Our 285th Year
THE CORNERSTONE
The Newsletter of the Westchester Congregational Church
NOVEMBER 2014
Westchester Congregational Church
SNOWFLAKE BAZAAR
NOVEMBER 22, 2014
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
LUNCH
HOT DOGS, Finger Sandwiches, Dessert
Craft Vendors
Apple Pies
Orphaned Ornaments Table
Thanksgiving and Christmas Decorations
Tag Sale at Parsonage will be open
THE CORNERSTONE of any church is the faith of the people who worship there. Our newsletter will be
a Cornerstone of our congregation by opening up communication between all of us.
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Why do we have an Interim Minister?
An Interim Minister is not just a body to stand at the pulpit while the Search Committee does their work. The
purpose of the interim period is a time for the congregation to make changes. If a church is losing a long time,
beloved minister, or if there has been conflict or disagreement, the interim minister will help the church through
that time. The church needs some consistency in the pulpit until a permanent pastor is called. That is what an
Interim Minister can provide.
Transitional Ministry (often called Interim Ministry) is a particular kind of ministry for churches who are between
settled pastors. During the transitional time, as churches adjust to the loss of one minister and prepare for the
calling of the next, unique leadership needs emerge, and churches need some continuity in the pulpit.
There is opportunity for evaluating our church’s future ministries and directions, and also evaluating our
church’s past and present. This time is also filled with potential for spiritual renewal, hope and, when
necessary, healing. An Interim Minister can help prepare the church for new directions, vision and leadership.
Interim Ministers have specialized training and/or experience to help churches during this time. An Interim
Minister is supposed to make us think, make us wonder, make us a little uncomfortable at times, make us talk,
and make us pray about what is important to us as a congregation and as individuals for now and especially for
the future.
The reasons for calling an interim minister are varied. Our reason is the retirement of our settled pastor. It is a
wise and caring congregation that recognizes the unique needs and opportunities present in the interim period
and secures the leadership skills of a minister with special training in transitions. Our decision to call an
Interim Minister means we can be well prepared for the work God has called, and is calling us to do and for the
finding of our new, settled minister.
There are goals and objectives in our Interim Minister’s contract to help us discern our next steps. Pastor Andy
Berryhill has been consulting and working with our Deacons to determine the best ways to fulfil the terms of
our contract with him and to help us prepare for that next minister God is preparing to serve us.
To sum up: an interim pastor is to help a congregation ask the question, "What's Next?" So often a fellowship
searches for a pastor based on their perceived needs. And though needs are important... a far better gage is
to search for a pastor based on our collective "VISION!" Needs tend to turn the eyes INWARD. And though
there are times for that; especially when a church is recovering from an unpleasant experience, VISION will
turn our eyes OUTWARD... beyond ourselves, to the world and our future.
So, the bottom line is, if there’s something new you really like, or don’t like, or never heard of and are
wondering about, or something you just thought of and want us to try, talk to Andy, or a deacon, or drop a note
in our suggestion box. This Interim Period is not just for sitting and waiting for our vision, it’s for thinking and
working and praying for our vision.
Blessings,
Alice and Andy
Congregational History
As we near Thanksgiving (Pilgrims) and December (the anniversary month of WCC) it is good to think about
the history and meaning of Congregationalism. In the coming weeks, look and listen for information in Sunday
Bulletins, in the announcements, on the information tables in the foyers and in The Cornerstone about
Congregational faith and history. Whether you were born into Congregationalism or are a late-in-life convert,
you'll find something meaningful in this information.
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2014 COMMITEE MEMBERS
Committee
PRUDENTIAL
COMMITTEE
Name
Telephone
email
Sr.
Alice Csere
537-4013
[email protected]
2-yr
3-yr
Jean Sosnoski
Jim Ouellette
531-9692
267-9828
[email protected]
[email protected]
Ed Leitkowski
537-3767
[email protected]
Jim Ouellette
vacancy
Roy Perkins
Ross Johnson
267-9828
[email protected]
873-2381
267-0279
[email protected]
[email protected]
JUNIOR DEACONS
Kevin Ouellette
Nicholas
Leitkowski
267-9828
TREASURER
ASSISTANT
TREASURER
Jean Pinson
537-4338
[email protected]
Tana Handwerk
537-5724
[email protected]
Assistant CLERK
CHRISTIAN ED
DIRECTOR
CHRISTIAN ED
TREASURER
Evelyn Taggart
537-1919
[email protected]
John Wright, Sr
267-4308
Tana Handwerk
537-5724
CHOIR DIRECTOR
Betty Ous
267-2318
FINANCE
Jeanne Wickham
RichardWolverton
Kelly Ouellette
537-2115
537-0262
267-9828
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Jean Pinson
Tana Handwerk
537-4338
537-5724
[email protected]
[email protected]
Donna Wolverton
Evelyn Taggart
537-0262
531-1919
[email protected]
[email protected]
Carolyn Perkins
873-2381
[email protected]
John Wright, Jr.
John Wright, Sr.
Pete Bates
267-4308
267-4308
537-9029
[email protected]
AUDIT FACILITATOR
DEACONS
FUNDRAISING
Sr.
2-yr
3-yr
4-yr
Chair
MAINTENANCE
537-3767
[email protected]
MARKETING
Chair
Cathy Pompei
267-8705
[email protected]
OUTREACH
Chair
Sue Johnson
vacancy
267-0279
[email protected]
Mary Jane Slade
Alice Csere
John Wright Sr
537-1576
537-4013
267-4308
[email protected]
[email protected]
Chair
Jane Duval
267-0783
[email protected]
2nd
3rd
Evelyn Taggart
Jean Sosnoski
Betty Ous
Karen Snell
Tana Handwerk
Cathy Pompei
Mary Jane Slade
537-1919
531-9692
267-2318
365-0546
537-5724
267-8705
537-1576
[email protected]
[email protected]
Donna Wolverton
Jeanne Wickham
537-0262
537-2115
[email protected]
[email protected]
STEWARDSHIP
RAINBOW
FLOWERS
NOMINATING
ETHICS
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Kevin Burzycki
467-6913
[email protected]
Chair
2nd
MaryBeth Dadona
Jane Duval
365-0897
267-0783
[email protected]
[email protected]
3rd
Vacancy
YOUTH GROUP
Carol Tiziani
537-3734
[email protected]
CALENDAR
Carol Tiziani
537-3734
[email protected]
SUNDAY BULLETIN
CORNERSTONE
EDITOR
Alice Csere
537-4013
[email protected]
Mary Jane Slade
537-1576
[email protected]
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The Westchester Congregational Church Newsletter
NOVEMBER 2014
Volume 24
Number 11
Published monthly by:
The Westchester Congregational Church
Located at the corner of Route 149 & Cemetery Road
Interim Minister, The Reverend Andy Berryhill
Home: 860-873-8924 Cell: 413-588-7445
Office Hours Tues & Thurs - 9 am-12 pm
Church & Parsonage: 860-267-0480
Canney Hall:
860-267-6711
CAROLYN SCHAEFER PRAYER SHAWL
MINISTRY
Our Prayer Shawl Ministry has been renamed the
Carolyn Schaefer Prayer Shawl Ministry in honor of
the dozens of prayer shawls Carolyn lovingly
created for us and her years of service in our
church, especially her beautiful soprano voice in
the choir.
Reverend Fred M. Dole, Minister Emeritus
Information for the DECEMBER
CORNERSTONE
is due by NOVEMBER 25, 2014
email to:
[email protected]
The prayer shawl ministry is ongoing for those in
need of comfort. Please let a Deacon know if
someone is in need of a prayer shawl. Knitters and
crocheters are always welcome to provide us with
more shawls.
! We are in need of shawls for adults. Knitting
needles, patterns and some yarn are available.
Donations have been made to purchase yarn if
necessary.
MEETINGS & GET-TOGETHERS
PRUDENTIAL MEETING
WCC’s next Prudential Meeting will take place
Sunday, November 9, 2014, after morning worship.
The MEN”S BREAKFAST GROUP meets
the third Saturday of the month, date is
November 16, 2014, Maria’s Pizza
at 8:00 a.m. All men are invited.
THE LADIES LUNCH BUNCH
meets on the first Thursday of the month.
November 6, 2014
at
Diane’s Restaurant
Rte 16, Westchester
Meet @ Church 11:40 am
See Betty Ous for information
and reservations. All are invited.
The Full Moon on November 6, 2014, is called the
Full Beaver Moon. This is the time to set the traps to
have fur for the winter.
NOTES FROM THE TREASURER
Please feel free to contact Treasurer Jean
Pinson by email with any questions and/or
concerns at [email protected]. If you
are unable to make it to church, please send
your pledge or any special donations you
would like to make to Jean Pinson, 18 Brainard
Rd., Colchester, CT
06415.
For your
convenience, envelopes for church donations
are available in the foyer.
Dresses for Haiti’s Children
Sandy Parmenter is asking for gently used
pillowcases or any brightly colored cloth pieces at
least the size of pillowcases as she makes them
into sundresses for the little girls in Haiti. Please
drop off any donations in the church entryway.
Please mark your bag with Sandy’s name on it. Or,
call Sandy at 860-873-9367. Please no scraps of
cloth.
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RETURNABLE CANS & BOTTLES
WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
Gary and Paula Felt are sponsoring the WWP
for the month of
November in Memory of Paul G. Trafton,
U.S. Navy, WWII and in Honor of
Francis “Mac” McAuliffe, U.S. Army, WWII.
Please donate your returnable cans and bottles to
WCC – you can drop them off in the container in
the parking lot – rinsed and caps removed and only
those returnable to Stop & Shop.– Over $150 per
year!!
VERIDIAN FUNDRAISER
______________________________
If you would like to sponsor the Wounded Warrior
Project for a month in honor of or in memory of
someone, please contact Sue Johnson of the
Outreach Committee at 860-267-0279.
Check your electric bills for the per kilowatt pricing.
The fixed rate had dropped so if you had a variable
rate with Viridian, give them a call and they will
provide you with the lower rate. Any questions
call Alice Csere at 860-537-4013.
A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board as well.
Sponsorships are $19.00; payable to WCC.
WCC will forward sponsorship monies to the
Wounded Warrior Project.
Mission:
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® is to
honor and empower wounded warriors.
Purpose:
To raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for
the needs of injured service members, to help
injured servicemen and women aid and assist each
other, and to provide unique, direct programs and
services to meet their needs.
History:
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began when
several veterans and friends, moved by stories of
the first wounded service members returning home
from Afghanistan and Iraq, took action to help
others in need. What started as a program to
provide comfort items to wounded service members
has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to
assist warriors as they recover and transition back
to civilian life. Thousands of wounded warriors and
caregivers receive support each year through WWP
programs designed to nurture the mind and body,
and encourage economic empowerment.
Visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org
information.
for
more
*More Bazaar News – we have had great success
with the Orphaned Ornaments table – Christmas or
Thanksgiving (this year). If you knit, sew, crochet,
perhaps you could donate an article to the Bazaar.
A Garden of Angels in Raymond Park
This is just a reminder that you can order steppingstones for the Memory Garden in Raymond Park.
This park was designed for meditation and
remembrance for parents and families who have
lost a child. The cost to do so is $25.00. To order a
stone, please contact Evelyn Taggart at
[email protected] or pick up an order form at
church.
WCC FUNDRAISER INFORMATION
The following is a list of upcoming events
NOVEMBER 4
November
November 21
NOVEMBER 22
DECEMBER
Election Bake Sale @ Bacon Academy
See Bulletin for workshop dates
Baking and prep at Church
Snowflake Bazaar/Tag Sale*
No Fundraiser
Bakers are needed, as well as sellers, for the Election
Day Bake Sale. Muffins, coffee cakes are good for the
morning, packages of 3-4 cookies. People like to bring
things to work for their co-workers. Breads, desserts are
bought around dinnertime. Kids love to grab a brownie or
fudge!
Remember our famous “Cookies By The
Pound” for the Snowflake Bazaar. Special, pretty,
decorated, but not just Christmas this year, Bazaar is the
Saturday before Thanksgiving – turkeys, leaves, pilgrims
could be the theme.
*The TAG SALE will be open the day of the Bazaar.
Anyone needing a written acknowledgement for tax
purposes, please see Jean Pinson or EvelynTaggart.
*The Fundraising Committee members are looking
for those who sew to make easy projects for the
Snowflake Bazaar, please contact Evelyn at
[email protected]. (860-537-191
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CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!
Ira and Nan Wasniewski will celebrate their 60th
wedding anniversary on November 10, 2014.
Happy Anniversary
NEWS FROM THE PEWS
Convalescent & Masonic Homes
Robert W.
SHUT-INS
Wanda V.
NEEDING PRAYERS
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
5 Karissa Vincent
8 Tom Pinson
Olivia B., Daena P., Wanda V., Ethel D., Frank M.,
Laura W., Rose D., Jake S., Ruth Ann S., Fred P.,
Frank S., BJ M., Holly B., Donna K., Nolan L.,
Emma F., Casey K., Benjamin L., Carolyn W.;
Joseph M., Anthony D., Sheila D.,
and all the men and women in the Armed Services.
Sympathy to the family of former member Doug
Hendrickson on the passing of Doug’s father and to
Eileen Lyons on the passing of Harold Lyons.
16 Mike Csere
18 Beth Coleman
**********
GOODSEARCH
COMMUNITY LUNCH
The Colchester Community Lunch Program
continues to operate and grow. Volunteers are
always welcome (women and MEN). Our church
provides and prepares the meal every Friday. We
start at 11:15 a.m. and are finished shortly after
1:00 p.m. Donations of non- perishable food items,
paper goods and cash help defray the cost of the
meal. For more information contact Evelyn at (860537-1919) Sandy (869-537-9367, Jane (860-2670783) or Hillary (860-537-0472).
This is a free, easy-to-use fundraiser – use Goodsearch as
your search engine to shop and WCC gets a percentage of all
sales. Go to www.goodsearch.com, you can download the
toolbar or just use “Goodsearch” and WCC gets one cent
every time you search online. Goodsearch uses Yahoo! as
their search engine and it is safe. We are not making anywhere
what we could on this one, especially knowing how much your
kids use the computer. There are local restaurants participating
as well. WE HAVE EARNED OVER $700 FROM THIS WITH
VERY LITTLE EFFORT. WE GET PAID AS YOU USE THE
SEARCH ENGINE AND/OR SHOP!!!
If you register a credit card and then use it at Illiano’s, WCC
earns a percentage.
******
SUGGESTION BOX IS BACK!
VACANCIES AT WCC
The Nominating Committee is looking for people
to fill current vacancies – Clerk, Deacon, one
person for Outreach, one for Ethics and a
Treasurer. Training will be provided for the
Treasurer’s position. Please call Chair Jeanne
Wickham at 860-537-2115, if you are interested.
The yellow box in the foyer labeled "Your
Thoughts" is for suggestions, questions, complaints,
ideas, comments, etc. for the deacons, minister,
Search Committee, Prudential Committee or to
whomever you address your note. Please feel free to
jot down your thoughts and put in the box.
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LEAVES
- Elsie N. Brady
HYMNS AND THEIR STORIES
THIS IS MY FATHER’S WORLD
This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears all nature
sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought of rocks
and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise, the
morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world, He shines in all that's fair; in the
rustling grass I hear Him pass ;He speaks to me everywhere.
Maltie D. Babcock, a minister, lived in Lockport, New
York. Reverend Babcock took frequent walks along the
Niagara Escarpment to enjoy the overlook’s panoramic
vista of upstate New York scenery and Lake Ontario,
telling his wife he was “going out to see the Father’s
world.” Shortly after his death at age 42 in 1901, she
published a compilation of Babcock’s writings entitled
Thoughts for Every-Day Living that contained the poem
“My Father’s World.”
The poem was set to music in 1915 by Franklin L.
Sheppard, a close friend of Babcock, who did not want to
call attention to himself and signed using his initials
rearranged as ‘S.F.L.’.
This is My Father’s World is a favorite hymn at
Thanksgiving time.
The Colchester Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
will be held at the Federated Church, 60 Main
Street, at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24,
2014. Our choir will join the other choirs in the
choral anthem “Sing a Joyful Song” by Emily
Crocker. All are welcome.
How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.
At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow."
NOVEMBER BIBLE TRIVIA
- by Roy
(1) Name two books of the Bible that start with “In
the beginning.”
(2) Who was the only disciple at the Jesus’
crucifixion?
(3) How did Judas Iscariot die?
(4) While on the cross, Jesus said, “Dear woman,
this is your son, and to the disciple, here is your
mother.” Who is the woman and who is the
disciple?
(5) Which disciple doubted Jesus’ resurrection until
he saw the nail marks in his hands and the whole
in his side where he put his finger?
(6) Who denied Jesus three times?
(7) Who is the Word in John, Chapter One?
(8) Who quoted Isaiah 40:3 by saying, “I am the
voice of one calling in the dessert,
make straight the way for the Lord?”
(9) Which Pharisee came to Jesus at night and asked
him how can a man be born
again when he is old?
(10) Jesus was baptized in what river.
Answers on Page 8
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YOUTH GROUP UPDATE
The Youth Group met on October 26. We had a small group, but we had some fun and some
laughs, and we learned some lessons. The main lesson we learned was to always read the
directions….completely. After burning a batch of candy liquid for candy apples (not a good
smell), we baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies and made some caramel apples. Some of
the kids also exhibited their artistic talent by painting pumpkins.
The Youth Group’s fall flower bulb sale earned a profit of $117. The money will go far in
providing supplies and funds for our meetings and other activities. Thank you to all of you who
supported this effort!
Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 23 from 3-5pm. All church youth in
grades 4 and up are welcome to attend.
Submitted by Carol Tiziani, Youth Coordinator
*******
NOVEMBER BIBLE TRIVIA ANSWERS
(1) Genesis and John
(2) John
(3) He hanged himself
(4) Mary and John
(5) Thomas
(6) Peter
(7) Jesus
(8) John the Baptist
(9) Nicodemus
(10) Jordan
IMPORTANT NOVEMBER DATES
November 1 Turn back the clocks
November 4 Election Day
November 11 Veterans’ Day
November 27 Thanksgiving Day
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"LOOK UP, LAUGH, LOVE AND LIFT"
NOVEMBER 2014
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1.
2.
10:00am Morning
Worship
Communion
3.
4.
6:30pm Girl Scout 6:30pm Boy Scout
Troop 109
5.
6.
7.
9:00am Quilting Group
Ladies’ Lunch Bunch
6:00 pm Al-Anon
7:00pm Choir
Rehearsal
Scouting Event - 8:00am Men’s
Breakfast Group
Camping thru
weekend on
Church Grounds
ELECTION DAY
Bake Sale 8:00am
7:30pm Al-Anon
8.
6:30pm Pack 109
Committee Mtg
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
10:00am Morning
Worship
6:30 pm Troop
109 Committee
Meeting
6:30pm Boy Scout
Troop 109
9:00am Quilting Group
7:00pm Choir
Rehearsal
6:30 pm Pack 109
11:00 am
Prudential Meeting 10:00 am Bazaar
6:30 Committee
Mtg Pack 109
Workshop @
Parsonage
16.
17.
7:30pm Al-Anon
6:30 pm Cemetery Assoc
18.
10:00am Morning
Worship
10:00 am Bazaar
Workshop @
Parsonage
19.
20.
6:30pm Al-Anon
7:00pm Choir
Rehearsal
7:30pm Al-Anon
21.
10:00 – 2:00
through week
10:00am Morning
Worship
3:00-5:00 Youth
Group
22.
SNOWFLAKE
BAZAAR
Bazaar Prep
23.
15.
24.
25.
6:30pm Boy Scout
Troop 109
26.
9:00am Quilting Group
6:30pm Al-Anon
27.
28.
29.
HAPPY
THANKSGIVING!
7:30pm Al-Anon
30.
10:00am Morning
Worship
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WESTCHESTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
95 CEMETERY ROAD
COLCHESTER, CT 06415
Sunday Worship Schedule for NOVEMBER 2014
November 2, 2014
10:00 A.M. Service
Communion Sunday
November 9, 2014
10:00 A.M. Service
Prudential Meeting
November 16, 2014
10:00 A.M. Service
November 23, 2014
10:00 A.M. Service
November 30, 2014
10:00 A.M. Service
Join us for coffee every Sunday after church.
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