January 2021 Steeple Sounds 2 2 2 2 2 2

Beloved Siblings in Christ,

I know I’m not alone in the desire to say goodbye to 2020. Not only has this been a difficult year for many of us personally, it brought many challenges for us as a faith community. Our committees and ministry teams had to meet on Zoom, our leadership prepared “at home” faith kits for spiritual enrichment at home, and after much discussion about reopening the building for meetings, we quickly saw an increase in COVID-19 cases. We can’t help but feel disappointed as we long for the “normal” fellowship and spiritual connection we find at CSCC. Being apart for so long has been painful. And even in the midst of our grief, we have so much to be thankful for.

We are thankful for the faithfulness and dedication of church leaders that has helped our ministry thrive even in the most difficult of circumstances. We are thankful for the financial generosity of so many that has kept us afloat. We are thankful that our ever-improving technology ministry has reached out to many who have enjoyed our online worship services and musical experiences/concerts. What a blessing it is, that even in the pandemic, we have so many new visitors interested in being a part of all that we’re doing. This is something to celebrate, even as we acknowledge what a strange and hard year it has been.

In the coming weeks, especially as the weather turns colder and the virus likely worsens, it is imperative that we find ways to engage in the ministry of CSCC, connect with God, and grow in relationship with one another, even with all the physical barriers that separate us. Even though our ministry looks different right now, it is still very active and the Holy Spirit is on the move in our church. Here are some ways we encourage you to engage:

Tune in to our Livestream worship every Sunday at 10 a.m. on the church YouTube or Facebook. If you have internet access but don’t know how to find the weekly services, call the church office and we will help you. If you don’t have internet access, call the church office so we can find another way for you to access worship, whether it is a recording or printed service.

Engage in Communion. I will be at the church on Sunday, Jan. 3 from 11am-12noon serving Drive-by communion. If you would like it delivered to you at home, please contact the church office.

Practice generosity. Generosity for you might look like a financial gift to help our ministries of the church. It might mean making a gift toward the Ministers Discretionary Fund or purchasing warm clothing for donation to the homeless. Generosity also means participating in one of our upcoming ministries:

Make a personal connection to another member by joining a Care Circle. Call or email the church office to sign up.

Record music, a scripture reading or a children’s story for an upcoming Livestream service. Call or email the church office to sign up.

Pick up a prayer shawl and deliver it to someone you know who is in need of comfort. Shawls are available through the church office. Call or email the church office to make arrangements for pickup.

Pray. Pray for all the church leaders at CSCC who are navigating the challenges of ministry in the midst of a pandemic. Pray that God would continue to strengthen our church and guide us in the direction that God would have us go. Pray that each of our members would feel loved and cherished during these uncertain times.

May you know the unceasing love of God in the days ahead. We pray that you will accept this invitation to engage, connect, and grow this season. May God bless you and keep you safe and healthy.

With the Greatest of Hope,
Rev. Beth

In-person worship closure extended until February 15, 2021*

* The building is available to the Bridgewater Food Pantry, 12-step support groups,

and small group gatherings under strict guidelines and protocols, by reservation only.

Dear Friends of CSCC,

With an eye on the increasing number of COVID cases in Massachusetts, and with Bridgewater having recently been moved to a “red” designation (meaning we have greater than 10 average cases per 100,000 and greater than 5% positivity rate), Central Square Congregational Church UCC has made a decision regarding its current benchmark date for a decision to resume in-person worship.

The Moderator and Pastor of CSCC, together with the Board of Deacons, the Board of Trustees, and the Building Re-Opening Task Force, and under the current guidance of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as an abundance of caution, have postponed once again the likelihood of holding in-person worship to at least FEBRUARY 15, 2021. While we will be reassessing along the way, as we have been doing these last nine months, we do not foresee at this time that it will be practical to expect an earlier date.

Thank you to all that have been “thinking outside the box” of ways our community can continue to stay connected and support each other and the community at large. We are truly blessed to have each other, and treasure the thought of gathering together safely once more.

Until then, we will continue to broadcast Sunday services on Facebook and YouTube, and rebroadcast them on BTV. We will also continue to stay connected as a community through the Steeple Sounds newsletter, the CSCC website, and Facebook, and connect with each other through phone calls, texts, emails, Zoom, and cards...and maybe even the occasional drive-by communion hosted by Reverend Beth.

Be well and be safe, and keep the church and each other in your prayers.

REMOTE WORSHIP ON FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE

• We will continue to worship virtually for the forseeable future.
• Use the link on the homepage of www.csccucc.org to access Sunday worship. Click on the COVID-19 update link to access the YouTube link for past services.
• Sunday Worship will continue to be livestreamed from the Sanctuary at 10 a.m. Only the Pastor, the Minister of Music, and the Director of Video Evangelism will be allowed in the building.

Booth Video Productions and BTV Access Corporation team up to bring you livestream productions of our services. The link to watch the service live, as well as an electronic copy of our bulletin so that you can follow along, is available each week that we are broadcasting on our website homepage, www.csccucc.org. You can watch weekly sermons live on YouTube courtesy of Paul Holmes and Booth Video (search Central Square Congregational Church).

A quick reminder that Central Square Sunday service can be viewed on BTV Channel 9 on Sundays at 8pm, Mondays at 1pm, Tuesdays at 10am, and Fridays at 3pm. Generally the programming is updated mid-week. Also, if you miss a service or other special programming and would like to watch On Demand or download a copy, you can check out youtube.com/c/Booth-video/videos or btvaccess.viebit.com

Our Online Ministry Continues to be Strong
Paul Holmes, our Minster of Video Evangelism, reported at Cabinet last month that our online viewership continues to be strong, whether live on YouTube or Facebook, or playback on BTV. There have been Sunday worship services with over 100 views, and a lot of great interaction with inspirational Facebook posts, videos, and announcements. The singalong, too, attracted a great audience!

Caring for our Community

Do you need a meal, a call, spiritual care, or even just a prayer or a chat?

Contact the Pastor, a Deacon, or a member of our Care Team.

To contact Rev. Beth, call the church office at 508-697-6016
(the church phone is being answered remotely during the shutdown)

or email her at csccpastor @ hotmail.com

CSCC Deacons
Deb Sorgman – debsorgman @ gmail.com
Lynn Pietras – lsypie @ aol.com

CSCC Care Team
CentralSquareCareTeam @ gmail.com
Carol Chaffee
Phoebe Hogg
Bev Mitchell

John Scott

Rev. Beth Stotts

The Bridgewater Food Pantry, hosted by CSCC, will remain open its usual days and times (Thursdays, 10am-1pm, first Mondays of the month, 6-7:30pm), although with slightly different format to respect the crucial physical distancing.

Precautions have been put in place so that patrons will not come in contact with each other during their visit. If you have lost your job or have kids at home from school and need some assistance with food, please feel welcome to go (Bridgewater residents only).

If you would like to help out, you can drop off non-perishable donations at the side door of the church every weekday from 9 to 1. Just leave them outside the door. They especially need ingredients for breakfasts and lunches. You can also donate money via check that can be mailed to the church (make check out to "CSCC" and put "food pantry" in the memo, and mail to 71 Central Square, Bridgewater MA 02324), or by electronically by CLICKING HERE.

In accordance with Massachusetts mandates, upon the recommendation of the Building Reopening Task Force, and affirmed by Cabinet as CSCC building rules, everyone who is in the building must wear a mask, covering both their nose and mouth, at all times with only the following two exceptions:
1. A staff member who is working alone in their own enclosed space.
2. A worship leader in the sanctuary who is socially distanced from anyone else.

If you are ever inside the building for any reason and for any amount of time, until further notice, you are required to comply with this rule or risk losing access to the building for you and/or your group.

Ellen Crawford ... In memory of my parents
Elaine Henriksen ... In memory of my father and mother, Herman and Florence Sanderson. Both were devoted church goers, and were instrumental in guiding my faith.
Troy Hubbell ... With love to Kelli and Molly
Rachel L Lawson ... In memory of Bradford M Lawson, Greta Holmberg, Janice Lawson, Juan and Raquel Lopez
Pamela Maloney ... In memory of Bill and Ann Inglis, Frank and Judy Maloney
Steve, Meg, Drew, and Nate McDermott ... In memory of Papa and Noni, Tom and Lorraine McDermott
Lynn and Jack Pietras ... In memory of Frederick and Alice Yeaton
Terry and Bill Reynolds ... In memory of loved ones
The Shave Family ... In memory of Robert & Nancy Shave, Rev. Gene & Minnie Langevin
The Sheibley Family ... In memory of Susan Wershing, Tom Sheibley, John and Amber Sheibley
Gail Wershing ... In memory of Frank Wershing
Scott and Gail Wright ... In memory of our parents, Fred & Alice Yeaton and Warren & Evelyn Wright

Last month, members of the Board of Christian Outreach provided financial and material donations to those in need. First, money has been transferred from the outreach account to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. This will enable Rev. Beth to help those in our community who are facing hardship and need some assistance with paying bills. Your outreach dollars have allowed donations to Bridgewater’s Operation Santa, Health Imperatives in Brockton, and the UCC Christmas Fund which goes to retired and needy clergy.

Next, our material project in December involved the clothing collection and distribution to Our Daily Bread in Taunton. We delivered hats, gloves ,socks, sweatshirts, and pants to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where the clothing was given to those in need.

Thank you for your continued generosity both with your monetary and material donations. Stay tuned for our next project!

Take each year and divide it into twelve fine full-grown months.
Cut these months into 30 or 31 equal days, one will be 28.
This batch will have to be made up fresh each year.
Into each day put:
12 parts of faith,
11 of patience,
10 of courage,
9 of work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest),
8 of hope,
7 of fidelity,
6 of liberality,
5 of kindness,
4 rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad…don’t do it),
3 of prayer,
2 of meditation,
And one God only.
Put in a pinch of fun, a sprinkle of play, and a heaping cup of good humor.
Pour into the whole Love and mix with vim.
Cook thoroughly, garnish with a smile or two, and a sprig of joy.
Serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness,
and a happy life IS A CERTAINTY.
~A Wise Old Sage
*Mike Foote – contributing Guild member

Just like decorating for Christmas with treasured ornaments or knick knacks that remind us of those in our lives, past or present, so does a cherished cookbook invite a stroll down memory lane with church friends and family. May this recipe fill you up to the brim with a year ahead full of promise. Your church family loves you and cares very deeply for you.

Be well and Godspeed!
Carol Chaffee
Care Team

Bottle and can drive ... outdoor fair events including a pie sale and drive-by takeout turkey supper ... Christmas carol singalong ...

Keep the creative fundraising ideas coming! If you have ideas, contact Ellen in the church office. And please be assured that just because you suggest it, doesn’t mean we will assume you’ll organize it. But also remember that without help, we won’t be able to run our fundraisers. So even if it’s a little or a lot of time or energy that you have, volunteers are welcome. But so are great ideas!

This is the time of year when we remind boards and committees that their annual reports are due by January 15. But since 2020 was a year like none other in our lifetimes, so the annual reports will be.

The CSCC annual report celebrates all the great work we did over the last year, and the great ways we were able to do God’s work in community. So for 2020, we want to hear from you. Each of you. All of you.

• If you were part of organizing or working at a church event during 2020, tell us a little about it, and what your favorite part was. If you can give a brief rundown of its accomplishments, all the better. Want to collaborate with or give a shoutout to the other folks who worked on it with you? Go for it.
• Did you benefit from an event or project of CSCC, or attend one, during 2020 (either in person or virtually)? Tell us about it. What sparked joy for you in that moment?
• Did you witness a person or a group going above and beyond for CSCC? We want to know. Tell us a story.
• What were three things that CSCC did awesomely in 2020?

We’ll use as much of the submitted material as we can.

Send your comments, anecdotes, and celebration stories to the office at office@csccucc.com (or drop it in the mail to CSCC, Attn: annual report, 71 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324). ALL SUBMISSIONS DUE BY JANUARY 15.

PS — if you have something official that you normally submit — like a treasurer’s report, membership stats, etc —we need those, too, by January 15.

It was generally agreed at [the annual meeting held October 20, 1885] that there was “no system” for sounding the [fire] alarm. When a fire occurred on the “outskirts” of the town’s center, word had to be sent into the School Street station and “some one found to ring the bell...” Consequently, “much valuable time” was lost, and, in some cases, many members of the company had not known about a fire until the steamer had already left the station. There were, however, some differences expressed over the expense of creating an alarm system, especially as it related to building of a separate bell tower next to the School Street station. Stating the views of the Bridgewater Improvement Society, Dr. Lowe supported the purchase of a bell and the building of a tower to accommodate it. Advocating economy, Zebulon Pratt, a native of nearby Middleboro who had moved to Bridgewater in 1873 and had built a “well-crafted Italianate” house, which passersby can still appreciate, on the corner of South Street and what is now Maple Avenue, thought that the bells of the Central Congregational Church on Central Square “would be sufficient” for an alarm system. Somewhat modifying his comments at the recent meeting of the Improvement Society, Dr. Sawyer supported the placing of the alarm apparatus in the church tower with the understanding that the fire bell would have a distinct sound so as to not be confused with the church ones. With a consensus reached on the less expensive approach, a motion was passed to create a committee of three, consisting, of Dr. Sawyer, D.C. Ford, and Alexanander Dove, all of whom had “taken a great interest” in perfecting an alarm system, to report back to the District with a workable alarm plan that could be installed for about one hundred dollars.

Within a month, the committee, working within the allotted funds and receiving no personal compensation, was well along in its efforts to devise a “simple” but workable fire alarm for the Fire District. On November 21, The Bridgewater Independent, reporting that the “stretching of the wires” between the church and the engine house had begun, succinctly wrote: “The system is entirely of home invention and construction. It consists...of a clockwork set in the tower of the Central Square church, by which the alarm is struck on the bell. This is set off by simply turning a crank in the engine house, which, by the action of a magnet, releases a clutch which holds the clockwork, the hammer of which rapidly strikes the bell for ten to twenty minutes.” Adding to the effectiveness of the system was the placing of gongs in houses of the fire engineers, the voluntary firemen, and King’s stable and the house of its driver, all of which could be “rung by the one turn of the crank at the engine house.” In March of 1886, as the new alarm was close to being perfected, the Independent presented its readers with a more sophisticated description of how the apparatus worked, including references to electricity, the use of which was about to make its debut in Bridgewater. On May 7, 1887, this newspaper optimistically reported that the “fire alarm is now in excellent working condition,” adding that it was “a peculiar one,” with probably “none other like it in the state.” Until 1896, this alarm system, devised by three civic-minded citizens at the cost of one-hundred dollars, would be used to alert this small community of around 4,000 inhabitants to the outbreak of fires, small and large.

The virtual meeting was called to order at 7:04.

Voting Cabinet members in attendance: Rev. Beth Stotts, Pastor; Anne Malmquist, Moderator; Denise Molinari, Vice Moderator; Dave Sheibley, Treasurer; Larry Brown, Asst. Treasurer; Diane Sheibley, Clerk; Ed Buckland, Board of Trustees; Marci Langevin, Board of Christian Education; Bill O’Neil, Board of Christian Outreach; Barbara Morey, History & Memorials Committee; Gail Wershing, Growth Committee; Ellen Crawford, Music Committee; Terry Reynolds, Women’s Guild & Fellowship

Also present: Gordon Brailsford (Trustees); Ellen Atherton, Congregational Administrator; Sandy Alley (Women’s Guild); Mike Bundock (Growth); Carol Chaffee; Paul Holmes, Minister of Video Evangelism; Rich Sullivan, Sexton

Rev. Beth opened the meeting with a prayer.

Diane Sheibley did the roll call.

November Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the November meeting were reviewed. Dave Sheibley motioned to accept the minutes. Rev. Beth seconded. The minutes were approved.

Pastor’s Report – Rev. Beth Stotts [also see printed report that was distributed]
Rev. Beth thanked the Women’s Guild for inviting her to be a part of their Christmas service. She has also been busy with the Advent book study, the bible study meetings, and the “drive-by” communion event. She gave a shout-out to Sandy Alley for putting her in touch with the senior center to work with them on a grief vigil. She noted that we have had members of our greater community impacted by the COVID pandemic, including members of Minister of Music Julia’s family, several of whom have tested positive. Rev. Beth is working with Julia remotely to plan the Christmas service, which will likely have Julia’s music recorded offsite.
On Christmas eve, there will be a streaming CSCC service at 6pm, then at 7pm, a candlelight gathering on the common, together with the Bridgewater United Methodist Church.

Rev. Beth also noted that there is still a problem with having people in the church building not wearing masks. Ellen has had to lock the office door so that they do not enter. There have been many attempts to make sure people are aware of the rule including signs throughout the building. The people currently using the building are the office staff (Ellen and Rev. Beth), book study and bible study attendees, the Thursday night Al-anon group, and very occasionally for pastoral care. All of these groups appear to fully comply with the COVID protocols, including mask-wearing. The food pantry staff also uses the building.

Ed Buckland, as Trustee, said that he spoke to Jack and Bill of the food pantry. Anne directed the issue to Bill at the meeting, but Bill did not want to discuss it and referred her to speak to Jack. Mike Bundock spoke up later in the meeting and noted that it’s a state guideline and the food pantry people needed to comply and wear masks.

Treasurer’s Report – Dave Sheibley [also see printed report that was distributed]
Dave reported that we are still running about $14,000 below budget in income, and about $6,000 below in expenses. He stressed the importance of people continuing to keep up with their pledge amounts, as well as come up with creative fundraisers. The singalong fundraiser raised $800-1000. The stock market is doing well, so the investments are doing OK.

Office Manager’s Report – Ellen Atherton [also see printed report that was distributed]
Ellen reviewed what she has been working on. Among other things, she has been putting much effort into keeping our online presence current, as well as working on other creative ways to bring money in and draw people into our ministries and activities.

Historical Church Building Committee Update – Barbara Morey
Barbara reported that she met with the Bridgewater Historical Committee, and had submitted an application for a certificate of appropriateness (paints, materials would be appropriate to the building). We got the certificate, now we need to submit samples of paint, wood, etc for approval each step of the project. There is a meeting set for tomorrow night (12/17) of the CPC. She will be asking that they pay the cost of the deed restriction, and believes they will. She has been told the deed restriction takes 3-8 months to complete, and that it can be removed if we repay the money that the town grants to us. To Barbara’s understanding, the deed restriction says we can’t sell the building. Gordon said he will be at the meeting with Barbara (via zoom), and we also need to make sure that there’s nothing in the deed restriction that goes against anything in our constitution.

Building Closure Extension – Anne Malmquist
The current date of “at least January 1” for the full building closure has been revised. The people who have been making this decision have met and decided that it is being extended to at least February 15. It’s being announced here at Cabinet, then it will be emailed and announced on social media tomorrow, and in the January steeple sounds. Clarification was made that this is with regards to in-person worship. Other building use that is currently in effect will remain in effect. And while the date of Feb. 15 is the currently goal, reassessment is an ongoing task.

Mike Bundock moved to affirm the action, although a vote is not necessary. Marci Langevin seconded, and the affirmation passed by majority vote.

From the Board of Christian Education – Marci Langevin
Marci reported that CE was really hoping to have some sort of virtual pageant, but it hasn’t worked out. Perhaps there can be something along those lines for an upcoming holiday, like Easter. Rev. Beth described a ‘door knocking’ project she heard about, that could be done virtually, to tell the story of Christmas, of Mary and Joseph going from door to door. Maybe there could be something done for Epiphany? It was suggested that there could be a packet with a craft and activity put on Facebook and the website to connect the kids to the project and each other, and maybe even have a zoom call with them all to share their work.
If we did the door project, Logan (Marci’s son) suggested people make their own wooden doors, and video themselves knocking on the doors, or have a robot answer the door. The videos could then be put together to make one big video. Rev. Beth said she would work with CE to explore creating something for Epiphany. Paul noted that the video idea was doable but would be a bit of work, so he’d need at least a week to put it together.

From the Board of Christian Outreach – Bill O’Neil
Bill reported that the modified Warmth in Cold Places project was in process, and that they would be dropping off the purchased and donated clothing at the Taunton church on Friday. They spent a total of about $1000 on clothing, a combination of Outreach funds and private donations. The clothing will be distributed before Christmas.

From the Board of Trustees – Ed Buckland
Ed reported that the Trustees gave permission to Tracey Doherty to do whatever snow removal was appropriate for tomorrow’s snowstorm, and they’ll discuss in detail afterward for going forward with it for the rest of the winter.

Other Business
* Rich Sullivan noted that there has been discussion about cost savings at the church, and he determined that the refrigerator in the kitchen could be turned off for the foreseeable future. He noted that he didn’t think there was anything in it that couldn’t be thrown out, but if anyone wanted anything from it to let him know in the next week. Also, he said someone left 3 bags of returnable cans & bottles that we could cash in. Diane said she would stop by and pick them up and redeem them.
* Rev. Beth noted that she is having a dental procedure on January 4, so she won’t be able to talk for a few days.
* Paul Holmes gave a report on online ministry viewership. Live viewings on Facebook and Youtube, and playback views on BTV, are strong. Some Sundays are getting over 100 views, and the photobooth promotional video on Facebook got almost 200 views. The Christmas carol singalong also got very strong viewership. On a related matter, Rev. Beth said she performed a wedding last Sunday in Fall River, of two people who watch our streaming services. And although they’ve never been in our church building, they feel a part of our congregation. Anne noted that all of the ways we’ve developed our video ministry should continue even after the pandemic because it’s a great ministry for so many people.
* Denise reminded people that she and Diane would be bagging cookies this Sunday for the Brockton homeless Christmas cookie project. Cookies should be dropped off between 3 and 3:30 on a table outside the side door.
* Marci complimented Rev. Beth on the Advent packet that was distributed. She said it was a wonderful idea that families could do together and at home to honor the season.
* Terry made a last call for poinsettias to be ordered. They will be ordered Friday.

Rev. Beth closed the meeting with a poem. The meeting adjourned at 8:20pm. The next meeting is January 20.

Church Administration
Pastor: Rev. Elizabeth Stotts, csccpastor @ hotmail.com
Congregational Administrator: Ellen Atherton, office @ csccucc.com
Sexton: Rich Sullivan
Minister of Music: Julia Scott Carey

Director of Video Evangelism: Paul Holmes
Treasurer: David Sheibley
Office telephone: (508) 697-6016
Website: www.csccucc.org
Facebook pages: facebook.com/csccuccbridgewaterma (main page), facebook.com/groups/801550253194149 (youth page)

Steeple Sounds submissions deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.