The TRUMPET

February 2019

What does the church do?

“What does your church do, anyway?” It

wasn’t a snide comment or a rude question, but an

honest inquiry from someone who isn’t involved in a

faith community and can’t really see any particular

reason to bother. It did make me think. Especially with our

annual congregational meeting approaching, a time

when we review not just logistical questions about

budget and building upkeep, but take some moments

to ponder – what did our congregation do this past

year? What have we accomplished? What difference

have we made? Because really – if we can’t answer

those questions, then what are we all about? I tried to frame my answer in a way this

person would appreciate. But where to start? Should I

describe our showcase event, our Fourth of July

Jamboree when hundreds of people gather on our

common for music, fellowship, and old-fashioned

fun? Or should I describe more serious efforts like

supplying food, clothing, toiletries, and gift cards to

the homeless and domestic violence shelters as well

as to local families Should I talk about our public ministries like

weekly worship that offers inspiration and fellowship

or is our behind-the-scenes work more important?

How do we measure the importance of visiting the

sick, praying with and for the dying, and offering

comfort to the lonely and mourning? What is it that we do? Is anyone grading us or

keeping track of our actions? If they are, would they

like to know about the school backpacks that are

filled and delivered in September or presents that are

carefully chosen and wrapped at Christmas time or

perhaps the Easter baskets that overflow with bounty

and compassion? Or would they be more interested in

meals and cards delivered to the homebound or the

efforts of our children and youth as they rake leaves

and help with home repairs. During the season of Epiphany we are

encouraged to take our Christmas gift – the love and

compassion of God – and share it with everyone we

meet. Don’t, Jesus instructs us, hide your light but let

it shine so that God’s glory and love may be

experienced and felt. That’s our job. That’s what we

are meant to be about. Do we do it perfectly? No. There is always

more to do and there are endless needs that go unmet.

But we try to live out God’s commandment to love

our neighbor. We endeavor to make a difference in

our neighborhood and across the globe. Perhaps our primary call – the purpose of the church

– is to make God’s love visible and to remind people

that God is near. “Emmanuel” isn’t just a pretty word

for Advent. It means “God with us” and that means in

the nitty-gritty of our everyday lives. The church –

each one of us – is called to echo the joy of the angels

who said, “Behold!” Behold – God is with us. Our

actions should reflect that good news every day.

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 Interim 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: econgregtnl@snet.net Website: www.eastwoodstockchurch.org

Secretary’s email: ewccsec@yahoo.com 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 February:

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

preparation for worship.

February 3 February 10

Jeremiah 1:4-10 Isaiah 6:1-13 Psalm 71:1-6 Psalm 138 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 4:21-30 Luke 5:1-11 February 17 February 24

Jeremiah 17:5-10 Genesis 45:3-11, 15 Psalm 1 Psalms 37:1-11, 39-40 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, Luke 6:17-26 42-50 Luke 6:27-38

Worship News

February 3: Communion Sunday

February 10: Shining Light = Olivia Arsenault; Children’s Choir

Singing

February 17: Rev. Jonathan Scott, guest preacher

February 24: Bell choir ringing

Jazz Sunday!

Come to worship at 10:00 a.m. on March 3rd and enjoy foot-tapping,

soul-lifting jazz music! We will celebrate the last Sunday in Epiphany

with great music and good fellowship as we lift up our voices to praise

God. Bring a friend! We will also take a special offering that day to

benefit UCC Emergency USA. This organization offers much-needed

disaster relief to areas hit by the recent hurricanes and fires.

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 Page 2 February 2019

COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS!

Thanks for hosting (or considering hosting) a coffee hour. If it’s your first time, we suggest you

team up with someone who has done it before. If you’re unsure of what you need to do, where to

find things, etc., talk to one of the committee members who is in charge for that month. The list of

members and monthly assignments is included on the yearly calendar for coffee hour, which is

posted on the bulletin board near the ramp door of Fellowship Hall. Refreshments do not need to

be home-baked or elaborate.

SAVE THE DATE!! The Bell Choir and the Sanctuary Singers will be putting on a Pops Concert on Saturday, February 9th at 4:00 pm. Free- will donations will be accepted to benefit the Music Committee.

A few additional performers are needed to round out the production! If you are interested, please contact Andy Tomkins or Nancy Ducharme.

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New Members’ Class

Would you like to become a member of EWCC? Would you like to get more

information about the church and discover more about our faith, our works, and our

traditions? You are invited to come to our new members’ classes on the following

dates.

Sunday, February 24 – meet with Pastor Sue after worship

Sunday, March 10 – 3:00 pm Tea with Deacons

Sunday, March 17 – Reception of New Members

Ladies Benevolent Society News & History As I write this article for our February Trumpet, we are still in a

deep-freeze from Sunday’s snow and sleet storm. Sunshine is

making the icy snow cover sparkle. The weather is a good

reminder of why we don’t schedule a January meeting! We do

however have a very interesting program scheduled for February –

Pastor Sue will be sharing pictures and stories of her 2018 Summer

trip in Europe. Please plan on attending to enjoy the program and

fellowship.

LBS History: Here is the Preamble, “Believing that we ought, as

Christians, to do whatever we may to promote the glory of God,

and the good of our fellow creatures, by relieving the suffering of

the destitute, and encouraging, by our assistance those who are

laboring to ameliorate the condition of suffering humanity, and

believing that we may best promote these objects, by associating

ourselves together, we unite, and form the Benevolent

Association…” “Members who attend the meetings of the Society

and carry their own work, shall pay into the treasury the sum of 3

cents each at every meeting so attended. At the meeting of the

Society only plain food shall be provided, and not more than two

kinds.” We now ask for a $1 donation monthly and we provide a

delicious and varied dessert-style buffet provided by designated

members. As you can see, LBS was the precursor to our Missions

Committee. “Clothing was packed by the barrel, also boxes for

Home Mission work.” These were the Civil Was years. As the

soldiers returned, shabby and tired, boxes of clothing were packed

for them, also for the sick and wounded. We thank our current

Missions Committee for carrying on this long tradition of reaching

out to support local and global efforts to help those in need.

Respectfully, Kerstin Forrester, President LBS

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…

Sheila Becks for creating a beautiful rainbow wreath

for our door. The bright colors reflect the Light of the

Epiphany season and the rainbow hues celebrate our

open and affirming welcome for all of God’s people.

Thank you for sharing your creativity!

Richard Forrester for staining the cabinets in the

church kitchen. It is a huge job and we appreciate your

time and effort!

Laura Looby for serving as our Nursery Attendant

during the Annual Meeting. Thank you for giving

parents the opportunity to attend the meeting!

Dear Community Members of East Woodstock

Congregational Church,

Sunday’s bake sale on January 5th was an

incredible success! I would like to personally give

a huge thank you to everyone who helped bake for

this event, purchased the delicious baked goods,

and made generous donations towards my trip.

Because of your wonderful contributions, I raised

$753.00 dollars. This means a lot to me and will

tremendously help many families in Thailand who

are less fortunate than others. I have donated the

money to GIVE (Growth International Volunteer

Excursions) to support the building of better

communities in Thailand as well as many other

countries overseas.

A very special thank you to Sue Foster and Anne

Sorensen for helping me plan my bake sale.

Without your support, the success of the bake sale

could not have been possible!

Again, thank you all so very much.

Sincerely,

Leah A. Randolph

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-

mail Heidi at ewccsec@yahoo.com.

Birthday Celebration! The family of Mary Larson Seney will

be hosting a 90th Birthday Celebration

for her on Friday, February 8th, at the

Woodstock Hill Congregational Church.

Friends of Mary are invited to stop in between

the hours of 2 and 4 in the afternoon to say Hello. Or

if unable to attend, you may send a card to her at 130

Center Road, Woodstock, CT 06281.

Donate your used ink cartridges!

Help the church defray some of our office supply costs by donating your used ink cartridges. Staples gives us coupons towards purchases when we return cartridges to them for recycling. We can return up to 20 cartridges a month. Donations can be left in the church office. Thank you!

Men’s Fellowship News 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, February 11th at 8:00 a.m. If you would

like to help with set-up and meal preparations, please

contact Roger at rs271enr@gmail.com. All men are

invited – and please invite a friend along!

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.

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A Women’s Retreat For all the women of the East Woodstock Congregational Church

Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30 at Camp Wightman, North Stonington, CT

(40 minutes from our church)

“Words to Live By”

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my

redeemer. Psalm 19:14

What words do we hear in our minds and hearts? What words do we say? Do we recognize the power of words and

the messages that we receive and give? During our retreat, we will reflect on the messages that we receive from

society as well as the words that we share with others. How can we feed our spirits with positive messages? How can

we disregard the negativity that too often weighs us down? And how can we encourage one another with words of

respect and kindness?

Join us in the beautiful, relaxing setting at Camp Wightman as we learn about “words to live by.”

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 $95. 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, March 29. Cost is $95. 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, March 30. 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 10. 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.

The TRUMPET Page 5 February 2019

If your plans change, please let us know before March 10. We cannot do refunds after that date. Thank you.

It’s Time to Clean Out Your Closets!

EWCC’s 7th 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:

To Be Announced

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Kate Campbell / Liz Reed-Swale Benefit Concert Report Thank you for all your help in making this a wonderful fundraiser for Jasmin. The light was shining with beautiful moving music and was enjoyed by so many. $1,672 was raised for the Jasmin Floyd Special Trust Fund. Jasmin is a member of our congregation who battles the debilitating disease FOP (Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva). We appreciate your gratitude! It was also a special treat to have Liz Reed-Swale share her music.

Caring Families Woodstock - This year we are collecting cans of TUNA. Our congregation partners with the Covenant Church and other groups to provide weekly staples of food for local Woodstock families experiencing food insecurity. Pick up some cans of tuna when grocery shopping and leave on the mission table. Thank you!

WAIM Work Day – January 26

“Many hands make light work”

WAIM Mission: Uplifting and uniting our community by providing caring services and resources to meet our neighbors’ needs with dignity and respect.

Meal Ministry - Support Meals

A successful cooking night was held in January, filling our freezer with comfort dinners. If any members know of people in need, please contact Donna O’Shaughnessy. Donnao533@gmail.com

The TRUMPET Page 7 February 2019

Benefit Dinner for Shawn Tooten

Dead Head Theme

Date: Saturday, February 16, 2019

Time: 5 pm – 10 pm

Location: Putnam Lodge of Elks Club 574, 64 Edmond Street, Putnam, CT

Cost: $15 each – available at the door

Donations: Donations can be made payable to “Shawn Totten” and mailed to

Kelsey Sanelli, PO Box 127, Grosvenordale, CT 06246

Shawn and his family lived next to EWCC church for many years and he helped us with

our last coffee house for Jasmin. In addition, he and his son played at the Jamboree several

times. Shawn is also a co-worker of Lisa Arsenault and Sherri at Mapfree. Here is Shawn’s

Journey:

Shawn beat the odds after surviving a brain aneurysm in early November. After over-

coming many obstacles and climbing the hardest uphill battles he may ever endure

(including beating pneumonia several times), Shawn had begun breathing on his own

in mid-December and has since regained his sense of humor. He has been spending his

recent time in Hartford Hospital re-learning how to play guitar and practicing his Yo

Momma jokes. Things are looking up for Shawn, however, he still has a long road ahead

of him. Along with his newly acquired hospital bills, he still has a house to take care of

and children to provide for. Please consider joining us at the Putnam Elks to raise funds

to assist Shawn and his family during these trying times.

Come out and eat some spaghetti to support Shawn during his recovery while thanking

Jerry Garcia for sending his good vibes our way. There will be raffles, good food, good

drinks, and lots of Grateful Dead (of course). Cash bar!!! Tickets are $15 per person and

can be bought at the door or ahead from myself (Kelsey) or Emily (Shawn’s eldest

daughter). 100% of proceeds will go to Shawn and his family to help support him and

pay his bills while he is making his recovery.

Feel free to share this and invite your friends.

The TRUMPET Page 8 February 2019

Irish Retreat: Celebrating Celtic Christianity

Join Pastor Sue for a retreat in Ireland in June 2019!

When: June 7-13, 2019

Where: Beautiful Achill Island, County Mayo, on the west coast of Ireland

Schedule (draft)

June 6: (evening): Depart Boston Logan Airport

Friday, June 7: (morning): Arrive Shannon Airport. Bus to Westport?

Rest day on Achill Island

Saturday, June 8: Rest day. Evening: Dinner with all participants

Sunday, June 9: Worship at Church of Ireland

Monday, June 10: Labyrinth. Where are we on our journey? Achill Secret Garden

with tea overlooking the ocean. http://www.achillsecretgarden.com/

Tuesday, June 11: Camino Day. Visiting Irish churches, experiencing Celtic

blessings.

Wednesday, June 12: Group activities and conversations

Thursday, June 13: Final breakfast gathering. Departing ritual

Activities will include opportunities for conversation, fellowship, and exploring the

beautiful area. Pastor Sue will be meeting with anyone who is interested following

worship on Sunday, February 10th. Please contact her with any questions!

The TRUMPET Page 9 February 2019

Youth Group February Events

Feb 3 HELP WITH WORSHIP

Come to church this Sunday to help with worship. We need youth to greet, collect

offering, and read scripture. Let Anne know how you can help this Sunday.

Feb 10 BREAKFAST CLUB

Come to Breakfast Club after the Children’s Story. Meet in the library. Light snacks

will be served. Bring a friend!

Feb 24 TOP YOUR OWN BAKED POTATO BAR

The Youth Group is hosting a top your own baked potato bar. It will be held after worship.

The congregation will be able to take a hot baked potato with delicious toppings home for

lunch. We will need everyone’s help to make this a successful event. The money we raise

will go towards our spring youth group trips and events. Text Anne to tell her you can help!

Are you interested in completing a Youth Internship at our church this spring but don’t

know where to start? Make an appointment with Anne to talk about your ideas. She is

willing to meet you after school or on a Sunday. There is still time to start an internship

this spring.

Questions about youth group?

Contact Anne Sorensen at

(860) 428-2198 or email youthgroup.woodstock@gmail.com Join our “Youth Group 18-19” on FACEBOOK for updates and invites.

username:

woodstockSYG

The TRUMPET Page 10 February 2019

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.

Since the Season of Epiphany is so long this year it allows us to take the extra time to remember the story of

the Magi and their faithfulness in following the star. This month I’d like to give a few suggestions of things you might

try at home with your children.

Make paper stars at home. You could string them together and make them into a garland to hang some where they can

be seen every day as a reminder of the season. You might want to make a mobile with your child and then hang it in

their room. Maybe write a single word on one star a day of a blessing you got/saw that day. How about going outside

as a family one evening and looking up at the stars.

Since the Magi brought three gifts to the Christ child, how about giving three gifts to those in need. Three canned

goods for our food pantry. Take the kids to the grocery store and let them pick out what they would like to give. How

about donating three toys or books (still in good shape) that they no longer use to a children’s hospital or school.

I enjoy baking...if you didn’t already know. Working in the kitchen together is always fun and a good family activity.

Make some star shaped cookies and decorate them together. Share some with a neighbor. While most people associate

a King Cake with Mardi Gras, nothing says it is the only day of the year you can have it. Just remember to start it

earlier in the day to give the yeast time to work properly. If you choose to make a King Cake, and this is VERY

important, save me a slice! ☺

I’d like to hear what you and your family are doing to celebrate this season.

Louise

cedirectorewcc@gmail.com

The TRUMPET Page 11 February 2019

Children’s Page

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Looking Ahead:

March 3: Jazz Sunday March 6: Ash Wednesday March 10: New Members Tea March 17: Receive New Members March 29-30: Women’s Retreat

COFFEE HOUR

The coffee hour in February will be served courtesy of: Deacons

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

February Birthdays:

RJ Duncan Feb 3

Cameron Robida Feb 6

Carleigh Boisvert Feb 7

Brayden Bottone Feb 7

Adelise Young Feb 9

Mary Morin Feb 12

Akira Newall-Vuillemot Feb 16

Noelia Reed Feb 26

Abigail Converse Feb 27

Libby Fischkelta Feb 27

February 2019

Daily Bread Donations for this month: Canned Fruit

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 10 am Craft

Group 5 pm 4-H Club

2

3

4 9 am Community Kitchen (Hill) 9:30 Music Class

5 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Deacons 7:00 pm Sanctuary

Singers

6 10 am Study Group 7:30 pm Al-anon

7 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells

8 9:30 am MOMs Group 10 am Craft

Group

9 10 am Memorial

4 pm Pops Concert

10 Breakfast Club Irish Retreat Info

11 9:30 Music Class 7:30 pm Council

12 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Sanctuary

Singers

13 10 am Study Group 7:00 pm Missions 7:30 pm Al-anon

14 Valentine’s Day

10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells

15 10 am Craft

Group

16

17 8:00 am Men’s Breakfast

18 President’s Day

9:30 Music Class

19 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Sanctuary

Singers

20 10 am Study Group 7:30 pm Al-anon

TRUMPET DEADLINE!!

21 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells

22 10 am Craft

Group

23

24 Baked Potato Bar (coffee hour) New Members Class

25 9:30 Music Class

26 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Sanctuary

Singers

27 10 am Study Group 7:30 pm Al-anon

28 10:00 am Tai Chi 7:00 pm Bells

The TRUMPET Page 13 February 2019

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

A February Prayer by The Rev. Calhoun Wick

Lord, at this time of the year when the temperature is cold, days are short, and the birds of spring have not yet

arrived, Let us remember the warmth of the love you showed to those you met along the way when with your healing

power you made it possible for the blind to see, the lame to walk, and the sick to be healed. Let us be intentional in this month of February to be inspired by memories of your ministry to give kindness to

those who need love, a touch to those who need healing, and a word courage to those looking for hope so that those

we meet along the way in our day may experience the warmth of your spirit through our actions.

A Winter Prayer by Kate Wilkinson

Let us huddle together this morning, our community a place of warmth in our lives as we share the flame of hope and connection. Let us allow the frost of isolation and bitterness to melt away as we open ourselves to a sense of peace and spirit. We extend our thoughts to all those who are cold this morning, lacking shelter or love to keep them warm. Let us wrap our prayers around them and each other like scarves, and wish each other safe journeys through the storm. May we be insulated from fear as the earth is insulated by the snow, And, like bulbs, may we continue to grow and open inside, despite the cold, Ready for the spring, to stretch and grow towards justice. Amen

The TRUMPET Page 14 February 2019

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,

whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,

be there at our sleeping and give us we pray,

Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day. - Jan Struther