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3 weeks ago

Dear Friends,

We invite you to support The Tunbridge Church in service to the community. Our work touches many, especially our senior and homebound neighbors. Such friendship and caring are especially important at this time of Covid-19 which challenges and stresses so many of us. It is hard to believe that it was 10 months ago when a banner created by residents that proclaimed “Tunbridge Sends Love & Thanks to ALL ESSENTIAL WORKERS” was hung from the church railing.

The church entered 2020 anticipating a shortfall of $20,000 in our budget of almost $95,000. Due to the pandemic some expenses, such as heat and utilities, were lower – as were offerings. We had to take more than $20,000 from our investment account and will have to again this year. We do a lot with a little and rely heavily on volunteers and donations. Your annual gift, pledge of ongoing support, or weekly or monthly offering will help us continue to be a church that cares for others and reaches out in service.

The pandemic prompted many changes in church life, but not the weekly delivery of a spiritual message. For 19 weeks, starting in mid-March, Pastor Jenny Cook emailed weekly Midweek Connections and Sunday Worship Services. During 10 weeks of outdoor services we celebrated the 53rd annual “fair service” and Easter. After five weeks of indoor services with masked congregants seated apart and windows open we returned to the written word – Jenny’s Sunday services and Midweek Connections. We offer disposable communion cups for people who would like to take communion at home.

Jenny’s monthly Care for the Caregivers morning of respite was cancelled, however she and Called to Care volunteers support the caregivers and the homebound, some of whom can feel lonely and isolated, by telephone, as do others who call, deliver food, books, puzzles, do errands and give rides.

The Outreach Committee was not able to host its four monthly Super Senior Luncheons for over-80 residents. Instead it home-delivered monthly meals to more than 50 people in February and August-October. Thanksgiving bags with fruit, cheese and other treats were taken to seniors and Riverbend Residential Care Home. Poinsettias and banana bread were delivered before Christmas.

The Tunbridge Community Food Shelf is open at the Parish House with Covid-19 restrictions on Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. The Food Shelf also fills backpacks with weekend food for eligible students. Twenty-four boxes were packed with foods for a Christmas dinner and breakfast. Recipients chose gifts from a wide selection of donated toys and other items. In addition, the church hosted an Advent Calendar of Kindness through which daily donations were made for the food shelf.

The church assists residents during stressful times, including death. The winter solstice Service of Light, a time for remembrance and reflection, was shared by email and postal mail in lieu of a church gathering. The Funeral Fellowship Committee provided pandemic-style fellowship of bagged cookies and bottled water for five funerals. The Pastor’s Fund, a separate confidential account supported by donations, allows the minister to give emergency help.

Community events that were cancelled included a Sugar on Snow Party, Easter Sunrise Service and Ice Cream Social. February’s Food, Fun & Frolic family event was held, but the Community Yard Sale and Anything Apple were cancelled. We don’t know if any of these events will be held in 2021.

The year 2020 ended with light and messages of reassurance and comfort. Bunchie Angell created a painted “Church Quilt” that was installed on the front of the church in November. The bright colors and design convey the message of love, hospitality and faith in Christ, as expressed by Pastor Jenny. Please walk or drive by and see it.

The Christmas spirit was shared with 24-hour lighted Advent candles and a Christ candle on the deck railing, banners that proclaimed “Hope,” “Peace,” “Joy” and “Love,” “Merry Christmas to All,” a decorated Christmas tree in the garden and a lighted star above the creche display. And there was music. Choir members and choir director/organist Judie Lewis observed Covid-19 protocols to tape solos and duets that were shared through the church email list. The music continues now with weekly hymns.

When life is back to normal Pastor Jenny and the church will be available for baptisms, weddings and funerals. Visitors will see the new sanctuary lighting, funded by Barbara Howe’s family and donations given in her memory, and a quilt hanging behind the pulpit. Lizzie Lang, Nancy Chapman’s maternal great-grandmother, crafted the quilt of Depression-era older fabrics. Its “Dresden Plate” design symbolizes “We are many, we are different, we are one.”

We look forward to the time when we can invite you to join us in person on Sunday mornings and at community events. Meanwhile, please join our growing email list at thetunbridgechurch@gmail.com and receive the Sunday services, Midweek Connections and choir music. We also have a Facebook page on which some photos and news messages are shared.

Thank you for your consideration. Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2021.

Kay Jorgensen, President, for the Parish Council: Bunchie Angell, Sue Barnaby, Nancy Chapman, Rob Howe, Dawna Neron, Judy Tucker and Jerilyn Zaroogian and Pastor Jenny Cook

Donations may be sent to The Tunbridge Church, PO Box 270, Tunbridge VT 05077. Food Shelf donations may be sent to Mary Fisk, PO Box 12, Tunbridge VT 05077. Thank you. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Tunbridge Church

1 month ago

The Tunbridge Church office has a new phone number. It is (802) 693-0098. No area code is needed when calling from Tunbridge and surrounding towns. Please continue to directly call Pastor Jenny and church officers. ... See MoreSee Less

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The Tunbridge Church

1 month ago

The Tunbridge Church updated their website address. ... See MoreSee Less