Rev. David Hurst
Blessings in Advent,
As Thanksgiving has just passed [I hope yours was filled with gratitude and joy], we enter the Advent season. In these coming four Sundays we are asked to wait, watch and be aware of the blessed gift of the birth of Jesus Christ. [our Christmas Eve service is at 5pm Tuesday December 24th] Every year we light the Advent Wreath Candles and begin to anticipate the coming of Jesus into our world. Advent is a time to take the time to reach beyond ourselves and enter into an attitude of gratitude. We are asked to take the time to be more aware of how faith has helped us to endure and thrive in life. It is a time to include those who you haven’t seen in a while. It is time to be humble and welcome others to our tables. It is time to give, to share God’s blessings with those less fortunate.
When Mary says in our verse above that she rejoices in the birth of her son Jesus, we too rejoice and celebrate a birth that changes everything! In our turbulent world help us to stay humble, not overreact and remember that God is among us guiding and teaching us to love, forgive and be forgiven! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
May God be With You Always,
David
— 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
81 Hancock Road, Williamstown, MA
Matt Alcombright, Music Director
Rev. David Hurst
December 22, 2024
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Joy
PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP Deacon Reader
Leader: O Lord, come into our hearts so that, through the tension and flurry of
the season, we can find the Spirit of God in our lives.
People: As we celebrate Advent, give us the strength and enthusiasm to
receive with gratitude the gifts that God gives us.
Leader: Let us live in the joy of the season! Let us share with others. Let us
welcome the stranger and be in awe of glorious things.
People: Instill in us your presence, O God, on these special days of memory
and friendship; so that we are able and willing to receive a wonderful life
through the Spirit of God's grace
ALL: Restore us Lord; remind us of your infinite love. Lift us! Bring us near to
you so that your face may shine upon us, so that we might be saved through
Christ our Lord
OPENING HYMM "O Christ How Shall I Meet You" #130
INVOCATION. Deacon Reader
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH (Joy)
1 st Reader: Today we celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent. We relight the
candles of hope, peace and love to proclaim the coming of the Lord.
[relight two purple and the pink candle]
2 nd Reader: Today we light the candle of joy that invites us to receive the gifts
of God with awe and gratitude. They are ours to choose and receive into our
hearts. [Light the purple candle]
UNISON: Soon we shall celebrate the birth of Jesus. Let us worship God with
joy in our hearts. Let us remember what the angel said on that first
Christmas day: “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come
to all the people.”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (In Unison)
Leader: O God as the Christmas season unfolds, give us the awareness to
extend our joys of the season to all.
People: Forgive us when we envy, or revel in someone else’s
loss. Forgive us when our priorities are askew and we become part of the
problem rather than the solution. Open our hearts to let go of
resentment and fear that surface during the Christmas season. Shape us
into our loving people. Give us the willingness to do what is right.
PRAYER OF ASSURANCE Rev. David Hurst
Leader: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just,
God will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all transgressions.
People: Halleluia! Thanks be to God
GLORIA PATRI
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYERS AND LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY
SCRIPTURE READINGS
First Lesson 2 Samuel 7: 1-11 P. 269
HYMN OF REFLECTION “Creator of the Stars of Night" #131
Second Lesson Luke 1: 26-38 p. 887
SERMON Our God is Drawing Near Rev. David Hurst
CLOSING HYMN "People Look East” #116
BENEDICTION (Unison)
Leader: O Holy One, as Christmas draws near, there is excitement and
rejoicing in the air.
People: O Lord as we celebrate the coming may we feel the joy that does
not depend on earthly happiness. May we receive the gifts of God and share
them with all those whom we encounter.
Bulletins for December are given by Priscilla Haig & family
In memory of Jack Haig
(October) Reflections from Mia on ASP 2024 in West Virginia:
“This year's ASP trip was perhaps my favorite yet. We worked with another group at a house that needed the siding redone. The homeowner, Trampas, lived alone and was quite a character. Each day, we would measure and cut siding and then nail it on the house. Measure twice, cut once! After we finished the siding, we also dug a ditch around the house so that when a rain storm came, the house wouldn't flood. On the last day just when we thought we were finished, four truck loads, or about a couple tons, of gravel arrived. We finished and the outcome was worth all our hard work. Our crew was very optimistic and hardworking! I can't wait for next year. We are all very thankful for your support, as this trip would not have been possible without it.”Type your paragraph here.
Archived News of Note:
Youth news: Our third ASP trip has come and gone! We spent the week completing a siding and drainage project in eastern West Virginia. Unlike previous years, we were there for ASP's last week of the summer, meaning we got to finish the job and see the final product. Other groups had already stripped and insulated the house and partially installed J-channel around windows and fixtures, leaving us to finish the J-channel and side the house. We worked hard and completed these tasks early, giving us time to improve the drainage around the house and spread 4 tons of gravel!
We served a man named Trampus living in a small place he recently bought from family members for just $16k. He worked most of the day at a nearby sawmill, hitching rides from coworkers because his own truck had been totaled. Near the end of our week, he got hit by a log at work and broke his wrist, knocking him out of work for the immediate future. It was unclear whether he'd be able to claim worker's compensation. We were fortunate to be able to give him something to smile about when he returned home that day.
There's a lot to adjust to during an ASP week, including the poor sleeping conditions, meeting the other volunteers staying at our center, finding a new routine, and more. It's easy to imagine how all this could detract from the work, but everyone in our group stayed focused throughout the week. From the moment we set foot on site and divided up to conquer the project efficiently, to the final evening when we took over sweeping the center from the ASP staff, it was incredible to see the intentionality our group brought.
When I reflect on this group, Timothy's description of the faithful comes to mind: "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." (2 Tim 1:7) This group had the power to help others, and used it. They had the love born of deep friendship and of compassion for those who suffer, and they acted on it. And when faced with a week challenging both physically and mentally, they showed discipline far beyond their years. As always, it was a privilege to spend this time working alongside them. I look forward to continuing this mission for years to come! Tom Kirby
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Music Director /Organist
Matt Alcombright
December Calendar
Dec 1st In-house Morning Worship 9am
Communion
Christmas Mission Tags Available
Coffee Hour following Worship
Take & Eat
Dec 8th In-house Morning Worship 9am
Christmas Mission Tags Available
Coffee Hour following Worship
North County Christmas 3:00pm
First Congregational Church North Adams
Dec 9th Dorcas Luncheon at Water St. Grill at Noon
Dec 12th Dorcus Christmas Cookie Mission 3:00pm
Deacons Meeting 3:30
Dec 15th In-house Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
Forms for Memorial Christmas Plants Due
Christmas Mission Gifts due
Dec 16th(Mon) Trustees Meeting 4:15pm (Note Date Change)
Dec 22nd In-house Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
Dec 24th(Tu) Christmas Eve Service 5:00pm
Dec 25th(Wed) Christmas Day
Dec 29th Informal Worship Service 9am (Please bring bells to ring and passages to share)
Christmas Plants in memory of loved ones are welcome again this year. The Deacon on duty will have forms for you to fill out until 12/15th in order to publish the entire list in the Christmas Sunday and Christmas Eve bulletins. You can also email the church...wmst2ndcongo@outlook.com by Monday 12/19 to be listed. The form is also attached.
Youth news. Some of you may have met Yami, the fourth puppy that Mia Holmgren and her family are raising for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a nonprofit organization that provides guide dogs to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Yami is a nearly six-month-old female yellow Labrador who loves to play, go for walks, and learn new things. Recently, she discovered that the best spot for napping is right in front of the warm fireplace.
Mia and Yami attend puppy training classes every two weeks, where they focus on socialization, good manners, and essential skills to prepare Yami for her future role as a guide dog.
Before Yami, Mia raised Ettie, a well-behaved puppy with many positive qualities, including good health and a calm demeanor. Ettie has since returned to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, where she is being bred. If things go as planned, Mia might even have the opportunity to raise one of Ettie’s pups in the future!
Upcoming Take & Eat: Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1
The Trustees have contacted all the church groups to get their budget needs for and have put together the proposed budget for 2025. The detail information will be sent out in the next couple of weeks along with a pledge sheet and letter from the Stewardship Committee. Most of the proposed budget is similar to 2024 with increases to the Electric and Oil accounts to adjust to the Sunday School area being used by MADOT. (The rental income far exceeds this increase to the budget and has allowed us to avoid using the Raymond James account.) A huge increase to the Insurance account comes from being blindsided after we put last year's budget together with an almost 30% increase. They don't have rates available yet but our agent is anticipating another 10% increase for 2025 which we have added to the proposed budget. O'Connell Oil changed out two circulators for the SS room heating mid-month. We had our boilers inspected by our insurance company this week and no issues were found.
The Dorcas will be doing a cookie mission on the 12th at 3:00pm before the Deacon's Meeting. Please have your Goodies in bags so we can distribute them. The Dorcas is planning a Christmas lunch on December 9th or 16th at the Water Street Grill at noon.
Please let me know if you can attend.... 413-672-8295. Thanks so much. Clare
Words from the Mission Committee: In November we provided a Thanksgiving Meal for two families, including two turkeys donated by our Dorcas Society. There were fresh vegetables and fruit. Pies and rolls, paper products and even tablecloths and napkins with some candle for the holiday. We are grateful for all our members and supporters for being so generous at this time of year. This will make families happy and thankful for the food they receive.
The Christmas Gift Food Pantry will be held December 8th and 15th, with a delivery on the 15th. We will have cards/tags next Sunday in church for those who would like to donate. $25.00 Food Gift Cards will be provided by the Dorcas Society along with 2 canned hams. There is no details on the gift cards at this date. Items will be announced when Carol DeMayo returns. As you may know, she lost her grandson and the funeral was just last week. Our hearts and prayers go out to her and her family.
Thank you all for being so generous again with your donations and support. We have a small church but we have big hearts. Our committee is blessed to have all your support. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your families.
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.
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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Last months news:
2024 Take and Eat dates: 1/7, 2/4, 3/3, 5/5, 6/2, 7/7, 8/4, 9/29, 10/6, 11/3, 12/1
Town Scholarship Information: Attached is the application form for the Williamstown Municipal Scholarship is available on the town website or a copy can be picked up in the town treasurer's office. These scholarships are available only to town residents who are at least one year post high school by the fall of 2025 or non-traditional students going back to school. The deadline to apply is 1/6/2025 at 4:30pm.
Thank you. Williamstown Municipal Scholarship Committee: Justine Beringer, Linda Brown, Kris Kirby (See Attachment)
My soul glorifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God, my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations shall call me blessed. Luke 1 46-48
WilliNet channel 1303 Sunday Worship 9am and 4pm. Rerun Wed at 10am and Friday at 7pm
This Week's Internet site is:
https://reflect-willinet.cablecast.tv/store-3/12146-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-12-22-24-v1/vod.mp4
Special Christmas Eve Link: https://reflect-willinet.cablecast.tv/store-3/12147-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-12-24-24-v1/vod.mp4
**Please scroll down to see the Weekly Bulletin below**
Thoughts from the Organ Bench: As we begin this month of December, we also begin the beautiful Season of Advent. In many Christian faith traditions one of the great hymns of the season is "O' Come, O' Come Emmanuel." This hymn tune is based on a Gregorian Chant. Most importantly the hymn traditionally has seven verses. Each verse highlights a name or title given to Christ throughout the Scriptures. Christ is referred to as Emmanuel, Wisdom, Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring and King of Nations. These titles for Christ lead us deeper into the mystery of this Long Awaited Savior. Jesus is the expected one, the Savior that is hoped for, and King, who has come, God among us. Each week, after the lighting of the Advent Wreath, we will sing two verses of this great hymn to lead us deeper into that reality that God chose to come among us and be with us. God truly is with us! (Emmanuel) As this hymn draws us into the awesome reality that God has come and will come to us again, let us enter this season of Hope echoing the refrain of this hymn "Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!" The gift of music during this time is highlighted in the traditional and contemporary carols and songs heard in our church, homes, grocery stores and anywhere you turn.
On Sunday, December 8th at 3:00pm we will have opportunity to gather for North County Christmas. This annual tradition allows the community to come together and hear the Word of God, sing carols and listen to beautiful music that draws us into the great Promise of Christmas. This free concert, with a free-will donation to the Berkshire Food Project, features singers and musicians from the community that lift out spirits. From Rachmaninoff to Britten’ Ceremony of Carols to a gorgeous rendition of “Breath of Heaven” the concert will allow us to engage the truly beautiful season of Advent as it prepares us for Christmas. All are welcome!
“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