1. religion and spirituality

THE HERALD
October 2015
Going Back?
We are changed by our travels.
Whether we choose to live somewhere else or find ourselves involuntarily displaced, me spent away
can have unexpected consequences. If you’ve gone abroad, or spent
me in a different cultural context,
you may know what I mean when I
say it can be hard to go ‘back’
home.
On the one hand, home may become more precious to us
(assuming we loved it in the first
place!). I lived in Costa Rica for
three months, to study Spanish.
During my stay, I visited the stunning, tropical beaches of Tortuga,
where I observed the majes c sea
turtles that lay their eggs there every year. Once they hatch, the baby
turtles swim out to sea and travel
thousands of miles, but they always
return to the same beach to lay
their own eggs. The Christmas a er
I met those turtles, I sent my mom a
hand-cra ed pin shaped like a sea
turtle. “Dear Mom,” I wrote. “I
may travel to distant places, but I’ll
always return to the same beach!”
That gi reflected my own nostalgia
for a home and a family that I deeply missed. But here’s the thing:
Fast forward twelve months, when I
finally returned to Connec cut a er
a year in Chile, and I learned one of
the most difficult lessons of my
travels: that you can’t go back, not
really. Home had changed in my
absence, and so had I. Not that I
had lost the deep love for my family
or my community, but I regarded my
home with fresh eyes, because of my
experience in other se ngs. It was
hard to adjust; things I expected to be
familiar felt u erly unfamiliar. I had
to build a new rela onship with my
old home.
Some me in the coming weeks, we
will pack up our belongings and move
back to 245 Post Road E. What an
amazing, joyful event that will be! For
those who remember worshipping
there before the fire, there will likely
be a flood of memories that wash
over you as you walk back through
those doors. There will also be gasps
of astonishment, as we admire the
changes: a brand new Welcome Center, a youth room and terrace off of
Hoskins Hall, and a beau fully reimagined chapel and music center on
the third floor.
No doubt, there will be a jubilant
sense of homecoming – even for
those who have joined our congregaon since the fire. We will move
through the corridors and recall for
one another the people and events
that have brought life to our church
over the years. “Here’s a piece of furniture hand-built by a long- me
member”… And, “Here’s where we
created our annual walk through holy
week for Saugatuck’s children.” “I
remember ge ng sober in this very
room, with the support of others in
my 12-step group…” and, “I was
si ng in this pew when I was moved
to tears by the most beau ful anthem one Sunday. I s ll remember
that moment as clear as day.”
Those memories are a gi to be
treasured. At the same me, we
will find that what we expected to
feel familiar seems u erly unfamiliar. For one thing, the space is
physically different. The storage
spaces have changed, and many of
the rooms are redesigned. We’ll
have to get to know it all over
again.
It will also feel different because
during our me away, we have
changed. We’ve tried out different
ways of worshipping, and explored
new ways of opera ng. We’ve created new and meaningful events,
welcomed new folks, and discovered some new stuff about ourselves as a community. We named
some of these ‘unexpected gi s’
during worship back in September.
On October 19th, when he serves as
our guest preacher, Rev. Willie
Salmond will offer his own insights
about returning home. He and his
wife Anne lived and worked in
Uganda for much of their adult before re ring to Westport.
(Con nued on page 2)
Musings from the Moderator: October 2014
Saugatuck Congregational Church Covenant
I don’t imagine that many of you spend much time thinking about our church covenant. If you’re like me, you have
read it in unison during worship when new members join the church. And, since it has been a while since that has
happened, you may not remember much about it at all. I hadn’t given the covenant much thought until recently when
someone mentioned it to me. After reading it once again, I decided it was a perfect starting point for our September
Council meeting – a chance to refresh our memories and renew the vows we took as members.
Covenants are very interesting. They are a combination of a promise – to God, to our church, and to ourselves as
Christians; they are a commitment; and they are also a summary of how we agree to live with each other and how
God would have us live. A covenant helps us remember how we act together as Saugatuck Congregational Church.
It seems to me that now is a great time to review and renew our covenant with Saugatuck Church. As we enter our
newly restored church, it is a perfect time to renew our covenant with one another. Take a read through our covenant
and when we get ‘home’ we can recite it together as one.
We the members of Saugatuck Congregational Church acknowledge and celebrate the tangible presence of God in
our lives as revealed in Jesus Christ. We recognize that loving faithfulness to God is best manifested in our loving faithfulness to one another and our earth. Therefore, we covenant with God and each other to strive to
follow Christ’s way, walking with our brothers and sisters in faithfulness to Christ’s command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We accept as our responsibility the worship of God, the witness and fellowship of
this faith community and the task of life-long education in faith. We claim as our mission the promotions of
justice, peace and human dignity in both word and deed. In all these things we bind ourselves to follow the
Holy Spirit as revealed in our scriptures, in tradition and in our own experience.
Peace,
Priscilla Long
(Con nued from page 1)
Here’s one thing we can rely on: our congrega onal covenant, those words that say something about who and
whose we are, no ma er where we are; words that bind us together as an unfolding, ever-growing/learning/serving/
faith-deepening community. Above you can read our covenant.
It can be unse ling to return to a place we have loved, only to realize that it – and we – are not quite the same. It
can also be a gi , a chance to grow in new direc ons, enriched by all we’ve experienced in recent years. May our
covenant promises, our trust in God and our commitment to one another, guide and sustain us as we begin to build
that new rela onship with our old/new home.
Yours on the journey,
Rev. Alison J. B. Pa on
2
St_w[r^ship
Stewardship is the act of taking care of something or someone. Taking care of an ailing loved
one. Raising a child. Touching your grandchildren with your love. Keeping your living quarters a
healthy safe environment with a repaired roof, working appliances. Talking to someone who
just needs the a en on and the comfort it provides. You need to do these things with full
awareness that you are making a difference because our inten on, the effect you are looking to
make, is sacred, nurturing, maintaining, sustaining....
Unfortunately when the word stewardship is brought up in conversa on people immediately connect it to a call for
money. It is of course so very much more than that, arguably the essence of faithful living. What would life be like if
'things', people included, were not taken care of. Actually we've seen the consequences.
People of true faith know the concept of mul plica on of finances, of feeding the 5000. Those who haven't yet discovered these treasures of faith need to be made viscerally aware of how God works miracles when His/Her presence
is recognized and brought to the fore. As you run the race of life, God will provide the wind at your back pushing you
forward not pulling but pushing.
There are many among us and around us in today's society who have lost hope, suffer depression, have lost connecon. Our Saugatuck Congrega onal church is an oasis of hope to be offered to those ready to be connected to the
power of God's love. Nurturing this church, inves ng in this church, suppor ng this church has a rippling effect on
your life and the lives of so many others.
We are moving into the season when you have the opportunity to con nue your financial support, increase your financial support or begin your financial stewardship for 2015. Exert the power of the spirit within you to take on or expand
your role as steward of this great ins tu on. Your reward is assured.
If you're behind in your 2014 pledge, be the steward God is looking to you to be and bring it current. Nurturing is
needed.
Blessings
E.Bruce Borner, Stewardship Commi ee
Saugatuck Church Camping Trip: October 11-13 RSVP to Mark Mathias by 5 pm Wednesday
Come Friday evening, October 11 (or whenever you can join in!) thru Sunday morning, Oct. 13 at
Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, CT. Opportunities for bicycling, fishing, swimming, walking, sports
and even a nature center. Toilets and showers, too. For details call Mark 203-226-5856.
4
The Reverend Doctor and Mrs. Richard Floyd invite you to
join them for the marriage of their daughter, Rebecca Megan, to
Alexander Marshall.
The Eighteenth of October, Two-Thousand and Fourteen at Two O’clock in the Afternoon.
Green’s Farms Congregational Church, Westport, Connecticut.
A receiving line and light refreshments to follow in the Church Parlor.
Saugatuck Youth held a bridal shower for Alex and Rebecca.
Another Wedding In Our Church Family
Ryan Harrington and Ka e Ivers will be married on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the Foxhill
Inn in Brookfield. They have been da ng since they were seniors in high school (over 10 years)
and their story started even before that when they were in middle school! They were engaged
2 summers ago and are both happily employed – Ka e as a sixth grade teacher at Second Hill
Lane Elementary School in Stra ord, and Ryan as the Technology teacher at Flood Middle
School, also in Stra ord..
Ryan and Ka e cared for our children in the crib room during worship services for several years. Ryan’s mother is
our Marcia Harrington.
4
The year is off and running in our ministry to Youth and Children!
Alexander P. Marshall, Associate Pastor
for Youth and Children’s Ministries and
Bridegroom-to-be on October 18th.
Photos by Mark Mathias
Our Youth Group got started with a splash, literally, by taking an awesome trip ra ing on the Deerfield River in Massachuse s. Naviga ng Class III and IV rapids together, our high school youth had tons of fun and reconnected many of the
bonds from last summer's mission trip. We also had along four new visitors, which was very exci ng for our group! Check
out some videos on the Saugatuck Youth Facebook page (facebook.com/saugatuckyouth) to get a first-person perspecve on our trip down the river!
The very next morning, we were all back up bright and early at the Seabury Center for our Youth Mission Worship Service. Members of the group who a ended last June's trip to New Mexico shared their stories and reflec ons on that experience, we watched some videos and slide-shows from the trip, and we heard music and voices from our hosts on the
Navajo reserva on. Our youth did a fantas c job leading us in worship and their stories gave us some though ul insights
on the things they had learned and experienced together on the trip. Of course, we're also ge ng ready for the next
mission trip: on October 5, we're going to be announcing the loca on of next summer's trip at a brunch hosted by the
Youth Group and a rally for the congrega on for our upcoming move!
September is also when our Church School gets started again, and it's off to a great start! Our kids are learning about
themes related to the Exodus story as we walk through that narra ve together as a congrega on in Sunday morning
worship. Story Tent this year is diving into the teachings and parables of Jesus as they begin to plan their next producon.
One of my top priori es for the year ahead is to create more opportuni es for family-wide engagement at Saugatuck
Church. We got started earlier this fall with a cook-out/cocktail party hosted by Ma and Dana Dembski. In October
Mark Mathias is organizing a Saugatuck Camping Trip for families of the church and Craig Pa on and our Chris an Educaon commi ee are hard at work ge ng ready for the third annual All Hallows' Fest on October 26th. Soon I'm hoping to
announce the date for our family Ski Trip next winter and we're working on organizing more events that are geared toward ge ng families together for fellowship and fun. If this is something that you are excited about or have some ideas
for, feel free to reach out! I would love your enthusiasm and your thoughts as we try to enrich our community life with
one another.
Alexander P. Marshall
Associate Pastor for Youth and Children’s Ministries
Saugatuck Congrega onal Church, United Church of Christ (Open and Affirming)
203-227-1261 (ext. 203)
5
All‐Ages Saugatuck River Cleanup. Sunday, October 19th,
10:30 – 1:30, Riverside Park [427 Riverside Ave.]
Over the past 28 years, the Interna onal Coastal Cleanup has become the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean health. Nearly
nine million volunteers from 152 countries and loca ons have
cleaned 145 million pounds of trash from the shores of lakes, streams, rivers, and the ocean during annual campaigns.
In 2013, Save the Sound coordinated volunteers that picked up more than 8,756 pounds of trash from 44 different
beaches on Connec cut’s shoreline. Debris in our rivers flows into the Sound, threatening fish, birds inland and along
the shore. It also is a danger to human health, safety, and naviga on.
Your Saugatuck Church has been ac vely helping in this annual Save the Sound cleanup for years and years. Last year,
the mighty force of 35 volunteers from Saugatuck – our very own trash collectors - gathered 690 pounds of trash from
the Saugatuck River’s shoreline at Riverside Park. That means, 690 pounds of plas c bags, discarded buoys, golf and
tennis balls, car parts, soda cans, cigare e lighters, and lost toys were kept from pollu ng the ocean last year. [Maybe
we can collect over 700 pounds this year!]
We welcome you to join us for any part of this year’s cleanup. Please come and collect with us for any me during the
10:30 to 1:30 collec on period – during or a er a ending church services or classes. We will have scales to weigh your
collected trash. Refreshments provided.
Wear old clothes and bring gloves and boots (it is very muddy out there!).
Call or email Cece Saunders for more informa on: 203-226-7654 (work) or cece@historicalperspec ves.com
.
Friends of Sherwood Island State Park held their annual Islandfest on September 14th. Cece Saunders was given the
TRUE FRIEND AWARD, so well deserved for her work on the archaeology dig and crea on of a new historic trail.
Elwood Be s shared his first hand knowledge of the park’s history.
6
Women’s Spirituality Group
Women’s Spirituality Group
Second and Fourth Sunday of Each Month
This Month, October 12th & 26th 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Ministry Center, 1175 Post Road East, Westport
Join Linda Bruce, our Yale seminarian as we explore our Chris an faith.
May I Have This Dance by Joyce Rupp offers an invita on to be more faithful to prayer
throughout the year.
In October, we will engage Ecclesias cus (Sirach) and the falling leaves of autumn
Consider “…Autumn is a necessary transi on between summer’s frui ulness and
spring’s new life. No new growth will come unless autumn agrees to let go of what has
been. The same is true of our lives” (133)
Please come and explore. [email protected]. Mobile: 203-856-0277.
An Update From Our “Member In Discernment”: Linda Bruce
Gree ngs! Just le ng you know that I am halfway through my studies at Yale
Divinity School. Last year you didn’t see much of me because I had an internship
at First Church Congrega onal in Fairfield. This semester I am taking two classes
at Yale and spend twenty hours a week as a chaplain intern at Norwalk Hospital.
I am finding both experiences challenging yet very gra fying.
Hopefully you will see more of me at church with worship planning and presiding. These are skills that, with
your con nued help and support, will keep me on my path toward ordina on. I am pleased to be able to serve
Saugatuck in this capacity and to work with Pastor Alison. Also, Anne Pa erson joins me in reintroducing the
Women’s Spirituality Group at Saugatuck. Anne and I became fast friends fi een or so years ago through a
group that was started by Lindsey Huddleston. We are delighted to be working and praying together again.
Peace my friends and see you soon! Linda
Sir 6:33 “If you love listening, you will learn.”
7
2014-15 LONG VIEW – AT A GLANCE!
Planning is underway for a range of events and programs. Here’s a snapshot of what’s unfolding at SCC! Stay tuned:
more details in the coming weeks!
NOVEMBER
Move back to 245 Post Road E. Date T BA
Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship – Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7:00 pm, Saugatuck sanctuary; Rev. Barnard Wilson,
Norfield UCC preaching
Gratitude Sunday – Sunday, Nov. 23, 10:00 am worship
Community Thanksgiving Feast – Thursday, Nov. 27
Women’s Spirituality Group – 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings
DECEMBER
Advent Mini-Retreat – Saturday, Dec. 6, 1:30 – 4:00 pm, Chapel
Advent Workshop and Christmas Craft Fair – After worship, Sunday, Dec. 7
Angel Tree Gifts – Gathered Sunday, Dec. 7 (tags available Nov. 9)
CE-sponsored All-Ages activity – hot cocoa, carols…and more! TBA
Blue Christmas-A candle-lit worship for those feeling the blues. TBA
Middle School Youth Group Christmas Party – Dec. 14
JANUARY
Proposed: Re-Dedication Worship and Reception – Weekend of January24 - 25: A community celebration to say
thank-you and bless our rebuilt space. Details TBA .
Snow Fest on the Gr eat Lawn and sledding in Winslow Par k- after the first big snow!
Youth Groups and Families Ski Trip in J anuar y/Febr uar y, Date T BA
Women’s Spirituality Group – 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings
FEBRUARY
Ash Wednesday morning: Prayer and Ashes – Feb. 18
Art Opening: Thin Places Exhibit by MaryEllen Hendricks – Feb. 27, Friday: Display to continue throughout
the season of Lent.
Lenten Small Group opportunities - T BA
Women’s Spirituality Group – 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings
MARCH
Women’s Retreat – March 13 – 15, Silver Lake Conference Center
Pivot Ministries Service Day – Date TBA
APRIL
Easter Sunday, Apr il 5
Mini-Maker Faire, Westpor t – Saturday, April 25
Women’s Spirituality Group – 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings
MAY
Middle School Heifer Farm Trip – May 1-3, Rutland, MA.
Story Tent – Date TBA
Women’s Spirituality Group – 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings
JUNE
Youth Mission Trip – June 20-26
8
Men’s Retreat at Silver Lake a Huge Success
Eleven Intrepid Saugatuck Men: (Le to right) Doug Johnston, Craig Pa on, Larry Aasen, Bruce Borner, Art Schoeller, Frank
Basler, Dan Long, Bob Yingling, Willie Salmond and Gary Stewart. Missing from the photo is Jeff Boak who took the photo
so Bruce Borner would be included. (Leaders are in Italics.)
Eleven intrepid Saugatuck men journeyed to beau ful Silver Lake Conference Center on Saturday, 9/20, for a day and a half of
sharing, learning, chan ng, prayer, medita on, and more sharing. The retreat, “Building the Church, Building our Lives” took its
theme from the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in the Hebrew Bible, when the Israelites returned from exile in Babylon to rebuild
Jerusalem’s temple and walls.
We shared mes in our lives when our own walls of security cracked or crumbled and described what it was – Spirit perhaps -that helped us regain our foo ng and grow in the process. We built a “wall” of firewood before dinner on Saturday, and on Sunday imagined ways we as a closer community of men might build up the new Saugatuck in the coming year.
Perhaps in the coming months you’ll find yourself saying something like this about the men of Saugatuck: “They have an ability
to be vulnerable, which has had a ripple effect on the congrega on. They reach out to others in the congrega on whom they
don’t know and have deeper conversa ons with them.”
Building A “Wall” of Firewood
Photos by Bruce Borner & Jeff Boak
Saugatuck Happenings:
Welcome Sunday, September 7th, the Shamrouges-Tradi onal Irish Music with Bill Morse on the Irish
flute, Blessing the Backpacks, Church School on the lawn, Good Food & Good Friends
Photos by Bruce Borner
In Memory of Helen Morrow
Dear Saugatuck Church Members and Friends,
It is with sadness that I write to share the news that Helen Morrow passed away on Monday, October 6, 2014. She died
peacefully, surrounded by her family, including her husband Jack and their children, Jean, Maggie, Ruth and John.
Once the family has made plans for a memorial service to celebrate her life, we will share those details with you.
Until then, please join me in asking God's comfort for all those who will miss her. Although we grieve, we also give
thanks that Helen has been welcomed into God's loving embrace.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Alison J. B. Patton, Pastor
10
11
All Hallows’ Fest Returns Sunday, October 26th
The 3rd Annual All Hallows’ Fest will be held on Sunday, October 26 at 5:00pm on the church grounds. Programming will again
include Evergreen Cemetery, a costume parade through Winslow Park, and seasonal food and ac vi es on the Great Lawn.
The commercialism that dominates Halloween in 21st century America too o en obscures the holiday’s thema c richness and
cultural heritage. The name Halloween is a contrac on of All Hallows’ Evening. Hallows’ is shortened from hallowed, meaning
sacred. Thus, Halloween actually means “sacred evening.” Sacred because it was originally a me for remembering loved ones
who had died. Holidays based on the idea of remembering and celebra ng departed friends and rela ves are found in cultures
around the globe. Addi onally, many of these holidays occur at the end of the harvest season. The ancient origins of Halloween
and related holidays are inspired by the cycle of the seasons. As plants withered and shadows lengthened, people labored to
prepare for the symbolic death of winter. They feared the cold and silence to come, but knew that the rebirth of spring lay beyond. Thus, Halloween is a thema cally rich holiday that explores our very human fear of death and our fascina on with what lies
beyond.
This year’s event will begin at Evergreen Cemetery, 35 Evergreen Avenue.
A er a brief presenta on, a endees will par cipate in a cra project to
adorn designated areas of the cemetery. A costume parade will then journey across Deadman’s Brook and through Winslow Park to the Great Lawn
where a endees will enjoy seasonal food, ac vi es, and games un l
6:30pm.
All Hallows’ Fest is sponsored by the Board of Chris an Educa on. The
Evergreen Cemetery Commi ee is being consulted regarding programming held at the cemetery.
MarCom Helping Make Ready for the Move
You may have heard a thing or two about us moving back to our church home soon. Just like everyone else, the Marke ng &
Communica ons Ministry Team has been spending much of its me preparing for the move. Working in collabora on with the
Welcome & Membership Commi ee, a list of printed materials were iden fied that they requested we redesign or create from
scratch. We are also upda ng the contact and other informa on on the church’s standard business supplies, taking the opportunity to enhance them as appropriate within budgets. The end result will be new nametags, new business cards, a new visitor
card in the pews, and more - all created to provide a more consistent look than we’ve had in the past. We will also be publicizing
our return to the building to both the media and the public a er the date of our return is finalized and we are ready to announce
it.
Simultaneous with all of that, we are well underway working with Agile Church to redesign our website. Today, church web sites
rank second only to word-of-mouth from congrega on members as ways prospec ve visitors learn about a church. We are crea ng a new site that presents clear, concise, up-to-date informa on on who we are, what we believe, and how we learn, work,
and play together. Addi onally, the infrastructure of the new site allows us to integrate it with our facility management work
and, in me, will support other resources and tools to simplify administra ve work and enable us to more effec vely engage
people in the life of the church.
We look forward to con nuing to do our part during this dynamic me in the Saugatuck Church history.
Craig Pa on, Co-Chair
12
Thank You Temple Israel—a Special Day
Rabbi Michael Friedman
“You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were
sojourners in the land of Egypt.” — Exodus 23:9 with gra tude Saugatuck Congrega onal Church—
2012-2014 The pain ng was designed and painted
by Kathy Ross. Below Kathy is shown presen ng the
pain ng to Rabbi Michael Friedman.
Temple Israel where Saugatuck held their weekly worship services.
Kathy chose the pineapple because it is a symbol of
hospitality especially in colonial New England. The circle
expresses our hope that this friendship will con nue.
Kathy Ross and Michael Hendricks. Michael delivered
the sermon “Water in the Wilderness.” Go to our website (www,saugatuckchurch.org under Worship & the
Arts) or Facebook (Saugatuck Congrega onal Church
UCC) for the complete sermon.
PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCH:
Christine Allen; Lynn Anderson; Carla Bowden and
family on the passing of her mother, Rubi Wentzel,
Ken and Jean Bowden; Freddie and Russ Brenneman; Elmer Crager; Michael Helfer; the Mayer
family; Kathi Mitchell; John Morrow and his family
for the passing of Helen Morrow*; Colleen Plantinga; Betty Raila; Dave Rendleman; Kris Schwindeman-Flandreau; Jim Sweeney; Sheldon Thompson
(Kathy Ross’s father); and Sarah Wheeler (Holly
Wheeler’s sister). Please hold them in God’s presence and in the light of Christ. New additions.*
Happy Birthday from Saugatuck Congregational
Church!
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
4
Ian Patton
11 Devon Gillespie
13 Rose Jordan
Liz-Ann Koos
Dear God, as we complete construction on our
church and prepare to move back in: bless our
preparations. Lend us patience as we sift through
boxes and check off lists. Help us to be both organized and flexible. Teach us to hold our stuff lightly
and treat each other with grace. Ease any worry; inspire our plans. When the projects threaten to overwhelm, refocus our gaze on the big picture: Prepare
us to joyfully welcome others as you welcome us!
Amen.
14
Cece Saunders
16 Gloria Goodenough
Betty Raila
24 Roy Spies
31 Margaret Yingling
Celebrate the birthdays within the Saugatuck family! Email the information (month/day for adults and month/day/year for children) to
Alison Rivard [email protected]
From The Board of Missions
Breaking News!
FOOD JUSTICE COALITION HAS A NEW NAME
At it's September 24 mee ng representa ves from the Congrega on for Humanis c Judaism of Fairfield County, First
Congrega onal Church of Norwalk, Saugatuck, Temple Israel, The Unitarian Church in Westport, United Methodist
Church of Westport and Weston, and Community Plates voted to rename the coali on:
FOOD ACCESS COALITION
Making Quality Food Accessible and Affordable for All
In addi on, the group heard about the very successful startup of First Congrega onal Church's farmer's market this
summer and the Congrega on for Humanis c Judaism recent work as "food runners" for Community Plates. And, the
group decided to begin planning an "Empowerment Through Cooking" program -- using church/synagogue kitchens
[ours?] to provide nutri on educa on, self-esteem building, and cross cultural interac ons through formal cooking
classes.
We may be close to iden fying an advocacy focus: MA is requiring large ins tu ons to give away food or otherwise
dispose of it in other ways than sending unused food to landfills. Watch for more details in the November "Herald."
In the mean me, check out Community Plate's website and see how easy it is to get fresh food into the hands of local
pantries and soup kitchens: h p://communityplates.org/go-rescue/
UNEXPECTED GIFTS
During the sermon, Pastor Alison asked the congregation: “What have we come to know – of God, of ourselves – that we
might have missed without the experiences of the last three years? What unexpected gifts have been placed in our path?
Which of those gifts do we want to carry with us when we walk back through the doors of the church at 245 Post Road
East? What practices and insights?
Here are some of your responses:
Holy ground can be anywhere.
We learned to stick together and hope for a better future.
We experienced the gift of being invited into someone else’s home.
Strengthened interfaith connections
Uncertainty and the unfamiliar can be rewarding
Church is a community, not a building.
Music travels with us.
The gift of throwing things away!
Gifts of the people who have stepped forward to give time and energy
Gift of sharing
Learning to be patient with one another and have hope in the process
Gift of a new pastor-congregation relationship
We don’t have to wait for things to be perfect before we move forward.
Gift of the Jewish community to share worship space
Celebrating communion by coming forward to receive
Worshipping together at one time (instead of in two services)
Youth, clergy, lay people continue to share remarkable gifts of leadership
The gift of renewed purpose
Support and encouragement of the Westport community
The gift of interdependence: We have received from others (hospitality, support); soon we’ll be able to give back
again.
Ministry is better when we do it together with other congregations and with community partners.
Thank you, Saugatuck Church, for your continuing faithfulness!
15
October 2014
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
9:30am Bible
Study
2
8:30am Men’s Group
3
8:30am
MarCom
4
1pm
Marj Potter
Service
GFCC
5:30pm Centering Prayer
5
10am Worship at Temple
Israel
World Communion Sun.
Brunch hosted by Youth
Mission Group
Congregational Rally
6
12
13
14
10am Worship at Temple
Israel
Fellowship
Noon Youth Group at
Ministry Center
Office
Closed
Columbus
Day
9:30am Crafters
12pm Interfaith Council
7:30pm Deacons
19
20
21
8
9:30am Bible
Study
9
8:30am Men’s Group
12:30 Fairfield West
5:30pm Centering Prayer
7:30pm Membership
7:30 Choir at Cannings
7:30 Christian Ed.
10
8:30am
MarCom
11
Family Camping Trip
10/11-13
15
9:30am Bible
Study
16
8:30am Men’s Group
1:30pm Mission Board
5:30pm Centering Prayer
7:30 Trustees
7:30 Choir at Yinglings
17
8:30am
MarCom
11am IFC
Exec mtg.
18
Marshall/
Floyd wed-
23
8:30am Men’s Group
24
8:30am
MarCom
25
Noon Wspst/Weston
Clergy Assoc.
7:30pm Personnel
10am Worship at Temple
Israel
Cleanup Saugatuck River
Crafter Sale
26
7
9:30am Crafters
9:30am Crafters
22
9:30am Bible
Study
ding (see p. 3)
Harrington/
Ivers wedding
No Choir Rehearsal
27
10am Worship at Temple
Israel
Hallo Fest (p.12 )
28
9:30am Crafters
29
9:30am Bible
Study
30
8:30am Men’s Group
31
8:30am
MarCom
7:30 Choir at Cannings
7:30 Church Council
Choir Rehearsal Schedule:
The Chancel Choir rehearsal schedule is a li le confusing because we are using a variety of loca ons for September
and October. Rehearsals 7:30‐9:00PM
October 2 and 9: Rehearsal at the Canning’s Home—9 Mortar Rock Road, Westport
October 16: Rehearsal at the Yingling’s—328 Chestnut Hill Road
October 23: No Rehearsal
October 30: Rehearsal at the Canning’s
New members are welcome to join us at any me. Contact Heather for informa on!
Heather Hamilton
16