Simon’s Says
During 1976’s Bicentennial, I picked up a brief volume titled Connecticut Congregationalism in the Revolutionary Era. As the title suggests, it describes the role of the Congregational Church in the state’s preparation for, and engagement in, the Revolutionary War. As we have mentioned before, most of Connecticut’s political leaders were Congregationalists, many of them clergy. It lays out the ideas that created the fertile intellectual and theological soil for revolution, specifically the writings of John Locke and John Calvin, and includes sermons and other writings of church leaders in the early- to mid-18th century.
I have reason to return to the book (and I’m so glad that, despite a massive library purge before coming to Chester, I still have it) as we ramp up for 2026’s Semiquincentennial. (And yes, I had to look that one up!) On Tuesday morning I sat in Town Hall with other community leaders who are part of the planning team for Chester’s celebration of America 250. I was there mostly as an observer rather than committee member, and my purpose was to discern what, if any, role our church, and/or our interfaith community, might appropriately play in the celebration. I reminded folks of the outsize role the Congregational Church played in the cultural and political world of the 1700s, and was grateful to be part of the brainstorming process. I’ll keep you updated on how the process transpires.
Lent begins next week. Ash Wednesday is March 5, and this Sunday we will distribute this year’s UCC Lent Devotional titled Into the Deep. During the season of Lent I will be using some of the daily devotions as a jumping-off point for my sermons and our services. We have enough for every family of the church, and we invite you to pick yours up soon.
And one more reminder, this Sunday will feature a brief set of Spontaneous Sermons, whose topics will be determined by all of you! I always enjoy this opportunity, and look forward to sharing thoughts, ideas and reflections with you all.
Here are the links to Sunday’s bulletin and service: