103 1st Street, Riverhead, New York 11901, United States
Beacon Light Newsletter
Pastor's Note
Dear Friends and Members of our First Congregational Church,
The pace at which time passes continues to surprise me some. I was just beginning to get my head
around the thought that fall has come when we turned the page into November. And here we are, back
to a time of thanksgiving and celebration, of friends, family, and food, and for us at least, of faithful
fellowship and services of worship that celebrate our God and the gift of community.
For some, the bright spirits and celebration will come easy. Yet, for others, who are beset by concerns,
lament, or grief, it’s going to take some effort. Especially in these days of escalating demands on our
time, along with the attendant anxiety, we all do well to remember to keep our heads where our feet are,
to breathe deeply and take in the peace of God that passes all understanding, and to count one’s
blessings, for there is much goodness and grace that surrounds us, thanks be to God.
As we get further into November, our calendar is sure to fill up a bit more with times of fellowship and
Christmas decorating and such, but even at this date there are a few events that you’ll want to note.
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day, Sunday Nov. 24, we’ll be hosting in our sanctuary the annual
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service which the Riverhead Clergy Council coordinates. That service will be
at 4:00pm, and will offer an opportunity to hear Old Steeple’s newest pastor preach, the Rev. Kerstin
Weidmann, who happens to be a native of Delmenhorst, Germany.
For the week before Thanksgiving, I am coordinating the distribution of free Thanksgiving baskets,
including turkeys. The effort has been spearheaded by Long Island Ice and Fuel in partnership with
Riverhead Rotary. Each basket contains: 10 - 12 lb. frozen turkey • 2 canned vegetables • 1 can sweet
potatoes • 1 can gravy • 1 can cranberry sauce • 1 box stuffing mix • 1 Container of juice. Anyone
interested in picking up a basket (boxes, really) can do so Monday-Wednesday of Thanksgiving week at Long Island Ice and Fuel, 656 West Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901.
As we turn the page onto December, the first day of the month is the First Sunday of Advent. That’ll be
a communion service as usual, but with the addition of our Advent Wreath lighting. The following Saturday, December 7, will see the celebration of life for Dot Walsh in our sanctuary at 11:00am. That
service will be followed by lunch in our Fellowship Hall.
As we have in the past, we’ll be collecting food and clothes and toys for tots throughout Advent. We
can coordinate that giving with Riverhead Rotary which has been asked for donations by Pulaski,
Roanoke, Philips Aquebogue and Riley schools.
Our Christmas Eve service will be 8:00pm in the sanctuary, and will again feature the singing of carols
and candle lighting. It’s sure to be lovely.
May our God bless you as you make your way through the weeks ahead. Sure hope to see you in
church.
Smiles & blessings,
Pastor Sean
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BUILDINGS & GROUNDS
Except for some minor repairs, the church buildings are in good shape. The grounds have been cleaned and prepped for winter and the sprinkler system will be turned off soon. We continue to look for a company to repair the exterior frame of the steeple. The boards have also discussed the fact that the church will need exterior staining in the near future.
Siding and two windows for the parsonage have been ordered and once delivered, work will begin.
If you see anything which needs a repair, please notify Allan Repp or Pastor Murray.
-Allan Repp
TREASURERS REPORT
The church finances continue to remain stable. For the most part, pledges have been steadily received. The thrift shop continues to do well and provides us with enough funds that we don’t have to do fundraisers. A generous donation by the Don Wylie family (in memory of Don) was gratefully received. The boards will determine how to use the funds.
ZOOM
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PASTORAL RELATIONS
The rainbow banner has been added to the sign in front of the church. We hope it affirms our position as an Open and Affirming congregation. New posters are available and if you know a place to display one, they are available in the church office. The Committee will be meeting soon to review any positive and negative issues at hand. According to the bylaws it is the responsibility of the Pastoral Relations Committee to make a recommendation re: Pastor's salary for the 2025 budget. If there is anything you would like the Committee to address, positive and/or negative, please talk to Gloria Foley, Dee Martin or Sandy Gruner PRC members.
MUSIC/WORSHIP COMMITTEE
The church was given a very special “Treat” in honor of Halloween. Our organist provided candy for the ears when he played the Bach Toccata as the postlude music last Sunday. This is the piece that is the intro for many movies that just means - get ready for a spooky time. But it’s also a piece that gives our organ a lot of exercise with some very powerful sound. We are so grateful to George Moravek, who can provide that experience for us. We hope that George and the choir can provide some more special “treats” for the upcoming holiday season. In addition to the regular services, there will be a special ecumenical Thanksgiving service on November 24th at
4:00pm.
-Melinda Topping - Music Committee
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The members of the prayer shawl ministry continue to Zoom every Monday evening knitting and crocheting blankets from their homes. The shawls are displayed in the Sanctuary and are available for giving to any person in need of comfort and prayer. Everyone is welcome to join us on Zoom or you can knit or crochet from your home at your leisure. If you are interested in joining us, please call Marion Maino at 631-765-2237
PR & EVANGELISM
As we mention in every issue of the Beacon Light, anything that we do to bring attention to our faith
community and our work in the wider community is an expression of public relations and evangelism. We are all evangelists, spreading the word of God with our words and actions. The Narcan training by Phoenix House on October 19th was open to all the other congregational churches and the community at large. Most of those who attended were from our church and I am grateful that so many people gave up some time on a Saturday to attend. We are hoping to have kits available in the Parish Hall near the AED. All events are publicized on WLNG and in the News Review. Thank you for your continued faithfulness.
Dear Lord, let the fruit of my faith be seen in all my ways. In my thinking, in speaking and in my doing. That I may not rely on my own feelings and emotions, but rather on the witness of your spirit that lives in me.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
-Sandy Gruner
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Please consider joining us for adult Bible Study on Fridays at 10.00am in the Fellowship Hall. We are studying the beautiful book of Psalms. People of other faith denominations are welcome to join us. We learn and pray together. Sunday School has begun again and the girls are an enthusiastic duo each Sunday Morning. We have studied two women in the Bible, Deborah the judge and Hannah the woman whose prayers were answered when she had a child, Samuel. Hannah agreed to bring Samuel back to the temple to devote his life to God.A study of Samuel and Saul will follow. Marion Maino will be teaching when Jane and I are not available. She has wonderful lessons planned. The girls drew beautiful pictures for Dot and they are hanging on the foot of her bed. They also made her a stuffed pumpkin out of a roll of toilet paper. The flowers the girls planted are incredibly beautiful, thriving in the cool fall days. A small Sunday School, but mighty and full of faith.
- Sandy Gruner
BREAD AND MORE
Bread and More Kitchen continues serving takeout dinners which include hot soup, a complete
meal, dessert, and water on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 6:00.
The number of guests has been ranging from the 80s to over 100. All are most appreciative of
the meal received. St Mark’s Church in Shoreham continues to supply peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches twice each month. Anderson’s Farm, Northville Farm, and Cornell Research Farm
have been providing fresh vegetables each week. Beach Bakery in Westhampton and the
Riverhead Stop & Shop continue to donate baked goods. Much appreciated financial support
comes from grants, organizations, and individuals.
- Jane Kulesa
THRIFT SHOP
The Alley Cat Thrift Shop continues to do extremely well. Many thanks to the faithful volunteers who have created a welcoming and successful thrift shop. We are always in need of volunteers to keep the shop stocked and organized. Our Christmas decorations will be going on sale soon which is very popular. Not only do our sales support our church, we also contribute to many local charities throughout the year. Please consider givinga few hours a month to the thrift shop.
LADIES NIGHT OUT
During the past year our Thursday Ladies Night Out group has made a few changes. At the end of summer it was suggested we might want to meet at noon for lunch. Most of us are not working, and the idea of not driving after dark is appealing. In September ten of us enjoyed a delicious lunch at Watermark in Wading River. Then, in October seven of us gathered at On the Docks in Aquebogue –also great food and beautiful views. For the end of the year (can’t believe we are almost there!) plans are in place to meet for lunch on Friday December 6th. More details will follow. This informal group of ladies provides a great opportunity for friends to meet and enjoy each other’s company. If you’d like to join us please let me know. All are welcome, but it’s good to give the restaurant a headcount.
- Janet Sanford (H) 631 591 1063 (C) 516 407 7897
