Happenings ... March 26, 2020
A message from the pastor
Once again this Sunday we will be reminded that Church is who we are, not where we are! You are invited to gather for ‘A Virtual Gathering of Sacred Conversation and Prayer’ via Zoom at 10:00am.

The link and/or phone number to join will come through email only, (feel free though to forward that email to others) as we have learned that posting it publicly carries new dangers. The worship participant list is expanding, and so is Pastor Jill’s ability to navigate this new platform, so if you have not yet participated and have not either received a link to date or the ‘join by phone’ information,

PLEASE email Pastor Jill at grahamj@firstucsheffield.org to be included in this week’s invitation to be sent out on Saturday afternoon.

Once again, our sacred space will be open by 9:45. Feel free to bring a cup of tea or coffee and a snack. While it is certainly a sacred gathering, yet it is also informal. 

Meeting virtually does not replace being physically together in the sacred space of the church sanctuary, however at least from my vantage point, being able to ‘see’ folks, to hear familiar voices, to meet new friends, and even reconnect with folks who now live far from Sheffield (like Maine, and Arizona!) has been a blessing beyond measure. 

Each day of this new adapted normal and the stress is surely brings, I am lifted by surprising gifts of love, beauty, courage, strength, joy and new gratitude…just to name a few!  As we all ‘Stay home and Stay Safe,’ remember to give a neighbor a call, pray for those who are sick with COVID-19 and those who are caring for the sick. Continue to support the exhausted and extraordinary medical personnel who sacrifice so much for all of us by maintaining physical distancing. And let us be present to the love that surrounds us giving thanks for the easy to overlook blessings right where we are.

Friends, be gentle with yourself. Find time to be outdoors. Breathe. Listen for the Holy…. Breathe…. Repeat.

With love, 
Pastor Jill
In these unprecedented times, finding new ways to remind ourselves to send in our weekly/monthly pledge offerings will take a bit of imagination and demand a new routine. Having the innocuous offering plate placed in front of us each week in the pew used to be a great reminder. For the foreseeable future, new creativity is called for. 

You could print the picture above and put it on your refrigerator…with a note “It’s Sunday, time to send in my offering” or your could sign up for Bill Pay through your bank. It’s easy. Pastor Jill even figured it out. Or you could drop it off on Tuesdays or Thursdays when Jean is in the office, though you’ll have to call the office (229-8173) upon arrival as the door is locked for health safety. 

What’s your creative reminder? Let us know. We’ll share it here next week. The ministries of this church depend on each other, now more than ever.
A time to be slow
 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

- John 14:27 
Old Parish Church
125 Main Street
PO Box 387
Sheffield MA 01257

413-229-8173 
 office@firstuccsheffield.org 
 grahamj@firstuccsheffield.org
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Our Identity Statement

We are a progressive Christian community where discovering God's presence, modeling Jesus' radical hospitality, and being a passionate voice for God's justice defines us.
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We are an Open and Affirming Congregation
of The United Church of Christ

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