Notes From West Mountain
Gladly Giving
Stewardship and giving…Paul, writing to the Corinthians penned these often quoted words:
“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9)
Really, when you think of it, we all love a cheerful giver. There’s something appealing about someone else gladly offering to step up and give money, lend a hand, or offer assistance. It is an affirming gesture like no other. It is not ambivalent and it is saying a big “yes” to that to which it is given. And when we are the ones giving, it creates similar feelings. When we are able to give it lightens our mood, it is something we can do to have impact and make things happen.
This year our congregation has been weathering the Pandemic as others have. We have sheltered in place and worn masks and face shields, we have washed our hands, washed our hands, and washed our hands.
We stopped being social and going to places where people gather. We have cancelled family gatherings and trips to other places. We have done jigsaw puzzles and learned to play “Among Us”.
And we have continued on! We continue to worship; we continue to give to the things we care about. We have worshipped outdoors and online. And it is something we continue to grow into, reshape and refine.
In a week or so, stewardship letters and pledge cards will be sent out. Please gladly give. Please prayerfully consider the things we continue to do and will continue on doing and “give as you have made up your mind”.
Wishing you all peace in Christ,
Mark
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 Town That Cares Food Pantry here in West Hartford works diligently to collect and organize donations needed for our neighbors and friends. Over 800 hundred families in need visit the pantry each year. Please consider donating to this vital cause with your monetary donations and non-perishable grocery items. The most needed items are canned fruit, applesauce, peanut butter, pasta sauce, boxed pasta, canned pasta, tuna, baked beans, cereal, rice, macaroni and cheese. In addition, personal care items, toiletries, paper products, and bathroom tissue are needed. Contributions can be left at church.
HOLIDAY CARDS FOR OUR MILITARY VETERANS
The Boards of Christian Service and Christian Education would like to invite you all to participate in a “Holiday Cards for Vets Challenge”. Several years ago, Miss Ruth Rankin introduced FRUCC to the Holiday Cards for Vets project. Last year we distributed over 400 cards to our military veterans at the VA Hospital in Newington in December. The VA was truly appreciative of our efforts. Due to the pandemic, we are starting this project early. It is a great at-home project for everyone regardless of age. If you have leftover cards from past years please use them or think about creating cards. A brief note in each card would be wonderful. Please do not seal the envelopes. Younger children can color in pictures and all will be sent to the VA. This was wonderful to see last year. The Board of Christian Service and Board of Christian Education are working on the logistics of coordinating this project, such as having additional cards available to fill out and then collecting cards. We’ll keep everyone updated. Our deadline is the end of November. Let’s honor Miss Ruth’s memory and match or exceed last year’s total. We appreciate your participation.
