103 1st Street, Riverhead, New York 11901, United States
Beacon Light Newsletter
Pastor's Report:
Dear Friends and Members of our First Congregational Church,
In my experience, the pace of May is only slightly slower than that of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. It always seems to be an exciting month filled with great springtime activities. This year is certainly no exception. The good news is that if May gets to be overwhelming, take heart, June follows and things do begin to settle down for the summer!
The huge annual Garden Festival (which used to be across from the hospital, but outgrew the space) opens Sunday, May 4 at Tanger and runs the entire week. That’ll mean a few more perennials for our garden beds around church, as well as annuals to brighten up the entire growing season. The bonus is that the purchases also go to support great causes: PBMC, Operation International and Rotary Charities. And, of course, it means for more work for our Master Gardener Allan and the good helpers. Thanks Allan, Nancy and team! And of course, many of us will be busy in our gardens, too. Happy shopping and happy planting.
The following Sunday, May 11, is Mother’s Day. That’s always a bit of big deal for us. The women of the church lead the service, preaching included, and the men host a nice brunch for all. We also invite people to bring a picture of their mom to dress things up in the sanctuary. Be sure to join us and see the shared talents and treats.
Then on Sunday, May 18, we’ll gather at Old Steeple to join them in celebration as they install their new pastor, the Rev. Kerstin Weidmann. The Ecclesiastical Council is scheduled for 3:00 pm and the service of installation is at 4:00. Dinner will follow. If you can make it, be sure to go. Installations are always great, and the eats are also sure to be good.
May is also the month for a multitude of other gatherings. Some organizations will gather to close out seasons of doing before the summer. The youth will celebrate their proms. Families will get together for graduations, weddings and the like. Personally, I’ll be headed to the Detroit area for a few days to attend the funeral and burial of my uncle. Although a sad occasion on the surface, it’s also a good one as my extended family will be there and we’ll get a chance to catch up and share some hugs.
Our local clergy council will also gather for a happy/sad occasion as we say goodbye to Father Larry who will be moving in June to St. Joseph’s in Babylon after having served many years here in Riverhead at St. John the Confessor RCC. The Rev. Gonzalo Oajaca-Lopez will begin his ministry as the priest for that community in June.
Although the season of graduations and such will continue in June, things will begin to slow down and open up for us locally. As tourists return, so will the offerings of summer. Street Mosaics will be the Main Street attraction in early June, Art in the Park/Reflections is being planned, and Live on 25 is also scheduled to return too. Come Father’s Day, it’ll be the men of the church who’ll be leading worship, and the women will be hosting the brunch. As other events pop up, for us as a church and for us as a community, we’ll be sure to keep you posted.
The hope is that you will be able to join us for many of the celebrations, and for worship which regularly goes far to bring some comfort to the soul.
Blessings to you this day and in these months of blooms and bounty,
-Pastor Sean
Join Zoom Meeting -- for Friday morning Bible Study classes or Worship:
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Trustee's Report
The Trustee's continuing to meet regularly with the monthly meetings. We are in good financial footing and have no major expenses. We had an inspection of the steeple soffit, which is in need of repair, and awaiting a cost estimate, the company will also provide an estimate for staining the Church. Paint is peeling in areas and needs to be scraped and re-stained. We have asked for estimates to include doing it in stages, if cost prohibitive. The Thrift shop continues to be a tremendous blessing to the Church and all the volunteers that give so much of their time and talent, their reward will most certainly be in heaven. The trustees are also looking to upgrade and replace the audio system in the sanctuary to a more modern and wireless system and is something we need done in the near future. That’s it for now.
-Jim Wooten
Buildings and Grounds
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:
Although the expenses for our church buildings have increased throughout the year, our finances remain stable. Many thanks to our financial secretary, Melinda Topping and bookkeeper, Lorraine DeArmit for keeping our financials up to date.
-Nancy Repp
PR & Evangelism:
Palm Sunday was once more enhanced by the visit of the donkeys before the service began. We all gathered outside with our palms shouting Hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. The donkeys are always a reminder of Jesus triumphant into Jerusalem on the first day of Holy week. Thank you to Kathy Springer for making this possible, and thank you to Jim Wooten for playing the part of Jesus. There is a bulletin board in the Parish Hall with pictures of that day. How do we achieve harmony in these very difficult times? The joint boards met on Sunday, April 27th. During that meeting there was a discussion on the current state of affairs in Washington and how we as a church could or should respond to that. The consensus was that politics did not have a place in church. While the issues are many, the opinion was that we should deal with food insecurity here in Riverhead.
To answer the need for productive discussion, while not causing rifts between people of differing opinions, I thought a non partisan discussion on how to create harmony in these very difficult times would be a better path to take. Knowing our mission is to love God and follow the ways of Jesus, He would expect harmony and love to be our focus. By bringing together all opinions and ideas to achieve harmony, we want everyone to feel welcome and accepted. Jesus told us to love one another. This would be a way to practice that love. If you are interested in participating in this group, please let me know. My phone number is 516 551 7030. Thank you.
-Sandy Gruner
Stewardship Report:
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
Deacon's Report
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:
Adult Bible study class completed the book of Psalms. We have moved on to studying Holy Week through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and we’ll soon move on to the Resurrection accounts. Class is on Friday mornings from 10:00-11. All are welcome. The Sunday School class has also been studying Holy Week. Palm Sunday and the Last Supper being our most recent lessons.
-Jane Kulesa
Music and Worship
Finally we are feeling spring. The music for our Easter service was special, partly because of a few special people with wonderful voices who joined our choir for the Easter holiday. The prior Palm Sunday brought a visit by two very appropriate donkeys that led our procession from the front sidewalk to the rear entrance of the church. There was mention about having carrots next year to provide a special treat for the donkeys. If you are in the parish hall, look for the photos of Palm Day that have been posted.
May brings Mother’s Day, and the service for that Sunday will be led by the women of the church. The men of our church will be preparing a special Mother’s Day, which always provides a special “brunch” for everyone to enjoy.
George Morevak is deciding on the anthem for Mother’s Day, and the music for the coming weeks with the choir singing during worship. The choir members will be taking the usual break for the summer months, starting sometime in mid-June. But the choir members always look forward to the fall when the choir will resume.
-Melinda Topping
Fellowship:
Our coffee hour has been well attended each week. Our Easter breads from around the world was very nice. It being Easter quite a few people had to go home to cook or had family gathering but still it was very nice.
All the men of the church are preparing for Mother’s Day brunch and next month the women of the church will be doing Fathers Day brunch.
-Barbara Parsons
Fundraising:
Thanks to the thrift shop, we have no fundraising projects planned. If you have a couple of hours to help, we are always looking for volunteers. The thrift shop volunteers complete a variety of jobs. All donations need to be sorted and priced then placed on shelves and clothing racks. The clothes need to be arranged by size and unsold clothing is removed after three months on the racks. We color code the clothing to know what items have been out for 3 months. There is always a need to organize and wipe down our shelves. It is a great time to spend time with other members and our outside volunteers. Our hours are 10-2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9-1 on Saturday. Stop by if you would like to help.
-Nancy Repp
Prayer Shawl Ministry:
We continue to zoom each Monday evening and keep updated on what is happening with each one of us. Some weeks we have seven people, other weeks we only have four. If you would like to join us please speak to me. There are three of us that live on Long Island and contribute to our prayer shawls. We do have quite a few on the pews. Please feel free to take one if you know of someone in need.
-Barbara Parson
Visitation
Easter cards were sent to members and friends near and far. We always try to keep in touch with those we don't see in church and those who have moved away. We hope that the recipients of the cards and notes know we keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Pastor makes calls to those who may be sick or in need of an encouraging word. Janet Sanford remains a vital link in the visitation chain. If you or someone you know would like a call or visit, please let the church office know.
-Sandy Gruner
Pastoral Relations
The Pastoral Relations Committee meets quarterly. We are set to meet sometime in May. If you have any concerns or compliments please speak to someone on the Committee. Committee members are Jim Wooten, Jeanne Vecchio, Susan Hubbard and Sandy Gruner. This is a vital committee that helps turn gossip into productive discussions.
-Sandy Gruner
Bread and More
Bread and More Kitchen continues to serve guests hot dinners on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 6:00. All meals are take-out with no guests entering the building. The number of guests has been ranging from the 70s into the 90s. Each night has a group of five or six volunteers who cook the dinner, prep everything for take-out, serve, and clean up. Volunteers are always welcome. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches continue to be provided twice each month by St. Mark’s Church in Shoreham. Beach Bakery of Westhampton supplies assorted desserts and the Riverhead Stop and Shop donates assorted breads and baked goods. Financial support continues to come from many sources….…grants, local churches, and service organizations. Many individuals and families are regular donors and continue to support the mission of Bread and More Kitchen.
- Jane Kulesa🙝 PR & EVANGELISM 🙝
Ladies Night Out:
At the time of this writing, the plan is for a May get-together. Further details will be determined as to time and place.
This is a great opportunity to socialize and get to know each other a bit better. There is usually a group of ten to twelve ladies who meet, and the actual attendance varies from month to month, depending on travel plans, doctor’s appointments, work schedules, etc.
If you’d like to join us, or have a suggestion, please contact me either in church or at home. Also, please give some prayerful consideration to serving as the new coordinator.
-Janet Sanford (H) 631 591- 1063 (C) 516 507- 7897
Missions and Benevolence Report
Over $305.00 was collected from our church members to donate to the United Church of Christ “One Great Hour of Sharing” mission. The monies collected are used for disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development efforts around the globe. When disasters strike, or when individuals are displaced due to violence or poverty, OGHS ensures immediate response and ongoing recovery.
A donation of $250.00 was sent to the “Riverhead Butterfly Effect Program”. This local program provides tools and a space for young girls to learn how to succeed in life. The program helps to empower and encourage young women.
An additional $100.00 was donated to the Riverhead Rotary Flower Sale in early May. In return, we received $150.00 worth of flowers to be planted in the church gardens.
Lenten Bank were collected the first Sunday in May.
-Shirley Bergman and Nancy Repp
- 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: Fridays 10:00AM – 11:00AM
First Congregational Church of Riverhead 103 First St.
Riverhead, New York 11901
