Lighted Tower Newsletter

The Lighted Tower

Church Phone: (203) 235-1389

Church E-mail: secretary@centerchurchmeriden.org

Church Website: www.centerchurchmeriden.org

02 2026 The Lighted Tower

FYI – FROM WIKIPEDIA:

“February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. The month has 28 days in common years and 29 in leap years, with the 29th day being called the leap day. February is the third and last month of meteorological winter in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, February is the third and last month of meteorological summer, being the seasonal equivalent of August in the Northern Hemisphere. February is preceded by the first month of the year, January, and is succeeded by the third month of the year, March.

"February" can be pronounced in several different ways. The beginning of the word is commonly pronounced either as /ˈfɛbju-/  FEB-yoo- or /ˈfɛbru-/  FEB-roo-; many people drop the first "r", replacing it with /j/, as if it were spelled "Febuary". This comes about by analogy with "January" (/ˈdʒæn.ju-/), as well as by a dissimilation effect whereby having two "r"s close to each other causes one to change.

The Roman month Februarius was named after the Latin term februum, which means "purification", via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 (full moon) in the old lunar Roman calendar. January and February were the last two months to be added to the Roman calendar, since the Romans originally considered winter a monthless period of the year. They were added by Numa Pompilius about 713 BC. February remained the last month of the calendar year until the time of the decemvirs (c. 450 BC), when it became the second month.”

(I heartily encourage everyone to read the entire article. February has many interesting aspects.)

Since February is the shortest month, I will keep this message brief. In these 28 days, we will observe 17 days within the liturgical season of Epiphany. We will continue to contemplate the various ways in which Jesus reveals himself to be the Light of the World – the light betokened on the first day of Creation and reaffirmed with the appearance of a star in the story of His birth. The final Sunday of Epiphany celebrates Jesus transfiguration, appearing along with Moses and Elijah, before Peter, James, and John, on the mountainside. To be transfigured is to have “a divine appearance.” His face shines like the sun and his clothing radiant white. In this scene Jesus manifests his heavenly, glorified, and essential refulgence. He demonstrates to his followers the fulfillment of the hope for purity and glory for the children of God.

Wednesday, the 18th of February, the vision shifts, indeed it flips, to the reality of the human condition. On Ash Wednesday, we hear and acknowledge this simple message: “Remember, o mortal, thou art dust, and to dust you shall return.” So, Lent begins. By remembering this sobering message, we turn in anticipation of our death to come, then, even more so to the death of Jesus Christ upon a cross. Now is a time of repentance, and time of introspection. And yet, it is also a time to take thought of prayer, almsgiving, self-denial, and forgiveness. Our passivity entwines itself with our activity, so that focus and dependence on Christ exchange in our souls the usual self-regard, -interest, and -absorption of our daily lives.

I urge us all, therefore, to continue our epiphany journey of wonder with deep appreciation for all the Jesus is and does for us. Equally, I urge us to enter humbly into the season of Lent with renewed intention to be and to become everything that the goodness of God likewise intended for us in our creation. God bless us all.

GREETINGS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
FROM THE DEACONS

Some of our parishioners attended a carol sing at First church on Sunday December 21. It was a jolly good time. This was rescheduled from our church the previous week due to weather.

Christmas Eve service was held on Wednesday December 24 @4pm.  Deacons & church members read scriptures.  The Rochette family did the Advent candles, and the Youth shared Christmas wishes with the congregation.   We continue to be grateful to our Christian Education & Youth for hosting the coffee hour on Communion Sundays.

We began our new year by welcoming a new deacon, Diana Halla. It is nice to have younger congregants serve; we look forward to her vision and thoughts.

We eagerly await the baptism of baby Rose, daughter to Shannon who grew up in our church. It is scheduled for Sunday January 25, 2026.

The Pastoral Search team has been formed and met a couple of times.  The members are: Steve Gorman (chairperson), Robin Cusachs, Diane Stolting, Frank Covey, and Joan Gordon.

We would like to wish Karen Krick a very happy retirement from the Care team.  Have you received a card from Center Church in the last decade?  That was our friend, Karen. She has sent thousands of cards over the years to members and friends of Center Church. We appreciate so much the time and thought Karen put into the cards.  We need another Karen!  The care team is looking for people to volunteer.  Do you like to bake, make soup, talk on the phone, send cards, or visit with people?  This does not need to be a weekly commitment.  Cards can be sent once a month, and visits & care baskets can be carried out whenever.  

Care team reached out to: Kendrick Norris, Chris Tabor, Uryase family, Rochette family, Betty Leidy, Mary Zysk, Donald Cusachs, Roger Stolting, Dave Macomber, DePalma family and our shut ins- Joan Halla & Colleen Stack.

We continue to pray for comfort and healing.  Please let Joan Gordon or Susan Trella know if you or someone you know could use some CCC care.

February Communion will be prepared by Frank Covey and served by Maggie Shillberg

and Mary Zysk.  Chris Tabor will be preaching on Sunday February 15, Transfiguration Sunday, as Pastor Kent will be away on vacation.

Next deacons meeting is February 1@ 11:30. Please see a deacon if you have something you’d like to discuss.

Peace,  Susan Trella (Deacon chair) Maggie Shillberg, Frank Covey, Dianna Halla, Mary Zysk, Chris Tabor and Diane Stolting.

LENTEN PROGRAM

The Ash Wednesday program will be at First Church, 62 Colony Street, Meriden.  For additional info, you can contact the First Church office (203-235-5704) or online at www.firstchurchmeriden.org . Please RSVP to the First Church office for all events; or, if you RSVP to Joan in the Center Church office (203-235-1389), Joan will forward all reservations or inquiries received.  The Lenten program series will be rotated between Center Church and First Church.    The first Lenten progam is February 18 at First Church, it is Soup and Sanctuary.

 THe 

SAN SOUCI RESTAURANT

All members and friends of Center Church are invited to come together for an evening of fun and fellowship at 6:00 on Thursday evening, February 12th.  This is the latest in our years-long journey to culinary venues across the central Connecticut area.

This month we are going to one of our favorite spots: San Souci Restaurant, on the Berlin Turnpike. The actual address is 2003 North Broad Street, Meriden.  You can go online to www.sansoucirestaurant.com and peruse their menu.  In particular, San Souci offers one of the best daily specials menus around.