News from the Organ and Piano benches: "It takes a village", a saying which seems very appropriate given the huge shoes to fill from Matt's retirement. Janet Holmgren is working her magic piecing together a musical alternative with multiple musicians utilizing both the organ and the piano. Our own Thomas Kirby, once again, will pick up some Sundays playing on the piano with two talented Williams College student organists, Jonathon Hartanto and Graham Omerod, playing as their schedule permits. Jonathan, a sophomore, and Graham, a freshman, both play beautifully and we hope they will stay with us for the foreseeable future. Also, David Vredenburg from the Albany area will be rejoining us as organist over the summer. He remembers our congregation fondly and sends his greetings. Thomas' former teacher, Ed Lawrence, retired musical director of First Church and part of the Williams community will also be sharing his musical talent. Clearly it's taken a village! Please welcome all of these musicians heartily!
Rev. David Hurst
🎶🎶 Notes from the Music Director: October, my favorite month, brings the changing colors of the leaves, reminding us of the beauty in the season of change. As we reflect on change, we see that everything in life is constantly shifting, yet the one thing that never changes is God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). He sacrificed Himself to give us life, and in our daily lives, it is important to continually remind ourselves to see and embrace His love as followers. This month, the Second Congregational Church services will continue to be filled with the sounds of organ, violin, and viola, and for those seeking more musical experiences, the Berkshire Symphony will hold its first concert of the season on October 3rd at 7:30 PM at Williams College in Chapin Hall, featuring Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 and more. I hope to see some of you there—peace and music!
ASP 2025 Trip Overview – Davy, West Virginia
This year, the ASP youth team will be traveling to Davy, West Virginia, located in McDowell County, the southernmost and one of the most remote counties in the state. The journey will be longer than previous years, approximately 12 hours, but the commitment to serve within West Virginia continues.
About Davy and McDowell County:
Geography: A rugged, mountainous, and flood-prone region.
Economy: Once a bustling coal mining area (100k population in 1950), Davy has now declined to around 17,000 residents.
Income & Poverty:
Per capita income: $15,000/year (lower than previous counties last year and the year before at $22k and $30k).
Poverty rate: 38% of the community lives below the poverty line.
Local Employment: Mainly in coal mining, education, healthcare, and retail (e.g., Dollar General).
Living Arrangements:
ASP'ers will be staying at the local elementary school – expect indoor camping-style accommodations (e.g., sleeping bags on the classroom floors).
Work Assignments:
Teams will receive specific project assignments just days before departure. As always, expect a focus on home repair and community support, with flexibility and teamwork essential.[🛠️]
Greetings and Salutations!
Fall is here! The rotary is taking shape on the five corners. Time passes and we grow sometimes in spite of ourselves. I would like to thank again En-Ting, our new musician, for her music on the viola and the organ. She is a wonderful addition to our worship. Many thanks to our youth for service in their Appalachian Mission Group. Many thanks to our deacons and trustees.
Let us pray and take a moment to remember those in hospitals and struggling with difficult diagnosis. Let us pray for all those who need the Spirit of God in their lives. Let us pray for our country and our freedoms. Let us pray for our friends around the world and as Jesus taught, to pray for enemies to prevent timeless revenge and strife.
As we are asked to be silent and pray, we practice humility. So important to faith, we stop the chatter and fear in our minds, and we ask for help to actually love one another and look for peace, rather than entering each and every argument or resentment that comes along. When we quietly pray and meditate, we see life with greater perspective. We understand that “this too, shall pass.” We will be OK through giving thanks to God who is our real guide and revelation. Help us Lord, to be honest, steadfast and humble in all our days to come.
May God bless,
David
Past organists: Susan Matsui, Meg Dodds, En-Ting Hsu, Guest organists: Thomas Kirby, Jonathon Hartanto, Graham Ormerod, Ed Lawrence and David Vredenburg
WilliNet channel 1303 Sunday Worship 9am and 4pm. Rerun Wed at 10am and Friday at 7pm
The Week's Internet site is: https://reflect-willinet.cablecast.tv/store-3/12863-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-10-25-25-v2/vod.mp4
**Please scroll down to see the Weekly Bulletin below**
— Remember in Prayer —
A Prayer List is part of the weekly Bulletin. Please email the church (wmst2ndcongo@outlook.com) if you would like to make additions or subtractions to keep those on the list in prayer. . . It Works!
All of the First Responders who put their lives in jeopardy to care for all of us. For those working in grocery stores, gas stations, hospitals, nursing homes, health care facilities, food banks… who are working in spite of the danger to themselves. Prayers for anyone who is overwhelmed by this pandemic. Prayers for those who are feeling isolated or afraid. Prayers that God give us the mindfulness to reach out by phone to those who we are not frequently in touch -those on the outer edges of our friendship and family. Prayers for all people as we look to “love our neighbor” as God has commanded.
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SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Rev. David Hurst, Pastor
October 26, 2025
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
En-Ting Hsu, Music Director
PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: In you, Lord I put my trust. In you I find peace, I find strength, hope and joy.
People: Let me never be ashamed. Let me never turn from you Lord, for it is in you that I was baptized, included and loved.
Leader: For in you, O gracious God, all things are possible. All things can be resolved in your time with your infinite love guiding our steps.
People: O God, guide us! Help us to open our hearts and celebrate the gifts of your power and divine love.
OPENING HYMM In the Morning When I Rise Pg 420
INVOCATION
Leader: O God of all generations and places, come into our hearts this morning, so that we will find your peace. Fill us with the Spirit, so that we will choose to live in your gracious assurance.
People: Bless us with your infinite grace; so that we will offer you praise and thanksgiving for all the ways you care for us.
Leader: Lord, guide us. Keep us growing closer to your son, for it is through Jesus Christ that we find the wisdom to love and let live.
People: Fill us with willingness to share our lives with our community. Open us to welcome and be an example of leadership and well-being.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in Unison) Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness light; and where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, but to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in the giving that we receive,
it is in the pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in the dying that we are born to eternal life.
PRAYER OF ASSURANCE
Leader: Christ is our peace. Those who are divided, He has made one. Christ has broken down barriers and promises reconciliation to those who repent and
believe. We are forgiven! Let us live as reconciled people!
People: Hallelujah! Thanks be to God
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY Pg 44
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYERS AND THE LORD'S PRAYER
GLORIA PATRI Pg 36
First Lesson Joel 2: 23-32 Pg 788
HYMN OF REFLECTION God of Life Pg 242
Second Lesson Luke 18: 9-14 Pg 911
SERMON Be Yourself Rev. David Hurst
CLOSING HYMN Come Christians, Join to Sing Pg 108
BENEDICTION
Leader: O Lord, let us go into our worlds; more alive and aware; than when we arrived!
People: Help us, Christ Jesus, to walk through life following the path that insists that we be honest and just. Let us approach others with respect and love knowing that all people have a place in his Kingdom on earth and in heaven.
POSTLUDE
Bulletins for October are given in memory of Bruce Martel by Caroline Martel and family
Archived News of Note:
Music Director /Organist
Matt Alcombright
Thank you!!
October Calendar
October 3rd(Fri) Take & Eat Meal Preparation 4:30pm
October 5th World Communion Sunday
Morning Worship 9am
Communion
Coffee Hour following Worship
Take & Eat
Oct 9th(Thu) Deacons Meeting 3:30pm
October 12th Morning Worship 9am
Church Council following Worship
Coffee Hour following Council Meeting
Oct 16th(Thu) Trustees Meeting 4:15 pm
October 18th (Sat) Harvest Supper Takeout 5-6:30
October 19th Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
October 22nd(Wed) Photography Show at Sweetwood 2-3pm
Featuring works by Mia and Tommy
October 26th Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
Upcoming
Nov 1st South Williamstown Community Association
Harvest Brunch in SS room 9am-noon
Nov 12th(Wed) Welcome to Winter Concert by Mia & Tom
at Sweetwood 2-3pm
Youth News: Mia and Tommy will be showcasing their photographs in a special Photography Show at Sweetwood. Their work celebrates the beauty and diversity of our world, and their photographs will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit Pure Water for Africa. They will also be selling handmade goods created by women in Kenya and Guatemala who are working to support their families.
All are invited to attend the show opening with Mia and Tommy on Wednesday, October 22 from 2-3pm at Sweetwood!
Also of note: September was National Service Dog Month! For the third year in a row, Mia visited Sweetwood with Yami, her 14-month-old pup-in-training, to share her experiences raising service dogs. Mia also participated in a Wagathon for the second year in a row, walking 26.2 miles throughout September and raising over $1,000 for Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
This month’s Take and Eat meal will be prepared on Friday, October 3rd, and stored in the fridge for delivery on Sunday, October 5th, due to scheduling conflicts with many of the regular cooks.
The Trustees have been dealing with things that fly. They had a bat in the parsonage which resolved fairly quickly and bee/wasp by the SS room entrance that took several attempts to hopefully eliminate. The inground lights for the sign were replaced with new lights that are mounted on the top of the sign. All the wooden chairs have been inspected and David Young made repairs to the 11 that needed work. The slate roofs have been inspected and repairs made where needed. We have begun work on the 2026 budget and will crank that up after Missy supplies a ¾ year report after the first of October. Also looking ahead, we have arranged for SNOW plowing for the coming season. Wayne continues to mow, trim, remove hinderance branches and blow sidewalks and parking lot.
The Youth are excited to keep up the good work with Take and Eat and appreciate the church’s support. Upcoming service dates are August 31, September 7, September 28, October 5, November 2, November 30, and December 7. Mia has now completed the ServSafe course and test. This credential allows her to represent the church as health and safety manager.
The youth are equally excited about sharing news of their ASP trip with “y’all” on September 7th during service!
In the meantime, if you are eager to learn more of their ASP location without leaving Williamstown, you could read Homer Hickam’s #1 New York Times Bestselling Memoir “Rocket Boys” that inspired the major motion picture “October Sky”. Tommy mentioned it last newsletter. It’s a true story about the Coalwood, WV boys whose innovations in rocket science gained the town national recognition in 1957.
McDowell County, where our ASP group worked, is the setting of the movie, so you’ll get a feel for the mountainous terrain, curvy country roads, and more. Also, the tensions within the film (stay local vs leave and pursue opportunity) are still felt today.
MISSION COMMITTEE: We have just begun our fall Food Pantry donations. Items are welcomed for school Children. Cereal and morning snack items are good. Also, they can always use peanut butter and jelly and granola bars. Detergents and dish soaps are needed also. We deliver the items on the first Sunday of the month. So, next week will be our delivery day to the pantry. Items can be placed on the baskets or cart at the back of the church sanctuary.
We will check with Carol DeMayo on the Thanksgiving Food Pantry and will have further information in the November letter. We plan to continue the turkeys and food for dinner. All your contributions and continued support are so welcome. We appreciate the donations and hope we can make our community pleased with our projects. Thank you all for this year’s support. We truly make a difference.
ITEMS NEED FOR THE VETERANS:
(Please place them in the tub in the SS Room)
SOAPS SHAMPOO CONDITIONER
LAUNDRY DETERGENT HOT COCOA
Memorial Bulletin Sign-up The sheet for signing up to purchase a month of Memorial Bulletins for 2024 is now posted in the SS Room. Please fill in the information for the month that you select. The cost is $30/month.
The Dorcas had a lovely picnic August 21st at noon at church. It was a beautiful day and the guys working inside took the tables out for us. 10 lovely ladies were there and we were missing a few lovely ones as well. A good time was had by all. We will meet after Church in Sept. to plan our Take out Harvest Dinner.
For those that were not able to be at the final service or need additional time to consider their 2023 Giving, you may send in your gifts and pledges to:
Jean Richer 124 S. Hemlock Brook, Williamstown, MA 01267.
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Thank you from our Church: Thank you, Matt, from the whole Second Congregational Church family and community!
Five years have indeed flown by and we all appreciate your contributions of music, voice, and stability that you brought with unwavering consistency, beautiful quality and perfect humbleness. Much appreciated!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your next chapter.
News from the Organ and Piano benches: "It takes a village", a saying which seems very appropriate given the huge shoes to fill from Matt's retirement. Janet Holmgren is working her magic piecing together a musical alternative with multiple musicians utilizing both the organ and the piano. Our own Thomas Kirby, once again, will pick up some Sundays playing on the piano with two talented Williams College student organists, Jonathon Hartanto and Graham Omerod, playing as their schedule permits. Jonathan, a sophomore, and Graham, a freshman, both play beautifully and we hope they will stay with us for the foreseeable future. Also, David Vredenburg from the Albany area will be rejoining us as organist over the summer. He remembers our congregation fondly and sends his greetings. Thomas' former teacher, Ed Lawrence, retired musical director of First Church and part of the Williams community will also be sharing his musical talent. Clearly it's taken a village! Please welcome all of these musicians heartily!
**Church Organist needed!**
Please contact The Second Congregational Church
if you are interested in the position or know of someone who might be!
Looking Back and Looking Forward. God is so good!! Over the last 10-15 years we have seen a lot of changes at Second Congregational Church. We have had people pass away and others move away. We have had new people join the church. Through it all God has provided funds to allow us to meet our needs. The parsonage was upgraded and returned to a place we could be proud to lease out and for a much greater income. Funds that God provided and a lot of volunteered labor got it done. New Hymnals most given in memory of a loved ones arrived. New bathrooms and choir storage were built, once again volunteers and funds God provided. Both buildings painted. Another project that you all contributed to and some of our neighbors made donations but it was God leading the way. The Trustees were looking forward when they decided to replace the oil tank at church and build a retaining pit at the parsonage to insure we would not be facing thousands of dollars of environmental cleanup in the years ahead. Again, God provided those funds through your weekly offering, building fund offering and special gifts. We have been able to increase our income by renting a section of the Sunday School room to Morais as they provide an office for MADOT. God provided that opportunity through a chance encounter at the coffee bar at the corner store. The Trustees had to purchase a new stove for the parsonage but God provided. They just bought a lawnmower and leaf blower to help maintain the grounds. In that process we discussed where we might draw the money from. General fund, Building fund or Memorial fund. We chose the Building fund but God led us to taking a serious look at the Memorial fund. We discovered there are many smaller amounts donated in someone's memory as the original size of the gift or left over from a purchase made from a larger gift that is over three years old. These gifts together amounted to almost $6500 with the money setting in a low interest savings account. We will be coming to the October Council meeting looking for your approval to set a policy to move these funds to the Raymond James account annually if they have not been used after 3 years. We would also appoint a Trustee to work with families that are in the less than 3-year group to mutually agree on a needed project or moving the funds to the higher interest Raymond James account. Looking back 15 plus years, we had a sizable donation to set up that account and have used the interest funds that it acquires to meet the everyday needs of our yearly programs, pay staff and handle surprise expenses. God provided these funds to allow Second Congregational to continue to be a witness to this community and the world. A detailed proposal will be part of the October newsletter. Thank you all for following God's leading as you support this church in all the ways He leads you.
The Trustees continue contact with our insurance carrier looking toward an accurate budget number for 2026. We expect that the church and parsonage values will rise. We were able to avoid that last year when we installed oil spill protection in both buildings. A new stove has been purchased for the parsonage. MADOT has the sense that they will continue to need the office space through next fall and maybe longer as the roundabout takes shape and the added details of a memorial wall and historic signage are added. The lawn continues to be cut and the new blower removes the clippings from the parking area and sidewalk with Wayne at the controls. The parsonage twin front shrubs, the greens around the handicap ramp and the front sidewalk were reclaimed from the snowball bushes with a trim to all. We continue to look at repair needs ahead of them being issues and deal with them head on. We are very grateful to Jean and Missy providing us detail financial information. We look forward to the return of Worship following the August shutdown and would remind everyone that we have had nearly normal expenses while closed. Please be sure to catch up on your pledges and gifts if you didn't prior to the break. Thank you for your support.
Practicing genuine humility is the greatest blessing that will never spoil us. In so doing, we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all. Anonymous
“The time is always right to do what is right! Martin L King Jr.
“All love that has not friendship for its base
is like a mansion built on sand.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox
“Sometimes I go about pitying myself. And all the while I am being carried
across the sky by beautiful clouds.” Ojibway Indian saying
Arab proverb; “To have a good neighbor you must be one.”
Welcome to
The Second Congregational Church
81 Hancock Road • Williamstown, MA 01267 • (413) 458-3467