The TRUMPET - eastwoodstockchurch.org · The TRUMPET March 2020 S “Taking on” Lent Lent often...

The TRUMPET

March 2020

“Taking on” Lent

Lent often has the reputation of a being a

gloomy season of self-denial that needs to be endured

until Easter arrives with its message of resurrection

and new life. Only then, amidst the blooms of Easter

lilies and daffodils we can be released from the 40

days of dreary drudgery.

People often talk about “giving up” something

for Lent. But we do this rich season of potential

spiritual growth a disservice when we think that

abstaining from chocolate will lead us to a richer

relationship with God. We may be approaching this

the wrong way. Instead of “giving up” something, we

might try to “take on” something new. The purpose

of “giving up” something is not to leave a void in our

lives; we worship the God of rich fullness and

abundant blessing. Instead, if we give up one thing,

we can “take on” another. We are invited in these

days before Lent to take on activities and practices

that will nurture our spiritual life. That may mean in

order to take something on, we will need to let

something go. Consider Jesus in the wilderness – he

didn’t have room in his life for the devil, so he said no

to him. That left more room for God in his life.

If I give up 15 minutes of newspaper reading,

I could take on some time to write a card or make a

phone call. Or I could give up 15 minutes of TV to

take on some time with a good book. Our lives are

ruled by the clock and calendar; we only have a

limited amount of time in any given day. “We can’t

do everything,” we (correctly) tell ourselves. Lent is

a time to be aware of the choices that we are

making. Can we give up an activity that doesn’t

benefit us or brings us no joy; are we able to take on

an action big or little that offers us fulfillment or

learning or blessing?

These forty days before Easter can be a time

of renewal and learning. Jesus gave up the easy

answers that the tempter offered him so that he could

take on the life of service that led him closer to

God. Let us “give up” a few moments of busy-ness

each day and “take on” some time to be aware of

God’s blessings all around us. And let us take on the

adventure of sharing those blessings with 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 Secretary’s email: [email protected] Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am

mailto:[email protected]


The following are the scriptures for the month of March:

You are invited to read them as part of your daily devotions and as

preparation for worship.

March 1 March 8

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 32 Psalm 121 Romans 5:12-19 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 Matthew 4:1-11 John 13:1-17

March 15 March 22

Exodus 17:1-7 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 95 Psalm 23

Romans 5:1-11 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 4:5-42 John 9:1-41 March 29 Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 130 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45

We hope that you can join every Sunday for worship and fellowship –

and bring a friend!

March 1: Communion Sunday. Outreach: TEEG

March 8: Outreach: Blessing our prayer shawls

March 15: Outreach: Celebrating cards and meals

March 22: Worship at the Hill Church

March 29: Sue away, Rev. Jonathan Scott preaching.

Outreach: Homeless Shelter

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 March 2020

A Women’s Retreat

For all the women of the East Woodstock Congregational Church

Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4th 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. 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. Visit our website www.eastwoodstockchurch.org for more info!

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

Registration Form Paid: 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 22. Please make your check payable to EWCC,

with the word “retreat” on the memo line. The form is also available online. Financial assistance is available.

I need financial assistance; please call me with more information.

If your plans change, please let us know before March 22. We cannot do refunds after that date. Thank you.


http://www.eastwoodstockchurch.org/

Sabbatical Grant Update

Plan to stay after worship on Sunday, March 1st for an informational meeting about Pastor Sue’s sabbatical

in May-August 2021. At our annual meeting in January, the congregation voted to pursue a sabbatical grant from

the Lilly Endowment. If we received the grant, it would mean that up to $50,000 would be available to the pastor

and congregation ($35,000/pastor, $15,000/congregation) to fund sabbatical activities.

A “sabbatical team” was formed to help with writing the grant. Dawn Adiletta, Kerstin Forrester, Lynn

Looby, Bob Rath, Karen Ryker, and DeEtta Spalding will be working on this project. On March 1st they will give

an update on the proposed grant and ask for feedback and suggestions from the congregation.

Our Youth Group will be Hosting a

Top Your Own Baked Potato Bar

Sunday, March 15th after worship

We will be selling hot baked potatoes with delicious toppings like

chili, broccoli, cheese, and sour cream.

Suggested donation is $5 per potato

The money raised will go towards the Youth Group’s upcoming

service project at Camp Care on March 29th


Conversations of Hope and Solidarity:

Building Relationships in our Jewish and Christian Faith Communities

Sunday, March 22 ~ 11:30 a.m.

Harrison Fellowship Hall, First Congregational Church of Woodstock, UCC

543 Route 169 (across from the Pink House)

Church office: 860-928-7405

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Yehezkel Landau for conversation on how we might support our

neighbors in times of vulnerability and insecurity, and how we can form faith-filled relationships

with one another. Our plan is to meet quarterly throughout the year to learn from each other

and to build bridges of understanding.

A light lunch will be served followed by a joint community project where we will compose “thinking

of you” notes/cards to our senior neighbors in nursing homes.

Dr. Yehezkel Landau, a dual Israeli-American citizen, is an interfaith educator, leadership trainer,

author, and consultant working to improve Jewish-Christian-Muslim relations and promote Israeli-

Palestinian peacebuilding for 40 years. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University, a

Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from

Hartford Seminary.

**The congregation of the East Woodstock Congregational Church will be joining the worship service

at the First Congregational Church prior to the program.

All are welcome!


Lenten Evenings at the Senexet House

Join Pastor Sue for two evenings of song, conversation, and a delicious dinner at the Senexet House. Inspired by the book Were You There? Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals by Luke A. Powery, we will listen to spirituals and talk about themes of justice, suffering, and Christ’s call to compassion. Wednesday, March 11th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 25th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. We need to know if you can come – please use the sign-up sheet on our “upcoming events” bulletin board in Fellowship Hall or contact Heidi at [email protected]

Centering Prayer on the Hill First Tuesdays, 9:00am

On the first Tuesday morning of each month, we gather at First Congregational Church of Woodstock in the Blue

Room (off the library) …a small community of faithful friends carving intentional space to listen for that still small

voice in the depths of silence. We begin our time of Centering Prayer by gathering in a circle at 9:00am and share

friendly greetings. At 9:05am, the facilitator will read aloud a prayer or poem to set the intention, begin the twenty

minutes of silence, followed by an additional prayer or poem. Participants may choose to quietly depart for their day

at that time or are invited to stay for a time of reflection, perhaps by journaling or sketching in a sketchbook.

New to Centering Prayer? Lisa will meet with you at 8:45am, in the Blue Room, to share the four guidelines to

Centering Prayer with you.

“Abba: Your presence underneath the noise of the demands of daily life fills my heart with peace. Your Word

cleanses negative emotions that I don’t know how to stop on my own. Your grace works in my inner room of silent

prayer, taking away jealousies, hatreds, vanities, pride and prejudices that hinder consciously chosen love. Thank you

for your healing grace. Amen.”

~Peter Traben Haas,

Centering Prayers: A One-Year Daily Companion

for Going Deeper into the Love of God

“Where does Centering Prayer come from? Its source is the Trinity dwelling within us. It is rooted in God’s life

within us…With baptism comes the entire uncreated presence of the most holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We participate as human beings in God’s life just by being alive, but much more through grace…This stream of

divine love that is constantly renewed in the life of the Trinity is infused into us through grace. We know this by our

desire for God. That desire, however it may be battered by the forces of daily life, manifests itself in the effort that we

make to develop a life of prayer and a life of action that is penetrated by prayer.”

~Thomas Keating,

“The Theological Basis of Centering Prayer”, Intimacy with God

“There is something in this prayer that can restore harmony, dignity and depth to our lived Christian community.”

~Cynthia Bourgeault,

Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening


https://amzn.to/2XioJ5r

https://amzn.to/2XioJ5r


Can’t get to church on Sunday?

You can listen to Pastor Sue’s sermon on Facebook Live!

You never have to miss a sermon. Just go to the East Woodstock Congregational Church Facebook page and you can see and hear the current as well as many past sermons. 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, March 15th at 8:00 a.m. All men are invited – and please invite a friend along!

LBS will meet on March 18 at 1:30 in Fellowship Hall

with a presentation by Linda Colangelo of Northeast

District Department of Health. Refreshments will be

provided by Marian Hallowell and Gail Lorentzen.

This promises to be a very interesting presentation!

All are welcome to attend!

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 Deacons for organizing Jazz Sunday and to everyone who brought in delicious soups to share for the luncheon that followed.

Jamboree News

Yes, it is time once again to begin

the planning for the 4th of July Jamboree!

This year marks our 63rd annual Jamboree!!

As always, our success depends on the efforts

of many dedicated volunteers. We will need

chairpersons for the many booths and events

as well as crafters, bakers, set-up and clean-up

crews, etc., etc.

EWCC needs YOU!

Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday,

March 31 at 7:00 pm. Please plan to attend and

bring your ideas! Everyone is welcome and

suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Let’s make this the best year yet!!


Looking for an experienced in-home

healthcare provider?

Andrea Parent (a member of our congregation) is a

registered nurse with 39 years of experience. She is

able to provide care to your loved ones in your home,

working within your schedule. Experienced with all

ages from newborns to geriatrics. Contact her at 860-

928-0281 for more information.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=Bel-LB0y4ayGWM&tbnid=xqhsy4mY-r3YRM:&ved=&url=http://www.fpcfl.org/?page_id%3D735&ei=7INJUp6LOPS44APIz4G4Ag&bvm=bv.53217764,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNEwGM5ZPYm6DZklPhi1X32jhpIjUA&ust=1380636013312190

I would like to order flowers for Easter.

Given by: _______________________________________________

Phone: _______________________ To Honor: _______________________________________________

In Memory of: ____________________________________________

Flower Choices:

Tulips or Daffodils: $11.00 ea Lilies: $13.50 ea

Tulips ________ @ $11.00 ea Daffodils ________ @ $11.00 ea Lilies ________ @ $13.50 ea Total enclosed: $___________

Fill in the necessary information using back of this form if needed. Enclose a check for the cost of the pot(s) wanted, made out to EWCC. Mail to: EWCC, PO Box 156, East Woodstock, CT 06244 or drop it off at the church office.

Deadline: March 29.


FILL AN EASTER/SPRING BUCKET – Once again, members of our congregation will have an opportunity to fill

an Easter/Spring bucket for children served by Covenant to Care and the Domestic Violence Shelter. Tagged buckets

will be available on SUNDAY, MARCH 15, in Fellowship Hall after worship. You will sign up for a specific child,

and return the filled bucket by SUNDAY, APRIL 5. This program has been a huge success in recent years due to

your enthusiasm. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

MARCH IS OUTREACH AWARENESS MONTH – During worship in March members of the Outreach

Committee will speak briefly about the various agencies that our church supports. Come and learn about the

interesting ways in which EWCC impacts people far beyond our church.

PRAYER SHAWL BLESSING – On Sunday, March 8, we will have the annual blessing of

the newly completed prayer shawls. This important mission has brought comfort to hundreds

of people through the years. Come and see these beautiful works of love on display in our

sanctuary.

RECENT DISBURSALS - At the February Outreach meeting we agreed to support the following:

$300 – Sober House for women in Putnam (opening soon)

$200 - Cathedral of the Beloved – ministry to the homeless in

Pittsfield, MA area

$250 - No Freeze Shelter in Danielson (for sleeping cots)

BLANKETS FOR THE NO-FREEZE SHELTER will be collected at least through mid-March. Thank you for the

blankets that have been placed in the large “BLANKET” box in Fellowship Hall. A delivery has already been made

to the shelter.

WOMEN AT THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER need hair conditioner and feminine hygiene products.

You may leave these items on the Outreach table in Fellowship Hall.

CANNED TUNA & JELLY IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS FOR “CARING CONTINUES”

(food for Woodstock School families) – are still being collected and can be left in the basket on

the Outreach table in Fellowship Hall. Donations are greatly appreciated.

LOOKING AHEAD – Sunday, April 5 and April 12 – we will receive an offering for One Great Hour of Sharing.

This UCC agency reaches out worldwide to those suffering from emergencies, chronic poverty, and violence. The

theme this year is, “Invest in Futures”. Watch for flyers and envelopes for your contribution in the Sunday bulletin.

Senior High School Scholarship

A scholarship is awarded each year to a student who is associated with EWCC and is

pursuing their education in the field of ministry or in a field related to human services/social

services such as teaching, nursing, social work, etc.

Applications are available for download on the church web site

(www.eastwoodstockchurch.org) or in the church office and are due back by May 1.


http://www.eastwoodstockchurch.org/

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.49erschorus.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/scholarships-sign.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.49erschorus.org/?p=195&h=998&w=1453&tbnid=hlZ-wPqLDcUO2M:&zoom=1&docid=oclZtIpzYzgQNM&hl=en&ei=7JkrU8nsK4q9oQTE_oHgBg&tbm=isch&ved=0CNABEIQcMCU&iact=rc&dur=879&page=3&start=37&ndsp=21

One Great Hour of Sharing Collections

A gift to One Great Hour of Sharing enables our church to share

God’s love withour neighbors-in-need around the world:

• Helping to empower the poor and oppressed

• Provide water

• Supply food to the hungry

• Give relief from disasters

Collections Palm Sunday

and Easter Sunday

Help us spread the Easter Message of Love and Hope to

young children in Northeastern CT!

Please pick up an empty bucket on Sunday, March 15.

Fill it with fun activities and small toys appropriate for the age of the

child on the back and return it by Sunday, April 5.

Covenant to Care for Children channels the generosity of caring and faithful people to

advocate for and provide direct assistance to Connecticut’s children who are neglected,

abused and/or impoverished.


East Woodstock Congregational Church

8th Annual Clothing Sale

1000’s of new and gently used items

for men, women, and children

*Friday, April 17th 3:00 – 7:00 pm *Saturday, April 18th 9:00 – 2:00 pm

(Saturday only: fill a bag for $5)

Loads of brand-named items

Exceptional prices – Amazing bargains

220 Woodstock Road

Woodstock, CT

Now accepting donations of

gently used clothing!

Please contact Dorrie Scranton

at (860) 974-3096

for question or donations.


Middle School and High School Youth Group

Come Volunteer at

Camp Care Inc. - Therapeutic Riding Program

On Sunday, March 29, 2020

Depart at 11:30

Return at 2:45

Pack a sandwich and water bottle.

Bring a metal rake or pitchfork if

possible for spreading fabric footing.

Let Anne know you can come help by

Monday, March 23rd. The horses and

riders will appreciate your help!

Camp Care Inc.’s mission is to help children and individuals with special needs reach their highest potential physical and cognitive function while enhancing self-esteem and emotional growth. We will be helping to improve their indoor horse-riding ring.


Looking for enthusiastic adults to help with chaperoning and driving

to Camp Care. Please let Anne Sorensen at 860-428-2198 know you

are willing to help with this rewarding project.

I hope everyone has enjoyed the “heart” project and been able to see God in new places

during the month of February. I look forward to receiving back all the hearts. I know it

has allowed me to just slow down and pause and look around me. In the midst of a busy

month for me, it has reminded me that God is always with me….and I have needed that

reminder that no matter what, God is present. I don’t need to know God’s plan, but rather

just to trust.

As we enter the month of March, we have just finished the season of Epiphany, and entered

into Lent. I know for me growing up, Lent was always dreaded. You gave up candy and ate

fish every week. Nothing any kid wants to do. Now I’ve come to think of it as a time of

“giving back”. God blesses me each day. In turn how can I bless others? Is it simply giving

someone a warm smile? Is it holding open a door for someone? Is it picking up an extra can

of tuna and bringing it to church? Is it asking someone sitting alone to come sit with us? So,

I ask you, during this season of Lent, to think about not asking your children to “give up”

something, but rather “do” something. I will be asking them each week what they have been

doing. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if each of us could simply do 40 random acts of

kindness before Easter?

Just a few dates to put on your calendars. If your child is in 4th grade they will begin learning

about the sacrament of Communion with Christine Armstrong during the month of April. So

please look for information about that. They will celebrate communion with the congregation

on May 3rd. The other date to put aside is June 14th. This will be Children’s Sunday. The

children have been working hard all year and will be looking forward to sharing all they

have done throughout the year with everyone.

As always, please feel free to be in touch with me anytime,

Louise

[email protected]



Looking Ahead:

April 3 & 4: Women’s Retreat April 5: Palm Sunday April 9: Maundy Thursday April 10: Good Friday April 12: Easter Sunday

COFFEE HOUR

The coffee hour in March will be served courtesy of: CE/Teachers

The coffee hour in April will be served courtesy of: Society

&

March Birthdays:

Greyson Magnan March 5

Jaxson Waufle March 7

Emmitt Plona March 10

Kaylyn Converse March 17

Lillie Mae Rosen March 18

Millie Anne Rosen March 18

Mitchell Child March 25

Gavin Bottone March 30

Gavin Washburn March 30

MARCH 2020

Daily Bread Donations for this month: Juice & Crackers

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 New Members Class

4:30 Middle Youth Gr

2 9 am Community Kitchen Prep 10 am Music Class 7 pm Outreach

3 9:00 am Tai Chi 6:00 pm Yoga 7 pm Sanctuary

Singers

4 10 am Study Group 7:00 pm Deacons 7:30 pm Al-anon

5 9:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells

6 12 pm Winter

Lunch

7 9:00 am Free

Yoga

8 Blessing of Prayer

Shawls 3 pm New Members

Tea 4:30 Middle Youth Gr 6:30 pm EWCB

9 10 am Music Class


Singers

11 10 am Study Group 6 pm Lenten Evening @ Senexet House 7:00 pm Memorial Garden Committee 7:30 pm Al-anon


13 9:30 am MOMs

Group

12 pm Winter Lunch

14

15 Receive New

Members 8 am Men’s Breakfast Baked Potato Bar 1 pm Historical Soc. 4:30 Middle Youth Gr

16 10 am Music Class


Singers

18 10 am Study Group 1:30 pm LBS 7:30 pm Al-anon


20 TRUMPET

DEADLINE!!

12 pm Winter Lunch

21

22 Worship at the Hill

Church 4:30 Middle Youth Gr



Singers

25 10 am Study Group 6 pm Lenten Evening @ Senexet House 7:30 pm Al-anon


27

28 Democrat Town

Committee

29 11:30 Youth Group to

Camp Care 6:30 pm EWCB


31 9:00 am Tai Chi 6:00 pm Yoga 7:00 pm Jamboree 7 pm Sanctuary

Singers


Today and every day let us be open to God, who promises always to be with us.

Gethsemane by Mary Oliver

The grass never sleeps.

Or the rose.

Nor does the lily have a secret eye that shuts until morning.

Jesus said, wait with me. But the disciples slept.

The cricket has such splendid fringe on its feet,

and it sings, have you noticed, with its whole body,

and heaven knows if it even sleeps.

Jesus said, wait with me. And maybe the stars did, maybe

the wind wound itself into a silver tree, and didn’t move,

maybe

the lake far away, where once he walked as on a

blue pavement,

lay still and waited, wild awake.

Oh the dear bodies, slumped and eye-shut, that could not

keep that vigil, how they must have wept,

so utterly human, knowing this too

must be a part of the story.


The TRUMPET - eastwoodstockchurch.org · The TRUMPET March 2020 S “Taking on” Lent Lent often...

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