September 11, 2001

The attacks of September 11th and the events that have followed have affected every one of us. Churches and Pastors have been called upon to provide support and leadership in these difficult and uncertain times. The Rev. Dale Hempen mentioned early in this time period that our ministry has seldom been more important.

A number of clergy from Massachusetts Conference, including a few from Old Colony have been involved in the recovery efforts.

Rev. Jane Vieira, a Navy Chaplain who holds her ministerial standing in Old Colony Association, was one of 85 Navy, Marine and civilian personnel who were given awards on December 17 for their actions at the Pentagon on and after September 11. Jane was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Awarded to Sailors and Marines for acts of heroism and meritorious achievement or service above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above those performing similar services.

The Massachusetts Corps of Fire Chaplains sent a number of clergy to New York City to work with the Fire Department at Ground Zero and at the Fire Houses. The support given by these clergy was recognized by the State Fire Marshall Stephen Coan and Acting Governor Jane Swift at the Firefighter of the Year Award ceremony on December 4. Among the UCC ministers who went to New York are: Rev. Dennis Bailey, pastor of the First Congregational Church in Billerica, Rev. Don Remick, pastor of the First Congregational UCC in Hanover, Rev. Gary Blume, pastor of First Church in Weymouth, William McCoy, pastor of Christ Congregational Church in Brockton and James Tilbe, Pastor of First Congregational Church of Raynham.

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