Notes from West Mountain…                                            The Rev. Mark Diters

The Month of GIving…and for Thanksgiving

In the liturgical calendar, the month of November comes in with All Saints’ Day, November 1, and goes out amidst the first week of Advent. Advent begins on Sunday, November 28.

In a way, the month offers us the life cycle in reverse; honoring and lifting up the memories of loved ones who have died or passed away followed by the expectation, promise, and hope of life made new in the birth of Christ. But before we reach the new beginning of the end of the month we celebrate, Thanksgiving. 

A TURKEY SHORTAGE THIS THANKSGIVING???

Consumer Reports has affirmed that despite reports to the contrary there will be enough turkeys for Thanksgiving. I am so comforted by that. However, Consumer Reports did acknowledge that the turkeys will be a bit higher priced and size selection may be more limited. 

But we know in our heart of hearts that it isn’t about the turkeys. The challenges this last year and a half have piled one on top of another. It is like each day’s morning news could be prefaced by “Can you top this?” And yet, it is clear that our congregation has been blessed throughout. It is not that we have not been touched by the Pandemic, but our gifts and our connections have been evident and we have found ways to continue our ministry and our worship lives together. And I am so deeply grateful for that. 

November is the month when we make our pledges to support our church and its ministry. Please consider your support to our church and make your pledge aware that our mission and ministry has not diminished in this incredibly difficult time but rather expanded. Through live services and virtual streaming we reach more people than we have in the past. We have shared our grounds with over one hundred West Hartford families since last fall, singing and dancing on our south lawn. Yoga meets weekly and P’Nai Or has returned to worship as well. 

We will come forward with our pledges on Confirmation Sunday, November 21. Please prayerfully consider our shared lives together and pledge accordingly. 

Peace,

Mark

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents Book Study

In his book Born a Crime,  Trevor Noah explains that racism in the United States is not a disease of the body but rather an actual organ within the body. This Oprah’s Book Club 2020 selection by Isabel Wilkerson offers an exploration of United States history with a lens focused upon the foundational nature of slavery in our nation’s formation, and it’s parallels with the Caste system found in Indian culture. It is a remarkable and challenging read. 

Sessions:

  • We will offer the study in three sessions with both in person and virtual options.
  • Once we have a list of who wishes to take part we will send out a Doodle Poll to determine the best days and times to meet. 

Book Group Sign Up:

Please email Mark Diters mditers@gmail.com or the Office flaggroaducc@gmail.com if you wish to participate. In your message please indicate whether you prefer in person or virtual participation. 

YOGA ON THE LAWN

Flagg Road UCC is offering free yoga practice with Mindy Levy, a certified instructor on Saturdays from 9 – 10 a.m. Participants should bring water and a mat or towel, and wear comfortable clothing. Saturday morning Yoga will be held indoors, following social distancing guidelines in the LOWER ROOM at 9AM.

NOVEMBER SECOND MILE OFFERING – WEST HARTFORD FOOD PANTRY

The month of November brings thoughts of family and Thanksgiving to most of us.  For others the stress of knowing they may not have enough resources to put food on their tables can be disabling.  The continuing pandemic and the ending of many drive through food distribution sites has caused increased demands on food pantries. The Town That Cares Food Pantry here in West Hartford works diligently to collect and organize donations needed for our neighbors and friends.

This year there is an increased need for certain items.  Canned soups, cold cereals, apple sauce, tuna, canned pasta, boxed pasta are needed.  In addition monetary donations are always welcome for the purchase of more food.  Please consider helping with this urgent need.

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HOLIDAY CARDS FOR MILITARY VETERANS

The Board of Christian Service is once again inviting you to participate in preparing holiday cards for  our military veterans at the VA hospital in Newington, CT.  Last year we delivered over 400 cards.  The VA was truly appreciative of our efforts.

This is an at home project for everyone regardless of age.  If you have left over unused cards from past years please use them or create new cards.  Children can do drawings and they will be delivered also.  A brief note in each card would be wonderful.  Please do not seal the envelopes. The deadline to bring the cards to church is Sunday, Dec. 12th.

Additional cards will be available soon in the lounge.

Thank you.

COLLECTING EMPTY, LABEL LESS PILL BOTTLES

Anabela Xavier will have a box for empty, clean orange prescription pill containers in the church fellowship hall.  Please remove the labels. They are collected to be reused in poor countries and to eliminate waste, as they cannot be recycled at this time in West Hartford.

Also remember that by the garbage and recycling cans, we are collecting clean plastic bags, like produce and shrink wrap that goes around paper towels, water bottles and toilet paper. Thanks!