First Congregational Church
of Ashfield
Creating Community, Welcoming All
A Letter From Rev. David Jones
Dear Members, Friends, and Neighbors of the First Congregational Church in Ashfield, Ever since we began to really regather in the wake of the pandemic, important, thoughtful, and strategic questions have been bubbling up in committee work and in worship relating to our life and ministry together. These questions have been about our mission and social justice commitments, our church governance and decision-making, our by-laws and how they pertain to membership, our staffing needs, and generally how we can best steward our beloved church community into its brightest future. Beneath these ‘how’ questions seems to be even deeper, simpler wonderings about our ‘why’; about our church’s core identity and its sense of call. As a result, our leadership has been sensing that it is time for our whole church to be intentional about where God is calling us to go. And it has become clear to me, in my privilege as your minister, that it is time to gather the entire congregation to do so as one body. This is an exciting time to be a part of this church. On Tuesday, April 9, at 6 PM, the Deacons will be hosting a special church-wide gathering that will be the first in a series of congregational conversations held in the coming months. At this first gathering, three videos will be shown that will help all of us take stock of where we are now. You don’t need to bring anything or read anything in advance. We will watch the videos together and then work in small groups to respond to them. These responses will help us shape the next gatherings. Come at 6 vPM for soup and bread in Friendship Hall–arranged by your hosts–before we move into the sanctuary promptly at 6:30 PM. The pandemic, and a long search and call process before it, has meant that it has been some time since we have really all been together. We have found ways to thrive anyway. But we can gather now. And I think we as individuals, as spiritual beings, as loving people, are hungry for renewed and deepened bonds, and are ready to go deeper in our faith journeys together. So join us on April 9th. I am really looking forward to getting started. Sincerely, David 'Just peace, human dignity': UCC joins calls for ceasefire, prayer vigil for Israel and Palestine.
View on SNEUCC website October 30 Update from the Department of Service for Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) of the Middle East Council of Churches
View on globalministries.org UCC and Disciples join ecumenical community in letter to Congress on crisis in Israel/Palestine View on globalministries.org Despite Rainy Weather, the Food Pantry Garden Produced Ample Fresh Produce This Summer!
Want to get involved? Sign up here! The Food Pantry Garden is a collaboration among Bug Hill Farm, Hilltown Churches' Food Pantry, and First Congregational Church. Funded in part by the Mary Lyon Foundation.
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“You might say that the whole of [Jesus’] teaching was summed up in this: that the Father loved him and that his followers, those who believed in him, were invited into their love.” ― Herbert McCabe, 20th century theologian OF NOTE:
IN PERSON & ZOOM WORSHIP First Congregational Church continues in-person Sunday services at 10AM, masks optional. ♫ Choir sings all of February except ♫ the 14th and 18th.
The Spring Choir Schedule will be posted as soon as it is available! View or download the PDF here. COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Hilltown Churches Food Pantry Distributions: Tuesdays, 3-5 April 2, April 16, April 30, May 14 Young Voices Speak Out About the Climate Crisis View a Zoom recording of this event from June 3, 2023 here. |
Creating Community, Welcoming All
Welcome
“Creating Community, Welcoming All” -- Those words sum up our aspirations for our Ashfield church. For over 250 years, we have been group of people who strive to know God — in each other, in our life together, in the wider community, and in ourselves. Read more. |
Worship
First Congregational Church of Ashfield is offering both in-person worship services and on-line access for those who wish to connect virtually. To receive information about online services, contact uccashfield@gmail.com. Read more. |
Spiritual Resources
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