June 2021 Beacon IN THE INTERIM - First Congregational Church UCC Harwich
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June 2021 Beacon
IN THE INTERIM
Despite the pandemic with its myriad support the Search Team’s recommenda-
complications, the time will come when tion and call for a special congregational
your Search Team will find a Candidate for meeting.
settled Pastor to propose to you. To sup-
port this point in the pastoral search pro- Exploring and discerning whether to vote
cess and the Search Team’s hard work, let for any proposed Candidate involves sim-
me share some thoughts, if I may. ilar responsibilities. Occasional shallow-
thinking might include that people find the
When your Search Team decides to pro- Candidate to be “nice,” “good-looking,” or
pose a clergy Candidate for your consid- reminiscent of a former pastor with whom
eration, they would already have received one had a good relationship. Instead,
several profiles (resumes). However, after sound reasons to vote for a proposed Can-
much prayer and discernment, they would didate should be that you, as a member
have narrowed down their list. When the of this congregation, decide that this Can-
time comes, the Search Team proposes didate is one whom you believe in good
that Candidate’s name to the Cabinet, conscience can lead this congregation into
along with a description of their process its future.
and reasons why this particular Candidate
appears to be their most promising S/he is the one who can accomplish mu-
choice. tually agreed-upon goals, as set forth in
the church profile, such as conducting in-
Reasons should include how over the next spiring worship, teaching a wide range of
decade, this Candidate is best prepared subjects, growing the congregation in
by temperament, experience, skills, talent numbers, partnering with members to do
and vision to lead this congregation to mission, and representing the church pos-
best minister in Christ’s name and yours. itively in the wider Cape community.
Members of the Cabinet have the respon-
sibility to ask constructive questions and As ours is a democratic, congregational
then vote their consciences on whether to church, affiliated with the United Church
1of Christ (with every member being in- build an open and honest relationship. Of-
vited to vote in person), the candidating ten, church folk think that this means not
process remains confidential in order to speaking up directly when a new Pastor
protect the Candidate’s and our privacy meets new people in a new church set-
until after the special meeting at which ting. To the contrary, everyone should be
the Candidate is voted on by church mem- encouraged to learn to communicate,
bers only. (This is indeed one of the priv- build trust and grow together.
ileges and responsibilities of member-
ship.) In my twenty years as an Interim, doing
the tasks described in my Covenant/Let-
During the weekend, challenging and so- ter of Agreement and preparing for a fu-
ber questions need to be asked between ture successful settled ministry, I have
members and the Candidate about why seen the full range of candidating and call-
s/he wishes to come to Harwich/Brewster, ing a Pastor.
and why s/he is a fit for First Church at
this time. Also, the church’s leadership Most have proven successful in that the
and the Candidate will have tentatively Pastor remained for many years after-
agreed on a Covenant/Letter of Agree- wards. Still, things do not always go as
ment with clear expression of mutual re- planned or hoped. I have been told by col-
sponsibilities including the cost of minis- leagues that at the end of candidating
try. Before the congregational meeting, fi- weekends, a few different Candidates
nal questions need to be aired so that withdrew as they did not experience spir-
nothing of importance is left until after the itual “matches” or the close votes did not
vote is counted. warrant their acceptances. Candidating is
a time of mutual examination and serious
Any self-respecting Candidate will expect discernment.
as many members as possible to attend
during the candidating weekend, as well I speak out of respect for our congrega-
as, regardless of what church By-Laws tional democratic process. Regardless of
prescribe, no less than a 90% positive for whom the Associate Conference Minis-
vote from the church’s membership in or- ter has done background checks, the
der to accept the Call. If and when the Search Team recommends to the Cabinet,
congregation votes to call their settled and the Cabinet presents to vote on at the
Pastor, it is understood that a religious special meeting, it is you, the church
Covenant is sealed between the two dis- members, who hold the power to discern,
tinct bodies, on the one hand, the congre- decide and vote whom to call to First
gation and, on the other, the clergy per- Church to serve in Christ’s name. It is not
son -- with Christ present. an easy decision.
If the vote is positive, the Interim Pastor When the time comes, I will hold this con-
begins to complete within a two-month gregation in prayer. You have a goodly
period her ministerial duties, then de- heritage on which to build with the contin-
parts. The settled Pastor would find hous- uing guidance of the Holy Spirit, and so
ing then starts the new ministry. much to offer to those around you.
Once the called Pastor settles in, it be- Grace, love and peace,
comes everyone’s responsibility to plan to Pastor Dianne
2FIRST CHURCH COVENANT
Bound together as a Christian Church, and depending upon the continued guidance of the
Holy Spirit to lead us, we covenant together to walk in all our ways, according to the rule
of the Gospel, in mutual love and respect to one another, to strive to carry out the teach-
ings of Jesus Christ, and to love the Lord our God with all our hearts and our neighbors as
ourselves.
PRAYER LIST
We encourage parishioners to call or email our Interim Pastor or office by midweek with any
new prayers so they can be printed and lifted up at Sunday worship.
Solace & Peace: Family of Emily Foster, Godspeed: Sally R and Gail J who have
the 580,000, who have succumbed to moved.
Covid-19 in the U.S., and the victims of re- Community & World: Our nation one year
cent gun violence and natural disasters. after George Floyd’s death; the hungry,
Healing & Comfort: K a y P , E m m a P , homeless, ill, unemployed, students, those
J u n e M c G ’ s b r o t h e r B r i a n , Char’s suffering from addictions, anxiety and de-
sons, DeeDee’s relatives Patsy and her pression, all medical staff, first responders
grandson Taylor, Joe B’s daughter- in-law and caregivers, victims of racism and gun
Ina and nephew Tom, S i r i B , violence, immigrants and children who have
Martha, Ardene J, Jack, Edie’s grand- been separated from their parents, a sus-
daughter Heidi, Mark C, Miles, Meghan tainable earth, and peace and justice in the
McN. US, Israel and Palestine, and around the
Joys & Celebrations: 2021 Graduates world.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Peggy Bordewieck
(October 22, 1925 – March 19, 2019)
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
SUNDAY SERVICES AT 10:30 am INDOORS
June 6 Second Sunday after Pentecost, including Holy Communion with Communion
Cups; followed by Annual Meeting
June 13 Third Sunday after Pentecost, including the Receiving of New Members,
Lisa Jacobs, Carole MacKenzie, Mark and Rhonda Paradis; Reception to
follow
June 20 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost recognizing Juneteenth
June 27 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost with Guest Preacher, Rev. Sally Norris, former
Pastor of the Orleans Federated Church
3SUNDAY LECTIONARY
It is our tradition to use the Lectionary, with designated Hebrew Bible, Psalm, Epistle and
New Testament readings, and the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible for our worship
services, with exceptions. Listed below are our Sunday lections for this month.
Parishioners find it useful to read these designated Scriptures in advance of our services
in order to familiarize themselves with the texts, and be more ready to hear our sermons and
participate in our worship. They also find it useful to study our Lectionary Guides when they
are available.
Sunday, June 6 Second Sunday after Sunday, June 20 Fourth Sunday after
Pentecost Pentecost
1 Samuel 8:4-11 [12-15] 16-20 [11:14-15], 1 Samuel 17: [1a, 4-11, 19-23] 32-49 and
Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 4:13-5:1, Mark Psalm 9:9-20 OR 1 Samuel 17:57-18:5,
3:20-35 10-16 and Psalm 133, 1 Corinthians 6:1-
Sunday, June 13 Third Sunday after 13; Mark 4:35-41
Pentecost Sunday, June 27 Fifth Sunday after
1 Samuel 15:34-16:13, Psalm 20, 1 Corin- Pentecost
thians 5:6-10 [11-13] 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, Psalm 130, 2 Corin-
thians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43
BIRTHDAYS IN JUNE
23rd Lynn Bitzer
28th Mary Ann Janick
MUSICAL NOTES
Community Vocal Concert on June 27 at 3:00 pm
We’re going to have a great concert on the folk, gospel, all kinds of styles. We had
27th at 3 pm, including the church choir, planned an outside concert, but we will see
the Harwich Women’s Chorus, and soloists if inside is possible at that time. The con-
from the church and community. Jazz, cert is free.
Church CD
4Our church CD is almost finished. Tom end of the CD are songs that Al Gausz wrote
Jahnke has worked on the liner notes and that were recorded at the Gaither Studios.
graphics. Marcia Hempel has put together They are with a professional band and
the music selections. The CD includes so- singer, and are fun to listen to. The CDs are
los by many church members, as well as free, but we would appreciate it if you could
duets, bell pieces, and choral music. At the send a little extra donation to the church in
exchange.
Young Singers
The Young Singers will meet, starting the group rehearsal. We plan to do a concert,
week after July 4th. Any young person be- as usual, in August. Please contact me if
tween 9-17 can join. The program involves you need more information.
individual vocal instruction as well as a
Choir break
The choir will rehearse on Wednesdays at welcome to work with me to find reper-
3:00 until July then have two months off. toire. Thank you, choir, for all your work
Any choir members, who would like to this past winter. Good job!
sing a solo or duet in July and August, are ~ Marcia
THE DEACONS’ DOOR
. . . is always open
“I will love the light, for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness, for it shows me
the stars.” ~ Og Mandino
This is a very thought-provoking line whose Your Deacons are here for you if you would
meaning may be elusive. Might it be that like to discuss something you care about
there is always hope with the light of God (or just want to have a cup of coffee).
no matter how “dark” life’s path may ap-
pear to be? God bless,
Your Diaconate
COVID-19 VACCINES
Harbor Health is offering two ways to sign up. https://bit.ly/HHTHVax this will bring you to a
This is the phone number for Harbor Health - call screen with dates and times. Click on a date, if still
1-888-503-0766 for an appointment. Or on your available complete information asked to schedule
computer, iPad, laptop, etc. log in to: an appointment.
5MISSION & OUTREACH
Habitat for Humanity Kick-Off in Harwich
On Monday, May 24th, Habitat for Human- and myself. Fifty others, including our
ity of Cape Cod (virtually) kicked off their own experienced Lynn Johnson and Town
build of six homes in Harwich on (Bob) Administrator Joe Powers supported the
Murray Lane. They introduced the six event.
families, who will help staff and volunteers
construct their future single homes. The Habitat Team called for volunteers on
Tuesdays and Saturday mornings for de-
Speakers included friends of revered Bob votions, snacks and working on site. Let’s
Murray of Habitat and HECH, Selectperson talk about our First Church Mission Board
Don Holwell, Land acquisitions leader -- with church volunteers -- scheduling a
Beth Wade, Harwich Housing chair Art time slot in the near future! Thank you,
Bodin, Construction director Bob Ryley, Lynn!
Site Supervisor Desmon McMahon, Volun-
teer coordinator Joanne Broderick, Com- ~ Pastor Dianne
munity relations manager Tara Cronin,
HARWICH CENTER CHANGES
In Harwich Center, please note recent im- the Town to aid the disabled and elderly, and
provements: the repainted white crosswalk be in compliance with the American Disabili-
between the church lawn and Broadbrooks ties Act.
House, the accompanying easements for
wheelchairs and walkers, the red painted Soon, we will add new parking signs in our
spaces that indicate where not to park in two church lots behind our meetinghouse
front of Broadbrooks and the church in order and up to the Rail Trail, as well as in our
to be able to see pedestrians, and some large Broadbrooks lot. These lots serve our church
square planters with annuals. members and friends, staff, Thrift Shop vol-
unteers and patrons, and church visitors.
These changes were made with a grant to Please use them!
Libby Arnold Stevens’
CORNER THRIFT SHOP
The Thrift Shop is open on Fridays, and Saturdays Volunteering at the Thrift Shop is an enjoyable way
from 10 am – 2:30 pm. We receive shoppers, ob- to contribute to the church and the community, as
serving strict pandemic guidelines, as well as drop-
well as a way to connect with members of the
off contributions of items, only during these hours.
church. If you would like to become a volunteer,
6please speak with any of these Board members: Ad- Lynn Carver.
elle Babin, Lynn Bitzer, Joyce Noyes, Sue Perry, or
~ Thrift Shop Board
ANNUAL MEETING
Following worship on June 6th,
the Annual Laws Revisions, which have been availa-
Meeting will be convened by the Modera- ble in both our meetinghouse and Broad-
tor in the sanctuary. Warrants have been brooks to allow members to process them.
posted. Please read -- before the Annual We wish to conduct our meeting in a
Meeting --your Annual Reports and By- thoughtful and timely way.
CABINET NOTES
May 22nd
Attended: James Mashoke, Moderator; Tom Pastor’s Report: Pastor Dianne submitted
Jahnke, Treasurer; Joyce Noyes, Trustees, her monthly report, as usual, but recused her-
DeeDee Dyer, Diaconate; Lynn Carver, self from this meeting.
Search; Betty Lou Hindle, Christian Ed. Rep;
Lorraine Frederickson, Mission/Outreach; Other business:
Nancy Segall, Fellowship
Discussed plans for our first inside church ser-
Opening Prayer: Jeep opened with a prayer. vice on Pentecost Sunday, May 23rd.
April Cabinet Report: Approved as written. By-Law’s revisions plans were made, including
three folders to look at in Broadbrooks, and
Nominating Report: Approved with com- printing copies for parishioners to read in ad-
ment/additions. vance of the Annual Meeting.
May Treasurer’s Report: Approved as writ- Annual meeting preparations for June 6th were
ten. discussed.
Board Reports: Cabinet had a closed meet- Respectfully submitted,
ing due to a report from the Search Committee. James Mashoke/ Moderator
Due to the type of meeting, reports were mini-
mal.
WHAT WILL BE YOUR LEGACY?
Have you thought about your legacy? When you in- to discuss this matter. Before the end of a fiscal year,
clude First Church in your will or estate plan, you it is possible to establish this lasting gift, earn a full
leave a lasting legacy. It reflects your values and en- tax deduction on the bequest amount, as well as re-
sures the continued mission of First Church in the tain some income from the funds during your life-
future. time.
To establish your legacy, please contact your attor- ~ Bob Buchanan, Trustee
ney and Tom Jahnke, the Treasurer of First Church,
Copyright First Church UCC of Harwich, MA
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