(508) 867-7078 | Worship with us each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
(508) 867-7078 | Worship with us each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Read the latest news for our church.
Sep 04, 2026
Pastor Doug’s upcoming office hours
Thursday, September 10; 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Friday, September 18; 9:30-12 Noon, 1-2:15 p.m.
Glad Tidings
The September issue of our church newsletter, Glad Tidings, was sent out last week. Be sure to take a look to keep up on all the church news.
Haven’t been receiving Glad Tidings? Please send an email to fccwbworship@gmail.com and let the church office know!
Upcoming Bible Study (PLEASE NOTE ONE DATE CHANGE)
Our six week Bible study has had a change of focus. We will do a six-week study entitled Signs and Wonders: A Beginner’s Guide to the Miracles of Jesus, by Professor Amy-Jill Levine. Unfortunately, the book Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of A Controversial Rabbi, was only available at an affordable price from one outlet, and after assuring me they would have the books here by Sunday September 6, they sent me an e-mail saying they could not deliver the books until September 25. So, we will still meet on Thursday afternoons from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., the same time as we used in the spring, which seemed to work reasonably well. Dates will be September 10 and 24, and October 8, 15, 22 and 29. Books for the study will cost just $12, which is one positive of the book change! The books have arrived and will be available on Sunday. Please make checks out to the church and give either a check or cash to Pastor Doug at church on September 6 or at the first session of class. This will be another wonderful chance for us to learn together!
Outdoor Worship Service on Sunday Morning, September 20
We are going to hold our Sunday morning 10 a.m. worship service on September 20 on the Common. We will be worshipping with our neighbors from George Whitefield United Methodist Church. We will be celebrating the “Season of Creation” recognized by many Christian churches on the Sundays from the beginning of September through the first Sunday of October, and praying for good weather! We’ll also be asking everyone to bring a donation for the Sharing Cupboard in lieu of your customary offering (save that for the following week). More details are in a notice in the September Glad Tidings. Think about inviting a friend to join us that morning, and let’s look forward to celebrating God’s unconditional love for all God’s children under open skies that Sunday!
Pastor Doug
Parish Board
Our parking lot repairs are going well. The drain areas have been repaired, and the sealing and painting of the lines will happen in the next week or so, depending on weather. We appreciate your patience with the parking adjustments. If you have any questions, contact Parish Board chair Karen Murphy.
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
Thursday, September 10th – 5:15 – 6:30 – Parable Study
Friday, September 11th – Flea Market Prep 5 pm (still need helpers!)
Saturday, September 12th – Flea Market on the Common 9 am – 3 pm (thanks to all who have agreed to help!)
Sunday, September 13th – Deacon’s meeting following worship
Birthdays this week
Al Randall – 9/6
Everleigh Page Boucher – 9/10
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
Aug 28, 2026
PLEASE READ THROUGH THE END FOR AN IMPORTANT REQUEST
Pastor Doug’s upcoming office hours
Vacation time, August 30-September 2, and September 4. No office hours.
Thursday, September 10; 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Friday, September 18; 9:30-12 Noon, 1-2:15 p.m.
Glad Tidings
The September issue of our church newsletter, Glad Tidings, will be in your inbox or mailbox in the next couple of days. Be sure to check it out to keep up on all our church news.
Haven’t been receiving Glad Tidings? Please send an email to fccwbworship@gmail.com and let the church office know!
Upcoming Bible Study (PLEASE NOTE ONE DATE CHANGE)
Our six week Bible study has had a change of focus. We will do a six-week study entitled Signs and Wonders: A Beginner’s Guide to the Miracles of Jesus, by Professor Amy-Jill Levine. Unfortunately, the book Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of A Controversial Rabbi, was only available at an affordable price from one outlet, and after assuring me they would have the books here by Sunday September 6, they sent me an e-mail saying they could not deliver the books until September 25. So, we will still meet on Thursday afternoons from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., the same time as we used in the spring, which seemed to work reasonably well. Dates will be September 10 and 24, and October 8, 15, 22 and 29. Books for the study will cost just $12, which is one positive of the book change! Please make checks out to the church and give either a check or cash to Pastor Doug at church on September 6 or at the first session of class. This will be another wonderful chance for us to learn together!
Outdoor Worship Service on Sunday Morning, September 20
We are going to hold our Sunday morning 10 a.m. worship service on September 20 on the Common. We will be worshipping with our neighbors from George Whitefield United Methodist Church. We will be celebrating the “Season of Creation” recognized by many Christian churches on the Sundays from the beginning of September through the first Sunday of October, and praying for good weather! We’ll also be asking everyone to bring a donation for the Sharing Cupboard in lieu of your customary offering (save that for the following week). More details are in a notice in the September Glad Tidings. Think about inviting a friend to join us that morning, and let’s look forward to celebrating God’s unconditional love for all God’s children under open skies that Sunday!
Pastor Doug
Welcoming Pastor Bob Bell to our Pulpit Sunday, August 30th
Pastor Doug will be away on Sunday, August 30th and retired Presbyterian minister, Rev. Bob Bell has offered to lead our service that day. You may have seen Bob over the past few months, as he is a frequent new attendee of our church. Please join your Board of Deacons in welcoming Pastor Bob to our service!
Thank you!
Your Board of Deacons
Parish Board
Our parking lot repairs are going well. The drain areas have been repaired, and the sealing and painting of the lines will happen in the next week or so, depending on weather. We appreciate your patience with the parking adjustments. If you have any questions, contact Parish Board chair Karen Murphy.
School Supply Drive
This past Sunday, Shelley Fullam offered a huge thanks to all who made donations for the school supply drive sponsored by the Mission Committee this past month. Your generous contributions resulted in many needed supplies for our local children. Thank you all very much!
Mission Committee
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
Birthdays this week
Charlie Lamothe – 9/4
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
A Request for Our Consideration
Dear Friends,
Following this note is a request from Eric von Bleicken for assistance for a family in our area. I thought I might provide a brief theological introduction to that request and a mention of some of the scripture passages (in addition to the fact that Jaclyn and Eric are part of our church family) that inspired me to include that request in our weekly announcements.
There are many Bible verses related to migration. Those passages describe how the people of God are called to treat people who are not of their tribe or community. Scripture calls God’s people to show hospitality, compassion, and justice toward someone who is displaced from their native land, often translated into English as stranger, foreigner, alien, or sojourner. Today these people groups are often known as migrants or immigrants.
These verses, a handful of which I’ll print here, remind us of our shared humanity and the sacred responsibility to welcome and protect the vulnerable. Caring for immigrants and refugees is a consistent and powerful theme, appearing in many verses across both the Old and New Testaments.
“You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.” Exodus 23:9 (ESV)
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. 34 You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
Leviticus 19:33-34 (ESV)
“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35 “Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” Romans 12:13
Welcoming others, regardless of their background or nationality, is a central theme in scripture. This collection of verses urges us to embrace those who are different and extend kindness to the marginalized. Whether through love, acceptance, or advocacy, these verses show us the importance of caring for the immigrants in our communities. If the Spirit inspires any among us to respond to Eric’s request to assist the family, please e-mail him at the address provided at the end of the letter. Whether or not we are so led and can assist, let us please keep this family in prayer.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Doug
Dear Members of First Congregational Church,
I am writing on behalf of a Haitian family I have been helping who have come to our country legally but are now navigating dangerous obstacles to remaining here erected by the current national administration. Together we have managed many challenges to date. One of those was traveling to a mandatory court hearing in Chicago in spite of the family being located in Massachusetts. That challenge required me to reach out for financial help and I was truly humbled by the response from several members of this church family. With their help, and some from other local residents, I was able to drive the family to that hearing
A bit of background: This family of three, (father, mother, and teenage daughter) had Temporary Protective Status (TPS). That was removed as of July 27th. Prior to that, a program that offered monthly supplemental assistance was eliminated. Of course, this has caused hardship as well as fear and uncertainty within the Haitian community. Fortunately, this family also has a current pending case for asylum in the system. The asylum case, along with the fact that the parents both have work permits and have been employed for over a year, provides the family with a slightly better chance to remain here.
Months ago, I came to the realization that this family needed a lawyer. So, I sought help through immigration services in Worcester. Unfortunately, after utilizing an immigration lawyer working under the umbrella of this service, I quickly learned that these lawyers are incredibly overworked. They are constantly inaccessible, and, when available, prone to making mistakes.
The experience brought the family and me to the inevitable conclusion that a more accomplished lawyer with immigration expertise was necessary. The good news is that we now have found a highly recommended lawyer. The bad news is that the bill is far beyond their means, and mine.
Here is the breakdown: The bill, not including incidentals, will be $16,000. The downpayment of $4,000 is due as of September 15th. After the initial payment, $400 will be due every month. The family is barely able to pay their rent and put food on their table as it is. I would be surprised if they could handle an extra $200 per month, much less $400!
The plan is to accept “pledges” at this time for anyone interested in helping. We are holding off accepting direct donations until; 1. A dedicated bank account can be set up, and 2. To make sure that the $4000 retainer will be covered by September 15. We currently have pledges of between $1500 and $2000.
This is truly a labor of love at this point. I have watched this wonderful family struggle as they try to do everything right. They represent the best of what an aspiring American citizen should look like. Their employer thinks so highly of them that she has offered to sponsor them for citizenship. I am honored to be a part of the process and thankful for anything you can pledge.
Sincerely in solidarity,
Eric von Bleicken
evonbleicken@gmail.com
Have a great week,
Bonni
Aug 21, 2026
Pastor Doug’s office hours
Friday, August 28, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Upcoming Bible Study (please note one date change)
With schools heading back into session before too long, it seems appropriate that we also have another Bible study group begin in September. We will do a six week study entitled “Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of A Controversial Rabbi” once again by Professor Amy-Jill Levine. We will meet on Thursday afternoons from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., the same time as we used in the spring, which seemed to work reasonably well. Dates will be September 10 and 24, and October 8, 15, 22 and 29. Books for the study will cost between $13 and $15 each, depending on what kind of a sale price we might be able to get. Please let Pastor Doug know by Sunday, August 23 if you would like to participate in the study and order a book (no need to pay until the books actually arrive and we know the exact price). Looking forward to another chance to learn together!
Outdoor Worship Service on Sunday Morning, September 20
We are going to hold our Sunday morning 10 a.m. worship service on September 20 on the Common. We will be worshiping with our neighbors from George Whitefield United Methodist Church. We will be celebrating the “Season of Creation” recognized by many Christian churches on the Sundays from the beginning of September through the first Sunday of October, and praying for good weather! We’ll also be asking everyone to bring a donation for the Sharing Cupboard in lieu of your customary offering (save that for the following week). More details will follow in the September Glad Tidings and future announcements, but let’s look forward to celebrating God’s unconditional love for all God’s children under open skies that Sunday!
Welcoming Pastor Bob Bell to our Pulpit Sunday, August 30th
Pastor Doug will be away on Sunday, August 30th and retired Presbyterian minister, Rev. Bob Bell has offered to lead our service that day. You may have seen Bob over the past few months, as he is a frequent new attendee of our church. Please join your Board of Deacons in welcoming Pastor Bob to our service!
Thank you!
Your Board of Deacons
Did you notice the new banner?
The Open and Affirming Committee is happy to share that the new banner announcing our ONA status is now on the front lawn—our thanks to Wally Hall for installing it. Take a look!
Parish Board
Our parking lot repairs are going well. The drain areas have been repaired, and the sealing and painting of the lines will happen in the next week or so depending on weather. We appreciate your patience with the parking adjustments. If you have any questions, contact Parish Board chair Karen Murphy.
School Supply Drive – Last week to Donate!
The beginning of school is just around the corner and our local elementary school is in need of many extra supplies for their classrooms. Please donate as you are able! The Missions Committee will be collecting supplies for the West Warren Elementary School until August 23rd. A list of supplies is located on the table in the back of the church. See Shelley Fullam with questions…And thanks!
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
Sunday, August 23 – Deacons meet following morning service
Friday, August 28 – Open and Affirming Committee – 1 pm
Birthdays this week
JoAnn Balkulski – 8/27
Linda Griffing – 8/30
DEADLINE
The deadline for the September edition of Glad Tidings, is Monday August 24th.
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!
Aug 14, 2026
Pastor Doug’s office hours
Friday, August 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Upcoming Bible Study
With schools heading back into session before too long, it seems appropriate that we also have another Bible study group begin in September. We will do a six week study entitled “Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of A Controversial Rabbi,” once again by Professor Amy-Jill Levine. We will meet on Thursday afternoons from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., the same time as we used in the spring, which seemed to work reasonably well. Dates will be September 10, 17, and 24, and October 8, 15, and 22. Books for the study will cost between $13 and $15 each, depending on what kind of a sale price we might be able to get. Please let Pastor Doug know by Sunday, August 23 if you would like to participate in the study and order a book (no need to pay until the books actually arrive and we know the exact price). Looking forward to another chance to learn together!
Pastor Doug
Did you notice the new banner?
The Open and Affirming Committee is happy to share that the new banner announcing our ONA status is now on the front lawn—our thanks to Wally Hall for installing it. Take a look!
Parish Board
Our parking lot repairs are scheduled to start next week, beginning on Monday, August 17th. The workers will be here on Sunday afternoon (16th) to cone off the area that they will be working in on Monday. The drain areas will be repaired first, followed by the sealing and painting of the lines later in the week. If you have any questions, contact Parish Board chair Karen Murphy.
School Supply Drive
The beginning of school is just around the corner and our local elementary school is in need of many extra supplies for their classrooms. Please donate as you are able! The Missions Committee will be collecting supplies for the West Warren Elementary School until August 23rd. A list of supplies is located on the table in the back of the church. See Shelley Fullam with questions…And thanks!
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
Birthdays this week
Vance Boucher – 8/22
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
Water Quality Report
The 2025 West Brookfield Water Quality Report is now available online. Printed copies are also available at the Post Office, the Library, Town Hall, Water Dept Office, and the Senior Center. If you prefer to have a copy mailed to you, please call the office at (508) 867-1421 ext 8.
Aug 07, 2026
Pastor Doug’s office hours
Friday, August 14, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Upcoming Bible Study
With schools heading back into session before too long, it seems appropriate that we also have another Bible study group begin in September. We will do a six week study entitled “Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of A Controversial Rabbi,” once again by Professor Amy-Jill Levine. We will meet on Thursday afternoons from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., the same time as we used in the spring, which seemed to work reasonably well. Dates will be September 10, 17, and 24, and October 8, 15, and 22. Books for the study will cost between $13 and $15 each, depending on what kind of a sale price we might be able to get. Please let Pastor Doug know by Sunday, August 23 if you would like to participate in the study and order a book (no need to pay until the books actually arrive and we know the exact price). Looking forward to another chance to learn together!
Pastor Doug
Dismas Farm
Please join us for the Dismas dinner at the farm on Tuesday, August 11 at 6pm. Please let Angela (508) 347-1148 or Deanna (413) 436-7849 know what you would like to bring.
Are you able to provide a ride to someone in need?
Church member Millie Gushue’s elderly neighbor is seeking rides to her doctor’s appointments. The appointments are mostly in the town of Ware. She is willing to compensate the driver. If you are able to assist, please contact Millie at 413-436-7125.
School Supply Drive
The beginning of school is just around the corner and our local elementary school is in need of many extra supplies for their classrooms. Please donate as you are able! The Missions Committee will be collecting supplies for the West Warren Elementary School until August 23rd. A list of supplies is located on the table in the back of the church. See Shelley Fullam with questions…And thanks!
Parking Lot Repairs
Parking lot repairs are scheduled to begin Monday, August 17 weather permitting. More info will follow.
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
Birthdays & Anniversaries this week
Karen Anderson – 8/11
Linda Barron – 8/15
Wally & Terry Hall – 8/24
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
Water Quality Report
The 2025 West Brookfield Water Quality Report is now available online. Printed copies are also available at the Post Office, the Library, Town Hall, Water Dept Office, and the Senior Center. If you prefer to have a copy mailed to you, please call the office at (508) 867-1421 ext 8.
Have a great week,
Bonni
Jul 31, 2026
All-Church-Member Vote Meeting
Please mark your calendars for an all-church-member vote following worship this Sunday, August 2nd. This vote pertains to the funding of renovations to our building. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. If you would like a Zoom link to attend this meeting, please send a request to terryle56@yahoo.com. PLEASE request this link well in advance not right before the meeting begins. Thanks.
Terry Hall, Clerk
Renovation Project: Replacement of Front Stairs, Doorway to the Coatroom. Funding Request: $13,980, with $10,000 being provided by the HRB Capital Improvement Fund and the remainder from a private donation.
Description: Replace the stairs at front single door of church with a new set that has a wide top landing step that will provide a safer way to exit and enter the church. Currently, the top step is 14 1/2 inches deep x 57 inches. However, in addition to being a step down it is effectively only 12 inches deep, due to the sill under the door sticking over the step by several inches. This makes it difficult to open the door without stepping down and backward. It is also a hazard when people are entering and exiting at the same time (for example at Farmer’s Market), since there is no room to step aside when the door opens. The new landing step will be 36 inches deep and 60 inches wide, allowing enough room for people to open the door while standing on the landing or step aside if someone is exiting. New steps will be placed on compacted base material and side fillers. The iron railings on both sides of the stairs will be replaced. The circle of pavers at base of stairs will be replaced with salt-resistant pavers with the grade adjusted to match the sidewalk.
Pastor Doug’s office hours
Friday, August 7, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Are you able to provide a ride to someone in need?
Church member Millie Gushue’s elderly neighbor is seeking rides to her doctor’s appointments. The appointments are mostly in the town of Ware. She is willing to compensate the driver. If you are able to assist, please contact Millie at 413-436-7125.
School Supply Drive
The beginning of school is just around the corner and our local elementary school is in need of many extra supplies for their classrooms. Please donate as you are able! The Missions Committee will be collecting supplies for the West Warren Elementary School until August 23rd. A list of supplies is located on the table in the back of the church. See Shelley Fullam with questions…And thanks!
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.
Birthdays this week
Mary Beth Czaja – 8/2
Jen Walters – 8/2
Jessica Dwelly – 8/3
Terry Hall – 8/6
David Whittemore – 8/8
Meetings This Week
Sunday, August 2 – all church vote meeting following worship
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!
Jul 24, 2026
Hi Everyone,
All-Church-Member Vote Meeting
Please mark your calendars for an all-church-member vote following worship on Sunday, August 2nd. This vote pertains to the funding of a renovation to our front entryway. More details are forthcoming, but please mark your calendars and plan to attend.
Terry Hall, Clerk
Renovation Project: Replacement of Front Stairs, Doorway to the Coatroom. Funding Request: $13,980, with $10,000 being provided by the HRB Capital Improvement Fund and the remainder from a private donation.
Description: Replace the stairs at front single door of church with a new set that has a wide top landing step that will provide a safer way to exit and enter the church. Currently, the top step is 14 1/2 inches deep x 57 inches. However, in addition to being a step down it is effectively only 12 inches deep, due to the sill under the door sticking over the step by several inches. This makes it difficult to open the door without stepping down and backward. It is also a hazard when people are entering and exiting at the same time (for example at Farmer’s Market), since there is no room to step aside when the door opens. The new landing step will be 36 inches deep and 60 inches wide, allowing enough room for people to open the door while standing on the landing or step aside if someone is exiting. New steps will be placed on compacted base material and side fillers. The iron railings on both sides of the stairs will be replaced. The circle of pavers at base of stairs will be replaced with salt-resistant pavers with the grade adjusted to match the sidewalk.
Pastor Doug’s office hours
Friday, July 31, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Prayer Request
Please continue to keep Millie Gushue in prayer. Her PET Scan revealed a small spot on one of her lungs, which is a cause for concern. She will soon see a radiologist who will help determine the nature of the spot and how to treat it.
School Supply Drive
The beginning of school is just around the corner and our local elementary school is in need of many extra supplies for their classrooms. Please donate as you are able! It will be appreciated. The Missions Committee will be collecting supplies for the West Warren Elementary School until August 23rd. A list of supplies is located on the table in the back of the church. See Shelley Fullam with questions…And thanks!
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 scheduled
YouTube Channel
You can find sermons on our YouTube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/@FirstCongregationalChurchofW.B
Have a great week,
Bonni
Jul 17, 2026
All-Church-Member Vote Meeting
Please mark your calendars for an all-church-member vote following worship on Sunday, August 2nd. This vote pertains to the funding of a renovation to our front entryway. More details are forthcoming, but please mark your calendars and plan to attend.
Terry Hall, Clerk
Notes from Pastor Doug
Due to a medical appointment in Leominster next Friday morning I will not be able to hold my normal Friday office hours on July 24. I hope to be in the office several times next week, but should anyone need to meet with me please call my mobile phone, 913-387-9947 to make an appointment.
Many thanks to all who sent happy birthday wishes to me last weekend and who participated in serenading me with “Happy Birthday” in church last Sunday. The greetings were unexpected, but much appreciated, and I was touched by your caring and kindness. Thank you!
Prayer Request
Please continue to pray for Millie Gushue as she awaits results at the beginning of next week from her recent PET Scan. Please also pray for a reduction in the swelling of her leg so that she might soon be fitted for a new boot.
Prayers of gratitude for our Sharing Cupboard and Dismas Farm ministries, and especially for all of the volunteers who contribute to sustain them.
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 scheduled
Jul 10, 2026
All-Church-Member Vote Meeting
Please mark your calendars for an all-church-member vote following worship on Sunday, August 2nd. This vote pertains to the funding of a renovation to our front entryway. More details are forthcoming, but please mark your calendars and plan to attend.
Terry Hall, Clerk
Pastor Doug / Office Hours
Prayer Request
Please keep Millie Gushue in prayer for good results from the PET scan she will have today and for a reduction in the swelling in her leg so that she can be fitted for a new boot.
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
Sunday, July 12 – Church Council
Jun 26, 2026
AED Training
On Sunday, June 28th at approximately 11:30 am an AED training will be conducted by a West Brookfield EMT. An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a portable, life-saving medical device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. It automatically analyzes a person’s heart rhythm and, if it detects a dangerous or stopped rhythm, delivers an electrical shock to help restore a normal heartbeat. The one in our church is located on the wall in the Fellowship Hall. This is a very important training, so please consider attending. Questions, contact Karen Murphy – Kmurphy718@charter.net
Small Town Pride
On Saturday, June 27th, Rural Justice Network is sponsoring Small Town Pride at Ogara Park in Spencer. Small Town Pride is a celebration of all things LGBTQIA. The event includes live performances of bands, dancers, singers, and speakers. The field is full of vendors distributing their own creations and information about our surrounding towns and communities. Volunteers tour the grounds to help answer questions and make this a fun and memorable experience for everyone. Food and Porta-Potties are also available. Nonprofits are welcome to attend. Our church will have a presence this year, sharing with others that we are now an open and affirming church and that all are welcome. Small town pride runs from 12 pm to 5 pm.
The address for Ogara Park is 99 Valley St., Spencer, MA 01562.
Please see Terry Hall for more information.
Coffee Hour
Oh, how we love our time of yummy snacks and conversation!
We thank everyone who volunteers to bring it to us each Sunday. It is truly appreciated.
As you chat with your fellow coffee hour volunteers in planning for your scheduled Sunday, please keep in mind that you are only providing a small snack to tide us over until we get home and have our lunch there. A couple of sweets and a couple of savory items are all that is expected. If you and your team want to get a bit elaborate, that is an option, but please understand it is not an expectation. Coffee hour should be a relaxing time for all, even for those who prepare it.
See Karen Andersen if you have any questions about what to bring – and thanks again!
Pastor Doug / Office Hours
Meetings This week
Church Council Sunday, June 28 following coffee hour and the AED training.
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.
Read the latest issue of our newsletter, Glad Tidings