THE MANY BLESSINGS IN 2024
OUR SEARCH FOR A SETTLED MINISTER CONTINUED...
JANUARY 14, 2024 - FAITH FORMATION - MARTIN LUTHER KING JR WEEKEND
After learning about Martin Luther King Jr, we asked our students how they could help change the world... these were their responses. Their responses were written on “footsteps” and posted on the floor throughout our hall.
JANUARY 28, 2024 - JOY! THE REVERAND JAMETTA O. ALSTON JOINED US
The Reverend Jametta O. Alston joined us as Bridge Minister for services beginning on Sunday, January 14, 2024. We miss her signature "JOY!" before the start of every service! She worshipped with us until October 2024. We are thankful she walked the journey with us!
JANUARY 28, 2024 - ALL MEMBERS ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Our Annual Business Meeting of the Congregation took place on Sunday, January 28, 2024, after Worship Services. A light lunch was provided. It was a successful meeting with many members in attendance.
FEBRUARY 2024 - RAISING AWARENESS OF HOMELESSNESS IN OUR COMMUNITY MISSION
To mark Amicable's long tradition of raising awareness of homelessness in our community in the month of February, the Deacons accepted a special collection during February for First Step Inn in Fall River.
First Step Inn is a homeless shelter for individuals and families that provides residential and outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health issues.
MARCH MISSION - HOLY JOE'S CAFE
Thanks to our Standing Committee, for over a decade, Amicable has supported the mission of Holy Joe’s Café through donations collected during Coffee Hour on the first Sunday of each month. Holy Joe’s Café was started by a Connecticut Congregational Church in the early 2000s when one of their members was deployed in Iraq and conveyed the need for coffee at his Air Force base. At the time, the base Chaplain was paying out of his own pocket to provide coffee 24/7 to all military personnel on the base. Now, Holy Joe’s Café currently ships coffee and supplies to hundreds of military locations including small Forward Operating Bases, hangar bays, hospitals, and aid stations. Today, thousands of free cups of coffee are served to our troops in 70 countries throughout the world. Holy Joe’s Café has become a dynamic part of military Chaplains 24/7/365 service to the troops, which also includes: helping soldiers with family emergencies, care for wounded soldiers, conducting memorial services for the fallen, and counseling survivors when a soldier is killed in battle. Soldiers are allowed complete confidentiality to express themselves to the Chaplains. We look forward to continuing our monetary support of this important mission.
MARCH 2, 2024 - FAITH FORMATION - HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS NIGHT
MARCH 24, 2024 - HOLY WEEK - PALM SUNDAY
The Procession of the Palms on Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Its name originates from the palm branches waved by the crowd to greet and honor Jesus Christ as he entered the city. We celebrated with our own procession with lots of singing, waving of our palms, and some creative dance moves! Young and old had fun! A wonderful way to begin Holy Week! Thanks to Pat Campion for her donation of the beautiful palms!
MARCH 28, 2024 - HOLY WEEK - MAUNDAY THURSDAY
What a great evening! Rev. Jametta opened our intergenerational journey with Leslie as our tour guide. Every production must have its stars. Ben and Bella were stars of this show! Ben was Moses and did a better job at crossing the river than Rhode Island! Jim and Mica helped lead the Hebrews out of Egypt and they all made it! We had thoughtful readings of scripture by Peggy, Ray, Bella, Ben and Mary. Nicole blessed us with a beautiful solo. The soup and breads were delicious. Thanks to all who shared their special soups and breads with us! Thirty folks attended the service. Friends and members, old and new. It was a wonderful evening spent with good food, friends, lots of stories, laughs, and wonderful fellowship!
MARCH 29, 2024 - GOOD FRIDAY - LABYRINTH WALK
“Stand by the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths where the good way lies; and walk in it and find rest for your soul.”
Jeremiah 6:16
Good Friday is often observed as a day of quiet reflection. We were invited to come and reflect as we walked on a 24’ by 24’ canvas labyrinth laid out on the floor of the hall. Finger labyrinths were available if you chose not to walk the floor labyrinth. Facilitators were available to answer questions that day and protect the quiet, peacefulness of the space. It was a wonderful turnout and was extended over more than one day!
MARCH 31, 2024 - EASTER SUNDAY
As we celebrated Easter Sunday, we also welcomed two new members to our community! Patricia Sherblom and Christopher Thompson.
APRIL 22, 2024 - FAITH FORMATION EARTH DAY PROJECT
MAY 2024 - THINGS WERE LOOKING UP
Due primarily to the generosity of an Amicable member our beautiful Sanctuary received a much-needed face lift! A fresh coat of paint!
MAY 18, 2024 - CONCERT FUNDRAISER
The evening was a HUGE success! Dancing to Rock' n Roll, Rhythm and Blues, and Jazz with the amazing Bob Demers Band featuring Monica and Some Sensational Members of the Funky White Honkies (including our very own Jack Leandro) We met old friends, made new friends, and enjoyed each other's company and dance moves! Thanks to all who made this evening a success! We can't wait for the next event!
JUNE 2024 - CHILDREN'S BOOK PROJECT IS COMPLETED
Many children's books were donated to us from Savers in Fall River last year. (Thanks to Leslie Simonson!) The project for our Faith Formation children was to recondition the books so that they could continue to be shared and read by other children! It was a long process bit they are DONE! Where did all those books finally go? Much later than intended, but just in time for summer program planning at the following four destinations: To Stafford Road in Tiverton the Community Action Program’s population of preschooler’s fourth graders in particular: 126 books, including all the Read-to-Me books for young lap sitters. To the Citizens for Citizens Fall River for their day camp setting, K through eighth grade: 206 books. Their program features “take home to read and bring it back to swap for another. "The goal is for readers not to lose ground over a long summer vacation. To the YMCA Fall River: 344 books including the ones they might keep for the autumn re-opening of the after-school homework stations which would be all the "research" texts in history, geography, outer space, and underwater exploration, etc. here on our home planet. To the Clairborne Pell Elementary School Newport: 830 books featuring the ones they especially appreciate about racial and international diversity in America's urban populations and “how we all got here" stories. Up to Level 4 reading skills were the most welcome. A similar lifestyle applies of “take one home for a few days, read to your parents and siblings, and swap it for another one. " This is another East Bay Community Action Program site, as is our local one here in Tiverton. Each recipient community service partner was more than grateful for our outreach to them and the children they serve. Grand total of books, all in good condition, with quite a future lifespan still ahead of them: 1,506! We thank our Faith Formation children and leaders and especially Leslie Simonson whose idea, bargain shopping skills, guidance, and “heavy lifting” made this project happen!
JUNE 2, 2024 - PRIDE DAY IN FALL RIVER
This year Amicable was represented at Fall River’s PRIDE Celebration, held June 2nd at the Gates of the City. It was a beautiful day and a cool venue! Sean Connell and the Fall River PRIDE Committee were wonderful hosts. They were pleased to see us there to join other area Open and Affirming Churches. It was a great family atmosphere, kids, parents, grandparents there to support their family and the diversity of their city. We met so many interesting people with a lot of stories to tell. We met folks who know where (the Church near Gray’s Ice Cream) and more importantly who we are! We also scored an invitation to next year’s East Providence PRIDE celebration from one of the mayor’s staff. It was so great to see Stephen and Peter, Pat, Grace, and friends, Kimberly, and Nicole. It is important that we support this mission. Special thanks to Liz and Tori for our “famous” Amicable prayer stones. They are an important part of our inclusive message. We thank Rev. Jametta for her support and of course our partners in “crime” Mary and Jack. We also recognize Jim and Ray for all their hard work and dedication!
JUNE 16, 2024 - CHILDREN'S SUNDAY & GAREY SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDS
JUNE 2024 - CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES
JUNE 22, 2024 - AMICABLE SUMMER FAIR
The rain was held at bay while we celebrated the start of summer with our old and new friends. Our 2024 Summer Fair was another huge success! The team of Ray, Pat, and Jim, along with many other members, made sure this event was amazing. The food was delicious, the merchandise was plenty, and the Thrift Shop was humming! Thanks to all who staffed it, donated to it, shopped it, and enjoyed everyone's company at it! Everyone who visited went away with some Amicable Spirit and an item or two!
T.
E.
A.
M.
JULY - STANDING COMMITTEE - T.E.A.M. MISSION
The Tiverton Emergency Assistance Mission is in need of donations. The T.E.A.M. Fund offers a person or family living in Tiverton or a member of the Amicable community a small grant to help them through a crisis. T.E.A.M. was originally begun by Rev. Bill Sterrett in collaboration with other clergy in Tiverton. Today, the fund is administered by Amicable Church and its Standing Committee. T.E.A.M. grants are up to $300 per year to an individual seeking assistance with rent, utilities, and groceries. Jane Ouellette is the main contact with support from the Deacons. As a team they respond to inquiries and make grant decisions, which are kept confidential. Payments are made directly to a landlord or vendor. Due to rising costs this year, we have had many requests from people in the area for support, especially with rental assistance. As of the end of June, the fund is nearly exhausted with half of the year still ahead of us. The Deacons hope that members and friends of the congregation will make donations to the T.E.A.M. Fund to help support this important mission. Checks can be made out to “Amicable Congregational Church” with “TEAM Fund” in the subject line. These can be left at the church office or in the offering plate on Sunday mornings. Donations can also be made online by clicking on the DONATE button on our webpage: www.amicablechurch.org and choosing T.E.A.M. Mission in the drop-down list. Or scan the QR code below! Your support of this mission outreach initiative is important to so many in our community. Thank you!
JULY -A FOND FAREWELL
On Sunday, July 21, 2024, we gathered to say farewell to our Minister of Music and Arts Outreach, Vaughn Bryner. Amicable Church believes that the arts are an important vehicle for exploring and expressing the emotional and spiritual side of the human experience. Vaughn Bryner accomplished this for us! Bringing a number of arts into our Sunday services. Traditional hymns, choir anthems, and organ pieces. Services at Amicable included folk, pop, R&B, rock, jazz songs and even musical theatre pieces that spoke to a topic or social justice theme that was being highlighted in the service. At times pieces of poetry, drama, musical drama, or dance were also included. Vaughn was also the director of our small but mighty choir! With his skills he shaped our choir and together, they lifted us in song and filled our services with wonderful music. In addition to his music offerings Vaughn also worked closely with Faith Formation and others to create our Reconnect & Regenerate Program. Conceived by Vaughn Bryner, this program focused on the book Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard by Douglas Tallamy and the film Kiss the Ground. From these two sources, four weeks of events evolved into programming that included a film screening of Kiss the Ground with a panel featuring local growers, book discussions on Nature’s Best Hope at the Tiverton Public Library and the Union Library, four worship services with coffee hour discussions, a potluck meal featuring locally-sourced food at Movement Ground Farm, and the development of a Native Plant Pollinator Picnic Garden at Amicable. Vaughn was also instrumental in many other programs here at Amicable like the Mind, Body, and Spirit program and bringing us together in song through video during COVID. To honor Vaughn and his many accomplishments here at Amicable an endowment fund has been established. The Bryner Music & Performing Arts Fund was initiated in honor of Vaughn Bryner’s 14+ years of serving as Amicable’s Minister of Music from 2010 through 2024, on his retirement in July of 2024. This endowment fund is to be used specifically for church members or involved friends, youth, or adults, who are pursuing higher education in Music or Performing Arts. If you would like to donate to this fund, please make your check payable to Amicable Church and write "Bryner Music Fund" on the envelope or in the check's memo line. You can also click on our DONATE button found at the bottom of this page Vaughns talents, and ideas to get the members of Amicable, community businesses, and town services together will be missed! In addition to his wonderful musical skills and voice, his warm smile will be missed most of all. We wish Vaughn the best of luck in whatever he chooses to do in the future and to always remember… He’s got a friend here at Amicable. GRATEFUL………
AUGUST - WE HELD A CANDIDATING WEEKEND - THEN WE HAD OUR SETTLED MINISTER
SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 - RALLY DAY
We welcome back our Faith Formation Children! After services and during coffee hour we will be celebrating their return with ice cream sundaes! Please join us!
OCTOBER - STEWARSHIP AND PLEDGING SEASON
Throughout the month of October, we shared some members’ testimonies. "Why I support Amicable Church and its ministries." Reminding us of our connection to Amicable Congregational church, to each other, and why it is important to pledge whatever we can to support our church and our community.
OCTOBER - THANKSGIVING BASKET AND NOT BY BREAD ALONE MISSION
Throughout the months of October and November, our team worked tirelessly to raise funds and goods for our baskets. These projects were a tremendous success! Whether through generous monetary donations, valuable time, or sheer muscle, your support made a significant impact. Thanks to your efforts, we were able to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for approximately 150 families, which translates to nearly 600 people being able to enjoy a holiday meal. Huge thanks to Pat, Kim, Chris, and a whole host of volunteers from Amicable Congregational Church, and the Tiverton Public Library for their dedication and hard work!
OCTOBER 6, 2024 - WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
OCTOBER 18, 2024 - "I'VE GOT A SONG"
October 18, 2024, we enjoyed an evening with Nancy Hood and enjoyed her performance together. Click the image below for more information
OCTOBER 27, 2024 - FAREWELL TO A FRIEND
NOVEMBER 3, 2024 - WELCOME REV. MADDIE FOSTER - FIRST SERVICE
Welcome to Amicable Congregational Church Rev. Maddie Foster! We are whole once again! Her first service was on: Sunday, November 3 @ 10AM - Mark 12:28-34 - "Come to the Table of Grace" Jesus tells us the greatest commandment is love. Simple, right? Not always. Thankfully Jesus gives us a crash course in love that we live out each time we come to the Communion table. It’s that freely given (and received) love and grace, hand in hand, that gathers us ‘round the table and guides us in our life together.
DECEMBER MISSION - THRIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH'S TIVERTON HOUSE
Our 2024 Christmas Mission was to provide a very merry Christmas to the residents of Thrive Behavioral Health's Tiverton House. This was our second year supporting these individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness in a residential environment in our community. Thrive helps to regulate their clients with medication management, teaching them life skills, and working towards meeting everyone’s goals. Few clients have family involved with their treatment, so many times the residents come together to support and be a family to each other. Each resident created a wish list for us to reference. We are happy to say… all wishes were granted!
DECEMBER - ADVENT - MITTEN TREE SUNDAY - COOKIE FUN - CHRISTMAS WORSHIP
We celebrated, Mitten Sunday, the treasured Amicable tradition during worship on Sunday, December 8th. The congregation was invited to bring new mittens, gloves, hats, or warm socks for men, women, and children. The donations were distributed to local organizations helping the homeless and individuals in need in our greater community. On this same Sunday, our children joined Sarah Martin and Rev. Maddie in the Upper Hall for pizza, festive games, and cookie decorating. Decorated cookies were packaged and saved for our Baking Spirits Bright on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Thank you to all who worshiped with us and to all who participated to make this holy season meaningful for everyone! If you have time, please watch our Christmas Pageant posted on our Facebook page here. https://www.facebook.com/100064785936823/videos/888557859744448
DECEMBER 14, 2024 - BAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT!
A SWEET time was had by ALL! It was a "FUNdraiser" day! The first half hour was a “Door Buster”! Thank you to all our Amicable bakers with Special thanks to our “Angel Bakers” – Cheryl and Lisa, they are amazing people. Thank you, Gail, Martha, Chris, and the entire ACTS staff and volunteers. Special thanks to Ray and Jim... our "event planner" and "muscle"! Finally, thanks to all who shopped and made this event a success!
If you would like to learn more about what we did in 2024, or other years please take a look at our NEWSLETTERS! If you have any questions or other information you would like to add to our website, please email office@amicablechurch.org!