A monthly publication of the Somers Congregational Church, UCC August, 2011Gathered in Somers, Connecticut, March 15, AD 1727 Volume 284 Number 8

The Reverend Dr. Barry Cass, Pastor

Church Email Addresses:

Barry Cass - bcass@somerscongregational.org Carly Sanborn - somerscong@somerscongregational.org Jacqueline Nappi - jnappi@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.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP CORNER, located in the Foundation Room will be open on the second and fourth Sunday’s of the month. If you are interested in buying one of the items, please contact Barbara Anderson

BROWN BAG SUNDAY IS AUGUST 21 -

PLEASE BRING A GROCERY BAG DONATION OF NON-

PERISABLE FOOD FOR THE FOOD PANTRY!

Homecoming Sunday will be September 11. There will be Church School Registration

and a chance to meet the teachers. Our new Christian Education Director, Liz Scanlon will be officially welcomed and recognized during the 10 o'clock worship service, and

everyone will enjoy Sundaes following worship. Watch for full details in the

September edition of Highlights!

From your Pastor . . . .

Where do you find your strength? When things turn bad, when there is an

issue with a job, with a relationship or just generally in life, where do you

find strength to get through the day, through the night and on into the next? This is something I think about

now and then.

As you can imagine, I meet with people who are facing all kinds of problems and concerns in life. I talk

with people who are facing the end of life, who are mourning a loved one’s death, who have been cut back or

laid off at work, who have discovered that their chosen life partner is not going to be, who are confronting for

the first time, or again, the power that addiction can have in life and who are count up in any one of dozens of

other concerns and difficulties.

Many times people are dealing with issues and circumstances they never thought they would encounter,

and never imagined they would have the strength to deal with, and yet they are and they do. Most people seem

to have a reserve of strength and an ability to confront difficulty they never realized they had. Often, no doubt

because of who I am and what I do, people share with me that they found strength in their faith. Sometimes it is

a passage of scripture they remember, or a bit of a sermon that sticks with the, or a conversation they had with a

favorite church school teacher that comes back and speaks to them in a current situation. People feel strength in

the faith that has been shared with them and made available to them by others.

One of the most important things our church does is reach out to the children and youth among us,

sharing the stories of our faith and the commitment we feel to that faith as adults. In the sharing of the faith and

its stories, we also share ourselves in many important ways. Time and again someone will tell me that not only

do they remember a particular passage of scripture or Bible story, but they remember the teacher or youth leader

or pastor who shared it with them. Knowing that someone they had respect for believed and cared enough to

share has continued to make a difference long after the sharing took place.

The kind of strength that can come from faith is an amazing gift we can give our children and youth.

Being a caring and open community can do much to build a reservoir of strength in the next generation. Our

presence in the lives of youth and children can have an influence that stays with them long after they move on

from Sunday school and youth programs.

No parent or grandparent would want to deny the gifts of faith and strength that can do so much to

benefit life and can be so easily given. And yet there are times when we miss the chance to build this reserve of

strength and faith. There are times when we forget that in order to hear the stories and experience the faith of

others our kids have to be present in church and church school. In the midst of busy and over-busy lives we

think an hour is too precious to give up on Sunday morning, or perhaps we think there will be other times when

we can offer faith lessons to our kids, or we forget how important the strength of faith can be in our lives.

I know that there are many activities in life that can build character and teach important lessons and our

kids benefit from involvement in many different things. Well- rounded kids are going to be stronger in life and

better able to meet whatever life throws at them, but the faith they build in church school, the relationship they

can build with God as they are part of the church is not replicated in other places, not made as strong in other

places.

Where do you find strength? So often I am told it has come from a resource within that was started and

grown through involvement in the church and a relationship with a strong and loving God.

Peace - - - Barry

Second Tuesday Book Club

Second Tuesday Book Group will NOT be meeting in August - - Plan on Joining us on

September 13th

Over the past several months the church and church office have been robbed twice. We have taken several steps to increase security in the parking lot and the church building, including making sure no cash is left in the building. Please be sure to lock your car in the parking lot, and check to be sure the doors are locked and building secure when you leave. Thank you.

The House and Grounds Committee has re-keyed the building as of JUNE 30.

All keys to the building will need to be turned in. If you are on a committee or

board that requires you to have a key to the building you will be re-issued a new

one.

Please contact Jo-Ann at 860-394-9780 or Anne at 860-508-7334

Altar Flowers for the Month of August August 7 Altar Flowers this morning are given by Anne and Dick Larson in memory of Brenden August 14 Altar Flowers this morning are given by Avonne Robbins in loving memory of her husband Paul August 21 OPEN August 28 Altar Flowers this morning are given by Scott and Donna Hanks and daughters in memory of Scott’s Mom and Dad, Margaret and Roy Hanks

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 August, please call Denise Jewell (860-763-1939)

Needed items:

Jelly or Jam, Canned Meat, Hamburger Helper, 1 Skillet Packaged

Meals, Ramen Noodles, Salad Dressing, Juice Boxes, Soup, Cereal,

Coffee, Macaroni & Cheese, Mayonnaise, Snacks for Children,

Sugar/Salt FREE foods, Crackers

Shampoo, Toothpaste, Dish Liquid

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

RENEW Grow in Faith – Have Fun – Change the World

Vacation Bible School 2011

Has Been Cancelled!  

www.somerscongregational.org

Changes are coming to the Church Web Site. If you have not checked it out recently, this would be a good time

to take a few minutes to see what is there. You’ll find information on our programs, a calendar of events, Field

of Flag photos and much more!

Church History 

Rev. Charles Backus

From the time our second Pastor, Rev. Freegrace Leavitt died in 1761, through

the turbulent times with the “Old Lights” (conservatives) and “New Lights”

(evangelicals) and the dismissal of Rev. Samuel Ely in 1773, our church was in

turmoil.

It was not until Rev. Charles Backus arrived in Somers in 1773 and was

ordained on Aug. 10, 1774 that peace and harmony returned to our Somers

church.

Timothy Dwight, president of Yale said of him, ” I have not known a wiser

man. He was excessive in nothing: firm in everything: preeminently upright and benevolent, always taking the

direction of sound common sense.”

Mr. Backus was born in Franklin (a part of Norwich) Nov. 5, 1749 and was left an orphan at an early age. He

came from a family known for its ministers and relatives provided him with an excellent education. After

graduation from Yale in 1769, he spent the next few years reading theology with a pastor in Preston. Somers

was his first parish and he remained at our church until his death from tuberculosis in 1803 age 54.

At that time there were no theological seminaries in the country so it was the custom for young men interested

in theology to study with pastors recognized for their faith and ability. Mr. Backus was such a man. When the

first divinity student arrived in Somers, Mr. Backus was about 49 years old and had been the pastor in Somers

for about 14 years.

Over 50 students studied with him and from one class at Yale 9 graduates found their way to the “School of the

Prophets” in Somers.

His method of instruction was to assign questions for discussion and written treatises and these were judged on

form and substance. When they showed readiness, he allowed his students to preach at our Somers church and

instructed them in methods of pastoral service and church leadership.

Many of his students went on to become eminent clergymen or educators, including two presidents of Hamilton

College, a president of Middlebury, a president of Williams and a president of Amherst.

I can imagine that our church members took a great interest in these young students and Davis points out that

the young men were supposed to have caused a great deal of prinking among the female population, and thus to

have given the street on which the seminary was located its name.” Mr. Backus’ home was on Prink Street

which is now Springfield Road.

The inscription on his monument which is in the North Cemetery reads “Sacred to the memory of Rev. Charles

Backus who died December 30 1803 at 54. As a minister of Christ he faithfully declared his counsel and was

wise to win souls to God. As an ecclesiastical counselor, he was skillful and as a theological preceptor he was

deservedly celebrated. As a Husband, Father and Friend he has few equals and perhaps no superiors. He

expired repeating the angelic song Luke 2nd, 14th Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill to

men.”

Information taken from:

History of Tolland County 1888

Somers, the History of a Connecticut Town, Davis and Davis

An address by Rev. Dr. Sherrod Soule, Superintendent of the CT Missionary Society given at the bicentennial

celebration of our church in 1927.

If you would like to look at a few pictures of our church history, we have started a little gallery in the second

floor corridor between the main church and the Bugbee Center. Many thanks to House and grounds for their

help with this.

Field of Flags The 6,126 flags are currently at the Church of the Epiphany in Southbury, Connecticut. In

August, the flags will travel to West Virginia.

Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism in July: On July 3, 2011, the children of Sandra and Daniel Bruso were baptized:

Claire Elizabeth Bruso was born on July 12, 2002 and her Godparents are

Grant and Wendy Cunningham. Audrey Ellen Bruso was born on April 6, 2006

and her Godparents are Christopher David Bushey and Jessica Kmiec. Charles Daniel Bruso was born on

April 6, 2006 and his Godparents are John and Stacy Bruso.

On July 31, 2011, the children of Matthew and Sherri Malinoski were baptized:

Connor York Malinoski was born on June 16, 2009 and his Godparents are Jeffrey Malinoski and Julie

Hughes. Tyler Paul Malinoski was born on March 10, 2011 and his Godparents are Andrew Malinoski and

Emily Turnbull.

SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 16 – Somers Golf Center

Don Kennett Memorial Crop Walk

 

A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. Eda J. Le Shan 

 

 

Thank you to my Church family for your kindness and 

support during my pregnancy.  A special thank you for 

the wonderful baby shower and for the baby gifts when 

Brooklyn Ava arrived.   

 

She was born on Thursday, July 7, 2011 @ 5:10 p.m.  

She was 7 pounds 12.9 ounces and 20 ½ inches. 

I feel very blessed to have a healthy baby girl and so 

many wonderful people in both of our lives! 

~ Carly & Brooklyn 

SAVE THE DATES . . . . BIAC ‐ Brain Injury Association of Connecticut will hold their 

very popular John T. Clark Sr. Memorial Picnic – August 23, 

2011 from 4:00‐6:30 p.m. at Wickham Park in Manchester – Rain or Shine.  

Somers Congregational Church Mission Board will prepare enough food for over 200 folks.  

The brain injured and their family members will enjoy a fun‐filled afternoon socializing with 

families in their same situation.  We will need help with preparing the meal on Monday, 

August 22 at 2:00 p.m. and serving the meal (leaving the Church at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday). 

Contact Kim Kelley 265‐2098. 

We are asking for finger desserts to be brought to the Church by noon on Monday. 

POUND AUCTION 

The Mission Board will also be holding a Pound Auction Night on September 24, 2011, instead 

of our Pancake Breakfast, to benefit the Network Against Domestic Abuse.   Bring a wrapped 

pound of anything – BE CREATIVE and USE YOUR IMAGINATION !!!! It’s a night of fun for the 

whole family, raising money for a good cause by bidding on various unknown  items weighing 

one pound.  Rev. Cass is our auctioneer. Desserts and drinks will be served.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR . . . .

Liz Scanlon Named Christian Education Director

The Church Council, meeting on July 19 voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the CED Search

Committee and hire Elizabeth – Liz – Scanlon to be our Christian Education Director. A member of the church,

Liz has many years of experience as a church school teacher in our church school and has been a part of Special

Christian Education activities as well. She also works in the Somers School system and came well

recommended by people who have worked with here there.

Liz will be filling the 15 hour per week position approved by the congregation

at the 2011 Annual Meeting beginning on August 1. As well as being present

on Sunday morning Liz will also have specific hours during the week which

will be announced.

In voting the hire Liz, the Council also extended thanks to the search committee: Sheryl Stanton (chair), Lisa

Gay, Jill Conley, Sharon Renzoni, Brenda Samson, Lois Lindell and Barry Cass. A special service of

recognition for Liz will be part of our worship service on Homecoming Sunday, September 11.

August Scripture Readings Following are the Scripture Readings for August 2011. An asterisk (*) indicates the

passage that is the theme passage in the Church School each Sunday.

August 7

Genesis 32:22-31* Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b Romans 10:5:15 Matthew:14:22-33

August 14

Genesis 45:1-15* Psalm 133 Romans 11:1-2A, 29-32 Matthew 15:21-28

August 21

Exodus 1:8-2:10* * Psalm 124 Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:13-20

August 28

Exodus 3:1-15* Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28

Check out the new church website for information on how to make donations to victims of the tornado. The Mission Board is gathering information about volunteering at the tornado damaged sites and will update the website accordingly.

 

Thanks to those who participated in the Proud to be an 

American Red White and Blue collection.  Boxes are being sent 

and the men and women serving in Afghanistan appreciate your 

kindness, thoughts and prayers. 

Being a Good Neighbor . . .

We have been asked by our neighbors at Bank of America to not use their parking lot

during business hours. Although it sometimes seems more convenient to park there than in

the church lot, please be aware of the number of people who must be accommodated in

their lot. Thanks for your consideration.

There was no Church Council meeting in July so Council Corner and Share the Good News will continue in September Highlights.

United in Marriage . . . .

On July 1, 2011, Amanda Popham and Matthew Pogson were married at the Simsbury Inn. Rev. Barry Cass officiated. On July 28, 2011, Kerrigan Murphy and Kevin Warnock were married at the Harkness State Park in Waterford, CT. Rev. Barry Cass officiated.

Christian Ed and the Mission Board are collecting school supplies that will be used to fill back to school backpacks for students in need. The backpacks will be provided by the Mission Board. We will be looking for donations of: pencils erasers scissors glue colored markers rulers lined paper ballpoint pens There will be a collection box located in the office or children can bring them to Sunday school with them. All items should be dropped off by Sunday, August 14th.

Free Community Supper 5 to 6:30 P.M. – Monday, August 15

EVERYONE is invited to share the free Community Supper

this month hosted by the Board of Deacons. Enjoy fellowship and a good time. Bring your family, friends and

neighbors. If you are interested in knowing more, or in volunteering to host a supper, talk to Barry.

Sign-up this week at coffee hour, or call or e-mail the church to let us know you are planning on being here for supper!

Deadline for Next Highlights is August 17, 2011.

U.S. Postage Paid

Non-Profit Org. Permit Number 3 Somers, CT 06071

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 Organist/Music Director: Jacqueline Nappi Care Room: Barbara Anderson Administrative Secretary: Carly Sanborn