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

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Meetings This Week – November 21 - 28, 2021
Today -               Worship, 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.  Thanksgiving Sunday
                           Pastor Appreciation Sunday
                           Sunday School, 10:00 a.m.  (Golden Turkey Hunt)
Monday -            Transitions Academy, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
                           Deacons Meeting,  7:00 p.m.
                           Girl Scout Leaders Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday -            CSCC Thanksgiving Program, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
                           Fall Bible Study, 6:30 p.m. (in person in Upper Room)
Wednesday -      Transitions Academy, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
                           Christmas Faire Craft Night, 6:30 p.m.
                           Bell Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday -          THANKSGIVING DAY/Office Closed
                           A.A., 7:00 p.m.
Saturday -           Hanging of the Greens, 9:30 a.m.
                          Set Up Creche, 9:30 a.m.
Sunday -             Worship, 8:30 & 10:00 a.m.  First Sunday of Advent
                           Carol Sing, 8:20 & 9:45 a.m.
                           Faire Structure Set-up, 12:00 p.m. 

Birthdays This Week
Jacob Malcolm (Today); Keryn Lane, Diane Persson, Robin Deming, Heather Mudge, Brenda Seymour Piper Mae Silva, Savannah Powell (15); John Bauer, Kathleen Blake, Sean Davis, Joe Peluso, Zachary Gilbert (16); Erica Anderson, Rebecca (DeMichael) Mozzochi, Melanie Lee, Peter Norris, Gage Fanslau, Jonathan Winterstein, Stephen Vincelette (17); Andrew Pandiani, Kelsey Pandiani, Henry Boremski (18); Maleena Frazier, Nicole (Hooghkirk) Negron, Susan Rozelle (19); Katelyn Eaman, Scout Lohrs, Jaidan Bailey (20).

Birthdays This Week
Chlesea Fremut, Phyllis Haut, Deb Van Wyngaarden, Pam Adanti (Today); Arlene Macmillan, Michelle Roise (22); Kristen (Deming) Luddy, Keith Taylor, Michael Roise (23); Kyle Deming, Kevin Kruszewski (24); Acacia Bowden Rick Morrow (25); Kathryn Hageman (26); Kathy Alsop, Roger Moore (27).

Fall Stewardship Program for 2022 – “Moving Forward in Faith”  
The Stewardship Committee is grateful to everyone who has made a pledge to keep our Church’s light shining as we “Move Forward in Faith.”  We are still about $50,000 short of our goal of $230,000 and we are praying that you may search your hearts to make a financial commitment to help us meet our budget for 2022.  There are pledge cards in the pew racks and in the church office. You may contact anyone on the Stewardship Committee for more information:  Jane Syme & Jeanie Quigley, Co-chairs, Lori Staib, Tom Lindner, and Kris Lindner.
A note to those who give electronically-we still need to receive a pledge card from you so that we know that you are continuing to support our Stewardship Program.

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us on select Sunday mornings for Sunday School!
Schedule:
November 21 - The Great American Turkey Hunt & Festival of Tree Ornaments
November 28 - No Classes
 
Sunday, November 21
FIND THE GOLDEN TURKEY
Our Sunday School will be searching for rubber turkeys, but the hunt will also be on for the coveted GOLDEN TURKEY. Come see if you can find him. Search high and low; those with a keen eye will see him lurking!! Fun prizes for the winners!

Nursery
Our nursery is open! Our teachers will be masked and we ask you to bring one or two toys your child can play with along with marked bottles and pacifiers, if needed. Very few toys will be in the room for they have to be cleaned each week.  Contact Sybil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Teen Issues
Even though Sunday School is meeting every other week, Teen Issues will continue to meet every Sunday from 10a.m.-11a.m., and is open to all in grades 9-12. Join us for fun projects and meaningful talks about life and faith.

Advent is Coming . . .
Next week we begin a new Church Year as Advent begins.  To prepare for the season, the Hanging of the Greens will take place here in the sanctuary on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 9:30 a.m.  Come help put up our big Christmas tree and “deck the halls” with ribbons and roping,
 And we need some strong folks to help set up he outdoor Creche as well.

Come Early Next Sunday for the Carol Sing!
As we begin the season of Advent next Sunday, come early throughout the season to join in singing your favorite Christmas carols.   Gather at 8:20 or 9:45 to sing carols before each of our Advent services.

Poinsettias-Please Order by Wednesday, December 10th
Traditionally, we decorate our Sanctuary with Poinsettias on Christmas Sunday, which falls on December 19th  this year.  The flowers are given in memory and in celebration of loved ones or events.  The 4 ½ inch plants are $5.00 and the larger, 6 ½ inch plants are $10.00.  The order forms can be found on the Narthex table or in the church office.  You may purchase the plant to take home with you following the 10:00 service on Dec. 19th, or you may wish to donate the plant to be distributed to our “Treasured Members,” those who have been ill, suffered a  loss, or is a shut in.  Be sure to indicate on your order, whether you will take your poinsettia home or donate it.  Please contact Kris in the Church Office with any questions:  860-526-5045 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Thank you.

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:
Jill Bertolini  (Hospice)
Kathy Alsop – Loss of her brother, Rick
Lorraine Eckenroth (Leukemia)
Roger Tryon
Paul Egan (very ill)

Continued Prayers:
ALL Health Care & Essential Workers, Scientists  
Everyone affected by COVID-19
Our troops, Veterans & National Guard   
Residents in nursing homes
Kathy Welch                 Bob Tirrell
Claire Rider                   Mary Vise
Ron Benak                    Andrea (eye)                                    
“S”                                Bob S
Suzette Bavolack          Scott
Debby & Phil                Julie Milspaugh
Dale                             Chick Avery
Sam                             Karen Ford
Jen A. (anxiety)             Lori & Art
Megan                           Fred
Sandi Lunn                   J.V. Contin
Christi Downey              Laverne & Ed
Taryn Frazier                Geri Wescott
Faith McCann               Susan Laverty
Jo                                Rita
Laurie Blair                   Sheila
Bhano Keshwala           Fran
Sue Knirsch                  Ana R
All those families experiencing the recent loss of a loved one
All those around the world, affected by natural disasters & political unrest

Long Term Requests:
Joe & Nancy Peluso
Debra & Louis            Ed Bushnell
Mark Bruscoe             Ruth Woodcock                       
Carolyn & Kathy          Ben T                        
Marion Beemer           Jon  
Jerry Clark, Jr.            Dottie Davis
Noah Krebs                Mary Karam
Ann & David               Rob Rankin
Lyn & Harry                Sybil
Kathy & Ron               Ed Judd
Ed Hemmann              Dale
Rev. Allen Humes       Pat Downey
Charlie & Mary           Carrie
Louisa Rudnycky        Carly
Lori Wilson                 Fran Pitts
Scott Misner               Zachary
Mark & Lorianne         Charlie
Will Visel & Conner     Paul

Middlesex Association Prayer Request for the Week of November 21st    
As we the people of the churches of the Middlesex Association celebrate Thanksgiving in many ways and in many places may we be filled with gratitude for the blessings God has lavished upon us.

Advent Bible Study
"Because of Bethlehem," an Advent Bible Study led by Tim Haut, will be held on four Tuesday evenings beginning November 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Room.   The video series, featuring Max Lucado, reflects on the deeper meaning of the Christmas miracle.   The four sessions are entitled "God Has a Face,"  "Worship Works Wonders," "God Guides the Wise," and "Every Heart a Manger."   All are welcome and there is no charge.

 

Christmas Faire on December 4th, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Please Contact Anyone on the Faire Committee if you can help in any way:
Chiappa at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Kelley Frazier at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; and Jane Hamblett at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Sign-Up sheets were sent out on Friday to the Weekly Online Newsletter recipients. If  you are unable to sign up on line please contact someone on the Faire Committee, listed above.  Sign up sheets are available in the hallway outside the church office.

Needs:
•     Faire Set-Up is at noon on Sunday, November 28th
•    Anyone and everyone who is willing to volunteer during the day of the Faire!  
•    Take-Down begins at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and volunteers are needed to help
•    A chair for Nature's Garden...someone willing to set up at this point.
•    A convertible or antique car for Santa to sit in at 1:00 p.m.
•    Auction items are very much needed such as items or services ,etc.
•    Anyone who can craft at home, Andrea will provide materials, if needed.
 
The Curiosity Shoppe would appreciate handmade Christmas ornaments for sale at their Shoppe at the Faire.  Contact Jane Hamblett for more information -  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  
 
Craft Nights for Ye Olde English Christmas Faire – Two More Sessions
All are invited to join in gathering together to make crafts for the Christmas Faire, which is coming up SOON!   Please join us in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, November 27th at 9:30 a.m. and on Wednesday, December 1st at 6:30 p.m. We have the supplies, but if you have scissors and or glue guns, feel free to bring them!  We look forward to fellowship while crafting!  Thank you,

Sweet Shoppe
The Sweet Shoppe would appreciate Homemade Baked Goods such as, Christmas cookies, breads, pies, cakes, etc.  Share your favorite holiday goodies!  You can arrange drop off with Heather & Tori Mudge, who are chairing the Sweet Shoppe this year.  (860-581-0642)  They will be available Thursday and Friday in the church nursery for drop-offs.  Please price your items, as we know some of them are an effort and expense to make.  Thank y

Ye Olde Country Delights is in search of:
•    Gently used or new jewelry
•    New toiletries
•    Hankies or “yesterdays” fancy armchair covers
•    New items to make gift baskets for:
o    Baby
o    Young girl and/or boy
o    Teens
•    Clean canning jars, 4 & 8 oz. or donations of new flats of those sizes
Contact Elizabeth 203-430-1426 for more details or bring in items to Sybil’s office.

Volunteers are needed to bake specific desserts for Dessert “to go” by Candlelight – Friday, December 3rd

King’s Treasures
We are looking for new or nearly new items that can be used as Christmas/holiday presents.  White elephant quality or “re-giftable” items are excellent.  Seeking antiques, collectables, glassware, China, small furniture and old jewelry.  The goal is to display really fine items in this Shoppe to tempt and satisfy the truly discriminate shopper.  Contact Susan Miron.  Items for King’s Treasures may be left in the far end of Lower Fellowship Hall during office hours.
Reminder:  This is NOT a Rummage Sale – we are looking for quality items and please be sure your donations are CLEAN before dropping them off.

Pick up a special Thanksgiving meal with all of the trimmings!  
 Wednesday, November 24
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Grace Episcopal Church
336 Main Street, Old Saybrook

The Board of Christian Service is encouraging everyone, who can, to give There is a dire need.  Here is the latest information on local Red Cross Blood Drives:
November Drives
11/23/2021 | 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM - Essex Town Hall, 29 West Avenue, Essex
11/24/2021 | 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM - Congregation Beth Shalom, 55 East Kings Hwy, Chester
11/24/2021 | 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM - First Church of Christ, 366 Main Street, Old Saybrook
December Drives
12/10/2021 | 08:00 AM - 01:00 PM - Nathan Hale Ray High School, 15 School Drive, Moodus
12/11/2021 | 08:00 AM - 01:00 PM - St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 232 Durham Road, Madison
12/13/2021 | 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM - Lutheran Church of Madison, 9 Britton Lane, Madison
12/16/2021 | 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM - First Congregational Church, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme
12/16/2021 | 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM - St. Peters Church, 30 Saint Peter Lane, Higganum

GL SCRIP & ADAMS GIFT CARDS – NEED PRESENT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
Buy gift cards from over 750 top brands (local and national stores) to use as gifts or for your daily purchases. It's the easiest way to create opportunities for DRCC and the people that matter most to you. No extra money spent. No extra time wasted shopping. You buy a gift card & get the full value  /  The brand gives back, nothing extra comes out of your pocket  /  DRCC earns money. Call Elizabeth Root (203-430-1426) or email Sybil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or to place an order; just ask and we can deliver the cards in the local area. Adams Gift Cards are also available in $25, $50 or $100 increments and DRCC earns 5%. Buy now, shop later! Visit the church website for more information and to download the list of participating retailers: https://www.deeprivercc.org/events/fundraisers.html
Gift card fundraising is a great way for DRCC to raise money!

Community News:

Do You Need Help with Oil?
Deep River Social Services can provide oil delivery for eligible households for Deep River residents only.  Contact Rosie Bininger for more information at 860-526-6033 on Tuesdays (9-12) and Thursdays (1-4) or email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Funding is provided by:  Deep River Rotary, Customers of Shore Discount Liquors and the Community Health Committee.

HELP  HELP!!
FISH (Friends in Service Here) drives residents of Chester, Deep River and Essex, who have no other means of transportation to medical appointments. We go as far as Guilford to west, New London to the east and Middletown to the north.  We are looking for drivers in good health, fully vaccinated and with a good driving record to join our group of volunteers as a driver.  If you are interested and would like more information please call our answering service at 860-388-2693 and let them know you are interested and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Social Services Help Days-Monday, November 22nd and Thursday December 23rd
There will be a CT Foodshare Drive through pick up at First Church, 366 Main Street, Old Saybrook on November 22nd and Thursday December 23rd from 10:00 a.m. – Noon.  Please wear a mask and stay in your vehicle and follow signs.
Also, for RENT and ELECTRIC help, you may apply on-line at https://portal.ct.gov/DOH/DOH/Programs/UniteCT

Support Group at Our Church in Lower Fellowship Hall

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. - AA   (In Person)

       Shoreline Soup Kitchen offers Curb-Side Pick-up Every Thursday, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

 NO MEAL SERVED HERE ON THANKSGIVING DAY