Softball team logs first win

Our softball team finally managed to win our first game of the season tonight. After three tough losses, we put it all together and beat Sts Peter & Paul by the score of 18 -13. Hitting heroes tonight included Jeff Brockway who had four hits and knocked in 4 RBI, Steve Moon who had four hits and scored 4 times, Eric Poore who had two hits and 4 RBI and Mike Young who had two hits and 3 runs scored.

Tonight's game featured the return of Mike Staron to the line-up. Mike played with the team for ten years from 1992 - 2003. He had a hit and a walk tonight and scored two runs. Fred Stone also broke out of his lump and contributed a couple of hits. All toll we had 23 hits tonight in a pretty well played game. We turned four double plays and made some nice plays. None was nicer than the running catch Ken Kreger made on a hard hit ball to center field. He saved a run early on when the game was still in the balance.

Our next game is on Monday night as we start a stretch of six games in twelve days. If you are free we hope you will join us.

Cal

Midweek ministry

God's "time" was the topic of our discussion at the Mid-week Bible Study tonight. As we were discussing C. S. Lewis' book, Meer Christianity, we got also got into a few other side discussions that were very interesting. I really like this Bible Study time and it made for a good ending to a busy day.

This morning we continued working on the June Newsletter. Today we found a great article about Denzel Washington and his faith that will be included. I think you will like it. I hope it will go out this week but it will depend on how much we get done tomorrow. We still have some work to do in preparation for the "Big Fifty Sunday Celebration" this weekend. Somehow we have to fit that in as well.

This morning I had my last service at Haven Health Care in Jewett City. I have really enjoyed the ministry to the residents up there. One of the things that we are able to do as a church is to provide services for places like Haven Health. Because we have a full time ministry, it means that I have time to reach out and share the Gospel with the elderly and other groups like them. So thank you! :-)

Cal

Singing God's Praises

Tonight we enjoyed our last choir rehearsal of the season. We prepared anthems for the next two Sundays and enjoyed being together as a group before the summer break. Being a member of the choir is a big commitment. It means rehearsing every week and attending services regularly from September to June. Its not the kind of commitment that people like to make anymore.

If you ask the members of the choir why they do it, they will say one of two things. First they will tell you how much they enjoy singing and leading worship. Second they will tell you that it is fun and they like the people they sing with.

I believe that the choir serves a vital purpose in the worship life of our church family. They help set the tone for worship each week by leading the hymn singing and offering special music. Adele, Cynthia and the music committee also help me design special worship services and they give me the inspiration for some of my sermons.

We really miss them when summer comes and they take their break. But it makes it all the sweeter when they return in the fall. If you like to sing, I hope you consider joining us when we start up again in September. It is a big commitment but it is worth it.

Cal

In the good old summertime

Attendance was down at church yesterday. It was probably due to two factors. First there were several families away due to the holiday weekend. Second there were some families who started the summer break because Sunday School is now over for the year.

Every year we lose some families once we hit summer. Life becomes much busier and between Little League, family picnics and the heat, they take a break. Years ago the minister used to take August off and the church would literally close down. Even when they did hold services attendance was very sparse. When I came in 1985 we met downstairs in Fellowship Hall and had an average between thirty and forty in July and in the teens in August.

We started growing again in the late 1980's and summer attendance began to rise. I used to joke that we weren't telling the new people that they could take the summers off. Anyway we began to have special Sundays and plan events during the summer and it became a fun time to be at church.

On Sunday we sang America and remembered those who gave their lives for our freedom and those who served so bravely. The choir sang a great anthem entitled, "Shine on Us" and I preached about being faithful and sharing the Gospel in our every day lives.

It was a nice day and a good start to what I hope will be a wonderful summer. Next Sunday we will have the first of our special days as we celebrate the Big 50 Party" and recognize our fifty year olds, our fifty year members and our fifty year marrieds. I hope you will join us if you are reading this. It is going to be fun.

Cal

The King of the big screen

Nine of us went to see Narnia: Prince Caspian tonight at Lisbon Landing. It was a youth group trip and everyone enjoyed the movie. Narnia is the fantasy land dreamed up by C. S. Lewis in the 1940s. Four children travel though time and a different dimension to fight evil alongside Aslan and the population of Narnia.

Very much like JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Narnia gives us a cosmic battle between good and evil. It is a good movie with a lot of religious symbolism and overtones. If you aren't a church goer it is just good fun.

After the movie we talked a little bit about what happened and asked the kids how it relates to real life for us as Christians. You might want to ask yourself the same question if you go to see the movie.

Cal

We are the church

We talked about what a church would look like if it actually went out to engage the world at my last meeting of the day. Cynthia Strouse, Curt Brockway, Sue Ferguson, Amanda Duntz and I compared notes from a workshop put on by National Ministries of the ABCUSA earlier this Spring. The gist of the workshop was that we are all called to "be the Church" wherever we go and whatever we do. The leader suggested that the church of the 21st century will be one that gets outside the doors of the building and transforms the community.

I did a lot of that today. I started this morning at a meeting of the Otis Library Communications Committee and then participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new office of Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut. This afternoon I led a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Pierce Memorial Baptist Home. At our meeting tonight I suggested that each of us brings the church with us whenever we participate in something that blesses others, whether it is a conversation at the grocery store or a meeting of the PTO.

Our conversation will continue in the coming weeks. On Sunday we will pass out a survey to examine how well our church does in several areas. I hope you will take the time to fill it out when you get it.

Cal

Imagine what God can do

On Wednesdays in May I have been conducting worship at Haven Health Center in Jewett City. About fifteen to twenty residents attend the service. We sing a few hymns. I read the scripture and share a message with them. Then we pray. Today I told them that we all were going to pray together. As I paused, I encouraged them to lift up family, friends and other residents' names. It was very moving to hear them pray for one another.

I came away from the experience thinking two things: First these folks really enjoy being able to attend church. Second they leave knowing that God can still use them. That's powerful. So think about this: If God can use a group of people who have severe physical and mental handicaps, imagine what He can do with able bodied men and women like us. So what are we waiting for? Let's be the church and share God's love this week.

Cal

Meet the FBC Softball team

The FBC softball team has gotten off to a slow start but there are signs that it will turn around. We played the first two games shorthanded. We lost to St. Peter & Paul 13 -10 and were right in it until the end when we gave up three runs in the top of the seventh and couldn't recover.

In our second game we played with only eight players and gave up an out every time the ninth spot in the line-up came up. It was a rally killer. We lost to a powerful St. Mary's team 6 -1. The call went out to stock up the roster and last night we had fifteen people present. The result was not very good but the team from St. Marks slammed the ball all over the field. We made some errors but there were a lot of big hits we couldn't over come. We also were a little rusty at the plate. Eight of our newcomers hadn't played softball in a while. That will change though.

Newcomer Mike Young has been our best hitter so far and he is a positive influence on the team. He is batting .700 with three runs scored. Chip Chaffee, our returning MVP is also on fire. HE is batting .667 with a homer and 5 RBI. He is capable of carrying this team when he gets hot. We have a small sample size but other hitters batting .500 or better include Jeff Brockway, Cal Lord. George Rezendes, Dan Dutrumble, Chris Vaillancourt, Chris Adams, Dave Poore, Eric Poore and Tim McCullough.

You will notice a few familiar names on the list as well as a couple of veterans who are returning this season. Eric and Dave Poore played with us in the 1980's and early 90's when they were kids. Now Eric is back and his son, Sean Wilding is also joining us. Jeff Brockway played with us for a few years and now he is back and roaming the outfield again.

Other members of this year's team include Ken Kreger, Steve Moon, Eric Larsen, Armin Harris, Fred Stone, Jay Mandeville, Jake Shanks, and Kayla McCullough. Our next game in May 30.

Tieing the knot with God's blessing

Andrew Higgins and Erika Davis were married at church yesterday afternoon. Sundays are normally pretty busy but this week we added this special ceremony to the schedule. Andrew began attending services here a few years ago. When he found us, he invited Erika to come along and they love it here. He was baptized on Palm Sunday this year and Erika will be joining the church at some point this summer. 2008 will definitely be a year to remember for them.

I think one of the special blessings of belonging to a church is the fact that you have a place where you can mark those special moments in life. You have a church to be married in. You have a group of people who care for you and celebrate life's precious moments with you. You have a place where you are accepted and welcomed as you try to find the purpose and meaning for your life.

On Sunday we not only noted Andrew and Erika's special day, but we rejoiced with Mark and Bonnie Ambruso over the birth of their newborn daughter, Trinity Kathleen, during worship and congratulated Lindsey Adams on her graduation from UCONN and lifted up Frank Roderick in prayer after his recent stay in the hospital.

Sometimes I think we define church a being all about hearing a sermon. The truth is that it is so much more than that. It is an affirmation that God wants to be a part of our daily lives and all that happens. We act out that wonderful news whenever we get together, whether it be in worship or in a special service in the afternoon.

So if you haven't done so yet, why not make the move and officially join the church? Come talk to me about it and we can make it official. It's kind of like getting married. It's wonderful.

Cal

Fun at the Annual Church Picnic

After church on Sunday we picked up and went to Fort Shantock for our annual All Church Picnic. Mark Rogers and Joel Fishkin went to work cooking up the hot dogs on the grill and everyone else came along with salads and desserts. We had quite a spread to choose from. Sixty-five people made the trek across town for the picnic.

Fort Shantock turned out to be a good choice for the event. The playground allowed the kids to have fun while we were waiting for the food. It also had a great open field for our games. Brian Goldin got the kids jumping in sack races and egg relays as well as swinging at the pinata. They had a great time. The games even involved some other kids who were just spending the afternoon at the park. Now that is outreach at its best.

Here are a few photos taken at the picnic. Enjoy!

Cal

Children's Day 2008

We celebrated Children's Day at Church yesterday. Our young people took over the service and we watched as they presented a couple of short dramas and did some readings. The kids also sang three songs including "the Bible Song," "Our God is so Mighty" and "Halleluia." The theme for the day was "God's Power!"

About fifteen minutes into the service the power went out and we finished up like they did a hundred years ago. We continued without the sound system and without lights or audio visual. The Praise team came out from the Junior Choir loft and led us in singing a couple of real cute songs. IT didn't hurt them. We had given Adele the day off so Cynthia Strouse and Lori Lord had already planned to use the piano instead of the organ so we didn't miss a beat there either.

The only class to really lose out was the Junior High class. Their presentation wasn't able to take advantage of the music and video that was going to support it. They ended up reading the passages the old fashioned way and had to let the words paint images in the hearers imagination instead.

Madalyn and Conner Fishkin received awards for perfect attendance and about 18 others received excellent attendance awards.

Paige Briggs received a Bible as part of her promotion from second grade to third grade and Jared LaFlamme, Amy Ketcher and Rachel Lord received Bibles in recognition of their eight grade graduation.

Special thanks to Sandy Stone, Lori Lord and Fran Rogers who helped lead the service.

Here are some more photos for you to enjoy.

Cal

A birthday in the family

Tonight a few of us were on hand to celebrate Patricia Ohlund's birthday at a surprise party thrown by her husband, Steve. Family and friends gathered to wish her well. I was struck by the fact that sometimes the church family really does become family. Steve and Patricia came to the church a few of years ago and got involved right away. I think that is what makes the difference. They invited us to become a part of their lives.

If you ask anyone who has been around a while what it was that kept them coming, they will probably say it started with them making it a point to find some way to connect and get involved. You see, it is always a two way street. The church is a welcoming community. But you will never feel at home until you step out in faith and get to know people. Once you do that, then nights like tonight will become more frequent. Your family will grow because you have many new people who care for you and are a part of your life.

Cal

Leaving a mark

This afternoon I have a grave side service for Mary Tourtellotte. Mary grew up in our congregation and she and her husband Cyril were married here. They always kept in touch even though they went away to school and eventually settled in Walpole, Massachusetts. At our 200th Anniversary service I got a chance to talk with them. They shared what an influence this church had on them in their formative years. The carried the love and acceptance they received here with them wherever God led them.

A number of years ago I talked about this aspect of our church life when it seemed that some of our good families had moved away. It bears saying again. God calls us to remain faithful and to worship and serve him every day. Sometimes he sends people our way so we can share God's love and encourage them for the next step in their journey.

I readily think of the Eisan family, the Jones family, the Rogoffs, and Joanne and Gabriel Paulsen. We were blessed when they were here. They gave us so much. But we gave them something too. We need to remember that church is not all about us. Sometimes we think that we better hear a good sermon or the choir better sing my type of music or else it isn't worth going. The truth is it is never about us and its always about us. God wants to bless us and sometimes he does that by using us to bless others. When we smile and accept the children in our church family, it assures them that God loves them. It leaves its mark on them. When we embrace a new family and welcome them into the church. We affirm God's call in their lives.

I think we forget this. As I conduct the funeral today, I will be sharing how the love of our church family 80 years ago shaped a woman's life. Now that is a powerful testimony. Thanks be to God it is still happening here today as we worship and serve God at FBC.

Cal

Looking back and celebrating our mission trip

About forty peopled gathered for strawberry shortcake dessert at Central Baptist Church on Wednesday night. Of course that was only the dessert. The main course was the opportunity to witness a slide presentation and hear remarks from those who had traveled to Mexico on the mission trip last month.

George Rezendes prepared the presentation complete with inspirational music. I was able to share a running commentary, with help from a few team members, that helped explained some of the things we did during the week. After the show was over, each of the team members got a chance to share a memorable story to comment from their experience. Connie Jensen closed off the sharing giving silly, but very meaningful, gifts to each of the team members.

Pastor Michelle also had a gift for each of the team members. She presented us with a card with photos and the words that were shared about that person by the other team members. hen we made everyone present an honorary team member by giving them a friendship bracelet that was put together by members of the Kane family.

It was a very good night.

Cal

Let the children come to me

I received a few photos from Stacia Green today. She and her fiance, Nick, moved to Florida last fall. In April they had baby daughter, Alana. As I looked at the photos they sent up, I was moved to think of all the children who have called our church home.

I'll never forget that day in April of 1985 when I was candidating for the Pastorate of this church. After the service we all went downstairs for lunch and an eventual vote on calling me to serve the church. As I looked around for a table I spotted one on the stage where a bunch of kids were sitting. When I tried to sit down with them a little red headed boy told me that I wasn't allowed because it was a kid's table. That little boy is now 29 years old and he's called this church home his whole life.

The truth is that I heard that boy's father spent many an afternoon at the church himself. His mother was often in the church kitchen or teaching Sunday School or involved in the Women's group. I think one of the greatest gifts our church has to offer is providing a place where children feel comfortable and safe as they learn about the love of God. We've been doing that for a long time and I hope it will continue to be a part of our legacy.

This Sunday we will have the opportunity to affirm our children with our annual Children's Day service. The service will be different and I won't be preaching. But this is our opportunity to reinforce the fact that God loves the children and so do we. I hope you will join us.

Cal

Pentecost and Mother's Day made it a family celebration

On Sunday we gave thanks to God for our mothers and celebrated their presence in our lives. In a moving moment, some of the children got up and told their moms that they loved them. At the end of the service all of the moms and grandmothers were given a carnation in recognition of their role as God's special gift to the family.

We also witnessed Yolanda Charles' profession of faith in a service of believer's baptism. This was especially appropriate because it was Pentecost Sunday, which marks the birth of the church. The choir sang an anthem that lifted up the declaration of Christ that he would build the church on the faith of Peter, the rock. I preached a message based upon Acts 2 and noted that the early church had a family feel for it. People cared about one another and it appealed to the community around them. The church grew because it gave people a glimpse of the kingdom of God.

It was a very good day at church.

Cal

A day of inspiration

On Saturday Curt Brockway, Oliver Bray, Mark Kane and I went up to Worcester to see Chuck Colson speak at the Annual New England Men's Conference called IRON Sharpens IRON. It was a great day with outstanding speakers and workshop leaders.

Chuck Colson is a gifted speaker and he encouraged us to learn what we believe. He said too many of us let the culture define who we are because we don't know the basics of our faith. He wrote a book called "The Faith" and I think we may take a look at it in a Bible Study or Adult Sunday School Class next fall.

The last speaker of the day was Don Davis, a former linebacker for the team and current chaplain for the New England Patriots. As he was speaking I thought of my good friend, Pastor Greg Hamby of Quaker Hill. Greg is a big Patriots fan and he would have loved his message. He told us we needed to stay focused, be aligned with God and know the play book by heart.

We broke up and attended different workshops. Oliver and I went to one that talked about recognizing our teens as young adults and getting them involved in the life of the church. In the afternoon I went to a workshop with Wally Armstrong, a professional golfer who played in over three hundred tournaments. He spoke about using golf as an avenue for witness and outreach. I thought it might be a good area for our sports ministries to expand.

It was a good day and I hope next year we can get an even bigger group to go. It was well worth the price of admission.

Cal

Putting energy into an audit

This afternoon representatives from the Norwich Public Utilities were at the church to go over an energy audit with members of the Property Committee. They shared information about new lights and low interest loans that might help us to be good stewards.

They also plan on coming back to talk about our heating costs and the oil burning furnaces at church. They will make some recommendations on whether or not replacing the furnaces will save us money and what it would cost to do so.

No one likes to spend money but if we can save money and become a little greener in the process it is a win-win for us.

Cal

Dreams meet Reality at Property Committee

"If only we had a million dollars!" Last night the Property Committee met and talked about ongoing projects at church as well as rehashing some of our dreams. The one real concrete plan is already in the planning stages. In the fall or winter of 2008 we hope to begin construction on a new kitchen at church. Once we get some plans drawn up we will begin raising money for the project.

Yet every time we get together we talk about the mundane as well as the exciting things that could be done if only we had the resources. The mundane include putting a new roof on the church. We figure we are good for another 8- 10 years but we have been losing some shingles. The steep pitch of the roof makes it difficult to repair and also must make it easier for the shingles to separate right now. Randy and Mark have been replacing the shingles as needed right now. We all agreed that wen the time comes it will not be a glamorous project and could cost upwards of $100, 000.

My wishlist includes sound and lighting in the sanctuary. Back in 1995 we had a Miracle Sunday where we raised $30,000 to paint the sanctuary and upgrade the lighting and sound. The paint has lasted but we have outgrown the sound system. We are also using some audio visual on a regular basis and it would be nice to hardwire something in. One sound expert said a sound system lasts about a dozen years and if that is true, then it is time. We have added the Praise team since the last upgrade and could use a CD burner to the system. Canned lighting to add light might also help if it was done properly.

We have also dreamed about adding a second floor to the chapel. Our men think they could do a lot of the work but it would take money for us to buy the materials. Imagine having more classrooms and space for our kids and programs!

We are talking about putting up that smoke proof room around the furnace. It has been in the talking stage since 1996. We might actually be forced to do it this year because of the work we are doing in the kitchen. This is a job that is all about safety.

Our ladies have begun their gardening again. We have some money available for them, but wouldn't it be nice to fund the project every year. We have also talked about reseeding the lawn. It is in rough shape. What a difference it would make.

The truth is that we have a beautiful building. God has blessed us. There will always be something that needs to be done and we will continue to dream. God has always found a way for us to fund the important things and I am sure he will find a way for these projects to get done.

Cal

What do you believe?

Where else can you go to talk about God? Have you thought about that? God is the most important topic that you can get excited about. I know you are probably thinking that I am only saying this because my baseball team is floundering. But really now, how many places can you go where people talk about God and their faith and what it means to live the Christian life?

Wednesday Bible Study is the place where that happens every week at FBC. We are actually trying to discuss C. S. Lewis' book, Meer Christianity, right now. But the topics are so rich and so deep that we have actually had a hard time staying on topic. For example last night we got on the subject of baptism. We asked if your baptism as a baby, an act done by your parents, could save you? Or do you have to claim it or do something more as an adult? I bet some of you had never thought about it. Well Bible study forces you to look at different aspects of your faith. It challenges you to think about what you believe, what you have been taught and to try and make sense of it.

That is good. It forces you to grow and as your knowledge grows, so does you faith. So if you aren't busy next Wednesday, join us at Bible Study. Email me at fbcnorwich@sbcglobal.net and I will tell you where we meet.

Cal

PS. The May newsletter went on line this afternoon. Check it out by going to our web page and clicking on the May Newsletter icon

We all have a soul in need f nurture

On Tuesday I was able to hear Dr. Thomas Moore speak at the annual Clergy-Physician luncheon at the W. W. Backus Hospital. Dr. Moore has written a couple of books on the care and nurture of the soul. He talked about the tremendous advances made in medicine and technology in the 20th Century but pointed out that we lagged behind in really having a heart to heart relationship to go with it. He noted that we left the human perspective out of our discussions and that will be addressed, needs to be addressed in the 21st century if we are to continue to thrive as a society.

Dr. Moore noted that it is the deep connections we make in the soul that are the most powerful. He advocated that we all take time to nurture the joy that God put in our hearts as we seek to live fulfilling lives. He definitely gave us all something to think about.

Cal

Amy Hollis received approval from ordination council to proceed

Tonight Curt Brockway and I went to Amy Hollis' ordination council at the Essex Baptist Church.Most of you will remember that Amy worked with us as a student intern last year while taking classes at Andover Newton Theological School. She and her husband, Scott, and their two girls, Katie and Sarah were very much a part of our church family for the year. We heard her preach, enjoyed her children's moments, were blessed by the work she did with our children and encouraged y her prayers.

An ordination council is called to examine a candidate's call to ministry and fitness for the pastoral office. Usually the candidate reads a paper outlining their Christian story and detailing their theological beliefs. Questions are asked of the candidate testing their ability to defend their faith. Then a vote is taken as to whether the local church should proceed to ordain the candidate.

Pastor Greg Hamby, Moderator of the SUNL Association, called the meeting to order and introduced Pastor Erica Wimber Avena, Amy's sponsor. She outlined what we were doing and then asked Amy to read her paper.

Amy did a great job answering questions and the delegates voted to tell Essex to proceed with ordination in a unanimous vote. Pastor Michael Crane of Essex announced that Amy would be ordained on June 1 at 4:00 p.m. to the delight of all present.

CROP Walk smoney for hunger

Today we participated in the Annual CROP Walk to raise money for the hungry. I think the course is about 3 1/2 miles and it runs from Lee Memorial United Methodist Church down Lafayette Street over to Asylum Avenue. Then it makes its way down West Main Street with a rest stop at the church and over the West Side Bridge and up the hill on Washington Street back the church.

We had 8 walkers this year and raised several hundred dollars. I don't have the final figures yet, but I think we did well. I want to thank all those who made donations to the cause. Here are few photos from the event.

Cal


Here is our group. It included Kristen Deptulski, Lois & George Strouse, Karen Barber, Mark & Pam Kane, Cal Lord, Emily Depina and Rachel Lord.




Team Captains were Karen Barber fro FBC and Lois Strouse for Park Congregational.




And we were off. Despite some of our desire to get out front, we were reminded it wasn't a race!






And we met Zelda and Judy at the church to get our apples and water.

A Night of Magic for our ladies at the Mother's Day Banquet

What a great night we had a First Baptist. To think that our congregation could put on a dinner and show for our ladies that featured one of the most talented young performers in America is beyond belief. But we did it. This year's Mother Daughter Banquet featured a turkey dinner by George Rezendes and served by a number of men in the congregation. It also included the talented singing of Miss Connecticut 2007, Dana Daunis from Watertown, CT.

Dana was one of the top 3 talent winners at the Miss America Pageant this year and she came and performed a forty minute set for us. After her show was over she stayed to sign autographs and have pictures taken. It was a hit for fans old and young. Boy did she make an impression.

Special thanks to Melinda Brick for organizing the event and to George and OB for working in the kitchen all day. Our waiters this year included Bobby Adams, Ray Deptulski, Bob Duntz, Mark Kane, Mark Rogers and Gary Schuster.

I've included some photos for those who couldn't make it this year. I think they will give you a sense of how special it was.

Cal

Tonight our 22nd season in the Church Softball League opened against Sts. Peter and Paul. Over the years we have played them tough. Both teams are very similar in that we don't have a lot of superstars. We are filled with guys and gals that just like to have fun.

Despite the fact that we have over twenty names of potential players, we only had nine people take the field tonight. Fred Stone pitched for us and he did a good job. He only gave up three earned runs. We made a few errors but played tough most of the night. Chip Chaffee was back at shortstop for us and Steve Moon, Dan Dutrumble and Ken Kreger filled the outfield. George Rezendes was behind the plate, and new comers Mike Young and Eric Larsen were on the corners. I played second base. We lost the game in the seventh inning when they scored two runs to go ahead. We came back by getting two men on base with one out. We couldn't pull it out though. Our next game is on Monday night. We will try to turn things around.

Cal

A day of prayer and reflection

May 1st - A day to walk with God. I woke up this morning with the hope of working on the May newsletter squeezed between a couple of big activities. As it turned out, when I got to the office I decided that there was no way that I could get the newsletter together in time to send it out on Friday. I had two special services to prepare for that would take time. Even though Sandy was pretty well set with her part, there was just too much to do for me to finish it up the newsletter and give the services the time they deserved.

So I went to work preparing for the National Day of Prayer service at noon and the Holocaust Remembrance Service at 7:30 p.m. I went on line and found some inspirational pieces that put the prayer service in perspective. A few years back I got involved in the program. Pastor Gary Fairchild of Norwich Alliance and I organized a breakfast and invited members of the city council and other clergy to participate. It was great. One year we heard a survivor of the 9/11 attack and the next we had one of the commanders from the Navy Base as our speakers.

When Gary left we let it go. This year I received a call from the state co-ordinator asking me to set something up. She was in a panic and I agreed. I put out a call to the local clergy and Pastor Randy from the Assembly of God answered. We met at noon on the steps of City Hall. There was only a handful of people but it was a powerful service. Everyone took turns praying for our government officials, for our children, teachers, police, fire and medical workers, the social service agencies and especially the former residents of the Peach Tree Apartments. We prayed for the men and women in the military and asked God to help us find peace in the world. I was so glad I answered the call and we all agreed that next year we would make it bigger and better.

Tonight I went to Temple Beth-el in New London to share a Statement of Concern on behalf of the Christian community during the annual Holocaust Remembrance service. Rabbi Charles Arian of Beth Jacob synagogue in Norwich invited me to do the honors and I was nervous. I didn't know exactly what to say. I went on line to see if I could find something and found that there really isn't anything to use as an example. Rabbi told me just to speak from the heart. That's what I did and I think it went well.

The speaker was Henry Laudone from Norwich Free Academy. He spoke about his experiences as an educator in learning about the Holocaust. He shared how he visited with survivors and listened to their stories and how this changed him and later, his students. A few minutes later several survivors came up to light candles representing the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust. This was a powerful reminder of the nightmare that touched the planet under Hitler's reign of terror.

The end result of this service is to insure that there is never another Holocaust. I can tell you this: had to plenty to think about as I got home tonight. I wish more of our people could have been at these services today. Next time I will certainly promote them better so that we can take advantage of them.

Cal