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

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Meetings This Week – September 25 – October 2, 2022
Today -              Worship Services, 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.  (10:00 a.m. – live-stream)
                         Sacrament of Baptism, Eloise Elizabeth Gregan
                         Sunday School,  Walk to Deep River Historical Society, 10:00 a.m.
                          Teen Issues, 10:00 a.m.
Monday -           Transitions Academy, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
                           Deacons Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
                           Women’s AA, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday -            Exercise Class with Dale Litalien, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
                           Girl Scout Troop Meeting, 6:00 -7:30 p.m.
Wednesday -      Transitions Academy, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
                           Christmas Faire Craft Night, 7:00 p.m.
                           Girl Scout Troop Meeting, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday -          Soup Kitchen, Curb-side Pick-up, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
                           Senior Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 p.m.
                           A.A., 7:00 p.m.
Friday -               Transitions Academy, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday -           Deep River Farmers Market, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
                           Guiding Eyes for the Blind Puppy Training, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Sunday -             Worship Services, 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.  (10:00 a.m. – live-stream)
                           World Communion Sunday
                           Sunday School,  10:00 a.m.
                           Teen Issues, 10:00 a.m.
                           Sunday School Chowder Challenge, following both services

Today’s Baptism
We rejoice today in the Baptism of Eloise Elizabeth Gregan, born July 13, 2022, at Middletown, CT.  She is the daughter of Sara Ranson and Edmund Robert Gregan III.  Her godparents are Oliver Gregan and Jillian Grant.

Birthdays This Week
David Seluke, Monique Corriveau, Gretchen Grant, Brett Griffith, Brian Moore (Today); James Budney, James Preston III (26); Bil Groth, Gerald Kruszewski, Mia Olson, Cathy Shanley (27); Krystle Robertson, Megan Dugan (28); Kelsey Lindner, Reagan Brenneman, Natalie Nelson, Heidi Chronister (29); Jillian Cayer, Cole Ensinger, Kevin Penkala (30); Brian Medlin, Eric Nelson, Alison Karam, Dean Roberts, Elliott Paradis, Sarah Marino (1).

Happy Anniversary to Jay & Kelly Tonks (25); Tom & Sharon Calatayud (29).

There are volunteer sign-up sheets in Fellowship Hall.  If you would like to be a Lay Reader, donate flowers for worship or host Family Fellowship following 8:30 or 10:00 worship. From Sept. – Dec., please add your name.

Senior Choir Rehearsals take place on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in the choir loft in the Sanctuary.  We are welcoming new choir members, so please come and join us.  See Annetta Sekula  if you have any questions!

SUNDAY SCHOOL
This Sunday, September 25, our Sunday School will be walking to the Deep River Historical Society. We will see their exhibits then have a lesson and snack on the lawn. We will be back by the time Church is over. A Walking Consent Form has been sent to all the Sunday School emails we have on file; contact Sybil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need a copy and bring in this Sunday. Meet outside in the courtyard.
 
NURSERY
Our nursery will also be open every week. Our teachers will be ready to greet your little one. We have a simple curriculum for this class including large picture story books and prayer shells. You are welcome to bring one or two toys along with marked bottles and pacifiers, if needed.
 
SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Be sure to stop at the registration table in the Fellowship Hall. The Board of Christian Education requires a new registration form each year so we can keep up-to-date on allergies and other pertinent information. Spread the good word about our Sunday School program! It is open to all in the community, so bring your friends and neighbors! Join the fun and participate in all the activities that we offer! Registration forms can be found on-line at www.deeprivercc.org or at the Board of Christian Education table during the month of September.

Sunday, October 2 - Chowder Challenge
TEAMS NOW FORMING - Come one, come all to the 7th Annual Sunday School “Surf or Turf Chowder Challenge”!
On October 2nd the Sunday School will host a chowder cook-off right after the 10:00 a.m. service. The “Surf or Turf Chowder Challenge” will consist of 12 teams vying for bragging rights; 6 teams competing in the Surf category (clam, lobster, etc.) and 6 teams in the Turf category (corn, wild rice, etc.). Come judge, as the congregation will select the winner and you can also buy a pint or two of chowder. If you are interested in competing, contact Art Robbins or Sybil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up.

Help Us Prepare for the Christmas Faire!
Our Christmas Faire is held the first weekend in December and help is needed to create items to sell.  All are invited to a Craft Night, in Upper Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, September 28th at 7:00 p.m.  For further information, see Andrea Chiappa, Kelley Frazier, or Jane Hamblett, co-chairs of the Faire Committee. 

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED:  The unity of prayers from members and friends of DRCC mean so much to the recipients.   You may not know the names, but God knows their needs and circumstances as you lift them up.   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, but do get permission from the person before asking to add their names.

New Requests:
Anna  (cancer)
Phyllis Carlton (Hospice Care)
Family of Bill West

Continued Prayers
ALL Health Care & Essential Workers, First     Responders
Everyone affected by COVID-19
Our troops, Veterans & National Guard   
Residents in nursing homes
Joel (healing)                           Abbie
Bobbie McKee                         Bonnie Hunter
Jerry                                        Clare (recovery)
Frank (heart)                            Melanie
Rita (amputation)                      Kevin
Alicia (lung cancer)                   Elizabeth C  
Sue (breast cancer)                  Doug LaFaille
Nicole (cancer has returned)    Theresa Dee
James Maund (cancer)             Mason (cancer)
Hazel (Jane Vieira’s mom)        Kaaren Palmer
Janice Lootsma (recovery)       Scott & Amy
Robin (cancer)                         Owen (birth defect)
John (recovery)                          Jess, Chris & Family                  
All those families grieving the recent loss of a loved one.         
All those around the world affected by natural disasters & political unrest

Long Term Requests:
Carolyn Wehr             Claire Rider
Ed Bushnell                Kathy Harper
Mark Bruscoe             Ruth Woodcock                       
Dottie Davis               Marion Beemer          
 Jon                             Mary Karam
Jerry Clark, Jr.            Noah Krebs                
Rev. Allen Humes      Sybil
Kathy & Ron               Carrie
Dale                            Ben T
Pat Downey                Conner                         
Lori Wilson                  Zachary
Zachary                       Mark & Lorianne  
Keith & Joan               Ed Hemmann
Lyn & Harry                Kelsey Lindner
People of Ukraine

Please review the lists above. If you have requested prayers for someone and their status has changed, please contact me in the office. Perhaps prayers have been answered and the name can be removed, or a new need for prayer has come up. I like to keep the lists updated, but I need your help. Thank you so much, Kris

 

Bible Study To Begin
Our weekly Bible Study will resume for the Fall season on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 7 to 8 p.m.  It will be held via Zoom, so that everyone can participate from home via computer or smart phone.
It will be based on "The Good and Beautiful Bible Study," a new offering from the Alabaster Company. Each week's session "will experience a story from the Bible and what it means for our lives today."   Alabaster is producing contemporary versions of Scripture and spiritual guides which are designed to appeal to the modern reader.   Their books feature easy-to-read print, wonderful commentary, and beautiful photos that complement the text.   Those who wish to obtain a reader's copy of the study can order one through the church office.  The cost is $39.   Sign up to participate by calling the church office (860-526-5045) or emailing the office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Teen Issues continues to meet each week from 10a.m.-11a.m. Teen Issues is open to everyone in grades 9th-12th. Join us for fun activities, service projects, and meaningful talks about life, and building one another up in faith. All are welcome and we hope you can join us on Sundays!
Some events to look forward to this year are:  A trip to Scott’s Apple Orchard, Walking to our church’s cemetery , Ropes course trip , Coming up with projects to help serve our community , Midnight Run to NYC, Homeless Sleep out , and Preparing for next year’s mission trip!

 

Youth Group Activities
Thursday, October 13th 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m. we will have our second Youth Group event! We hope you can join us for caramel apples and Halloween bingo! This Youth Group event is open to anyone in grades 4th-12th. Please RSVP to Chelsea by Sunday October 9th at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sunday, November 6th the Youth Group will be taking a trip to Lyman Orchards Corn Maze after church at 11:30a.m. Please bring a lunch with you to have at Lyman's and money for the maze. It's $6 for ages 4-12 and $10 ages 12 and up. This event is open to grades 4th-12th, however families and younger siblings are welcome to join in the fun. Please RSVP to Chelsea by Sunday, October 30th at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Women’s Fellowship
Join us on Sunday, October 23 at 11:30 am and help us kick start Women’s Fellowship. In addition to the activities noted below, a light lunch will be served. Britney, a friend of Chelsea, from Beeloved Creations (a local small business) will be working with our group as we design and create our own tumblers. You must sign up by October 16, so we have enough supplies. Start your Christmas “gift making” early or just treat yourself! The cost is $20 and is optional to attendees.
 In addition, Women’s Fellowship will be collecting items for Menstrual Pack kits for Church World Service, which will be distributed to women and girls who don’t have access to these products. When we collect enough items, we will get together to assemble the kits.
Please bring in one or more of the following:
2 oz. bottle hand sanitizer
4-gallon bathroom trash bags
Travel pack of wet ones
Tampons (unscented, regular & super absorbency)
Sanitary napkins (unscented, long super ultra thin)
Bath-size soap in package (3 oz. or larger) [No Ivory or Jergens]
Pack of flushable wipes (unscented; 42 count)
Travel sink-size laundry detergent (.25-.45 oz)
CWS is specific in the items they include with their kits. Please purchase only items as noted.
If you have any questions, please contact Chelsea Ehmke (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Sybil (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Reminder: R.S.V.P. by October 16.

ADAMS GIFT CARDS
We also have Adams Gift Cards readily available each week in $25, $50 or $100 increments for your groceries or as gifts and DRCC earns 5% of the card value. Contact Elizabeth Root (203-430-1426) or email Sybil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to place an order; we can deliver in the local area. Visit the church website for more information: https://www.deeprivercc.org/events/fundraisers.html

COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES
When sending your loved one a college care package, remember to tuck in a gift card! It is always so exciting to get a package or letter from home when you are away at college and by adding a gift card you are sending a special message of caring. If you are uncertain of their nearby stores, we have Visa cards so students can purchase items they need even text books at the campus store. You can also purchase gift cards as presents for birthdays, anniversaries, or other upcoming celebrations. What a great way to support the church as a percentage of the face value of each card goes directly to DRCC!

Blessing of Animals Oct. 8th
Our Annual Blessing of Animals will be held on the front steps of the church on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.    Bring your dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, lizards, or other animal companions for individual blessings.   Photos are welcome, too!   

Flu Clinic Here on Wednesday, October 12th
The Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley have scheduled a Flu Clinic here on Wednesday, October 12th, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  You will need to bring your insurance card (they accept Medicare, Anthem, Aetna, and United Healthcare only).  Otherwise you can private pay for $45.
They only offer the quadrivalent flu shot, NOT the senior dose.

Sunday, October 16th – Two Special Celebrations Taking Place!
Sunday, October 16th has been designated as Homecoming Sunday, when we honor those who have been members of our congregation for 25 years or more!  Our “longest time member,” Helen Rankin, joined 77 years ago and there are 19 people who joined the church 50 or more years ago!  There are 7 new names added this year!  We now have a total of 179 long time members.

We will also Welcome New Members on Sunday, October 16th!  
Are you interested in becoming an official member of Deep River Congregational Church?  We would love to welcome you into our church family.  There will be an Orientation Meeting for anyone interested in membership in the Upper Room on Wednesday evening, October 12th in the Upper Room. New members will be welcomed on Sunday, October 16th.   Please contact Kris in the church office if you will be attending the orientation on Oct 12th, so she can prepare enough information packages.

Tuesday Morning Exercise Group
We have openings for more church members to join our Tuesday morning exercise group, which meets in Upper Fellowship Hall from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.  Dale Litalien is the instructor and she incorporates pilates, aerobics, kick box, yoga and more, to keep our classes interesting.  Please contact Dale at 860-391-2007 to learn more.

 

 

SCHOOL KIT MISSION PROJECT - Due to all the current store sales on school supplies, the 7th/8th will be collecting items for our annual School Kit Mission project, for Church World Service, during the fall. While shopping for back to school items, please keep us in mind and pick up one or more of the following items, which can be placed in the Donation Station across from Sybil’s office. SEE ELIZABETH IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL AND ORDER A STAPLES, WALMART OR TARGET GIFT CARD BEFORE YOU GO SHOPPING!
- 30 cm (12”) Ruler (needs to include metric)
- Pencil Sharpener (hand-held)
- Blunt Tip Scissors
- Crayons ~ box of 24
- 2-1/2” Pink Eraser
- Spiral Notebooks 8.5 x 11; 70 sheets only
CWS is very specific in the items they include with the kits. Please purchase only items as noted above, otherwise we cannot use them. Keep an eye on the weekly flyers, for Target, Walmart & Staples have great sales on these items!

Ye Olde Country Delights
In search of …..
· Baskets all sizes - clean & excellent condition
· Any new toiletries
· Jewelry - gently used or new
· Canning jars - 4 & 8 oz.
· Cache pots for planters
· Oriental items
· New baby items - boy/girl (not clothing)
· New hats, scarfs, mittens/gloves
· New books, games, puzzles
· New dish/hand towels
· New teapots/cookie jars
· Unique coffee mugs/French coffee press
· Skeleton keys - large (3-5”) plastic/metal
· Collectables - i.e. Snowbabies, Nutcrackers, Byers Choice Carolers, Anna Lee Dolls, Willow Tree Figurines
 
Since we make gift baskets out of all of these items for the Christmas Faire, they must be in excellent condition and clean for resale. Also, do you have Christmas presents that you can’t use? Country Delights can make them into gift baskets! Would like small toys/games, craft kits, candlesticks, and more! Contact Elizabeth 203-430-1426 for more details or bring in items to Sybil’s office.

Community News

F.I.S.H  IS BACK!!!
F.I.S.H (Friends In Service Here)  is a group of men and women volunteerdrivers who will provide FREE transportation to medical appointments to residents of Chester, Deep River and Essex. Destinations covered by this service are Middletown to the north, New London to the east and Guilford, to the west and all locations within this triangle. This service is meant for those  who have no other means of transportation!
For more information or to book a ride call 860-388-2693! To book a ride you must call by noon the day before your appointment—Friday for Monday appointment!  Please be Covid-19 vaccinated and wear a mask during your ride—drivers are vaccinated and will be masked also!
John Heiser,   F.I.S.H  Dispatcher

Deep River Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, Through October 8 on our church green, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  ( No market on July 16-Muster or August 20-Flea Market)  contact Paul Santowski at 860-262-0031 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Support Groups at Our Church

Mondays at 7:00 p.m. - Women's AA

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. – AA

Please note that the Shoreline Soup Kitchen is serving meal again. 

Curb-side pick-up from 5:00 -6:00 p.m. every Thursday.