Old Parish Church Preservation Rewiring Fund
By caitlin | March 3, 2010
We previously mentioned to you that while working on a project, we unexpectedly turned back the clock about a hundred years. An inspection of Church wiring in the attic of the sanctuary and other places revealed electric wiring that dated back to the late 1800’s – The then state of the art ‘Knob & Tube’ wiring. Such wiring ceased to be installed about 1934. Today’s wiring is the fourth generation of technology after ‘Knob & Tube.’
Old Parish Church was fortunate in being notified of this hazardous situation so corrective action could be taken as soon as possible to reduce a fire hazard and potential loss of the building.
The recent replacement of the1800’s ‘Knob & Tube’ vintage wiring and additional old wiring updates has allowed us to preserve Old Parish Church.
The wiring upgrade was without a doubt necessary and the unexpected $6,636.00 expense was a necessary preservation investment.
The Trustees are, therefore, seeking your help to reduce this unexpected $6,636.00 expense.
Please help us preserve Old Parish Church for your family, friends and community for generations to come by making a donation to the Old Parish Church Preservation Rewiring Fund.
DONATION – OLD PARISH CHURCH PRESERVATION REWIRING FUND
Name : ________________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________
Amount Enclosed: _______________________________________________________________
Please note on your check: “Old Parish Church Rewiring Fund.”
Mail your slip and your donation to :
Old Parish Church
PO Box 387, Sheffield , MA 01257
~ THANK YOU ~
Topics: Fundraising, Ongoing events | No Comments »
Easter Flowers
By caitlin | March 3, 2010
Those who wish to contribute to a flower fund may put your donation in the envelope labeled Easter Flowers in the secretary’s mailbox outside the office door. Checks may be made out to Old Parish Church: memo: Easter Flowers. Please indicate whether your donation is a Memorial or Thanksgiving and to whom. If you know someone who would enjoy receiving a plant, please notify the church office. Deadline is Tuesday, March 23, 2010.
Name _______________________________________
In Memory of _________________________________
In Thanksgiving for ____________________________
Topics: Upcoming events | No Comments »
Missions
By caitlin | March 3, 2010
The One great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) Offering, administered by Wider ChurchMinistries, is the refugee, relief and developement fund of the United Church of Christ. It provides support to people in more than eighty countries. The 2010 OGHS theme is inspired by John 21:15-17 when Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” If you are familiar with this scripture, you may know that after Peter confesses to loving Jesus, Jesus tells him, “Feed my sheep.” We too are called to care for all who are in need, just as God cares for each of us. You, the members and friends of Old Parish have always generously answered this call. As the March 14 One Great Hour of Sharing date approaches, please consider, once again, sharing your gifts with the hungry and thirsty, fearful and oppressed.
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Twelve years ago the members of Old Parish Church embarked on a remarkable mission ministry reaching individuals in need far from our home. Each of these 12 years, members of OP were asked to support the India Old Age Project and as is usual for our members, the giving was always generous. Old Parish, through the missions committee, has received regular correspondence from Sudhaker Telore, the program coordinator, over the years. His latest letter is posted on the Mission board in the social room. He has indicated through this letter and e-mails that the India Project has been finalized. He has been extremely grateful for the generosity of the members of Old Parish over the years and thanks you all for your commitment.
The History of the O.P. Indian Old-Age Project
(The following “history” was provided by Sally Kelly)
In the late 70’s the Mission Committee was inspired to raise over $1500 for a well to be dug in a village in India. This came about because of inspiration from visiting missionaries, first the Rev. Gifford Towle and then a protege of his, Sudhakar Telore. A well was built in a small village under Sudhakar’s leadership and had a sign which read “Abundant Living Water from Friends in Sheffield, Mass.” King and Sally Kelly corresponded with Sudhakar for 15 years, and became interested in his family. All this time Sudhakar never asked for money so it was truly a friendship that was established.
The Kellys’ trip in 1996 was the trip of a lifetime for them. They experienced life in Osmanabad, India and particularly Sudhakar’s mission work helping the poorest of the poor, educating children and women, providing shepherds with starter sheep, and many other programs. When the Kellys returned to Sheffield, the mission committee decided to ask Sudhakar how they could help him. He responded by suggesting we could help by supplying wherewithal for him to start an Old-Age Project. He said there were many old people who had no children to look after them and were destitute. With our support he could arrange a daily good meal, and so we decided to raise the money for this with a Talent Show. It was successful, and so for 12 years that is what happened at Old Parish, and now Sudhakar is retired and there is no more Old Age Project.
Topics: Fundraising, Missions | No Comments »
Folk Tales to benefit Haiti
By caitlin | March 3, 2010
Title: Folk Tales to benefit Haiti
Location: Old Parish
Link out: Click here
Description: A celebration of Haiti’s rich history of folk tales to raise funds for earthquake relief in Haiti. The funds raised will be given to the UCC’s One Great Hour of Sharing fund, earmarked for Haiti.
Our show will feature internationally known story tellers The Storycrafters as well as Anson Olds and Ed Hotaling.
Start Time: 2:30
Date: 2010-03-06
End Time: 4:00
Topics: Fundraising, Missions, Upcoming events | No Comments »
Monthly Steeple Lighting
By caitlin | February 24, 2010
If you would like to honor someone’s memory or an event you can light the steeple up at night! Please send your name, address and the suggested donation of $25 to Old Parish Church. Checks can be made out to Old Parish Church with a note in the memo line stating Old Parish Church Steeple Lighting. Please make a note of the wording you would like on the Messenger for the person, anniversary, etc.. Mail to Old Parish Church, PO Box 387, Sheffield, MA 01257.
Topics: Ongoing events | No Comments »
New members?
By caitlin | February 24, 2010
There is some interest by some in joining the church. A new member class will be offerd after Easter. If you have been contemplating becoming a member please call the church office or speak to Pastor Jill today!
Topics: Upcoming events | No Comments »
Memorial service
By caitlin | February 24, 2010
Title: Memorial service
Location: Old Parish
Description: FUNERAL NOTICE: A funeral service celebrating the life of the late John F. Groener will be held on Friday, Feb. 26, 2010, at 4 p.m. at Old Parish Church in Sheffield, conducted by Rev. Jill Graham. Following the service there will be a reception at the church. Burial at Lee Memorial Cemetery in Southfield will be held in the spring. There will be no calling hours.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Old Parish Church through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230, who are caring for the arrangements. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.
Start Time: 4:00
Date: 2010-02-26
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Lenten discussion
By caitlin | February 3, 2010
Title: Lenten discussion
Location: Old Parish
Description: A variety of topics addressed in a series of short films will be used to explore our world from the perspective of Jesus. One of the benefits of this year’s approach is that it encourages a wide participation of folks since there is no book to read (or buy), and no ongoing topic to stay on top of. So come join the discussion! Light supper will begin at 5:30, followed by the 15 min. film and discussion.
Start Date: 2010-02-21
Start Time: 5:30
End Date: 2010-03-28
Topics: Ongoing events, Upcoming events | No Comments »
Winter worship
By caitlin | January 1, 2010
Worship will take place in the Social Room as of January 31, 2010. Please enter at the side of the church. We will resume worship in the sanctuary on March 28.
Topics: Upcoming events | No Comments »
Restarting Men’s Group?
By caitlin | November 4, 2009
There have been some of our OPCian men that have suggested a re-start of the Men’s Fellowship Group at OPC. To survey the feasibility of such a group, Dale Alden, is looking into how best to initiate such a group.
Any group size that is meeting in Christ’s name is what Christian fellowship Is about. Please do your part, and use the signup sheet on the bulletin board located just outside and on the right hand side of our church office to show your interest. This list is to be used as a contact list to help us call an organizational meeting. At that meeting the details of this group will be firmed up: the reasons for starting a Fellowship Group, as well as its purpose, vision and mission.
Topics: Upcoming events | No Comments »
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