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eFaith Matters
Monday, May 23, 2022
Roxbury Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
Roxbury, Connecticut, USA
We are a Community Seeking to Share God's Love!
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The Overview
Always Start the Day With Gratitude...
Thank you to all who helped with another successful Rummage and Bake Sale.
 
Over $2000 was raised!
Thanks to all who donated, organized, sorted, priced, set up, worked the day of, and cleaned up, including the Rummage Sale Coordinator, Sue Stauffacher!
From yesterday's sermon...
a couple of you have asked about the 2 organizations I mentioned in the sermon yesterday.
They are:
Sanctuary Kitchen in New Haven sanctuarykitchen.org
and
IRIS - based in New Haven - Intergrated Refugee and Immigrant Services irisect.org
Bible Study
Sundays after worship
in the Library and on Zoom
The Book of Job and Us
Get coffee and snacks, bring your bible or grab one in the Library!
We will start about 15 minutes after worship ends,
and meet for 45 minute or until 12:30 at the latest.
For more information or questions: Jerry Smith
(781) 789-7823 - jasmith0843@gmail.com
Volunteer Needed
We are looking for a person who would be willing to "freshen up" the paint on selected interior doors at the Church. We have the white semi gloss paint, brushes, and drop clothes.
If you are willing to do this, please speak with Rev. Peters.
Your Generosity Supports the Work of the Roxbury Church!
You can send a check to the Church Office - 24 Church Street, Roxbury CT 06783
or online by one of two ways by pointing your smartphone camera or clicking below:
 
Electronic Giving for Offering or Give using Venmo
or Memorials Gifts
The May 2022 Faith Matters, our Church's newsletter
is now available on the Church Website
LINK
We have returned to in-person worship
with Masks Optional for those fully vaccinated!
as well as on Zoom and Facebook Live.
(Note that we strive to not to be judgmental about those who continue to wear them for their safety or yours.)
Fellowship Hour with food and drink has also returned
Please still be conscious of your physical distance with your masks lowered
to eat or drink.
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Our Church This Week
If you have something for the Sunday Bulletin,
please have it to the office by Friday 9:30 a.m. EMAIL
Elizabeth Kutepov, Church Secretary, will be in the office
Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Rev. David Peters, Minister is normally in his office
Mon., Wed., Thurs., and Fri. from 9:30 -12:30
Liturgical Season: Eastertide
Monday, May 23
all day - Kitchen Rental (Lisa & Kristen)
Tuesday, May 24
9:00 a.m. Kitchen Rental (Lisa & Kristen)
4:00 p.m. Piano Lessons - Hall - (Sandy K.)
Wednesday, May 25 Rev. Peters' day off and he will be out of the office
6:00 p.m. Cub Scouts - (Jason Mckay) Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Jason Mckay) Fellowship Hall
Friday, May 27
5:30 p.m. Art Show planning (Charlie Meade) Chapel Library
Saturday, May 28
10:30 a.m. Mindful Meditation (Charlie Stauffacher) Chapel Library
Sunday, May 29 Seventh Sunday of Easter
9:30 a.m. Choir rehearsal (Sandy Kleisner) Meetinghouse
10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Meetinghouse
In-Person and on Zoom and Facebook Live
Fellowship Hour follows Fellowship Hall
no The Book of Job & Us Study
Monday, May 30 - Memorial Day - Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. in front of Church
Save the Date...
June 5 Pentecost Day - wear something red to worship!
June 12 Confirmation Sunday and Church Picnic
June 17, 18, & 19 Art Show & Sale
The Steeple is lighted during May
in honor of our military members
including our grandson, Ben Farrell and grandson in law, Ryan Wheeler.
by Doris and Chuck Farrell
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To Keep in our Thoughts and Prayers – May 22, 2022
Please remember their families and caregivers as well.
Terry Alfson, Alice Shaber (has begun Hospice care), Diane Meade, Stan Pasquale,
Jean Neff, Doris Farrell, Bill Cario
Family and Friends of Charles MacMillan died November 22, 2021 - graveside services today...
The people of Ukraine and those fleeing in fear and harms way. For the end of warfare.
Members of the Armed Services, including Ben Farrell, a National Guard medic stationed in central Poland, Ryan Wheeler and Willy Steers.
Those affected by or fearful because of COVID-19,
The healing of the nation amidst political and social polarization, and issues of racial justice and equality
Afghan families being resettled in the US and in our state including New Milford.
Those recovering from natural disasters across the US
Those living with a mental health disease (May is Mental Health Month)
Prayers for this week’s Mission Partner:
MicroLoan Program of the UCC Wider Church Ministries - https:// tinyurl.com/MissionMicroLoan
Lifted up by the Congregation:
Paul, Mike Rice, Elizabeth, Claudia, Kevin, Amrit, Bob, Allison -in Hospice care and family, Jeanine.
Your Prayer Concerns and Celebrations:
Who are you praying for: ________________
For what or who are you grateful: ____________
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If are willing to help with either of these - contact Rev. Peters EMAIL LINK
May Deacon of the Month: Chris Childs
June Deacons: Mike Wilcox, assisted by Mark Wolmer
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Lay Reader & Greeters
 GREETERS READER
May 29: Nancy & Dick Callahan Nancy
June 5: Jerry Smith and Mark Wolmer Jerry
June 12: Vail Barrett & _______ Vail
June 19: Andy Huber & Marilyn Huang Andy
Flowers
May 29: ____________
June 5: ____________
June 12: Confirmation Mentors - in celebration of Confirmands
June 19: ___________
Zoom Virtual Worship Tech
Control and switch between the camera and sharing the bulletin on the screen.
May 29: Jerry Smith
June 5: Elizabeth Kutepov with Charlie Stauffacher
June 12: _______________
June 19: _______________
Fellowship Host
As simple as some cookies with coffee/tea.
May 29: Collette family
June 5: _____________
June 12: ____________
June 19: ___________
Steeple Lighting
The Steeple is lighted each month in memory or celebration.
Listed below are those who have signed up.
May 2022: Doris and Chuck Farrell
June 2022: Head & Brian Neff
July 2022: Jan & Bill Steers
August 2022: ______________
September 2022: ___________
October 2022: Elizabeth and Andrey Kutepov
November 2022: Dale Pinchbeck
December 2022: Diane & Charlie Meade
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| Steeple Lighting: $25 for the month, payable to RCC and goes into the Memorial Fund - See Rev. Peters |
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The Book of Job & Us - A Bible Study
after worship
Our own Jerry Smith will be offering a weekly series on the Book of Job.
The study will be held in the Chapel Library - bring your coffee and join us...
The week's themes include:
May 29 No Session today
June 5 Robust Faith--Faith That Stands Up To Suffering
June 12 The Experience Of The Inexperienced
June 19 Out Of The Whirlwind
June 26 Job's Hope And Our Gift
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Surely God will save you from the fowler’s snare. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. - Psalm 91:3-5, abbreviated (NIV)
We were solving the world’s problems, aided by beer, and making good progress until we came to the suffering of people in Ukraine, the murder of a trans woman two towns over, and a neighbor whose husband with dementia is missing.
Somebody sighed, “I don’t know how people who don’t believe in God get through these things.” Which was a little embarrassing because I’d been thinking the opposite: “I don’t know how people who go through these things still believe in God.”
I learned this much as a pastor: suffering kills faith as often as it strengthens it. Some suffering people feel uplifted and held by God. Others feel abandoned by God. For some, faith confirms. For others, it defrauds.
Sometimes Christians too casually offer God as strength, solace, and solution, as if saying the word ‘God’ settles things. But it doesn’t always. For some people, the ‘surely’ of this psalm is a false promise. ‘Surely’ mocks their pain. And you mustn’t say that’s because there’s a weakness in them, a fault in their theology or trust or character. You can’t blame the victim.
To question the psalm’s ‘surely’ may seem faithless, but it could also be an act of courage. Whatever it is, it’s at least, surely, a great mystery. A mystery to be respected, not argued into submission. A mystery to be plumbed, not judged. A mystery that deserves the company of our patient, wondering love.
Prayer
Stay near us in the mystery of pain and faith, O God. Keep us near each other, too, whether our prayer is ‘surely’ or ‘surely not.’
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Luti is a long time seminary educator and pastor, author of Teresa of Avila’s Wayand numerous articles, and founding member of The Daughters of Abraham, a national network of interfaith women’s book groups.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the UCC
UCC Mental Health Network states that “Mental illness and disability are part of the natural diversity of creation, neither a flaw nor a blessing, but one of the diverse ways of being an embodied creature. The image of God is not as a set of capabilities that can be listed and measured according to standards of exchange value, such that their absence makes someone less human; rather, it is a sign of intrinsic goodness and preciousness that is vulnerable and expressed differently in each person.”
Did you know...One-third of high school students experience poor mental health, including frequent feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts, during the pandemic (Jones SE, Ethier KA, Hertz M, et al., 2022*). Poor mental health and thoughts of suicide are even higher among LGBTQ+ youth.
While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.
About half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, with symptoms starting by age 24 for the majority of people.
he community can improve mental health during and after the pandemic.community. Connections with others at home, in school and in tWe can work to improve mental health in our
5 Simple Things You Can Do
to make the world a better place
for people with mental health challenges and their families
1. Be a friend. Provide companionship and compassion on the road toward recovery. Offer a ride to church or to a local support group. Listen without judgement. Pray for those you know with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and for their family members.
2. Share your story. Has mental illness impacted you or your family in some way? Your story may empower others to seek treatment or have hope.
3. Watch your language. Pay attention to the words you use and avoid stigmatizing labels. Do not refer to people as “crazy,” “psycho,” “lunatic” or “mental.”
4. Be a “StigmaBuster.” Challenge negative attitudes toward mental illness among your friends and acquaintances and in the media.
5. Learn the facts. Educate yourself about the various mental health challenges, substance use disorders, neu- rodevelopmental differences, and other brain disorders. Check out the resources at the UCC Mental Health Network (www.mhn-ucc.org), take a Mental Health First Aid class and check out the facts at the National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov), the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (www.samhsa.gov), the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
If you are in need of support or feel like your life is out of control, please know that we are here to be supportive. Reach out to Rev. Peters for referrals or call 211.
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We are receiving financial donations to help the fleeing refugees from Ukraine in Poland. We are working with partner churches in Poland to provide aid and support.
Checks can be dropped off to the church or you can use the online donation site to give. Please put Ukraine in the memo.
100% of all donations go directly to ministries on the ground without any overhead.
For more information check out of denomination's Ukraine Appeal page:
https://tinyurl.com/yvsyj5zp
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Cash 4 Causes Card Program
awakens from the Pandemic Slumber...
The popular program is back with a new coordinator
Susan Zappulla-Peters (860-355-8830 - zappullapeters@mac.com)
and an emphasis on the local grocery stores.
It is hoped that you would consider getting in the habit, like some,
to purchase your cards on a monthly basis.
NEW: The second Sunday of each Month will be Card Ordering Sunday.
We would like to have a set day so it is easy to remember to order
and easy for the processing...
The concept is simple.
- You buy the card at the face value (ex. $100) and we purchase a cash card from the store.
- They charge approx. 5% less and the church keeps the difference.
- You spend the same amount, but by using the card, your Church gets a 5% benefit!!
We work primarily with Stop & Shop, Big Y and Shop Rite cards
Contact Susan directly or speak with her on Sundays after worship.
She may have a few extra cards for the different stores with her.
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Mindfulness Meditation Group – Saturday mornings
Feeling Stressed? Overwhelmed by the Pandemic?
You are invited to be a part of the Mindfulness Meditation Group which meets Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon, in the Chapel Library or on Zoom. Open to any and all in the community, regardless of any religious affiliation.
The Link to join is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/762243509?pwd=SkFGTXlPSm5HZ1pMZnRMQ3NyZ2NrQT09
Contact Charlie Stauffacher for information at 860-354-1274.
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You are Encouraged to Support these Community Events
and Neighboring Congregations:
None submitted this week
Classified for Congregation Members
If have items that you would like to sell or give away,
we are now offering to list that item in the monthly Faith Matters.
We are limiting it to 3 items per family. Submission must be in writing and submitted by the newsletter deadline of the 15th to the Church Office.
Deadlines:
For Monday eFaith Matters: by Monday 9:00 a.m.
For Friday eFaith Matters or Sunday Bulletin: by Friday 9:00 a.m.
Please submit events by email only to david@roxburychurch.org
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