Posts by First Congregational Church Of Westminster, MA (Page 7)

Posts by First Congregational Church Of Westminster, MA (Page 7)

From The Pastor’s Pen

Jesus once said that “you cannot put new wine into old wineskins, or they will burst.” He meant that the new dimensions of knowing God and being God’s people that he was revealing, were too expansive to be fully contained in the former traditions and rituals. As we have been transitioning from the fully virtual worship format used during the pandemic state of emergency, through the Summer Open Air Worship services and now to our Regathering in the sanctuary for…

Update on Mums

 We would like to celebrate the beauty of Fall with our annual display of chrysanthemum plants given in memory or in honor of loved ones. The mums will be placed in front of our church decorating the front steps. The Westminster Pharmacy is looking for a provider for mums which they don’t have as of this writing.  When we know a price for the mums we will send out a MailChimp as well as including it in the bulletin.

From The Pastor’s Pen

In the Epistle to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul lends some sage advice to Churches for persevering as Christian communities in the face of great challenges. Paul counsels them to put on the Whole Armor of God for the protection they need to continue their ministry in hostile environments. It is advice that takes on new meaning for us as we confront the challenges posed to society in general, and the Church in particular, under the prolonged shadow of the…

Steadfast Hope

Focus on the Why As this year’s Generous Giving Ministry will focus on Steadfast Hope, why do you choose to give? What has this past year of pandemic life taught you about your own giving practices? Everyone has their own, personal reasons for why they give, or times when they can’t give. Wherever you are in your giving journey, focus on your why. Here are some ideas to help you think about your why: It’s where I experience the transforming…

Church Regathering: Phase 2

The second phase of our Church Regathering plan is still scheduled to begin on the Sunday of September 12, 2021. The Phase 1 “Open Air Worship” services were conducted as planned during the month of June. But as New Englanders know, one thing that cannot be planned for is the weather. One of the wettest July’s on record made it necessary to move worship into the sanctuary on four consecutive Sundays. Depending on what the weather is like for the remainder…

Church Regathering: Phase 1

As most of you already know, the Commonwealth has lifted almost all COVID restrictions for gatherings that were instituted during the state of emergency. In light of these changes and the most recent recommendations of the CDC, FCCW is prepared to move forward with the first phase of returning to in-person worship. This is what Phase 1 of the Regathering will look like. 1.  Summertime outdoor worship:  Beginning June 6, 2021, and continuing through Labor Day Sunday (September 5, 2021) in-person worship services will…

FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN

The day of Pentecost will fall on the fourth Sunday of May this year. Pentecost is typically referred to as the “Birthday of the Church” because that was when the Holy Spirit transformed a group of leaderless Jesus followers, into a vibrant body of believers who would boldly change the world. In the second chapter of the Book of Acts we are told that, “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.” Hearing that…

April COVID 19 Update

The Response Team which is made up of the Pastor, Moderator, Staff, and representatives of Diaconate,   Trustees, and Safe Church have been meeting regularly since the beginning of the pandemic.  We monitor trends in the progression of the virus thru various agencies such as the CDC, Southern New England UCC Conference, and Federal and State covid Safety Standards.  We are currently reviewing the information, forms, and protocols that we have been working on since the onset of the virus in…

From The Pastor’s Pen

During 2005, torrential rains battered California, leading to massive floods and mudslides that did billions of dollars in damage and took a toll on human life, as well. But in nearby Death Valley, instead of death and destruction, the rain brought new and unexpected life. Death Valley’s name is well deserved because it is one of the least hospitable environments in North America. Death Valley normally sees an average of two inches of rain in a year. But that year…