Giving Thanks to God

Hello Dear Ones,

“Giving thanks to God at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

Here we are in August, and I most certainly owe a few people some great big thank you notes. Please, receive this letter as that great big thank you for all you do day in and day out. Just recently, our neighbor helped by trimming a few over-grown branches from above the pastor’s parking spot. Thank you, neighbor!

Back in June, was a wonderful 13-year anniversary celebration with cake and gifts. I was so moved. Truly we are blessed to serve the Lord together. Again, in June, several of you were so very kind to remember my birthday. I have been so touched and honored by each lovely thought that goes with each lovely gift.

Each day that goes by there is someone doing something to which I am grateful. May God continue to sanctify each of you in your blessed thoughtfulness and caring. May your thoughtfulness and caring reach out beyond ourselves into the larger community around us.

This is what the Hathaway Sisters did years ago. With the help of Rev. Emery, they started the Hathaway Trust Fund. Did you know the Trust was set up to give grants out to support the Somerset community? The Advisory Committee of the Trust is made up of the Pastor of the Congregational Christian Church, together with whoever is serving as the Town of Somerset’s Selectperson Chair, and up until this year, Attorney Charles Reed. Mr. Reed, who helped to draft the Trust, is retiring. Beginning in 2027 a new lawyer will be joining us, Attorney John C. Farrissey. Welcome Mr. Farrissey! Thank you for years of service Mr. Reed.  Currently, we are awaiting the funds that our church will receive this year. We will be receiving $30,555.00 toward general outreach support and to purchase the new copier. Yes, the copier is needed to promote the good work happening here at the church. We will also be receiving $6,500 for the Community Outreach Program so we can begin a new ministry to help people in need to get their laundry clean. If you have questions about this new ministry, please speak to a member of the Mission Committee. All committee members are listed in the 2025 Annual report under Nominations. Don’t have a copy? Ask in the church office.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Peace,

The Reverend Cheryl Rieder