Tuesday Tidbits 6/23/26

First Congregational Church of Vernon United Church of Christ

Tuesday Tidbits

June 23, 2026

Pride Month at FCCV

As Pride Month comes to a close, we give thanks for the many ways God's love is made known through the beautiful diversity of humanity.

At First Congregational Church of Vernon, we celebrate that every person is created in God's image and worthy of love, dignity, and belonging. As an Open and Affirming congregation, we continue our commitment to creating a church where LGBTQ+ people are fully welcomed, valued, and embraced as beloved members of God's family.

Pride Month is both a celebration and a reminder. We celebrate the gifts, stories, and contributions of LGBTQ+ people. We also remember that many continue to experience exclusion, discrimination, and harm. As followers of Jesus, we are called to build communities where all people can flourish.

May we continue to grow in love, justice, compassion, and courage as we seek to embody Christ's welcome in our church, our community, and our world.

Summer Worship Hours

This Sunday is our last Sunday in the Sanctuary. On July 5th, we move into Summer Worship hours. Our worship will be held on Sunday mornings at 9:30am. Join us July-August as we have some summer fun worshipping together in Fellowship Hall!

Church Office Closed

The church office will be closed on Monday, June 29th and July 6th. If there is a pastoral emergency, please call the pastoral emergency phone number 860-266-5761.

Vacation Bible School 2026 is Underway!!

We have 34 campers joining us this summer! Thank you to all who have given their time and resources to make this camp accessible and fun for all! If you’re on Facebook, you can look for daily pictures of all of the fun stuff happening here during the week. This Sunday during worship, we will welcome our campers and their families to our service which will showcase their music and activities from the week.

Access to the Church During VBS

For the safety of our campers, we ask that anyone coming into the church this week check in with the office.

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.

A Milestone in Ministry

On June 24, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rev. Joanne Myer's ordination to Christian ministry. Joanne was ordained right here at First Congregational Church of Vernon on June 24, 2001, following a season of formation and discernment that was supported by many members of FCCV.

As we give thanks for Joanne's faithful ministry over the past quarter century, we also remember and celebrate those who served on her Teaching Parish Committee and helped nurture her gifts for ministry. Their encouragement, wisdom, and care were part of the foundation that led to that joyful day of ordination and the years of service that followed.

We offer prayers of gratitude for Joanne's 25 years of ordained ministry and for all who have accompanied her along the way.

United States of Kindness Campaign

As part of America's 250th anniversary, the United Church of Christ has joined the United States of Kindness Campaign, and is inviting our church communities to participate!

This United States of Kindness campaign challenges Americans to complete and share 250 acts of kindness in 2026. Individuals, organizations and churches who sign up will participate in whatever ways they can: on social media, at events, and through community outreach.

Our church is looking to join the challenge! On July 5th, you will see a kindness tracker downstairs in fellowship hall, along with lists of suggested acts of kindness (need not use, you can also come up with your own). You can bubble in one of the empty bubbles when you complete your kind acts. There will also be a box, if you would like to write (anonymously or with your name) what you did (or what a congregation member did for you!), to be read during worship services.

If you have any ideas of ways that we can be kind together, in small groups or perhaps as a community- there will also be a suggestion box.

For more information:
The United States of Kindness - United Church of Christ

Agape Lunch

Our next lunch gathering will be July 3rd from 12pm-1pm! 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 "any salad"- and so, you can bring any type of salad! Fruit salad, potato salad, egg salad, pasta, bean... let Sarah know what you're bringing.

E-mail sromangreaves@gmail.com to RSVP

You are welcome to join us! Even if you'd like to just bring lunch from home and sit with us, we would love your company.

Next dinner gathering: July 24th, 5pm with ice cream at 6pm

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.

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

Dappled sunshine and beautiful weather greeted the Wednesday Walkers this past week. This week we will have a little pre-walk celebration to welcome a new season and acknowledge summer birthdays. Join us at 9:00 at the Church Street parking lot for the Vernon Rails to Trails. ALL are welcome.

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

(Caregivers Support Group will not be meeting this week at the church)

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, 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, Jane Burr, 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, 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.