09/01/2026
Shutesbury Community Church Newsletter – 9-1-26
Good afternoon members and friends of the church,
Welcome to the beginning of fall. What a busy time for our church. People are getting back into their regular routines after carefree fun in the summer sun and hopefully many are returning to church after their summer breaks.
At our church we have a number of upcoming events and special services, beginning this Sunday, as well as our church picnic, a baptism and other activities. Each event will be a great time to honor and worship God and build our relationship with Jesus Christ and, of course, with one another.
We’re also rapidly approaching the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you don’t think we’re all that close to the holidays, just visit Hobby Lobby in Athol. I’m looking forward to the preparations for that special time of year and I hope all of you are as well. But let’s get through the fall first and make the most of all the activities we have planned. And as always, don’t forget your daily prayer time and weekly church attendance. And invite your friends. You never know when someone might be just waiting for an invitation.
COMMISSIONING OF STEPHEN JEAN
During this Sunday’s service we will hold a commissioning ceremony for our new Pastor of Discipleship, Stephen Jean. What a thrill to add Stephen to our church leadership team. He has been a dedicated member of the Worship Team since his return last year from completing his pastoral training and certification and he brings a great deal of faith, knowledge and experience to this new position. Let’s all help him in any way we can to make the discipleship ministry successful.
CHURCH CHAT AND COMMUNION THIS SUNDAY
There is quite a lot to talk about in Church Chat this month, so please try to attend. It will be held downstairs rather than in the sanctuary, as I am now coming to fellowship each week. However I am keeping my mask on while my chemo continues.
GUEST PREACHER AND COMMUNITY PRAYER DAY SEPT. 13
Connor Lafleur, a young man from North Leverett Baptist Church who is soon to begin what he hopes will be a permanent missionary assignment to Japan, will be in the pulpit on Sept. 13. Please come and listen to his message and send him off with our blessings on his missionary journey.
Following the worship service we will have a time of individual prayer for the church in the sanctuary, beginning at noon and continuing into the evening. If you haven’t signed up to pray for a one- or two-hour period, please do so on the sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall this Sunday.
CHURCH PICNIC, NEW MEMBER AND BAPTISM
During the worship service on Sept. 20 we will welcome Wayne Witkowski into membership in the church. Then, immediately after the service, we will drive down to Lake Wyola to baptize Wayne in the chilly waters. Finally, we will return to the church for our annual church picnic, hopefully in front of the church Sas we did last year if the weather if good. The picnic will replace our monthly Birthday Brunch.
NEW SERMON SERIES STARTING SEPT. 20
I am planning a sermon series through the fall on the deep meanings of the Lord’s Prayer We will look at each verse and discuss not only what Jesus said but the meaning behind the words. The prayer loses some of its meaning in translation as Jesus was speaking to a 1st century audience with a different understanding than we have.. I believe this series will enhance our own understanding and strengthen our faith and our relationship with Jesus.
BYLAWS UPDATE
The preliminary draft of the church bylaws is done and has just been submitted to the council for they’re final review and approval. We anticipate having the proposed bylaws in the hands of church members by mid- to late September and to then hold a church chat on Oct,.4 and, if requested, a special informational meeting on them later in October. I’m hoping this will all go smoothly and we can have a special meeting to adopt them in late October or early November. The bylaws have been six years in the making and upon their approval by the Congregation will become the governing document of the church for many years to come. The bylaws will replace the Church Constitution, which was never meant to be permanent. The bylaws contain and expand on all of the provisions in the Constitution.
CHURCH CALENDAR
This Sunday – Communion and Church Chat
Sept. 13 – Guest preacher Connor Lafleur. Day of prayer beginning at noon.
Sept. 14 – Church Council mtg, 6 pm.
Sept. 20 – Baptism and church picnic. Beginning of sermon series on Lord’s Prayer.
Sept. 27 – History Team meeting
Oct. 4 – Church Chat on proposed bylaws. Bring your questions.
Every Wednesday – Weekly prayer meeting at 6:15 pm. on Zoom. Look for your Zoom link in your email. You can attend on your phone or computer. If you don’t receive an email invitation and would like to attend, email me at [email protected] to request one.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Mark
[email protected]
