A Note from Our Moderator

 

An Opportunity to Participate

As Rev. Pete and the Board of Stewardship have often said, there are many ways to give to our church in addition to a monetary contribution. Contributing time to wonderful causes like our Pine St. Inn monthly meal ministry or the Taste of Hingham are also wonderfully valuable ways of giving to HCC.

This is the time of year when a variety of other time- and talent-giving opportunities are available to members of the Hingham Congregational Church community. Specifically, I am referring to opportunities to serve on the Boards and Committees of the church, groups of folks who gather each month to do such things as help bring order to worship, programs to youth, support for local charities, and a church building that operates effectively - among other examples.

One of these groups - the Nominating Committee - has begun to gather to identify and begin to reach out to individuals who may have an interest in serving on one of these Boards or Committees, with terms of service typically lasting for three years. The objective of the Nominating Committee is to prepare a slate of nominees to serve for the coming year that is then approved by the congregation at the Annual Congregational Meeting. This year's Annual Meeting will take place after worship on Sunday, May 19th. Members of this year's Nominating Committee include our ministers, Pete and Sara, Penelope Pint, Priscilla Anderson, Paul Jeffrey, Lynn Mayo, Meredith Hollander, and me.

Most of the opportunities to participate are with one of the six Boards. If you're not familiar with the Boards' functions, here is a brief description of each:

Christian Education: Oversees the church's education ministry across all age levels, including church school from nursery through high school ages, the high school service trip, and adult programs;

Deacons: Responsible for the spiritual life of the congregation, with a focus on planning and participating in Sunday worship and other church events (e.g., weddings, funerals, and other special events);

Fellowship: Provides coordination for social and fellowship activities for the church community;

Outreach: Responsible for helping to determine the church's charitable giving of time, talent and treasure to worthwhile outside organizations;

Stewardship: Responsible for encouraging the commitment of church members and friends in the use of their time, talent and treasure in the service of God and the church;

Trustees: Maintains and cares for the physical property of the church, including each of its buildings (sanctuary, church office and parsonage).

So, there truly is a diverse set of opportunities to participate more deeply in the life of the church. From my personal perspective, I've found each of my Board and other church leadership experiences to be a great way both to get to know a group of great folks better and feel like I'm making a personal investment in a really fine organization - doing God's work! If this is of interest, if you have any questions, or if you would like to serve, please let me ( [email protected] or by phone at 617-512-1449) or one of the members of the Nominating Committee know!

Thank you!

Blessings to you and yours,

Todd                                                                                                                              

•  BJ Gorczyca, whose father died recently
• Richard Hollander, whose mother died recently
• Mary Lynd Dolphin
• Lynn Wellings, Erin Childs' mother
• Don Giessow, David's brother
• Chris Rankin, brother-in-law of Priscilla Anderson
• Suzy Burba, Sara M. Holland, Bill Ketchum, and Winston Janusz, Members in Discernment
• All those affected by violence in the world; our prayer is for love, justice, and peace.

GUILD Consignment Center Prepares for Spring

Spring has Sprung at the Consignment Center!

 

Last month's clearance removed any remaining suggestion of winter in the lower level of HCC. The shop was flooded with customers eager to glean bargains, and all remaining merchandise was sorted and distributed to other charities according to need.

This year, we were glad to make a direct contact with International Institute of New England, and donated a carload of coats for use by newcomers to America arriving from

warm climates and unaccustomed to New England winters (or springs?). Clothing and household goods were also given to the Friends of the Homeless to assist individuals and families in temporary and initial independent residences. Resources for training, education, and resale were gladly received by Cardinal Cushing Training Center in Hanover. Thanks to the Salvation Army for making a stop in order to pick up merchandise for their agency's programs.

 

The first green shoots to appear have blossomed, and the Consignment Center now offers

a broad selection of spring apparel, jewelry, tableware, garden accessories. We are ready for Easter, so don't miss a chance to find baskets, and eggs or trinkets to fill them. Fortunately, there is currently a supply of boys' shirts, slacks, and jackets along with those Sunday dresses for your most special girls.

 

Summer clothing will begin to arrive on Tuesday, April 2, when we will be accepting shorts, sleeveless dresses and jerseys, and sandals. If you're planning to travel over spring break, visit our collection of carry-ons, tote bags, resort wear, and sunglasses. For those

making a Staycation, come in to find hiking sneakers, plant pots, yard boots, yard games, or ..... a butterfly net.

 

While you're considering, view our website ( www.guildconsignment.org) , visit us on Facebook, or be ready for Instagram updates! Better yet, stop in for a personal taste of spring!