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. As we enter January, we carry with us the echoes of December—the carols sung, the quiet glow of candlelight, and the joy of celebrating Christ’s birth together. As the brightness of Christmas gives way to the unfolding season of Epiphany, we are invited into a quieter time of listening and renewal, where God’s light continues to reveal itself in subtle and unexpected ways. In this season, music reminds us that God’s presence can be felt not only through words, but also through sound—touching the heart in places language cannot reach.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to continue nurturing a worship life that includes more children and youth voices, along with opportunities for young instrumentalists to share their gifts. At Second Congregational Church, our music in January will reflect this spirit of reflection and clarity, offering space for prayer, stillness, and attentive listening. May this season bring peace, openness, and a renewed awareness of God’s abiding grace among us.
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
January 4, 2026
En-Ting Hsu, Music Director
Epiphany
PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Light the candles! Hitch up the Star!
People: Welcome the foreigner! Embrace the stranger!
Leader: Move from a whisper to a shout!
People: Spread the Good news around!
Leader: From mountaintop to sandy shores!
People: Jesus Christ is the Light of the world!
OPENING HYMN The First Noel Pg 141
[En-Ting will play the first verse through on each hymn; to help us get the tune. Then we will begin to sing the first verse.].
INVOCATION
Leader: O dear Lord as darkness descends upon us earlier and the bare trees rattle in the wind.
People: Bring us into the warmth of your love and open our thoughtful hearts.
Leader: Help to realize that faith and love are a great truth if exercised in our daily lives.
People: Place your word in our hearts like a lamp and your Spirit like a bright star.
All: O God of the day and the night, God of the Winter darkness, we praise you for the Light of Epiphany. In the name of Jesus, the Light of the World. Amen
PRAYER FOR CONFESSION [in unison] Rev. David F. Hurst
Leader: O Lord, we gather at the precipice of a new year with an unfounded confidence that we are your disciples.
People: Forgive us for our undeserved pride in our accomplishments and our sense of importance. Help us to see our wrongs, to be clear about our behavior and find ways to seek forgiveness for the things we have done and the things we have left undone. We confess before you our errors, our failures, and our misdeeds of this past year. Open our eyes to see the light of your revelation in the New Year. Have mercy upon us and grant us your blessing.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Almighty God have mercy upon us. Forgive us our sins through Christ our
Lord. Strengthen us and help us to find in you our goodness by the power
of the Holy Spirit. Through God’s gift of 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 Isaiah 60: 1-6 Pg 639
Second Lesson Matthew 2: 1-12 Pg 835
Sermon All See the Gift of God Rev. David F. Hurst
HYMN OF COMMUNION All Creatures of Our God, Let's Sing Pg 51
THANKSGIVING AND HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate an open Communion Table – All are welcome!
CLOSING HYMN We Three Kings of Orient Are Pg 160
BENEDICTION
Leader: O Lord let our lives be witnesses to Christ's love. May we live each day, starting with the knowledge of the Messiah in our hearts.
People: Let our thoughts be of peace and our touch be one of healing. May our lives be a sign of hope and a beacon of joy.
POSTLUDE
Bulletins for January are given in memory of William and Hazel Dickson by Susan Rockefeller.
Blessings to one and all!
In his Poem, The Bells of Christmas, written in 1864, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of America’s greatest poets, expresses hope for our future, even though he had just endured a personal tragedy, and the American Civil War was coming to a close. A hard time for our country, but God’s time has progressed and we have years of experience and hope in our Lord’s creation.
So, on these beautiful, but cold winter days we celebrate the new year in the Spirit of our Lord coming to us in the form of a little child. This wonderful and marvelous creation is God’s gift to the world, so needed in this ever-changing world. As we celebrate and look forward to new thoughts, new doings and a year of grace, let us pray for those in need. Let us pray for peace in the Ukraine, Israel, Palestine and other parts of the world that seem to be so tense and unpredictable. Let us pray for all those around us in and outside of our church and country for goodwill and civility.
As I look to the New Year, I want to thank all of you for the service you do to keep our church to continue into the future. We have a small but wonderful church, that loses members as time goes on. We say good bye to Mark Thaisz, Mickey Thaisz, Dick Dodd, Betsy Burdick, Ginny Gaskill and Eunice Lapier. Yet we welcome others. En-Ting, our new music director, is a wonderful addition to our church! Our mission work continues through the Appalachian project and through our monthly meal service Take & Eat.
As we make resolutions let us become Jesus’s disciples, making sure we ask for forgiveness, and extend forgiveness in return. Help us always to seek to live in harmony with others. In the New Year, there needs to be more effort to find ways to serve the poor, the needy and those in need of affirmation and care. Let there be Light! Let us serve God and become part of God’s presence in this challenging world.
Happy New Year and 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-3/13037-Second-Congregational-Church-Service-1-4-26-v1/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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Archived News of Note:
Music Director /Organist
Matt Alcombright
Thank you!!
January Calendar
Jan. 4th Morning Worship 9am
Communion
Coffee Hour following Worship
Dorcus meeting following Worship
Take & Eat
Jan. 8th(Thurs.) Deacons Meeting 3:15pm
Jan 11th Morning Worship 9am
Council Meeting Immediately following Worship
Coffee Hour following Meeting
Jan 15th (Thu) Trustees Meeting 4:15
Jan 18th Morning Worship 9am
Annual Reports Due 1/25/26
Coffee Hour following Worship
Jan 25th Morning Worship 9am
Coffee Hour following Worship
Final Day for Submitting Annual Reports
Upcoming
January 1st (Thurs) New Years Day
January 11th (Sunday) Church Council Meeting
following Worship
Youth News JANUARY : January’s name comes from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, endings, and transitions. January is the month that reminds us to look forward and to look back—to reflect on what has been and to prepare our hearts for what is to come.
Looking back: Since 2020, Mia has been a dedicated puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. In October she sent forth her fourth puppy to the next stage of its journey; a milestone that’s as emotional as it is meaningful. Letting go is never easy. Each puppy becomes a cherished member of our family, filling our hearts and home with joy and laughter. But these are no ordinary dogs. They are puppies with a higher calling that are raised not just for companionship, but to bring life-changing independence to someone who is blind or visually impaired. Mia’s role is one of both love and selflessness: nurturing each pup through its formative months, teaching basic obedience, building confidence, and laying the emotional and behavioral foundation needed to become a successful guide dog. It's a labor of love and one that demands patience, resilience, and an open heart. And while the goodbyes are always bittersweet, they're also filled with hope because each puppy raised isn’t just leaving. It's going to provide someone with freedom, guidance, confidence, and the ability to navigate the world with greater safety and independence. Mia's work reminds us that love sometimes means letting go, especially when it’s in service of something bigger than ourselves.
Looking forward: Mia will be welcoming a warm and wiggly pup in early January after she returns from about a month in Kenya!
By April, the puppy might be ready for a little church outing! 🐾
Take and Eat 2026 dates are: 1/4, 2/1, 3/1, 4/5, 5/3, 5/31, 9/6, 10/4,11/29, 12/6
The Deacon's met on 12/11/25. We discussed our Christmas schedule. Many members read for the Advent each Sunday. Pastor David was away on the 14th and Barry Grauman led Worship. We set our January Deacons.
We are so very sad that we lost our Eunice LaPier. She was a faithful Deacon and helped in many ways for our Church. We will miss her very much.
Our next meeting will be January 8th at 3:30pm
The Trustees continue to look at options for insurance. After discussion with our agent, we looked at increasing our deductible which didn't make financial sense and also at a "Functional Replacement Policy" where we have to submit a quote from a contractor to build a new church that meets our present needs and our insurance coverage would be great enough to rebuild to the new design. We had an issue with our well controls leaving us and the tenant with no water. The parts were replaced by the pump company and water was back. We again struggled to get callbacks from plumbers and electricians we have used in the past due to retirement or full schedules. We have put together a list of options for both trades and have begun contacting people to see if they are interested. We are looking into a way to keep the letters in place on the sign at the front entry. The 40-60 MPH wind gust have repeatedly popped letters from their location. As we close out the year, we would like to thank all who have supported the church. Without your prayers, financial support, willingness to be on committees and helping with events and programs we would not be a "Light" in this community.
The Mission Committee is happy to report we had a wonderful response to our Thanksgiving Food Pantry. We delivered two turkey breasts and a whole car full of food from the tags on the Corn Stalks for two weeks. We would like to express our sincere thanks to our members, friends of the church and the Dorcas Society for all generosity. Carol DeMayo sends her thanks and wants us all to know we are still on top with all the donations she receives from others in town.
The Veteran’s pantry was delivered two weeks ago, and I thank Mia Holmgrem and her mother for bringing the items to their pantry in North Adams. Donations are still welcome, you can place them in the box located in the Fellowship Room labeled “Veterans”. They are still looking for hats, gloves/mittens and warm boots.
We met briefly on Sunday to discuss the Christmas Food Pantry, A new list was made for items Carol DeMayo has suggested. There will be a table in front of the tree next Sunday, November 30th with cards and a list of the items suggested. There is no need to wrap gifts. Cards will be available for members to take the ones they prefer to shop for. There is a nice variety besides food. Children’s books and activities are also requested. Gift cards are welcome at $5.00 amounts and up. The Dorcas will be providing two hams and two gift cards for food stores.
We received a nice thank you letter from the Louison House in North Adams for our generous donation this year. I put the letter on the bulletin board for all to read. Also, I received a nice letter from the Board of Directors President, Tim Faselt for the Berkshire Food Project thanking us for our $300.00 donation this year. They also invited us to join them for a meal at the First Congregation Church in North Adams. Monday-Friday, 11:30am-1:00 pm. To learn more about their project or volunteer contact him at director@berkshirefoodproject.org.
The dates for getting the Christmas Food Pantry list are November 30, and December 7th, cards will be available. We will deliver to the pantry on December 14th.
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 our usual Cookie Mission on 12/11/25 at 3:00pm and had 14 bags to deliver. We had a lovely Christmas Luncheon on 12/18/25 at Water Street Grill. 11 attended. Very nice time.
We missed our Mickey Thaisz so very much. Such a special gal. Blessings to her family.
We will have a meeting this Sunday, 1/04/26 after Church to elect officers. We need as many as possible to attend. Thanks.
Happy New Year to all!!!!
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.
“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
“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