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From Our Pastor...
July 5 10 am Online Worship*
Jul 12 10 am Online Worship*
Jul 19 10 am Online Worship*
Jul 26 10 am Online Worship*
Aug 2 10 am Online Worship*
Aug 9 10 am Online Worship*
Aug 16 10 am Online Worship*
Aug 23 10 am Online Worship*
Aug 30 10 am Online Worship*
See page 2 for online worship info
The location of June services is tentative
based on social distancing
July-August 2020
The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut
The Judea Journal
Food, and venturing back out
into the community, and
making a difference
“Then the righteous will answer
him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw
you hungry and gave you food, or
thirsty and gave you something to
drink? 38And when was it that we
saw you a stranger and welcomed
you, or naked and gave you
clothing? 39And when was it that we
saw you sick or in prison and
visited you?’ 40And the king will
answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just
as you did it to one of the least of
these who are members of my
family, you did it to me.’”
–Matthew 25:37-40
Grace to you and peace in these
uncertain and unusual times. I
hope you are staying safe, staying
healthy, and able to enjoy this
summer weather we’ve been
having.
Food is an important aspect of
summer memories. Backyard
barbecues, s’mores around the
campfire, ballpark hotdogs, ice
cream socials, and so many other
gatherings around grills or on
picnic blankets have marked many
a summer day. Food is one way we
define our cultures and our
identities, and it’s one of the most
blatant ways of offering hospitality
Anniversaries 6
Birthdays 6
Calendar 6
Christian Education 5
Council’s Corner 3
From the Pastor 1
Kindness 10
Green Team 9
Memorials—Weekly 8
Missions & Outreach 4
Music Ministry 7
Sunday Morning Support 7
Youth Group 5
In this issue:
Page 2
Connection Info
for Worship &
Other Online
Events
Page 4
By the Rev. Robyn Gray, PhD
Calendar,
Upcoming Events
and Birthdays on
Pages 6-7 Page 9
Summer
Missions
Project
Summer
Ideas from
Green Team
Connection details on page 2
(Continued from page 1) Sharing the Love (continued from page 1)
Page 2 The Judea Journal
– that of making a place at the
table for the stranger.
Unfortunately, this year may
see far less gatherings where we
share food and welcome with
others because of the continued
protections to prevent spreading
coronavirus.
But that doesn’t mean we
can’t still share our food with
others – we just have to be a
little more creative than in days
past. The newly-minted
Washington Council of
Congregations has taken on
fighting food insecurity as its
inaugural effort. Every
Saturday at the Washington
Farmer’s Market, you can
purchase a few extra produce
items and drop them off at the
collection table, where they will
be taken to the New Milford
Culinary School. Your donations
will be used to create about 150
meals that week for homebound
and food-insecure people in the
area. Additionally, the second
town-wide Drive-through Food
Drive is scheduled for 10 am-2
pm on Saturday, 27 June, hosted
by our friends at St Johns, and
happening at our Parish House.
Any shelf-stable food items, pet
food, personal care items, or
cleaning supplies are welcome!
This collection will be distributed
between the Washington/Warren
and New Milford Food Pantries.
The hope is that this monthly
town-wide effort is a success, and
becomes a continuous event so
that putting food on the table is
one thing struggling families in
our area won’t have to worry
about as much. And, of course,
we continue our regular, on-
going collection of shelf-stable
food and personal care items,
which you can drop off any time
at the Parish House.
I hope these lazy days of
summer will still contain safely-
distanced gatherings with
friends, family, and great food,
and that we can all be part of
any of these small but significant
efforts to help the hungry among
us.
Worship Services Online — Connection
Join us for online worship on
Sundays at 10 am, Bible Study
Mondays at 10:30 am and Hump
Day Hoopla, Wednesdays at 6
pm. All are welcome to attend!
Our worship services use
Zoom, a meeting software that
allows for us to join together and
see each other. To join via your
computer or smart phone, you'll
need to click on this link:
https://zoom.us/j/598785427
Meeting ID: 598 785 427
Password: 572708
To phone in (audio only):
(646)558-8656
Meeting ID: 598785427#
Password: 572708
You'll be asked to download the
Zoom
software if
it's not already on your device.
It's totally free.
When you enter the meeting,
your audio will be muted. We
also plan to record the services so
we can share them for folks who
can't make it. So before you sign
in, you might want to heck your
hair and wear a shirt!
And plan to type in a joy or
concern in the chat window so
they can be read out loud during
the service.
And MORE online
(use same Zoom connection
info as for worship)
With you on
the journey,
Bible Study Mon 10:30
am
Explore the texts for the
upcoming Sunday with
Pastor Robyn. Join when
you can and see how they
speak to us all now in our
own lives. All you'll need is
yourself and a desire to
dive into these scriptures!
Hump Day Hoopla
Wed 6:30 pm
Liven up your mid-week
with a casual get-together!
Join us for "Hump Day
Hoopla" Wednesday
evenings at 6 pm. Join us
to check in, have some
laughs, and enjoy each
other's company.
Daily Devotional, 9 am
** on our Facebook page **
The Council’s Corner
Rev. Robyn Gray, Pastor 860-868-0569, x 11
Available by phone or email,
but email is preferred.
Carrie Loyd, Christian Ed Superintendent
Email: [email protected]
Jesse Ofgang, Organist/Principal Musician
Kathleen Sauvageau, Bookkeeper
By appointment as needed;
always available by email.
Karen Esslinger, Admin. Assistant
[email protected] ext10
Mon and Wed, 1 pm—5:30 pm (remote)
Tues and Thurs, 9 am—1:30 pm (remote)
Al Trowbridge, Sexton (860) 868-0230
Page 3
Council Members
Rev. Robyn Gray, PhD Pastor, 860-868-0569, X 11
Trish Grinnell, Moderator, 860-799-0190
Tony Vengrove, Vice-Moderator/ Stewardship,
860-799-0054
Michelle Gorra, Treasurer, 860-868-7852
Susan Elliott, Clerk and Deacons’ Rep 860-567-3768
Millie Johnson, Christian Ed. (860)354-0569
Steve Wadelton, Finance, 860-868-9822
Jim Esslinger, Missions, (860) 919-5207
Alecia Evans, Music & Drama, 860-868-2864
John Lintner, Personnel, 860-868-0019
Ben Grinnell, Trustee, 860-318-6044
Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org
2020-21 Quarterly Meeting Schedule:
Tentatively: Sept 20 Jan 10, Apr 11, Jun 13 Our deacons are responsible
for the worship, hospitality, and
pastoral care of the church.
They are available to speak with
you about any matters
pertaining to these things. You
may contact them at the
numbers below. Specific
“deacons of the month” are listed
in the bulletins on Sunday.
Wayne Hileman - 860-868-7235
Sheila Anson - 860-868-2786
Susan Elliott - 860-567-3768
Judith Gorra - 860-868-7023
Dan Lovallo - 860-361-6949
Hailey Lovallo - 860-3616949
Susan Loyd Turner-
860-868-0868
Cara Michalski - 860-484-4533
Henrietta Small- 860-729-3952
Terri Tibbatts - 860-350-1919
Dave Werkhoven - 860-671-0569
Ellen Willert - 860-605-7902
July-August 2020
Thank you to you all for a
great turnout at our first-ever
online Annual Meeting held on
Sunday, June 14, Because of the
healthy attendance, we were able
to thoughtfully discuss and vote
on the Safe Church policy, the
nominating slate for 2020-21,
and the spring meeting minutes.
All items were accepted by the
congregation. If you did not
attend, and are interested in the
goings-on, you can request a copy
of meeting minutes or just wait
till they are sent out to all in
advance of the next quarterly
meeting in the fall.
Besides the votes, we
heard from Mike Gorra on the
current state of planning for
an alternate to the Green
Fair this year and also some
words from our committee
chairpersons. You all should
have received a copy of the
annual report, where full
reports were included for your
reading pleasure. If you still
need a copy, contact the office.
Thank you again for
helping to make history and
to continue the good work of
this church.
Trish Grinnell, Moderator
A Message from Our Moderator
Page 4 The Judea Journal
Missions and Outreach
Welcome to summer everyone! I hope all is well with you in this new reality that we are
all part of—together. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we are all connected. What one
does, affects everyone else as it ripples outward. Though times have changed and some things have
stopped or slowed down, the need for our missions outreach is more critical now than ever.
First, I would remind you to please support the upcoming food drive this weekend that will be
sponsored by St John’s Church and will be held on our green on Saturday, June 27, from 10-2. The
food banks are in dire need of food (not expired/old or in open packages), personal care items and cash
donations.
And when the food drive is over, please continue to bring your ongoing food donations to fill the
cart in front of the church office. The weekly donations of needed items since the food drive on May 16
has significantly decreased while the need for those items has increased even more sharply.
Our Loaves and Fishes date is fast approaching on July 30. Three volunteers will be needed to
make bagged lunches/dinners. Plan to arrive at the New Milford location around 3 pm and finish around
5 pm. Since the pandemic began, meals are created to go and we are using supplies currently at Loaves
and Fishes to make those ‘to go’ meals. Pease contact me if you’d like to help out.
I want to let you know that we are planning to ship Hygiene kits to Church World Service (CWS)
sometime in the fall. At this time we are not able to finalize a date where we would be able to do this
activity as a group, so we are suggesting it as a family project at home over the summer. Then when we
convene in the fall we can bless the kits and send them off. The kits are very simple to assemble with
just seven items in a zip lock gallon size bag. In the face of natural disasters, violence, or grinding
poverty, hygiene kits can mean the difference between sickness and health for struggling families.
If you do this and are able to source some good deals on any of the items, please let me know so I can
share that information with others.
NEEDED (BRAND NEW) ITEMS INCLUDE:
One hand towel measuring approximately 15″ x 28″ to 16″ x 32″ (no fingertip, bath, dish towel or
micro-fiber)
One washcloth
One wide-tooth comb removed from the package
One fingernail or toenail clipper removed from the package (either one is acceptable)
One bath-size bar of soap in the original package
One toothbrush in the original package
Ten standard size Band-Aids
Helpful notes:
Affordable wide-tooth combs can be found at discount suppliers such as sallybeauty.com. Search for “wide-
tooth pastel comb” to see an example of combs that meet the kit requirements.
All items need to fit inside a one-gallon Ziploc type bag. Remove the excess air from the bag and seal before
boxing.
Do NOT add any extra items or toothpaste. A tube of extended expiration date toothpaste will be added to
each hygiene kit just prior to its final journey.
A video on how to assemble these kits: https://youtu.be/qVeYDZS5K3c
Jim Esslinger, Missions Chair
[email protected] or 860-919-5207
Page 5
Christian Education and Faith Formation
Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org
Youth Group
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us every Sunday for virtual Sunday School!
Each week, the Sunday School children are invited
to gather at 9:30 am on the church Zoom link to check in,
do simple activities, and play games. This weekly check
in has been a nice way to keep our Sunday School
community connected and to have a little fun! A lesson
plan to correspond with the worship service is also sent
out on Saturday afternoon for parents who would like to
have a discussion around the week's scripture or do a
corresponding activity to complement the Sunday
worship service at home.
If you are not currently receiving the Sunday
School emails and would like to be added to the list,
please email Carrie at [email protected]
to be added. The activities are aimed at Pre-K through
fifth grade, but all are welcome!
The First Congregational Church of Washington's Youth Group is for grades 6-12 and all are
welcome! This vibrant youth program is on break over the summer and with the departure of Emelie
and Mike Burl, our Christian Education committee will be working on plans for our youth ministry
going forward. Watch for future announcements on this.
Emelie has been our Youth Leader for the past 6 years and then a few years ago was joined by
Mike. Their leadership and presence among us has been a truly joyful gift. On June 14, a slide show
of photos contributed by families who have been fortunate to be a part of this special program, and
assembled by Karen Brady, was shared. Watch for a special insert to follow soon with a selection of
those images. They can’t begin to reflect, though, the impact these two have had on the lives of the
youth who participated in the group over their tenure.
July-August 2020
FOOD BANK DELIVERY
After the overwhelmingly successful food drive on May 16,
an equally enthusiastic convoy of volunteers with
spacious vehicles showed up and helped transfer the
many boxes and bags of supplies from our Parish House
to the Washington-Warren and New Milford Food Banks.
Photo shows some of the cars being unloaded by these
volunteers and handed to grateful to Food Bank staff.
When next you drive by the church, why don’t you
take the loop around the playscape and check out
the unfolding beauty in the Sunday School flower
garden! Planted 2 Easters ago, this perennial
garden is flourishing because of all the love and joy
that was planted with it.
Emelie and Mike Burl are….
Page 6 The Judea Journal
July
Sundays at 9:40 am - Virtual Sunday School happens prior to worship.
Then at 10 am - Online worship (see connection information on page 2)
The Broadway series returns in July! (see page 1 with carry-over to page 2)
August
Sundays at 9:40 am - Virtual Sunday School happens prior to worship.
Then at 10 am - Online worship (see connection information on page 2)
August 5 at 6:30 pm - Council Meeting - Online
August 23 at 10 am worship - Annual Blessing of the Backpacks! Getting ready for a return to school
(in whatever form it takes) would not be complete without a blessing for the year
ahead. All students and teachers are encouraged to attend for this special
blessing.
Regular Weekly Meetings
AA Meetings are being held in the church hall for any who do not wish to attend online meetings at
9:30 am Tuesday and 10:30 am Friday. Per current state limits, no more than 5 people may be present
and appropriate social distancing practiced.
Regular New Beginnings activities are either being held virtually or have been temporarily
suspended. Contact the office with any questions.
August Birthdays July Birthdays
Please let us know if we missed anyone so that we may update our database!!
Contact the church office at (860) 868-0569 or [email protected]
11 ..... Terri Tibbatts
15 ..... Michael Gorra
16 .... Liddy Adams
22 ..... Nic Nichols ......... Dave Werkhoven
23 ..... Phil Farmer
31 ..... Peter Houldin
2 ...... Paul Armstrong
3 ...... Millie Johnson
8 ...... Emma Lewis
16 .... John Turner
19 .... Al Trowbridge
23 .... Jane Boyer
25 .... Tom Osborne
ANNIVERSARIES: May and June
July 29 - Karen and Scott Brady (25 yrs)
Aug 28 - John and Leslie Lintner (44 yrs)
CALENDAR of ACTIVITIES and EVENTS for May and June
Worship Support Ministry
Page 7 The Judea Journal
If you are scheduled and cannot do it for some reason,
please make arrangements for a replacement and then notify Karen in the church office.
If the change is last minute or you some emergency arises,
please contact Pastor Robyn directly, or a Deacon of the Month.
Bring your own refreshments
and plan to stay after worship for
the small coffee hour break-out
“rooms” to check-in and maybe get
to know some people you never took
the time to speak with before.
You never know what you
might learn: something or
someone you might have in
common outside of church, a
special interest or hobby you share
or sparks your interest to try!
DEACONS OF THE MONTH: (JULY) Judie Gorra and Dan Lovallo
(AUGUST) Sue Elliott and Susan Loyd Turner
While we are meeting for Worship online, only schedules for Ushers and Worship Assistant are listed.
The Usher listed will be responsible for taking attendance and reporting that to the church office.
The Worship Assistant responsibilities will be very similar to usual with the addition of reading Joys
and Concerns (Prayers of the People). Pastor Robyn can answer any concerns you have about these things.
* Indicates a Communion Sunday. It is “bring your own”. Gather up a small amount of a drink and a
bit of food before you sign into the service. It doesn't have to be bread and juice, it can be crackers and
water, donuts and coffee, pop-tarts and milk, whatever you have on hand.
Communion is the food of the people, and so it shall be for us!
DATE USHER WORSHIP ASSISTANT
July 5 * Dave Werkhoven Cara Michalski
July 12 The Loyd Turners Dan Lovallo
July 19 Henrietta Small Madeline Gorra
July 26 Susan Elliott Wayne Hileman
Aug 2* Lee Parsons Carole Glintenkamp
Aug 9 Ben Grinnell Trish Grinnell
Aug 16 Millie Johnson John Lintner
Aug 23 Sarah Jenkins Helen Hughes
Aug 30 Sheila Anson Wayne Hileman
Music at First Church!
We are excited to announce the music planned for worship in the month of July!
Broadway at First kicks off on Sunday, July 5th with Jesus Christ Superstar as the theme.
Caitlin Mandracchia will be our guest vocalist for these musical selections.
Other featured vocalists for the Sunday worship series:
July 12, Trish Grinnell
July 19, Katie Grinnell
July 26, Kels Rezmer (From Grand Rapids)
August planning is still in the works. If you are interested in lending your voice or other musical
talents to our music ministry, either as part of the virtual choir, as part of a smaller ensemble, or soloist,
please contact Jesse Ofgang at [email protected].
Page 8 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org
During this social distancing period, when we are holding online worship,
flowers dedicated in memorial that are normally on the communion table in
the Sanctuary are displayed virtually at some point during the service. The
image, with dedication text, is also shared for the following week on our
website home page. Please take a peek and reflect on that spirit of love and respect with which it was
shared.
Steeple Lighting memorials are also displayed in those ways but the steeple is still lit at night and a
Flowers
July 19 Given by Tamara Sachs Janowicz and Margaux Janowicz in loving memory of Dr. Joe
Janowicz
July 26 Given by Tamara Sachs Janowicz and Margaux Janowicz in loving memory of Dr. Joe
Janowicz
Aug 2 In Memory of Uwe Jahnke, given by his wife, Susan,
and children Stephen, Holly, and Kate
Aug 16 Given by their children: David, Silas, Mary Hoadley, and Dicka DeLude in loving
memory of Nelson and Peggy Hoadley
July 5, 12, Aug 9, 23 and 30 Are open dates and available to reserve for your memorial intention.
Steeple Lighting
July 12 Given by Ed and Beth Collum Kosco in loving memory of her father, Rex E. Collum
Aug 9 In Memory of Uwe Jahnke, given by his wife, Susan,
and children Stephen, Holly, and Kate
Aug 9 In Memory of Ruth and Helga Peterson, given by Art and Liz Peterson
Aug 16 In Memory of Uwe Jahnke, given by his wife, Susan,
and children Stephen, Holly, and Kate
Aug 23 In Memory of Bertram "Buddy" Kay, given by Liz and Art Peterson
Aug 23 In loving memory of Jared Synnestvedt, given by Betty, Erik, and Jed Synnestvedt
July-August 2020
Flowers are $70 per week. Steeple Lighting is $25 per week. Consider honoring a loved one or special occasion by sponsoring flowers or steeple lighting! If you have a
particular date or dates you wish to sponsor flowers or steeple lighting at any time during the year to honor or
remember someone or something, please contact Karen in the church office to verify date availability. Call (860)
868-0569 or email: [email protected]
Please note that while we are worshipping online, the flowers are virtual. We are producing a lovely floral slide
with your dedication and displaying during our online worship service and also on our home page for the week
that you reserve. Steeple lighting is still happening as usual, but we have added a virtual memorial slide, too,
presented in the same way as the flowers.
Rainbow doors… (imagine the colors
if you’re reading a printed copy)
our newest symbol of inclusion ready
in time to celebrate Pride Month.
All are welcome;
all are beloved children of God.
Page 9 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org July-August 2020
We have a lot to learn from our sisters and brothers
from other cultures. Especially regarding our environment and
relationship with it from Indigenous People throughout the
world. Sadly, continuous efforts by white supremicy to
extinguish both their cultures and voices have kept those voices
oppressed but not lost. Heaven on Earth can’t ever really be
achieved unless we do it together. You can begin to cultivate
more real knowledge of indigenous wisdom (a received gift) and
then be inspired to educate yourself on the injustices Indigenous
People have endured historically and the injustice that persists
(what you can give back). Some books I have enjoyed of late
include some beautiful reads that inspire that reverence and
might just add to your summer experience:
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge,
and the Teachings of Plants, and Gathering Moss : A Natural
and Cultural History of Mosses, both by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a
mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of
the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
To stimulate your compassion into action, Interfaith Power
and Light is offering a summer of powerful movie viewings.
Optional discussion sessions will be available, too. These movies
are all donation-based and you are asked to give as you are able.
A donation link will be provided when you register.
Sunday, June 28 - The Condor & The Eagle
Four Indigenous environmental leaders embark on an
extraordinary trans-continental adventure from the Canadian
plains to deep into the heart of the Amazonian jungle to unite the
peoples of North and South America and deepen the meaning of
“Climate Justice”.
Other movies to be presented this summer include:
Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution
The Wisdom to Survive: Climate Change, Capitalism &
Community
Before the Flood
Racing Extinction
We Know Not What We Do
Merchants of Doubt
The Green Patriarch
Chasing Ice
Journey of the Universe
Preaching for the Planet
Covenant
Trailers for all these can be found at:
Www.InterfaithPowerandLight.org/Films/
Green Team Update!
During this weekend retreat we
will explore spiritual practices
which help us to cultivate an
Earth-cherishing consciousness
and to fall more deeply in love
with creation. Sessions will
i n c l u d e p r e s e n t a t i o n s ,
reflections, song, meditations,
poetry, creative exercises and
explorations, gentle movement,
small group and partner
sharing, guidance for time
outside in between sessions,
and time for questions and
input.
Learn more
at MercybytheSea.org
Registration opens on
July 14, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
Join this Live from Ireland
Weekend Retreat sponsored
by Mercy by the Sea in
Madison, CT
The Wisdom of
Wild Grace
with
Christine Valters Paintner
Whoever you are, and wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome here.
6 Kirby Road P.O. Box 1285 Washington, CT 06793
The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut
Phone: 860-868-0569 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org
POSTMASTER: ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
DATED MATERIAL—PLEASE EXPEDITE DELIVERY
Feel like excercising that compassion and
kindness muscle this summer? Here are some
ideas .
Have a judgement-free day.
Ask a senior about their past.
Really listen to someone with a different viewpoint
without judging.
Write a positive comment on a website or blog.
Gift an inspirational book.
Send an encouraging email.
Wheel out your neighbor’s trash bin.
Surprise someone (even anonymously) with flowers
from your garden.
Start a piggy bank for a cause.
Listen to that still small voice within and be
spontaneous!
For more ideas and stories, go to
www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas
