Pastor Doug’s upcoming office hours

Friday, November 6; 9:30am – 12:30pm

Jazz Concert Piano Series Begins Tonight!

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 tonight, 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 Monday, 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.

Updated Church Directory

Our current directory was last updated one year ago and so a new one is due! Please watch for draft copies of our current directory that will be located on the tables in the fellowship hall. Please check one copy to be certain that your information is correct. Make any changes that are needed. If no changes are needed, please mark it with a check so that we will know that you have seen it and confirmed the information if accurate. Once everyone has confirmed their entries new directories will be printed and sent out via email.  Thanks for your assistance.

From Our Church Clerk

This is a reminder that an annual report from each board, committee and group in the church is due to church clerk, Terry Hall by Sunday, Dec. 13th. An easy way to write and send a report is to compose it in the email that you send to her. Attached Word documents are also fine. Email to terryle56@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Stairs and Railings Are Complete!

The repair work that was voted on this past spring was completed last Friday afternoon!  The replacement of the stairs that lead to the coat room and the pavers outside both front doors was done during the 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.  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.

Help to preserve a piece of church history….

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.  No one knows exactly how long those steps have ushered people into the church but it has surely been a very long time. Allowing them to continue to serve us as bench is only fitting!

Thank you for your contributions!

Stewardship Season

The 2027 Stewardship drive will conclude this Sunday, November 1st, but of course, the stewardship of our church continues throughout the year.  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 turn in your pledge card this Sunday, November 1st and plan to stay for coffee hour sponsored by the Stewardship Committee.  Thank you for your continued support. It is appreciated.

Your Stewardship Committee

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

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

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