First Congregational Church of Ashfield
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Sanctuary open for in-person services. “We are excited to welcome all persons who feel comfortable worshiping in person,” said Rev. David Jones. “We will follow all local, state, and federal guidelines as we re-gather starting on June 20. Our service will also be available via Zoom. We hope to continue in-person church services until further notice. It’s been a long haul, and we look forward to being together once again.”
FOOD PANTRY: The Hilltown Churches Food Pantry has returned to its original distribution hours, 3-5 PM every other Tuesday, and resumed "client choice" distribution on July 27. Read more about the Food Pantry here. |
From David Jones' sermon, 9/11 Sunday, September 12, 2021:
"We cannot go back and stop the attacks of 9/11 or the invasion of Afghanistan. But we can now put our faith to work. We can search within ourselves and find a loving and generous God, we can feel the same compassion, the same empathy, the same desire for justice of working people here in our country and in Afghanistan. Because God loves all her children equally. Unlike our human speech, her voice is perfect. And her loving voice is implanted within us, and it never stops calling to us. And it is patient. The same divine Creator, the same mouth that spoke us into life, still speaks to us now. Let her voice revive our soul this morning, and then let us seek to do her will together." Organ Celebration Recitals! Celebrate our newly restored George W. Reed pipe organ with three events this fall: Sun. Sept. 19, 3 pm with Grant Moss (The weather will be good on Sunday and the concert will be held then.) Sat. Oct. 30, 2 pm with Jerry Noble and trio Rain date: Sun. Oct. 31 Sun. Nov. 21, 2021, 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship Service with Organ Rededication Further details the organ recitals here. Moving Forward Towards Racial Justice Planning Session: Thursday, September 16, 10-11:30AM Event: Sunday, September 26, 3-5:00PM, via Zoom The church-to-church collaborative group, Moving Forward Towards Racial Justice, will hold an initial gathering on Thursday September 16 to plan the September 26th event. Zoom link for 9/16 planning: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89699457050?pwd=M0pXK3FmRHZqWEhxa0FJOVVLZlRUQT09 Meeting ID: 896 9945 7050 & Passcode: 002354 The meeting room will be open at 9:50 and people are encouraged to arrive early so the meeting can begin on time. The Thursday September 16th gathering will provide: a. An overview of the inner spiritual work in unlearning racism. "The imperative of the soul is to widen the heart." b. Our time will include break-out conversations in pairs. c. This zoom will provide a clearer picture of what will happen on Sunday September 26th when the group hosts speakers from Bridge4Unity. d. We'll set the groundwork for ongoing work together. Rev. Sarah Pirtle will facilitate the meeting. Rev. David will be in attendance and assist, as he looks for ways for us to partner in this important mission work. |
Church Awarded Grant
Our church is one of nine churches that has been awarded a $50,000 recoverable grant by the Southern New England Conference of the UCC to help in the work of racial justice, and in recovery from the economic impact of the pandemic. Read more here. And read Greenfield Recorder article about the grant here.
Our church is one of nine churches that has been awarded a $50,000 recoverable grant by the Southern New England Conference of the UCC to help in the work of racial justice, and in recovery from the economic impact of the pandemic. Read more here. And read Greenfield Recorder article about the grant 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
As of June 20, in-person worship services and church meetings have resumed. The service will continue to be offered on-line 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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