Pastor Doug’s upcoming office hours

Friday, October 29; 9:30am – 12:30pm

Candy for Trick or Treating Needed – LAST CHANCE TO DONATE

West Brookfield Trick or Treating will be held on Saturday, October 31st, and our church plans to welcome the little witches and goblins with candy treats! If you are able, please donate a bag or two of individually wrapped store-bought candy to the collection. Donations can be left on the table in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you and Happy Halloween!

Jazz Concert Piano Series

We are pleased to announce that a series of jazz concerts will be performed in October, December, and in the spring of 2027!

The first of the series will be held on Friday, October 30th, at 7:00 pm in our church sanctuary. Please join us for this rare opportunity to listen in depth to jazz piano by Stephen Page our church pianist. Stephen has performed up and down the eastern seaboard, with top names in the jazz world. Experience the delight of the music, the excitement of his playing, and songs to entertain and inspire you. Refreshments will be served after the program.

All of these concerts are free sponsored by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The second concert in the series is scheduled for December 21st.

We are planning to serve refreshments after the concerts. If you are able to offer a treat, please email Karen Murphy at kmurphy718@charter.net, and thank you.

Stairs and Railings Finishing Up!

The repair work that was voted on this past spring will be completed this Friday afternoon!  The replacement of the stairs that lead to the coat room and the pavers outside both front doors was done this week.  This creates a new wide top landing to make it easier and safer to get in and out of the church.  The pavers are now level with the sidewalk, eliminating a tripping hazard.  Railings are being installed this afternoon and everything should be completed by Sunday.  Check out the safer and very beautiful entrance to our church!

We are grateful to contractors RN Glidden from Hardwick and Hillside Ironworks from New Braintree for their excellent work on this project.

If you’d like to contribute a small amount to a special project (estimated cost of $450) to turn 2 of the old steps into an outdoor bench, please contact Dee Blanton, Church Moderator at 413-887-1213 or deeblanton86@gmail.com.

Stewardship Season

Stewardship season has begun. Please prayerfully and thoughtfully think about the support you will offer to your church in the upcoming year. Both service and monetary pledges are of great value to the success of the church’s missions. Please plan to turn in your pledge card before or on November 1st.  Thank you for your continued support. It is appreciated.

Your Stewardship Committee

Bible Study        

Our six-week Bible study continues with our book Signs and Wonders: A Beginner’s Guide to the Miracles of Jesus, by Professor Amy-Jill Levine.  We will be meeting for our final session on Thursday afternoon October 29, with class from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. on both days. This is another wonderful chance for us to learn together! I will mention that all are welcome to drop in for one or more class sessions, even if you have not bought a book.  There are always short videos and handouts in each session, so folks who drop in will have some insights into the week’s material.

Worcester Fellowship Sox Drive

The Missions Committee will once again be having our annual Sox and Underwear drive for the Worcester Fellowship Church. The Worcester Fellowship Church holds a service every Sunday on the Worcester common and helps those who are homeless in the community. The drive will run from November 1st – 22nd. Please leave them in the donation box in the rear of the sanctuary. The following items are needed:

• New sox for men, women and children
• New underwear for men, women and children- any size.
• New T-shirts for men , women and children – Any size.
• They would also be grateful for new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves.
• Monetary donations are always welcome.We thank the members of our church for their continuing support with all of our outreach endeavors to help others.

  Missions Committee
  Linda, Debbie, Stephanie, Neil, Shelley

Sunday School Begins!

After a summer break, Sunday school has begun and will be held on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays of each month. All ages are welcome.

Do you know any families in your neighborhood who might enjoy Sunday school? Maybe your grandchildren? Please spread the word! We have a wonderful new curriculum and creative and happy teachers ready to teach and have fun with the children of our church! For questions or more information, see one of our teachers, Nancy Aresnault, Angela Carville or Nancy Zurawka.

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard is currently stocking the shelves with items to help our clients with their holiday gatherings. We are currently in need of:

• Stuffing
• Cranberry Sauce
• Pumpkin Pie Filling
• Instant Mashed Potatoes
• Gravy
• Cake Frosting and Cake mix ( We put together cake kits for our clients)

Thank you!

Meetings This Week

Bible Study – Thursday 5:00 – 6:15

Deacons – Sunday, October 25th

Church YouTube Channel

Did you know that we now have a church Youtube channel?!

Miss a Sunday but still want to hear Pastor Doug’s message and Stephen’s beautiful music? Tune in!

https://www.youtube.com/@FirstCongregationalChurchofW.B

Have a great week,

Bonni

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