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!
“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep;
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail; With peace on earth, good will to men."
With peace on earth, good will to men.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Rev. David Hurst
🎶🎶 Notes from the Music Director: April brings a sense of renewal, as new life begins to unfold around us. The violin, viola, and organ continue to fill the Second Congregational Church with beauty, reflection, and peace. As I prepare music this month, I reflect on how it can awaken our hearts, calm our minds, and open space to receive God’s message.
This month, I’ve also been grateful for moments of collaboration with Mia and Tommy in our trio of violin, cello, and piano. Through our rehearsals and sharing music with the congregation, we’ve experienced a deeper sense of connection, not only with each other and the music, but also with God’s presence. Making music together becomes an act of worship, a way to lift our hearts, and a reminder of the joy and meaning found in collaboration under God’s guidance.
For our Easter service, we are delighted to welcome guest violinist Geivens Dextra, a 20-year-old from Pittsfield, MA. With over a decade of experience through Kids 4 Harmony, he has performed at Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles and composed pieces performed by Grammy-winning pianist Emmanuel Ax and for the documentary Hear Me. Geivens will play a special piece during the service, sharing the classical work he has been developing over the past few years.
In this season of renewal, may music guide us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God’s presence. May this April bring you hope, peace, and a renewed spirit.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19
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.[🛠️]
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Rev. David F. Hurst, Pastor
April 26, 2026
En-Ting Hsu, Music Director
Fourth Sunday of Easter
CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 118) Lay Leader
Leader: O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good!
People: God's steadfast love endures forever!
Leader: The Lord is my strength and my might;
People: God has become my salvation!
Leader: It is better to trust in the Lord,
People: Rather than trust in rulers.
Leader: The stone, the builders rejected has become the capstone.
People: The Lord had done this: it is marvelous in our eyes
Leader: O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good!
People: God's steadfast love endures forever!
OPENING HYMN For the Fruit of all Creation Pg 527
INVOCATION Lay Leader
Leader: O merciful and awesome God, we are stunned by the resurrection of Jesus. Send us your Holy Spirit to tear away the bars that imprison us through sin, evil and death. Give us the assurance and hope that your teaching may create a sense of peace in our souls.
People: We come here to celebrate life beyond ourselves and forgiveness;
Leader: Touch us O Holy One, with new hope. Give us glimpses of peace and signs of healing in your beautiful but dangerous world.
People: Open our hearts so that in this time of trial we are willing to share the sacrifice of love that God has provided for us. In the name of who is the Resurrection and the life, open us to the good news. The good news that transcends
life and death.
PRAYERS OF CONFESSION (In Unison) Rev. David F. Hurst
Leader: O God, we pray to you, knowing that we are the ones who keep ourselves from a deeper relationship with you. The busyness of our schedules, the stress and turmoil of our daily lives, the misplaced loyalties and commitments, get in the way of growing faith.
People: Forgive us from setting our priorities on whims and a desire to control. Forgive us when we get bogged down in situations that don't matter. Help us to let go of the past. Give us the willingness to find a quiet place to sit back, be quiet, and listen for that small quiet voice within us. Give us the Wisdom to heed your call and to follow through with what you would have us do.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: Thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of your Son, who died for our
sins. Strengthen us, to follow your teachings through the love and blessing
of Jesus Christ we are forgiven! People: Halleluia! Thanks be to God
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY Pg 44
JOY AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYERS AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
GLORIA PATRIA Pg 36
First Lesson Acts 2: 42-47 Pg 949
HYMN OF REFLECTION Savior, Like a Shepherd Pg 421
Second Lesson John 10: 1-10 Pg 933
Sermon Support Your Local Shepherd Rev. David F. Hurst
CLOSING HYMN Let All Things Now Living Pg 529
BENEDICTION
Leader: Hear the promises of Jesus Christ.
People: “Peace I leave with you: my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled; neither let them be afraid.” Let us celebrate each day with the love of God in our hearts. Amen
POSTLUDE
Bulletins for April are given in memory of Chuck and Mark Gardner by the Rita Gardner
“The time is always right to do what is right! Martin L King Jr.
Greetings and blessings,
And this verse is no April fool! I hope all is well with all those around us. Let us keep in our prayers all those challenged by sickness and infirmity. Let us, as we look to the beginning of spring and hoping that April will come in like a lamb. While being aware of God’s grace; giving and creating in us the humility to believe and to serve God, we set an example for others.
With our society becoming more and more secular, it appears to me that our coming into church and planning for its future is so important as we grow older. As we age, we must accept God’s grace. Wherever we are in life, there will be things we regret and things we have done astonishing well. There are strong beliefs in Christ that have guided us by hearing the good news. When we think of Jesus’ commandment of loving one another and having the faith to trust in God, it is much easier to forgive others, because we have been forgiven through God’s grace! Through God’s love and forgiveness, we find an inner peace that gives us the ability to endure or not overreact.
And now that we have grown in experience and age, there can be a wonderful feeling of gratitude of a life lived hearing the Word of God read, sung, and preached in worship. Thus, we enjoy serving God in the many tasks that a church community requires. These produce a feeling of unity; where we are all loving and serving and we avoid argument and dissention.
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-3/13259-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-4-26-26-v2/vod.mp4
Upcoming
**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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Archived News of Note:
Music Director /Organist
Matt Alcombright
Thank you!!
April Calendar
April 3rd Good Friday
Mia and Tom will be performing at Sweetwood
Nursing Home Spring Celebration
April 4th Take & Eat
Youth doing Sanctuary cleaning
April 5 Easter Sunrise Service - 7am at Mt. Hope Morning Worship 9am
Special Coffee Hour following Worship
April 9th(Thu) Deacons Meeting 3:30
April 12th Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Meeting
Communion
Church Council Meeting following Worship
April 16th(Thu.) Trustees Meeting 4:15
APRIL 18th Calling Hours 2pm-4pm For Wayne Morrison
at Flynn & Dagnoli 521 W Main St, North Adams
Funeral Service to follow at 4pm
April 19th Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
April 22th(Wed) Earth Day
April 26th Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
Upcoming
Friday May 16th Funeral Service for Mary Jane
Zimmerman at 11am
Saturday May 24th Graduation Information collected
Youth Update: On March 1st, Mia and Nina read a thoughtful thank you note to the congregation giving thanks for the church’s ongoing support of Take and Eat and the new ASP, called Leadership Work Camp. They expressed gratitude to be able to continue this important work and said the church’s generosity helps them provide meals, strengthen homes, and serve neighbors in need within our community.
Also on March 1st, En-Ting, Tommy, and Mia performed Shostakovich’s Five Pieces for Meaningful Music during the service.
On March 20th, Mia and Patricia, Mia’s new Guiding Eyes for the Blind puppy, will visit Sweetwood residents for National Puppy Day & 1st Day of Spring.
March 21-30th Mia will be serving in Guatemala as part of a mobile medical unit.
On April 3rd, Mia and Tommy will play a Spring Celebration Concert at Sweetwood.
Saturday, April 4th (the day before Easter), the youth will clean Second Congo church, as in the past. Also Take and Eat will be made and delivered that same day.
Look for details on the two Leadership Work Camp projects next month!!
Take and Eat 2026 dates are: 1/4, 2/1, 3/1, 4/4, 5/3, 5/31, 9/6, 10/4,11/29, 12/6
The Trustees continue to work on the reduction of our building insurance cost by looking at a "Functional Replacement" policy. We are grateful to the youth who have agreed to do a "Spring Cleaning" of the sanctuary. We are also appreciative of the effort Wayne has done with the outdoor cleanup following a rather harsh winter.
The new sump pump in the parsonage basement has kept the spring rain and thaw under control. Paul has arranged to have an electrician available to the church when a need comes up. Paul has done the annual walk through of the parsonage with no major issues reported.
“Happy are the people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full.” Matthew 5:6
The Mission Committee provided envelopes for the OGHS for 2 Sundays in March. There is still time to donate if you have not brought your envelopes to church. I will have a total for the next newsletter. Caroline read a Mission Moment from the UCC each Sunday and there was a brochure available about “rebuilding lives with love” in the bulletins. Explaining that our collection shows up in tangible, practical acts of love, compassion and care, helping to rebuild lives both physically and spiritually. It’s our Love offering to the World.
The Easter egg tags were placed on pussy willows provided by John Quimby for Two Sundays. We will collect and deliver them on Sunday, March 29th to the Williamstown Food Pantry.
Everyone enjoys the Easter Mission as it reminds us of Springtime and giving things to others. Just as Christ sacrificed for us. We give our material things for others.
Thanking everyone for gifts from the heart and know that God loves a cheerful giver.
Blessings to all for Palm Sunday and Easter.
To learn more about their project or volunteer contact him at director@berkshirefoodproject.org
The Veterans pantry continues and the box has a list of items that they have asked to be donated. Everyone has been so generous, and it is really appreciated by Veterans Service office in North Adams.
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 will be donating hams for the Easter Mission. We will be doing a special coffee hour after the 9:00 service on Easter. All are welcome. We hope to have a meeting in May to see if we will be doing the Strawberry Shortcake Takeout.
We would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
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.
“Faith comes from hearing the good news. Its message to us is heard through the word of God in Christ.” Romans 10:17
“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