Tuesday Tidbits 7/21/26

First Congregational Church of Vernon United Church of Christ

Tuesday Tidbits

July 21, 2026

Summer Services

We moved into Summer Worship hours. Our worship is held on Sunday mornings at 9:30am. Join us July-August as we have some summer fun worshipping together in Fellowship Hall!

Pastor Alisa’s Sabbatical

Please note that Pastor Alisa will be on sabbatical from July 27th through August 17th and will be unavailable during that time. We are grateful to Pastor Chuck for leading worship and providing pastoral care in her absence. We wish Pastor Alisa a restful and renewing sabbatical and offer our heartfelt thanks to Pastor Chuck for his support.

Come Join us For a Potluck Meal (and Ice Cream)!

Our next meal gathering for our "Agape Meal" program will be July 24th at 5pm! Anyone can come, this is no elite club or private group- just people who would like some company for a meal. The potluck theme is "summer harvest"- and so, you can bring anything using fresh ingredients (from the garden) or local seasonal ingredients (herbs, veggies, fruit, etc).

Please RSVP to sromangreaves@gmail.com with what you might bring, OR sign up at the Church Programs Table

At 6pm, we will have an ice cream bar, to make your own sundae. If you cannot make it for dinner but would like to come for ice cream, RSVP and let us know, so that we can bring enough for everyone.

Next gathering: Lunch on August 7th 12pm-1pm, theme TBD

250 Acts of Kindness

As part of the United States of Kindness campaign by Kindland, we have committed to doing 250 acts of kindness by the end of 2026 (or however long it takes).

In order to keep track, we have a kindness tracker in Fellowship Hall. For every kind act you go out of your way to do, bubble in one of the bubbles on the tracker (colored markers are by the suggestion box). Submit a shout-out if you'd like to bring attention to the kindness of someone else in the congregation. Do not include names if you wish to remain anonymous. These will be read during worship services.

For every new bubble and shout-out, we will add a heart to our kindness trail, as a more visible representation of how we are doing.

Here's our progress so far! 37 acts of kindness...

Church Programs Office

Members and friends of the church are welcome to stop by the Church programs office during Sarah's office hours, which are published here in Tidbits weekly (subject to change due to appointments).

Sarah coordinates our Innings and Outings program, which is for adults of all ages in the church to get together and do fun activities. If you have an idea for a fun activity we can do together inside or outside of the church, and you cannot meet during office hours, e-mail Sarah at sromangreaves@gmail.com.

Upcoming Innings/Outings:
Church Picnic August 15th, 11am-2pm

Save the Date: August 15th

Come enjoy a church picnic at Valley Falls! Besides enjoying the scenery at the park, the Friends of Valley Falls are offering us a tour of the heritage center.

Picnic: 11-1pm
Tour: 1pm-2pm.

Valley Falls is located right here in Vernon. Park in the lot at 300 Valley Falls Rd and we will have the food under the pavilion. There are some picnic tables there, but BYO comfortable lawn chairs or a picnic blanket if you would like!

There is a sign-up at the church programs table (red table cloth) if you would like a ride there from the church parking lot.

Message from Cornerstone’s Volunteers:

Cornerstone of Vernon is looking for some items for their Back-to-School Boutique. They are in need of the following donations:

Ladies razors and shave gel
Men’s razors and shave gel
Bar soap
New clothing and new sneakers of any size good for 1st grade to 12th grade. Sneakers needed the most are for small boys’ and girls’ sizes 13, 12, 1, 2, 3 and 4

Items can be dropped off at Cornerstone.

Women's Fellowship

Baskets for the next fair are underway. We could use the following items: 1-2 afghans to go in a cozy winter basket, kitchen utensils (wooden spoons, spatulas etc.), candle sticks, jams and jellies. Thanks so much for all the treasures that have already been donated!

Calling all plant people! We are hoping that a few plant lovers can start some little cuttings from some of their houseplants over the summer. We can have a re-potting party closer to the date of the fair. Past favorites have been spider plants and succulents.

Food Donations Needed

Many in our community are struggling to feed their families. Your donations to Cornerstone and Hockanum Valley food pantries help fill those empty shelves.

Suggested donations include cereal (not family size), peanut butter and JELLY in plastic containers, canned goods, boxed sides, Mac and cheese, and individual packs of snack sized cookies and crackers.

Please leave donated food items in the white bins in the Narthex or downstairs in the entryway. Double bagging heavy items helps our deliverers.
More information can be found at the website for Cornerstone (cornerstone-cares.org) or Hockanum Valley Community Council (HVCChelps.org). Thank you for your generosity.

Help for Our Furry Friends

They are especially in need of dry cat food.

The Vernon Pet Pantry has partnered with the Hockanum Valley Community Council to support pets in need. Sadly, many animals are going hungry or being left behind as families struggle to afford their care.

You can help by donating wet or dry cat and dog food, treats, or other pet supplies. Donations may be placed in the new plastic bin located in the lower-level entryway or dropped off directly at the Vernon Pet Pantry at HVCC.

Wednesday Walkers

The Wednesday Walkers always show up no matter the weather. The air was a bit heavy, but hearts were light. Come join us at 9:00 at the parking lot on Church Street for the Vernon Rails to Trails.

Cornhole Fellowship

Located at the grassy area across from Center Road School

Join us every Wednesday evening (weather permitting) for casual, friendly cornhole games and great company! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total beginner, all are welcome — and don’t forget to invite a friend!

Not a player? Come hang out, spectate, and cheer everyone on! Note: We currently have one set of boards, so if you have your own boards and bags, please bring them along. BYO refreshments and let’s kick off these Wednesday nights with some laughs and friendly competition.

If you have any questions or if you want to be added to the phone list, please contact the church office (860-875-7580) or church.secretary@firstchurchofvernon.org

Caregiver Support Group

A caregiver support group is being offered to members of our church. We meet every Wednesday in the church library from 1:30pm-3:30pm. This is a lay led group that is very supportive and caring and offers much needed help and encouragement to caregivers. If you are or recently have been a caregiver, consider joining us. Conversations are confidential.

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast meets at 7am on Thursdays at the Vernon Diner.

Women’s Fellowship

Women’s Fellowship meets most Wednesdays from 10am -12pm to assemble gift baskets for the fair.

Theology on Tap

Theology on Tap is taking a break for the summer and will resume in September. Please check back for more information as we get closer to the start date.

Grief Support Group

The Grief Support Group continues to meet on Tuesdays at 10am in the Church Library. Anyone who has lost a loved one is invited to attend, and the group is not limited to FCCV members. ALL are welcome and you can bring other family members and/or a friend to the group. Any further questions, please call the FCCV Church office at 860-875-7580.

Monday Morning Bible Study

Monday Morning Bible Study is taking a break for the summer and will resume in September. Please check back for more information as we get closer to the start date.

Remember to Pray for:

Burkie- friend of Linda, Ingrid Stewart- Sara's daughter-in-law, Doug- Addi's grandfather, Sue- Cindy S’s friend, Dana-Sandy D’s friend, Emilio L- Emily and John’s friend, Christina- Andy and Joanne’s daughter, Doug Bacon- Marilyn's nephew, Herb Slicer, Bill- Sue's neighbor, Mary-Marjorie's friend, Amy S- Joanne's friend, Kay and Horst, Leesa S, Shirley- Ginger's sister, Angie- Ruby-Richie-and Barbara K, Bobby A- Althea's brother-in-law, Brandon, Lucy- Elly's sister, Bev and Robin D, Bonnie and Paula-Millie’s friends, John Stevens- Susan Nolet’s brother, Betsy G, Delight C, Tammy and Jim, Marjorie F, Joe, Ernie—Nancy’s friend, Barb Fox, Pat L, Jim Muro, Lisa A, Nicholas—Karen’s grandson, Dawn G—Betsy’s niece, Jane Morse, Thomas E, Pat M, Susie—Barb’s daughter, Linda D, Mary M—Pat Melville’s sister, Ken C—Roger’s brother, Janis R, Steven S, Chrissy and Ella—Jim and Cheryll’s daughter and granddaughter, Donald M, Dave S, those living with HIV/AIDS, and all who are navigating a difficult season of mental health and their loved ones who walk beside them.

Prayer Request

We strive to keep our prayer list as accurate as possible. If you have an update for us, to add or to remove someone, please contact the office by email or call (860) 875-7580. Or click here to fill out a form.

Pastoral Emergency

If you have a pastoral emergency, please call 860-266-5761.