The FFC Racism Awareness Team invites you to join us in watching one short video per week that expands how we may think—and pray--about race. This week’s video:
Thanksgiving Food Pantry Collection a Success!
We did it-thanks to Deb Holleran and her elves! Sue Borchard delivered over 200 cans of cranberry sauce to fill Thanksgiving bags at the Franklin Food Pantry this week. Thank you to all who helped with this important project.
The Danger of a Single Story
Racism Education and Awareness
The FFC Racism Awareness Team invites you to join us in watching one short video per week that expands how we may think—and pray--about race. This week’s video:
The danger of a single story,TED Talk by Chimamanda Adiche
The Disturbing History of the Suburbs
The FFC Racism Awareness Team invites you to join us in watching one short video per week that expands how we may think—and pray--about race. This week’s video:
An amusing but eye-opening video from the category “Things of which I was blissfully unaware.”
How to Deconstruct Racism, One Headline at a Time
The FFC Racism Awareness Team invites you to join us in watching one short video per week that expands how we may think—and pray--about race. This week’s video:
How to Deconstruct Racism, One Headline at a Time, TED Talk by Baratunde Thurston
Entertaining AND Enlightening—what a winning combo! Best 10 minutes you’ll spend today.
Tyler Merritt Project: Before You Call
The FFC Racism Awareness Team invites you to join us in watching one short video per week that expands how we may think—and pray--about race. This week’s video:
Tyler Merritt Project: Before You Call
Take just 3 minutes to experience this video. So much heart!
JESUS ON THE WATER: A Virtual Bible Study via Zoom
September - October, 2020
The FFC Bible Study will resume by Zoom on Saturday, September 19 (note change of day) at 9 o'clock AM. Lyn Pickhover will lead six sessions about "Jesus on the Water," highlighting Jesus' close connection with the Sea of Galilee and how the location shaped his ministry and his teachings. We will note how the Gospel versions differ and see how translations affect how we interpret the story. Each session will stand alone, so participants can "drop in" when time allows. Since you will need an "invitation" to join these Zoom meetings, please contact Lyn or the office with your email address. You will also need to download the Zoom app if you have not already done so. If you want to participate in this virtual Bible study and do not have Zoom, internet, or email, or if you need help learning how to use them, please contact the church office so we can work on your problem.
Lyn's email address is: lyn@pickhover.net The church email address is: franklin.federated@gmail.com
Congratulations to our FCC Graduates!
Congratulations to our FFC graduates and best wishes for all that lies ahead! You always have a home at FFC.
Buildings & Grounds Update
As communicated in the weekly update in April, Buildings & Grounds is happy to share that the work on the Dining and Kitchen room floors has been completed. This is one of a two phased approach to help get our Dining & Kitchen space updated. The Dining & Kitchen room floors were updated with a seamless acrylic resin resurfacing product. The second phase which will be to do additional kitchen renovations has not been determined at this time, but we will continue to keep you updated as we are able to proceed on that phase of the project. Until then, we hope you will enjoy seeing some of the before and after pictures of the flooring until we are all able to make it back to the Church in person.
FFC Suspension Update – 4/29/20
Based on current recommendations, we are extending the closing of the church building from May 4th to May 31st.
Worship (Planned by Deacons – Claire Chiboub, chair)
Sunday Podcast: posted by 8am each Sunday on the home page of the website (http://franklinfederated.org/)
Sunday Live Stream Prayer Service: Sundays at 10am on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/franklinfederated/)
| Service Date | Podcast/Sermon | Streaming Service |
| Sunday, 5/3 | Esther Rendon Thompson | Claire Chiboub |
| Sunday, 5/10 | Lyn Pickhover | Claire Chiboub |
| Sunday, 5/17 | ||
| Sunday, 5/24 | ||
| Sunday, 5/31 |
Given the extension, there are opportunities for other FFC members/attendees to participate in the podcast or streaming service. If you have any interest, please contact Claire at clairechiboub@gmail.com.
Resources:.
| I have a question on | Who should I call or email? | Contact info – Phone/Email |
| Pastoral Care – I need a call or I think someone else needs a call | Esther Rendon Thompson Jean Southard |
Urgent - Call or text 508-843-1207 email: rendonthompson@aol.com Urgent - Call or text 508-353-7140 emal: jksouthard@aol.com |
| I have a prayer request that I would like put on Prayer Links | Email Marilyn Sutcliffe | mesutc24@gmail.com |
| I want something put into the Thursday Email blast to the church mailing list | Email Michele Webster | franklin.federated@gmail.com |
| I have questions about how Worship is going to work | Email Claire Chiboub, Chair of Deacons | clairechiboub@gmail.com |
| I want to request or inquire about the Deacons Fund | Email Michele Webster Kevin Thompson, Deacon |
franklin.federated@gmail.com kjt62052@yahoo.com |
| I have another question not identified above | Stephanie Potts | 617-899-9722 Sbpotts64@gmail.com |
Please stay safe, practice physical distancing and be healthy.
The Executive Team:
Stephanie Potts (Moderator), Claire Chiboub (Chair of Deacons), Scott Kwarta (Treasurer), Steve Hampton (Chair of Buildings & Grounds)
Update: Gap Time – The weeks between Pastor Charley leaving and the Interim Minister Arriving
THANK YOU for all that participated in making Charley’s last day one to remember. Charley’s family being involved with the Streaming service that including wonderful music. The Zoom Coffee hour with sharing and laughter (thanks, Tiffany) and the car parade (thanks, Julia). We found creative ways to honor him, his family, and his service and gifts to us as a congregation. You are a blessing!
Church Activities Update
We continue to monitor state guidelines on when it will be safe to open the Church. As previously communicated, the church building is currently closed through May 4th. If this date changes, you will receive notification via email as well as through the church phone tree.
Worship:
Sunday Podcast: posted by 8am each Sunday on the home page of the website (http://franklinfederated.org/)
Sunday Live Stream Prayer Service: Sundays at 10am on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/franklinfederated/)
These are planned for 4/26 (Stephanie Potts-Podcast, Claire – Livestream) and 5/3 (Esther Rendon Thompson-Podcast, Claire – Livestream)
Church Finances:
Please send in your pledges and donations to Annette Thompson 171 Main St, Franklin MA 02038.
We are heading towards a cash crisis in the month of May. The Treasurer (Scott Kwarta) has gotten a Line of Credit from Rockland Trust Bank and has also asked and gotten approval from Council to borrow short term funds from the Capital Campaign if needed (they will be paid back).
******PLEASE send in your pledges and donations as soon as you are able.
Approved 2020 Budget:
| Full Year | |
| Income | $ 186,508 |
| Expenses | $ 232,317 |
| Operating Loss | ($45, 809) |
FFC's income and spending are trending to the level of the approved deficit. Based on this, the treasurer has recommended the changes below as holds on spending and Church Council approved the recommendation. Additionally, the budget will be reworked and communicated once the Interim pastor is hired and the compensation and start date are finalized.
Recommendations
1- Do not pay certain donation expenses until such time we know we covered operating expenses:
ABC Mission annual giving $3,000.00
UCC Mission annual giving $6,863.80
FFC Mission Program funding $8,533.37
Current Budget Deficit ($45,809.93)
Operating Deficit ($27,412.76)
| YTD | Actual | Budget | Difference | Comments |
| Income | $ 49,711 | $ 46,771 | 2,940 | 1) This includes the receipt of the $5000 UCC donation that was approved at the Annual meeting. It will not trend forward. 2) There is approximately $10,000 of revenue in jeopardy from cancelled rental income and events |
| Expenses | $ 56,656 | $ 55,645 | 1,011 | Small overage due to primarily rubbish removal |
| Net Surplus (Deficit) | ($6,945) | ($8,874) | 1,929 |
Interim Search:
The Interim Search team has been hard at work interviewing and discerning. They expect to have an announcement within the next two weeks that will include the selected candidate as well as the planned start date. Thank you to this team for their diligence and spirit led process to help our church find a leader in this transition time.
Deacon’s Fund:
In these uncertain times, just a reminder that the Deacon’s Fund is available to support specific financial needs. Requests can be sent to the office at franklin.federated@gmail.com. Kevin Thompson is the Deacon that will be in charge of managing the fund during the gap time until an Interim Minister starts. Approved funds are paid directly to the vendor related to the expense request.
Pastoral Care:
We are blessed to have two retired ministers in our congregation that have offered to help with Pastoral Care. Esther Rendon Thompson and Jean Southard worked with Charley to transition this responsibility over the last two weeks.
Resources:
I want to give you information for this gap time that helps you to find the resources you need while we do not have a pastor in place.
| I have a question on | Who should I call or email? | Contact info – Phone/Email |
| Pastoral Care – I need a call or I think someone else needs a call | Esther Rendon Thompson Jean Southard |
Urgent - Call or text 508-843-1207 email: rendonthompson@aol.com Urgent - Call or text 508-353-7140 emal: jksouthard@aol.com |
| I have a prayer request that I would like put on Prayer Links | Email Marilyn Sutcliffe | mesutc24@gmail.com |
| I want something put into the Thursday Email blast to the church mailing list | Email Michele Webster | franklin.federated@gmail.com |
| I have questions about how Worship is going to work | Email Claire Chiboub, Chair of Deacons | clairechiboub@gmail.com |
| I want to request or inquire about the Deacons Fund | Email Michele Webster Kevin Thompson, Deacon |
franklin.federated@gmail.com kjt62052@yahoo.com |
| I have another question that I normally would have asked Charley and Start of Calling Phone Tree |
Stephanie Potts | 617-899-9722 Sbpotts64@gmail.com |
Please stay safe, practice physical distancing, and be healthy.
The Executive Team:
Stephanie Potts (Moderator), Claire Chiboub (Chair of Deacons), Scott Kwarta (Treasurer), Steve Hampton (Chair of Buildings & Grounds)
3/31/20 Updates on Suspension Time and Interim/Transition process
Due to the recommendations in Massachusetts, we are extending the suspension time through May 4, 2020. Given this change, the Church meeting scheduled on April 5th will be rescheduled to Sunday, May 10th.
Thank you for the care and attention you are providing to each other during this time of physical distancing. Our church community is finding ways to interact and share virtually and I hope you are feeling comforted and connected through these new and creative approaches.
A conference call meeting was held on Sunday, 3/29/20 at 11am to allow for discussion about the Church Suspension, the Interim Search and Transition process for Charley. Areas discussed are listed below along with other updates.
Church Suspension Time:
1. How do we make sure everyone gets any urgent information? Including those that don’t have access to email?
Call Chain will be done on Wednesday, 4/1 to communicate the suspension date change from 4/7/20 to 5/4/20.
2. How will we worship?
Through Sunday, April 19th:
Charley did a 20 minute podcast sermon continuing the series of “7 Last Words” for 3/15. Charley will continue for 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12 and 4/19. Podcast is located on facebook page and on website. It will be posted at 8am on Sunday morning.
Charley will continue to do a Facebook live stream prayer group from the sanctuary at 10am through Sunday, 4/19.
Easter Sunday, 4/12: Live Stream service at 10am will include additional components and a request has been made to stream the Hallelujah Chorus at the end. Last year’s recording will be posted to play at the end of the service.
Sunday, 4/26 and 5/3:
Church Leaders/Guest Preachers will produce a 15-20 minute podcast sermon based on the planned Bible readings based on Worship planning done by Charley, Julie and the Deacons. Podcast is located on facebook page and on website. It will be posted no later than 8am on Sunday morning.
Claire Chiboub will continue to do a Facebook live stream prayer group at 10am on Sunday, 4/26 and 5/3.
3. How are we communicating that our building is closed and activities have stopped?
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre is postponed. New date TBD.
Renters will be notified and told the building is closed through at least May 4, 2020.
Every outside door has signs on it. Main sign and sandwich board also provide information on how to find us online.
4. How will the church keep functioning financially?
Treasurer Scott Kwarta is assessing the financial situation of the church and will be providing an update at the Church Council meeting on April 14th. Additional information will be available after that meeting.
Easter Flower Donations - Easter Flower orders are not being taken at this time. It was discussed to have”virtual flowers” and donations made for those to support the operating budget.
For the month of April we will be collecting virtual donations of $8.00 per virtual plant. Please makes checks out to FFC and send them to 171 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038
When you send in your check or contribution, please also identify: Given by In memory or honor of
An insert will be put in the bulletin for the first Sunday back at church with the listing of donations and those being remembered or honored.
FINANCIAL REMINDER:
Please consider electronic pledging or mailing your pledge to the church during this time period so that operating costs can continue to be paid.
Options:
A) Send a check (paper or electronic from your account) made out to FFC to:
FFC, 171 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038 Attn: Annette Thompson
B) Set up Vanco electronic pledging: Send a voided check to the address above and indicate how you want the funds taken out of your account. Options are monthly on the 1st or 15th OR contact Annette Thompson (774-210-2110) with the following information:
Bank Routing Number, account number and how you want the funds taken out of your account. Options are monthly on the 1st or 15th
5. How will it be decided if the May 4, 2020 date is changed?
The executive team will keep apprised of recent updates and recommendations for interpersonal interactions. A decision will be made on 4/27/20 as to our next steps - if we will end suspension on May 4, 2020 or increase the length of time. A notification will go out to the church via email and through the phone chain.
Interim Minister Search Process: (Update provided by Sue Borchard, chair)
We have reviewed 9 Profiles from the UCC (None received from ABC). We have eliminated 4 that we don’t think will be a good fit. We are scheduling zoom interviews in the next 2 weeks with 4 that we are excited about and keeping a fifth as an option (“in the parking lot”) if the other 4 do not meet our needs
The good part is that most people are home and available for interviews!
We came up with a list of interview questions so that we can compare their answers to them.
MANY THANKS to this team for their multiple meetings and efforts to keep this process moving forward.
Charley Transition Activities:
Stephanie Potts has asked Charley if he would be willing to come back at some point after the suspension is over and have a “time of closure” with us. Noting that in usual circumstances when a minister leaves, he breaks all ties with the church community, but that these are unusual events. Charley agreed to do this contingent upon approval from the church council and interim minister.
Tom is working on getting copies of the rental of the parsonage and the Church’s agreement with Charley as well as a copy of the contract with the management company. All these will be re-worked. Scott Hampton will be the contact for the management company for now as chair of B & G.
Scott is working on the disbursement of the Equity fund, timing of last pay, and expense accounts for Charley.
Charley’s Exit Interview is scheduled for 4/16. This will now be done online. If anyone has specific questions regarding the process, please contact Stephanie Potts at sbpotts64@gmail.com.
Charley “Driven” Activities where we are looking at new leaders or pausing programs:
Sunday Morning Bible Study - Lyn Pickhover will lead it
Game Night - Checking on if there is a new leader or pausing
Contemporary Worship - Scott Kwart & Claire Chiboub determining plan
Projected Announcements - “ownership” of projected announcements TBD
Affirmation/Confirmation plan
Please take care of yourselves, your health and your families. Try one of the new ways to connect with your church family. Know that God is with us and will help us through.
Blessings,
The Executive Team
FFC Update 3/24/2020
Current end date of Suspension: through Tuesday 4/7
> Please note that this may change based on State and Federal guidance.
1) Open Q&A Virtual/Conference Call Meeting
> at 11am on Sunday, 3/29/20
Topics: Church Coronavirus Suspension, Interim update and Pastor Charley Transition
Please email (sbpotts64@gmail.com) or call (617-899-9722) Stephanie Potts for the information to log into the Skype session. If you only want to call in only, the information is:
Join by Phone Dial 1-908-316-2436 then enter Conference ID: 370660740#
2) Communication
New Phone Tree
In addition to the now weekly emails, a Phone Call Tree has been established to reach out for those that do not have email but also to provide a more personal connection in this time. We ran our first test of the tree on Monday, 3/23. We were able to do a number of updates to phone numbers, get prayers to be sent through Prayer Links and have good conversations. If you did not receive a call and want to be added, please reach out to Michele Webster at the church office (508-528-3803 or franklin.federated@gmail.com)
Who have you called today?
It only takes a few minutes to give someone a human connection either in a video call or over a voice line. Let someone, anyone know that you're thinking about them. Start with a simple budget of one call a day. Or maybe, one call to a church member and one call to a family member or a friend. If you're feeling helpless, others are too, and this is a concrete step you can take to make someone's life richer. Church members are standing by; call today!
3) Worship
- Two podcast sermons are online for Sunday, 3/15 and 3/22; please check the website on Sunday at 8am for the current Sunday podcast. www.franklinfederated.org
- An Interactive Prayer Service is live streamed at 10am on Sundays on the Franklin Federated Facebook page. This is also available after that time to view as a video on Facebook.
4) Pastoral care
This will be done via phone call by Pastor Charley
If there is a serious situation, please reach out via phone (508-507-0903) to discuss options with Charley.
Deacon’s Fund: This is a fund that is collected to support those with a financial need. In this time, the Deacon’s want to remind you that this is available as a one-time request that is paid to specific vendors (gas, electric companies as an example). If you have a need, please contact Pastor Charley at 508-507-0903 with your confidential request.
5) Church Finances - Help Keep FFC Strong for These Difficult Times!
March 2020 Year to Date Financials
ActualBudget*DifferenceIncome$46,423$46,771($348) under budgetExpenses$51,068$55,421($4,352) under budgetNet Income (Deficit)($4,656)($8,650)($4,004)
*Budget was approved at the 2/1/20 Annual meeting with a deficit of ($45,614).
Please consider electronic pledging or mailing your pledge to the church during this time period so that operating costs can continue to be paid.
Options:
A) Send a check (paper or electronic from your account) made out to FFC to:
FFC, 171 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038 Attn: Annette Thompson
B) Set up Vanco electronic pledging: Send a voided check to the address above and indicate how you want the funds taken out of your account. Options are monthly on the 1st or 15th OR contact Annette Thompson (774-210-2110) with the following information: Bank Routing Number, account number and how you want the funds taken out of your account. Options are monthly on the 1st or 15th
5) Use of the Church
- No outside or community functions at the church through 4/7
- Limit meetings to conference calls or virtual meetings (like zoom). These should be set-up by the responsible leader of the meeting.
- Church Council had their first virtual meeting on 3/17. It went well with good participation and limited technical difficulties.
- The Interim team is meeting using ZOOM. They have already had two meetings this way and are making great progress (see update below)
We will provide any additional updates if the Coronavirus suspension period changes and there are any other impacted areas related to Franklin Federated Church. Please take care of yourselves and stay healthy.
6) Interim Search Process
The corona virus has not stopped the Interim Search process! The Interim Search Team is getting the hang of Zoom meetings although we are not quite yet a well-oiled Zoom machine. So far we have reviewed 9 profiles from UCC. None have been received from the Baptists yet, although the FFC church profile was sent to them at the same time as to UCC. We have chosen 4 profiles of candidates that we would like to meet with virtually through Zoom, hopefully within the coming week, since the good news is that people are home and available. We feel we have some good choices but will continue to be open to receiving profiles for now, and Sue will follow up with the Baptist’s to find out why no candidates have been put forth by them. We are feeling hopeful and excited and continue to trust that God will reveal to us who is the best fit, as we grow forward as a church.
Church Council and The Executive Church Team:
Pastor Charley Eastman, Moderator - Stephanie Potts, Chair of Deacons - Claire Chiboub, Chair of Building & Grounds - Steve Hampton and Treasurer - Scott Kwarta
Helpful links:
SNEUCC.org
mass.gov
cdc.gov
Important Updates on Suspension Time and Interim/Transition process
Due to the recommendations in Massachusetts, we are extending the suspension time for one week through April 7, 2020. Given this change, the Church meeting scheduled on April 5th will be rescheduled.
Please know that your FFC family is thinking of you in this unique time. We care about you, your families and the communities around us that are experiencing struggles with limiting interactions to help stop the spread of the virus. A conference call meeting was held on Sunday, 3/15/20 at 11 am to allow for discussion about the Church Suspension, the Interim Search and Transition process for Charley. Questions and answers are listed below along with updates.
Church Suspension Time
1. How do we make sure everyone gets any urgent information? Including those that don’t have access to email?
We are planning to set up a call chain.
Charley is working with Michele Webster to draft a plan of how to initiate and define the list of people to cascade the calls.
Part of the call will also be to check on each other and make sure we are ok and whether there is anything needed. If prayer is needed, Charley will be contacted and we will ask if it should be added to the prayer chain email managed by Marilyn Sutcliffe.
2. How will we worship?
Charley did a 20 minute podcast sermon continuing the series of “7 Last Words” for 3/15. This will continue for 3/22 and 3/29 and 4/5. Podcast is located on facebook page and on website.
Additionally, Charley tested a live stream prayer group from the sanctuary at 10 am last Sunday. A number of people found it and interacted with him during the church service time. It is recorded and on Facebook. This will continue and additional elements will be added.
3. How are we communicating that our building is closed and activities have stopped?
Renters have been called and told the building is closed through at least April 7, 2020.
Every outside door has signs on it. Main sign and sandwich board also provide information on how to find us online.
4. How will the church keep functioning financially?
Annette has received the $5,000 contribution from the UCC and deposited it
With no people in the building, light and heat use are being adjusted
The recent email to people listed ways people could continue their giving:
Please consider electronic pledging or mailing your pledge to the church during this time period so that operating costs can continue to be paid. Options:
A) Send a check (paper or electronic from your account) made out to FFC to: FFC, 171 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038 Attn: Annette Thompson
B) Set up Vanco electronic pledging: Send a voided check to the address above and indicate how you want the funds taken out of your account. Options are monthly on the 1st or 15th OR contact Annette Thompson (774-210-2110) with the following information:Bank Routing Number, account number and how you want the funds taken out of your account. Options are monthly on the 1st or 15th
5. How will it be decided if the April 7, 2020 date is changed?
The executive team will keep apprised of recent updates and recommendations for interpersonal interactions. A decision will be made on 4/1 as to our next steps - if we will end suspension on April 7, 2020 or increase the length of time. A notification will go out to the church.
Interim Minister Search Process
Our applications have been sent to UCC & ABC
We have received 1 response to review from the UCC so far
Team will meet to discuss interview questions and how to meet with candidates
Charley Transition Activities
Charley & Michele W are creating an information binder of “All we need to know”
We have asked the Deacons to plan worship for the 3-4 week window we will have once Charley leaves and we are waiting for the interim to start.
Charley’s Exit Interview is scheduled for 4/16, UCC has recommended specific roles that should be included in the discussion and they have been asked to be at the meeting. If anyone has specific questions regarding the process, please contact Stephanie Potts at sbpotts64@gmail.com.
Please take care of yourselves, your health and your families. Try one of the new ways to connect with your church family. Know that God is with us and will help us through.
Blessings,
The Executive Team: Pastor Charley, Stephanie Potts, Claire Chiboub, Scott Kwarta, Steve Hampton
FFC Suspending Workship and Activities
FFC plan as of 3/13/20
After reviewing the current Coronavirus pandemic recommendations, we will be closing the church for an approximately two-week period through Monday 3/30.
1) Open Q&A Virtual/Conference Call Meeting at 11am on Sunday, 3/15/20
Topics: Church Coronavirus Suspension and Pastor Charley Transition
Please email (sbpotts64@gmail.com) or call (617-899-9722) Stephanie Potts for the
information to log into the Skype session. If you only want to call in, the information is:
1-908-316-2436 Conference ID: 64511471#
2) Worship
- There will a Podcast sermon to access for Sunday 3/15; please check the website on
Sunday. www.franklinfederated.org
- We are hoping to expand with additional service components for 3/22 & 3/29 service to
include some form of music and additional service components.
3) Use of the Church
- No outside or community functions at the church through 3/30
- Limit meetings to conference calls or virtual meetings (like zoom) These should be set-up by the responsible leader of the meeting.
4) Pastoral care
This will be done via phone call by Pastor Charley
If there is a serious situation, please reach out via phone (508-507-0903) to discuss options with Charley
5) Church Finances
Please consider electronic pledging or mailing your pledge to the church during this time period so that operating costs can continue to be paid.
Options:
A) Send a check (paper or electronic from your account) made out to FFC to:
FFC, 171 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038 Attn: Annette Thompson
B) Set up Vanco electronic pledging: Send a voided check to the address above and indicate
how you want the funds taken out of your account. Options are monthly on the 1st or 15th
OR contact Annette Thompson (774-210-2110) with the following information:
Bank Routing Number, account number and how you want the funds taken out of your
account. Options are monthly on the 1st or 15th
6) Specific activities that are suspended for this time period:
- Play rehearsal for Murder at Mikes
- Choir Rehearsal
- Connect Groups at church including: Book Group, Move and Groove
- Affirmation Class
- We recommend that Connect Groups that meet outside of the church consider suspending for
the same time period for extra caution.
We will provide any additional updates if the Coronavirus suspension period changes and there are any other impacted areas related to Franklin Federated Church. Please take care of yourselves and stay healthy.
The Executive Church Team:
Pastor Charley Eastman, Moderator - Stephanie Potts, Chair of Deacons - Claire Chiboub, Chair of Building & Grounds - Steve Hampton and Treasurer - Scott Kwarta
More information can be found here:
Book of the Month
Where is the door to God? In the sound of a barking dog.
In the ring of a hammer, in a drop of rain, in the face of everyone, everyone I see.
Where is the door to the divine tavern? Yes, in all we can behold.
“Where is the Door to the Tavern,” Hafiz, trans. by Daniel Ladinsky
“So who then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” — I Corinthians 3:5-6 (NRSV)
Hello church, and welcome to one of my final letters to you all, set here in the aftermath of my announcement to accept a call to ministry at Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC, in Southborough. It came at an opportune time, as it did, on the eve of our Annual Meeting, and I must admit I took a lot of the focus away from other things that needed attention. Now we are in the swirl of this team and that committee, as we navigate our way together toward an interim ministry at Franklin Federated Church and a settled pastorate beyond that.
Through all of this, I have been reminded at different times that I have been able to lead you in certain ways when the seas are calm. But when the winds start blowing again, as they always do in times of transition, it’s important for me to note the ways of leading that are best for times like these. Enter Peter L. Steinke, with his excellent book, Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times.
This book is a Godsend. It is rooted in the concepts of Bowen Family Systems, and it acknowledges the ways that individuals in a church are in relationship with one another, and the ways they sometimes support and sometimes smash up against each other. When the system is at rest, individuals are still in motion. Their hearts, their minds, their energies and programs and desires are all churning beneath the surface. But it all flows along fine when anxiety is in check.
With transition comes uncertainty. We don’t know what God will do next at Franklin Federated Church. We just don’t! And with uncertainty, comes anxiety. The premise of Steinke’s book, as I understand it, is that helpful leaders meet times of anxiety with a core of compassionate calm. For the good of the church, they “take thoughtful actions, risk goodwill for the sake of truth, stay the course (hold steady) and manage self.” (Steinke, 149) They hold to the principles that got them where they are in the first place, and they aren’t afraid of conflict or creative differences. By differentiating themselves, they recognize that though they are in the system, they can stand outside it and view it dispassionately. I hope you’ve felt my calm through the process as we move to our time of transition, and I urge you to consider this book.
Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times is written for church leaders (ministers, officers, etc.) but you lead in your own way in the ministries you’re a part of. As Mark Sanborn says in his great short book, You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader, “We don’t need a title, or an organization, to lead. What we need is nothing more nor less than a burning desire to make a positive difference and an awareness of the opportunities to lead that present themselves each day—at work, at home, with our friends and relatives, within our communities.” (Sanborn, 103) So I hope you’ll consider Steinke’s work in light of any possible anxiety you may be feeling.
Finally, one of the most important things we can do at the beginning or the end of a ministry (and this is truly both) is communicate what’s happening, as we go along. Paul was one of our greatest communicators in the faith: he states and overstates what should have been obvious to all, but he does it with clarity and patience. The first letter to the Corinthians is a great example: Paul planted the church at Corinth, a fellow evangelist Apollos watered (encouraged and supported) it, and God grew it! They would have known this at Corinth, but their anxiety got in the way. Paul takes time to remind them in this timeless epistle.
Life in 2020 doesn’t move at the speed of epistles. It goes just a tiny bit faster. Considering that, it’s important for me and others in the leadership of Franklin Federated Church to practice “over” communication…if there is such a thing! To that end, we’re going to have Information Sessions from now until I leave on the odd Sundays, beginning March 1st, and continuing March 15th, March 29th and April 5th. Think of these as little All-Church Open Meetings, to bring everyone up to speed on what’s happening with our ministry transition. You’ll hear from me and other church leaders, you can ask any questions you want, and just generally share in the process. The Transition Team and the Interim Minister Search Team can let us know how their progress is going. We’ll share everything that’s happening and bring everyone up to speed. We don’t want anyone to feel left out or uninformed.
That’s it for now. I began this letter with a poem by Hafiz, the beloved mystic poet celebrated by Ralph Waldo Emerson, among many others. This poem speaks to me today, because I want to remember that God is still speaking: when the ship is at rest, when it’s rocking on heavy seas, and at every time in between. We will find God together at work in this transition as well. And with God on our side, we’re going to continue to share the Good News of Jesus with Franklin and the world beyond.
In Christ,
Pastor Charley Eastman
MYSTERY DINNER THEATER
SAVE THE DATE
presented by
Franklin Federated Church
Friday, June 10th and Saturday, June 20th!
More details to follow.
State of the Federation, December 9th, 2019
Art Auction, Saturday 9/28 7pm
Franklin Federated Church will host an Art Auction on Saturday, September 28th at 7pm at 171 Main Street, Franklin.
The preview will begin at 7pm with a wine and cheese social to view the art work. The Live auction will begin at 8pm and will feature more than 150 custom framed and matted works of art; lithographs, etchings, serigraphs, animation cells, watercolors, original oils signed by the artists and documented sports memorabilia.
Featured artists include Kinkade, Wooster Scott, Picasso, Chagall, Dali, Renoir, Boulanger, Neiman, Rockwell and Shaviko. The majority of the art will have opening bids ranging from $45 to $300. Opening bids are generally 50% less than traditional framed gallery prices.
Tickets for the event are $15 and the community is welcome! The ticket price includes the wine and cheese social and hors d'oeuvres throughout the auction.
Contact the church office at franklinfederated@gmail.com to order tickets.
MYSTERY DINNER THEATER MAY 4th, The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise [Updated]
Update: Tickets are sold out to the May 4th show and a Mystery Matinee show has been added on Sunday, May 5th @ 2:00pm. Tickets are $20. Email Deborah Bergstrom (debbyberg@comcast.net) or Steve Hampton (steven.w.hampton@gmail.com) for tickets. Snacks will be available for purchase.
Join us May 4th at 6:30 pm for a fun frolic on the high seas! This event will benefit Franklin Federated Church and its ministries to our community.
