Much more than a building — it's a place of fellowship, solace & contemplation!
Easter Sunday, April 27, 2025 - Worship 10:00 AM
Sermon: Todos, Todos, Todos - Kathleen Reed, Pastor To join via ZOOM, please contact us at (617) 479-8778 or [email protected] |
Houghs Neck Congregational Church (UCC)
310 Manet Avenue Quincy, MA 02169 (617) 479-8778 Parking & Directions |
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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 Message - April 2025
On Sunday April 20th I will celebrate my second and last Easter serving Houghs Neck Congregational Church. My service has been fleeting by design with a hard stop on June 30th. In United Church of Christ lingo, my title is Designated Term Minister, but when introducing myself I routinely get tongue-tied and it comes out “Determined Team Minister.” Probably because that wording makes more sense to me. If our church were a baseball team in this post-covid world, I could say that I’d been brought in to coach for a couple of building seasons.
No matter how you want to frame it, one season is more than enough time to fall in love with the people who grace our pews (which are actually very comfy theater seats!) And even though I commute from my home in… (here I lower my head and whisper) … Merrymount, I have fallen in love with this Neckah community that sparkles with hidden gems even on the darkest days. Part of me wants to leave for my settled-pastor-successor a map of all the gems I’ve discovered in the congregation, most of which— like the paper airplane lodged in a rafter over the pulpit— are hiding in plain sight. On the other hand, why rob her or him of the delights of discovery?! For me the biggest element of joy has always come from listening to your stories regarding the who, what, why, where, when, and how of each gem.
Which brings me to my latest discovery of a gem hiding in plain sight. On my way through the church vestibule toward the front door, I happened to look up at the light fixture hanging from the ceiling. Normally being famously clumsy, I’d be looking down to navigate the stairs without stumbling. But in a moment of carefree joie de vivre, I looked up—and stopped mid step. There in one of the glass chimneys that held the electric lights made to look like candles was a bright yellow foreign object like a wing. Which on closer inspection was a wing! One of a pair of wings belonging to an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly who had apparently chosen the lamp for its bed as its short life drew to a close. I was gob smacked! How long had the butterfly been up there? How had I never noticed? Had anyone noticed? At the time of the discovery, I was alone in the church, but the next day asked Ralph Jacobs, did he know there was a butterfly in the entryway light fixture?! Ralph smiled beatifically and said that he did know. For how long? I asked. Awhile, he answered, as in for a few years, and he had no idea why—a mystery with which Ralph had made peace. A butterfly enjoying eternal rest in a light that shines above all who enter—why not!
An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, for God knows how long, literally ensconced above our vestibule, its black and yellow markings as bright as the day it emerged from its chrysalis-tomb! At first, I craved more details. There must be more to the story, I thought. Until…it finally came to me. The story. THE story of the God who, as the psalmist put it in Psalm 121:8, promises to watch over our goings out and our comings in forevermore. THE story of the God who seals the promise of divine abiding and unconditional love in the dying and rising of the Beloved, our Savior Jesus Christ. The Easter story.
The more I think about it, how could Houghs Neck Congregational Church not have a butterfly over us lighting our way? It is a mystery and it makes perfect sense.
Christ is Risen!
Pastor Kathleen
On Sunday April 20th I will celebrate my second and last Easter serving Houghs Neck Congregational Church. My service has been fleeting by design with a hard stop on June 30th. In United Church of Christ lingo, my title is Designated Term Minister, but when introducing myself I routinely get tongue-tied and it comes out “Determined Team Minister.” Probably because that wording makes more sense to me. If our church were a baseball team in this post-covid world, I could say that I’d been brought in to coach for a couple of building seasons.
No matter how you want to frame it, one season is more than enough time to fall in love with the people who grace our pews (which are actually very comfy theater seats!) And even though I commute from my home in… (here I lower my head and whisper) … Merrymount, I have fallen in love with this Neckah community that sparkles with hidden gems even on the darkest days. Part of me wants to leave for my settled-pastor-successor a map of all the gems I’ve discovered in the congregation, most of which— like the paper airplane lodged in a rafter over the pulpit— are hiding in plain sight. On the other hand, why rob her or him of the delights of discovery?! For me the biggest element of joy has always come from listening to your stories regarding the who, what, why, where, when, and how of each gem.
Which brings me to my latest discovery of a gem hiding in plain sight. On my way through the church vestibule toward the front door, I happened to look up at the light fixture hanging from the ceiling. Normally being famously clumsy, I’d be looking down to navigate the stairs without stumbling. But in a moment of carefree joie de vivre, I looked up—and stopped mid step. There in one of the glass chimneys that held the electric lights made to look like candles was a bright yellow foreign object like a wing. Which on closer inspection was a wing! One of a pair of wings belonging to an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly who had apparently chosen the lamp for its bed as its short life drew to a close. I was gob smacked! How long had the butterfly been up there? How had I never noticed? Had anyone noticed? At the time of the discovery, I was alone in the church, but the next day asked Ralph Jacobs, did he know there was a butterfly in the entryway light fixture?! Ralph smiled beatifically and said that he did know. For how long? I asked. Awhile, he answered, as in for a few years, and he had no idea why—a mystery with which Ralph had made peace. A butterfly enjoying eternal rest in a light that shines above all who enter—why not!
An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, for God knows how long, literally ensconced above our vestibule, its black and yellow markings as bright as the day it emerged from its chrysalis-tomb! At first, I craved more details. There must be more to the story, I thought. Until…it finally came to me. The story. THE story of the God who, as the psalmist put it in Psalm 121:8, promises to watch over our goings out and our comings in forevermore. THE story of the God who seals the promise of divine abiding and unconditional love in the dying and rising of the Beloved, our Savior Jesus Christ. The Easter story.
The more I think about it, how could Houghs Neck Congregational Church not have a butterfly over us lighting our way? It is a mystery and it makes perfect sense.
Christ is Risen!
Pastor Kathleen
upcoming events in the life of our church
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Calling All Who Love to Sing! |
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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 6:00-7:30 PM then again at 9:30 AM Sunday mornings to prepare for the 10:00 AM Worship Service.
Bible, Brews & Qs - Wednesdays 10-11AM - Luke
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Gather for a midweek pick me up. Bible for inspiration,
Brewed coffee and the Questions we all wrestle with. To join via ZOOM, please contact us at (617) 479-8778 or [email protected] Houghs Neck Congregational Church (Coffee Room) 310 Manet Avenue Quincy, MA 02169 |
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Eldy’s Yoga
Houghs Neck Congregational Church – lower level
Tuesdays 1:00–2:00PM
Cost $5 per session
Let’s Get Moving – Even if you think you can’t
Eldy’s yoga was developed specifically for those over 50 or those with joint issues who might find other forms of exercise difficult. The sessions can be done entirely from a seated position or can be done standing and seated (no poses that require you to be on the floor). You will learn to coordinate your breath and movement. You will also increase your strength and flexibility. If this sounds right for you please join us with our certified yoga instructor, Linda Beck. Hope to see you there. Namaste.
Houghs Neck Congregational Church – lower level
Tuesdays 1:00–2:00PM
Cost $5 per session
Let’s Get Moving – Even if you think you can’t
Eldy’s yoga was developed specifically for those over 50 or those with joint issues who might find other forms of exercise difficult. The sessions can be done entirely from a seated position or can be done standing and seated (no poses that require you to be on the floor). You will learn to coordinate your breath and movement. You will also increase your strength and flexibility. If this sounds right for you please join us with our certified yoga instructor, Linda Beck. Hope to see you there. Namaste.
Pillows for Dove
Each February the Mission Committee selects a winter project. This year, we will collect new bed pillows for DOVE clients. When clients arrive, they receive new pillows and take the pillows with them when they leave. I am letting you know about this drive now since there are often white sales in January when pillows would be on sale. So stock up and be ready to bring new pillows to church in February. Thank you.
Each February the Mission Committee selects a winter project. This year, we will collect new bed pillows for DOVE clients. When clients arrive, they receive new pillows and take the pillows with them when they leave. I am letting you know about this drive now since there are often white sales in January when pillows would be on sale. So stock up and be ready to bring new pillows to church in February. Thank you.
MALLORY JACOBS AWARDED GIRL SCOUTINGS' MEDAL OF HONOR
Mallory Jacobs, age 13, who has been a Quincy Girl Scout for 9 years (and a member of our church) has been formally recognized by Girl Scouts USA with one of the highest honors in Girl Scouting, The Medal of Honor, for her actions on August 12, 2024 that helped save her cousin’s life in an emergency.
Girl Scout Lifesaving awards are given to registered Girl Scouts who have saved a human life or attempted to save it under circumstances that indicate heroism and sound judgment beyond the degree of maturity and training to be expected at their age. The Medal of Honor is one of Girl Scouts USA’s rarest awards and is an achievement only a select few have ever gotten. Mallory is the first in Quincy Scouting to receive this honor.
This past August, Mallory and her family were exploring a system of natural caves in New Hampshire. Mallory’s 5 year old cousin Emily was having the best day ever exploring and was first of the group to enter a cave that narrows to only 14 inches wide. The rest of the family followed Emily single file into the cave. Emily unknowingly strayed from the public path and squeezed through a small opening, disappearing from view. Emily rather quickly became aware that she had gone the wrong way and suddenly her sense of fun turned to fear when she realized she was alone on the wrong side of the rocks, in the dark, and essentially trapped. It was too tight to turn around and come back, and she was not able to crawl out feet first due to an angle in the rocks that would cause her to fall. There were 6 adults present, all squished in a 14 inch wide crack in single file, but due to their size, no one could actually get to Emily. Mallory was 7th in line from Emily and had no way to see what was going on but she could hear a very scared Emily screaming out for help and yelling that she was going to fall. Despite not being able to see what was going on, Mallory had situational awareness that she was small enough and fast enough to go get help. Mallory decisively and quickly solo climbed backwards out of the entrance of the cave and went off by herself to get a park employee to help. When she returned with the park employee, she pointed him to the general area where her cousin was trapped. She followed the employee through the exit of the cave and reached the area where Emily was stuck. With help, Emily was able to get out unharmed and everyone was safe. But it was only because of Mallory’s quick actions that professional help arrived.
To be recognized with a Medal of Honor, the act of heroism is first brought to the attention of the regional Girl Scout Council, and then, if the regional council finds that the act meets the criteria, the application is sent to Girl Scouts USA for final approval. Less than 200 girls have received the award since 2017 and The Medal of Honor only goes out to less than 1% of the 1.7 million registered Girl Scouts across the country.
Mallory Jacobs, age 13, who has been a Quincy Girl Scout for 9 years (and a member of our church) has been formally recognized by Girl Scouts USA with one of the highest honors in Girl Scouting, The Medal of Honor, for her actions on August 12, 2024 that helped save her cousin’s life in an emergency.
Girl Scout Lifesaving awards are given to registered Girl Scouts who have saved a human life or attempted to save it under circumstances that indicate heroism and sound judgment beyond the degree of maturity and training to be expected at their age. The Medal of Honor is one of Girl Scouts USA’s rarest awards and is an achievement only a select few have ever gotten. Mallory is the first in Quincy Scouting to receive this honor.
This past August, Mallory and her family were exploring a system of natural caves in New Hampshire. Mallory’s 5 year old cousin Emily was having the best day ever exploring and was first of the group to enter a cave that narrows to only 14 inches wide. The rest of the family followed Emily single file into the cave. Emily unknowingly strayed from the public path and squeezed through a small opening, disappearing from view. Emily rather quickly became aware that she had gone the wrong way and suddenly her sense of fun turned to fear when she realized she was alone on the wrong side of the rocks, in the dark, and essentially trapped. It was too tight to turn around and come back, and she was not able to crawl out feet first due to an angle in the rocks that would cause her to fall. There were 6 adults present, all squished in a 14 inch wide crack in single file, but due to their size, no one could actually get to Emily. Mallory was 7th in line from Emily and had no way to see what was going on but she could hear a very scared Emily screaming out for help and yelling that she was going to fall. Despite not being able to see what was going on, Mallory had situational awareness that she was small enough and fast enough to go get help. Mallory decisively and quickly solo climbed backwards out of the entrance of the cave and went off by herself to get a park employee to help. When she returned with the park employee, she pointed him to the general area where her cousin was trapped. She followed the employee through the exit of the cave and reached the area where Emily was stuck. With help, Emily was able to get out unharmed and everyone was safe. But it was only because of Mallory’s quick actions that professional help arrived.
To be recognized with a Medal of Honor, the act of heroism is first brought to the attention of the regional Girl Scout Council, and then, if the regional council finds that the act meets the criteria, the application is sent to Girl Scouts USA for final approval. Less than 200 girls have received the award since 2017 and The Medal of Honor only goes out to less than 1% of the 1.7 million registered Girl Scouts across the country.
