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EVENT & FUNDRAISING CALENDAR
June 18th ~ Strawberry Supper
August ~ End of summer clothing drive (easier version of our Rummage Sale, more details will be
forthcoming.)
September 10th ~ Open House on the Green (Missions)
September 24th ~ Another Paint & Sip,as our first one was so much FUN, along with making over $600!
October 1st ~ Vendor Fair (know anyone that has unique items to sell? Let me know!)
October 15th ~ Antique Appraisal Day! SO much fun, learning AND a $$$ maker
October 29th ~ Spaghetti Supper & Pumpkin Carving
November 12th ~ Turkey Dinner
December ~ Holly Bazaar & Cookie Sale
January 2017 ~ Post Holiday Pot Luck Supper with a Silent Auction & Raffle, more details coming.
February ~ ???
March 11th ~ Corned Beef Dinner
April, May, June still open!
More ideas are welcome!! Some that came from our first meeting… Multi Cultural/Religious Educational
evening, Music, Movie Night, Cookbook, Barbeque.
Not only are Jodi and I thinking of raising money, but also how to inform guests that attend these events
what Southwick Congregational Church is all about! Thank You!!! Patti P Wood and Jodi Potts
Christian Education
Children’s Sunday was a wonderful chance for our youngest members to share their gifts with
the congregation who supports us throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who
participated.
We would like to recognize those members of our Sunday School and Youth Group who will be
graduating this year:
Aubrey Winiarski will be going on to
college in the Fall.
Emily Pitoniak will be starting high school.
Our Mother’s Day plant sale was a success. Thank you for your generosity. Next year we
will spice it up a little, come and see what we have in store.
Now, we turn our attention to Vacation Bible School, VBS. We invite you to join us during
the week of July 25-29th. If you know a child who is entering Kindergarten to 4th grade
invite them to join us as well. It will be a time you won’t forget!
VBS sign-up and volunteer registration can be done online at:
http://2016.cokesburyvbs.com/SouthwickCongregational/
OR through Christian Ed OR contact the office.
Strawberry Supper
The Strawberry Supper will take place on Saturday, June 18th at 6 PM. The menu will include ham,
baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, strawberry shortcake with whipped cream and beverages.
Cost for adults is $14, children are $7. Please contact the Church office for reservations (413)569-
6362. Also, we are still in need of volunteers; signup in Old Fellowship Hall.
News From the Office
Coffee Hour the months of June, July and August are not hosted by one of the Church Committees.
There is a sign-up sheet over the coffee pot if you’d like to sign up for a Sunday. This is a great
opportunity to serve for those who aren’t currently members of one of the church committees.
Refreshments for June’s All-Church meeting are also welcomed.
Sunday Morning Worship time changes from 10 AM to 9:30 AM starting on Sunday, June 19th.
Please make a note in your calendars.
Children’s Sunday
(from left to right: Jack Coach, Maria Lempke, Robert Lempke, Ricky Pitoniak, Emily Pitoniak)
On Sunday, May 22nd the Sunday School and Youth Group took over Sunday morning service.
Wyatt Baker, Jack Coach and Maria Lempke offered up their, often times humorous, sermons on
“Knowledge, Wisdom & Intelligence”.
Children’s Sunday was a wonderful way to end yet another year of Sunday School and Youth
Group.
STEWARDSHIP STATUS
Efforts continue to identify areas for fund raising and potential cost savings. This is important since our 2016
expenses are growing faster than receipts as shown below.
Publication of the Gold Dome newsletter is being reviewed for potential cost savings. You can help by reading the Gold
Dome on the church website (southwickucc.org) and advising the church office that your name may be taken off the
Gold Dome mailing list. Thank you in advance for supporting this cost-saving initiative.
As members of the Southwick United Church of Christ, we associate with the Massachusetts UCC Conference and the
National UCC. The principal support we provide to these groups is through Dues and Mission giving. UCC Dues
support the wider UCC ministry, aid to churches in time of
crise and guidance to church groups when addressing needs such as calling a settled minister. Our Christian task is not
only to support our local church but also to aid our neighbors. Plaudits to the below members who have paid their UCC
Dues.
Fred Arnold Jim Babinski Patty Banasik
Ellie Bates Cindy Breton Dave Breton
Karen Brzezinski Stephen Brzezinski Norma Cagney
Lynn Coach Roxanne Cook Marcy Coviello
Gary Crosler Meredith Crosler Mary Currier
Barbara Day Dennis Day Melanie Day
Melissa Day Shannon Day Russ & Susan Fox
Ashley Greco Barb & Dave Gunn Joyce Hamilton
Shirl Hamilton David Howes Connie Johnson
Elaina Lempke Rob Lempke Maria Lempke
Cynthia Lydiard Barb Machietto Patricia Martin
Sally Merlo Eric Nitsch Melanie Nitsch
Diane Orson Ted Orson Virginia Orson
Joyce Paggen Virgil Paggen Jim Parent
Harold Pilskaln Isabelle Pilskaln Emily Pitoniak
Flo Pitoniak Mike Pitoniak Jodi Lee Potts
Bob Rising William Sanders Karen Schomer
Eldora Shattuck Robin Sklarski Beth Studer
Louise Tagliavini Jim Vincent Penelope Vincent
Selwyn Williams Patti Wood
THANK YOU
Historical Corner
Hi everyone! Last time we discussed the communion set. I received some additional really interesting information about the
set that I wanted to share with you all. Although we are not sure of the year, Southwick Congregational Church and Our Lady of the
Lake church came together to celebrate World Wide Communion Sunday. Southwick’s communion set was used by Father Menge at
their Mass and Our Lady of the Lake’s chalice was used by Southwick’s minister David Wright. Both church choirs came together for
the services as well. What a unique story to hear about all the ways the Communion Set has been used!
Also, if you are familiar with the booklet titled Southwick Congregational Church History you will note in the first few pages a
drawing of the original communion set. This drawing was created by Geneva [John] Baillieul. They were long time members of the
church. Geneva was known for art lessons through her studio in Southwick. I have looked through records of the church to try and
find some more information on her drawings. I have only been able to gather that she did the illustrations for the booklet I have
been using to tell the history.
Moving on to the beginning of the church: On May 16th, 1771 there was a note in Reverend Mr. Ballantine’s (the Westfield
MA pastor) diary. He notes that a Reverend Mr. Forward was lodging with him. Rev. Forward would preach in Southwick through the
end of the year. I found an interesting story though about how he came to Southwick. Rev. Forward’s cousin Mr. Abel Forward
graduated from Yale in 1768 with a Mr. Samuel Fowler. Mr. Fowler was the son and namesake of the first settler of Southwick. “It
does not take one with much imagination to see in these facts and events that Mr. Abel Forward did not become the first Minister of
the Southwick Church by pure accident”. Rev Forward started preaching in Southwick without a formal salary or meetinghouse.
Next time, we will get into more detail on the first meetinghouse.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! [email protected]
NEWS FROM THE NOMINATING & FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
We were missing quite a few of our committee members last meeting. Please remember the 2nd Thursday of each month (except
July & August) is meeting night. If you are unable to attend, please let your committee chair know, it is helpful for planning
purposes.
Also ~ I still have a need for a few more members to fill a few slots...we are MUCH closer to full committees, but not quite there yet!
Regarding fundraising ~ It was discussed at our last two All Church Committee Meetings, that we need to increase the revenue flow!
I volunteered to "head" this new committee, but am asking for help with plans & ideas! Jodi Potts has volunteered to help me out.
We will be holding "brainstorming meetings" during coffee hour on May 22nd and June 5th.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THESE INFORMAL CHATS!
Here are a few of our thoughts~ a clothing collection drive (to replace our Rummage Sale) we get paid by the pound!
Antique Appraisal Day, Turkey Dinner in November and after Christmas a silent auction, and of course another "Paint" night.
Look forward to chatting with everyone!!!
Patti P Wood
Happy Birthday!
Mar ion Vecch io June 2
Nat han Wilson June 3
Mike Pit on iak June 18
Our First "Bring a Friend to Church Day"
is June 12th, Music Sunday
Lets share our Music Program with friends & family. Also a great time to try and recruit
new people into our choir!
Think about it, if 40 of us each only bring ONE friend..we will have 80 people in attendance for this wonderful service! If some bring MORE than one...hmmm, we could
fill the church! Many Thanks! ~ Patti Wood
All Church Committee Meeting
May 12, 2016
The meeting was called to order by Moderator David Breton at 8:10 pm followed by an opening prayer led by Pastor Bart.
A correction was brought forth to the Minutes from April’s meeting – the corrected date of the car wash fundraiser for the
Eagle Scout Project is May 7, 2016. A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously to accept the April All
Church Committee Meeting Minutes with that one correction.
Pastor’s Report
Pastor Bart stated there have been several funerals lately, including one for Marilyn Chunglo, a long-time church member
who had many years of volunteering in this church. Pastor Bart and Valerie are planning their move to their new home
soon.
Board of Deacons
Melissa Day reported 2 members present. The committee provided refreshments. They are working on updating the
Deacon’s handbook. A discussion was held about church financial records and having them audited. A discussion was
also held about coffee hour coverage over the open summer months and inviting people to contribute. May 15th is
Pentecost Sunday and also New Member Sunday.
Buildings and Grounds
Eric Nitsch reported 3 members present. Spring cleanup is still scheduled for May 21st, and they are still looking for more
volunteers. The quote to have the front of the church painted is $19,600. Multiple electrical upgrades are planned at a
cost of about $3,900. The floors in Old and New Fellowship Halls are in need of cleaning but they are old and in rough
shape and the committee is having trouble finding someone to take on the job due to the age of the floors and the
possibility of damaging them beyond repair.
Treasurer’s Report
Ted Orson reported no significant changes. Our current income has exceeded our expenses by about $7,000 but Ted
warns that summer is coming and that is a time when traditionally collections are down. He is concerned as each month
our collections seem to be decreasing. Ted also reported that the parsonage rental is going well.
Christian Education
Flo Pitoniak reported 2 members present. The Mother’s Day Plant Sale went well. Children’s Sunday is scheduled for
May 22, 2016. Vacation Bible School will be from July 25-29, from 9 am – 12 noon. More volunteers are still needed for
this.
Music Committee
Melanie Nitsch reported 3 members present. They talked about copyright licensing concerning worship music and we are
in compliance. They discussed the bell director’s job description and are still working on it with the direction of keeping it
simplified. The committee is working on planning Music Sunday and the summer music schedule.
Mission Outreach
Patty Banasik reported 4 members present. The tag sale is planned for June 4, 2016 with plenty of tables still available
for sign-up/rental ($25 members, $30 non-members). The thrift shop will be open during the tag sale. May 22nd will be the
next UCC special offering. The committee would like to sponsor 4 children to attend VBS and are looking for names. The
church website is temporarily down and will be up shortly.
Nominating Committee
Patti Wood reported no new names to nominate.
Fundraising Committee
Patti Wood has talked with Jodi Potts for ideas and they are working on plans. They would like people to know that they
will be available after church on May 22nd for those interested to come and meet with them to brainstorm for fundraising
ideas.
Memorial Gifts
Karen Brzezinski has nothing new to report.
Pastoral Relations Committee
Roxanne Cook reported the group met Tuesday night and
then met this evening with Pastor Bart. They will be reviewing his contract in the coming months. Pastor Bart’s office
hours
are set from 10-2, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday. The group will meet again in two weeks.
Finance Committee
Jodi Potts reported 6 members present. They reported that the Gold Dome’s annual cost is about $2,500 and they are
considering a fundraiser to help defray the cost.
Flower Committee
Roxanne Cook thanked all who have been contributing each Sunday for altar flowers.
New Business
Patti Wood asked to have a “Bring a Friend” to church day and it was decided to hold it on June 12th which is also
Music Sunday this year.
Also on June 12th from 12-4 pm there will be an open house at the church to celebrate Clayton Cigal’s 90th birthday.
The Strawberry Supper is scheduled for June 18th and many volunteers are still needed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melanie Nitsch, Clerk
Executive Board Meeting
May 12, 2016
The meeting was called to order by David Breton, Moderator, at 8:50 p.m.
Pastor Bart talked about his optimism for this church and its future.
Eric Nitsch stated they still want more quotes on painting the front of the church. He stressed the planned electrical work
has important safety and security factors.
A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously to fund the electrical work through Memorial Gifts.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Melanie Nitsch, Clerk
Southwick Congregational Church Committee Chairs
Board of Deacons: Barbara Gunn, 569-5059, [email protected]
Buildings & Grounds: Eric Nitsch, 568-9722, [email protected]
Christian Education: Florence Pitoniak, [email protected]
Finance: Jodi Potts, 568-0383
Library: Jodi Potts, 568-0383
Memorial Gifts: Karen Brzezinski, 569-6816
Mission Outreach: Patty Banasik, [email protected].
Music: Melanie Nitsch, [email protected]
Church Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Pastor’s Office Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Church Office Phone & Fax: 413-569-6362; Pastor’s Study: 569-5630
Website: southwickucc.org
Office e-mail: [email protected]
Look for us on Facebook: Southwick Congregational Church UCC
Staff: Minister Reverend Bart Cochran
Choir Director/Organist Roberta Kowal
Bell Choir Director Patti P. Wood
Administrative Assistant Elaina Lempke
Custodians Matthew Kowal
Florence Pitoniak