Mira Cabrera - Design and Publishing
October 2026
Turning back
Rev. Elizabeth Gleich
Dear Church,
Fall always seems to stir up gratitude in me. Maybe it’s the harvest, or the changing leaves, or simply the feeling that we are being invited to notice what is here before the season turns. There is an abundance to this time of year that makes me want to stop and say, “Thank you.”
Recently, I was talking with someone about thank-you notes. They told me they don’t write them because they don’t like feeling obligated to give thanks. I found myself thinking about that for a while. I agree: gratitude shouldn’t be an obligation. No one should be made to feel that they owe us a thank-you, and certainly no one should be punished for failing to express gratitude in the way we expect.
And yet, I also believe that gratitude is good for us.
There’s something telling about the story in Luke where Jesus heals ten people with leprosy, and only one comes back to thank him. Jesus notices. I don’t think this is because Jesus is keeping score. Rather, I hear in the story an invitation to something deeper: to notice what we have received, to turn back toward the giver, and to say, Thank you.
That feels particularly meaningful to me as we enter our stewardship season and begin our capital campaign. We will, quite appropriately, be talking about money. We’ll talk about what our church needs and about how we might each participate in sustaining and strengthening this community. But underneath those practical questions is a spiritual practice I want to pay attention to: What happens when we remember that everything we have is a gift?
Our money and possessions are part of that. So are our homes, our abilities, our time, and this faith community we share. Everything we have ultimately comes from God, and ultimately belongs to God. For me, that changes the way I think about giving. Stewardship isn’t simply about meeting a budget or fulfilling an obligation. It can also be an expression of gratitude.
This is something I’m trying to live into more intentionally this month. I hope to write more thank-you notes, to say “I appreciate you” more often, to notice the ordinary gifts that are easy to overlook and name them. It’s good for the soul.
So perhaps this October, alongside all our conversations about stewardship and capital campaigns, we might practice a little gratitude together. We might pause long enough to notice what we have received, from one another and from God, and find our way to say: Thank you.
Gratefully,
Pastor Elizabeth
CHURCH COUNCIL Meeting September 9, 2026
At the September 9 meeting of Church Council, Erika Garner said the 2026 Capital Campaign hopes to raise $675,000 over three years. Members of the campaign steering committee have made pledges already, she said, and a few church members have made early gifts.
The campaign would provide $555,000 to replenish funds taken from the endowed Building Account to pay for replacement of the church’s 103-year-old slate roof. It also would repay two loans: the remaining $46,000 of $150,837 borrowed from Special Funds in 2018 to paint and repair the church steeple, and the remaining $21,000 of a $58,628 loan from Special Funds that allowed the church to invest in solar panels in Shoreham through the Acorn Renewable Energy Co-Op. And it would provide $53,000 to purchase the remaining portion of a 2023 lease the church signed when it installed rooftop solar panels. Paying off the two loans and buying out the lease would reduce the church’s operating expenses by $25,720 a year. Council approved a motion to endorse a three-year, $675,000 Capital Campaign.
The Capital Campaign is being held at the same time as the annual Stewardship Campaign, which hopes to raise $533,000, a three percent increase from last year. Pastor Andy Nagy-Benson noted that the church held successful simultaneous fund drives in 2013, when members made their annual pledges at the same time they committed to funding the church’s new addition.
John Emerson told the Council that members of the Justice, Compassion, and Love Team plan to use church facilities this fall to participate in a non-partisan effort to send postcards and/or letters to voters in southern states encouraging them to register to vote and to cast ballots in November’s elections. The mailings would target communities that have faced barriers to civic and electoral participation and would not endorse candidates or political parties, he said. Two years ago the Board of Trustees turned down a request from a political movement called Indivisible to use the church building, citing a church policy that forbids its use for political groups. John said this year’s effort is being led by church members, not by an outside organization. The team is continuing to investigate ways of identifying potential voters..
Pastor Andy told the Council that, because of declining participation, the church this year will not organize and participate in the annual CROP Walk, which raises funds for the Church World Service’s Christian Rural Overseas Program. The church will look for other ways to support the program. He also said the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ has asked if our church might be available to host its 2027 annual conference. The Conference is also looking at other possible sites.
Pastor Elizabeth Gleich told Council members she and six other faith leaders were arrested by state police Sept. 4 on charges of unlawful trespass after blocking entrances to the Williston offices of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They were among about 20 people protesting the federal government’s treatment of immigrants.
Moderator Leanna Maglienti said the Personnel Advisory Committee met in early September and discussed the schedule for personnel reviews and how the church can support both pastors during Pastor Elizabeth’s upcoming maternity leave. Leanna also said the committee plans to shift the formal annual evaluations of hourly staff from the fall to the end of the program year in the spring. The evaluations of Pastor Andy and Pastor Elizabeth will continue to occur in October, she said.
Matthew Cox, Church Clerk
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Between annual meetings, the Church Council meets once a month to fulfill its responsibility to coordinate the church's programs and business. Council has the powers generally ascribed to a corporation's board of directors.
The Church Council is composed of the following Church members: Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, and the chairpersons of the six church boards. Also, there are three at-large members. One is elected every year and serves a 3 year term.
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The basic life and work of the church is under the direction and supervision of church boards, which meet monthly at the All Boards Meeting and report to the Church Council. Members of these boards are elected from the membership of the church.
FROM OUR director
of children and youth ministries
May Poduschnick
Church School
Church School is off to a running start! Through acting, singing, playing, and asking questions, our children are exploring Bible stories and discovering the bigger truths woven through them. The puppets are making frequent appearances, and kids are learning songs—some silly, some serious—that help reinforce their faith and bring our lessons to life.
Throughout the year, we hope to nurture simple but meaningful truths: God keeps promises. God helps us when things seem impossible. God guides us one step at a time. And so much more!
We are also connecting the Children’s Message during worship with the main theme of our Church School lessons, helping children see how their learning continues throughout our shared worship experience. Our curriculum is based on Meredith Miller’s book, Wonder: 52 Conversations to Help Kids Fall in Love with Scripture.
Nursery
Our nursery group may be a little smaller these days, but it remains a lively and joyful bunch! We are taking advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoying our outdoor play area while we can.
We’ve also made a room change, but the essentials remain the same: playing, singing, reading, and learning how to be part of a caring community—even from the youngest ages. There is plenty of fun and connection happening in our nursery!
Jr. Youth Group (JYG)
JYG is off to an energetic start, with 21 youth joining us for our first meeting (plus 3 dedicated adult volunteers)! We are excited to see our young people building community, having fun, and becoming active participants in the life of our church and wider community. We continue to meet Sunday evenings twice a month.
Beginning in October, JYG will also be sponsoring one coffee hour each month, so keep an eye out for our young people serving in the kitchen and helping to create a welcoming space for fellowship. We look forward to seeing what this group will do together!
We are grateful for the energy, curiosity, and joy that children and youth bring to our church community. Thank you to all the volunteers, families, and young people who help make these ministries vibrant places of learning, belonging, and faith!
With Love,
May Poduschnick
Director of Children and Youth Ministry
from our music director
Ronnie Romano
Dear church,
September has flown by especially quickly this year — the final days of summer are ended! As we settle into fall, I look forward to many continually emerging music activities around church.
Chancel Choir will continue to sing weekly at Sunday services and rehearse on Thursday evenings. New singers are always encouraged to come by and give it a try! As we did last year, we'll open the choir to anyone who would like to join for just the Advent & Christmas season. Keep your ears open for future nods to Mr. Rogers throughout this program year.
Children's Choir first gathering was a great success! Nine brave kids sang "This Is the Day" to the whole congregation before we all joined in together. It warmed my heart beyond measure—I got so excited that I spontaneously ran over to the piano and started playing along! We are hoping to get together once per month at 9:30am before the Sunday service for a fast rehearsal, then sing in the service, just like we did in September. The tentative next dates are Oct 25th, Nov 22nd, and Dec 24th (Christmas Eve). Please contact me with any questions and tell everyone you know to come sing with us!
Taizé services are back as of this month and will continue throughout the year on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm in Unity Hall. This year, I'm also adding a 5:30pm rehearsal for volunteer singers and instrumentalists from our congregation and beyond. I'd love to have a little ensemble going here to participate each month, so please consider giving this a try!
Handbell Choir rehearsals will be resuming soon thanks to Carol Campbell. We'll meet at 5:30-6:30pm on Thursdays in the Sanctuary to ring bells, aiming to offer a piece of music in a church service about once per month. Stay tuned for more detailed information.
Enjoy the beautiful fall days while they last!
With Love,
Ronnie
October is Campaign Season!
With faith and hope, our congregation is embarking on both our Annual Stewardship Campaign and a Capital Campaign this October. As you consider your pledge for 2027 and a commitment to the Capital Campaign, we invite you to learn more about how your financial support sustains and strengthens the ministry and mission of our church.
View the Stewardship Booklet here
View the Capital Campaign Booklet here
Fill out a Commitment Card for Capital Campaign Here
With gratitude,
Leanna Maglienti, Moderator
Ian Phair, Chair of the Budget and Stewardship Committee
Churchill Franklin, Campaign Co-Chair
Erika Garner, Campaign Co-Chair
Adult Ed: Faith & Money
Pastor Andy is leading a series of discussions on Faith & Money. For four consecutive Wednesdays—beginning September 30—the class will explore New Testament texts that engage topics of wealth, stewardship, taxes, and generosity. These lunchtime gatherings will be held in Unity Hall from 12:00-1:00. Online participation is welcome; email the office for link (office@midducc.org).
Week 1: God & Mammon (focus texts: Matthew 6:19-24; Luke 12:13-21)
Week 2: The Parable of the Talents (focus texts: Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27)
Week 3: ‘Render unto Caesar’ (focus texts: Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Romans 13:1-7)
Week 4: The Acts Economy (focus texts: Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-37; Acts 5:1-11; 2 Corinthians 8:12-15)
2nd Annual All-Church Retreat
Will you be attending the 2026 Church Retreat? NOW is the time to register!
Join us October 16–17 at Silver Bay YMCA for our annual Midd UCC All-Church Retreat—a chance to step away from the busyness of everyday life and spend time together as a church community.
This year, we’re looking forward to a retreat centered on the chance to exhale, refresh, and reconnect with one another in the beautiful setting of Silver Bay.
The retreat will officially begin with dinner at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, and conclude at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17. A full program schedule will be shared as we get closer to the retreat.
Ready to join us? Please register to secure a room for yourself and anyone you would like to lodge with.
REGISTER FOR THE ALL-CHURCH RETREAT
Silver Bay offers plenty of space for both gathering and reflection—from time together as a community to quiet moments overlooking the lake. We hope you’ll head home feeling refreshed, reconnected, and glad you came.
Questions? Contact May at may@midducc.org.
Second Annual “Fellowship on the Trail” October 25th
The Green Team invites you to come enjoy fresh air, fellowship, and inspiring views at the second annual “Fellowship on the Trail” on Sunday, October 25th, after the church service. We will gather on the grassy paths at Hurd Grassland in Weybridge, off Sheep Farm Road from Route 23. The circular trail offers several exploration opportunities, with easy return options for anyone who prefers a shorter walk. Along the way, the “birdhouse” provides a rest area with a bench and two chairs. Open views allow children to run ahead while remaining within easy sight of parents. Because the mowed footpaths have the ruts and bumps typical of pasture and meadow paths, anyone slightly unsteady may wish to bring walking poles or sticks. The expansive skyline and views of the Green Mountains, the College, and the surrounding area make this a beautiful place—you can even see our church steeple! The Green Team will offer cider and doughnuts near the parking area for light refreshment.
You can learn more about Hurd Grassland at https://www.maltvt.org/hurd-grassland where there is a nice description of the Grassland’s origin, as well as a map of the trail.
For questions, touch base with a Green Team member: Su Reid-St.John, Diana Davidson, Paige Russell, Judy Jessup, Dory Gorton, Candy McLaughlin, or Setty Provencher.
Please join us at Hurd Grassland on October 25th!
Pick Apples for a good Cause!
Please join the Green Team on Wednesday, October 14 from 2:00 to 3:30 PM at Woodman Hill Orchard (175 Plank Road, Vergennes) to pick apples for HOPE's Local Food Access Program. We'll glean rain or shine, and if you can't stay the whole time, come for as long as you can. Be sure to wear close-toed shoes and outdoor-appropriate clothes.
Questions? Email Su Reid-St. John at sureidstjohn@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!
Countdown to the 202 102nd Anniversary Holiday Bazaar:
Saturday, November 7, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Holiday Bazaar is back!
Our Holiday Bazaar returns this year on Saturday, November 7, 2026, and we need your help to make it another successful event. Last year over 50 volunteers contributed to help us raise close to $15,000 for our church. Let's do it again!
Got stuff? Think of us! We are a donations-only bazaar and rely on your pre-loved treasures. We're looking for:
- Jewelry
- Books
- Toys, games, and puzzles
- Plants and garden supplies/tools
Calling makers and bakers:
If you can knit, crochet, sew, hook rugs, embroider, weave baskets, throw pottery, make candles, bead necklaces, or otherwise turn raw materials into masterpieces -- think of us as you start your next project. We'd love to sell your handmade items.
Our baked goods table is also a favorite! Cookies, cupcakes, breads, and other delicious treats are happily accepted. Pencil in a baking day on your calendar the week of November 1!
Never enough soups and pies: Every year our soups and pies are the first to sell out. So let's make more and sell more! Containers and pie tins will be provided. More information to come. Contact Judy Jessup with questions!
Basket builders wanted! Fill a theme basket with goodies of your choice to sell in our silent auction. Baskets should be assembled by theme. Past themes include "A night in" (wine, candies, card games), "Knitting" (Yarn, needles, and knitting accessories), "Movies" (Popcorn, movie tickets, candies), "A taste of Vermont" (maple syrup, cheese, etc) and beyond. Get creative! Reach out to Ruth Penfield for more information.
Volunteers always welcome: Our group of fabulous volunteers has a lot of fun (and pizza!) Consider joining the Bazaar team to help us bring this beloved community event to life.
On Sale Now! 2026 Quilt Raffle Tickets
Now on Sale! Tickets for our annual quilt raffle.
Have you been sitting on pins and needles waiting to see the 2026 Bazaar quilt crafted by our very own Dorothy Douglas? The Bohemian Brightness is an oversized queen quilt 93” x 93” made from 100% cotton fabric. The star and chain layout uses the rich colors of plum, teal, maize, and pinks. Come see it and buy your raffle tickets in Fellowship Hall starting Sunday October 4. A big thanks to Dorothy for her extraordinary contribution!
Helping Hands
Helping Hands is a group of folks that meet up monthly to help around our historic church building while also strengthening friendships. The next meetup will be October 5th at 10:15. We will be paying closer attention to the sanctuary. Any questions reach out to Dorothy Douglas, 802 989-0405. All are welcome!
October Gather & Share Theme: Ready Meal Month
This month, Gather & Share is collecting ready-to-eat and easy-to-heat meals for neighbors who may have limited access to a full kitchen.
Helpful donations include single-serve meals in trays, cups, or pouches that can be heated in a microwave or over a camp stove, along with pop-top canned foods such as tuna, chili, hash, Spam, soup, and similar filling meal options.
These items may not always be the healthiest choices, but they can provide an important easy, filling meal when cooking options are limited.
As always, please donate unopened, within-date items. All donations support neighbors across Addison County through HOPE’s food pantry. Thank you for helping make meals a little easier this month!
The Gratitude Collection
Here in the office we have the pleasure of receiving notes of gratitude in the mail, over the phone, and in person. We thought it would be nice to have a place to collect these little gestures of gratitude and share them with our wider community...what better place than our monthly Church Matters publication?! Welcome to The Gratitude Collection!
This month: We've got a special message right from Dottie, who got her birthday wish and more after requesting donations for Community Supper and In-the-Bag program for her 90th birthday!
"Thank you to everyone who so generously donated to my birthday celebration. We have collected enough food to do at least 3 community suppers and one in-the-bag meal! I've counted 200 pounds of spaghetti--wow! Our guests will be happy to know that these donations came mostly from right here at church. Incredible!!!" -Dottie
Unlike most people turning 90, Dottie had a very specific birthday wish: presents for the Community Supper/In-the-Bag program! Dottie helped found these efforts more than 20 years ago, and they continue to provide meals to members of our wider community. Want to keep supporting a ministry Dottie has cared about for so many of her 90 years?
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Ways to Get Involved with Community Supper
1) Volunteer as an individual Server
Whether you can help once or become a regular, your time makes a real difference. The commitment is about 2 hours on a Friday, and the tasks are simple but essential—setting tables, serving food, and tidying up afterward. No experience needed. Sign up today!
2) Volunteer or Sponsor a Meal as an Organization
Are you connected with an organization that would like to sponsor a meal or organize a group to volunteer together? Community supper is truly a community-wide effort, and your organization can make a huge impact while also strengthening your team and having fun. Contact the church office (office@midducc.org) if you'd like to volunteer or sponsor a meal as an organization.
3) Show up to a Friday night meal
Community Supper is not JUST about a free meal—it’s about sharing stories, building connections, and creating a space where neighbors become friends. Simply by showing up, you can contribute a great deal to making this a welcoming community for everyone at the table. Pull up a chair and join us, every Friday evening at 5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
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We love collecting and amplifying the gratitude you feel for our Church community and beyond! Have some gratitude you'd like to pass on? Email it to office@midducc.org OR drop a note in the "Gratitude Jar" outside the church reception window and we'll add it to the gratitude collection for a future Church Matters!
Mira Cabrera, Church Administrator
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october Birthdays
Kathy Jewett October 1
Harper Smith October 1
Rich Carpenter October 3
Ronnie Romano October 3
Sara Kent October 4
Jim Robinson October 6
Tiffany Sargent October 6
Dana Scribner October 6
Chris Giorgio October 7
Deb Karpak October 7
Steve Abbott October 8
Diane Mott October 9
Deb Farnham October 11
Lettie Kubacki October 11
Lumen Cabrera October 12
Jane Campbell October 12
Rick Viens October 12
Al Zaccor October 12
Anna Hardway October 14
Aurelia Lyons October 14
Gail Miller October 14
Mark Orten October 14
Amy Emerson October 16
Mary Lou Webster October 16
Evie Stinson October 17
Joe Smith October 19
Tara Affolter October 21
Tory Heatherly October 22
Michaela Kubacki October 22
Theresa Gleich Munn October 24
Wendy Warren October 24
Chris Ketcham October 26
Randy Stacey October 26
Mira Cabrera October 27
David Hallam October 27
Lorrie Muller October 27
Sherry Klinck October 28
Dory Gorton October 30
Churchill Franklin October 31
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october Anniversaries
Jennifer & Erik Bleich October 6
Churchill & Janet Franklin October 7
Jeff & Erika Garner October 9
Randy & Cynthia Stacey October 10
Beth Campbell & Steve Young October 13
Holly Puterbaugh & Lois Farnham October 20
Mary Lou Webster & Bruce Jensen October 22
Bob & Mary Jo Champlin October 24
