December 2025
In the Newsletter this Month
December Ember Day
Broad Reach Hospice- Volunteers Needed
Christmas Gifts for Local Youth- Donations Needed
Help Us Restore the Organ
Don’t Forget
Christmas Flower Orders (due Dec 8th)
Pastor’s Musings
Be Still This Advent
DECEMBER EMBER DAY
As has become my practice this year, December marks another Ember Day update about my pastoral work that takes place outside of office hours, church meetings, and worship. The Ember Day celebration in this final month of the year corresponds with the feast of St. Lucy. Lucia of Syracuse was an early Christian martyr, best known for bringing food to Christians in hiding during the period of persecution by Rome. Legend tells that she wore a crown of candles upon her head to light her way through the caves and catacombs where the faithful were hiding. As a result, her feast day is held during the season of Advent, when we celebrate light shining in the darkness.
This Fall saw my continued participation in various religious organizations on the Outer and Lower Cape. I continue to serve on the Barnstable Association Leadership Team, helping to plan their Spring and Fall worship and meeting events, the Southeast Region (comprised of Barnstable, Pilgrim, Old Colony, and Rhode Island associations) event on Israel, Zionism, and Nationalism, supporting Members In Discernment in their journey towards ordination, organized the World Communion collection for World Central Kitchen, and much more. I am currently serving as the Vice President of the Nauset Interfaith Association, and in addition to monthly meetings and executive committee discussions, I hosted the October meeting here, and helped plan and participate in their annual Thanksgiving service (as well as helping to plan a satellite event held in Provincetown at the same time). I also attended a clergy roundtable to discuss how we address polarization in our congregations.
Here in Wellfleet, we held one more bonfire for church and community members, supported community members during incidences of loss and serious illness, attended the annual “Rowing Rendezvous” at Mayo beach, hosted the annual Blessing of the Animals, offered the devotion at the Habitat for Humanity build on several occasions, and met with members of the Outer Cape Voices group to bring their events into our building. Jen and I once again volunteered at Oysterfest, proudly wearing our FCC t-shirts, and were invited to attend the soft launch of the 246 Kitchen in its new home at Our Lady of Lourdes.
I was particularly pleased with 2 events this Fall. Along with Louise Kemprecos, I helped to organize our first Progressive Dinner. This event saw attendees visit the homes of church members, with each house hosting a course of the meal. I also arranged for a Volunteer Appreciation event at Van Renssalaer’s as a way of thanking our dedicated church members for all that they do to make this church a vibrant and loving community. I also led efforts to support the Wellfleet Food Pantry during the government shutdown and subsequent suspension of SNAP benefits.
I look forward to a thriving Advent and Christmas season, as well as a strong start to 2026. In the new year, I will be leading 2 viewing discussion series: one centered on documentaries on the lives of influential thinkers, and another watching and discussing the comedy series “A Man On the Inside”. Additionally, I will be co-leading a discussion on Thich Nhat Hanh’s book “Living Buddha, Living Christ” with a student of Hanh’s. That series will be held at the Wellfleet library.
BROAD REACH HOSPICE - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteer Opportunities Abound at Broad Reach Hospice in the Wellfleet/ Provincetown area. Perhaps you have the gifts of time and compassion for those who are journeying to end of life Perhaps you would be willing to share a few hours a week to provide companionship for someone under the care of Broad Reach Hospice. Perhaps you have a passion for music, art or other creative skills that might enhance the quality of life of someone with Alzheimer’s.
Broad Reach Hospice would welcome your inquiry. The Volunteer coordinator would arrange a visit with you to discuss the details of the program and the online training experience. Please ask the church office for more information. www.broadreachhealth.org
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR LOCAL YOUTH - DONATIONS NEEDED
Once again, we will be collecting Christmas gifts for local youth to be distributed by the Lower Cape Outreach Council. This collection was formerly known as the “White Gift” collection, but as LCOC allows parents to “shop” for their kids gifts, all items must be unwrapped. Gifts for all ages are welcome, and gift cards are especially welcome for older kids. All gifts will be delivered to LCOC on Monday the 15th, so please bring them to the church on the 14th (or earlier). Your generosity can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors during this season of light and love!
HELP US RESTORE THE ORGAN
“Bessie,” as Brad calls her, entered our church in 1873 as a brand new, custom built, Hook & Hastings tracker action organ. She loved our sanctuary and kept herself in good shape for over 100 years. In the 1990’s she began to get weary, so First Church raised $75,000 for a complete restoration. She has done well since then, and besides regular tunings she has only needed minor repairs— until now.
A number of the wooden flute pipes have suffered from winter dryness in the sanctuary, and there are multiple splits that need to be repaired. All of the oboe pipes need to be cleaned and refurbished so they can stay in tune. These pipes reside within the organ case and cannot be seen from the front of the organ; they can only be heard, and at present only a small part of the “ranks” can be used.
The repair estimate is $9,600. That work includes flute repairs plus the much needed “Swell 8’ Oboe Cleaning and Regulation (58 pipes).” A detailed estimate is available— just ask Brad for it. An Organ Fund is already established; so far donations for this effort have raised $1,700. It’s a good start, and we are grateful for your contributions. Please don’t stop now— we need your support to complete the process and bring Bessie back to her once gracious state! When you donate, all you need to do is not “Organ Fund” on your contribution. Bessie and the Music Ministry in her church will thank you, and when finished you can listen to her improvements every Sunday!
Many, many thanks for your help!
