News Blast

News

Blast!

October 11, 2024

Congregational Church of Laconia, UCC

Stewardship Update 2024

My copy of the order of worship from Pastor Eliza's installation service has notes

scribbled all over it. Clergy who participated in the service had no idea that, in addition to delivering a sermon or a charge to the pastor and the congregation, they were offering me hooks for a News Blast article about our current stewardship campaign. While I'm no preacher, I hope to channel some of the enthusiasm and sincerity of those actual, real-live pastors into this stewardship appeal.

Installing a new pastor is like a re-launch of our church and its missions. Launching a

stewardship campaign is a time for renewal of our financial commitment to support the church, champion its missions, and to lift up the pastor who leads and inspires us along this path. In his charge to the congregation during Sunday's installation service, Rev. Timoth Sylvia encouraged us to give Pastor Eliza the tools she needs to lead us, adding that ministry is not a spectator sport. Rev. Marraine Kettell spoke about how we navigate to reach a specific destination. Our church's Stewardship Committee has been reminding us that it is the combination of our time, talent, and treasure that enables our church to navigate and clarify our mission, provide the tools to serve the community, and be a force for releasing the love and justice of our faith. During this season of stewardship, please give prayerful consideration as you navigate your financial decisions (a/k/a the giving of your treasure) to help sustain the mission and ministries of this church.

Muff Kruse

Member - Stewardship Committee

FAITH FORMATION meets this Sunday, Oct. 13!

Pumpkin time!! How is Jesus like a pumpkin? What do you think??

"Scarves & Hats in the Square"

Stitches of Love is ready for "Scarves & Hats in the Square" on

Friday, October 18 from 10a.m.-2p.m.

They will be displayed on the driveway side of the church in Veteran's Square.

Please consider knitting or crocheting a scarf, hat, or just making homemade cookies for the event. We have plenty of yarn to share in the upstairs parlor! Scarves will be accepted in the office, or contact a member of stitches.

Pumpkins needed for 6th graders!

Hello, my name is Ms. Thomas.

I am the 6th grade math teacher at Franklin Middle School. My team and I are looking for pumpkin donations for our 6th grade class.

Humanity and collaboration are what we are focusing on this year. With your donations, this will also help us connect to the community as we would love to participate in the Laconia Pumpkin Festival.

Our goal is to receive 80 pumpkins (1 per child), however, any donation, either 1 or more, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to consider helping us create relationships within our community while working on humanity and collaboration.

Please drop off at the Laconia Congregational Church 18 Veterans Square on Sunday October 13th or at the Church office Wednesday & Friday, October 16 or 18, between 9am and 1pm .

Laconia Pumpkin Fest Food Booth

at Laconia Congregational Church

Have a frightfully good time supporting our food booth at Laconia Pumpkin Fest!

The food booth will be open from noon to 8pm on Friday, October 25th and Saturday, October 26th (or until we run out of food). We are right in the middle of the action on Veteran’s Square and we get lots of traffic! We offer lots of yummy foods (hot dogs, chili, corn chowder, Frito pie, pumpkin rolls) and beverages (hot cider, hot chocolate, and coffee) for a reasonable price to festival goers.

There are a few ways you can help:

- Sign up for a shift (or more than one!!) working at the booth or in the kitchen. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and make new friends. We have FUN!

- Make or buy pumpkin rolls to sell at the booth (We have a great recipe)

- Donate food ingredients or money to purchase them

There will be sign-up sheets with more details at coffee hour. You can also call or text Kathy Giovanni (603-344-5718) or Hollis Thompson (512-970-6592)

COVID TESTS

As of September 28th, you can order four more free Covid tests via the US Postal Service. Here's the link: https://special.usps.com/testkits

Book Club

October 23rd 10:00a.m. in the Library

The Housekeeper & the Professor

by Yoko Ogawa

In loving memory of Don Wright and in honor of their Anniversary

given by Claudia Wright

Altar Guild is responsible for the lovely flowers on the altar every Sunday. The following is a list of members to contact if you would like to donate:

Oct: Diane Lockwood, (616) 826-7311

Nov: John Gill, (603) 520-4248

Dec: Claudia Wright, (603) 387-5275