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eFaith Matters
Monday, January 9, 2023
Roxbury Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
Roxbury, Connecticut 06783 USA
We are a Community Seeking to Share God's Love!
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The Overview
Epiphany
On Epiphany comes the end of the liturgical season of Christmas
here at Church and in many of your homes
the decorations of Christmas will come down.
These decorations are special to proclaim to the world, the coming of the Christ Child into the world.
We take them down so that the special-ness is preserved.
The continuing proclamation of Christmas is left to us to live out in our daily lives.
So the lights in the Meetinghouse windows will be packed away as well as the decoration in the Meetinghouse.
The poinsettias, donated to honor the memories of loved ones,
can be taken by anyone and share as a continuing gift.
Recall the words of "The Work of Christmas" by Howard Thurman:
When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers, To make music in the heart.
David
COVID-19 Resurgence
Please see the notice below about mask-wearing while at Church
Be Watching for the January 2023 Faith Matters, our Church's newsletter
on the Church's Website. LINK
Be informed!
If you have information for the next edition of the newsletter.
email to: office@roxburychurch.org
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Star Gifts
If you were not able to be present you have 2 possibilities of getting a Star Gift. 1. There are Gift Cards on the Opportunity Talble in Fellowship Hall. or 2. You can go to the Church WORSHIP tab on the webpage and there you can click and a random word will be chosen for you. Reminder: You are asked to not "shop" for a word. The first one you choose is your word. It may not be one that you would select, but see it as a gift of the Holy Spirit!
We also continued one of our loved traditions here at Roxbury Church with the distribution of Star Gifts.
In a "reverse offering," worshippers chose a yellow Star Gift with a word for them. The cards were face down so one did not pick a word, just a gift. Everyone was encouraged to post the word in a place where they would see it each day and try to live into the word and its meaning.
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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
Office Hours
Luanne Awlasewicz - Church Secretary
Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Rev. David Peters, Minister
usually is in his office
Mon., Wed., Thurs., and Fri. from 9:30 -12:30
Liturgical Season: Epiphany
Monday, January 9
Tuesday, January 10 Rev. Peters will be taking his sabbath today
Wednesday, January 11
2:00 p.m. Piano Lessons (Sandy K.) Fellowship Hall
5:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Meetinghouse
6:00 p.m. Cub Scouts (Jason Mackay) Fellowship Hall
Thursday, January 12
Friday, January 13
Saturday, January 14
8:00 a.m. Men's Group Breakfast (Charlie Stauffacher) Chapel Library
10:30 a.m. Mindfulness Meditation online only
11:00 a.m. Memorial Service for Nancy Callahan Meetinghouse
Reception follows Fellowship Hall
Sunday, January 15 Epiphany 2
9:15 a.m. Choir Rehearsal (Sandy Kleisner) Meetinghouse
10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Meetinghouse
and On Zoom or Facebook Live
Refreshments follow Fellowship Hall
11:45 a.m. Church Council (Brian Neff) Chapel Library
Save the Date...
January 15 Annual Reports due from Church Officers and Committee Chairs
February 12 Annual Meeting and PotLuck Luncheon
February 18 (tentative) Adult Fellowship Mardi Gras Social
The Steeple Lighting
during January the Steeple is lit
by Mike Wilcox
in memory of his parents Alta & Albert Wilcox
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The Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends that all residents of Litchfield and New Haven counties consider wearing masks in public indoor spaces. People who are at high risk for severe illness should consider additional measures to minimize their exposure to COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
We here at Church are recommending that persons attending worship not sit in rows next to non-family members and to wear a mask at other times while in the Church buildings.
If you feel sick - we love you and pray for you to feel better soon but,
please stay home and take advantage of our online virtual options for worship and meetings.
We are seeing really sick folks.
Covid
Flu
RSV
And a downright nasty virus.
If you need more information - please go to: LINK
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To Keep in our Thoughts and Prayers – January 8, 2023
Please remember their families and caregivers as well.
Terry Alfson,
Dawn Collette chemo for breast cancer,
Pat Fraley - successful surgery
Barbara Biafore - shoulder surgery Thursday 1/12
Family and friends of Nancy Callahan death, Dec. 13,
Those affected by recent hurricanes in Puerto Rico, Florida, and the SE United States.
The people of Haiti with the dire condition and social unrest - near famine conditions
The people of Ukraine and those fleeing in fear and harms way. For the end of warfare.
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
The Afghan families resettling in the US, particularly in New Milford.
Prayers for this week’s Mission Partner:
Global Ministries of the UCC globalministries.org
Lifted up by the Congregation:
Steve, Tary, Marianna, Nadia, Nora, Anna, Jan, Tom, Robin, Asher, Cathy (surgery today), Nanette
safe travels
family and friends of Forrest Putnam - death 1/7
family and friends of Gretchen Farmer
Your Prayer Concerns and Celebrations:
Who are you praying for: ________________
For what or who are you grateful: ____________
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If you are willing to help with either of these - contact Rev. Peters EMAIL LINK
January Deacons: Jan Steers assisted by David Lincicome
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Lay Reader & Greeters
 GREETERS READER
Jan. 15: Jan & Bill Steers Bill Steers
Jan. 22: Mike Wilcox & David Lincicome David Lincicome
Jan. 29: Dorris & Chuck Farrell Chuck
Feb. 5: _________&________ ____________
Flowers
Jan. 15: Family of Nancy Callahan
Jan. 22: _________________
Jan. 29: _________________
Feb. 5: _________________
Zoom Virtual Worship Tech
Control and switch between the camera and sharing the bulletin on the screen.
Jan. 15: Barbara Cover
Jan. 22: Charlie Stauffacher
Jan. 29: _________________
Feb. 5: _________________
Fellowship Host
As simple as some cookies with coffee/tea and water
Jan. 15: Susan Zappulla-Peters
Jan. 22: Mike Wilcox & David Lincicome
Jan. 29: _________________
Feb. 5: _________________
Steeple Lighting
 The Steeple is lighted each month in memory or celebration.
Listed below are those who have signed up.
January 2023: Michael Wilcox in memory of his parents
February 2023: Doris & Chuck Farrell in memory of Nancy Callahan
March 2023:Barbara Cover in memory of loved ones
April 2023: ______________
May 2023: ______________
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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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Cardiac Arrest at Church...
The events at the NFL Football game last Monday night
had an impact on millions of Americans
as they watch on live TV, a young player collapse in cardiac arrest.
He survived that arrest because of people trained in CPR and the availability of an AED nearby.
Roxbury Church has an AED located in the Church Kitchen, on the wall in a white cabinet, right inside the door from the Hall.
In the event of such an emergency
and you or others determine that someone has collapsed without a pulse
(check by the side of the neck)
first thing is to call 911 on your cell phone
or on the phone located in the Kitchen or Chapel Library.
Next would be to see if anyone is training in CPR and to begin that.
If you are alone or no one is trained - perform hands-only CPR.
Instructions on how to do this are here: LINK
Push hard and fast on the center of their chest.
Some use the 70s disco song by the Bee Gees - "Staying Alive" as the beat.
If this happened here - would you be able to help?
We will be looking to host a Saturday morning CPR class here soon.
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For I Am Only...
Martha Spong
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Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a boy,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you." - Jeremiah 1:6-7 (NRSVUE)
Over Christmas, a newish member of my family circle asked me about the connection between my faith and my decision to go into ministry. I told them, "I always loved church. I know that's not the experience many people have, but I felt loved and accepted at church." When as a young mom I moved to a place where I didn't know anyone, I looked for a church to be my new home. It was there the thought of ministry crossed my mind, a thought reinforced by the encouragement of others, and by dreams that urged me to use my gifts for God's purposes.
I remember sitting in the Senior Pastor's office and telling him I was hesitant to say I was good or smart or ready enough to be a pastor. "For I am only" a preschool mom, a runaway Baptist, someone who didn't work hard in college.
For I was only me.
He sat back in his chair. He was not a demonstrative man, but in that moment his face was kind. "I would be worried," he said, "if you thought you were."
Thirty or so years later, there have been many other times I wondered if I had what it took to do what God seemed to be asking of me. I am still only me, but every time, God has given what was needed: trust and willingness.
Prayer
Holy One, may we answer your call. Amen.
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The coordinator for this popular program is
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.
Next Time: Sunday, February 12, 2023
We would like to have a set day so it is easy to remember to order
and easy for 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, on Zoom only at this time. 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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Your Generosity Supports the Work of the Roxbury Church
as We Support Others and Change Lives!!
You can send a check to the Church Office - 24 Church Street, Roxbury CT 06783
or online in one of two ways by pointing your smartphone camera or clicking below:
 
Electronic Giving for Offering or Give using Venmo
or Memorials Gifts
through Vanco
Open Camera - Scan Code Give Now
You can always send a check to the Church Office or drop one off.
We are Worshipping In-person
with Masks Optional for those fully vaccinated!
as well as on Zoom and Facebook Live.
(Note that we strive 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
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You are Encouraged to Support these Community Events
and Neighboring Congregations:
none submitted
Classified for Congregation Members
If have items that you would like to sell or give away,
we are now offering to list that items 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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Roxbury Congregational Church
Roxbury, Connecticut, USA
A Congregation in the United Church of Christ
Staff
Rev. David F. Peters, Minister
david@roxburychurch.org
Office: 860-355-1978
Cell for emergencies: 203-770-6721
Sandy Kleisner, Minister of Music
sandy@roxburychurch.org
Home: 860-868-9040
Luanne Awlasewicz, Secretary
office@roxburychurch.org
Office: 860-355-1978
Bruce Rossiter, Custodian |
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