Well, what will the shortest month have in store for us at the Second Congregational Church?
Our Annual Meeting is on the agenda and we will continue having "Table Talks" after coffee hour. Here are a few of the topics that we will be chatting about: How to grow the church? How can we extend ourselves to the community when we are already so busy with church duties? Are we ready to explore becoming an Open and Affirming church? What is our church's mission statement and how are we doing fulfilling it? Any suggestions that you might have for the table topic would be more than welcome!
One of the bright spots of February is Valentine's Day. The closest Sunday to Valentine's Day is February 16th, and on that Sunday my sermon will be a montage of readings and poetry all about love. Not romantic love, but rather an array of the many facets of love all of which have their roots springing from the love of God. During this service, Cheryl will do a guided prayer/meditation while playing the 'singing bowls.'
This month we will once again be hosting the winter Farmer's Market The first one was an outstanding success for the vendors as well as for the shoppers. From my perspective, it was a great success because people came into our church who have never been here before. They were greeted with warmth and hospitality, and went home knowing they would be welcome again . . .
So, welcome to February. Welcome to the grace of God that encourages us to uplift our blessings and give thanks!
Peace, Pastor Belle
February 2nd Morning Worship and Communion 9am —
Rev. Belle Fox Martin
Souper Bowl Collection following worship
Annual Reports Available
"Table Talk" following coffee hour
February 9th Morning Worship 9am — Rev. Belle Fox Martin
Annual Meeting Immediately follow worship
February 13th Deacons Meeting 3:30pm
February 14th Valentines Day — Show some LOVE today!
February 16th Morning Worship 9am — Rev. Belle Fox Martin
"Table Talk" following coffee hour
February 20th Trustees Meeting 4:30pm
February 23rd Morning Worship 9am — Rev. Belle Fox Martin
"Table Talk" following coffee hour
February 29th Winter Farmer's Market in Sunday School Room 10am-2pm
The Annual Reports for 2019 are available to be picked up on 2/2. Please take one per family and review them during the week. You should return with it on 2/9 for the Annual Meeting. Thanks to Meg Dodds for stepping up to relieve Clare Morrison of the task of assembling the reports this year.
The Sunday School is in outreach mode in February. They will be collecting at the doors following worship on 2/2 in support of the "Souper Bowl". This is the 30th anniversary of this event with all proceeds used to reduce hunger in the local community. They also will be making Valentines cards for church members that are unable to attend worship.
The Mission Committee would like to draw your attention to their bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. There are several new "Thank You" notes and program updates from the groups that the church supports. Their board is a straight walk from the sanctuary to the outside wall of the hall that overlooks the rear parking area.
Welcome to
The Second Congregational Church
81 Hancock Road • Williamstown, MA 01267 • (413) 458-3467
A Note from Pastor Belle
Matt Alcombright was born and raised in North Adams, MA. He is a graduate of Drury High School class of 2001. He attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and completed his Bachelors Degrees in Music Education and Piano Performance. He later went on to study at St. John's Seminary in Brighton earning a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy and a Masters in Divinity. For the past seven years he was active in parish ministry in the Diocese of Springfield before taking a leave of absence and now resides back in North Adams where he is a caretaker for his grandmother as well as working at Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home. He also serves as the organist/choir director at St. John the Baptist Church in North Bennington, VT.
Matt began his career in church music at the age of 13 at the former Holy Family and Notre Dame Parishes in North Adams. He would later become an organist and choir director for many parishes in the North Berkshire area. He served as Music Director for the Newman Center at UMass, the former Sacred Heart Parish in Easthampton and St. Mary's Parish in Longmeadow. Matt also served, throughout his years in music ministry, as a substitute for many other faith traditions and denominations. Said Matt, "I very excited to be with the community at the Second Congregational Church in Williamstown, and I'm grateful for their warm and kind welcome."
The Sunday School led a wonderful Sunday Advent Service which included readings, personal accounts, hymns, and beautiful vocal and instrumental music performed by each of the kids. It was a very special time for our congregation and we thank you all!
— Parsonage for Rent —
The Trustees would like to make you aware that the tenant in the parsonage will be leaving in early February and returning to the west coast to be near family due to ongoing medical issues. If you know or hear of anyone that might be interested in renting the parsonage please let Mickey Thaisz know as the church depends on that income. Mickey's phone is 413-458-4947.
— 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 to our new
Music Director /Organist
Matt Alcombright!
Rev. Belle Fox-Martin
We are delighted to introduce Belle as our
new Bridge Minister! She joined us in
October and will lead our congregation until
we have found a settled minister.
Belle has been a minister with the United
Church of Christ for over 20 years. She
served as Pastor to the West Stockbridge
Congregational Church, UCC, and the
Housatonic Congregational Church, UCC.
Belle was born and raised in New York
City. She and her wife, Cheryl, live in
Stockbridge, MA, with three unruly but loving dogs. As well as being a minister, Belle is an artist, an author of several collections of poetry and micro stories, and she is a Substance Abuse Specialist having worked in NYC with the homeless .
Please join us on Sundays as we welcome Belle Fox-Martin to our church community!