News from the Pews, May 21
- CSCC UCC
- 52 minutes ago
- 4 min read
|
New Book Group Started on May 18th The Outreach Team at CSCC invites interested folks to our next Social Justice Book Group that began on May 18th. We will be reading and discussing Non-Violence:The History of a Dangerous Idea by Mark Kurlansky, an important book recommended for those taking part/planning to take part in protests/actions across the country, but also a very in-depth exploration of the wide concept of non-violence. We meet on Monday evenings at 7 pm on Zoom to throughly explore this informative book on May 25th, June 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd. Please let Marjorie MacNeiil know if you would like to attend all or some of the sessions by emailing seekrvt@mac.com or texting 802-338-2756. Marjorie MacNeill for the Outreach Team |
 |
________________ Strengthen the Church Offering this Sunday, May 24th “Diversity” is a word our national administration would choose to eliminate from our vocabulary. Yet that is exactly what the UCC promotes when we speak of being a “Big Tent” denomination. The Strengthen the Church offering, which we will receive Sunday, supports the creation of new churches that intentionally serve as a spiritual home for diverse communities. Please support our denominational outreach to those who may have never known that a church could offer a safe and welcoming environment. ___________________ |
Youth Group Schedule
Dear Friends,
The youth group meets on Sunday nights at 5pm. May 24 May 30-- (SATURDAY) Day at the Beach Bingo June 7 -- Last youth group meeting before the mission trip
The schedule: Middle School: 5–6 pm Dinner: 6–6:30 pm High School: 6:30–7:30 pm
We’re looking for volunteers. Many past volunteers have shared that serving in youth ministry has been one of the most meaningful ways they’ve participated in our church community. Volunteer Signup
If you haven’t completed a background check form yet, just reply to this email and I’ll send you the information you need.
Thank you for supporting our youth and helping them grow in faith and fellowship!
In faith and gratitude, Will Robinson, Youth Ministry Leader _______________ |
Bingo at the Beach May 30th FUNDRAISING FUN FOR THE YOUTH TRIP After the success (and fun!) of the March Youth Cabin Fever BINGO Fundraiser, the youth are back with a second round of fundraising fun as they prepare for their upcoming service trip to Providence, RI this August. Mark your calendars for BINGO at the Beach coming up on Saturday, May 30 at 5 p.m. in the Dining Room at First Congregational Church. Cards are $5 each (unlimited cards!), four rounds of BINGO with prizes for each round. Bring Your Own Snacks (and your friends and neighbors, too!). OFF TO THE OCEAN From August 9–14, 2026, the youth from College Street Congregational Church and First Congregational Church will travel to Providence for their annual mission trip. During the week, they will partner in direct service projects throughout the city while staying at a local UCC church. After several days of meaningful work, the group will enjoy a well-earned day at the beach in Newport. Want to support our youth? Join us for a BINGO Fundraiser May 30! If you would like to contribute but cannot attend, you can make a donation online through the church giving page. Please select “Youth Mission Trip” from the dropdown menu. Thank you for helping make this transformative experience possible for our youth! |
 |
ANNUAL CHURCH CLEAN UP DAY Saturday, May 30th, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Opportunities for yard work, gardening, and plantings outside, plus cleaning tasks inside. Please bring your own work gloves. Bring your favorite garden tools (optional). Come and go as you are able. A fun day of fellowship and accomplishments! _______________ |
Peace Camp June 23-25th Peace Camp is a collaborative ministry hosted by College St. and First Churches (UCC) in Burlington - this is our intergenerational take on Vacation Bible School, updated for 2026. We gather together in the evenings for three nights of picnics, music, and stories around the campfire, along with age-appropriate lessons and activities to develop our peacemaking skills for the world today. The $20 fee ($10/kids and youth) covers food, supplies, and a Peace Camp custom hat! Scholarships are available. Click on the link below to register. Email Pastor Jessica (jderise@collegestreetchurch.org) with questions. Link to Register: https://bit.ly/PeaceCamp26 |
 |
________________ Fill Our Food Pantry
Several years ago the Youth Group built a Food Pantry and placed it on the corner of our church yard near S. Union St. It’s a great location and is often empty. This note is a rally call!
Let’s make sure there is food and/or other non-food items at least every Sunday. There is a link in the News from the Pews each week to sign up. When the link opens, scroll down for a shopping list of food and non-food items you can contribute. If can swing by and contribute during the week, that would be great too!
Thanks for your participation--Mary Alice Favro |
 |
Easy 2-hr Volunteer Opportunity to Help the Unhoused King Street Laundry in downtown Burlington offers free access to washer/dryers each Wed from 1-3 pm. Volunteers start the machines using a cell-phone app - no touching laundry. Super easy to sign up. No long-term commitment - pick a day or two when it works for you. https://calendly.com/kingstreetlaundry802/pop-up-free-laundry-event-at-ksl About King Street LaundryKing Street Laundry is an excellent local non-profit. They got a nice write up in the Vermont Community Fund 2024 Annual Report (page 18). Our College Street Church connection to King St Laundry comes to us from Street CATs of Burlington. KSL also provides fiscal sponsorship to Street CATS. ________________ |
May 17, 2026 https://youtu.be/qOJYSEvj4hk
May 10, 2026 https://youtu.be/8DFuQHxpOzA
May 3, 2026 https://youtu.be/neOjUE9vOi8
|
ONGOING MISSION OPPORTUNITIES |
 |
 |
 |
Sign up to bring coffee, juice, and treats, and clean up after the service. |
Comments