News Blast

News

Blast!

October 31, 2025

Congregational Church of Laconia, UCC

As I'm sure you all know, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will not be funded in November. As a result, we are partnering with other local agencies in an attempt to cover the increased needs of our community. And we need your help: we need you to keep donating all the usual things to the Little Free Food Pantry: canned and boxed goods, peanut butter, bread, etc. But I'd also ask you to take a look at this Amazon Wish List, for items that might not usually be on our radar, but which will be in short supply in the next couple of weeks. (I know Amazon isn't everyone's cup of tea. You don't need to buy things there, but let the list be an idea-generator for you.) These include items that are usually covered by SNAP or WIC, and basic items that round out the usual suspects in our food pantry. After all, boxed mac n cheese isn't much good without milk.

In addition: for once I actually *am* asking you for gift cards! The most helpful would be for Vista, but Walmart, Hannaford, and Shaws would also be useful. As usual, if you get a separate email or text supposedly from me, and asking for gift cards *and their activation code* please delete immediately. GROCERY CARDS can be brought into the office during the week, or put into the offering plates on Sunday.

Thank you all in advance for your care for our neighbors.

Eliza

Scarves and Hats 2025

The 224 Annual Meeting of the UCC Conference

The conference was held this year at Geneva Point Center on October 25th as a delegate. I was pleased to attend this conference " Another Way".

This year has special meaning since the Merrimack Association was dismantled along with all other state associations, and the Granite State Association was formed.

I plan to meet with all Church delegates so we know better to find another way to share the work of the conference with all Churches in the state. The conference sponsors many other special projects, like Horton Center, which we will discuss after our meeting.

Thank you for sending me this year to the Annual Meeting.

Next year is 225!

Diane Wells

A Stewardship Dream

In the children’s story, The Littlest Angel, a young cherub regularly stumbles and misfires as he tries to figure out what he is supposed to do as the newest and youngest member of the heavenly community. In spite of his best efforts, he finds himself feeling

confused about his role in God’s kingdom. Not long after his arrival in heaven, when all the angels and archangels present their gifts to honor the birth of the Christ Child, the

Littlest Angel chooses as his gift the one thing that he dreamed about bringing from his

Earthly home. The Littlest Angel’s most cherished possession is a shabby wooden box

containing mementos from his four years on Earth: a butterfly wing, a robin’s egg, two

stones and a chewed leather dog collar. After proudly placing his treasure among

those presented by the older angels, the Littlest Angel is horrified to see how lowly his

gift appears among the glittering array placed at the feet of God. Feeling humiliated by

his own sense of inadequacy, he tries (and fails) to run away and disappear.

We can all feel inadequate when it comes to showing our gratitude to God for all that

God has given to us. We might even dream of winning the lottery and doing grand

things with our newfound wealth, including a substantial gift to our church. Nice

thoughts, but that kind of dream doesn’t happen to most of us. Instead, we are more

like the Littlest Angel, hoping that our gift will please God because it reflects what we

value: our time, our talent, and our treasure.

Forced to remain in place among the heavenly host, the Littlest Angel watched through

eyes burning with tears of fear and humiliation as God’s hand hovered over the array of gifts. To his astonishment, God lifted up his lowly but cherished box, proclaiming it to be the gift that best mirrored God’s own gift to the world - God’s only Son.

We won’t see our gifts of stewardship lifted up by God in front of a holy gathering.

However, we will know in our own hearts that our gifts to the Congregational Church of

Laconia will support its missions and ministries to our congregation, to our city, and to

God’s wider community. Please consider making a pledge to our church that reflects

what you value and cherish. We have faith that it is generosity that God dreams for us.

With many thanks for your generosity

from the Stewardship Committee

Country Kitchen Table

Donations are needed for this part of the Christmas fair. The following items have sold well in the past so would be appreciated again this year:

jams and jellies, pickles, candy of all types, fudge sauce, yeast breads of all varieties and sizes, quick breads of all types and sizes, any type of pie, cookies, cupcakes, or your special recipe. Fancy packaging is not necessary but is welcome. PLEASE LABEL ANY ITEMS THAT CONTAIN NUTS/NUT PRODUCTS.

Any questions, contact Nancy Barth or Marilyn Lynch. Thanks for your help.