HORIZONS
May 2020
  Hingham Congregational Church, UCC
366 Main Street, Hingham, MA 02043
781-749-1276


Church photo
IN THIS ISSUE
Pastor's message
Christian Education
Prayer Requests
Save the Dates
Message from the Senior Pastor
 
Light in the Shadows
 
During this pandemic, we read the daily updates regarding the still-growing number of cases and the devastating death toll, especially in minority communities. We see pages and pages of death notices and obituaries in the Globe. We hear of incompetence in leadership and a lack of supplies. We see images of armed protesters entering the Michigan state house... 
 
And yet, we also read about heroic nurses and teachers and delivery people. We see leaders doing their jobs in the face of impossible odds. We hear of children and teens who are lightening the load for their neighbors. 
 
I believe that the gospel message fights despair in all circumstances. God is Love! And that means that deep within the heart of the Divine, there is a desire for our well-being and for joy in our hearts. 
 
I am collecting stories of compassion, generosity, and courage during this pandemic. Please email me at pastor@hccucc.com and I will post them on our website. We all need some hope right now and you can help provide it!
 
Please take care of yourselves and your neighbors. I am praying for you each day.
 
With Love,
 
Pete
 

Christian Education                                                  May 2020
 
Dear family and friends,
 
It has been about 6 weeks since we last had a 'normal' sort of week. Like some other people coping, I have, in a strange way, settled into this temporary normal. I miss all of you. I miss being out the world. I pray you all know Pete and I think about you constantly - you are held in both prayer and thought. I hope you reach out for support when you feel you need it and know you are not alone. Beyond the pastoral support, I hope even more we all are able to know that for all the struggles we have, God struggles with us. We are not alone. Sure, sometimes we will just be sad and angry - that's okay. For those moments we might find hope, I pray we might attempt to share it with a friend or family member.
 
In the past week few weeks, the impacts of COVID-19 in Massachusetts have been horrific. In communities of immigrants and those who are already more vulnerable, the impacts have been even worse. This week, our regional staff and pastors spoke about this: https://www.sneucc.org/newsdetail/conference-ministers-speak-out-on-racial-disparity-of-covid-19-impact-13650847
 
In our church the board of Outreach has been working diligently to provide support to communities most in need and I have worked with Hingham Hull Religious Leaders to get some supplies to towns like Hull, Quincy and Brockton. Pete is of course in on these efforts. Thanks to those who are joining in this important work. For those of us who have hope and strength, we must channel this not just for our current moment but for months and years ahead where we might work towards deep systemic changes. Our call, as Christians, is to stand by our neighbor with love and provide love. Our call is also to work towards justice.
 
For now, some of us simply lament. This is okay, of course. The technology at our disposal is helpful but only carries us so far. We miss seeing smiles at grocery stores; now we see masks. It is okay if we are simply lamenting. We must work through whatever feeling/s is/are our own.
 
If you yourself or your family is in need, please let us know.
 
So far our community has truly transformed to an online space but there is lots to think about: What will it be like when we do return? Will there be a limit on numbers? What will this mean for Church School? I assure you that myself, other church leaders and the board of Christian Education will be tackling these difficult questions in the coming days, weeks, and months.
 
The prayers Pete and me have been offering on Monday, Wednesday and Friday have been well received and we do encourage you to consider attending a meeting.
 
I understand that at least a few women are still waiting on refunds from the women's retreat. If you could, please let me know if you put in a request and still have not been reimbursed; please include our administrator too: churchoffice@hccucc.com .
 
I hope you will let me know if you'd like to connect via phone, facetime or zoom. I am happy to set up meetings during this trying time.
Sending peace,
Rev. Sara
 
 
A message from our Moderator:  
The arrival of spring makes it hard not to feel hopeful. These last few days have felt like mother nature is working her hardest to bring us joy. Somehow every year, spring is a reminder of the hope of new beginnings, as ancient trees blossom and perennials dare to sprout in faith; through the cold damp soil, they find the sun. New beginnings, yet there is nothing new about spring - it happens every year!

These last couple of months have felt like a strange time of dormancy. We have all hunkered down, and we miss our sense of freedom and security. In winter, it is easy to forget those plants and all their glory. We might not see each other right now, but love and energy still live strong within us and surround us. The love we feel each week in the sanctuary at HCC reaches far beyond its walls, and I am grateful to know you are all out there. The arrival of spring makes me feel impatient to get back to the way things were, but it also serves as a reminder that the time will come, and it will be beautiful!              
HCC Virtual Coffee Hour Sundays at 11:00 am
 
      Check TW@HCC or the website for a new link each week. 

Within the Shelter of GUILD Consignment Center
 
Regrettably, the Consignment Center will be closed for the remainder of the season.

While state mandates and timelines are uncertain, we cannot invite the public into our building, nor enforce social distancing protocols, and must protect our volunteers who find themselves in categories of specific high medical risks.
 
We have been able to make use of this sheltering time to consider ways to improve our
business practices and site. Last month, a consultation with HCC Trustees and Glynn Electric resulted in the installation of energy-efficient light fixtures at the top of the Pleasant Street staircase; these fixtures are activated by a motion sensor on the staircase and will allow lighting through Hale Hall en route to the first floor rest rooms. Because Glynn Electric was instrumental in the recent HCC renovation, their electrician had knowledge of the electrical system that allowed him to make a simple and effective addition without impairment to surface walls. Thank you, Bill from Glynn!
 
Traditionally, May is the month of proms, graduations, and school festivities. We will miss the young customers who shop for party dresses, try on sandals, or prepare to furnish college dorms. A different resource that is now available for students can be found at GoPeer.com. 
Not trends, but tutors! College students are working in collaboration to provide free and/or low cost online tutoring sessions for K-12 students. This could be useful if you are working to bolster year-end grades, complete an AP class, or prepare for college placement in the fall. Not as much fun as a Prom, but you'll be dancing when you succeed!
 
The door remains closed, but our hearts remain open.
 
Attention Seniors of Hingham: 
The Hingham Link is available to help in anyway they can.
Need any kind of assistance:   https://www.hinghamlink.com/needhelp 
People can also e-mail us at  HinghamLink@gmail.com or call us at (781) 908-0590. 
GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK:
             HINGHAM WATER RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE
In case you missed the Hingham Journal's article last Thursday, our water company has announced the start of its outside watering restrictions.
EVEN numbered and NO NUMBER addresses may use sprinklers only
                SUNDAYS and WEDNESDAYS before 10:00AM or after 6:00PM. 
ODD numbered addresses on SATURDAYS and TUESDAYS - same times.
HAND-HELD watering may be done at any time. We love our green lawns, but they can stay green with 2ce-a-week watering.

"USE WISELY..."  HELP US CARE FOR OUR FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT BY REDUCING WASTE.
REDUCE - REFUSE - REUSE - RECYCLE - REPAIR - REPURPOSE - ROT(compost)  


              Please keep in 
                                     your prayers...  
 
  • People in abusive households
  • Alana Snyder's sister, Kim
  • Sarah England's daughter and son-in-law, Audrey and Tom, who lost their home to fire. Prayers for wisdom and stamina.  
  • Breanne Garland's grandmother, Mary Souther, who is in the hospital.
  • Deb Redmond's mother, Jane.
  • Pete Allen, whose mother died recently 
  • Frank Burr, whose father died recently
  • Wilzor Exantus, our Facilities Manager, who has a badly sprained ankle  
  • All brave essential employees
  • Candy Heath's sister and brother-in-law, Marylin and Brad
  • Rod Ells, Pat's husband 
  • Philip Sullivan, whose mother died
  • Chris Kungie, Eileen Hurchins's husband (who is home from the hosital) 
  • Allan Bacon, Carolyn Antoine's brother
  • Peter Edson
  • Family and Friends of Betty Hulbert who died recently
  • Tom Hulbert
  • Don Geissow, David's brother
  • Vic Soldat, Nancie Mooney's brother 
  • Children and youth with atypical routines at this time, especially those with food insecurity 
  • Suzy Burba and Winston Janusz, approved for ordination, pending call
  • Daryl Denelle, seeking ordination
  • All those affected by the corona virus in the world.

HCC CALENDAR :
May 4
 7:00 pm
 7:30 pm
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973
Board of Trustees via zoom
May 6
 7:00 pm
 7:30 pm
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973 
Board of Christian Education via zoom:
May 7
 9:00 am
Growing in Faith Together (G.I.F.T.) via zoom
 
 7:00 pm
Board of Deacons via zoom
May 8
 7:00 pm
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973
May 10
10:00 am
Sunday Worship via Facebook live and Youtube

10:30 am
'Church School' for young children of HCC via zoom:

11:30 am
'Church School' for older children & youth of HCC via zoom:
May 11
 7:00 pm
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973
May 13
  7:00 pm
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973

 7:30 pm
Board of Outreach via zoom
May 14
 9:00 am
Growing in Faith Together (G.I.F.T.) via zoom
May 15
 7:00 pm
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973
May 17
10:00 am
Sunday Worship via Facebook live and Youtube

10:30 am
'Church School' for young children of HCC via zoom:

11:30 am
'Church School' for older children & youth of HCC via zoom:

  6:30 pm
Confirmation via zoom
May 18
 7:00 pm 
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973
May 20
  7:00 pm
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973
 
 7:30 pm  
Executive Council via zoom
May 21
 9:00 am
 Growing in Faith Together (G.I.F.T.) via zoom
May 22
 7:00 pm
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973
May 24
10:00 am
Sunday Worship via Facebook live and Youtube
 
10:30 am
'Church School' for young children of HCC via zoom: 
 https://zoom.us/j/769633371

11:30 am
'Church School' for older children & youth of HCC via zoom:
May 25
 7:00 pm
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973
May 27
 7:00 pm
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973
May 28
  9:00 am
Growing in Faith Together (G.I.F.T.) via zoom
May 29
 7:00 pm
Evening Prayer with Pastors via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84419950973
May 31
  10:00 am
Sunday Worship via Facebook live and Youtube

  10:30 am
'Church School' for young children of HCC via zoom:
 https://zoom.us/j/769633371

  11:30 am
'Church School' for older children & youth of HCC via zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/825542267





SAVE THE DATE!
Aug 28

Taste of Hingham not via zoom
 
Please contact the church office if you have any questions or changes to the above 
 
   Wishing a happy May birthday to our HCC family:
1
Valentina Scappini
12
Logan King
25
Todd Anderson
3
Wendy Wilson
15
Steph Schlosky
 
Will Austin
Lauren Cosulich
17
Steve Waynen
26
Sophie Nash
4
Sara Warwick
18
Rosemary Arthur
 
Giorgio Scappini
5
Lincoln Rathnam
 
Barbara Wollan
 
Sydney Boer
Nicolas Pinto
19
Eric Peterson
27
Nancy Hansberry
 
Cullen Moriarty
20
Dave Thorell
28
Lars Rasmussen
 
Lynn Mayo
21
Vivian Stoeckle
 
Addy Stupin
6
Paul Rasmussen
22
Reed Schilb
30
Kyle McCaig
 
Trevor Hale
23
Spencer Havens
31
Nancy Vialle
7
Nancy Ham
24
Elly Hughes
 
 
 
Carolyn Antoine
 
George MacKay
 
 
9
Hope Rathnam
 
Caroline Gillig
 
 
 
Wishing a happy May anniversary to:
     May 18    Michael & Ruth Whitner                    May 26   Peter & Tracy Allen
     May 21    Robert & Karen Hale                         May 26   Jason & Rachel Scott
     May 25   Jeff & Susan Johnson                       May 31    Paul & Janet Cappers