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April 2019 Circuit Rider First Congregational Church of Lebanon
588 Exeter Road ~ P.O. Box 125, Lebanon, CT 06249
www.lebanonfirstcong.org
“We seek to demonstrate God’s Spirit through worship, witness, and ministry
to the needs of the people in the church and the community.”
Rev. Dr. Will Sencabaugh, Pastor Nancy Magnuson, Secretary
Pastor’s Office Phone: 860-642-2557 Office Phone: 860-642-6179
Cell Phone: 860-861-5003 Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected] Church Kitchen Phone: 860-642-7000
Derek Waldron, Director of Music Teresa Bielecki, Website/Facebook Coordinator
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Margaret McCaw, Moderator Michelle Kersey, Clerk
Email: [email protected] Phone: 860-642-7411
Phone: 860-642-6232
Jennifer Blevins, Co-Chair of Board of Deacons Keith Kersey, Chair of Board of Deacons
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: 860-642-6105 Phone: 860-642-7411 Cell: 860-377-5309
Eileen Colwell, Co-Chair Board of Outreach Janet Lewis, Co-Chair Board of Outreach
Phone: 860-423-7922 Phone: 860-237-0432
Tim Fields, Chair of Board of Trustees
Phone: 860-642-7849
Our Prayer List
Priscilla Donnelly Joan Dutko David Fields
Betty Forrest Jim Forrest Lorraine McNally Ellen Meseroll
Fay Morehouse Ellen Pelkey Barbara Rodman
Chet Ryan Ruth Tilley Nancy Schwartz Neil Whitehead
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ...” ~1 Peter 1:3
From the Pastor’s Desk
Our church mission statement is: “We seek to demonstrate God’s Spirit through worship, witness, and
ministry to the needs of the people in the church and the community.”
I think a mission statement is important. It wasn’t long ago that members of the church gathered,
brainstormed and wrote these beautiful guiding words. It is a statement of purpose. They are words
that we believe to be true about our church, and they are words that we hope will be true for our
church. Do we live them out? Can we live into them?
Over the next few months, in my newsletter article, I will be sharing thoughts about the three points in
that statement. We seek to demonstrate God’s Spirit through worship…
Worship is vital to the life and spirit of a congregation. Worship is where the congregation gathers to
hear a word of hope or comfort. It is where we gather for inspiration. For many the music is the most
important element of worship. For others it may be the liturgy or prayers. Ritual is important. Many
want the sermon to offer words of inspiration and strength. We all have different needs and
expectations when it comes to worship. I pray that we can all agree that pleasing everyone every week
is impossible. The one thing that our church can agree on is that we seek to demonstrate God’s
Spirit in and through our worship.
We may feel God’s Spirit at different times during a worship service. This is why we call it a worship
experience, because we hope and pray for an experience that moves us. The Spirit will inspire the choir.
The Spirit inspires the Sunday school teachers. The Spirit inspires the words crafted and preached in a
sermon. Certainly we can feel the Spirit of healing and comfort when we lift our prayer concerns before
the congregation.
God’s Spirit in worship can be felt in resounding notes from a pipe organ, or drum beats, bass lines and
‘three chords and the truth’ from an acoustic guitar. The Holy Breath of God can be felt in the quiet,
solemn moments when it seems like nothing is happening during worship. The presence of the Living
God is alive when we observe ancient spiritual practices or we are creating new rituals.
In my experience, and what I have discovered is that my generation (X) and younger generations while
longing for connection through ritual are ready to embrace change. The same thing every week is not as
important as keeping worship real, authentic, and fresh. Every worship service should be designed for
the ‘regulars’ but intentional for seekers and visitors.
We will have many opportunities for worship services in the coming days. There will be a variety of
experiences and offerings leading to Easter. There will be the celebrations of Palm Sunday and Easter.
We will have the solemn experience of a Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service. Also, the Good Friday
service will be a deeply moving contemplative experience. {All evening services are at 7pm.} We will
have the opportunity to worship with our Christian brothers and sisters for an Easter Sunrise Service.
Let us demonstrate God’s Spirit through Worship as we continue this pilgrimage to the Cross, and
beyond!
Blessings- Rev. Will
Loft Thoughts ~ April 2019
“Buckle up your seat belts, we’re in for another change,” (or, ‘it’s a bumpy ride.’) The season is changing to spring (as of the week I am writing this), and already changes are visible – songbirds arriving, and there’s more daylight in the evening, which we sometimes call ‘twilight.’ It’s a time of renewal, daffodils are popping up next to my little patio; and here residents seem hopeful, more anticipatory for the return of warmth and sun. Alleluia! Living in this part of the country continues to surprise us as the seasons shift and change, and it keeps us on our toes. Tucked in between these seasonal changes is something called ‘living.’ The daily adventures called ‘making a living;’ family life; secular life; religious life; and incidents which can cause joy, sorrow, pain, and sadness. Tears or laughter. Twenty-four hours a day, broken by three meals, school or work, sleep and waking. It all goes so fast. The one constant in my life now is my main meal at 12 noon each day. It seems my activities revolve around it - bowling, drumming, trivial pursuit games (for our brains), or just gathering near the fireplace to chat. Pretty good, I say. When Sunday arrives I do picture the church family, sitting in the same pews. I’ve known each one for so many years and have cried and laughed with them. The best part about these thoughts is that life is a constant flow. God is a constant companion. No matter where I am, there He is also, urging us to enjoy what He provides for us. I try to picture His Son’s journey as He accepted His fate, tried by the Romans, hung on the cross, raised on the third day, seen in the garden by Mary and then by His disciples. One theme for true hearts everywhere is celebrated by those who have a Christian faith. Rejoice! Be glad! He lives! I know that my redeemer lives! Happy Easter!
Just a note,
Jean Souter
Dear First Congregational Church of Lebanon,
Thank you for the generous donations of money and food items to Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Cupboard. Thank you, Rev. Will for blending the energy that exists for the Super Bowl with the Annual “Souper” Bowl of Caring event, bringing awareness to those in need within our local community.
We are also very grateful to the church for allowing the Food Cupboard to operate out of the church basement. We provide nonperishable food items, refrigerated and frozen items every week to Lebanon residents who may need the help.
We thank you for your generosity.
Sincerely, Neighbors Helping Neighbors of Lebanon
Lenten Book Study
We had so much fun reading Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan’s The First Christmas, that during Lent, we are now reading their book, The Last Week. We are meeting on Tuesday evenings 7-8 pm during Lent.
On the second Wednesday of every month, there is a gathering of
musicians. If you play an instrument or love to sing then please come to the Memorial
Room on the second Wednesday of every month. We’ll start at 7 pm. Bring some music
to share.
April Birthdays
3rd ~ Karen Fuller 4th ~ Jesse Soileau 5th ~ Tim Fields
9th ~ Neil Whitehead 11th ~ Izabella Garceau 12th ~ Danielle Boisvert 18th ~ Cecilia Wilkosz
21st ~ Marilu Randall 29th ~ Amy Hopkins 29th ~ Peggy McCarthy
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE – SPRING SCHEDULE
April 7th Speaker - Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt–Jonas, Reviving Creation Margaret will be preaching and will hold a forum on Climate Change & the Church. For more information on this exciting speaker, link here: http://revivingcreation.org/.
April 28th Juan Sanchez – Naturalist, discussion of flora and fauna during a walk around the Lebanon Green. Come in comfortable shoes and join us for an informative stroll.
Celebrating Earth Day April 2019 With Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullit-Jonas
The Environmental Justice Committee invites you to join our church family members and friends for an Earth Day Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 10 AM. Our very special guest, Rev. Dr. Bullit-Jonas, will lead us in an opportunity to deepen our earth care consciousness as a spiritual practice.
Worship will be led by members of the committee, Pastor Will and Rev. Dr. Bullit-Jonas. Her sermon title is “Lazarus Come Out!”: Christianity and the Climate Crisis”. In addition, you are invited to join her for a second hour exploration: “Earth Care, Soul Care: Reflections from the Front Lines”. How can caring for Earth become a spiritual practice that deepens our relationship with God? What role can faith communities play in the struggle to address the climate crisis? Margaret will reflect on the local and worldwide movement to address climate change and on how working to heal the web of life can help to heal our soul. ---------- The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas serves as Missioner for Creation Care for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ. She preaches, teaches, and leads retreats about our spiritual and moral power to address climate change and other threats to life on Earth. She is co-editor, with Rev. Leah Schade, of Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis, an anthology of essays that will be published by Rowman & Littlefield in November. She maintains a Website:RevivingCreation.org.
Lay Down Your Burdens at the Foot of the Cross…
The deacons have placed the Lenten cross in the church foyer where it will remain throughout the Lenten season. A basket of stones is located alongside it. You are invited during this season of reflection to take a stone, as a symbol of your burdens, and lay it down at the foot of the cross.
Lenten Schedule (All services at our church unless otherwise noted.)
April 3rd Ecumenical Lenten Service at St. Francis ~ 7:00 p.m.
April 14th Deacon’s Palm Sunday Breakfast ~ 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Palm Sunday Service ~ 10:00 a.m.
April 18th Maundy Thursday Service ~ 7:00 p.m.
April 19th Good Friday Service ~ 7:00 p.m.
April 21st Easter Sunrise Service & Breakfast at Lebanon Baptist Church ~ 6:00 a.m.
Easter Service ~ 10:00 a.m.
Fair Trade Market Products
Equal Exchange Fairly Traded
products will be available on the
fourth Sunday of the month. Please
stop by our table and stock up on
your favorite products. Your
purchases help to support small
farmers worldwide.
High School Senior!!
This is a great time to start gathering information for the Scholarship Application. Think about your activities in the Church – this spring and previously. Application forms are on-line and there are copies in the basket on the desk in the church foyer. If you have any questions, please, contact a Deacon.
Easter Egg Hunt ~ April 21st
The Board of Christian Education invites all children in fourth grade and under to our annual Easter egg hunt on April 21st.
Please meet at the back of the Fellowship Hall following the service. Bags will be provided.
Sanctuary Open During Holy Week
Beginning on Palm Sunday and continuing throughout Holy Week, the sanctuary will be open daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for prayer and meditation. Please enter through the main doors facing Route 207.
Palm Sunday
Pancake Breakfast
On Sunday, April 14th, the Deacons will be
serving their annual Pancake Breakfast from
8:30-9:30 a.m. We hope you will plan to
attend this special time together and enjoy a
wonderful breakfast!
We are excited to announce
we now offer the option of
ONLINE GIVING
lebanonfirstcong.org/give
Online Giving allows us to accept
donations from our church family
near and far!
What about Sunday’s offering?
You may continue to provide your
tithes and offerings via cash or check!
If you opt for online giving, cards will
be available in every pew that you
may share in the basket during the
weekly offering.
Board of Christian Outreach Lenten Calendar
March 31st One Great Hour of Sharing Collection
March 31st & April 7th ~ Alternative Giving Support our wider missions by purchasing unique items.
Protein Pyramid Now through Palm Sunday (April 14th) we will be collecting peanut butter and canned tuna to construct a Protein Pyramid on Palm Sunday. These food items will be donated to local food pantries.
2019 Easter Plants
If you are picking up plants, please enter the quantity of each plant:
______ Easter Lily $10.00 ______ Daffodils $8.00
______ Hyacinths $8.00 ______ Tulips $8.00
(All plants are 6” pots.)
Plants for our shut-ins are purchased and delivered prior to Easter Sunday. You are welcome to contribute to the
purchase of the Easter plants for the shut-ins by contributing to the Flower Fund.
Whether you purchase a plant to take home or donate to the Flower Fund you may still fill out this form
designating names you wish to have listed “in memory of” or “in honor of”. These names will be listed in the
Easter service bulletin.
Donor: _______________________________________________________________________________________
The plant is given In Loving Memory of: ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Or In Honor of: ________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Enclosed is my check for $____________ made payable to The First Congregational Church of Lebanon. If you are
donating to the Flower Fund, please be sure to note this in the memo section of your check.
Please order NO LATER than April 7th.
Contact Priscilla Clesowich, Tracy Kelley, or Linda Wagner with any questions.
Prayer Squares in the Foyer
There’s a heart-shaped basket on the table in the foyer. In it, are Prayer Squares. From remnants of yarn used to knit or crochet our shawls and sweaters, socks and scarves, mittens, blankets, and hats, those “squares” are created with love and hope in each stitch.
Perhaps as a place to rest a cup of tea or coffee, or tucked in a pocket, purse, backpack, or lunch bag, stitches linked together to make a little patch that can be a focal point of sight or touch to help center ourselves and find that point of calm within.
From the time of infancy, the sense of touch compels and comforts us – a newborn’s first sensation being held, of skin on skin, the softness of a swaddling blanket, and later the ‘favorite’ blanket or soft toy. The tiny hands that reach out to touch, exploring their world. As knitters and crocheters, we are always touching yarn, absorbing as much with our hands as with our eyes. What in infancy was comfort of touch alone becomes comfort on many levels.
The squares in the basket in the foyer are for the taking. There are blessings in every stitch. Some people call them ‘comfort squares,’ or ‘thinking of you’ squares. If you mail them in a greeting card, it will require the 2-ounce postage rate. If you have scraps of yarn, half an ounce or more (wound in a ball, that’s a bit larger than a golf ball), you can leave that in the basket and someone will use it to make a square. If you’d like to make some, leave a note in the basket and we will contact you to get together!
Flower Committee
The Flower Committee would like to remind the congregation that if you would like to place an arrangement in the sanctuary for Sunday service there is a sign-up calendar in the foyer or call the church office. If it is a last minute thought just call a flower committee member by Saturday morning. We also invite everyone to please consider sharing flowers, grasses, branches of beauty, from your gardens or yards for any Sunday morning.
Thank you,
Priscilla Clesowich, Tracy Kelley, Linda Wagner
“Bread feeds the body indeed.
But flowers feed also the soul.”
~ The Koran
Lenten Soup Dinners First Congregational Church of Lebanon Every Friday evening through April 19th.
5:00-7:00 p.m. Soup, Bread, & Fellowship ~ Takeout Available
Bible Study
Wednesday morning Bible study meets weekly at 9:30 a.m. in the Memorial Room. We are currently studying the Book of Acts. Bring your Bible (or we will provide one for you) and join us. All are welcome.
