There's wilderness in God's mercy like the wilderness of the sea;
There's a kindness in God's justice which is more than liberty.
If our love were but more simple, we should rest upon God's word;
And our lives would be illumined by the presence of the Lord! Frederick W. Faber, 1854
Remember in Prayer
Members of the congregation: Norm & Betsey Burdick, Sam Westcott, Maggie Guiden, Jack Haig, Cecile Love, Polly Roberts (Dalmaso), Wayne Morrison, Brian Young, Don Quimby, Mary Kirby, Eunice Lapier, Caroline Martel, Mickey Thaisz, and Missy Young
Shirley Sylvester, friend of the Congregation
Dick Diest, cousin of Wayne Morrison
Linda Cangelosi, sister-in-law of Mary Ellen Cangelosi
Charmaine Lapier, sister of Eunice Lapier
Hank Schneider, brother of Mary Ellen Cangelosi
Becky Leto and Judy Bruick, friends of Clare Morrison
Megan Jennings Dostal, friend of Chris van Luling & community
Matt Parker, friend of Chris van Luling
Jenna Fenander, friend of Bridget Spann
Asa Zammuto, friend of Bridget Spann & family
Julia Peele, sister of Bonnie Herr
Mike Kennedy, friend of Clare Morrison
Jessica & Taylor vanLuling, relatives of Bart & Chris
Paul Hamilton, friend of congregation
Michelle Nicklein, daughter-in-law of Virginia Nicklein
Fred Brill family of Mary Ellen Cangelosi
Victor Fraenckel friend of Bob & Janet Mayer
Cathy Foley, friend of Chris Bradich
Julie Weber, friend of Caroline Martel
Meg Schweitzer, Meg Dodds’ niece
Carol Clement, Mary-Ellen Cangelosi’s sister
Keith Roberts, Polly Roberts’ grandson
Matthew Broderick, Meg Dodds’ cousin’s son
Joan & Ed Cushing, Caroline Martel’s cousin
Sandra Joyce, friend of Ann Tiffany
Sue Linquist Bob and Janet Mayer’s daughter
The family of Judy Bruick on her passing on 6/28
Susan Rockefeller’s daughter’s upcoming adoption hearing for her foster children
The family of Norma Quimby on her passing 7/10
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 & family.
Music Director /Organist
Matt Alcombright!
— Remember in Prayer —
Members of the congregation:
Norm & Betsey Burdick, Sam Westcott,
Maggie Guiden, Jack Haig, Cecile Love,
Polly Roberts(Dalmaso), Missy & Brian Young,
Don Quimby, John Storey, Mary Kirby,
Caroline Martel, Mickey Thaisz,
Dick Diest, cousin of Wayne Morrison
Linda Cangelosi, sister-in-law of Mary Ellen Cangelosi
Charmaine Lapier, sister of Eunice Lapier
Hank Schneider, brother of Mary Ellen Cangelosi
Becky Leto , friend of Clare Morrison
Megan Jennings Dostal, friend of Chris van Luling & community
Matt Parker, friend of Chris van Luling
Jenna Fenander, friend of Bridget Spann
Asa Zammuto, friend of Bridget Spann & family
Julia Peele, sister of Bonnie Herr
Jessica & Taylor vanLuling, relatives of Bart & Chris
Paul Hamilton, friend of congregation
Michelle Nicklein, daughter-in-law of Virginia Nicklein
Fred Brill family of Mary Ellen Cangelosi
Victor Fraenckel friend of Bob & Janet Mayer
Cathy Foley, friend of Chris Bradich
Julie Weber, friend of Caroline Martel
Meg Schweitzer, Meg Dodds’ niece
Carol Clement, Mary-Ellen Cangelosi’s sister
Keith Roberts, Polly Roberts’ grandson
Matthew Broderick, Meg Dodds’ cousin’s son
Sandra Joyce, friend of Ann Tiffany
Sue Linquist Bob and Janet Mayer’s daughter
Susan Rockefeller’s daughter’s upcoming adoption hearing for her foster children
The family of Joan Cushing on her passing
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 & family.
Prayers for all people as we look to “love our neighbor” as God has commanded.
Happy and Blessed Fall!
As we come back from vacations and children return to school on Zoom, fall has come! Even though strange days have found us, we give thanks for our church and those who serve it. We pray that coming back into the church worship physically on October 4 will be a beginning of worship with Covid 19 regulations in place. For those who feel unsafe, there will be a video of the service on WilliNet each week.
Please keep in your prayers those in the hospitals and those recovering from surgeries. Give a call or an email to those in need of prayer and love. Please let me know when someone has health issues.
We are beginning a Zoom confirmation class Sunday evening October 4th. We will meet once a month through May. Thank you, Janet, for helping to organize our classes.
The hymn "There's a Wilderness in God's Mercy" [verse above] tells us that God's mercy is as wide as the sea. It is infinite! God's love stretches beyond our conceptions and knowledge. The Holy Spirit assures us that no matter what happens, we are part of Christ's infinite mercy. The hymn gives us comfort, assuring us that we are part of a wonderful church being one among many who love and serve God.
Blessings and Stay Safe, Pastor David
— October Events —
October 4th Sunday Worship 9am with a virtual communion service
WilliNet Service (see below)
October 8th Deacons Meeting 3:30pm
October 11th Sunday Worship 9am
WilliNet Service
October 13th Church Council Meeting 7pm
October 15th Trustees Meeting 4:30pm
October 18th Sunday Service 9am
WilliNet Service
October 25th Sunday Service 9am
WilliNet Service
The Deacons in coordination with Pastor David have decided to return to indoor services beginning on October 4th. The sanctuary has been and will be sanitized between the weekly services. A parishioner has donated a hand-held digital thermometer so the Deacons can check temperatures as you inter the sanctuary. Pews have been marked to assure safe distancing. The Deacons will assist with your arrival and departure of the sanctuary. Mask will be required. The six doors to the sanctuary will be open during services and the fans will be running for air circulation. There will not be an offering during services. You are encouraged to mail your pledges and offerings to Jean Richer, 124 South Hemlock Brook, Williamstown, MA 01267. We will not be having coffee hour following worship.
The Sunday School is not happening due to the pandemic. However, they do have exciting news! They will be joining Pastor David for monthly online meetings to discuss their faith. This is in preparation for their confirmation this coming spring.
Thoughts from the organ bench. During this beautiful season of Autumn we watch the trees change and the vibrant colors that change enacts. We feel the change from the hot and heavy summer to the cool crisp refreshment of air. We take in the harvest and become prepared for a winter hibernation. Many beautiful hymns capture this amazing season and how it all plays into God's design. I always like this time of year for the hymnody that is offered that reminds us of our life...our life on earth and our life we are preparing for in heaven. Throughout these next weeks I will be tying our music not only to the message of the day but to the season. Hymns that draw us into being thankful, aware and in awe of God's great beauty and purpose. I know we are unable to sing together but my Hope is that we can lift our hearts in song and sing quietly in the mask but loudly in the heart. Sing a New Song to the lord of Harvest and Life!
Missions Highlights: One of the organizations the church supports is the Louison House with $350 being given to the organization in 2020. They were established in 1990 to address issues of homelessness. Over the past 30 years they have provided services to over 8,000 individuals and families struggling with homelessness in Northern Berkshire. After losing use of their building to fire damage four years ago they have relocated to and updated a building in North Adams and are beginning renovations to the fire damaged building in Adams. To see more of the work that they do check out their website at https://louisonhouse.org .
The Trustees continue to make improvements to the building and grounds. The handrail has been installed on the side steps, the platform redone and the missing siding replaced. The "one way" sign that never makes it through plowing season has been moved to a pine tree and the post that tangles with the plow removed. John Quimby did a great job cleaning out the weeds between the bushes at the front of the church. A lot of dead branches were removed from the pine trees along the rear of the church. The grass grows and we mow.
WilliNet services start up again on October 4th for those who cannot or choose not to attend the in-house service. As of this time the times and dates are not known for the broadcasting of the service. An email will be sent out each week with the Vimeo link so that anyone can watch it anytime during the week. We will include the WilliNet channel 1303 dates and times at that time.
The video link to the 10/4 service is: https://vimeo.com/463936281
Welcome to
The Second Congregational Church
81 Hancock Road • Williamstown, MA 01267 • (413) 458-3467
Photos of our
outdoor service
held in the
month of
September
during the
Covid-19
Pandemic.
Everyone was
comfortably
distanced and
wearing masks.
All said, it was
a lovely time
spent in worship
with old and new
friends!
This week you again have choices in the way you worship.
In-house worship Sunday at 9am
or WilliNet channel 1303 Sunday at 9am & 4pm, Wed at 10am, Friday at 7pm
Online anytime at the link: https://vimeo.com/465908423
— Music Notes —
The adult choir is looking for more members! We are very happy to welcome part-time members or occasional members. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 and Sunday mornings at 8:15. But if you can't make it to Wednesday rehearsals, feel free to just come on Sunday mornings! Or just visit once to see what it's like. Singing in our choir is lots of fun and it's good for your health, too!
Welcome . . .
Rev. David Hurst!
Welcome, David! All of us at 2nd Congo look forward to many wonderful years of worship and God's work together. We are grateful for your leadership during these challenging times and are glad that we found each other. Thank you to the search committee for your extra time and commitment. You have done a great job!
Join us and say hello on Sunday, keeping a safe distance. Remember to bring your own chairs.