The Town of Somers Supports the Victims and Survivors of the Tragic Fire

Somers Congregational UCC Announces the Availability of a Ministerial Candidate Scholarship for Somers Residents

Somers Congregational UCC offers a space for prayer and healing to the community in the wake of this tragedy.

See the links to the news stories below:

Somers Congregational UCC is now accepting applications for their Ministerial Candidate Scholarship. Awards to successful candidates shall be based on the following qualifications and criteria: Candidates must be a resident or former resident of Somers or whose immediate family members are residents of Somers. Candidates must be enrolled or in the process of enrollment for the ensuing academic year at an accredited college (or institution of higher learning) which will lead to a degree to become an ordained Protestant minister. Candidates must submit to at least one interview before the Board of Deacons. Should there be no qualified candidates from Somers, the churches of the Tolland Association of the United Church of Christ may be notified by letter of the availability of scholarship money. To apply for this scholarship opportunity, please contact the church office by calling 860-763-4021 or emailing office@thesomerschurch.org.

Missions' Corner

Welcome to a new year of giving; a new year of making a difference. Below is our Mission news for March.

Our allocated donations for January and February were LiveWell and the Enfield Safe Harbor Warming Center.

LiveWell: For over 30 years LiveWell has innovated with people experiencing cognitive change. LiveWell offers services, support, and resources to people living with dementia, care partners and anyone interested in taking an active role in cognitive health and wellbeing. LiveWell works to advance the wellbeing and inclusion of all people living with dementia to foster purpose, connection, growth and belonging, through care, resources, thought leadership and advocacy.

The Missions Committee donated to LiveWell in December of last year. As a committee, we decided to include them in our 2024 budget.

Enfield Safe Harbor Warming Center: The Safe Harbor Warming Center serves the Enfield homeless community. They offer warmth, basic essentials and connections to community resources while treating everyone with dignity and respect. Please note that The Enfield Safe Harbor Warming Center has a Winter Needs List which can be found on their website at www.enfieldsafeharbor.org.

Thank You Notes

Our donations do make a difference! Below are excerpts of thank you notes we have recently received:

Somers Public Library

“I would like to thank you for your donation to be used to purchase books in the memory of Lois Lindell. We have selected the following titles, all by authors read by Lois. Shadow of Doubt – Brad Thor You’ll Never Find Me – Allison Brennan 15 Summers Later – RaeAnne Thayne The Next Mrs. Parrish – Liv Constantine Our Little Secret – Lisa Jackson With Each Tomorrow – Tracie Peterson These books will be delivered to the library soon and we will place bookplates in them acknowledging your donation in memory of Lois. We are sure these books will be popular with our patrons and enjoyed for many years to come."

Thank you, Joanne Nichting, Library Director

Brian Daigle Foundation

 “Thank you for your generous donation to the Brian Dagle Foundation. The Brian Dagle Foundation is grateful for your support of the mission – anchored in hope, dedicated to support adults grieving the loss of a loved one as well as to support our community on suicide prevention and awareness. Your donation will continue to help us provide multiple support groups and free grief therapy at no cost for those who have lost a loved one, offer suicide education prevention and awareness to our communities, as well as support our yearly Lax2Live lacrosse games which bring suicide and mental awareness to student athletes. Please visit the Foundation’s website at www.brianshealinghearts.org for more information including dates, times and locations of the support groups being offered and yearly events. With Kind Regards, Ann Irr Dagle, The Brian Dagle Foundation, Inc and the Dagle Family”

Chrysalis Center

“On behalf of those we serve, thank you and all our friends at Somers Congregational Church for your donation. Your support benefits our programs and services, allowing us to provide quality care for those who are striving to regain stability in their lives.”

~~Sharon L. Castelli, Chief Executive Officer

Town of Somers Veterans Affairs

“Thanks so much for all you do and everything you have done.” “Your generous contribution and hosting of the veteran’s holiday breakfast clearly show how much you all truly care about the Somers veterans and the work that we do to support them. Words cannot express how much your donation means to us.”

~~David P. McCaffrey, Director and Sherri A. Marquis, Deputy Director

(note: the veteran’s breakfast was thanks to the dedication and hard work of Anne Kirkpatrick and JoAnn Hornyak)

LiveWell

“Thank you very much for your gift in support of Empowering Partnerships. We are so fortunate that friends and families like you support the work at LiveWell, enabling us to continuously innovate and expand our efforts to help people who are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.”

~~Michael J. Smith, President and CEO

Enfield Safe Harbor Warming Center

“Your contribution directly impacts the lives of individuals and families in need, offering them hope, comfort and the chance for a brighter future. Thanks to your kindness, we can continue our efforts to address the challenges faced by the homeless in our community.

~~Rosalind Swift, Assistant Treasurer

ABRI/Homes for the Brave

“On behalf of the residents and staff of ABRI/Homes for the Brave, I wish to thank you and acknowledge your generous donation. All donations support individuals experiencing homelessness, almost half of whom are Veterans, as they enter one of our four residential programs. Our program provides motivated homeless individuals with the support and skills training needed to become gainfully employed, contributing members of their communities. ~~Vincent Santilli, Chief Executive Officer

Fundraiser News:

As you know, the Missions Committee receives 10% of fundraiser proceeds, and as such, we received $96.70 from the Everything Chocolate fundraiser held on February 10th. We rounded that up and donated $100 to the Angel Fund to support victims of the tragic January house fire here in town.

Thought to Ponder- ACT AS IF WHAT YOU DO MAKES A DIFFERENCE. IT DOES. ~~ William James

Two new organizations, LiveWell and the Town of Somers Veterans Affairs have been added to our allocations. As always, please reach out if you have an organization that you would like us to consider donating to. If you have any questions about anything we do on Missions, please feel free to ask. From all of us on your Missions Committee, be well, and above all else, be kind. We look forward to continuing the good work that we do on behalf of our congregation and our community.

Abbie, Bev, Ellen, Jill, Laura, Lisa ~~ Your Missions Committee