Tuesday Tidbits 4/21/26

First Congregational Church of Vernon United Church of Christ

Tuesday Tidbits

April 21, 2026

From the Advisory Team

A-Team Meeting Highlights – April 7th

The meeting opened with an inspirational devotion shared by Judy Ramsdell.
The Vernon Police Department is currently reviewing draft safety guidelines developed by the ad hoc Security Team.
Planning is underway for the May 9th shred/plant/bake sale.
Summer worship arrangements in Fellowship Hall were discussed. With a slight increase in Sunday attendance this year, it was decided to remove some tables and add additional chairs to ensure adequate seating.
Rev. Alisa’s first 2026 sabbatical is scheduled for July 27th through August 17th. Plans are being developed to ensure sufficient coverage during this time.
The team began an initial discussion about a potential capital campaign, with preliminary consideration for launching in 2028.
The meeting concluded with a closing prayer offered by Rev. Alisa.

Nativity Scene Fundraiser Update

We have some exciting news to share—so far, we’ve received $2,262 in donations toward our new nativity scene! This is incredible, and we are so grateful for the generosity of our community.

Our goal is to raise the full cost of $3,698, and we’re getting close! If you’ve been considering contributing, we invite you to help us reach the finish line.

Thank you for helping bring this meaningful addition to our church to life!

1926 Centennial #4

The Rockville Journal published on April 29, 1926 featured two interesting articles about the Vernon Church:

On the front page a headline read: Mother Church Nears 100th Anniversary. The article explained that a meeting would be held on Sunday at the church to decide what type of celebration would be planned. As mentioned before, the Vernon Church was considered the “mother” of the Union Church in Rockville, just as our church was considered a “daughter” of the Bolton Church.

Later in this issue another article announces: “At the Mother Church on Friday evening of this week the Ladies Aid Society will hold a three fold sale. There will be home cooked food to make housekeepers happy, home made candy to keep people sweet, aprons to help them keep clean. After the sale at 8:15pm (Standard Time) a trip to Scotland will be given by aid of stereopticon pictures, Scottish songs, recitations and music. Starting from New York the excursion will land (in imagination) on the coast of Ireland, traverse Wales, England and Scotland–and return by way of Boston and Fall River.”

Memorial Garden Workday

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL for the hard work cleaning the Memorial Garden and Ground beds. The Memorial Garden looks lovely, thanks to these individuals' support this past Saturday morning!

In the picture: Kathy A., Ron B., Laura G., Delythe K., Jan M., Karen P., Ginger S., Elly S., Donna & Dave S. Four Brownies, parents, and two Brownie Leaders also helped us. This Brownie Troop, who meets at our church during the month, was delighted to join us.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to Phyllis C. who picked up tree limbs/branches and the Steve Morse family who installed the flagpole earlier.

It takes a Faith Community like ours to maintain this beautiful Memorial Garden setting. THANK YOU!

Join Our Choir!

Next practice will be this Saturday, May 2nd at 10am and May 3th 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.

🌸 Spring Cleaning Help Needed! 🧹

If you’re interested in helping with a “Spring Cleaning” in our church kitchen, please contact Phyllis Chase or Millie Oliphant.

Your help would be greatly appreciated! 😊

Agape Lunch…Friday, May 1st at 12pm

Agape Lunch is a time to gather, share good food, and enjoy one another’s company through a co-created meal. We meet every other Friday afternoon in Fellowship Hall.

Theme for our next meeting: Tea time treats! (biscuits and jam, quiche, finger sandwiches, etc...)

All are welcome—if the theme isn’t your thing, feel free to bring a bagged lunch and still join us for the community and conversation.

Contact Sarah to let us know you'll be there, and to let us know what you might like to bring: sromangreaves@gmail.com.

Sunday Night Live…Starting May 3rd

Sunday Night Live will be starting back up again on May 3rd.

Here is our schedule:
May 3rd 4:30-5:30pm
May 17th 4:30-5:30pm
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

We will not meet on Mother's Day or Memorial Day weekend. 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

Youth Group

FCCV Youth Group next meeting will be on Sunday, May 3rd 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 Change

Please note that on May 17th, the current artwork will be taken down to make room for the children’s work. We kindly ask that you plan to pick up your artwork on that day. Thank you.

My Body is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church

Fridays from May 1st through June 12th, 2-3pm in the church library, we will be delving into the mind of Amy Kenny- disabled scholar (she uses identity-first language, in referring to herself), Shakespearean lecturer and disability advocate.

Amy writes about her experiences within her community and especially within the Christian church. From well-meaning platitudes, to being prayed over without her consent, she talks about the general attitudes within the church concerning disability, and how we might flip the script to be more empowering and inclusive. Amy writes with wit and good humor. Her writing is sure to keep you engaged.

If you are interested in joining this book study, sign up in Fellowship Hall or e-mail Sarah, at sromangreaves@gmail.com. Please e-mail the church office if you are unable to pay for the book yourself- we can help!

Note that throughout the text, Amy uses “identity first” (disabled person) language, to reverse the negative association with the word “disabled”.

In general, we refer to people how they would like to be identified, whether it is in this way or person-first (person with a disability) language.

Women’s Fellowship Craft Night

Women's Fellowship will be potting small plants to sell at the Shred/Bake Sale/Plant sale event!

Join us May 6th, from 6:30-8pm in Fellowship Hall.

CWS Blanket Sunday — Mother’s Day

Celebrate Mother’s Day on May 10th in a meaningful way by honoring a mother or mother-figure in your life. With a donation of just $10, you can provide a warm, durable wool blanket through Church World Service—offering comfort and care to individuals facing crisis and disaster both in the U.S. and around the world. Blankets can be ordered using the form below or in person after church service in the Fellowship Hall on the following Sundays: April 26th, and May 3rd.

Your thoughtful gift can make a world of difference. Thank you for your support!

Innings and Outings

Innings and Outings is a program in which you, the church community, suggest a fun thing we can do together (mainly for adults, but some programs allow kids). We try to offer both activities here at the church ("inning") and activities outside of the church ("outing"). Call (church office) or email me (sromangreaves@gmail.com) if you have ideas.

Upcoming Opportunity: Paint Night and a Day at Wickham Park.

Paint 'n Sip

On April 24th from 6-7:30pm, we will be hosting a paint ‘n sip event (BYOB) at the church in Fellowship Hall! There will be light refreshments.

Celeste Bartlett, a local artist, will be guiding us in a watercolor painting of rain boots with flowers in them.

Registration is currently closed. For those registered, please bring payment of $25 the day of the event! If you need childcare, we are holding a special Parent's Night Out craft night at the same time, led by our wonderful volunteers- contact sromangreaves@gmail.com with your child's name, emergency contact info and any important medical/allergy info.

A Day at Wickham Park

For all who enjoy being out in nature- come join us for a day at the park, Saturday May 2nd! We will meet in Lot A at 10am sharp to begin a guided tree tour around the park and then break for a picnic lunch and exploration of the park. Then, we will convene back together at 1pm, also in Lot A, for a labyrinth walk together.

Bring bagged lunches and picnic blankets! It is $10 to park, otherwise the scheduled events are free. There will be carpooling from the church parking lot (must inquire/arrange ahead of time- indicate interest in carpooling upon sign-up).

All events are family-friendly. All are welcome! Please sign up so that we know how many people to look out for.

Here's the Tea Book Swap

I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.
― Jorge Luis Borges

On Saturday May 23rd, we will be holding a book swap in Fellowship Hall, from 12pm-2pm, for your gently used books. You can chat about the books you've brought, or include your own review of them on an index card.

Now is your chance, if you want more books and have some books to give away! There will be a donation bin for any extras that don't get swapped.

Light refreshments served... including coffee and of course, tea.

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

Summer Camp (VBS)…June 22nd-26th

How You Can Help with VBS 2026: #KidsConnect!

What a blessing to share that we have a full slate of Volunteers!

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

Please consider our Sponsorship funding opportunities:

We have Campers who need scholarship funding. Cost ranges from $50-$85 per all-day Camper.
Water Day is a very popular activity with the Campers, which includes renting a large inflatable waterslide.
We provide AM and PM snacks for the Campers, as well as snacks for the Volunteers.
Donations in any amount are appreciated. Please make your check payable to FCCV- VBS and drop in the Sunday donation basket.

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!

🌟 Child Care Volunteers Needed! 🌟

Do you enjoy spending time with children and helping families feel welcome? We’re looking for a few more volunteers to help in our Child Care Room during worship—just once every two months! This is a meaningful and manageable way to serve our church community.

Interested? Please contact the church office or Kate Fowler to learn more.

Good News!

We have made donations to Cornerstone, HVCC, the Midwest Food Bank, and others, and we still have some funds remaining from the fair. If there is a non-budgeted or unanticipated expense that we could help with, please leave information about it in the Women’s Fellowship box. Thank you!

Updating the Church Bakers List

If you would like to be added to our church bakers list, please reach out to Kim or Millie, or you may contact the church office directly.

If you have already signed up, thank you so much for being one of our bakers — we truly appreciate your time and talents!

Thank you for helping to support our church projects and missions.

Food Donations

The Cornerstone and Hockanum Valley food banks are in urgent need of non-perishable food and personal care items. Suggested donations include cereal (not family size), peanut butter, canned goods, boxed sides (such as Rice-A-Roni or Knorr rice dishes), mac & cheese, and individual snack-size packs of cookies. Cornerstone is also requesting large reusable bags to help clients carry groceries. Donations may be placed in the bins located in the narthex or lower-level entryway. Please double-bag any heavy items.

Thanks for your generosity. For more information on how to help, and the up-to-date list of items needed at Cornerstone or HVCC, please visit the following websites Food Cupboard | Cornerstone (cornerstone-cares.org), Food Pantry — Hockanum Valley Community Council (hvcchelps.org).

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.

Wednesday Walkers…New Start Time 9am

The Wednesday Walkers welcomed some walkers this past week they had not seen for a while plus a visiting grandson. Hope to see them again soon. Remember you can walk at your own pace and as far as you want so join us at 9am at the Church Street parking lot for the Vernon Rails to Trails.

"No matter the weather we gather together."

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 meets on Thursdays, from 6–7pm at Vernon Diner. We will gather in the indoor heated 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 is Taking a Break

Monday Bible Study will be on Spring Break for the month of April. Classes will resume in May.

Remember to Pray for:

Herb Slicer- currently in hospice, Mary- Marjorie’s friend who is navigating a lung cancer diagnosis, Bill- Sue's neighbor, Winn B- Betsy's daughter, Amy S- Joanne's friend diagnosed with cancer, Shannon 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, Paula, and Craig-Millie’s friends going through cancer treatments, John Stevens- Susan Nolet’s brother, Betsy G, Delight C, Tammy and Jim, Marjorie F, Joe, Ernie—Nancy’s friend, Barb Fox, Pat L—navigating back pain, Jim Muro, Lisa A, Nicholas—Karen’s grandson, Dawn G—Betsy’s niece, Nancy H—Karen’s friend, 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

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.