1

ATHOL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

STEEPLE NEWS

August 2021

Did you know? Sunday Worship services are on AOTV, channel 1301 now, on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. They are repeated once or twice during the week as well. Watch schedule on AOTV for those times. You can still also connect to service on YouTube or through the church website atholcongregationalchurch.org.

With Apologies to the Psalmist By John Edgerton published on Jul 10, 2021

Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty – he is the King of glory. – Psalm 24:9-10 (NIV)

Lift up your heads, church doors, Lift them up, you faithful hearts, That the Queen of Grace may come in.

Who is She, this Queen of Grace? God Almighty— She is the Queen of Grace!

You who have waited lonely months, Walk through the doors! You who have been locked down, The bolts are thrown open!

You who will remain at home to worship, For whom health or distance make your home the fittest sanctuary You will not be shut out again.

Having opened a new door through camera’s lens, The warm embrace of community has found its focus. Having found that our reach is as wide as the globe, Loving hearts now know how wide their reach can be.

To the one clamoring for more and sooner, To the one pleading for less and later, To the one who feels that all is now well, To the one whose guard is still up, To the one who feels this has all been overblown To the one who mourns the death of their loved ones,

Six hundred thousand times over:

Lift up your heads, church doors, Lift them up, you faithful hearts, That the Queen of Grace may come in. Who is She, this Queen of Grace? God Almighty— She is the Queen of Grace!

Prayer Help us to know how to gather again, in love, in peace, in faith, in justice.

About the Author John Edgerton is Lead Pastor at First United Church of Oak Park, Illinois.

Rev. Candi will start being in the office regularly on August 9th. Her schedule will be: Monday and Tuesday in the office from 10 - evening meetings, Wednesday in the office from 10-2 with visits in the afternoon, Thursday will be sermon-prep day, and Friday will be whatever it needs to be! Saturday will be her day off. When events happen on Saturdays, her day off will shift to Friday for that week, and of course, visits and other appointments

will be made as needed 😊. Hopefully, this schedule will give people opportunities to just drop in at church during the first half of the week and enough flexibility for Rev. Candi to be out in the world meeting needs the second half of the week, in addition to when they arise.

2

MISSION/OUTREACH

MEALS - Our next take-out meal will be on

August 27 as a benefit for North Quabbin Citizen

Advocacy, $10.00 per meal. Lisa’s famous

Lasagna is the main course, with salad, garlic

bread and dessert of course! This is a drive

through meal. We encourage your support of this

community organization that brings people

together! Make your Reservation by Aug. 20.

Call Maryann at 978-894-4258.

The September community meal will be another

drive – through meal on Sept 10. Details will be

announced in August. We can’t wait to invite

you indoors, but we want to make sure it is safe

for all!

GOD LOVES US ALL! Thank you to all those

who helped to build our special display to celebrate

the love that we feel and share with all! May we be

this community of many different colors and

varieties growing together. We all need water, sun

and soil to grow. We live alongside one another,

respecting one another, maintaining our identities,

like different flowers in the garden, distinct and

different, but still connected. We have a common

language of families, children, and communities.

May we celebrate all, distinct and different but still

connected!

(Litany of Faith and Hope, UCC, in support of our

Open and Affirming Congregation)

Habitat for Humanity NCM - The

mission of Habitat is seeking to put

God’s love into action. There are still

many opportunities to help a family

get a ‘hand up’ to make a better life for their

family! It can be a few hours as a volunteer at

the house or Critical home repair project, or

perhaps you could provide a lunch donation on a

special day. Get a few friends together and sign

up to give a few hours to the project. Your

generosity helps to build strength, stability and

self-reliance through shelter for our family who

will move into their new home in Athol, on Old

Keene Road. Contact www.ncmhabitat.org, call

978.348.2749 or email carolyn@ncmhabitat.org Security Cameras Installed

The Building & Personnel Ministry Team has installed four Wi-Fi cameras as part of our plan to provide increased security during worship services and other church functions.

The cameras are located in the main foyer, the office foyer, the rear stairway and the rear door near the kitchen. The cameras detect motion and send an image to a cell phone or tablet of the church’s choosing, thus alerting a designated person if activity occurs in these areas.

In addition, the cameras can be used to detect any activity near the doors during times when the church is vacant. The sextant or a Building & Personnel member could receive these images.

The cameras have the capability to record but they would need to have SD cards installed for that feature to work. They are not currently recording.

The cameras will work in low and no light conditions.

For further information, please contact Thomas White.

3

4

69th Annual Country Fair

Saturday, September 18, 2021!

Only two months to go until our amazing Fall Country Fair!!! Planning

continues to make this one of our best ever! Please think about making a special

craft for the craft table, donating a gift card to the Center table or baking

something wonderful for the baked goods table and one or two batches of fudge

as well!

We are looking for help at several booths. If you have some time to spare on Fair

Day, please give Jan Doody a call – 978-575-0152. We will also be looking for

help setting up on Friday and unsetting up on Saturday afternoon.

Please see Jerry Noyes about how you can help.

Our next fair meeting is on Wednesday, August 11 at 7:00 PM inside the church

(Wow!). Please join us if you can.

All the best from the Fair committee.

Jan Doody & Jerry Noyes – chairs

The Center Table at the Country Fair this year will sell chances to win gift cards. We will be visiting

local businesses to get donations. We will also gladly accept gift card/monetary donations from our

church family! If you would like to donate, please mail or drop off your donation at the church. You can

write “center table gift card donation” on the envelope or check.

If you have questions, call Vicki, 978-852-0442 or Christine, 978-424-1456

Donations for the Emporium are closed. We have MANY MANY things for your perusal and purchase.

Come and help out here. Call Cheryl L’Ecuyer – 978-249-3386 to sign up to help. Come and buy your

favorite, must have items.

Snack Bar: Chuck Berube -978-837-1106

Country Store: Jan Doody - 978-575-0152

Emporium: Cheryl L’Ecuyer – 978-249-3386; Kevin Heath 978-249 6991

Books, etc.: Ralph Cutter – 978-249-2196 & David Bremner – 978-632-2392

Crafts: Sharon Smith – 508-517-7461; Joy Risatti – 978-544-3770

Baked Goods & Candy: Tracy Johnson – 978-257-2104; Joyce Phinney -978-249-3281

Theme Baskets: Bruce & Sue Hill – 978-249-9221

Games: Meaghan Nelson – meaghanmarie1209@gmail.com

Center Table – Gift Cards: Christine Phelps - 978-424-1456; Vicki Baker – 978-852-0442

Puzzle Booth: Susan Bowdridge – 978-307-3356

Cake Walk: Bonnie Benjamin – 978-249-8296

Set up and take down work crew: Jerry Noyes – 978-467-7524

5

BOSTON MARATHON JIMMY FUND WALK

Hello, my name is Jean (Woessner) Fountain and several years ago I got involved with the Boston

Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. The goal of the walk is to raise funds for cancer research at Dana Farber

Cancer Institute.

Most everyone knows someone either a family member or a friend that has been diagnosed with cancer, I

have had two sisters that have received that news. Last year I started Team Feet of Strength and with our

18 team members we raised over $5,000.00 for cancer research.

On Sunday, October 3rd the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk will be held virtually (locally) again this

year. Walk destinations are 3, 6 and 13 miles and we walk as a Team along Petersham Road. Everyone

that walks receives a T-Shirt and a completion medal. If you are interested in becoming a Team Feet of

Strength member, a volunteer or to donate to the Jimmy Fund Walk please contact me (see below). Our

Team Motto is “Small Steps Everyday Can Beat Cancer.” We walk for those who are fighting this

disease, we walk for a Cure.

Thank you from the Woessner Girls

Jean Fountain, Elaine Heath, Joanne Cole and Diane Myntti

Contact Jean Fountain at:

978-249-5907 or by email: kjfountain@verizon.net

6

1

Susan Hill

1 Mackenzie Matthews

2 Billy Ashenden

2 Thomas Bockus

2 Sara Leopaldi

3 David Rayner

3 Joy Risatti

4 Travis Heath

4 Joslyn Jaillet

5 Austin Bernier

5 Lisa Osborne

8 Marilyn Farnum

9 James Brideau

9 Arthur Hicks

9 Judith Ann McIntosh

10 Cynthia Jack

11 Seth Benjamin

11 Karon Parker

12 Susan Bowdridge

12 Sally Stone

13 Claire Butler

13 Judith Howland

15 Samuel Hicks

15 Kerry Johnson

15 Lais Leal Radici

16 Hunter Apteker

16 George Hunt Jr.

18 Amanda Lohnes

21 Dominique Ciampa

21 Bruce Fowler Jr.

23 Nicole Gould

23 Carol Wilcox

24 Melinda Jack

25 Christopher Hicks

26 Joseph Arce

26 Tara Bradford

26 Melissa Lascelles

26 Nancy Magill

27 Roy Lake

27 Peter L'Ecuyer

27 Julia Zani

29 Therese Carter

29 Elizabeth Soucie

30 Samantha Howard

30 Mary Pat Spaulding

9 Ralph & Joy Cutter

25 Michael & Michelle Peters

CHURCH INFORMATION:

Office Hours: Mon. – Thursday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Church Telephone: 978-249-6202 available all day

Church E-mail address: accuccoffice@gmail.com

Rev. Candi Ashenden: revcandi@gmail.com

Website: www.atholcongregationalucc.org

ON LINE WORSHIP SERVICES under Sermons on the website or

Find us on Facebook & www.youtube.com (Athol Congregational Church for services)

Also, on Sunday mornings on AOTV channel 1301 at 10:00 AM

Don’t forget - Newsletter Deadline is the 15th of the month.

Articles submitted after the deadline may not be included.

7

Kathy Bennett (Cheryl L'Ecuyer's sister-in-law), Karen Anderson (daughter of

Estelle Anderson, recuperating from extensive surgery),. Jennifer Broughton,

Mike Ciampa, Janet Lipke (Nicole Gould’s grandmother), Vera Breault, Shirley

Bock, Barbara Herbert, Rita Bombard, Doris Sarantopoulos, Susan Gatautis,

Leonard King, John Swan, Sheila St. Laurent, Kevin LaCoste, Cheryl L’Ecuyer,

Ernie Bobilin, Charles Brown, Florence Copeland, Ray Dufort, Timothy

Gatautis, Marc Johnson, Danielle Marceau, Diane Myntti, Susan Ray, and our

sister church in Vichuquen. We also pray for Joe Badgley, Travis Heath, Sean

Spaulding, and others in the Armed Forces and in harm’s way.

Remember our homebound friends with a card, and especially your prayers . . .

Fran Britt - Baldwinville Nursing Home Romona Gordon - Baldwinville Nursing Home

Mary Pat Spaulding – Auburn Willard Newton - QVHC

Our prayers and sympathy to family and friends of Barbara Ducharme who passed away on July 11.

Her funeral service was held at the church on July 19.

For those wishing to keep in touch with Ernie Bobilin, his NEW ADDRESS is:

Ernest Bobilin W112355

30 Administration Road

Bridgewater MA 02324

Please write your letters and address them in black ink only.

Deacons are: Lisa Pollock, Tom Doody, Vicki Baker, Susan Bowdridge, Joy Cutter, Cindy Jack,

Jan Noyes, Cheryl L’Ecuyer, and Deb White.

The memorial/celebration of life for Matt Fontaine will be held

Saturday, August 28th

at 1:30 pm at Pine Beach, Lake Rohunta.

The entrance is off Partridgeville Rd. in Orange. Please bring a lawn chair, casual attire, and if weather is

nice bring a bathing suit to take a dip in the lake. There will be a 1:30 pm service by Rev Candi followed

by a light lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. We will have a few canopies up for shade as well as some

folding chairs for those who choose to be out of the sun.

8

“Miracles from God do happen and I want to share my story with you.” Twice I have had my groceries paid for by two different strangers which was wonderful, and I was thankful for.

I was on my way to the eye doctor on July 6th in Gardner for a 10:30 appointment for surgery. Everything seemed fine and I got off route 2 and pulled into the parking lot right in front of the office. I heard a crash and thought I had hit the sidewalk. I got out and looked and my left front wheel was leaning to the left and collapsing, and I found out it was the axle, struts and sway bar which are important and keep the car

going safely and straight!!

I feel totally blessed by God to bring me to a safe place for this to happen, not on route 2. God loves us and protects us through the Grace of God.

Wally Dupuis P.S. When I went to pick up my car after the repairs, I was told that someone from the church paid part of the bill. Thank you very much to this unknown angel, helping me get back on the road.

AUGUST CALENDAR OF EVENTS/MEETINGS:

Tuesday, August 3

6:00 - 8:00 pm - Finding Hope Athol, parlor

Sunday, August 8

10:00 am – OUTDOOR WORSHIP – behind the

church

11:00 am - Long Distance Healing Service - by

Appointment - Contact Joy Cutter at 978-249-2196 or

email grammyjoy69@yahoo.com

Monday, August 9

5:00 pm - Missions, potluck at the Benjamins

Tuesday, August 10 6:30 pm - Deacons, on ZOOM

Wednesday, August 11

7:00 pm – Fair Planning Meeting, at church

Thursday, August 12

5:30 pm – Stewardship

6:30 pm – Leadership, on ZOOM

Monday, August 16

6:30 pm – Women’s Fellowship, Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, August 17

6:00 - 8:00 pm - Finding Hope Athol, parlor

Sunday, August 22

11:00 am - Long Distance Healing Service - by

Appointment - Contact Joy Cutter at 978-249-2196 or

email grammyjoy69@yahoo.com

Friday, August 27

5:00 to 6:00 pm - Drive-up Lasagna Dinner to

benefit NQCA $10.00, call Maryann at 978-894-4258

By August 20 to reserve.

Saturday, August 28

1:30 pm – Memorial/Celebration of Life for

Matt Fontaine, at Pine Beach, Lake Rohunta, Orange

Friday, September 10

5:00 to 6:00 pm - Drive-up Community Meal -

call to reserve 978-249-6202 by September 7

Sunday, September 12

10:00 am – Welcome back to Worship IN THE

CHURCH

Monday, September 13

6:30 pm – Women’s Fellowship, Fellowship Hall

Saturday, September 18

9:00 am to 2:00 pm – Church Fair, Uptown

Common and Fellowship Hall

9

Daily Lectionary Scripture References August 2021 (Year B)

Sun., Aug. 1 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 11:26—12:13a Psalm 51:1-12 Ephesians 4:1-16 John 6:24-35 Mon., Aug. 2 Psalm 50:16-23 2 Samuel 12:15-25 Ephesians 4:17-24 Tues., Aug. 3 Psalm 50:16-23 2 Samuel 13:1-19 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Wed., Aug. 4 Psalm 50:16-23 2 Samuel 13:20-36 Mark 8:1-10 Thurs., Aug. 5 Psalm 130 2 Samuel 13:37—14:24 Romans 15:1-6 Fri., Aug. 6 Psalm 130 2 Samuel 14:25-33 Galatians 6:1-10 Sat., Aug. 7 Psalm 130 2 Samuel 15:1-13 Matthew 7:7-11 Sun., Aug. 8 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 Psalm 130 Ephesians 4:25—5:2 John 6:35, 41-51 Mon., Aug. 9 Psalm 57 2 Samuel 15:13-31 Ephesians 5:1-14 Tues., Aug. 10 Psalm 57 2 Samuel 18:19-33 2 Peter 3:14-18

Wed., Aug. 11 Psalm 57 2 Samuel 19:1-18 John 6:35-40

Thurs., Aug. 12 Psalm 111 1 Kings 1:1-30 Acts 6:8-15

Fri. Aug. 13 Psalm 111 1 Kings 1:28-48 Romans 16:17-20

Sat., Aug. 14 Psalm 111 1 Kings 2:1-11 John 4:7-26

Sun., Aug. 15 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Psalm 111 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58

Mon., Aug. 16 Psalm 101 1 Kings 3:16-28 Acts 6:1-7

Tues., Aug. 17 Psalm 101 1 Kings 7:1-12 Acts 7:9-16

Wed., Aug. 18 Psalm 101 1 Kings 8:1-21 Mark 8:14-21

Thurs., Aug. 19 Psalm 84 1 Kings 4:20-28 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Fri., Aug. 20 Psalm 84 1 Kings 4:29-34 Romans 13:11-14

Sat., Aug. 21 Psalm 84 1 Kings 5:1-12 Luke 11:5-13

Sun., Aug. 22 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11] 22- 30, 41-43 Psalm 84 Ephesians 6:10-20 John 6:56-69 Mon., Aug. 23 Psalm 11 1 Kings 5:13-18 Ephesians 5:21—6:9 Tues., Aug. 24 Psalm 11 1 Kings 6:1-14 Ephesians 6:21-24 Wed., Aug. 25 Psalm 11 1 Kings 6:15-38 John 15:16-25 Thurs., Aug. 26 Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 Song of Solomon 1:1-17 James 1:1-8 Fri., Aug. 27 Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 Song of Solomon 2:1-7 James 1:9-16 Sat., Aug. 28 Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 Hosea 3:1-5 John 18:28-32 Sun., Aug. 29 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 James 1:17-27 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Mon., Aug. 30 Psalm 144:9-15 Song of Solomon 3:6-11 1 Timothy 4:6-16 Tues., Aug. 31 Psalm 144:9-15 Song of Solomon 5:2—6:3 1 Peter 2:19-25

10

Athol Congregational Church, UCC

1225 Chestnut Street

Athol, MA 01331

STEEPLE NEWS

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID

ATHOL MA

PERMIT NO 61

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a community of faith, gathered by God’s

grace, following and modeling the way of Christ,

as we celebrate, serve, worship and grow.