Heavenly Herald Newsletter – November 2026

cheshire lutheran church logo

The Heavenly Herald

660 West Main Street Cheshire, PO Box 157, CT 06410

(203) 272-5106  |  Fax (203) 272-3523

www.cheshirelutheran.org/

Shepherds and Servant Leaders

Serving Christ Together

What You Need To Know

Pastor's Message

A pastor wearing blue liturgical vestments speaking from a wooden pulpit.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Sometimes, it’s easy to be thankful: when life is good, when things at home and at work are going well, when people are healthy and happy.  In those moments, you look at the world around you and the life you have built, and you see so many reasons to give thanks to God.  But life doesn’t always work that way.  There are also times when you look around and life is not going well: problems at home or at work, illness may come and not go away, financial hardship that seemingly comes out of nowhere.

In those times, it can be downright hard to be thankful.  In fact, there may be times when you look at your life and think you have absolutely no reason to give thanks.  When life just won’t let you take a breath, won’t give you a break, you may feel that there’s no way you could possibly be thankful.  We’ve all had those moments – maybe not quite that extreme – but everyone has those times when they feel they can’t catch a break.  And, yet, even in those times, Saint Paul encourages us to be thankful.

Not only does Paul exhort us to be thankful, he even goes so far as to tell us to rejoice.  He says to you and me that we should “rejoice always” and to “give thanks in all circumstances.”  Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure I’d have a hard time rejoicing when life seems to be against me, and it’s a safe bet that giving thanks in those moments would probably be the furthest thing from my mind.  Still, that’s exactly what Saint Paul says, and the amazing thing is that this isn’t the apostle just being overly positive while having no concept of the harsh realities of life.

Paul is a man who lived through experiences so difficult that most of our lives look like a cake walk by comparison.  Imprisonment, beatings, harassment, verbal abuse – all these things and more made up his life, and he still – amazingly – tells us to rejoice in all circumstances.  Paul can say this because he learned the secret, the life-changing truth, that gives everyone all the reason in the world to “rejoice always” and “give thanks in all circumstances.”  He tells us what it is in Philippians 4, as he explains that he can be content in all situations and endure all things because of Jesus Christ.

Whatever Paul’s life brought, and whatever your life brings, God is working out His plan for your good and welfare.  It doesn’t change whether you have all the reason in the world to be thankful or you can’t think of a single one; God is working for your good in any and every situation in life.  We know that all things – all things – work together for the good of God’s people (Romans 8:28).  We are certain that God’s plans always work for our welfare, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).  No matter what happens in life, Christ Jesus is always with you (Matthew 28:20) and He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

God’s love for you in Christ Jesus is the reason that you can give thanks in all circumstances; because of Jesus, you always have a reason to rejoice.  Regardless of whether life seems good or bad, our Heavenly Father is always there for you, loving you, caring for you, providing for you, forgiving you.  Nothing in this life will stop Him and nothing will ever separate you from Him (Romans 8:38-39).  That’s one incredible reason to be thankful.

This Thanksgiving, whether your life is full of joy and blessings or you’re having a hard time finding a reason to rejoice, remember that you always have Christ Jesus – and He always has you.  Whatever this life brings, He’s always at work for your good; so, no matter what the circumstance may be, because of Jesus you can always give thanks.

I pray that you will join us for worship this November, and especially on Thanksgiving Eve, as we rejoice in all the ways that our Gracious God has blessed us and as we give thanks for His continual goodness to us.

God bless you, and I pray you have a happy and health Thanksgiving!

In Christ,

Pastor David Rowold

News From the President & Church Council

Portrait of Bill Soulier, Parish President at Cheshire Lutheran Church, standing at a podium and smiling while speaking.
Bill Soulier Parish President

Greetings All

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the Fall weather as we head into the holiday season. Soon we will be celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends and maybe watch a football game or two. Enjoy and give thanks.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and sing joyful songs of praise (Psalm 95:2)

It’s that time of year when we turn our clocks back one hour on October 31st. Do so and you won’t be late for church.

The Council finalized the 2027 Mission plan and will present it to the Voters. Also, the Nominating Committee will present the slate of candidates to fill the open positions of Officers and Deacons and will present them to the Voters for approval at our next Voters Meeting that will take place on Sunday November 8th after the late service. The positions to be filled are: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Christian Growth Deacon, Evangelism Deacon, Worship Deacon and Youth Deacon. As of this writing we have candidates for President, Vice President and Treasurer and Christian Growth Fund Deacon. The Nominating Committee has been working hard to find candidates to fill the other positions, so if you feel compelled to take on this task, please contact the Nominating Committee or myself. I understand that taking on one of these positions may seem like a challenge, however you will not be alone.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied.  (1 Peter 4:10)

I would like to thank the members of the Finance Committee for their efforts to put together a comprehensive, fair and balanced Mission Plan. The members are Randy Raddatz, Bill Sherman, Nancy Schweitzer Kurt Lenz and Dave Schrumm. Also, I would like to thank the Nominating Committee for their hard work finding candidates to fill all the open positions. Not an easy task this year, the members of the committee are Jonathan Schrumm, Erica Bencivenga and Rob Delaubell.

As I mentioned, our next Voter’s meeting is November 8th after the late service. It is extremely important that we have as many Voters as possible in attendance so that we can establish a quorum as required by our Constitution and Bylaws.

Speaking of Bylaws, there will be an Informational Meeting before the Vvoters Meeting. Proposed changes to the Bylaws of Cheshire Evangelical Lutheran Church will be presented. All members of the Congregation are invited to attend in person or by Zoom. You do not have to be a Voter to attend. Questions and comments are encouraged. If you are interested in becoming a Voter, please feel free to stay for the Voters Meeting

Yours in Christ

Bill Soulier

Council President

An autumn-themed reminder graphic on a teal background with multiple clocks and fall leaves, text reads: "Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday, November 1, 2026! Remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday."

Important Congregational Meeting: Bylaw Changes Overview

An informational meeting will be held on Sunday, November 8th, immediately following the late service in the Fellowship Hall (just before the Voters Meeting). During this session, the proposed revisions to the Bylaws of Cheshire Evangelical Lutheran Church will be presented.

All members of the congregation are encouraged to attend—either in person or via Zoom—and are welcome to ask questions or share comments. For additional information, please contact Vice President Randy Raddatz, President Bill Soulier, or any member of the Council.

Informational flyer graphic for Cheshire Evangelical Lutheran Church regarding proposed bylaws revisions on Sunday, November 8th.

Evangelism Deacon

Portrait of the Evangelism Deacon at Cheshire Lutheran Church, smiling warmly indoors with short styled hair.
Evangelism Deacon Erica Bencivenga

Greetings!    

Our final meeting for the Woman’s Book Club will be on December 1st at 6:30 PM.  We will be having a book exchange and Christmas party, likely at Eva Schrumm’s house. 

Blessings,

Erica Bencivenga

Evangelism Deacon

Fellowship Deacon

Portrait of the Fellowship Deacon at Cheshire Lutheran Church, wearing a dark suit jacket, white shirt, and patterned tie, smiling against a light blue backdrop.
Thom Zeppieri Fellowship Deacon

Happy November everyone!

First off, I’d like to give a big shout out to Karen Bailey for her help with last month’s jazz concert. Karen’s previous experience presenting concerts at our church and setting up receptions was immensely helpful! Because of Karen’s guidance, we had a successful concert with a wonderful reception!

On Sunday, November 22, we are privileged to have Jacob Gruss give an organ recital at our church to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the dedication of our pipe organ. Jacob is a graduate of The Juilliard School in New York City and is said to be a “rising star in organ performance”. He has performed at many venues, including Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall and David Geffen Hall. Along with Jacob, we will also have a talented trumpeter. This is a performance that shouldn’t be missed!

Our annual Advent Jubilee and celebration of the 70th anniversary of our church will take place on December 6, following our 10:30 church service. A signup sheet for this will be found on the bulletin board in the hallway.

Many blessings!

Thom Zeppieri

Fellowship Deacon

Financial Secretary

“Portrait of the Financial Secretary at Cheshire Lutheran Church, wearing glasses, a light purple sweater, and a white patterned collared shirt, smiling against a gray-blue textured backdrop
Nancy Schweizer Financial Secretary

Reminders from Your Financial Secretary:

  1. To help the volunteers who process your offerings, to do so accurately and efficiently, here are a few things that you can do:
    • If you have received offering envelopes, PLEASE use them. This will eliminate any errors when your envelope number is looked up during the recording process.
    • Please remember to mark the outside of your offering envelope with the exact amount of money enclosed. This is a very important check and balance for us.
    • If you’ve been absent for some time and want to bring your offerings up to date, kindly use ONE rather than MANY envelopes.
    • Please do not post-date checks.
    • Please use black or blue ink for your checks.
  1. If you have any questions, please email the Financial Secretary at finsec@cheshirelutheran.org or contact me directly (see the Church Directory for my email address).

 

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

Nancy Schweizer

Financial Secretary

House & Grounds Deacon

Portrait of the House and Grounds Deacon at Cheshire Lutheran Church, wearing glasses and a plaid button‑up shirt, smiling against a light blue textured backdrop.
Jonathan Schrumm House & Grounds Deacon

No New News This Month…See Ya Next Month…

Jonathan Schrumm

House and Grounds Deacon

Social Welfare Deacon

Portrait of the Social Welfare Deacon at Cheshire Lutheran Church, smiling warmly indoors, wearing a patterned blouse and silver heart‑shaped necklace.
Terri Daly Social Welfare Deacon

Supporting Our Neighbors Through the Cheshire Community Food Pantry

As a church family, we continue to faithfully support the Cheshire Community Food Pantry and the important work they do for our community.  This fall, we conducted two meaningful opportunities to bless local families and help strengthen the Pantry’s outreach.

 UPDATE:

THANK YOU 

We met our goal for Feed the Northeast and Thanksgiving Baskets 

  • Total of 543 items
  • Gravy 161 
  • Total pounds 348

 

Thank you to David Blair for getting the Thrivent Grant. Thank you to David Blair and Vicki DePaolo for shopping for items, and Margie Mertz and Nancy Engelhardt for delivering the to the food pantry. Thank you to everyone who helped load Margie’s car. 

Big Thank you to the Congregation for accomplishing this in two weeks !!

This was a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and make a real difference. Every can, box, or bottle helps us move closer to the goal and provides nourishment to families who rely on the Pantry.

Cheshire Food Pantry—Adopt a Shelf—Wish List Items:

The Pantry has welcomed a new executive director who is learning the rhythms and needs of the organization.  At this time, our Adopt-a-Shelf items remain dish detergent and syrup, two essentials that help keep the shelves stocked and families supported.

Wish List Items: Want to make a bigger impact with our food donations?  Each week, the pantry director releases a Wishlist detailing real-time needs.  Please check the Heavenly Herald and bulletin updates for the latest list.

Brown paper grocery bag filled with assorted food items including bottled water, juice, chips, lettuce, and canned goods. The front of the bag lists donation items: ground coffee, cookies, bottled water, chips, juice, sugar, cereal (except Cheerios), vegetable oil, breadcrumbs, and oatmeal.
Food Pantry Wish List

Delivery Sign-Up: When signing up to deliver items to the food pantry, please aim for the third week of the month.  This helps us accurately record our food totals for the Heavenly Herald.

Our continuous collection for the Cheshire Food Pantry remains active with bins located under the counter near the church office doors.  Please consider signing up to deliver the items to the food pantry.

Staff at the pantry are very thankful for our donations and they have a positive impact on our community.

With grateful hearts, let’s join together to meet these goals and continue shining Christ’s love into our community.  Your generosity is deeply appreciated, and every donation is a blessing.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Terri Daly

Social Welfare Deacon

A bar chart comparing monthly donation contributions to the Cheshire Community Food Pantry for the years 2025 and 2026. Blue bars represent 2025 contributions, and orange bars represent 2026 contributions. The chart shows fluctuations across months, with notable peaks in February, July, August, and October.

Stewardship Deacon

Portrait of the Financial Secretary at Cheshire Lutheran Church, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and light blue tie, smiling against a soft blue studio backdrop.
Kurt Lenz Stewardship Deacon

During October, the leaves fall and children get excited about Halloween.  Trick-or-treating is a tradition that both children and adults enjoy. Of course, children love the one night of the year when they can collect and eat all their favorite candy. As adults, we delight in seeing their smiling faces as we hand out treats.

As we enjoy the spirit of giving this Halloween, let’s remember to carry that same joy and generosity into our support for the many mission needs of our church.  After all, the real treat is the blessing we receive when we give from the heart. The trick is to give with an open heart!

(FYI – Our giving stands at 100.69% of our mission plan through the third quarter. Let’s finish the year strong!)

Kurt Lenz

Stewardship

Worship Deacon

Portrait of the Stewardship Deacon at Cheshire Lutheran Church, wearing glasses, a dark suit jacket, and a light checkered shirt, standing against a gray-blue studio backdrop.
Steve Benfeldt Worship Deacon

You are cordially invited to be a:

  • Reader
  • Usher
  • Greeter
  • Singer or Ringer
  • Altar Guilder
  • Live Stream Camera Operator

In a typical four Sunday month, there can be at least 70 “periods of service” where members usher, acolyte, read lessons, greet other members and guests before service, glorify God through musical offerings, prepare the altar, and operate CLC’s live stream broadcast.

Our services are a sacred time to gather, reflect, and grow together in faith as a worship community.   It is truly a blessing to serve God and our worship community.  No experience is necessary, just a spirit of love and a willingness to serve. 

Colorful illustration showing four adults meeting at a table outside a church, planning nursery activities. Surrounded by playful items like toys, blocks, bottles, and two happy babies, with a rainbow and sun overhead symbolizing joy and community.

On September 8th, I presented the recommendation of the Nursery Committee to the Church Council, formed per the CLC Bylaws, regarding a new Nursery space.  As you may recall, the impetus for this committee comes from the CLC Long Term Plan currently being developed and worked by the Church Council.  Four members (Karen Raddatz, Erica Bencivenga, Tricia Rowold, Dora Jacobson Green) volunteered to serve on the committee and a number of other members have assisted and consulted, including Pastor and Sarah Rowold, Jon Schrumm and Randy Raddatz from House and Grounds, and Steve Feero from the Multi-Media Team. 

The recommendation is to convert the current “Cloak Room” (the Sunday School room with the Choir and Acolyte robes) into the new Nursery, and make the old Nursery into a Sunday School classroom, basically swapping those existing spaces and then upgrading and furnishing the new Nursery space.  The recommendation allocates up to $7,500 of existing funds from the Special Gifts account.  The Council approved the recommendation unanimously.  On September 13th, the recommended plan was presented in the Voter’s Meeting.  Once again, it was approved unanimously. 

The new space will be appropriate for ages 0 up to 5 years.  The committee developed a list of compliant upgrades in order to properly reconfigure the room.  This list includes new painting and carpeting, signage, LED lighting, some Christian artwork, a few new furniture pieces, a bookshelf, a changing table, a shelf with bins, and a new, modern “wireless system” capable of transmitting the worship service to the room, displayed on a screen or large tablet.  Steve Feero has identified excellent candidates for this new “wireless system”.

The current plan is to have all upgrades completed by the end of November, with a goal of November 1st.   A sincere thank you to the Nursery Committee and all the members who have worked diligently to get us to where we are on this important project. 

Please reach out to Steve Behnfeldt to learn more or to affirm your willingness to serve in any of the ways mentioned above. 

Thank you and the Lord bless you!

Steve Behnfeldt

Worship Deacon

Through the Lens of Tim W – This Past Month at Cheshire Lutheran

A church bell hangs within a dark wooden frame surrounded by trees with red and orange autumn leaves. The landscaped area includes green grass, shrubs, and red flowers at the base of the structure. In the background, part of the church building with beige walls and windows is visible under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
The bell tower at Cheshire Lutheran Church, photographed on October 17, 2026—an autumn moment of reflection and grace surrounded by seasonal color.
A wide view of the Cheshire Lutheran Church building with its steep, shingled roof and tall, narrow windows. Three large wooden crosses stand prominently on the manicured lawn in front of the church, surrounded by neatly trimmed shrubs and landscaped mulch beds. The sky above is partly cloudy with patches of blue, and autumn trees add warm tones of red and orange in the background.
Cheshire Lutheran Church and its three crosses, photographed on October 17, 2026—a serene autumn scene reflecting faith, beauty, and community.
A blue and gold sign for Cheshire Lutheran Church stands on a stone base surrounded by colorful flowers and neatly trimmed greenery. The sign includes the words “Little Cherubs Christian Preschool” and the street number 660 displayed vertically on the left post. Behind the sign, a road curves through a tree-lined area with autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, and green under a bright blue sky.
Cheshire Lutheran Church sign and garden, photographed on October 17, 2026—an inviting autumn scene marking faith, fellowship, and community presence.
A tranquil garden scene showing the stone Columbarium surrounded by lush greenery and autumn trees. Benches sit beneath large trees offering shaded spots for reflection. In the foreground, colorful flowers bloom among shrubs and grass, while tall evergreens and golden foliage frame the background under a partly cloudy sky.
The Columbarium at Cheshire Lutheran Church, photographed on October 17, 2026—an autumn view from the entrance, celebrating peace, memory, and the beauty of creation.
A vibrant autumn scene featuring the Cheshire Lutheran Church with its tall A‑frame roof and large glass façade. In the foreground, a memorial garden blooms with colorful flowers—red, yellow, orange, and pink—surrounded by green shrubs and trees. A small birdhouse stands on a pole near the garden, and three tall wooden crosses rise prominently on the lawn to the left. The sky above is bright blue with scattered white clouds.
The memorial garden and crosses at Cheshire Lutheran Church, photographed on October 17, 2026—a radiant autumn day celebrating faith, remembrance, and renewal.
A peaceful view of the Cheshire Lutheran Church grounds from the Columbarium. Bronze memorial plaques line the curved stone wall in the foreground. Beyond them lies a small garden with blooming flowers, shrubs, and a wooden bench under a large tree. The church building, with its distinctive A‑frame roof and glass façade, stands in the background surrounded by autumn-colored trees and green lawns under a bright blue sky.
The Columbarium and memorial garden at Cheshire Lutheran Church, photographed on October 17, 2026—an autumn scene of remembrance and serenity overlooking the sanctuary.
A peaceful outdoor view of the Cheshire Lutheran Church grounds featuring the stone Columbarium in the foreground. The circular stone wall encloses a paved area surrounded by lush green grass and autumn trees with red, orange, and green leaves. The church building with its distinctive A‑frame roof is visible in the background under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
The Columbarium at Cheshire Lutheran Church, photographed on October 17, 2026, looking toward the sanctuary—an autumn moment of reflection and tranquility.
A bright autumn scene featuring the Cheshire Lutheran Church sign in the foreground, surrounded by colorful flowers and neatly trimmed greenery. The blue and gold sign reads “Cheshire Lutheran Church” and “Little Cherubs Christian Preschool,” with the number 660 displayed vertically on the left post. Behind the sign, the church building stands with its distinctive A‑frame roof and tall glass façade, flanked by trees with red, orange, and green leaves under a vivid blue sky.
Cheshire Lutheran Church and its sign, photographed on October 17, 2026—an autumn day of color and clarity, celebrating faith and fellowship.
New Lights installed at Bell Tower, picture taken on 2026-06-21
New Lights installed at Bell Tower, picture taken on 2026-06-21
Nighttime landscape featuring a large multi‑trunk tree illuminated by ground lights, its branches and leaves glowing warmly against the dark sky. Behind the tree stands a tall wooden frame with a hanging bell, also lit from below. The scene includes neatly trimmed shrubs, mulch beds, and a small evergreen bush, creating a peaceful, well‑maintained garden atmosphere.
Lighted Bell Tower Side View taken on 2026-06-18
Outdoor bell mounted on a dark wooden frame, illuminated by warm lights at night. The structure is surrounded by lush green and reddish trees, their leaves glowing under the lighting against a deep blue evening sky. The scene feels peaceful and well‑maintained, highlighting the bell as the focal point among the foliage.
Lighted Bell Tower Front view taken on 2026-06-18
Nighttime scene showing a small landscaped area with two illuminated trees—one with bright green leaves in the foreground and another with reddish-brown foliage behind it. Between them stands a tall, dark structure holding a bell, lit by ground lights that cast a warm glow against the dark blue sky.
Lighted Bell Tower
Church bulletin page featuring worship details, announcements, and a photo of an illuminated bell tower at night. The layout includes sections titled “For Our Worship,” “News and Notes,” and “A Word About the Lessons.” Two yellow-highlighted boxes note dedications: one for the Bell Tower Lighting in memory of James L. “Jim” Mertz, and another for altar flowers given by Margie Mertz and family. The page also lists service times, Bible study, choir schedules, and community outreach projects.
Sunday Bulletin on 2026-09-27 Blessing of the Bell Tower lights Dedicated in loving memory of James L "Jim" Mertz
A church service scene showing a pastor in a white robe with a green stole standing at the front, raising his hand in blessing while holding an open book. Congregants stand in pews facing forward, heads bowed. In front of them, several people stand behind tables covered with dark blue cloths displaying handbells and open sheet music, suggesting a handbell choir setup. Sunlight streams through large glass doors in the background, and an American flag and staircase are visible beyond the windows.
Pastor Blessing the Bell Tower Lights in Memory of Jim Mertz on 2026-09-27
Alt text: A pastor dressed in a white robe with a green stole stands near an open doorway, raising his hand in a gesture of blessing or prayer. The scene is softly lit, with natural light coming through large windows that reveal a brick wall outside. In the foreground, a table covered with a deep purple cloth is visible, suggesting a church or ceremonial setting.
Pastor offering Blessing of Bell Tower Lights on 2026-09-27
A group of children stand along a long table covered with a dark blue cloth inside a church. Each child holds a handchime while looking at sheet music arranged in rows. An adult instructor stands on the opposite side of the table, pointing toward the music with a pencil. Wooden pews line the background, and sunlight filters through tall windows, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Children play "Jesus Loves Me" on Handchimes – Sunday Service, October 18, 2026

Notice of Upcoming Elections

Nominating Committee Graphic

The following Officers and Deacons are to be elected at the Voters’ Assembly meeting to be held on Sunday, November 9th, after the 10:30 a.m. service:

Officers (term of 1 year)

Deacons (term of 3 years)

President

Evangelism Deacon

Vice-President

Christian Growth Fund

Recording Secretary

Youth Deacon

Treasurer

 

New officers will be installed on the first Sunday of 2027.

CLC members are invited to contact any member of the Nominating Committee if you are interested in filling an elected position, or if you would like to propose a candidate for election.

Nominees shall be at least eighteen years of age and shall be confirmed members of the congregation.  Please consult the church directory if you would like to communicate with any member.

Our Nominating Committee members this year are: Jonathan Schrumm, Erica Bencivenga and Rob DeLaubell.

Sunday School News

Colorful illustration of cheerful cartoon children holding large, bright letters that spell “SUNDAY SCHOOL.” The letters are arranged in two rows, with “SUNDAY” on top and “SCHOOL” below. Each child wears vibrant clothing and poses playfully, appearing to jump or dance against a plain white background.
An illustrated poster showing four stages of an eagle’s life, each representing a Sunday School age group: Happy Hatchlings (Toddler & Parent Room), Little Chicks (Pre-K–Kindergarten Room), Fledglings (1st–3rd Grade Room), and Soaring Eagles (4th–8th Grade Room). Each stage features eagles at different growth phases with colorful backgrounds and wooden signs labeling the rooms.

In October our lessons were: Jesus’ birth and presentation in the temple, a visit to His Father’s House, Jesus Baptism in the Jordan, and the clearing of the temple.

We continue to meet from 9:20 – 10:20.  If you would like time for snacks and fellowship, please arrive early at 9 a.m.

We have names for each of our classrooms this year.  As students grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and His love for them, they the move through the stages of an Eagles life: Happy Hatchlings – Toddler and Parent room, Little Chicks – PreK-Kindergarten room, Fledglings – 1st – 3rd grade room, and Soaring Eagles – 4th -8th grade room.

We have our annual Christmas program during the 10:30 service on Sunday, December 13, 2026; rehearsals start on November 15, and we will have a fun Sunday on December 20th.

Come and join the fun; we can’t wait to see you there!

Tricia Rowold—Sunday School Superintendent

Parents, please remember to THANK our staff and teachers this year; they are:

Sunday School Classes

Little Chicks (Pre‑K – Kindergarten)

Dora Greene & Tricia Rowold

Fledglings (Grades 1–3)

Lynn Balash & Laura Sullivan

Soaring Eagles (Grades 4–8)

Kelley Collins‑Pardee & James Donewald

Substitute Teachers

Erica Bencivenga

Kathrine Clark

Trish Greenhalgh

Britt Lynch

Jon Rowold

Sarah Rowold

Grace Muller

Education Deacon

Kelley Collins‑Pardee

Sunday School Superintendent

Tricia Rowold

ADULT BIBLE STUDIES at CLC

Sunday morning Bible Study between the services starts at approximately 9:15 a.m. every Sunday.  This month we’re continuing our topic, “Jesus…Legend or Lord”, a video series featuring Dr. Paul Maier.  Jesus is one of the most written about and debated figures in the world.  In this video series, Dr. Maier explores a three-lane highway to the past through the disciplines of Archeology, History, and Geography.  Along the journey, we’ll be looking back to the world that Jesus Himself saw as He moved toward the cross.

In addition to Sunday morning Bible, our midweek Bible study meets on Wednesday afternoons at 1:30 p.m.  This Fall, we’re looking at the book of Esther.  It’s the account of an average woman that God put in an extraordinary position to save His chosen people.

Our Adult Bible studies are meeting in the Church Library on Sundays and Wednesdays.  If you cannot be with us in person and would like to join by the computer, please contact Pastor Rowold for a Zoom link. 

Come out and join us any time, even if you haven’t been with us before.  You are always welcome.

News From Our Little Cherubs

Logo for Little Cherubs Christian Preschool featuring three smiling cartoon children with different hair colors and skin tones. Each child has small gray wings, and a white halo floats above the central figure’s head. The text “Little Cherubs Christian Preschool” forms a circular border around the illustration, symbolizing faith, diversity, and early childhood learning.
Children from Little Cherubs Christian Preschool stand in a line in front of a red Cheshire Fire Department truck, smiling during a visit. A fire hose lies coiled on the ground, and the bright blue sky and fall trees frame the cheerful scene.
Thank You Craig…
A Chicken visits Little Cherubs

Little Cherubs month of October news for you to enjoy!

As we said Hooray October is here and we are off to a great start.

This month, we had the privilege of Craig Henderson visiting our school with the Fire Truck on October 5th.  The children get so excited to see the Fire Truck and spray the hose.

Thank You Craig…

This month the children learned about all things Fall; pumpkins, farms, spiders and leaves.

One of our parents brought their chicken in for a visit.  What excitement!

On October 30th the children dressed up and off they went to Marbridge Memory Center to get candy bags and enjoy their time with the residents.  They sang songs as well.  It is a great time. Lewis, thank you for the invite.  All classes were invited to go with us across the street. We had a police man stop traffic so we could go across the street to Marbridge and again to help us across back to Cherubs.

Bible time was all about Adam and Eve, Noah and Moses. The children learned about Adam and Eve’s sin, Noah and Moses obedience to the Lord.  Pastor continues to visit each class once a week for Bible time review.

The children practiced the letters Cc, Dd, Ee, Ff and numbers 1-10. They also worked on basic shapes; circle, square, and triangle.

We are so blessed to have Little Cherubs Christian Preschool, children, parents, and teachers.

We still need to increase our enrollment in the 3’s class. 

Pass the word to those you run into.

We are still looking for substitutes. If you or someone you know of someone who would like to substitute, please call or have them call 203-272-1150.

God Bless to all,

JoAnn

Click Here to Learn More

Welcome Our Newest Member to the Lords Family

No New Baptisms in October

Welcome New Members to CLC

No New Members joined in October

Sharing Christ’s Love Through the Food Pantry

Logo for The Cheshire Community Food Pantry, Inc. featuring a large red letter “C” encircling a brown paper grocery bag filled with food items such as bread, leafy greens, and fruit. To the right, the organization’s name appears in black and red text, with the tagline “Caring about our neighbors” written below in smaller red italic letters.

An Invitation to Give, Serve, and Bless Our Neighbors

 

One of the simplest and most meaningful ways we share Christ’s love with our community is through our support of the Cheshire Community Food Pantry.  Every can of soup, every box of pasta, every bottle of shampoo becomes a quiet act of mercy, a reminder that no one in our town should feel forgotten.

 

Over the past few months, our donations have continued to bless many families.  Thank you to everyone who faithfully brings items for our First Sunday Food Drive. Your generosity truly matters.

 

A Gentle Request: We Need Delivery Volunteers

 

We are looking for volunteers too deliver collected items to the Food Pantry.  Delivering to the Pantry is a quick, easy, and very rewarding job, usually just a short drop-off during their open hours.  If you’ve been looking for a simple way to serve, this is a beautiful opportunity.

 

The sign-up sheet is posted on the hallway bulletin board. Even one month of help makes a difference.

 

Ways You Can Support the Pantry

 

Here are a few simple ways to help:

  • Pick up a “buy one, get one free” item and donate the free one.
  • Bring non-food essentials like toothpaste, shampoo, detergent, and paper goods.
  • Check expiration dates so we send only fresh, usable items.
  • Drop off items directly at the Pantry if that’s easier for you.
  • Send a monetary gift so the Pantry can purchase what they need most.

 

As Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15b)

 

Every contribution — large or small — helps us live out that call.

 

Where to Deliver or Send Support:

Cheshire Community Food Pantry:

Mailing Address for Checks:

Online donations:

175 Sandbank Rd,

Cheshire, CT 06410

Phone: 203‑699‑9226

Cheshire Community Food Pantry

PO Box 457,

Cheshire, CT 06410

cheshirefoodpantry.org

CLC Helping Hands Committee

A repeating horizontal pattern of simple black line drawings of hands arranged in clusters of four. Each group forms a circular or symmetrical shape with fingers spread outward, symbolizing unity and cooperation. The design appears as a continuous border across a white background, creating a rhythmic and minimalist visual effect.
Portrait of a smiling woman with short brown hair wearing a collared shirt patterned with small red, pink, white, and blue flowers on a dark background. She has small drop earrings and stands before a textured gray‑blue backdrop, lit evenly for a professional headshot.
Sally Schrumm – Helping Hands Committee Leader

Look closely!  Do you see your hands?  No?  Would you like to add them?  Let me tell you how!

  1. Drive someone to church
  2. Make and deliver a meal
  3. Call or visit someone who is homebound.

 

Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching! Helping Hands has traditionally reached out to those who are unable to attend church with advent readings, decorations and treats ( candy, baked goods).

 

If you would like to be a part of this mission by baking, assembling and/or delivering our gifts, please contact me ( text and email in the directory).

 

God bless you all!

Sally Schrumm

Helping Hands Committee

Memorial Garden & Columbarium News

A peaceful view of the Cheshire Lutheran Church grounds from the Columbarium. Bronze memorial plaques line the curved stone wall in the foreground. Beyond them lies a small garden with blooming flowers, shrubs, and a wooden bench under a large tree. The church building, with its distinctive A‑frame roof and glass façade, stands in the background surrounded by autumn-colored trees and green lawns under a bright blue sky.
A tranquil garden scene showing the stone Columbarium surrounded by lush greenery and autumn trees. Benches sit beneath large trees offering shaded spots for reflection. In the foreground, colorful flowers bloom among shrubs and grass, while tall evergreens and golden foliage frame the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A peaceful outdoor view of the Cheshire Lutheran Church grounds featuring the stone Columbarium in the foreground. The circular stone wall encloses a paved area surrounded by lush green grass and autumn trees with red, orange, and green leaves. The church building with its distinctive A‑frame roof is visible in the background under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
A peaceful outdoor view of the Cheshire Lutheran Church Columbarium surrounded by lush green lawns and mature trees. The curved stone wall encloses a paved area with benches, and small American flags line the top of the wall. In the background, the church building is partially visible among trees with deep red and green foliage under a bright blue sky.

Our Columbarium and Memorial Gardens continue to be a place of peace, remembrance, and quiet beauty for all who visit. We are grateful for the faithful hands that care for these sacred spaces and ensure they reflect the love and hope we have in Christ.

 

We give thanks for everyone who serves in this ministry of care. Your work blesses our congregation and honors the memory of those who rest in Christ.

 

Blessings and gratitude to all who help tend these sacred grounds.

The MG&C Video Reminder:

 

We encourage all congregants to revisit the Beautiful Tribute: The MG&C Video, available on our church website, as it beautifully reflects the spirit of this ministry. Looking ahead, the Committee is excited to begin working closely with Rick Arisco as we prepare for Phase Two construction, tentatively scheduled to begin in Spring 2026.

 

If you have questions about the Columbarium or would like to learn more about reserving a niche, please reach out to the church office or speak with a committee member:

Pat DiDomizio

Vicki DePaolo

Margie Mertz

Randy Raddatz

Bill Soulier

Beth Soulier

Ed Schweizer

 

Tim Weiland

Out of care for our sacred space and in accordance with CLC By-Laws, we kindly ask families to refrain from leaving items (flowers, trinkets, etc.) at or around the Columbarium. While we deeply understand the sentiment, our staff is unable to remove these items promptly. If you have questions, please speak with a committee member. Thank you for your understanding.

 

Columbarium Status:

Category

Count

Notes

Saints Inurned

23

1 Pending

Subscriptions (Pre-Need)

33

1 Pending

Niches in Use or Subscribed

56

63% of total niches

Open Niches

32

37% available

Memorial Plaques (Purchased/Installed)

30

1 Pending

Click Here for more information 

Greeting Card Fundraiser

A wooden display rack with four shelves filled with colorful greeting cards and small booklets. Each shelf has labeled sections such as “Get Well,” “Sympathy,” “Inspiration,” “Encouragement,” “Healing Booklets,” and “Prayer Devotions.” The cards feature floral and inspirational designs. A yellow donation box sits to the right, and the photo has a warm tone.

A variety of greeting cards with Christian messages are for sale at $1 each.  These high quality cards are displayed in a rack on the counter outside the office.  We will continuously update the selection which includes Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, Sympathy, Thank You, seasonal and miscellaneous choices.

 

After making your selection, please leave your money or check in the box attached to the display. 

 

Thanks to all who continue to support this ongoing program.

 

We appreciate your thoughtful participation in making this benevolence so successful.

 

Contact Person: Paula Ongley

Our Sunday Morning Prayer List

Graphic featuring the words "Prayer List" in large black font next to an illustration of a spiral notepad and pencil.

The Sunday Morning Prayer List will be reset after the service on Thanksgiving Eve.  Beginning with the Sunday services on November 29th, the names currently on the list will be removed and names will remain on the list only if Pastor is told to keep them there.

If you have the name of a loved one on the Prayer List that you would like to stay there after Thanksgiving, or a new one that you would like to add, please contact Pastor to let him know.

If you have submitted a name to the Prayer list, please remember to give Pastor periodic updates on the people we are praying for, especially if circumstances have improved and they should be removed from the list.  We take great joy when we can take a name off the list for good reasons.

Cans and Bottles — Bottles and Cans

Save your returnable Bottle and Cans.  Money raised will benefit Little Cherubs.  A collection can is located at the back of the Fellowship Hall by the storage closet. 

CLC Choir News

CLC All Choirs Rehearsal & Performance Schedule:

 

Date

Time

Event

Choir

November 1 – Sunday

10:00 AM

Rehearsal

Parish Choir

All Saints

10:30 AM

Performance

Parish Choir

November 4 – Wednesday

7:00 PM

Rehearsal

Bell Choir

 

7:45 PM

Rehearsal

Parish Choir

November 8 – Sunday

NO CHOIRS

November 11- Wednesday

7:00 PM

Rehearsal

Bell Choir

 

7:45 PM

Rehearsal

Parish Choir

November 15 – Sunday

10:00 AM

Rehearsal

Parish Choir

 

10:30 AM

Performance

Parish Choir

November 18 – Wednesday

7:00 PM

Rehearsal

Bell Choir

 

7:45 PM

Rehearsal

Parish Choir

November 22 – Sunday

7:20 AM

Rehearsal

Bell Choir

 

8:00 AM

Performance

Bell Choir

 

10:30 AM

Performance

Bell Choir

65TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR SCHLICKER PIPE ORGAN

4:00 PM

Organ Recital

Jacob Gruss

November 25 – Wednesday

7:00 PM

Rehearsal

Parish Choir

Thanksgiving Eve

7:30 PM

Performance

Parish Choir

November 29 – Sunday

8:00 AM

Performance

Soloist or Hymn

Advent 1

10:30 AM

Performance

Soloist or Hymn

 

   

December 2 – Wednesday

7:00 PM

Rehearsal

Bell Choir

 

7:45 PM

Rehearsal

Parish Choir

Do You Know the Date of Your Baptism?

Greeting card with a baptism theme showing a stone baptismal font topped by a cross, surrounded by flowing blue water and bubbles. The text reads ‘Happy Baptism Birthday!’ in blue script.

Do You Know the Date of Your Baptism?…

Well, do you?  Do you know the date that you were Baptized?  If you do, we’d like to know it in the Church office too.  We already keep track of birthdays and wedding anniversaries, including them in the monthly newsletters and the Sunday morning prayers.  We are now add “Baptismal Birthdays” to that list too.  Please contact the Church office to share the date of their Baptism.  As we get more information we will add it to the list of those special days included in the Heavenly Herald.

We Remember the Following on the Anniversary of their Baptism:

  • November 6—Tim Slocum
  • November 9—Allison Johnson
  • November 9—Doug Henderson
  • November 10—Marilyn Miller
  • November 11—Sally Schrumm
  • November 11—Wendy Milton
  • November 18—Kelley CollinsPardee
  • November 28—Robert DeLaubell
  • November 28—Benjamin DeLaubell

This Month in Our History

A monthly glimpse of the history of your Cheshire Lutheran Church

A circular emblem featuring the words “This Month in Our History” in bold orange letters arranged around the acronym “CLC” in the center. The text has a slight shadow for depth, and the design sits on a clean white background.

November

November 10, 1483

Martin Luther born

November 1960

Church sanctuary construction begins

November 2, 1961

Schlicker Pipe Organ dedication

November 18, 1979

Church Fellowship Hall and Sunday School rooms dedication

Our Sincere Appreciation

Graphic with the German words ‘Vielen Dank’ meaning ‘Thank you very much.’ The design features a blue oval gradient background with ‘Vielen’ written in a pink‑purple cursive font and ‘Dank’ in bold blue letters.
  • Thank you to Tim Weiland for continuing to take pictures during our key events, seasonal pix around our beautiful grounds and at Services. We are blessed.
  • Thank you as ALWAYS to Bill Juul & Steve Feero for tirelessly working so hard to post and create the video, audio and still shot content on our YouTube channel.
  • Sincere thanks to Martha, the Parish & Bell Choirs, and special soloists for continuing to enhance our services with your beautiful music.
  • Thank you to the Fellowship Committee and Thom for planning the wonderful events here at CLC.
  • Debt of gratitude to unnamed people who continue to keep our grounds so beautiful each season. This is no easy task and we want you to know how much your work is appreciated

Looking for Volunteers to Run our Video Equipment

Man seated beside a professional video and audio workstation with multiple monitors, a laptop, and mixing equipment on a wooden desk. The background features light wooden paneling with warm, bright lighting.

We have been enjoying the new audio/video equipment for over a year now.  Special care was utilized during the purchase process that the equipment be easy to use for volunteers, including those with no prior background in sound or video equipment. Do you take videos with your phone?  Are you interested in learning more about audio/video and streaming technology? 

 

Offer your time and increase your video talent and assist with running the new equipment for an 8 AM church service.  You will be helping Pastor Rowold and our Service to go live on YouTube.  Contact Tim Weiland or Bill Juul for details.

 

We will train volunteer staff on all of the equipment and help troubleshoot any problems that may arise as people master the system.  Your efforts will give you new skills you can carry into other areas of their lives if you so choose.

 

Strengthening Our Digital Presence on Facebook

A close-up illustration of a foot with social media icons such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others arranged around it, visually representing the idea of a digital footprint and how online platforms track user activity.

In today’s fast-paced digital age, it’s crucial for our Church to remain connected and engaged with our congregation and the broader community.  As part of our ongoing efforts to adapt and thrive in this digital landscape, we are committed to improving our digital footprint on Facebook.

Improving our digital footprint on Facebook is a step forward in our mission to share God’s love and connect with our congregation and the wider community.  It’s an opportunity to reach more people, build stronger bonds of fellowship, and inspire positivity in an increasingly digital world.  We look forward to this journey of growth and connection, and we invite you to join us on Facebook as we continue to spread the message of faith, hope, and love.  Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the digital realm and beyond.

An Afternoon of Music: 65th Anniversary Organ Recital

Promotional flyer for an Organ Recital celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Schlicker Pipe Organ at Cheshire Lutheran Church. The design features a gold and brown background with organ pipes and a photo of organist Jacob Gruss seated at the console in a black suit. Text highlights guest artist Jacob Gruss, a Juilliard graduate described as “a rising star in organ performance,” and a special guest trumpeter. The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 22 at 4:00 PM. The flyer notes that all are welcome and the organ was dedicated in 1959.

Jacob Gruss – Inspiring a New Generation of Organists

A young man in a dark suit plays a large pipe organ in a concert hall. The organ console is made of polished wood with multiple keyboards and rows of stop knobs. Behind him rises an impressive array of gold and silver organ pipes arranged in ascending height, illuminated warmly under stage lighting.
Organist Jacob Gruss in concert, performing on a majestic pipe organ—an image of artistry, dedication, and musical brilliance.

Heralded by The Diapason magazine as a “Top 20 under 30,” Jacob Gruss is a rising star in organ performance and church music. Jacob is a graduate of The Juilliard School in New York City. At age 21, Jacob was named Organ Scholar at the renowned Cathedral of St. John the Divine, where he appeared with world-class orchestras and choirs. In New York, Jacob boasted an active performance schedule in many of the city’s renowned venues, including Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall and David Geffen Hall. Jacob is currently pursuing his Master of Music degree at the Yale School of Music, receiving both the Pauline Voorhees Prize in Organ Performance and the Mary Baker Award in Organ Accompanying. An avid sacred musician, Jacob serves as Director of Music at St. Matthew’s Church in Bedford, New York.

Jacob won First Prize and Audience Choice in the 27th Annual Albert Schweitzer Young Professionals Competition. He’s placed first in the Westmorland Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition, first in the Cassel Competition (Harrisburg, PA), and was a winner in the 2023 AGO Quimby Northeast Regional Organ Competition. Additionally, Jacob won the American Guild of Organists’ Pogorzelski-Yankee Memorial Scholarship and was the inaugural recipient of the Robert and Nancy Powell Scholarship.

Jacob regularly programs collaborative works, and he’s performed with numerous ensembles including The Juilliard Orchestra. In Summer of 2026, Jacob was named Artistic Director of Bedford Chamber Concerts, a leading music venue in Northern Westchester. Beyond performance, Jacob is an emerging composer. His recently commissioned Mass of the Immaculate Conception premiered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and saw it’s New York City debut in Spring of 2025. Jacob has been featured nationally in The Diapason magazine, The American Organist magazine, and on both Pipedreams and WQED-FM Pittsburgh’s Voice of the Arts.

 Beyond the organ, Jacob studies improvisation with Jeffrey Brillhart and conducting with Richard Webster. In his free time, Jacob enjoys traveling, opera, biking, art, and golf.

More information about Jacob, including upcoming events, can be found at: jacobgruss.com

Thanksgiving Service Reminder

We will be having our traditional Thanksgiving Eve Service on the Wednesday evening (November 25) before Thanksgiving at 7:30 PM.

The service will be in person and live streamed on YouTube (just like Sunday mornings).

Don’t forget to bring a nice, hearty loaf of bread to share (skip the Wonder Bread).

Thanksgiving Bread Exchange

This November we will once again have a loaf exchange at our Thanksgiving Eve Service. 

Everyone interested is invited to bring a loaf of bread with them to the service; it can be bought at the grocery store, or the bakery, or even made at home if you’d like.  (Please remember to wrap it if you make it at home – and please, no loaves of white sandwich bread that are so airy you “wonder” if it’s really bread.) 

We’ll all place our loaves in a basket at the beginning of the service, and then everyone is invited to take a different loaf of bread home with them when the service is over. 

By including these loaves of bread on our Thanksgiving tables we can, in a symbolic way, share the meal with our wider family of faith.

Warm watercolor graphic for a Thanksgiving Eve Loaf Exchange, featuring a woven basket filled with artisan bread loaves inside a church sanctuary.

CLC Christmas Preparation

“Many Hands Make Light Work!”

As we prepare our Sanctuary for the celebration of Christ’s birth, we invite you to join us for two festive opportunities to serve:

  1. Tree Cutting

We’ll gather at CLC around 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 18th, to harvest and bring the Christmas tree into the Sanctuary. Your helping hands will make this joyful task light and lively!

  1. Tree Decorating

The following morning Saturday, December 19th—we’ll meet at 9:00 a.m. ish to decorate the tree and adorn the Nave. With enough helpers, this festive tradition is usually completed within 1–2 hours.

Thank you all for your cheerful service and fellowship. Wishing you a blessed Advent and Christmas season!

With gratitude,

Randy Raddatz

CLC Vice President

Seven men work together outdoors to carry a large evergreen tree trunk across a grassy area. They are dressed in winter clothing—jackets, hats, gloves, and boots—suggesting cold weather. The background shows bare trees, a residential street, and houses, indicating late autumn or early winter.
Inside a church sanctuary with a high wooden ceiling and vibrant blue, red, and yellow stained-glass windows, several people decorate a tall Christmas tree beside the altar. The altar features a wooden cross on a white wall and a blue cloth with a gold angel design. Volunteers work together arranging decorations and supplies, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.

Sunday Worship Assistance for the Hearing Impaired

A hearing assistance system (Williams Sound Corporation) and four receivers have been donated to CLC.  A receiver (hearing aid) may be obtained from any usher. 

Please feel free to ask for one and make sure you return to an usher at the end of the service so it can be returned to it’s proper storage place for use at another time.

Fire Safety from the Wellness Committee

Informational inquiry graphic asking church members if they are interested in First Aid, CPR, and AED training, with contact instructions for Pastor Rowold.

Reminder: To Connect and Greet One Another

We kindly remind you to take a moment after the service to greet those around you. Whether they are guests or fellow members, if you spot someone you don’t know, please introduce yourself. Encourage visitors to introduce themselves to Pastor and sign the guest book so we can stay in touch. Don’t forget to thank them for joining us and let them know we hope to see them again.

Your friendly gesture can truly brighten someone’s day and help build a welcoming, connected church community. Thank you for fostering a spirit of warmth and hospitality!

An illustration of a diverse congregation greeting one another warmly in a church sanctuary, with a large stained glass window and altar in the background.

Please Contribute to Making This Newsletter a Success

REMINDER: The next issue of the Heavenly Herald will be the December 2026 edition.

Please electronically submit ALL articles and information to Beth Soulier by Friday November 27th (the Friday AFTER Thanksgiving) or earlier! Use email listed in our PRINTED directory.

Thank You!

A promotional web banner for a church newsletter, featuring a photograph of the modern A-frame Cheshire Lutheran Church building on the left, set behind a flower garden with two large gold crosses and surrounded by trees under a blue sky. Large yellow text next to the building reads "CHESHIRE LUTHERAN CHURCH". The right side has a dark-blue gradient background with the large title "Heavenly Herald" in rich blue script, followed by "Monthly Church Newsletter" in smaller text. A stack of three detailed paper newsletter icons is displayed, each with the "Heavenly Herald" logo and legible text columns. At the bottom, a bright gold button with a blue shadow reads "Read the Latest Issue", set above a blurred, deep blue silhouette of a crowded church congregation. The entire graphic has a clean, sharp, and high-resolution professional finish.

How to Reach Pastor in an Emergency

A circular illustrative infographic with a cream background titled "IMPORTANT CONTACT INFO" in an arched burgundy font at the top. The graphic provides instructions for reaching church staff when the office is unavailable.

Thrivent Choice Update

Earlier this year, Thrivent made several changes to the Thrivent Choice program.  While there are changes, the main objective remains the same: provide members with the ability to live generously and have a meaningful impact on their communities.

1.  ONE ANNUAL DESIGNATION

Choice Dollar allocations are now designated in full at the beginning of the year. This one time designation is based on a member’s prior year qualifying product activity.  This is a change from prior years when designations were made quarterly.  The Choice Dollar designation for the year ending 12/31/2025 was made in mid-April of 2026. 

2.  DEADLINE OF DECEMBER 31 FOR DIRECTING CHOICE DOLLARS

Choice Dollars can be directed any time during the year until December 31.  PLEASE NOTE THIS MAJOR CHANGE.  Members no longer have until March 31 to direct Choice Dollars.  Any Choice Dollars not directed by December 31 will expire.  Therefore, please make an effort to direct your Choice Dollars early and if possible, do not wait until December 31!

3.  MORE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE FOR CHOICE DOLLARS

All Thrivent members now receive Choice Dollars.  This expands Thrivent’s ability to reach more congregations, causes and communities that are important to members.  Previously, only Benefit Members received Choice Dollars.  This change brings the Choice Dollar program to Associate members as well.

Thrivent continues to adhere to their philosophy to support and amplify their clients’ generosity by providing them with tools and resources to take action and create an impact on others in a variety of ways.  For additional information, please consider the following:

A graphic featuring the Thrivent Financial logo with a red heart icon and cross, alongside the tagline "Connecting faith & finances for good." The lower section has a bold blue background with white text reading "HOW TO DIRECT THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS®".

On the Bulletin Board

A church bulletin board with a colorful red‑and‑yellow border displaying printed notices, flyers, and schedules under headings such as “Worship,” “Membership News,” “Fellowship,” and “Community News.” The center section labeled “Sunday School” is surrounded by announcements and a small “Thank You” card, representing community updates and church activities.

Remember to check the Bulletin Boards and/or hallway table for sign-up sheets and information about various events!

 

This month on the Bulletin Board:

  • 2026 Flower Chart Sign-up
  • CLC Council and Voters Meeting Dates
  • CLC Usher Schedule
  • Live Stream Camera & Operator sign-up
  • Women’s Book Club gathering information
  • Lutheran Church Extension Fund information
  • Sunday Coffee Hour sign-up
  • Sunday School Schedule information
  • News and Updates regarding some of our members
  • Thank You Cards and other correspondence
  • Cheshire Food Drive Volunteer info. and sign-ups
  • Information on CLC family members called home to be with Jesus

 

Others looking for help!

 

  • Ushers are needed to work both services. Contact Steven Behnfeldt to volunteer.
  • Altar Guild is looking for new members. Contact the Church Office to volunteer.
  • Helping Hands is has expanded its mission and ministry. Contact Sally Schrumm to learn more and volunteer.

Council and Voters Meeting Reminder

 Mark your calendars:

  • Council meetings:
    • Tuesday, December 1st, at 7:00 PM in Person
  • Voters meetings:
    • Sunday, November 8th, after the late service in Person (approx. 11:45)

Looking for New Sunday School Superintendent

At the end of this School year, I plan on stepping down as Sunday School Superintendent.

The Council will appoint a new superintendent for the 2027-2028 School year.  If you are interested in being considered for this position please see Kelley Collins-Pardee or Bill Soulier. 

Tricia Rowold

A cheerful Sunday school classroom scene shows a teacher sitting at a table with six young children who are drawing and writing. The room is decorated with colorful posters, including one that says ‘TEAM!’ Behind them, text reads ‘CLC is Looking for New Sunday School Superintendent’ with the LCMS logo featuring a cross and wreath above it.

Do you know someone who is Pre-School Age

If so, please suggest to their parents that they look into our Little Cherubs Christian Preschool program.  Little Cherubs was the recipient of the 2023 Cheshire award for BEST PRESCHOOL.  We are: a state licensed facility, our curriculum supports State of CT Benchmarks, focus is on kindergarten readiness, there is a low student to teacher ratio and we have enrichment programs available!

 

Little Cherubs Preschool offers a sound Christian curriculum and quality learning opportunities that nurture a child’s spiritual, intellectual, social, physical & emotional growth and development.

 

For detailed information about our Little Cherubs program please visit our church’s website: www.cheshirelutheran.org/little-cherubs-christian-preschool/

 

Kelley Collins-Pardee

Christian Education Deacon

 

Click Here To Learn More

Birthdays This Month

10th

Lynn Balash

 

Andrea Merrow

11th

Julian Muller

15th

David Veleber

17th

Bill Sherman

 

Christina Plantier

18th

Jonathan Schrumm

19th

Alyssa DeLaubell

 

Kristina Tuscano

20th

Clifford Ongley

 

Steve Behnfeldt

21st

Joanne Casberg

22nd

Bruce Emerick

26th

John Casberg

 

Debbie Sherman

28th

Dale Zeppieri

 

Anniversaries This Month

10th

David & Melissa Veleber

23 Years

12th

Don & Diane Drust

54 Years

16th

Alan & Carol Santoro

41 Years

23rd

Paul & Christine Smith

35 Years

24th

Tim & Cindy Baker

25 Years

27th

Edward & Nancy Schweizer

44 Years

28th

John & Joanne Casberg

67 Years

 

Blair & Kristen Donewald

45 Years

CLC Calendar

Link or Display Calendar

Servant List

This area is intentionally left blank to protect the privacy of our servants.