Posts by First Congregational Church Of Westminster, MA (Page 8)
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…
From The Pastor’s Pen
It was the First Sunday of Lent, and the minister called all the young people to the front for the children’s sermon. She asked if anyone could tell her what Lent is. One young boy raised his hand and said, “Yes, it’s what we get out of our pockets.” Which is not such a bad answer, actually. Lent is a time for reaching deep into our pockets and cleaning out what has collected there without our noticing. Not the lint…
One Great Hour of Sharing – 2021
This year’s theme for One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is “Let Love Flow.” March 14, 2021 is the date we will be receiving the offering. “Nobody hungry, nobody thirsty” is the hope of God in Isaiah. It is also the hope of this One Great Hour of Sharing and caring. With the gifts of our hearts, we let love flow, like new well-water to a thirsty village; for crops, for cooking, for life! Prayerfully consider how you may give. God…
Say Please and Thank you!
Notes from Generous Giving Ministry As a new committee member and incoming chair of the Generous Giving Ministry committee, I want to express my immense gratitude to the current members and its past chair, Jim Tamulen. His leadership and commitment have led this church through many, many successful Generous Giving campaigns through the years, and as incoming chair, I seek to listen and learn from him and the current committee about how to best serve this church and this community in this…
From the Pastor’s Pen
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. The forty days of fasting (not counting Sundays) includes the offering of the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of the faithful who desire it. The virtual Ash Wednesday Service will premiere at 10 am on February 17. This year, there will be two options available for receiving ashes while following the pandemic guidelines. 1. There will be a “drive-through” imposition of ashes at the office entrance to the church, following the Virtual…
From The Pastor’s Pen
2021! We made it! Good Riddance 2020! This sure does feel like a New Year to celebrate. Although, we should also remember that life is not really like a slate that we simply wipe clean of that which the previous year has written. It is more like the beginning of a new season in a Netflix series. Some of the conflicts of the previous year may have been resolved, but there will be other challenges to take their place. A…
From the Pastor’s Pen
People have undergone unprecedented loss this year. Family and friends have succumbed to death in this pandemic, millions have lost economic security through loss of jobs, some have lost businesses they built over a lifetime. Most of us have lost our beloved rhythms of life that felt familiar and gave our lives the richness of gatherings and adventure. And we can name so many losses related to hatred and violence. Throughout Advent we proclaim hope, love, joy, and peace in…