Belfry Notes

Belfry Notes January ‘23

Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Members,

As we come off of the busy holiday season into the Quiet of Winter, we welcome a new year together.  We wish you the happiest of days and years ahead. If you’re feeling stuck at home, we have Winter events to help shake off the cold and solitude.  On the back side of this letter, you will find the dates and times for our upcoming events and missions.  Mark your calendars.  

Please feel welcome to join us for services each Sunday at 9am.  Our services are open to all walks of Faith and Life.  We offer a hybrid option for those who are far away or need to stay home.  It is simply a Zoom link shared from the Sanctuary to your computer or device.  Written Reflections and Children’s Moment Thoughts are also posted on the website on Sunday morning.   

We offer informal Friday Walks for fresh air and good company with some good talks.  In February, March, and April, we are offering a Book Study Series on Forgiveness which will be offered both on Zoom and in person, depending on which would work best for you.  

Don’t miss our annual MidWinter Afternoon Tea in February.  We offer English Tea and English style sandwiches, scones, and desserts.  We’ll be enjoying a Lute Concert in April with Seth Warner.  If you missed it last year, be sure to mark your calendar for this year.  Please don’t forget the Annual Meeting in May; we need your support and voice.  

In our our Sunday School, we are helping our current children and youth as they complete their current PRAY programs which will earn them Scout Badges, in addition to practicing lessons to help them grow as individuals and as members of community.  We are also working to bring in-person Sunday School back to support our current youth and new parents who have been reaching out for a place to bring their children.  

Some of you are asking what the consensus was for the Chicken Coop School using the Church.  We have given permission to use the Parsonage as a possible Coop School location.  Our hope is that this will give them a space to use if needed, while honoring the concerns and logistical challenges that came up regarding the use of Church building itself.  

Charlotte will be on vacation later in January.  There will be no Zoom option on January 29th.  Ed will be leading us in services.  Please be patient if you are reaching out and do not receive an immediate reply.  I will be back for the first Sunday in February.  Sending you much love and many blessings.

Love & Blessings,

Charlotte and CCNOT

Upcoming Holiday Events & Services:

–Lenten Services with INC (Interfaith Neighbors Connecting): Begin Friday February 24th – March 31st.  They take place at 6:30pm at various Churches in Orange. Our Lenten Service with be Friday March 10th and include some history of the Church, short devotionals, and music.

–Book Study: Forgiveness.  The Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu is the suggested reading for our discussions.  We’ll meet:

-the third Sunday of the month after church (in person option; drop in).

-the third Monday of the month at 6pm (via Zoom option; please RSVP with email).  

In February, March, and April.  

Join us for one or all (please be sure we have your email for Zoom option)

–January Soup and Visits: January 12th.  February TBD.  

–Midwinter Afternoon Tea: February 18th at 3pm with Harp Music provided by Joyce.  Please RSVP.  

–Corned Beef and Cabbage To Go: March 16th. Please RSVP.  

–Lute Concert with Seth Warner: April 30th.  Please RSVP.  

–Annual Meeting: May 21st after Church.  

–Thinking ahead: The Village Fair takes place on the Village Green on August 19th.  It kicks off with a 5K fun walk/run.  Please join us and if you are an artist or crafter and would like a vendor table at the Fair, please reach out for more information.  

–Sunday Services at 9am.  You are welcome to join us in person or via Zoom.  

–Friday Walks continue each week at 10am (we meet at The Garden).  It’s a perfect way to get some fresh air and catch up with one another.  We have the short and long route and you’re welcome to join for part or all.

–Community Yoga takes place Wednesdays at 6pm. There is no yoga on January 25th and February 1st.

Current Missions:

–Souper Bowl Sunday: February 12th.  Please help up with non-perishable food donations or monetary donations for the local food pantry. Delivery on Feb 8th.  

–Food Pantry, Heifer International, and Child Fund (our child is from Bolivia) are ongoing.  

Of Note: Charlotte will be on Vacation January 23rd – February 3rd.