Special Congregational Meeting
By caitlin | July 2, 2010
Title: Special Congregational Meeting
Location: Old Parish
Description: A Special congregational meeting has been called for Sunday, July 18, following morning worship,
to determine if Old Parish Church should become a participating member of The National Religious
Campagin against Torture. A discussion of the proposal will be held on the preceding Sunday, July 11,
following morning worship.
John G. Wightman, Clerk
If you have any questions, please talk to Tom Driver.
Start Time: 11:30
Date: 2010-07-18
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Promises and Ethical Perils in Human Genetics
By caitlin | June 26, 2010
Title: Promises and Ethical Perils in Human Genetics
Location: Old Parish
Description: “Promises and Ethical Perils in Human Genetics” will be explored at Old Parish Church on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 7:30 pm by Dr. Bruce Wightman. He will summarize some of the successes in genetic research and also outline some of the issues facing scientists and society today. All are welcome.
Start Time: 7:30pm
Date: 2010-08-11
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Antique Show
By caitlin | June 2, 2010
It’s on it’s way! And here are all the dealers who will be there, all 29 of them! Come one come all on August 6, 7, and 8, at Mount Everett School on Berkshire School Road.
Witchtree Antiques
Woodbury, CT
Stephen M. Gero & Daniel Hackbarth
Old Village Antiques
Avon, CT
Phyllis G. Pasternak
West Hartford, CT
Heritage Antiques
West Hartford, CT
Heritage Gallery
Erika E Urbon
Holyoke, MA
Claire Dounoucos
Delmar, NY
Marilyn and Ron Saland
Scarsdale, NY
Arlene Kahn
New York, NY
Anne Lynch
Honesdale, PA
Fox Hunt Antiques
Briarcliff, NY
Trumpet Vine Antiques
Suffield, CT
Woodward and Byrnes
Kinderhook, NY
Harold Tither, lll & Robert Sears
Somers, CT
White Orchard Antiques
Media, PA
Moses Antiques
North Syracuse, NY
D & D Antiques
Newtown, CT
Sandy’s Estate Jewelry and Antiques
Richard S. Tetlow, Jr.
Desert Hot Springs, CA
G PSF Antiques
Glenham, NY
Soheil Oriental Rugs from New York
New York, NY
Easter Hill Antiques
Sharon, CT
Partners in Time
South Glens Falls, NY
Jaffe & Thurston
Wawarsing, NY
Jamie’s Antiques
Croton-On-Hudson, NY
Sheila Hylan
Southbury, CT
Red Barn Antiques Inc.
South Egremont, MA
Chester Cwilichoski Antiques
Ansonia, CT
David S. Davis, Bookseller
Kingston, NY
Twinkling Jewels
Bridgewater, CT
Dorcas Antiques
Elon, NC
Topics: Fundraising, Upcoming events | No Comments »
Opportunities for service
By caitlin | May 3, 2010
Formal Church Directory:
Marion Whitman has volunteered to administer this project. It was decided that we need to review the on-line option, but as the feasibility of this option is reviewed, we can begin to organize the materials, procedure(s), forms, and copy necessary for putting this directory together. We do need a photographer and editor to work with Marion on this project, so we are looking for volunteers that have strengths or talents in these areas. Please see Dale Alden if you are able to help us. It is the same procedures that Christ Church used to produce their directory.
Deacon:
Any member of Old Parish, interested in this opportunity to serve as a deacon, just let us know!
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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 »
Missions
By caitlin | March 3, 2010
The 34 hygiene kits and 8 layette kits are hopefully in the warehouse in Maryland. Thanks to all who contributed.
On May 23 the Strengthening the Church Offering will be received. Half of what is collected stays in the Mass. UCC to help our own church growth. Envelopes are available on the table at the rear of the Sanctuary if you need one. Otherwise, send your offering to the church office, designating so on the check’s memo line. Results will be in next month’s Messenger. Thank you.
The MAUCC partnership with the Pentecostal Church of Chili is hoping to raise funds for “Blessing Cabins” for those displaced in their recent earthquake. Donations will go through our Berkshire Association. Rev. Jill and the Mission Committee have committed $500, 1/3 of the cost of a cabin. Please make your contribution soon.
Tom Driver will speak on Thursday, June 10 at 7pm. The subject is Anti-torture. Come and join us for this informative discussion. Dessert and coffee will be served.
Should you have concerns, please contact co-chairman, Sandra Alden and Becky Schopp.
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Your committee has been busy during March and April.
First of all, word went out early this year that health and layette kits were needed for the people of Haiti who lost everything in the earthquake. We have packaged several boxes and they are about every to be delivered to the Ludlow western area office via Pastor Jill. From there, they will be delivered to the warehouse in Baltimore. Old Parish is known for its generosity in times of need. Thanks to all who helped make this very worthwhile project such a success. The exact number of kits will follow.
In March the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering was collected. This special UCC offering, as part of Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM), carries God’s message of love and hope to people in more than 80 countries. The UCC works with international partners to provide, food, clean water, education and health care, and so much more for refugees and displaced persons. This year OPC collected $582, nearly $100 more than 2009. Again thanks to all for your support.
Jill has brought to our attention that since the earthquake in Chile, there is a need for housing there. You may remember that the Massachusetts Conference of the UCC is in partnership with the Pentecostal Church of Chile. Jill talks of this special project of funding homes for 300 families in her message. The houses cost $1,500 each. She has already committed $250 and the Mission committee has voted to use $250 of their discretionary fund. We are already one-third of our way to funding one house. We hope that OPC will support this project and build at least one house in Chile.
This month Strengthen the Church Offering will be received. Your gift to STC builds the UCC’s future now by funding the Still speaking Ministry, new and renewing churches, youth and young adult ministries, and lay and pastoral leadership formation, especially among women and people of color. Leaflets and envelopes are available.
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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.
The steeple will be lit for June in memory of Martin Graham’s June birthday. His light still shines in the hearts of his beloved family, Betty, Barbara, Rev. Jill and each of their families.
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
Topics: Upcoming events | No Comments »
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