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OUR WEEKLY UPDATE OF NEWS AND EVENTS

April 19, 2024

Join us for Worship!

April 20: 10am

LOCATION: Sanctuary at SOUTH Campus

242 Salmon Brook Street, Granby

When services are live streamed - they are available on the Granby Congregational Facebook page and the Granby Congregational YouTube channel. It will also be available to watch later on YouTube.

Dear Friends,

Earth Day is this Monday, and I am grateful for the ways that GCC cares for Creation year round. Thank you to folks who said yes to picking up trash around our community this Saturday and to folks who are stewards to the woods and fields year round. Thank you to folks who use their resources to invest in renewable energy and practice conservation at home. One of the reasons I love Granby Congregational Church is that our care for Creation doesn't just stem from the fear of climate crisis (although that's a part of it!) It stems from a genuine, loving relationship with the natural world. We respect the land, we learn from the trees, and we are grateful for the creatures and critters that live alongside us. Love is what inspires change and gives me hope for the future. This Earth Day, Granby Congregational Church gives me hope.

Peace,

Pastor Liz

Quarterly Report from the Board of Finance

This is the first in a series of quarterly financial reports that the Board of Finance will be providing to the congregation. The Board provides financial details to the Church Council and each of the GCC Boards monthly. These quarterly reports will provide high-level summaries for the congregation.

GCC operates with an “annual” budget and does not currently attempt to break that down into monthly pieces. Thus, having reached the end of the first quarter of 2024, we use 25% of the annual budget as a guide in comparing recorded activity to the budget.



The report for the first quarter of 2024 is here: 1Q 2024 Report

Final weeks!!

The Passport To Connect program includes opportunities to connect with the church in new ways, serve in the community, and get to know new people. We hope you’re checking boxes to get more involved and to earn Church SWAG! The program runs until May 5.

Faith Formation News

Youth Group Activiities

Saturday, April 20, 10:30am-11:30am - Youth Group-Salmon Brook Park walk and clean up. Bring work gloves.

Sunday, April 21, 6:30-8pm - Tie dye party. South Campus 6:30-8pm RSVP to Sarah Pradhan

Thursday, May 2, 6pm - Meet at Open Cupboard Pantry to help pack food, located at our North Campus

GCC Ministry Opportunities

Returning: Transit Action Program

GCC is relaunching TAP (Transit Action Program) an outreach that provides rides to appointments for older adults and folks with physical disabilities. TAP has a 50 year history serving Granby that was interrupted by the pandemic. It provides an increased quality of life and allows people to age in place. We need a team of drivers to begin offering this service (driving 1-2 times a month; within Hartford County), and a co-coordinator (connecting drivers with riders.) Tim Kronk is leading this initiative - sign up as a driver or with questions by emailing or calling/texting him: 860-214-6400, tim.kronk@raveis.com

Meals for Members

Meals for Members helps some of our members who need assistance with meals.

Pet Food Donations Needed!

Open Cupboard Pantry is seeking your help in re-stocking our shelves for our furry clients! We are looking for donations of both dog and cat food. We are specifically looking for hard dog and cat food bags. Please consider picking up a bag (or two) on your next trip to the store.

You can drop off your donations off at either campus:

North Campus – a box will be left on the bench in the Cook Hall entry way.

South Campus – a box will be left in the entry way to the sanctuary.

We thank you in advance for your help in re-stocking our shelves!

Zoom Bible Study with Pastor Liz

During GCC's weekly Bible study, Pastor Liz will guide the class as we explore the scripture text for the upcoming Sunday and find connections to our lives in ancient stories. No experience needed; attend as you are able. Contact Pastor Liz with questions pastorliz@granbycongregationalchurch.org

Zoom Link

April 25: No Class

May 2 - John 15:9-17

May 9 - Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

May 16 - Acts 2:1-21

 Act Locally, Make a Difference!

Third Annual Earth Day Roadside Cleanup – April 18-22

As a congregation GCC is committed to protecting and preserving God’s magnificent

creation – the planet we call home. Let’s once again join the Granby Land Trust in its

third Annual Earth Day Roadside Cleanup – April 18-22. It’s an easy way to make a

positive difference for the flora, fauna, and people who call Granby home. Last year

GLT members and friends picked up more than 1500 pounds of trash. Let’s do even

better this year. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Form a team of family or friends, or go solo. (I already have formed my team for Mountain Road along the GLT Mary Edwards Mountain Property).
2. Pick a road or street.
3. Pick a time.
4. Pick up roadside trash (wear protective clothing, gloves, boots, and bright colors for safety)
5. Take a team picture with your collected trash.
6. Dump your collected trash in the GLT dumpster located in the Holcomb Farm parking lot.
7. Send me your photo and list the road/street you cleaned.
8. Go home on a natural high knowing you made a meaningful difference in preserving and protecting the natural beauty of Granby.
9. Check mark the box for Earth Day Roadside Clean-up on your GCC Passport to Connect.

To learn more go to:

https://granbylandtrust.org/glt/event/glt-earth-day-roadside-cleanup/

On behalf of the GCC Board of Community Outreach, thank you,

Don Shaw donhortonshaw@gmail.com

Ct Foodshare's 2024 Walk Against Hunger will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Dunkin' Park in Hartford. Open Cupboard at Granby Congregational Church, UCC has a team participating in this event, and all funds raised by the team will go directly to Open Cupboard. This is a free event. If you would like to walk and/or donate to Team Open Cupboard, please use the button below.

We are also lookng for sponsors to fund the purchase of team T-shirts.

Any questions? Please contact Kerri Crough croughkerri@gmail.com

Habitat For Humanity Women Build

Granby UCC will be joining Habitat for Humanity for our May 18th Women Build event at a home site in East Hartford.  This event spotlights the homeownership challenges faced by women in the Greater Hartford area. As you know, we have a team of 10 women ready and willing to do the work. Your donations help provide the resources necessary to build or renovate this home. For that we are most grateful! You can donate on line or write a check to Granby UCC (designating "Women Build").

Our own Ruth Rosebrooks, pictured here (at age 87!), exemplified what it means to be the ultimate volunteer. Over her lifetime, Ruth tirelessly worked side-by-side with Habitat for Humanity, as well as many other worthy organizations. Her only wish was to make this a better world. I believe she did just that. Thank you, Ruth!

Questions? Contact Sally Crapser at 860-604-9671.

Each team of volunteers is required to raise $2,000, and team members are asked to assist in the team's fundraising efforts by raising or donating what they can. The Board of Community Outreach will contribute to this fundraiser to help defray the cost to individual volunteers. We also invite members of the congregation to consider donating, as we are not only supporting our own team members, but, more importantly, a very deserving family. 

To encourage contributions, Don Shaw is offering Christmas scene photographic prints of our North and South churches for donations of $75 for a single 8x10 matted archival print, or $65 each for two or more prints. All donations are to be made directly to Granby Congregational Church by check or online, and designated for Habitat Women Build. 

Tag Sale Fundraiser

Saturday, June 1, 8am-2pm

South Campus

Our church is hosting a fantastic Tag Sale Fundraiser, and we need your help to make it a success!

Volunteers needed:

We're seeking volunteers to lend a hand in planning the event, volunteers the week before, the day of the event, and after the event. Whether you're great at organizing, have a knack for sales, or simply want to contribute your time and energy, we welcome your support! Join us in spreading joy and making a difference in our community. Volunteer to help plan the event or work the event!  Click the button below for the Volunteer SignUp Genius.

If you wish to be on the Planning Committee, contact Lisa Reinhardt.

Save Your Unwanted Items:

Do you have used items around your home that you no longer need? Consider donating them to our Tag Sale! Your pre-loved treasures could be someone else's newfound treasure. Help us fill our tables with a diverse array of items that will delight our shoppers.

Look around your home and set aside any items in good condition that you no longer need. From sports equipment to household goods, toys, books, and more – we welcome a wide range of donations.

Please encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to join in the spirit of giving by donating their unused items. Together, we can gather an impressive collection of treasures to offer to our shoppers.

Your generous donations will not only help us raise vital funds for our church ministry but also provide affordable shopping opportunities for our community members.

Mark your calendars and spread the word! Let's come together to create a memorable event for all.

More information to come! Thank you for your support, and we can't wait to see you at the Tag Sale!

General Questions: reinhardtfenway@att.net

Wider Community Events

Yoga at North Campus

Thursday mornings at 9am

with Laura Fetzer in Cook Hall

laura@omtownyoga.net

Note from Valerie:

Many thanks to the Granby UCC for the space to practice Yoga on Tuesday evenings for the last 5 plus years. With a full heart of gratitude it has been a privilege to practice yoga with new and old friends and the UCC community. I am taking a pause with teaching at the church at this time. Our last class at the south campus will be held on Tuesday, April 23 @ 5:30. If we are blessed with a warm eve, we will be practicing outside behind the church. Please bring extra layers and a sheet or blanket to place under your mat. 

Peace be with you, Valerie Raggio

Ongoing Opportunities

Coffee Hour Volunteers

Gathering after worship is one way to make connections and show up for each other. But it takes organization and volunteers. As a church community, we are good at this! 

Please take a minute to commit to one or two Sundays to help create the magic. Sandy Flagg will be there to tell you exactly what to do. Cleaning up is the biggest part.

There is always plenty of food, but home made goodies are always nice.

Use the SignUp Genius below or call the church office to sign up:

Flowers for Worship

If you would like to donate flowers for worship, please call the Church office. 653-4537

The Power of Prayer

The Prayer Circle is run by Betty Hart and welcomes anyone interested in joining. Anyone need prayers for themselves or someone else can call and the prayer is passed around the circle. Contact Betty Hart with any questions 860-653-3636

Stay Connected with Granby Congregational Church, UCC

For Information on contacting GCC staff

Supporting GCC

View minutes from GCC Committee Meetings:

Conference Newsletters:

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