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.
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
81 Hancock Road, Williamstown, MA
Matt Alcombright, Music Director
Rev. David F. Hurst
October 20, 2024
Twenty First Sunday after Pentecost
MORNING MEDITATION
Out of my distress I called on the Lord. The Lord answered me and set me free. Psalm 118:5 [RSV]
PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP Deacon Reader
Leader: O Lord, sometimes we cry out to you for help with the stresses of our
daily lives.
People: Help us to be quiet and mindful: so that we will discern the answers
that you, O Lord, give to us.
Leader: Open us this morning to hear your voice. Embolden us with
confidence and fill us with your gracious and loving Spirit.
People: Prepare our hearts and minds, O God. Awaken our ears and eyes,
for what God reveals to us.
Leader: Keep us to be truthful, kind and generous with each other. Give us
the willingness to love and welcome the stranger.
People: May we see through our problems of the day; putting aside our
fears. Let us worship God with zest and joy.
OPENING HYMM “Rock of Ages” #431
INVOCATION
Leader: O dear lord, as we look around and we bask in this beautiful day: we
have opportunities to share our church with others. Help us to realize that we
are only a small part of your divine majesty.
People: Come into our hearts that we will share in your vast creation. Help
us to see that your love is so significant that it is our basis for living. Help us
to find our path through the Spirit.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION Rev. David F. Hurst
Leader: O God of life and love, forgive us for our unwillingness to follow your
lead in our lives.
People: Pardon us from our selfish ways. Remind us in these times of
turmoil that we can drift away from the work of the Spirit. Forgive us when
our apathy makes us distant and aloof. Help us to remain united and
effective. Help us to overcome our preoccupation with ourselves and the
idols of our culture. Help us to examine our motives, and stop playing the
game of exclusion. Help us to remember that we are in it for the long
haul. Create in us grateful hearts. Restore our souls to hope and service.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
PRAYER OF ASSURANCE
Leader: Christ is our peace. Those who are divided, He has made one. Christ
has broken down barriers and promises reconciliation to those who repent
and believe. We are forgiven through Jesus Christ!
People: Halleluia! Thanks be to God
GLORIA PATRI
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYERS AND LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY
SCRIPTURE READINGS
First Lesson Mark 10: 35-45 P. 878
HYMN OF REFLECTION “Amazing Grace” #401
Second Lesson Job 38: 1-7, 38-41 p. 445
SERMON Where is God? Rev. David Hurst
CLOSING HYMN “This is My Fathers World“ #60
BENEDICTION
Unison: Let us carry the Light of Christ into the world. Let us be God's people
and share our love and friendship with those we encounter today and all of
our days.
Bulletins for October are given by Caroline Martel & Family
In memory of Bruce Martel
— 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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“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.”
Rev. David Hurst
Greetings to all and a Happy Fall.
In New England it is our style not to celebrate too much of our success or fortune. I had to take my old truck to a mechanic friend for some needed repair. As I was leaving his shop, I remarked joyfully that this September had the best weather I could ever remember! As I turned to leave, he replied, “We’ll pay for it!”
“So be patient,” as James urges in our scripture verse. We live in a world where there is a great deal of strife, although we observe it from safety. These many wars and rumors of wars will change our thinking and planning for years to come. I pray for honored elections and civility in winning and losing. As fall is here and we look to the harvest dinner and this wonderful season, let us like James, “stand firm,” and remember our faith.
The faith that gives us the confidence to not just endure but to find joy and humor in the precious moments of our lives. To me, James’ advice makes it all worthwhile. Through Christ we live on a path that gives us guidance to act with equity and fairness. We know which way to turn when we are troubled or afraid when only God has an answer for us.
May God bless,
David
“Be patient then sisters and brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and the springs rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5:7-8
Welcome to
The Second Congregational Church
81 Hancock Road • Williamstown, MA 01267 • (413) 458-3467
Music Director /Organist
Matt Alcombright
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-3/11962-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-10-20-24-v1/vod.mp4
**Please scroll down to see the Weekly Bulletin below**
Words from the Organ Bench. This month of October finds us in one of the most colorful times of the year. The changing of seasons reminds of the changing of our lives. Many hymns reflect not only the beauty of Creation but also how it shifts and changes while preparing us for Eternal Life. Throughout the next several weeks I will try to incorporate the songs of the season as well as hymns relating to the readings to try to help us tie it all together that everything is God's and is a gift. The gift of our lives, given by God, are like the colors experienced in this beautiful season. It brings to mind the great song in the musical "Barnum" called "The Color of My Life." These words read like a prayer and I would leave them to you for your own reflection as you gaze upon the beauty!
The colors of my life, are bountiful and bold
The purple glow of indigo, the gleam of green and gold
The splendor of a sunrise, the dazzle of a flame
The glory of a rainbow, I put 'em all to shame
No quiet browns or grays, I'll take my days instead
And fill them 'til they overflow, with rose and cherry red
And should this sunlit world, grow dark one day
The colors of my life will leave a shining light to show the way
The colors of my life, are softer than a breeze
The silver gray of the dappled green of trees color
Amber of a wheat field, hazel of a seed
Crystal of a raindrop are all I'll ever need
Your reds are much too bold, in gold I find no worth
I fill my days with brown, the colors of the earth
And if from by my side my love should roam
The colors of my life will leave a shining light to show the way
- Cy Coleman/Michael Stewart
October Calendar
Oct 6th In-house Morning Worship 9am
Communion
Dorcas Meeting to plan Harvest Supper
following Worship
Coffee Hour following Worship
Take & Eat
Oct 8th Church Oil Tank Replacement 9am
Oct 10th(Th) Deacons Meeting 3:30 pm
October 12th Memorial Service for Norman Burdick
Saturday 12 Noon
Oct 13th In-house Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
Oct 17th Trustees Meeting 4:15pm
October 19th Take Out Harvest Supper 5pm-6:30pm
Saturday SOLD-OUT
Oct 20th In-house Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
Oct 27th In-house Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
From the Youth: Reflections from Mia on ASP 2024 in West Virginia:
“This year's ASP trip was perhaps my favorite yet. We worked with another group at a house that needed the siding redone. The homeowner, Trampas, lived alone and was quite a character. Each day, we would measure and cut siding and then nail it on the house. Measure twice, cut once! After we finished the siding, we also dug a ditch around the house so that when a rain storm came, the house wouldn't flood. On the last day just when we thought we were finished, four truck loads, or about a couple tons, of gravel arrived. We finished and the outcome was worth all our hard work. Our crew was very optimistic and hardworking! I can't wait for next year. We are all very thankful for your support, as this trip would not have been possible without it.”
Upcoming Take & Eat: Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1
The Trustees have been dealing with the 2025 insurance for the buildings with our agent. We have avoided a 37% increase in the property value for this year but will be looking at step increases over the next several years. The underwriters meet in early October and we will have a firm cost following those meetings. There were a couple of reasons for their allowing the value to remain. One was our recent inspection. We did not see any suggestions on the report so we asked if there were any. Here is the agents reply: “You are correct – I did not see anything that stood out to me in terms of a recommendation or improvement to the building, you have taken very good care of the church.” The second item that allowed us to continue at the present property value was our decision to replace the old steel 275 Gallon fuel tank with a new double walled tank. That will protect us from a large expensive cleanup should the old tank leak into the dirt basement. O'Connell Oil will be changing out the tank on 10/8. The parsonage tank will not be changed out but a wall will be built to contain that oil should we develop a leak. The threshold to the church was reworked to allow the doors to fully open. The area between and around the pine trees was again mowed last week. **Be careful, there are some "ground" bees lurking!!**
The Dorcas met after Church on 9/8/24 to discuss the upcoming Harvest Supper Take out which will be October 19th from 5:00-6:30...Mickey will take reservations..call her at 458-4947
We had a good meeting and everyone was so willing to help. Most of the food was covered but we will make calls for the rest. Clare and Mickey will check on Turkeys. Posters will be ready this Sunday to hand out. Caroline will do advertising for us.
Thanks to all for your support!
We will have one more meeting on October 6th to finalize our plans for the supper.
Words from the Mission Committee. We don't have much news this month. However, we will be working on the Harvest Supper Take Out with the Dorcas Society. Any left-over non-perishable items will be donated to the Williamstown Food Pantry. We continue to provide food on the First of every month. October 6th will
be the next collection. We can use cleaning products also. Tissues, toilet paper and paper towels are always needed.
Thank you all for your generous support. We will meet again soon and discuss the Thanksgiving Food Pantry for November.
Enjoy the fall weather stay in touch if there is someone who needs our service.
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.
Last months news:
2024 Take and Eat dates: 1/7, 2/4, 3/3, 5/5, 6/2, 7/7, 8/4, 9/29, 10/6, 11/3, 12/1
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.
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