STEEPLE SOUNDS

February 2025

We are a Christian community of people who are reaching out to our neighbors, 
at home and abroad, sharing our faith and our resources.

Central Square Congregational Church, UCC, of Bridgewater, Massachusetts is an open and affirming
church. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

From the Desk of Rev. Beth

Rev. Elizabeth Stotts, Pastor

“Love is Patient, Love is Kind”
1 Corinthians 13:4

Dear Beloved Church Family,

As we enter the month of February, a month often associated with love and affection, I’m reminded of the profound words from 1 Corinthians 13:4: “Love is patient, love is kind.” These words from scripture not only echo the heart of Christian teachings but also offer us a timeless framework for living out love in our daily lives and in our world.

—Love is Patient—
Patience is not always easy, especially in a world that thrives on instant gratification. Yet, scripture says that patience is a cornerstone of love. It calls us to be slow to anger, quick to forgive, and understanding of the imperfections in others. As we reflect on this quality this month, let us ask ourselves: how can we be more patient with our families, our neighbors, and even ourselves? How can we extend grace when things don’t go our way or go as planned? Patience in love teaches us that growth, whether spiritual or personal, often requires waiting and enduring challenges that come our way. It’s through patience that we learn to trust God and allow God’s love to shape our hearts.

—Love is Kind—
Kindness is the natural companion to patience. Love that is kind doesn’t keep score of wrongs or harbor bitterness. Instead, it offers understanding, a word of encouragement, or a simple act of service. In our busy, often stressful lives, it’s easy to overlook the small ways we can be kind. Yet, it’s in these small acts—whether it’s a smile to a stranger, a note of encouragement to a friend, or a prayer for someone in need—that’s when the love of Christ shines the brightest. As we consider kindness, let us also remember that it extends beyond just our closest circle. Kindness is a call to love our neighbors, our community, and even our enemies (which can be super difficult!). It is an invitation to mirror the love God has shown us, and to offer it freely to others.

—Living Out Love—
This month, let’s challenge ourselves to live out the qualities of patience and kindness in a deeper way. Whether through words or actions, let our lives reflect the love that is patient and kind. Let’s take time to listen without judgment, speak with compassion, and offer help without hesitation.

Let us also remember that our capacity to love comes from the greatest source of love—God. As we grow in our relationship with God, that love will overflow in us and through us, transforming our hearts and the world around us.

As we journey through February, let us be intentional about loving like Christ—patient, kind, and ever-ready to serve. May this month be filled with opportunities to share the love that we’ve so generously received.

With love and blessings,
Rev. Beth

Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri - 9am-1pm

and by appointment

Please note the office will be closed February 4-6.

Remote worship on Facebook and YouTube

Sunday Worship will continue to be livestreamed from the Sanctuary at 10 a.m. 
Use the link on the homepage of www.csccucc.org to access Sunday worship, or visit our Facebook page. Past worship services are also available in both places.

NEXT CABINET MEETING is Wednesday, February 26, 7pm

Monthly meetings of the church leadership are held in the Fellowship Hall. All church members are also welcome to attend.

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Do you need a meal, a call, spiritual care, or even just a prayer or a chat?

Contact the Pastor, a Deacon, or a member of our Care Team.

To contact Rev. Beth, call the church office at 508-697-6016 or email her at csccpastor at hotmail.com. 

CSCC Deacons
Deb Sorgman – debsorgman at gmail . com

Anne Malmquist - amalmquist at comcast . net

Cristi Ciaramitaro

Savannah Wells, Jr. Deacon
 

CSCC Care Team
Carol Chaffee  *  Bev Mitchell  *  Rev. Beth Stotts  *  Nina Gabel-Jorgensen

Contact the church office if you need us!

The Bridgewater Food Pantry, hosted and supported by CSCC, is open Thursdays, 10am-1pm, and the first Mondays of the month, 6-7:30pm (except holidays). All Bridgewater residents who are in need of food are welcome.

If you are a Bridgewater resident unable to come to the food pantry, but are in need of food, please contact the church office by email (office@csccucc.com) or phone (508-697-6016) and arrangements will be made for you.

It’s Official: The Kids Church Room

The open room behind the sanctuary has been many things over the years. It’s been the “Upstairs Meeting Room”, a classroom, Attic Treasures, the Blue Room, and others. This past summer we welcomed an alternative school into half of that space, and our Kids Church occupies the other half of the room. Over the last few years we’ve seen tremendous growth in our Kids Church and with the addition of the alternative school, the space needs to be treated differently than in the past.  The room is now officially going to be called the “Kids Church Room”, honoring its primary purpose: the growing role of ministering to children and youth. So you may see that designation on the church calendar, or in other references to where an event or a meeting will be held. The term “upstairs meeting room” is officially being retired.

Because it has come to be the home of our youth ministry as well as the alternative school, and is utilized as such on a daily basis, if the tables, chairs, and/or space needs to be used by other groups, we kindly ask that everything  be put back into place so that the Kids Church and the alternative school programs can continue to run smoothly.   

From the CSCC Cabinet

The children of Kids Church have been working hard exploring the Heifer International program. Heifer at CSCC is a six week hands-on, interactive educational program, designed to teach our children about the importance of helping others through sustainable giving.  

During Kids Church, children learn about those in need around the world, the work of Dan West, founder of Heifer International, and how to work together to meet a class goal.  They also craft together, creating items sold during our Living Gift Market!
Our Living Gift Market will be held in the Fellowship Hall on February 9th directly after worship and is a CSCC tradition loved by our congregation.  It’s a time when the children sell their craft items and baked goods to the congregation while celebrating all of their hard work during the Heifer program.  It’s a great day to invite family and friends too!

This year, our children have a hefty fundraising goal of $2,270, so they’ll definitely need your support!  Our children have chosen to fundraise for the “Joy to the World” package (Heifer, goats, sheep, seeds, training and education), “Dream Basket” package (Sheep, heifer, rabbits, chickens, training and education), honeybees, a pig, a family solar panel kit, and a water buffalo.  WOW!  
Thank you in advance your all of your support!

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness
by Sheri Turner

Luke 6:21 tells us “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” These words are encouraging to me. They tell me that our efforts to find answers will be rewarded. For those of us who have lost beloved family members to a congenital heart defect, or those of us who fear what is ahead for our loved ones living with heart defects, have faith God says, for you will be rewarded for that faith.

 February is widely recognized as being a month about love and romance. What you may not know is that this month is also a month dedicated to raising awareness of congenital heart defects and their impacts. In fact, in many states across the nation (including Massachusetts) February 14th is annually recognized as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day. Some even recognize the week of February 7-14 as “Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.”

As many of you know, my husband and I lost our firstborn son Thomas William Turner to a congenital heart defect in November of 1997. He had surgery to correct his defect that was unsuccessful. When Thomas died, no one could answer any of our questions. Science had yet to discover anything significant about why Thomas’ heart had not developed properly.

In the United States, about 40,000 babies are born every year with a congenital heart defect according to the Centers for Disease Control. That means one infant is born with a congenital heart defect every fifteen minutes. It is the most common birth defect in the United States. Hospital costs can exceed $9.8 billion dollars annually.  In a study of neonatal deaths, 4.2% of all neonatal deaths were due to a heart defect.

This can sound like pretty bleak news. So many lives are affected. Many people with congenital heart defects undergo open heart surgery, yet their heart issues are not cured. They may face additional surgeries or even a heart transplant at a future date. Congenital heart defects can often mean further complications like breathing challenges, liver and kidney issues, and even learning problems.

The good news is despite these issues, our understanding of why these defects develop and the treatments for these conditions are improving. In 2010, 1 million children and 1.4 million adults were living with heart defects in the United States. Researchers have found some possible causes for CHDs, which is encouraging news because previously the causes were completely unknown.
During Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week many things happen. There are podcasts by the H.U.G (Hearts Unite the Globe) network dedicated to this topic to inform others of what resources and support are available, there are scholarships awarded, research is conducted, there are competitions such as the “Rock My Scar” competition (aimed at helping children and adults with CHD feel less ashamed of their scars), and many volunteer opportunities through organizations like H.U.G and It’s My Heart New England, as well as others.

Do you have it in your heart to contribute in any way to raising awareness of congenital heart defects? You may be affected by congenital heart defects in some way. Maybe you know someone who is or has been. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to show your love for those in your community by helping to inform others of the need for research and treatments of congenital heart defects? Maybe you can help someone affected by connecting them with one of the groups out there who aim to make living with a congenital heart defect just a little bit easier and less isolating?

If this interests you, please contact me at Turnermom97@gmail.com and I will be happy to point you in a direction you feel comfortable to help us inform others about CHD Awareness Day 2025 in Massachusetts.