The TRUMPET
November 2019
During the month of
November, we will be
practicing gratitude in our
weekly worship services.
The dictionary definition
tells us that “gratitude” is
“the quality of being
thankful; readiness to show
appreciation for and to return kindness.”
Every Sunday we will reflect on what makes
us thankful and ponder who and what we especially
appreciate in our lives. This practice will lead us to
Thanksgiving Sunday (November 24th) when we can
praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Gratitude is not about ignoring what is
missing in our lives or pretending that everything is
“just fine.” Instead, gratitude encourages us to look –
really search – for blessings that may not immediately
be obvious.
The Bible offers gratitude as a prescription for
life. Over and over again we are urged to “praise the
Lord” and to “come into God’s presence with singing
and into God’s courts with praise.” Why? Because
then we will have a greater awareness of God moving
in and through our lives. When we pause to notice
what brings us joy or comfort or peace, we will
realize that God is at work. We are not alone, even in
the most desperate of circumstances.
So come to worship on Sunday ready to sing
our praises to God. We will take the time to think
about friends who enrich our lives. We will give
thanks for our families – whether they are families
created by blood relatives or families that we have
chosen and created through caring and compassion.
We will spend time reflecting on God’s
promise to be faithful and celebrate that God – and
God alone – can be counted on in all days and every
season. We can give thanks that God is “steadfast” in
a world that is changing in ways that we do not
always understand.
We will give thanks for hope, which is a gift
from God. “Hope” is not a series of desperate wishes,
but rather the quiet assurance that we are not alone on
our journey. Hope can provide both comfort and the
strength we need to go on. And that is something to
be grateful for.
And finally, we will give thanks for our
church. With hearts filled with gratitude for the
support and compassion of our church family, we can
give thanks for experiencing God’s love in a tangible
way. Because of the love we receive, we can answer
the call to share God’s love, kindness, and caring for
others.
During this month, let our hearts be filled with
gratitude. And let us praise God!
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster
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
The Trumpet deadline is the 20th of every month!
The following are the scriptures for the month of
November:
You are invited to read them as part of your daily devotions and as preparation for worship.
November 3 November 10 Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 Haggai 2:1-9
Psalm 119:1.7-144 Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 Isaiah 1:10-18 Job 19:23-27a Psalm 32:1-7 Psalm 17:1-9 2 Thessalonians 1:4, 11-12 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 Luke 19:1-10 Luke 20:27-38
November 17 November 24
Isaiah 65:17-25; 12 Jeremiah 23:1-6 Malachai 4:1-2a Psalm 46 Psalm 98 Luke 1:68-79 2 Thessaloniains 3:6-13 Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 21:5-19 Luke 23:33-43
Worship News
We hope that you can join us every Sunday for worship and fellowship – and bring a friend!
November 3: Communion Sunday
November 10:
November 17: Jeans Sunday. Bell Choir ringing.
November 24: Thanksgiving Sunday. Pledge Sunday.
Thanksgiving Sunday
November 24th is Thanksgiving Sunday!
Please remember to bring a donation of
canned/dry goods to help provide Thanksgiving
meals to those in need. Your donations go to the
local food bank and our own church food closet,
as well as to feed local families.
Join us every Wednesday for Bible study, conversation, and fellowship. This informal group meets to talk about the Scriptures that will be read on Sunday and explore how they relate to our lives. Laughter and learning are promised – please come every Wednesday or whenever you can drop in!
Wednesday morning study group
10:00 a.m.
Everyone is welcome!
The TRUMPET Page 2 November 2019
Holly Fair
Saturday, November 2, 2019
➢ Bake – cookies, cakes, breads, brownies, muffins, pies
➢ Make Homemade jams, jellies, pickles, chutneys for our Jelly Cupboard
➢ Get sweet and make candies!
➢ Get crafty – knit, crochet, sew, embroider, paint, make candles, soaps, scented sachets, gift bags, etc.
➢ New & Like-new gift items – as you do your Fall Cleaning, consider donating those lovely knick-
knacks that you no longer want to dust! Note that this area will focus on gift-type items and Christmas
decorations. Toys in good condition are welcome; sports items; anything decorative and “giftable” is
welcome.
➢ Jewelry – any jewelry in good condition will be accepted!
➢ Make a themed basket for our Basket Social. Any size and theme; parner with a friend; Church
Committees/Boards/Choirs are encouraged to join forces and make a basket.
➢ Donate food for the luncheon ➢ Volunteer to wait tables for the luncheon, help with set-up/clean-up or man a booth for an hour
The Holly Fair Committee will gladly answer your questions about donations, just ask!
✓ Co-Chairs: Donna Baldyga – [email protected] 508-665-8038
Patricia Ziemba – [email protected] 508-764-7052
✓ Luncheon: Jill Sherman – [email protected] 860-928-0129
✓ Baked Goods: Taryn Tomkins – [email protected] 860-928-2614
✓ Candy: Diane Morin – [email protected] 860-923-2624
✓ Craft Center: Amy Hiller-White – [email protected] 860-315-7816
Diane Billings – [email protected] 860-928-2932
✓ Jewelry Store: Lisa Gould – [email protected] 860-634-7670
✓ New & Like New Gifts: Valerie Law – [email protected] 860-634-4471
✓ Basket Social: Kersitn Forrester – [email protected] 860-634-3635
The above chairs need your help as listed above and by volunteering your time.
The Holly Fair is a significant fundraiser for the church – last year we made a net profit of about $6,800!
We would like to improve on that this year. The funds are split between the general fund and specific
improvements in the church, often focused on the kitchen needs. LBS administers the funds and makes
proposals to Society for projects. All funds are used strictly for the church!
PLEASE NOTE: All items should be delivered to Fellowship Hall on or before 7:00 pm Friday,
November 1st or by 9:00 am Saturday, November 2nd. You may also leave items with any of the
chairmen before these dates.
Help is ALWAYS appreciated with set-up and clean-up – Many hands make light work!!
Your Holly Fair Committee thanks you!
The TRUMPET Page 3 November 2019
Holly Fair
Saturday, November 2, 2019
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Coffee Hour
Fresh-brewed coffee or hot tea Choice of Coffee Cake or Quick Bread
Served from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm $3.00 per person
Luncheon Menu
Choice of Chili, Corn Chowder or Broccoli Cheddar Soup
with a Caesar Salad Ice Cream Sundae
Choice of coffee, tea, or cold cider Served from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
$8.00 per person
For Kids
Hot Dog on a roll with potato chips Ice Cream Sundae
Choice of milk or cold cider $4.00 per person
A la Carte
Beverages ~ $1.00 Soup or Chili ~ $4.00 Salad ~ $4.00
Take out is available.
The TRUMPET Page 4 November 2019
LBS NEWS (Ladies Benevolent Society)
LBS held its October meeting in Fellowship Hall. Following our business meeting, Karen McFarlin presented a slide show about the Kissimmee Prairie Reserve State Park, where she and Peter spend a couple of weeks every winter. We were then treated to delicious apple cake provided by Deb Sherman and Mary Ellen Blake. Our next meeting will be November 20. We will gather at EWCC at 1 p.m. to carpool to the Tourtellotte Museum in Thompson.
Our major fundraising event is the Holly Fair on Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donna Baldyga and Pat Ziemba are our co-chairs and have been busy coordinating everything to ensure a successful Fair. We still need help with donations from everyone so please check the Holly Fair announcements also found in the bulletin. Please plan to attend and enjoy starting you Christmas shopping and our delicious lunch!
Respectfully submitted, Kerstin Forrester, President LBS
Holly Fair Basket Social
The Basket Social at the Holly Fair is a very popular event but succeeds only with your help!
Please consider donating a themed basket to help us reach our goal of 50! There is a sign-
up sheet in Fellowship Hall or you can contact Kerstin Forrester by calling or texting
860-634-3635 or email at [email protected]
The TRUMPET Page 5 November 2019
You take pride in
East Woodstock Congregational Church!
As part of our Church family, you ARE the Church!
Show your pride!
Join us for this once-a-year opportunity
November 17th: JEANS SUNDAY
Team up with friends, family, and Church committees to help with the annual upkeep of our buildings and grounds.
Society members are coordinating sit down,
stand up and move around jobs, indoor and outdoor jobs,
jobs for young people, and jobs for seasoned church goers, jobs on ladders,
and jobs that have your feet firmly planted on the ground. ALL are jobs won't take too long
but have a lasting effect on the Church.
We’ll offer subs and beverages to keep us going strong!
On a Church Committee?
We’re organizing jobs by Church Committees and encourage you to sign up with your committee!
It’s rewarding! It’s fun!
What a great sense of accomplishment and pride!
Sign up at Coffee Hour Society members will provide cleaning supplies.
Please wear your work clothes and bring your own favorite rake, leaf blower, or ladder.
The TRUMPET Page 6 November 2019
Stewardship Message
Dear Friends,
Have you ever considered why we do what we do at our church?
- Why do we come to worship on Sunday morning?
- Why do we collect canned goods or put together Thanksgiving baskets?
- Why do we want to teach our children about God and Jesus?
- Why do we take care of our building?
- Why do we work hard to have music on Sunday morning?
It is easy to describe “what” we do as a church – we gather to worship God and we try to share God’s love with
others. We can say “how” we do it – we worship together and then are inspired to do things like knit prayer shawls,
visit people at home, deliver meals to those in need, and meet with our youth to listen and encourage.
But have you thought about the “why”?
Why do you love our church? What draws you to be part of our congregation? Why do you give your time and talent
to our congregation?
When we think about what our church means to us, we come closer to understanding our “why.” Some of the reasons
might sound something like this. We are part of this church because…
- I feel welcome and accepted here
- I feel uplifted by the music
- Worship offers food for my spirit so I can get through the week
- I know I am loved by God and I want to share that love with others
- In a world that is often angry and divided, I discover God’s peace and understanding
- I love that so many different kinds of people can come together to make a difference
When we remember “why” we love our church, it makes sense that we will want to support it. We need your help to
sustain and build up the important, life-giving programs of our church.
Your pledge to our church will help us continue the worship and work that defines us. Consider “why” the church is
important to you and then decide how you can financially support this important ministry.
Pledge cards will be mailed to you and are also available at the church. There is always the option set up weekly or
monthly electronic donations. Please contact our collector Nancy Gale [email protected] to find out how.
We will celebrate our “why” on Pledge Sunday, November 24th so be sure to either mail back your pledge card before
then or bring it in that Sunday. Thank you!
Stewardship Committee: Beth Baron, Mark Billings, Michele Integlia, Karen McFarlin, Greg Noe, Jessica Reed The graphic was inspired by author Simon Sinek’s book Start with Why.
HOW
WHY
The TRUMPET Page 7 November 2019
November Sermon Series: Gratitude
During the month of November we will focus on the theme of “Gratitude.” Take some moments to consider what you have to be grateful for this month.
November 3: Gratitude for friends and all forms of family Luke 19: 1-10 November 10: Gratitude for God’s faithfulness 2 Thessalonians 2: 13-17 November 17: Gratitude for hope Isaiah 65: 17-25 November 24: Gratitude for our church
SAVE THE DATE!! Saturday, November 23 4:00 pm
Join us for some fun, upbeat, toe-tapping music! Our talented choirs as well as members and friends of our congregation will be performing music to lift your spirit and make you smile. Enjoy the concert and then join us for refreshments afterwards!
Use your Pledge envelope, Please!
Society is asking for your support with our collection each Sunday. Each
Sunday we receive the offering as a way to express our thanks to God for
our many blessings. We are returning to God a portion of the bounty that
God has provided. These financial gifts are used to support our church and
our many outreach programs.
Since there are now many ways to financially support the church – electronic funds transfer
(EFT), GivePlus Mobile App, checks directly to the collector, etc. - members may not use the collection
plate each Sunday to contribute. Not placing an envelope sends a message that our collection is not
important to folks not familiar with our church culture.
To encourage all attendees at a service to contribute, Society is asking that members always place their
pledge envelope, full or empty, in the plate each Sunday. All pledging members receive a set of envelopes
for the year, our church orders the smallest print run, 100 sets, so we are not wasting resources or funds.
Simply place your empty envelope (unsealed) in the collection plate as it is passed.
Please assist us in encouraging active financial support from all church attendees by participating in the
offering process.
Thanks for your cooperation, check with any Society member if you have any questions or comments.
The TRUMPET Page 8 November 2019
Outreach Update: Gratitude
Missions is forever grateful to the generosity of our church community.
The Outreach Committee has been very active and has recently disbursed money to the following organizations and projects:
• Prayer Shawls – Yarn - Cards • Emergency Gift Cards for the Holidays • Postage for cards thru holidays • Muddy Brook Fire Department • Camp Care Kids Therapeutic Riding Program, Columbia, CT • Covenant to Care - $100 for bed frame and mattress • Covenant to Care – food cards $50. • NEPS- Northeast Placement Services (Serves adults with disabilities-Woodstock) • World Vision – Sponsored Child Luis Angel Gonzalez, Mexico • LGBT Asylum Task Force – Worcester, MA • Silver lake UCC Conference Center/Camp • IHSP - Interfaith Human Services of Putnam (Serves NE CT) • WAIM – Windham Area Interfaith Ministry • Community Kitchen (October Reimbursement) • Walk for Warmth (Energy Assistance)
Caring Continues: Weekend Food Support for Woodstock Families
Over 50 Woodstock families are being helped by this food support. We are working with area churches to gather foods and assist with packaging. EWCC is collecting tuna cans and jelly in plastic containers. Please leave donations on the Missions table.
Needed: Addresses for Military
As we prepare for our Card outreach, please help us by providing names and address of active military so we can reach them with a comforting and warm message.
As we work with our new social workers, EWCC
Outreach was able to assist a few families. Thanks to
Eddie Hrzyan and Judy Schumacher we were able to
provide a twin bed frame, box spring and mattress.
A food gift Card was also provided to a Putnam family.
The TRUMPET Page 9 November 2019
The TRUMPET Page 10 November
2019
Men’s Fellowship News
Sunday, November 17th: Men’s Breakfast. All men invited! Come for good food and interesting conversation. 8:00 -9:30 a.m.
Women! Save the Date!
April 3 – 4: Women’s retreat at Camp
Wightman. A beautiful setting with good
fellowship, delicious meals, and time for
learning and relaxing.
7th Annual Holiday Art and Craft Show
Mark your calendar!!
Saturday Dec 7th 10am - 3 pm
Many vendors will be setting up in the Fellowship Hall for this show. Crafts, Christmas Decorations, and other Holiday items will be for sale in the nursery room right off the main room. Coffee, tea, and refreshments will be available in the Hospitality Room. A penny social will also be held in the Hospitality Room… each vendor will be donating one of their items for this. So over 20 different gifts will be available to the lucky winners!!
What can you do to help?
1. Plan to attend! 2. Bake a plate of “finger food” for the refreshment table. Cookies, bars, brownies, cupcake,
or sweet breads. A donation jar will be set up on the table. 3. Help set up or clean up…see the sign-up lists in Fellowship Hall. 4. Serve refreshments, help with the penny social, put out posters in various places, invite
your friends via Facebook or emails.
**We have had a light luncheon of sandwiches, chips, and a pickle at our last 5 shows. I am looking to see if there is anyone who can help organize a luncheon for the day. It is served from 11-1. Soup and bread is another option. If a church group would like to organize it as a fund raiser that would be great. Otherwise all proceeds will be forwarded into the general fund. In the past the luncheon has had a profit of $250. Deb Sherman has been instrumental in the past and can be reached for questions. Unfortunately, she cannot help out this year. Thanks again Deb for all that you have done!!
Please send an email to Karen McFarlin if you are able to take this on. The Art Show already has 18 vendors ready for the day. Thanks in advance.
Please see or call me if you have questions!!
Karen McFarlin [email protected] or 860-933-8667
The TRUMPET Page 11 November
2019
Poinsettias in the Sanctuary
Would you like to have a poinsettia in the sanctuary for Christmas?
Please fill out this form and return as soon as possible.
Deadline is December 8th.
Make your checks payable to EWCC and mail to EWCC, Poinsettia Fund, PO Box 156,
East Woodstock, CT 06244 or leave it in the church office.
One size is available at $17.00 ea.
How many? ________ Total enclosed $________________
Given By_________________________________________________________
To Honor_________________________________________________________
In Memory of_____________________________________________________
Would you like to give your plant to a shut in? YES _______ NO ________
The TRUMPET Page 12 November 2019
Join us on December 11th for
A Special Advent Evening
We will meet at the Senexet House (Senexet Road, Woodstock) at 6:00 pm for dinner. Then we will gather in the lovely living
room for conversation before ending with a short Advent worship. The cost is $5.00.
Contact Pastor Sue to reserve your spot today
to celebrate the Advent season.
Turkeys Needed!!
Each year, the Outreach
Committed puts together
Thanksgiving Baskets for
families in need in our community. The goal
this year is at least 30 baskets with turkey
and all the trimmings. We need your help!
Please consider donating a turkey (or money
towards the purchase of a turkey).
Contact the office or one of the Outreach
Committee members if you would like to help.
All donations should be brought to church on
Thanksgiving Sunday, November 24th. We
will also be collecting donations of other non-
perishable Thanksgiving meal items (stuffing,
canned vegetables, etc.) as part of our service
that morning.
Thank you for all you do!
The TRUMPET Page 13 November 2019
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.? Just email Heidi at [email protected]
or call the church office at 928-7449.
Caleb Morin earned his Eagle Scout Award on
October 6th. His Eagle Scout project was creating the
new garden in front of our sanctuary, which has been
a source of beauty and pleasure. Congratulations
Caleb for attaining this award after years of hard
work!
Joelle Reyes and Alyssa O’Neill were married
on October 25th. May God bless them with years of
happiness!
In Memory
We give thanks to God for the completed lives of
Michael O’Shaughnessy and Rob Corden
We ask God to provide comfort and strength as we
rely on God’s promise of peace and
eternal life.
Come Help with the Senior Café on
Saturday, November 9th
Add this date to your calendar and plan to help with food prep,
baking, serving, or clean-up. We need everyone’s help to make this
event run smoothly including help from parents. There are a variety
of shifts to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules. Let me know
if you need your volunteer hours verified for school organizations
or scouts.
*Food Prep: 9:00AM - Noon
6 youth and adult
*Set-up: 9:30AM-11:30AM
4 youth and 2 adults
*Serving: 11: 30AM-1:30PM
8 Youth and 2 adults
*Clean-up: 12:30PM- 2:00PM
4 Youth and 1 adult
*Baked Goods (Cookies or Bars) 2 doz.
If you are willing to help,
please contact Anne Sorensen, 860-428-2198
The TRUMPET Page 14 November 2019
High School and Middle School Youth Group
I want to commend the children for the great job they did during our fire drill last month.
All the children stayed calm, walked, and were all very well behaved. It just reinforced
what great children you all have. Thank you for sharing them with me each week. I truly
enjoy each and every one of them.
It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner.
Traditionally the Sunday School students make and deliver
plates filled with small goodies and cards to those that don’t get
out as much as they use to. I would like to do that with the
children again this year. The kids really enjoy putting them
together and making handmade cards to go along with them.
And those receiving the plates love all the care that the children
put into making them. This year we will do this on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24th. I am asking
that if your child is in PreK, K, or 1st, that they bring either cookies or crackers. If your
child is in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th that they bring individually wrapped candies. And those in 5th
and older bring pieces of fruit such as apples, oranges, or pears. If you have more than
one child, pick just one item to bring from your family. I will have a table set up in Fellowship
Hall that morning to leave your items on. In addition… I am looking for families who can
deliver them after worship. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
So, if Thanksgiving is just around the corner…then Advent
must also be. I have a fun idea for Advent with the kids…
but I’m not going to share that with you just yet! You will
just have to wait. But the one date you should put on your
calendars right now is SUNDAY DECEMBER 15th. This will
be the day of the children’s Christmas Pageant. Please email
me at [email protected] and let me know
whether your child(ren) will participate in the pageant. I can
always use a few extra hands that day so if you can help please
let me know.
Please feel free to be in touch with me for any reason, Louise [email protected]
The TRUMPET Page 15 November 2019
Children’s Page
What are you thankful for?
The TRUMPET Page 16 November 2019
Looking Ahead:
December 7th – Art Show & Sale December 11th – Advent Evening December 14th – Yoga December 15th – Men’s Breakfast Christmas Pageant (during
worship) December 24th – Christmas Eve Services
at 5 pm & 11 pm
COFFEE HOUR
The coffee hour in November will be served courtesy of: Stewardship
The coffee hour in December will be served courtesy of: Nominating Committee
November Birthdays:
Caleb Parker Nov 5
Aria Parker Nov 10
Landen Morin Nov 17
Hunter Squires Nov 23
Owen Dumas Nov 24
Amani Kamau Nov 30
November 2019
Daily Bread request: Thanksgiving meal items
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1
2
10 am – 2 pm Holly Fair
3
4 9:00 am Community
Kitchen (Hill) 9:30 am Music Class 7:30 pm Dartball
5 9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Sanctuary
Singers
6 10:00 Study Group 7:30 pm Al-anon
7 9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells
8 9:30 am MOMs
9 11:30 am
Senior Café
10 1:00 pm Baby
Shower
11 9:30 am Music Class 7:00 pm Society 7:30 pm Dartball
12 9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Sanctuary
Singers
13 10:00 Study Group 7:30 pm Al-anon
14 9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells
15 Trumpet Deadline!
16 9:00 am Yoga 1:00 pm Shin
Tae Do
17 Jeans Sunday
8:00 am Men’s Breakfast
18 9:30 am Music Class 7:00 pm Council 7:00 pm Outreach 7:15 pm Society 7:30 pm Dartball
19
9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Sanctuary
Singers
20 10:00 Study Group 1:30 pm LBS 7:30 pm Al-anon
21 9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells
22
23 10 am Birthday
Party
4:00 pm Pops Concert
24 Thanksgiving
Sunday Pledge Sunday
25 9:30 am Music Class 7:00 pm Deacons
26 9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Sanctuary
Singers
27 7:30 pm Al-anon
28 Happy
Thanksgiving!
29
30
The TRUMPET Page 17 November 2019
Today and every day let us be open to God, who promises always to be with us.
You have taught us, O Christ, to love our
neighbor as our self. You have taught us to see our neighbor
as part of our self. Let us see ourselves in those who are hungry. Let us see ourselves in those who are frightened. Let us see ourselves in one another and in every
creature. For you have taught us that we are one body.
~from Celtic Treasure: Daily Scripture and Prayer
The TRUMPET Page 18 November 2019
Thanksgiving
For the greening of trees,
and the gentling of friends,
We thank you, O God. For the brightness of field
and the warmth of the sun,
We thank you, O God. For work to be done
and laughter to share,
We thank you, O God. We thank you and know
that through struggle and pain
in the slippery path of new birth
hope will be born
and all shall be well.
~ Kate Mcllhagga
Thanksgiving Benediction So for this Thanksgiving season …
May you be blessed in your waking and in your
sleeping.
May you be blessed in your travels and in your
homing.
May you be blessed when you give and when you
receive,
when you sit at tables of welcome
and when you walk together in peace.
“Blessings”
Be present.
Let the day flow with grace.
Expect nothing. Give thanks.
Surrender. Be open.
Speak only kindness.
Impart only love.
Never forget you’re not alone.
Give so you may receive.
See good in other people.