have, and where you are
being led to explore. I will continue to immerse
myself in learning about mercy and I will share what I
learn with you.
In the meantime, be merciful with yourself
and others.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster
The Trumpet deadline is the 20th of every month!
A publication of the East Woodstock Congregational Church, 220 Woodstock Road, East Woodstock, CT 06244 Pastor: Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster Director of Christian Education: Louise Labbe-Fahy Youth Group Director: Anne Sorensen Music Director/Organist: Nancy Ducharme
Bell Choir Director: Andrew Tomkins Office Manager: Heidi Tucker Office: 860-928-7449 Residence: 860-928-7145 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eastwoodstockchurch.org Office Manager’s email: [email protected] Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am
Secretary’s email: [email protected] Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am
The following are the scriptures for the month of February:
You are invited to read them as part of your daily devotions and as
preparation for worship.
February 2 February 9
Micah 6:1-8 Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 15 Psalm 112:1-10
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 5:13-20 February 16 February 23
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Exodus 24:12-18 Psalm 119:1-8 Psalms 2 and 99 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 5:21-37 Matthew 17:1-9
Worship News
We hope that you can join every Sunday for worship and fellowship – and bring a friend!
February 2: Communion Sunday. Celebration of Rural Life. Give thanks for God’s creation as we celebrate those who work in agriculture.
February 9: Guest speaker: Danielle Arnett Keller. Danny will talk about her experiences with asylum-seekers on the American-Mexican border
February 16: Just Peace Players. This UCC liturgical drama group will present a skit entitled “Extra! Extra!” and help us explore how our faith calls us to respond to important headlines of the day.
February 23: Jazz Sunday! Enjoy toe-tapping music and stay afterwards for a delicious soup lunch!
February 26: Ash Wednesday. Service at the Hill Church at 7:00 pm. Join us for the beginning of the Lenten season.
A mid-week
opportunity for
conversation, coffee,
learning, and
laughter.
Give yourself the gift
of time…
Wednesday
morning study
group
10:00 a.m.
Everyone is
welcome!
The TRUMPET Page 2 February 2020
Jazz Sunday!
Come to worship at 10:00 a.m. on February 23rd and
enjoy foot-tapping, soul-lifting jazz music! We will
celebrate the last Sunday in Epiphany with great music
and good fellowship as we lift up our voices to praise
God. Bring a friend!
In addition to wonderful music, we will be celebrating
our commitment to helping those in need by receiving a
special offering. This year our offering will be given to
the UCC Disaster Relief Fund which responds to natural
disaster across the globe and near to home. With needs
such as the fires in Australia, earthquakes in Puerto
Rico, and ongoing concerns about hunger and
homelessness, our offering will respond to widespread
need.
New Members’ Class
Are you interested in learning more about membership at EWCC? You are
invited to join us for new members’ classes! This is a chance to ask questions and learn
what it means to be a member of our congregation. Please contact Pastor Sue if you
would like to attend: [email protected] or 860-928-7449.
March 1 – Meet with Pastor Sue following worship March 8 – Afternoon tea with deacons. 3:00 p.m. at Pastor Sue’s home March 15 – Welcome new members during worship
Soup Lunch: February 23rd
Plan to stay after worship on Jazz Sunday, February
23rd as we enjoy a delicious soup lunch. Take time for
conversation around the table as we have the chance to
sample of wide variety of soups provided by members
of our congregation. Enriching worship followed by
lively table fellowship – it’s going to be a wonderful
day! Join us – and bring a friend!
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LBS NEWS (Ladies Benevolent Society)
You may have noticed the new chairs in Fellowship
Hall that we were able to provide from proceeds from
the Holly Fair in 2018. Along with the chairs, we
purchased dollies for easy storage and movement in
and out of the closet. LBS also contributed $5,000 to
replace the roof on the brick schoolhouse. All of this
is possible because of the support you give to the
success of the Holly Fair held each November!
LBS will not hold meetings in January or February,
but we will resume our schedule on March 18 at 1:30
with a presentation by Linda Colangelo of Northeast
District Department of Health. Refreshments will be
provided by Marian Hallowell and Gail Lorentzen.
All are welcome to attend!
Respectfully submitted,
Kerstin Forrester, President
The “church” is not the building. The “church” is all
of us, offering our time and talents to share the Good
News of God’s love and hope. This month we
especially would like to thank…
The “church” is not the building. The “church” is all
of us, offering our time and talents to share the Good
News of God’s love and hope. This month we
especially would like to thank…
Beth Baron for creating the wonderful memory boards for our sanctuary stories. Be sure to share your special memory of an event that took place in our sanctuary. Thank you, Beth, for sharing your creativity!
With LBS's donation, Kerstin Forrester's deep dive into different chairs and dollies, Society's guidance, Glen Lessig's help to reorganize the storage closet, and the Bell Choir's help moving chairs, we have 3 new dollies and 100 new chairs - they're attractive, warm to the touch, fully Scotchgarded, and offer a welcome alternative to the old metal chairs that were previously used in Fellowship Hall. We left a grouping in Fellowship Hall for all to use, and the remainder are on dollies in the storage closet. In addition, ALL THE OLD METAL CHAIRS FIT IN THE STOREROOM with room to maneuver. (This will be very much appreciated by the Jamboree Committee.) Other chair layouts can certainly be considered, but for now, this should work well. Again, our thanks to Kerstin and the members of LBS for offering this fine new addition to our Church.
Do you have a special event you would like to share
with your Church family – a birth, a graduation, a new
job, an engagement, a wedding, a special honor, etc.,
etc.? Drop a note off in the secretary’s office or e-
mail Heidi at [email protected].
In Memory
We give thanks to God for the completed life of
Pete Vogt
We ask God to provide comfort and strength as we rely
on God’s promise of peace and eternal life.
Winter Lunches Continue!
You are invited to lunch! Every Friday during the
winter, everyone is invited to pack a lunch and come to
church to share in conversation, fellowship, and
laughter. There is no program and no agenda – just a
chance to get out of the house and share a meal
together.
Come every Friday or whenever you can. We will
meet from noon – 1:00 p.m. Cider and hot water for
tea will be provided.
Maybe you know someone who could benefit from
getting out of the house or having the chance to visit
with others – offer them a ride and join us for an hour
of fellowship. Parents/grandparents with little ones –
please stop on by!
Real people, real conversation – better than sitting in
front of the TV or computer any day! Come on your
own or bring a friend. Let’s have lunch!
Men’s Fellowship News
The men of the congregation have been enjoying
gathering for breakfast at the church for good food
and fellowship. Our next gathering will be on
Sunday, February 11th at 8:00 a.m. If you would
like to help with set-up and meal preparations, please
contact Roger at [email protected]. All men are
invited – and please invite a friend along!
Weather or Not? Notice of cancellation of worship service due to inclement weather will be posted on our Facebook page. To confirm whether worship or another activity has been canceled, or to let us know that you are safe and staying home, please contact any Deacon.
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A Women’s Retreat
For all the women of the East Woodstock Congregational Church
Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 at Camp Wightman, North Stonington, CT
(40 minutes from our church)
What Is the Song in Your Heart?
O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Psalm 95:1
Music can be a beautiful way to relax, unwind, worship, and even pray. What music do you carry within you? What
music do you like and what lifts your spirit and comforts your soul? Come to share your music, listen to the music of
others and maybe learn a few new songs.
This retreat will include time for renewal and fellowship. The retreat will start at 3:00 pm on Friday and conclude at
4:00 pm on Saturday. You are welcome to come just for the day on Saturday if you are not interested in spending the
night. There will be free time for knitting, scrapbooking, reading, quilting, or even just relaxing. Come overnight or
join us on Saturday. The theme for this year will be announced in the next Trumpet. Please fill out the registration
form and return it to Heidi Tucker as soon as possible.
The cost for both Friday and Saturday is $100. This price includes dinner on Friday evening, lodging for Friday
night, breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
The cost for just Saturday will be $40. This price includes breakfast and/or lunch on Saturday plus all activities. The
start time on Saturday is 9:30 am and concludes at 4:00 pm. Breakfast is served at 8:00 am.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Registration for Paid: Text Check #_______
Name ____________________________________ Phone Number ______________________
Email Address ______________________________________
In case of emergency, please contact:
Name ____________________________________ Phone number _______________________
I will be staying overnight on Friday, April 3. Cost is $100. Dinner on Friday, breakfast and lunch on
Saturday are included. Please check one:
I will be there for dinner. I will not be there for dinner.
I will be coming just for the day on Saturday, April 4. Cost is $40.
I will arrive by 8:00 am for breakfast & lunch. I will arrive by 9:30 and stay for lunch.
Please return this registration form and your check to us by Sunday, March 21. Please make your check
payable to EWCC, with the word “retreat” on the memo line. Financial assistance available. If your plans
change, please let us know before March 21. We cannot do refunds after that date. Thank you.
I need financial assistance. Please call me with more information.
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It’s Time to Clean Out Your Closets!
EWCC’s 8th Clothing Sale is fast approaching,
and I need everybody’s help to keep this fundraiser growing!
It is the perfect
symbiotic relationship …
with your donations of
gently/never-worn items,
the church gains valuable income,
which keeps the church healthy;
and by the church taking your old
clothes, you gain valuable real estate back
in your closets,
and potentially move closer to
reaching your New Year’s resolution of
becoming more organized.
Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing and shoes are needed in all sizes.
No stains and rips in the clothes,
and no underwear please.
Donation can be dropped off in Fellowship Hall.
Please contact Dorrie Scranton at (860) 974-3096
with any questions, or if you need to schedule a pickup.
Sale Dates:
Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April 18
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Outreach Requests
The Outreach Committee continues to be amazed at our congregation’s consistent generosity and support of the church’s outreach efforts. The local shelters are always in need of the following: shampoo & conditioner (reg. size), deodorant (men’s & women’s), shaving cream, razors, blades, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, body wash, soap, face wash, hand/body lotion. Please leave any of these items in the bucket by the Outreach table in Fellowship Hall. Thank you!! Request: We are asking members to communicate to us when you become aware of needs that could use Outreach support, such as a warm meal, prayer shawl, financial contribution or other supports. Thank you again for your consistent and loving support.
Cris Waldron – [email protected]
On Valentine’s Day, remember –
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Join us for a special service
There will be a special combined service on Sunday, March 22, in support of the synagogues of Putnam (Congregation B’nai Shalom) and Danielson (Temple Beth Israel). The service will be held at the Hill Church (there will be no worship at EWCC that morning) with a guest speaker – Yehetzkel Landau, a Jewish professor specializing in Interfaith Studies. Following the service, there will be a second hour for questions and discussion. Hope to see you there!
Super Saturday, March 14
The Southern New England Conference (the new conference formed by the merging of the CT, MA and RI Conferences) is holding the annual Super Saturday – an opportunity for learning, worship and networking with other UCC members. There are almost 50 workshops available including such topics as Care and Wellness, Faith Formation/Christian Education, Church Vitality, Missions and Outreach, Stewardship and Church Finance. Whether you hold a position in the church or are just interested in the experience, there is something in it for you!
The event is held in Wilbraham, MA from 8:00 am – 3:45 pm. The day includes morning worship, 2 workshops, an optional lunch activity, continental breakfast, lunch, marketplace and closing worship. Registration deadline is February 29th. Register online at www.sneucc.org/supersatreg.
Church Chuckles
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Middle School Youth
February 2020
Sunday, February 2nd: 4:30 – 6pm
Week 2 “Worth Repeating” Series, Luke 14:21-23 Sunday, February 9th: 4:30 – 6pm
Week 3 “Worth Repeating” Series, Luke 11:5-10 Sunday, February 17th
No youth group. Enjoy your long weekend! Sunday, February 23rd: 4:30 – 6pm
Week 4 “Worth Repeating” Series, Luke 14:8-11 Each week we will have snacks and games! Feel friend to invite a friend. Including your friends makes it more fun for everyone! For more information about our middle school youth, ask Anne Sorensen, 860-428-2198 or Tom Converse, 850- 603-5700
Save the date: Sunday, March 29th
Come help with a community service
project after worship.
Watch for all the details in
the March Newsletter!
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We will be selling baked potatoes with delicious toppings like chili, broccoli,
cheese, and sour cream.
Suggested donations will be $5. The money raised will go our youth group events.
It’s hard to believe that February is arriving so quickly. With February comes Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is
the day Paula and I were married! Or should I say we celebrated our “Holy Union”. At that time, we never thought the
day would come when we could actually be able to marry “legally”. Really what I’m getting at is how things can
change so quickly and right before our eyes.
The children and I have been following the star, and soon we will move into the season of Lent. Time goes so
quickly, and things change even if we don’t notice. I want to encourage each of us to take time to notice the things
that are right in front of our eyes. Our children grow, not only in age but in their love and understanding of our faith.
I’ve been at EWCC for 9 years now…and I see so many of the kids really “growing” in their faith. I love watching
them grow.
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day…try cutting out 29 hearts. One for each day of the month and with your children write
down one act of kindness, one thing you notice that you didn’t recognize before, one memory, one thing that
happened that day you want to celebrate, etc. In March pick a few of your family’s favorites and have your child bring
them to Sunday School to share with all of us.
Let’s celebrate love!
Louise [email protected]
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Children’s Page
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Looking Ahead:
March 1: New Members Class March 8: New Members Tea March 15: Receive New Members Baked Potato Bar April 3 – 4: Women’s Retreat
COFFEE HOUR
The coffee hour in February will be served courtesy of: Deacons
The coffee hour in March will be served courtesy of: CE/Teachers
February Birthdays:
RJ Duncan Feb 3
Cameron Robida Feb 6
Brayden Bottone Feb 7
Adelise Young Feb 9
Akira Newall-Vuillemot Feb 16
Noelia Reed Feb 26
Abigail Converse Feb 27
Libby Fischkelta Feb 27
February 2020
Daily Bread Donations for this month: Canned Fruit
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 9:00 am Yoga
2 4:30 pm Middle
Youth Group
3 9 am Community Kitchen (Hill) 10 am Music Class 7:00 pm Outreach
4 9:00 am Tai Chi 6:00 pm Yoga 7:00 pm Sanctuary
Singers
5 10 am Study Group 7:00 pm Deacons 7:30 pm Al-anon
6 9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells
7 12 pm Winter
Lunch
8
9 4:30 pm Middle
Youth Group
10 10 am Music Class 7:30 pm Dartball
11 9:00 am Tai Chi 6:00 pm Yoga 7:00 pm Sanctuary
Singers
12 10 am Study Group 7:30 pm Al-anon
13 9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells
14 Valentine’s Day
9:30 am MOMs Group
12 pm Winter Lunch
15
16 8:00 am Men’s
Breakfast 4:30 pm Middle
Youth Group
17 President’s Day
10 am Music Class 7:15 pm Society 7:30 pm Dartball
18 9:00 am Tai Chi 6:00 pm Yoga 7:00 pm Sanctuary
Singers
19 10 am Study Group 7:30 pm Al-anon
20 9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells
TRUMPET DEADLINE!!
21 12 pm Winter
Lunch
22
23 Jazz Sunday Soup Lunch
4:30 pm Middle Youth Group
24 10 am Music Class 7:30 pm Dartball
25 9:00 am Tai Chi 6:00 pm Yoga 7:00 pm Sanctuary
Singers
26 Ash Wednesday
7 pm Service (Hill) 10 am Study Group 7:30 pm Al-anon
27 9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells
28 12 pm Winter
Lunch
29
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Today and every day let us be open to God, who promises always to be with us.
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