Pastor’s Letter

Our summer, with its heat and drought, appears to be relieved as we approach the change in seasons. We could see lawns and greens fading into the yellows and browns of Fall much earlier than usual. I have noticed weakened leaves falling due to the drought, but we are weeks away from the foliage. So, with the dog days of August leaving us for the bright and clear days of September, let us begin to come together in our commitment to serving our church, our community, and our world.

I know that our frappes served by our dedicated members were exceptionally well received during the Car Cruise. I hope the upcoming Woodstock Fair will fulfill and exceed our expectations. My wife, Sarah, and I were not in Connecticut at last year's Woodstock Fair, but we will join our congregation's efforts this year. I recall that last year's Fair was plagued by torrential rains, and I hope that will not be the case this year. Hopefully, the rain we so desperately need will fall before the Fair.

Our Church Council will meet on September 6th. I will be asking for the approval of a Bible Study to begin at the church in September. The Council needs to approve the date and time for our opportunity to study the Bible together at the church. I will propose that we meet at noon one day a week, and I will offer a Zoom possibility for those who cannot attend in person. The date and time will be forthcoming.

I also propose we begin a child care option during our Sunday worship. We must recognize that the person who takes on the job will follow Christian curricula oriented to the values of the United Church of Christ. This
 
should be someone who will be paid for their time. Still, even a voluntary initiative must be approved by the Council before we can move forward.

I will also propose we do an Advent Study in conjunction with or in addition to the Bible Study. Advent begins on November 27th, and an Advent Study will conclude after Christmas. I will also propose that this be via Zoom and held in the evenings. I am not opposed to it being during the day, but it would open the Advent Study to all if it is held in the evening. This would also provide a time for those who do not like to drive after dark, and winter weather would not be an issue.

I welcome the input from anyone who would care to provide their thoughts. Please feel free to open a dialogue with me via text, phone, or email with any or all of my intended proposals. For those who don't know, my phone number is 603-812-1161, and my email is namichaud@comcast.net. Should I not answer the phone, please leave a message, and I will promptly return your call at your convenience.

Also, should you need to see me personally, if my car is in the Pastor's parking space, I am here, and my door is always open. However, I want to have office hours at a designated time, Wednesday, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. So, it would be best to make an appointment in that time frame if your needs are not pressing.

Peace and grace,

Rev. Norman A. Michaud

Moderators Report
September 2022

I hope everyone is well rested and energized after a very hot summer. I know several people had the opportunity to get away for vacations this summer while others are still looking forward to their time away in September. Summer is a time to recharge, regroup, refocus, and gear up for a new year in the life of our church.

Of course, as always, we start off with Labor Day weekend and the Woodstock Fair. Terri and Bill Pearsall are in charge again this year, while Roberta and Bill Solomon are lining up the volunteers. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. And thanks to all who have signed up to work throughout the four-day weekend. It takes everyone working together in order to make this event a big success.

The Council, which normally meets on the second Tuesday of every month, will meet on September 6th as some members will be away during the following weeks. Your Council members this year are as follows; Audrey Lombardi as Moderator, Jo-Anne Joslin as Treasurer, Kat Dunton Farnsworth as Clerk and Faith Fellowship Rep, Bill Pearsall and Tom Meyer as Deacons, Bob Thompson as Trustee, and Beth Joslin as Missions Coordinator. Thank you all for your continued support and service to the church and to the new members for stepping up and giving of your time.

Homecoming will be held on September 18th, this is a time to welcome everyone back, to gather together in fellowship, and help kick off the coming year. It would be wonderful to see all members back again in worship and fellowship. Reach out to people we have not seen in a while and invite them to attend or even to come with you. There will be coffee hour and refreshments following worship as well. Hope to see you there.

Looking ahead to some upcoming events, Faith Fellowship will be holding their Polish Supper on September 10th, always a big success as people look forward to this every year. And at 4:00 on the same day will be another Paint with Pat event.

On September 15th there will be a Faith Fellowship fundraiser. Visit the Courthouse Bar and Grill for lunch or dinner, present the required coupon and 10% of their daily proceeds will be donated to the church. So mark your calendars now, get your coupon, and make a date to visit the Courthouse.

The Red Cross will be at our church on October 5th. They will be in the upstairs chapel room and making use of the ramp for easier access and transporting of their equipment. It will mean cleaning the room out beforehand and putting it back together before worship.

The Harvest Fair will be on October 15th, with Annette Hamilton and Michelle Lowell as leaders. Please be planning ahead and making those donations for the fair, as well as those basket items for the raffle table. Jan Christy and Jo-Anne Joslin will also head up the luncheon in the downstairs dining room.

Saturday October 22nd is Paint with Pat again, and the Halloween Stroll will be held on October 29th. All of these events are a fun time. So be adventurous, try something new and plan on attending.

And on a sad note, Marguerite Karpenski passed away in August. A memorial service was held on the 28th. Margarite and her family were long time members of the church. Her niece Denise Santerre is a member as well. Our prayers are with the family at this time.

Also, we are saying goodbye to Marc and Bette Clemens as they recently retired and have moved to the Carolinas on the 28th of August. Bette was our long-time organist, choir and handbell choir director before Merrilee.  Marc was a member in the choir and one of the original founders of the golf tournament twenty-one years ago. He has played in the tournament every year since. We wish them the best and hope that they will keep in touch.

And as always, please take a look at the sign-up board in the front of the church and offer to greet/usher, do a scripture reading, take part in serving communion, or sign up to do refreshments for coffee hour. These are just a few of the many ways you can be involved and take part in the life of the church.

Blessings,

Audrey Lombardi Moderator

There is a Heaven for Volunteers
--Author Unknown

Many will be shocked to find,
When the day of judgment nears,
That there's a special place in Heaven,
 Set aside for volunteers.

Furnished with big recliners,
Satin couches and footstools,
Where there are no committee chairmen,
 No yard sales or rest area coffee to serve,
No library duty or bulletin assembly,
There will be nothing to print or staple,
Not one thing to fold or mail,
Telephone lists will be outlawed.
But a finger snap will bring
Cool drinks and gourmet dinners
And rare treats fit for a king.

You ask, "Who'll serve these privileged
And work for all they're worth?"
Why, all those who reaped the benefits,
And not once volunteered on Earth.

Thanks Terri

Planting the seed….

Victoria Costa

Liz Thompson is taking over Chancel duties from Audrey.  Please contact Liz if you have requests for memorial flowers on a particular date  and Liz will accommodate your preferences. Many of the folks on the current list are no longer with us, there are many dates without flowers. Shall we continue with this tradition? If you have ideas on how we might go forward with this initiative or to secure a flower date.

Please contact Liz T. at liztish336@hotmail.com or 860-928-6396.

Putnam Area Refugee Resettlement has recently welcomed our first refugee family to Putnam. They are settled into a lovely, thoroughly furnished apartment.

Thank you to everyone who donated and transported items.

Our faith calls us to welcome the stranger and we at the Putnam Congregational Church have been able to act on that call joining with other area churches under the direction of the B’nai Shalom Congregation of Putnam.

PARR has accepted the commitment to fund the first year of rent until employment allows the family to take on that responsibility.
There are 7 months left on that promise.
Anyone willing to make a monetary donation may send a check to

PARR c/o congregation B’nai Shalom
PO Box 46
Putnam, CT 06260

FAITH FELLOWSHIP EVENTS

Polish Dinner is Saturday September 10th
4:30-6:30 pm Take Out Only
Please look for the sign-up sheets at the church.

Paint with Pat
Saturday, Sept 10th 4:00 pm
$15.00 per person
(To be held upstairs)

Courthouse Bar and Grille Fundraiser
Thursday, September 15th  Open to close
Please remember the coupon.

Journal Paint Class
September 24th 
4:00 pm
$25.00 per person

Swedish Meatball Supper
Saturday, October 8th
4:30-6:30 pm
Take out only

Paint with Pat
Saturday, October 22 4:00 pm
$15.00 per person

Halloween Stroll
Saturday, October 29th

2022-2023 NUT SALE

It is that time again!
Yes, September is upon us and it is time for the annual nut sale to begin.
Click Here For An Order Form

Sunday, September 18th

Homecoming at The Congregational Church of Putnam Our church has a tradition of inviting all members to our annual Homecoming. After a busy summer for families, we invite all to come to our Homecoming service to be held on September, 18th, 2022. Let us gather as one, new members, long-time members, and new comers to help us celebrate our fellowship together. Refreshments will be served in the Chapel after the service.

Pecan Pie Muffins

New England Bells are ringing at the church!
Bells are $25.00 each.

The Bells make great gifts for loved ones.
Orders can be placed any time. But if you don’t want to wait…..
Faith Fellowship has Bells on hand if you like to purchase.

Remembrance Flowers are in Loving Memory of
If you would like to remember someone with flowers on the alter, please let Liz Thompson know.

Illuminate the Music Window In Memory or in Honor of a Loved One for $5.00 per week.
Envelopes are available in the back of the church or you may call the church secretary at 860-928-4405

September Birthday’s

9th Greg Evans, 12th David Fiorio, 14th Jacob Meyer,
15th Miriam Randall-Morrison, 16th Ken Hamilton, 20th Paula Plourde, 21st Emelia Vergoni, 23rd Lila Veltheim, 25th Abigail Biggs

September Anniversaries

6th Jan & Larry Christy, 8th Mike & Debbie Dumouchel, 12th Paula & Peter Plourde