The TRUMPET February 2020 What is “mercy”? My star gift this year is “mercy.” What comes to mind when you hear that word? My initial thought was that “mercy” is given to a prisoner by a captor. That goes along with the dictionary definition: Mercy is “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.” After reading that I felt slightly guilty since it made me wonder what I had done that deserved punishment or harm. How bad was I that I required mercy? On further reflection, I realized that every month I drive to the Mercy Center in Madison CT, a beautiful retreat center on the Long Island Sound that is run by the Sisters of Mercy. They are renowned for offering hospitality and welcome. The Mercy Center is a place of rest and renewal. That definition of “mercy” appeals to me. Who doesn’t need a safe, comforting spot where one will be loved and accepted? It sounds like healing and renewal. In order to learn about mercy, I’ve started a collection of quotes. Maybe you’ll be able to add to them – I have, after all, a whole year to immerse myself in the study of mercy. Here are some quotes that speak to my heart about mercy: - “Mercy and forgiveness must be free and unmerited to the wrongdoer.” - “It is mercy not justice or courage or even heroism that alone can defeat evil.” - “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’ for I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners,” (Matthew 9:13). There is something both powerful and humbling about realizing that God gives to us what we need, not what we deserve. God offers forgiveness, love, new beginnings, and – mercy. What if we could be so generous with others? What if we were that generous with ourselves? I hope you are enjoying your star gifts. I would be interested to hear what you have learned so far, what questions you still have, and where you are being led to explore. I will continue to immerse myself in learning about mercy and I will share what I learn with you. In the meantime, be merciful with yourself and others. Yours in Christ, Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster The Trumpet deadline is the 20 th of every month! A publication of the East Woodstock Congregational Church, 220 Woodstock Road, East Woodstock, CT 06244 Pastor: Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster Director of Christian Education: Louise Labbe-Fahy Youth Group Director: Anne Sorensen Music Director/Organist: Nancy Ducharme Bell Choir Director: Andrew Tomkins Office Manager: Heidi Tucker Office: 860-928-7449 Residence: 860-928-7145 Email: [email protected]Website: www.eastwoodstockchurch.org Office Manager’s email: [email protected]Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am
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The TRUMPET
February 2020
What is “mercy”?
My star gift this year is “mercy.” What comes
to mind when you hear that word? My initial thought
was that “mercy” is given to a prisoner by a captor.
That goes along with the dictionary definition: Mercy
is “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone
whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.”
After reading that I felt slightly guilty since it made
me wonder what I had done that deserved punishment
or harm. How bad was I that I required mercy?
On further reflection, I realized that every
month I drive to the Mercy Center in Madison CT, a
beautiful retreat center on the Long Island Sound that
is run by the Sisters of Mercy. They are renowned for
offering hospitality and welcome. The Mercy Center
is a place of rest and renewal. That definition of
“mercy” appeals to me. Who doesn’t need a safe,
comforting spot where one will be loved and
accepted? It sounds like healing and renewal.
In order to learn about mercy, I’ve started a
collection of quotes. Maybe you’ll be able to add to
them – I have, after all, a whole year to immerse
myself in the study of mercy. Here are some quotes
that speak to my heart about mercy:
- “Mercy and forgiveness must be free and
unmerited to the wrongdoer.”
- “It is mercy not justice or courage or even
heroism that alone can defeat evil.”
- “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire
mercy, not sacrifice’ for I have not come to call
the righteous, but sinners,” (Matthew 9:13).
There is something both powerful and
humbling about realizing that God gives to us what
we need, not what we deserve. God offers
forgiveness, love, new beginnings, and – mercy. What
if we could be so generous with others? What if we
were that generous with ourselves?
I hope you are enjoying your star gifts. I
would be interested to hear what you have learned so
far, what questions you still have, and where you are
being led to explore. I will continue to immerse
myself in learning about mercy and I will share what I
learn with you.
In the meantime, be merciful with yourself
and others.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster
The Trumpet deadline is the 20th of every month!
A publication of the East Woodstock Congregational Church, 220 Woodstock Road, East Woodstock, CT 06244 Pastor: Rev. Dr. Susan J. Foster Director of Christian Education: Louise Labbe-Fahy Youth Group Director: Anne Sorensen Music Director/Organist: Nancy Ducharme
Bell Choir Director: Andrew Tomkins Office Manager: Heidi Tucker Office: 860-928-7449 Residence: 860-928-7145 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eastwoodstockchurch.org Office Manager’s email: [email protected] Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am
Secretary’s email: [email protected] Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am
The following are the scriptures for the month of February:
You are invited to read them as part of your daily devotions and as
preparation for worship.
February 2 February 9
Micah 6:1-8 Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 15 Psalm 112:1-10
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 5:13-20 February 16 February 23
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Exodus 24:12-18 Psalm 119:1-8 Psalms 2 and 99 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 5:21-37 Matthew 17:1-9
Worship News
We hope that you can join every Sunday for worship and fellowship – and bring a friend!
February 2: Communion Sunday. Celebration of Rural Life. Give thanks for God’s creation as we celebrate those who work in agriculture.
February 9: Guest speaker: Danielle Arnett Keller. Danny will talk about her experiences with asylum-seekers on the American-Mexican border
February 16: Just Peace Players. This UCC liturgical drama group will present a skit entitled “Extra! Extra!” and help us explore how our faith calls us to respond to important headlines of the day.
February 23: Jazz Sunday! Enjoy toe-tapping music and stay afterwards for a delicious soup lunch!
February 26: Ash Wednesday. Service at the Hill Church at 7:00 pm. Join us for the beginning of the Lenten season.
March 1 – Meet with Pastor Sue following worship March 8 – Afternoon tea with deacons. 3:00 p.m. at Pastor Sue’s home March 15 – Welcome new members during worship
Soup Lunch: February 23rd
Plan to stay after worship on Jazz Sunday, February
23rd as we enjoy a delicious soup lunch. Take time for
conversation around the table as we have the chance to
sample of wide variety of soups provided by members
of our congregation. Enriching worship followed by
lively table fellowship – it’s going to be a wonderful
day! Join us – and bring a friend!
The TRUMPET Page 3 February 2020
LBS NEWS (Ladies Benevolent Society)
You may have noticed the new chairs in Fellowship
Hall that we were able to provide from proceeds from
the Holly Fair in 2018. Along with the chairs, we
purchased dollies for easy storage and movement in
and out of the closet. LBS also contributed $5,000 to
replace the roof on the brick schoolhouse. All of this
is possible because of the support you give to the
success of the Holly Fair held each November!
LBS will not hold meetings in January or February,
but we will resume our schedule on March 18 at 1:30
with a presentation by Linda Colangelo of Northeast
District Department of Health. Refreshments will be
The “church” is not the building. The “church” is all
of us, offering our time and talents to share the Good
News of God’s love and hope. This month we
especially would like to thank…
The “church” is not the building. The “church” is all
of us, offering our time and talents to share the Good
News of God’s love and hope. This month we
especially would like to thank…
Beth Baron for creating the wonderful memory boards for our sanctuary stories. Be sure to share your special memory of an event that took place in our sanctuary. Thank you, Beth, for sharing your creativity!
With LBS's donation, Kerstin Forrester's deep dive into different chairs and dollies, Society's guidance, Glen Lessig's help to reorganize the storage closet, and the Bell Choir's help moving chairs, we have 3 new dollies and 100 new chairs - they're attractive, warm to the touch, fully Scotchgarded, and offer a welcome alternative to the old metal chairs that were previously used in Fellowship Hall. We left a grouping in Fellowship Hall for all to use, and the remainder are on dollies in the storage closet. In addition, ALL THE OLD METAL CHAIRS FIT IN THE STOREROOM with room to maneuver. (This will be very much appreciated by the Jamboree Committee.) Other chair layouts can certainly be considered, but for now, this should work well. Again, our thanks to Kerstin and the members of LBS for offering this fine new addition to our Church.
Do you have a special event you would like to share
with your Church family – a birth, a graduation, a new
job, an engagement, a wedding, a special honor, etc.,
etc.? Drop a note off in the secretary’s office or e-
Weather or Not? Notice of cancellation of worship service due to inclement weather will be posted on our Facebook page. To confirm whether worship or another activity has been canceled, or to let us know that you are safe and staying home, please contact any Deacon.
Name ____________________________________ Phone number _______________________
I will be staying overnight on Friday, April 3. Cost is $100. Dinner on Friday, breakfast and lunch on
Saturday are included. Please check one:
I will be there for dinner. I will not be there for dinner.
I will be coming just for the day on Saturday, April 4. Cost is $40.
I will arrive by 8:00 am for breakfast & lunch. I will arrive by 9:30 and stay for lunch.
Please return this registration form and your check to us by Sunday, March 21. Please make your check
payable to EWCC, with the word “retreat” on the memo line. Financial assistance available. If your plans
change, please let us know before March 21. We cannot do refunds after that date. Thank you.
I need financial assistance. Please call me with more information.
The TRUMPET Page 5 February 2020
It’s Time to Clean Out Your Closets!
EWCC’s 8th Clothing Sale is fast approaching,
and I need everybody’s help to keep this fundraiser growing!
It is the perfect
symbiotic relationship …
with your donations of
gently/never-worn items,
the church gains valuable income,
which keeps the church healthy;
and by the church taking your old
clothes, you gain valuable real estate back
in your closets,
and potentially move closer to
reaching your New Year’s resolution of
becoming more organized.
Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing and shoes are needed in all sizes.
No stains and rips in the clothes,
and no underwear please.
Donation can be dropped off in Fellowship Hall.
Please contact Dorrie Scranton at (860) 974-3096
with any questions, or if you need to schedule a pickup.
Sale Dates:
Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April 18
The TRUMPET Page 6 February 2020
Outreach Requests
The Outreach Committee continues to be amazed at our congregation’s consistent generosity and support of the church’s outreach efforts. The local shelters are always in need of the following: shampoo & conditioner (reg. size), deodorant (men’s & women’s), shaving cream, razors, blades, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, body wash, soap, face wash, hand/body lotion. Please leave any of these items in the bucket by the Outreach table in Fellowship Hall. Thank you!! Request: We are asking members to communicate to us when you become aware of needs that could use Outreach support, such as a warm meal, prayer shawl, financial contribution or other supports. Thank you again for your consistent and loving support.
There will be a special combined service on Sunday, March 22, in support of the synagogues of Putnam (Congregation B’nai Shalom) and Danielson (Temple Beth Israel). The service will be held at the Hill Church (there will be no worship at EWCC that morning) with a guest speaker – Yehetzkel Landau, a Jewish professor specializing in Interfaith Studies. Following the service, there will be a second hour for questions and discussion. Hope to see you there!
Super Saturday, March 14
The Southern New England Conference (the new conference formed by the merging of the CT, MA and RI Conferences) is holding the annual Super Saturday – an opportunity for learning, worship and networking with other UCC members. There are almost 50 workshops available including such topics as Care and Wellness, Faith Formation/Christian Education, Church Vitality, Missions and Outreach, Stewardship and Church Finance. Whether you hold a position in the church or are just interested in the experience, there is something in it for you!
The event is held in Wilbraham, MA from 8:00 am – 3:45 pm. The day includes morning worship, 2 workshops, an optional lunch activity, continental breakfast, lunch, marketplace and closing worship. Registration deadline is February 29th. Register online at www.sneucc.org/supersatreg.
Week 2 “Worth Repeating” Series, Luke 14:21-23 Sunday, February 9th: 4:30 – 6pm
Week 3 “Worth Repeating” Series, Luke 11:5-10 Sunday, February 17th
No youth group. Enjoy your long weekend! Sunday, February 23rd: 4:30 – 6pm
Week 4 “Worth Repeating” Series, Luke 14:8-11 Each week we will have snacks and games! Feel friend to invite a friend. Including your friends makes it more fun for everyone! For more information about our middle school youth, ask Anne Sorensen, 860-428-2198 or Tom Converse, 850- 603-5700
Save the date: Sunday, March 29th
Come help with a community service
project after worship.
Watch for all the details in
the March Newsletter!
The TRUMPET Page 9 February 2020
We will be selling baked potatoes with delicious toppings like chili, broccoli,
cheese, and sour cream.
Suggested donations will be $5. The money raised will go our youth group events.
It’s hard to believe that February is arriving so quickly. With February comes Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is
the day Paula and I were married! Or should I say we celebrated our “Holy Union”. At that time, we never thought the
day would come when we could actually be able to marry “legally”. Really what I’m getting at is how things can
change so quickly and right before our eyes.
The children and I have been following the star, and soon we will move into the season of Lent. Time goes so
quickly, and things change even if we don’t notice. I want to encourage each of us to take time to notice the things
that are right in front of our eyes. Our children grow, not only in age but in their love and understanding of our faith.
I’ve been at EWCC for 9 years now…and I see so many of the kids really “growing” in their faith. I love watching
them grow.
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day…try cutting out 29 hearts. One for each day of the month and with your children write
down one act of kindness, one thing you notice that you didn’t recognize before, one memory, one thing that
happened that day you want to celebrate, etc. In March pick a few of your family’s favorites and have your child bring