Tuesday Tidbits 10/27/26

First Congregational Church of Vernon United Church of Christ

Tuesday Tidbits

October 27, 2026

Fall Back

Don’t forget, that time has come again…We turn our clocks back this coming Saturday night. Also, this is a good time to check and change your batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

A PLACE FOR TOMORROW

FCCV Stewardship Campaign 2027

Our 2027 Stewardship Campaign is entering Week 2. Last Sunday Pastor Alisa encouraged us to be a welcoming church now and to continue to project that feeling of community and belonging that will carry us into the future. Tom Sweet from the pulpit, and Delight Champagne through a Thursday Email, helped expand on our theme.

The brochure that accompanied your pledge card assures us that “each of us belongs here because someone else made FCCV a place for tomorrow.” This has been true from 1762 when our church was formed to provide access for worship to the northern part of the town, from 1826 when a new church was built to mirror the growth of Vernon, from the Centennial time in 1926 when endowments were established to provide for the future, in late 1980’s when a campaign was launched to provide an elevator and other accessible options, in 1994 when the “property next door” was purchased, in 2017 when members voted overwhelmingly to become an “open and affirming church” in the United Church of Christ, and again in 2018/19 when a successful capital campaign allowed us to invest in projects to keep our facilities up to date.

Please consider continuing, through our shared giving, the kind of church that welcomes everyone who feels a sense of belonging here today and looks toward a future of promise and positivity in a world that needs both.

Budget Informational Meeting - Sunday, November 8th after Worship Service

The Advisory Team will present the proposed 2027 budget and review the status of the 2027 Stewardship Campaign.

Our Deepest Condolences

With sadness, we share the passing of Christina, daughter of Andy and Joanne Myer, on Sunday. Please keep the Myer family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

All Saints’ Day

We will be lifting up the names of our loved ones who have passed on Sunday, November 1st for All Saints’ Day. If you would like your loved one to be lifted up during this time, please email the office by October 28th with their name.

Lifting up our Veterans

We will be lifting up veterans on Sunday, November 8th for Veterans Day. If you have a loved one that you would like to lift up in memory of or in honor of, please email the church by November 4th with the name of the individual, in memory of or in honor of, a picture of the individual and their time and place of service. We will share this during the November 8th service.

Vietnam War Memorabilia Display

Please join us in Fellowship Hall on November 8th during coffee hour for a special display of Vietnam War memorabilia from the personal collection of Marine veteran Roger Conley.

The collection features items Roger brought home from his two 13-month tours of duty during the early years of the Vietnam War.

Everyone is welcome, and feel free to bring a guest!

Pastor Alisa’s Sabbatical

Pastor Alisa will be away October 26th–November 13th as she completes the remaining portion of her 2026 sabbatical. We are grateful for the care, dedication, and love she shares with our church community and wish her a restful and renewing time away.

Sermon Salon

It’s a few days after the Sunday service and you’ve pondered the message of the Scripture reading and the sermon, but there’s no one to share your thoughts with. Well, you are not alone!

Come to Sermon Salon, where we can explore our thoughts and questions together! Thursdays at 2pm in the church library. For more info, please contact Sarah in the Church Programs office (sromangreaves@gmail.com).

This week's sermon for discussion is below. If you need a paper copy, please contact the church office: "Building a Place Together” (sermon from October 25th 2026)

Holiday Fair Preparations

Planning and crafting are almost done for this year’s Holiday Fair on November 7th, and we’d love for you to be part of the excitement! There is a sign-up sheet on the programs table, or reach out to Nancy, Daryl, Phyllis, Carol, Jackie or Delythe.

What happens when you help?

~You will meet new people.

~You will form lasting friendships and really get to know people as you work beside them.

~You will show the community how involved and friendly our church family is.

~You will support the church and the greater community.

Proceeds from last year's fair went far and wide:

Church pledge- $3,500.
Replacing nativity scene- $1,000.
VBS- $300.
FCCV Scholarship-$500.
Donations to Cornerstone, HVCC, Midwest Food Bank, Vernon Social Services, CT Coalition Against Homelessness- $5,800.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Wed. Oct. 28, 9am and 6:30PM- Finishing pricing
Wed. Nov. 4th- 9am- start set up
6:30pm- decoration party- Fellowship Hall
Thursday Nov. 5th- 9am- bake pies
Friday Nov. 6th- 9am- bake muffins
Saturday Nov. 7th- 9am-2pm THE HOLIDAY FAIR (arrive at 8:30am)

Have a special gift to donate? We’re still looking for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts to offer at the fair. Donations can be dropped off at the church office or in the Women’s Fellowship closet. Pickup can also be arranged.

Thank you so much for your generosity, enthusiasm, and support. Together, we can make this year’s Holiday Fair a wonderful success!

Jewelry Donations for the Holiday Fair!

Do you have jewelry you no longer need? We are accepting gently used jewelry donations for our jewelry booth at the Holiday Fair!

The deadline to bring in your jewlery is Sunday, December 1st so the committee has time to sort and price everything before the Holiday Fair on November 7th. Items may be dropped off at the church office.

For more information, please speak with Valerie Sexton or contact the church office.

Thank You

I huge THANK YOU to the following individuals that cleaned up the Memorial Garden, October 23rd: Ron B., Phyllis C., Jim M., Jan M., Karen P., Donna S. and Elly S.

The Garden looks lovely and is ready for winter.

25 More Acts of Kindness to Go!

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. We are currently on track to complete the campaign by November 13th, which is World Kindness Day!

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). You can also 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.

We are up to 225 acts of kindness... Our neighbors, students, co-workers, clients, family, friends and all other people we meet (and the earth, plants and animals) ALL benefit from the kindness that we have intentionally cultivated! Please join us in making a more visible culture of kindness- in this church community and beyond.

Bell Choir Rehearsal

The next rehearsal for the bell choir will be this Saturday, October 31st at 10am. all are welcome.

Come learn, explore, and have some fun ringing!

Join the Choir!

The next practice will be Saturday, November 14th at 10am in the Sanctuary to sing during the November 15th service at 10 am.

Love to sing? The Choir is always looking for people to join in at any time! Choir will practice on the Saturdays before each service, at 10am. We would love to have you! Everyone is welcome.

Youth Group - Sunday, November 1st, 5pm

FCCV Youth Group is for middle and high school students. Need not be a member for youth to attend! Youth Group typically meets twice a month on the first and third Sunday of the month from 5-6:30pm. Youth will gather in the Youth Group room, which is located off of the balcony hallway in the back of the sanctuary. For more information click here.

Sunday Night Live

Sunday Night Live meets every Sunday from 4:30pm-5:30pm. This faith-based program is for children ages 2 through fifth grade on Sunday evenings. Each session features a new program. A great option if you can't make it to Sunday Funday on Sunday mornings, or if you are looking for more fun activities for your child(ren). For more information click here.

Wall Art

On Sunday, November 8th, we’ll transition our wall art from Fall to Holiday. All art forms and themes are welcome! Thank you for sharing your talents with our congregation. We look forward to your submissions!

Game Night - November 20th, 6:30pm

Looking for something fun and relaxing to do on a Friday night? Come to game night, on November 20th, 6:30pm (Fellowship Hall)! We'll have light refreshments and snacks. You're welcome to bring your favorite board and card games to share with others.

There will be a sign-up to RSVP on the church programs table (not required, but appreciated!).

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.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Thanksgiving food drives have begun for both Cornerstone and HVCC. Most needed items include: stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, gravy mixes, canned vegetables, canned fruit or pumpkin pie fillings and pie crusts. Donations of everyday staples also continue to be needed.

Let’s help Cornerstone & HVCC ensure our neighbors enjoy a warm and nourishing meal for Thanksgiving.

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.

An Opportunity to Help a Family in Our Church Community

Many of us know Lisandra Laguna Lopez and her family, who have been part of our FCCV community for the past few years. As they continue navigating the immigration process, they have reached a point where the assistance of an immigration attorney is important—and the cost of that legal support is significant.

Lynn and Tom Sweet and Paul Shimer have been walking alongside the family and have helped secure an attorney. They are also contributing toward the legal fees and invite others in our church family to join them.

While we may not be able to address every challenge within our immigration system, we can make a real difference for a family we know and care about.

If you would like to help with attorney fees, please make your gift to FCCV and write “Immigration Attorney” in the memo. You may also speak with Lynn, Tom, or Paul for more information.

Thank you for helping us put compassion into action and care for our neighbors in a tangible way.

Wednesday Walkers

The Wednesday Walkers had another beautiful Fall morning for their walk last week. This week will be the last week for meeting at 9am. We change the clocks this weekend so the first Wednesday in November the start time will change to 10am.

This week we still meet at 9am at the Church Street parking lot for the Vernon Rails to Trails.

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. The Caregiver Support Group is open to all.

Women’s Fellowship

Women’s Fellowship will be holding a craft night tomorrow night, October 28th at 6:30pm. All are welcome.

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast

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

Theology on Tap

Theology on Tap meets on Thursdays, from 6 7pm at Vernon Diner, 453 Hartford Turnpike Vernon. We will gather in the indoor patio area (to the left as you enter).

This is a wonderful opportunity to gather for spiritual and theological conversation—all while enjoying good food and fellowship. For more information, please contact the church office.

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

Feel free to drop by and bring a friend!

Join us every Monday (excluding holidays) at 10:45 a.m. in Kellogg Hall for our Monday Morning Bible Study.

Our current study is focused on learning what other religions believe and gaining a better understanding of different faith traditions.

All are welcome to join us! For questions, please contact Millie or the church office

Remember to Pray for:

Deborah & Albert Hewitt- brother and sister in law of Linda T, Sara Koziol, The Bright Family, Judy T- Betsy's friend, Margaret E- for strength, comfort and healing, Joanne Myer-recovering from surgery, Gary A, Aleah- battling medical conditions, Norma- Ginger's friend, Rachel and Joe as they seek to start a family, Carson & Hudson- Devon's sons, Rich- Andy and Joanne’s son-in-law, Amanda, Max and Alison- Emily’s friends, healing for Anna, Connie & Jeremy- Joe's mother and friend, Carole – Bettye K's sister, Kelly- Jeannie Peirce’s friend, Lenora- Ellen's sister, Val M, Burkie-Linda's friend, Sue- Cindy S’s friend, Dana-Sandy D’s friend, Doug Bacon- Marilyn's nephew, Herb Slicer, Bill- Sue's neighbor, Mary-Marjorie's friend, Amy S- Joanne's friend, Kay and Horst, Shirley- Ginger's sister, Angie- Ruby-Richie-and Barbara K, Brandon, Lucy- Elly's sister, Bonnie and Paula-Millie’s friends, John Stevens- Susan Nolet’s brother, Betsy G, Delight C, Tammy and Jim, Marjorie F, Ernie & Janice—Nancy’s friends, Barb Fox, Pat L, Jim Muro, Lisa A, Nicholas—Karen’s grandson, Jane Morse, Thomas E, Pat M, Susie—Barb’s daughter, Linda D, Mary M—Pat Melville’s sister, Janis R, Steven S, Chrissy and Ella—Jim and Cheryll’s daughter and granddaughter, Donald M, and Dave S

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.