With the drop in infection rates in Palmer and many surrounding towns, the Re-Opening Committee has decided to offer a return to in-person worship in our sanctuary. The guidelines will be the same as before, but here is a partial repeat of the information that came out prior to our re-opening in September. *Space is
Read MoreDear Members and Friends of Second Congregational Church, I feel like I’ve been here before. It was the 1985 Boston Marathon. At mile 17, I hit “the wall,” and it wasn’t what I expected. I wasn’t in pain, but my legs felt like they were made of cement. Mile 18 was two minutes slower than
Read MoreDear Members and Friends, As most of you know, I enjoy going to the gym almost every day to work out. For years, I (along with everyone else) have been greeted by name by the 80+ year old woman who staffs the desk nearest the entrance. She also remembers the names of spouses and partners!
Read MoreAs wind-whipped wildfires continue to take lives and destroy forests, homes and businesses on the West Coast of the U.S., United Church of Christ congregations are in stages ranging from evacuation to recovery to post-traumatic stress syndrome. In the two hardest hit UCC conferences– Central Pacific and Northern California-Nevada– several congregations and church camps await
Read MorePlans are well in the works for restarting in-person worship at Second Congregational Church. Updates will be posted as we move toward that date, and we encourage you to check this website for information. When the doors do open to worship God in faith and in person, we will be doing so in accordance with
Read MoreThere is much information to share with everyone about our planned reopening at 10:00 AM, September 13th and we hope you’ll take the time to read it. The safety of our congregation is our highest priority, so we have been working to ensure that we meet the requirements established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, along
Read MoreThe committee that is setting plans for resuming in-person worship is developing a comprehensive plan for resuming worship in our sanctuary, starting from the moment someone enters the church until they depart. Everything will be about ensuring as much safety as possible in our particular situation. This plan will be sent to you directly when
Read MoreWhat a couple of weeks it’s been! Keeping up with the news has once again been like trying to drink from a fire hose, especially since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. As individuals, it was abhorrent and overwhelming even to hear about. (I can’t bring myself to watch it.) It is also part
Read MoreGreetings Members and Friends of Second Congregational Church! I think I’ve mentioned it before, but there is an old Chinese “blessing” of sorts that says, “May you live in interesting times.” Well, folks, it sure looks like we’re there! One of the gifts of being human beings is that we can learn as we go
Read MoreAlthough it may be obvious, this is a time unlike any other. While it is a time of staying home and social distancing, it does not have to be a time when we grow apart or become isolated. During a time like this, life can become especially challenging for some folks. I can think of
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