To the Editor:
As Mattapoisett Congregational Church prepares for the annual Homecoming service at Ned’s Point (10:00 am on September 8), we are counting our blessings by thanking God for all the ways you, the community, have supported the church this summer.
We started with the “Blessing of the Animals” service at Munro Preserve on June 30. A huge thank you to Mike Huguenin and the Mattapoisett Land Trust for use of the park, to all of you who came with your pets and those who came just to worship in the sunshine, to Louise Vandal at the Slip for providing the early-morning coffee, and for the Town, Police, and Harbormaster’s crews who made sure it went off without a hitch.
We’re also feeling the love for Ken and Liz Ackerman and their staff, who gave of their time and of their proceeds for the annual church fundraiser on August 5. A big scoop of gratitude to those who feasted on lobster rolls, clam plates, and, of course, ice cream in support of Matt Congo’s ministries.
To those community groups who meet regularly at the church: “Thanks for your patience.” During our construction projects, you have graciously worked around the schedule, and even relocated to the basement. We are glad you call this church “home.”
Our construction projects for our “A Welcome Home” capital campaign will be wrapping up soon. We’ve added lifts, modified the sanctuary, are upgrading bathrooms, and adding accessible parking spots. Our goal is to make this 1842 building as completely accessible as possible, so we can continue to serve our community. You are welcome here in God’s house, whether you come to worship; to celebrate the life of a loved one; to eat at the Open Table monthly community meal; to attend a class, community forum, or group meeting; or shop at the Christmas Faire.
In these times of division, when the humanity of many is so utterly disregarded, we want you to know you are valued here. Whoever you are, we want to serve you in your life, just as much today as we did when we started in 1736.
As we head into fall, many blessings to you and those you love. And to those folks only here for the summer, we are glad you were here, too.
Peace,
Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken
Minister, Mattapoisett Congregational Church, UCC
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