Tuesday Tidbits 11.10.26

First Congregational Church of Vernon United Church of Christ

Tuesday Tidbits

November 10, 2026

Honoring Our Veterans

As we mark Veterans Day, we pause to give thanks for all who have served in the armed forces — those in our congregation, our families, and our wider community. We honor their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to the work of peace and protection.

We also remember the many ways military service impacts lives long after the uniform is set aside, and we lift prayers for healing, wholeness, and hope for all veterans and their loved ones.

May our gratitude move us to be peacemakers in our own time, working toward a world where all may live in safety and peace

Thank You to Roger & Elsa

Thank you to Roger and Elsa Conley for providing a cake to celebrate the 251st anniversary of the United States Marine Corps and for the presentation you provided.

A PLACE FOR TOMORROW

FCCV Stewardship Campaign 2027

Our Stewardship Campaign is off to a strong start! 56 pledges have already been made…more than last year at this time. We hope and believe this trend will continue, because we are confident that our members and friends have understood the message…FCCV will remain strong in the future if we sustain and strengthen the support we provide right now.

Last Thursday we heard from Monica Becker, and Al and Marilyn Newton via our Thursday Stewardship Email as they expressed their feelings about our church and the support they give, and we appreciate their willingness to share.

If you have not received a pledge card in the mail we urge you to contact the church office (860.875.7580) we’ll see that you receive one ASAP!

Thanks,

The Stewardship Team

Greg, Judy, Steve, Lynn, Pastor Alisa

Our Deepest Condolences…

Our deepest condolences to Katherine Lyle and family on the passing of her husband, Robert A. Lyle. A service will be held here at the church on November 21st at 11am. Please hold Katherine and her family in your prayers.

Pastor Alisa’s Sabbatical

Pastor Alisa will be away until 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: “Making Room for One Another” (sermon from November 8th 2026)

Transgender Day of Remembrance

On Sunday, November 15th, we will take time in worship to recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) — a day set aside each year on November 20th to honor the lives of transgender and gender-diverse people who have been lost to anti-transgender violence.

First observed in 1999 as a vigil for Rita Hester, a transgender woman killed the previous year, TDOR has become a worldwide call to remembrance, awareness, and action. Communities and congregations gather to speak the names of those lost, lament the ongoing violence, and commit to creating a world where all people can live in safety and dignity.

As we remember, we also affirm the resilience, courage, and beauty of transgender people and renew our call to be a community of love and allyship for all gender identities.

Youth Group - Sunday, November 15th, 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.

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.

Handbell 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.

Wall Art

Our wall art has transitioned from Fall to Holiday, and we still have room for a few more creative contributions!

Thank you for sharing your gifts, creativity, and talents with our congregation. Your artwork helps make our space warm, welcoming, and special for everyone.

We look forward to seeing your beautiful submissions and celebrating the many talents within our church family!

Monday Morning Bible Study

Monday Morning Bible Study will meet November 9th-23rd and we will not have class on November 30th.

In November we will continue with our current study on World Religions and then start Advent December 7th-28th. We meet Mondays in Kellogg Hall at 10:45am. All are welcome.

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!).

Tunnel of Lights Trolley Ride

We have planned an outing for the CT Trolley Museum, for an open-air trolley ride through their holiday light display! After our trolley ride together, you can go into the indoor part of the museum and enjoy the trolley and train set displays or get some cocoa and relax.

Your RSVP is time sensitive, as tickets sell out fast for the Tunnel of Lights trolley rides.

When: Dec 11th (back-up date, if we see a storm coming ahead of time or if tickets aren't available: Dec 18th)

Be there at 6pm for tickets, then wait for the trolley together at 6:15pm (takeoff at 6:30pm)
Where: CT Trolley Museum, at 58 North Rd, East Windsor, CT

Tickets are $24 a person. Please message the Church Program office to reserve your tickets. Tickets are only refundable or transferable up to Dec 4th, 4pm. Please bring payment to the church office).

Poinsettias and Annual Memory Tree

Poinsettias will once again grace our Sanctuary during the Christmas season!

You are invited to purchase a poinsettia or dedicate a light on our Annual Memory Tree in honor or memory of a loved one.

Orders for poinsettias and Memory Tree lights will be accepted during Coffee Hour on Sundays beginning November 8th. You may also place your order by completing the form below.

The deadline for all orders is December 6th.

Thank you for helping us make our Sanctuary beautiful during this special season while remembering and honoring those who hold a special place in our hearts.

Holiday Fair 2026

Another fair is in the books and was a huge success. Thanks to all those who crafted through out the year, baked, set up, decorated, worked on fair day, cleaned up. We are blessed with such a wonderful church family. Thank you so much.

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.

The next innings and outings will be…

November 20th 6:30pm Game Night
December 11th 6pm Tunnel of Lights Trolley Ride

Kindness Campaign

We have completed our kindness campaign! The final count was 251 acts of kindness.

Over the past four months, you have been practicing kindness regularly- the kind that goes out of its way to help. The kind that remembers that one of our highest callings as Christians is to act as a neighbor to others. I hope you have found this experience to be a positive one. Stay tuned for the last of our shout-outs on Sunday. The hearts will be staying up a bit longer in celebration of World Kindness Day (Nov 13th).

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.

Weekly Programs

We offer a variety of weekly programs that are open to everyone! Whether you're looking to connect with others, grow in faith, or become more involved in our church community, we warmly invite you to join us.

For more information about any of our weekly programs, please contact the church office by email or call (860) 875-7580.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Remember to Pray for:

Sarah Koziol, Don- Karen's childhood friend who is now on hospice, Deborah & Albert Hewitt- brother and sister in law of Linda T, 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.