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
🎶🎶 Notes from the Music Director: July has flown by, yet the sounds of the piano, violin, viola, and organ continue to fill the Second Congregational Church and Field Farm with beauty and spirit. As I prepared the music this month, I found myself reflecting: what kind of music truly brings the congregation into peace, into presence, into a space where we can receive God’s message and reflect deeply? In a world that often feels chaotic, music can speak louder than words—more powerfully than human voices—and carry the essence of God’s message straight to the heart.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the range of instruments shared over the past month, as well as the special musical collaboration with my beloved husband and guest musician, Charles Tsui. May this beautiful August bring you rest, renewal, and a deep sense of peace.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:10
WilliNet channel 1303 Sunday Worship 9am and 4pm. Rerun Wed at 10am and Friday at 7pm
For the month of August, here's what WilliNet be running on each of the weeks. WilliNet Channel 1303 Sunday Worship 9am and 4pm. Rerun Wed at 10am and Friday at 7pm.
Date Original Air Date
August 3rd, 2025 - June 5th, 2022
https://reflect-willinet.cablecast.tv/store-3/9874-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-6-5-22-v1/vod.mp4
August 10th, 2025 - June 12th, 2022
https://reflect-willinet.cablecast.tv/store-3/9905-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-6-12-22-v3/vod.mp4
August 17th, 2025 - June 26th, 2022
https://reflect-willinet.cablecast.tv/store-3/9923-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-6-26-22-v1/vod.mp4
August 24th, 2025 - July 24th, 2022
https://reflect-willinet.cablecast.tv/store-3/9951-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-7-24-v1/vod.mp4
August 31th, 2025 - July 30th, 2022
https://reflect-willinet.cablecast.tv/store-3/9960-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-7-24-22-v1/vod.mp4
**Please scroll down to see the Weekly Bulletin below**
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.[🛠️]
Dear Friends, Happy summer!
As we enter August and we have a break from worship, let us enjoy our time away, not forgetting to pray, meditate and remain grateful. As we welcome En-Ting into our worship with her fantastic music, let us enjoy our summer filled with warm days and gentle rains. Let us pray for our country, our church and our families. Hopefully a time of rest is in the offing! A time away or a stay- vacay, as my children say, can give us a much, needed perspective on how our futures will be!
Our passage above from Paul tells us that we are human beings; that our bodies, minds and souls cannot be separated. So not being able to separate them we have to take care of all three in proportion to one another. If we ignore the body, the heart and mind will suffer. If we emphasize the heart, the mind and body suffer. Paul’s point is that to follow Jesus, to draw near to the presence of God, we need to stay balanced. The mind needs exercise; to make good decisions, to learn and broaden our views of life. The heart needs to be affirmed shared to see things in the light of love and grace. The body needs help too. Moderate diet and exercise are important. It makes the mind sharper and the heart more aware and receptive to others.
Take care of yourselves!
Make God bless! See you in September!
David
Past organists: Susan Matsui, Meg Dodds, En-Ting Hsu, Guest organists: Thomas Kirby, Jonathon Hartanto, Graham Ormerod, Ed Lawrence and David Vredenburg
— 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
Rev. David Hurst, Pastor
NO SCHEDULED WORSHIP IN AUGUST
En-Ting Hsu, Music Director
MORNING MEDITATION
“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 fool only talks to himself, not to others and not to God.”
Sandy Wylie
PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP Deacon Reader
Leader: Let us come and worship God who sustains us all.
People: Help us to see behind ourselves; so that we will open our hearts to God's love which endures forever and never fails.
Leader: Open the door of our souls, O Lord, so that we can glimpse of your presence moving through our world
People: Hear us when we cry. 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 where we find strength and hope for generations to come. Through Faith give us that inner sense that we are blessed.
OPENING HYMM Be Thou My Vision Pg 445
INVOCATION Deacon Reader
Leader: Eternal God, we gather this morning to worship you for many
and varied reasons.
People: Come to us this day; so that you fill us with your Spirit.
Leader: May our worship speak to us with joy, humor and praise.,
People: Open our hearts so that we hear your Word and share the good news with those around us in this turbulent world.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION Rev. David Hurst
Leader: O God of such great and wondrous love, come into our presence today so that we can find your grace in our daily lives.
People: Strengthen our timid ways, O God. Fill us with your love so that we do the right thing when we are confronted with temptation. Help us to be wiser in our decisions and grant us the ability to be kind to those who surround us in this 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 caring, watching and contributing, so we are your faithful servants.
PRAYER OF ASSURANCE
O Lord, hear our prayers. When we call upon you, we know you are ready
for us. So let us hold open the door of our souls for forgiveness, to new
beginnings and for a new life in the Spirit of Christ.
People: Hallelujah! Thanks be to God
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYERS AND THE LORD'S PRAYER
GLORIA PATRI
First Lesson Hosea 11:1-11 Pg 782
HYMN OF REFLECTION In Christ There is No East or West #439
Second Lesson Luke 12: 13-21 Pg 905
SERMON SOUL INVESTMENT Rev. David Hurst
CLOSING HYMN The Churches' One Foundation # 238
BENEDICTION
Leader: Let us go from this place with the love of God in our hearts.
People: Help us to give of ourselves, our time, our talents and our treasures. Help us to grow in faith and share the good news with others. In Christ’s name we pray.
POSTLUDE How Great Thou Art
Bulletins for July are given in memory of Bill and Hazel Dickson by Susan Rockefeller.
Archived News of Note:
Music Director /Organist
Matt Alcombright
Thank you!!
August Calendar
August 3rd Take & Eat
Aug 14th(Thu) Deacons Meeting 3:30pm
Aug 21st(Thu) Trustees Meeting 4:15 pm
August 31st Take & Eat
Upcoming
Date TBD Dorcas Picnic
Sept 7th Take In-House Worship Returns 9am
There will be no scheduled services in August. If you are able, the Trustees encourage you to keep your August pledge up by paying the last two Sundays of July or to mail them to Jean Richer, 124 South Hemlock Brook, Williamstown, MA 01267 during the month. Our bills and salaries continue in August. Thank you.
Youth News: From Mia: Thank you so much for your support of this year’s ASP trip. Even though we traveled farther than usual, it was another meaningful and growth-filled week of service.
Our crew was assigned to work on a trailer home that needed repairs both inside and out. Over the course of the week, we installed flooring, insulation, siding, and J-channel. It was hot—very hot—but with lots of water, sunscreen, and teamwork, we got through it. Everyone worked hard, stayed focused, and encouraged one another through the challenges.
One of my favorite parts of the project was doing the flooring. It felt like solving a giant puzzle, and seeing the progress from start to finish was incredibly satisfying. It reminded me how small efforts, when put together, can create something solid and lasting.
The family we were serving was very kind and often offered us popsicles, which was appreciated because of the heat. More than anything, the work felt purposeful, and even when it was tough, we knew we were making a difference in someone’s life.
Our crew had a great dynamic. We laughed a lot, had meaningful conversations, and bonded throughout the week. That kind of connection makes the hard work feel a little lighter and the experience even more memorable.
Thank you again for your donations, prayers, and encouragement. This trip wouldn’t have been possible without your support. I learned a lot—about service, perseverance, and working with others—and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent our church in this mission.
From Tom: In the words of another writer, "McDowell County is real, raw, hardscrabble Appalachia. It is a cultural maelstrom, a visceral vortex of broken dreams, fractured bodies, and ruined landscapes, a woven texture of human triumph but overwhelming tragedy." It is a shell of its former prowess, with abandoned businesses and homes around every turn. On the drive to our worksite each day, we even passed a closed mine. For much of the early 20th century, McDowell boasted a booming coal industry, leading the country in exports. But as the demand for coal declined, so did the economy, sending McDowell plummeting to become the poorest county in America.
Despite its economic collapse, McDowell County is still the only place called home by thousands of people. With family connections dating back generations, there's a powerful and irreplaceable sense of community that many residents cherish and would never consider leaving. Even those who wish to seek a life elsewhere may find financial and educational limitations to their aspirations. It's telling that the best-known story to come out of McDowell is the book "Rocket Boys" (made into the movie "October Sky"), about kids who fought against the odds to pursue science degrees. We were just a few miles from where those boys grew up.
It became clear to us that a warm, safe, and dry home is the exception, not the rule in McDowell County. With almost no money flowing in from the outside, employment opportunities are scarcer by the year, and extra expenses like repairs less tenable. This economic fragility is compounded by health issues for many, with the low quality of cheap food a significant contributor. The mobile home we worked on is the residence of an older couple and their three adult children, all of whom struggle with health afflictions. The father formerly worked as a bus driver, but even that occupation has now disappeared, as the nearest school closed just this year.
We are fortunate to be able to share our resources and labor in a place with so many factors stacked against it. The seriousness of the challenges faced by those in McDowell becomes tangible during the long, hard days of work in the heat. But each evening, just like in years past, we are able to refresh with lighthearted pastimes and a lot of laughter. It has truly been a privilege to serve with this group over the past four summers. With them, I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to create behind us a trail of improved homes, memorable bonds with homeowners and communities, and perhaps a stronger sense of hope. Thank you all for supporting us in this mission!
The Trustees had a long overdue visit from the Town Health Inspector and received a certificate of approval that is in effect for the remainder of 2025. Work was done to enhance the area in front of the church. The two larger bushes were found to have a lot of damage to the bottom branches and those branches were removed. We are looking into replacing them with something different that won't be affected by salt. While on the subject of pines, Wayne has trimmed those that surround the parking lot to free space for parking and to improve his ability to mow around them. We have begun discussion with our Insurance Agent for the 2026 Property & Liability insurance. Paul has arranged oil burner service and will arrange slate roof inspection. Cold patch was put down by a rear downspout to move water away from the foundation (and sometimes the basement). The Trustees are pleased to announce that Mia Holmgren has completed the ServSafe program and now is certified. We thank her and congratulate her for taking on this responsibility.
Mission Committee Newsletter I just received a Heartfelt Appreciation from the Heifer International. They sent a nice poster which I will place on the Fellowship Hall Bulletin Board. Our donation this year was $200.00. To magnify the joy of our gift, an additional gift of generous donors has matched our donation, doubling the impact of our gift. How awesome.
The Church World Service also sent us a Gift Receipt for our Blanket fund donation totaling $320.00 in June. Especially this year with the recent disasters of flooding and other emergencies, our support means relief and hope.
There will not be a Food Pantry in the month of August, however, you may drop off food at the pantry if you wish during the week in Williamstown. We will resume the project the first Sunday of September, which is the 7th.
Our committee thanks everyone who provides food, household items and cash donations for both our Mission Projects. The Veterans’ Mission will continue in September also.
Have a wonderful summer and see you in September. Remember all of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something to bring to this world.
Thank you all for your generosity.
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.
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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!
May the God of peace make you whole and holy; may you be kept safe in body, heart, and mind, and thus be ready for the presence. God has called you and will not fail you.”
1Thessalonians 5:23-24
“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