27 Church Street, PO BOX 284 Mattapoisett, MA 02739 (508) 758-2671 mattapoisettcongregationalchurch.org mattcongchurch@gmail.com NOVEMBER 2017 Inside this Issue Pastor s Page 2 News & Notes 3-5 Deacons 6 Finance & Church Council 7 Missions 8 Stewardship 9-10 Christian Education 11 November Calendar 12 Calling all church family! On November 12th, please join us in Reynard Hall to be part of the survey results conversation!!! See full details on page 5 Please note, the church office will be closed on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday and will reopen on Monday, November 27.
Happy Harvest Time! Many people love the Southcoast best in the summer, but my favorite time is right now. The days are sunny, the nights are cool, and everybody s back on schedule. Not to mention the foliage! This is a time when we start to look toward the end of the calendar year and assess what we have left to accomplish. This inevitably involves looking back over our shoulder toward January, and seeing what we ve already accomplished. All in all, we are taking stock. At church, we are constantly keeping tabs on where we are, where we ve been, and where we are going. Our Trustees have kept us marching down the list from the Capital Campaign: Three-level lift by church office, safer and beautiful stairs to the pulpit, and planning for the lift up to the kitchen level, among other projects. Christian Education is bringing an inter-generational flavor to our experience, while Stewardship awaits remaining annual pledges. I recently read a devotional piece about discipline as part of the spiritual life. Many of us don t like the word, discipline. It can feel claustrophobic. In our spirituality, the word can easily be removed from a healthful context, and place us at the business end of a pointing finger of a stern deity who insists the only way to get to heaven is to work ever and ever harder. But there was much good stuff in this devotional entry: Empty freedom is a snare and a delusion. Without the discipline of prayer, we are likely to have practically no experience of divine-human encounter. Excellence comes at a price, and one of the major prices is that of inner control. Discipline is the price of freedom. In other words, if we exercise all the freedom God gave us, ironically, we shortchange ourselves by not living as fully as God makes possible for us. This doesn t necessarily mean we fail to love God or our neighbor, or commit a sin that will keep us out of heaven. But it does mean we miss out in this earthly life. It s like staying up until 3 a.m. to watch a bad movie and then missing the most spectacular sunrise imaginable. Somewhat to that point, I ve spent much of this year applying a little discipline to my leisure time. You might recall last February I shared my modest reading goal for the year. I should say extremely modest goal, since it was only three books. One was a spirituality book, one was a murder mystery, and one was a classic. By setting an achievable goal, I hoped to start making more time for books generally. I d like to report back: God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam by Mirabai Starr. I started in March, but wasn t in the mood. The book worked its way to the bottom of the pile. In October, determined to reach my goal, I re-started. Now, I am blessed by a wonderful read. Mr. Churchill s Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal, a mystery by an author new to me. An okay book, but not quite my taste. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. I tried to read this on my device, which was a mistake. I gave up before I got past the cast list. But, knowing I wasn t going to read this one made me all the more determined to read God of Love. To recap my goal books: I didn t care for the one I finished, I m still working on one I set one aside for several months, and I rejected the third outright. I m calling this year a reading success, however, because I was inspired to read more, and went on to read quite a few other books: In the category of modern classics: Lila by Marylin Robinson, and The Wapshot Scandal by John Cheever. In the category of spirituality books: The Way of the Heart by Henri Nouwen, Letters to a Young Doubter by William Sloan Coffin, For the Time Being by Annie Dillard, Memories of God by Roberta Bondi, and Between the Dark and Daylight by Joan Chittister. My murder mysteries came courtesy of the Mattapoisett Library, which has a good selection of audio books. I discovered that listening to murder mysteries on audio is probably the single best way to endure a gym experience: Sanibel Flats by Randy Wayne White (a mystery series that takes place in Florida, for those of you who know the place) and two by Elizabeth George, Careless in Red and With No One as Witness. I hope each of you is looking back over the year with joy and satisfaction, can truly enjoy an amazing autumn, and will be ready in a month or so to start thinking about our holy season of Advent. Autumn blessings to you, Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken
CONGREGATION NEWS & NOTES Centering Prayer/Meditation Tuesdays, 7 a.m. The church s Centering Prayer group meets every Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. in the Living Room/ Prayer Room downstairs. We share prayer joys and concerns, a brief devotional, then sit in prayer/quiet meditation for 20 minutes. Park in the Barstow Street lot, and enter through the Barstow Street door. All are welcome! Questions? Talk to Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken or Nancy Perry. If you d like prayer for yourself or others, please drop a note in the blue mailbox outside the prayer room, across from the Choir practice room. Your note need not be detailed. God knows the desires of your heart. The Trustees are looking for a few more hard working strong backed individuals who would be willing to help out. The Trustees are critically low on members and could really use some help. Please contact Steve Bonney or Tina in the church office if you d like to help. Adult Scripture Readers Wanted If you d like to read scripture on Sunday morning, please contact Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken. We had a very positive response to the adult liturgists in our summer worship, so the Deacons have decided to continue the scripture reader year-round! WomenSpirit Is Back in Action! WomenSpirit is a fellowship and faith sharing discussion group for all women of the church. We are an intergenerational group of friends, from our 20s to our 80s. We meet at 5 p.m. the last Wednesday of the month in the Lower Level Living Room/Prayer Room (park in the Barstow St. parking lot, and enter through the Barstow St. entrance). All women of the church are invited and welcome! For more information, contact our new coordinator, Amy Nahigyan at anahigyan@hotmail.com. INTERESTED IN JOINING? New Member Gathering on November 5 Are you interested in joining Mattapoisett Congregational Church, UCC, and becoming a covenant member? The deacons will host a time of hospitality after the fire drill on November 5 in the conference room. There will be coffee and goodies, so please come directly to the conference room, where the deacons will greet you. We ll get to know each other, and also discuss any questions you might have. Please pick up a membership packet in the church office prior to the meeting. This gathering is for visitors and anybody who has never officially placed their membership with the church. For more information, please contact Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken, or one of the deacons. On November 5th the Mattapoisett Fire Department will be conducting an all church fire drill here at MCC. Pastor The Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken e-mail: mccpastoramy@gmail.com Director of Music Michelle Gordon Christian Education Director Patricia Berry Administrative Assistant Tina Zantrofski Sexton David Smarowski Office Hours Monday thru Friday 8:15 12:15 pm
CONGREGATION NEWS & NOTES November 10, 2017 Sunday, November 19th during coffee hour, be sure stop by The Thanksgiving Bake Sale! The Sunday School children are planning their very own mission project. We are hoping to raise enough money to purchase a cover for a very special piano which is at The House Of Mercy in Rochester, N.Y.. Brian Keene, known to many of you from the time he was a little boy, has decided to give something back. He is working as Manager of the Buildings and Grounds in a shelter which sleeps 125 men and women and feeds 325 meals three times a day. It is quite an undertaking. The piano is a valued part of the program and it needs a cover. The children of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church are hoping to raise enough money to purchase the piano cover and give it to the residents of the House of Mercy. please, If you are asked to bake, say, yes. Open your heart and help our kids make our First Annual Mission Holiday Bake Sale a success. Thank you all for responding to our all-church survey. It is wonderful that we ve received 70 completed surveys designed to reflect on and evaluate how the congregation is doing- from the pastor to the Sunday school teachers to the church as a whole. It is a healthy, life enhancing, and supportive tool. We scheduled a Covenant Café to follow up with our results and open up discussion. We hope to see you November 12 th following church service. Please see page 5 for more details! Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service Nov. 12 Mattapoisett Historical Society Building Please come to the annual Community Thanksgiving worship at 3 p.m. at the historical Christian Church in the village (the building that houses the Mattapoisett Historical Society). Representatives from St. Anthony s Catholic Church, the Friends Meeting House, and Mattapoisett Congregational Church will lead the service as the entire community is invited to join together in lifting thanks to God for all the blessings in our lives. The combined choirs of St. Anthony s and Matt. Congo., will sing an anthem. The new priest, Fr. John Ozug, will deliver the homily. Confirmation Class 2018 Signups Underway, Classes Start in January Planning is underway for Confirmation Class 2018! We have four teens thus far who will participate in this important process, with several others considering joining the class. Classes will be held Sunday nights, beginning Jan. 21., with Confirmation planned in the spring. If you or your teen would like to be part of this class, contact Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken as soon as possible. We ve had tremendous success involving adults from the congregation in Confirmation, sharing stories, talents, and insights. If you d like to be involved, please contact Rev. Amy.
CONGREGATION NEWS & NOTES God s Beacon of Light at the MCC Do you feel a sense of peace and connectedness when looking up at our church steeple beaming in the night? Would you like the steeple to be lit in remembrance for, in celebration of, or in honor of a loved one or blessed event? If so, make a donation in any amount to the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. On the check s memo line, please mark God s Beacon of Light. Forms are available at the church office or by contacting the office at mattcongchurch@gmail.com or Jen Shepley at shepfin@comcast.net. We will publish a list of monthly donors in the Tideings unless instructed otherwise. POP UP CHOIR! Have you wanted to sing in the choir during worship but can t fit weekly rehearsals and an every Sunday commitment into your busy schedule?? Then the Pop Up Choir is made for you! Come to rehearsal on Sunday morning at 9 a.m We will learn to sing an easy song together and then sing it that day! No fuss, no bother, no commitment just making beautiful music together! Everyone is welcome to sing. Our first Pop Up Choir will sing on Sunday, November 12. Please send an email to Michelle at MGordonPiano@gmail.com or give her a call at 508-758-3158 and let her know you re interested! COFFEE HOUR This year hospitality is approaching various church committees to select a Sunday to host coffee hour and act as greeters. However there are still Sundays open for others to host or greet. The kitchen now provides the coffee, cream and sugar. Assistance with setting up and using the coffee pot is available. October s Beacon of Light was provided by : Michelle Gordon and will shine in celebration of and to honor the members of the choir who selflessly give of their time and talents to uplift our spirits every week in song. Ross and Martha Ann Edminster in birthday remembrance of Talcott White Edminster and Irene Chace Silva. Jennifer Shepley to honor James Shepley, Sr. NOVEMBER 12 Church Survey Conversation Immediately following an abbreviated worship service Please join Rev. Ellie Richardson from the MACUCC in Reynard Hall immediately following an abbreviated worship service, as she leads us in conversation focusing on the results of the all church survey. It has been 10 years since we last surveyed the congregation on fellowship, Christian education, missions and worship. The results and comments that we received have been very thoughtful, enlightening, and thought provoking. The meeting will also include our mission statement, vision statement and the purpose of our congregation: The Why to the What we do as a congregation. Whether or not you filled out a survey, please come and join the conversation. This should last approximately an hour. What we do as a congregation in the future is very important and this meeting will help us on our way. The children are a very important part of our congregation. They will also have a short survey to take and will be asked to join us and share their results at the end of the meeting. Light refreshments will be served to the adults and children.
DEACONS From the Deacons: For the month of November, Mary Crain is our Deacon of the Month. Mary has just begun serving a three-year term as a Deacon in February. REMINDER: Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday November 5, 2017 at 2:00 am. It s time to Fall Back by setting clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night! Following are a number of exciting events and dates to add to your calendar: November 12 Mattapoisett Historical Society Community Service Come hear the combined choirs of St. Anthony s Catholic Church and Mattapoisett Congregational Church sign during this annual interdenominational service December 3 December 9 Hanging of the Greens - Together we will decorate our Sanctuary during Worship MCC Holiday Fair Our Fair will coincide with many other holiday events in town It s never too early to start thinking about Christmas! December 9, 2017 more details to come! Our White Gifts Pageant Service will be held December 17th in the afternoon, the third Sunday of Advent. White Gifts Service is a time-honored pageant that has been around for nearly 100 years! We all have our traditions during the holiday season, and this pageant is the most revered throughout our community. While it may be a little early to start talking Christmas, this year's pageant will be INTERGENERATIONAL!! We need people of ALL ages (young and young at heart) to help! Readers, moving sets, helping with set-up/tear-down, acting, and more! Please let Pageant Director Holly Gordon know BY NOVEMBER 19, either during coffee hour or by email at hollyannegordon12@gmail.com if you want to participate! Rehearsals will take place both during Sunday School and some evenings. White Gift tags will be available starting November 26, and will once again support local families! If you'd like a tag or know someone who would like to help or who may be in need, please see Patty Berry. FREE THANKGIVING DINNER AT ROCHESTER CONGREGATIONAL Our friends at the First Congregational Church of Rochester are having a free Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 23 at 1 p.m. All are welcome to share in the blessing of fellowship but reservations are required. Please call Cayla in the church office at 508-763-4314 or Joe Dawicki 508-965- 8828 with questions and/or reservations.
FINANCE CHURCH COUNCIL Thank you all for meeting your pledged amounts for 2017. To help you out, our Treasurer will be sending giving statements in mid-november. We were quite a bit behind in August, but have cut that amount in half. If you d like more information on God s Beacon of Light to shine our steeple light to commemorate memorial and celebratory moments in your life, look for forms in the office. Giving thanks in this harvest season, Your Finance Committee It is with much appreciation that we would like to thank N.Douglas Schneider and Associates for the surveying, computing, compiling, and filing of all the necessary information needed to remove the church from the flood zone maps. In the past, the church and parsonage were provided flood insurance from the UCC as part of our insurance package. The coverage was included because the properties were NOT in the flood zone. When the flood maps changed, the properties were placed in the flood zone and consequently the UCC removed our flood insurance coverage. N. Douglas Schneider and Associates were able to obtain a LOMA (letter of map amendment). This letter was proof that the properties are NOT in the flood zone and were so removed from the new flood zones. We now have flood insurance coverage from the UCC for an additional premium of $1.00. If this action was not taken and approved by FEMA (federal emergency management area), the flood insurance for just the church property would be over $11,000.00. Great Job!! Church Council We will never change the world by just going to church. We will only change it by being the church.
MISSIONS November is Neighbors in Need month. It is a time when we count our blessings as we look forward to Thanksgiving. This year, with so much suffering and disaster, we have even more reason to be grateful and want to share our bounty to help those less fortunate. Through our denomination joining with 8 other church denominations we can have an organized, effective and sustained effort to alleviate suffering especially providing significant hurricane relief. We've all seen the horrendous pictures of the aftermath of Harvey, Irma and Maria. There will be special envelopes in your bulletin on November 19 for NIN but any check noted NIN is just fine. Please give as you are able. Extra envelopes will be available in the church office as well. On a more local level, we now have a great working team for Mercy Meals and more but for those of you who wish to fight hunger but are not early risers, we urge you to think about helping out at Mobile Ministries (formerly Mobile Loaves and Fishes). A catering truck goes into New Bedford every night of the week providing food and clothing to those in need. They often need additional people to fill out a team. If you are interested contact George Bailey at trinityimagesetter@comcast.net We need shoes for Dr Fogg's foot clinic at MMM. Please leave them in the bin provided and Sue will get them to Dr Fogg. Also need socks and warm clothing to take during our regular 3rd Saturday of the month breakfast at MMM. On a poignant note, Caryn donated Peter Hodges warm overcoat for us to take, at his request, to MMM. Someone will be warm this winter thanks to Peter--still working toward the greater good. An example for us all! As we near the end of our budget year we wanted to give you an update on our Missions budget: Where have your mission donations helped this year? --$1500 New Bedford Women's Center --$1500 Interchurch Council of New Bedford --$1500 Gifts to Give --$1000 Buzzard's Bay Habitat for Humanity --$1000 to the New Bedford Salvation Army --$500 Damien's Pantry, Wareham --$8500 Mass Conference UCC --$800 Neighbors in Need --$880 One Great Hour of Sharing --$1500 Market Ministries --$1000 Community Nurse Hospice --$3000 Mercy Meals and More --$1000 for Hurricane Relief through the Salvation Army --$250 to Mattapoisett First responders, Fire and Police --$780 books for New Bedford first graders --$3340 camperships for needy kids --$1000 minister s discretionary fund --$330 for PACE Season of Hope Gifts --Christmas Alternative Gifts: $255 Heifer Project, $125 Bag Hunger Now (Gomes School nutrition on weekends) $95 diaper distribution,$95 Carlos Pacheco School, $60 All Hands Volunteers. --$250 Immigrants Assistance Center --$250 Community Economic Development Center (immigrant assistance) We will again be helping 3 New Bedford families to share Christmas joy with their children. All of this is thanks to your generosity In times of disaster and catastrophe, people often ask, What can I do to help? Should you wish to donate for any of the hurricane relief efforts, we would direct you to the UCC website http://www.ucc.org/donate_to_disaster_relief. Donations may be sent directly to United Church of Christ, Financial Services - 6th Floor, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 with a notation made Hurricane relief as well.
STEWARDSHIP THIS IS WHO WE ARE Our 2018 Stewardship Campaign came to a strong conclusion on Sunday, October 22nd. During worship service, Dan Berry spoke about the wonderful programs, missions, faith and fellowship that are sustained by our commitment to giving through our pledge program. Rylie Coughlin then told us, in her own words, how much the church means to her and what a positive impact our Youth programs are having on her and her friends. Reverend Amy then spoke about our congregation as "leaders" and how we "pull and row" together on our journey of Faith, Worship and Stewardship. Following worship service, the Stewardship committee hosted a delicious luncheon of lasagna, salad and ice cream in Reynard Hall. During the luncheon the early results of the campaign were announced and we are off to a positive start. To date we have received 57 pledges to the General Fund totaling $129,277.00 and 43 pledges to Missions totaling $24,889.00. In 2017 we received over 95 pledges so we still have a ways to go for 2018. If you haven't returned your card to the church please take a moment to do so. If you need a pledge card they are available at the church office or you can request that one be mailed to you by calling Tina at 508-758-2671. On behalf of the Stewardship Committee we thank you all for your generosity and commitment to our beloved Mattapoisett Congregational Church. With your help, our goal is within reach! THIS IS WHO WE ARE Dear Members and Friends, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the importance of our Church and of the effect it has had on myself and my two children, Bryce and Abigail Fortin. Our church has been very special to me because it gives a meaning to God in the eyes of my two kids that I cannot handle alone. They have been able to grow not only in their faith of God but in their relationship with him. Their attendance to Sunday School is valuable for their spirituality and in creating a blueprint for the lives I am confident that they will lead. The bonds and memories they have made with the other children and their fantastic Sunday School teachers will endure a lifetime, along with the ability to apply what they have learned into their daily lives. I would like to thank Amy, Patty, Mrs Goss, and Mrs Keene especially for all they have done for Bryce and Abigail over the years. All the Best, Brett Fortin
By Rylie Coughlin
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS JOURNEYING TOGETHER Bring a friend and join us in Reynard Hall for fun and fellowship. 6-8pm on December 1 for Advent wreaths and crafts The Beatitudes for All Sunday November 19 9am-9:45 This will be our last class of the "Beatitudes for All" 9am series. Class is held in the media room downstairs. We had a wonderful time exploring this sacred scripture and how it speaks to us today. Each class begins and ends with community prayer. Please join us for a unique spiritual time together. Sunday School - PreK-6 Grades Fall Focus Traveling to the Beatitudes November 11/5 God Blesses those whose hearts are pure 11/12 God Blesses those who work for Peace 11/19 God Blesses those who are punished for doing right 11/26 God Blesses those who belong & reward awaits We will explore one of the most beloved moments in Jesus' ministry with engaging and interactive discoveries; storytelling, music, prayer, food and more. In addition, sharing joys and concerns and service. October Highlights Sunday School explored four of the Beatitudes as well as experienced worship in a new way and discussed what church means to them and serving during Sermon Sundae on October 15 th. The children were thrilled to practice preaching, create artwork based on their favorite Beatitude, help those in need and fellowship time with hot fudge sundaes. This month we stuffed socks with personal hygiene items for the homeless who visit Mercy Meals and More - Socks of Love. Teen Movie Nights brought our teens together to watch a good film, eat some good food, and have some good discussion. We watched Soul Surfer, Willie Wonka (the original), Evan Almighty, and will wrap up with The Princess Bride on Nov. 5. We are getting to know each other as we explore our faith. Thanks to all the adults who provided our food! Rev. Amy and Holly Gordon facilitated. Reformation Class was held in honor of the 500 th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. With a UCC study guide, we explored Martin Luther s ideas and the major themes of the Reformation, including the priesthood of all believers, grace through faith, the Bible, and predestination. We had a good turnout, with many people who d not yet been to an adult study at Matt. Congo. We also watched a brief video about Martin Luther. Rev. Amy and Tara Rajaniemi facilitated. Nursery Care is available in the Family Room every Sunday OLDER YOUTH/TRIADS 7 th n Up Sunday Mornings with Holly 11/12: Morning meeting 11/19: Morning meeting 11/26: Pancake breakfast 9:00 GOT Questions? CE Committee Members: Tara Rajaniemi, Claire Keene, Jean Schneider, Tray Djerf, Phoebe Girard Christian Education Director- Patricia Berry Radiantwaves.pb@gmail.com Youth Leader - Holly Gordon, hollyannegordon12@gmail.com
NOVEMBER 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 6:00 PM Deacons 6:30 PM Choir 5:30 PM Missions 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10:00 AM Communion/Worship 11:00 AM Fire Drill 11:15 AM New Member Gathering 8:30 AM Worship Team 7:00 AM Centering Prayer/Meditation 6 PM Personnel 5:00 PM Trustees 6:30 PM Choir 9 AM Visitation Committee Open Table doors open at 4:30 12 10:00 AM Worship Covenant Café following worship 3 PM Community Thanksgiving worship, Christian Church 13 5 PM Pastoral Relations 14 7:00 AM Centering Prayer/Meditation 15 6:00 PM Exec Council 6:30 PM Choir 16 17 18 Mercy, Meals and More 19 10 AM Worship with guest minister Bake sale following worship 20 21 7:00 AM Centering Prayer/Meditation 22 6:30 choir 23 Thanksgiving 24 Office closed 25 26 10:00 Worship with guest minister Birthday 27 28 7:00 AM Centering Prayer/Meditation 29 5:00 WomenSpirit 30 Catelli Dance School Monday 2:30-6:45 Tuesday 3-6:30 Wednesday 3-8 REGULARLY SCHEDULED FUNCTIONS/ MEETINGS IN THE CHURCH BUILDING BS & CS Troop 53 Tues 7:00 pm Pack 53 1st/2nd Thurs 6 pm Pack Night: 3rd Thurs 6:00 pm Mattapoisett Woman s Club: 3rd Thursday @ noon AA: Thurs, 9:30 am ACA: Mon. 6:00 pm Sat 10:00 am WomenSpirit Last Wednesday of the month @ 5 pm