EventsNewsandAnnouncements

First Congregational Church, U.C.C., One Church Street. South Hadley MA 413-532-2262

Bible Study ...

People sometimes think that Bible Study is for those who are familiar with the Bible already - so far from the truth. Bible Study is for everybody! Recently we welcomed a parishioner who knew almost nothing about the Bible though she is a lifelong church person. She's having a great time! We all are! Join us!

... meets Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Reception Room.

Chapel Renovation Complete

The wall-to-wall carpet has been installed so the chapel renovation is now complete. The chapel may now be used for variety of purposes: activities, meetings ,worship and prayer, socializing, ceremonies and as a learning center. The pews may be removed at any time to create a large space. They can be stored in the hallway between the chapel and the Music Room. A couple tables will be brought up from Fellowship Hall and steel chairs are available next door in the Music Room.

Associated Flooring installs the new carpet in the renovated chapel. Framed posters on loan from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music hang on the wall.

Did you know that Center Church ministers and deacons host a worship service once-a-month at the Wingate Community? These services are usually about 30 minutes, include a couple hymns, a reading from Scripture, a homily and prayers. There are usually around a dozen attendees. Below are pictures of some of our Wingate friends during the October service when Bobbie Ayers and Randy Purinton were the hosts...

Reading Fellowship Group! The Center Church book discussion and potluck group continues! The books we read will be shorter and we will make every attempt to avoid having to require members to buy each book. The group meets in parishioners' homes from 6:30 - 8:30 and potluck is the custom. Books will be of contemporary spiritual interest. A person may enter the group at any time. Next gathering Wednesday, September 10 at Cindy's house (call the church for more information). Join us!

The Osteoperosis exercise class directed by both Bobbie Ayers and Betty Innocent is a great success and has around a dozen people - men and women - participating each week. The class meets Monday evenings at 6:15 - 7:00 or so.

This might be a portrait of our second minister, Rev. John Woodbridge, but we're trying to confirm his identity. We'll let you know.

Christian Education and the Activities Committee are organizing an after-church pilgrimage to Rev. John Woodbridge's grave on September 14, 2008. He's buried in Evergreen Cemetery a short distance away - maybe a half-mile, tops - from Center Church. Schedule for the event is as follows: Luncheon of stew and soup after church, Proceed to Evergreen Cemetery for dedication of Larry Graham Memorial and visit to gravesite of Rev. Woodbridge, proceed to Rawson House and the Sycamores for a guided tour. Transportation will be provided for those not wishing to walk.