October 2025
In the Newsletter this Month
Finance Update from the Council
2025 Cape Cod Crop Hunger Walk
Help Us Restore the Organ
Upcoming Events
Don’t Forget
Annual Fall Town of Wellfleet Cemetery Clean-Up— Saturday Oct 4, 9am
Pastor’s Musings
Called to Create
FINANCE UPDATE FROM THE COUNCIL
Dear Members and Friends of First Congregational,
As we shared in June, we remain committed to keeping you informed about the church’s financial outlook as we enter the second half of the year. At that time, we reported a projected gap of approximately $35,000, driven by rising costs— including electricity, building insurance, and upcoming repairs to our historic organ.
We’re encouraged to report that since then; the financial outlook has improved due to:
Increased pledges;
Gifts from non-members in the community, and offerings at services;
Some reductions in planned expenses (e.g., buying fewer office supplies) or deferred maintenance (a stop-gap measure, as repairs are inevitable).
Your response has been both generous and heartening—thank you!
Looking ahead, our calendar includes several fellowship-based fundraising efforts (Auction, Calendar Supper, Christmas Fair, Oysterfest parking). These will help build momentum toward closing the deficit. Equally important are the day-to-day decisions we continue to make in coordination with the Financial Management Committee:
Careful, line-by-line expense reviews
Exploring new revenue sources tied to our facilities and property
While these efforts strengthen our financial footing, long-term sustainability depends on a growing, engaged congregation. That means continued giving, active volunteering, and collaboration in the months ahead.
Thank you again for the thoughtful and generous response to our first update. We remain prayerful and optimistic that—together—we can sustain our mission as a vibrant, vital, and welcoming center of faith, service, and fellowship.
The Church Council will organize a congregational meeting in early September to share further updates and discuss options for long-term financial sustainability. Until then, please don’t hesitate to reach out with ideas, questions, or suggestions. Every voice and every action matters.
—The Church Council
2025 CAPE COD CROP HUNGER WALK
October 12, 2025
Twenty-five percent of the money we raise stays here on the Cape. This year we are concentrating our support on the Wellfleet Food Pantry and other pantries on the Cape. Did you know that the Wellfleet Food Pantry is the busiest Food Pantry on the Lower Cape!
This year supporting the work of the Food Pantries is more important than ever. Because of anticipated cuts to food from the Department of Agriculture, local food pantries will have trouble meeting the needs of their clients. The Greater Boston Food Bank anticipates cuts to Massachusetts of many millions of dollars of food. On top of that, Congress is considering cuts in aid to people of low income. The demand for Food Pantries is likely to increase. The Greater Boston Food Bank anticipates a 70% increase in use of Food Pantries. More demand and lower supply spells trouble.
This year we are concentrating our local support to help out Food Pantries. Thank you for considering supporting our Cape Cod CROP Hunger Walk. And thank you to all of you who have donated to the walk so far!
This is another example of how your support for the CROP Hunger Walk is helping people around the world. This year more than ever we need your support. Severe cuts in Federal funding have impacted the ability of Church World Service to provide the help that so many need. You can make a donation in three ways:
Online: go to the website, crophungerwalk.org/capecod and scroll down to our church team
Check: you can donate by making a check out to CWS/Crop Walk and leave it in the morning offering or dropping it off at the church office. You can support us also starting in May at the Farmer’s Market. Thank you so much.
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
WEEKLY MEDITATION- Even though the busyness of Summer is behind us, we are continuing our weekly Monday meditations. Styles and traditions will vary week to week, and will include: Centering Prayer, Mindfulness, Zazen/Silent, and Lectio Divina. Sessions will begin at 8:30 and last approximately 45 minutes. Bring a cushion if you prefer to sit on the floor, or take a seat in one of our pews.
PLEASE NOTE: there will be no sessions on: Labor Day or Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day
BIBLE STUDY- During the month of October, we will continue the final volume of Anne Roberston’s “Exploring the Bible” trilogy. This 6-week course is a dedicated look at the development and theological traditions of the New Testament. This series is scheduled to conclude on October 22nd, and we will immediately transition into read C.S Lewis’ classic “The Problem of Pain.” If you’ve ever struggled with reconciling your faith in a just and loving God with the tragedies of life, this study is for you! That series will commence on October 29th, and as always sessions will meet at 12:30 in Fellowship Hall. Please speak to Pastor Jon or the church office if you are interested in attending, so we can order an appropriate number of texts.
ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS- At noon on Sunday October 5th, bring your furred, feathered, hoofed or scaled friends to the First Congregational Church for our animal blessing. The event will be held outdoors in good weather, or in Fellowship Hall in case of inclement weather. Join us as we give thanks and offer blessings to the many beings that bring so much joy to our lives. If you cannot easily transport your pet, or if they are skittish around others, feel free to bring a photo.
PROGRESSIVE DINNER- Have you ever attended a progressive dinner? This has nothing to do with either insurance or politics; a progressive dinner visits several homes during the course of a meal. Members of the church will open their homes for each course, and participants will progress from home to home during the course of the meal. A sign-up sheet is available in Fellowship Hall, or you can speak to Pastor Jon, Louise Kemprecos, or the church office if you are interested in attending.
SOUP LUNCHEONS RESUME- Autumn has arrived and that means our weekly free Community Luncheons are back! Our first luncheon will be held on Monday October 6th, starting at noon. If you are interested in volunteering, please speak to the church office, and they will put you in contact with the luncheon team!
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION- In grateful recognition of the dedicated support of all our members and friends, Pastor Jon and the Deacons have arranged for a Volunteer Appreciation night. We have reserved a section of Van Rensselaer’s on Thursday October 9th, from 4-6. The church will arrange for a selection of light bites and soft drinks; individuals are responsible for their own adult beverages (if desired). Please speak to Pastor Jon if you plan on attending so that we can order an appropriate number of foods.
CROP WALK- On Sunday October 12th at 1pm. First Congregational will hold our annual CROP Walk to combat hunger here on the Outer Cape and abroad. This year we will be joined by teams of walkers from Our Lady of Lourdes as well as the Federated Church of Orleans. Other members of the Barnstable Association will be raising money for this effort in other parts of the Cape. Lace up your shoes, and get ready to walk!
OUTER CAPE VOICES- On Friday October 17th, Outer Cape Voices returns to our sanctuary. This event features local storytellers, singers, and other performers, and provides an uplifting evening of community. This month’s theme (suitable for Oysterfest weekend) is... Oysters! Tickets are $20 (proceeds will be split evenly between Wellfleet Oyster Alliance and the church), and the event begins at 7pm. Hope to see you there!
OPEN MIC NIGHT- The inaugural Open Mic night was a success! Approximately 40 people came to perform and to be entertained. Our next event will be Friday, October 24th. Anyone who has a song to sing, a poem to read, or a story to tell is invited. This event is free and open to the public. Please speak to Tomi Jacobs-Ziobro or Pastor Jon if you are interested in performing, or getting involved with planning or hosting.
