My Dear Fellow Pilgrims:
These are certainly times that shape our characters, and our souls! In the middle of March, we were asked to soldier through “14 Days to Slow The Curve.” It’s ended up to be a wee bit more than 14 days, but thankfully, the curve was brought under control. We pray for a safe & successful vaccine to be approved, but we especially pray to overcome the discouragement that too many people are feeling: because of the effects of this pandemic time, so many of those effects unforeseen.
I am very glad to know that many of you who I have not seen have seen me, by participating in our online live-streamed services. We have also been pleased to for many new people taking part in our times of worship. More than a few are from out of state, both new friends and old.
Please know that while I want to respect each person’s comfort level, I am willing to find ways to meet up with each of you at any time.
It has been a joy to interact with many of you, but as our program year started up, I wanted to make sure as many as possible know what is available.
As the bulletin board just inside our office entrance states, being a follower of Jesus Christ involves living in 5 dimensions:
- Worship – Honoring God for all that He is and does
- Study – Learning more about God’s will and purpose for our lives and His world.
- Fellowship – Sharing Life deeply with fellow believers.
- Service – Being Christ’s Hands and Feet in the world, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
- Witness – Telling what we have come to know personally of the grace and power of God today.
The progression is intentional. Beholding God’s glory in worship motivates us to learn more. In learning more through study, we seek to care for one another in fellowship. The first 3 strengthen the individual Christian, but Fellowship is also the beginning of the other-focused, loving your neighbor life, which continues in Service and Witness.
Here is a list of what is available this fall as our program year continues in spite of challenges:
Worship
Morning – There has been considerable joy in gathering in our back yard for our 10am Sunday Service. We will continue to be outdoors so long as weather permit (think watching a soccer or football game, but it only lasts one hour!), and gather indoors in the Fellowship Hall when inclement weather dictates.
Evening/Contemporary – We are so excited that NHB has agreed to become our regular music leaders for a monthly contemporary service! We love their spirit, faith, and excellently-prepared music! Starting with the September service, the services will begin at 5pm. Troy Bryce of NHB will be our featured speaker. Make plans to join us! If weather permits, we will be outside, so bring a lawn chair!
Each of these will continue to be available both in person and online, live via FaceBook Livestream or posted just after service is completed on our YouTube Channel, FCCHanson.
Study and Fellowship are joined in one ministry, our Small Groups, led by the Reverends David & Susan Webster Gray. While some groups met on a limited basis even during this time, we are excited to begin our second “All Church Study, featuring Greg Laurie’s important book, Worldview.
Everyone has a worldview, a framework they use to help them understand the world. Small children, primitive superstitious tribes, and totalitarian dictatorships each have serious errors built into their worldviews. Is there a Christian Worldview? How does it differ from a secular one? Beginning September 27, I will preach a 6-week series highlighting some of the important themes in this book. Throughout the week there are options so that you can take part as well.
| Leader/phone/email | Day/Time/Frequency | Location/Zoom | Add’l Info |
| Ellie Hartz/(617)688-3635 elliehartz340@gmail.com Marilou Hall (617)688-6864 marilouhall13@gmail.com | 1:30pm, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | Joan Towne’s Home: 55 Pond St, Halifax at FCCHanson if inclement weather. | Women’s Group |
| Linda Archibald (781)447-5500 LindaArch624@verizon.net Kerry Henderson (508)521-3799 kerrydh8@gmail.com | 7:30pm, Every Wednesday | FCCHanson Fellowship Hall | |
| Peter Smith (781)563-0397 psmith@fcchanson.org | 7pm, Every Thursday | Zoom | Smart phone or computer with camera best, but audio only by any phone also works! |
| Julie Gainey (339)832-0081 jgainey@mastergourmetpackaging.com- | 10am, Every Saturday | Home of Kathy Cookson 6 Joshua La., Hanson | Women’s Group |
| Skip & Sam Allen (781)293-3716 gallen205@comcast.net | 2pm, 2nd & 4th Sunday | Fellowship Hall | Open to all. |
| Susan Webster Gray (781)826-6440 pilgrimsue@verizon.net | 11:15am Every Sunday | FCCHanson Fellowship Hall | After Worship Service |
| Carol Smith (781)563-0396 woolnote@sbcglobal.net | Wed. Morning? | Parsonage | Women’s group – call for more information! |
In addition, Bob Wilcox will lead a Bible Fellowship Monday Nights at 6:30 – 8:00. For more info, call (617) 838-9425.
Service
Due to the pandemic, ministries to the homeless have been forced to do more with fewer resources. We have 2 outreaches of caring in partnership with Father Bill’s Ministries. To help with our monthly meal for the residents of MainSpring House, please contact Carol Smith at 781-563-0396. To help care for the residents of the new shelter at the Brockton Rodeway Inn, please call Kathleen Craig at (781) 735-6696.
Witness
One of the least reached people groups in our culture is the rising generation of youth and young adults. In addition to our contemporary service, we have programs for education and fellowship for children and teenagers. A brochure about these is included in this mailing. We need volunteers to assist with teaching and befriending, but we also need you to share this brochure with someone who could benefit by participating!
I encourage you to not allow our unfamiliar circumstances and restrictions interfere with the health of your soul. Indeed, there are fewer distractions out there! Take the time and go deep with God.
Hoping to see you on-line or in person, I pray that God will cover you with His
Grace & Peace –
(Rev. Dr.) Peter J. Smith, Sr. Pastor
First Congregational Church in Hanson
781-563-0397
psmith@fcchanson.org