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Church of Sturbridge and Fiskdale is  a self-supported and self-governed congregation, made up of members who seek to follow Christ’s example, and the Spirits leading.

Our vision statement:
We joyfully celebrate Christ’s presence and God’s grace in our lives. We respect one another in love, actively seeking and embracing those who wish to grow with us in faith, hope and love. With God’s guidance, we minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the community. Through service we flourish.

We are called “federated” because three congregations joined together in 1922 to become one: The Congregational Church (1736), the Baptist Church (1747), and the Unitarian Society (1864). Because of this history, we are affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, the United Church of Christ, and the Unitarian-Universalist Association. Similar federated churches exist around New England and elsewhere.

When becoming a “member” of the church, an individual may join as a Baptist, a Congregationalist, a Unitarian, or as a member of the Federated Society. No matter which group individuals joins, all are one body in Christ in spirit and in practice. Members have a voice and vote on all matters pertaining to the church, and may serve as officers and board members.

Non-members are welcome to attend services and participate in church activities and events but may not vote on matters pertaining to the church or serve as officers and board members.

Our sanctuary and meeting rooms are accessible at all levels. An elevator is available at the Maple Street entrance. Large print Bibles, bulletins and hymnals are available at the entrance. Listening aids are available as you enter the sanctuary.

Childcare is available downstairs by trained staff members for children up to 5 years of age.

The Rainbow Room (upstairs) and the Parlor (rear of sanctuary) are available with a P.A. system for anyone need private or more comfortable seating during worship, such as a parent with a newborn, etc.

Rest rooms are available in the Parlor, Maple Street foyer and Fellowship Hall.

Membership

The Diaconate Board shall welcome new members to The Federated Church at a communion service or at such other times as the Board deem suitable.
New members are enrolled as members of the Federated Church of Sturbridge and Fiskdale, Incorporated.  Members added may choose in which society they shall be enrolled, American Baptist, United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalists or Federated, or become members without affiliation. New members of the Federated Church shall be persons who have been received by vote of the Diaconate Board:
A. On presentation of satisfactory letters of transfer from other churches,

B. By reaffirmation of faith, or
C. On profession of faith and baptism,, unless exempt because of conviction.

Baptism – All questions regarding the Sacrament of Baptism shall be left to the conscience of the individual member.  The pastor may, if s/he chooses, secure the services of any ordained clergy to administer the rite in the desired manner.

Duties – Members shall agree as far as possible and conforming to the dictates of their own consciences:
A. To undertake the faithful practice of the principles of Christian living, seeking always a closer personal fellowship with God and with other people.

B. To seek out personal opportunities for spiritual growth.
C. To attend the services of worship regularly, realizing that their presence strengthens, and their absence weakens, the whole fellowship.
D. To set aside a reasonable portion of their financial income, in gratitude to God, as a contribution toward the mission of The Federated Church.
E. To volunteer their time and talents in some definite form of service to others.

Termination of Membership – Membership may be terminated by one of the following methods
A. Upon request, any member in good standing who desires a letter of transfer and recommendation to another church is entitled to receive it by vote of the Diaconate Board.  Upon this vote, membership shall cease.

B. If a member in good standing requests in writing to be released from membership, the Diaconate Board shall patiently endeavor to secure continuance in this fellowship; failing in such effort, the Diaconate Board may grant the request and terminate membership.
C. When members are inactive because they:
1. have an unknown address,
2. have not communicated with the fellowship,
3. have not contributed to its support, or
4. have moved out of the area, then the Diaconate Board shall attempt to restore communication and determine the person’s intentions.  If these kindly approaches fail to restore meaningful participation, then the Diaconate Board may vote to transfer these members to an inactive list.
From the date of such transfer, such persons shall cease to be reported on the active membership roll.  If, after another year, meaningful participation has not been restored, then the Diaconate Board may vote to remove the inactive member’s name from membership.
D. If a member’s conduct is alleged to be causing grievous harm to the purpose and vision of The Federated Church, the Diaconate Board shall:
1. Consult with the member and investigate to ensure that the behavior does, indeed, threaten purpose and vision of the Federated Church, and
2. Attempt to reason with the member in a kindly manner in order to correct the behavior.  If such attempt fails, then the Diaconate Board may, by a two-thirds vote, terminate the person’s membership and notify them in writing.  This membership termination may be appealed by written petition to the Church council.  The Church Council shall meet, and then by simple majority vote, either confirm or deny said termination.

Church Groups

Sturbridge Federated Church invites your participation in a wide variety of faith based groups:

Adult Choir
Adult Christian Education
Children’s Choir
Men’s Group, also known as ‘Crossroads’
Women’s Group, also known as ‘Koinonia’
Sunday School
Youth Group

Contact

Federated Church of Sturbridge and Fiskdale Staff

Reverend Dr. Thomas R. McKibbens, Interim Pastor
Church Office: (508) 347-3915
Meetings by appointment is preferred, but not necessary.

Catherine Rondeau, Office Administrator
Church Office: (508) 347-3915
Email: churchoffice@sturfed.org
Please call the Office Administrator to discuss weddings, baptisms, funerals, rentals and any additional needs you may have. She is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to Noon, and on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

Jeanne Westcott, Director of Christian Education
Email: sundayschool@sturfed.org

Andrew Kosiba, Director of Music Ministry
Email: music@sturfed.org

Bob Knight, Moderator
Email: moderator@sturfed.org

If you need additional information,  please complete the following contact form. Use the message box to explain the nature of your question and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.