First Congregational Church of Leverett

Rich Connelly reports that the Massacusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ has raised $48,000 for tornado relief.

Our church took a special collection June 12, and Rich carried our $525 check to the annual conference June 18 in Sturbridge. Bob Marrone, pastor of the First Church of Monson, and Ian Lynch, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Brimfield, were presented with prayer shawls. Both churches have responded to the tornadoes by becoming beacons of hope in their communities, turning into outreach centers that are providing those in need with constant hot meals, supplies and support while they begin the task of recovery. Members of the Conference Board of Directors and staff visited the two churches the day before the conference. In related news,

Leverett’s Ray LaClaire was part of a 10-person chainsaw team who took personal leave from UMass to clear downed trees in Monson.