Much more than a building — it's a place of fellowship, solace & contemplation!
December 3, 2023 Worship 10:00 AM (In person or via ZOOM)
Sermon: "When the Stars Begin to Fall" - Rev. Kathleen Reed To join via ZOOM, please contact us at (617) 479-8778 or hncc@comcast.net |
Houghs Neck Congregational Church (UCC)
310 Manet Avenue Quincy, MA 02169 (617) 479-8778 Parking & Directions |
Are you searching for a spiritual home where all are welcome? Look no further. When our forefathers and mothers settled and formed a church in Houghs Neck 129 years ago, they did so to provide a Christian community that would affirm who they were, their histories, their families and their deep faith in a loving God and their unity in the spirit. It is this legacy that we continue to lift up.
We are an open Community of Faith serving the families and people of Houghs Neck, Quincy and surrounding communities. We seek to create a space for all believers who know their spiritual pilgrimage is one among many. We seek to honor each person’s walk with God and see others who seek the loving presence of God as brothers and sisters.
We are an open Community of Faith serving the families and people of Houghs Neck, Quincy and surrounding communities. We seek to create a space for all believers who know their spiritual pilgrimage is one among many. We seek to honor each person’s walk with God and see others who seek the loving presence of God as brothers and sisters.
Pastor’s Note December 2023
A December parable that is also a true story: Heaven on earth is like a child named Elizabeth sitting beside her dad in the family station wagon. Her dad, Clarence, is a man of few words.
“Elizabeth, are you coming?” That is the extent of Elizabeth’s cue, the signal that an annual winter ritual is about to begin. It’s dark as Clarence drives away from the center of town and up into the hills, navigating dirt roads he knows like the back of his hand. Where no one would suspect there is a road, Clarence turns and shuts off the engine. Opening the back of the station wagon he takes out boxes filled with food: flour, sugar, butter, potatoes, canned beans, canned fruits, eggs and meats.
In Elizabeth’s earliest memory, she’s 7 years old, sitting alone in the dark as her father walks away with his arms full of groceries, swallowed up by the night. At first, she can hear the purposeful tread of her father’s steps, deep snow crunching under his boots. As he walks deeper into the woods, his steps grow fainter until she can’t hear them at all. Suddenly, the silence is broken by the sound of her father’s voice, greeting and calling for door to be opened. What happens next is amazing. Where there had seemed to be nothing but pitch darkness, a light comes on. And then another and another. Where Elizabeth had first seen a darkness, now there’s a house, a home, filled with light.
Once Clarence makes the delivery, he wastes no time. He returns to the car, and they drive on to another impossibly dark road where there seemed to be no road. And another long walk into the night. And another greeting. And each time he makes a stop, where at first there’s nothing but darkness, a light comes on.
Today, the Elizabeth of the story is the official Godmother of one of our sons and the friend who remembers all our children’s birthdays, graduations and baptismal anniversaries without fail. I can imagine that you might think I made this story up especially since the father’s name, Clarence, means, Light. But sometimes you can’t make up the stuff of miracles. They happen. Even today. You know this is true.
December Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Pastor Kathleen
upcoming events in the life of our church
Both the Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionaries define a choir as an organized company of singers. Neither state that you have to be able to read music, have perfect pitch or an amazing voice. The Houghs Neck Congregational Church choir welcomes anyone who loves to sing. Each Wednesday evening from September through May, our talented director Steve Reed works with us going over individual parts until we are comfortable with them then magically combines our voices and voila - we have a four-part anthem for our Sunday service!
So, if you love to sing, give us a try. We meet at the Church (310 Manet Avenue, Quincy, MA 02169) Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 PM then again at 9:30 AM Sunday mornings to prepare for the 10:00 AM Worship Service.
So, if you love to sing, give us a try. We meet at the Church (310 Manet Avenue, Quincy, MA 02169) Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 PM then again at 9:30 AM Sunday mornings to prepare for the 10:00 AM Worship Service.
Every Christmas, the Seaside Social Club, formerly M.O.T.H.E.R.S. Club, decorates our Sanctuary with poinsettias.
You can help with this project by purchasing plants in memory or honor of a loved one.
If you would like to honor a loved one in this way, please print and complete this page.
Orders may be mailed to:
Houghs Neck Congregational Church
Attention: Nancy Jacobs
310 Manet Avenue
Quincy, MA 02169
You may also place forms w/payment in the offering plate during Sunday worship or given directly to Nancy Jacobs.
Additionally, orders can be mailed to Nancy at jacobs0511@gmail.com.
Please make checks payable to MOTHERS CLUB.
Due date: Friday, December 8th.
______ Small Plant Price $10 ______ Large Price $20
You can help with this project by purchasing plants in memory or honor of a loved one.
If you would like to honor a loved one in this way, please print and complete this page.
Orders may be mailed to:
Houghs Neck Congregational Church
Attention: Nancy Jacobs
310 Manet Avenue
Quincy, MA 02169
You may also place forms w/payment in the offering plate during Sunday worship or given directly to Nancy Jacobs.
Additionally, orders can be mailed to Nancy at jacobs0511@gmail.com.
Please make checks payable to MOTHERS CLUB.
Due date: Friday, December 8th.
______ Small Plant Price $10 ______ Large Price $20
In memory of _____________________________________ _____________________________________ |
In Honor of _____________________________________ _____________________________________ |
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 9:00 – 11:00 Houghs Neck Congregational Church 310 Manet Ave. Fellowship Hall (lower level) Elevator available to transport strollers and Grandmas Admission: $5.00 children 10 and under $7.00 over 10 and adults (sorry prices had to go up) Price includes pancakes, sausage, juice, milk, coffee and a digital picture with Santa. 50/50 raffle Reservations are not required. |
The Houghs Neck Historical Series
Sponsored by the Seaside Social Club of the Houghs Neck Congregational Church Presents Christmas at Houghs Neck – 1893 Sunday, December 10, 2023, 2:00 pm 310 Manet Avenue, Quincy This is a recreation of an 1893 show researched by Houghs Neck historian Patti Williams featuring songs and readings from the original show and other period appropriate additions. Come join the fun and sing along to the carols. Free admission and refreshments. Special raffle prize. |
Houghs Neck History Talk Series 2023-2024
Sponsored by the Seaside Social Club, Houghs Neck Congregational Church
Presenter: Patti Williams
Houghs Neck Congregational Church
310 Manet Avenue
Quincy, MA 02169
7:00 to 8:30
Sponsored by the Seaside Social Club, Houghs Neck Congregational Church
Presenter: Patti Williams
Houghs Neck Congregational Church
310 Manet Avenue
Quincy, MA 02169
7:00 to 8:30
Please join us for a new series of Houghs Neck History Talks. The 2022-23 talk series was arranged by subject, e.g. George Morton, Nut Island. The new 2023-24 talk series is arranged by time, e.g. Houghs Neck 1636-1849, Houghs Neck 1890s.
November 16, 2023 - 7:00
Houghs Neck 1850-1870
From 1637-1849, Houghs Neck changed very little, remaining a series of farms. From 1850 – 1870 dramatic changes took place, changing Houghs Neck from agricultural to nonagricultural land use. This talk will explore those changes.
Each month’s raffle prize will be a pie made by Nancy Jacobs.
All programs are at the Houghs Neck Congregational Church, 310 Manet Ave in Houghs Neck. All programs are free and are open to the public.
November 16, 2023 - 7:00
Houghs Neck 1850-1870
From 1637-1849, Houghs Neck changed very little, remaining a series of farms. From 1850 – 1870 dramatic changes took place, changing Houghs Neck from agricultural to nonagricultural land use. This talk will explore those changes.
Each month’s raffle prize will be a pie made by Nancy Jacobs.
All programs are at the Houghs Neck Congregational Church, 310 Manet Ave in Houghs Neck. All programs are free and are open to the public.
Houghs Neck History Talk Series 2023-2024
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Bible, Brews & Qs - Will Resume January 10, 2024
Gather for a midweek pick me up. Bible for inspiration, Brewed coffee and the Questions we all wrestle with.
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 — 9:00 AM Reading prep: Mark, Chapter 4 To join via ZOOM, please contact us at (617) 479-8778 or hncc@comcast.net Houghs Neck Congregational Church (Coffee Room) 310 Manet Avenue Quincy, MA 02169 |