Church News
Please continue to help keep Blessings Box stocked!
The Outreach Committee is continuing to stock the Blessings Box, located near the church driveway exit.
The Blessings Box (also known as a Free Little Pantry in some communities), is a tool for neighbors to help neighbors. The box will be stocked with an assortment of items, including nonperishable foods, baby diapers and supplies, as well as basic household supplies and personal care items.
The box is a place community members may take something they need or donate something for others. All can be done at one’s convenience, and anonymously. Donations may also be left in the basket in the church foyer. All items must be sealed and within expiration dates.
The box is frequently empty, so please drop off items to restock when you can.
Take a blessing, bring a blessing, be a blessing!
Knitting Group Missions-we are meeting again!!!
The Knitting Group meets weekly on Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. If weather permits, we like to meet outside, so bring a chair.
For many, many years, church knitters and crocheters have made prayer shawls that are prayed upon and blessed, and delivered to those in need of comfort. During the past several years, our newly formed Knitting/Crochet group have made tiny hats and comfort items for premature infants at area hospitals. Most recently, the group was highlighted on local news stations for their mission to knit and crochet bird/small animal nests for wildlife victims of the Australia bush fires. This mission brought an outpouring of support from community members and many others! The photo on the left is just a small sample of what at last count was a total of more than 1200 nests that will be donated to the efforts in Australia!
We have ongoing missions to make scarves, hats, mittens and gloves for the homeless, as well as "chemo caps" for folks who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments. Since there is an unfortunately large need for these items locally, we would love to have community involvement once again! We are just told told to have tight stitches that won't allow a lot of air to pass through and to use very soft yarn. You may use your own pattern or we will post some here shortly.
Mission Opportunities
- Covenant Soup Kitchen-Willimantic (contact them directly if you are able to help)
- Wounded Warrrior Project-The cost is $19 per month. If you would like to sign up for a month in memory or in honor of a veteran of the Armed Services, please see the sheet on the upstairs bulletin board.
- Community Lunch- (currently suspended) each Friday, at Colchester Federated Church or St. Andrews. 11am-1pm (See Evelyn Taggart)
- Carolyn Schaefer Prayer Shawl Ministry-Knitters and crocheters ways needed. Contact a deacon if you'd like to help or if you know of someone in need of a comforting shawl.
Hospitality and Card Greetings
- Someone need a card to cheer them up? Gerrie Dawson is willing to send a card.
- Someone ill and in need of a special meal? Check with Nan Wasniewski
Church Happenings
Nominating Committee Update (1/9/2022)
The Nominating Committee is elected at the Annual Meeting in January. This Congregational Church is run by the people, thus all the committees that you see on Page 3.
Anyone who would like a set of by-laws or has questions, please let one of us know. We will need to submit a slate of officers at the Annual Meeting.
The following are openings that still need to be filled by the Annual Meeting on January 23, 2022: Maintenance (One position), Deacon (One 3-year position), Junior Deacon (one position) Prudential (One 2-year position, One 3-year position), Health & Safety Committee (one position).
Other than the Elected Prudential Members, you do not have to be a member of the church to be on a committee. Committee Chairs, however, do need to be church members.
Participation with a committee is a great way to meet others in the church, to be active in the running of your church and to learn the “inner workings”.
See a member of Nominating if you are interested or for more information.
Carol Tiziani, Kelly Ouellette or Mary Jane Slade.
Annual Meeting is Scheduled
Official Notice of Annual Meeting
The 2022 Annual Meeting of the Westchester Congregational Church will be held Sunday January 23, 2022 with a snow date of Sunday, January 30, 2022. The meeting will be held after morning worship service and will also be available on ZOOM. The business of this meeting will be to review 2021 committee reports, elect committee members, vote on the 2022 budget, elect a Nominating Committee, and conduct any other business proper to be presented. All are invited to attend but only church members are allowed to vote.
In-person worship has resumed and mask policy has changed-REVISED 10/1/2021
In-person worship services and Sunday school have resumed at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings, along with the option to follow online via Zoom.
As of 10/1/2021, masks are no longer required indoors, if you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Mask wearing is optional for those who are fully vaccinated and hand sanitizer is always available.
We realize that everyone may not feel comfortable returning to in-person services at this time, and we offer the option to join us via Zoom. For sign on codes, please email your request to bookingwcc@gmail.com by 9:00 p.m., the preceding Saturday.
Reverend Lake's Contact Info.
Reverend Lake may be reached anytime at 860.428.3460, and is available for appointments.
Next Church Prudential Meeting
Sunday, February 13, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Fellowship Opportunities
Next Ladies Lunch Bunch
Thursday, February 3, 2021 place tba. Feel free to meet at the church at 11:30 a.m. on that day. RSVP in advance to Jane Duval.
Next Men's Breakfast
tba
Knitting Group Meets Each Thursday
Our group has resumed meeting. Bring your personal knitting/crochet/needlepoint projects or work on a prayer shawl for the church. We also have ongoing mission projects, and there is always a need for more chemo caps, preemie hats, all baby items, prayer shawls, and lap robes Join us for fellowship and fun conversation each Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to noon. If the weather is good, bring a chair as we like to meet outside! *Mask required if meeting indoors.