Newsletter First Congregational Church June...

Newsletter First Congregational Church June 2016

Dear Friends,

When Douglas Corrigan began his flight on July 18, 1938, in New York City, he intended to fly non-stop to California. Instead, he landed in Dublin, Ireland. This mistake caused the press to give him the nickname “Wrong-Way Corrigan.” Once you start off in the wrong direction, there is no way to land where you intended.

Because churches, like airplane pilots, need a sense of direction, First Church is embarking on a process that will help us discern our direction for the coming years. The process was described to Church Committee at its May meeting in these words:

“To help our church remain a vibrant congregation, serving God and our neighbor, and to respond to the changing needs of the community around us, our church is beginning a one year Church Renewal Project. This project will be led by the Church Renewal Ministry Team and will have two parts.

“One part will be a series of conversations within the congregation, to help us discern who we are at this time, and what are our hopes and dreams for First Church. The other part will be conversations with community leaders, to elicit their ideas about the strengths and challenges of the community, how the church is seen by the wider community, and how the church might be helpful to the community. A Church Renewal Prayer Team will also be formed, to pray for the entire process. The Church Renewal Ministry Team will report each month to Church Committee. After one year, we will evaluate the process and determine what the next steps will be.”

Churches thrive when they have a sense of direction. Churches that are clear about their identity, and sure about who God is calling them to be, bring goodness to the world and glory to God. Here at First Church Westfield, we have great resources, both spiritual and material. I am confident that God has great things in mind for us. We may be changed by this time of discernment. We may end up looking and feeling different from the way we look and feel today. But with God’s guidance, we can step out in faith. We can remember the words of the prophet Jeremiah, “I know the plans I have in mind for you,” declares the LORD, “they are plans for peace and not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Yours in Christ

Elva

P. S. If you’d like to know more about the Church Renewal Project, please don’t hesitate to speak to me or to our Moderator, Rick Gaylord.

The last day of Sunday School for the season was May 22nd. Dur-ing the summer kids are welcome to stay in the worship service with their families. Coloring and activity books are available. The nursery is ONLY OPEN for infants and toddlers in the sum-

mer. It will be closed on May 29th and July 3rd.

Our Sunday School would not be success-

ful without the help of our teachers. Their ded-

ication to our kids and their willingness to give

up their own worship time to teach our children

goes unrecognized for most of the year.

Please consider volunteering next year.

� It’s hard to believe that another church school year is over. Mayme & I have greatly appreciated the help from the committee and the congregation. I love see-ing the kids in the Sunday School interacting with their teachers by playing games or having good discussions. We’ve enjoyed putting on the pasta luncheon and pan-cake breakfasts – it was nice to see the congregation socializing at these events. We hope that everyone was inspired at the Celebration Sunday Service of what they can do to follow Jesus. We hope everyone has a fun filled and safe summer and we look forward to seeing everyone back in the fall with a new Church School Di-rector. Mayme & Gail

Special Thanks. None of this would have been pos-sible without their commitment to Christian Teachings and dedication to Sunday School.

Karen Fillion and Mayme Lajoie in the preschool.

Amanda Kinnunen and Fred and Janice Fruwirth with the kindergarten through second graders.

Jim and Debbie Yesu, Deborah Yesu and Carrie and Jim Salzer for their work with our third through fifth grades.

Andrea Polley and Rev. Susanne Hayes with sixth and seventh graders.

The smallest of our church school is our nursery. Those caring individuals taking care of our most tender hearts were led by our Nursery Supervisor: Reiley Ledoux.

The nursery and other classes were helped throughout the year by Karenna Downs, Gillian Ledoux, Joey Cre-an, Emily Yesu, Sam Polley and Megan Hawks.

Thanks to the Church School Committee: Debbie Yesu, Carissa Ledoux, Lisa Kubik, Greg Hamel, Fred Fruwirth, Michelle Downs, Sherry Balzano, Andrea Polley (ad hoc) and their spouses. They always step up and help with all of the projects and activities. They make our Church School GREAT!! �A warm thank you to all of our acolytes. You really help “light up” our church services.

Sunday School will resume on September 11th.

Thank you so much for all you do!!!!

Happy Father’s Day!Happy Father’s Day!Happy Father’s Day!Happy Father’s Day!

To all of our First Church To all of our First Church To all of our First Church To all of our First Church Dads!Dads!Dads!Dads!

The ALL CHURCH PICNIC will be held on Sunday, June 12

Time and place to be an-nounced. Hot dogs, hamburgers, rolls, and lemonade/iced tea will be

provided. There will be a sign up sheet for sides and desserts in the church. Family and friends are welcome!!!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL NEWS

First Congregational Church WILL host Vacation Bible School this summer on July 31 – August 4.

Jen Thielen from Second Congregational Church will coordinate this program –

but she needs help!!!!! Please let Mayme or Gail know if you can help in anyway and

we will put you in touch with Jen so that she can coordinate the group.

In the past we have needed teachers/volunteers for the Story Telling, Science Activi-

ties, Craft activities, Games activities, Music, and “Shepherding”. Please let us know what you

would be willing to help with – even if it’s only for a couple of

nights of the session.

Thanks, Gail & Mayme

Please respond to Gail: 562-2621 - Mayme: 568-1057 or

to [email protected]

Call the church office about Hospitalizations

If you know of someone in the congrega-

tion who has been hospitalized, please call

the church office so that Pastor Elva

knows. We would rather get ten phone calls

about the same person than not hear when someone

is in need of pastoral care.

Church School with World Service Committee raised a total of $1983.25 for Heifer International this year! Thank you to all the contributed their time, talent and money to help support this most worthy cause.

With this money Heifer was able to purchase the following animals:

1 Pig 120.00 2 Sheep 240.00

2 Llamas 300.00 1 Heifer 500.00

2 Goats 240.00

5 flocks each @ 20.00 each: Ducks, Chickens and Geese 300.00

1 hive beehive 30.00

1 irrigation pump 150.00

Come join us for Bible Classes. We meet

every Wednesday 1:00 PM–2:00PM. We also

have Bible Classes (Faith for Life) held on the

first Tuesday and 3rd Tuesday of the month.

All are welcome.

Betsy Gaylord Marylyn Smith Norma Gary

Eloise Adair

Joan Deacon

Ruth Finney Phyllis Pomeroy

Dick Pomeroy

Bill Tynan Carol Tynan

A very grateful thank you to Mr. Don Wielgus who was our personal photographer dur-ing the Four Score Luncheon. The pictures in the newsletter were just a few that captured the excitement that was shared on May 7th. Don took photos of each guest and the deacons at the function. If you would like a pic-ture please call Peggy in the office and I will be glad to email you one or print a copy for you.

Class of 2016 our beautiful

Queen is Mabel Wilder and our

handsome King is Wes Shepard.

Four Score Luncheon! Special Thanks to Beverly and Cliff Gamble and Martha Scavotto who dedicated many hours making the

Four Score Luncheon a Success!.

A big Thank You to the Diaconate for all their work on the Over 80 Luncheon. Hamel Caterers did a great job on the lunch and many thanks to Bev and Cliff Gamble and Martha Scavotto for all their work organizing this annual event. Also thank you to Joey Crean for coming in to help with serving and clean up.

Submitted by Martha Roman, Senior Deacon

CLASS OF 2016 Some of our deacons

that served our guests

for the Four Score

Luncheon. Back row

from left to right are:

Martha Roman, Carol

Whalen, Cliff Gamble,

Bruce Dunlop, Martha

Scavotto and resident

helper Joey Crean.

Front row: Beverly

Gamble and Karen

Lajoie.

We want to thank everyone for making our “4 score luncheon special.” Greg Hamel for arranging our luncheon, Jeff Roberts for the music during Com-munion, Jim Yesu for arranging the TV for our movie, Don and Sharon Wielgus for taking pictures. Joey Crean for being such a great help, the Diaconate for serving and making special desserts. We want to thank our special guests for coming to make out luncheon so special Thank you all! Beverly Gamble, chair of “4 score luncheon”

Tiger Pride Restaurant

Westfield Technical Academy

Women’s Fellowship Summer

Luncheon

Thursday June 9, 2016

11:00 A.M.

Mixed Green Salad w/ Ranch Dressing

Chicken Francese

Or

Baked Stuffed Shrimp w/ Lemon

Roasted Rainbow Creamer Potatoes

Buttered Asparagus

Dinner Rolls

Strawberry Pound Cake w/ Whipped

Cream

Coffee / Tea / Decaf / Ice Water / Iced

Tea / Soda

Tickets now on sale Cost $12.00

June

Birthdays

6/01-Nancy Rowe 6/01-Paula Clark 6/01 David Miller 6/02-Lorraine Agan 6/02-Ruth Hannum 6/02-Karen Lajoie 6/04-Linda Hauk 6/05-Gretchen Shepard 6/05- Alan Cortis 6/05-Reiley Ledoux 6/7-Shannon Brown 6/10-Nancy Grimaldi 6/10-Maddie Balzano 6/12-C.J. Crean 6/13-Cynthia Reynolds 6/14-Tyler Ulm 6/15-David Wolanin 6/16-Catherine Ward 6/16-Karenna Downs

6/21-Ed LaPlante 6/22-Gabrielle Grimaldi 6/24-Kellie Glaze 6/28-Joyce Piper 6/28-Debbie Grobe

Please Notify the Church Office When@

� You or a family member would like a visit.

� You have a change of address.

� Your Phone number has changed.

� Your email address has changed

Memorial Flowers Each Sunday our Sanctuary is decorated with fresh floral arrangements

on the Altar. There are many people and several groups in the Church as well as people from out of town who give flowers as a memorial, special celebration or holi-day remembrance. Some have given flowers for many years around the same date or Sunday. This is such a beautiful way to think of people! After each service, the flowers are made into smaller bouquets which are given to sick, bereaved and shut-in members. If you would like

to give Altar flowers for a particular Sunday, Please call Peggy (568-

2833) for more information. The cost of an arrangement is $25.00.

Ardelle Zych would

like to extend a warm

thank you to all the

church members and

friends for their kind

notes, cards and

prayers.

Email newsletter items to office@ churchonthegreen.org Page 5

Property Committee

We continue to search for a tenant (or tenants) to rent our Old Town Hall building. It is listed with Plotkin Real Estate Brokers. You can view this listing at www.sdplotkin.com and also on Facebook, pinterest.com and loopnet.com by searching for "lease office space Westfield MA." If you know of anyone interested in this space PLEASE contact Bob Brownlee (568-

7095) or any member of the property committee.

The following are the responsibilities and duties of the Property Committee: (1) General maintenance, repairs, renovations and security of the church and Old Town Hall buildings and grounds. (2) General supervision of the custodian and the hiring and overseeing of out-side contractors. (3) Submitting to the Budget Committee a maintenance budget each year. This includes estimates for our purchase of necessary equipment, supplies and materials for upkeep and repairs, and projected costs of fuel and utilities.

Submitted by Judy Lyon

Our wonderful choir’s last date to sing was on May 29th. They will be taking a well deserved summer break. Please let them

know how grateful we are to have them sing for us each week. The choir rehearsal schedules (9:AM & 11:15AM) will resume on Sunday, September 11th.

Attention Committee Chairs

Committee Chairs are reminded to put your meeting dates on the church calendar, check your mailboxes each week, make sure lights are out and doors are locked after their meeting and the newsletter deadline is the 18th of each month.

The staff at the Samaritan Inn sends their gratitude and bless-ings to all of you for the donations of sox, coffee and the flip flops which are used for the daily show-

ers. Each Sunday I am amazed at the amount of food donated to the Food Pantry. Thank you so much for helping to take care of our neigh-bors!

The Food Pantry is always so grateful for our monthly donation of nonperishable items. Please re-member the First Church tradition of bringing a donation on the First

Sunday of the month, when we celebrate communion, and bring a donation next Sun-day. Thank you.

On 5/19/16 the city of Westfield Finance Committee gave Final Ap-proval to our Community Preservation grant application in the amount of $163,000 toward restoration, rehabilitation and preservation of the Old Town Hall building. The Property Committee is elated to learn of this reward for our work to make

this happen. We look forward to learning details of how the money will be dispersed and what conditions and limitations will be attached. We will keep you posted.

The Newsletter

What's you're opinion??? Candy Cane Fair or Not?

Is the Candy Cane Fair a thing of the past???

Let's talk this over, be honest.......

In fact, let's talk "Turkey"...

Be Frank, do you really care?????

We do....let's put a new face on our fair. First, we need a new name. We will put up an envelope outside the office, everyone can put their ideas for a new name in it.. Note: there will not be a prize for the winner....You will just feel good because your name was the best. Let's have fun!

Your Fair Committee, has been thinking about changing things and we need your input.

First, a new name?????Keep the old???

A brand new format? We thought about this long and hard, and we think a Chinese Auction would be great fun. Everyone could share his or her talent in helping to make up theme bas-kets, or if you don't feel talented, you may donate money to buy items to put in the baskets. We would sell chances and cus-tomers could choose which baskets to take a chance on. When the fair is over and done with, nothing to put away, everything has been sold. We would keep our food table that is a great success, the Lottery Tree, our quilt exhibit, and our Friday supper menu and of course our delicious lobster rolls on Sat. Knit good are popular as well as kitchen linens. The sky's the limit!!

But... we need your help, are you up for it????

Let us hear from you

Would you share your ideas with us? If you don't want to write anything down, please see Mayme Lajoie with your input, and she will pass it on. This is such an exciting venture for us all to work together on, getting to know each other better, creating beautiful items, and serving the Lord with Gladness....Can I get an Amen on this???? Joan Deacon

Women’s Fellowship NewsletterWomen’s Fellowship NewsletterWomen’s Fellowship NewsletterWomen’s Fellowship Newsletter June 2016June 2016June 2016June 2016

Our speaker this month was Elisabeth Kennedy, coOur speaker this month was Elisabeth Kennedy, coOur speaker this month was Elisabeth Kennedy, coOur speaker this month was Elisabeth Kennedy, co----founder of the mission founder of the mission founder of the mission founder of the mission “HELO Haiti”. Elisabeth brought with her a young lady, Adlene, who works “HELO Haiti”. Elisabeth brought with her a young lady, Adlene, who works “HELO Haiti”. Elisabeth brought with her a young lady, Adlene, who works “HELO Haiti”. Elisabeth brought with her a young lady, Adlene, who works for HELO as a translator. for HELO as a translator. for HELO as a translator. for HELO as a translator.

Elisabeth updated us on things that have been happening during the past year Elisabeth updated us on things that have been happening during the past year Elisabeth updated us on things that have been happening during the past year Elisabeth updated us on things that have been happening during the past year at the school. The mission is a school who teach around 100 children, many of at the school. The mission is a school who teach around 100 children, many of at the school. The mission is a school who teach around 100 children, many of at the school. The mission is a school who teach around 100 children, many of whom live at the mission. This year they were finally able to sink a well that whom live at the mission. This year they were finally able to sink a well that whom live at the mission. This year they were finally able to sink a well that whom live at the mission. This year they were finally able to sink a well that will give them fresh water. They also were able to purchase a bus to take elev-will give them fresh water. They also were able to purchase a bus to take elev-will give them fresh water. They also were able to purchase a bus to take elev-will give them fresh water. They also were able to purchase a bus to take elev-en high school students into the city for their schooling. This saves the children en high school students into the city for their schooling. This saves the children en high school students into the city for their schooling. This saves the children en high school students into the city for their schooling. This saves the children many hours walking to and from school. At this time there is no high school at many hours walking to and from school. At this time there is no high school at many hours walking to and from school. At this time there is no high school at many hours walking to and from school. At this time there is no high school at the mission, however, the mission has been able to start a new building for fur-the mission, however, the mission has been able to start a new building for fur-the mission, however, the mission has been able to start a new building for fur-the mission, however, the mission has been able to start a new building for fur-ther education. She told of one benefactor who has stepped forward to support ther education. She told of one benefactor who has stepped forward to support ther education. She told of one benefactor who has stepped forward to support ther education. She told of one benefactor who has stepped forward to support these eleven children through high school and upon completion of this educa-these eleven children through high school and upon completion of this educa-these eleven children through high school and upon completion of this educa-these eleven children through high school and upon completion of this educa-tion, will send them to the college of their choice anywhere in the world.tion, will send them to the college of their choice anywhere in the world.tion, will send them to the college of their choice anywhere in the world.tion, will send them to the college of their choice anywhere in the world.

Adlene spoke of her life as a child in Haiti. Born in PortAdlene spoke of her life as a child in Haiti. Born in PortAdlene spoke of her life as a child in Haiti. Born in PortAdlene spoke of her life as a child in Haiti. Born in Port----AuAuAuAu----Prince , Haiti her Prince , Haiti her Prince , Haiti her Prince , Haiti her parents were too poor to be able to send her to a good school. She did not do parents were too poor to be able to send her to a good school. She did not do parents were too poor to be able to send her to a good school. She did not do parents were too poor to be able to send her to a good school. She did not do well in school and soon her parents moved back to Les Cayes, where they origi-well in school and soon her parents moved back to Les Cayes, where they origi-well in school and soon her parents moved back to Les Cayes, where they origi-well in school and soon her parents moved back to Les Cayes, where they origi-nally came from. Her education over the years was spotty, due to lack of mon-nally came from. Her education over the years was spotty, due to lack of mon-nally came from. Her education over the years was spotty, due to lack of mon-nally came from. Her education over the years was spotty, due to lack of mon-ey and lack of desire. As she grew older, however, her parish pastor encour-ey and lack of desire. As she grew older, however, her parish pastor encour-ey and lack of desire. As she grew older, however, her parish pastor encour-ey and lack of desire. As she grew older, however, her parish pastor encour-aged her to go back to school and she applied herself to learning. She is now a aged her to go back to school and she applied herself to learning. She is now a aged her to go back to school and she applied herself to learning. She is now a aged her to go back to school and she applied herself to learning. She is now a translator at the school. She was such a delightful person, shy but sweet and translator at the school. She was such a delightful person, shy but sweet and translator at the school. She was such a delightful person, shy but sweet and translator at the school. She was such a delightful person, shy but sweet and happy to be visiting with us.happy to be visiting with us.happy to be visiting with us.happy to be visiting with us.

Our Summer Luncheon will be on June 9Our Summer Luncheon will be on June 9Our Summer Luncheon will be on June 9Our Summer Luncheon will be on June 9thththth at the Tiger Pride Restaurant, West-at the Tiger Pride Restaurant, West-at the Tiger Pride Restaurant, West-at the Tiger Pride Restaurant, West-field Technical Academy at 11 am. Tickets will be on sale May 21 and May 29field Technical Academy at 11 am. Tickets will be on sale May 21 and May 29field Technical Academy at 11 am. Tickets will be on sale May 21 and May 29field Technical Academy at 11 am. Tickets will be on sale May 21 and May 29thththth at coffee hour. Reservations may be called into the church office at 413at coffee hour. Reservations may be called into the church office at 413at coffee hour. Reservations may be called into the church office at 413at coffee hour. Reservations may be called into the church office at 413----568568568568----2833. All reservations must be made by June 12833. All reservations must be made by June 12833. All reservations must be made by June 12833. All reservations must be made by June 1stststst....

Respectfully Submitted,Respectfully Submitted,Respectfully Submitted,Respectfully Submitted, Rita Willard, CoRita Willard, CoRita Willard, CoRita Willard, Co----chairperson Marylyn Smith, Cochairperson Marylyn Smith, Cochairperson Marylyn Smith, Cochairperson Marylyn Smith, Co----chairpersonchairpersonchairpersonchairperson

Hearing Devices available Hearing devices are available for your use during the worship ser-vice. If you are missing any words of our service we suggest

you give it a try. Just ask an usher for one. We are sure it will make the service much more enjoyable.

A thank-you to the deacons for

providing all the delicious food for

the cookout. A special thank you

to Martha Roman for hosting the

cookout at her home.

Picture submitted by Joyce Bard

Confirmands and Deacons Cookout

Help Wanted: The Deacons are looking for a volunteer to coordinate the Meal in Crisis program. Many years ago this service was organized to pro-vide meals in the short term for members in need due to illness or other factors. A coordi-nator would have a list of members that were willing to make a meal when called. The people on the list would be called on a rotating basis. If this is something you think you would be interested in, please contact any member of the Diaconate and we can give you more infor-mation.

Martha Roman and Bruce Dunlop, Co Senior Deacons

On Sunday, May 15th we wel-

comed our new Confirmands Sam

Polley, Emily Yesu and Megan

Hawks into fuller participation in the life of the church.

The deacons have made available a

small quantity of gluten-

free bread for commun-

ion, for those who need to avoid wheat.

The ALL CHURCH PICNIC

will be held on Sunday, June

12th. The time and place

will be announced. Please

see page 2 for more

details.

We’re on the web!

Www.churchonthegreen.org

First Congregational Church

of Westfield 18 Broad Street

Westfield, MA 01085

Office (413) 568-2833 Fax (413) 568-2835

TRAUMA MAMAS

Hi! Trauma Mamas is meeting again at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. June 16th .

For caregivers raising children with histories of early childhood trau-ma (Pre/Post-Adoptive/Guardianship). The focus of this peer-led group will be on the unique needs and experi-ences of the CAREGIVERS, and es-tablishing resources and relationships for ongoing support. Group is open to parents with children of all ages, all faiths. This will be a free daytime parent-led group in Westfield (at this time, childcare is not available).

Food Pantry Donations

On Sunday, June 5th you are invited to bring a nonper-ishable item for the West-field Food Pantry. This is part of our tradition at First Church, bringing donations of food for the needy on Communion Sunday.

Of course donations are ap-preciated any time and are badly needed.

World Service Committee

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