Welcome Sue Morgado!
Amicable's new Coordinator
of Administration and Social Media

Minister's Corner

Chaos broke out in Eastern Europe during the past few days when one nation decided to plant its army on the border of a neighboring sovereign nation. Then, we watched as that army invaded its neighbor. There was no provocation for this attack. The nation of the invading army just wanted to claim their neighbor’s land and resources. They made all sorts of rationalizations for why they had a right to invade, but these reasons were nonsensical.

Now, some would ask whether a military action happening in another continent an ocean away is really the business of the U.S. Moreover, should we as religious people wade into international politics? Mark my words, there are American citizens asking this. Well, isolationism was the stance the U.S. took from 1914-1917 during the earliest years of WWI. We also took that stance from 1939-1941 while Europe and Britain fought against Hitler’s invading armies until we were provoked into WWII. The devastation and ruin of that war led the global community to form the United Nations and to pass a series of declarations to prevent such aggressions, total wars, and war crimes—an international moral and ethical agreement.

These declarations—such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declarations on Genocide and Refugees—were intended to give the international community leverage to sanction aggressors and if needed to bring military force to bear against them. Yet since then, it has been difficult to implement these important tools because of economic self-interests and the ultimate fear of nuclear war. We have failed our international moral and ethical promises.

So what are we, as faithful people, to do as the people of the Ukraine stream across the borders of Poland, Romania, Hungary and Moldova, as Ukrainian citizens stand their ground to defend their country’s sovereignty? First, embrace the idea that we live in a profoundly interconnected world. In other words, the aggression of one nation over another sovereign and democratic nation is a moral affront to the rest of the world. It is a moral affront to those declarations agreed upon nearly eight decades ago and to the millions and millions of soldiers and civilians who died in those wars and those since then. Next, if you are bothered by what is happening, write, text, or call our representatives in Congress, the Secretary of State’s Office, the US Ambassador to the UN, or if you are able join a protest. Let them know how you feel! Finally, and most important, take to prayer, which the leaders of our denomination have called on us to do. Pray for the people of the Ukraine, pray for more reasonable voices in Russia to have the courage to speak out, pray for the countries surrounding the Ukraine to open wide their doors to people how are now refugees, then pray for peace in our world.
 

- Rev. Nancy Hamlin Soukup, Interim Minister

March Worship Themes

Lenten Worship Series: “Rest, Reflect, Refill, and Renew”

TGIF Amicable Chat: “How Full Is Your Spiritual Gas Tanks?"

During Lent, our worship will revolve around the themes of “Rest, Reflect, Refill, and Renew.” Through readings from Scripture and contemporary “Still Speaking” writers, we will consider four spiritual steps at the heart of any transition process to a new ministry. Furthermore, in light of a two-year pandemic, we hope that this Lenten series will offer members of the congregation a lift in spiritual well-being.
 

In addition to the Sunday services, the TGIF Amicable Chat on Fridays (via Zoom) will ask the question, “How Full Is Your Spiritual Gas Tank?” The discussion will consider this question through a discussion of the readings for the upcoming Sunday. The TGIF group will shift to a new time at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays with the hope of including more interested in this discussion. The week prior to each Sunday, the readings will be distributed to the congregation.

Sunday, March 6, “Rest, Reflect, Refill, and Renew”: An Introduction to the Series,
and Girl Scout Sunday

Friday, March 11, TGIF Amicable Chat at 4:30 p.m., Discussion on readings for upcoming Sunday theme of “Rest.”

Sunday, March 13, “Rest”

In our 21st century world, we have lost touch with the practice of Sabbath—a day of rest. Why is Sabbath important? Is it possible in a wired-world to reclaim a habit of Sabbath?

Friday, March 18, TGIF Amicable Chat at 4:30 p.m., Discussion on readings for upcoming Sunday theme of “Reflect.”

Sunday, March 20, “Reflect”

How often do you just walk away from everything, turn off all the technology, open yourself to silence? It is difficult to do this but essential to our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Reflection is also a necessary part of a community’s transition from one ministry to another.

Friday, March 25, TGIF Amicable Chat at 4:30 p.m., Discussion on readings for upcoming Sunday theme of “Refill.”

Sunday, March 27, “Refill”

How often in life, especially during the past two years, have you felt completely depleted—that there is nothing left in the tank? We ask: How can you refill that spiritual and emotional gas tank in order to step forward into a renewed life?

Friday, April 1, TGIF Amicable Chat at 4:30 p.m., Discussion on readings for
upcoming Sunday theme of “Renew.”

Sunday, April 3, “Renew”

The next stage in the sequence of “Rest, Reflect, Refill” is to “Renew.” Renewal is both exciting and anxiety-producing because of the expectations inherent in taking on anything new. For instance, Amicable looks with anticipation to a new ministry. How can all of these elements of rest, reflection, refilling, and renewal work together for our own spiritual lives as well as Amicable’s?

275th Anniversary Programs in March

In March, we will present two programs as part of the church’s 275th anniversary. These focus on our theme “the ground upon which we stand,” during which we consider the hidden histories of Amicable’s community. Each program is an important story about people coming to terms with the historical legacies of European (English)-Indigenous contact and the enslavement of Africans during the Triangle Trade. These programs will be held via Zoom. Links will be distributed the week prior to the event through our Weekly Announcements, our Facebook Page, and on the website.

Monday, March 14, 7:00 pm

The Sowams Heritage Area Project with Dr. David Weed

Dr. David Weed is a retired clinical psychologist living in Warren, RI, who became interested in the history of the 17th century in and around his community starting in 2007. His research resulted in a widely-accessed web page about King Philip’s War (http://drweed.net/kingphilip.htm ). When he retired, he expanded this study to the events leading up to and following the War, resulting in the SowamsHeritageArea.org website. Working in cooperation with members of the Pokanoket Tribe, David began to develop the idea of creating a National Heritage Area encompassing eight communities between Bristol and Providence, R.I. that would highlight the unique history of this area.

Although Tiverton is actually in Pocasset and Sakonnet tribal lands, Dr. Weed’s presentation offers us a unique view of how one dedicated community member has worked with sensitivity to raise awareness about the Indigenous Peoples who inhabited land of this town.

Friday, March 25, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

A Screening of the documentary Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North with Dain and Constance Perry

Join us for a movie night! At 6:00 p.m. on March 25, we will screen the documentary Traces of the Trade via Zoom, followed by discussion led by Dain and Constance Perry. Twenty years ago, Dain and nine other descendants of Bristol’s James DeWolf made an epic journey to follow their ancestor’s notorious dealings as a trader of human being during the late 18th and early 19th century.

Produced and director by DeWolf descendant, Dain’s cousin, Katrina Browne, the documentary depicts the descendants’ trip from Bristol to Ghana to Cuba and back to Bristol, retracing a complex web of trade in sugar, molasses, and human beings. Over the generations, the DeWolf family transported more than 10,000 enslaved Africans across the Middle Passage and amassed an enormous fortune. By the end of his life, James DeWolf had been a U.S. Senator and was reportedly the second richest man in the United States.

Of course, the irony is that DeWolf was not a Southerner but a Northerner and a prominent citizen in nearby Bristol, RI. Furthermore, the economies of Bristol and surrounding towns were deeply involved in supporting this trade from ship building, rope and barrel making, iron casting, and rum distilling, etc. Back home from their trip, the descendants confronted the thorny topic of what would they do with this knowledge. Learn more about the film at Traces of the Trade.

Homelessness Awareness Mission Project

On Saturday night, February 12, Amicable’s youth took part in the annual Homelessness Awareness Sleepout, which supports First Step Inn in Fall River. Our group included seven youth and three chaperones, Mike and Julie McCoy and Rev. Nancy. It was a beautiful evening as we started the Sleepout with 50 degree weather, but soon the temperatures dropped. By morning, we had a light coat of snow on our tents and cardboard boxes. Thanks to all who participated. Special thanks goes to Pat Campion, who prepared a fabulous breakfast for us all early Sunday morning!
Most of all, thanks to our supporters who helped us raise $1125 for First Step Inn.

During three Sunday Coffee Hours in March, Rev. Nancy Soukup will explain that interim transition process to members of the congregation. After the service, we will gather in the Hall for one-half hour programs that describe each of the three steps in seeking a settled minister. Relevant materials will be handed out during the program. This is an exciting time in the life of Amicable, and it is a process with important steps.

Sunday, March 13: Forming a Transition Team
Sunday, March 21: Developing a Church Profile Sunday,
March 28: Establishing a Search Committee

Getting Ready for Spring in your A.C.T.S. Thrift Shop 

We are having our BIG SALE March 3rd and 5th.
All clothes will be $1 and everything else: accessories, bags, shoes, kitchen ware and household goods will be half price. At the close of business (2:00) on Saturday the 5th we will bag up all the remaining clothes and send them on to other organizations. If you can help us bag clothes come by the shop at 2:00. It takes about one hour.

We will spend the next two weeks putting out all our wonderful spring line of clothes and other items. We will be there every weekday from about 9:00 until 1:00 cleaning, organizing and arranging. Please consider spending a bit of time helping get ready for re-opening on March 19th. Even one hour helps so much. No need to call just drop in and lend a hand.

We will be closed March 10th, 12th, and 17th.

Be sure and check out the Facebook page for all the news! https://www.facebook.com/AmicableChurchThriftShop for more ACTS news.

Amicable 5K is Just Around the Corner!

The Amicable 5K is on this year. The race is Saturday, April 2, and starts at 9:00 a.m. behind Groundswell. Registration is live at RaceWire | Amicable FarmCoast 5k Run and Walk and the link is also on our website HOME (weebly.com). The registration fee is $25 for both the in person event or if someone wants to participate virtually. All ages are welcome, runners and walkers, and dogs that are leashed and good with crowds. 
Also visit: Amicable FarmCoast 5k Run and Walk - Home | Facebook

Amicable Book of the Month Club

SNEUCC 2022 Super Saturday Event

Theme: "A Future with Hope: Relevant, Prophetic, and Transformative"

Twice a year (March and November), the Southern New England Conference UCC convenes the Super Saturdays, all-day gatherings to gain new knowledge about congregational life and to encounter other members of the Conference. Now held virtually, the upcoming Super Saturday will be on March 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Multiple workshops are offered during morning and afternoon sessions to instruct, engage, and inspire. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Sarah Drummond, the Founding Dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale University. Registration for each workshop is $15. To register, follow this link.

Special 2021 Nominating Committee

In 2021 the Nominating Committee had no current members, no one had been able to look for potential 2022 candidates for open Officer and Committee positions.  In mid-January a few people volunteered to reach out to Amicable members and find candidates for the open positions.

Remarkably, this group, in just two weeks’ time, was able to contact existing Officers and Committee Members to find out if they would be willing to re-up in their position for another term. Additionally, this group also reached out to other Amicable Members to find people who would be willing to fill other open positions.

Due to their action and efforts,

• 15 existing Officers or Committee Members agreed to continue in their
  position for another term
• 5 other people were found who agreed to a term for an existing open position.

Thanks go out to the following people who were able to put together a slate of Officers and Committee Members and submit a Nominating Committee Report at the Annual Meeting regarding their recommendations.

Julie Lohr, Kimberly Poulton, Kristen Zeiser, Maryellen Castro, Rev. Nancy  Soukup, Ray Medeiros, and Sue Cory 

A task well and quickly handled.

Summer Camp at Silver Lake

Are you looking for a special experience for Summer Camp? Consider Silver Lake Retreat and Camp Center in Sharon, CT. Silver Lake is one of the SNEUCC’s several conference centers. As we all know, summer camp can be a formative experience for children and youth. Right now there is an early bird registration special available. If you want to read more about Silver Lake’s offerings, view their brochure or visit the camp’s website. Early bird discount is available for those who register now!

Financial Notes of Interest - March 2022

• Church services opened up again in February, but still with Covid protocols in place. Upper Hall coffee hour gatherings were also restarted. Nice to see familiar faces
again at church!

• Donation receipts through February were as expected/planned, with all varieties of giving methods being utilized – mail, drop-offs at church, transfers into Amicable’s bank account, via Amicable’s  Website Donate option, general PayPal donations, and of course now during Sunday Services.

• The Thrift Shop was open all February except for one snow day, still continuing with very good receipts.

• The 5K Event scheduled for early April continued to receive Sponsor donations along with registrations.  Looks like it should be well-attended.

• Expenses were standard for the month – no surprises in February

• Cleaning, maintenance, and utility expenses still remain lower than budgeted during this period, since typical pre-Covid on-site activities haven’t restarted as yet.

• The Board of Trustees found and have hired Amicable’s new secretary, although with additional duties along with her background and level of experience, her title is ‘Coordinator Church Admin & Social Media’.  She started during the last week

of February.

• The Board of Trustees have decided to forego the normal 1st quarter withdrawal from the General Endowment Fund due to the 2021 Operation Account surplus that was rolled forward into 2022 as special income.

- Respectfully Submitted: 
    Treasurer, Roger Gauthier 401-624-2323, r.c.gauthier@cox.net