THE SPIRE. February The Congregational Church of South Dartmouth United Church of Christ. From Pastor Doug

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1 From Pastor Doug THE SPIRE The Congregational Church of South Dartmouth United Church of Christ Our rich Congregational tradition blends traditions that we share with other churches and values and ways of doing things that are unique to us. Our beautiful worship services, our music, and our strong sense of responsibility reflect millennia of an evolving Christian dialogue solidly rooted in Scripture. When we in the United Church of Christ say, God is still speaking, these four words summarize our understanding of a dynamic, living faith rather than a static, historic faith. We launch our Confirmation process this month. As with so many other aspects of our congregational life, we come to the process with a wide range of different experiences and expectations. While we all regard Confirmation as an important step in the life of our young people, because of our varied backgrounds, we come to it with diverse perspectives. Some denominations teach that Confirmation is a sacrament equivalent to Baptism and Communion. In our tradition, we view it as very special milestone and blessing but not a sacrament. We take this position because Confirmation is not actually described anywhere in Scripture. By contrast, the only two sacraments in our Reformed tradition Baptism and Communion are explicitly established in the Bible. In some traditions, preparation for Confirmation is a lengthy process of memorization of specific doctrines, definitions, and prayers contained in books of questions and answers. Catholics use the Baltimore Catechism while many Protestants use the Westminster Catechism (Presbyterian) and the Heidelberg Catechism (several Reformed denominations). We approach the process quite differently. But if we do not emphasize memorization and recitation, our objective is the same as denominations that do. Our fondest wish for our young people is to provide the strongest and deepest possible faith foundation to sustain them for their individual life s faith journey with whatever twists and turns it will, inevitably, take. Our Confirmation program begins this month and will culminate with a celebratory worship on Pentecost Sunday (June 8). During these 16 weeks, we will focus on helping our young people develop the life-long set of skills of reading and interacting with Scripture for their own pleasure and guidance. We will focus on asking questions and listening to each other as we strive to answer the key question: How do I relate what I believe to how I act? Continued on Page 3 February 2014

2 Page 2 CHOWDER SUPPER March 5th Come join us on Ash Wednesday, March 5th for our annual fish chowder supper featuring Sally's famous fish chowder. Menu includes chowder, rolls, salad, coffee and dessert. Tickets are on sale after church in the lower social hall. The tickets are: $10 individual and $25 maximum for families. This is one of fellowship ministry's fund raising events for the church year. Doors will open at 5:45. Last day to buy tickets is Sunday, March 2 nd Please note, we have large print bulletins, as well as, large print hymns available for you every Sunday in the narthex. Please feel free to pick up a copy as you enter church worship or ask for one. Fellowship Committee Please join us for our Ash Wednesday Worship Service to be held in the Sanctuary on March 5th at 7 pm. PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE (PRC) The Pastoral Relations Committee supports and maintains an open relationship between the Pastor and members of the congregation to enhance their mutual ministry. It gives a framework for dealing with conflict creatively with respect for all parties involved. Members of the church may contact members of the PRC to share ideas, hopes, concerns and feedback. The PRC will begin meeting this week. PRC members: Margo Moore Cecelia Roberts Lisa Tufano Sonja White David Wyss Pastor Doug Stivison Daphne Fogg Siegal Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. Robert Heinlein

3 Page 3 Continued from Page 1 Our lofty goals are to help our young people comprehend the boundless resources of Scripture, to love the beauty of our style of worship, and to appreciate our denomination s strong commitments to both justice and freedom of conscience. Perhaps even more important than what we share in our Confirmation classes, our confirmands are learning from you. Every member of this congregation is a part of the Confirmation process. When you worship alongside of our youth, when you demonstrate to them your commitment to putting faith in action, and when you share fellowship with each other, our confirmands are learning from your example what it really means to be members of a vital and faithful church. Stewardship Update We are very thankful to announce an update for this year s Stewardship Campaign. To date we have received 90 Promise cards totaling $169,500 from the congregation. This is an increase of approximately $32,000 in pledge giving over last year s total, representing 164 members of the church including twelve new pledge units. The proposed 2014 Budget for total income is $182,000, thus we are still short of our projected goal. This figure, however, includes both Promise giving and loose collection. The Finance Ministry feels confident that we can achieve our budget goal. We urge anyone who has not yet sent in a Promise card to do so soon to allow Pastor Doug and the church Council to properly plan for the year s programming. We feel blessed to be part of such a committed and giving congregation and are so pleased to see Pastor Doug s ministry get off to such a solid start.

4 Page 4 In this Season after the Epiphany, we welcome the light of God transforming our lives. The secular definition of epiphany is an a-ha moment. We love these out-ofnowhere gifts: sudden clarity about a tough decision, a creative solution to a thorny problem, a revelation about a relationship. But most often, epiphanies come after long periods of study or research. So it was with the wise ones travelling from the East. In a sense, the magi followed their particular faith practices and traditions (including following the stars), and their seeker impulses. Impulses of all kinds are at the core of the Epiphany: longing, fear, curiosity, and joy. There is intrigue, suspicion, anticipation, so many chords and tones of the symphony of human experience. Most importantly, the Epiphany is the story of all humanity realizing God is born among us. On January 5 th the Sunday School joined together to celebrate Epiphany, ahead of joining the congregation for Communion. They created Epiphany lights, sandpaper stars & wire stars. On January 12 th, Baptism of Jesus Sunday, the 1 st 5 th graders were invited to bring a picture or memento of their own Baptism and/or an item representing a group to which they belong. They also created, You are God s Beloved baptism cards, which will be attached to a candle and presented at the time of a child s baptism as a gift from our Sunday School children. That same morning Linda Gouveia led our 6 th 8 th graders in Yoga. Everyone has their own story about how they have experienced God guiding them in their lives. We can learn a lot about how God might be speaking to us through the stories of others. To that end, on January 19 th we gathered grades 1 st 8 th and interviewed Michael Gouveia around how he serves God in his daily work. We also began working on a How well do you know our Congo kids? bulletin board check it out in the lower social hall. Thanks to Kathy Pappas for continuing to meet twice monthly with the 6 th 8 th graders. And to Katie Christianson, Jennifer DaPonte, & Nicole Niemiec who continue to rotate teaching responsibilities for our 3, 4, & 5 year old class. If you can take a turn assisting in the Nursery/Toddler Room please be in touch with Carol Flack at cjflack@yahoo.com The Season after the Epiphany takes us through January and February to the beginning of Lent. The sessions during this time will focus on Jesus Sermon on the Mount teachings from the fifth chapter of the gospel of Matthew. These teachings offer new ways of living in God s ways and showing God s light and love to the world. REMINDER there is NO SUNDAY SCHOOL on February 16 th

5 Page 5 Nativity Pageant Cast: (In order of appearance) Narrator: Emperor: Joseph: Mary: Julia Theodore Dylan Hegedus Nate Stone Braely Neto Innkeeper: Sam Stone Shepherds: Sheep: Will Paradise Myles Neto Finn Paradise Will Fairfax Aaron Charest Max Stone Lauren Kiser Charlie Niemiec Grace DaPonte Angels: Tahlia Guillette Emma DaPonte Mia Paynton Wise People: Kevin Kiser Val Paynton Charlie Fairfax Directors: Assistants: Carol Flack Lara Stone Nancy Lawrence Susan Fairfax Beth Neto Jen DaPonte Stage Hand: Val Paynton

6 Page 6 February 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 December Flowers Were Given By 2 10am Worship 3 Boy Scouts 4 Music Committee 5 Girl Scouts December 1st - Deacons in celebration of the Advent Season. December 8th - Stephen Hegedus in loving memory of my father Ferenc Hegedus. 9 10am Worship 10 PRC Mtg Boy Scouts 11 7pm Ministry Meeting 12 Girl Scouts December 15th - Susan McLaren and Phil Guymont in loving memory of friends and family. December 22nd Jeannie Gulbranson in memory of Sarah Neal Gulbranson am Worship 17 Boy Scouts 18 7 pm Council Meeting 19 Girl Scouts December 29th Lou Cabot. January Flowers Were Given By January 5th Chris and Chris Baldwin in celebration of our 29th Wedding Anniversary. 10am Worship Lennox Baptism Boy Scouts 7 pm Meeting 350th Anniversary Girl Scouts January 12th - The Browne Family in loving memory of Barbara Browne, our wife, Mother and grandmother. January 19th - Dick and Nancy Purdy in memory of Henry and Adelaide Stevens and C. Phillips and Nathalie Purdy. January 26th - Tena Coley in memory of my parents.

7 Page 7 Council News The Council met for their monthly meeting on Thursday, January 23, The Property Committee has been working diligently to make the necessary repairs after the church experienced a lightning strike on January 11th. Fortunately, our insurance will cover over $10,000 in damage, with a $1,000 deductible. Thanks were expressed to Jack Paradise and Kevern Joyce for their efforts and time in getting the church back in working order, as well as Robin Lake, for her flexibility in working without phone lines, a copy machine and the continual testing of fire alarms. The Religious Education Ministry will be busy in the next few months as they work to find a permanent Director of Religious Education. Nancy Lawrence, our Acting Director of Religious Education will be with us until the end of the Sunday School year in June 2014, and through our transition with a new Director of Religious Education. The RE Ministry will work with Pastor Doug, the Human Resources Ministry and several parent volunteers in the search process for our new Director of Religious Education. Any questions and/or concerns, please contact Kathryn Duff, Chair of Religious Education Ministry, or Pastor Doug. The Religious Education Ministry informed the council that Troy Tufano will be resigning as Associate Director of Youth Fellowship, effective February 1, While Troy will be joining St. Peter's Episcopal Church as their RE Director, Lisa Tufano will be staying on as Associate Director of Youth Fellowship until the end of the program year this May We wish Troy well in his new endeavor, and thank him for his years of service to the Youth of our Congregation and his work with the RE Ministry. The Nominating Committee is in the beginning stages for finding new ministry and committee members who will be voted on at the annual meeting in May This led to a dialogue about how to involve more people in the business of running the church. Having new ministry and committee members offers the opportunity for new perspective and new energy to work alongside the more experienced members. The Council talked about the importance of all groups using the church building to be responsible for turning lights off and locking up when leaving. Next council meeting, Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Typhoon Haiyan Response When Typhoon Haiyan left a trail of death and destruction across the Philippines last November, the UCC issued an appeal for funds to help the 9.8 million people who were impacted. Our Outreach Ministry sponsored a special Sunday collection and you responded very generously by donating $1947. Thank you for supporting the emergency relief and rebuilding efforts needed to help the victims of this disaster.

8 Page 8 Music News Jackie Maillet, our Music Director, resigned from her position Tuesday, January 28th, citing creative differences and personal reasons. Jackie felt it was in the best interests of the church that she step down at this time to allow for a fresh start for the music program. During her time here, Jackie enjoyed getting to know the members of the congregation, working with the adult and children's choirs and growing as a musician. She hopes that the time she spent with us will serve as a bridge with the past and helps us, along with our newly settled pastor Rev. Doug Stivison, to determine what we wish for the music program in the future. We are grateful to Jackie for her joyful spirit, her musical gifts and the time she spent with our church family. She will be missed. Pam Paynton Chairperson Communication Reminders Website: Make sure to check out our new website at: Church Calendar: If you would like to schedule an event at the church, please remember to check in with the church office so that we can add your activity to our calendar. The calendar can be found on the website and is a great way of keeping track of what is happening at the church. Cares and Concerns: Please don t forget to call or the church office with information on any hospital admissions or pastoral concerns. We do not receive notification from the hospital, so the only way we can be informed of anyone that may need a visit, is if you let us know. Thank you for helping us stay in tune to the needs of our church family Council, Ministry and Committee Information: Please remember to check the bulletin board outside the church office for current information, including Council agendas and minutes, as well as Search Committee information. Minutes of all church meetings are filed in binders in the library for easy access. Joys and Concerns Just a reminder we have a book on the podium in the Narthex for people to write down their joys or concerns. A deacon will bring the book to the minister once the service has begun, thereby giving him an opportunity to read them before the time for sharing. This method will also provide us with a permanent record. Those who prefer to voice their joys and concerns may continue to do so.

9 Page 9 Our E-Prayer Group If you would like to become a member of the prayer chain, please contact Marcia Hathaway either by phone (508) or mkhathaway@comcast.net or call the church office. As "members of the Prayer Chain," you would receive a copy of the prayer. Your only responsibility is to read it, thus you too are "praying" for the requests put forth. I never put anyone "in" the prayer without a request, and I only disclose what has been shared. Since we all know that prayer is a powerful healing tool, the more members we have praying, the more power we concentrate on a request. Marcia K. Hathaway, Breathe Deeply. Namaste. Wedding Anniversaries December Betsy & Norman Silcox (55th )December 13, 1958 ~~~~~~ January Richard & Barbara Hunt (61th) January 1, 1953 ~~~~~~ February Jib and Karen Babbitt (30th) February 18, 1984 Wedding Anniversaries are listed in the Spire every 5 years for the first 50, and then each year thereafter! PLEASE SIGN UP! Please sign up to The Family of Richard Sciuto The Family of Gilbert Stiles The Family of Richard Burdick The family of Robert Mattsson Be a Worship Greeter Be a Scripture Reader Dedicate Altar Flowers Host a Coffee Hour Serve at Sister Rose House Soup Kitchen We have Sign-Up Sheets in the lower social hall.

10 Page 10 Sister Rose s Soup Kitchen We have committed as a congregation to volunteer at Sister Rose's Soup Kitchen again this year at Pilgrim UCC in New Bedford preparing and serving food. The 2014 dates are posted in the lower social hall. Offering Envelopes: The offering envelopes are available in the narthex for If you would like to use envelopes, please feel free to take a packet. Spread the Word! Registration Has Begun For Children s Circle Nursery School 17 Middle Street, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts Phone: (508) ccnsdirector@comcast.net Enrolling For 2014 Offering Two, Three and Five Day Morning and Extended Programs. Come Tour the School, Meet the Director and Teachers

11 Page 11 YOUTH GROUP Youth group had fun making and selling Super Bowl subs on Sunday, February 2, Thank you to everyone who supported us! Proceeds went to the Dartmouth Parks and Recreation summer camp scholarship fund. Looking forward, on Sunday March 2, 2014 from 6-7:30, youth will be acting as "Pastor Doug's Lucky Charms" and making crafts for hospitalized and elderly members of the congregation for pastoral visits. Youth will also be participating in a St. Patrick's Day scavenger hunt! Are ye feelin' lucky? Look in the bulletin in March for opportunities to buy tickets to the youth group pasta supper, which will be held on Sunday, March 23 from 5-7. Youth group is open to all youth in grades Please contact Lisa Tufano for more information at lisatufano@comcast.net or RE Ministry Change, Challenges and Celebrations A GIANT thank-you to Nancy Lawrence, Acting RE Director, Pastor Doug, and to all of the parents that helped out during the holidays. The season was a terrific success. Wow, we are off to the races this New Year with a New Pastor and a New Confirmation Class. On Sunday January 26 th the RE ministry hosted a breakfast attended by confirmands and their families with Pastor Doug sharing his vision for this year s confirmation class. The breakfast was well attended and the confirmation class will soon be underway. The Religious Education Ministry recently received the resignation of Troy Tufano, effective February 1, 2014, as Co-Director of the Congregational Church Youth Group. Troy s wife, Lisa Tufano, will stay on as Director of Youth Group through the end of this program year. While we are sad to see Troy leave, we support his move to assume a Director of Religious Education position with a local church. Please join the RE Ministry in thanking Troy for his years of dedication to the Youth Group. Troy and Lisa will remain members of the Congregational Church, and we look forward to their continued participation within our community. Lastly, stay tuned for Lenten Reflections for the whole church community. Peace, Kathryn Duff Chair, RE Ministry

12 Reverend Douglas Stivison Church Telephone: Robin Lake, Office Administrator The Congregational Church of South Dartmouth United Church of Christ 17 Middle St., PO Box South Dartmouth, MA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Please join us for our Ash Wednesday Worship Service following our Chowder Supper to be held on March 5th. The Chowder Supper will be held starting at 5:45 in the lower social hall and our Ash Wednesday Worship Service will be at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. We hope you can join us. (Please see all the details on page 2)