April 2026 News !

Pastor’s Page

Hi All:

A Joyful Welcome to April.

April is a month of transformation.

We begin in the quiet reflection of Lent… and we rise into the powerful celebration of Easter morning.

It’s the season where darkness gives way to light, silence breaks into celebration and hope rises again. Or as some of us might say. "We gave up chocolate for 40 days… and now we’re making up for it!"

But truly April reminds us that God is always doing something new, maybe we should open our ears to hear God’s calling. Open our eyes to see God’s glory. Open our hearts to feel God’s love.

From the Cross to the Empty Tomb, we walk the final steps of Jesus’ journey. His sacrifice on the cross. His love He poured out for all of us. And His victory over death.

Easter is not just a day, it’s a promise. No matter how dark things seem to get, the resurrection is coming.

Something to think about: Lent may ask us to pause, but Easter calls us to rise.

If you’ve been, carrying a burden or feeling weary, maybe you are waiting for change, remember this God is not finished with your story. New life is possible. Hope is alive.

A Little April Joy

Why did the Easter egg hide?

Because it was a little chicken! (Ok, maybe you can give just a little smile.)

And if it sounds extra joyful on Easter, it might be the combination of resurrection power and a chocolate high!

Blessing

May this Easter season fill your heart with Peace that surpasses understanding. Joy that cannot be contained and faith that keeps rising.

He is risen. He is risen indeed!

God Bless,

Rev. Carmen

Holy Week and Easter Services

Maundy  Thursday  -  6 PM  April 2

A time to come together to read thru scripture the day before our Lord was crucified and what he had to endure on his journey to the cross.  A time for deep prayer and reflection.

Good Friday  - 6 PM  April 3

A day to come together and mourn the death of our Savior.  We gather together to write our prayers and concerns. We experience through interpretation, the journey and final breath of Jesus Christ. 

Easter Morning – Sunrise Service  -  6:30 AM  

Veteran's Memorial Park at the Pavilion 570 Nova Scotia Hill Rd Watertown, CT 06795.  Please arrive early for parking.  A prelude to the Resurrection of Jesus

Easter Sunday Service – 9:30 AM

Come and celebrate the victory of Jesus Christ where death could not keep him down and the tomb could not hold him in.  The stone was rolled away.  He is Risen!

• 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

Ladies Aide 

The Ladies Aide has been busy weaving mats for the homeless, a project that was started before COVID. We meet on Friday afternoons from 1-3. April dates will be announced during Sunday’s service.

Our pop-up store continues to be a success! If you have any small seasonal tag sale items you would like to donate, please bring them in. We’d be happy to sell them!

At our next meeting we will discuss our next project for the church.

The April Ladies Aide meeting will be canceled because the first Sunday in April is Easter.

"When it rains it pours"

After experiencing two furnace failures resulting at an expense of over $4,000, a roof leak was discovered in our newly renovated parlor!  This is a flat section of the roof that was completed in 2017.  Fortunately, the workmanship and materials are still under warranty.  Thank you to Kate Falotico for interacting with the vendor to get the repair done in a timely manner.

Around the same time, all of our outside lighting failed, causing a dangerous situation.  Rev. Cavallaro enlisted a friend and fellow electrician to track down the causes...two "shorts", and at this writing the repairs should be complete.

With large bills for snow removal, utilities, and furnace repairs, we faced a difficult time paying our bills for the month of February.  Because the furnace repair was not part of our annual budget and was greater than what we had in the Building Projects fund, it was decided to move $5,000 from one of our investments.  Please consider contributing to our Building Projects Fund as you are able.

Winter is traditionally our most difficult time, but it's now over!  

Phew!

Members of the Board of Trustees are: Oscar Bartlett, Kathy Gelinas, Kate Falotico, Peter Gelinas, Larry Scholl, Steve Nypert, and Joe LeClair.  Ex-officio members are Rev. Carmen Cavallaro, Diane Cavallaro, and Treasurer Steve Ramponi.