Lighted Tower Newsletter

 The first Sunday in October is always World Communion Sunday. I remember it growing up here, as World Wide Communion Sunday. We were always reminded that around the world Christians were celebrating the Lord’s Supper in their own way, but together.

 I believe the title of the day is more hopeful that real. It started among Protestant churches and the World Council of Churches many years ago. The name itself betrays its Protestant origins. The celebration of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the month goes back to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Liturgical denominations such as the Roman Catholic Church, the entire Orthodox communion, and some smaller Protestant denominations celebrate the Lord’s Supper each Sunday. Every Sunday is the Lord’s Supper.

In my later years of seminary Marilyn and I served as part time assistant pastors at a three way united church in Worcester which no longer exists. The three denominations represented were the United Church of Christ, the American Baptist Church, and the Disciples of Christ. Early on the congregation decided that to recognize the practice of the Disciples Mohave communion every Sunday the congregation would celebrate the Lord’s Supper each Sunday. It was an interesting experience.

Visible unity is generally a good thing although sometimes it can hide less desirable tendencies. In the case of World Communion Sunday we know that possibly not all churches observe it, and if they celebrate communion each Sunday they may not use that name for the day.

Unity is an elusive thing in the Christian Church. Will it ever come about? Will hardcore ultra-fundamentalist independent Baptists join together with the Roman Catholic Church, for instance? Not likely. But that shouldn’t stop us from offering at least an image of unity. We can celebrate the things we have in common and pray about the rest.

In Christ, Pastor Craig
            

SECOND HOUR NEWS

During October and November Pastor Craig will offer two second hour programs on the Bible. The first, on Sunday, October 22, “Where Did We Get the Gospels?” will look at some of the theories about how the four gospels in the New Testament came into being.

The second, on Sunday, November 5, “Where Did We Get the English Bible?” Will look at the development of the English Bible from the Middle Ages to now.

Come and join us for an interesting time together!

Pastor Craig

CHURCH MEETINGS

Annual Budget Meeting

November 12, 2023

Immediately following Worship

MONTHLY DINNER OUT – Thursday, October 12, 2023

If you are planning to come, or if you would like to join us for the first time, please contact Ardene Courchesne, as she is making the reservations.  They are meeting at 6:00 pm at the Mongolian Grill at 855 Queen Street, Southington.

Informally, this group is referred to as the “Tri-C” social group.

STEWARDSHIP/GENEROSITY COMMITTEE

At this time of the year, we begin planning for 2024.  Our Stewardship Campaign is underway.  The Stewardship Committee asks you to think about what this church means to you and  your willingness to support its goals and missions.  Get your pledge cards in by October 22 so that the Trustees can begin their work for the 2024 budget.

The Stewardship Committee

Joan Gordon

Pam Kline

Mary Zysk

CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL

AND

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

Sunday School will meet once a month on the same day as Youth Group, October they will meet on Sunday, October 22.  On the Sundays that the Youth Group meets they will provide Coffee and at the Coffee Hour.  Discussion was held about participation in the Trunk or Treat at the Meriden Green.  Youth cannot participate this year due to schedule conflicts (XC State Championships, HS Band State Championships).  They are planning for a Lock-In for January, watch for the November Lighted Tower and the Bulletins for more information.

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF MISSIONS

In addition to supporting food party services of Food Share and the Soup Kitchen next door at First Baptist Church, the Board of Missions of Center Congregational Church is now partnering the new outdoor food pantry recently opened by Meriden Church of Christ, down the hill at 127 East Main Street (the former synagogue).

The volume of need from the city’s homeless and disadvantaged population is greater than what they themselves can provide for; so, that church is asking that other Meriden congregations to assist them in stocking the pantry with non-perishable foods and household supplies to distribute to the needy.

Things they told us that they can use include:

Ø Canned Veggies, beans, fruit, soups, etc.

Ø Canned tuna, meats, Spam and other such.

Ø Pasta, ramen; boxes of mac & cheese

Ø Peanut butter and jelly

Ø Bar soap, pump soap, hand sanitizer

Ø Toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, mouthwash

Ø Dish soap, laundry detergent,

Ø Sanitary pads/tampons, diapers, wipes

Ø Other household items are welcome.

Bring donation items with you to church and there is a box in the Sanctuary where you put them.  This will be an ongoing mission. Thank you!   

ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE NEWS

Accessibility Sunday will be October 15th.  The committee will assist in conducting the morning worship service.  There will be a display of equipment that is ready for use during the service as well as equipment that is available to borrow when needed at home. 

The Accessibility Committee is open to new ideas that can make our building and services more accessible. Please give a committee member any ideas and suggestions you may have.  

The Committee thanks the Congregation for their continued and ongoing support throughout the years.

The Accessibility Committee

Pat Kenney, Caitlin DePalma, Jacqueline Jeffers, Tom Schillberg and Pam Gorman

WALLINGFORD NEWS

The Wallingford Community Women will hold a Candidates Forum to present the Candidates for the upcoming election.

October 18 members of the Board of Education will answer questions beginning at 6:30 pm.

October 19 members of the Town Council will answer questions beginning at 6:30 pm.

October 25 will be the debate between the Republican and Democratic Candidates for Mayor beginning at 7 pm.  Wallingford has been re-elected the same Mayor for over 40 years. He has done a good job for Wallingford and has decided to retire from the mayor’s position.  You may see all the above in the Council Chambers at Wallingford Town Hall.

You may choose to watch on the local Wallingford TV station Comcast channel 1070 _ that will live stream the sessions.

You may also watch in your PJ's while tuning in on YouTube at - Wallingford Government Media youtube.com.

ELECTION NEWS

If you or a friend needs to Register to vote this year the last day to register to Vote November 7, 2023 in Connecticut is October 31st. 

Absentee Ballots will be available on October 6th.