Dear friends in Christ,
I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying the fall weather. We have a number of things going on:
“Pray Away” Discussion: Wednesday 10/19@7pm
This evening we will have a discussion of the film “Pray Away” and some of the topics the film raises at 7pm in the Social Hall.
Book & Bake Sale: Saturday 10/22
The Mission Board is hosting a book and bake sale this Saturday October 22nd from 10-2. We will gladly still accept any final donations of books, puzzles and games through Thursday, October 20. Someone will be at the church from 10:00 A.M. ’till noon. There is also bin outside the church office where donations can be dropped off.
There’s also a Facebook event you can share to help promote the sale: https://fb.me/e/2fXaeVmk2
All Saints’ Sunday 11/6
On Sunday 11/6, we will be observing the feast of All Saints’. We will be remembering before God the names of those who have died, particularly those who have died in the past year. If you have a name you would like lifted up on 11/6 please email it to me (kmanzi@middleburyucc.org.)
Mission: Sandwiches for GWIM on Veterans’ Day
This year again, Missions will be making 200 sandwiches for GWIM to hand out on Veterans Day as they usually close this day and don’t provide a hot meal. This way these sandwich bags can be taken-home with them. We will be looking for donations of :Bread, Ham, Bologna, Cheese, Juice boxes/pouches, apple sauce/ fruit cups, granola bars/snack bars, or monetary donations. These donations need to be at the church by Monday November 7th.
The BSA Scout Troops will again help to assemble these bags on Thursday November 10 at their meeting. If you would like to help make the sandwiches please be at the church on November 10 at 5 pm. On Friday November 11th we will deliver the sandwiches to GWIM around 10 am in the morning and we will also need help to deliver them as well. Thank you again for your donations and in any way that you can assist us. We greatly appreciate all that you do for our mission commitments to our community
Advent Workshop: 11/13
This fall, we will host an Advent craft for all ages! After church on November 13th, we will be making advent wreaths. Everyone is invited to join! Some of our older Sunday School children and youth will be leading this craft.
Over the next month, we will be looking for donations of small glass jars (like you may have jam or yogurt in, or small mason jars). We are also looking for a few handy people who are willing to slice some logs to make wood rounds, for the base of the wreath. Please see Valerie Beard or a member of the Board of Faith Formation if you have any questions.
Middlebury Community Thanksgiving Service: Tuesday 11/22 @7pm
In the spirit of the ecumenical Thanksgiving services of years past, this year we are hosting a Community Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday 11/22 at 7pm here at MCC. The offering will go to support the Middlebury Food and Fuel Banks and nonperishable food items brought for the service will be donated to GWIM.
UCC Mission Opportunities
The United Church of Christ has recently issued two appeals for aid in response to recent natural disasters: one for the terrible flooding in Pakistan and one for the recent hurricanes.
- Donations for Pakistan relief can be made here: https://www.ucc.org/global-h-o-p-e/pakistan-emergency-appeal/
- Donations for Hurricanes Ian and Fiona can be made here: https://support.ucc.org/donate—hurricanes-2022?inf_contact_key=d0ca562a15c10c8289ab476047d993afd18a532c4142cb79caf2b269de1401fa
General Comments
We had beautiful weather for worship outdoors this past Sunday. Valerie took a great picture of the Cherub Choir, which I’ve attached. Thank you to our musicians and to our volunteers who set up our Coffee Hour outside to take advantage of the weather.
During worship this Sunday we will be welcoming new members into the church, so it should be a lovely service.
Peace,
Pastor Katrina