Monthly Community Suppers The 15th of every month

Free to All

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Call/email for reservations

A monthly publication of the Somers Congregational Church, UCC October, 2012 Gathered in Somers, Connecticut, March 15, AD 1727 Volume 285 Number 10

The Reverend Dr. Barry Cass, Pastor

Church Email Addresses:

Barry Cass - bcass@somerscongregational.org Carly Sanborn - somerscong@somerscongregational.org Jacqueline Nappi - jnappi@somerscongregational.org Liz Scanlon - lscanlon@somerscongregational.org Barbara Anderson - careroom@somerscongregational.org

Website:

www.somerscongregational.org

The First Sunday of each month is

Name Badge Sunday!

Be known! Wear your Name Badge.

No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.

All Saints’ Day Observance

Thursday, November 1

In Bugbee Chapel

The All Saints’ Observance, on November 1, will be a

time to remember members and friends of the church

and others who have died in the recent past. A list

compiled by the office will include those for whom Dr.

Cass has officiated at a funeral or memorial service.

Members and friends are welcome to add names of those

they would like to have remembered at the service and

can do so by giving the name to Dr. Cass or the church

office in writing or my e-mail before October 21.

The Worship Service will include the reading of the

names of those who have passed away while a candle is

lit, a bell rung and a flower placed in a vase. Dr. Cass

will also offer a reflection and hymns will be sung.

By the time you are reading this we will have broken ground on the

new Meeting House and , if all goes according to plan, there will

be heavy equipment clearing the last remnants of the former

building and beginning to make it possible for the foundation to be

laid for the new. The progress being made is heartening and even

though we seem to have hit snags a slow downs along the way, our

movement has been ever forward, and will continue to be so in an

even more noticeable way in the weeks and months ahead.

I am reminded of that old hand play rhyme we all learned in Sunday school – “Here is the church (hands

and fingers held together); here is the steeple (index fingers of both hands touching and pointing up); open the

door and see all the people (hands opened, fingers intercrossed and wiggling to represent the people).” For us

this year, the rhyme could be reversed – “Here are the people, building a church, raising a steeple!”

I am constantly offering thanks to all of the members and friends of the church who have been working

so hard and cooperating so well in these past few months. It is clear God’s people are joining together to

maintain the church community and working to build a church building. Every day there seem to be new

sources of support offered, and those who stood beside me watching the fire take our Meeting House on January

1 are still standing beside me in community ready to take on the next task.

One of the challenges the Building Committee has been grappling with lover the past several weeks is

determining how to build the church we need for now and the future and maintain costs at a reasonable level. It

seems there will be expenses beyond what we will recoup in our settlement with the insurance company. These

expenses are due to needed upgrades and the reality of the depreciated value of our Meeting house and today’s

costs. Of course every effort is being made to keep costs down and to minimize any shortfall we may have to

face.

The Church Council has begun to discuss and investigate avenues open to us in the event we need to

raise funds and we have been in touch with the Financial Development people from the United Church of

Christ. An exploratory committee has been named to try to help us move ahead in a way that is faithful and

responsible.

All of this is to say that, while we are making wonderful progress, we have not yet reached the half way

mark in the journey that was thrust upon us on January 1. We look to you who have already done so much, to

continue to be the church, to be the people as we build the church and raise the steeple.

Peace --- Barry

BOOK GROUP – October 9th

We have decided on two books for October, because some members of the group

have already read one or the other. So, take your pick, or read both and join us at 7

P.M. on October 9.

One Amazing thing By Chitra Divakaruni

Late afternoon sun sneaks through the windows of a passport and visa office in an unnamed American

city. Most customers and even most office workers have come and gone, but nine people remain. A punky

teenager with an unexpected gift. An upper-class Caucasian couple whose relationship is disintegrating. A

young Muslim-American man struggling with the fallout of 9/11. A graduate student haunted by a question

about love. An African-American ex-soldier searching for redemption. A Chinese grandmother with a secret

past. And two visa office workers on the verge of an adulterous affair. When an earthquake rips through

the afternoon lull, trapping these nine characters together, their focus first jolts to their collective struggle

to survive. There's little food. The office begins to flood. Then, at a moment when the psychological and

emotional stress seems nearly too much for them to bear, the young graduate student suggests that each

tell a personal tale, "one amazing thing" from their lives, which they have never told anyone before. And

as their surprising stories of romance, marriage, family, political upheaval, and self-discovery unfold against

the urgency of their life-or-death circumstances, the novel proves the transcendent power of stories and

the meaningfulness of human expression itself.

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

"Those old cows knew trouble was coming before we did." So begins the story of Lily Casey Smith,

Jeannette Walls’s no-nonsense, resourceful, and spectacularly compelling grandmother. By age six, Lily

was helping her father break horses. At fifteen, she left home to teach in a frontier town—riding five

hundred miles on her pony, alone, to get to her job. She learned to drive a car and fly a plane. And, with her

husband, Jim, she ran a vast ranch in Arizona. She raised two children, one of whom is Jeannette’s

memorable mother, Rosemary Smith Walls, unforgettably portrayed in The Glass Castle.

Lily survived tornadoes, droughts, floods, the Great Depression, and the most heartbreaking personal

tragedy. She bristled at prejudice of all kinds—against women, Native Americans, and anyone else who

didn’t fit the mold. Rosemary Smith Walls always told Jeannette that she was like her grandmother, and in

this true-life novel, Jeannette Walls channels that kindred spirit. Half Broke Horses is Laura Ingalls Wilder for

adults, as riveting and dramatic as Isak Dinesen’s Out of Africa or Beryl Markham’s West with the

Night. Destined to become a classic, it will transfix readers everywhere.

Confirmation!

The Confirmation Class got underway on September 30 with a meeting for

this year’s candidates for confirmation and their parents. The meeting provided an

overview of the class, the curriculum and the expectations of candidates and

families. The Confirmation Class meets each Sunday evening from 5:30 to 7 P.M.

in the Bugbee wing of the church, with Dr. Cass and one of the Deacons. In

addition to weekly worship and class attendance, candidates for confirmation also

participate in several worship services through the year and perform community

service. Although most of the candidates for confirmation are ninth graders, the

class is open to anyone in high school who has not previously been confirmed.

If you have any questions, contact Dr. Cass.

Worship at Blair Manor On the Second Tuesday of each month our church is responsible for a worship

service at Blair Manor. Led by our pastor, worship begins at 10:30 A.M. and lasts

about a half hour. We are fortunate that Anne Larson accompanies the group in

singing two hymns most months. Other members and friends of the church are more

than welcome to join us, to be a part of the service and to add voices to the singing.

If you have any questions, talk to Barry.

The next Blair Manor worship service will be Tuesday, October 9 at 10:30 A.M.

Altar Flowers for the Month of October October 7 Altar Flowers this morning are given by Judy Guerette in memory of loved ones

October 14 Altar Flowers this morning are given by The Bothwell Family in memory of loved ones October 21 Altar Flowers this morning are given by Bernie Ruck in loving memory of his wife Candy Ruck October 28 Altar Flowers this morning are given by Mary Alsing in loving memory of her husband Carl Alsing

It is our custom that altar flowers are donated in memory of or in honor of loved ones. Arrangements can be bought or hand-done. An individual or a group of individuals can donate them.

There can be more than one bouquet on any given Sunday. If you would like to give flowers for the altar in October, please call Judy Bothwell (860-684-7839)

www.somerscongregational.org The church website has weekly updates on the progress of the Meeting House. They can be

viewed by going to www.somerscongregational.org/restoration. You can also like us on

Facebook to be notified when the updates are posted.

JOINED IN MARRIAGE . . . .

Emily McKiernan and Christopher McKenney were married on

September 8, 2012. Rev. Barry Cass officiated.

Janet Young and Jeremy Bloom were married on September 22,

2012. Rev. Barry Cass officiated.

THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE WILL BE DOING A VIDEO PRESENTATION ON THE PAST AND FUTURE OF THE CHURCH, DURING BOTH WORSHIP SERVICES ON OCTOBER 14 AND

OCTOBER 21.

KNITTING NIGHT Knitting night will be held on Monday, October 15 at 7pm at the

home of Anne Larson on 17 Bald Mountain Road. Anyone is welcome to come, whether working on prayer shawls or not. If

you need help with knitting someone will work with you.

Field of Flags The Field of Flags has been at the Vernon

Congregational Church which has been

celebrating their 250th Anniversary this year. It

was set up on August 24th with 6,589 flags.

The Vernon Church burned to the ground in 1965 and they built a new church, so they have much in

common with us. Many members who were there when the church burned down offered

encouragement to us when we were at their church. The cause of their fire was never determined,

even to this day. Their church reminded us of our own former church with the white exterior columns

and similar sanctuary style with the center aisle and colors with the carpet and pew cushions and the

white cross in the chancel. Jo-Ann Hornyak & Anne Kirkpatrick

The Field of Flags is being set up at the Vernon Congregational Church on Friday, August 24. with

more than 6,579 flags. The Vernon church is 20 minutes away near the route 84 entrance. Take a

drive in the next few weeks if you have time. Our church had 2,232 flags when we started the Field of

Flags. You will see a big difference in the size of the field and the name board. Luanne Crosby, who

wrote the Field of Flags song is coming to the Vernon Church on August 26 to sing her song as part

of their dedication ceremony.

Weekly Scripture Readings for October 2012

* passage that will be Church School's prime focus for the week

**passage that will be Church School's secondary focus for the week

October 7 – World Communion Sunday - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Job 1:1, 2:1-10 Psalm 26 Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 Mark 10:2-16

October 14-Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Job 23:12-9, 16-17 Psalm 22:1-15 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 10:17-31

October 21-Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

Job 38:1-7 Psalm 104:1-9, 24 Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 10:35-45

October 28 – Consecration Sunday- Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

Job 42:1-6, 10-17 Psalm 34:1-8 Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 10:46-52

Michael K. Franklin died on Saturday, August 25, 2012. A Memorial Service was held

at Somers Funeral Home on Saturday, September 1 and the Rev. Barry Cass officiated.

Michael J. Mangini died on Sunday, September 2, 2012. A Memorial Service was held

at Somers Funeral Home on Thursday, September 6 and the Rev. Barry Cass officiated.

Julia Dobosz died on Friday, September 7, 2012. A Memorial Service was held at Leete-Stevens Enfield

Chapels on Wednesday, September 12 and the Rev. Barry Cass officiated.

Somers Congregational United Church of Christ

Free Community Supper

Monday, October 15th

In the BUGBEE CENTER at the Church

EVERYONE is invited to share this free Community Supper and

to enjoy the fellowship and good time.

Bring your family and friends

Let us know you are coming by signing up at church, or calling or e-mailing the church office.

From the Membership Board:

The Membership Board would like to thank Kathy

Birkenshaw and Kathy’s Playhouse Plaza Restaurant for

donating the ice cream, hot fudge and strawberry topping

for Homecoming Sunday on Sept. 9th

. Kathy’s generous

donation put smiles on the faces of 95 members and friends.

A new Sunday School year has begun! It is

wonderful to see everyone again. Classes have

begun using a new curriculum, and the children will

be able to bring home the story to share each week.

Our third graders will be receiving their Bibles in

October. Sunday School Calendar

October 7 World Communion Sunday

(Children stay in church, No Sunday School)

October 14 Sunday School

October 21 Sunday School / Third Graders receive Bibles

October 28 Sunday School

Upcoming Events……

Saturday, November 17 Thanksgiving Event

Sunday, December 2 Clothespin Nativity Craft (after 10 am worship)

Sunday, December 16 Christmas Pageant (during 10 am worship)

Vacation Bible School 2013 ~ Kingdom Rock ~ June 24 – 28

Thank you so much for your donations for the Back to School project this summer. The bins were over flowing and we estimated around $1000.00 in just supplies and $610.00 in monetary donations. With these donations we were able to fill 11 backpacks for Covenant to Care. We customized them by age, gender, favorite color, or special interest - such as princesses, Star Wars, and one boy just wanted a blue backpack. We purchased reading books for each child, classics like Black Beauty and Sherlock Holmes, and for the middle school and high school students - Barnes and Noble Gift Cards. After the backpacks were full, we donated the rest of the supplies to the Somers Back to School backpack program sponsored through the Town Of Somers Human Services Division. They were overwhelmed by the abundance of supplies. Toward the end of the drive we found out what was needed and purchased certain items in need and expensive items like stronger backpacks for the older children. Thanks for making the Backpack Drive a great success with your generosity.

From the Church Historian . . . .

History of Our Organs We have had organ music as part of our worship services for a very long time. I found in the minutes of the annual meeting April 12 1871 it was voted “that the committee employ Mr. Arthur W. Kibbe to preside at the organ at a compensation of one dollar per Sabbath. Also voted that the Society tender Mr. William Collins a vote of thanks for his faithful service at the organ.” At that time the organ no doubt was a pump organ. A story about Morey Smith, who our older members will remember, recalls his boyhood job as pumper of the organ during worship services. In 1925, Mrs. Ernest S. Fuller gave the church an electrically operated Austin organ in memory of her grandmother Mrs. Mabel Gager Kibbe. It was dedicated Oct. 23, 1925. This organ had six ranks of pipes appearing as twelve stops and two pedal extensions for a total of 450 pipes which were enclosed in a case in the center of the rear balcony. In 1970, we researched and purchased a new organ built by Casavant Freres of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec. It had 22 ranks of pipes presented as 17 stops on the console with a total number of 1124 pipes ranging in size from less than one foot to as much as eight feet. This organ had three divisions extending across the entire rear wall of the balcony. At this time the organ console and choir were moved to the balcony. The organ committee reported that the balcony is the traditional position for the organ and choir in a church of colonial design such as ours. The cost, including $1000 to harden the ceiling to improve acoustics, was $35,236. When this organ was dedicated on November 15, 1970, Rev. John Knight was our Pastor and Alan Dickinson was our organist and choir leader. Richards, Fowkes and Co. of Ooltewah, Tennessee has been selected as the builder of the new organ for our fourth meeting house.

Ailene Henry

Church Historian

Council Corner September 18, 2012

Inventory update. The inventory list for building contents has been submitted to the

insurance company. Once the settlement for contents is determined, we will be able to have

the white trailer truck removed from our parking lot. We can submit a supplemental list for

missed items but this will need to be done before November 1st.

Items from Storage. Everything that was in storage at Servepro has been brought back to the Bugbee Center.

There are more than 35 boxes of books and assorted items and furniture that are being stored in room 211. The

contents need to be reviewed to see if the items are worth salvaging and then sorted. There are more than 50

boxes stored in the chapel that have nativities in them. If you have time during the day or on a weekend to assist

in the sorting, please contact Anne K.

Restoration Committee update. The sheetrock and insulation have been completed on both floors of the church

office building. The ceiling grid was completed last week on the first floor and light fixtures have been re-installed

in the ceiling. There is more electrical needed on the first floor and the propane boiler should be up and running

just in time for the cooler weather. Initial work has been done on the elevator. The two bathrooms on the first

floor have new tile. Walls have been primed. Painting will be going on for the next several weeks. We hope to have

the church offices finished and re-opened by October 25th. There is a sequence of events that must occur and

when one item is delayed, the whole schedule gets delayed. Carpentry and electrical work on the second floor has

not begun yet. We hope the needed work can be done before the painters are ready to move upstairs. The second

floor will not be re-opened until November.

Building Committee update. The Building Committee meets weekly with the Hugh Schweitzer (architect) and Noel

Petra (construction). (see article by Mark Marshall).

Community Supper. Oct. will be sponsored by the Nominating Committee. Nov. will be sponsored by the Deacons.

Suppers will now take place in Room 116 in the Bugbee Center. Dec. community supper is available for a host.

Building Fund. The Church Council approved up to $10,000.00 maximum for the additional work needed in the

Memorial Garden by Tom Moriarty. The south wall has been removed and a section of the west wall for the

extensive site work needed. Several markers and pavers have also been removed on the north side of the garden.

No ashes have been disturbed in this process. The wall will be replaced in the spring with a new location for the

entry stairs to the garden. The council also approved up to $7,000.00 for attorney fees for review of the organ

contract and the Petra contract if the insurance does not cover this expense.

Capital Campaign. The council continued the discussion on the possible need for a Capital Campaign to raise

additional money for our new church. Susan Mitchell, the UCC Consultant from the national office for capital

campaigns will be attending the October council meeting and making a presentation about the services available.

There is no cost to our church for this visit. The council hired a consultant in 1997 when we did the successful

Capital Campaign for the church office building. We are looking for individuals that may be interested in serving on

a committee. If you are interested, please contact Barry or me.

Questions or Comments about the new church? If you have any questions or comments about the new building

(sanctuary, chancel, narthex, Pilgrim Hall, church kitchen) the Building Committee still wants to hear from you as

decisions are not yet final. Please send comments to: build@somerscongregational.org You can also leave written

questions/comments in the building committee mailbox in the office trailer. Anne Kirkpatrick (abksomers@aol.com)

Somers Congregational Church

Building Committee – October 2012 Highlights

Building Committee Members: Jim Jewell, Pat Jones, John Jones, Diane Joseph (secretary), Tom Mehl, Sara Mulvihill,

Mark Marschall (Chair), Barry Cass ex-officio, Anne Kirkpatrick ex-officio. Donna Hanks will work with us as Treasurer

of the Insurance Committee.

The Building Committee continues to work with our architects, Clohessy Harris & Kaiser, LLC (www.chkarch.com) and

our construction manager, Petra Construction (www.petraconstruction.com) and we are excited to be in the construction

phase of our project after the church’s historic groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, September 23rd

at 4:00 pm. It was

great to see the number of people from the congregation and the community who came to witness and enjoy this long

awaited milestone. We want to thank everyone who helped make this day the success that it was. Our fast track approach

to finalize the site work and foundation plans enabled CHK Architects to complete the site and foundation bid package

which allowed Petra Construction to put the package out to bid in time to be able to select the contractor on September

20th. While CHK Architects continues with the Building Committee to complete Phase C, Design Development, Petra

Construction was able to mobilize right after the groundbreaking ceremony to begin excavation for the Meeting House’s

foundation.

The insurance company continues to review the construction estimate prepared by CHK Architects and Petra Construction

to rebuild exactly what we had on December 31, 2011 along with a finite amount ($500,000) of code upgrades. The

insurance company was not ready to meet on the proposed date of September 6th and will contact us when they are ready

to discuss the construction estimates. On September 18th, in order to make a more productive meeting, it was agreed that

the insurance company’s adjuster will provide a written response to the CHK Architects/Petra Construction estimate

highlighting where there needs to be further discussion by identifying line items where they disagree with the figures.

The insurance company’s adjuster will contact the church with a proposed date to meet which will give the insurance

company’s estimator time to prepare their written response. This meeting will give our construction manager and

architect the opportunity to explain the basis for their calculations and why they feel their numbers are justified for the

rebuilding of our Meeting House. As was mentioned last month, rebuilding what we had, in many respects, would be

more costly in certain areas than what new era construction would cost. We are encouraged by the time the insurance

company is taking to review the CHK Architects/Petra Construction estimate to understand the basis for each line item.

We are anxious to have the meeting to review the line items the insurance company representatives wish to discuss.

The contract with Petra Construction was signed by both parties this month and we are thankful that Petra Construction

was willing to work with us right after they were selected to be our construction manager without a signed contract in

place. With a signed letter of intent, they began work right away and gave us the time we needed to review this complex

contract in detail. We thank them for their patience and share their enthusiasm for building our new Meeting House. On

September 18th, the Building Committee met Mike Mertz of Petra Construction who will be our Project Superintendent.

Mike has 23 years of construction industry experience and has been with Petra Construction for 12 years. Mike will be

Petra Construction’s on-site person who will be working closely with all the contractors and the Building Committee. We

were pleased to welcome him to the team.

Our organ builder, Richards Fowkes & Company, is at work designing our new organ. They have been working with

CHK Architects and their acoustical consultant, Dan Clayton Associates, in the design of the space for the organ, the choir

loft, and several of the key components of the building design such as the dimensions of the Sanctuary and Chancel, the

ceiling configuration, and materials of construction being used on all surfaces. Design work for the organ is underway

and some work on the organ has also begun.

The Building Committee reviewed the package proposals from Verdin and Church Specialties for new and pre-owned

bells along with their carillon offering that closely resembled the Schulmerich carillon that was lost in the fire. Both

vendors were willing to offer significant savings to the church if we purchased the bell and the carillon as a package. The

Building Committee had been considering a pre-owned bell as a viable option but the recent package pricing by Verdin

which included their new replica Meneely bell and Sonata carillon was selected by the Building Committee to purchase

for the new Meeting House. We need to finalize the details with Verdin and we thanked Church Specialties for

submitting their proposals for our consideration.

In summary, we were so pleased to be present at the groundbreaking ceremony on September 23rd

. This was a day filled

with memories, emotions, and dreams for the future. Many people have contributed in many different ways to get us to

this milestone event in our church’s history. It’s easy to ask what took us so long, but those that are close to the everyday

activities know how much detail has gone into building the right team, searching for and sharing all the necessary

information to make sound design decisions, and following a structured process that will hopefully result in a smooth

construction phase with little or no rework. We have taken CHK Architects’ lead to gather all the necessary information

including pictures, written and verbal communications, and historical documentation. We have worked with them on each

phase of the design and the first bid package was released to Petra Construction for the site work and foundation. Since

then, Petra Construction went through the first bid process for our project and selected Avery Construction to do the site

excavation work for our new Meeting House. By the time you read this article, our church property is now a major

construction site. Excavation work is underway and concrete will soon be poured to build our new foundation. CHK

Architects will continue design work with the Building Committee while developing bid packages for Petra Construction

to use to find qualified contractors to do future tasks on the project schedule. Soon there will be several contractors on

site representing different crafts that will be focused on executing the plan developed by our architect and construction

manager. Our construction manager will be working with the Building Committee and our architect to monitor costs and

perform “value engineering” and a construction schedule will be scrutinized on a daily basis to look for opportunities to

improve it. Petra Construction has developed a detailed logistics plan to ensure smooth and safe operations. We want a

safe workplace meaning we don’t want any safety incidents and we don’t want anyone to get hurt. This will require good

planning and everyone’s attention to detail. We encourage everyone to be alert and report anything that they feel is

unsafe. The Building Committee will continue to encourage communications via their e-mail address:

build@somerscongregational.org which will remain active for members of the congregation to communicate with us.

The moment has come; we have begun the construction phase of our new Meeting House.

Respectfully submitted, Mark Marschall

Somers Congregational Church’s Endowment “Birthday Club”

Have you had a BIRTHDAY in 2012? If so, NOW is the time to make your contribution to the

Church’s Endowment “Birthday Club”. The “Birthday Club” is a way to increase our Church’s

Endowment and celebrate your birthday by helping others. Here’s how it works – On or around

your birthday donate $1.00 (or more) for every year that you are celebrating. If it is your 45th

birthday, write a check to the church for $45.00 with a note saying

“Birthday Club” on the message line. This money will go into our

Endowment to benefit the Church now and in years to come. You

can also donate on a spouse’s, child’s, grandchild’s, or any relative’s

birthday. You can also donate for any reason such as: you want to

provide for the Church’s future, you need a tax deduction, the

Church has a birthday, the country has a birthday, etc.

Thank You for providing for our Church’s future!!!!

Inquirer’s Meeting

The Membership Board would like to invite anyone interested in

more information about our church and becoming a church member

to attend an Inquirer’s Meeting on Sunday Oct. 21 following the

10:00 AM worship service. This meeting will be held with Rev. Cass

and members of the Membership Board in a conference room at the

Johnson Memorial Hospital Educational Center. Please call the

church office 860-763-4021 or email somerscong@somerscongregational .org to let us know

you are planning to attend this meeting. We look forward to welcoming new members to the

church at a Joining Sunday this fall.

Membership Board

Bob Bujak Amy Palazzesi

Marilyn Sladek Joyce Conroy

Sarah Loveday Margaret Festi

Needed items:

TUNA

CHILDREN’S SNACKS

JUICE BOXES

PEANUT BUTTER

JELLY

PASTA

CANNED PEAS, CARROTS, CORN, GREEN BEANS

We gratefully accept monetary donations as they go a long way at Foodshare.

Ground Breaking Celebration September 23, 2012 – (L-R) Moderator Anne Kirkpatrick, Danny DeNucci,

Brian Rossini, Building Committee Chair Mark Marschall, Dick Larson and Pastor Rev. Dr. Barry Cass lift the

first shovels full of dirt to mark the beginning of construction of the fourth Meeting House of the Somers

Congregational United Church of Christ as about three hundred members and friends of the church gathered on

a glorious Sunday afternoon to celebrate. In the next twelve months we will watch as the new building rises in

the center of town.

Somers Congregational Church Music & Arts Committee is sponsoring a Photography Show:

“Somers Seen” featuring photographs of Somers and surrounding areas. The show is open to

the public and anyone is welcome to enter up to four photos. There is no entry fee. Awards

will be chosen by popular vote, and gift certificates to local businesses will be presented as top

prizes. Pictures may be listed “For Sale,” and buyers can claim purchases at show’s end.

Submissions will be displayed in the refurbished church office building Nov. 5th

- 20th

.

Requirements:

Photo size 5” x 7” or larger

Matted with 2” wide or larger mat in a white or neutral color or mounted with a 2” border

No frames, glass, or backboard

Submissions (No Entry Fee):

Drop off entries, with the accompanying entry forms (copies acceptable), at the following locations and

times, but no later than Wednesday, October 31:

Somers Congregational Church Office Monday-Thursday 9:00am – 3:00pm

Before/after Church services October 21, October 28

Viewing Hours:

Monday – Thursday 9:00am – 3:00pm

Sunday, November 18th

11:00am – 1:00pm

Thursday, November 15th Evening reception following the 6:30pm Community Supper (all welcome)

Contacts:

Carly Sanborn somerscong@somerscongregational.org 860-763-4021

Bill Kirkpatrick wkirkpatrick1@cox.net 860-749-2369

Suggestions for Subjects:

Public Buildings Interiors

Private homes, barns, sheds, pools People at work or play

Events (Fair, sports, parades, races, etc.) Landscapes

Waterscapes Gardens

Flowers Pets/Animals

Vehicles Your own imagination

“Somers Seen”

Photography Show November 5 – 20, 2012

Please fill out Parts A and B for each entry.

Part A: Attach to back of photograph (please print)

Entrant’s Name

Address

Phone or email

Photograph Title or Location

For Sale Price $

Not For Sale, please indicate

Part B: File Copy (please print)

Entrant’s Name

Address

Phone or email

Photograph Title or Location

For Sale Price $

Not For Sale, please indicate

“Somers Seen”

Photography Show November 5 – 20, 2012

The Don Kennett Memorial CROP Walk

October 14, 2012

Mark your calendar! Once again this year we will be

starting and ending at Sonny’s Place, there will be a

choice to walk the 5K or 10K route. A percentage of

the funds raised will be given to Champ’s Place (our

own Food Pantry), the Confirmation Class will form the

core of our walkers, and there will be special recognition given to the walker who raises the most

funds to help combat hunger.

In addition to helping raise funds to combat local and global hunger, the CROP Walk is a great way to

spend an afternoon! With a choice of either the 5K or 10K walk through the safe neighborhoods of

Somers, there is something for nearly everyone.

WALKERS are encouraged to sign up family and friends as sponsors, raising funds for the cause.

THOSE NOT WALKING are urged to participate by sponsoring one who does.

Our church has a great tradition of supporting the annual Don Kennett Memorial CROP Walk and we

would like to make 2012 the BIGGEST and most generous walk yet.

Sign- Up to be a Sponsor or a Walker!

Deadline for Next Highlights is October 17, 2012.

U.S. Postage Paid

Non-Profit Org. Permit Number

334 Enfield, CT 06082

Somers Congregational Church

599 Main Street, PO Box 295 Somers, CT 06071

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Sunday Worship: 8:15 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Office Hours (M-Th.): 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Telephone: (860) 763-4021 Fax: (860) 763-5146 E-mail: somerscong@somerscongregational.org Web site: www.somerscongregational.org

Senior Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Barry Cass Administrative Secretary: Carly Sanborn Organist/Music Director: Jacqueline Nappi CE Director: Liz Scanlon Care Room: Barbara Anderson