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The Cornerstone
First Congregational Church of Southampton UCC
“Now therefore you are no more strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens
with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief
cornerstone” Ephesians 2:19-20
February 2013 June, July & August 2013
SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR THE SOUTHAMPTON AND EASTHAMPTON
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES
Again this year, we are pleased to be worshipping together with our neighbors, the Easthampton
Congregational Church at 112 Main Street, Easthampton, MA. These services are a wonderful opportunity
to meet new people and experience worship in a different setting. This summer, we also have the opportunity
to share worship with the Westhampton church on Sunday, September 1st (Labor Day Weekend). Please
note, shared summer worship services begin at 9 am. Please join us!!!
***PLEASE NOTE TIME OF WORSHIP AND LOCATION***
DATE TIME LOCATION
July 7 9:00 am Easthampton Congregational Church
112 Main Street, Easthampton, 01027 #527-4790
July 14 9:00 am Easthampton Congregational Church
July 21 9:00 am Easthampton Congregational Church
July 28 9:00 am Easthampton Congregational Church
August 4 9:00 am First Congregational Church of Southampton
August 11 9:00 am First Congregational Church of Southampton
August 18 9:00 am First Congregational Church of Southampton
August 25 9:00 am First Congregational Church of Southampton
Sept 1 9:00 am *WESTHAMPTON* Congregational Church
1 Tob Road, Westhampton, 01027 #527-4204
September 8 * * ~ Fall Schedule Begins at First Congregational Church of Southampton, 10 am
United Church of Christ
Every Encounter an Opportunity From the Pastor
Don Hewitt, creator of "60 Minutes," on his special talent as a journalist: My philosophy is simple. It's what little kids say to their
parents: "Tell me a story." Even the people who wrote the Bible knew that when you deal with issues, you tell stories. The issue was
evil; the story was Noah.
I've had producers say, "We've got to do something on acid rain." I say, "Hold it. Acid rain is not a story. Acid rain is a topic. We don't do topics. Find
me someone who has to deal with the problem of acid rain. Now you have a story."
--Terry Ann Knopf in Boston Globe Magazine, in Reader's Digest.
They say that every minister, every pastor, has one good sermon, one good story, inside that he or she preaches over and
over again using different words. I’ve wondered what that sermon has been for me—after countless conversations in meetings,
during coffee hour, the church parking lot, and yes, pulpit sermonizing—what is that message?
I suppose that I could tell you what I hope it would be: never to give in to despair. Rabbi David Wolpe, author of Making Loss
Matter: Creating Meaning in Difficult Times, has written: “Despair is the collapse of hope. To despair is to believe that God’s world is
ultimately bleak and dark. Loss is a constant temptation to despair. Faith is, if not the antidote, at least the counteragent.” He
quotes another famous Rabbi, Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav, who said that despair ‘is the greatest sin.’
While I could debate on whether or not despair indeed qualifies as a sin, I would say that giving in to despair is like dangling
your soul from a thin thread before the Devil. I would say that despair isn’t worth your time, your money, your brains, your family,
your church, or your life-blood. That God created you for so much more than this present dark cloud that you find so menacing. That
even in the midst of trial beyond imagining, a loving God reaches into that darkness to accompany you on the way through, even when
you don’t believe. Even when you refuse to believe. Even when you, kicking and screaming, spit in God’s face for whatever you hold
God accountable for. You don’t have to be good for God to love you.
There are those people for whom that last phrase rankles. They want a God who loves all the good and upright people--only.
They want this because it makes the world that they have constructed in their head more real. It makes them look good – or, at least
more than adequate—in comparison with others because they feel that they have earned God’s favor and those others, whoever they
may be, haven’t. I want to tell these folks that God’s favor cannot be merited. You don’t earn it. It is gift. Pure, undeserved,
unmerited gift. We, none of us, have to be good for God to love us. Thank God for that. None of us would merit THAT kind of grace.
But back to despair. Good people despair often for good reason. Life throws hardballs and they hurt. They sting and the pain
lingers. Which is why I hope that you, as the Church, understand that the Church must help people—whether they be strangers or
friends—to repair and not to despair. The Church must communicate the love of God unmerited, undeserved, and often unrequited.
The Church teaches people, over time, to trust this empowering love with their very lives and not to despair. (Yes, I know that
sometimes people despair at the Church, but that doesn’t change what the role of the Church should be). Every holy Sabbath, every
impromptu hymn sing, every fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants potluck, every mighty mission, every tedious, but surprising committee
meeting, every spontaneous email, and every intentional outreach, the Church has the opportunity to practice “repairing and not
despairing.” Every encounter is an opportunity to extend God’s grace and lift up a beaten-down soul.
I am reminded of these lyrics attributed Jelaluddin Rumi:
Come, come, whoever you are.
Wanderer, worshipper, lover of living, it doesn't matter
Ours is not a caravan of despair.
Come even if you have broken your vow a thousand times,
Come, yet again, come, come.
What is the message of the Church? Ours is not a caravan of despair. God defeated despair through the life, teachings, and
love of Jesus Christ—and through every one of his disciples-- both then and now-- who communicates that love irresistibly and
irrepressibly.
Strive to be THAT kind of disciple and THAT kind of church…and join the caravan of HOPE on earth.
Peace be with you as you repair for the summer season,
Rev Dee
Congratulations to the
following Graduates!
Mika Chmielewski is graduating
from Williston; she will attend Carleton College
in balmy Minnesota next year
Benjamin Alan Forster, son of John and Catherine
Forster of Suffield, CT, grandson of Dorothy and
Clifford Forster graduates from Boston
College. He majored in economics and receives a
B.A. degree.
Eric Belisle is graduating from Hampshire
Regional High School; he will be attending
Framingham State College in the fall
Did you know that while your children
are away attending college they can
easily be moved to inactive status, and
then moved back to active status at their
request? This simple act can help
reduce the amount we as a church pay
in UCC dues. To have your son or
daughter moved to inactive status,
please see any deacon and they will be
happy to take care of it for you.
Hospitality Ministries
Coffee Hour is a wonderful time to share in each other’s fellowship as well as an informal way to welcome any visitors to our church. However without all of us pitching in to host every now and then we may lose this wonderful tradition. It doesn’t have to be fancy; just a little something to nibble on and a nice cup of coffee is all it takes! There is a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall if you would like to volunteer *********************************************** Usher/Greeters: Nothing says Welcome like
a friendly smile and firm hand shake. This is a
wonderful way to connect with your church
family as well as meet any visitors to our church.
Diana Federman, a member of your diaconate,
may be calling on you to help fill this vital roll
once or twice a year. If you would like to
volunteer you may contact her at
The Following People have volunteered to serve
as greeters for the month of May
June 2: Larry and Carlene Osborn
June 9: Bill & Diana Federman
June 16: Charlie Fischer and Dorothy Forster
June 23: Luann Archambault and Donna Cotton
June 30: Bill Breyer and Tim Huber
***********************************************
FLOWERS!: Have you ever wanted to
remember someone or celebrate something
special in your life, well providing flowers that
brighten the worship service is a wonderful
way to do that, there is a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall just waiting for you!
May Attendance
May5—55/9
May 12—62/12
May 19—61/5
May 26—60/5
The F&O Committee has requested that the Treasurer
post the monthly income and expenses of the Church
for your review:
Month Income Expenses Difference February 9393.24 -10485.03 -1091.79 March 9223.48 -13,981.03
-4757.55
April 10366.14 -12193.36 -1827.22
Thank you to all those who have paid their membership
dues, envelope fees, etc. If you haven’t yet, there’s still
plenty of time to do so!!
June Birthdays and Anniversaries
Birthday
Paul Tetreault June 3
Mika Chmielewski June 5
Tim Huber June 7
Jack Baldwin June 11
Catherine Hotham June 12
Diana Federman June 16
Lou Migliozzi June 16,
Kristyn Zantouliadis June 19
Curt McCarthy June 20
Dwight Ovitt June 20
Rachel Huntley June 21
Betty Schaffer June 22
Dan Baldwin June 24
Ryan McConnel June 24
Jack Zantouliadis June 25
Thomas Kapinos June 27
Elizabeth Kapinos June 27
Richard LeClerc June 29
Anniversary
Flannery and Kris Wiemer, June 4, 2004
Myles & Katelyn McCarthy June 3, 2012
Bob and Barbara Grayson, June 8, 1953
Doric Dods-Josie Alderman June 11 2008
Kate and Alfred Carl June 13
Lisa and Jim McCullough June 23, 2001
Dave and Virginia Huntley June 25, 1967
July Birthdays and Anniversaries
Birthday
Brian McConnell July 2
Mickey Annis July 3
Gary Baldwin July 3
Zach Marks July 3,
Kristi Esposito July 6
Laura Christian July 7
Alison Wondriska July 8
Jenny Kapinos July 9
Ingrid Warren July 12
Donna Cotton July 15
Carla McAvoy July 16
Dan Antonio July 19
Ryleigh Fennessy July 24
Mary Balfour July 25
Adam Federman July 26
Jeff Glaze July 31
Anniversary
Bill and Diana Federman July 5, 1980
Dan Antonio-Anne Howland July 9, 2000
Matt and Jean Christy July 22, 2006
August Birthdays and
Anniversaries
Birthday
Lynn La Plante Aug. 2
Elizabeth Sarnacki Aug. 3
Matthew Bean Aug. 4
Ken Exposito Aug. 7
Kate Miller Carl Aug. 9
Gene Duncan Aug. 11
Dave Sarnacki Aug. 12
Susan Huntley Aug. 17
Audrey Bashista Aug. 18
Laura Searle Aug. 21
Kathy Esposito Aug. 21
Scott Cooper Aug. 28
Elizabeth Hotham Aug. 28
Dot Lambert Aug. 28
Jean Christy Aug. 30
Anniversary
Libby and Gary Baldwin Aug 3, 1991
Scott and Kate Cooper Aug 5, 1995
Don and Ingrid Warren Aug. 16, 2003
Paul and Jane Tetreault Aug. 22
First Congregational Church of Southampton, MA
Categories: Business/Administration – Secretarial/Office
Denomination: Congregational, UCC
Job Type: 15 hours weekly
Job Description:
Christian Church seeks a person with respect for the Christian faith who is personable, engaging, motivated and
self-directed to act as assistant to the minister, other staff, and lay volunteers. Individual must be organized,
energetic, detail oriented and able to multi-task, dependable, computer literate, and able to handle confidential
and sensitive information. Responsibilities include general office management and financial/bookkeeping
support. Past experience as an administrative assistant preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Must have good communication skills
2. Typing with accuracy and good editing skills
3. Strong computer skills are imperative (MS Windows, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook,
Quicken/Quick Books, Website maintenance)
4. Proficiency in the use of standard office tools (copy machine, etc.)
5. Strong organizational skills
6. Have excellent command of English language, composition and punctuation
7. Must be able to maintain confidentiality in areas such as financial records, counseling situations and
other private matters
8. Ability to work independently
HOURS:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday (may have some flexibility)
Send resume to [email protected]
THIS WILL BE THE LAST ISSUE OF THE CORNERSTONE UNTIL THE FALL. Please get any information for the September issue to [email protected] (subject Cornerstone), Kate [email protected] or the church office by August 20. WE WISH YOU ALL A HEALTHY, ENERGIZING AND PEACEFUL SUMMER. See you in church!
Thanks to everyone who helped with this years “Spring into Southampton” Event! Thanks to those of you who…. donated
items, purchased items, helped sell items and helped haul away unsold items, baked cookies, bought cookies, helped sell
cookies, purchased goods from our vendors, helped set up for our vendors, helped clean up parish hall after vendor sale,
donated to the snack shack, cooked lunch, ate lunch…you get the picture THANKS TO YOU ALL it was a big success, and
would not have happened without everyone’s hard work
SPRING INTO SOUTHAMPTON 2013
Gross Seed $ Net
Tag Sale 1510.75 170.00 1340.75
Vendors 275.00 275.00
Snack Shack 396.50 50.00 346.50
Cookie Walk 180.25 40.00 140.25
Raffle 166.00 40.00 126.00
GRAND TOTAL 2228.50
Women’s Missionary Society Happenings for May & June Holy Rollers – We continue to roll sheeting strips for bandages two Wednesdays each month. We have been
blessed with donations from Aladco Linen Service in Holyoke and we thank all those who have contributed to our
cause. We are now meeting at the Senior Center from 1:00 to 3:00. Our next rolling sessions will be on May 22
and June 26. We hope you will be able to join us.
High Tea – On Wednesday, June 12 we will host a High Tea at the home of Nancy Hughes at 12:00. If you wish to
join us, please call Ingrid Warren (527-4991) or Nancy Hughes (527-4878) to make a reservation. Wear your
favorite hat and join us for tea!
Church World Service Recovery Initiatives – Church World Service provides assistance to families around
the world while they recover from disasters and to help them build viable, sustainable lives. These initiatives
include offering members of farming cooperatives access loan funds for seeds, tools, and fertilizer. CWS also offers
funds to rural women so they may be able to start small businesses. As a result of these initiatives, families have
more food and better food for themselves and for the marketplace. Their quality of life improves.
One of our missions is to send health and school kits, as well as monetary donations for the
purchase of blankets for disaster victims. If you wish to make a donation there are
envelopes available in the church pews.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Christian Education committee has, with regret, accepted the resignation of Kristen
Schindel our nursery school person. Kristen has been a wonderful addition to our nursery
(along with her husband) and we will miss her!!! Kristen's last Sunday with us is June 23,
2013. Christian Ed is looking for a new nursery school person, or persons. This person
will "provide physical, emotional, and intellectual support to each child in your care as
appropriate for the circumstances" This job is every Sunday from 9:45 to 11:15. The pay is
$20 per hour. Your reward will be great in heaven!!! A parent volunteer is also there to
assist you. If you are interested in the position, please see Rev. Dee Ledger, Cheryl Parker
or Kristen Chrzanowski. There actually is an application which you will need to fill
out. We'd hope to have someone in there for the first of September!!!
From the “Birthday Czar” If you wish to be added to this list please contact Bill Bray at
[email protected]; phone 527-0533, or by mail at 12 Maple St., Southampton 01073 or find Bill after church on most Sunday mornings. Let us continue to add to this list. Remember that Bill must have your information by the 18th of the month PRIOR to your Birthday/Anniversary month
Your Cornerstone staff: Editor: Kate Miller Carl Publisher: Amy Guyette Distributions & Calendar: Dorothy Forster Contributors: Various members of the Church body
Cornerstone Submissions
All submissions for the September issue are due by
August 20th; please send them via Email to:
[email protected], subject line “cornerstone”
NOTES FROM THE OPEN AND AFFIRMING WORKING GROUP…. For the last 2 years, the O&A Advisory has been working to educate itself and the congregation, with a series of informational meetings and programs. After many discussions, and after evaluating input from the congregation, the group has drawn up an amended Mission Statement which we believe reflects current, contemporary sentiment, aims and aspirations. We hope that ALL will prayerfully read this Statement, consider it over the summer, and be thoughtfully prepared to vote on its acceptance at a special congregational meeting this fall. THANK YOU for your input! First Congregational Church of Southampton First Congregational Church of Southampton, UCC MISSION STATEMENT MISSION STATEMENT The mission of our church is to worship and glorify God. It is our The mission of our church is to worship and glorify God. It is our task to learn and teach, through thoughtful appropriation of the task to learn and teach, through thoughtful appropriation of the Gospel, that we might grow in faith and knowledge. We welcome Gospel that we might grow in faith and knowledge. all who seek God through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. As followers of Jesus Christ we are open and welcoming to all, We will seek to be the Good News by: including but not limited to: persons of every ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, family
Living His word through service to others; structure, physical and mental ability, faith background and economic circumstances. We welcome all who seek God through
being a community of caring and support for each other; the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We will seek to be the Good News by:
encouraging and celebrating the uniqueness and the varied gifts of our membership and . living His word through service to and affirmation of others;
being a voice for peace and justice in the world. . being a community of caring and support for each other; Note: This Mission Statement was drafted by Josie Alderman . encouraging and celebrating the uniqueness and the varied in 1997, and “explored, refined and finalized” at the Diaconate gifts of our membership and welcoming everyone into the full retreat at Warner Farms on Sept 12, 13, 1997. Attendees at life and leadership of this church and the retreat were: Rev. Bob Gardiner, Marcia Hendrick, Dorothy Forster, Dave Bailie, Jean Miller, Evelyn Gunn and . being a voice for peace, justice and environmental stewardship Wally Rapalus. in the world. Note: this revision was drafted collaboratively by members of the ONA Advisory Committee and submitted for Diaconate approval on May 6, 2013. The Diaconate voted unanimously to accept this revision to the 1997 Mission Statement.
◄ May 2013 ~ June 2013 ~ Jul 2013 ►
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 Worship, 10 a.m Communion
3
4 Heart Healthy
Walk, 9:30 a.m.
Missions, 7 p.m.
Boy Scouts, 6-9 p.m.
5 Prayer Group
9:15 a.m.
Choir, 6 p.m.
6
7
8 Community Cupboard,
9-11 a.m.
9 Worship, 10 a.m
10
11 Heart Healthy
Walk, 9:30 a.m.
Boy Scouts, 6-9 p.m.
12 Holy Rollers
Annual Tea
Choir, 6 p.m.
13 Church Council,
7 p.m.
14
Annual Meeting
Ma Conference, Friday &
Saturday, Sturbridge
15 Men’s Breakfast
Bluebonnet Diner,
8:30 a.m.
16 Worship, 10 a.m
17 Finance & Operations,
7 p.m.
18 Heart Healthy
Walk, 9:30 a.m.
Boy Scouts, 6-9 p.m.
19 Prayer Group
9:15 a.m.
Choir, 6 p.m.
20 Girl Scouts, 6 p.m.
Historical Society,
Old Sunday School
Room
21
22 Community Cupboard,
9-11 a.m.
23 Worship, 10 a.m
24
25 Heart Healthy
Walk, 9:30 a.m.
Boy Scouts, 6-9 p.m.
26 Holy Rollers, 1-3
Senior Center
27
28 Clown Around Pre-
School Graduation 6-
7:30
29
30 Worship, 10 a.m
Special Music Sunday
Notes:
July Worship Services will be shared with our Easthampton neighbors at 9 a.m.
Big Y gift card order form: Please submit this order form to the church collector on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. You can place in the Offering Plate or in the green box
located in the Old Sunday School Room. Any cards that have been ordered will be available on the 2nd & 4th Sundays.
Name: ____________________________________________ Phone #:_______________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
Quantity Ordered __________ X $50.00 Total Due $_____________________
Please make checks payable to First Congregational Church of Southampton UCC and indicate Big Y in the memo section
