He is the head of the body, the church.

He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent.

For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,

and through him to reconcile . . . → Read More: Pastor’s Message August 2010]]> He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

~ Colossians 1:17-20

Dear Friends,

Coming up on one year of ministry with you all at Wollaston Congregational Church, I address you as “Dear Friends” truly, sincerely.  You have invited me into your faithful work and shared with me your courageous spirit.  Through our ministry together you have become to me, dear friends.

On a Saturday in July I attended the funeral of a friend’s father in the morning and a friend’s baby shower in the afternoon.   As I walked through the events of this one day, experiencing the embrace of a grieving friend and the eager smile of an expectant mother, I was assured that the God of all endings must also be the God of new beginnings.  Death is God’s way of clearing out the old to make way for the new.

In many ways, this summer has been one of endings and beginnings for our congregation; endings that have cleared out the old to make way for the new.  The summer, I have always thought, is time set aside for transition.  Sunday School ended on Children’s Sunday in June, which was the very same day that Rev. MaryLou began her sabbatical.

I began as your Sabbatical Pastor, taking a hiatus from my role as Pastoral Resident for Turnaround Ministry.  Peter Johnston’s responsibilities for caring for the church building have ended as he looks toward beginning seminary and we have welcomed a new building supervisor to our staff, Brendon Collins.

Over these past three months, our Stewards have continued to meet on a regular basis and have taken new and spirited initiative to make improvements in the areas of the building, church finances, communication, and policies and procedures of church operations.

This month, and the coming year, promises to be filled with exciting new beginnings for our congregation.  On our September 12^th Rally Day worship service, we will be celebrating the return of our children to Sunday School and on the evening of Friday, September 17^th, we will gather for our annual block party on Winthrop Ave., the first Family Fun event of the year. September 19^th we will hear Rev. MaryLou break open the Word as we joyfully welcome her back from sabbatical.  I hope you’ll join us as we reconnect after the summer months of transition (and warm, beach weather!).

Faithfully,

Leanne

Our church’s Children’s Sunday is one of my favorite Sundays of the year.  We also call is Sundae Sunday because the children serve ice cream sundaes during coffee hour on this traditional day.  Children’s Sunday falls on June 13th this year, and after weeks of preparation, the children will lead the . . . → Read More: Pastor’s Message June 2010]]> My dear friends,

Our church’s Children’s Sunday is one of my favorite Sundays of the year.  We also call is Sundae Sunday because the children serve ice cream sundaes during coffee hour on this traditional day.  Children’s Sunday falls on June 13^th this year, and after weeks of preparation, the children will lead the entire worship service that day.

Our dedicated team of Sunday school teachers, under the direction of Lisa Hellmuth, have added to our children’s biblical understanding throughout the past year.  Watching the children grow in both size and faith has been especially satisfying as we work together to make our church a place of Christian nurturing for people of all ages, including all of the children in our care.  On behalf of our entire congregation, I extend  our thanks to all who have had a part in the growth of our children in this past year.

In these past few weeks, we have walked with Leanne Walt through her Ecclesiastical Council, one of her final steps before her ordination into ministry.  We also heard and affirmed Peter Johnston’s call to enter seminary in the fall. And together, we are celebrating with Jane MacIntyre, our first Field Education student (2004-2005), who will be ordained at Christ Church United Church of Christ in Brockton, on Saturday, June 12^th at 3:00 in the afternoon.

As we close up another academic year and enter into the Season of Pentecost in our church, I am especially grateful for my upcoming sabbatical.  I have begun collecting books to read and places to visit during this time of renewal that you have given me.

I will keep you all in my prayers while I am at rest and ask you to keep me in yours.  See you in September!

Have a wonderful summer!

Blessings and peace,

Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Gifford

Effective communication is key to the success of any organization. The United Church of Christ, with its main setting in Cleveland, Ohio, is dependent on all of our state offices to communicate, in turn, with each regional minister, and then to each local church. Each local church, as a member of our . . . → Read More: Pastor’s Message May 2010]]> Dear friends,

Effective communication is key to the success of any organization. The United Church of Christ, with its main setting in Cleveland, Ohio, is dependent on all of our state offices to communicate, in turn, with each regional minister, and then to each local church. Each local church, as a member of our denomination, is asked to contribute to five mission funds each year, with the upcoming one being the “Strengthen the Church” fund.

As a nationally recognized turnaround church, also known as a “new and renewing congregation”, we are recipients of a significant grant from the “Strengthen the Church” fund, which our state conference has matched. Spread out over the twelve months, the other four national mission fundraisers are “One Great Hour of Sharing”; “Neighbors in Need”; “Our Church’s Wider Mission”; and the “Christmas Fund”.

You will be happy to know that for this year’s “Strengthen the Church” offering, our own church and our turnaround story is being highlighted as one of only three churches around the country as a renewing congregations. Ours is such a hopeful story that is an inspiration for congregations in need of renewal. Enclosed you will find a flyer, produced by our national staff, announcing this offering along with a story about us! Many of you will recall the photographer who came to capture our Sunday school children preparing for the Christmas pageant last December. It was a good thing she came to the dress rehearsal, because you will also remember that we got snowed in on Christmas Sunday and didn’t actually hold the pageant until the first Sunday in January!

Many photos were taken of the children. The one you see on the flyer was selected by one of our national staff, Ms. Doris Powell, who felt that this photo captured the essence our who we are as a congregation today.

As your pastor, I am pleased to share this honor with you. What better day to take up this offering than Pentecost, the day on which we celebrate the Holy Spirit! We will take up our offering for the “Strengthen the Church” fund on Sunday, May 23^rd during our 10:00am worship service.

Over a period of four years, our church has received $120,000.00 from the combined UCC’s “Strengthen the Church” national fund, and the matching grant from our conference’s Evangelism and Church Vitality’s Turnaround Church fund. All of this money has been used to strengthen our church as we build a new financial foundation for the future of our church.

Do you remember the story when Jesus healed the ten lepers, and only one came back to Jesus to say thank you and to praise God? Let us be the one who gives back in the “Strengthen the Church” offering to say thank you to Jesus and to praise God, too! The slogan for this year’s offering is “Share the Love!” Let us always be ready to share ours!

Peace in all things.

Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Gifford

The close of our Lenten journey this year reminds me that I will soon embark on a personal journey of my own. At our Annual Meeting this past January, you agreed that this summer is the time to grant me a time of rest, reflection, and renewal. I am preparing for a . . . → Read More: Pastor’s Message April 2010]]> Dear friends,

The close of our Lenten journey this year reminds me that I will soon embark on a personal journey of my own. At our Annual Meeting this past January, you agreed that this summer is the time to grant me a time of rest, reflection, and renewal. I am preparing for a three month sabbatical. After seven years of service here in our church as your pastor, I am ready to receive this special gift of time away for my own Sabbath, a time for personal renewal.

You have called Leanne Walt, our Pastoral Resident for Turnaround Ministry, to be your worship leader while I am away. She will also serve as your pastor in my absence. Leanne is a licensed pastor by the Essex Association of the United Church of Christ and therefore is able to administer the sacraments in the church. Peter Johnston, our Business Administrator, will continue to meet the administrative needs of the church. Marian Channon, our church’s Moderator, will also be here with you. I am confident that I am leaving you in very good hands. It is especially important that you continue to minister to one another in your daily lives and in the life of our community of faith.

After the Children’s Sunday service on June 13th, I will take my leave. Please take this early reminder that summer worship will begin at 9:00 am, beginning July 1^st. The

10:00 am worship hour will resume on September 5^th. I plan to return on Sunday, September 19^th,, well rested, and re-energized for the next steps of our journey together.

During the season of Lent, I have shared my dream with you that we can double our Easter Sunday worship attendance from last year. We have designed a very special postcard to help you invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to come and join us for the Easter activities at our church. Remember that our church is an Easter Church! We have been resurrected and given a new life to share. Surely, the presence of the Lord is in this place! Bring others so that they, too, will experience the Good News that Jesus Christ is risen, indeed! Our Children’s Choir will sing during the Easter worship service, letting their voices release the Alleluia’s into the air.

A new ministry is springing up in our midst, the Underground Café (aka our social hall). We are reaching out with Praise Music, Coffee, and Fellowship to those who might come to a Sunday evening service. Three such events are planned, with the first one beginning on April 11^th from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm. Paul Chambers will provide the music and inspiration on that date, we’ll provide refreshments, and God will turn those hearts to come and stay for a while. I hope you will think about coming and also who you can bring with you.

As I begin my preparations for sabbatical, I hope that you will remember me in your prayers, and please be assured that I continue to hold you in mine.

Peace to you.

Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Gifford

We began the Lenten season once again with a Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday. Children and adults enjoyed the dinner, as well as the traditional “pancake toss” game, won by Clare Doherty and Ryan Messing. We moved outdoors to burn our palms from last year and make them into ash for our . . . → Read More: Pastor’s Message March 2010]]> Dear friends,

We began the Lenten season once again with a Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday. Children and adults enjoyed the dinner, as well as the traditional “pancake toss” game, won by Clare Doherty and Ryan Messing. We moved outdoors to burn our palms from last year and make them into ash for our Ash Wednesday service the next night.

Now that we have entered Lent, I wonder what kind of “fast” you will take up as you follow Jesus to the cross during this season, which will bring us into Holy Week and to Easter. Will you give something up that you enjoy during this time of reflection and self-denial? Or maybe you will take on a Lenten discipline that will bring you to a closer walk with Jesus?

Here is a suggestion I found in the Patriot Ledger last Saturday. “The Christian Relief and Development Agency, Tearfund” is encouraging a “Carbon Fast” for Christians as they begin lent.” A carbon fast can help us to face global issues. Consider the following earth-friendly actions that you can adopt and continue even when Lent is over.

• Have a technology fast: Spend a day without your TV, MP3 player, computer, and cell phone…
• Eat by candlelight.
• Go vegetarian.
• Curtail your purchases. Repair clothes instead of buying new ones.
• Pledge to walk or take public transportation instead of driving.

Peace to you in this Lenten time of reflection.

Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Gifford

Mid-January seems to have become my customary vacation time over these years, and this year was no exception. I traveled to beautiful St. Thomas the first week of vacation and Mark and I enjoyed smooth plane rides there and back again, plenty of sunshine while we swam and snorkeled around the islands, . . . → Read More: Pastor’s Message February 2010]]> Dear friends,

Mid-January seems to have become my customary vacation time over these years, and this year was no exception. I traveled to beautiful St. Thomas the first week of vacation and Mark and I enjoyed smooth plane rides there and back again, plenty of sunshine while we swam and snorkeled around the islands, and beautiful sunsets over the beaches most nights. It has also been wonderful to have a second week at home to get caught up on household stuff as I prepare for the coming months at our church.

So soon after Christmas and Epiphany, it seems a bit out of sync that I’m already thinking about Easter., But, as you know, the liturgical calendar guides us from one season in Christ’s life to the next year after year. But before I move too quickly into Lent and Easter, let me invite you to pause and reflect on the past year of our church life together.

Our worship services, combining both tradition and innovation, our solid Christian education programs, our increased stewardship, and further building repair and renovation development, as well as the exceptional mission activities of our members all give us so many reasons to feel good and confident about the future of our church. I am reminded of the story between Moses and Joshua. Although Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land, he never entered it. He was only shown glimpses of it. Joshua, Moses’ successor, was the one who helped the people settle their new homeland. It was Joshua’s call from God to organize the people, to help them develop governance, divide the land, and establish worship spaces for God. This was no easy task, as this new generation had been raised among those who wandered in the desert with Moses for forty years. They had only known a nomadic life, so settling was new to them.

Our congregation is made up of long-term members, and those who have become a part of our community of faith over the last six years, coming together to worship God. Many who are still newer have heard about the sense of wandering in the desert that was experienced amongst our congregation in years gone by. You have all entered a time of Joshua ministry in which it is this generation of worshippers who are called to establish new governance, divide the tasks, and establish worship spaces for God in this new church and in our lives. May this year ahead be one in which we prosper together through all of the seasons.

Blessings, Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Gifford

I hope your Christmas was filled with the celebration of the birth of Christ in your homes and in your hearts. I want to thank all of you who have given your time and talent to make our Advent season at our church so alive this year! The Children’s Christmas pageant . . . → Read More: Pastor’s Message January 2010]]>
Dear friends,

I hope your Christmas was filled with the celebration of the birth of Christ in your homes and in your hearts. I want to thank all of you who have given your time and talent to make our Advent season at our church so alive this year! The Children’s Christmas pageant is such a highlight of the season and I am grateful to all who gave so much time to share the story of Christ’s birth with us once again. Our “Joy to the Earth” sessions were both a time of fellowship and a time to begin to practice in some of the “go green” areas we can by forming a Mug Club and become more serious about recycling in our church. (See the Going Green article further in this issue.)

I was listening to a radio show in my car recently and I heard a new term that peeked my interest. Normally, we talk about”attention span”, but this psychologist/researcher introduced a new term to me. It was “attention scope”. He was talking specifically about children and studying the results of children doing multiple things and having multiple thoughts at the same time. He was just reporting the study, but I began asking myself if we are we losing the value of concentrating on only one thing at a time? Are we asking too much of children to keep track of too many activities, too many interests, too much scheduling? Are we allowing them enough time to just breathe, to play with their imaginations, to discover the art of balancing silence and conversation, activity and stillness?

Attention span is the measurement of concentration on one thing for a length of time; attention scope is how many different things we can mentally hold onto simultaneously in our mind. One of my seminary professors gave an example of being able to hold five thoughts in his mind at the same time. I’m not sure I am wired that way, are you? I find that when I have too much on my mind, too much activity competing for space in my mind, I have to sort it out, organize and prioritize where to spend my energy. Creating order out of this mental chaos is soothing to me and allows me to accomplish the things I’ve prioritized one at a time. In this way, I can feel satisfied in that one thing and breathe a little before moving on to the next item on my list.

If you are like me, then you need to empty your heads of thoughts some times as well. If you resonate with I’m saying, perhaps you would like to begin practicing that stillness with me in meditation or a prayer practice, to allow ourselves to hear that still small voice within, that still speaking God, saying, Be still and know that I am God. If a few of you speak with me about this stillness, sharing my need for quiet space, we could sit and meditate together. The world is noisy. Let’s become quiet together and hear what God is saying to us. Let me know if you are interested.

Peace and stillness to you,
Rev. Dr. Mary Louise Gifford