February 2026
In the Newsletter this Month
Monday Meditation Update
Broad Reach Hospice- Volunteers Needed
Help Us Restore the Organ
Don’t Forget
All services/activities will be held in Fellowship Hall for the winter
Ash Wednesday Service- Feb 18th @ noon
Pastor’s Musings
After the Light
MONDAY MEDITATION UPDATE
During the period when we are not meeting for worship in the Sanctuary, Monday Meditation will be held in the side room of the Parsonage.
Also, beginning in February, we will be altering our practice. Instead of varying the style of meditation from week to week, we will instead focus on each style for a month at a time.
During February we will be practicing Centering Prayer; during March we will practice Silent Meditation, and during April we will practice Lectio Divina.
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
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 $3,800. 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!
