T HE T I D E - I N G S O C T O B E R

Transcription

1 T HE T I D E - I N G S O C T O B E R Mattapoisett Congregational Church mattapoisettcongregationalchurch.org 27 Church Street, PO Box 284 Mattapoisett, MA Tel (508) Fax (508) mattcong@verizon.net Pastor Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken mccpastoramy@verizon.net Director of Music Michelle Gordon Christian Education Director Patricia Berry Administrative Assistant Judy Kennedy Sexton David Smarowski Office Hours Monday-Friday 9:00 Noon a.m. Website mattapoisettcongregationalchurch.org UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STEWARDSHIP We are all stewards of our church, trusted to carry on its mission with an eye to the future. In this season, members are asked to commit financially, completing a pledge form, and have "glad and generous hearts." In an overall mood of contentedness and sharing, church members were recalling their many blessings. As told in Acts "...they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people." After the sermon last week, I was feeling quite blessed. I heard from representatives from our Music, Trustee and Christian Education committees. We have so many vibrant members sharing their talents and time. Please take a moment and make or renew your pledge to continue the good work we do at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Join us in Reynard Hall after the service on November 2 for a presentation, with light refreshments provided. Thank you! Jennifer Shepley Mission Trip Message Oct. 5 The Mission Trippers had an incredible experience in Georgia this past June, and want to share it! Several folks have spoken about the experience, but with the July 4 weekend and the summer schedule, we know many of you missed those very meaningful messages. So, please be sure to be in worship on Oct. 5 for another message about our trip. We ll hear from Claire Keene, Megan Field (on behalf of the seven youth who went), and from Craddock Center Executive Director Julie Jabaley, via a video.

2 The Harken Family remains very grateful to the congregation and the community for the outpouring of support and love in the wake of the death of our son, Mark, on July 5. The wholesome food, the lovely cards, the calls, notes, visiting hours, flowers, and memorial gifts have all helped us journey across the bridge to our new reality. We have truly felt cared for, and blessed to be surrounded by you in this extremely difficult time. It s going on three months since we received the terrible news via cell phone during a cookout with friends. In that time, we ve traveled to Kansas City, coped with the funeral and all the things that go along with it, returned to our New England home, readied the parsonage for Claire s arrival, and enrolled her in the 8th grade at ORRJHS. We ve mowed the lawn, made dinners, gone to work, looked at Facebook, talked on the phone, watered the plants, connected with friends all the usual stuff. Life moves on and we ve tried to get back in the swing of things. But it doesn t take much to return us to that terrible phone call, to the shock, to the details that unfolded with each passing hour. It doesn t take much to spark imaginings of Mark s final moments, and the accident that claimed him. The Pastoral Relations Committee (besides myself, Ross Edminster, Nancy Braitmayer, Erich Carroll and Liz Field) met a few weeks ago to talk about this time of grief. The committee suggested it may be helpful to the congregation if I were to use this space to talk about our grief. Back in the day, you could tell when someone was grieving by what they wore. If a woman s husband died, she might wear black mourning clothes for the rest of her life. At the least, she would wear mourning attire for several years. A sibling would dress head-to-toe in black for at least six months. Other friends, colleagues, and relatives would also wear black for a certain period of time often a year as a sign of mourning. People in mourning weren t expected to dance or laugh at parties, or engage in social behavior. These customs weren t intended to encourage the mourner to wallow in self-pity, or to shut the mourner out of community life. It was a sign of respect and honor to the deceased, and also was a visible sign for the community that someone was experiencing grief. So if someone seemed quiet, reserved, distant, angry, distracted, or grumpy, everybody knew why. If someone didn t show up for a meeting or a social function, they didn t have to give a reason. As long as the mourner was dressed in black, or perhaps wore a black armband, they didn t have to explain. Somebody close had died, and the griever was given latitude, as long as they were in the designated period of mourning. In this country, such customs have fallen out of fashion, and so for several decades a person s grief has been invisible. Life moves on. Seasons change. Business must be tended to. What occupies your energy one day gives way to something else the next. The fact of a death fades in the collective consciousness, but for those in mourning sorrow continues to permeate everything. It remains just as fresh as it was the day the news came, only it s deeper, since layers if realization and implication have continued to reveal themselves daily. But there is no outward, visible sign to account to other people for the melancholy, the exhaustion, or the lack of enthusiasm. So, please know that even though we Harkens aren t dressing head-to-to in black these days, our hearts remain heavy. Please be assured, at our core, we remain happy, thankful, faithful people. We haven t lost our sense of blessedness to be part of God s world, and this community. We want to engage in the world, our jobs, school, friends and various activities. We think we are doing our best, and have resources outside the church to help us along. But a thousand hidden triggers lurk on billboards, in magazines, on the internet, and in the casual comments of others. Add to that the occasional missive from the Midwest: the final police report of Mark s accident; an article from Erik s high school newspaper; a link posted on Facebook. Add to that our rueful thoughts as we seen teens driving recklessly around town: speeding, texting, not paying attention - even a well-intentioned word of condolence. A thousand hidden triggers, each with the potential to undo us for several hours, even as we resume our responsibilities and activities. It feels like getting over the flu. You want nothing more than to push the Kleenex aside, get out of bed, shower, dress, and get back to normal. But the minute your feet hit the floor, a wave of dizziness overwhelms you, and you have to lie back down.

3 We know that many of you have had similar experiences as you have coped with losses in your own families, many of them just as unexpected and shocking as ours, all of them unique to you as individuals and to your distinctive family circumstances. We are truly appreciative of the patience and latitude you are giving us, and grateful for your understanding. We will continue to mourn for many months, but we don t expect you to linger with us in this shadowy valley. In fact your best friendship is from the high and sunny ridges of our shared journey. It is important that you understand the path we travel, but it s just as important that you accompany us with cheerful companionship and mellowness of spirit. If you find this difficult, or feel you need to process any of this, please know the Pastoral Relations Committee is there for you, too, committed to accompanying the congregation as well through this season. Thank you for caring for us, caring for each other, and caring for our church. Blessings to you, Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken Homecoming Thank You Our Homecoming service at Ned s Point was singularly spectacular, thanks to perfect weather, and the many hands, hearts, and minds who made it happen. We presented checks ($500 each) to the local fire and police departments for their service to our community. We also had Sunday School signups, and a delicious cookout. Thanks to the Deacons for the service that included outdoor communion (a first for us?); the Trustees for organizing logistics; our amazing musicians; cooks and servers; and everybody else who helped set up, clean up, get permits, contact police and fire departments, organize electric power and sound, and otherwise make the event wonderful. This was truly an all-church effort for the glory of God! Bible Study - Genesis Our Thursday Bible Class continues through October and November with our study of Genesis. We meet 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the conference room. All are welcome to join in this casual, discussion-based class. Even if you cannot attend every class, you are invited! Please contact the church office for more information (such as ordering the study guide).

4 Christian Education Family Spaghetti Dinner Open House Sunday, October 19, 4:00 pm - 6:00pm All are Welcome. The event will include live music, storytelling, crafts, and dinner. Free-will offering accepted. Come experience our Mission Trip and learn more about our church s Christian Education, Mission and Music ministries. Be sure to sign up. Bring your family!! Fun Night for All!! Bring Friends!!! Sunday School October Schedule 10/5 "Words of life" Teacher s Meeting 8:45 10/12 "People on a Journey" and Practice Fire Drill 10/19 "God in the Heartbeat of Life" 9:00 am: Acolyte Training for new students + refresher for others with Mrs. Goss & Mrs. Berry 10/26 "Endings and Beginnings" Meet our dynamic and talented Sunday School and Nursery Team!!!! PK/K/1 grades: Tracy Gillen, Greta Plante, Sharon Thuestad 2/3 Grades: Julie Meninno and Suzanne Perdigao 4/5 Grades: Holly Gordon and Claire Keene 6 Grade: Tara Rajaniemi/Chuck Talley and Lisa Dunn Helper Teacher: Katie Coughlin Nursery Attendants: Mary Crain, Aimee Hill, Abby Field, Laurie Kelsch, Megan Field A 10-question family survey was administered in early September with close to a 40% response rate. The results are helping us enhance our Christian Education ministry and to continue to offer faith development opportunities, with Friday nights & Sunday afternoons the best times for activities. Spiritual/Faith classes for parents are also of interest.

5 .An Observation From the Treasurer I m very excited about all the work that has been going on this year. We have people that are very enthusiastic and committees that are doing their jobs very well. Unfortunately, we were quite outdated and falling to disrepair and the result has been somewhat costly. Some of the things that have been done are The stove in the kitchen has been repaired and is now in good working order and not a hazard. The dishwasher has been repaired (can we have more dinners?) A wall was demolished in the basement to create a new, larger classroom for our CE kids. The back door on Barstow was quite rotted and has been replaced. The basement drain has been repaired and is working well. The landscaping on Barstow St has been restored. The floor in Reynard Hall has been refinished. Computers and electronic wiring have been updated. On the horizon We have requests from Christian Ed to purchase a flat screen TV for use in the classrooms. We are getting estimates to install a dehumidifying system in the basement. This summer was quite uncomfortable for anyone working in the basement due to the increased humidity from living so close to the ocean. We have had an energy audit done which will lead to new lighting and other energy efficient improvements. This will significantly reduce our energy use. NSTAR will foot some of the bill but, of course, we pay the balance. This work should be starting very soon. Our Christian Ed staff has done a great job and the kids are very involved. The Trustees are taking their job very seriously and trying to keep the building in good repair. Our Pastor is leading more and more groups such as Bible Study, Women Spirit, and more. Amy is trying very hard to make our congregation a family. The MattMen are putting on barbeques and trying to involve more men in the everyday life of the Church. I feel a tremendous spirit growing within the Mattapoisett Congregational Church and would like to keep it growing. As I said, it s costly. We are over budget. We can pay our bills but I do not want to drain all our resources. If everyone chips in a little more until the end of the year it will help keep the enthusiasm alive and meet our needs. Your Treasurer, Paula Maconchu Club The Maconchu Club will meet on October 18, 7:00 p.m. in the church. Our speaker will be Derek DeCosta, originally from South Korea. He is an educator, runs a local cable fitness program and is the author of Moonlight King. He will speak about his life in South Korea as well as his experiences coming to and living in the United States. It promises to be an interesting, unique evening. All are welcome to attend.

6 HOMECOMING NED S POINT Triads Movie Nights! All Junior High and High schoolers are invited to take part in the Triads Movie Nights through October. We meet at the church from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for dinner (provided) as we watch a film by director M. Night Shymalan. Then, we spend some time talking about ideas the film raises. These films have endings that might leave us a little spooked just in time for Halloween! They also are great ways to explore topics like community, purpose, and the nature of reality things we think about in our life of faith. Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken and Youth Leader Ali Caine facilitate our talks. Later in the year, the Jr. High Triads and High School Triads will meet separately, but all are watching these movies (PG-13) together. All teens and their friends (even if not church members) are invited, as well as any adults who are considering being youth sponsors. Please RSPV (to get a count for dinner) by calling the church office, or send an to Ali (alibcaine@gmail.com) or Rev. Amy (mccpastoramy@verizon.net). There s no cost, but if a parent would like to sign up to provide a simple meal (pizza, etc.), that would be great! Here s our schedule: Oct. 5 Lady in the Water Oct. 12 No Triads, Columbus Day Weekend Oct. 19 Signs Oct. 26 Sixth Sense

7 THANK YOU! Greeters : Trustees, Claire & Loren Keene Ushers: Deacons Deacon of the Month: Pat Goss Trustees of the Week: David Kaiser, Rory McFee, Marc Anderson Readers: Griffin Dunn, Kyle Sherman, Claire Harken, Maggie Carroll, Maggie Berry Acolytes: Sarah Besancon, Delilah Burlinson, Tommy Berry, Teddy Carroll, Isaiah Burlinson, Chloe Hurley Memorial Flowers: Madelyn Fogler, Chips Boutilier, Karen Knapton, Katherine & Philip Gaudet, Jan Campos, Todd Campos Refreshments: The Dunn Family, June Damery, Liz Field, Diana Dunn, Kim Field, Bob Field, Dennis Desrosiers, Sound & Recording David Dunn & Bob Field DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE A LY VISIT? FRIEND- LET THE VISITATION COMMITTEE KNOW! Joan Manchester Gert Soares Betty Parker Gail Dunn Beverley Moore Bruce Rocha, Sr. Contact any member: Madelyn Fogler Carol Shute June Damery Cindy Johnson Elizabeth Field We continue to keep in our prayers friends and members of the church who are homebound or ill. Please contact the church office if you or a family member would like a visit during a hospitalization Helen Eldridge Paul Fluegel Bobby Knight Kim Sontheimer Please pray for all men and women serving in our military. DEADLINE FOR November MONTHLY TIDEINGS is October 15. MATTCONG@VERIZON.NET WomenSpirit The October WomenSpirit will meet on October 29 at 5:00 p.m. in the Family Room at church. Lynne Gillis will facilitate. All women of the church are welcome. Kitchen News - Important! If you use the ovens, please remember to turn off the gas when you are finished. Thank you. Confirmation Our Confirmation Class is held January through May for teens 8th to 12 grade. If your child has not yet been confirmed and is interested in confirmation, or for more information, please contact Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken.

8 OCTOBER 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 6:30 pm DEACONS 2 9 & 5 3 9:00 Rummage 4 9:00-Noon Genesis Sale Set-up RUMMAGE 9:00 Rummage SALE Sale Set-up 5 10:00 am WORSHIP 6:00 pm YOUTH MOVIE 6 5:00 pm PASTORAL RELATIONS 7 6:45 am PRAYER 9:30 am VISITATION CTTE 8 5:30 pm TRUSTEES :00 am WORSHIP Rev. Wm. McCoy preaching 6:00 YOUTH MOV. 13 COLUMBUS DAY OFFICE CLOSED 14 6:45 am PRAYER 15 6:00 pm EXEC 16 9:00 pm Genesis 5:00 pm Genesis :00 am WORSHIP OPEN HOUSE 4:00-6:00 pm CE, Missions 6:00 YOUTH MOV. 20 8:30 am Staff Mtg. 21 6:45 am PRAYER :00 pm Genesis 5:00 pm Genesis :00 am WORSHIP REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 6:00 YOUTH MOV :45 am PRAYER 29 5:00 pm WOMENSPIR. 30 9:00 pm Genesis 5:00 pm Genesis 31 Birthday Sunday REGULARLY SCHEDULED FUNCTIONS/MEETINGS IN THE CHURCH BUILDING Catelli Dance School Brownies & GS BS & CS Mattapoisett Sippican Choral Society: AA: Wed 7 pm Monday 2:30-6:45 Troop Troop 53 Woman s Club: Mondays at 7:30 pm AlAnon: Tuesday 3:00-6:30 Wednesday 3:00-8:00 Monday 5:30 Troop Tuesday 5:45 Troop Friday 6:00 Tues 7 pm Pack 53 1st/2nd Thurs 6 pm Pack Night: 3rd Thurs 6pm 3rd Thursdays 12:00 3rd Tuesday Bd. Mtg. Mon. 6:00 pm Sat 10 am