The Lamplighter June 2024
Wolcott Congregational Church UCC
185 Center Street Wolcott, CT 06716
203 879-1293
The Rev. Tammy Torelli, Pastor
wolcottcongregational@gmail.com
Waiting is not easy, sometimes that path feels long. One of my favorite children’s books is by
Mo Willems. The book is called, Waiting is Not Easy. In the book Gerald, an elephant, must be
patient which is very difficult for him. He is ready to move on to the next thing. While working to be patient he takes on a few busy tasks, and the time passes more quickly than it did when he
was sitting, staring at the wall. Like Gerald, we often believe we need things now, right away, in
our time. We can become frustrated when what seems like an ongoing something takes to long.
We often fail to notice that all along the way we are growing and changing. As Christians, we
are called to this journey of fellowship and support of one another. Christ leads by example,
God strengthens us, and the Holy Spirit engages us with a presence like no other. Although we
often feel we are the first and only to become frustrated David also found himself waiting for the
next something from God.
Psalm 40: 1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
He found strength and comfort in Our Lord and so do we. I implore you to pray for what matters
most in your family, our church, and the world. Instead of looking for the next big something,
celebrate the many smaller victories and learning opportunities along the way. They are the
road to make us ready to receive what God has in store for us. While David walked in his
journey, he could not have known that his words of struggle and triumph would one day be our
inspiration and refuge. Please pray for healing in our church, please pray for us to move forward
under God’s will. Lastly, remember to celebrate all the ways God is empowering us, growing us
so we may be closer than before, reminding us of the many blessings that make our journey an
adventure.
Gratitude Overflowing ~ Children’s Day was beautiful. Thank you to Leeann, Kelly, Judy,
Stephanie, Meghan, Brian, Heather, and Joe as well as the whole CE board for the way you
care for and teach our children. Together we are growing the next generation.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the National Day of Prayer on the Green. It is so
good to be with you all.
May God Bless and Keep You! Rev. Tammy Torelli
Confirmation – June 9th,
The Confirmation class will be confirmed on Sunday June 9th during our 9:30 worship. We are very proud of our young people who are about to be confirmed and become members of church family.
Men’s Club
Men’s Club will be meeting on Wednesday, June 12 at 7 pm. All men are invited for an evening of fellowship and refreshments and to plan our upcoming events. Hope to see you there.
Mission Trip News!
Our 4 participants, Aiden, Sean, Cassidy, and Abby, are busy planning their trip with their
leaders Chris and Darrell. The week of July 14 to 20 they will all be off to Woonsocket RI to help make someone’s day brighter. Please see Rev. Tammy or a participant to learn more about the trip. Thank you all for your support of the Mission Trip.
Setback Tournament
The next Setback Tournament will be held on Friday, July 12 at 6 pm. The previous tournaments have been very successful, and the proceeds all go towards the church deficit. Come and join us and if you can help in any way please let Jim McKenna, Ken Duren or Chris Torelli know.
Annual Car Show
If you would like to help with the Annual Car Show which will be held on Sunday, June 16 from 10 – 3 pm. please speak to Dick Burton or Linda Minervini.
We are asking for donations of brand name sodas. They can be left at the church anytime, just put a note on them that they are for the car show.
There will be a raffle table and any donation to that will be appreciated.
We are also having a Strawberry Shortcake booth.
If you are unable to help, be sure and come and enjoy and bring your Dad out for a great afternoon.
June 16, 2024
Chancel
The Chancel Committee supplies the flowers that decorate our sanctuary during our worship services. If you would like to have flowers placed on the chancel, either in memory or honor of someone or just for a special day, please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the vestibule. We can purchase the flowers or you can supply your own. The average price is $20. We really welcome and garden flowers you might have. Just let Janice McSwyny know if you would like to do this.
Special Offering
There will be a Special offering on Father’s Day, June 16 to support the Frank and Dora Haggard Scholarship. This Scholarship goes to a graduating senior who is a member of our church to help further their education. Envelopes will e in the pews on that weekend. Thank you for yoursupport.
June 20, 2024
Camping Date is Set- August 2, 2024
Everyone is welcome on August 2, 2024, at 5:30 pm. Bring your family and your tent for some outdoor fun and fellowship. Our church family is invited to the Smore fun even if you would not like to sleep over. Sign up will come in an email in June to ensure we have enough of everything for participants.
Music Notes
Our choirs, with Mrs. Caro, enjoy rehearsals and singing anthems during Sunday services. We ae fortunate to have dedicated choirs who enrich our services in September through June. Now is their time to rest. To provide more musical support, we are searching for SOME-R-SINGERS and SOME-R-PLAYERS to lend their talent during a summer service. Please speak to Rev. Torelli, Mrs. Alice Caro or Lee Jensen if you are interested. Mrs. Caro has been saying we have a wonderful singing congregation, Let’s prove it!
Looking for something a little different in a worship? You are invited to come to Covenant Hall for our Grace and Gratitude Services on the fourth Saturday of each month. 6/22,7/27,8/24 at 4:30 pm. A light meal is prepared for all to enjoy as fellowship is shared with all.
WCCare
Our Committee will be meeting in June to plan for summer and fall activities.
Congratulations to:
Charles Langlais and Lindsey Vallancourt for being awarded the Frank and Dora Haggard Scholarship on Children’s Day, May 19. We all wish you well in your future endeavors.
Sunday School
We are looking for a teacher for the Toddler class. Also for aides to assist in the other grades. Watching our children learn about God and their faith, and just watching them grow is so rewarding. If you are interested please see Leeann Gardner or Kelly Flynn..
Articles for July Newsletter due by June 23. Please have your
Upcoming Events
July 4 Independence Day
July 14 Youth going on Mission trip
July 12 Setback Tournament 6 pm
