27 Church Street, PO BOX 284

Mattapoisett, MA 02739

(508) 758-2671

mattapoisettcongregationalchurch.org

mattcongchurch@gmail.com

Pastor’s Page 2

News & Notes 3-4

Scholarship Recipients 5

Deacons 6

Craddock Center mission trip 7

Christian Education 8

Confirmation 9-12

Missions 13

Photo Gallery 14-15

June Calendar 16

What’s New? What a busy month! Check out pag-

es 9-12 for the Statements of Faith

from the 2018 Confirmation Class

and page 15 for photos from Family

Feud night!

Blessing of the Animals coming up

soon—get details on page 2!

All news will need to be into Tina in the office no later than June 15 for inclusion in the

July/August edition of Monthly Tideings.

JUNE 2018

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

This month we are going to try something new. At least, new to us! We are inviting the community to an outdoor “Blessing of the Animals” service on Sunday, June 10, at Munro Preserve (next to the wharf). We are inviting people to bring their dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, iguanas – you name it! All of God’s crea-tures are blessings to this world, and are welcome to this Sunday morning service. For pets who would not enjoy such an outing (I know my cats would absolutely hate it!), folks can bring a representation of their pet, such as a picture or a stuffed animal. This is a time to celebrate the animals in our lives, recognizing they are truly gifts from God. Many churches across the country conduct annual Blessing of the Animals services, each with its own flair. We are holding it off-site, and as our regular Sunday morning worship service. I’d like to take a moment to explore the advantages of this approach to the aptly abbreviated BOA service. Yes, holding a worship service off-site takes a little more work, but that’s not unfamiliar to us. When we have our Home-coming service at Ned’s Point and our Easter Sunrise service at the Gazebo, we coordinate with appropriate parties, arrange for electrical power, ponder the logistics of chairs, mull weather contingencies, etc. Currently, we are coordinating with the Matta-poisett Land Trust, which approved the BOA service at its March meeting. We’ve spoken with Town Hall, with the Police Depart-ment, and with the Harbor Master. (We are aware of the limited parking, and are trusting people to abide by the usual parking rules.) I am eager to see how many new people will come to this outdoor service. I think about all those who eagerly anticipate our Easter Sunrise worship, but who never come to our regular services, or worship in any other church. Of course, our faithful nearly-every-Sunday attenders always look forward to worship in our beautiful sanctuary, and might miss that cherished venue. However, as we think about how our church can be a spiritual resource to more people in our community, we do well to think about reaching beyond our sanctuary walls every now and then. We have a vital message for the world today about God’s love and acceptance, and about the hope and peace that are available to all people, in all circumstances. The BOA service is a chance to proclaim that message to our entire community. As we reach out with this positive, upbeat service, we continue to honor our Sabbath day as a day to worship God. Our BOA service will be a full worship service with familiar hymns, prayer, and scripture. We’ll talk about God, thank God, and pray to God, in God’s natural environment. Many people – including many of you -- feel closest to God out of doors, in the sun, by the water, feeling a breeze on the face. For some in our community, there may be no better time or place to learn about who we are as church. Who knows, perhaps some will join us on a Sunday morning! Our faith tells us that with Christ as our solid foundation, it’s always good to try new things. If you attend the service, let the worship team or the deacons know what you think. Should we keep this service? Should we tweak it? Whom did you see you were not expecting? How do you feel it was perceived in the community? In the meantime, thank God for all the animals in the world, who provide so much love, affection, and service to us hu-man beings. Blessings,

Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken

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.

Sermon recordings are now available on our website!

Go to http://mattapoisettcongregationalchurch.org/

Click on WORSHIP, then SUNDAY SERMONS and click

the sermon you would like to hear!

CONGREGATION NEWS & NOTES

Summer 9 a.m. Worship Starts June 17 Summer Worship in Reynard Hall

Has summer finally arrived on the South Coast? At Mattapoisett Congregational Church, we begin our 9 a.m. summer worship schedule on

June 17 (Happy Father’s Day!). Once again, we’ll be worshipping in Reynard Hall, which is a little cooler and allows for a more casual service as the choir takes a well-deserved break. Please bring your own cuppa joe to enjoy during this upbeat service as we honor God in scripture, song, word, and prayer! Invite a friend, neighbor, or co-worker to join you.

We are celebrating all God’s creatures in a special

Blessing of the Animals service at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 10

at Munro Preserve, 15 Main Street in Mattapoisett, next to

the wharf. Bring your pet – or a representation of your pet –

to the animal-friendly park for a special blessing!

All are welcome to this worship service, which will in-

clude scripture, hymns, and a special token for each animal!

Many thanks to the Mattapoisett Land Trust for its support!

Important: Close parking is limited, and usual parking

restrictions and rules apply. Please park in the church lot, or

in the small Library parking lot. In case of rain, please check

the church Facebook page for updated information!

Thanks to Chuck Talley for the beautiful artwork!

B.Y.O.C. Whether you

call it coffee,

joe, mud, java,

cuppa, brew,

or morning go-

juice … please know it is wel-

come at our 9 a.m. worship in

Reynard Hall! So, please bring

your own mug, cup, thermos,

or carafe!

Monday Night at Oxford Creamery is scheduled for July 30. A full

menu of seafood suppers, snacks and, of

course, ice cream will be available for this spe-

cial fundraiser.

The Oxford is usually closed on Mon-

days, but our friends and Oxford owners Ken

and Liz Ackerman will open the door on this

special night from 5 to 8 p.m. All proceeds will

be donated to the church. Thanks Ken and Liz!

We need many volunteers to scoop ice cream, take orders, wash

dishes, prepare food – and of course, eat! Please call the church office if

you can help.

Monday Night at the Oxford

CONGREGATION NEWS & NOTES

May Beacon of Light was provided by:

Lisa and Jack Hill and family in remem-brance of Cal Ross and Arthur Black-burn as well as the Senior Choir who wish to express their appreciation to Michelle for her dedication throughout the year to our congregation and the senior choir!

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

Calling all musicians & singers for summer worship! Do you

enjoy singing or playing an instrument? We are seeking musicians

to lend their gifts for summer worship June 3 - Sept. 9. We are

looking for all different kinds of music! Please contact Michelle

Gordon at mgordonpiano@comcast.net or 508-758-3158

We are looking for 2 or

more people to share

covering the nursery this

summer. The nursery is

a wonderful way we wel-

come new friends and

support families who are

growing in faith. If you love children and want to serve

in this capacity, please contact Patty Berry

at radiantwaves.pb@gmail.com The position is open to

9th graders and up and pays $12 a Sunday. CORI ap-

proval necessary for 18 years of age. Sundays 8:45-

10am on June 17 and 24, July 1—July 29, August 5—

August 26 and September 2.

SAVE THE DATE—AUGUST 4, 2018 8:30 AM-NOON

An all church yard sale will take place on Saturday August 4th from 8:30 - 12. There will be a chil-dren’s table, jewelry table, household items and furniture (tables, chairs, bureaus, end tables). Please contact church office or call/email Lisa Hill to volunteer to help set up, sell or clean up. In or-der to make the most profit for the church, we will not accept the following: luggage, electronics, up-holstered furniture, books, college textbooks and suitcases. More information coming soon!

What’s Up with Open Table?

Friday, June 8th will be our last Open Table (OT) supper for the season. It’s been a great year with good weather and good friends getting together the second Friday of every month for good food and fellowship. Each month for ten months, we served an average of 65 to 70 people, never missing a month. We delighted in serving our ‘regulars’ who were most generous with their compliments on the food and their donations almost al-

ways kept up with expenses.

Open Table is incredibly blessed to have a crew of very faithful people who show-up on those Friday afternoons to set-up, prep the food, serve and clean-up. OT could not fulfill its mission without them. They are: Carol Atkinson, Khalil Awer, Freemin Bauer, Mar-garet, Tom & Henry Berry, Nancy & Jack Braitmayer, June Damery, Diana Dunn, Lisa Dunn, Ralph Eustis, Sue & Gary Grosart, Lee Heald, Lisa Hill, Cindy & Jerry Johnson, Penny & Charlie Hiller, Kathy Langevin, Joan Manchester, Lynne & Drew Nahigyan, Betty Parker, Nancy & Joe Perry, Jennifer Schlitzer, Ellen Schneider, Elliott Talley, Barbara & Richard Van Inwegen, Dakari Waite, Ally, Kimberly & Mike Ward. Our friends, Liz & Ken Ackerman, prepared lasagna one Friday night and brought with them Rayna Caplan, Bruce Harken & Sha-ron Grahn. Reverend Amy leads us in prayer and Rick LeBlanc offers his gift of music each & every month. We miss our salad chief, Arthur Blackburn, very much, agree that it’s just not the same without him but believe he’s overseeing our efforts in heav-en! If your name is missing from this list, we apologize, ask for your forgiveness and beg you to let us know of the oversight.

So, if you haven’t had an opportunity to enjoy an OT supper, please join us in June. YOU are always welcome. And if you would like to join in the fun, contact Tina in the Church office.

June 8, 2018

2018 Scholarship Recipients

The Memorials & Celebrations Committee is thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s scholarships

who are also members of our Church family: Freemin Bauer and Megan Field!

On Scholarship Sunday, May 6th, Lee Heald presented certificates to the two exceptional graduating seniors

from Old Rochester Regional High School. “This is an especially joyful occasion and we are both pleased and

proud of these young people” said Lee.

Freemin’s guidance counselor descr ibes him as “motivated, tenacious and, above all, kind and respect-

ful”. These qualities are exemplified in everything he does. Freemin earned his Eagle, the Boy Scouts highest

honor, last spring by fixing-up Fairhaven’s dog shelter. In order to accomplish the project, he needed to raise

money, so he initiated the “Mattapoisett Dog Walk-a-thon”. With the help of his confirmation mentor, Bob

Field, Freemin learned about AutoCAD [computer-aided design]and created a CAD map of the walk’s route,

making it easy for two and four-legged creatures to navigate. Freemin’s public service/volunteer work is ex-

tensive, including the shellfish propagation project for the town of Mattapoisett, operation of the Church’s

sound board system for morning worship, set-up and clean-up at Woman’s Club Taste of the Town, Lion’s

Club Sunday breakfasts, Earth Day, and Harbor Days. Freemin was part of MCC’s first mission trip to the

Craddock Center. Freemin will attend Bristol Community College in the fall and plans to major in Engineer-

ing Transfer (CAD) with a minor in environmental science.

In her essay, Megan wrote “The summer before my freshman year of high school, I had the opportunity of a

lifetime: to go with my church on a mission trip to the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia. While there for a

week, a group of 20 volunteers traveled into the mountains and brought food, books, games and laughter to

Guatemalan immigrants who did not have much except the clothes on their backs and a roof over their heads.”

She said “The knowledge that you were able to make a difference in another’s life is knowledge you can’t put

a price on.”

Megan wants to use technology as a way to help improve the lives of others, about which she is passionate.

Megan’s guidance counselor describes her as “driven, ambitious, intelligent and

pro-active in all aspects of her life. Her self-professed best quality is her determination and I whole-heartedly

agree.” Megan is an all-star athlete on the ORR swim team, serving as captain in her junior and senior years.

She has volunteered at “Gifts to Give” for three years and “Mercy Meals and More” for two years. Megan

will attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, majoring in computer science.

We congratulate Freemin and Megan on their accomplishments and wish them the very best!

JUNE DEACON OF THE

MONTH

Jennifer Schlitzer

Member in Discernment

As you may know, our very own Patricia Berry is a “member in dis-

cernment” (MID), pursuing a Master’s of Divinity degree at Boston

University School of Theology. An integral part of the MID journey is

the local church support group who work with Patty throughout the pro-

cess. It is composed of Ross Edminster, Phoebe Girard, Peg Olney,

Tara Rajaniemi, Loretta Sherman, and Kimberly Ward.

Recently, the Memorials & Celebrations (M&C) committee was asked

to consider supporting Patty financially. After careful consideration, the

committee agreed to contribute $750 for the fiscal year 2/2018 to 1/2019. Additionally the Mis-

sions committee has committed $750 toward Patty’s education this year and the Deacons have

approved $300 per year over the five-year program of studies. We are very pleased and proud to

support Patty in this way.

From the Deacons

Thank you, thank you Pat Goss for your willingness to serve as our Corresponding Secretary! If you know of someone who could use a note of sympathy or joy or simply encourage-ment, please let us know by contacting Pat, Tina in the church office, or any of the Deacons.

Mark your calendars! It was such a hit last year, we are mov-

ing from the Sanctuary to Reynard Hall again this summer.

This move will take place on Father’s Day, Sunday June 17,

DEACONS

Starting on June 17 we will have the privilege of having several guest preachers. Our guest preacher for June 17 is the Rev. Bill McCoy, who has filled our pulpit on many occasions over the past 10 years. Bill works as a grief counselor with the families of homicide victims in Plymouth and Bristol Counties. Bill and his wife Laurie live in Plymouth. On July 8 the Rev. June Cooper will return to Mattapoisett to preach. June is the Executive Director of The City Mission Society of Boston, which works as a catalyst to root out poverty in the city.

July 6-14, 2018

The Craddock Center

Cherry Log, GA

www.craddockcenter.org

Craddock Crew 2018

In less than two months, on July 6, fifteen of us—The Craddock Travel Crew 2018—will load up two big vehicles and drive 1,100 miles to the Appalachian Mountains in northern GA for a full week of mission work. Many hands have made light work of the fundraising, and now it is time to shift our attention to the travel details, and more importantly, to those we will serve.

Travelers, please remember there are two mandatory dates in June. If you are unable to attend either, please discuss with Kimberly.

Saturday, June 9, 5:00 – 9 (ish) – Pizza Party

This is a pizza party at the Ward’s home for both Travel and Support Crews, and their families. While there will definitely be fun and fellowship, we will also go over some important travel and program information.

Sunday, June 24, 10:15 - 11:00 – Last meeting before departure

Cash (and Checks) for Craddock Center will continue, revealing the sweet faces of those we served in

2014. You can still get Fresh Eggs from the McCollester's chickens, as well, for $5.00 a dozen. Our final fund-

raiser, a Car Wash, will be from 9:00 to noon on June 23. Rain date is June 30. Please look for signup sheets at coffee hour!

Homecoming Sunday September 9th at Ned’s Point. Worship at 10:00, Sunday School sign ups and cookout. We need volunteers to help cook, prep food, pickup and return grills, shopping, and other various ways to help make this service one of the best of the year. If interested please contact church office.

Sunday, June 3 at 10:00 am in Reynard Hall! Join us for an engag-

ing Intergenerational Worship experience featuring our young people

and special music by the Praise Band and Adult Choir. Followed by

an ice cream Sundae Social. Let's celebrate God's love together for

We Are Wonderfully and Fearfully Made!

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS

Loving Creation

On May 3 we had a wonderful time Ex-ploring God’s creation on a Spiritual Family Walk in Munn Preserve, Matta-poisett Land Trust. Thank you to Mike Huguenin, MLT for sharing his knowledge and passion for preservation with us. The morning included opening prayer, scripture, meditative stops, observing the surrounding natural mysteries, local history, stewardship and concluding our time together on the beach singing All Creatures of our Lord and King. (Photos provided by Margaret Berry). To see more, go to http://mattapoisettcongregationalchurch.org/photos-from-exploring-gods-creation-may-2018

Also this month, we explored the amazing living things and our interconnectedness with the natural world and our role as caretakers. Tara Rajaniemi and Claire Keene shares their love for ecology and stewardship. They lead us in a creative exercise to demonstrate All Relations -connected and dependent on each other and the divine mystery holding us all together.

COMING UP…….

Community Movie Night- Friday, June 8th 6:30pm following Open Table. We will be showing the Sing A Long version of "The Greatest Showman". It is an original musical inspired by the imagination of PT Barnum, a 2017 Box Office Hit, Staring Hugh Jackman, Zach Efron, Zendaya and Michelle Williams. Up-lifting and entertaining film. Rating PG. Donation at Will to support our theatre ministry. Make it a din-ner and movie night, Open Table begins serving dinner at 5pm.

Summer Cleaning

Calling people who love to organize. The Sunday School craft closet, drama closet, and thematic supplies need some TLC.

Contact Patty if you can help

Opening: *We are looking for 2 or more people to share covering the nursery this summer. The nursery is a wonderful way we welcome new friends and support families who are growing in faith. If you love children and want to serve in this capaci-ty, please contact Patty Berry at radiantwaves.pb@gmail.com The position is open to 9th graders and up and pays $12 a Sunday. CORI approval necessary for 18 years of age. Sundays 8:45-10am on June 17 and 24, July 1—July 29, August 5—August 26 and September 2.

CONFIRMATION 2018

Confirmation Class 2018 On May 20, 2018 we celebrated the

Confirmation of these awesome confirmands! A special thank you to

the anonymous donor who made the

Confirmation Bibles possible and Tracy

Djerf who did the calligraphy.

Confirmation Class Statements of Faith:

Hello, fellow church-goers and non church goers.

Its awkward to be the first like blazing the trail. You

might not remember this at the end but thats okay. I’ll

says my bit and let the next person will go.

My name is Margaret Mae Berry and here’s my

spirituality story.

I want you to close your eyes, go on, I am going

to describe to you a place. Okay, you are on the ground,

sticks and grass poking at you back. The dark of the night

doesn’t scare you. You're heart beats to a calm rhythm,

bum bum bum bum. The fire crackles like a record in the

70s, giving you the light glow that envelops you. You

can feel the heat from the fire, like a blanket in the win-

ter. Your mind is clear and the air is clean. Trees sur-

round the site, hugging you like a child when they are

sad. The sounds of water lapping against the side on the

land, the occasional owl hoots, calling to its family. Fish

jumping in and out of the lake, creating ripples in the wa-

ter. It’s peaceful, the forest feels kind and welcoming.

The vivid moon is right above the fire, making the trees

dance in the light. Stars circle the moon like a call to

home. You are there in the woods, in the dark and even

though there are things out there in the pitch black. You

feel safe. This is where I see God. Okay you can open

your eyes. Almost done.

This is a poem I wrote:

I dream of freedom

I dream like a child

I dream of being alive

I dream of being appreciated

I dream of a world where kind is good

I dream of a world where I do not have to look over

my shoulder

I dream of a world where we do not have to live in fear

I dream of a time where I can be myself

I dream of a time where my friends are safe

I dream of a time of happiness

I dream of a place where there is no more violence

I dream of a place where there is no more war

I dream of a place where we can shake hands with our

enemies

I dream of bright beautiful colors

I dream of sounds of children laughing and light piano

playing

I dream of the smell of cut grass and old books

I dream of the touch of clouds

I dream of dreams

I dream dreams of Santa Claus and the Easter bunny

I dream of the impossible

But most important of all I dream of freedom!

And I take this moment to give

thanks to everyone who has helped

me through this journey.

My family, my mentor, my friends,

camp coniston and to viewers like

you.

-Margaret Berry

CONFIRMATION 2018

First of all, I would like to thank my mentor. Without her, I prob-

ably would not have made through confirmation. One few things I have

confirmed about myself during these weeks is that I am not the most driven

person when it comes to worship. As of writing this a week or so ago, I

had done absolutely none of the confirmation requirements. I’m also a bit

hesitant when it comes to the whole “Jesus is my lord and savior” thing.

It’s a bit too extreme for me to say that I am completely and wholly devot-

ed to someone i view as a teacher. Yes he was powerful and holy, but It just

goes a bit too far for me to devote myself entirely. When he was alive, he

was an excellent example on how to live a good life, and I hope to learn

from his teachings and life to become a better person, or at least less lazy

than I am now. My relationship with God is similar. My whole life doesn't

center on him, because I know that in life, you have to

get what you want yourself. But it's nice to know

there's always something bigger than myself to come

back to at the end of the day. Confirmation has helped

me discover new parts of that connection, and I hope

to use what I have learned to better my understanding.

- Delilah Burlinson

April 1st, 2018. Easter Sunday, the day when I, along with my

sister, was baptized at the sunrise service this church provides at the Matta-

poisett Harbor. It was a cold day with a looming forecast of rain, but I was

excited nevertheless. What would follow would be one of the times that I

felt closest with God and Jesus. I declared Jesus Christ as my Lord and

Savior and followed in his footsteps as he had followed in others by being

baptized. One of the responses given by those being baptized is, “I promise,

with the help of God.”

April 19th, 2018. My first practice with Tabor Academy’s JV

Sailing team after switching onto the team about a month after the start of

the sailing season. Most of my sailing experience has been on larger ves-

sels, with most of my hours of experience on the SSV Tabor Boy, Tabor

Academy’s 93-foot gaff-rigged schooner. The most small boat sailing expe-

rience I had was about four years ago sailing in an extremely small boat

called a pram. All of my sailing experience before joining the JV team had

been strictly non-competitive and all as a skipper.

Keeping in mind I knew none of the rules of sailing in a competi-

tion and had not skippered in over 4 years, I decided to try out crewing.

While the skipper’s main job is to steer the boat and control the main sheet,

the crew is in charge of keeping the boat flat, informing the skipper of new

developments and obstructions, and controlling the jib sheets. I had never

done this before, but I made a promise to myself to try my best and become

the best I could.

I sailed in my first meet two days after I had switched into JV

Sailing, and it just so happened it was the largest meet of the season, sailing

against four other teams instead of the usual one. With much instruction

and careful guidance by my skipper, I rigged and started to get used to a

boat that was new to me all while learning what I was supposed to do as a

crew in about 15 minutes before the first race started. I listened carefully to

my skipper and did whatever he told me to the best of my ability. Looking

back on the season, I can say that I learned the fundamentals of being a

crew while I raced against other teams on my third day of sailing.

As the sailing season progressed, I found myself consistently

crewing for the top skippers on JV, initially overtaking those who had been

on the team for the month I missed, and then those who had sailed two or

even three whole seasons as crew. Tabor’s Varsity team is the 1 seed in

New England’s this year, and our varsity program is nationally recognized

as one of the top in the nation; varsity took 13th in the nation for fleet racing

two weekends ago. Last Monday I was pulled up to practice with varsity for

the remainder of the season, while still competing with JV at their meets.

Yesterday, the 19th of May, exactly one month after I started sail-

ing on JV, I competed against ORR in the last meet of the season. When I

asked my coach where ORR sailed out of, he said he had no clue, but that

we would all find out soon enough. After a brief talk with the ORR coach,

we parked on the road next to a very familiar beach. The weather was in-

credibly similar to what it had been about a month and a half ago, a cold

day, with a looming forecast of rain, but I was nevertheless excited. I felt

like I sailed my best, and that was reflected by our 6-and-0 victory.

As we sailed back, it began to rain lightly, and I found myself

staring at a familiar gazebo with the salt from the water I was baptized in

on my face as it had been in that gazebo when I was baptized a month and a

half ago. In this moment I realized that

while I had only promised to myself to do

my best during the sailing season, it was

with the help of God that I ended up where

I am now. I believe that with anything I

achieve, even if it is just the simple

achievement of walking by the water on a

summer morning, that it is with the help of

God.

- Gabriel McCollester

CONFIRMATION 2018

My Christian faith is my rock. It is my foundation. It’s what gets

me up at 6 in the morning before school 5 days a week. It’s what keeps

me calm when I’m dealing with challenging people. It keeps me strong in

tough times.

I believe God created everything; Heaven, Earth and everything

on it. I believe the Bible is the direct word of God written through many

men, unable to fail since it is the inspired word of God. Whenever I need

guidance, I know it’s there. Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the

gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who

believes.”

I believe that Jesus is the son of God and that the love of God

was shown when Jesus died for my sins. Lamentations 3:22-23,

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compas-

sions never fail they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

I believe I am a sinner, whose redemption is a gift from God.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of god, and are justified

freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Romans 3:23-24. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: that

while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

I believe Jesus died for my sins, and through this gift I can have

a relationship with God. I believe that this relationship will help me in my

life to navigate my problems, provide guidance to challenges, a place to

confide my fears and insecurities and praise for life’s blessings. Ro-

mans 5:1 “Therefore since we have been justified through faith we have

peace with God through our lord Jesus Christ.”

I believe that God has a plan for me and knows me inside and

out. I believe he will protect me and I can trust in him when I am afraid.

Psalms 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my

heart be pleasing in your sight oh Lord my rock

and my redeemer.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I

know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.

Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to

give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon

me and come and pray to me and I will listen to

you. You will seek me and find me when you seek

me with all of your heart.”

-Emma Thorell

CONFIRMATION 2018

What it means to “have faith” is different for everyone. For me, my faith is more than just having faith. Faith means that you not only believe in God and Jesus and know our history as Christians, but that you conduct yourself in a way that makes your friends and family, Christians or not, proud to know you. When you are kind, and merciful, and compassionate towards every-one. When you believe in the good of people. When you conduct yourself with pride to be a Christian. When you handle any situa-tion that comes your way with grace. Being a Christian is not just about going to church on Sunday’s, or having the appearance of being one. It is a lifestyle that involves all aspects of your life.

While yes, every element of being a Christian may be made easier by knowing and having a relationship with God, they are completely possible without Him, and, on the other hand, can lead a person to finding Him. Everything that makes up a Chris-tian, in my mind, is closely intertwined with everything else. Knowing God leads you to want to please Him, and do good in the world, and doing good in the world can lead you to finding Him or getting closer to Him.

I believe that this is overlooked by not only the world, but by Christians themselves. Just as someone who doesn’t know God and Jesus can be a Christian, someone who does know Them can be missing out on the other aspects of this glorious lifestyle that is being a Christian.

There is never a “too late” time to get to know God. There simply isn’t. God isn’t a limited supply product. He is a mastermind who is around for infinity, hanging around up in heaven, or, as I like to imagine, following each of us around like an invisible friend who is always there for you. God is here anytime, anyplace, for any-one to get to know Him.

And just as there is never a “too late” time to find God, there is never a “too late” time to become that person that your friends and family, in and out of church, are proud to know. That person that is kind, caring, compassionate. That person that handles things with grace. That per-son that is proud to be a Christian inside out.

- Allison Ward

God is someone, a being much bigger and greater than me. A being so perfect and wonderful who

understands everything about everything else and who will never ever leave me alone and afraid.

To me, God is a loving father who I respect and obey. But like all children, I disobey but he still loves

me anyway. He still forgives the faults I have and accepts me with open arms.

The Lord our God is ever loving, gentle, kind and forgiving. For all the things we do, He loves us just

the same.

He lets us grow, He lets us make mistakes, but He is still there just the same. Always guiding and

watching. Always loving us even when we betray him.

With the help of God, I know I’ll do my best.

- Dakari Waite

Confirmands along with their parents and mentors

Missions Notes We are looking for members of our congregation who need assistance going to Camp Massasoit. Please contact Sue at ggrosart@aol.com. We continue collecting clothing for Mercy Meals, shoes for the foot clinic, food for our local food pantry and children's clothing and books for Hurricane Maria Puerto Rican fami-lies relocated to New Bedford. One Great Hour of Sharing was again successfully support-ed thanks to your generosity. We raised $1088 to send on to our Mass Conference. Thank you.

News from Missions--Sanctuary Churches

In accordance with scripture admonitions to welcome the

stranger, 2 UCC churches in Massachusetts, in Springfield and

Amherst, have opened their doors to refugees in danger of be-

ing deported after living here for many years and having Ameri-

can spouses and children. To support these churches efforts,

our church has donated $1000 to the UCC Sanctuary Churches

Fund.

If you go to the MACUCC web site at https://www.macucc.org/

newsdetail/conference-launches-sanctuary-churches-fund-

11013608 you can read the entire article about this amazing

effort.

2/27/2018

by Karen Methot Massachusetts Conference staff On the mid-September evening when an emergency gather-ing of First Congregational Church Amherst members decid-ed to offer sanctuary to Lucio Perez – a Guatemalan father of four who has lived in this country almost 20 years – Pastor Vicki Kemper says she knew only two things for sure: 1. The church was following what they believed to be Jesus’ call and the movement of the Spirit in taking this leap of faith; and 2. They really had no idea what they were getting into.

“Our journey over these past 126 days with Lucio has proven all that—and much more,” said Kemper. “This ministry has stretched us, challenged us, and blessed us beyond meas-ure.” Once word got out, First Congregational began receiving financial donations from folks in the congregation and the progressive community of Amherst to pay for Lucio’s care, including the cost of converting a meeting room and former office space into a temporary home for Lucio and sleeping space for sanctuary ‘staff’; installing a portable shower; and covering additional heating costs. Fourteen different faith communities stepped forward to provide meals and company for Lucio and rides for his family to the church. In opening their doors in welcome, sanctuary churches take on a critical humanitarian responsibility. The Conference both supports this mission and recognizes the significant fiscal responsibility involved, one that becomes increasingly difficult to maintain.

In response to the experience of First Congregational - a trail-blazing sanctuary church - and with awareness of the sub-stantial costs associated with this unique ministry, the Mas-sachusetts Conference has created the Sanctuary Churches Fund. The Sanctuary Churches Fund – comprising donations from congregations and individuals responding to the call to care for neighbor - will be overseen and administered by the Im-migration and Refugee Task Team of the Conference’s Jus-tice and Witness Ministry Council. One hundred percent of donated funds will go directly to Level 1 sanctuary churches to support their ministry once they have a person in sanctu-ary. No administrative fees are involved. To read the rest of the article, go to https://www.macucc.org/newsdetail/conference-launches-sanctuary-churches-fund-11013608. Conference Launches Sanctuary

Churches Fund

PHOTO GALLERY

Thank you to all who helped with the church grounds clean-up

on Saturday, May 19 despite the rain. Also a big

thank you to all the Boy Scouts from Troop 53 who

showed up to help!

Jack & Lisa Hill

in Ireland along

with Flat Jesus

Whipple & Morales in Concert, 1 Piano / 4

Hands

June 16, 2018 at 7 pm

Mattapoisett Congregational Church

Survey says...Our first annual Family Feud Game Night was a hit!!!!. Wonderful fellowship time with our church family and community friends.

Thank you for everyone who played, cheered, hosted and organized the event. Special Thank you to Tara Rajaniemi for all the behind the scenes prepa-ration and technology.

The proud winners of the Golden

Goat was Team Berry!

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3 10 am Celebra-tion Sun-day/Communion Sunday

4

5

7 AM Centering Prayer/Meditation

6

7:00 pm Deacons

7

5:30 Missions

8

Open Table—doors open at 4:30 PM

Movie Night

9

Mandatory Mission Trip mtg 5 pm at the Ward’s home

10

10 am Blessing of the Animals at Munro Preserve

11

12 7 AM Centering Prayer/Meditation

13 5 pm Trustees

14

15

16 Mercy, Meals and More

7 pm Cranberry Coast Concerts

17 9 am worship begins in Reyn-ard Hall

18

19 7 AM Centering Prayer/Meditation

6 pm CE

20

6 pm Exec Council

21

22

23 Car wash @ GH Dunn Insur, Route 6

24

9 am worship

Mandatory Mis-sion Trip mtg 10:15 am

25

26 7 AM Centering Prayer/Meditation

27

28 29 30

JUNE 2018

REGULARLY SCHEDULED FUNCTIONS/ MEETINGS IN THE CHURCH BUILDING

Catelli Dance School

No dance until Septem-

ber

BS & CS Troop 53

No Scouts until September

Pack 53

No Cubs until September

Mattapoisett

Woman’s Club:

Next mtg 9/20

AA:

Thurs, 9:30 am

ACA:

Mon. 6:00 pm

Sat 10:00 am

WomenSpirit

Last Wednesday of

the month @ 5 pm

Office Hours

Monday thru Friday

8:15—12:15 pm

C H U R C H S T A F F

Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken, Pastor

Michelle Gordon, Director of Music

Patricia Berry, Director of Christian Ed

Tina Zantrofski, Admin Assistant

Bryan Davidson, Sexton