A Letter from Blue Grass:  The Joyful Feast
August, 2019
Rev. Timothy Haut
Deep River Congregational Church

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A Letter from Blue Grass:  The Joyful Feast
August, 2019
Rev. Timothy Haut
Deep River Congregational Church

Read more ...

Today -          Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.
                      STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY
                      Veterans’ Breakfast, 9:00 a.m.
                      Sunday School, 10:00 a.m.
                      Youth Choir Rehearsal, 11:15 a.m.                        
                      ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING, 11:30 A.M.
Monday -       Veterans’ Day-Office Closed
                      Daycare Committee, 5:15 p.m.
                      Trustees, 6:30 p.m.
                      Christmas Faire Craft Night, 6:30 p.m.
                      EDA, 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday -       Funeral for Wendy Carter, 10:00 a.m.
                      Gentle Yoga Class, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
                      Christian Education, 6:45 p.m.
                      Bible Study, “Soul Keeping,” 7:00 p.m.
                      A.A., 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday - December Messenger Articles Due Today
                      Staff Meeting, 12:00 p.m.
                      HVN Support Group, 1:00 p.m.
                      Pinochle Group, 1:00 p.m.
                      Chancel Handbell Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 p.m.
                       N.A., 7:00 p.m.
Thursday -      Shoreline Soup Kitchen Meal, 5:00 p.m.
                       Senior Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 p.m.
                       A.A., 7:00 p.m.
Friday -           Transitions Academy, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday -       Women’s A.A., 8:30 a.m.
Sunday -         Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.
                       Sunday School, 10:00 a.m.
                       Youth Choir Rehearsal, 11:15 a.m.                        
                       Confirmation Class, 11:15 a.m.

Deacons in Charge for November
Dan Cotton is the Deacon on Call.  The Sanctuary Rep is Anne Bartlett and Rick Morrow is taking care of Greeters, Lay Readers, and Flowers.

Birthdays This Week
Mark Gesick, Brian Tabor (10); Joyce Bugbee, Mazie Dennison, Riley Haston (11); Leigh Ann Rankin (12); Meghan Callahan, Craig Larson (13); Jacob Malcolm (14); Keryn (Grohs) Lane, Diane Persson, Heather Mudge, Brenda Seymour, Piper Mae Silva, Savannah Powell (15); John Bauer, Kathleen Blake, Sean Davis, Joe Peluso, Zachary Gilbert (16).

New Member Orientation-/New Member Sunday
There will be a New Member Orientation Meeting on Wednesday evening, November 20th with new members being recognized the following Sunday, November 24th.   Please RSVP to Kris in the church office at 860-526-5045 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., so we know how many to plan on.

What Can I Do?   BE A PRAYER PARTNER!
Please use these lists to hold up these individuals, whether you know them or not….and please contact Kris Lindner   (860 526 5045 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you know someone in need of prayers from the faithful.

New Requests:
Jesse P
Bobbie & Ed
Jim & Theresa
Rick Morrow
John (Donna Sheldon’s son)
Linda & Adam
Deb Campbell
Our Veterans

Continued Prayers:
Rev. Bill West                Rev. Chris Horvath         
Bill                                Carolyn Wehr                         
Matthew V                     Marion Beemer
Andrew T                       Noah Krebs                                        
Ben                               Dottie Davis                   
Jerry Clark, Jr.                Bobbie & Ed                   
Tom                               Lyn & Harry    
Dorothy                         Mary Karam
Eunice Howard               David Recchia                
Trudy Harding                 Suzette Bavolack
Bill Taylor                       Shelley C
Steve Thomas                Pat Downey
Carol Z                           Our troops in the Middle East
Hutch                             Natalie  (safe pregnancy)
Danny                            Teri
Sari                                Alison, Chris  & Paul Karam
Bobbie McKee                Janet
Alison                             Craig
Jim Rankin                      Victims of Storms/Fires
Bill Everett                       Marcia
Mark Griswold                 KR and KL
Pam’s Uncle Rich            John Roberts
Victoria                           Bobby
Kyle’s Family                  Gayle
Matt S                             Bill
Irene                                The Wescotts
Those experiencing grief in the loss of a loved one

Prayer Request from the Middlesex Association for the Week of Nov. 10
The Congregational Church of East Hampton requests prayers that the Church Mission Group "Seeds of Hope" will be inspired by the Spirit as they share with the church today about their Summer trip to Puerto Rico.

Evening Discussion Group
The Tuesday evening discussion and prayer group meets from 7 to 8:15 in the Upper Room.   This six-session series is based on John Ortberg's book "Soul Keeping."  He explores our common need to care for our soul and shares his honest, funny, moving, and insightful experiences.  John Ortberg is a Presbyterian pastor in California and a best-selling author.   All are welcome to come and share in this warm fellowship.

Board of Christian Services – CWS Blanket ‘Sale’
It’s that time of year when the Board of Christian Services is ‘selling’ blankets that will be distributed to those in need on behalf of Church World Services.  Your $10 donation will purchase a blanket that will be sent when the need arises – to provide shade in Africa or to cover a window in Appalachia.  The Board of Christian Services will be in Fellowship Hall each week during the month of November.  Last year our congregation purchased 89 blankets on behalf of Church World Services!  Let’s see if we can surpass last year!!  Any questions please see any Board of Christian Service member – Sally Marston, Chelsea Chiappa, Dorothy DeMichael, BJ Hopkins, Sandy Lunn, Rebecca Mozzochi, Katie Rankin, Cathy Smith or Beth Szymanzki.

Service for Peace and Healing
Our next Service for Peace and Healing will be Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 7 to 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.  Gather for quiet prayer and contemplation, lighting a candle for those in need of God’s peace or healing, and, for those who wish, individual prayers and anointing.

Community Thanksgiving Service
The annual Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester.  Combined choirs and clergy from congregations in the Valley-Shore area will participate.  A reception will follow.

Annual Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries Thanksgiving Dinner
You are invited to Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 28th at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main Street in Old Saybrook.  All are welcome to attend.  No reservations are required.  For more information: 860-388-1988 or www.shorelinesoupkitchens.org

GL Scrip
'Tis  the holiday season so there are many special feasts to prepare, loved ones to remember at Christmas or on their birthdays, and cards to meet your own personal shopping needs.  Because the Season is upon us as we celebrate Thanksgiving and the birth of Jesus Christ, Jane and Elizabeth will be submitting GL Scrip  orders every Sunday during the months of November and December.  
We look forward to helping you with your shopping needs as you also support
our beloved church.  See you at our table after services.

Consider Joining our Chancel Handbell Choir
Our rehearsals are every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  We encourage you to join us – any level of musical ability is welcome.  We play a variety of music that ranges from easy to moderate level of difficulty.  We try to play in church about once a month and, of course, at Christmas and Easter
We play because we love making music.  It is our pleasure to fill our Sanctuary with the beautiful sound of bells.  Contact Claudia Hardy at 860-227-3858.

Christmas Pageant Scenery in Need of Work
The Trustees are looking for people who are willing to pitch in to work on the pageant scenery. Please call or see Art Christianson or Joe Peluso if you're interested!

Ye Olde Christmas Faire News

Ye Olde English Christmas Faire Is ONLY 6 Weeks Away!  Help Is Needed
•    Thread & Needle
A Chair is needed for the Thread and Needle this year.  You don’t have to be able to knit or sew—just to set up and display the items.  
Do you love to knit or sew?  Homemade knitted, crocheted,  and sewn are needed to stock the booth with your creativity.   Please contribute.

•    A Chair is needed for the Sweet Shop and volunteers are needed to bake a variety of treats.
•    Nature’s Garden
Do you love all things Natural?  Homemade nature and Christmas themed Décor items are needed to fill the beautiful Nature’s Garden Booth this year.   Please see Margaret Paulsen or Grace Krick for further information.  
•    Decorations for wreaths and bow makers
•    Baked Goods will be needed for the Bake Shoppe.
•    Treasures and “re-giftable” items are needed for  King’s Treasures
•    Homemade Christmas Ornaments for the Curiosity Shoppe.
•    Small, inexpensive toys for Santa’s Workshop.
•    Monday Night Crafts Gathering
 Please join us at 6:30 p.m. on Monday evenings in Fellowship Hall to work on crafts together in preparation for the Faire.  If you cannot join us and would prefer to work on crafts at home, please see the Faire Committee members.
•    Sign-Up Sheets
There are sign-up sheets on the bulletin board across from the kitchen, or you can see Andrea Chiappa, Jane Hamblett or Kelley Frazier for further information or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Christmas Faire Needs: Ye Olde Country Delights
2019 Christmas Faire Requests!
In search of the following to make into gift baskets:
•    Vintage handkerchiefs
•    Any new toiletries
•    Gently used or new jewelry
•    Clean canning jars and 4 & 8 oz. jelly jars
•    Fine china teacups with saucers, teapots, coffee mugs
•    Christmas presents that you can’t use
•    Small toys/games, craft kits
•    New baby items
•    Elegant & fancy cake/pie plates
•    Candlesticks
•    New movies
Contact Elizabeth 203-430-1426 for more details or bring items to Sybil’s office

Sunday School News

Looking For Empty K-Cups
The Green Team and the Sunday School are gearing up to make our ornaments for the Festival of Trees held in December at the Deep River Historical Society. This year we will be using recycled k-cups for our craft. So if you use a Keurig, save us your k-cups. After use, remove the lid and grounds then rinse. There will be a container in hallway near Sybil’s office for the empty pods. Thank you! (Look on-line for numerous uses of coffee grounds).

Sunday School Nursery News
The BoCE is looking for parents or congregational members to volunteer in the nursery. We have a very simple curriculum to include coloring, music and big story books plus prayer shells before snack (in which DRCC purchases) or you can bring in your own ideas, crafts, instruments, etc. Please let Sybil (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) know if you can help in this capacity, whether it be one Sunday a month or two. We have a very flexible schedule and if something comes up on your Sunday, we will find someone to fill-in for you.

Donations Can Now Be Made on your Smartphone!
•    To give through the app, search your phone’s app store for “GivePlus Church” or contact Dayle in the church office
•    Download the FREE app on your Apple or Android phone
•    Make one-time or recurring donations using your debit/credit card or checking/savings account
•    Log in or donate as a guest
•    Securely and conveniently manage donations using TouchID/Fingerprint, PIN or password.

Gentle Yoga Classes
Gentle Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mind holds classes here in Upper Fellowship Hall on Tuesday mornings October 15th through December 17th, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.  (No class on November 26th or December 3rd). The fee is $10.00 per class, drop-in and bring a yoga mat & blanket to class. The instructor is Liz Archambault, RYT 500 and you may contact her for further information at 860-526-3250.

Community News:
•    35th Annual Service of Remembrance:  This is a nondenominational Service of Remembrance, which will honor the memory of those who have died in the Middlesex health Hospice Program and Palliative Care Services this past year.  This gathering is held at Mercy High School, 1740 Randolph Road in Middletown on Sunday, November 17, at 2:00 p.m.

•    We are all invited to attend the 7th Annual Festival of Trees at the Carriage and Stone Houses, which will be decorated and open for viewing with trees designed by non-profit organizations in Deep River.  (Including our own Sunday School and CSCC Daycare.)  It is a free holiday event open on Friday, Dec. 13, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 15, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.  It has been a tradition to ask guests to consider bringing non-perishable donations for the Deep River Community Food Pantry.

Support Groups at Our Church in Lower Fellowship Hall

Mondays at 6:00 p.m. - EDA
Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. – AA
            Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. – HVN
            Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. – NA
            Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. - AA
            Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. – Women’s AA

       Shoreline Soup Kitchen serves a meal here at 5:00 p.m. every Thursday.