March Southwick Congregational Church UCC. United Church of Christ. The Good Newsletter of the. Southwick Congregational Church

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1 Buildings & Grounds: Christian Education: Craig Perras Brittany Perras Deacon Dawn Turgeon Finance: Patti Wood Flowers: Roxanne Cook Fundraising: Patti Wood Library: Sonya Murray Memorial Gifts: Missions: of the month: Karen Brzezinski Roxanne Cook Donna Sullivan COMMITTEE CHAIRS Music: Joe Sullivan March 2018 Southwick Congregational Church 488 College Highway P.O. Box 260 Southwick, MA Return Service Requested Nominating: Pastoral Relations: Roxanne Cook Church Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Pastor s Office Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Church Office Phone: ; Pastor s Study: Website: Office Facebook: www. southwickucc.org southwickucc@gmail.com Southwick Congregational Church UCC Staff: Minister Reverend Bart Cochran Choir Director/Organist Roberta Kowal Bell Choir Director Patti P. Wood Office Administrator Lyn Casey Custodians Matthew Kowal & Maria Lempke Southwick Congregational Church United Church of Christ 488 College Highway; P.O. Box 260 Southwick, MA VOLUME MMXVIII No. 3 Minister: The Rev. Bart Cochran Please join us Sundays for Worship Service 10:00 AM Mid-Week Service Thursdays 6:30 PM Website: www. SouthwickUCC.org The Good Newsletter of the Southwick Congregational Church United Church of Christ Southwick, MA DATED MATERIAL PAID Permit No. 309 Southwick, MA US Postage

2 From The Pastor 2 15 Psalm 139 As I ve talked about before, I see Lent as a spiritual journey. When we begin a journey, we need to know where we are going and how we are going to get there. The destination of Lent the, where we are going is Easter. Let us look at this destination for a moment. Easter is the celebration of life but more specifically, the life of Jesus who died for us but who was vindicated and raised by the Father on the 3rd day. At Easter we celebrate his resurrection as something that happened and still happens to us. We all received this gift of new life through our Baptism into Christ. The gift of life radically alters our attitude toward everything including death itself. The character of this new life is love the sacrificial love of God for us in Christ. This is the quality of love we have received, and that we now share with one another by grace. Truth be told, this life of love is not always our daily experience. The fact is we lose and betray this new life given to us as a gift in Christ. Further, we often live as if Christ wasn t raised, as if this unique blessing and gift of God has no meaning for us in our daily lives. This happens because we are too busy, we forget, things happen to us, and so our lives become old again petty, dark and even ultimately meaningless. Such is our weakness and the impossibility for us to live the faith given us in Christ on our own. It just happens. If we understand this about ourselves and what Easter truly is, then we get Lent and the blessing this Holy Season can be for us. In Lent, the Church guides us by the grace of God through Scripture and worship on a journey of rediscovery Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? ~Psalm 139:21 My mother was diagnosed with cancer two years after I was. I want to gnash my teeth at the dividing mutant cells. I want to destroy these beasts that rise up to destroy her. I feel so frustrated. I want to protect her from what I had to go through. What do I do with these feelings? I talk to God. God understands. I don t believe God gave my mother cancer, and yet I find myself asking, Why, God? How could you do this to us? In the stillness I am reminded: Jesus got angry, he did upend the tables after all. Anger is a normal emotion and I am sure God is fine when I express my anger even towards Him. Hatred isn t. Hatred itself is a cancer. It gets into every cell and multiplies and takes on a life of its own. The best thing I can do for my mother, and for anyone who is hurting, is love her, listen to her and let her know that I am here for her. ~Evelyn Dean Casey Lyn Casey will be participating in the American Cancer Society s Relay for Life on April 6th at Westfield State University. She is walking for herself and her mother and all women who have had endometrial cancer or endometriosis. If you would like to support Lyn, there are many ways to do so. Cash donations and checks made out to American Cancer Society can be dropped off at the church office. Or you can go to her page to donate online. Thank you in advance for your support!

3 Southwick Historical Corner #14 As you recall, last article we talked about the building of the present meeting house. On June 10 th, 1824 the church structure was ready for raising. I can t describe it better than the historical book I am using so please enjoy this quote: Early on June 11 all the workers gathered to raise the structure. For three days horse and ox strained at the winches, the frames rose, came into place, and sweating men drove home pins and tightened nuts on bolts. Evening of June 13, 1824 saw the framework of the new meetinghouse against the sunset sky. Erastus Hunt and his apprentice, Erastus Bardwell, completed the pillars that gave grace and dignity to the portico. Interestingly in 1950 the steps and columns were replaced and a box of papers was found with notes from the builders. One of the notes went as follows: This house erected for a place of worship to the one only living and true God. Was contracted for in the winter of 1823 and 1824.It cost about five thousand dollars. They commenced the 2 day of May It was raised on the 11 th 12 th 13 th days of June following. No accident happened of any consequence. The box of papers also had a list of workmen, pew makers, and masons. In November 1824, the Southwick Congregational Church meetinghouse was ready for its dedication service. I found this picture from 1892 of our church ( ~Martha Johnson 14 3 and recovery of what God made us through our own baptismal death and resurrection. As we journey through this time, we are prepared finally to hear the words of Jesus: I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. ~John 13:34 The Holy Season of Lent carefully prepares us to hear those words and in the grace that God provides us to joyfully receive them as the core of our lives in Christ. The aim? That we might love one another as Christ loves us. Yours in Christ, Pastor Bart Mission Statement Join me for Bible Study on Sunday Evenings at 7 PM or Tuesdays at 11 AM through March 20, 2018 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. Don t forget, you can read the weekly sermon on our website: on the page: From the Pastor

4 Sundays 18 ~ Tuesdays 20 ~ March 11 ~ April 1 ~ April 8 ~ April 26 ~ Worship Schedule Call for Pastoral Care: Ministry and Outreach Lenten Bible Study begins Sundays 7 PM Lenten Bible Study Tuesdays 11AM All Church Meeting on Sunday Easter All Church Meeting on Sunday Historical Society s Dinner planned Sunday Worship service at 10:00 AM Thursdays Midweek Service with communion at 6:30 PM Ecumenical Service at The American Inn on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM Office Hours The Church office is open Monday thru Thursday from 9:00 AM~1:00 PM & Friday from 9:00 AM~12:30 PM Pastor Bart s Study is open Tuesday thru Friday from 10:00 AM~2:00 PM All Church Committee Refreshment Schedule March Music Committee April Finance Committee May Mission Outreach June, July, August Open September Board of Deacons October Building and Grounds November Christian Education December Bell & Voice Choirs January Open If a member of our church community knows of anyone who is ill, hospitalized, grieving, or moving to a senior living facility, please be sure to advise the church office. We want to respond with caring support. Call the church office at or at southwickucc@gmail.com 4 13 Deacons Diane Orson, Eric Nitsch Buildings & Grounds Mike Pitoniak, Keith Ireland Christian Ed Brittany Perras, Kirsten Allhusen, Meredith Crosler, Emily Pitoniak as a Junior Member Mission Outreach Pamela Rovelli Music Jennifer Cotto Finance Joe Rovelli, Melanie Nitsch Church Librarian Sonya Murray A motion was made, seconded, and passed by a majority show of hands to accept all new names to the committees. New Business Roxanne Cook representing the Missions Outreach Committee noticed a slight maladjustment in Missions figures ($24?) and she will discuss this with the church treasurer. Melanie Nitsch and Roberta Kowal discussed that a new remote control to program the organ may soon be found and may have to be purchased. Special thank you s were offered to Lyn Casey as our office administrator for all her hard work throughout the year and for advertising the annual handbell concert on WJMJ radio station in Connecticut which helped lead to a full house for the concert. Fundraising for the upcoming year will include the Southwick Historical Society Dinner the last Thursday in April. New fundraising ideas to be investigated include a chocolate sale, and a mattress sale with lots of discussion about fundraisers. Roxanne Cook wanted to make everyone aware of the first annual fundraiser for PinkWay on May 12, 2018, to be held at the American Legion. Eric Nitsch asked members to take the time to investigate the website for the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) with the hopes that there will be future discussion on this association versus the United Church of Christ. Brief discussion on the future process regarding Pastor s Bart departure. The new Executive Committee forming in March will be tasked to start the process to hire an Interim Pastor. The Pastoral Relations Committee will conduct an Exit Interview with Pastor Bart. Pastor Bart mentioned his many wonderful memories of this church as his first church and offered prayers for all of our members. Moderator David Breton closed the 245 th Annual Meeting of the Southwick Congregational Church at 12:40 p.m. All in attendance joined hands for the singing of Blest Be the Tie That Binds. Respectfully submitted, Melanie Nitsch, Clerk

5 245 th Annual Meeting Minutes February 18, 2018 The meeting was called to order by Moderator David Breton at 11:35 a.m. An opening prayer of guidance was led by Pastor Bart. A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously to dispense with the reading of the Call to the Annual Meeting. A count was taken around the room with 32 voting members attending a quorum is 15. The Moderator entertained a motion from the floor to accept last year s Annual Report from the 244 th Annual Meeting which was seconded and passed unanimously with one correction to remove Eric Nitsch s name from the Buildings & Grounds Committee list as he was not a member of that committee during the 2017 year. Treasurer s Report Ted Orson, Treasurer, was unable to attend the Annual Meeting. Julie Chase, as his stand-in, was available for questions. A motion was made, seconded, and passed by a majority show of hands to accept the Treasurer s Report. Review of Proposed 2018 Budget Revenue A motion was made to accept this section, seconded, and passed by a majority show of hands. Expenses A request was made to table discussion of line items at this time due to the fact that these figures will be changing since Pastor Bart will be leaving his ministry at Southwick Congregational Church as of 4/1/18. Office & Administration A motion was made to accept this section, seconded, and passed by a majority show of hands. Music - A motion was made to accept this section, seconded, and passed by a majority show of hands. Christian Ed A motion was made to accept this section, seconded, and passed by a majority show of hands. Maintenance A motion was made to accept this section, seconded, and passed by a majority show of hands. Utilities & Insurance A motion was made to accept this section, seconded, and passed by a majority show of hands. Other A motion was made to accept this section, seconded, and passed by a majority show of hands. A motion was made to accept the proposed 2018 budget which was seconded, and passed by a majority show of hands. Nominating Committee Report Chairman Patti Wood brought forth the following additions to committees: 12 5 Committees for 2018 Moderator David Breton 2015 Treasurer Theodore Orson 2013 Assistant Treasurer Julie Chase 2013 Board of Deacons Patty Banasik 2016 Eric Nitsch 2018 Diane Orson 2018 Flo Pitoniak 2016 Dawn Turgeon 2012 Lee Zinnack 2017 Buildings & Grounds Bob Franzen 2017 Keith Ireland 2018 Craig Perras 2016 Mike Pitoniak 2018 Christian Education Kirsten Allhusen 2018 Meredith Crosler 2018 Kristy Johnston 2017 Ann Ottalagana 2017 Brittany Perras 2018 Emily Pitoniak 2018 Finance Committee Julianna Chase 2012 Melanie Nitsch 2018 Joe Rovelli 2018 Patti Wood 2018 Mission Outreach Roxanne Cook 2016 Pamela Rovelli 2018 Donna Sullivan 2017 Music Committee Lynn Coach 2015 Jennifer Cotto 2018 Diane Jennett 2016 Joyce Paggen 2013 Joe Sullivan 2017 Memorial Gifts Karen Brzezinski 2011 Board of Ushers Charlie Rood, III 2011 Flowers Roxanne Cook 2016 UCC Delegates Open Julianna Chase 2011 Auditor David Howes 2011 Historian Karen Brzezinski 2013 Church Librarian Sonya Murray 2018 Pastoral Relations Roxanne Cook 2011 Dennis Day 2015 Diane Orson 2015 Nominating Committee Open

6 From the Office 6 11 Stewardship Journey 2018 Church Directory: there are new church directories available in the Narthex or in the Church office. PLEASE, look for your name and then (or call) the church office with corrections and updates: southwickucc@gmail.com Annual Report: A copy of the annual Report is available in the narthex or in the Church office. The Office will be closed Monday March 5th and Friday March 30th. Please plan accordingly. Please notify the Church Office if: You have a change of address Your phone number has changed Your address has changed You know someone else s contact information has changed You need to add an event to the calendar You have an idea and you don t know whom to tell You would like to make a change to the Prayer List You would like to reserve flowers for the altar You would like to be added or taken off the Gold Dome mailing list You are going away for a few weeks and stopping your mail You have an article for the Gold Dome Stewardship 2017 Recap Each of us committed to grow spiritually and provide financial support as best we are able when we joined Southwick UCC. The good news is 2017 Stewardship receipts of $86,800 exceeded pledges by about $7,500. Fundraisers, rental income and other sources brought the year s total income to $115,300. On the other side of the ledger, 2017 expenses amounted to $136,300. A breakdown of 2017 income and expenses is shown on the chart below. Seventy-three percent of our operating budget derives from Stewardship offerings while half of our expenses support the pastor. The good news is that seventy-three pledges totaling $91,700 have been received for 2018 with the average pledge being $1,250 or $24 per week. Committee budgets are unchanged for 2018 but the uncertainty of Pastoral Expenses leaves the year-end budget projection uncertain. ~ Virgil A Spring Concert Looking for something to do on a Sunday Afternoon? On March 11, at 3:00 PM At Second Congregational Church in Westfield (487 Western Avenue Across from Stanley Park) Come hear the Greater Westfield Choral Association perform Mendelssohn excerpts from Elijah, Thompson Alleluia, Parker & Shaw He s Gone Away and more. (Lyn Casey, your office admin, is one of the Altos ) $10 General Admission $8 Students / Seniors Lost & Found Lost: Men s XL Black winter jacket and boy s small red puffy vest. Items were misplaced on Sunday, February 18, Please call the church office if you have information.

7 Looking Ahead 10 7 March March 11 ~ April 1 ~ April 8 ~ April 26 ~ All Church Meeting on Sunday 11:00 AM Easter All Church Meeting on Sunday 11:00 AM Historical Society s Dinner planned Thank you Sundays ~ Tuesdays ~ March 11 ~ March 18 ~ March 29 ~ Lenten Bible Study Sundays 7 PM Lenten Bible Study Tuesdays 11AM All Church 11:00 AM Committee Round Table Discussion 11:15 AM Maundy Thursday 8:00 PM THANK YOU to ALL for such a successful Souper Sunday!!! Thanks to my kitchen crew~ Robin Sklarski, Andrea Warrinar & Donna Sullivan Thanks to Jim Putnam for the very yummy bread! Thanks to all who made & donated Soup,,,there are many of you that dropped off soup that weren't on my "list"...please let me know who you are and the name of the soup you left us... Lastly, Thanks to all of you that purchased soup!! Its ALL gone! Total Profit was $856.00!! ( $300 more than last year) ~Patti Wood HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lynn Coach March 7 Florence Warriner March 19 If we ve missed a birthday, please let the church office know! From The Mailbox Dear Lyn and all, We re kind of keeping you company today with a grey and overcast forecast. May I complain? No. I didn t think so! My friend B is here and worked a morning with me at church preparing for their garage sale. Yes - today we walked Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and enjoyed the birds and alligators. The best sighting was a female anhinga (a large, mostly black water bird) on her nest with three rowdy chicks ~ very near the boardwalk. Wishing you all happy sightings, Much Love, Janey 2/3/18 Committee Round Table Discussion Sunday, March 18 Thank you to those of you who agreed to serve on committees this coming year. As I am now on the Finance Committee, there is again no "Nominating" Committee. It is getting harder & harder every year to fill these positions...as a result. I am hosting a Round Table Discussion about different governing models that other churches use. What other options might we think about? This will be an informal chat to further some discussions that popped up at the Annual Meeting. Join me on March 18 th after coffee hour in Old Fellowship Hall....be ready to share POSITIVE thoughts, how the church you grew up in was run, etc. See you then!!! ~Patti Wood

8 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 Communion Service 10 AM Coffee Hour Bible Study 7 PM 11 Daylight Savings 12 Worship Service Youth Group 10:15 Coffee Hour 11:00 All-Church 11:15 OA 3:30 PM Bible Study 7 PM 18 Worship Service w Baptism 10 AM Coffee Hour 11:00 Round Table Discussion OA Anniversary3:30 Bible Study 7 PM 25 Worship Service 10 AM Youth Group 10:15 Coffee Hour OA 3:30 PM 5 Office open 9-1 Music Together 10 A Adult Guitar 7:30 P Office open 9-1 Music Together 10 A Adult Guitar 7:30 P 19 Office open 9-1 Music Together 10 A Adult Guitar 7:30 P 26 Office open 9-1 Music Together 10 A Adult Guitar 7:30 P Don t forget the All Church Meeting on the 11th 6 Bible Study 11 AM Bell Choir 6:30 Boy Scouts 6:30 13 Bible Study 11 AM Bell Choir 6:30 Boy Scouts 6:30 20 Bible Study 11 AM Bell Choir 6:30 American Inn 6:30 Boy Scouts 6:30 27 Bell Choir 6:30 Boy Scouts 6:30 7 Cub Scouts 6:30 Voice Choir 7:00 14 Cub Scouts 6:30 Voice Choir 7:00 21 Spring Begins Cub Scouts 6:30 Voice Choir 7:00 28 Cub Scouts 6:30 Voice Choir 7:00 1 Midweek Service 6:30 8 Midweek Service 6:30 15 Midweek Service 6:30 22 Midweek Service 6:30 29 Maundy Thursday Service 8:00 PM 2 2:30 AA Meeting 7:30 9 2:30 AA Meeting 7:30 16 Gold Dome Articles Due 2: :30 Girls Scouts Sock Hop AA Meeting 7:30 30 Office Closed AA Meeting 7: Boy Scouts Spaghetti Dinner Police Association Spaghetti Dinner 31