CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH United Church of Christ An Open and Affirming Congregation VOLUME 66 NUMBER 6 JUNE 2021
Youth Sunday and Honoring Our Graduates Sunday, June 6 at 10 am Communion Service in Carson Park
June Dining to Donate – Bertucci’s Chelmsford Monday, June 7, 2021 from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Bakery Day – Sunday, June 13
June Movie Group Discussions Monday, 6/14, at 7 pm – “Come Sunday” Monday, 6/28, at 7 pm – “Flywheel”
Knight Lines As I said at Annual Meeting, I’m very grateful to our staff, our leaders, all our committees, all our members and friends who participated in the church and its ministries this past year. It was a year we’ll never forget. It’s easily been one of the most meaningful, challenging, and rewarding years of my entire ministry. I want to thank everyone for your involvement, your support, your encouragement, your hard work, and your faith. I’ll miss you this summer! My sabbatical starts Monday, June 7. I know that most professions do not have sabbaticals. It’s part of the standard contract for most Protestant pastors (including UCC pastors), mainly because as you know most pastors work long and crazy hours. So it is helpful to unplug for a bit, to rest and recharge. Visiting six National Parks out West this June will certainly be rejuvenating! We’re still pinching ourselves that this trip is entirely paid for by the sabbatical grant from the Lilly Foundation (This is the greatest financial windfall for a clergyman since the invention of TV evangelism!). The grant money will also pay for those filling in for me this summer. While I’m very excited and grateful for this opportunity, I’m also a little bummed at the timing – going away just when things are starting to open up. But I can’t wait for September when things should really be back to some semblance of normal. Picture Welcome Sunday with a full sanctuary, singing our hearts out to God. Hopefully that’ll be the case. Please know that you’ll all continue to be in my prayers and in my heart. In faith, hope, and love, Pastor Rich
Enjoy your sabbatical, Pastor Rich! We will miss you, and we send you off with the blessings, love, and well-wishes of your entire CCC family. Have a wonderful adventure out west! Travel safely and we look forward to the photos, stories, and sermons you will share with us when you return!
Introducing Vicki Keene, our June Interim Pastor! The Pastoral Sabbatical Search Committee is delighted to introduce Rev. Vicki Keene, our interim pastor for the month of June. Pastor Vicki is a retired ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Specially trained as an intentional transitional minister, Vicki has served several churches in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, in both settled and interim capacities. Vicki Keene may be familiar to some members of our church family! About twenty years ago, as part of her education at Andover Newton Theological School, Vicki’s field education requirement brought her to CCC as a pastoral minister-in-training. With the support and guidance of CCC and Ginnie Hall, her supervisor, she lived into her calling and is delighted to have the opportunity to worship with us this June. Vicki will be preaching on June 13, 20, 1nd 27. Pastor Rich notes, “Vicki is known for her compassion, joy, and faith.” In addition to preaching on three Sundays, Pastor Vicki will also be available in pastoral emergencies. Much of Vicki’s free time is spent in support of the Ocean Park Association, a summer Chautauqua community in Ocean Park, Maine. Vicki resides in Andover, MA with her husband David and their two dogs, and enjoys music, reading, pickleball, all Boston sports teams, and the beach. Welcome (back), Pastor Vicki! Pastoral Sabbatical Search Committee: Val King, Lillian Beean, Lynn Horton, and Pastor Rich Knight
NEW COVID PROTOCOLS - All Are Welcome, Just Mask It Up! Because the Governor of Massachusetts is lifting all Covid restrictions, the Diaconate feels it's time to welcome all folks (vaccinated and unvaccinated) back into the sanctuary. Masks are required and congregational singing will be allowed. We realize that not everyone will be ready to return to the sanctuary, so please remember that our services will continue to be livestreamed.
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES: May 30 Drive-In Church (and livestreamed on Facebook Live) June 6 Worship in Carson Park – Youth & Graduation Sunday, Holy Communion (and livestreamed on Facebook Live) June 13 Sanctuary Worship (and livestream), Rev. Vicki Keene June 20 Sanctuary Worship (and livestream), Rev. Vicki Keene June 27 Sanctuary Worship (and livestream), Rev. Vicki Keene
SABBATICAL COVERAGE Pastor Rich will be off this summer from June 7 - August 16. Anyone in need of pastoral care during the month of June should contact the Diaconate Co-Chairs, Val King and Jay Hungate. Our June Guest Preacher, Rev. Vicki Keene will be available in emergencies. Our Ministry of Visitation will be available for visits and loving care. Our Sabbatical Pastor for July, Susan Clinkenbeard, will be available for pastoral care, beginning on Monday, June 28. Her contact information will be made available at that time.
Class of 2021 Central Congregational Church offers joyous congratulations to our graduates and their families. Our Chelmsford High School Graduates: Nicholas Bottomley will be attending UCONN to study Molecular and Cell Biology. Jeremy Hargett will be attending Framingham State’s honor program to study psychology and business while playing for Framingham State soccer team. Jessica Hussey will attend Valley Collaborative in Billerica to study vocational training. Quintin Stuart will attend Valley Collaborative in Billerica to study vocational training. Josh Timmins will attend Northeastern University where he will study Behavioral Neuroscience. Brendan Viarella is going to go to UMASS Lowell. He is undecided about his course of study but is leaning toward science. Joshua Walsh will attend UMass Amherst to study Political Science.
Our College Graduates Natalie Fay, the granddaughter of Brian and Linda Lis, is a graduate from Suffolk University, Boston. In August, Natalie is moving to Washington D.C. to work and attend American University/ Washington School of Law. Ben Knight, son of Pastor Rich, has graduated from Parsons School of Art and Design in New York City. He majored in photography.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
JUNE MOVIE GROUP DISCUSSIONS Monday, 6/14 – “Come Sunday” Evangelist Carlton Pearson (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is ostracized by his church for preaching that there is no Hell. Based on a radio story from WBEZ's “This American Life.” Read Ira Glass’ promotion of the movie here: Our New Movie, "Come Sunday" - This American Life
Monday, 6/28 – “Flywheel” Dishonest used car salesman Jay Austin’s lies and greed may line his pockets, but they are hurting his family. Can he open his heart and become a better salesman and family man by becoming a better Christian?
The CCC Movie Group is open to all! Watch the movie(s) on your own, then join the group on Zoom at 7:00 pm on “Movie Mondays” to discuss. Zoom links to each Movie Night will be included in the weekly church-wide e-mails. Contact Lynn Horton if you have questions!
CREATION CARE The Creation Care group tentatively plans to be showing a film on Climate Change in June, a talk in Carson Park about Native American earth care traditions in July, and a one session book discussion of the novel “The Overstory” in August. Exact dates have yet to be worked out. In the meantime, check out the new CCC Creation Care webpage under Make A Difference https://www.cccchelmsford.org/creation-care/. The page includes a link to Pastor Rich's April sermon "Stewards of God's Garden" and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about climate change for a quick overview of this complex subject.
SUMMER CAMP: CLIMATE BUDDIES Looking for something for your kids to do this summer? Try an overnight summer camp held at The Horton Center on Pine Mountain in Gorham, NH. It is a faith based camp. A special session during Week 3 from July 18-25 is called “Climate Buddies” for children entering 3rd – 5th grades and it is being led by our own Rev. Judie Bryant and her colleague, Rev. Peter Lovett. Superheroes Save Our Planet! On our first day at camp you will choose your Superhero name, powers, and make your cape/costume for the week! We’ll spend the week using our different superpowers to investigate how our Superhero team can keep God’s creation – our beautiful planet – safe and healthy. Who and what are the supervillains that we need to defeat in order to do this? Let’s find out together while we explore the rock ledges, birds, trees, bees, streams and more at camp. Come join us as we work together to defeat the supervillains and save our planet! And here's the website for the camp itself: https://hortoncenter.org/ And if you would like more information, please contact Judie Bryant at 508-254-3982 or [email protected]
GIANT YARD SALE The Friends of BSA Troop 74 will host their Annual Giant Yard Sale on Saturday, August 21. The yard sale will run from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the church parking lot. Come early for the best selection.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE WEEK It’s almost that time of year again for Make a Difference Week! Central Congregational Church will be hosting Make a Difference Week for the 3rd year on July 26 – 30, 2021 from 9:00 am – noon every day with a Family Fun Day at Kimball Farms planned for Friday. Students entering 3rd grade through 8th grade this fall are eligible to attend as participants, while High School aged students are welcome to volunteer as helpers or be a Crew Leader. We also welcome all adults who wish to volunteer for any time they can provide! Please see the attached flyer for all the details including a daily schedule as well as possible service projects the kids will be working on this year. The sign-up link for MADW can be found in the weekly parent’s email and on the CCC Facebook page. Please contact Carolyn Chapman at [email protected] with any questions.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE WEEK SERVICE PROJECT HOSTS NEEDED Do you have some yard work that you would like to complete but haven’t been able to find the time or help to complete it? Well look no further! We are looking for CCC Members who have yard work or smaller outside projects that they need completed that the Make a Difference Week participants can do for you! We would love to have hosts volunteer their yards or projects for us to complete during Make a Difference Week July 26 – 29, 2021. Projects could include, but are not limited to: yard clean-up, gardening, mulching, garage organizing or clean-out, or deck painting. If you would like to Host a service project for MADW please contact Carolyn Chapman at [email protected] with any possible projects or questions.
July 26-30, 2021 A Week of Service for Kids Rising 3rd Graders through 8th Graders High School students can serve as Volunteers & Crew Leaders! Covid 19 Protocols will be in place!
Schedule: Monday – Thursday 9:00 am Opening Outside in Carson Park 9:15 am Leave for Work Sites 9:30 am Service Projects 11:15 am Leave site to return to CCC 11:30 am Snack, debrief & closing outdoors Noon Dismissal Friday Family Fun Day at Kimball Farms
Community Service Projects in the Works: Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Clean-Up Backpack Project for the Wish Project Chelmsford Land Trust project Cooking & Baking for Meals Ministry Chelmsford Community Garden – fresh produce for the Open Pantry
Central Congregational Church One Worthen St., Chelmsford MA 978-256-5931 www.cccchelmsford.org CCC COMMITTEES AT WORK
LIVE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR LIVE IN-PERSON WORSHIP! One of the aspects of our worship services that has been missing this year is the beautiful live floral arrangements that usually grace the Communion Table. With the exception of holiday greens, poinsettias, tulips, and Easter lilies, the only “flowers” that have been on view in the chancel have been a silk floral arrangement. If you would like to add beauty to our Sunday service, please consider donating flowers in honor or memory of an event or loved one. The flower sign-up sheet will be available in Fellowship Hall, on the bulletin board above the ramp, or you may contact Linn Flint in the office and she will connect you with a member of the Sanctuary Committee. Currently we are scheduled for Sunday worship in the Sanctuary on June 13, and flowers can be displayed on a Sunday when the service takes place in Carson Park or as “Drive-In church,” if you wish. We will make the schedule of summer worship service locations available as soon as possible.
COUNCIL CORNER: A monthly update on the activity of the CCC Council News from the May 12, 2021 meeting: Pledged giving and non-pledged offerings remained steady in April. Congregational pledges are a bit behind, and unpledged giving is ahead of budget. There was no fee in April for electricity use in the church building or at 9 Worthen due to the income from the solar panels. The members of Council approved two new policies that were written by Dick Papenfuss and proposed by the Trustees: Policy 16, “Scrip Program Procedures” and Policy 17, “Monetary Procedure for Christmas Tree Sales.” Council approved a transfer of funds from the Winn and Hamilton Trust Funds to the Maintenance Account, as proposed by the Trustees. A Capital Needs Assessment Committee was established to begin identifying the areas of the church that could be improved through funding raised by a Capital Campaign. The initial members of this committee are Christine Williams and Alan Wisniewski (Trustees); Lynn Horton (Council); Peter Morin (Diaconate); Mary Horne (House); Dick Papenfuss (Treasurer); Pastor Rich Knight; and Ginnie Hall (Affiliate Member). The proposed Budget for 2021-2022 was approved by Council and will be presented at Annual Meeting for a vote by the church membership. The Nominating Committee shared an amendment to the Slate for 2021-2022; two names were added and subsequently approved by Council. The Sabbatical Minister Search Committee has successfully identified three individuals that will serve CCC in Pastor Rich’s absence. Pastor Rich’s sabbatical begins on June 6, 2021. Pastor Rich has created a slideshow of CCC activities from the past year; the photos will be shown at Annual Meeting as we celebrate our church family. Annual Meeting is Sunday, May 16. The next Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 7:30 pm, via Zoom. Anyone from CCC is welcome to attend! Contact Lynn Horton, [email protected] or 978-256-8524, if you would like the Zoom link information.
HERE’S WHAT THE HOUSE COMMITTEE IS UP TO: The chimney on the main building was rebuilt during April school break. There are pictures of the work being done at the church's website. Juaréz is refinishing the deck on 9 Worthen St. He also repainted the speed bumps and "Handicapped" symbols on the parking lot (we did not know there is an updated handicapped symbol denoting movement, and we'll make sure it's used when the parking lot is next repainted/relined). We received an estimate to repave a 15-20' portion of the entrance drive and replace the speed bump in the exit drive. We also received an estimate to install new de-icing cable to the roof of the CE wing on the side facing the parking lot. We will seek additional estimates for these jobs. Seasonal maintenance for the lawn mower has been done, and we'll make sure that gas cans remain filled. Routine activities, such as taking recycling to the town bins and food donations to Open Pantry continue. Yet to be done is replacing the corral fencing along North Rd. We previously thought we were responsible for the fencing between our parking lot and the professional building next door, but Trustees have informed us that the professional building is responsible for this portion. Hopefully the cost of wood will come down before we need to buy the supplies. The cross on the back of the church needs to be repainted, and we need to figure out how we're going to do that. We will have the sprinkler system inspected and started. The side doorway on 9 Worthen exiting to the deck will be repaired to remove and replace the rotting sill. As always, if you see something that needs our attention, call the church office or contact me directly at 978- 729-5632 or [email protected]. Thank you, Mary Horne
HAPPY JUNE FROM THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (CE) COMMITTEE Happy June from the CE Committee! What a spring it has been for the young people of our Church. After passing the long winter together outside each week, we have been in a perfect situation to watch for the signs of spring. We looked for buds on the trees, watched for birds, took a hike, and saw a beaver and a family of geese and goslings. Now Spring has sprung in all its glory; from a slow trickle to a flood of various shades of green. The season has reminded us that all things change, and we are in a new season of our Covid journey, as well as a community of faith. Under the beautiful flowers of Carson Park, Mr. Carson spoke with all the youth – from third grade to the God Squad – about their son, and the creation of the park built in his honor as an expression of love and remembrance. Mr. Carson talked about persevering when bad things happen to good people, and the importance of faith, family, and friends. People of all ages were moved by his talk, and it was a wonderful experience to have been there to share together. Youth Sunday is on June 6 and the students are preparing their parts.
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Stewardship is what we do to manage something that has been placed under our responsibility. Stewardship includes wise management of our treasure, time, and talents so that we can use these things in service of the Lord for the benefit of others. Again, THANK YOU, to everyone who has pledged their support for CCC’s next fiscal year! The Stewardship Campaign has wrapped-up for this year and the 2021-2022 budget was successfully approved at the Annual Meeting on May 16th. Our Stewardship responsibilities are never “done”, however. We have a balanced budget for next year BUT is was balanced by making some painful cuts in key areas. The reality is that for the past two years, the amount pledged has been DOWN from each previous year, by $10,000 and $12,000. The church’s expenses always go UP and these two DOWN years represent a concerning trend. In an effort to reverse this trend, the Stewardship Committee will be working year-round to motivate higher levels of giving, not only of our “treasure” but also our time and communal support. Everything we do can help promote the church and our mission and that can help attract more people and giving to our church. Watch for more communication from the Stewardship Committee and Treasurer on topics related to CCC’s activities, budget, use of our time and talents, and how you can help support improving the church’s financial health. Contact [email protected] with any questions! Thank you all again and God Bless! Your Stewardship Committee Sherman Horton, Becky Wisniewski, Cynthia Dorman, Bill Harrison, Elmer Lyons, and Dick Papenfuss
Ministries in Our Church
MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY: CCCers “SPRING” INTO ACTION!
The Spring 2021 Make A Difference Day was held on Sunday, May 2, rescheduled from our rained-out date of April 25. The first Sunday in May was bright and sunny, and all three of the planned projects were accomplished by willing Make A Difference Day volunteers, from the small to the tall!
Our Sunday Schoolers made cards to cheer members of our church family. Samantha Shields led the activity and she writes, “We had 6 attendees but only 5 participants, Emmett McCarthy was sound asleep . . . the perks of being 18 months old! The kids made 8 cards and Pastor Rich will mailed them to members of the church.” Our thanks to Gavin and Declan Shields, Aly and Connor Chapman, and Finley and Emmett McCarthy! (Unfortunately, there are no photos of our cute and caring kids in action!)
The God Squad and Holy Cows were eager and strong workers at the Community Garden! Jeremy, Sam, and Arthur Hargett filled and transported countess wheelbarrow loads of compost to be spread on the garden beds. This particular garden plot was formerly tended by CCC, and is now cared for by a team of Community Garden volunteers. All of the produce grown in this plot is still donated to the hungry through local food pantries. In addition to the Hargett brothers, other CCC volunteers who worked hard to prep the garden beds and dig in the compost, as well as weeding and other tasks, were Pastor Rich and Elmer and Deb Lyons. Jane McKersie fortified the garden crew with her home-made cookies! (Minnie Collins’ recipe!)
The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail passes right by the Community Garden, and Jane McKersie and Lynn Horton took a pleasant walk to clean up litter along the bike path. They were successful, and noted that most of the trash was well off to the sides and down into brush of the embankments. Jane also pointed out the bench that was donated by Dotty Morris and Ron Clayton and is located on the section of pathway that connects the trail to the parking area. Dotty and Ron chose this spot so that people could enjoy the birdsongs that rise from that area of natural field. Come by to listen and rest there yourself!
Thank you again to all of our CCC volunteers for Making a Difference!
PRAYER MINISTRY The members of the Prayer Ministry believe in the power of prayer and that God wants us to pray. The Bible tells us the value of continued prayer in all times and situations: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” (Romans 12:12). Prayer is a gift that allows us to strengthen our relationship with God. It provides a way to release God’s love and power to those desiring prayer and to comfort, encourage, bless and strengthen those who request prayers from the Prayer Ministry. “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2). The Prayer Ministry is composed of members from our church family who believe in the power of prayer and that we are never alone with/in any situation or concern. God is there and hears our every word. Our prayers are confidential. If you would like us to pray with/for you about a concern or a situation, or if you would like to join the Prayer Ministry, please contact Ginnie Hall ([email protected]), Wendy Perry ([email protected] or Daphne Freeman ([email protected]).
STEEPLE LIGHTING We light our Steeple for Jim and Helen Glinos in loving memory of Gloria Pannabecker, former member of CCC and mother of Marcy Glinos. We also light our steeple in celebration of our CCC graduates of all ages! For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
NOTES OF THANKS Thank you to April McCarthy and her family for volunteering to co-lead the annual CCC Christmas Trees Sale! ************************************************ Our family would like to thank you, the Congregation, for the wonderful ministry that you have provided to our family for over 50 years. CCC has been a huge influence in our lives, most especially to Mom. We have many fond memories of our time spent there. As Rob and I sort through Mom’s belongings, it is apparent that CCC was like her second family. The friendships, the plays, trips, picnics, and volunteering, all brought her tremendous joy and is incredibly rewarding to reflect upon. As we sort through the hundreds of photos and mementos of these wonderful times our family spent with the church, we can smile and say, “Remember when.” The memories built here will not be forgotten. Thank you for accepting us as we are and thank you for helping us navigate through life’s most precious moments, including the challenging times as we lay Mom to rest. We know she was loved by the CCC family and is now at rest with Dad and Ann. With much love and admiration, Dave and Rob Musgrove.
GOD BLESS OUR CONFIRMANDS, ALYSSA AND TREY! On Sunday, May 23, our CCC congregation joyfully welcomed Alyssa Desfosse and Trey Hartigan as new members of the church. The worship service was held in Carson Park and the day was as sunny and bright as these two young people. Alyssa and Trey each spoke so beautifully about their relationships with God and their faith journeys; it was a very meaningful service for all who witnessed their confirmation as full members of the church. Thank you to Pastor Rich and Bonnie McGrath for leading this Confirmation class twosome, and to the loving CCC family who have helped guide Alyssa and Trey as they have grown up in our church. God Bless you, Alyssa and Trey!
From Your Social Action and Missions Committee
Social Action and Missions Committee (SAM) is grateful for the congregation's generous contributions of money, food, secret Santa presents, clothing and other items in support of our monthly initiatives throughout the year. These donations have enabled us to support local organizations that provide food, shelter and other support services to people in need in Chelmsford and Lowell – a mission made more difficult during a year of constantly changing demands and protocols. CCC Annual Meeting Sunday, May 16, 2021 - Recap and Thank You!
We celebrated another year in the life of Central Congregational Church and tended to the business of our organization at the Annual Meeting held on Sunday, May 16. This was the second Annual Meeting that we have held in the time of Covid-19, and the meeting was transacted in a hybrid arrangement, with 17 parishioners in attendance in the Sanctuary, and 27 members in attendance virtually via Zoom. Thanks to the detailed preparations by our technical team of Patrick Shields, Joe Chapman, Peter White, Peter Morin, and Pastor Rich, all went smoothly. Participants in the Sanctuary were able to be seen and heard by Zoom attendees, and vice versa, thanks to an elaborate arrangement of cameras, microphones, sound speakers, and laptop computers. The Warrant was read and Peter White was elected Moderator for the meeting and for another year of service. We are grateful to Peter for running an organized and efficient meeting, as he does each year. Items on the Warrant were taken in order, with the following actions: Article 2: To celebrate the events of the past year Dory Toppan and Lynn Horton read the reflections shared by CCC members. (See below.) During the postlude of the worship service preceding the Annual Meeting Pastor Rich shared a wonderful slideshow he has created, entitled “A Year Unlike Any Other,” that highlights the many activities of CCC during the pandemic year 2020-2021. The slideshow was run again at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting. Article 3: The Slate was voted in as presented by the Nominating Committee in the Annual Report, with these amendments: 1. Nomination withdrawn. Delete Christine McNamara from the SAM Committee (Term ending 2023) 2. Add April McCarthy to CE Committee (Term ending 2024) 3. Add Helen Glinos to Sanctuary in 2-year vacancy position (Term ending 2023) Article 4: There were three corrections to the SAM report – delete Kelsey Hartigan’s name (she was the Junior SAM member in 2019-2020). Add Sherm Horton’s name to the listing of Secret Santa Tech helpers. Delete reference to Christine McNamara joining the committee. All other reports were unchanged. Article 5: The proposed amendments to the Constitution were approved as written. Article 6: The Budget was passed, with one correction. Treasurer Dick Papenfuss will update the final budget to reflect the correction. Article 7: On behalf of the Sabbatical Search Committee (Val King, Lillian Beean, Pastor Rich and Lynn Horton), Lynn announced the names of the three people who will be serving CCC in Pastor Rich’s absence this summer: Vicki Keene, Susan Clinkenbeard, and Kat Wilkes. All of the votes taken were unanimous. Thank you to each member of the congregation who attended the Annual Meeting! Sincerely, Lynn Horton, Council President
Expressions of Gratitude from our Congregation: “The pandemic changed the way our Social Action and Mission Committee did just about everything this past year. But it didn't change the fact that we are committed to kindling light and spirit in the dimness. Our first major challenge was to get gifts to needy children through the Secret Santa program. With the help of Bryan Norman, Joe Chapman, and Sherm Horton, we were able to do an online selection process. SAM members collected gifts in the parking lot. We were also able to put smiles on the faces of ICU staff at area hospitals and send homemade PPE to shelters and to the Open Pantry. Warm bedding and clothing also went out to shelters. The Youth Groups helped us collect those items, and they provided the brownies for the meal we did at the St. Paul's Soup Kitchen. We are a church that cares about neighbors near and far.” “I would say that I am deeply grateful to our pastor, musicians, technology-adept people, and other committed parishioners who have worked to keep us all connected as a church community . . . who have shared their talents to embody the love of God as we have all tried to deal with this epidemic. I’m especially happy to learn how we have connected with parishioners who’ve not been able to worship with us in recent years, and others who were already confined to their homes. I feel blessed to be part of this congregation.” “The one thing that stuck out to me in this past year is that we have been able to have church in person as much as possible. While other churches have closed their doors and do live-stream only, it was refreshing that we could have Drive-in church or in Carson Park and now back in the sanctuary. I think that is a vital connection for all of us.” “I would like to express gratitude to Pastor Rich, the Diaconate, the Technology Committee, and whoever else is involved in the very complicated and creative ways of keeping our church alive during the pandemic lockdown.” “Yes, I very much wish to include a comment re: dear Pastor Rich and his caring so much to transmit "The Word" to us – and in SO many ways! I love the way that he is leading us from "now" ever onward with Sunday services, mixing the options for worship. He sees things through God's eyes; it is his natural way of viewing, I believe. Pastor Rich is a studied pastor; it helps me so very much to learn via his messages/Bible interpretations. I can receive, and, therefore, be aware so as to apply/use in my daily life. Pastor Rich has gifted CCC with a "Richer" spiritual life; what a great present!” “We are so thankful for our church during these trying times. The love, creativity, and dedication of our congregation have helped us and our children maintain a connection with God through worship and action.” “Today is the day to reach out and enrich the lives around you in ways you are able. CCC has reached out during many difficult times when communities have needed assistance the most.” “I think the best words that sum up the year are compassion and sympathy for the losses but flexibility, persistence and resiliency for the way our congregation has survived and thrived.” “I just want to say how proud I am of the congregation supporting the church over the past year! Even when the place is empty, the maintenance, upgrades, and repairs must continue! We really look forward to seeing Sanctuary full again and catching up with everyone. However, we will miss watching the services on You-tube in our PJ's and having real wine during communion!!” “1. The 'drive in' services have reinforced that we ARE a community of believers who love to gather. " Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, I am there." 2. The prayers, cards, and all the well wishes from the congregation have buoyed me up thru the last 3 months of the ups and downs with recovery. Thank you all for your love and generosity of your gift of friendship. 3. What has 3 heads but only 4 legs? . . . Your CCC treasurers!” “Linn Flint for Sainthood!” “Social Action and Mission (SAM) is grateful for the congregation's generous contributions of money, food, secret Santa presents, clothing and other items in support of our monthly initiatives throughout the year. These donations have enabled us to support local organizations that provide food, shelter and other support services to people in need in Chelmsford and Lowell – a mission made more difficult during a year of constantly changing demands and protocols.” “My wife says her ‘heart was filled’ when she was able to enter the sanctuary for the first time after being vaccinated. We certainly feel blessed that we’ve all been able to stay healthy and keep working during the pandemic. I’m also very grateful to have been able to (carefully) continue with SonLight, with the added bonus of working with Tudor!” “Blessings and grateful thanks for Patrick, Joe, Dirk, Peter the Technology Committee. “Joyful, Joyful We Adore You – BACK TO CHURCH – Pastor Rich, Tudor, Church Family, Sunday School Teachers and Kids – We love when you are with us! – as well as Alisa singing and worshiping with us. “An Empty Church? Let it never happen again. “Drive In, Carson Park, Sanctuary – Christ was right there with us. “God said ‘I will provide for you and give you peace’, and He did (or it happened). God heard our prayers.” Amen! FUNDRAISING
BAKERY DAY “Coffee To Go!” – SUNDAY, JUNE 13 We’re changing up the Bakery Day in June! Summertime is great time to try a new arrangement. This month Bakery Day will be held following the worship service on Sunday, June 13. Jeremy Williams is calling it “Coffee Hour To Go!” Specialty Pastry items will be available for purchase on Sunday, June 13, including “Brumbles” (assorted flavors), “Smackerals” (assorted flavors), and Macaroons. There will not be a Savory menu in June. See the complete Dessert/Baked Goods menu available http://www.thedogoodkitchen.com All pastry items on the website will be available for pre- order and may be picked up on June 13. Please place your order by Thursday, June 10 by contacting Jeremy at:
It has been a few months since we had an AmazonSmile report in the Beacon. Not to worry, the AmazonSmile program at CCC is still running and generating donations to the church! Our last quarterly donation (at the end of March) was our highest ever and was the result of extra shopping done by our church community for the holiday season! We are now approaching Father’s Day and Graduation season! Doesn’t Dad deserve a new set of grill tools? Or how about an engraved pocket watch! Amazon has those and if you use AmazonSmile when you shop, CCC will benefit! We ask everyone who uses Amazon to PLEASE make it habit to “check out” using the AmazonSmile web site and PLEASE designate Central Congregational Church (in Chelmsford – there are others!) as the charity. It is EASY, doesn’t cost you or the church anything, and really does help! Let your friends and family know too! ANYONE can use the site and generate donations for CCC. How do you use AmazonSmile? Just go to the web address: https://smile.amazon.com/ to check out whenever you shop on Amazon! Be sure to select Central Congregational Church, Chelmsford MA as the charity you are supporting! The main Amazon web site and the AmazonSmile site use your same Amazon account and maintain your shopping cart, so you don’t have re-enter any information! If anyone needs assistance with using AmazonSmile or setting up an Amazon account, please send an email to [email protected] and Sherman Horton will help you out!
JUNE DINING TO DONATE - BERTUCCI’S CHELMSFORD Monday, June 7, 2021 – 11:00 am to 10:00 pm This Dining to Donate is available for dine-in or carry-out. Visit Bertucci’s online at www.bertuccis.com or visit the location. Just be sure to bring the flyer (below) or use the special code 376-715-460 to ensure CCC will receive a 15% donation on your order! https://www.cccchelmsford.org/fundraising/dining-to-donate/ (Then click on flyer image) or https://www.cccchelmsford.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Bertuccis_Chelmsford_2021_06.pdf Next month – Monday, July 12, 2021 at Chili’s Grill & Bar near Crosspoint! If you have questions, contact Lynn Horton [email protected] or 978-256-8524
CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH United Church of Christ An Open and Affirming Congregation One Worthen Street PO Box 339 Chelmsford, MA 01824-0339
June 2021 Graduate/Youth Sunday Sunday, June 6 at 10 a.m.
Central Congregational Church in Chelmsford United Church of Christ An Open & Affirming Congregation “A Community of Faith, Hope, and Love, Growing through Worship and Service”
Pastor Rev. Dr. Richard B. Knight 978-256-5931 [email protected] 978-684-2031 (cell) Director of Music Tudor Bota 978-772-3173 [email protected] Office Administrator Linn Flint 978-256-5931 [email protected] Custodian Juarez Gomes
Church Location: One Worthen Street, Chelmsford, MA Church Mailing Address: PO Box 339, Chelmsford, MA 01824-0339 Church Phone: 978-256-5931 Church e-mail: [email protected] Church Fax: 978-250-3565 Church Web site: www.cccchelmsford.org Conference Web site: www.sneucc.org The Beacon, the CCC Newsletter, is prepared by and for the membership of Central Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. It is published monthly except for August and is distributed to members and friends of Central Congregational Church. This issue was emailed/mailed May 27, 2021.