News from the Organ and Piano benches: "It takes a village", a saying which seems very appropriate given the huge shoes to fill from Matt's retirement. Janet Holmgren is working her magic piecing together a musical alternative with multiple musicians utilizing both the organ and the piano. Our own Thomas Kirby, once again, will pick up some Sundays playing on the piano with two talented Williams College student organists, Jonathon Hartanto and Graham Omerod, playing as their schedule permits. Jonathan, a sophomore, and Graham, a freshman, both play beautifully and we hope they will stay with us for the foreseeable future. Also, David Vredenburg from the Albany area will be rejoining us as organist over the summer. He remembers our congregation fondly and sends his greetings. Thomas' former teacher, Ed Lawrence, retired musical director of First Church and part of the Williams community will also be sharing his musical talent. Clearly it's taken a village! Please welcome all of these musicians heartily!
“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep;
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail; With peace on earth, good will to men."
With peace on earth, good will to men.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Rev. David Hurst
🎶🎶 Notes from the Music Director. May arrives in full bloom, inviting us to notice the beauty of growth, abundance, and new beginnings all around us. As the sounds of violin, viola, and organ continue to fill the Second Congregational Church, I find myself reflecting on how music, much like spring itself, can awaken the spirit, nurture stillness, and draw us closer to God’s presence. In worship, music becomes both prayer and offering, creating space for gratitude, contemplation, and joy.
This month, I am especially inspired by the possibility of welcoming young musicians into our music-making in the coming weeks. There is something deeply hopeful in inviting children and youth to share their voices and gifts in worship. Their presence reminds us that faith is living and growing, passed from generation to generation, and that music can be a beautiful bridge between hearts.
As we move through this season of blossoming, may the music we share continue to lift hearts, inspire hope, and offer peace amid the busyness of life. May this May bring you renewed joy, gentle strength, and an ever-deepening awareness of God’s grace.
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.” Psalm 98:4
ASP 2025 Trip Overview – Davy, West Virginia
This year, the ASP youth team will be traveling to Davy, West Virginia, located in McDowell County, the southernmost and one of the most remote counties in the state. The journey will be longer than previous years, approximately 12 hours, but the commitment to serve within West Virginia continues.
About Davy and McDowell County:
Geography: A rugged, mountainous, and flood-prone region.
Economy: Once a bustling coal mining area (100k population in 1950), Davy has now declined to around 17,000 residents.
Income & Poverty:
Per capita income: $15,000/year (lower than previous counties last year and the year before at $22k and $30k).
Poverty rate: 38% of the community lives below the poverty line.
Local Employment: Mainly in coal mining, education, healthcare, and retail (e.g., Dollar General).
Living Arrangements:
ASP'ers will be staying at the local elementary school – expect indoor camping-style accommodations (e.g., sleeping bags on the classroom floors).
Work Assignments:
Teams will receive specific project assignments just days before departure. As always, expect a focus on home repair and community support, with flexibility and teamwork essential.[🛠️]
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Rev. David F. Hurst, Pastor
May 10, 2026
En-Ting Hsu, Music Director
Sixth Sunday of Easter Communion
CALL TO WORSHIP Lay Leader
Leader: O clear and ever-present God come into our hearts this morning, so that we will celebrate your gift of love and peace, so freely given to us.
People: Through the sacrament of Holy Communion open us to your gracious Spirit, so that we are guided by your steadfast faith in us.
Leader: Protect us from all harm. Keep us making choices that build our lives. May we be assured that we are not alone! O God, bind us together.
People: May we rejoice in God's love! Let us worship with those around us for we are in need of your unconditional grace. Keep us filled with joy and gratitude for all of your blessings.
OPENING HYMN Blessed Assurance Pg 590
INVOCATION Lay Leader
Leader: Protect me, O Lord, for in you I take my refuge.
People: You are my God; I am lost without you.
Leader: The Lord has created my chosen portion and my cup. You, O God hold my very life in your hands.
People: May I think of you always. Keep your loving Spirit inside me, so that I will not be confused when hard decisions are expected of me.
Leader: With your Spirit within me my heart is glad! My soul rejoices! I can walk through life with more ease and confidence.
People: O Lord show me my path. In your presence there is fullness, joy, love and tolerance. Help me to respond to others; knowing the kindness that you have afforded me.
PRAYERS OF CONFESSION (In Unison) Rev. David F. Hurst
Leader: Let us open our hearts and lower our defensiveness.
People: O Lord, draw near to us; calm us when we confess our sins. Be our bond and refuge, in the days ahead. In you, O Lord we can rely.
Leader: O God, grant us a clearness of mind, to reply with love. Give us the courage to be kind and involved, rather than being ambivalent and protective of ourselves. Help us to admit when we are wrong and make amends where possible.
People: Through your infinite love, help us to find grace in living each day. Forgive us when we fail to distinguish between what is good and what is best. Forgive us, our sins, O God. Awaken us to your miraculous compassion.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: Thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of your Son, who died for our sins. Strengthen us, to follow your teachings through the love and blessing of Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
People: Halleluia! Thanks be to God
JOY AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYERS AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
GLORIA PATRIA Pg 36
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY Pg 44
First Lesson Psalm 31: 1-16 Pg 479
Second Lesson John 14: 1-14 Pg 938
Sermon Support Your Local Shepherd Rev. David F. Hurst
HYMN OF COMMUNION Let All Mortal Flesh Pg 119
We celebrate an open Communion Table - All are welcome!
CLOSING HYMN O Jesus I Have Promised Pg 473
BENEDICTION
Leader: May the mystery of God's love, inspire you to journey into all places with confidence and assurance.
People: May a sense of discovery fill our hearts and take away our hesitancy to share the good news with others.
POSTLUDE
Bulletins for April are given in memory of Charlie and Betty Austin by Barbara Austin
“The time is always right to do what is right! Martin L King Jr.
Blessings, everyone!
It is wonderful to see spring come! The new season brings new joys and challenges. I hope all is well with you. There is a healthy enthusiasm in the church and attendance reflects a love of worship and togetherness. Easter was celebrated with our sunrise service at Mt. Hope, and our Easter Service at the church. Many thanks for the quiche and muffins! It was a wonderful day! Special thanks to En-Ting for her wonderful music and all those who serve our church so well.
I’m writing this letter while doing cataract surgery. One is done and one eye to go! This surgery is so common these days, but I am apprehensive. Yet here is where we pray. We pray to calm our nerves. We pray for others whom we encounter and are kind to us. We are asked by Jesus to pray for those who are our advisories and those who frustrate our view of the world. We pray for our shut ins and those injured in accidents. We pray for courage to keep going and live in the path of God’s infinite and unconditional love.
In our mediative quote, Victor Hugo, a French author, journalist and human rights activist talks of prayer as deeper, concerned thought that occurs to us while walking through our day. It may not be so focused or organized, but it is a type of prayer that many enjoy, while not realizing it! We communicate with God and God communicates with us from every angle that you can think of! Prayer, while we walk, fend or negotiate life, is that raising of hope or healing for our neighbor, our friend or even our enemy. When we see what transpires around us; we reflect and begin to understand why people do what they do. We are concerned and that is a prayer for them. To Hugo certain thoughts or moments are prayers that communicate our love and concern for others to God. As we witness life around us and we, like Jesus are asked to love, to understand, and to forgive, we are asked to respond to the things we experience in daily life. God is always with us! Therefore, our deeper moments and thoughts are messages that we share with God, giving us a call for service to all humankind.
Happy Spring!
May God Bless,
David
Past organists: Susan Matsui, Meg Dodds, En-Ting Hsu, Guest organists: Thomas Kirby, Jonathon Hartanto, Graham Ormerod, Ed Lawrence and David Vredenburg
WilliNet channel 1303 Sunday Worship 9am and 4pm. Rerun Wed at 10am and Friday at 7pm
The Week's Internet site is:
https://reflect-willinet.cablecast.tv/store-3/13274-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-5-3-26-v2/vod.mp4
Upcoming
**Please scroll down to see the Weekly Bulletin below**
— Remember in Prayer —
A Prayer List is part of the weekly Bulletin. Please email the church (wmst2ndcongo@outlook.com) if you would like to make additions or subtractions to keep those on the list in prayer. . . It Works!
All of the First Responders who put their lives in jeopardy to care for all of us. For those working in grocery stores, gas stations, hospitals, nursing homes, health care facilities, food banks… who are working in spite of the danger to themselves. Prayers for anyone who is overwhelmed by this pandemic. Prayers for those who are feeling isolated or afraid. Prayers that God give us the mindfulness to reach out by phone to those who we are not frequently in touch -those on the outer edges of our friendship and family. Prayers for all people as we look to “love our neighbor” as God has commanded.
**************
Archived News of Note:
Music Director /Organist
Matt Alcombright
Thank you!!
May Calendar
May 3rd Morning Worship 9am
Communion
Coffee Hour following Worship
Take & Eat
May 10th Mother's Day
Morning Worship 9am
Blanket Offering Collection
Coffee Hour following Worship
May 14th(Thu) Deacons Meeting 3:30
May 15th (Fri) Funeral Service for
Mary Jane (Phelps) Zimmerman 11:00 am
May 17th Morning Worship 9am
Blanket Offering Collection
Dorcas Meeting following Worship
Coffee Hour following Worship
May 21st(Thu.) Trustees Meeting 4:15
May 24th Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
May 25th(Mon) Memorial Day
May 31st Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
Take & Eat
Upcoming
Friday May 15th Funeral Service for Mary Jane
Zimmerman at 11am
A Tribute: We’d like to take a moment to share a few words about Thomas Kirby. Some of you call him Tom, others Tommy, and some Thomas, but no matter what name you use, he is one of the most thoughtful people we know.
Tommy has a truly giving heart. He is a wonderful son, a strong member of our community, and a friend to people of all ages. He has led our ASP trips, initiated the Take and Eat program, supported Habitat for Humanity, and generously shared his musical gifts, enriching our community in countless ways.
He laughs easily and his eyes twinkle when he smiles. He is helpful, sincere, intelligent, and hardworking, someone who makes those around him feel valued and supported.
Tommy is heading to Pennsylvania to complete a postbaccalaureate year before applying to medical school.
We are grateful for all he has given and excited for all he will continue to do. Perhaps Tommy will return to serve our rural community as a physician sometime in the not-so-distant future. Wishing him all the best in his future endeavors!!
Graduation Insert Information is being collected for those graduating this spring with ties to the church for a bulletin insert on June 14th. If you have a family member that is graduating, please send a paragraph with the following information to the church (wmst2ndcongo@outlook.com) by June 7th. Name, where person is graduating from, highlights of time spent there, plans following graduation (next school, job, trip, undecided, etc.) the connection ( sister, grandson, etc.) or (You).
Youth News: It’s been a busy spring for the youth. Mia presented at Sweetwood about raising guide dogs with Patricia, her fifth puppy for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Mia and Tommy played a Spring Celebration concert at Sweetwood as well.
The Leadership Work Camp also happened in two parts. Part One focused on winterizing the basement of a local widow. Her husband recently passed away unexpectedly. She now faces a future very different from the one they had planned, along with the responsibilities of home maintenance. SCC youth made short work of a basement winterization project, which will help keep warm air in and cold air and rodents out. A basement is not the most enjoyable place to work, but our youth approached the task with smiles and willing hands. Many hands truly make light work.
Part Two of Leadership Work Camp required careful planning, measuring, and light carpentry skills. Once the snow melted and the ground thawed enough, the youth added safety rails to some porch stairs using pressure-treated wood. Their hope is that these improvements will help ensure that no one is injured while using the stairs.
The church provided funds to support the youth, and because the project was local and expenses were modest, most of the funds were returned to the church.
A favorite quote of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us of the spirit behind their work: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” And speaking of MLK, Mia and Tommy volunteered at Williamstown Commons on MLK Day making personalized Valentine’s Day cards with the residents.
Through their service, our youth lived out this truth, offering care, warmth, and safety to neighbors in need.
Look for details on the two Leadership Work Camp projects next month!!
Take and Eat 2026 dates are: 1/4, 2/1, 3/1, 4/4, 5/3, 5/31, 9/6, 10/4,11/29, 12/6
The Trustees would like to thank the Youth for the church indoor clean up. One of our own, Wayne, did the entire outside cleanup in time for the Easter service and is now mowing weekly. We all appreciate his efforts. The MADOT office is changing. The people that have been using the space for almost two years are moving on to another project. Another individual will be on site to clean up the Rotary project paperwork and be working on the Rt7 (south of the Rotary) upgrade. We have been paid through June 30th by Morais Construction and are attempting to get a lease agreement with the new contractor to begin when the other ends. We continue to look at moving our building insurance to a "Functional Replacement" policy to reduce that expense. We are pleased to share that the church has been notified that it has been gifted $25,000 from the Thaisz estate. We began looking at projects and needs for the summer. The handicap ramp is planned to be stained and the annual inspection and repair of the roofs is being arranged. This thought process will continue at our May meeting.
The Deacons: We have discussed doing a memorial for those we have lost in the past year. Anyone who would like to say anything can write it and give it to Pastor David or a Deacon. Hopefully we can have it at our outdoor service at Field Farm in July.
Pastor David will be on vacation May 24th. Wayne Botto will be doing the Sermon.
The Mission Committee: This month we will have a Blanket Sunday Mission for Church World Service. There will be two Sundays, May 10th, which is Mother’s Day and May 17th for Blanket Sundays. I have ordered two blankets this year to be donated to the Louison House which we support annually with a donation, but they have been struggling with many challenges since November 2025. They have provided shelter for 35 years and many of their housing is full and unable to hold more people. Some end up in nursing facilities because they refuse to come off the street and give up their "stuff”. They have an elderly community with many struggles. If you want to read more about their services, you may go on their website at louisonhouse.org
As we all face many challenges in life I think a home, food and clothing are a priority and our small church provides many of these things for our local community and their organizations.
The Mission Committee thanks everyone for all their donations and support for this shelter and its staff. Many volunteers are among their organizations which include our church, food banks, Berkshire Community College, Williams College and MCLA. Other churches in Williamstown and Pittsfield provide volunteers. It’s a working partnership.
I will keep everyone updated on any other items of need. Linens are sometimes needed and that is why I want to donate 2 blankets to the Louison House.
Remember, Blankets tell stories. We all need a blanket. I know we are making a difference.
Thank you for your continued support.
To learn more about their project or volunteer contact him at director@berkshirefoodproject.org
The Veterans pantry continues and the box has a list of items that they have asked to be donated. Everyone has been so generous, and it is really appreciated by Veterans Service office in North Adams.
ITEMS NEED FOR THE VETERANS:
(Please place them in the tub in the SS Room)
SOAPS SHAMPOO CONDITIONER
LAUNDRY DETERGENT HOT COCOA
Memorial Bulletin Sign-up The sheet for signing up to purchase a month of Memorial Bulletins for 2024 is now posted in the SS Room. Please fill in the information for the month that you select. The cost is $30/month.
For those that were not able to be at the final service or need additional time to consider their 2023 Giving, you may send in your gifts and pledges to:
Jean Richer 124 S. Hemlock Brook, Williamstown, MA 01267.
**************
Thank you from our Church: Thank you, Matt, from the whole Second Congregational Church family and community!
Five years have indeed flown by and we all appreciate your contributions of music, voice, and stability that you brought with unwavering consistency, beautiful quality and perfect humbleness. Much appreciated!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your next chapter.
News from the Organ and Piano benches: "It takes a village", a saying which seems very appropriate given the huge shoes to fill from Matt's retirement. Janet Holmgren is working her magic piecing together a musical alternative with multiple musicians utilizing both the organ and the piano. Our own Thomas Kirby, once again, will pick up some Sundays playing on the piano with two talented Williams College student organists, Jonathon Hartanto and Graham Omerod, playing as their schedule permits. Jonathan, a sophomore, and Graham, a freshman, both play beautifully and we hope they will stay with us for the foreseeable future. Also, David Vredenburg from the Albany area will be rejoining us as organist over the summer. He remembers our congregation fondly and sends his greetings. Thomas' former teacher, Ed Lawrence, retired musical director of First Church and part of the Williams community will also be sharing his musical talent. Clearly it's taken a village! Please welcome all of these musicians heartily!
**Church Organist needed!**
Please contact The Second Congregational Church
if you are interested in the position or know of someone who might be!
Looking Back and Looking Forward. God is so good!! Over the last 10-15 years we have seen a lot of changes at Second Congregational Church. We have had people pass away and others move away. We have had new people join the church. Through it all God has provided funds to allow us to meet our needs. The parsonage was upgraded and returned to a place we could be proud to lease out and for a much greater income. Funds that God provided and a lot of volunteered labor got it done. New Hymnals most given in memory of a loved ones arrived. New bathrooms and choir storage were built, once again volunteers and funds God provided. Both buildings painted. Another project that you all contributed to and some of our neighbors made donations but it was God leading the way. The Trustees were looking forward when they decided to replace the oil tank at church and build a retaining pit at the parsonage to insure we would not be facing thousands of dollars of environmental cleanup in the years ahead. Again, God provided those funds through your weekly offering, building fund offering and special gifts. We have been able to increase our income by renting a section of the Sunday School room to Morais as they provide an office for MADOT. God provided that opportunity through a chance encounter at the coffee bar at the corner store. The Trustees had to purchase a new stove for the parsonage but God provided. They just bought a lawnmower and leaf blower to help maintain the grounds. In that process we discussed where we might draw the money from. General fund, Building fund or Memorial fund. We chose the Building fund but God led us to taking a serious look at the Memorial fund. We discovered there are many smaller amounts donated in someone's memory as the original size of the gift or left over from a purchase made from a larger gift that is over three years old. These gifts together amounted to almost $6500 with the money setting in a low interest savings account. We will be coming to the October Council meeting looking for your approval to set a policy to move these funds to the Raymond James account annually if they have not been used after 3 years. We would also appoint a Trustee to work with families that are in the less than 3-year group to mutually agree on a needed project or moving the funds to the higher interest Raymond James account. Looking back 15 plus years, we had a sizable donation to set up that account and have used the interest funds that it acquires to meet the everyday needs of our yearly programs, pay staff and handle surprise expenses. God provided these funds to allow Second Congregational to continue to be a witness to this community and the world. A detailed proposal will be part of the October newsletter. Thank you all for following God's leading as you support this church in all the ways He leads you.
The Trustees continue contact with our insurance carrier looking toward an accurate budget number for 2026. We expect that the church and parsonage values will rise. We were able to avoid that last year when we installed oil spill protection in both buildings. A new stove has been purchased for the parsonage. MADOT has the sense that they will continue to need the office space through next fall and maybe longer as the roundabout takes shape and the added details of a memorial wall and historic signage are added. The lawn continues to be cut and the new blower removes the clippings from the parking area and sidewalk with Wayne at the controls. The parsonage twin front shrubs, the greens around the handicap ramp and the front sidewalk were reclaimed from the snowball bushes with a trim to all. We continue to look at repair needs ahead of them being issues and deal with them head on. We are very grateful to Jean and Missy providing us detail financial information. We look forward to the return of Worship following the August shutdown and would remind everyone that we have had nearly normal expenses while closed. Please be sure to catch up on your pledges and gifts if you didn't prior to the break. Thank you for your support.
“Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments, when, whatever the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees.”
Victor Hugo
“The time is always right to do what is right! Martin L King Jr.
“All love that has not friendship for its base
is like a mansion built on sand.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox
“Sometimes I go about pitying myself. And all the while I am being carried
across the sky by beautiful clouds.” Ojibway Indian saying
Arab proverb; “To have a good neighbor you must be one.”
Welcome to
The Second Congregational Church
81 Hancock Road • Williamstown, MA 01267 • (413) 458-3467