THE HERALDUnited Church of Christ Second Congregational of Westfield

From the Pastor,“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will

youhide your face from me?” - Psalm 13:1

For the July/August Herald, I opened my article with that short

piece of scripture, and ended the piece with a quote from the 46th

Psalm - “Be still and know that I am God.”

At that time, we’d been dealing with the pandemic for four months,

and it seemed that by the end of the summer, doctors and scientists

would know more about Covid-19 and armed with that

information, we’d have a blueprint for moving forward.

Here we are two months later and the questions still outnumber the

answers. Schools are struggling to find ways to open safely. Next

Volume 52 • Number 8 • September 2020

door, Westfield State University has delayed in class learning until

at least September 29th.

Here at Second Church, we show our love for God by keeping

everyone safe. That means that services and meetings will remain

outside and/or online for the foreseeable future.

Remember that “church” is not the building. In the New

Testament, when the word for “church” is used, in every single

instance it is used to mean the people and the good works that

believers are called to do.

We know that masks work and that precautionary use of

quarantines will keep people safe. I just returned from Rhode

Island where my family and I rented a house for a week. For the

entire week, I wore a mask when I was away from the rented

house, and I didn’t say more than a sentence or two to those people

who weren’t family members. Even the owner of the house

communicated with us remotely by text. I’m 100% convinced that

I was not exposed to Covid-19 while I was in Rhode Island, but

mask-wearing and precautionary quarantines are meant to keep

everyone safe. Is being in quarantine an inconvenience for this

outgoing extrovert? Yes! But as Christians, we’re called upon to

work for the greater good. I’ve spoken with parishioners by phone

and on Zoom; I’ve emailed and texted. I’ve even ordered groceries

online and had them delivered to the parsonage. Keeping everyone

safe is of utmost importance to each and every one of us.

What else can we do during this uncertain time? We can

financially support the church as much as we are able to do so. We

can continue to reach out to others by phone, mail and/or the

internet. When a group is physically together, we can bring our

own chairs and maintain physical distancing. In everything, we are

to demonstrate that we are Christians by showing love. For

instance, there are ways of reminding people to use masks and

hand sanitizer without public shaming. If someone isn’t wearing a

mask, and you want to offer them one, we can do so one-on-one so

-2-

we don’t embarrass anyone. If we disagree with what a person says

or does, we can disagree in a way which exudes love and

gentleness. This is a scary time for all of us. Sometimes, when

anxiety bubbles up, we forget that we’re all in this together, and we

forget that Jesus calls us to love one another.

Remember the words of the song, “…yes, they’ll know we are

Christians by our love.”

With You On The Journey,

Pastor Barb

UPDATE ON RE-OPENINGAt the July 30 meeting of the Re-opening Committee it was

decided that church Sunday services would continue to be held

outdoors as lng as the weather permits. (Pray for a warm fall, well

into October) Services will also continue ro be available on

YouTube. No indoor services are planned at this time.

Rich Foley, Moderator

-3-

A NOTE FROM SAFE CHURCH REGARDING

COVID 19 AND RETURNING TO CHURCH

Hi everyone. As you know many people in the church

including Safe Church (myself, Deb and Dave Woodford), Pastor

Barb, Jen Thielen and Christian Ed, Rich Foley (Moderator), and

the Re-Opening Committee have been working tirelessly in the

past months to ensure our church family and congregation remains

safe during this pandemic. I want to emphasize that this has not

been an easy task. Please know that every decision that is made is

done so with the utmost care and concern for every member of our

congregation as well as those who use our church building and

property for other needs. As we all go forth in this endeavor we

ask that you keep the following in mind.

1. There is no way to ensure the overall safety of our

congregation and community until there is a trusted

vaccine!

2. In person worship in sanctuaries is one of the types of

gatherings that is most likely to spread the infection.

a. In an enclosed room over a length of time the

airborne viral particles can reach every corner. 6

foot or 12 foot distancing will not prevent this.

b. Speaking, praying and singing aloud propels the

virus even further than just breathing.

c. Common surfaces abound.

d. We know that people can be carriers of the virus

without symptoms

3. We still don't know everything about this disease and how

it impacts all ages. New information is coming out daily.

-4-

This makes it hard to predict trends, safety measures and

phases.

4. Our congregation is comprised of those who are most

vulnerable to COVID.

5. An outbreak in our church impacts the community at large

and the capacity of our healthcare system.

We will be following CDC, Massachusetts State, Local

Guidelines and UCC guidelines which include the

following:

1. If you are sick or at risk in any other way please stay away.

2. If you are diagnosed with COVID 19 Follow Mass gov

state regulations regarding quarantine restrictions.

A. Stay at home for 14 days.

B. Do not attend worship services or any church

related event.

C. Also refrain from entering the building for other

purposes.

3. If you travel to an indicated “red state” or international

travel please follow the recommended MA state quarantine

guidelines

4. Outdoor services will continue in place as long as weather

permits. There will be no indoor services until doing so is

permitted by the state and local authorities. All other

services will be done via YouTube or on-line access.

Please call or refer to the church website

www.secondchurchwestfield.org regarding church service

cancellations.

5.

During outdoor services and when we return to indoor

-5-

services all parishioners and families will be required to

adhere to social distancing requirements.

A. 6 feet apart in all directions.

B. wear masks

C. bring your own chair (outdoor services)

D. Singing by the congregation is not allowed.

E. Bathroom use is limited. Please go before leaving

your home. Please use provided cleaning supplies

to wipe down all surfaces touched.

6. Sunday School, Youth Programs and Sunday Children’s

Message will be done via Youtube and other internet

means.

7. Entrance and exit to the church building can only be done

through the door closest to the Secretary’s (Liz) office.

8. The church is effectively closed for anything other than

regular church services, office use for Barb and Liz and

building use for current renters. Any other use of the

building during COVID19 must be approved by Safe

Church and Pastor Barb. If you have any need to enter the

building.for other activities, such as pastoral counseling or

other needs, please make arrangements ahead of time with

Pastor Barb or Liz Caron. Anyone who enters the building

must sign in outside of the Secretary’s office.

In closing, thank you very much for doing your part in

keeping our church community safe during this difficult

time. Please stay safe and healthy.

In God’s Grace

Safe Church Committee

Josh Gravel-Blaney (Administrator), Deb and Dave

Woodford

-6-

GREETINGS SUNDAY SCHOOL FAMILIES!!We are so excited to CELEBRATE WONDER with you!!Your Sunday School teachers have worked very hard findingan exciting and meaningful curriculum that will meet theneeds of every family! CELEBRATE WONDER will includepre-recorded lessons, presented by Ms. Nicole, DJ GrahamCracker and Jen! These videos will be available on YouTubeto watch at your convenience. Corresponding worksheets willbe provided on a monthly basis. Midweek, we will host a live,virtual engagement to discuss the lessons and review theworksheets! We will all be able to interact together (but on ascreen)!! Each family will be given a Bible story book and afamily activity pack, so you can grow your faith as a family!!Each student will also receive a custom-made CELEBRATEWONDER face mask!

Join us on FRESH START SUNDAY (September 13) for aSunday School Family Scavenger Hunt!! Sunday afternoon, yourfamily will receive “clues” to locations to pick up each componentneeded for virtual Sunday School. (Bible books, family activitypacks, one month supply of age appropriate supplementalworksheets and your custom face masks!!!) You will see a familiarSunday School face at every location!

Virtual Sunday School is set to launch on September 20.We can’t wait to start fresh with you!!

-7-

HELLO YOUTH GROUPERS!! We have been very missed in this challenging time! A bigcongratulations to our senior members, Jaylene Guerra andHadleigh Leclair for graduating with honors from WestfieldHigh School! And let’s also congratulate Devin Decoteau,Cooper Leclair and again Jaylene for making theirConfirmation!!

The youth group will be participating in a virtual platform onBible App. We will use the app on a 2 week rotation, givingus a chance to dive into the Word, and discuss it together!Look for texts with details and information.

Who’s says we can’t fellowship??!! Check out these events!!

-8-

MEET OUR 2020 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

It is my pleasure to let the congregation know about the five 2020

Second Church Scholarship recipients. The funds for the

scholarships are made available through the Roger C. Fischer Fund

and the Ferne E. Terwillinger Scholarship Fund. The Fischer Fund

is in memory of our previous pastor, Rev. Roger Fischer, and the

Terwillinger Fund is in memory of Ferne Terwillinger, who loved

music. She was a member of Second Church from 1920 to 1999.

I am quoting from the applications these amazing students wrote

themselves:

1. Jacqueline DeCoteau – Jackie is attending Holyoke

College. She recently became a CNA, and will continue to

work fulltime in her quest to become an RN. Over the

years, Jackie has been active in Youth Group, Vacation

Bible School, Crop Walk, and Strawberry Dinner. Jackie

has served on Christian Ed, and has been a Teacher’s

Helper, Sunday School Teacher, Liturgist, Acolyte, and

Sunday Morning Greeter. Jackie went through Sunday

School at Second Church and she was Confirmed here in

2017. Jackie said, “My major is nursing. I will use my

education to help as many people as I can. I have always

loved helping people and I feel as though nursing is the best

career for me.”

2. Jaylene Guerra – Jaylene just graduated from Westfield

High School and she will be attending Quinnipiac

University in Hamden, CT. Jaylene has been active in

Youth Group and was Confirmed here in 2020. Jaylene

wrote, “Second Congregational Church has been a huge

part of my life for the past five years. It became another

home, not just a spiritual home, a family.” Jaylen hopes to

major in Finance and to become a Financial Analyst.

-9-

3. Hadleigh Leclair – Hadleigh just graduated from

Westfield High School and she will be attending Hofstra

University in Hempstead, New York. Hadleigh says that

she will be double-majoring in Psychology and Spanish,

while also being part of the dual degree BA/JD program.

Hadleigh wrote, “I plan on becoming a family lawyer in

hopes of helping children and families. Hadleigh was active

in Youth Group, Christmas Pageants and Christmas Eve

performances. She served at Strawberry Dinners and she

served on Christian Ed.

4. Michael Lurgio – Michael is transferring from University

of Hartford to Springfield Technical Community College,

majoring in Radiologic Technology and Health Sciences.

Michael wrote, “I have assisted in groundskeeping of the

church and parsonage properties. I support the Missions of

Second Congregational Church.”

5. Patrick Lurgio – Patrick is attending Sacred Heart

University in Fairfield, CT, majoring in Finance and

Accounting. Patrick wrote, “I plan to use my financial

background in Real Estate as well as Real Estate

development.” Patrick said, “Amongst my brothers, I have

maintained the church grounds. I support the Missions

Committee.” Patrick hopes to graduate with his Bachelor’s

Degree in 2023.

Congratulations to these five wonderful scholarship recipients.

The Scholarship Committee is comprised of the Minister, the

Moderator, the Christian Education Director (or a representative in

this case because the Director was related to an applicant), and two

additional church members.

Thank you to the 2020 UCC Scholarship Committee – Rich Foley,

Harriet Fischer, Nicole Gravel-Blaney, Betty Sikes, and Lynda

Pierce. – Pastor Barb

-10-

4 James Kauffman

5 Rich Foley

Joe Storozuk

6 Peter Martin

7 Bill Hastings

Michael Lurgio

Patrick Lurgio

8 Hank Fiaccone

18 Amelia Gravel-Blaney

21 Patricia Sam

22 Ann Reichert

Patrick Jay

24 Howard Eberwein

25 Holly Walts

Deborah Woodford

27 George Janke

30 Richard Baldwin

A PRAYER FOR BACK TO SCHOOLAt the start of the school year, we are beginning something new

New things can be exciting

New things can be scary

New things can be wonderful

New things can be confusing

God, you are always with us

You are with us when things are exciting, or scary, or wonderful,

or eonfusing

You are with us every day

And all the time

God, please help us to feel your presence with us on the first day of

school, and every day. Amen

-11-

The United Church of ChristSecond Congregational

P.O. Box 814487 Western AvenueWestfield, MA 01086

The objective of the Herald is to bea communication and evangelism

tool for our membership, thecommunity, and Christ.

Church Staff & Hours:Rev Barbara Hesse, Pastor

Tuesday & Wednesday, 10:00-Noonor by appointment

Admin. Asst.: Elisabeth (Liz) Caron: 568-7557 Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri., 9:30-1:00

Office Closed MondayDirector of Children and Family Ministries

Jennifer ThielenYouth Director: Jennifer ThielenMusic Director: Karen Ducharme

Sextons: Forum HouseChurch Email: office@secondchurchwestfield.org

Web Site:www.secondchurchwestfield.org