WELCOMING THE CUTHBERTS
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5: 22-25
Our new pastor and his family will be here in about a month. Christian Cuthbert, wife Melissa and their 3 children Caroline (13), Ceilidh (12), Calvin (10) plan to make their home in Ellington.
Your search team has been busy planning for their arrival. They have met to discuss ways to help the Cuthberts feel welcome and would love to share some ideas with everyone how to help in the transition.
The first and foremost way we can all be helping all of the Cuthberts is with our daily prayers. Would you please pray daily for the family? For their move, for their health and safety, and for the partnered ministry we will be sharing in here at Union. We suggest putting their names on your fridge as a reminder to do this daily.
Your search team is suggesting the following ways for all to be involved.
Their Home:
· Bill Burkey will be heading up a team to help them move in, and unpack if they would like it. Specific move-in date still TBD. Kim Boulette is organizing some kid yard games or a short walk that day. Contact Bill if you would like to help.
· Cindy Johnston is heading up a meal train during their first weeks here; info is forthcoming.
· Amanda Johnson is heading up a “Fill their Pantry” idea with a few staples and items in the refrigerator, drinks and snacks. Contact Amanda for how you can help.
· Could you lead a crowd-fund effort to fill their oil tank or provide a cord of wood for winter heating? Contact Christine in the office if you can help in this way.
Our Pastor and His Wife:
· A Welcome Poster has been prepared and will be in the Narthex/Lobby of the church for anyone to sign and welcome them here. The Welcome Poster will be presented to them on August 9th, for their actual first Sunday here.
· Christine Hawley will have name tags available in the Narthex/Lobby for us to use each week for the first month so that no one needs to guess names! Believe it or not, learning everyone’s names in an entire church can be stressful for incoming families, so this is a very simple way for us to help them feel welcome.
· Pamela Moffitt is coordinating a small women’s gathering for Melissa. Contact Pam if you would like to help. Pamelamoffitt88@gmail.com or 860-305-5295.
Our congregation:
· Kim Boulette created a list of ministries to share with Pastor Christian; some current and not active right now. Call Kim to share your ideas.
· It has been a topic of conversation in the past, but we would love if someone felt led to create a list of skills, hobbies and talents of church attendees. This may help the family get to know us, and what we do outside of Sunday mornings. Everyone may be interested in this! Let’s all get to know each other a little better. If his interests you, please contact Christine in the office to get started.
Welcome Basket:
Tracie Wieliczka & Luke Moffitt are preparing a “Welcome Basket” for the Cuthbert family. Please provide items from the list below to Tracie or Luke. If you are providing materials, please contact one of them so that we do not duplicate those items.
Multiple Gift cards to:
· Restaurants· Garden Centers· Grocery Stores· Kloter Farms· Sonny's Place· Spare Time· Movie Theater· "Big Box" Stores· Agway· Heating Oil· Local Butchers
Information/Brochures on:
· Youth Sports· Local YMCA· Town Events Calendar· Maps of the area highlighting schools, attractions, library· List of links to town website, Ellington Farmers’ Market· Books on the local area· Ellington school calendar
References to:
· Doctors, Dentists, Pediatricians· Veterinarians· Pharmacies· Barbers and Hair Salons· Florists
· Ellington gear – T-shirts, sweatshirts
· Discount coupons to local businesses
Local Area:
· Pastor Ray will be introducing Christian to other clergy members in the area.
Do you know the store owners in town? Show the pastor around to area businesses, so he can get to know the church’s neighbors.
Youth:
· Have your kids/Ignite Youth Group reach out to their kids. What are their common interests, what games do they play or videos they like to watch? Host a swimming party or an outdoor game night.
· Russ Kloter would love to hear from you if you would like to help with lawn-mowing during their 1st month or two in their new home.
· Amanda Johnson is planning a “Pool Party” for the youth at her home, so save the date for August 13th.
Individually:
Here are some ideas that we hope you will consider doing on your own
· Invite the Cuthbert family over for dinner.
· Take them on your favorite hike.
· Go for ice cream at your favorite place. (So many to choose from!)
· Have you been visiting shut-ins or those in living facilities, or do you know someone who is ill and could use a personal introduction to our new pastor? Be the one to bring Christian to these church members, so they are included in being part of welcoming our new pastor.
· Offer to take the family on a tour around the area. It can be in your own separate vehicles, and be creative using Facetime or Bluetooth technology to narrate your drive.
Building relationships takes time, so think of ideas to do together for the rest of the year and beyond.
Contact info for the Search Team:
Bill Burkey: rebillburkey@aol.com 860-729-0910
Rob Hawley: Hawley.rob@gmail.com 860-729-7451
Christine Hawley: chawley68@gmail.com 860-896-0727
Tracie Wieliczka: T.wieliczka@comcast.net 860-604-3081
Amanda Johnson: ajohnson619@outlook.com 860-944-8988
Cindy Johnston: cindyjohnston@cox.net 860-967-7868
Russ Kloter: kloter38@gmail.com 860-709-0957
Ray Dupere: dupere@juno.com 860-992-4111
Luke Moffitt: lukepam@yahoo.com 860-977-7852
Kim Boulette: wkboulette@sbcglobal.net 860-794-6731