Hello there, United Church of Christ, Pittsfield! After years of conversation between First Church of Christ and South Congregational Church, all the technical steps required for us to be a single, reunited congregation are done. After close to 175 years, we’re one church once again. There’s still a lot of work to do, but now it’s the work of one church instead of two. During our final votes last Sunday (actually February 21st, this was written earlier), those who were legally members of First voted with a blue card, and those who were legally members of South used yellow. Then, … Continue reading Welcome to United Church of Christ, Pittsfield!

This sermon was given on Pentecost Sunday, 2023. It was also the day we voted (affirmatively) to reunite South Congregational Church (UCC) and First Church of Christ (UCC) of Pittsfield, MA, after about 170 years of separation.  Acts 2:1-21 In today’s scripture, the disciples gathered together, and things were not going well. Life was very uncertain and more than a little weird. The state had executed their teacher and friend, and the disciples kept a low profile for fear of being affiliated with this rebel heretic. Then things got weirder.  At first, it seemed as though the body of Jesus … Continue reading “Discomfort and Disruption” (Pentecost Sermon on Acts 2:1-21) #sermon #berkshires #pittsfield

John 14:1-11 ​ (The Message)  “Don’t let this rattle you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.” Thomas said, “Master, we have no idea where you’re going. How do you expect us to know the road?” … Continue reading “In the Way” (5/7/23 Reflection on John 14:1-11) #sermon #berkshires #pittsfield

(My sermons these days are based on what’s written in these manuscripts, but since I started preaching without notes, they aren’t identical.) Last night, all our churches that are part of the Pittsfield Campus of Downtown Churches worked together to create a Holy Saturday walk. Recognizing Holy Saturday (also known as the Great Vigil) isn’t done in many Protestant churches. It wasn’t something I ever did or knew about growing up, but it has become more important to me over the years.  Holy Saturday is a recognition of the time after the execution of Jesus on Good Friday and before … Continue reading “Unfinished” (4/9/23 Easter Reflection on John 20:1-18) #sermon #berkshires #pittsfield

(I’ve been preaching without a manuscript the last few Sundays, so haven’t had anything to publish here. I’ll share the sermon and other writings here as I have something available!) Less than 20 years ago, I was part of an interfaith group of religious leaders working to support hotel room cleaners in Chicago. We’d heard the stories of how hotel workers were pushed to clean more rooms than could reasonably be cleaned safely and quickly. At that point, the number of life-altering injuries they suffered to their backs, arms, shoulders, and necks rivaled those suffered in heavy industry. Their pay … Continue reading “Marching” (4/2/23 Palm Sunday Reflection on Matthew 21:1-11+) #pittsfield #sermon #berkshires

A coffee stand in Blue Hill, Maine, makes my favorite espresso. Lauren’s family has a place they share, not too far away. We get there about once a year. Most days, I slip over to Bucklyn Coffee and wait in line.  It takes a while, but it’s rare that anyone gets impatient about it. It’s really like a communion line. Once you get through it, the server – sometimes the owner – greets you in a way like you’re the first person they’ve served all day. They rarely rush. I order an espresso, and they smile. Eventually, they hand me … Continue reading Coffee Grinds and Ashes (March reflection for church newsletter)