Tuesday Tidbit 5/5/2026

First Congregational Church of Vernon United Church of Christ

Tuesday Tidbits

May 5, 2026

Happy Birthday to all who have a birthday in May!

Women’s Fellowship Craft Night this Wednesday, May 6th

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

Join us Wednesday, from 6:30-8pm in Fellowship Hall to help.

Our Condolences….

We share our heartfelt condolences with the family of Winn Boisseau, who died on Sunday surrounded by her family while in the care of hospice. We invite you to hold Winn’s loved ones in your prayers and in your care during this tender time. Winn is the daughter of Betsy Gerakaris. A service will be held here at the church; details will be shared as they become available.

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.

Pledge Giving Statements

As was done last year, we are sending out giving statements three times per year, within two weeks following 4/30/26, 8/31/26 and after year-end 12/31/25. Delivery will primarily be via email, also mailed statements to those in the past have requested mailed copies. Note: To save postage costs, the statements designated as "mailed" will be available at table in foyer on Sunday, May 10th. Please advise Dave Grigg if you want to change your past delivery method for the 4/30/26 statement or contact the church office. Dave Grigg, FCCV Assistant Treasurer

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.

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.

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.

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

Book Study

Last Friday, we began our book study for My Body is Not a Prayer Request by Amy Kenny. This coming Friday May 8th, we will be going over chapters 2-3, on "Disability Discrimination" and "Disability Doubters."

We will explore a definition of ableism together : "a system that places value on people's bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normalcy, intelligence, excellence and productivity" (pg. 25).

Action Item: Check out the following hashtags on Social Media:
#AbleismExists and #EverydayAbleism to learn more about the everyday experiences of others.

E-mail sromangreaves@gmail.com if you would like to hop into this book study.

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

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")

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!

Agape Lunch…Friday, May 15th 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: Bring a childhood or family favorite to share.

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…

Sunday Night Live has started up again.
Here is our schedule:
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

Join Our Choir!

Our next practice will be Saturday, May 16th at 10am and May 17th 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 Groups next meeting will be Sunday, May 17th 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.

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.

We still 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!

🌸 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! 😊

Wednesday Walkers

The Wednesday Walkers were treated to special guest on the trail this past Wednesday. A deer decided to cross right in front of us! The week before we were observed by sheep and a llama as we strolled by. We later learned that the sheep have Biblical names - Ezekiel, Gabriel, and Mordecai.

Come enjoy nature with us. Gather at 9am at the Church Street parking lot for the Vernon Rails to Trails.

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

Monday morning bible study will meet this coming Monday at 10:45am in Kellogg Hall to discuss the Women of the Bible. All are welcome.

Remember to Pray for:

Herb Slicer, Bill- Sue's neighbor, Mary-Marjorie's friend, Amy S- Joanne's friend, 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, 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 mental health challenges.

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.