Looking back at Children's Day

Today is Children's day. It is the one day every year where we celebrate the Christian education of our young people. I thought I'd take a moment to look back on a few past Children's Days.

In June of 1989 the theme for the day was "Jesus, Our Teacher and Friend." Teachers that year included;
Rosie Main in the nursery class
Kathy Jackson in the kindergarten class
Amy Rezendes in the Primary Class
Carolyn Benker in the Primary Junior Class
Sandy Crouch in the Junior class
Lori Lord in the Junior/Senior High Class
Harry Eiusan as the Adult Class teacher

Mary Brockway was the Sunday School Superintendent and Paul Lorraine was her assistant. George Rezendes was the secretary/treasurer.

During the service the Junior Choir sand "Welcome to the Family" and Amy Rezendes offered a solo. The skits were entitled, "The Life and Times of Jesus Christ", "Jesus Meets Zaccheaus", "The Good Samaritan" and "Jesus and the Children." In those days a member of the adult class gave a short message and that year Dawn Rogoff Soares did the honors.


Some of the student names were Brian Goldin, Kate Strouse, Elaine Montalvo, Amy Brockway, Timothy Rezendes, Joni MacLachlan, Natalee Crouch, Beth Jackson, Allison Walberg, Becky Lord...

On June 12, 1994 we celebrate Children's Day with the theme of "God's All Stars." Our teachers that year were;

Rosie Main in the Nursery class
Deborah Muyres in the Primary Class
Kate Strouse in Grades 1 & 2
Cal Lord & Cynthia Strouse in Grades 5 -7
Amy Rezendes in grades 8 -12
Harry Eisan in the adult class

The skits were titled ""The Bible All Star Game", Hey, Noah!", "David: God's All Star"and "Did You Know?" The message was given by Harry Eisan.


The kids sang "love, Love, Love" and Superintendent George Rezendes hosted the program. During the service there was a family dedication service for Carli Richelle White by her parents Rich & Cindy.

On June 11, 2000 we were nearing the end of a year long celebration of our 200th Anniversary. Children's Day became part of that celebration. Our theme was "The Spirit of Children's Day" and we looked back at the past as well as taking the time to enjoy the present.

Our teachers were;
Rosie Main in the nursery
Jackie Vaillancourt in Grades 1 -3
Amy Rezendes in Grades 4- 6
Cliff Vanase in Junior high
Cal Lord in Senior High
Curt Brockway with the adults

The skits included recitations by each of the classes. They were titled "Heaven's Message", "Why God Made the Stars"and "He is Not Far From Me." We also had a reprint of the Children's Day bulletin from June 17, 1923.

some of the children included Heather Adams, Chelsey Calkins, Rachel Lord, Brianne Jones, Jennifer Dart, Keesen Howe, Austen Shogren, Scott Morse, Sarah Lord, Chris Vaillancourt, Amada Brown, Casey Rezendes, Daryl Alves, Fred Green, Amanda Duntz, Amada Guillemette, Roland Widstrom, Becky Lord and April & Timothy Rezendes.

The Superintendent was Lori Lord. Her assistant was Mary Brockway and Wendy Dart was the secretary/treasurer.

Cal

Rick Barnes visits Norwich

On Tuesday night Rick Barnes was in town for a visit. We arranged to meet him at Papa Gino's and invited former mission team members to stop by and have dinner or just visit with him. Rick was in town as part of his effort to build support for their ministry in Mexico. His trip back East led him north to New Hampshire and west to New York State.

With the World Economic crisis, our Board of International Ministries has told the missionaries that they have to solicit 100% of their support by this September or they risk being called home. Earlier this Spring Mercy Barnes was in the state visiting us. She hooked up with several of us across the state and was the featured speaker at the ABCCONN Annual Meeting.

Right now any of us can support Rick and Mercy directly by going to http://www.internationalministries.org/give and making a gift to them on-line. From now through the end of June, every gift between $200 -2,000 will be matched directly by the Luther Rice Society.

You can also give directly through the church on any week. Just mark your check or your envelope for Barnes mission.

Cal

Softball update.

The First Baptist softball team played two tough games this week and split the pair. On Tuesday night the gang came back from a 6 - 3 deficit against Calvary Chapel with four runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a 7-6 lead. They shut out the opposition in the top of the seventh to come away with their seventh victory.

Jay Mandeville got things started with a sharply hit ball to the shortstop that went right through him. Daryl Alves followed that up with a single. After both Steve Moon and Mike Staron flew out Dan Dutrumble ripped a single to load the bases. Chip Chaffee worked a walk to drive in one run and then Eric Poore ripped a sing to tie the game. Mike Young then hit a single to drive in Eric with what proved to be the winning run.

On Friday we put our 7- 2 record to the test against St. Pats and battle right up to the last out. As a matter of fact we brought the winning run to the plate in the bottom of the seventh. Down 10 - 5 Sean Wilding and Chris Vaillancourt singled to start the inning. After Daryl Alves lined out Steve Moon ripped a single to drive in the sixth run. Then with two outs Chip Chaffee walked and Eric Larsen ripped a two run single to bring us within two. With runners on second and third Mike Young, the hero of the last game came up. He ripped a drive to the outfield that looked like it was going to drop in. Only a great catch by the right fielder prevented the game from being tied up. So the final score was 10 -8 with St. Pats holding on for the victory.

So far this year we lost one game to St. Mary's and two to St. Pats. Our record is 7 - 3 as we approach the mid point of the season.

Keep Chris Adams and Jake Shank in your prayers. Chris has a twisted ankle and Jake a cracked rib. We hope to see them both in action later this year.

Cal

Our Annual Tag Sale

Our Fellowship Hall has been going through a process of transformation this week. After church last Sunday the men set up twenty tables. This week a number of members and friends have been filling up the tables with tag sale items.

From 1986 to 2007 we had a tag sale every year. It was a big deal and our biggest fundraiser each year. Different people stepped up to chair the event over the years. The first year Doris Royce and Paul Lorraine did the bulk of the work. Michelle Lord, Harry & Dot Calkins, June and Henry Pendelton, Amy Rezendes, Hal Brockway, Sandy Crouch, Harry & Betty Eisan, Kathy Duntz, Cynthia Strouse, Mary & Curt Brockway and so many others spent hours down here over the years. The last few years Rosie Main and Geri Diehl took it on. They did a great job with lots of help from people like Brian Goldin, Bob & Helen Walker, George Strouse, George Rezendes, Carolyn Brown, Nancy Allen and so many others. In 2008 we gave it a rest. Everyone was tired.

This year Mary Brockway offered to host the sale in a new way. Instead of us doing all the work and set up, we would invite members and friends to have their own tables and to do their own pricing, set up and clean up.

Today was the day of the sale and we had a good crowd. We raised about $400 for the church and another $92 on the bake table for the Appalachian Mission trip. Several of our members had tables including, Mary Brockway and Amy Meyer. Fred & Gywn Green, Nancy Allen, Erica Corbett, Muriel Roderick and Bob Walker.

Amanda Duntz, Jarod and Joshua LaFlamme, Chelsey Calkins and her friends all helped out at the bake table. It was a fun day.

Here are a few pictures from our Tag Sale this afternoon.

Tuesday night on the town.

On Tuesday night I ran from a softball game to Papa Ginos. We were playing Cavalry Chapel, a team we held on to beat a few weeks ago. When I left we were down 6 -3. It was a real nail biter and I still haven't heard how it turned out.

I rushed over to Papa Ginos where we had scheduled a time to met up with Rick Barnes before he returned to El Centro in the morning. e had a good time. Pastor Michelle came by with Stacy and Chad. Ann was there and so was Mark Kane who brought Rick. June and Ray Deptulski dropped in to say hello and Erica Corbett also came by for a while. It was fun and good to see him.

Before we left and sent Rick on his way, we mad plans to see him next year in Mexicali.

Cal

Praying together for those we love

Yesterday I noted that we had two more examples of answered prayers in the last week. Bob Duntz is doing very well at Yale New Haven Hospital. No one can explain it. He died three times on the way to Yale New Haven Hospital and was resuscitated. They were worried about everything from brain damage to heart damage and he came back strong and still rooting for the Red Sox. He hopes to be home by the end of this week.

Nancy Oat went in for tests and received very troubling news. We lifted her up in prayer and this week came back from more tests with the news that things were not as bad as they were originally thought to be. She claims it is due to our prayers.

In church we heard more good news on other fronts. In the end I can't tell you why some prayers are answered bringing joy and happiness to family and friends while others seem to go unheeded. As Lucy Schoepfer, one of our former members, used to say, "God's ways are higher than our ways." In other words, God always works for the good but we don't always know what is the best thing. So God may answer our prayers in a way that we just don't understand. We need to simply trust Him to do the best thing for those we love and care for.

Meanwhile we will keep praying every time we get together for worship. Our prayer time in worship is special. So if you have someone you want to pray for, join us and lift up their name so we can pray for them with you.

Cal

A day of worship, service and praise

Had a good day at church yesterday. Despite the fact that several regulars were away for the holiday, attendance held its own. My message called on us to step out and do something with our faith. I took my lead from the passage in the book of Acts where the disciples went out and chose Matthias to replace Judas as one of the twelve.

The Praise Team closed out the service by leading us in the singing of Chris Mullin's "Awesome God." Did you know that when he composed the song for his worship class he got a C grade on it and a note that it could never be sung in worship?

In Sunday School the kids prepared for next week's big service as we come to the end of the year and Celebrate Children's Day. They will be giving the message in church next week and sharing some of the things they learned this year. We will also have lots of music as our Cheryl Dutrumble and her dad, Dick Johnson team up with Steve Contois to do some fun stuff.

After church we will head out to Fort Shantock for our annual Church picnic. Everyone is invited.

Cal

More clergy leaders from 24 years ago.

I want to continue on the previous thread and talk about the ministers, priests and Rabbis that were in Norwich when I first arrived in 1985. I wasn't here but a couple f weeks when I had a visit from the President and Vice President of the Norwich Clergy Association. Rabbi Stuart Altshuler and Scott Raeburn wanted to welcome me to town and invited me to come to their monthly meetings.

Chuck Johnson - Assembly of God
Stuart Altshuler - Beth Jacob Synagogue
Bruce Elsensohn - Central Baptist
Carole Simpkins - Central Baptist
Don Lillipop - Christ Church, Episcopal
Dwight Anderson - Christian Missionary Alliance
Caroline Edge - Lee Memorial United Methodist
Will McLane - Park Congregational Church
Fred Frick - St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Roland ??? - St. Mary's Church
Don ??? - Sts Peter & Paul
Frank McManus - Sts. Peter & Paul
Scott Raeburn - Taftville Congregational Church
Terry Olafson - Unitarian Universalist Church
Jere Stone - United Congregational Church

The Bishop of Norwich was Daniel Reilly
Clarence Peterson was a chaplain at the State Hospital

Shortly after I arrived here, Judy ??? arrived at First Congregational Church, Norwichtown.

Cal

The people I learned from as a young minister

In a few weeks I will celebrate my 24th anniversary at the church. I was thinking about the men and women that were serving in the association churches back then. I looked up to many of them and they taught me so much about pastoral ministry in my early years in the pastorate. I can't remember them all but I put together a list just for nostalgia sake.

SUNL Pastors
Davida Crabtree - Colchester Federated
Frank Murdock - Essex Baptist
Alan Scott - Flanders Community
John Brooks - Lebanon Baptist
Elwood Babbin - Ledyard- Gales Ferry Baptist
Clarence Mignon - Montville Union Baptist
George Hubbell - Moosup Baptist Church
Ken Carpenter - Mystic Union Baptist
Bob Bartlett - First Baptist New London
Elizabeth Conde Fraser - Primera Iglesia de New London
Ed Bradley - Niantic Baptist
Jim Pratt - Noank Baptist
Lynne Holden - First Baptist North Stonington
James and Susan Cowen - Third Baptist North Stonington
Bruce Elsensohn - Central Baptist, Norwich
Carole Simpkins - Central Baptist, Norwich
Merle Spring - Old Mystic Baptist
John Dell - Packerville Baptist
Judson Day - Poquonnock Bridge Baptist
Wade Hiltabidel - Quaker Hill Baptist
George Oakes - Voluntown Baptist
Dick Keach - Winthrop Baptist

I can't remember who was at the following churches.
Deep River Baptist
Jewett City Baptist
Putnam Baptist

The following people were on staff in the ABCCONN Office in Hartford:

Executive Minister - Dr. Orlando Tibbetts
Associate Executive and Minister of Camping - Rev. Russ Petrie
Area Minister - Dr. John Brooks

We shared a minister of World Mission Support with Rhode Island
I think his name was Roger

Office Administration
Carole Freehan
Barbara Twiss
Becky Fuller
David Follet

Winning between the white lines

Softball has pretty much taken over the calendar so far this month. We have played 8 games and its been a lot of fun since we have been winning the majority of them. This week we played on both Monday and Tuesday nights.

On Monday night we beat Missionary Alliance 12- 6. We scored runs in the first and second innings and then broke out in the third with five runs. The rally began with a one out single by Sean Wilding. Daryl Alves followed that with another single. Steve Moon hit a sharp ground ball to the second baseman that went for an error to knock in one run. Dan Dutrumble rapped a hit to drive in a second run. With runners on first and third, Chip Chaffee drilled a ball to deep left field for a three run homer to complete the scoring.

We added three more in the fourth Brian Bachman's single followed a fielder's choice that put George Rezendes on base. Sean Wilding then hit his second in the park homerun of the season to bring them all around. Up 10 -2 at that point, we added a few more insurance runs in the fifth as Eric Larsen hit a deep sacrifice fly to center that scored Dan Dutrumble from third and Chip Chaffee from second.

In the top of the seventh Alliance came screaming back with four runs. They had the bases loaded and were threatening for more when pitcher Chip Chaffee got the batter to bounce the ball back to the mound where he grabbed it and tossed it to first to end the game.

On Tuesday night we gave up five runs in the first inning as Sts Peter and Paul batted around the order. We were playing from behind all night. In the third inning we put three runs on the board as the killer B's, Brian Bachman and Brian Goldin, both singled to start the inning. Daryl Alves followed that up with a double to bring in one run and Mike Staron ripped a single down the line to bring in two more. Down 7-3 we traded runs in the fourth and then broke out for five runs in the sixth to go ahead 9 -8. A single by Mike Staron got things started but then their defense fell apart. After two errors allowed a couple of runs to score, Solid hits by Sean Wilding, Brian Bachman and Mark Staron brought in another three runs to complete the scoring.

Sts Peter and Paul recaptured the lead in the bottom of the sixth with two runs but then we came roaring back in he top of the seventh with five more runs to put the game away. Consecutive base hits by Daryl Alves and Mike Staron followed by a dropped pop up on Cal Lord's fly ball set up Eric Larsen's sacrifice fly for the first run of the inning. Eric Poore followed that with a two run homer. Mike Young ripped a triple and Sean Wilding ripped a single to bring him in and complete the scoring. With Chip Chaffee out of the game, Mike Young pitched the final inning in relief to pick up the victory.

With the two wins this week, we are off to our best start in many years with six wins and two losses. The action continues next week with games on Tuesday and Friday.

Cal

The monthly luncheon

Yesterday afternoon we were hard at work feeding the hungry at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Washington Street. About fifty people dropped in at the 2:00 p.m. meal. Lee and Hillary McFalls did the cooking. They made up a complete chicken dinner with stuffing and green beans, salad and cookies for dessert. Mark Salomon from Central Baptist and Shirley from St. Pats helped out in the kitchen.

Chelsey Calkins, her grandparents, Harry and Dot Calkins, joined a good friend of Hillary's and I in serving up the food. The crowd was pretty appreciative and we had plenty of food so several folks got to have a second helping.

Cal

Shirley gets the salads ready to go out.

Mark makes up a batch of punch for the crowd.

Chelsey puts the salads on a tray so they can be served up to the folks.

Harry and Dot serve the patrons.

Service with a smile. Bread anyone?

Hillary and her friend wait on the tables.

Mark, Lee and Chelsey plate the food for serving.

Mark checks the chicken.

Hillary is ready to serve up the main course.

Shirley sets out the desserts.

Chelsey is ready for those who want seconds of the chicken.

Saying thank you to those who serve

Today we made visits to the Norwich Fire House and the Norwich Police Department and brought some home made goodies along. We also brought a box of coffee and some doughnuts. We got the opportunity to interact with some of the firemen. It was great. We expressed our appreciation to them and thanked them for the work they did in keeping the city safe and secure. It was a great experience. For some of our members it was the first time they had even been to the firehouse. To top it off some of the kids even got to hop in a firetruck.

We left there and went around the corner to the Police station. We were invited in and we met one of the officers and were able to express our gratitude to him. We asked him to pass it on to the other members of the department and then we left.

Why did we do this? We did it as part of our goal to reach out to our neighborhood with the love of Christ. One of the things we talked about at the recent meeting of the Missional Church task force was the fact that a lot of people just don't trust churches anymore. The general public, people who don't go to church, think either we want something from them or that we are trying to judge or convert them. Every action of ours is suspect.

So we have been careful to focus on giving and sharing without putting out any expectations. We went out with a simple message. We Care. We care about the people in our neighborhood. We care about those who serve our community. We care about people.

Today was kind of nice. It was a chance to simply say thank you to these folks who quietly make this a safer community to live in.

Cal

A big night at the plate for FBC Softball

The balls were flying all over the park on Thursday night. We came out swinging the bats and before the dust settled we had put together a 20 -3 bruising of St. Mark's. They scored first and it looked like it might be a long night for us. They had three runs on the board before we could even blink. Then the lights went out for them and the hit parade began for us.

Mike Staron led the way by going 4 for 4 with a double and a couple of RBI's. Mike Young and Sean Wilding each had three hits a piece. Sean even picked up his first career home run. The big blows came from Chip Chaffee though. He had two three run homers to put the game out of reach.

Our record is now 4 - 2. Chip leads the team with a .933 batting average and an unbelievable 24 RBI's after 6 games. Dan Dutrumble has 14 hits, 10 runs scored and a .778 average. Mike Staron is batting .750 and Brian Goldin and Ken Kreger are both at .714. Eric Poore has 10 runs scored to go along with his .550 average.

Michelle Chaffee snapped a few pictures from the game. Enjoy.

Cal

Joyful Praise

I wish more people could have been there. Tonight the Eastern University touring choir was in town for a concert at Central Baptist Church. They were marvelous. They began by surrounding us in the sanctuary and singing to us. The whole room seemed to come alive as we were caught up in the sound of music.

The group has been here before. We hosted them a couple of times. Every time they've come we were treated to a great evening of choral music. There is something about the group that is uplifting and engaging.

After I left tonight I decided that we need to make plans to invite more groups like this to town at either Central or First Baptist. We also need to do a better job of getting the word out so all of our people can enjoy the experience. I was blessed tonight and next time, I'll drag you along so you can be blessed too!

Cal

Mother's Day at FBC

There is always a moment that defines an occasion. Yesterday it was Helen Walker and Cindy Costa offering up a duet of "Whispering Pine" during morning worship on Mother's Day. The ladies did a great job and it was a sermon in itself.

My message talked about the ways that we can truly bless our children. Taking my cue from the text of John 15:1-8, I encouraged everyone to stay connected to the root, the true vine, Jesus. After church was over the Flower Committee distributed carnations to all the moms in attendance.

Cal

Softball Season is in full swing

On Friday our FBC Softball team won its third game of the season to put us one game over .500 at 3 - 2. Chip Chaffee pitched and knocked in 4 runs in the game. Eric Poore went 4 for 4 and Mike Staron made his return to the team with a couple of hits.

Here are a few photos from the game.

This is our twenty third season in the church league. We began back in 1987. We have won a couple of championships over the years. The best part though, has been the guys and gals that have been a part of it. I will never forget our first year. We twisted arms and I got everyone I knew to join. Mark Damien was my coach. My two brother-in-laws, Bob and Tim Duntz, played as well as my father-in-law. Kenny. Two of my best friends from high school, Marc Vaillancourt and Leon Dalbec, played. Dick and George Strouse starred on that team and a new guy at church , George Rezendes, also signed on to play.

Over the years we welcomed several folks with ties to church like Dave Royce, The Poore boys, Curt and Mary Brockway, Fred Green, Bruce Royce, the kids Daryl Alves, Casey Rezendes, and Fred Green Jr. We made a lot of new friends like Mark Dunaj, Chip Chaffee, Scot Rapoza, Ken Kreger, Mike Staron and so many others.

It has been so much more than a game. It has been a ministry and a family. So this year the family is at it again. We have a full roster and its already been a lot of fun. If you are in the neighborhood. Stop up and cheer us on.

Cal

Day of Prayer observance

Pastor Chuck Tyree, of the Norwich Alliance Church, and I organized Norwich's observance of the National Day of Prayer today. We met at City Hall where about seventeen people gathered to pray for our city, our nation, the men and women who serve in government, and those who are sworn to serve and protect.

We took turns praying for the various groups who were mentioned. Rev. Jeff Sharp of the Norwich Worship Center prayed for the police and fire departments and those who watch over the city and its residents. He prayed for the medical personnel in our hospitals and in the emergency vehicles. Pastor Michelle Madsen Bibeau of Central Baptist Church prayed for our nation, our President and the members of congress as they seek to lead us in these challenging times.

Ron Ward, the Director of Children's First Initiative prayed for our children and asked that they might have teachers who nurture and mentor them with love. He prayed for the educatoors and the parents who are called to shape the next generation. Rev. Gary Poorman prayed for the local government, our Mayor and the City Council and asked that they might be given the gifts of wisdom and discernment as they lead our city. Sister Mary Anne Guertin from Catholic Charities prayed for the social service agencies and those who work with the poor and those in need. Rev. Greg Perry prayed for those in the military and those who have been called to protect our freedoms across the world. Mayor Ben Lathrop joined the group and he asked for continued prayers for the city and the decisions that need to be made.

We prayed for those affected by the downturn in the economy. We prayed for the YMCA and thanked God for the good work that had been done through the years. We even asked for a little miracle on its behalf.

It was a good time of prayer where people came together in the name of God to simply ask His blessing on our world. I was proud to be a part of it.

Cal

PS You can check out the photos in the Norwich Bulletin at http://ow.ly/5DHk