Happenings August 4, 2020
What does the road ahead look like?

Pastor Jill will be away on sabbatical until September 2nd. While she is away, Julie Hannum will gather us together for Wednesday Coffee Hour,
while Belle Fox-Martin will lead us in worship.
To get the connections to both, please email Julie.

In the near future, we will be sending out a survey about the church's plans for "Phasing Forward" in the fall. More news about the survey next week.
Sheffield's Meeting House Needs You
It's easy to see how desperately our historic church building needs a new coat of paint and the reglazing of its windows. We are working toward raising $18,000 to make sure that Sheffield's old meeting house gets all the attention she richly deserves and we are getting closer to reaching our goal.

The church leadership realizes the economic impact on all of us during this difficult time, and our priorities remain caring for our neighbors but also require that we be good stewards of this old meeting house which rose up two hundred sixty years ago to become the center of the Town of Sheffield. Today, even during a pandemic, this landmark remains a symbol of community resilience and hope.

We continue to accept donations of any size from our members and friends for this essential painting/reglazing project, which will begin in late August or early September. Thank you for being part of this effort.

You may make checks payable to the First Congregational Church with painting in the memo line, and mail to PO BOX 387, Sheffield, MA 01257
Three Good Things revisited
Dear Friends,
Last week's letter from Jill, which focused on 'Three Good Things,' beckons us to take a look at this 3 minute video on 'Three Good things' at bit.ly/3gtdemo
Afternoon Iced Tea
Our virtual time spent together is critical, especially when we need to be so cautious about gathering in groups. Join us for our virtual Afternoon Tea next Wednesday. We'll begin the conversation and draw you in.
Please join us on Zoom and see what you are missing.
Email Julie if you are interested.

Wednesdays at 5:00pm
It's very hard to accept help
We know that this pandemic has had a devastating effect on people. We also know that it is very hard to accept help from others when you have always been self-sufficient. However, you have neighbors out there that want to make sure that you have the food you need.
This may be the time to reach out.
The Sheffield Food Program
at Old Parish Church may be just the thing you need.
Monday mornings. Safe protocols. Curbside pickup.

Please call 229-2624 to learn more.

If you are one of those neighbors who would like to help, you may make a contribution by clicking the button below.
Thank you for your constant support





We wouldn't be able to continue our ministries without your steadfast support.
Tithes and offferings are always welcome by mail:
PO Box 387, Sheffield, MA 01257
It's not possible...
It's not possible for kids to be together like this right now, but it is possible to see to it that they get enough to eat. Good health starts with keeping kids safe and well-fed. Our schools are working on safety and they also are supplying breakfasts and lunches each week. You can contribute by sponsoring one school family meal this week. Thank you to all of you who have been generously sponsoring meals during the spring and summer. Your help is appreciated greatly.

  • Call our neighbors at The Marketplace, 413-248-5040 ext 2
  • Order a School Family Meal and pay over the phone. (about $26 with tax.)
Sheffield Farmers Market is here for you!
Sheffield Farmers' Market: Fridays 3:00 - 6:00

pickles, jams, flowers, scrumptious pastries, spelt and sourdough bread, CORN, delicious take-home meals, locally raised meats, live entertainment, party boxes and extraordinary salts!

Come visit us!
We have new and safe ways for people to shop.
Please wear your mask.
August happenings

Pastor Jill will be on sabbatical August 3 - September 2.
Belle Fox-Martin will be leading our worship in August.

Sundays: Worship with us via Zoom at 10:00
Email Julie to join us:
Call Julie at 229-8980 for technical assistance.

If emergency pastoral care is needed in August,
please contact Pastor Erik Karas 413-248-1231.

Mondays: Sheffield Food Program: 229-2624
Wednesdays: Coffee/Cocktail Hour via Zoom 5:00
Fridays: School Family Meals program
Fridays: Sheffield Farmers' Market 3:00 - 6:00
We light the steeple for August
Hello to my dear friends at the lovely white church!
Please light the steeple in memory of

Sergei Mitchell Shapiro
and
Samuel Banks Shapiro

Bless you all -
Hilda
Try Instagram
It's hard to depict what is going on in this church in an age of social-distancing and masks. We're just not seeing very many people in-person. One highlight is that a church family has decided to Be the Church by helping a local farmer pick corn on the cornosaurus very early in the morning.
Much joy will be found if you connect with us in this way. See old friends that you might otherwise miss. Actually, some of our best photos appear only on Instagram. Click the button at the bottom of this page to get connected.
Old Parish Church
125 Main Street
PO Box 387
Sheffield MA 01257

413-229-8173 
 office@firstuccsheffield.org 
 grahamj@firstuccsheffield.org
visit our website

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.

We are an Open and Affirming Congregation
of The United Church of Christ

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