First Churches
Northampton
APRIL 2014
Pastor’s Page
Important Dates
Apr 12th Heifer Farm Trip
Apr. 13th Palm Sunday
Apr. 17th 730pm Maundy
Thursday Service
Apr. 20th EASTER
Apr. 27th Cantata
Crop Walk
Moderator………. Pg. 2
Holy Week………. Pg. 3
Choir Loft……….. Pg. 5
Missions…………. Pg. 4
Christian Ed……..Pg. 5
While exploring my prayer life during Lent, I’ve come to an
important conclusion-I am not very good at this. Martin Luther is
famous for commenting, "I have so much to do today that I'm going
to need to spend three hours in prayer in order to be able to get it
all done.” This sounds unrealistic and leaves me feeling terribly
guilty and inadequate. I do spend a good amount of time in various
spiritual practices. I ponder my sermons and read; I journal; and
spend most of my time thinking about church, theology and the
Bible at some level. I often tell people that I will “keep them in
prayer,” and I keep a prayer list. But as we have engaged in
meditative time during our Tuesday night Lord’s Prayer group and
our Sunday guided meditations during the Prayers of the People, I
realize I’m missing a deeper practice of settling down with God and
creating sacred space. Yes, I am talking and listening, but not really
communing.
Christians are not as visibly engaged in prayer as some other
religions. Members of the Tuesday night group noted Buddhists
practice their faith mostly by engaging in mindfulness meditation.
Many Muslims pray during the five daily set aside times-you can
even see cab drivers double parked while kneeling on the prayer
mats. Roman Catholics have Rosaries and more frequent Masses.
As progressive Protestants, we have our weekly liturgies together,
but we seem more comfortable with action than prayer. We may
point the numerous times biblical prophets demand justice rather
than piety. As Amos famously put it:
I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your
solemn assemblies….
Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to
the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:21-24
While it is true that praying while ignoring or participating in
injustice is hypocritical, I wonder if justice and social change
are possible without experiencing the love and awe of the God that I
believe is the ground of our being.
John Dominic Crossan puts it more bluntly in his new book The
Greatest Prayer:
If you have prayer without justice or justice without prayer, my
understanding is that you have neither-no justice, and no prayer either.
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So I am compelled to re-evaluate Martin Luther’s church management philosophy of needing to
pray more to get things done. Organizational management guru Peter Drucker says every leader
should write down how they really use their time during a week, and see if it matches with the
organizational goals. I am starting that today fully expecting to be out of whack. How will prayer
shape ministry, the church, the work of justice and peace, our families and our character? Can we
continue to be good doers and poor prayers? Stay tuned and feel free to join me and talk with me as
I explore viewing prayer and the most powerful and efficient use of my
 Pastor Todd 
Holy Week Services
At First Churches
Palm Sunday- April 13th
Blessing of the Palms @ 9:30 amPlease join us at Pulaski Park on Main St. next to the
Academy of Music to begin the processional.
Worship @ 10amYou are welcome to start in the Sanctuary and listen to the
Prelude while waiting for the procession of the palms to
begin.
Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service
April 17th @ 7:30Walk with Jesus through is final steps through music,
song and candlelight.
Good Friday Service
In Progress!!!
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Greetings First Churches!
How wonderful to finally see spring arriving - albeit slowly... it's
been a long winter. As we start a busy April - with Holy Week and
our Tiffany window project to name two, I thought it would be a
good idea to reflect on a few points that Todd discussed during a
recent service regarding the Tiffany window process. These are
important ideas to keep in mind as we move forward together,
and to share with individuals outside our congregation who've no
doubt read about the issue in local media.
Since our vote to explore the selling of the Tiffany window (for the
purpose of paying off the mortgage payment from our last capital
campaign), we have appointed three extremely capable people to
help us move forward - Marcia Kennick, Lora Wondolowski and
David Entin. Their first major task is to work with the
Massachusetts Historic Commission (MHC) to apply for this
change to our building. This application is necessary because we are required to work
collaboratively with the state (with whom we entered into an agreement in 2009 in order to receive
funding for the campaign). Many of you saw the recent articles in the Gazette and Valley Advocate
(links below) and some clarification may be helpful.
1. The state, not the city, holds the preservation restriction.
The City of Northampton has said they do not have jurisdiction, although the window sale may
influence further funding decisions. The city gave us $250,000 for the roof and the state
contributed $70,000 to the campaign. While we are extremely grateful for the governmental
support, none of this funding was for window restoration, and the rest is mostly on us.
2. Our process has been and will continue to be open, transparent and thorough.
We did this together with a series of listening sessions, followed by a strong vote of more than 80%
approving this direction. We will continue to welcome questions and work collaboratively together
and with our community.
3. We are making this move not out of weakness, but from a position of strength.
We are recovering from a major structural disaster, but we do have a balanced operating budget...
it's the debt from the capital campaign that is our most pressing financial problem, and which the
sale of the Tiffany window will help resolve.
We so appreciate your support and prayers as we continue on this path. If you have any questions
or comments, please feel free to reach out to Todd or myself.
Blessings,
Donna O'Meally
First Churches Moderator
donnaomeally@gmail.com
Suitcase Project:
The Suitcase Project serves children in transition in
the Department of Children’s Services. As children
move from one home to another, they need duffle
bags, backpacks, or small suitcases to move their
belongings, as well as toiletries, pajamas, and other
items of clothing. The program serves children from
infancy to young adults. We will collect items in
Lyman Hall throughout the month, and we thank you
in advance for your generosity.
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LINKS TO ARTICLES ABOUT THE TIFFANY WINDOW SALE:
Daily Hampshire Gazette - March 19th
"Northampton's First Churches may sell
valuable Tiffany window; Historical
Commission, city CPA funds complicate sale"
(See First Churches FaceBook page)
Valley Advocate - March 19th
Within "News Briefs"
http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?ai
d=17709
Daily Hampshire Gazette - March 26th
"Editorial: The First Churches and an historic
bargain with a stained-glass window"
http://www.gazettenet.com/search/1132163
0-95/editorial-the-first-churches-and-anhistoric-bargain-with-a-stained-glass-window
April News from the Board of Missions
One Great Hour of Sharing
During the month of April, the Board of Missions will receive an offering for One Great Hour of
Sharing. One Great Hour of Sharing, as part of our Church’s Wider Mission, is the special offering
that carries God‘s message of love and hope to people in 138 countries. The offering also allows
both denominations to work with international partners to provide sources of clean water and food,
education and health care, small business micro-credit, emergency relief, and advocacy and
resettlement for refugees and displaced persons. OGHS also supports domestic and international
ministries for disaster preparedness and response. Thank you for your generous support of this
ministry.
Crop Walk
is Coming
on April
27th!
Our congregation has the opportunity to
change people’s lives by participating in the
CROP Hunger Walk, which helps Church
World Service solve hunger for good, both in
our community and around the world. We are
a loving congregation who believes no one on
earth should suffer from hunger, and we
aren’t afraid to do something about it.
It’s easy enough to hand out food so that no
one will go hungry, but that won’t solve
anyone’s hunger for good. That’s why our
congregation supports Church World Service
through the Crop Hunger Walk. By walking,
we’re not only helping people have enough to
eat in the short term. We’re also helping
communities solve chronic hunger through
education and community development
programs. We plan a two-mile walk around
Northampton starting at 12:15 PM. We plan
to return to First Churches after the walk for a
light lunch. We hope that you will join us – by
raising funds and walking with us on April
27th or by sponsoring a walker at
crophungerwalk.org. Let’s make sure people
will always have enough food, shelter and safe
drinking water, today and for a lifetime. Some
of the proceeds will fight hunger here in our
community, while we also support the work of
Church World Service around the globe. We
will have materials available after church on
Sunday for those who want to walk and/or
raise funds for our Walk. We’ll also have
instructions about how you can raise money
online –it’s a really easy, fun way to get friends
and family from all over the world involved in
this important work. Stop by and talk with
us!
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: UPCOMING DATES
Saturday, April 12th- Heifer Farm
Field Trip
Our group of 20 will be departing from
the church at 8:30am on the morning
of Saturday, April 12th. It is about a 11/4 hr. drive. We'll discuss our mission
work with Heifer International, then
tour the facility and learn about their important work to end hunger and
poverty, & empower farmers throughout the world. We will see you all there!
Sunday May 4th, Graduation / End of Season
Breakfast
9am - Lyman Hall
- Come before worship, & celebrate with us!
- Contributions & volunteers welcome
- Contact Ann Rasmussen to RSVP ajabu@charter.net
From pre-school to post-graduate, come celebrate
everyone in our community who is moving up or moving on! We'll also reflect
on another season of CE programs at First Churches and honor those who
participate in our classes, activities & events.
Rainbow Room Needs a Changing Table
Do you have a gently-used changing table at home? Please consider donating
it to the rainbow room. The one we have has reached retirement age and
needs replacing. Please see Bernadette on Sundays, or contact any member of
the CE board if you can help.
Thank you very much!
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FROM THE CHOIR LOFT
Since early January the choir has been hard at work on a
cantata that we are planning to offer on April 27. We have
postponed it from our usual end of March date due to the
interference of winter storms with our rehearsal schedules
and the preparation that was required for the joint March
2nd service.
We will once again be singing with the Williamsburg
Congregational Church choir under the direction of
Gretchen Burdick. Gretchen is a member of our
congregation, so it’s always a special pleasure to have her
choir join us. Cindy Naughton (flute), Abby Adams (violin) and Sally Bagg (cello) will be our
instrumental accompanists.
This year we will be singing Franz Joseph Haydn’s Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo, also
known as the “Little Organ Solo Mass.” It was written around 1775 and was composed in
honor of the Portuguese monk Juan Ciudad (1495-1550) whose care of the poor and sick
led to the founding of the Order of the Brothers of Charity. It is the most widely known of
all Haydn’s early masses.
We hope that you will plan to join us on the Sunday after Easter when the choirs will be
singing at First Churches or on May 11th in Williamsburg.
We are looking forward to presenting this beautiful piece of music!
Easter Lilies and Tulips
It is that time again. Tulips and Lilies for Easter are $12.00 ea.
Please call or email Vanessa for an order form. Please be sure to
get your order in by April 4th. Printable form on pg. 10
NOHO PRIDE PARADE
Saturday, May, 3rd
We will gather at 11am, on Hampton Ave, (located across from the
Northampton Brewery). Please see the sign-up sheet in Lyman Hall to
register to walk. All UCC churches will march together to celebrate the
diversity of ALL God’s children.
Please plan to arrive early, parking lots fill up. It is recommended that
you wear comfortable footwear, bring water, and sunscreen. For
directions and rally information please visit,
http://www.site.nohopride.org/Parade_Info.php
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Trustees are looking for…
… a few (4 is a perfect number) good members to volunteer to serve on the 2015 Stewardship
Committee. This is a short term (April – May) ad hoc committee that drives the Church’s annual
stewardship campaign once the 2015 asking budget is approved at the congregational business
meeting. The Stewardship Campaign is scheduled to begin on May 5 and end on May 25,
Stewardship Sunday.
The task for this committee involves:
 Working together to compose the
 Working with the Church Administrator
stewardship letter
to update GOR addresses and copying
and collating letter, narrative budget
 Creation of a narrative budget (Pie
and pledge cards
charts and text)
 Stuffing, addressing and mailing
 Scheduling speakers for 3 Stewardship
stewardship letters
Moments during the Sunday services
(and deciding on a theme for these
 Calling members who have not
moments)
responded to the stewardship letter
All pledges are treated in a confidential manner with only the financial secretaries (Kathy and Sue)
being privy to individual pledges.
As a frame of reference, pledge cards, past stewardship letters, text for 2014 narrative budget are all
electronic documents which the CA has on file.
Members who are interested and willing to serve on the 2015 Stewardship Committee can contact
Peg Whitham or the Church Administrator. It is the Trustee’s hope to have this committee ready to
commence planning by early April.
 Peg Whitham for the Board of Trustees 
News from the Congregation
Welcome Home!!!
CONGRATULATIONS
LIZA!!!
We would like to say a warm
heartfelt Congratulations to
Liza Knapp on passing her
Ecclesiastical Council!!! It
has been a long journey for
you and we are humbled
and blessed to be part of it.
Please join us in welcoming Merrilyn,
Barbara and Sandi back from their Trip
to the South West!
Birthdays
4/3 Kathy Felton
4/6 Cristiano Corsello
4/8 Bruce Weinraub
4/18 Brittany Williams-Murphy
4/22 Rebecca Uttormark
4/26 Rev. Clare Overlander
Edna Michalowski
4/27 Ned Judd
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As I was looking of a good recipe for this month, I
came across many sugar-filled Easter dishes. I know
my children get enough sugar this time of year, so I
thought I would include one of my favorite Easter
dinner dishes. Please feel free to play around with
different cheeses or veggies. Manga!
April Recipe:
Asparagus Tart
Ingredients:
◦ Phyllo Dough (found in the freezer section)
◦ Asparagus, bottoms cut off (I use two bunches)
◦ Gruyere, parmesan, cheddar cheeses (type is
optional)
◦Extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
∞ Preheat oven to 350*
∞ Grease a cookie sheet with olive oil
∞ Lay 10 sheets of phyllo dough on cookie sheet, grease between sheets with evoo.
∞ Spread cheeses on dough
∞ Arrange asparagus on cheese in a single row.
∞ Lightly sprinkle with parmesan, salt & Pepper
∞ Bake 10 minutes, until phyllo dough is brown and crispy.
∞ Cut and enjoy!
Last Meal of the Season
We will be serving our last meal of the season at the Cot Shelter on April 7th at 5:30 All the
meals this season have been a huge success, please consider helping us make the last as
fulFILLING as the others. Thank you to everyone who has helped this year, it is greatly
appreciated. I am still looking for food volunteers for:
 Drinks (1 gal milk, 3 juices, 2 clear sodas)
 A big green salad or coleslaw (12 servings)
 A small vegetarian option (4 servings) to eat on buns in
lieu of pulled pork (egg salad?
Please contact Jenna Sellers at jennaesellers@gmail.com or
Patti Richmond at chiefpatti@gmail.com if you are
interested in assisting in any capacity.
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APRIL 2014
Sun.
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
1.
2.
12:00 Peace
7:00 Deacons
Thu.
3.
Fri.
4.
Sat
5.
7:00 Choir
Practice
Vigil
6:30 Lenten
Adult
Education
6.
7.
8.
9.
8:45 Adult Ed
10:00 Worship &
Sunday School
11:30 Haiti Talk w/
David Entin
5:00 Cathedral in
the Night
7:00 Peace &
Justice
12:00 Peace
Vigil
6:30 Missions
6:30 Trustees
13.PALM SUN
14.
5:30 Last Cot
Shelter Meal of
the Season
8:45 Adult Ed
9:30 Meet at
Pulaski Park for
blessing of the
palms
10:00 Worship &
Sunday school
11:30 CE Meeting
5:00 Cathedral in
the Night
20. EASTER
21.
11.
12.
7:00 Choir
Practice
8:30 Heifer Farm
Field Trip
19.
6:30 Lenten
Adult
Education
15.
16.
17.
18.
12:00 Peace
7:00 Council
7:30 Maundy
7:00 Choir
Practice
Vigil
8:45 Adult Ed
10:00 Worship &
Sunday school
5:00 Cathedral in
the Night
10.
Thursday
Service
22.
23.
24.
25.
12:00 Peace
Vigil
May
Messenger
Submissions
Deadline
12:30 Dorcas
7:00 Choir
Practice
Society
Luncheon and
26.
Meeting @
Brewmaster’s
27.
8:45 Adult Ed
10:00 Worship &
Sunday school
CANTATA
CROP WALK
5:00 Cathedral in
the Night
28.
29.
30.
12:00 Peace
Vigil
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FIRST CHURCHES SANCTUARY FLOWERS
IT IS TIME ONCE AGAIN TO ORDER YOUR LILIES AND TULIPS WHICH WILL DECORATE OUR
SANCTUARY AT EASTER. THE COST THIS YEAR IS $12.00.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM ON THIS PAGE AND RETURN IT WITH YOUR CHECK FOR
$_______ MADE PAYABLE TO FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST. PLEASE BE CERTAIN TO INDICATE
ON THE CHECK HOW MANY PLANTS YOU WISH TO PURCHASE AND NOTE THIS ON THE MEMO
LINE. PLEASE DO NOT COMBINE THIS PAYMENT WITH ANY OTHER PAYMENT TO THE
CHURCH AS IT MAKES BOOKKEEPING DIFFICULT.
ALL ORDER FORMS AND PAYMENTS MUST BE IN BY
APRIL 4TH 2014.
GIVEN BY _______________________________________
IN MEMORY OF ____________________________________
IN HONOR OF _______________________________________
COLOR: LILLY _______
TULIP________
____ I WISH TO TAKE THE PLANT HOME WITH ME.
____ I WISH TO HAVE THE PLANT DONATED TO SOMEONE IN THE CHURCH FAMILY
WHO IS IN NEED OVER THE HOLIDAYS.
OCCASIONALLY, WE HAVE MORE DONATIONS THAN PLANTS NEEDED. IF THAT IS THE CASE,
WE WILL DONATE THESE FUNDS TO THE PASTOR’S FAMILY FUND.
PLEASE SEND PAYMENT TO FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST,
129 MAIN ST.
NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060
DEADLINE IS APRIL 4TH
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