The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
Volume 5, Issue 2
May/June/July 2016
Who Are We?
During our time of transition between pastors we have
been answering the question, “Who are we?” These are
questions of identity which include things like our core values, bedrock beliefs, and our history and heritage. Lately,
I’ve been looking at some of the demographics of Tewksbury using a tool called MissionInsite that provides wideranging demographic data for churches. This information
will help us discover God’s call for our church as we better
understand our neighbors and their hopes and hurts. It’s
also good to look at as we set goals for the near and far future and prepare for new pastoral leadership.
We begin, of course, with the basic data.
Inside this issue:
PASTOR’S PAGE
2 & 10
LEADERSHIP NEWS: BOM
3-4
BOARD OF DEACONS
3
MISSION TRIP NEWS
5
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
6-7
PIE SOCIAL & CHRISTMAS
8
LADIES AID / FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
9
TCC HAPPENINGS
11
Missions committee news
12
TCC IN PICTURES
13
CONGRATULATIONS GRADS!
14
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The population of Tewksbury in 2015 was 31,329
There are 8,498 families
93% are white, 3% Asian, 1% Black, 2% Hispanic/Latino
and 1% other
The average age is 42
Families with children ages 5 to 9 are growing
The average household income is $104,101 and the
median income is $88,852
59% of couples are married and 25% have never married
Households with children under 18 are 92% and 8.4% are
single parent homes
34% have a bachelor’s or graduate degree
71% are white collar workers
37% are Roman Catholic, 19% are historic mainline
Protestants, 5% are other Protestant churches, 11% are
of non-Christian religions and 27% are “Nones” or no
preference
The most interesting part of these surveys are the trends, moods and values of Tewksbury. I don’t have
space to name but a few that jumped off the page at me. For instance, concern for the environment and
the practice of altruism and giving was very high. The importance of religious faith was somewhat unimportant as was the pursuit of affluence. Not surprising, the community considers itself fairly traditional.
In terms of religious beliefs, preferences and practices, 64% believe God is love and invites the world
into a loving relationship, 51% believe Jesus was both human and divine and 50% believe he actually
Tewksbury Congregational Church
… continued on page 2
Page 1
The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
PASTOR’S PAGE
Submitted by Rev. Norm Bendroth
… continued from page 1
rose from the dead. In spite of that 64% are not involved in a
Christian community.
For those who don’t participate the reasons given were that
church is boring and uninteresting, there are too many conflicts within churches, they didn’t feel welcome, churches were
too focused on money, were too judgmental, and had strict or
inflexible beliefs…and this is from people who are within our
churches!
The ministry preferences and programs that people surveyed
expressed the most interest in were first, community involvement and advocacy programs which included
things like adult social activities, involvement in social causes, social justice advocacy work, and opportunities for volunteering in the community. The second highest preference was for community activities and
cultural programs. These included things like cultural programs (music, art, and drama), holiday programs and activities, youth social activities and senior/retirement activities. The next was religious or
spiritual activities including things like discussion groups, Christian education for their children, and Bible
study or prayer groups. There was a virtual tie in the preference between traditional or contemporary
worship.
The most interesting data is called the “Mosaic Lifestyle Segmentation Types.” Mosaic Lifestyle Types
provide insight into the behaviors, attitudes, and preferences of households within our community. They
result in a fuller understanding of our neighbors and what makes them tick. In Tewksbury 18% are identified as “Autumn Years—Aging in Place,” 16% are “Booming with Confidence—Boomers and Boomerangs,” and 12% are “Suburban Style—Settled in Suburbia.”
So what do all these categories mean? Let’s just take one, “Settled in Suburbia,” as an example. People
in this lifestyle segment deliberately live close enough to the culture of the city to enjoy it, but far enough
from the mayhem of the city to escape. They strive to live a balanced life. Similar intentions explain their
behavior with the church. They tend to participate in the church just enough to take advantage of its fellowship, reassurance, and hope ... but distance themselves enough from the church to escape excessive
demands or extreme views.
These people tend to be middle of the road on political and social issues and moderate in their enthusiasm about religion. They are only modest risk-takers in Christian mission and insist on manageable debt.
They are average philanthropic givers, and divide their financial contributions between church and other
community groups.
People in this segment prefer churches who worship with over 100 people and offer programming. They
prefer churches with a strong sense of tradition, but appreciate creativity. Favorite things about church
include friends and fellowship, quiet times, and beautiful surroundings. They can be members of a management board, but tend to depend on professional staff to do ministries.
The quest for a balanced life means that people in this segment may not worship every week. Even the
most committed tend to worship only 2- 3 times per month, and are often away for winter or summer holidays. If and when they attend worship, they prefer worship to be fairly predictable, with few surprises, but
they like creativity. They appreciative regular communion which provides a calming center of faith that is
Tewksbury Congregational Church
… continued on page 10
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The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
BOARD OF MINISTRIES
NOMINATION FORM FOR THE
PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
As a member of the Tewksbury Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, you have the privilege to
nominate fellow members in good standing to serve on the Pastoral Search Committee. Not every person
nominated will be asked to serve because every attempt will be made to select a diverse slate of
candidates that best represent our congregation. You are also invited to nominate yourself. Duties and
responsibilities of the search committee are outlined on the reverse of this sheet.
As an active member of Tewksbury Congregational Church, I prayerfully offer these names to be
considered to be on our
Pastoral Search Committee.
1._______________________________________________
2._______________________________________________
3._______________________________________________
4._______________________________________________
5._______________________________________________
TEWKSBURY
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
SEARCH
BOARD OF DEACONS
Submitted by Sue Trudeau
Children and Communion Sunday
The Deacons have discussed and reviewed offering
Communion early in the service. We have received positive
feedback from families and teachers. We have voted to
continue having Communion early in the service before the
children leave for Sunday School. We look forward to families
being able to share Communion and talk about the significance
of it with their children and for teachers to participate in
Communion before Sunday School.
Tewksbury Congregational Church
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The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
BOARD OF MINISTRIES
Submitted by Rev. Norm Bendroth
FIVE COMMITMENTS FOR SEARCH COMMITTEES
A Faith Commitment. The task of the Search Committee is very simple and very complex. Initially the
task is spiritual. Search Committee members make a faith commitment to develop as faith-centered, prayerdirected people of God willing to listen to God in the process of seeking a new pastor. Search Committee
members engage in a 4-Way Covenant—a Covenant with their prospective pastor, the congregation, the
Conference and Association, and the Holy Spirit.
A Time Commitment. Search Committee members make a time commitment. By the time the search
process is completed (from first organizational meeting to the calling of a new pastor) the committee may
have been working together for as little as 9 months or as long as 18-24 months. Initially most Search
Committees meet weekly. Once committees begin considering pastoral profiles and scheduling inter-views,
the frequency of meetings increases. At times the Search Committee must travel to hear prospective
pastors preach. All in all, it is a significant time commitment.
A Commitment to Confidentiality. Search Committee members make a commitment to
confidentiality. Members must not talk about the content of their work. That is to say, the sharing of names
of individuals under consideration is a serious breach of process. Even to speak in generalities about
location or experience or gender can risk folk guessing who the committee is considering. The congregation
must be kept informed at every step of the process. Sharing where the Search Committee is in the process
is critical. However, until a final candidate is presented, all conversation about any candidates is closely
guarded.
A Commitment to Openness. Search Committees make a commitment to genuine consideration of
all candidates. The commitment involves understanding that the gifts, skills, and experience of candidates
are primary in determining their ability to serve the congregation.
A Commitment to Consensus. Finally, Search Committee members make a commitment to
consensus. Members need to be of one mind in recommending their prospective pastor to the congregation.
Any uneasiness on the part of any member of the Search Committee can and often does spell disaster
down the road. Everyone must be able, with a clear and positive conscience, to support and endorse the
individual presented before the congregation.
Budget Update
TOTAL
BUDGET
REVENUE SOURCE
ACTUAL
YTD BUDGET
AHEAD/ (BEHIND) PACE
PLEDGE
$47,765
$47,571
$194
$137,988 $137,428
OTHER COLLECTIONS $10,225
$8,931
$1,294
$29,141
RENTALS
$52,591
$43,461
$9,131
$151,931 $125,553
ALL OTHER
$559
$2,077
($1,518)
$1,118
TOTAL REVENUES
$111,140 $102,040
$9,101
$320,178 $294,781
Submitted by: Jim Kenney
Tewksbury Congregational Church
$25,800
$6,000
As of: 5/1/ 2016
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The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
MISSION TRIP NEWS
Submitted by Debbie Adams
LESSONS FROM WEST VIRGINIA
Debbie Adams
Welch WV used to be the center of the coal industry with over
100,000 people and a robust economy, but today the primary
industry is the prison system and population of Welch is now
about 18,000. The majority of the residents in the area have
children and are living below the poverty line.
Due to lives of extreme hardship, many people suffer from low
self-esteem and feel there is no hope for the future. The Hands of
Hope mission provides a pathway of hope by building
relationships and reaching out to others with the love of Jesus
Christ.
I felt that those of us who went on the mission trip touched many lives in the community and also within our own
team. Thanks to the many donations from you our supportive congregation we were able to provide food, toiletries,
towels and socks to those in need in WV.
In delivering these items to the folks there, we were moved by them and their stories. Most live in dilapidated
trailers with items and trash strewn about the yard with dogs or chickens greeting us on the walk to the door. They
welcomed us with open arms when we presented our smiles and gifts to them. I enjoyed seeing the grin on their
faces and listening to their stories. Many invited us into their homes and allowed us to offer prayer for them whether
there was a recent death in the family, or they were healing from surgery, or for patience and strength during trying
times. We were told by Hands of Hope that we’d want to “fix” their situation, but that wasn’t going to happen
overnight, so the best we can do is to “love on them” as they say down there.
We also visited a safe house for battered women and children and offered comfort with crafts designed around the
23rd Psalm. The women came to the table meek and guarded but with prayer and conversation relaxed and
seemed to enjoy themselves making the bracelet and pillow crafts. The children that came down with their mothers
either participated in the crafts or played games with our youth.
We enjoyed visiting the Nazarene church service as it was very musical and boisterous. I learned that they all pray
aloud at the same time whatever is in the hearts and minds. Plus we had a bunch of AMENs spoken aloud as they
concur with whatever the layman is preaching.
I also enjoyed learning more about our own mission team members. I grew up in this church with the two Stefs –
Stef-F and Stephanny as they were called on the trip and am a mentor to two of confirmands that attended, but had
fun getting to know our group. We played the alphabet game and license plate game to pass the time on the 13
hour ride to and from WV, plus had time for much conversation. We also had time to reflect at night and had a
campfire and played cards and a heated game of Pictionary.
I could go on with much more, but we hope to put the pictures together and then invite our families, prayer partners
and congregation to a more in depth view of the entire trip in the upcoming weeks.
We didn’t have access to our digital devices while we were on the mission and learned of the death of Prince the
pop music artist on the ride home. We listened to a collection of his songs and the beginning of one actually moved
me and can sum up my trip… as we pray for his family and all the families in WV.
Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
To get through this thing called life
Electric word life
It means forever and that’s a mighty long time
But I’m here to tell you
There’s something else
The after world
A world of never ending happiness
You can always see the sun...day or night
Cause in this life things are much harder than the afterworld…AMEN
Tewksbury Congregational Church
Page 5
The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)
Submitted by Sue Panilaitis
Tewksbury Congregational Church
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The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)
Submitted by Sue Panilaitis
Thinking Spring (and Summer!)
As you begin to make your plans for the summer, please consider donating an
hour or two to the RE program. In an effort to give our regular Sunday School
teachers some time off to rest, recover and relax, we are asking for others to
volunteer. Each volunteer experience is a one day commitment.
We are beginning the search for adult and teen volunteers to teach Mini Sunday School during the summer
months beginning June 26th and running through August 21st (no summer Sunday school on 7/4).
Summer Sunday School involves teaching with a small group of multi-aged youth. Lesson plans and story
for the week are provided so that minimal work is required on the volunteer’s part. All supplies needed for
the lessons are provided. If you are interested in working with children over the summer, or would like
more information, please contact Sue Panilaitis at:
education.tewksburycc@verizon.neteducation.tewksburycc@verizon.net or sign up at http://
www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094ea9a72da4f58-summer.
Thank a Sunday School Teacher
As a way to thank our Sunday School teachers for all they do, the RE
committee is asking parents to help put on a Teacher Appreciation
Breakfast on June 5th from 9-9:30am. We can all make this event a
success by either providing a breakfast item or by volunteering to help set
up or clean up on the day of the event. The breakfast will begin at 9 am, so
all set-up and food must be available/done prior.
Please contact Sue Panilaitis if you are interested in contributing to this or
sign up for a breakfast item at http://www.signupgenius.com/
go/10c094ea9a72da4f58-teacher . We are looking for families to provide
such goodies as coffee, juice, fruit salad, coffecakes, or other breakfast
foods.
TCC Family Picnic & Field Day-Youth Sunday
Join us on the fields across from the playground
at Livingston Park Complex in Tewksbury.
When: Sunday, June 12th, from 12-4pm
We have lots of fun family activities planned
(food, field games, relay races, etc.)
while meeting up with old and new friends,
so we hope you’ll join us.
This event is open to everyone!
Invite your friends and bring your family out to enjoy a fun Sunday
afternoon.
Tewksbury Congregational Church
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May June July 2016
PIE SOCIAL & CHRISTMAS FAIR 2016 MEETING
Submitted by Carol Sturtevant
Our next meeting will be in the Vestry on Sunday, June 5th at 10:45 am.
The Pie Social and Christmas Fair are TCC’s major fundraisers with proceeds
contributing to a small portion of our budget, as well as ongoing TCC projects. Our first
meeting in early April was well attended with several new people getting involved. There
were some great suggestions & a few new ideas during our conversation. Most of the
chairpersons for tables as well as other responsibilities are in place.
Our largest concern at this time is the leadership team for the Pie Social. This
event is a key component to the success of these events since it attracts the community
into our church. With the return of the holiday festivities and lighting of the common
across the street during the night of the Pie Social, we had a bonus year last
season! With your commitment we can do it again in 2016! To continue with this
great tradition, we need new leaders to take over from our long term chairpersons, Gail
Bliss and Linda Bowley. They are willing to provide their experience & information
during this transition so this event can continue. Many volunteers become available for
baking, serving and setting up and cleaning up once the leaders are in place.
Please join us on Sunday, June 5th after church service and share your ideas,
experience, and support for these events. Your ideas are welcome and needed. If you
are unable to attend, please contact Carol Sturtevant by phone, 978-851-4451 or
email, sturtevantcb@verizon.net with your ideas and suggestions.
The TCC Family working together makes these traditions fun, successful and
rewarding. It is a great way to share individual talents, meet new people and connect
with friends—EVERYONE makes a difference!
Tewksbury Congregational Church
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May June July 2016
LADIES AID & FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE NEWS
Submitted by Sue Trepaney
Did you ever think that coloring would be therapeutic to members of Ladies Aid?
Donna Haines, our President, received an adult coloring book for her birthday and
decided it would be fun if she involved members of Ladies Aid to color butterflies. We
found that when we sat down to an array of colored pencils, markers and crayons,
and started to color, that coloring was fun! Our conversation centered on living in
Tewksbury oh, so many years ago, and the changes that have occurred. One thing
was constant, however, and that was our church and the affection we have for it.
Our final Ladies Aid meeting before our summer recess is Wednesday, June 8th, at
which time we will meet in TCC’s parking lot to carpool to a local restaurant for lunch,
fun and fellowship. We’ll be back the second Wednesday in September (9/14) to enjoy
a meal prepared by members of our Board.
The last Friendship Circle meeting before summer recess was held on May 12th.
When we return in September we will finalize plans for Holiday Friends working on
projects that will support our December Church Fair. Friendship Circle had an
interesting year, with the success of our annual fundraiser, the Seasons Supper,
delivering Easter baskets to our homebound folks, and continuing our tradition of
gathering for devotions, prayer and breakfast the second Thursday of the month,
meeting at 9:30am in the Vestry.
Tewksbury Congregational Church
Page 9
The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
PASTOR’S PAGE
… continued from page 2
not driven by personalities and social policy debates. They tend to prefer church buildings with traditional
ecclesiastical architecture. Technology in the sanctuary tends to be upgraded first. People in this segment
prioritize quality sound systems and are increasingly including video systems. Electrical supplies are being
improved to support amplified musical instruments, although an organ or piano remain the primary instruments of worship.
Music is important. Many volunteer for choirs and bands, and the quality is expected to be relatively high.
People in this segment usually prefer a blend of the not-too-old and the not-too-contemporary.
The small group is one of the most effective ways to both connect with and mature people since the people in this lifestyle segment tend to be very sociable. Their busy schedules make the flexibility of midweek
groups attractive. These people often have a big heart for anyone, anywhere, who is struggling to survive.
They are strong supporters of "depot" ministries that collect food, clothing, and used furniture and kitchen
utensils for distribution. They contribute money and time to support health clinics, vaccination programs,
blood donations, and any supplemental caregiving program for people who are elderly or disabled.
People in this lifestyle get most of their news from radio while commuting and on line. Newsletters should
avoid chatter, unnecessary acknowledgements, promotional ads for giving, and trivia. They should concentrate on mission stories, calendar of upcoming events, fund raising progress, and strategic planning.
When it comes to commentary, these people are more likely to read a blog. Websites should be interactive and updated weekly with fresh images and stories. They shouldmake it easy to navigate and develop
a library of resources that can be downloaded for Bible study and private devotions.
That’s just one “people group” in Tewksbury that might find a home at TCC and there are several more.
This kind of information raises interesting questions. For instance, what kind of programs might we offer to
reach this people group? Do we have the assets and the heart to touch their lives for Christ’s sake?
Where might we adapt our preferences to make room for others?
As we think about our mission and vision for the next 3 to 5 years and as we prepare for new pastoral
leadership, these are the important questions we need to engage. Look for more opportunities to answer
this question together, “Who is our neighbor?”
Blessings,
Rev. Norm
Norman B. Bendroth
Interim Pastor
Tewksbury Congregational Church
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The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
TCC HAPPENINGS
MUSIC NEWS
The Music Committee is pleased to announce Suzanne Utoh as our new Director
of Music. Suzanne lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where she works as a
VA oncology nurse. She comes to us with many years’ experience working with
churches and directing adult and youth choirs. She has three daughters who live
in Texas and a son who lives in Portsmouth. In her spare time, she enjoys
working in her garden. Please join us in welcoming her to our church family.
Tewksbury Spring Clean-Up Day –Saturday, May 14th, 2016
TCC Members participated in the Beautification Committee’s semi-annual event
and cleaned sections of Main Street from Dewey Street to Chandler Street. A big
heartfelt THANK YOU to Sara Cohen for being TCC’s Team Captain and
leading the clean-up effort!
Tewksbury Congregational Church
Page 11
The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
MISSIONS COMMITTEE NEWS
Submitted by Joanne Kenney
Time to Shop!
Our next Missionaries In Training shopping day is Sunday, June 5th!
Please remember your bible bucks and come shop between 9 and 9:30 am
and/or from 11 to 11:30 am. I may need one more cashier for the second
shift. Please let me know if you are available. It really is a lot of fun. This
time around we will be offering 2-for-1 sales at the Mayan Families store and
the New Missions store in order to show stronger support for our child
sponsorship organizations. Parents, please show the attached document to
your kids so they can get a sense of what is offered, how it will help others,
and the choices they would like to make. Thank you for your continued support of this program!
Attached File: 54For Sale June 2016.pdf
Another Kind of Giving Tree!
Tewksbury Congregational Church has done a wonderful job of supporting Church
World Service’s school bag program for many years and has provided hundreds of
children with the materials they need to begin a successful learning experience! For the
upcoming fall season, we thought we’d gather the materials for 24 bags a little
differently. In a similar fashion to the giving tree at Christmas time, we will present a
school bag giving tree at the end of May.
All 24 school bags will hang from the ‘tree’ and individuals, families, or groups are
invited to sponsor a bag. The tree will be located outside of the church office only until
all bags have been claimed and removed. The bags are numbered. Simply enter your
name on the tracking sheet for the corresponding bag #, take the bag with you and shop
for the needed supplies using the shopping list, provided by CWS, which will be attached
to each bag for your convenience! Church World Service is very specific about the bag
ingredients, so please provide just what is on the list and nothing more so that all of the
children receive equally. The filled bags will need to be returned by October 2nd, so,
shop whenever it is convenient for you over the next several months, remembering that
some great deals are had in August, just before school begins again. The completed bags will be deposited in the
clearly marked bin at the side entrance, or handed to anyone on the missions committee. Please also remember to
mark on the tracking sheet that your bag has been returned so that I do not hound you unnecessarily in October!
I look forward to trying out this new approach to filling the bags and hope you have fun with it as well!! As always,
thank you all so much for your continued support of all of our church's wonderful outreach events!
Save the Date for the 8th Annual Zero Waste Day on September 24th, 2016, 9 am-1 pm
In a few months, TCC’s 8th Annual ZWD will be here. Last year, over 500
cars drove through and donated to 14 participating organizations, thanks in
large part to the more than 80 TCC volunteers who directed traffic, unloaded
cars, provided drinks and baked goodies. Please consider offering your
assistance again this year! In August, both a “Supplies” and “Volunteers”
sign-up sheet will be published on FLASH. Beth McFayden will be returning
home from England to coordinate this event and would truly appreciate your
help! For more info, visit www.zwdtewksbury.org.
Tewksbury Congregational Church
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The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
TCC IN PICTURES
Pedro Ben Ben, our sponsored student
TCC Family Picnic & Field
Day is coming on Sunday,
June 12th, 12 noon-4 pm!
From Mayan Families Organization
Rev. Norm-Dandy!
Junior Youth Group Enjoys Nature
Tewksbury Congregational Church
Men’s Choir Sings for Mother’s Day
Page 13
The TCC Connection
May June July 2016
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 1
Tewksbury, MA 01876
Tewksbury Congregational Church
10 East Street
Tewksbury, MA 01876
phone: 978-851-9411
e-mail: tewksburycc@verizon.net
website: tewksburycc.org
Place Label Here
May June July Newsletter (2016)
Time-Sensitive Material
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
Congratulations to all the High School,
College, Masters and Military Graduates!
Your perseverance and dedication have
been rewarded!
Tewksbury Congregational Church
Page 14