Tuesday Tidbits 6/16/26

First Congregational Church of Vernon United Church of Christ

Tuesday Tidbits

June 16, 2026

Summer Worship Hours

Beginning July 5, we will move to our summer worship schedule. Worship services will be held on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am.

Join us throughout July and August as we gather for worship in Fellowship Hall and enjoy a season of summer fun, fellowship, and faith together.

Herb Slicer is turning 95

Herb Slicer is turning 95 on June 23rd. If you would like to send him a card, please send it to Carol and Carl Slicer at 14 Gale Drive, Ellington, CT 06029 where Herb is now residing.

VBS 2026: #KidsConnect! is next week - June 22-26!

Dear Church Family,

As we begin our Vacation Bible School week, we would be grateful for your prayers and support. We are excited to welcome 34 campers and have 45 dedicated volunteers serving throughout the week. Planning has been underway since January.

Please pray that God would bless every child who attends, opening their hearts to hear and receive His Word. Pray for safety, good health, energy, and wisdom for our volunteers as they lead, teach, and care for the campers. We also ask for God’s presence to be evident in every activity, conversation, and lesson.

May this week be filled with joy, growth, new friendships, and opportunities for children to experience the love of Jesus in a meaningful way.

Thank you for partnering with us in prayer. We trust God to do great things during this special week!

Blessings,
Your VBS Team

Access to the Church During VBS

We are excited to welcome over 30 children to our Summer Camp next week, June 22nd - June 26th. For the safety of our campers, we ask that anyone coming into the church next week check in with the office.

Art Wall Change

On Sunday June 21st we will be taking down our art provided by our Sunday school and changing to our summer installation.

The theme is “Connect with family friends and Jesus” which supports Vacation Bible School.

You can also contribute artwork that does not match the theme. Thank you to everyone who has contributed.

We appreciate your creativity and support!

Phyllis Chase Award

The Phyllis Chase service award began in 2022 as a way to recognize members of the congregation who have dedicated themselves to the service of this congregation. Join us on Sunday, June 28th as we recognize the recipients of this year's award.

Our Deepest Sympathy…

We share our heartfelt condolences with the family of Shannon Conley Savoy. Shannon passed on Monday morning at Hartford Hospital while surrounded by family and friends. We invite you to hold Shannon's loved ones in your prayers and in your care during this tender time. Shannon is the daughter of Roger and Elsa Conley.

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 the 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. BYO Comfortable lawn chairs or a picnic blanket!

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.

History Notes:

Centennial #5

The upcoming Centennial of the 1826 building housing the Vernon Congregational Church was front page news in the Rockville Journal of June 10, 1926. The story reported on the meeting June 10th to begin planning for the Centennial events to be held the coming September. An executive organizing committee was chosen featuring names that some of us remember including Welles and Driggs. It was mentioned that a program of events for a two-day celebration would be coming soon. Additionally, a further meeting was held in the pastor’s study at the Union Church in Rockville. In attendance were ministers from seven area churches who pledged assistance in any way they could to help.

Another event…Children’s Day at the Vernon Church was celebrated on June 17th. A cantata, “ In the Garden of Roses” was performed by the Sunday School. A “flag drill” was also performed by 18 boys in two groups bearing U.S and Church flags.

Serving Families Through the Memorial Garden

Our Memorial Garden is a peaceful and sacred place where loved ones can have their ashes buried, remembered, and honored. As families gather to celebrate and give thanks for those they love, we strive to keep this space beautiful and well cared for.

We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to assist when burials take place. Volunteers help by preparing burial sites, including digging and site preparation before a service, and restoring and closing the site afterward. Training and guidance will be provided, and volunteers will be contacted only as needs arise.

If you would like to be part of this meaningful ministry of care and remembrance, please contact the church office.

Thank you for helping us care for this special place and the families who entrust their loved ones to it.

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!

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.

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.

Wednesday Walkers

Some weeks there are many and some weeks there are few, but someone always walks. It's always a fun gathering. Come and enjoy nature, a little exercise and a great community at 9:00 at the Church Street parking lot 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:

Emilio L- Emily and John’s friend, Doug Bacon- Marilyn's nephew, Herb Slicer, Bill- Sue's neighbor, Mary-Marjorie's friend, Amy S- Joanne's friend, 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, 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.