A Letter from Blue Grass:  The Joyful Feast
August, 2019
Rev. Timothy Haut
Deep River Congregational Church

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This Week – December 3 - 10, 2023
Sunday -       First Sunday of Advent
                     Carol Sing, 8:20 and 9:45 a.m.  
                     Worship Services  8:30 & 10:00 a.m./Live stream at 10:00 a.m.
                     Sunday School  and Teen Issues,  10:00 a.m.
Monday–       Transitions Academy, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
                      Women’s AA, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday -      Transitions Academy, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
                      Exercise with Dale, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
                      CT River Valley Symphonic Band Rehearsal, 6:00 – 9:15 p.m.
Wednesday – Girl Scouts, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
                       AA Meeting 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday -      Shoreline Soup Kitchen, Curb-side Pick-Up, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
                      Sr. Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 p.m.
                      A.A., 7:00 p.m.  
Saturday -      CT River Valley symphonic Band Christmas Concert, 5:00 p.m.
Sunday -        Second Sunday of Advent
                      Carol Sing, 8:20 and 9:45 a.m.  
                      Worship Services  8:30 & 10:00 a.m./Live stream at 10:00 a.m.
                      Sunday School  and Teen Issues,  10:00 a.m.
                      Youth Group Cookie Baking, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
                       First Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, 3:30 p.m.

Deacons on Duty for December
Jane Syme is Deacon on Call, Kelley Frazier is Sanctuary Rep, and Anne Bartlett is arranging for Lay Readers and Flowers.

Birthdays This Week
Helen Rankin, Betty Tarte, Joshua Clark (Today); Garrett Spradling, Jill Fremut, Patty Unan, John Vilcheck (4); Julie Kroupa, Dante Grassi (5); Andrrea Chiappa, Michael Balisciano, Caryn Paradis (6); Preston Tabor (7); Matthew Vallandingham, Susan White (9).

Happy Anniversary to Jane & Luther Moen (9).

Advent Devotional Booklets
Copies of the 2023 Advent devotional booklet, A Calendar of Devotions by Sam McGlothlin,  are available in the Narthex this morning.

2024 Offering Envelopes
If you would like offering envelopes for 2024, please indicate that on your pledge card or contact me directly and I’ll add you to the list. Envelopes will be available for pick-up on Sunday, December 10 in Fellowship Hall. 2023 envelopes are still available to finish out the year. You can find them in the Narthex. Claudia Hardy, Collector

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our Sunday School will be meeting this Sunday. Please go into the Sanctuary for the Advent reading and we will leave together during the hymn of dismissal. After you meet your teachers in the fellowship hall, we will split off into grade levels for our own Advent lesson and class curriculum on how "God hears our prayers". Our program is open to all in the community, so bring your friends and neighbors! Join the fun and participate in all the activities that we offer!
 
ADVENT
The children will learn about the season of Advent in their Sunday School classes during the month of December. A paper flame will be added each Sunday, as they "light" the candle of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. The children will also read a Bible passage and say a prayer as each candle is "lit". Be sure your child is present each week, so they understand the meaning of the candles.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT - 80th ANNIVERSARY
Calling all Angels, Wisemen & Shepherds! We need you for the Christmas Pageant held on Christmas Eve. All youth and children of DRCC are invited to participate and should attend the rehearsals on Sunday, December 10 and December 17, both at 3:30 pm. Remember there is only ONE Christmas Eve Pageant held at 5:30 pm. Contact Sybil or Amanda Higgins for more information.
ALUMNI - This is an alumni Christmas Pageant! If you have been in the pageant or Jr. Choir in the past, we welcome you to be in the pageant this year. Please contact Sybil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to be part of this special event!

Youth Group News
Youth Group will meet December 10th from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. join us in learning to make different Christmas cookies from members in the congregation. Everyone will get cookies to bring home! Please let Chelsea know if you will be able to be there.

Las Posadas Parade
Save the date for Las Posadas! December 17th at 1:00 p.m. We will meet at the Deep River Library and go through town singing carols while looking for a place for Mary and Joseph to stay. It’s always a good time and we hope you can join us! If anyone is interested in being Mary, Joseph, or the Donkey(two people are needed) please let Chelsea or Rev. Tim know.

The Teen Issues Class, for students in grades 9-12, meets in the Upper Room each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. with Katie Roberts and Nancy Peluso.   

Poinsettias-Please Order by Wednesday, December 6th
Traditionally, we decorate our Sanctuary with Poinsettias on Christmas Sunday, which falls on December 17th this year.  The flowers are given in memory and in celebration of loved ones or events.  The 4 ½ inch plants are $5.00 and the larger, 6 ½ inch plants are $10.00.  There are order forms in the Narthex and the church office, and in the November and December Messengers.  You may purchase the plant to take home with you following the 10:00 service on Dec. 17th, or you may wish to donate the plant to be distributed to our “Treasured Members,” those who have been ill, suffered a loss, or is a shut in.  Be sure to indicate on your order, whether you will take your poinsettia home or donate it.  Please contact Kris in the Church Office with any questions:  860-526-5045 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   Thank you. 

Board of Christian Services – CWS Blanket ‘Sale’
It’s that time of year when the Board of Christian Services is ‘selling’ blankets that will be distributed to those in need on behalf of Church World Services.  Your $10 donation will purchase a blanket that will be sent when the need arises anywhere in the world.  Any questions please see any Board of Christian Service member – Andrea Chiappa, Chelsea Ehmke, or Joy Lootsma.

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED: The unity of prayers from members and friends of DRCC mean so much to the recipients. You may not know the names, but God knows their needs and circumstances as you lift them up. Please contact Kris Lindner (860-526-5045 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you know someone in need of prayers, but do get permission from the person before asking to add their names.

New Requests
Anthony (Tuan) Saglimbeni  (Hospice)
Col. Alex
Bill Krick (hospital, unknown diagnosis)
Ronald Miller (stroke)
Family of Bruce Bolnick
Patty Unan (struggling after neck & spine surgery)
Maryann (healing)
Mary Larson (Hospice)
Amanda
Donna Dione (breast cancer surgery & treatments)
All those families grieving the recent loss of a loved one
All those around the world affected by natural disasters, violence, war, & political unrest

Continued Prayers
ALL Health Care & Essential Workers, First Responders
Our troops, Veterans & National Guard   
Residents in nursing homes
Sylvia Tiezzi                             Abbie
Frank (heart)                            Melanie
Rita (amputation)                     Martha & James
Alicia (lung cancer)                  Elizabeth C  
Sue (breast cancer)                 Doug & Sally LaFaille
Nicole (cancer)                        Tom Foster (lung cancer)
James Maund (cancer)            Mason (cancer)
Bhodi (brain cancer)                Robin (cancer)                        
Anna (cancer)                          Rob May
Joanne Lockwood                    Jill
Janet Kusins (serious cond)     Ashley                     
John (lymphoma)                      Cristi Stroudt (health issues)
Pam Collura (healing)               Ms. Brown (recovery)
Maureen (Alzheimer’s)              Pelle (continued recovery)      
Eric Brown (fall)                       Paul
Nancy Stadalnik                       Diane Sexton (recovery)
Jody (Meningitis)                     Joel (healing)
Lillian Beardsley                      Georgia Davis
Lynn (addiction)                       Bill Krick (healing)                     
Matthew (lung cancer)             Ken Butterworth (lung cancer)
Sheila K. (Pancreatic cancer)  Bailey (cancer)  
Michael Poretta (heart)            Gary Savona (heart)
Kelly LaFaille (strokes)             Fran (not our Fran)
Rick Millette (cancer surgery)   Lois (knee replacement)
Adam                                        Jackie (serious illness)
Linda (cancer)                          Lori G.  
Art & Lori                                  Carol Aiello
Mark Reid & Courtney Quigley  Art (cancer)
Bob N (Stage 4 prostate cancer)     Roger Tryon  (recovery)
Kevin V. (ALS testing)                      Gretchen (eye biopsy)
Jimmy Lorenson (Hospice)         Lynn
Kathy Geraghty                           Evan
Ralph (prostate cancer)               Ashley P (pregnancy)

Long Term Requests:
Claire Rider                Sharon  (Hospice)
Ed Bushnell                Kathy Harper
Mark Bruscoe             Dottie Davis                                      
Erica                           Matt Peno
Jon                             Mary Karam
Jerry Clark, Jr.            Noah Krebs                     
 Jeff & Kris                   Sybil
Kathy & Ron               Carrie
Dale                            Ben T
Harry Gates               Conner                         
Lori Wilson                 Zachary                     
Mark & Lorianne        Doris Kurze
Kent & Martha           Hazel
People of Ukraine      Glenn Jacobsen
Aimee                         Benjamin
The McCarthy Family   

Please review these lists.  If you have requested prayers for someone and their status has changed, please contact me in the office.  Perhaps prayers have been answered and the name can be removed, or a new need for prayer has come up.  I like to keep the lists updated, but I need your help.  Thank you so much.

Special prayers for Matt Peno.  You can read about his heart condition online at www.gofundme.com/f/matt-peno-his-big-heart .  You may also drop checks off in the church office.  Please make them payable to Matt Peno.  He is very appreciative of everyone’s prayers and donation.

Middlesex Association Prayer Request for December 3rd   
As Advent begins this Sunday may we as people of the churches of the Middlesex Association prayerfully consider taking time each day of Advent to reflect on what God's gift of love in Jesus means to us individually and personally.

Board of Christian Services – CWS Blanket ‘Sale’

It’s that time of year when the Board of Christian Services is ‘selling’ blankets that will be distributed to those in need on behalf of Church World Services.  Your $10 donation will purchase a blanket that will be sent when the need arises anywhere in the world.  Any questions please see any Board of Christian Service member – Andrea Chiappa, Chelsea Ehmke, or Joy Lootsma.

GL Scrip Gift Cards
NEED GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS?
Remember those important to you this Christmas season, like caring neighbors, refuse removal services, postal delivery, grocery store employees, or a friend/relative who helps you, can all be acknowledged with gift cards from stores such as: LL Bean * Cabelas * Walgreens * McDonalds * Disney * Macys * Talbots * Exxon *  Gulf  * Kohls * Dunkin * Starbucks * Olive Garden * Omaha Steaks * Lowes * Home Depot * Stop & Shop * Walmart * Target and the selection continues with cards from over 750 local and national stores. It's the easiest way to create opportunities for DRCC and the people who matter most to you. You buy a gift card & get the full value / the brand gives back, nothing extra comes out of your pocket / DRCC earns money. No stores to go into, no extra time wasted shopping, no extra gas usage, and best of all no activation fees!
 
Holiday Shopping at Adams?
If you need food for the upcoming holidays and shop at our local Adams Hometown Market in Deep River, be sure to see Elizabeth first. She has gift cards in $25, $50 or $100 increments you can purchase to buy your own groceries or to give as a Christmas present and DRCC earns 5% of the card’s value! It is a win, win for all!
 
Elizabeth Root will be in the Fellowship Hall weekly after both services. You can also call her at 203-430-1426, or email Sybil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or to place an order; we can deliver in the local area. Visit the church website for more information: https://www.deeprivercc.org/events/fundraisers.html

The Board of Christian Service would like to remind you about the local blood drives.  There is an urgent need, especially with the upcoming holidays.
December Blood Drives
12/08/2023 | 08:00 AM - 01:00 PM - Nathan Hale Ray High School. 15 School Drive, Moodus
12/08/2023 | 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM - Clark Memorial Fireman's Field, 210 Elm Street, Old Saybrook
12/09/2023 | 08:00 AM - 01:00 PM - St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 232 Durham Road, Madison

The Nuts Have Arrived!
They can be purchased during both coffee hours. There are pecans and a variety of chocolate covered nuts. They make great gifts for the holidays.  Profits benefit the Chancel Handbell Choir.

Flowers for Worship
If you volunteer to place flowers in church on a given Sunday, and you do not wish to take them with you, Elizabeth Root has offered to take them and pass on to shut ins from our church, when she makes her visits.

 

Support Groups at Our Church

Mondays at 7:00 p.m. - Women's AA
First Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.- AA
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. - AA

Shoreline Soup Kitchen
Thursdays, Curb-side Pick-up, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.