Southwick Congregational Church

October 1, 2024

Dear Siblings in Christ,

In late August, Terry Putnam and I stood before the congregation to tell you about the possibility of another church using our building for their home.  This conversation happened because we had been in discussions with Southwick Community Episcopal Church as they realized they would have to sell their building.

The sale of their building was contingent on a business obtaining a permit; that permit was obtained, and the sale of the building was set to take place on October 7, 2024.  Southwick Community Episcopal Church (SCEC) needed a home and needed one soon.  Our Executive Board met and agreed that we would like to share space with SCEC. We knew it would have to be relatively quick and we would need to respond to our fellow Christians in short order. We operated under the guise, “What if this had happened to our church?  How would we want someone to respond?” We made the unanimous decision to welcome them into the building as of this week. 

With the rapidly approaching closing date, SCEC held its final service on Sunday, September 29.  Bishop Douglas Fisher came to the church that afternoon for a brief but emotional deconsecrating service that Jim, Terry, and I attended.  They will move into our building on Thursday.  Both churches have decided on a six-month trial to see if this arrangement will work.  Their first service will be on Sunday, October 6 at 9:30.  SCEC will worship in New Fellowship Hall and will use the spaces to the side of the hall and the last row in the parking lot.  As we welcome SCEC, here are some other things we’d like you to know:

·  SCEC will pay rent to the Southwick Congregational Church.  We will monitor our utility bills in these months to see if we must adjust their costs. 

·  SCEC will have use of New Fellowship Hall for worship.  They will use the stage as well as some space under the stage as storage.

·  SCEC will have use of our “former” library as their Pastor’s Office

·  SCEC will have use of the kitchen.  We may see some of their things in the kitchen. 

·  SCEC will use the nursery for the Church School classes.

We will make other changes as they arise and keep you abreast of the situation.  In the meantime, we hope that you will do everything you can to make them feel welcome at 488 College Highway.  Our church has been blessed with this opportunity to exhibit “Extravagant Welcome” to our Siblings in Christ from Southwick Community Episcopal Church, especially as we have been blessed with a building that is now larger than we may currently need.  If you see someone you don’t yet know, please introduce yourself and offer your personal welcome.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Terry or me.  There may be a few bumps in the road but we shall proceed with caution. 

Peace and love,

Paul

Pastor
Southwick Congregational Church