Tuesday Tidbits 6/9/12

First Congregational Church of Vernon United Church of Christ

Tuesday Tidbits

June 9, 2026

Agape Dinner

Join us for a church potluck this Friday, June 12th, at 5pm! Theme: Camping Cuisine, to celebrate the start of the camping season. This is a gathering for all ages, in the playground area (fellowship hall if it rains. Grill available outside if you want to cook here- just come a little early to do so).

E-mail Sarah with what you're bringing: sromangreaves@gmail.com. Some ideas- hotdogs, kebabs, roasted veggies/veggie skewers. We will have chips already and the church will provide s'mores for dessert.

This is part of our Agape Meal program, which is meant to gather people together for the love of food and for good company. Each meal has a fun theme. Although we usually meet for lunch, during the summer, we will meet every other time for dinner.

Come join us- even if you can't make or bring food, friendly faces are always welcome.

Chair Yoga

Save the date- Lisa Gaumound of Sweet Lotus Yoga Studio will be offering Chair Yoga at our church, in fellowship hall, June 13th from 2pm-3pm. If you would like to join us, message Sarah directly by Thursday, at sromangreaves@gmail.com! Invite a curious friend or family member to join in the fun. It is $10 a person, to be paid at the event.

Chair yoga is a gentle, fun, accessible practice for all ages and body types. Beginner-friendly!

Student Sunday and Graduate Recognition

Join us this Sunday, June 14, for Student Sunday, a special worship service led by our children and youth. During this service, we will also celebrate and recognize this year’s graduates.

We invite graduates of all ages to be honored during worship. If you would like your child recognized, or if you have earned a degree and would like to be acknowledged, please submit a photo along with a brief description to the church office by June 10.

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.

Summer Camp (VBS)…June 22nd-26th

How You Can Help with VBS 2026: #KidsConnect!

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

Dates: June 22nd - 26th

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.

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:
Chair Yoga June 13th, 2pm-3pm

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.

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.

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!

Wednesday Walkers

A beautiful June morning greeted the Wednesday Walkers last week as they gathered on the Hop River Trail in Vernon. Come join our community of walkers at 9am at the Church Street parking lot. Nature, socialization and exercise all contribute to health and well-being.

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:

Andy Cartwright- Chuck's brother, Doug Bacon- Marilyn's nephew, Herb Slicer, Bill- Sue's neighbor, Mary-Marjorie's friend, Amy S- Joanne's friend, Shannon Conley 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 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, all who are navigating a difficult season of mental health and their loved ones who walk beside them, and all who are living with HIV/AIDS.

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.