committee chairs november 2019€¦ · gifts: karen brzezinski [email protected] 413 -569...
TRANSCRIPT
Church Office Hours: Monday thru Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Pastor’s Office Hours:
Church Office Phone: 413-569-6362 Pastor’s Office Phone:
Website: www. southwickucc.org
Office e-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: Southwick Congregational Church UCC
Staff: Interim Minister
Choir Director/Organist Roberta Kowal
Bell Choir Director Patti P. Wood
Office Administrator Lyn Casey
Custodian Christopher Robin Roberts
VOLUME MMXIX No. 11
Moderator: Terry Putnam [email protected] 413-569-9283
Buildings &
Grounds: Eric Nitsch [email protected] 413-695-4164
Christian
Education: Kristy Johnston ezri2006@gmail 413-977-8314
Deacons: Patty Banasik [email protected] 413-237-4717
Finance: Melanie Nitsch [email protected] 413-454-7043
Flowers: Roxanne Cook [email protected] 413-569-6364
Fundraising: Patti Wood [email protected] 413-977-2524
Library Joyce Arnold 413-569-0039
Memorial
Gifts: Karen Brzezinski [email protected] 413-569-6816
Missions: Donna Sullivan [email protected] 413-569-3356
Music: Joe Sullivan [email protected] 413-569-3356
Nominating: Patti Wood [email protected] 413-977-2524
Pastoral
Search: Bob Franzen [email protected] 413-233-8680
Pastoral
Relations: Roxanne Cook [email protected] 413-569-6364
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Southwick Congregational Church United Church of Christ
488 College Highway; P.O. Box 260 Southwick, MA 01077
The Good Newsletter of the
Southwick Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
Southwick, MA
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Please join us Sundays for…
Worship Service— 10:00 AM
Mid-Week Service—Thursdays 6:30 PM
Website: www. SouthwickUCC.org
November 2019
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sunday Worship service at 10:00 AM
Thursdays Midweek Service at 6:30 PM
Ecumenical Service at The American Inn on the third
Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM
OFFICE HOURS
Monday thru Friday: 9:00 AM~12:00 PM If you need to see Lyn before 9:00 AM or after Noon,
Please call for an appointment.
SPECIAL MEETINGS
All-Church Meeting: Thursday, November 14 at 7 PM
Thursday, December 12 at 7 PM
COFFEE HOUR & ALL-CHURCH REFRESHMENT SCHEDULE November—Building & Grounds
December—Open
Southwick Congregational Church
is a faithful Christian presence in the
community of Southwick since 1773, and
we look to the future. We are a diverse and
loving congregation, joyfully serving, teaching,
and sharing with one another, according to
the gifts we have been given.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Church Office will be closed Monday & Tuesday,
November 11 & 12 in observance of Veteran ’s Day and
Thursday & Friday, November 28 & 29 in observance
of Thanksgiving.
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Past Pastor’s Post
Most of you are aware that I have had to step down as interim pastor due to health issues. I have posted this on Facebook, and Terry Putnam, our Moderator, beautifully represented me to announce it in church. I think my September 30th Facebook post says it all: “To my church family and friends at
Southwick Congregational,
As most of you know I have been having cardiac episodes for the last few months. When it started, I was in Baystate for almost a week as the doctors tried to figure out what was wrong. And they thought they had me stabilized.
However, yesterday before church and during church I was having another episode of cardiac arrhythmia and went immediately to the emergency room when church ended. They stabilized me and I must follow up with the cardiologist.
Living with an unreliable heart is difficult, and I have been praying about what to do about my position as interim minister if another episode were to send me to the hospital.
Now it has happened, and I have had to make a very hard and sad decision. In speaking with our moderator Terry Putnam, she and I decided that it would be best for my health if I stepped down from my position as interim minister. And we decided that it would be best for the church and for me if I did so immediately. She has committed to ensuring pulpit supply and finding an appropriate new interim minister until a new settled pastor is called.
While I am no longer your interim, you are all in my heart and continued prayers. And I know the church will be fine and continue to be healthy during the remainder of the interim process. The church leadership will keep all things holy.
I want you to know how much I love Southwick Congregational and all of you. I will greatly miss being your interim and being part of your lives.”
So I really had no choice but to step down, as I could not be counted on by the church to always be available, and because I never know when I will have an “episode.” At this point I am scheduled for a cardiac ablation on November 8th, which I pray will correct the problem. I will certainly miss being your interim, but you will always be in my heart. Godspeed, Rev. Susanne
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CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!
In case you didn’t know it, we have a Facebook page called
Southwick Congregational Church! Please check it out, “like” us, and follow us!!! Keep track of what our active church is doing!
PASTORAL CARE: Your joys and concerns are of the utmost importance to our community of faith, and pastoral care is offered for any and all personal and spiritual situations that might
arise in one’s life. Please call the church office at 413-569-6362 or email [email protected] if you would
like to contact our pastor.
It is with great sorrow that we share the
news of Sue Thornton’s death. She was a
dedicated and faithful member of our church
for many, many years.
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“Dear Susanne, October 15, 2019
Like most former Pastors of beloved churches I look back
with fondness and follow with interest scraps of news from the
churches we have served. I was in Southwick from 1976 until
1992 and am presently retired in Maine.
Knowing that there are always comings and goings in a
congregation’s life, including Pastoral ones, I return this memorial
plate depicting what is a perfect jewel of a meeting house with the
thought that someone will enjoy displaying it as we have.
Also, going through my files I found a stow-away—in the form
of a Valentine and Christmas greeting from one of Southwick’s
former missionaries, the Bradleys, (in my time it was the Seatons
in Bangalore, India). Some old timers—your historian Joyce
Arnold—will perhaps find a place for it in Church files as well as
remember Betty Gzerapowitz and the Hollisters as I do.
I look forward to future issues of the Gold Dome and will
continue my prayers and best wishes for you all.
Faithfully, David D. Wright”
IN THE MAIL
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Poinsettias—$10 each
If you prefer to purchase your own
poinsettia, check below to use this
form for memorial information and
submit to the church office by Dec. 15
to have it printed in the bulletin. If
bringing your own flowers, please
have them in the church sanctuary by
Dec. 21
I will purchase my own flowers and
bring to church by Dec 21.
I will pick up my flowers after the
morning service on Dec 22.
I will pick up my flowers after the
10 PM Christmas Eve service.
I will leave my flowers to be given to
those unable to attend service.
Name: _______________________
In Memory of:
______________________________
______________________________
How Many? ____________________
Amount Enclosed: ______________
Balsam Wreaths—$12
Name: ________________________
Address:_______________________
______________________________
______________________________
Phone # __ _____________________
Email: _________________________
How Many? ___________________
Amount Enclosed: _______________
I will pick up my wreath at the
Holly Bazaar on December 7.
I will pick up my wreath after
worship on December 8.
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DAN KANE CONCERT IN OUR SANCTUARY!
What a glorious concert in our sanctuary on October 20, 2019, as the Dan Kane Singers provided wonderful
inspirational music for all to enjoy! Proceeds of the concert will benefit our local Pink Way Foundation!
Many thanks to our Missions Committee who do exceptional outreach to our friends and our world!
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4th Annual
TURKEY DINNER
Saturday, November 9, 2019 6:00 PM
For Paid Reservations:
Church Office (413)569-6362
OR Email [email protected]
Menu:
Turkey & Gravy
Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Green Peas & Butternut Squash
Cranberry Sauce
Rolls
Apple & Pumpkin Pie
Adults $14.00 Kids 12 years old and under $7.00
Southwick Congregational Church, UCC
488 COLLEGE HWY, SOUTHWICK, MA 01077
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November 10 Karen Brzezinski
November 27 Sabine Prather
November 28 Julie Chase
If we’ve missed a birthday, please let the church office know!
HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY
COMING EVENTS
Music Committee Calendar Raffle
Search Committee Congregational Meeting & Lunch
OA Workshop: Happiness & Hope thru the Holidays
Turkey Dinner (buy your Ticket in Advance)
ALL-CHURCH Committee Meeting
Polar Express Trip for Christian Ed
Troop 114 Food Drive
Advent 1 Year A Begins
Holly Bazaar
Advent Workshop
ALL-CHURCH Committee Meeting
Christmas Cookie Sale
Children’s Christmas Service
Bell Sunday
Gold Dome Ringers Concert (tentative)
November ~
November 3 ~
November 3 ~
November 9 ~
November 14 ~
November 16 ~
November 16 ~
December 1 ~
December 7 ~
December 8 ~
December 12 ~
December 14 ~
December 15 ~
December 29 ~
January 5 ~
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Crafters Bake sale
balsam wreaths
Holly Bazaar
Southwick Congregational Church
488 College Highway, Southwick, 01077
Saturday, December 7, 2019
8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
The Holly Inn
Light Lunch & Refreshments
Served at
Over 25
Crafters
Live Holiday
Music
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The Pastor Search Committee Needs You!
The search committee is reaching out to its congregational members to provide information for our church’s profile
on three very important thought provoking questions.
*Who Is God Calling Us To Become?
*Who Are We Now?
*Who Is Our Neighbor?
We are having a meeting on November 3, 2019 at 11:15 after church in New Fellowship Hall.
A lite luncheon will be provided by the Board of Deacons. We encourage you to attend and be part of these very
important discussions.
Questionnaires are available in the office or from the ushers during the service.
Thank you for your continued support to the Search Committee!
PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE
FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE
Lyn will be on vacation the week of
Monday, November 11 through
Sunday, November 17.
Norma Cagney will be keeping the
office running Wednesday 11/13
thru Friday 11/15. Thank you Norma.
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ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER AND PUMPKIN CARVING!
Saturday October 26, 2019, was our annual Halloween Spaghetti Supper and Pumpkin Carving Event! Many thanks
to Dianne Orson and Ashley Halacoglu and their kitchen team who served over 100 plates of delicious spaghetti and meatballs to our members and friends from the community! What wonderful fun for all of our guests who dug into their
pumpkins following dinner! Thank you also to Kristy Johnston, the chairperson of Christian Ed, who provided all
of the pumpkins!
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Holiday Cookie Sale Southwick Congregational Church 488 College Highway (Under the Gold Dome)
Southwick, Massachusetts
Saturday, December 14, 2019
8:30 am – 1:30 pm
$9 a pound
Bakers are always needed!
Please see Robin Sklarski
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CHRISTIAN ED COMMITTEE
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Each year, the Southwick Community Food Pantry distributes the necessary items for a full Turkey dinner to families in the towns of Southwick, Granville and Tolland. This year, the children will be collecting Boxed Stuffing, Gravy and Reusable bags. Our goal is 150 of each item. Please watch for collection bins which will be located in the narthex and New Fellowship Hall. Deadline is Sunday, November 24.
Thirty-One Fundraiser
Christian Ed. is hosting a fundraiser throughout the month of November for our children's program with Thirty One.
Check out the many different items available at www.mythirtyone.com and watch our Facebook for
additional information which will be coming very soon! Catalogs will be available during coffee hour starting on
11/3/19. Contact Kristy if you would like additional information.
Christian Ed 250th Anniversary Recipe Book
The Christian Ed committee will be working with the children to produce a recipe book in celebration of the
upcoming 250th anniversary year. Please start organizing your favor-
ite family recipes and email them to [email protected].
Don't forget to include any important family stories with your
recipes!
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From the Library
By Joyce Arnold
Some Interesting Facts Regarding our Church History
Membership & Finances
During the period of 1949-1956, the church
membership rose from 159 to 400; a very active
period in our church’s growth. The budget increased
from $6,751.00 to $19,863.00.
On March 17, 1957, at 4:00 PM, a very impressive dedication
service was held for the new Church House addition.
An examination of the Local Church Report for 1957 that
was sent to the Year Book, “Congregational Christian
Churches,” shows some interesting facts and figures:
Total church membership 535
Total admitted during year 128
Average church membership 164
Total church school 368
Pilgrim Fellowship, Jr. & Sr. 55
Number of friends and members pledge 415
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November is Steward-ship month; a time to review the passing year and prepare for the year ahead. Living
a Christian life is not a happenstance of circumstance but of choice where each act of compassion or sacrifice enriches us and encourages others.
As we age, how will the value of our life be measured? Luke, Chapter 12, reminds us that one’s life is not measured by the abundance of possessions. How we choose to best use our time, our abilities and our resources is confirmation of our Stewardship.
As shown below, the current budget status through Septem-ber finds that income from Stewardship, fundraisers and other sources as the thrift store are exceeded by expenses. ~Virgil
110 Active Members $125,500
2019 Budget
$84,070 Income through
September
49 Average Sunday
Attendance
$87,650 Expenses through
September
$1325 Average
2019 Pledge
67 Stewardship
Pledges
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All-Church Committee Meeting Minutes (draft)
October 10, 2019
The meeting was called to order by Moderator Terry Putnam at 8:05 p.m. Flo Pitoniak offered an opening prayer. The Moderator made a motion to accept the Minutes of the September All-Church Committee Meeting which was seconded and passed.
Pastor: Terry Putnam let the congregation know that Rev. Susanne is home and awaiting a medical procedure, probably 4-6 weeks out. The Executive Committee is in the process of interviewing potential inter-ims.
Treasurer: Ted Orson reported that our income and expenses are fall-ing a little short of what we had budgeted but basically we are pretty good and where we thought we would be at this point in the year.
Search: Bob Franzen reported the committee met with Jill Graham and they have more work to do and will be meeting with the Deacons on 11/3/19 to further work on the Profile.
Deacons: Patty Banasik reported 3 present. Laity Sunday on 10/20/19 still has a few more openings. Please see a Deacon to help out. The Deacons will be providing refreshments for the 11/3/19 meeting with the Search Committee and the congregation. Discussion about what to do if anyone happens to find a stranger in or near the building. Result was to always be safe and to call 911 immediately if anyone feels threatened or unsafe. Discussion on pulpit supply and interim search.
Buildings and Grounds: Eric Nitsch reported 3 present. Ted’s Proper-ty Service has been contacted to fix a water leak around the flashing of the chimney. They will also repoint the chimney while up there at cost of repair of about $1,500 with an additional cost to re-duct the bath-room exhaust fans near the kitchen. Eric worked with Michael Hayes and new microphones have been purchased for the sanctuary. The Kousa dogwood tree in the center of the handicapped ramp is causing messy problems due to all the berries being dropped. It will be re-moved as it is a safety hazard. It is requested to keep the doors on ei-ther side of the altar closed now as the Sanctuary is not heated contin-uously during the week. Discussion about whether these doors should be locked when sanctuary is not in use. B&G will investigate this. Mike Pitoniak removed the air conditioners, cleaned, and stored them. The parking lot for the 10/20/19 Dan Kane concert will be manned so that
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All-Church Meeting Minutes Continued
parking is available for concert goers. Many of the doors around the building are now dead-bolted for safety. A wipe board has been in-stalled in the kitchen to list supplies that need to be purchased. The group’s next big project will be emergency lighting and exit sign in-stallation.
Music: Joe Sullivan reported 3 present. The Calendar Raffle tickets are being sold and they discussed the procedure of drawing the tickets starting on 11/1/19. Summer music was discussed and they are hop-ing to be able to use pianists from Westfield State University. The trim on the upstairs piano will be re-glued and it will be tuned in Decem-ber.
Finance: Melanie Nitsch reported 6 present. The church office will be closed most Wednesdays October through December since Lyn will be using up PTO hours. We will be increasing room use fees as of 1/1/20 and a letter will be drafted to give to groups so they will be informed. After a discussion, a motion was made by Jim P, seconded, and passed to not participate in the new MA Paid Family and Medical Leave law. Churches are not required to participate. The Search Committee has requested a meeting with Finance on 10/20/19 following church.
Mission-Outreach: Donna Sullivan reported 2 present. Dan Kane con-cert tickets on 10/20/19 are on sale. The t-shirt sale is going well with 8 shirts still available and another order will be placed. The committee was able to help a family in town in need of bunk beds and bedding (grandparents who took in their 4 grandchildren).
Flowers: Roxanne Cook thanked the Putnam’s for all their beautiful flower donations. XMAS shut-in plants and poinsettias will be ordered.
Christian Ed: Kristy Johnston reported the Polar Express trip is on 11/16/19. There are a few spaces open so they will decide how to grant those. They are sponsoring a “31 Bags” fundraiser in November to help with the Polar Express costs. The youth will be helping with the Spaghetti Supper. They have offered to help Missions with food pantry items for Thanksgiving. The Advent Workshop has been sched-uled for 12/8/19 and will be advertised to the community to bring in more participants. The Children’s XMAS Pageant will be on 12/15/19. They are planning a skating party at Amelia Park and the Pitoniaks have several tickets to donate. Christian Ed would like to have a cook-book fundraiser in conjunction with Southwick’s 250th Celebration and are hoping to have the kids do the art work.
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All-Church Meeting Minutes Continued
Fundraising: Patti Wood mentioned upcoming fundraisers: The Spa-ghetti Supper/Pumpkin Carving, the Cookie Sale, Turkey Dinner, Holly Bazaar, Handbell concert, Soup Sale. The clothing drive brought in $337 and the tag sale made $125. Patti would like to earmark those funds to help pay for the cost of cleaning the OFH floor and she will cover the balance of the cost. Discussion was tabled until Executive Session. Jim P made a motion on behalf of Finance Committee to ad-vance to Patty B. and Roxanne C. a sum of $500 so they can begin pur-chasing supplies for the Turkey Dinner. Those funds will be re-paid from the profits of the dinner. This was seconded and passed unani-mously.
Security: Eric Nitsch reported doors have now been locked and then re-opened before and after services on Sundays for a month now with-out any complaints. They are working on further security measures for the church.
Memorial Gifts, Library, Nominating: No reports.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Melanie Nitsch, Clerk
Executive Board Meeting
October 10, 2019
The meeting was called to order by Moderator Terry Putnam at 8:55 p.m. Patti Wood made a request to designate funds from smaller fund-raisers for specific special projects by those that organize them rather than the proceeds going into the general fund. After a lengthy discus-sion, it was understood that we are operating on a deficit budget and any funds from fundraisers are important to help us meet our expens-es. A noted exception is Missions fundraising that is historically used for designated missions’ projects. Committees are asked to remember to reflect expected expenses and anticipated funds raised in their year-ly budget. Also a discussion was held on the process for handling and depositing funds.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 pm. Respectfully submitted, Melanie Nitsch, Clerk
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END NOTES
I sat here in the morning waiting for the sun
I made a wish upon a star – it was the only one
I could hear the waves crashing as they had all weekend long
So, I guess the storm’s still brewing not far off the coastline
I wanted to spend time with God before we have to leave
And sunrise is my favorite time to pause – to sit – to breathe
I tried to match my breathing to the pounding of the waves
But it wasn’t calming or relaxing; it was too frantic of a pace
So, I closed my eyes and counted — in to four and out to three
My eyes then opened to a picture God had painted just for me
The morning sun was waking up with purple-orange-yellow-black
Purple-orange-yellow-green the marsh was answering back
The white caps on the ocean were soon revealed as well
God is mighty and his majesty shows in each crashing swell
And every now and then, a light would flicker off and on
It seems my morning wishing star was a lighthouse in the fog
Autumn Morn
By Evelyn Dean Casey
3
Communion
Service 10 AM
OA Workshop 3:30
4
Office Open 9-12
Music Together 10
Beyond Goals 6:30
5
Office Open 9-12
Bell Choir 6:30
Scouts Troop 114
6 Office Open 9
Scrabble 1
Cub Scouts 6:30
Voice Choir 7
10 11
Office CLOSED
Music Together 10
Beyond Goals 6:30
12
Office CLOSED
Bell Choir 6:30
Scouts Troop 114
13 Office Open 9
Scrabble 1
Cub Scouts 6:30
Voice Choir 7
17
Worship
Service 10 AM OA 3:30
18
Office Open 9-12
Beyond Goals 6:30
19
Office Open 9-12
Bell Choir 6:30
American Inn 6:30
Scouts Troop 114
20 Office Open 9
Scrabble 1
Cub Scouts 6:30
Voice Choir 7
24
Worship
Service 10 AM OA 3:30
25
Office Open 9-12
Beyond Goals 6:30
26
Fair Share Co-op
Office Open 9-12
Bell Choir 6:30
Scouts Troop 114
27 Office Open 9
Scrabble 1
Cub Scouts 6:30
Voice Choir 7
Veterans Day
Worship Service OA 3:30
Sun Mon Tue Wed
1 Office Open 9-12
Henrietta’s 9-12
Writing Group 12:30
OA Meeting 6:00
AA Meeting 7:30
2 Henrietta’s
Office Open 9-12
Scrabble 1-4
Cub Scouts 6:30
Voice Choir 7
7 Office Open 9-12
Midweek Service 6:30PM
8 Office Open 9-12
Henrietta’s 9-12
Writing Group 12:30
OA Meeting 6:00
AA Meeting 7:30
9 Henrietta’s
Turkey Dinner 6pm
Office Open 9-12
Scrabble 1-4
Cub Scouts 6:30
Voice Choir 7
14 Office Open 9-12
Midweek Service 6:30PM
All-Church Meeting
15 Office Open 9-12
Henrietta’s 9-12
Writing Group 12:30
OA Meeting 6:00
AA Meeting 7:30
16 Henrietta’s Troop 114 Food Drive
8:30-2:30
Polar Express 1:45
Office Open 9-12
Scrabble 1-4
Cub Scouts 6:30
Voice Choir 7
21 Office Open 9-12
Midweek Service 6:30PM
22 Office Open 9-12
Henrietta’s 9-12
Writing Group 12:30
OA Meeting 6:00
AA Meeting 7:30
23 Henrietta’s
Office Open 9-12
Scrabble 1-4
Cub Scouts 6:30
Voice Choir 7
28 Office CLOSED
29 Office CLOSED
OA Meeting 6:00
AA Meeting 7:30
30 Henrietta’s
Thanksgiving Day
All Saints’ Day
Gold Dome Articles Due
Wed Thu Fri Sat