September 8, 2021 OUR CHURCH’S MISSION STATEMENT “To be a dynamic, welcoming, and caring community of Christian faith by weaving the thread of Christ into the tapestry of our lives.”

Pastor’s Post

Dear Church Family,

I used to (ok… still do) love comic books and superheroes. I remember being little and reading about Superman and Spiderman and I was in awe of them. I loved that when things looked bad for the characters and all hope seemed lost, there was hope because the hero was in their life. It was at the darkest moment that the hero would fly and or swing into action and, of course, save the day.

There is something encouraging about knowing and hoping that someone stronger and capable will be there to save the day. Well, there is good news, because God is that hero for us in our day-to-day life. We see it in the quote below from Isaiah. Yahweh was the hero who would swoop in and save Israel. That Israel, no matter the threat from within or without, they had a hero. God is the hero that will be there to help. He might use plagues or come as a cloud of fire. He might raise and empower people to do extraordinary things. No matter the way, Israel knew that God was stronger and more capable than anyone else to save them. They knew that

God would come and save them. The name Jesus is the Greek version of the name Joshua, which means in Hebrew, “God Saves.” God does just that.

God, through Jesus, is the hero we are needing and waiting on. So, when our hearts are feeling afraid or worried, even when all hope is lost, we can look at the state of things around us and trust that God will act in a big way. God promises to save us, from ourselves, from our enemies. God will save us from the situation. We can hope and believe this like Israel did so long ago.

Blessings,

Pastor Malcolm

Isaiah 35:4

…Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."

Daytime Bible Study is every Tuesday at 1:00 pm, and Evening Bible Study is held the 2nd and fourth Thursday at 7:00 pm. Pastor Malcolm will send a zoom link for these sessions if requested. The next evening session will be Sept. 9th. Contact Pastor Malcolm if you wish to join either group.

Our next Loom Service will be Tuesday, September 14th at 7 p.m., in person, in the Gathering Room in the Parish House. Please make plans to come and invite your friends and neighbors to this new alternative service.

Our Loss and Grief Group led by Pastor Malcolm will hold their next meeting on Wednesday, October 13th, 9:30 – 10:30, in the Gathering Room. Invite people you think would benefit from a space to talk about changes and losses we have had in our lives. Any change, good or bad, is a loss, and this group is more than just for the loss of loved ones, but for any and all losses we have experienced. There will be coffee and treats provided. Any questions feel free to contact Pastor Malcolm.

BIBLE STUDIES

LOCAL RESPONSE TO THE CRISIS IN AFGHANISTAN

Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services in New Haven is currently welcoming evacuated Afghan families and preparing to welcome as many more as needed, some on 24-hour notice. IRIS asks those wishing to help to advocate with elected officials to speed up the process of providing Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) to Afghans whose lives are at risk due to having worked with the U.S. Military. IRIS seeks leads on temporary and permanent affordable housing for refugee families (max $1,300/month for 2BR or $1,500/month for 3BR), available immediately, within walking distance of a bus route. Info may be relayed at bit.ly/37wWTZD or via the IRIS Facebook page. Donations to defray costs of essentials upon arrival and emergent costs may be made at irisct.org/donate. IRIS also seeks donations of backpacks, school supplies, winter coats and waterproof winter boots. Storage is limited; donors are asked to hold items for 30 days and email info@irisct.org to coordinate a drop-off. Outreach chair Jodi Mitchell has graciously agreed to donate some appropriate items from SBCC’s annual Coat Drive to IRIS. IRIS encourages residents to join community groups around the state that partner with IRIS to help refugee families restart their lives. Co-sponsor groups secure affordable housing, collect furniture and other household items, help refugees access public benefits, enroll children in school, facilitate job searches and much more. New Start Ministry is a local interfaith co-sponsor group with members from a number of area congregations, including

FROM OUR CHURCH FAMILY

SBCC. Having recently re-settled families from Syria and Afghanistan in Waterbury, New Start is currently rebuilding its core team with a goal of co-sponsoring its third family in early 2022. Help is needed in a number of areas, including employment, ESL, Finance, School Liaison, Social Services, Technology, Translator Coordination and Transportation. To learn specifics, see Jean Dunn at coffee hour, email to jdunn463@hotmail.com or call 203-217-5711.

-submitted by Jean Dunn

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-Submitted by Francesca Sergi

There are still two crockpots in the office from the pulled pork making day. Make sure to stop by and pick yours up while it’s still here!

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Nancy will be out of the office, taking a few days of vacation with her son, who is visiting from Tennessee, from Wednesday, September 15th through Tuesday, September 21st.

NEWSY NUGGETS

On Saturday, August 28th, the SBCC Hikers met at 9am in the

new parking lot and walked to the Blue Loop Trail on Flood Bridge Rd. We hiked a total of 3.45 miles through the woods, by the river, corn fields and the dirt road. It was a beautiful time with friends, Tracy, Cindy And Gary. Thank you God for the beauty around us. Another hike is in the planning stage. Stay tuned to the Post for more information.

Blessings, Krista

Dear Jodi,

Thank you very much for your recent tax-deductible donation of $500.00 to Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Your support makes a life-changing difference for so many people who are blind or experiencing vision loss by providing them with highly trained, intelligent, and loving guide dogs.

At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we change lives by connecting amazing people with extraordinary dogs. But we can't do it alone. You are a critical part of the Guiding Eyes story.

Thanks to the generous support of friends like you, Guiding Eyes is able to provide our entire program, completely free of charge, to every student who can be helped by a guide dog.

For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, a Guiding Eyes dog means freedom, confidence, and the opportunity to experience all of life's adventures - big and small.

Thank you for playing such a critical role in giving the extraordinary gift of independence to so many. Your support helps us continue to place our incredible canines with people who are blind or visually impaired. We simply couldn’t do it without you. To learn more about our life changing programs, volunteer opportunities, or to apply for a guide dog, visit us online at GuidingEyes.org.

Sincerely,

Thomas Panek, President and CEO

OUTREACH

Garden Update News Flash the peppers are coming back! This is good as the cucumbers are unwinding and squash has left the scene. Tomatoes and a small patch of lettuce remain. Another donation of approximately 12 tomatoes, 3 cucumbers and one zucchini has been delivered to the food bank. Continued thanks for all the help this year. Blessings, GOD IS ALWAYS THERE! KRISTA

FAITH FORMATION

● Linda Mitchell Lawson

● Stuart Somers Family ● Bud Bennett ● Leon Sadler ● Judy ● Tiernan ● Sandy ● Eads Family ● Rosenbeck Family ● Bob ● Brenda ● Tarbox Family ● Schade Family ● Janke Family ● Andrew M. ● Raphael ● Hughie ● Marge

● Bob Harrison ● Darlene ● Eva H. ● Jerry Crane ● George S. ● Cathy Powell ● Lynne Kilbourn ● Rev. Peter Meister ● Rob Mitchell ● Robert ● Nancy M. ● Dave ● David ● Jack ● Eileen ● Chad ● Luke ● Bert ● Nancy G.

● Prayers for the family of Sgt. Brian Mohl, the trooper

who was killed in recent flooding in Woodbury. ● Prayerfully remembering the 20th Anniversary of

September 11th. ● Continued Prayers for Joe and Judy Simpson. ● Betty Presnell’s husband, Richard. ● Marti Swift, recent fall - broken right foot. ● The people of Haiti and Afghanistan. ● All those affected by the fires in the West &

Hurricane Ida on the Gulf Coast. ● All those serving this country in the armed forces

and all veterans.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

● All those suffering with the effects of Covid-19, directly, indirectly, family, friends, all frontline workers, medical personnel, firefighters, & police.

● Prayers for good results for those going in for medical tests.

Girls Night Out September 2nd at 1850 House Fun Was Had by All!

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BULLETIN BOARD

The next Girls Night Out dinner will be held on Wednesday, October 13th at 6 pm. The location will be confirmed shortly, but we are hoping to have it at the 1850 House again. The new cost will be $25 per person, payable by check only made payable to ‘cash’. Please note that once you sign up and pay, it is non-refundable.

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If you would like to submit an article, birthday, anniversary, prayer request for the Parishioners Post please send us an email along with pictures to sbcc.pr693@gmail.com NOTE: If you know someone that is missing out on the Parishioners Post because they do not have access to email, please drop a note to Nancy so we might include them in our mailing. sbcc_secretary@yahoo.com

BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES:Please wish them a very “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” (we are using a new database for Birthdays, Anniversaries). If there are errors or omissions, please contact. sbcc.pr693@gmail.com

ANNIVERSARIES:

NOW …

after a year-long hiatus,

American Legend…

Johnny Appleseed Costume provided

(You may use your own hair and makeup artist)

Available Supporting Roles.

Vendor Area Supervisors (day of festival)

Parking

Please contact the director at Amybsmith1120@gmail.com with your interest in any

role…

All roles must be filled immediately.

Clean out your closets and cupboards for South Britain Congregational Church

Apple Festival Will Keep Earning This Year Through FUNDrive®

APPLE FESTIVAL

In conjunction with our Apple Festival, we will be simultaneously collecting items for a FUNDrive®, an eco-friendly fundraiser fornonprofit organizations.

In addition to donations for Apple Festival, we will also graciously accept the following additional items for our FUNDrive® :

Clothes: men's, women's and children's, shoes, ties, belts, backpacks, etc.

Bedding, Bath and Linen Small Household Goods: toys, games, and small electronics

Items will be collected through October 10th and should be placed in the gathering room near the piano in the FUNDrive collection box. Please contact Tracy Watson at tlwatson101@gmail.com with any questions.

Unsold Apple Festival Donations will be included in the FUNDrive.

PLEASE SAVE ANY BOXES IN MANAGEABLE SIZES AND IN STURDY CONDITION FOR PACKING UP OUR FUNDrive

DONATION!!!!

They may be dropped off in the classrooms or the Gathering Room. Many thanks!

Here are a few of the silent auction items that will be available for bid:

Home gardening services Estate planning services 2-2 hour boat ridesFish fry dinnerSigned paintingNecklace and earrings setMakeoverKate Spade handbag

What Time or Talent can YOU offer? Who can be the most CREATIVE?

Please contact Francesca Sergi at fa.s1224@gmail.com to arrange to donate or for more information.

Country Store Needs Donations

Country store is seeking donations of fall decor and

other seasonal items, such as applesauce, fudge,

candy apples, candy items, honey, etc. What is your

Fall Specialty? Won’t you share it with us in

support of SBCC? Bragging rights are in your future!

Items can be dropped off in the Parish House. Please

let Amy know at amybsmith1120@gmail.com if you plan

to bring in a food item on the day of the festival.

Many thanks!

Silent Auction Update

Apple Pie Makers Wanted for Friday Sept. 24th!

Starting at 8:30 a.m. we need apple inspectors, pie crust

helpers, pie fillers and pie crimpers. In past years we have had

all our pies assembled by noon. Any pie help is appreciated, come

whatever time fits your schedule. Come and learn how to make our

famous apple pies.

Baked Goods Wanted for the Day of the Apple Festival!

Please consider baking something yummy (sweet or savory) to sell

alongside our apple pies. You may drop off your offerings

starting Friday Sept 24th. Please make sure they are wrapped to

sell. We do not have the resources to accommodate wrapping baked

items.

EVERY WEEK: ● SUNDAYS: WORSHIP 10:00 A.M., COFFEE HOUR, 11:00 A.M. ● MONDAYS DANCE, 4 - 6 P.M. ● TUESDAYS: KNIT-WITS, 10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

DAYTIME BIBLE STUDY, 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. ● FRIDAYS: AA MEETING, 6 - 9 P.M.

EVERY MONTH:

● 3RD SUNDAY: DEACONS MEETING (FOLLOWING SERVICES) ● 2ND TUESDAYS: LOOM SERVICE, 7 P.M. ● 2ND WEDNESDAY: LOSS & GRIEF GROUP, 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. ● 4TH WEDNESDAY: COUNCIL, 7 P.M. ● 1ST THURSDAY: PROPERTY, 7 P.M. ● 2ND THURSDAY: ONA, 10 A.M. ● 2ND & 4TH THURSDAYS: PR COMMITTEE MEETING, 11:00 A.M. ● 2ND & 4TH THURSDAYS: EVEN BIBLE STUDY, 7 P.M. ● 3RD WEDNESDAY: TRUSTEES, 7 P.M. ● GIRLS NIGHT OUT: DATES TBD MONTHLY

UPCOMING EVENTS:

● APPLE FESTIVAL, SEPTEMBER 25TH, 9 A.M. - 3 P.M. ● GIRLS NIGHT OUT, OCTOBER 13TH, 6 P.M.

The next Girls Night Out dinner will be held on Wednesday, October 13th at 6 pm. The location will be confirmed shortly, but we are hoping to have it at the 1850 House again. The new cost will be $25 per person, payable by check only made payable to ‘cash’. Please note that once you sign up and pay, it is non-refundable.

CALENDAR