Page 39 - FC Annual Report 2019-20

Coffee Hour
Sunday morning Coffee Hour is a vital part of our ministry of hospitality at First Churches. It is a special time to extend the UCC’s extravagant welcome, especially to newcomers; to get to know each other better; and to discuss church matters.
This past year, we had 15-20 people who served as Coffee Hour hosts over the course of the year. Around 40 congregants donated treats on various Sundays. Thank you for all this support!
Everyone is welcome to sign up to host and/or bring treats. In fact, we need more people to do this to help Coffee Hour exist and run smoothly. Directions are written out clearly, both in the kitchen, and on the online Signup Genius page. Hosting (which does not require bringing treats) is often easier to do with a second or experienced person.
Once we start up services again, we will need a new coordinator for this position!
Dorcas Society
The Dorcas Society of the First Churches was formed in 1809 with the idea of performing
“deeds of kindness and acts of charity” (Acts 9:35-43). According to research done by a
former member, Marjorie E. Magner in May 2000,” there is a strong possibility that this might
be the oldest continuing church women’s organization throughout the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and possibly all of the United States, although extended research would be
needed to confirm the fact.”
The Dorcas Society had meeting on the second Thursday of each month at 11:30 AM at the
Brewmaster’s Tavern in Williamsburg until its closing after Christmas in 2019. In January
2020 we met at the Glendale Grille in Easthampton on the second Thursday, and at that time
made a decision to start meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at The Glendale
Grille. Due to the pandemic, we met for lunch only one more time in February.
We usually have business meetings in the months of October, November, April, and May, but
at this time our luncheons/meetings have been on hold until we feel it is safe for us to get
together again.
The Dorcas Society donated to the Wider Church Ministry, the Northampton Survival Center,
and the Missions Fund of First Churches in memory of Barbara Parsons and Denise Karuth.
Our donations are funded by our annual membership dues which are $10.00/person and
usually collected at our October and November meetings.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Waters co-chair & Helene Powers co-chair
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