July 2026 Newsletter
Dear friends,
Earlier in June, a letter was sent to the members and friends of the church, informing everyone about my upcoming resignation, effective August 31. This will mark almost 18 years as pastor of this church. I am also planning to retire after almost 40 years of serving churches in Maine, New York, CT and MA.
From now until the end of August, I will be working with a team of volunteers to assure that things I have been doing are passed on for others to learn and carry out in this “in between time.” We are also finding people to step in to help with things my husband Keith has taken on, including our sound systems, sprinklers and more.
Amy Pawle, our church moderator, and other members of our church leadership are already working with our Area Minister on next steps concerning pastoral leadership for the church. You will be hearing more from Amy about this soon. If you would like to contact Amy directly, her email address is amy.pawle@gmail.com
I thank you all for the privilege of serving among you. You are an amazing congregation. You are so faith-filled, and you have a strong sense of identity as a Just Peace church, an Open and Affirming church and a member church of the United Church of Christ. Your next pastor will be blessed by you and your devotion to serve God through so many ways.
Keith and I will miss you and we wish you all God’s blessings as you move forward together in Jesus’ name.
Blessings,
Barbara
July
Sunday, July 5th
Worship moves to 9:30am
Sunday, July 5th
Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser
Saturday, July 11th
Food Drive: 1-3pm
Sunday, July 12th
Just Peace team meeting: all are welcome
Sunday, July 26th
Prayers for the Nation: 4pm
August
Saturday, August 1th
Men's breakfast: 8:20am
Sunday, August 2nd
Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser 11:30am - 3pm
Saturday, August 8th
Food drive through: 1-3pm
Sunday, August 9th
12th Anniversary of Waving for Peace Ministry
Sunday, August 30th
Pastor Barbara's final service
Sundays: Waving for Peace after coffee hour
Mondays: Waving for Peace from 3:30 - 4pm
TEXAS ROADHOUSE FUNDRAISER: Sunday, July 5th
Show this graphic to your server for our fundraiser
MENS BREAKFAST: PLEASE NOTE:
The next Men's Breakfast will be held on Sunday, August 1 because of the 4th of July weekend.
JULY SPECIAL RAFFLE
Throughout the month of July
We are going to hold a special raffle throughout July to help fund our Loaves and Fishes ministry. Each month, volunteers prep and serve dinner for the guests at Open Pantry’s Loaves and Fishes at South Congregational Church in Springfield. Thank you for your support!!
SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR REBBECA JOHNSON
We will be collecting school supplies through August 9. Needed: Everything from pencils to backpacks, notebooks, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, two and four pocket folders and more! Thanks to everyone for your support!
MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE
Saturday, July 11 from 1-3 PM in the back parking lot
All non-perishable food collected is donated to The Open Pantry. Our focus foods are rice and pasta. We will also be collecting school supplies for Rebecca Johnson school.
JUST PEACE TEAM MEETING: SUNDAY, JULY 12th FOLLOWING WORSHIP
This meeting is open to everyone.
FOSTER SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
The Inter-Church Softball League's season has begun!
Website https://www.interchurchsoftball.com/
There is also a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WesternMAChurchSoftball
Everyone is always welcome to attend the games! Go, team!
GARDEN "SOCIAL"
Our Garden Angels, Judy and Gerri, are going to host a “Garden Social” for everyone. The date for this event will be announced soon.
WAVING FOR PEACE ANNIVERSARY
We will mark the 12th Anniversary of our Waving for Peace ministry on Sunday, August 9 following worship.
PASTOR BARBARA'S FINAL SERVICE AND RECEPTION: SUNDAY, AUGUST 30th
Please save the date and spread the word. The reception will follow our 9:30 AM worship service.
