THE HERALDUnited Church of Christ Second Congregational of Westfield
From the Pastor,“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will
youhide your face from me?” - Psalm 13:1
For the July/August Herald, I opened my article with that short
piece of scripture, and ended the piece with a quote from the 46th
Psalm - “Be still and know that I am God.”
At that time, we’d been dealing with the pandemic for four months,
and it seemed that by the end of the summer, doctors and scientists
would know more about Covid-19 and armed with that
information, we’d have a blueprint for moving forward.
Here we are two months later and the questions still outnumber the
answers. Schools are struggling to find ways to open safely. Next
Volume 52 • Number 8 • September 2020
door, Westfield State University has delayed in class learning until
at least September 29th.
Here at Second Church, we show our love for God by keeping
everyone safe. That means that services and meetings will remain
outside and/or online for the foreseeable future.
Remember that “church” is not the building. In the New
Testament, when the word for “church” is used, in every single
instance it is used to mean the people and the good works that
believers are called to do.
We know that masks work and that precautionary use of
quarantines will keep people safe. I just returned from Rhode
Island where my family and I rented a house for a week. For the
entire week, I wore a mask when I was away from the rented
house, and I didn’t say more than a sentence or two to those people
who weren’t family members. Even the owner of the house
communicated with us remotely by text. I’m 100% convinced that
I was not exposed to Covid-19 while I was in Rhode Island, but
mask-wearing and precautionary quarantines are meant to keep
everyone safe. Is being in quarantine an inconvenience for this
outgoing extrovert? Yes! But as Christians, we’re called upon to
work for the greater good. I’ve spoken with parishioners by phone
and on Zoom; I’ve emailed and texted. I’ve even ordered groceries
online and had them delivered to the parsonage. Keeping everyone
safe is of utmost importance to each and every one of us.
What else can we do during this uncertain time? We can
financially support the church as much as we are able to do so. We
can continue to reach out to others by phone, mail and/or the
internet. When a group is physically together, we can bring our
own chairs and maintain physical distancing. In everything, we are
to demonstrate that we are Christians by showing love. For
instance, there are ways of reminding people to use masks and
hand sanitizer without public shaming. If someone isn’t wearing a
mask, and you want to offer them one, we can do so one-on-one so
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we don’t embarrass anyone. If we disagree with what a person says
or does, we can disagree in a way which exudes love and
gentleness. This is a scary time for all of us. Sometimes, when
anxiety bubbles up, we forget that we’re all in this together, and we
forget that Jesus calls us to love one another.
Remember the words of the song, “…yes, they’ll know we are
Christians by our love.”
With You On The Journey,
Pastor Barb
UPDATE ON RE-OPENINGAt the July 30 meeting of the Re-opening Committee it was
decided that church Sunday services would continue to be held
outdoors as lng as the weather permits. (Pray for a warm fall, well
into October) Services will also continue ro be available on
YouTube. No indoor services are planned at this time.
Rich Foley, Moderator
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A NOTE FROM SAFE CHURCH REGARDING
COVID 19 AND RETURNING TO CHURCH
Hi everyone. As you know many people in the church
including Safe Church (myself, Deb and Dave Woodford), Pastor
Barb, Jen Thielen and Christian Ed, Rich Foley (Moderator), and
the Re-Opening Committee have been working tirelessly in the
past months to ensure our church family and congregation remains
safe during this pandemic. I want to emphasize that this has not
been an easy task. Please know that every decision that is made is
done so with the utmost care and concern for every member of our
congregation as well as those who use our church building and
property for other needs. As we all go forth in this endeavor we
ask that you keep the following in mind.
1. There is no way to ensure the overall safety of our
congregation and community until there is a trusted
vaccine!
2. In person worship in sanctuaries is one of the types of
gatherings that is most likely to spread the infection.
a. In an enclosed room over a length of time the
airborne viral particles can reach every corner. 6
foot or 12 foot distancing will not prevent this.
b. Speaking, praying and singing aloud propels the
virus even further than just breathing.
c. Common surfaces abound.
d. We know that people can be carriers of the virus
without symptoms
3. We still don't know everything about this disease and how
it impacts all ages. New information is coming out daily.
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This makes it hard to predict trends, safety measures and
phases.
4. Our congregation is comprised of those who are most
vulnerable to COVID.
5. An outbreak in our church impacts the community at large
and the capacity of our healthcare system.
We will be following CDC, Massachusetts State, Local
Guidelines and UCC guidelines which include the
following:
1. If you are sick or at risk in any other way please stay away.
2. If you are diagnosed with COVID 19 Follow Mass gov
state regulations regarding quarantine restrictions.
A. Stay at home for 14 days.
B. Do not attend worship services or any church
related event.
C. Also refrain from entering the building for other
purposes.
3. If you travel to an indicated “red state” or international
travel please follow the recommended MA state quarantine
guidelines
4. Outdoor services will continue in place as long as weather
permits. There will be no indoor services until doing so is
permitted by the state and local authorities. All other
services will be done via YouTube or on-line access.
Please call or refer to the church website
www.secondchurchwestfield.org regarding church service
cancellations.
5.
During outdoor services and when we return to indoor
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services all parishioners and families will be required to
adhere to social distancing requirements.
A. 6 feet apart in all directions.
B. wear masks
C. bring your own chair (outdoor services)
D. Singing by the congregation is not allowed.
E. Bathroom use is limited. Please go before leaving
your home. Please use provided cleaning supplies
to wipe down all surfaces touched.
6. Sunday School, Youth Programs and Sunday Children’s
Message will be done via Youtube and other internet
means.
7. Entrance and exit to the church building can only be done
through the door closest to the Secretary’s (Liz) office.
8. The church is effectively closed for anything other than
regular church services, office use for Barb and Liz and
building use for current renters. Any other use of the
building during COVID19 must be approved by Safe
Church and Pastor Barb. If you have any need to enter the
building.for other activities, such as pastoral counseling or
other needs, please make arrangements ahead of time with
Pastor Barb or Liz Caron. Anyone who enters the building
must sign in outside of the Secretary’s office.
In closing, thank you very much for doing your part in
keeping our church community safe during this difficult
time. Please stay safe and healthy.
In God’s Grace
Safe Church Committee
Josh Gravel-Blaney (Administrator), Deb and Dave
Woodford
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GREETINGS SUNDAY SCHOOL FAMILIES!!We are so excited to CELEBRATE WONDER with you!!Your Sunday School teachers have worked very hard findingan exciting and meaningful curriculum that will meet theneeds of every family! CELEBRATE WONDER will includepre-recorded lessons, presented by Ms. Nicole, DJ GrahamCracker and Jen! These videos will be available on YouTubeto watch at your convenience. Corresponding worksheets willbe provided on a monthly basis. Midweek, we will host a live,virtual engagement to discuss the lessons and review theworksheets! We will all be able to interact together (but on ascreen)!! Each family will be given a Bible story book and afamily activity pack, so you can grow your faith as a family!!Each student will also receive a custom-made CELEBRATEWONDER face mask!
Join us on FRESH START SUNDAY (September 13) for aSunday School Family Scavenger Hunt!! Sunday afternoon, yourfamily will receive “clues” to locations to pick up each componentneeded for virtual Sunday School. (Bible books, family activitypacks, one month supply of age appropriate supplementalworksheets and your custom face masks!!!) You will see a familiarSunday School face at every location!
Virtual Sunday School is set to launch on September 20.We can’t wait to start fresh with you!!
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HELLO YOUTH GROUPERS!! We have been very missed in this challenging time! A bigcongratulations to our senior members, Jaylene Guerra andHadleigh Leclair for graduating with honors from WestfieldHigh School! And let’s also congratulate Devin Decoteau,Cooper Leclair and again Jaylene for making theirConfirmation!!
The youth group will be participating in a virtual platform onBible App. We will use the app on a 2 week rotation, givingus a chance to dive into the Word, and discuss it together!Look for texts with details and information.
Who’s says we can’t fellowship??!! Check out these events!!
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MEET OUR 2020 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
It is my pleasure to let the congregation know about the five 2020
Second Church Scholarship recipients. The funds for the
scholarships are made available through the Roger C. Fischer Fund
and the Ferne E. Terwillinger Scholarship Fund. The Fischer Fund
is in memory of our previous pastor, Rev. Roger Fischer, and the
Terwillinger Fund is in memory of Ferne Terwillinger, who loved
music. She was a member of Second Church from 1920 to 1999.
I am quoting from the applications these amazing students wrote
themselves:
1. Jacqueline DeCoteau – Jackie is attending Holyoke
College. She recently became a CNA, and will continue to
work fulltime in her quest to become an RN. Over the
years, Jackie has been active in Youth Group, Vacation
Bible School, Crop Walk, and Strawberry Dinner. Jackie
has served on Christian Ed, and has been a Teacher’s
Helper, Sunday School Teacher, Liturgist, Acolyte, and
Sunday Morning Greeter. Jackie went through Sunday
School at Second Church and she was Confirmed here in
2017. Jackie said, “My major is nursing. I will use my
education to help as many people as I can. I have always
loved helping people and I feel as though nursing is the best
career for me.”
2. Jaylene Guerra – Jaylene just graduated from Westfield
High School and she will be attending Quinnipiac
University in Hamden, CT. Jaylene has been active in
Youth Group and was Confirmed here in 2020. Jaylene
wrote, “Second Congregational Church has been a huge
part of my life for the past five years. It became another
home, not just a spiritual home, a family.” Jaylen hopes to
major in Finance and to become a Financial Analyst.
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3. Hadleigh Leclair – Hadleigh just graduated from
Westfield High School and she will be attending Hofstra
University in Hempstead, New York. Hadleigh says that
she will be double-majoring in Psychology and Spanish,
while also being part of the dual degree BA/JD program.
Hadleigh wrote, “I plan on becoming a family lawyer in
hopes of helping children and families. Hadleigh was active
in Youth Group, Christmas Pageants and Christmas Eve
performances. She served at Strawberry Dinners and she
served on Christian Ed.
4. Michael Lurgio – Michael is transferring from University
of Hartford to Springfield Technical Community College,
majoring in Radiologic Technology and Health Sciences.
Michael wrote, “I have assisted in groundskeeping of the
church and parsonage properties. I support the Missions of
Second Congregational Church.”
5. Patrick Lurgio – Patrick is attending Sacred Heart
University in Fairfield, CT, majoring in Finance and
Accounting. Patrick wrote, “I plan to use my financial
background in Real Estate as well as Real Estate
development.” Patrick said, “Amongst my brothers, I have
maintained the church grounds. I support the Missions
Committee.” Patrick hopes to graduate with his Bachelor’s
Degree in 2023.
Congratulations to these five wonderful scholarship recipients.
The Scholarship Committee is comprised of the Minister, the
Moderator, the Christian Education Director (or a representative in
this case because the Director was related to an applicant), and two
additional church members.
Thank you to the 2020 UCC Scholarship Committee – Rich Foley,
Harriet Fischer, Nicole Gravel-Blaney, Betty Sikes, and Lynda
Pierce. – Pastor Barb
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4 James Kauffman
5 Rich Foley
Joe Storozuk
6 Peter Martin
7 Bill Hastings
Michael Lurgio
Patrick Lurgio
8 Hank Fiaccone
18 Amelia Gravel-Blaney
21 Patricia Sam
22 Ann Reichert
Patrick Jay
24 Howard Eberwein
25 Holly Walts
Deborah Woodford
27 George Janke
30 Richard Baldwin
A PRAYER FOR BACK TO SCHOOLAt the start of the school year, we are beginning something new
New things can be exciting
New things can be scary
New things can be wonderful
New things can be confusing
God, you are always with us
You are with us when things are exciting, or scary, or wonderful,
or eonfusing
You are with us every day
And all the time
God, please help us to feel your presence with us on the first day of
school, and every day. Amen
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The United Church of ChristSecond Congregational
P.O. Box 814487 Western AvenueWestfield, MA 01086
The objective of the Herald is to bea communication and evangelism
tool for our membership, thecommunity, and Christ.
Church Staff & Hours:Rev Barbara Hesse, Pastor
Tuesday & Wednesday, 10:00-Noonor by appointment
Admin. Asst.: Elisabeth (Liz) Caron: 568-7557 Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri., 9:30-1:00
Office Closed MondayDirector of Children and Family Ministries
Jennifer ThielenYouth Director: Jennifer ThielenMusic Director: Karen Ducharme
Sextons: Forum HouseChurch Email: [email protected]
Web Site:www.secondchurchwestfield.org