103 1st Street, Riverhead, New York 11901, United States
Beacon Light Newsletter
Pastor's Note:
Dear Friends and Members of our First Congregational Church,
As the temperatures drop, the days get shorter, and school buses reappear, you can be sure the time of post-summer activities has arrived. As your calendar gets to filling up with offerings from the Town and local clubs and social groups, we want to be sure you add some church events to the list.
The big news of late at church is the retirement of our beloved Minister of Music George Moravek. George completed his ministry with us August10th. We had a good gathering both in church and after the service to offer him our thanks and blessings. The following Sunday, August 17, we were fortunate to have in place a new Minister of Music, Ms. Kimberly Kang, who comes to us from the Stonybrook School of Music where she continues to study for her doctorate. With thanks to some good coaching by Sue Conrad, Kimberly has caught on well in time for the return of the choir and our late summer and fall offerings at church.
That said, perhaps the first big Sunday you’ll want to note on your calendars is Rally Day which will see the return of the choir and the start of our new Sunday School year. That’s scheduled for September 21, which will afford Kimberly an opportunity to meet the choir and get some rehearsal in early this month. Just prior to that, we’ll also mark the fall season with a return to Adult Bible Study. That resumes on Friday, September 19. Classes will again be held each Friday from 10:00-11:00am in the Fellowship Hall.
Then as we turn the page in October, we have several important occasions that you’ll want to take note of. The first of which is a Celebration of Life service for Bruce Sanford, Janet’s beloved husband, on Thursday, October 2 at 10:00am in our sanctuary. Two days later, on Saturday, October 4, we will celebrate the life of Jerry Duvall, Ginger’s beloved husband. That service is also in our sanctuary but at 11:00am.
Then Sunday, October 5th, is our World Communion Sunday which the Rev. Lorraine DeArmitt and I will concelebrate. We’ll also collect our Neighbors in Need special offering.
The following Sunday is our Riverhead Country Fair Sunday. As we have long done, we’ll have a short prayer service in the front garden at 9:00am. The sanctuary will be filled with a wonderful quilt display that we’ll offer for the visitors at the Fair (and all of us).
We’re back to a more standard Sunday service on October 19th, but that will also be filled with a special celebration as it marks the day of the baptism of Dan and Kelli Hubbard’s new baby girl Hazel. As baptisms always make for good fun and good food, you’ll want to join us for that.
As you’ll read, all in all things are well with your church. As always, there are a few things in need of repair or replacement, but thanks to God, nothing too major. Our thanks go out to all our volunteers – in the Thrift Shop and at work with our various ministries and fellowship offerings. Please keep those of your church in your prayers, as we all need them.
The hope and prayer is that you will make an effort to join us for as many of these celebrations as you are able. The gathering of the faithful always does much to bolster the spirits of many.
Blessings to you and yours,
Zoom: Join Zoom Meeting -- for Friday morning Bible Study classes or Worship:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86897065711?pwd=a0FZcDg5MnRqKzJMQXRLVzlBTGZFQT09
Meeting ID: 868 9706 57
Trustees: The Church is in good shape physically and financially. We experienced small problems with irrigation stemming from an electrical problem which was quickly handled by Alan Hubbard. The air conditioner in the parish hall, after many years, has finally made its way to glory. We’re currently receiving estimates to replace the unit with newer technology and energy efficiency. The church is still awaiting a second estimate for the steeple soffit repair and repainting of the entire church building. We received one estimate which was encouraging, expecting the second one this week, after we receive, we will call a church meeting to present and discuss and move to approve expenditures. The thrift shop continues to be a blessing to our church and community and has allowed us to be extremely benevolent to those in need through donations. God is Good.
-Jim Wooten
Buildings and Grounds: The trustees continue to search for estimates to repair our church steeple and scrape and stain the exterior of our building. We hope to be able to complete this work this fall. Allan Repp continues to maintain our church gardens in the front and back of the church. Unfortunately, we had issues with our irrigation systems due to an electrical problem. Alan Hubbard donated his time to repair the problem and the grass has started to “green up” again. The fellowship hall’s 3 air conditioners are at least 18 years old and recently one compressor stopped working. We are looking for estimates to replace the one broken air conditioner. Allan Repp
As spring has arrived, we welcome a new landscaper to mow the church lawn. Allan Repp will continue to take care of the gardens and keep the grounds clear of debris. A big thank you to Alan Hubbard for completing a few needed electrical jobs at no cost to the church.
In the near future, we hope to have steeple repairs completed. In addition, we are waiting to receive an estimate to scrape and stain the south and west side of our church building. Some window work may also be completed. The church boards have decided to use monies donated by Don Wylie (who recently passed away) to help complete the work. Depending on the cost, additional fundraising may be necessary.
-Allan Repp
Treasurer's Report: The church finances continue to be stable. The thrift shop provides a significant amount to our “coffers” each year supplementing member donations.
Once we receive estimates for repairing the steeple and scraping and staining the exterior of the church, we will have a meeting to vote to spend the money. The trustees voted to use the money donated by Don Wylie to help pay for the repairs and staining but additional funds will be needed.
-Nancy Repp
Public Relations and Evangelism: Each member and friend of the congregation plays a part to bring people to our church. We each represent someone Jesus needs and wants as his disciples, his evangelists. Soon you will find a survey in the bulletin asking which topics you might want Pastor Sean to address in his sermons. It is our hope that by taking ownership of sermon topics, they will become more relevant and meaningful. Please consider this request important and reflect on what you need to carry God's word through the week. Over the past two months our half price sale at the Alley Cat was broadcast on WLNG radio, bringing new customers to the shop. We will be joining the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce and be listed in their community brochure next year. They also publish a newsletter twice a month where we can announce happenings at our church. We have sent the Quilt Show flyer to them for publication. While we are always hoping to attract new members, we have also reached out to members we have not seen in church. We are also looking into the Sameer Project, which is a donation based aid initiative for Gaza led by Palestinians. If you are interested, please go to their website so we can make an informed decision on whether to help.
-Sandy Gruner
Stewardship: Our church members and friends continue to generously support our church and missions. This year, only 21 members pledged. Next year, please consider making a pledge, whether large or small. This allows our trustees to make a realistic budget for the coming year. Pledging helps us embrace the spiritual discipline of giving.
-The Trustees
Deacons:
A Deacon is represented on each of the Committees listed in the Beacon Light. We meet with the Trustees once a month. If you have any questions or ideas, please speak to a Deacon.
-Sandy Gruner
Chair: Sandy Gruner
Melinda Topping
Shirley Bergman
Ann Stevens
Rebekah Wooten
Ruth Nelson
Marguerite Volonts
Nancy Repp
Janet O’Hare
Christian Education: Come one, come all to Rally Day, which this year will be on Sunday, September 21st. It is the first day of Sunday School and the first day the choir will be singing after their summer hiatus. There will be a special coffee hour to signal the beginning of a special year to come. If you know of a family that is looking for a community of faith, either for themselves or their children, please invite them to join us on Rally Day. Alivia Wooten will be joining the teacher rotation for Sunday school along with Jane Kulesa and Sandy Gruner. Adult Bible study will begin on Friday, September 19.
-Sandy Gruner
Worship and Music: This summer has been a time of change for the music tradition of our church.
As almost all of you are aware August 10th was the last day that we had the privilege of having George Morevak as the Minister of Music in our church. He had shared with us several months ago that his health condition was making it difficult to continue playing the instruments. We are all sad that George made the decision to leave his ministry of music with us. Both of his tenures as our organist/choir director gave our congregation the gift of beautiful music.
Finding a new organist seemed at first thought to be an impossible challenge. Thanks go to Janet O’Hare for reaching out to the organist at Old Steeple Church who is a graduate student at the Stonybrook University music department. She in turn connected Janet with Kimberly Kang who is also at Stonybrook, working on her PhD, specializing in harpsichord. But in addition to that instrument, she is a gifted musician on both organ and piano.
Our church was fortunate to welcome Kim to her first service as our organist on August 17th. She is providing beautiful music for our worship, and as time goes by we will be looking forward to continuing the wonderful music tradition of our church. The choir is also excited to have Kim as our new choral director. Rally Sunday will be September 21st, which will signify the start of Sunday School and the return of the choir to the Sunday Service. That should be a day for all to enjoy.
-Melinda Topping - Music Committee
Fellowship: On the Sunday after the Fourth of July Jim and Rebekah set up a barbeque and cooked hot dogs and hamburgers they provided. Others, as they always do, brought all the sides and desserts, and of course there was enough food to feed the neighborhood. On Sunday the August 10th was our Minister of Music George Moravec’s last day and the Congregation gave him a farewell breakfast. Of course there was lots of good food. (Unfortunately, I was not in church either of those Sundays, so I missed a good time.) On October 12th (Country Fair Day) we will be having the annual quilt show in our Sanctuary. We have a quilt that was made for us by the Long Island Quilting Guild that we will be holding a raffle for as a fundraiser. Tickets will go on sale soon.
-Barbara Parsons
Fundraising: The thrift shop continues to be our major source of fundraising and is always looking for more volunteers.
SAVE THE DATE : The annual First Congregational Church, Eastern LI Quilt Guild, and Quilts for Kids quilt show will be held on October 12 in our sanctuary from 10am-3pm during the Riverhead Country Fair. A beautiful quilt has been donated by the Eastern LI Quilt Guild (displayed in church on Sundays) to be raffled off. Proceeds from the sale of the quilt will be donated to “Quilts for Kids” and our church. Quilts for Kids is an organization which sews and donates quilts to children who are in hospitals. This beautiful event is not to be missed! Luann Seaman has offered to chair this event and will be looking for volunteers to sell raffle tickets and supervise the event.
-Nancy Repp
Prayer Shawl Ministry:
The summer months have seen only a few people at a time on zoom as the Hookers have been away at different times. Even I did not zoom for 2 weeks. As the weather gets cooler (yuck) we should get back to our regular numbers. We all continue to crochet prayer shawls and some have been asked to make scarfs and hats for the homeless people in thier area. The prayer shawls we have in church have been given to people in need. Hope they help in some small way.
-Barbara Parson
Visitation: Janet Sanford continues to be a vital link in the chain of concern known as the Visitation Committee. She, along with the Pastor, make phone calls and visits to our members and friends who may need a helping hand or loving heart. Cards are often sent to let people know that we are thinking about them. If you know of someone who would appreciate a call, please let Pastor or Janet know.
-Sandy Gruner
Pastoral Relations: This committee serves as a liaison between the Pastor and the congregation. It is formed to be a constructive platform to praise and ponder any issues you would like discussed. The committee met and was able to resolve some concerns that were brought to its attention. If you have any concerns, questions or compliments for this committee, please mention it to one of the members. This year the members are Jim Wooten, Trustee, Sandy Gruner, Deacon and two members at large, Susan Hubbard and Jeanne Veccio. No concern is too small to be considered. It is our hope that concerns are not left to fester and become problems. Pastor is always welcome to be spoken to directly.
-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. Recently the number of guests has been ranging from the 70s into the 80s. Guests 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. 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🙝 PR
Ladies Night Out: Our ladies group has been meeting for dinner during the summer months. Thanks go out to Marion Maino for taking over the organizational planning during these past few months. Our next meeting will be Thursday, September 25 when we will meet at 5:30pm at On the Docks in Aquebogue. At that time we will discuss plans to resume lunchtime meetings.
This group provides an excellent opportunity for the ladies of the church to get together in an informal setting and get to know each other better. All are welcome, so if you would like to join us, just let me know. We like to provide the restaurant with an approximate headcount.
-Janet Sanford (H) 631 591- 1063 (C) 516 507- 7897
Missions and Benevolences: Our church members continue to generously support our UCC church missions. So far, we have reached or exceeded our target amounts for this year. The five UCC missions are: One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church, Neighbors in Need, Christmas Fund and Our Church's Wider Mission. You can learn more about each of these missions on the United Church of Christ’s website. The website offers additional ways to support organizations in our community and world. According to their website “A church that is 5 for 5 has multiplied their gifts into the world.”
This month our church is collecting school supplies for the Parish Social Ministry at St. John’s Church in Riverhead. In addition, our church thrift shop donates a portion of their proceeds to local charities. The thrift shop sends donations of children's clothing and toys to St. John’s as we don’t sell them in the thrift shop. Recently, we provided Maureen’s Haven with bug spray for the homeless. The thrift shop has started donating our unsold men’s clothing to Maureen’s Haven.
-Shirley Bergman and Nancy Repp
Thrift Shop: This summer has been very busy in the thrift shop with lots of new shoppers and sales. We are very grateful for all our volunteers who work hard to keep our shelves and racks stocked. Donations of items have been steady. If you are interested in helping (even for an hour) please speak to one of our volunteers. Saturdays are the hardest day to staff but we welcome help on any day we are open.
After many years of volunteering on Tuesdays, Shirley Bergman has stepped back due to health issues. Our customers still ask “where is Shirley?”. Shirley always greeted the customers, gave lollipops to the children and offered suggestions of items to buy. We miss you Shirley.
- Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday - Take out - 5:30-6:00pm: Bread & More
- ALLEY CAT THRIFT SHOP: Tues. & Thurs. 10:00AM – 2:00PM; Saturday 9:00AM-1:00PM
- Bible Study: Beginning Sept. 19, Fridays 10:00AM – 11:00AM
First Congregational Church of Riverhead 103 First St.
Riverhead, New York 11901
