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!
Rev. David Hurst
Music: I am happy to share that Graham, Jonathan, and Tommy will continue to grace us with their incredible musical talent next fall and into 2026. In the meantime, please join me in wishing the two Williams students all the best on their final exams, and also in giving a warm welcome to organists Ed Lawrence and David Vredenburg, as well as pianist En-Ting, who will be playing for us over the coming weeks and months.
We feel very blessed that these musicians are able to share their musical gifts with Second Congregational Church. As long as everyone remains in good health, we are mostly covered for music through summer 2026.
**Church Organist needed!**
Please contact The Second Congregational Church
if you are interested in the position or know of someone who might be!
WilliNet channel 1303 Sunday Worship 9am and 4pm. Rerun Wed at 10am and Friday at 7pm
This Week's Internet site is:
https://reflect-willinet.cablecast.tv/store-3/12569-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-6-8-25-v2/vod.mp4
**Please scroll down to see the Weekly Bulletin below**
Blessings to you all,
I hope this letter finds you ready for the summer months to come. The weather is changing and hopefully we are ready to enjoy our summer. Many thanks to Janet Holmgren and all the organists, who have filled in playing our organ. Thank you all for the wonderful music and service. Thanks to the deacons and all who serve to keep our wonderful church going forward
We have had losses in this new year, but it is time to move forward with the Holy Spirit among us. Our prayers go out to those in rehabs, hospitals or those shut in, yet, we celebrate Pentecost on June 8th; where the Holy Spirit comes among us to guide and bolster our faith and confidence in life,
Jesus tells us that His Spirit is among us, not leaving us orphaned or estranged. Even in times of disappointment or success we can be filled with His love and assurance. By looking to the Holy Spirit, we gain in wisdom and understanding to see beyond ourselves and into the life eternal. If we accept His counsel, that inner voice inside of us, we receive more fortitude and inner knowledge that allows us to make decisions that would otherwise would baffle us. We are given the courage to be who we are, and not be puffed up or conceited about it. Through this gift of the Holy Spirit, we take on a measure of piety and true faith in God that transcends our fears and troubles.
Let us pray for those who have lost loved ones and our veterans and service people on this Memorial Day weekend. Help us, O God to show up for life with family and friendships, all together through the Spirit of our Lord, Jesus Christ!
May God bless,
David
— 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.
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SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
81 Hancock Road, Williamstown, MA
Jonathon Hartanto, Organist
Rev. David Hurst, Pastor
June 8, 2025
Pentecost Sunday
MORNING MEDITATION
O Lord, my God you are great indeed! How manifold are your
works! The earth is full of your creatures. Risen Lord send us
your Spirit! Renew the face of the earth!
PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP Deacon Reader
Leader: Holy Spirit, Breath of God, let the stillness of morning
settle around us.
People: Let the Peace of God dwell within us like a gentle,
flowing river. Let Pentecost be a new day: a day where the
Light of God is seen and heard around us.
Leader: O Wind and Breathe of God, send the dove of peace to
bring a season of peace and reflection into the world.
People: Let everything that breathes, praise God!
Leader: Let your Holy Spirit renew the earth; revealing your wisdom.
Let your Spirit reshape our hopes for a world that lives in peace.
All: O Wind and Breath of God, fill our lungs with the breath of
song. Fill our hearts with gratitude and lift our voices in praise.
OPENING HYMM "Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us" Pg 218
INVOCATION Deacon Reader
Leader: Lord, come into our hearts and minds this morning. Be with
us in Spirit and in Truth.
People: In times of joy or sorrow, in times of celebration or
quiet; open us to your Word and your ever-lasting grace.
Leader: As we celebrate Pentecost, fill our church with your Spirit;
so that we may find a place to grow in body, mind and spirit.
People: Guide us, O Lord, shape us and help us to build a life
in Christ; that blossoms and shares your gifts with those less
fortunate. Help us to love one another and find ways to grow in
God's grace.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION Rev. David Hurst
Leader: O Lord, who silences our tongues and makes us tremble,
hear our confessions. Let our eyes be opened to behold your glory.
Help us to perceive the solution through our prayers of admissions.
People: O Lord forgive us for making empty agreements, en-
gaging in prattling politics, and the endless bargains to pre-
serve our power in the name of peace. Heal our many divisions
and open us to compromise and understand. Forgive our sins,
O Lord. Grant us the ability to overlook our selfishness and
Develop ideas that unite and stimulate change and growth.
PRAYER OF ASSURANCE
Leader: O Holy Spirit, enter our forsaken spaces and find the need
for fire and forgiveness within us. Through the love of Jesus Christ
we are forgiven!
People: Hallelujah! Thanks be to God
OFFERATORY
DOXOLOGY
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYERS AND THE LORD'S PRAYER
GLORIA PATRI
First Lesson Psalm 104: 24-35 Pg 523
HYMN OF REFLECTION "For the Beauty Of the Earth" #54
Second Lesson Acts 2: 1-21 Pg 948
SERMON Celebrate! The Holy Spirit is Here! Rev. David Hurst
CLOSING HYMN "Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service" # 503
BENEDICTION
Leader: May God give us courage to grow with the love of God in
our hearts.
People: May all God's people find peace. May we find the ability
to heal, to forgive and to live again in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Bulletins for June are given in memory of John & Flora Jones and Everett & Doris Brown by Ron and Linda Brown
Organists: Thomas Kirby, Jonathon Hartanto, Graham Ormerod, En-Ting Hsu, Ed Lawrence and David Vredenburg
Archived News of Note:
Youth news: Our third ASP trip has come and gone! We spent the week completing a siding and drainage project in eastern West Virginia. Unlike previous years, we were there for ASP's last week of the summer, meaning we got to finish the job and see the final product. Other groups had already stripped and insulated the house and partially installed J-channel around windows and fixtures, leaving us to finish the J-channel and side the house. We worked hard and completed these tasks early, giving us time to improve the drainage around the house and spread 4 tons of gravel!
We served a man named Trampus living in a small place he recently bought from family members for just $16k. He worked most of the day at a nearby sawmill, hitching rides from coworkers because his own truck had been totaled. Near the end of our week, he got hit by a log at work and broke his wrist, knocking him out of work for the immediate future. It was unclear whether he'd be able to claim worker's compensation. We were fortunate to be able to give him something to smile about when he returned home that day.
There's a lot to adjust to during an ASP week, including the poor sleeping conditions, meeting the other volunteers staying at our center, finding a new routine, and more. It's easy to imagine how all this could detract from the work, but everyone in our group stayed focused throughout the week. From the moment we set foot on site and divided up to conquer the project efficiently, to the final evening when we took over sweeping the center from the ASP staff, it was incredible to see the intentionality our group brought.
When I reflect on this group, Timothy's description of the faithful comes to mind: "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." (2 Tim 1:7) This group had the power to help others, and used it. They had the love born of deep friendship and of compassion for those who suffer, and they acted on it. And when faced with a week challenging both physically and mentally, they showed discipline far beyond their years. As always, it was a privilege to spend this time working alongside them. I look forward to continuing this mission for years to come! Tom Kirby
your paragraph here.
Music Director /Organist
Matt Alcombright
Thank you!!
June Calendar
Friday May 30th
Service of Celebration for Virginia Gaskill 10am
June 1st In-house Morning Worship 9am
Communion
Coffee Hour following Worship
Take & Eat
June 8th In-house Morning Worship 9am
Graduates Recognized
Coffee Hour following Worship
June 12th(Thu) Deacons Meeting 3:30pm
June 14th(Sat) Strawberry Takeout 11am-1pm
June 15th Father's Day
In-house Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
June 19th(Thu) Trustees Meeting 4:15 pm
June 22th In-house Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
June 29th In-house Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
Upcoming
Sunday June 8th Graduates recognized in Bulletin Insert
Saturday June 14th Strawberry Takeout 11am-1pm
Youth News: 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.[🛠️]
A Heartfelt Thank You!
A big shoutout to Second Congo for their support of this mission trip. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and helps make this life-changing experience possible—for both those serving and those being served.
Mission Committee New for June 2025. The Blanket Fund Mission was held on two Sundays, May 11th and May 18th. I have a report from Missy Young that the total amount donated was $220.00.
This month I would like to talk about the Soldier On Mission we support every year with a donation of $350.00. We have also given them Blankets from the WCS Blanket Fund. Soldier On was founded in 1994 with a commitment to ending Veteran homelessness. Over the 30 year history they are proud to say veterans in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York Pennsylvania and beyond continue to thrive in safe, stable affordable housing with support. They have been building on their promise of providing permanent housing for veterans with the development of over 700 units in the next five years-- That's 700 new homes for veterans! Soldier On's goal has always been to ensure that each and every veteran has a place to call home. You can read more about their transitional housing and permanent supportive housing on their web site. wesoldieron.org.
Our recent food pantry has gotten smaller over the last few months. If you are able to donate something each Sunday until we have August vacation that would be great. Our committee is willing to transport to the Pantry in Williamstown at the St.Patrick's Church. Carol DeMayo is grateful for all our contributions.
We will also be donating to the Williamstown Youth Center for the Summer Camp Program. You can see their schedule on Willinet. Thank you again for all the support with our Missions this year.
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.
**************
The Trustees have had the work completed on the emergency lights in the Sunday School room. They have received the inspection certificate from the Town and it is posted in the entry. The porch leveling and drainage has been completed at the parsonage. We would like to thank the tenant for their work on updating the flower beds this spring. The Trustees are looking into purchasing a self-propelled walk behind mower as the rider we have been borrowing is no longer available. The push mower we have requires too much time/effort, even for the younger of us. We looked at major projects for the summer and are happy to report that we didn't find any this year after having so much work done over the last several years.
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!
“When the day of Pentecost came. They were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a blowing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2: 1-3
“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