Open and Affirming Committee 

As was reported in last week’s email, our congregation ushered in a new welcoming era on Sunday, May 3rd as we made our Covenant of Welcome an official document of our church. With the adoption of this covenant, we were able to apply to the United Church of Christ’s Open and Affirming Coalition for open and affirming status. We celebrated this milestone on Sunday, May 10 with a group photo! In addition, on Thursday of this week, the Coalition approved our application. This makes our church the 1954th church in our denomination to achieve this status. Truly something to celebrate!

Thanks for your continued support of this very important mission of our church.

Doug Showalter, Pat Jackman, Karen Murphy, Angela Carville, Stephanie Beland, Beverly Prestwood-Taylor, Pastor Doug and Terry Hall

Our Covenant of Welcome

We, the members of the First Congregational Church of West Brookfield, UCC, are a people of faith, following Jesus and sharing God’s abundant love, believing each of us is created in God’s image. We seek to demonstrate God’s love through respect and care for one another. We celebrate and learn from differences in race, culture, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, economic and political background, and physical and cognitive challenges. We welcome those who have no church home, need strength, want to follow Christ, or are seekers in their spiritual lives. All are invited to participate fully in the life, leadership, ministry and mission of this church as we strive to grow in a safe and nurturing community of faith. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Asparagus, Heritage and Flower Festival – THIS Saturday, May 16th 10 am – 3 pm

Spring has sprung and the asparagus is growing!  Once again, it’s time for the annual festival that celebrates the gorgeous, green goodness!

Our church will have hot chowder by-the-cup ($7),  cold chowder by the quart-to-go ($20), yummy brownies, and drinks on the church lawn from 10 – 3. Cold quarts will also be available on the town common (west end), along with raffle tickets for a chance to win Mary Deotte’s beautiful handmade quilt.

Mark your calendars and plan to stop in for a delicious treat and a quart to-go!

Thanks to everyone who has donated the groceries needed, given monetary support or is scheduled to volunteer their time to help on Saturday. It is ALL appreciated!

Questions?

See Karen Andersen, Karen Murphy or Terry Hall

Prayer Requests

Please keep Jim Haynes in prayer.   Jim continues at JGS Lifecare Rehab in East Longmeadow.

Prayers of thanksgiving that Neil Blodgett is healed and home from his lengthy stay in the rehab care center.

Office Hours

• Friday, May 15^th–  9:30 a.m.-12 noon, and 1-3 p.m
• Friday, May 22^nd–  9:30 a.m.-12 noon, and 1-3 p.m

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard currently needs mayo, mustard, ketchup, cookies, crackers cereal and coffee. Thanks to the wonderful community outreach, our shelves are well stocked with other items. Please leave all donations in the donation box at the church entry.

Meetings this Week

No Meetings this week

***Does your committee or Board have a meeting planned? Please let others know!  Send your meeting date and time to Bonni before any Friday as she posts on Friday mornings. The church email address is fccwbworship@gmail.com. Thank you.

Did you know that we are on YouTube???

Visit our Youtube channel and see recorded sermons from Pastor Doug Williamson.

www.youtube.com/@firstcongregationalchurchofW.B

You can also find a link on our website.  Look under the NEWS tab and you will find SERMONS.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Bonni Holmes
Church Secretary