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413-773-5242 ::: stpauls01301@yahoo.com

23 Long Ave. ::: Greenfield, MA 01301

Worship is at 9:30 am from the second Sunday in June to the first Sunday in September.  Otherwise, worship is at 10:30 am

Thoughts to Share

Let us hold in our hearts and prayers all those who are targeted by unjust policies emanating from Washington—policies that seek to divide us through discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or immigration status. These policies, though cloaked in legality, echo the painful chapters of our history when entire groups were marginalized, silenced, or cast aside simply for being who they are. 

Let us remember the brave voices of the past—those who stood against oppression, from the abolitionists who defied slavery to the civil rights leaders who marched for justice to the countless unnamed heroes who fought for equality and dignity. They remind us that progress is not inevitable; it requires courage, vigilance, and collective action. 

Now, as then, we are called to raise our voices—not in whispers of despair but in a chorus of strength and solidarity for our brothers and sisters who live in fear. Fear is the weapon of oppression, but love, justice, and unwavering support are the tools of liberation. Together, we can build a society where dignity is not a privilege but a right for all. Let us act with urgency, compassion, and unyielding resolve.

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We have all seen a tragedy play out before our eyes and ears daily for weeks now. Not a tragedy such as a natural disaster like the cruel winter that has claimed lives and brought misery to millions in our beloved nation. No, this is a human-made tragedy created by misguided leadership, planning, and organizing, and driven by an agenda that appears to favor a totalitarian means to solving our immigration problem. 

It is a tragedy caused by unfettered power that has been loosed on our nation and Minneapolis in search of the undocumented and not just the criminal undocumented but the law abiding among us, using the profiling of individuals who are suspected to be "illegals" based on their skin color and language.

It is a tragedy that has pushed a woman to the ground, fatally shot Renee Good as she attempted to drive away, and fatally shot Jeffrey Pretti, who was wrestled to the ground as ten bullets were shot into his body. It is a tragedy when people are forcefully pulled from their cars, homes, and places of employment. 

It is a tragedy when a five-year-old by the name of Liam is arrested. 

It is a tragedy that has bred fear in many, forcing the closure of schools and businesses, and keeping people in their homes. 

It is a tragedy when the administration's spokespersons simply jump to conclusions about events and appear to struggle with Pilate's question, "What is truth?", making statements that contradict what our own eyes see.

There is something very wrong here. To be sure, there is a need for ICE, the Border Patrol, and Homeland Security. There is a need to maintain peace in our cities. There is a need to remove from our nation those who are here illegally and who have committed criminal acts. However, due process must be followed, and the dignity of every individual must be respected.

The church must be a voice that speaks out against the abuses of power and for upholding the dignity of all people. The church must also advocate for humane and just immigration reform. What is needed now is an approach that honors the dignity of all people, especially the vulnerable, and works to heal the wounds inflicted.

There is much in our faith tradition that offers guidance to our secular leaders. Leviticus 19:33-34: "You shall not oppress the alien. The alien shall be to you as the native-born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself." Micah 6:8: "You have been shown, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Here are values for anyone, especially those in positions of authority: justice, not maltreatment; mercy, not vengeance; and humility, not arrogance. Amos 5:24 challenges political ineptitude and complacency with the words, "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream."

The question before us is clear: Will we allow these rivers of justice and righteousness to be dammed up by fear and the abuse of power, or will we insist they flow unhindered through our communities?  As people of faith, we are called not merely to lament what has happened, but to actively work toward a different future. The biblical witness is unequivocal: how we treat the most vulnerable among us reveals the true character of our democracy and nation. Let us all be the voice of justice, mercy, and humility, so that a river of righteousness floods our land.

The church council's guidance is that mask-wearing is a personal choice.

COVID Wastewater Tracker

How to donate to help victims of the Israel-Gaza and Israel-Lebanon crisis 

GIVE TO LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE

Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response equip us to respond to disasters whenever and wherever they strike. 

With your help, Lutheran Disaster Response will continue to support people affected by the California fire and other disasters.

Click Here to Give

Service Projects

We will have a cash collection for the Franklin County Meals Program in February. Read about their programs here. In March, we will collect for the ELCA world hunger appeal.

Recently, we packaged 270 take-out meals for the Franklin County Community Meals program.

Adult Education

A v series on the characters in the New Testament presented by Jeff.

Youth Activities

Sunday, February 22, Climbing Wall

Sunday, March 22, Fun Hub

Sunday, May 3, Craft project

Tanzania Program

Each year, the church gifts our sister church with money for projects. In the past, we purchased a motorcycle for the pastor, helped with building materials for the church's educational wing, paid for electrical hook-ups, and purchased ceiling fans.

Update from Bolivia

Watch this video on the Refugio 

Refugio Rafale is located in a Quechuan community in Marguina, Bolivia, and people live in the Andes Mountains area, where living conditions are simple. The Refugio is a unique community support facility staffed by local people and assisted by international partners. It provides education, economic development, medical assistance, and homes for single moms and their children. Wayne and Susie are actively involved in the program. To help support this ministry, visit www.refugiorafael.com