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
David Hurst
July 12, 2026
Edwin Lawrence, Guest Musician
Remembrance Of Members Lost in 2025
FIELD FARM CELEBRATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE
PRELUDE Meditation on “Holy Mana” – Michael Larkin
CALL TO WORSHIP Lay Leader
Leader: Let us come and worship the One who has created this beautiful day!
People: Help us to see behind ourselves; to open our hearts to God's love which endures forever. It never fails us.
Leader: As we breathe in such beauty, open the door of our souls so that we might glimpse of your presence moving through our world.
People: Hear us when we cry, O gracious God. Listen to us when we are wrong. Love us when we do not love ourselves.
Leader: By your grace help us, O Lord, to be the vessels of your love; active in doing and living your Word.
People: Let us sing and pray together. For it is in our unity that we find strength and hope for generations to come. It is through faith that we find joy and an inner sense that we are blessed.
OPENING HYMN For the Beauty of the Earth Pg 54
INVOCATION Lay Leader
Leader: Eternal God, we gather this morning aside this pond to worship you through so many wants and needs.
People: Come to us this day! Fill us with your Spirit. Love us in spite of ourselves
Leader: May our worship speak to you with joy, humor and praise.
People: Open our hearts so that we can hear your Word and to share the good news with those around us in this ever changing world. Amen
PRAYERS OF CONFESSION Rev. David F. Hurst
Leader: O God of such great and wondrous love, come into our presence today so that we find your grace and love in our daily lives.
People: Strengthen our timid ways, O God, fill us with your love so that we do the right thing when confronted with temptation. Help us to be wiser in our decisions. Grant us the ability to be kind to those who surround us in this turbulent world. Give us the ability to say what we mean in the kindest way.
Leader: Forgive us when we sin. Help us to quickly admit our wrongs. Grant us the ability to use our faults as building blocks of faith.
People: Guide us, O God, throughout our lives. Keep us thinking, caring, watching and contributing. Keep us open to change and being your faithful servants.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON Rev. David F. Hurst
Hear the good news! Christ is the Light, the Truth and the Life! Trust in Him! Follow His path and be forgiven and made whole!
People: Halleluia! Thanks be to God
JOY AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYERS AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
GLORIA PATRIA Pg 36
OFFERTORY: The Storyteller – Chuck Marohnic
DOXOLOGY Pg 44
First Lesson Genesis 25: 19-34 Pg 20
HYMN OF REFLECTION In the Garden Pg 598
Second Lesson Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23 Pg 846
Sermon By the Lake Rev. David Hurst
CLOSING HYMN Now Thank We All Our God Pg 27
BENEDICTION (In Unison)
Leader: Stand firm and live free! Love one another! Be blessed!
People: Go into your week with grace. Go with the Spirit of God within you. Reach out and share with the stranger the gifts that the love of Christ brings to us.
POSTLUDE Now Thank We All Our God – Wilbur Held
Bulletins for July are given in memory of Clara and Arthur George by
Caroline Martel and Family
“The time is always right to do what is right! Martin L King Jr.
Greetings and blessings to all!
On this 250th anniversary of our country, I stand in awe of how we have been blessed as a people and as a nation. It seems that our guests, representing their countries in the World Cup football [soccer] think this country is a pretty nice place to be! Through the years many seem to focus on the worse case scenario, that our country is in decline or that we are seriously becoming fractured as a society. But as we come to this 250th 4th of July celebration, many of us have survived the thick and thin of our histories through a measure of faith that welcomes and includes others. We are then free; to celebrate different customs that come to our shores with joy and expectation. We are free to love. We are freed to live knowing that we are forgiven of our sins and confident enough to love all of one another.
Jesus and Paul teach us that through faith in God we can eliminate much of our fear of changes. We are assured of His strength and patience to live into the future without this doom and gloom, worst case thinking that shape us. If we constantly worry, constantly fear, we shut down and don’t take advantage of new discoveries in medicine for example. When we truly believe we are forgiven, we are justified in living a life of hope, engaging in the opportunities that come our way!
Happy Fourth of July!!!!
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-3/13436-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-7-5-26-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.
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Archived News of Note:
Music Director /Organist
Matt Alcombright
Thank you!!
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.
My native country thee, land of the noble free, thy name I love. I love the rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills, my heart with rapture thrills like that above.
2nd verse of
My Country Tis of Thee
“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.”
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.”
Welcome to
The Second Congregational Church
81 Hancock Road • Williamstown, MA 01267 • (413) 458-3467
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
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!!
Rev. David Hurst
🎶🎶 Notes from the Music Director: July invites us to embrace a slower rhythm as summer reaches its fullest season. Longer days and time spent with family and friends remind us of the importance of rest, renewal, and gratitude. As I reflect on this season, I am reminded that music also teaches us to pause, to listen, and to trust that even in moments of silence, God continues to work in our hearts. During July, I will be away for two weeks for a time of rest and renewal with my family. During my absence, we are honored to welcome Edwin Lawrence, Artist Associate in Piano at Williams College, as our guest musician. I hope you will join me in warmly welcoming him as he shares his musical gifts with our congregation and leads us in worship. May this season of summer bring you moments of rest, joy, and quiet reflection. Whether you are traveling, gathering with family and friends, or simply enjoying the beauty of God's creation, may your heart be renewed and your spirit refreshed. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
July Calendar
July 4th Independence Day
July 5th Morning Worship 9am
Communion
Coffee Hour following Worship
July 9th(Thu) Deacons Meeting 3:30
July 12th Outdoor Morning Worship 9am Field Farm
1st Annual Remembrance of Lost Members
Social Gathering follows
Council Meeting following Social time
July 16th(Thu.)Trustees Meeting 4:15
July 19th Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
July 26th Morning Worship 9am
Berkshire Association Question & Answer time
following Worship
Coffee Hour following Q & A time
Month of August No scheduled Worship Services
Discover other Worship Opportunities
Upcoming
NO SCHEDULED EVENTS IN AUGUST
A Dedication of the Haig/Love Memorial tree following Worship (Date to be determined)
The Youth The Youth A busy spring has led to a busy summer for the youths! They look forward to the next Take and Eat on Sept. 6th. In addition to serving in Guatemala this spring, Mia is returning to Kenya in August to serve in all sorts of ways. Mia is also the recipient of a Simple Gifts award and is working with En-Ting to bring some meaningful music to church early September! Wishing everyone a great summer!
The Trustees have a signed lease for the duration of the work being done on route 7 to the New Ashford line with Warner Construction for a MADOT Field Office to continue in the SS Room. We have been gifted a tree from the Love/Haig memorial fund. A plaque for its dedication is onsite and the previous pine tree is being repurposed by David Young as a stand for the plaque and continue to be used for the One-Way sign. The handicap ramp had some minor repair done and was restrained along with the two front porches. The slate roof was inspected and repaired as needed. While doing that on the parsonage, they brought to our attention that the porch on the front entry to the parsonage needs new asphalt. We have asked the roofer to do the work when the tenant is on vacation. Staples have been added to the front entry carpet to resecure it. Wayne continues to mow. He has trimmed the pines on the rear side to allow him to mow without injury and trimmed the Memorial Tree by the ramp to allow you clear walking. Our Fire Extinguish have been serviced and reinspected. The Town has issued a permit for the next year with only a minor repair being required. Someone put something in the parsonage basement! Over and OVER again it has been done. Used Paint from everywhere that dates back decades, a lawnmower that's been around forever, bits and pieces from other projects; you're getting the idea! We are planning a purge this summer.
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 Dorcas: On behalf of the church, we gave Tom Kirby a check as he starts his new adventure in pre-med. We all send him good wishes.
We did the Strawberry Shortcake takeout on June 20th from 11-1. Thank you to everyone who donated and helped. John for going and picking up the berries and selling them at the farmers market, Ron and Linda for setting up the room, cutting berries and collecting the money, all the people who made biscuits, cut the berries and made up the shortcake: Missy, Priscilla, Donna, Virginia, Barb, Caroline, Clare, Wayne, Yeli, Sophie, Mary Ellen and Rita. To Anna, taking care of the utensils and napkins. And to all of those who cleaned up. Sorry if I missed anyone. We made $1347, this money goes directly to the church.
Thank you to John for bringing tomato plants for Father's Day.
The Deacon's discussed our outdoor Service at Field Farm on July 12th. We are starting to do memorial posters of the members that we have lost last year. Each picture with Obituary on a poster. Ron Brown has done the posters and has also made an invitation and sent them to the families. We hope that most can make it. Thanks, Ron for your great work. The Deacon's will provide refreshments that day. We will have a sub for En-Ting Hsu for July 5th and 12th so she can enjoy some vacation time. Enjoy!! Ed Lawrence will provide the organ music for those two weeks. So happy to hear that we did well at our Strawberry Take-Out. Our next meeting will be July 9th at 3:30 pm
The Mission Commitee has been notified that the Blanket Fund donations totaled $313.00. Thank you all for your generous support.
We received a thank you from the Heifer International. Our annual donation is $200.00. This year an additional group of generous donors has matched our donations, doubling the impact of our gift.
The Senior Vice President of Marketing wrote the letter to us, and she expressed how fortunate she is to witness every day how the giving spirit of groups like ours can change the world. “No matter how much circumstances change, one thing remains the same: people continue to show generosity and dedication to the families we serve.” With Appreciation, Christy Moore.
They serve 19 countries. Our gift is on its way to one of these countries, bringing hope to a family just like yours.
For further information you may go online to Heifer.org/Support for a live chat. I will post her letter on the bulletin board.
We also received a thank you from Soldier On for our $350.00 donation. This contribution directly impacts the lives of veterans by helping provide critical services such as financial assistance, healthcare navigation, Holistic wellness programs, and-most importantly---housing security. Their object is to provide every Veteran with a secure place to reside. To learn more about their programs visit WESOLDIERON.ORG.
We will continue to provide monthly non-perishable food for the Williamstown Food Pantry through July and August. Summertime snacks for children or cereal bars, cereal and drink boxes are helpful.
Thank you all for your generous support of our Mission. Enjoy the summer with family and friends. are thankful to have so many caring and kind members and friends.
Enjoy your summer. We are all blessed with God’s faith and love which provides us with strength and commitment to do his work.
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
The Dorcas met and planned the Strawberry Take-Out. Everyone wanted to have it and we had 14 attending. All took jobs to do. I have called our Strawberry guy Joe and he said the berries look good and he will take care of us. We do need some helpers in the am to help cut berries. If you can help, please let Clare Morrison know 672-8295. We wished Thomas Kirby a good- bye for now as he heads off to Pa. to College. He will do great. The Dorcas gave him a card with a little spending$$$.
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.
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