No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
A monthly publication of the Somers Congregational Church, UCC Gathered in Somers, Connecticut, March 15, AD 1727 The Reverend Dr. Barry Cass, Pastor
November, 2014 Volume 287 Number 11
All Saints Service November 2nd @ 7:00 p.m. to be held in the Chapel
Chris Houlihan in Concert . . .
November 2nd @ 4:00 p.m. Church Email Addresses: Barry Cass – bcass@somerscongregational.org
Jun Lee Jun37@yahoo.com
Nicole Caron – ncaron@somerscongregational.org
Janet Bergeron somerscong@somerscongregational.org
Barbara Anderson careroom@somerscongregational.org
Website: www.somerscongregational.org
Thanksgiving
Somers Community Thanksgiving Service Sunday, November 23, 7 P.M. Somers Congregational Church The Annual Service will feature a combined choir and messages from the clergy. Refreshments will follow. We have much to be thankful for in our community, and there is no better way to show our thanks than gathering together with friends and neighbors and offering thanks to a generous God!
Event Saturday, November 22, 2014 1:00-3:30pm Somers Congregational Church
Register Early
Homeowner’s Insurance
Sunday, November 16th, 11:00 a.m. in Pilgrim Hall. Join us for a 20 minute presentation from Chris Howland of Carillo & Howland, Inc.
I think we should pray. I know that is not a very startling statement coming from your pastor, but I have been thinking about this more and more lately. Each Sunday we have a long list of joys and concerns we share as a community that prays, and each week we send out a long list of joys and concerns to those who are part of our Circle of Prayer. Each person in the Circle is asked to add church joys and concerns to their own prayers as they pray through the week. With the world in the state it is in, with repeated violence on the streets of America’s cities and towns and in schools across the country, there really is reason for concern. Often we find ourselves wondering what we can do, how we can become a part of the solution to these increasing problems. As Christians we believe in the efficacy of prayer. We know that people and events are change by pray. We ought to know that we should be doing a lot more praying. In the next few weeks I will be working with the Deacons to establish a time when we will invite people to pray. We will make various prayer resources available as well as providing a place where anyone who wishes to do so can share joys and concerns with others. We may provide some background music. The idea will be that anyone who would like to be a part of the praying is welcome to do so. The space and resources will be available. I hope that this can become a part of the lives of people in our church and community. We will welcome anyone who would like to be a part of it will join us. I hope that those who decide to be a part of this will also feel free to offer suggestions for keeping it going and improving it over time. As a church we have a unique perspective on events in the world because we do believe that our God is at work in our lives and in our world. We do not understand exactly what is going on, and there are many times when we do not begin to have a clue about where things are going. But we trust that God is present with us and God is part of our world and our lives. Joining in prayer helps us to focus on areas that need attention and can open up possibilities for action and change. The power of prayer is always at our disposal and we hope that by organizing somewhat we will all feel the amazing strength of God in our midst. Peace - - - Barry
All Saints Day Observance Sunday, November 2nd – In Bugbee Chapel The All Saints Observance, on November 2nd, will be a time to remember members and friends of the church and others who have died in the recent past. A list compiled by the office will include those for whom Dr. Cass has officiated at a funeral or memorial service. The Worship Service will include the reading of the names of those who have passed away while a candle is lit, a bell rung and a flower placed in a vase. Dr. Cass will also offer a reflection and hymns will be sung.
Weekly Scripture Readings for November 2014 November 1, 2014 All Saints Day Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 1 John 3:1-3 November 2, 2014 Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost Joshua 3:7-17 Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 November 9, 2014 Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Psalm 78:1-7 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 November 16, 2014 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost Judges 4:1-7 Psalm 123 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 November 23, 2014 Reign of Christ Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm 100 Ephesians 1:15-23 November 27, 2014 Thanksgiving Day Deuteronomy 8:7-18 Psalm 65 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 November 30, 2013 First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 23:1-12 Matthew 25:1-13 Matthew 25:14-30 Matthew 25:31-46 Luke 17:11-19 Mark 13:24-37
The Book Group Tuesday, November 11th at 7 P.M. when the book will be Orphan Train: A Novel by Christina Baker Kline Orphan Train is a gripping story of friendship and second chances from Christina Baker Kline, author of Bird in Hand and The Way Life Should Be. Penobscot Indian Molly Ayer is close to “aging out” out of the foster care system. A community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping Molly out of juvie and worse. As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly learns that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they seem to be. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance. Molly discovers that she has the power to help Vivian find answers to mysteries that have haunted her for her entire life – answers that will ultimately free them both. Rich in detail and epic in scope, Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline is a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of unexpected friendship, and of the secrets we carry that keep us from finding out who we are.
Our sympathy and prayers go out to the family of Hazel Sargent, who entered into eternal life on October 20, 2014. Services were held grave side at the Center Cemetery located in Somers, CT on October 24, 2014 with the Rev. Barry Cass officiating.
October Wedding Carianne Kelley & Michael Stebenne were married on October 18th at our Church, as the First Members Wedding and The Rev. Dr. Barry Cass officiated at the wedding ceremony.
Flowers for the Month of November November 2nd O P E N November 9th Flowers will be given by The Kelley Family in memory of loved ones. November 16th O P E N November 23rd Flowers will be given by Jane Gamble & Family in loving memory of Bryant. November 30th Flowers will be given by The Bothwell Family in loving memory of Henry Lee Howe & Stephen Henry Howe. 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 in November, please call Judy Bothwell (860-684-7839)
Received the Sacrament of Baptism Mason Prescott Huri is the son of Rebecca & Mark Huri and was born on June 28, 2013. Mason was baptized on September 14th during the 10:00 Worship Services. His God Parents are Olivia Crable and Nathan Loveday.
From Your Nominating Committee: We have several positions open in different committees and are looking to fill 3 positions in Stewardship alone. Please consider being part of a committee for the remainder of 2014 to see if you would like to join in 2015. Email Kelly Anderson at kanderson61@cox.net or call 860-763-5355 for more information. Thanks! Finance – 1 position; Stewardship – 3 positions; Deacon – 1 position; and CE- 1 position
November Community Supper 5 to 6 P.M. Saturday, November 15th EVERYONE – children! Youth! - Adults! - is invited to share this free Supper and to enjoy the fellowship and a good time. Bring your family and friends Let us know you are coming by signing up, calling or e-mailing the church office. This month the Board of Deacons will be our hosts, serving Shepherd’s Pie and Apple Crisp!! There is no fee for the meal, but a donation basket is available. All money collected is used for the Community Suppers expenses.
SUNDAY SCHOOL November Calendar: November 2 November 9 November 16 November 22 November 23 November 30
Sunday School/Communion (Pre-K to 8th grade in Chapel) Sunday School Sunday School Thanksgiving Event (Saturday, 1 PM – 3:30 PM) Sunday School Sunday School
Upcoming Events: Thanksgiving Event – Saturday 22nd @ 1 PM – 3:30 PM All Children between the ages 4 – 12 years old are welcome. No Charge, but please bring a non-perishable item or items for our open pantry.
Reminders: We are in need for Rotating Sunday School Teachers, if anyone is interested; (looks great on college applications) please contact me.
Care-Room: Care room is for age’s infants to 3 years of age. Any High School age interested in helping out on an occasion let me know.
YAKS & SCYS: Both youth groups will be taking part in a Fundraiser for themselves! If we want to do more retreats and trips, we need to raise money! Fundraising discount cards will be available to sell soon! A list of vendors will be posted as well!
Nicole Caron, CE Director
Somers Congregational Church Presents
Thanksgiving for Kids Saturday, November 22, 2014 1:00-3:30pm Somers Congregational Church Ages 4 - 12
Children will learn the Thanksgiving Story through Games, Crafts, Activities, Snack
Admission is FREE with the donation of a non-perishable food item to our food pantry, Champ’s Place. Please pre-register by sending this form to Somers Congregational Church 599 Main Street P.O. Box 295 Somers, CT 06071 We Fill Up Quickly, So The Sooner You Register, The Better! Please Contact Nicole Caron with any questions at, ncaron@somerscongregational.org or Phone: 860-763-4021
----------------------Registration Form---------------------Child’s Name: _________________________________________Age: ________________ Parent's Name(s):____________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________________________ Allergies: ___________________________________________________________________ Number where you can be reached during program: __________________________________
Somers Community Thanksgiving Service Sunday, November 23, 7 P.M.
Somers Congregational Church
The Annual Service will feature a
combined choir and messages from the clergy. Refreshments will follow. We have much to be thankful for in our community, and there is no better way to show our thanks than gathering together with friends and neighbors and offering thanks to a generous God!
Council Corner October 21, 2014 Community Suppers November will be hosted by the Board of Deacons, December will be Church Council and January will be the Music & Arts Board. Finance Board The Finance Board has reviewed the initial budget requests for 2015. Increases in cost of insurance (building complex valued at nine million dollars now), maintenance contracts and possible salary increases will increase the budget by $25,000. The budget also needs to make up the money we used from our endowment fund in 2014 to balance the budget, which means pledge income will need to increase by nearly $50,000. Room Rates The Finance Board approved the new room rates for weddings, and use of various rooms in the building complex. Church office has the new rates. Kitchen List The lists of location of all the items in the kitchen and Foundation Room and procedures for opening/closing the kitchen are laminated and posted in the church kitchen. Cell Tower Verizon is interested in installing a small cell tower at our church to cover a small gap in the signal in town. There are many steps to this process. There would be no money in 2015, possibly some money in 2016. Site Coordinator Sara Mulvihill and Nicole Caron shared the responsibilities of Site Coordinator for the wedding on October 18. Council discussed the possibility of a non-church member renting the kitchen for personal profit-which would be handled. Finance Board will discuss this at their next meeting. After School Program The church council endorsed the concept of our church offering a pilot program after school for grades 5-8 in the spring on Tuesdays-Thursdays. Nicole Caron would be the Director of the program. More information to follow next month. Turkey Supper The “annual” turkey supper will become annual again after four years on November 1, 2014. There will be 2 seatings at 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Take outs are not available this year. Call the church office for reservations…there are still seats available. Pledge Drive Council reviewed the reasons for the increase in the church budget. Chairs are encouraged to talk with their committees to try and get 100% participation by every committee member to pledge. (See separate article from Stewardship) Capital Campaign As of October 6 we need to raise $29,300 which will be matched if it is paid in 2014. This figure is based on the assumption that all the remaining pledges for the campaign will be paid in full. Anyone who is unable to pay their pledge due to life changes, is asked to contact Lois Lindell, Campaign Recorder, so that we can figure out how this will change our goal. Anne Kirkpatrick, Moderator Please consider adding any of the following items to your shopping list to help our friends at Champ’s Place: Jelly & Chicken Noodle Soup Also, we gratefully accept monetary donations as they go a long way at Foodshare.
Children's Christmas Gift Program
The Mission Board is asking for your continued support as we provide names of children from Covenant To Care Adopt A Social Worker Program, Champs Place and Friendship Kitchen's Christmas Party. Last year we were able to brighten the holidays for 90 children and their family’s lives. On Christmas cards there will be information about the children and gifts ideas. These cards will be available November 16th and 23rd at Coffee Hour and after the 8:15 service.
Gifts can be dropped off at the church office. Please have them in by the week of November 30th through December 7th. Thanks for keeping this program a wonderful success!
2014 Nativity Display We will be hosting the annual display of nativity sets throughout the church beginning on December 14, but in order to make that happen we need help beginning on December 7 and for the next few days. Help will be needed unpacking boxes, sorting, organizing and setting up the 300+ nativity sets. During the display time we will also be looking for some help from people willing to be present for the guests who will come to see the display. A detailed list of specific duties and times will be forthcoming – watch for details!
CONGRATULATIONS ….goes out to Anne Kirkpatrick & JoAnn Hornyak for their dedication to the Field of Flags On Thursday October 16th the town announced they are the persons of the year in the town of Somers. Then on Saturday October 18th at the 147th Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference of the UCC they received the Living Waters Award. The Conference called the Field of Flags a silent, patriotic and poignant reminder of the cost of war. The traveling memorial touched many lives with the impact of seeing the loss of life with each flag. For nearly 10 years Anne and JoAnn were dedicated to this traveling memorial. Thank you for all you did with the remembrance.
We Soldier On, our Veteran's Day collection. Our wish list is short this year as the veterans are only looking for a few items at this time. The men need new socks and undergarments, toothpaste, shaving cream and blankets. The women are in need of alarm clocks, folding chairs, and craft items. It looks as though they are making jewelry. On their list is beads, chains, charms, buttons, watch parts and costume jewelry. Wire cutters, scissors, needle nosed pliers and clear storage bins. If you can donate any of these items please bring them to the church by mid-November. Missions will make a delivery toward the end of the month. NO CLOTHES.
A Stewardship Message . . . It is that time of year when we have to decide what we will pledge to support the workings of our church. The challenge of running our church is nothing new. Ailene Henry, our Historian said recently the need for financial support is a constant theme as she goes back through our records. We’ve been in our building just about one year and the Finance Board has not surprised us by informing us that it will cost us more to run. Unlike last year, they have a better idea of how much more. My mom had several interests in town but when she was ill this past spring she announced with no question memorial donations should be made to the church’s Building Fund. Not unlike many of us, she said we had to get this building paid for, so we could focus solely on being the church. So what does the church mean to me? I have thought about this allot over the past several months, and one word comes to mind – Community. I am not a person of great faith. In fact, years ago when Barry gave a sermon on what it meant to be a Christian, I remember Mary Lou Civello and I concluding we really couldn’t call ourselves Christians. But I cannot fathom life without a faith community. I cannot imagine a life that does not include going to church on Sunday mornings. I belong to other groups and probably spend the majority of my time with co-workers at my work places. So how is church different? I haven’t quite figured this all out but concluded going to church helps me in trying to be the best I can be, and the shared mission of the church community to support each other, and help our neighbors in need is in part what sets the church apart. Sunday services give me a quiet time at the beginning of each week to evaluate where I am at, to let go of things I have not done, and be inspired to forge ahead into the next week. My summer employment requires week-end work and I miss the church! I miss that weekly check in. I struggled during my college years – I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I lacked the confidence to venture forth. I married, (briefly), divorced, and during those years there was always something in the Sunday message that helped me get through those tough weeks. The church community warmly welcomed my family when we moved to town in the 60’s. My parents met their closest friends through the church. Youth Group and Sunday School provided my siblings and I a safe place to be ourselves as we acclimated to our new surroundings. We too met many friends through church. When 9/11 occurred, the church opened its doors for the community to gather with our questions, fears, and prayers for peace. When the fire burned down our building, the community gathered to mourn. We supported each other and under some great leadership are where we are today. It was the church community that came forth and supported my mom during her illness this past summer. She felt so isolated during those months but comforted by all the cards, letters and visits. She left us feeling fully informed, which was important for her. And Dad and my entire family were wrapped in the love of this church. At the time of planning mom’s memorial service things were automatically taken care of for us. And the care for Dad and I continues. All of us will forever be grateful to this church community. The church has countless opportunities to get involved. I have served on many committees over the years; and met some marvelous, wonderful people, who would have remained just acquaintances, had I not gotten involved. Fundraisers have always offered me a time for fun and fellowship, another chance to meet new people. The choir is near and dear to my heart, and I only joined because I like to sing…..no real talent! That’s not entirely true – Anne Larson and I had considerable pressure to join by a certain someone, to just try it. The church community has helped shape me who I am today. We live in a tough world. I work in the Somers school system and yearly, when we read To Kill a Mockingbird and Scout describes her Sundays, sadly, I am no longer surprised when students tell me they’ve never been to a church. I work with some students with so many problems for their young age….I wonder if they would have had more support growing up in a faith community. I willingly give both my time and money to the church because I receive so very much in return. As you consider what to pledge, how important is church to you? by Sue Moak
Capital Campaign (Building Fund) As of November 1st, we need to raise $25,500 which will be matched if it is paid in 2014. This figure is based on the assumption that all the remaining pledges for the campaign will be paid in full.
A Note from Missions . . .
The women are in need of alarm clocks, folding chairs, and craft items. It looks as though they are making jewelry. On their list is beads, chains, charms, buttons, watch parts and costume jewelry. Wire cutters, scissors, needle nosed pliers and clear storage bins. If you can donate any of these items please bring them to the church by mid-November. Missions will make a delivery toward the end of the month. NO CLOTHES.
Celebrating the “Reason for the Season”
Christmas Bazaar Saturday, December 6th -- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We will be asking for baked donations and a sign-up sheet will be available during coffee hour. This is a great place to buy the special one of a kind gift at a reasonable price. Come, support and enjoy the food, fun and fellowship on Saturday, December 6th!! You are cordially invited to attend our Church’s Christmas Bazaar. The bazaar will be highlighted by a Holiday Bake Sale, approximately 40 vendors of Arts and Crafts, Children’s Toys, Gourmet Foods & Spices, Handcrafted Clothing, Jewelry, Floral Arrangements, Gift Baskets, Nativity Sets, Painted Glass, Poinsettias, Holiday Chocolate & more. A luncheon will be served from 11 to 1 featuring fancy turkey casserole, cranberry salad, green vegetable and apple crisp for dessert. We will be asking for baked donations and a sign-up sheet will be available during coffee hour. This is a great place to buy the special one of a kind gift at a reasonable price. Come and enjoy the food, fun and fellowship on Saturday, December 6!
A Story of Somers History In a story in our archives about the early history of Prink Street (Springfield Road) written by Edwin D. Avery (1845-1925), his information principally from Randolph Fuller (1827-1910), I came across an interesting Somers fact. As you probably know from school history and a sign outside our town hall, Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson’s horse Little Sorrel, came from Somers. But maybe you didn’t know that the real name of the horse, given to him by his breeder Noah Collins of Prink Street, was American Traveler. The Collins farm was on the west side of Springfield Road just north of the North Cemetery. American Traveler or Little Sorrel had a very interesting history. From www.ConnecticutHistory.org we learn that “Little Sorrel began his military career after being purchased by the Northern government for use in the Civil War. In 1861, he and a number of other Union horses landed in Confederate hands when Southern forces at Harper’s Ferry overtook their transport train. General Jackson selected a pair of chestnut horses for his own use. He intended to keep the larger of the two for military purposes and named that horse Big Sorrel. (Sorrel is a commonly used descriptive term for horses with reddish colored coats). The smaller of the two was given the name Fancy and was to be sent to Jackson’s wife Mary Anna as a gift. Within a matter of days, however, Jackson recognized that Big Sorrel frightened easily and did not have a disposition suitable for battle. Fancy, on the other hand, proved to be a much calmer and more reliable horse. Jackson changed Fancy’s name to Little Sorrel and the horse from Somers became his mount for the remainder of the war. Jackson rode his new horse into some of the most famous Civil War battles including Sharpsburg and Fredericksburg, and it was Little Sorrel who carried Jackson on the fateful day in 1863 when friendly fire mortally wounded the General at Chancellorsville. After Jackson’s death, Little Sorrel briefly lived with Jackson’s widow before moving to Virginia Military Institute and then the Confederate Soldiers’ Home in Richmond. After years of making appearances at county fairs and Confederate soldiers’ reunions, Little Sorrel passed away in March of 1886 at the age of 36. Shortly after, he was given to a taxidermist, who mounted his hide on a plaster model. Little Sorrel was put on display, first at the Soldiers’ Home in Richmond and later at the Virginia Military Institute where he remains today, behind glass. The taxidermist took Little Sorrel’s bones as partial payment and gave them to the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburg, something that never sat right with Southerners. The VMI museum got the bones back, cremated them and interred them in 1997 on the parade grounds at the feet of the statue of General Jackson.” He is one of only two horses ever to be preserved from the Civil War. The other is Sheridan’s Winchester. Although this story is not church history, it is an interesting piece of Somers history. Ailene Henry, Church Historien
Good News ... IGA UPC codes are now worth 10 cents each!! 500 labels collected earns $50.00. Help us help Holy Joe's Cafe ... coffee for our troops. We have a collection box in the church lobby. This is a free and easy fundraiser. Look around your house, your family members' houses and your friends' houses for all the IGA products you can find, clip the UPC code labels bring them to church.
A
Note
from Blair Manor
Dear Kim and all the ladies making the clothing protectors for us here at Blair Manor. We want to commend you on your craft of making/sewing the protectors. The craftsmanship and art work in creating them is amazing. We have had requests from residents to use them and they are being enjoyed. Many, many thanks to all! Roseann, Lori, and the Blair Manor Staff and Residents.
December 13th Saturday 7 PM
The Shoreline Ringers (shorelineringers.org)
Returning for their now traditional Christmas concert at Somers Congregational, The Shoreline Ringers have performed throughout New England and are known for their crisp technique and wide-ranging repertoire. They were the last group to perform in the old Meeting House, in December of 2011, when they played before a full house.
December 14th Sunday 2 PM
Community Carol Sing
This is the first time for this event, to which we invite the entire community for carol sing. This is a perfect occasion for gathering family and friends, so bring as many people as you want!
[
]
[
Somers Congregational Church 599 Main Street, P.O. Box 295 Somers, Connecticut 06071
U.S. Postge Paid Non-Profit Org. Permit Number 334 Enfield, CT 06082
Address Service Requested
DEADLINE for the next Highlights is DECEMBER 17th
Sunday Worship:
]
8:15 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
Office Hours: (Monday-Thursday) 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. & Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Telephone # to Church Office: Fax #: Email Address: Web Address:
860.763.4021 860.763.5146 somerscong@somerscongregational.org www.somerscongregational.org
Pastor: Organist/Music Director: Christian Education Director: Administrative Secretary: Care Room Supervisor:
The Rev. Dr. Barry Cass Jun Lee Nicole Caron Janet Bergeron Barbara Anderson