Hello Everyone,
It’s September. School has started up again. The leaves are rustling. The cooler, crisp breezes have arrived. That means Council has come back to meeting! That also means that Belfry Notes are back.
We had some wonderful picnics with the Neighbors and INC (our Interfaith Group) this Summer. We savored Strawberries at our Strawberry Social. We enjoyed another beautiful day for the Village Fair and UnFair 5K. It had been wonderful to reconnect with friends and neighbors at a place that feels (for so many) like Home. Next year will be our 80th Village Fair (WOW) and our 10th UnFair 5K. We have some special things in mind to celebrate. Mark your calendars for the 3rd Saturday in August of 2025!
It has been a lovely Summer of both play time and study. For those who are always curious about what your minister has been up to. Charlotte continued her Summer Studies with Yale this year, enjoying two courses on Reading Poetry Devotionally and A Journey of Transformation (which took a deeply personal look at the Book of Acts). She also took a course on History and Polity of the United Church of Christ, which is one of our three denominations here at the Community Church of North Orange and Tully. Our other two denominations are Universalist Unitarian and Non-Denominational…making everyone truly welcome.
It’s been a busy summer, so while the rest of the world is returning to school, Charlotte is taking a break from formal studies this fall. That leaves her time to focus on other things, like Community and Events. Speaking of, here are some things to look forward to.
We are planning a Harvest Supper on November 2nd at 5:30pm. Details are still finalizing, but it will be a sit-down Supper. Keep your eyes peeled for details and RSVP information. This Supper will benefit Parkinson’s Research and Work.
The CROP Walk for Hunger will be in Shelburne this year on October 6th at 2pm. We are planning to Walk and are accepting donations to support this wonderful cause.
Death Cafes have been so well received that they are scheduled monthly through the end of the year. Everyone is welcome to join us and it is free to join. We always have sweets and treats to sweeten the sometimes heavier conversations.
- Saturday September 21st at 4pm
- Friday October 18th at 4pm
- Saturday November 16th at 4pm
- Friday December 13th at 4pm
The Youth (14+) have begun Confirmation Studies. There are six sessions of six weeks each where youth will be given readings and questions to explore. They are then encouraged to join Discussion Group to explore these questions and topics in a group setting with one another and with the adults. There will be some explanations and lecture pieces in Discussion along the way. A place to ask questions, be with one another, and explore the Mystery is one of the greatest gifts. Discussion Group takes places after church on the last two Sundays of the month. Please reach out if this is of interest to you, there is time to join.
In Sunday School, the kids have started the second level of the Joyful Path to continue their explorations in faith and community! Please feel welcome to join us each Sunday for good company and Sunday School.
With Autumn on the way, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Holly Fair, which takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving! Santa will be joining us! In the meantime, stay warm and cozy. Be kind to one another. And remember to seek the Blessings of Life.
Love and Blessings, Charlotte and CCNOT
Birthdays this month include: Brent, John, Janet, Alecia, Warren, Rachel, Maggie, Phil. Happy Birthday!!
Special Events:
- A Death Cafe* meetings will be hosted by the Meetinghouse/Church and are facilitated by Austina Towle and Charlotte Weltzin.
- Council meets the 2nd Sunday of the Month after Church.
- Communion happens on the first Sunday of each month.
- Discussion Group meets after Church on the last two Sundays of the month.
- Sunday School kids join Church at 9am and then move upstairs to explore more.
- Choir meets Sunday mornings at 8am. All voices are Welcome.
- Friday Walks happen each Friday at 10am starting from the Church.
- Dorcas meets weekly on Wednesdays at 10:30am.
- First Thursday Lunch at noon at Herricks for an informal gathering of company.
- Community Yoga Wednesdays at 6pm.
Neighbors Notes: Meetings and Planting Dates TBD. The Neighbors Group’s primary goal is to be of support to one another in disaster (wind storms, ice storms, and the like). Each section of our area community has a “cluster lead” who can be reached out to (or will reach out) in the event of need. The Neighbors Group came into existence after the WindStorm of 2019. We are beginning to rebuild and strengthen this group. Please reach out if you would like to help or join!! We offer social events throughout the year. Join us for our Maple Waffle Breakfast to enjoy time with Neighbors and to learn more!
*We are offering Death Cafe meetings (yes you heard that right: Death Cafe) at the Meetinghouse/Church. A Death Cafe is a place to meet and talk about the uncomfortable subject of death and dying. There is no agenda. We are not here to get to “answers” nor are we here to talk about planning for death. This is simply a conversation with others around something we will all experience in our lives and yet avoid speaking about. Grief is welcome, but this is not a grief support group. We will facilitate conversation, but we are not in a counseling role. Hosted by Austina Towle and Charlotte Weltzin.
If there is anyone you think should receive these Notes, please forward this message. You will also find this message in your email if you are on our Mailing List (please reach out if you are not and would like to be).
Community Church of North Orange & Tully 