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: June often feels like a bridge between seasons, a time of transition, celebration, and reflection. As summer begins and the days grow longer, I find myself thinking about how music accompanies us through change. Whether through the quiet resonance of the organ or the singing voice of the violin and viola, music has a way of helping us slow down, listen more deeply, and become more aware of God’s presence in everyday life.This month also brings special joy as young musicians continue to grow and share their gifts with others. On Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m., students from the studios of En-Ting Hsu, Charles Tsui, and Dorian Jackman will gather at the First Congregational Church of North Adams for our Spring Joint Studio Recital. Students from Williamstown and North Adams will present solo performances that reflect their dedication, growth, and love of music. We warmly invite the congregation to support these young musicians and join us in supporting the Berkshire Food Project through this special community event.As we enter the summer season, may we continue to find moments of stillness, gratitude, and connection through music and fellowship. May June bring warmth to your hearts and peace to your spirits. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6
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
June 7, 2026
En-Ting Hsu, Music Director
Second Sunday after Pentecost
ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP Lay Leader
Leader: Praise the Lord!
People: Praise the Lord, O my soul!
Leader: I will praise the Lord, my whole life long!
People: I give praises to my God each day.
Leader: I humbly ask for his guidance every morning.
People: And I thank God each night.
All: For God's grace is within us. God calls us to serve, to celebrate and to rely upon the Spirit! Let us celebrate our lives through our prayers and song!
OPENING HYMN I Love to Tell the Story Pg 360
INVOCATION Lay Leader
Leader: O Creator of Life, come into our presence this day, so that we can accept your welcome into your Kingdom.
People: Raise in us the feeling and wisdom of your infinite love! Come to us! Speak to us of your infinite Love!
Leader: O Lord, thank you for your grace. We are grateful for the second chances that you give us.
People: Awakening of our Spirit! Let us celebrate your wonderful grace in all that we do and say!
PRAYERS OF CONFESSION Rev. David F. Hurst
Leader: Lord, we confess how carelessly we have filled our lives with so many things of lesser value: material things that keep us from real faith. Forgive us our sins; our defects of character and our shortcomings for we are but human.
People: Help us not to rush from place to place and person to person, leaving half-finished conversations. Relieve us from feeling fragmented, uneasy or unfulfilled. Help us to wait and listen carefully to others. Awaken us so that we will find real joy in your Spirit. Give us the grace to do a few things well and say no to lesser things. May we find the willingness to hear and the courage to act upon Your Holy Word.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON Rev. David F. Hurst
O Lord, hear our prayers. When we call upon you, we know you are ready for us. Hold open the door of our souls for forgiveness, to new beginnings and for a new life in the Spirit of Christ.
People: Halleluia! Thanks be to God
JOY AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYERS AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
GLORIA PATRIA Pg 36
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY Pg 44
First Lesson Genesis 12: 1-9 Pg 9
Second Lesson Matthew 9: 9-13, 18-26 Pg 842
Sermon Being Called Rev. David Hurst
HYMN OF COMMUNION. I Sing a Song of the Saints of God Pg 494
THANKSGIVING AND HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate an open Communion Table – All are welcome!
CLOSING HYMN Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Pg 119
BENEDICTION (In Unison)
Leader: May God's grace come upon you and may you always be assured of God's love.
People: Let us go forth in the Spirit of Joy and thanksgiving; so that we will share the gift of God’s love with whom we encounter and welcome others into our midst.
POSTLUDE
Bulletins for June are given in memory of John & Flora Jones and Everett & Doris Brown by Ron & Linda Brown
“The time is always right to do what is right! Martin L King Jr.
Blessings and Salutations!
As we begin our summer and “the living is easy,” as they say, it is so important to take on “an attitude of gratitude!" Although we say good-bye to Wayne Morrison and Mary Jane Phelps Zimmerman, we pray for those who loved and cared for them. Yet we have to see our futures with anticipation of God’s love and grace. Through Christ we are taught to accept our circumstances whether they are joyful and successful or sorrowful and disappointing.
As I look out my back window, my garden needs weeding and automatically my bad knee starts to ache! There is so much work to done! But do I see a beautiful day; with chores that bring a sense of accomplishment of giving back to others. Do we see life as good and not as a fearful place, where we need to hide from changes or opportunities to help others in the ordinary ways that brings us to a deeper connection with God.
Many thanks to the deacons and all who helped with Mary Jane Phelps Zimmerman’s service. Thanks to you who quietly make our church run so well. Thank you for letting me serve you!
The Apostle Paul wrote Thessalonians to belay the confusion of whether or when Jesus Christ will return. But in this passage he tells us to be grateful, inspired by hope and just living each day, finding humor and ease in this turbulent world. There is so much fear today! The media hypes it up at every turn. There is dread about what will come next? Paul’s advice here is so important. To be grateful, honest, and tolerant of others brings one closer to God; closer to his infinite love and forgiveness.
May 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:
No Link was available this week from WilliNet
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!!
June Calendar
June 7th Morning Worship 9am
Communion
Graduation Information due today
Coffee Hour following Worship
Take & Eat
June 11th(Thu) Deacons Meeting 3:30
June 13th (Sat) Youth Concert at
First Congregational Church
North Adams 10am
June 14th Flag Day
Morning Worship 9am
Recognition of Graduates
Coffee Hour following Worship
June 18st(Thu.)Trustees Meeting 4:15
June 20th(Sat) Strawberry Take-out
June 21st Father's Day
Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
June 28th Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
Take & Eat
Upcoming
July 12th Outdoor Worship Service 9am
at Fields Farm
Recognition of Members Lost in 2025
The Youth have been busy taking tests and completing school assignments lately. Nina will be graduating from high school. Thankfully, her siblings, Max and Avery, are following in her footsteps as dedicated Take and Eat participants. Her family will actually be leading Take and Eat on May 31st!
Both Nina and Mia participated in alternative spring breaks. Nina went to Argentina to learn about the culture. Mia returned to Guatemala with her Dad, Eric, to serve the Indigenous Mayan who live in the mountains. Once she returns from touring colleges and Austria, chat with her about her experiences!
Graduation Insert Information is being collected for those graduating this spring with ties to the church for a bulletin insert on June 14th. If you have a family member that is graduating, please send a paragraph with the following information to the church (wmst2ndcongo@outlook.com) by June 7th. Name, where person is graduating from, highlights of time spent there, plans following graduation (next school, job, trip, undecided, etc.) the connection ( sister, grandson, etc.) or (You).
The Trustees have watched as the original MADOT crew working on the Roundabout have moved on to the bridge by West Pkg. Store in North Adams and another Field Engineer has moved in to the area in the Sunday School room leased to Morais Construction, the contractor doing the work. Trevor will oversee the finish work on the Roundabout and oversee the road construction from the Roundabout to the New Ashford town line. We hope to have a new lease with Warner Construction to pick up when the Morais project is completed and produce income until the road work is completed. We have been looking at our own projects that need to be done and have lined up the annual roof inspection, the annual Town inspection and staining the ramp and front stairs. At our next meeting we will continue lining up more projects. At last, the source of infiltrating water in the Oil Retention pit has been found and sealed which will allow for the epoxy coating to be applied to the area in case the oil tank should leak. We are working on having a Memorial tree installed to replace the pine that was cut several months ago. The Dorcas have offered to pay for a contractor to do an interior cleaning this summer. Linda S. and John Q. are in the process of coming up with a list for this.
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 Deacons: We have discussed doing a memorial for those we have lost in the past year. Anyone who would like to say anything can write it and give it to Pastor David or a Deacon. Hopefully we can have it at our outdoor service at Field Farm in July.
Pastor David will be on vacation May 24th. Wayne Botto will be doing the Sermon.
The Mission News: We just completed the Blanket Fund. I delivered two summer blankets to the Louison House in North Adams, MA. They were well received as they have many homeless people who are staying with them until they find housing. We thank all who generously donated to support this mission. I will have a donation amount soon.
Letters have been received from Heifer International and Habitat for Humanity. They are posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Room.
There is not a special fund for June, but we would like to see more food for the Williamstown Food Pantry. Our once-a-month donations have gotten smaller since Easter. Perhaps one item a week for each member or friend of the church would make a big difference. We don’t collect in August so it would be nice to have more donations for June and July.
Thank you all for being such a generous church for our community. We 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.
Sincerely, Caroline Martel, Chairman
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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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.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
“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