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A monthly publication of the Somers Congregational Church, UCC March, 2013 Gathered in Somers, Connecticut, March 15, AD 1727 Volume 286 Number 2

The Reverend Dr. Barry Cass, Pastor

The First Sunday of each month is

Name Badge Sunday!

Be known! Wear your Name Badge.

No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.

Copies of the Lenten Devotion Booklet, Followers of the Cross by Martin E. Marty are available.

Lenten Study Developing an Adult Faith meeting on five

Thursday Evenings beginning February 21, in room 213 at 7 P.M.

Palm Sunday, March 24 Celebratory Worship with a Procession of

the Palms at the 10 o’clock service at the JMCC Education Building.

Maundy Thursday, March 28, 6:30 P.M. Supper, Communion

and Service of Tenebrae at the church facility – 599 Main Street

Easter, March 31 Sunrise Service on Soap Stone Mountain

Traditional Worship at JMMC Education Building

Confirmation - March 17, 2013 The Celebration of Confirmation will be held on Sunday, march 17 at the

Community Education Center on the campus of the Johnson Memorial

Medical Center. The worship service will be held in the expandable

classroom at the other end of the building from the auditorium where

worship is usually held so there will be plenty of room for Confirms and,

parents, godparents and guests along with the congregation.

Eleven young people will be brought into Church Membership: Veronika

Bedard, Corey Brown, Anna Conley, Owen Foye, James Harland, Cassandra

Holmes, Megan Jewell, Kyle McCahey, Madison Renaud, Marissa Savona

and Eric Wheeler. They will lead the 10 o’clock worship service on

Confirmation Sunday and receive the Right Hand of Fellowship and

Welcome as they become members of the church.

Church Email Addresses:

Barry Cass - bcass@somerscongregational.org Church Office somerscong@somerscongregational.org Liz Scanlon - lscanlon@somerscongregational.org Jacqueline Nappi - jnappi@somerscongregational.org Barbara Anderson - careroom@somerscongregational.org

Website:

www.somerscongregational.org

There are times when I wish that I had the opportunity to sit and talk

with church members individually about things that are planned and

events that are happening in the life of the church. This issue of

Highlights is filled with things that mark our Lenten observance as

well as events for Holy Week and Easter. We also have finished the

plans for Confirmation 2013 which will be on the 17th

of this month.

Some of the things that are announced in these pages get to the core of what our life together is about.

On Thursday evenings during Lent there has been a series of discussions about developing faith based

on the work of Marcus Borg. “Embracing an Adult Faith” is a video based study designed to help adults think

about how God fits into their lives, who Jesus speaks to us in the twenty-first century and how we can go about

building community and practicing faith in realistic ways. Community is central to the Christian faith, and

without gathering together it is impossible for us to be fully Christian. I hoped a non-threatening discussion in

which people feel free to share opinions and explore what faith means could make it possible for participants to

grow in both faith and understanding. A variety of people sharing a variety of backgrounds and thoughts is a

good step in the process. Each of the five sessions in this series can stand on its own, so those who have missed

the first couple can still benefit from the last few.

I always face a decision when we come to Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Some years we have

emphasized the Passion of Christ more than the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. We

have shared the Gospel readings about the Last Supper, Jesus arrest and trial and the crucifixion on the Sunday

before Easter as a way of reminding people just what the week and Easter itself are all about. The main reason

for recalling the Passion on Palm Sunday is that there are so few people who take part in our Maundy Thursday

observance

Maundy Thursday is the day on which we remember how Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy

Communion. This year we will be gathering in room 206 at 6:30 to share a simple supper and Holy

Communion around the tables in much the same way Jesus and the disciples shared a meal in the upper room.

After communion we have a service of Tenebrae – Tenebrae means “shadows”. At the start of the service the

lights are on and there are candles lit on the tables. The story of the Passion is read in twelve sections and a

candle is extinguished following each reading until as we hear about the crucifixion the room is in darkness. A

few lights are relit so that every can leave safely. A somber and meaningful service, the Tenebrae seem to truly

help people focus on the great gift we have received through the love of Christ.

It is, of course, possible to celebrate Easter without giving any thought to the events in Jesus’ life that

led to the crucifixion. It is possible to accept the great gift of redemption from God without thinking about the

sacrifice made on our behalf which was necessary because of our sin. I think, though, there is a depth of

understanding that is reached as we remember the agony and defeat that proceeded the amazing victory of

Easter. We can become more a part of a true celebration of Easter when we have realized the part we played in

the crucifixion.

These are things I would share individually with members; these are encouragements I would give. I hope I

will see you many times during the month of March - - More than ever as we prepare for Easter once again.

Peace -- Barry

. Lent 2013

5 Session Lenten Study on Developing an Adult Faith

Thursdays -- February 21, 28 March 7, 14 and 21 – 7 P.M. Author and Bible scholar Marcus Borg invites us to join him in revisiting Christianity's most

fundamental questions: Who is God? What does salvation mean? What place does Jesus hold in

contemporary Christian faith? In this five-session, faith-formation resource, participants enjoy the rare

privilege of witnessing Marcus in dialogue with a small, diverse group of adults as they honestly -- and

sometimes painfully -- confront the big questions and work together toward authentic answers. Each

session includes a 10-minute presentation by Marcus Borg followed by interaction with the group. The

program print resources are designed to help your small group "join the dialogue" in your own setting.

The study addresses fundamental questions that adults struggle with as faith matures. It can be used as a

resource for personal reflection as well as small group experience.

The five sessions include:

* God

* Jesus

* Salvation –March 7

* Community-March 14

* Practice-March 21

Palm Sunday, March 24 Procession of Palms beginning in the parking lot at 10:00 A.M. followed by a celebratory Worship

Service in the Auditorium at the JMMC Community Education Center.

Maundy Thursday, March 28

6:30 PM gather for a simple meal followed by the celebration of Holy Communion and

Service of Tenebrae in room 201 at 599 Main Street. The meal is free, but please let us

knows you are coming. Holy Communion will be celebrated around the tables.

Tenebrae is the service of shadows, during which we remember the Passion of Christ

while extinguishing the lights until the room is in darkness. Light is restored and we

leave in silence.

Easter Sunday, March 31

6:15 AM Sunrise Service and breakfast on Soapstone Mountain. We gather to celebrate the

resurrection of Christ as the sun rises in the east. After worship breakfast will be served in the

parking lot on top of the mountain!

NOTE – Dave and Lucille Gavlak, who have prepared and hosted the Sunrise Breakfast for 40 years,

have decided to hang up the coffee pots and spatulas, so there will be a new group offering the breakfast

this year. We are grateful to Dave, Lucille and all their helpers who have shared so generously for so

long! And we are grateful to a new crew, headed by Tyler Cass, that will be preparing and serving the

breakfast this year.

BOOK GROUP

Tuesday, March 12 – 7 P.M. -- Open to EVERYONE!

March’s book is Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo

When his sister tricks him into taking her guru on a trip to their childhood home,

Otto Ringling, a confirmed skeptic, is not amused. Six days on the road with an

enigmatic holy man who answers every question with a riddle is not what he'd

planned. But in an effort to westernize his passenger--and amuse himself--he decides to show the monk some

"American fun" along the way. From a chocolate factory in Hershey to a bowling alley in South Bend, from a

Cubs game at Wrigley field to his family farm near Bismarck, Otto is given the remarkable opportunity to see

his world--and more important, his life--through someone else's eyes. Gradually, skepticism yields to

amazement as he realizes that his companion might just be the real thing.

In Roland Merullo's masterful hands, Otto tells his story with all the wonder, bemusement, and wry humor of a

man who unwittingly finds what he's missing in the most unexpected place.

Altar Flowers for the Month of March

March 3rd - Altar Flowers this morning are given by Trish Endweiss in loving memory

of her parent, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel M Endweiss.

March 10th-

-Altar Flowers this morning are given by the Popham Family in loving

memory of Donald, Pauline and Jennifer Morganson and Earle Popham.

March 17th

-Open

March 24th

- Open

March 31st-Easter Lilies today are given by members of the Congregation

It is our custom that altar flowers are donated in memory of or in honor of loved ones.

Arrangements can be bought or hand-done. An individual or a group of individuals can donate them.

There can be more than one bouquet on any given Sunday.

Sunday School Calendar

March 3 Sunday School / Communion

(Grades 6-8 stay in Church)

March 10 Sunday School

March 17 Confirmation Sunday/No Sunday School

(Veggie Tale movie in auditorium)

March 24 Sunday School

March 31 Easter/No Sunday School

(Easter Egg Hunt for all children during the last hymn.)

Note: Please remember to put your child’s name and parent’s envelope number on each Sunday

School envelope, to be sure our collector attributes these gifts to your giving account. If you

need more Sunday School envelopes, please see me or each classroom has extra too.

The next teacher’s meeting will be on Sunday, March 24 at

9:15 AM in one of the classrooms at JMMC.

Liz Scanlon, Christian Education Director

Vacation Bible School 2013 ~ Kingdom Rock ~ June 24 – 28 (Please watch for possible date change due to snow days the school year

might incur)

THANK YOU NOTES …

Dear Somers Congregational Church,

We want to thank everyone for all their prayers, concerns, emails, cards,

and hugs. As we struggle with this heartbreaking loss, it has been very

comforting to our family to know you are all thinking of us.

With Sincere Gratitude,

Liz , David and Brandon Scanlon

Memorial Easter Lilies

Memorial lilies can be ordered to beautify our worship space for Easter. You can specify individuals or

special intentions that you would like remembered. After they are used in the Church, the lilies will be

taken to the sick or shut in members of the community and enjoyed by them. You can also indicate if you

would like to have a lilies delivered to a specific person. Cost of donating a lily is $6.00 per plant./. Please

use this form to order your flowers. Send or bring your order to the Church Office by March 18.

Please make your check out to Somers Congregational Church.

Please Print

Name of Donor exactly as it should be listed in the bulletin:

________________________________________________________________________________________

Memorial or Intention as you would like it listed:

1.________________________________________________________________________________________

2.________________________________________________________________________________________

Total # of Lilies ________ Total enclosed $________

Please indicate if you would like a lily delivered to a specific person:

Please deliver to a shut –in_____

Will you be able to deliver this plant?_____ Yes _____No

Will you deliver other plants? _____ Yes _____No

I will take my lily after Easter Service______

All lilies left after last Service will be donated.

+ + + + + + + +

Worship at Blair Manor On the Second Tuesday of each month our church is responsible for a worship

service at Blair Manor. Led by our pastor, worship begins at 10:30 A.M. and lasts

about a half hour. We are fortunate that Anne Larson accompanies the group in

singing two hymns most months. Other members and friends of the church are more

than welcome to join us, to be a part of the service and to add voices to the singing.

If you have any questions, talk to Barry.

The next Blair Manor worship service will be Tuesday, March 12 at 10:30 A.M.

This Month Champ's Place, our church's food pantry, is seeking donation of

nonperishable food, and is especially in need of Jelly of call kinds for

making sandwiches and Juice boxes that can be put in the snack packs for

kids. Kathy Moulton and Kit Devlin, Champ’s Place coordinators, also

remind us that monetary donations are always welcome. The money

donated can go a long way in purchasing needed items at Foodshare. For

instance, $120 at Foodshare can buy 1,400 lbs. of food! Our money used at

Foodshare has more purchasing power than it does when we make our own

purchases locally for Champ’s Place. Checks made out to "Somers

Congregational Church" with "Champ's Place" on the memo line can be sent to the church or dropped in the

offering plate any week. Food can be brought to worship on Sunday or dropped off at the office during open

hours. Thanks for being a part of this important ministry of our church!

Weekly Scripture Readings for March 2013

March 3 (Communion Sunday) Third Sunday in Lent

Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9

March 10 Fourth Sunday in Lent

Joshua 5:9-12 Psalm 32 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 1-3,11b-32

March 17 Fifth Sunday in Lent – Confirmation Sunday

Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 126 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8

March 24 Sixth Sunday in Lent – Palm Sunday

Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 19:28-40

March 31 Easter Sunday

Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 Luke 24:1-12

From the Nominating Committee Thanks to all of those who have volunteered for 2013 committees, especially those who answered the call and

filled 4 slots at the Annual Meeting! The following are the remaining open positions – 2 Deacons, 2

Stewardship Committee, 2 Caring ministry Board, 1 Christian Education Board, 1 Flower Committee and 2

Representatives to the Connecticut Conference spring and fall meetings. Please contact Kelly Anderson 860-

763-5355 kanderson61@cox.net

Women’s Fellowship

The March Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 5 when we will be meeting with

Barry and seeing some vintage films from the church archives. Coffee in room 116 at

9:30. The Meeting will be in Bugbee Chapel at 10 A.M.

Somers Congregational

United Church of Christ

Free Community Supper

Friday, March 15th

5 to 6:30 P.M.

EVERYONE is invited to share this free Community Supper and to enjoy the

fellowship and good time. Bring your family and friends.

The Board of Music & Arts will be our hosts.

Let us know you are coming by signing up at church, or calling or e-mailing the church office.

We are also looking for hosts for the months to come. The church provides all the funds for the

meal and all the supplies needed. Hosts plan, cook and serve the meal. If you are interested, or

want more information, please talk to Barry.

Council Corner February 19, 2013

Restoration Committee. The trailer in the back parking lot has been removed. The final walk thru is Wednesday, February 20

with Green Construction. The heat in rooms 204 and 206 needs adjustment and there are 8 other items still remaining on the

punch list.

Insurance Update. The information regarding the foundation walls was sent to the insurance people as requested at our

January meeting. Utica will have their structural engineer review the report to see if there is agreement. We are still hopeful

that the insurance can be settled soon. The Building Committee and Insurance Committee will have a joint meeting when the

insurance number is given in order to give a joint recommendation to the church council.

Building Committee. The Building Committee met weekly in January. The front steps and the slab have been poured. (see

detailed article by Mark Marshall).

Community Supper. The March community supper will be hosted by the Music & Arts Board with lasagna on the menu. The CE

Board will host April. Looking for volunteers for May & June.

Building Fund. The Church Council approved funding for expenses by the Tech Committee for internet upgrade, nativity

expenses, a fireproof safe for the church office and encumbered money for future expenses for the Celebration Committee,

the Capital Campaign Committee and the contents adjuster. Subtracting these funds leaves a balance of available funds from

the Building Fund of $280,267.26 that will be put towards the Capital Campaign.

Online donations. Donations to the Building Fund can be made online through the church website by credit card, debit card or

direct withdrawal of funds from your bank account.

Capital Campaign. The contract with Susan Mitchell was signed and she will be meeting with members of the Capital Campaign

Committee March 6-March 9. The campaign will include a two-year pledge period. The contract calls for a range of $500,000-

$800,000 to be raised. The Campaign Committee will set the actual campaign goal after the insurance settlement. Members of

the Committee include John Panto, Becky Antonacci, Amanda Marschall, Sara Mulvihill, Rich Mazur and George Warner. Anyone

interested in being on the Capital Campaign Committee or one of the subcommittees should contact John Panto.

Appointments. The Church Council re-appointed Jane Gamble, Terri Siver, Barbara Moser and Laurie Gorski to the Memorial

Garden Committee. The council also appointed Faith Gelinas and Polly McCranie to the Memorial Garden Committee for 2013.

The Council re-appointed the members of the Building Committee, the Insurance Committee, the Artifacts Committee, and the

Appreciation Committee and thanked the members of the Organ Committee, the Costume Committee and the Restoration

Committee for all of their accomplishments.

Annual Meeting Evaluation. Response from council members indicated that the joint meetings of annual meeting and

organization meeting on the same day continues to work well. Consensus was that the annual meeting should start no later than

11:15 instead of 11:30 and that coffee be served during the lunch instead of immediately after church.

Red Cross Blood Drive. The Red Cross sponsored a blood drive at the Town Hall on January 24th. They were able to make their

quota of blood donations. They appreciated all of our donated sandwiches and desserts.

Internet access in the church office building and Bugbee Center: password is sccpublic599.

Questions or Comments about the new church? If you have any questions or comments about the new building, the Building

Committee still wants to hear from you. Please send comments to: build@somerscongregational.org.

Anne Kirkpatrick (abksomers@aol.com)

The 2013 Feinstein Challenge: March1-April 20, 2013

HELP FIGHT HUNGER IN OUR AREA For the 16th year in a row Alan Feinstein is giving away $1 million dollars to help fight hunger in the U.S. The Feinstein Challenge has become the greatest grass roots campaign ever to fight hunger in the U.S. Your donation of food or money makes YOU a partner in this campaign. The more you give, the more we receive from the Feinstein Challenge. We will track any food and money that we collect for our food pantry-Champ’s Place March1-April 30. If you are making a donation by check, please make your check to the Somers Congregational Church and note in the memo line Feinstein Challenge. At the end of the campaign we will submit our report to the Feinstein Foundation. The best new is that whatever food and money we collect and whatever matching funds we receive stay right here to benefit people in our area! Won’t YOU help fight hunger in Somers?

Deadline for Next Highlights is March 20, 2013

U.S. Postage

Paid Non-Profit

Org. Permit

Number 334 Enfield, CT 06082

Somers Congregational Church

599 Main Street, PO Box 295 Somers, CT 06071

Address Service Requested

Sunday Worship: 8:15 A.M. & 10:00 A.M. Office Hours (M-Th.): 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. Telephone: (860) 763-4021 Fax: (860) 763-5146 E-mail: somerscong@somerscongregational.org Web site: www.somerscongregational.org

Senior Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Barry Cass Organist/Music Director: Jacqueline Nappi CE Director: Liz Scanlon Care Room: Barbara Anderson