November 2025
In the Newsletter this Month
A Message from the Moderator
Pie Sale- Donations Needed
Help Us Restore the Organ
Upcoming Events
Don’t Forget
Monday Meditations
Quilt Raffle
Pastor’s Musings
In Good Company
FROM THE MODERATOR
I’ve been reflecting on how we make decisions together as a church and wanted to share some thoughts on transparency.
In church life, how decisions are made is as important as the decisions themselves. Trust grows when we share the steps taken, the reasons behind them, and the spirit in which they are made. Clear, open communication builds understanding and strengthens community.
Transparency helps people see how and why decisions are made. When everyone understands the process, even disagreement can occur with respect. Working together to discern our best path forward, we grow in common purpose and mutual understanding.
Openness and clarity nurture unity, accountability, and fellowship. They remind us that we are all working toward the same purpose — serving Christ and one another faithfully. Decisions made in this spirit invite trust, deepen relationships, and reflect the best of who we are as a congregation.
These reflections are offered with gratitude for everyone who contributes to the life of our church and with confidence that we will continue to strengthen trust and understanding in all we do together.
Respectfully,
Pete Cook
PIE SALE - DONATIONS NEEDED
Hello Faithful Bakers,
It’s that time of the year again!! Our Annual Sweet & Savory Pie Sale is Saturday, November 22nd at 10:00. Last year, we received over 70 delicious items to sell . . . an assortment of pies, crisps, cobblers, chicken pot pies, quiches, shepherd pies, frozen Thanksgiving pies & a few fall breads.
Gentle Reminders:
1. Please label your item: name of item, any ingredients you feel are common allergens, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian pie, etc.
2. Let us know what you’re donating. There’s a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall or contact Nancy Porteus.
3. Friday is the preferable drop-off date which allows us more time for organizing, pricing & labeling.
Drop off times: Friday, Nov. 21st at 10-Noon & 4-6 PM. Otherwise, please drop off your item(s) on Saturday morning 8:30-9.
4. If you’re unable to bake or purchase pies this year, money donations to the church or the Scholarship Fund are always appreciated!
5. Please ask neighbors, friends, relatives to bake for us or stop by & shop for the holidays!
6. Advent wreath making will also be taking place in Fellowship Hall that morning. Come make a wreath, buy a pie & enjoy a complimentary cup of hot cider!
Thank You All for Your Generous Hearts & Hands,
Nancy Porteus & Helpers!
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!
UPCOMING EVENTS
PIE SALE AND ADVENT WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP- Saturday November 22nd is the date for the First Congregational Pie Sale and Advent Wreath making workshop. Proceeds from the pie sale benefit our Scholarship fund, and the Wreath workshop is an opportunity to make your own Advent wreath (with candles), free. We look forward to seeing you there, starting at 10am!
QUILT RAFFLE- First Congregational is raffling off a beautiful quilt made by Meredith Blakely, in anticipation of our Christmas Fair. Tickets are $5/each or 5/$20, and can be purchased from the church office, or at the November Soup Luncheon or the Pie Sale/Advent Wreath Workshop on the 22nd.
INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE- The Nauset Interfaith Association invites you to attend our 2025 Thanksgiving Interfaith Service on Sunday, November 23rd at 2pm at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 310 Route 137, Harwich, MA. Our theme this year is “Nurturing a Culture of Appreciation” and together we will share in praise, prayer and reflection from our many member faith traditions as we explore the possibility of nurturing a more grateful world and its powerful effect on our lives. Those who wish to join us in a combined choir singing John Rutter’s “Look at the World” led by St. Peter’s Minister of Music, Craig Tocher should arrive by 1:30pm to rehearse! A free will offering to support Lower Cape Outreach Council will be taken. Refreshments and fellowship to follow. We look forward to seeing you there!
PLEDGE SUNDAY- 2025 brought some unexpected financial challenges, such as increased costs associated with needing to find a new insurance provider, as well as historically high utility bills. Our church rallied to face those challenges, and through your efforts we will be ending 2025 in the black. By the time you read this, you will likely have received this year’s Stewardship letter and pledge card. In the weeks to come we will continue to hear from church members about the value and necessity of pledging as we prepare to meet the coming year. Your Stewardship Team has set Sunday, November 23rd, as Pledge Sunday, and is requesting that pledge cards be returned by that date. Those in worship will be invited to bring their cards forth during worship, and those who are unable to attend are requested to mail them to the church office. If you have any questions, please speak to Brad Williams.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR- On Saturday December 6th, starting at 10am, First Congregational will be holding our annual Christmas Fair. Come shop for holiday treasures made with love by church members and local vendors, support local non-profits, stock up on baked goods at our cookie walk, and enjoy delicious treats at our cafe. This year, our featured speaker will be Paul Kemprecos, and he will be sharing excerpts from his writings. If you are interested in helping out at the fair, baking cookies, or volunteering at the cafe, please speak to Louise Kemprecos or Pastor Jon.
2ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL FESTIVAL- Last year we began a new tradition as our community gathered in the sanctuary to sing hymns and carols together. This year, our Christmas Carol Festival will be held on Sunday December 7th at 5pm. Come for an evening of fellowship and holiday fun! All are welcome!
