Ministries

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.

We have a strong commitment to serving the needs of people beyond our congregation in the community. Some ways we serve others through volunteering; collections; and distribution:

Champ's Place: Our food pantry located on premises. We are always accepting donations. Distribution is on Mondays from 10am-noon & 6-7pm.

Community Supper: We will be starting up our Community Suppers this April. Look for additional details soon!

Loaves & Fishes: Every other month members & friends are welcome to join us as we serve a meal to further our ministry.

Crop Walk: In memory of Don Kennett. Join us in the fall as we march in the 4 Town Fair parade! This is a fun way to raise awareness and money to help end hunger.

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 2025 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.

Global HOPE- United Church of Christ: For disaster relief. Two separate donations were made for February, including a donation for the wildfires in California and a donation for North Carolina Hurricane Helene. So many have been impacted by these terrible disasters, and we are glad to help with each one providing assistance where it might be needed most.

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

From Town of Somers Emergency Fund

““Thank you for your support of the Town Emergency Fund! Your contribution is a testament to the spirit of compassion and community that defines Somers, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to helping your neighbors in times of need.” Whether it helps with housing, heat, or food, this vital resource ensures that those experiencing hardship have the support they need to regain stability and find hope for the future. Your contribution directly impacts lives here in Somers, offering a lifeline for those who need it most. Your gift makes a profound difference in the lives of our neighbors, and we are proud to have you as a partner in this important work. ~~ Timothy Keeney, First Selectman Town of Somers

Town of Somers Veterans Affairs

Dear Somers Congregational Church Congregants, “We would like to thank you for your generous gift. Without the support of giving folks like yourselves, we would not be able to continue our mission and outreach to local military and our community. Thank you so much for your support and financial charitable gifts enabling us to look out for the interests of others as Jesus would do! We are grateful for your help in touching the lives of many in our community in areas of health, finance and camaraderie.” ~~ Sherri Marquis, Deputy Director. “Thanks so much for your kindness and generosity.” ~~ Dave McCaffrey, Director

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.

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