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[GO] Green Fair!
Recycle/ Upcycle
your stuff!
Continued, page 2
New Things Are Springing Forth
July 1: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
July 8: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
July 15: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
July 22: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
August 5: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
August 12: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
August 19: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
Incl Polly Jewett Memorial
August 26: 10:00 am Worship Svc*
Blessing of the Backpacks
* Sunday School and Childcare
Available
July—August 2018
The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut
The Judea JournalThe Judea JournalThe Judea JournalThe Judea Journal
“I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not
perceive it?
I will make a way in the
wilderness and rivers in the
desert.” Isaiah 43.19
Many new things are springing
forth at First Church these days.
In the next couple of weeks, our
Pastoral Search committee will be
posting the church profile on the
UCC Job Listings page and will
begin receiving profiles from
qualified UCC clergy who are
looking for a new call. By the end
of the summer, they will begin
interviewing. As I said in my
annual report (call the office for a
copy of the report if you didn’t
receive one at the annual
meeting), FCC is an attractive
church. Because we are a full-
time call with a harmonious,
mutually supportive, gifted lay
leadership and staff, and because
we are an Open & Affirming
congregation with a progressive
theology and flexible liturgy; the
committee is likely to receive an
avalanche of profiles from highly
Announcements, Misc 6
Birthdays 6
Calendar 7
Christian Education 5
Council’s Corner 3
Environmental News 10
From the Pastor 1
Green Fair News 6 & 11
Memorials—Weekly 9
Missions & Outreach 4
Sunday Morning Support 8
Upcoming Events 6
Memorial for Polly Jewett
12
In this issue: Don’t forget
the WATER!
Page 8
By the Rev. Cheryl Anderson, Pastor
Calendar,
Upcoming Events
and Birthdays on
Pages 6-7 Page 2
Lite Fare!
Summer
Coffee Hours
Page 12
WORKING FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS in the U.S.
For those concerned about our government policy of separating chil-
dren from parents at our southern border, here are five things you can do
right now to take action against this:
1) Call the Department of Justice Comment line at (202) 353-1555 and
express your strong opposition to this policy. You can also call the Depart-
ment of Justice, Office of Legal Policy (202)514-4601
2) Call Congress (202) 224-3121. Make contact with the offices of Sena-
tors Blumenthal and Murphy to thank them for signing on as cosponsors of
S.3036 - Keep Families Together Act
3) Share the fact that you have made these calls on every social media
platform you have access to. You can write your own message or, copy the
following:
(Continued from page 1) From the Pastor (continued from page 1)
Page 2 The Judea Journal
qualified candidates.
My last Sunday service at the
church will be February 24,
2019. There will be an official
Service of Release open to the
whole community in the
afternoon which will include
representatives from our
Association, followed
by a reception in
Weresbe Hall. I hope
you will save the date.
There are a few
projects I am working
on to make the
transition easier for a
new pastor. The
Christian Education
team is half-way through
creating a “Safe Conduct” policy
to guide our practices to create
and maintain programs,
facilities and a community in
which members, friends, staff
and volunteers can worship,
learn and work together in an
atmosphere free from all forms of
discrimination, harassment,
exploitation or intimidation.
Candidates for pastor will
ask to examine our budget and
our by-laws to determine the
health of the church and
whether the congregation will be
a “fit” for them. So another
project I am working on with
John Lintner, is updating the
church covenant in the by-laws.
We have begun leading
Appreciative Inquiry sessions
with church members to “ferret
out” the values and
commitments that belong in an
updated church covenant to
replace the 80 year-old covenant
currently in our by-laws. If you
have not yet participated in one
of the sessions, there are two
more scheduled: Saturday, June
23, 10:00am- noon OR Sunday,
June 24, after church,11:30-1:30.
If you cannot participate in
either of those, and would like to,
let me or John Linter know. We
can schedule additional sessions
and even do individual
interviews with
members.
Some of the core values
of this congregation
that have been
identified by the
participants in the first
two sessions include
radical hospitality and
welcome, working for social and
environmental justice, being a
place of acceptance, healing, and
spiritual growth for the those
within the congregation and in
our greater community, and
providing mutual support and
caring for one another and for
those in need in our community
and world. Come, share your
story about this church so that
our new covenant reflects your
experience in this congregation.
This final year is a series of
“lasts” for me. In August I will
be co-deaning a 4th and 5th grade
conference at Silver Lake with
Cara Michalski. My first
summer at Silver Lake, Maddy
Gorra was going into 4th grade
and I was her counselor for
“Silver Lake Sampler.” Since
then, I have created a 4th and 5th
grade weaving conference, a 7th
and 8th grade boating conference,
and finally, another 4th and 5th
grade conference “Circle of
Friends.” This summer will be
my last time as a dean at Silver
Lake.
In September, it will be my
last Labor Day service with
Salem Covenant church down at
the Pavilion, and my last mixing
of the waters on September 9th.
I’ll bring some sea water from
Portland, Maine, which will
become Scott’s and my new home
in March of 2019. I look forward
to sharing all of the special
events and regular Sundays with
you, as together we look forward
to the “new thing” that God is
doing among us. See you in
church!
“If you feel
called to help
with this, please
get in touch with
me at the church
by phone: 860-
868-0569 or by
email”
Search Committee Report for the Annual
We are about to finish the
Congregational Profile of our
church. The Profile is what
ministers searching for a call will
use to decide if they would like to
interview for our position. After
we complete it, the Council will
review it and it will then be
posted.
We have also developed a
recommendation for the
compensation of the new minister
based on the UCC guidelines. It
is important to know that our
current compensation to Pastor
Cheryl is below the UCC
guidelines, however the final
determination will be up to the
Council to decide. In the end, it is
up to the Continued, page 3
The Council’s Corner
Rev. Cheryl Anderson, Pastor
Carrie Loyd, Director of Christian Education
Jessie Ofgang, Principal Musician
Karen Esslinger, Admin. Assistant
Al Trowbridge, Sexton
Bookkeeper, Kathleen Sauvageau
Ministers: All the Members
Page 3 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org
Council Members
Cheryl P. Anderson, Pastor 860-868-0569, ext 11
Trish Grinnell, Moderator, 860-799-0190
Tony Vengrove, Vice-Moderator/ Stewardship,
860-799-0054
Peter Armstrong, Treasurer, 860-868-1718
Leah Clark, Clerk, 860-567-0458
Millie Johnson, Christian Ed. (860)354-0569
Dave Werkhoven, Deacons, 860-868-0054
Steve Wadelton, Finance, 860-868-9822
Jim Esslinger, Missions, (860) 919-5207
Michelle Gorra, Music & Drama, 860-868-7852
John Lintner, Personnel, 860-868-0019
Lee Parsons, Trustee, 860-946-7798
July—August 2018
Pastor Cheryl works Wednesday through Sundays.
Daily schedule varies based on congregational
needs. It is best to call for an appointment.
Church Office Hours
Karen - Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 pm—5:30 pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am—1:30pm
Kathleen - Wednesdays, 9 am —2:00 pm
But she can be contacted in between by email:
(860) 868-0569
New, SIMPLER
Coffee Hour format
includes changes to make
our church GREENER. See
bottom of page 8 for details!
The deadline for the
September-October Journal
issue is Thursday, August 16.
individual churches to decide
what to offer their ministers.
We hope to have
applicants for the position and
begin interviewing them by the
end of the summer. We believe we
are on track to have a new
minister before pastor Cheryl
leaves us, but it will depend on
the right person finding us during
the time we are searching.
Thank you,
Dimitri Willert
After giving his basic report,
Dimitri added details about how
the overall process is expected to
go and answered questions on
that process for the search for a
new settled Pastor. Specifically,
he shared that the next active
part of the process, once the
profile is published, is to begin
receiving and reviewing
applicants’ profiles. He shared
that this is a confidential process
until final candidate
recommended to the
Congregation, The final
candidate would join us for a
“meet and greet” on a Saturday
evening, lead a Sunday morning
worship service the following day.
After the service, they would
leave the sanctuary and the
Congregation would vote. A
quorum must be present and
must approve by 2/3 vote
according to ByLaws.
All candidates are already
vetted and in good standing with
the UCCwith background checks,
etc.
The trust we place in the
committee is awesome and their
job a big one. It is most
important that everyone provide
input in addition to the survey we
took in the winter.
Ellen Willert graduated from
seminary this year and assures
us there are plenty of people
looking for a full time, senior
pastor gig.
Pastor Cheryl assured us that
we were a plumb church: We are
Awesome! (The additional
comments were adapted from
Annual Meeting notes)
Search Committee Report (continued from page 2)
Page 4 The Judea Journal
Reaching Out to Help and Support Our Neighbors—Near and Far Jim Esslinger (860-919-5207) or [email protected] , Missions Chair
Our next service date for the Loaves and Fishes Hospitality Kitchen is
Thursday, August 30
Since the Chicken Divan was a hit in May, we will be providing Chicken Divan,
Salad, Bread, Fruit, Ice Cream… You can sign up online, or on the bulletin board in
the church hall. Drop-off for food items is Wednesday, May 30 (until 5 pm) and
Thursday, May 31, before noon.
If you have any questions about it, please contact Dick Connor [email protected], or Jim
Esslinger (contact info at top of page).
Other Opportunities to Help:
Food Bank - Drop off donations to our food cart in the Parish House foyer.
Tell others they can donate food here, too.
Judea Garden - Judie Gorra is tending the broccoli crop at Judea Garden, as she does each summer.
If you have a half hour or an hour sometime during the summer to weed or water,
call her at (860) 868-7023 or email [email protected]
This is my first Missions Annual Report as chair of the Missions Committee. Several years ago,
Karen and I co-chaired Missions and I am happy to have the opportunity, once again, to be a part of such
a vital part of our Church, namely Outreach.
I may "chair" missions, but many other people are also sitting in chairs all around me and are
responsible for carrying out activities associated with missions. First, I would like to thank Annie Bauer
and John Turner for their tireless efforts as mission chairs. It is obvious to me how important missions is
to both of them and it is my intention to do the same. Annie and John still help out with food prep and
serving at Loaves and Fishes in addition to helping them as volunteers in their own direct fundraisers,
like the recent “Empty Bowl” Supper that Loaves & Fishes put on this spring. It is hard to walk away
from service work once you have done it for awhile...It grows on you...it makes you feel good!! I also
remain open to any advisement from them with regard to missions. Jean Baldwin has been
volunteering to promote donations of food and personal care items as well as transport these donations to
area food banks as the shopping cart is filled. Others like John Turner, Annie Baur and John Minnis
have stepped in to help transport. Jean has also volunteered to coordinate the annual Salvation Army
“Angel Tree” toy drive in November. Helping in all this are her husband, David Beckstrom, and their
two children, Isla and Theodora. Besides all that, they are also pitching in to help with the mailing of
our two annual major offerings to United Church of Christ funds: Neighbors in Need and One Great
Hour of Sharing. Dick Connor has taken the lead on our Loaves and Fishes commitment in New Milford
and will continue to do so remotely in the cold season when he is residing in Florida.
Also essential are the many volunteers who help make Loaves and Fishes happen four times each
year. Food prep/donation and servers, we could not do this without you. Many of the names I see over
and over again...and always there are some new names as well. I would encourage anyone who attends
our church to get involved however you can in our hands-on missions activities...the joy you will feel in
return for your service is immeasurable.
This coming year, I would like to gather input from members regarding our overall missions activity
and the charities we support. Please keep an eye out for announcements regarding Missions meetings in
the fall for this purpose. If you always wanted to get involved with some aspect of missions but was not
sure what you could do, or commit to in your busy schedule, please do plan to join us. Or contact me
directly with input at [email protected], or (860) 919.5207.
Page 5
Christian Education/Faith Formation
Faith Practices: Beauty (July) and Honoring the Body (August)
Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org July –August 2018
YOUTH RE-GROUPS on SEPTEMBER 30
Enjoy your summer!!
Emelie will email to her mailing list in August to update and remind everyone
about the September schedule. If you are new to the church or the Youth
Group, contact Emelie and get yourself on her list!
The First Congregational Church of Washington's Youth Group is for grades 6-12 and all are welcome!
Our regular meetings are on the last Sunday of every month from 5-7 pm at the Parish House. Every
meeting involves a group discussion focusing on the current month's faith practice, food, games, and
much more. If you have any questions, please contact
Emelie (203-405-6710) [email protected], or Mike Burl, at [email protected] .
"Teen Talk" for high schoolers will begin again in September. The September
meeting is open to any and all new members who might be interested in joining so watch
for a special informational email from Emelie in August.
The group will enjoy a potluck lunch together and discuss the ways in which they can not
only get more involved in the church, but also how their faith gets involved in their lives
outside of the church. If you or your child are in high school and are interested in joining, please contact
Emelie Burl (203) 405-6710, or Mike Burl.
Youth Programs
YAY! It’s SUMMER CAMP SUNDAY SCHOOL time!!
Join us every Sunday this summer for Summer Camp Sundays on the Green! We will be play-
ing games, reading stories, and and doing crafts as we learn and spend time together. Through-
out July, we will be focusing on beauty and will be working towards a Sunday School art show
at the end of the month! If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with the
children this summer, please contact Carrie: [email protected]
And mark your calendars for Sunday,
August 26, Blessing of the Backpacks!
Bible Study - We will resume our Bible study in September – continuing where we left off in
Harvey Cox’ book, How to Read the Bible. When we resume, we will be starting at chapter 6,
which begins our focus on the New Testament. I would like to follow this book with Professor
Bart Ehrman’s book, Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why,
which will continue a focus on the New Testament.
If you would like to join this group, which meets on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 am, please
Pastor Cheryl: [email protected] or (860) 868-0569, ext 11
Adult Programs Resume in September The Power of 8 Prayer Group and the Compassionate Communication Practice Group will both
be taking a summer break and will resume in September, when all are refreshed and ready for a new
year of personal growth and exploration of the possible.
Look for the September Journal issue for more information about both and an opportunity to join us.
The GREEN FAIR is Coming. Let the Preparations Begin!
This year it is back to the SECOND Saturday: July 14
Everyone can contribute something. Now’s a great time to go through your
home to find your “some things”. Are their great treasures that you just
don’t need any longer – but would absolutely DELIGHT someone else? Put
them aside for the Green Fair! See page 11 for more details!
Contact the church office if you have items you’d like to donate. We are already
accepting smaller items as space permits. (860) 868-0569
Page 6 The Judea Journal
July Birthdays
Events & Announcements
Please let us know if we missed
anyone so that we may update our
database!!
Contact Karen at (860) 868-0569.
11 ....... Terri Tibbatts
........... Alexis Werkhoven
15 ....... Michael Gorra
16 ....... Liddy Adams
22……Franklin “Nic” Nichols
........... Dave Werkhoven
23… ... Peter Houldin
2 ........... Paul Armstrong
8 ........... Emma Lewis
16 ......... John Turner
19 ......... Al Trowbridge
23 ......... Jane Tom Osborne
August Birthdays
Sunday, August 26,
10 am
All children and youth
bring their school
backpacks to church so
that they may be
blessed for inspired work during the coming
school year.
At this service, we will also be blessing extra
backpacks to be distributed to homeless folks
in New Milford.
Backpack Collection
We are looking for new or gently used
backpacks that will be distributed to
homeless folks in New Milford. As we heard
from one of the presenters at the "In Their
Shoes" program last year, “it [a backpack] is
much easier to carry and certainly looks more
dignified than a garbage bag.”If you have
spare backpacks or wish to purchase
one for this, please bring them to this
service as well.
Over the summer, in whatever
place you go to recharge
(experience Sabbath), remember
to save
some water in a bottle. From a
lake, a stream, an ocean, or your
kitchen tap! Be sure to label it
and save it in a safe spot to bring
along on Recovenanting Sunday,
September 11, for our annual
“Mixing of the Waters” as we
begin another year of exploring
and celebrating Sabbath togeth-
er.
Mark the date on your calendar
so you don’t miss the service and
also the annual “Last Gasp of
Summer” picnic afterward.
ENJOY!
Page 7 To access an online calendar, visit Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org July-August 2018
July 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
10 am Worship with
Communion
and Summer Camp
Sunday School
2 3
9:30 AM - AA
6:30 PM– NB DS
4
5
6
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
7
8
10 am Worship with
Summer Camp
Sunday School
11 am Worship
Planning Meeting
1 pm - Comfort
Shawls
9
6:30 pm - SL Discussion Group
10
9:30 AM - AA
12:15 pm -Rotary
6:30 PM– NB
Divorce Support
11
12
13
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
14
GREEN FAIR!!
9 am - 2 pm
15
10 am Worship with
Summer Camp
Sunday School
16
17
9:30 AM - AA
18
19
6:30 PM - Council
Meeting
20
10 am - AA Meeting
5:30 pm - Concert
21
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
22
10 am Worship with
Summer Camp
Sunday School
23
24
9:30 AM - AA
12:15 pm -Rotary
6:30 PM– NB DS
25
26
27
10 am - AA Meeting
5:30 pm - Concert
28
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
29
10 am Worship with
Summer Camp
Sunday School
30
31
9:30 AM - AA
6:30 PM– NB DS
August 2018
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2 3
10 am - AA Meeting
5:30 pm - Concert
4
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
5
10 am Worship with
Communion and
Summer Camp
Sunday School
6
7
9:30 AM - AA
12:15 PM Rotary
6:30 PM– NB DS
8
9
10
10 am - AA Meeting
5:30 pm - Concert
11
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
12
10 am Worship with
Summer Camp
Sunday School
13
14
9:30 AM - AA
6:30 PM– NB DS
15
16
6:30 pm - Council
17
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
18
19
10 am Worship with
Polly Jewett
Celebration of Life
and Summer Camp
Sunday School
20
21
9:30 AM - AA
12:15 pm - Rotary
6:30 PM– NB DS
22
10
23
24
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
25
26
10 am Worship with
BLESSING of the
BACKPACKS!
27
28
9:30 AM - AA
6:30 PM– NB DS
29
Food Drop-off for
Loaves & Fishes
until Noon on
Thursday, Aug 30
30
3 pm - Loaves &
Fishes
31
10 am - AA Meeting
6 pm - NB Pot Luck
Sept 1 Labor Day
Pavilion Service
with Salem
Covenant Church
Buildings &
Office Closed
GREEN FAIR PREPARATIONS—See pg 11 to find out how you can help
GREEN FAIR PREPARATIONSSee pg 11 to find out how you can help
Whether you are relaxing or working this summer,
continue to join us every Sunday morning at 10 am
this summer for peace and renewal and fellowship!
Worship Support Ministry
Page 8 The Judea Journal
♦ The Communion server marked with an asterisk is assigned to bring the bread.
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.
DEACONS OF THE MONTH: JUDIE GORRA AND SUE ELLIOTT (JULY)
CARA MICHALSKI AND DAN LOVALLO (AUGUST)
DATE USHERS &
GREETERS
WORSHIP
ASSISTANT
WELCOME
ANNOUNC’M’TS
CHILD
CARE
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
COFFEE
HOUR
JULY 1
COMMUNION
MariLyn Roze* &
John Lintner Judie Gorra Judie Gorra TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
OPEN
JULY 8 Liddy Adams &
Sheila Anson Emelie Burl Judie Gorra TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
Annie & Armin
Baur
JULY 15
Susan Jahnke &
Conrad Weeks Dan Lovallo Dan Lovallo TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
The Beckstrom
Family
JULY 22
Peter Armstrong &
Sue Elliott
Wayne
Hileman Wayne Hileman TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
OPEN
JULY 29 Pat Sears & Dave
Werkhoven Judie Gorra Judie Gorra TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
OPEN
AUGUST 5 COMMUNION
Judie Gorra* &
Dan Lovallo Cara Michalski Cara Michalski TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
OPEN
AUGUST 12 Millie Johnson &
Sheila Anson
Carol
Glintenkamp Dan Lovallo TBD TBD
Susan Jahnke
& Conrad
Weeks
AUGUST 19 Emelie & Mike Burl Karen
Esslinger Wayne Hileman TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
OPEN
AUGUST 26
BLESSING OF
BACKPACKS
Sarah Jenkins &
Dan Lovallo Dimitri Willert Judie Gorra TBD
Carrie
Loyd and
TBD
OPEN
Even fewer items (even just one of these):
• Fruit or veggies
• Finger desserts
• Cheese and crackers
• Make some iced tea or lemonade and water.
Powdered mixes are in the cabinet to the right
of the refrigerator. Britta water pitcher s are in the refrigerator.
Please sign up on the list(s) on the bulletin
board in Wersebe Hall
or call the office (860) 868-0569.
KEEP IT EVEN SIMPLE R IN THE SUMMER (GREEN!) COFFEE HOURS
Page 9 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org May - June 2018
Flowers
July 1 In honor of the Gunnery Class of 2018, given by The Gunnery
July 8 and 15 OPEN
July 22 Given by Tamara Sachs Janowicz and Margaux Janowicz
in loving memory of Dr. Joe Janowicz
July 29 Given by Tamara Sachs Janowicz and Margaux Janowicz
in loving memory of Dr. Joe Janowicz
August 5 In Memory of Uwe Jahnke,
given by his wife, Susan, and children Stephen, Holly, and Kate
August 12 In Memory of Ruth and Helga Peterson, given by Art and Liz Peterson
August 19 Given by their children: David, Silas, Mary Hoadley, and Dicka DeLude
in loving memory of Nelson and Peggy Hoadley
August 26 In Memory of Bertram "Buddy" Kay, given by Liz and Art Peterson
Steeple Lighting
July 1 OPEN
July 8 Given by Ed and Beth Collum Kosco in loving memory of her father, Rex E. Collum
July 15 OPEN
July 22 Given by Tamara Sachs Janowicz and Margaux Janowicz
in loving memory of Dr. Joe Janowicz
July 29 Given by Tamara Sachs Janowicz and Margaux Janowicz
in loving memory of Dr. Joe Janowicz
August 5 OPEN
August 12 In Memory of Uwe Jahnke,
given by his wife, Susan, and children Stephen, Holly, and Kate
In Memory of Ruth and Helga Peterson, given by Art and Liz Peterson
August 19 Given by Marilyn M. Bruens and Family in loving memory of Weston L. Bruens
In Memory of Uwe Jahnke,
given by his wife, Susan, and children Stephen, Holly and Kate
August 26 In Memory of Bertram "Buddy" Kay, given by Liz and Art Peterson
In loving memory of Jared Synnestvedt, given by Betty, Erik, and Jed Synnestvedt
In Memory of...
Flowers are $68 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]
Available Sundays/Weeks:
Flowers in 2018: Steeple Lighting: Flowers in 2018: Steeple Lighting:
September 9/16 .................................. 9/16, 9/23 October 10/7 …………...10/28
November 11/4, 11/11, 11/25 ............... ..none Jan 2017- 1/20 & 1/27………1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27
Page 10 The Judea Journal
Environmental Stewardship - NEXT MEETING: Thurs, June 14, 7 pm
Because we care about our your wellbeing and health, as well as the wellbeing
of our Mother Earth, we share some suggestions for use of non-toxic products. It
is challenging to keep harmful products out of our lives, as you know. While we
may be preaching to the choir, forgive the pun, we share because we care.
Here are some home products you may want to try:
• For non-toxic cleaning, use a combination of vinegar (it's anti-bacterial), baking soda, water, lemon
juice, castile liquid soap:
• Try cleaning windows with a spray of water and white vinegar; spray greasy countertops with a
mixture of lemon juice and water; and scrub sinks and tubs with a paste of baking soda and water.
(Bon Ami is a similar product to the baking soda idea)
• For an effective bathroom cleaner instead of using a commercial cleaner containing chlorine bleach
that could irritate eyes, skin and lungs, make your own: Add half a cup of baking soda to a little
castille liquid soap and water.
• Laundry: instead of fabric softeners, dryer sheets and chlorine bleach, along with your detergent
ADD 1 cup of Washing Soda or Baking Soda for whitening and softening.
• Air fresheners: most contain toxic chemicals that contaminate the air you breathe. For an
alternative, to make a non-toxic aromatic mist spray, add several drops of essential oil with water in
a spray bottle.
• If you prefer to use "green" cleaning products, check out the green certification of the product.
• Do you use plastic containers? Use glass containers, not plastic, to microwave food; for baby, use
glass or BPA-free plastic bottles.
• Do you cook with non-stick cookware? If you like your non-stick cookware and don't want to change,
take care not to overheat it, which releases toxic fumes; or replace with cast iron, stainless steel or
glass.
Look for EWG verified products. EWG.ORG/Healthy Home Guide
The GREEN TEAM MOVING FORWARD - We will be gathering sometime during the summer to
discuss goals and plans for the coming year so that we are ready to take action together come the fall. If
you are interested in being a part of that planning,
please contact Terri Tibbatts [email protected]
Or the church office: (860) 868-0569 or
There are so many new and exciting opportunities for
education and action! We have already accepted an
offer from Washington Environmental Council to
house a special recycling box for specific products not
generally accepted by mainstream recycling. Stay
tuned in weekly publications through the summer for
details on what we will be collecting and how you can
participate.
A HUGE THANK YOU!
to Susan and Conrad for hosting another
River Service on their property on the banks
of the Shepaug River and on their deck for
the strawberry shortcake with gobs of
whipped cream, supplied by our Board of
Deacons.
Several of us stayed a bit longer and helped
Pastor Cheryl do a house blessing there for
Susan and Conrad and for the new owners -
whoever they may be.
Page 11 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org May - June 2018
I just called the DOJ comment line at 202.353.1555 to express my opposition to the practice of sepa-
rating children from their families at our southern border. Hope you will take the time to do the same
I just called my senators to express my support of S.3036 – Keep Families Together Act. Please take
the time to urge your senators to cosign as well. Call congress at 202-224-3121. Don’t know your sena-
tor? Find them here https://www.callmycongress.com/
4) Send me an email and let me know if you would like to continue with direct action work to end
this horrific practice. Consider joining a demonstration or march that has been planned for June 30.
They are happening across the country you can find more information here
https://www.familiesbelongtogether.org .
5) Distribute this information far and wide.
As many of you know, Pastor Cheryl and I attended the CT Conference annual meeting as delegates
this past weekend. Our Conference was able to get an emergency resolution submitted, “A Resolution of
Witness Condemning our Government’s Abhorrent Policy of Separating Immigrant Children From Their
Parents at our Southern Border.” I have attached the resolution, and am pleased to say it passed over-
whelmingly, with no one speaking in opposition to it. I’m proud of our conference, this resolution was put
together well past the deadline for submitting resolutions and we were able to gather enough support
and get the resolution into the hands of every delegate and bring it to a vote. I’m proud of our church,
both of our delegates (Pastor Cheryl and myself) signed on as sponsors of this resolution. I know our con-
gregation has people with the skills, the hearts, and the spirits to put our faith into action to end this
horrific practice.
As it is written, Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has
fulfilled the law. The commandments… are all summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as your-
self.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. ROMANS 13:8-10
Blessings to you all, Ellen
HELP NEEDED BEFORE, AFTER and DURING THE GREEN FAIR
Hey, are you assigned a task? If not, contact Michael Gorra and he can let you know where we need
help!
[email protected] or 860-868-7852
Some specific requests:
• Help with Silent Auction the week before the fair and day of the fair
• Help pricing for the Boutique before the fair and helpers the day of the fair
ALSO…
Calling all BAKERS . . .
Dig into your recipe files and fire up those ovens -- The 2018 Green Fair Bake Table crew is looking for
lots of goodies to stock our tent this year!
Especially: Pies, Breads, and hand-held treats that can be eaten alongside a delicious cup of coffee
(big cookies, muffins, small coffee cakes, brownies, donuts, etc.).
Even if you can't bake, feel free to purchase treats from your favorite bakery and donate to
the table. We're also in need of volunteers to spend an hour selling.
Reach out to Kate Vengrove at [email protected] or 203-788-9900 to let her know what you can
provide/donate or for more details. BAKE ON, my friends!
Working for Justice (continued from page 1)
Whoever you are, and wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome.
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
Riley Alexa
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Pauline (Polly) Jewett, a long time pillar
of the congregation alongside her husband Jack. Polly was a founder of the
Meeting House Quilters, for many years a delegate to the Litchfield South Asso-
ciation and the Connecticut Conference, a stalwart member of the church’s
Homeland Circle, and a Deacon. Before Alzheimer’s confined her to a nursing
home near her daughter Jackie, in New Jersey, Polly was a leader in extending
the extravagant welcome of Christ to all who came to worship with us, and put
her faith into action as an outspoken social justice activist.
We will be celebrating her life during the Sunday worship service at 10:00 on August 19, 2018.
Please join us!
Memorial contributions in her name, can be made out to First Congregational Church for the
Jack and Polly Jewett Fund that provides support for the Sunday School and camperships to our
UCC Silver Lake summer camp programs for children.
Celebrating the Life of Pauline (Polly) Jewett on August 19@ 10 am
