Tuesday Tidbits 5/19/26

First Congregational Church of Vernon United Church of Christ

Tuesday Tidbits

May 19, 2026

Church Office Will Be Closed

The office will be closed on Monday, May 25th for the Memorial Day Holiday.

Strengthen the Church Offering on Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost is a celebration of the Spirit’s movement — a time when the church was born in boldness and creativity. This Sunday, we’re invited to continue that spirit by giving to the Strengthen the Church offering.

This special United Church of Christ (UCC) offering supports the expansion of ministry and the growth of local congregations. Your gifts will help plant new churches, inspire fresh ideas in existing ones, and nurture the spiritual lives of our youth and young adults. By investing in emerging ministries and bold practices, we help shape a just world for all — one community at a time.

You can give by visiting our website and clicking the Donate button. Be sure to designate your gift for "Strengthen the Church". Or, if you prefer, you can write "Strengthen the Church" in the memo line of a check and place it in the offering plate during worship. Let’s join together in generosity, responding to the Spirit’s call to be the church in new ways.

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

Book Study for My Body is Not a Prayer Request

This Friday, May 22nd, we will be going over chapters 6 and 7 of My Body is Not a Prayer Request, on "Disability Mosquitos" and "Disability Lessons". Chapter 6 speaks to language and the harm it can do, along with measures of reconciliation in the face of that harm. And chapter 7 is about spoon theory, rest and unlearning/relearning.

Action Items for Everyone: Learn more from people who write, preach and teach about disability and faith. Examples:

Short article: Resisting Ableism in the American Church | Sojourners
Video: How Disability Reframes Humanity: Three Bible Stories to See Disability as the Site of Divine Rev...
Book: The Disabled God, by Nancy Eiesland

Here's the Tea Book Swap

THIS Saturday, May 23rd, come to Fellowship Hall from 12pm-2pm for a book swap. Bring a book you've finished and are willing to part with, and search for a new book from the ones others have brought. Bring your book-loving friends too! Chat with others or just bring an index card with a review of your book. There will be light refreshments. This event is free and open to the public.

Books without a home will be donated to Rockville Public Library.

(from the title: "tea"- slang term for gossip, details, truth, as in "Spill the tea")

Agape Lunch

Agape Lunch is like a mini potluck, but with a theme. We gather for lunchtime companionship, and to share good food!

On May 29th, we will meet in Fellowship Hall from 12pm-1pm for lunch. The theme will be Soup Swap- and so, bring a soup to share with the group (or hearty rolls with butter, if you'd prefer not to cook).

You are welcome to join us even if you aren't able to cook.

To RSVP with what you're bringing, e-mail Sarah at sromangreaves@gmail.com.

Would you be interested in attending this gathering later in the day? We are looking at making one of our meetings per month a dinner potluck, during the summer. These would be more loosely themed gatherings. Message Sarah if this would interest you.

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:
Here's the Tea Book Swap May 23rd, 12pm-2pm
Chair Yoga June 13th, 2pm-3pm

Chair Yoga

Did you attend the last yoga session here and enjoy it- or, did you miss it and wish you could have attended? Save the date- Lisa Gaumound of Sweet Lotus Yoga Studio will once again be offering Chair Yoga at our church, in fellowship hall, June 13th from 2pm-3pm. We need at least 10 people signed up in order to keep the price the same, $10 a person. If you are interested, sign-up is in Fellowship Hall on the programs table (red tablecloth), or you can message Sarah directly at sromangreaves@gmail.com!

Chair yoga is a gentle, fun, accessible practice for all ages and body types. Beginner-friendly!

Historical Note

Centennial #5

The church meeting announced in our last centennial note was held early in May and a decision was made that events would be planned for the week leading up to the celebration on Sunday, September 26, 1926. Tentative plans discussed included “an outdoor historical pageant and other attractive gatherings culminating with an all-day inspirational symposium of speakers with orchestral and vocal selections and band music in the evening.”

On a more somber note, the next week’s Rockville Journal (5.13.26) reported that “Mrs. Ella (Dart) Strong), one of Vernon Center’s best loved residents died very suddenly about eight o’clock Saturday night…a shock to the family that has cast a gloom of sorrow where she had lived all her life.” As many of you know the Strong family has been a part of the life of our church for many, many years. Mrs. Ella Strong was the grandmother of Norman Strong whom we remember (along with his wife Geraldine) as the keeper of the Strong Farm for his generation.

ASP Mission Trip

This summer, July 12–18, our church will once again be partnering with Appalachia Service Project (ASP) for a mission trip to Greenbrier County, West Virginia. We are sending a team of 14 people to help make homes warmer, safer, and drier for families in need.

Your support helps provide the materials needed for these projects — including lumber, roofing supplies, hardware, and other building materials — as well as gas for the vehicles traveling to and from work sites throughout the week.

Please consider contributing to this meaningful ministry and helping our team make a difference through service, compassion, and care.

To donate online, please click here and designate your gift for “ASP Mission Trip Donation.” You may also give on Sundays by connecting with members of our mission team during coffee hour or before worship. Checks may be made payable to FCCV with “ASP” in the memo line. Thank you for your generosity and support!

From the Advisory Team

The A-Team met on May 5. Highlights below.

A heart-felt devotion was given by Andy Myer.
The Vernon Police are still reviewing draft safety guidelines that were created by the ad-hoc Security Team.
Sarah Roman Greaves has agreed in principle to extend her ministry with us until May of 2027. Her contract will be updated shortly.
A draft of Rev. Alisa's Call, which has the new sabbatical guidelines was reviewed. The Call should be finalized by next Sunday.
Note: Planning for a fall tag sale will begin soon. Stay tuned for more information.
A wonderful closing prayer was given by Rev. Alisa

Widening the Welcome

We’re glad to share an accessibility update in our sanctuary! Thanks to the thoughtful work of our Grounds & Facilities team, two pews have been removed to create more accessible seating for worship. This change opens up space for wheelchairs, walkers, and anyone who benefits from a little more room. We’re grateful for the care and intention that continues to help make our space more welcoming for all.

Sunday Night Live…

Sunday Night Live has started up again.
Here is our schedule:
May 31st 4:30-5:30pm
June 7th 4:30-5:30pm

June 14th at 10am worship (SNL is playing a role on Student Sunday), no evening meeting.

If you are already signed up, you do not need to sign up again.

However, if this is your first time signing up (OR, if important information has changed), please fill out the registration here: Sunday Night Live — FCCV UCC

Join Our Choir!

Our next practice will be Saturday, May 30th at 10am and May 31st at 9am before worship.

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

Youth Group

FCCV Youth Group’s next meeting will be Sunday, June 7th at 5pm in the youth group room located in the hallway leading to the balcony.

They meet on the first and third Sunday of the month. This group is for all middle and high school students, and you don’t need to be a member for youth to attend!

For more information or to register click here.

Art Wall

Don’t forget to stop by the art wall downstairs across from the bathrooms to see the artwork made by the children.

Now Accepting Nominations: 2026 Phyllis Chase Service Award

Do you know someone whose dedication and generous spirit make our church community stronger? We’re now accepting nominations for the 2026 Phyllis Chase Service Award, which honors individuals who exemplify faithful service to our congregation. To nominate someone, please complete the paper form during coffee hour or click here to complete it online. Nominations are due by Sunday, May 24th. Let’s celebrate those who help our church thrive through their everyday acts of love and service!

Celebrating Our Graduates

Our worship service on June 14th will honor graduates of all ages. To have your child recognized, or if you have earned a degree you wish to be acknowledged, please submit a photo with a brief description to the church office by June 7th. For any inquiries, reach out to the Church Office at church.secretary@firstchurchofvernon.org or call 860-875-7580.

Women’s Fellowship Scholarship…

A $500 scholarship is available to a church member furthering their education. Applications may be picked up in the Church Office. Please return to the Women’s Fellowship mailbox by May 31st. Contact Phyllis Chase with questions.

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 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

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.

Summer Camp (VBS)…June 22nd-26th

How You Can Help with VBS 2026: #KidsConnect!

Is anyone available to take an old, broken basketball hoop in the parking lot to the dump, to prepare our grounds for a safe and fun VBS? The hoop is currently laying on its side, on the Parsonage side of the large Route 30 parking lot. A new replacement basketball hoop will be ordered once the old one is gone. Please let the church office know if you can help.

What a generous Congregation we have! To date, more than $1,300 has been donated!

We still have room for a few more Campers: Please visit our website to register your child(ren).

Dates: June 22-26

Time: 9am-1pm (1/2 day) or 9am-5pm (full day)

Location: First Congregational Church of Vernon, 695 Hartford Turnpike

Who: Students entering K-5th grade in the 2026-27 school year

Full or partial scholarships will be available.

Please contact the church office with any questions.

In Search of…Interlocking Children’s Foam Mats

We’re looking for interlocking children’s foam mats (the puzzle-piece style) to help create welcoming spaces for activities and decorations.

If you have any gently used mats at home that you no longer need, we would be grateful for your donation. All colors and styles are welcome—they’ll add to the joyful, creative atmosphere we’re building for VBS!

Please contact the church office for more information.

Thank you for helping us make Summer Camp a fun and memorable experience for our children!

Wednesday Walkers

A little rain didn't stop nine walkers from enjoying a walk on the Hop River Trail. Nature is beautiful in all kinds of weather! Stop by on a Wednesday morning at 9am at the Church Street parking lot for the Vernon Rails to Trails. Community, conversation, exercise, and nature - a great combination!

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 will meet for our final meeting before summer break this Thursday, from 6–7pm at Vernon Diner. We will gather in the indoor patio area (to the left as you enter). Our conversation will center on Gregory Boyle’s book, Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times. No prep and no reservation required—come as you are, grab a bite to eat, and jump into the conversation.

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 will not meet this coming Monday. Our next meeting will be Monday, June 1st at 10:45am in Kellogg Hall to discuss the Women of the Bible. All are welcome.

Remember to Pray for:

Doug Bacon- Marilyn's nephew preparing for surgery, Herb Slicer, Bill- Sue's neighbor, Mary-Marjorie's friend, Amy S- Joanne's friend, Shannon Conley Savoy- Elsa and Roger’s daughter, Jane Burr, Kay and Horst, Christina- Andy and Joanne’s daughter, 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, Denise Marcus—Marilyn’s friend, 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 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.