Embedded Files
Pastor’s Page
HI All,
October is here! The leaves are changing, the air is getting cooler, and suddenly everything is pumpkin flavored. Pumpkin coffee, pumpkin bread, and I’m pretty sure if we wait long enough, somebody will come out with pumpkin-flavored communion wafers!
October reminds us that change is all around us.
The trees that were bright green just a few weeks ago are turning red, orange, and gold. The days are getting shorter. The temperatures are dropping. Before long, somebody is going to say those four words nobody wants to hear:
“Where’s the snow shovel?”
But as the seasons change, October gives us a wonderful reminder:
Our world changes, but our God does not.
Hebrews 13:8 tells us:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
That is good news because life can change quickly.
Our plans change.
Our families change.
Our health can change.
Our jobs change.
Our communities change.
Even our churches experience change.
Sometimes change is exciting. Sometimes it is frightening. And sometimes we look toward heaven and say, “Lord, what are You doing now?”
Yet through every season, God remains faithful.
A Lesson from the Leaves
Have you ever thought about what a tree teaches us in October?
A tree doesn't panic when its leaves begin to fall.
It doesn't grab onto every leaf and shout, “Nobody move! We've always done it this way!”
The tree lets go.
Why?
Because God has another season coming.
Sometimes faith means trusting God enough to let go of yesterday so He can lead us into tomorrow.
Maybe we need to let go of an old hurt.
Maybe we need to let go of anger.
Maybe we need to forgive somebody.
Maybe we need to stop worrying about something we cannot control.
Maybe God is calling us to try something new, help someone new, welcome someone new, or become something new.
The falling leaves remind us that letting go isn't always losing. Sometimes letting go makes room for new life.
And remember this: when the tree looks empty in the winter, it isn't dead.
God is still working where we cannot see Him working.
The same is true in our lives.
When you pray and nothing seems to happen—God is still working.
When the road ahead doesn't make sense—God is still working.
When you wonder what tomorrow will bring—God is still working.
And when you feel like you're standing in a season where everything familiar is falling away, remember:
The God who carried you through yesterday is already waiting for you in tomorrow.
A Few Church Facts
Did you know?
The word “church” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word ekklesia, meaning an assembly or gathering of people. Church isn't simply the building—we are the church!
Early Christians often gathered in people's homes for worship, prayer, fellowship, and meals.
Church bells have historically been used not only to announce worship but also to mark important moments in the life of a community.
The Bible contains 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
And here's one fact we sometimes forget: You don't have to be perfect to come to church. If perfect people were the only ones allowed inside, Sunday morning would be awfully quiet!
This month, I challenge each of us to do three simple things:
Pray for someone.
Encourage someone.
Invite someone.
It doesn't have to be complicated.
Call someone who has been lonely.
Send a card to somebody who is hurting.
Tell someone, “I've been thinking about you.”
Invite a friend to church.
Help someone without expecting anything in return.
And most importantly, listen.
Because God is still speaking.
The question is: Are we listening?
God may speak through Scripture. He may speak through prayer. He may speak through another person. Sometimes He speaks through the needs of someone standing right in front of us.
Don't become so busy looking for a giant sign from heaven that you miss the quiet voice of God saying:
“Help that person.”
“Forgive them.”
“Call them.”
“Welcome them.”
“Love them.”
As We Enter October
Church, the leaves may change.
The weather may change.
Our circumstances may change.
But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
So don't fear the changing season.
Walk into it with faith.
Because God has brought us this far, and He isn't finished with us yet!
There are still people to love.
There are still people to feed.
There are still broken hearts to encourage.
There are still prayers to pray.
And there is still work for them to do!
So, let's walk into October together with grateful hearts, open hands, and listening ears.
The season may be changing—but our God is still faithful, our mission is still alive, and our best days of serving Jesus may still be ahead of us!
Have a blessed and beautiful October!
In Christ's Love,
Rev. Carmen
October Calendar
Sunday, October 8 .... 9:30 AM Morning Worship with Communion
.... 10:30 AM Ladies Aid
Saturday, October 10 Tag Sale...8 AM - 3 PM
Sunday, October 11 .... 9:30 AM Morning Worship - Sunday School
Pasta Heaven Fundraiser Starts
Tuesday, October 13 .... 6:30 PM Trustees
Sunday, October 18 .... 9:30 AM Morning Worship
.... 10:30 AM Deacons Meeting
Sunday, October 25 .... 9:30 AM Morning Worship - Sunday School
..... 10:30 AM Sandwich making for Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach
Pasta Order Forms Are Due!
Do You love to Bake? We would love for you to bake for us for Coffee Hour after Worship on a Sunday. You don't bake? No worries, bakery/store bought goodies are excellent as well. If you would like to help with Coffee Hour on any Sunday, please see Charlotte or sign up for a Sunday, the sheet is on the table in the Narthex.
Union Congregational Church will bring back an old favorite in October when we offer delicious frozen pasta and breads from Pasta Heaven in Terryville.
Order sheets will be issued on Sunday October 11th. Completed orders must be returned by Sunday October 25th.
Pasta will be ready for pickup to distribute to your customers on Sunday, November 8th.
We hope you will consider taking an order sheet and selling to your friends, neighbors, and family.
Ladies Aide
IT’S GETTING CLOSE!
Our Tag Sale is Saturday October 10th. It coincides with the town wide tag sale and will be held rain or shine. We have lots of donations but we can always use more! Donations can be brought to the church the week of October 4-8 and left on the stage. Please no electronics, broken items or large heavy furniture. If you can’t carry it, we can’t either. 😊
We will also be having a small bake sale that day. We are looking for small, packaged goodies that our shoppers can eat while looking at all our treasures! Baked goods can be left at the church on Friday 10/9 or early Saturday 10/10. Thank you in advance.
FYI Looking for a Christmas gift for someone special? The Ladies will be selling Nutmeg Spice Company’s dips, rubs, sprinkles, etc. at the bazaar. If there’s something you’re looking for, let us know.
If you have any next to new seasonal/holiday items you’d like to donate, we’d be happy to add them to our pop up store which is doing above and beyond our wildest dreams!
Our next Ladies Aide meeting will be Sunday October 4th following our worship service.
News from the Board of Trustees
Our outdoor lighting is working again, just in time for the long dark winter.
Rev Carmen found the shorts causing the outage. Ozzie Bartlett dug a trench from our mailbox to our sign near the driveway and rain conduit and a wire. Carmen hooked it up and VOILA!
Ozzie is now working on closets in each side of the stage. These will be used to store equipment for several groups who use our hall. The goal is to keep the stage clear.
TLC Daycare signed a new 1-year lease. They've been with us 41 years!
The Church Council voted to try meeting every other month instead of every month. Our next meeting will be in November.
Outreach News
Caring Cards sent out this year - 123
Operation Christmas Child :
Shoeboxes will be available by mid-October. The church will pay for shipping the shoeboxes, so all you have to do is fill the box. The boxes are due back to the church on November 22nd to be blessed, as always thank you to those who participate in this Outreach mission.
Brian Gibbons Homeless Outreach:
We have made and donated over 400 lunches for this program so far this year. The next lunch making day is October 25th. We are still looking for donations of individual cups of soup that just need hot water to make a cup of warm soup. We will be adding the soup to the lunches from September thru April. Thanks to everyone who donates and/or helps in the making of these lunches.
Ecumenical News:
The Ecumenical Council will be holding their Annual Harvest Dinner at 6pm on Sunday, November 22nd at our church. All are welcome! The dinner is FREE. Please come and enjoy a delicious dinner and visit with your friends and neighbors. Teddi and Jeri from Play it again will be providing musical entertainment.
After a long search for a used traditional "church organ" within our budget, the decision was made to purchase a brand-new modern keyboard type organ instead.
The new organ is not only brand new and has many wonderful features, it is less expensive than any 'used' traditional organ we could find. Included with the organ is a music stand, bench, and a dedicated speaker.
Jeremey played the new organ at our September 20th Worship Service and it sounded great!
Cub Scout Pack 52 and Boy Scout Troop 52 are off to a great start to their new program year.
The Cubs are welcoming many new friends while their oldest members are transitioning into Troop 52 over next six months.
The Cubs hiked at Black Rock recently and the Scouts are going on a wilderness survival campout.
Scouting develops character, citizenship, fitness, and leadership skills. (and it's fun)
Troop 52 closed their September 16th meeting around the campfire and recognized six scouts who advanced in rank.
Photo By Jen Nelson
On September 20th we were happy to welcome Rev. Joseph Balducci as our guest preacher. He gave a fine sermon about God's love. Audrey Balducci helped out by doing a reading (below).
Photo by Joe LeClair
The Sacrament of Baptism
Jillian and Andrew Brown bring their daughter, Jacqueline Olive Brown, to the waters of life for baptism.
• Please know that due to the HIPPA laws, the church will not know if you or a loved one are hospitalized or sick. You will only get a visit if you notify us. Please contact Rev. Carmen 203-598-2984
• Sandy Ramponi, Outreach Chairman sends "Caring Cards" to people who experience loss, are hospitalized, etc. If you know of someone who would like to receive a card please contact Sandy at 860-417-3416 or email her at momramponi@yahoo.com
• Stories, artwork, photos, and other newsletter input is welcome and encouraged…please send to ucc.oakville@gmail.com or to Joe LeClair on any Sunday. We are on Facebook. Please be sure to "like" our page. https://www.facebook.com/Union-Congregational-Churchof-Oakville-CT-588659578254820
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse