Your Nominating Committee Is Eager to Hear!
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You've been hearing invitations to serve our community, from church friends and from the pulpit. Here's a "Time and Talent" survey from the Nominating Committee: please check it out, and send your response!
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Join us in the Meeting House
Given the current risks of COVID-19 in our area, and mindful that we have entered a season with higher incidence of respiratory infections,
wearing face masks is not required,
but is strongly encouraged.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please take advantage of our live-streamed services from home by clicking here.
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For the Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, Pastor John's sermon, “Your Mission,” will reflect on the reading from Matthew 5:38-48 (click to read).
Hymns will include “How Firm a Foundation,” “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,” and “We Will Walk with God.” David Baranowski will play voluntaries by Bach and Karg-Elert; the choir will sing Berger’s The Eyes of All Wait Upon Thee.
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Holly Tierney, Sunday School Coordinator
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Valentine’s Day is almost here!
Let’s all take this day to celebrate Jesus’s most profound and simple message: Love one another! Our exploration of the parables continues with The Good Samaritan.
Hope to see you Sunday!
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Light of Service — Turkey/Syria relief
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 The devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria has quickly become one of the deadliest, most heart-breaking disasters of recent memory. The Light of Service in Sunday's worship will be a collection to aid relief efforts. We will forward our gifts through Direct Relief, a humanitarian agency that channels 100% of contributions directly to the affected communities, and has a 100% rating from Charity Navigator. (You may also donate online through the Direct Relief website.)
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Greetings from Simply Smiles
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Our church has a long-time, continuing commitment to the ministry of Simply Smiles, which is redefining care for society’s most vulnerable children. They have shared a few photos of recent projects with us (click here to view), as well as a video from Bryan Nurnberger. Click the picture to see and hear Bryan's greeting to our church!
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 Thank you for your responses!
We are so grateful for the informative and heart-felt responses to our questions: What does the church mean to you? and What are your dreams for our church?
There will be one more round of card writing on this Sunday, February 12 . Then we will gather together:
- your thoughtful responses, with
- your sharing at the congregational gathering last September, with
- conversations with community leaders we had in the fall, with
- the very detailed Holy Cow survey
— and use this abundance of insight to draft a Purpose Statement. Our aim is a short, memorable statement that describes how we live our faith as a congregation: a statement that will guide us as we create a detailed plan of action for the church.
With gratitude,
Charlie Noyes, Emily Elliot, Bob Maxwell,
Janet Offensend, Betsy Beck, and Pastor John
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We are glad to share that the Annual Appeal for the church's mission and ministries in 2023 now totals $173,494: an increase of 3.87% over last year, representing 62 pledges by families and individuals.
We treasure each gift, and send heartfelt thanks for your generosity.
We continue to welcome pledges through the year, as together we fulfill our mission of extending God's love to our community.
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 The 41st Anniversary of the Student Open Recital will take place on Sunday, February 26 at 3 p.m. in the Meeting House of the Salisbury Congregational Church, 30 Main St., Salisbury, Ct.
The concert this year will feature 4 pianists, a cellist with piano accompaniment, Indian Mountain School Advanced Ensemble performing an original composition for flute, cello and piano; the Salisbury School Classical Ensemble and the Salisbury School Jazz Ensemble. These very talented young artists, ages 13- 19, have been chosen by their teachers based on technique at his/her age, musicality and promise, all to encourage them to continue and pursue their musical studies.
We are pleased to present the students of Peter McEachern, Kris Jensen, Judith Dansker, Mariken Palmboom, Karen Berger, Ivan Trabka, Bonnie Nordoff and Athena Halkiotis.
The afternoon will be great music for the soul. Bring your family, especially your children. The Recital is free and open to the public, underwritten by the church's Special Music Fund. Covid safety protocols will be observed: Masks and social distancing.
All performers need an audience.
We look forward to celebrating our 41st year with you!
For further information: contact Jo Loi, jokiauloi@gmail.com
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 Congratulations, Susan!
Readers of The Lakeville Journal may have seen this good news: Susan Hassler has taken the position of publisher of the Journal and The Millerton News, and CEO of The Lakeville Journal Foundation. (click to read)
Susan and her husband Bob Maxwell are covenant partners of our church. Susan has served as on our Board of Trustees and Personnel Committee.
Please send best wishes to Susan, as she helps to ensure the vitality of local journalism in our area!
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Support for neighbors in need
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 During January, the Pantry was busy every week - averaging 124 families and 522 individuals each week. The level of demand is unprecedented which we are working hard to meet. Thank you to our volunteers and supporters.
Items on our "most wanted list" include pasta sauce, coffee, tomato paste and packages of corn tortillas. Canned goods- black beans, navy beans, chickpeas, chicken, and tomatoes.
We also provide personal care items and can always use: body wash and shampoo.
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We continue to encourage aid for the people of Ukraine, as we pray for an end to war. The UCC gives us ways to channel our support so that donations go as directly as possible to neighbors in need.
And please pray without ceasing, for an end to hostilities.
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 Click here to participate in weekly prayers with Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
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 Click here to add to the Church’s Prayer Wall, and to pray for the concerns and joys you find there.
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Meetings of Church Council, Boards, and Committees are open to Covenant Partners. If you wish to attend a Zoom meeting, please contact the Chairperson
(or church office) for access information.
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Thursday, 9 February
- 4pm: Strategic Visioning Team
- 5:30pm: Choir Rehearsal
Friday, 10 February
Sunday, 12 February
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Monday, 13 February
- 11am: Salisbury Duplicate Bridge Club
Tuesday, 14 February
Happy Valentine's Day
- 9:45am: Tai Chi Class
- 4pm: Centering Prayer - Online (contact Eileen Epperson for link: eppervesce@aol.com)
- 5pm: Bell Choir
Wednesday, 15 February
- 12:30pm: Staff Meeting
- 4pm: Women's Bible Study
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