Weekly Wednesday Message

Newsletter of the Week October 21, 2020

Dear Friends: 

This fall I’ve been very grateful to the beautiful orange maple tree I can see from the windows of the master bedroom.  It lights up at sunrise, stays brilliant even on the cloudy days, and is backlit by the setting sun.  I’m so glad it’s hung onto its leaves for as long as it has. 

We’ve been hearing there are some dark days ahead, in terms of the pandemic.  It will also be literally darker and no doubt more chilly as well.  With the Deacons’ acquiescence, we intend to worship two more Sundays together outdoors, October 25 and November 1, if you can endure it.   All Saints’ Day, November 1st, also marks the end of Daylight Savings which will allow a bit more sleep but also a bit more chill.  It may be the last opportunity we have to take communion together for a while.  After that, we will go back to live-streaming, this time from inside the sanctuary. 

Our kindred groups are underway.   I hope they will bring some light and comfort and levity along the way:  my prayer is that you will enjoy yourselves as well as come up with some ideas for the church’s future.  Please be in touch with me or with the office if you have suggestions or problems, or be in touch with Gail Holt if you need assistance with the zoom link. 

Your pastor, 
Carrie

Announcements:

Upcoming Sermon Titles
Oct. 25 Doing God’s Will: Discerning Together – 
Nov. 1 Tell Me Our Story: Church Memory (7) 
Nov. 8 Clarifying Our Purpose: Love for Neighbor 
Nov. 15 Behold a New Thing 

Confirmation Starts This Week by Zoom:  Friday, Oct. 23 at 7 pm

Cabinet Meeting by Zoom: next Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7 pm

In Need of Evergreen Branches
Sandy Burns asking for any type of evergreen branches to make the cemetery logs.  If people could bring them to the church now that would be great.

Mission & Outreach News
ONE WARM COAT
The Springfield Rescue Mission needs our help now more than ever.
Once again, we are challenging you… from November 1 to December 6.

Please donate clean, gently used coats, sweaters, sweatshirts and NEW white socks for men, women, and children. Everything will be distributed to those in need right here in our area. No one should go cold!!

Drop off at the First Congregational Church, 7 Somers Road, EL
• Sunday mornings 9:30 to 11:00
• Mondays 12:00 to 4:00
• Thursdays 10:00 to 2:00
Inside back door to breezeway, place in big box.

Thank you so much, FCC Mission and Outreach

Pilgrim Fellowship had a great time walking and hiking on Rice’s Preserve last Sunday afternoon during the height of the fall foliage.

Prayer this Week: borrowing from poet Mary Oliver
Praying
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
— Mary Oliver, Thirst