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

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Today -         Worship, 10:00 a.m. Live Stream and in-person Rev. Tim Haut preaching
Monday -      Transitions Academy, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
                     Christmas Faire Craft Night,  6:30 p.m.
Tuesday -      Exercise Class with Dale Litalien, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. (no class today)
                     Bible Study, "Rythms of Renewal,"  6:30 - 7:30 p.m.  In Person
Thursday -    Soup Kitchen, (curb site pick-up only), 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
                     Deacons, 7:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
                     A.A. Meeting, 7:00 p.m. (In Person)
Friday -         Transitions Academy, 8:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Saturday -     Guiding Eyes for the Blind Puppy Training,  8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
                     Blessing of the Pets, 10:00 a.m.
Sunday -       Worship, 8:30 a.m. (in person only) and 10:00 a.m. (Live Stream and in-person)
           

Happy Birthday!
James Budney, James Preston III (Today); William Groth, Gerald Kruszewski, Mia Olson, Cathy Shanley (27); Krystle Robertson, Charlie Rayner, Megan Dugan (28); Kelsey Lindner, Reagan Brenneman, Natalie Nelson, Heidi (Schmidt) Chronister (29); Jillian Cayer, Cole Ensinger, Kevin Penkala (30); Brian Medlin, Erick Nelson, Alison Karam, Dean Roberts, Elliott Paradis, Sarah Marino (1); Jon Hardy, Scott Taylor (2).

8:30 Service to Begin in October
At the request of a number of our church members, we will resume our 8:30 a.m. Sunday services on a trial basis in October.   The 8:30 service will be a half-hour version of our regular service for those who prefer that early hour.   The increase of vaccinations and the improvement in our state's infection rate now allows us to return to two services, although for the time being we will continue to ask worshippers to wear masks.

World Communion Sunday
World Communion Sunday will be celebrated next week, October 3, as we join with Christians around the table of the Lord.   Join us in person in our sanctuary or at home via live-streaming (www.deeprivercc.org).   

Deep River Food Pantry
The Deep River Food Pantry needs to be replenished.  We are going to collect food, beginning next Sunday, October 3rd.  Please bring non-perishable items with you next Sunday so we can restore items needed.  Thank  you so much.

Homecoming and New Members Sunday
Our annual observance of Homecoming will be on Sunday, October 10, at our 10 a.m. service.   The tradition celebrates the heritage of our church here in Deep River, which was founded in 1834.   During the service we will honor members of 25 years or longer.  Also during that service we will invite New Members to join the church.   Those wishing to consider membership in the church are invited to gather for an Orientation Session with the Deacons and Minister in the Upper Room on Wednesday, October 6, at 7 p.m.

Fall Stewardship Program for 2022
      This year’s Stewardship Theme is “Moving Forward in Faith.”  A mailing was sent out to our members and friends on Monday, September 20th.  The mailing contains an especially moving letter from Rev. Tim Haut, a Pledge Card, a Tim & Talent Pledge Card, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for convenient returning your promises for 2022.  Copies of the letter and pledge cards can be downloaded from the website in case you do not receive a mailing, or you may contact the church office.    Our program will continue through Stewardship Sunday, November 14th.  In the coming weeks, you will hear testimonies from several of our church members and friends, who will share what our church has meant to them.  Everyone is invited to share their blessings in the form of leaves, for our "Tree of Blessings" and a "thermometer" will monitor our progress as your pledges are received.
     The church is counting on your financial support, as well as any time or talent that you might offer.  Please give prayerful consideration to the ways you can help our church “Move Forward in Faith” in the coming year.  It’s been a trying period of time with the pandemic, but keep this scripture from our banner in mind:  "Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead," Philippians 3:13.
     You may contact anyone on the Stewardship Committee for more information:  Jane Syme & Jeanie Quigley, Co-chairs, Lori Staib, Tom Lindner, and Kris Lindner.

SUNDAY SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION
Join us Sunday mornings for Sunday School! Classes will be a little different this year. Face masks will be required and we ask each child to bring their own sit-upon or towel and to dress for the weather. Hand sanitizer will be provided to each class. Due to the COVID variant, we are going to keep our classrooms (3 years old on up) outside as long as we can. In case of inclement weather, an email will be sent and classes will not be held.
 
Sunday School age children will not be going into the church for the first part of the service. We will meet in DRCC’s courtyard starting at 9:45 am. A children’s moment will be held before we break off with teachers and friends for fun activities and lessons. Pick up after church is over.
 
If at any time we feel the need to suspend classes, we will do so. We will reevaluate in-person Sunday School when the cold weather approaches. We can go back to on-line lessons if need be. We hope everyone can be flexible as we navigate through this variant.
 
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. We will go outside as much as possible.

Fall Bible Study Continues This Tuesday
Our new fall Bible Study group will continue this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Room.   This 5-session group, based on Rebekah Lyon’s video study “Rhythms for Renewal,” will help us to talk about four patterns that help us to address stress and anxiety in our lives.  All are welcome.

Craft Nights for Ye Olde English Christmas Faire
Hi Everyone!  We are so hopeful we can have a normal Faire this year!  In the meantime we would love to have you join us on our Craft Nights! The next gathering is on Monday,  September 27th in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m.!   Refreshments will be served. 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,
The Faire Committee

Blessing of the Animals
Our annual Blessing of the Animals will again be held on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.   Bring your pet dog or cat, gerbil or guinea pig, parakeet or pony, to the front steps of the Church.   Bring a camera if you like, as Rev. Haut offers individual blessings for everyone’s special animal friend.  Please invite your friends and neighbors to come, too.

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.  I would also appreciate it if you would keep me informed of any changes in the prayer list (any deletions, additions, change in status, etc.

New Requests:
Family of Rev. Bill West (Funeral on Saturday)
Joe Peluso (continued prayers for healing)
Winchell & Macmillan Families
Carrie (brain injury recovery making progress)
Laverne (Hospice) & Ed
Canary Islands (volcanic eruption)
Taryn Frazier (having ankle surgery next Friday)
Peter (on ventilator for COVID)

Continued Prayers:
ALL Health Care & Essential Workers, Scientists  
Everyone affected by COVID-19 & new Delta strain
Our troops, our Veterans &  Our National Guard   
Residents in nursing homes
Kathy Welch (knee surgery)           Bob Tirrell
Claire Rider                                   Lorraine  (leukemia)                
Ron Benak                                    Andrea (eye)                                    
“S”                                                Bob S
Suzette Bavolack                           Scott (Serious illness)
Paul – new cancer treatment          Rick – multiple myloma
Debby & Phil (health issues)          Julie Milspaugh (health)
Jo                                                Chick Avery
Sam (Type 1 diabetes)                   Karen Ford
Jen A. (anxiety)                             Lori Staib (heart procedures)
Rita (at home, recovering)
Dwight, Jr., (had spinal surgery)
Sandi Lunn (had ankle replacement)
J.V. Contin (serious & rare heart cond.) & his parents John & Eliza
All those families experiencing the recent loss of a loved one
Christi Downey  (recovery from breast cancer surgery)
Western states-extreme heat & fires
All those around the world, affected by natural disasters
  & political unrest

Long Term Requests:
Debra & Louis            Ed Bushnell
Mark Bruscoe             Ruth Woodcock                       
Carolyn Wehr             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           Joe & Nancy Peluso
Louisa Rudnycky       Carly
Lori Wilson                 Fran Pitts
Will Visel & Conner (safety/deployment)      
Alison, Chris, & Paul Karam                                              
Mark & Lorianne Griswold   
Scott Misner (awaiting heart transplant)
Zachary (health concerns & continued testing)
Kaaren’s grandson Charlie (health issues)

GL SCRIP & ADAMS GIFT CARDS
Gift card fundraising is a great way for DRCC to raise money!
Buy gift cards from over 750 top brands (local and national stores) to use for your daily purchases or as gifts. 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: https://www.deeprivercc.org/events/fundraisers.html

The Board of Christian Service is encouraging everyone, who can, to give blood.  
There is a dire need.  Here is the latest information on local January Red Cross Blood Drives:

October Drives
10/05/2021 | 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM - Water's Edge Resort & Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook
10/06/2021 | 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM - Lutheran Church of Madison, 9 Britton Lane. Madison
10/13/2021 | 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM - First Congregational Church, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme

 

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.
30 cm (12”) Ruler (package of 3 for $1 at the Dollar Store)
Pencil Sharpener (hand held) (package of 12 for $1 at the Dollar Store)
Blunt Tip Scissors (2 for 97 cents at Staples)
Crayons ~ box of 24 (50 cents a box at Staples)
2-1/2” Pink Eraser (package of 3 for 75 cents at Staples)
Spiral Notebooks 8.5 x 11; 70 sheets only (25 cents each at Staples)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!

Community News:

The UniteCT Mobile Van Is Coming to Deep River
UniteCT is a rental and utility assistance program supporting CT residents negatively impacted by COVID-19.  The van will be at 56 High Street (Youth and Family Services building) on Thursday, September 30th from 3:30 – 8:00 p.m.  Contact Kimberley Megrath at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.  

Flu Clinic
The Lower Valley Visiting Nurses have scheduled a Flu Clinic (regular flu shots only) here in Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, October 13th, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.  It will be a walk-in clinic and you will need your insurance card.

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.

 

 

Support Groups at Our Church in Lower Fellowship Hall or Zoom

Mondays at 6:00 p.m. - EDA  (Zoom)
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. - NA  (Zoom)
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. - AA   (In Person)

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