News

A Note from Pastor Doug:

Over the course of the past two Sundays in what might be called our “season of stewardship,” Shelley Fullam and Bruce Prestwood-Taylor have articulated beautifully the meaning and importance of faithful stewardship to their journeys as disciples of Jesus–and to ours as well.  Each weekday I receive a “Verse and Voice” meditation from Sojourners, and as we consider the commitments we will make on Stewardship Sunday, October 26, I thought I would share today’s meditation to add to our thought process.  Here it is:

 Verse of the day: Give liberally and be ungrudging when you do so, for on this account the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. – Deuteronomy 15:10

     Voice of the day: I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.  – Maya Angelou –

      Prayer of the day:  God, let us mirror your unabashed generosity as we lift up our gifts in service.

Grace and peace, Doug

A Special Visit and Simple Supper – Tuesday, October 21st

Please join your Mission Committee and others on Tuesday, October 21st for a delicious meal and an engaging presentation by Global Ministries missionary, Elena Huegel from Chiapas, Mexico. Elena has visited our church a few times over the years and with each visit those who attend are always mesmerized by her storytelling and message of hope. Elena, who works at the Institute for Intercultural Studies and Research on the southern border of Mexico will present stories, games, prayers, cultural notes, and indigenous wisdom from the Mayan people and maybe even a recipe or two from the Dignity Cookbook: A Journal to Nurture our Relationships.

We hope to see you on this special evening!

Your Missions Committee –  Stephanie Beland, Neil Blodgett, Debbie Steltzer, Angela Carville and for this event, Beverly Prestwood-Taylor and Terry Hall

Trick or Treat:

We are looking for donations of single wrapped candy for Trick or Treat on Friday October 31st.

If you have questions, please see or call Debbie Steltzer and 774-452-2691

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard is in need of more plastic shopping bags, mayo, canned peas, canned carrots, and canned green beans. Fresh vegetables from your garden are always welcome. Please leave all donations in the donation box at the church entry but leave the vegetables with a pantry volunteer.

Thank you

Meetings This Week

Parish Board – Saturday, October 18th 10 am

Church Council – Sunday, October 19th following worship

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

With evening dinners at the church on October 14 and 21, Pastor Doug will change his office hours for the next two weeks from Wednesdays to Tuesday afternoons (10/14 and 10/21) from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Friday office hours from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. will remain the same. Wednesday hours will resume on October 29.  Thanks for noting these temporary changes!

Following are the current announcements from First Congregational Church, West Brookfield, United Church of Christ:

From Pastor Doug:

With evening dinners at the church on October 14 and 21, Pastor Doug will change his office hours for the next two weeks from Wednesdays to Tuesday afternoons (10/14 and 10/21) from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Friday office hours from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. will remain the same. Wednesday hours will resume on October 29.  Thanks for noting these temporary changes!

Dimas Farm Dinner

We will be hosting the dinner at the church on Tuesday, October 14th at 6:00pm.  It is potluck.  We are looking for main dishes, salads and desserts.  Please contact Angela or Deanna if you are bringing something to share or if you have questions.  As always, please joins us for dinner and meet the gents!

A Special Visit and Simple Supper – Tuesday, October 21st

Please join your Mission Committee and others on Tuesday, October 21st for a delicious meal and an engaging presentation by Global Ministries missionary, Elena Huegel from Chiapas, Mexico. Elena has visited our church a few times over the years and with each visit those who attend are always mesmerized by her storytelling and message of hope. Elena, who works at the Institute for Intercultural Studies and Research on the southern border of Mexico will present stories, games, prayers, cultural notes, and indigenous wisdom from the Mayan people and maybe even a recipe or two from the Dignity Cookbook: A Journal to Nurture our Relationships.

We hope to see you on this special evening!

Your Missions Committee –  Stephanie Beland, Neil Blodgett, Debbie Steltzer, Angela Carville and for this event, Beverly Prestwood-Taylor and Terry Hall

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard is in need of more plastic shopping bags, mayo, canned peas, canned carrots, and canned green beans. Fresh vegetables from your garden are always welcome. Please leave all donations in the donation box at the church entry but leave the vegetables with a pantry volunteer.

Thank you

Meetings This Week

There are no meetings this week.

Blessing of the Animals

We will be celebrating a Blessing of the Animals on the Common at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 11!  We’ll have a brief responsive reading, scripture reading, and prayer together before Pastor Doug anoints and blesses each animal.  Please also invite friends and neighbors to bring their animals (Doug has blessed dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, an iguana, and a snapping turtle over the years, so all animals and well-behaved humans  are welcome!). This will be a joyful conclusion to the Season of Creation!

From Pastor Doug:

I will be starting regular office hours at the church on Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Mondays will likely be writing days working from home, and most Tuesdays will be days off.  Thursdays and Saturdays will be flexible for individual or group meetings, or other events, such as upcoming memorial services and Blessing of the Animals.  Thanks to all for your patience and assistance as I get situated in new routines for ministry here!

Memorial Service

The memorial service for church member, Nancy Scott will be held on Saturday, October 4 at 10 am.  A reception will follow the service.  All are welcome.

Can you help? 

If you can make or bake an item for Nancy’s reception, please contact Karen at kmurphy718@charter.net. There is a possibility of over 100 people so many treats are needed. (Note: this is not a luncheon reception but many items are still needed). Thanks

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard is in need of more plastic shopping bags, mayo, canned peas, canned carrots, and canned green beans. Fresh vegetables from your garden are always welcome. Please leave all donations in the donation box at the church entry but leave the vegetables with a pantry volunteer.

Thank you

Meetings This Week

The Parish Board meeting has been postponed to Saturday, October 18th.

Dismas Family Farm – This Saturday!

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL Saturday, October 4^th, 12 – 4 PM, 687 Lincoln Road, Oakham, MA

Come join us for hay rides, pumpkins, and delicious fall treats at the farm! Admission Free! WWW.DISMASISFAMILY.ORG Rain Date October 5th

Blessing of the Animals

We will be celebrating a Blessing of the Animals on the Common at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 11!  We’ll have a brief responsive reading, scripture reading, and prayer together before Pastor Doug anoints and blesses each animal.  Please also invite friends and neighbors to bring their animals (Doug has blessed dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, an iguana, and a snapping turtle over the years, so all animals and well-behaved humans  are welcome!). This will be a joyful conclusion to the Season of Creation!

From Pastor Doug:

I will be starting regular office hours at the church on Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Mondays will likely be writing days working from home, and most Tuesdays will be days off.  Thursdays and Saturdays will be flexible for individual or group meetings, or other events, such as upcoming memorial services and Blessing of the Animals.  Thanks to all for your patience and assistance as I get situated in new routines for ministry here!

Memorial Service

The memorial service for Dotty Fullam will be held on Sunday, September 28 at 2 p.m.  A reception will follow the service.  Dotty’s son, Francis Fullam, has asked us to be sure to let everyone know that all are welcome at both the service and the reception to follow.

Can you help? 

We are looking for help with the luncheon for Dotty as well as clean-up.  Finger sandwiches, salads, desserts, etc.  Contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy718@charter.net if you can help.

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard is in need of more plastic shopping bags, mayo, canned peas, canned carrots, and canned green beans. Fresh vegetables from your garden are always welcome. Please leave all donations in the donation box at the church entry but leave the vegetables with a pantry volunteer.

Thank you

Meetings This Week

There are no meeting this week.

Dismas Family Farm

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

Saturday, October 4^th, 12 – 4 PM,  687 Lincoln Road, Oakham, MA

Come join us for hay rides, pumpkins, and delicious fall treats at the farm! Admission Free! WWW.DISMASISFAMILY.ORG Rain Date October 5th

Mark your calendars for Blessing of the Animals at 10 a.m. on October 11!  More information to follow soon!

Annual Flea Market 

Our Annual Flea Market on the West Brookfield Common that was held last Saturday was a huge success! The weather was perfect and the vendors came with a wide variety of interesting items and great bargains! Our thanks to everyone who participated. It takes many, many hands and able bodies and each one is appreciated.

The profits from the day, which enable our church to continue all of its missions, totaled approximately $ 3,000.

Until next year, Thank You!

From Pastor Doug:

Karen and I will be leaving on Monday, September 21 to go back to Ohio for our annual wellness visits, as we both need new prescriptions and we have not had enough time to find a new primary care physician in Massachusetts (any recommendations would be welcome!).  We will also get to visit with Karen’s Mom for a couple of days, and we will return to Massachusetts on Friday the 26th.  After I return, I will be starting regular office hours at the church on Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Mondays will likely be writing days working from home, and most Tuesdays will be days off.  Thursdays and Saturdays will be flexible for individual or group meetings, or other events, such as upcoming memorial services and Blessing of the Animals.  Thanks to all for your patience and assistance as I get situated in new routines for ministry here!

Memorial Service

The memorial service for Dotty Fullam will be held here at the church on Sunday, September 28 at 2 p.m.  A reception will follow the service.  Dotty’s son, Francis Fullam, has asked us to be sure to let everyone know that all are welcome at both the service and the reception to follow.

Can you help? 

Dottie Fullam’s Memorial Service will be held Sunday, September 28th at 2pm with luncheon at 3pm.  We are looking for help with the luncheon as well as clean-up.  Finger sandwiches, salads, desserts, etc.  Contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy718@charter.net if you can help.

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard is in need of more plastic shopping bags, mayo, canned peas, canned carrots, and canned green beans. Fresh vegetables from your garden are always welcome. Please leave all donations in the donation box at the church entry but leave the vegetables with a pantry volunteer.

Thank you

Meetings This Week

Sunday, September 21 – Church Council

Newsletter Deadline

Wednesday, September 24^th

Mark your calendars for Blessing of the Animals at 10 a.m. on October 11!  More information to follow soon!

The Flea Market is Coming this Saturday – September 13th!

Plan your Saturday!

Bring a friend, shop for bargains, buy some cookies to take home and enjoy a grilled lunch at the lunch tent.

The sun will shine and it will be another wonderful Flea Market on the West Brookfield Common – our tradition still continuing for over 50 years!

Can you help? 

Dottie Fullam’s Memorial Service Sunday, September 28th at 2pm with luncheon at 3pm.  We are looking for help with the luncheon as well as clean-up.  Finger sandwiches, salads, desserts, etc.  Contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy718@charter.net if you can help.

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard is in need of more plastic shopping bags, mayo, canned peas, canned carrots, and canned green beans. Fresh vegetables from your garden are always welcome. Please leave all donations in the donation box at the church entry but leave the vegetables with a pantry volunteer.

Thank you

Meetings This Week

No meetings are scheduled for this week.

Pastor Doug’s First Sunday September 7th

Please mark your calendars and plan to be at church this Sunday, September 7th to welcome our new minister, The Rev. Dr. Douglas Williamson (Pastor Doug) and his wife Karen. A welcoming coffee hour will follow our morning worship.

Pastor’s Office Fix-up is Complete!

This week the window sills were oiled, the curtains were hung, the internet and phone reconnected, the furniture returned and the room was cleaned! Things look wonderful and are ready for Pastor Doug to move in. Thanks for your patience during this renovation and thanks to the members of the Parish Board and helpers for all of their hard work!

(Note – the couch and the remaining office items that are still in the Fellowship Hall will be sold at the Flea Market. Please use the couch during coffee time if you would like to!)

The Flea Market is Coming next Saturday – September 13th

FLEA MARKET IS JUST 1 WEEK AWAY!

Please check the sign up sheets to see how you might lend a hand or what you might donate for the bake table or the food tent.

See Karen Murphy with any questions you have! And thanks!

Flea Vendors Needed

There are still a few good spots left for the Flea Market! Would you like to rent a 20 x 20 grassy spot on the common for $40? Crafters, vendors, tag salers and others are welcome to join in the fun! This is a great way to free yourself of unneeded items and enjoy a beautiful day. See Karen Murphy for an application.

Remember, we will have a LUNCH TENT with grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, and other summer treats available!

Please invite your friends and spread the word!

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard is in need of more plastic shopping bags, mayo, canned peas, canned carrots, and canned green beans. Please leave all donations in the donation box at the church entry. Thank you!

Meetings This Week

No meetings are scheduled for this week.

Website

Did you know that you can access the bulletin and the announcements on the website?  I have been working on updating the website.  If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

Telephone Directory

I have reached out to everyone in the current telephone directory that I have contact information for.  If you would like your information updated please contact me (Bonni 508-867-7078).

Pastor’s Office Fix-up is almost complete!

The pastor’s office renovation is nearing its end. The wall repairs and painting are complete, cleaning is almost done, the internet and phone are working again and the curtains will be up before Sunday. Most of the furniture has been moved back in and things are looking great. Be certain to pop in and take a look!

Thanks for your patience during this renovation.

The Parish Board

The Flea Market is Coming in September!

FLEA MARKET IS JUST 2 WEEKS AWAY!

We are still looking for a few early birds:

2-3 RUNNERS – Runners guide the vendors to their spaces. Runners need to arrive at 6:15am and be physically able to quickly walk the common repeatedly as they guide the vendors to their spaces. The shift is from 6:15am  – 8:30am. We realize this is a difficult ask, considering it is very early and can be physically taxing. Please know these volunteers are very much appreciated!

If you can help, please see Karen Murphy!

Flea Vendors Needed

We are still seeking vendors! Would you like to rent a 20 x 20 grassy spot on the common for $40? Crafters, vendors, tag salers and others are welcome to join in the fun! This is a great way to free yourself of unneeded items and enjoy a beautiful day. See Karen Murphy for an application.

Remember, we will have a lunch tent with grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, and other summer treats available!

Please invite your friends and spread the word!

Our New Minister Arriving Soon!

Please mark your calendars and plan to be at church next Sunday, September 7th to welcome our new minister, The Rev. Dr. Douglas Williamson (Pastor Doug) and his wife Karen. A welcoming coffee hour will follow our morning worship.

Sunday Schedule: August

As was mentioned in a previous announcement, in the weeks before our new DTP, Doug Williamson begins his ministry with us, we have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of guest speakers from the missions that our church supports. Following is the schedule for August.

Please note the change for August 31st. Pastor Linda had a conflict on that day and so Pastor Julie Olmsted will be joining us. Some of you may remember Julie from her time with us last winter. We are happy to welcome her back to our church!

• August 31 – Rev. Julie Olmsted –Communion 

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard is in need of more plastic shopping bags, mayo, canned peas, canned carrots, and canned green beans. Please leave all donations in the donation box at the church entry. Thank you!

Meetings This Week

Sunday, August 31 – Parish Board Meeting

Website

Did you know that you can access the bulletin and the announcements on the website?  I have been working on updating the website.  If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

Telephone Directory

I have reached out to everyone in the current telephone directory that I have contact information for.  If you would like your information updated please contact me.

information updated

Office Fix-up is Ongoing – Front Entrance Change, For Now

The renovations to the pastor’s office are continuing and we see light at the end of the tunnel!  We are currently using the front coat room to hold the office furniture and supplies. For safety reasons, we ask that you do not enter that room at this time. In addition, the single door front entrance is not to be used. NOTE: The front double doors are accessible and can be used.  

Thanks for your patience.

The Parish Board

Church Phone

The church office phone is temporarily out of order due to the renovation. Please send all inquiries to the church email: fccwbworship@gmail.com. We apologize for this inconvenience.

The Parish board

School Supply Collection

Thanks to everyone who donated to the school supplies collection! Many local children will be all set to begin another year because of your contributions.

The Flea Market is Coming in September!

FLEA MARKET IS JUST 3 WEEKS AWAY!

We are still looking for a few early birds:

2-3 RUNNERS – Runners guide the vendors to their spaces. Runners need to arrive at 6:15am and be physically able to quickly walk the common repeatedly as they guide the vendors to their spaces. The shift is from 6:15am  – 8:30am. We realize this is a difficult ask, considering it is very early and can be physically taxing. Please know these volunteers are very much appreciated!

If you can help, please see Karen Murphy!

Flea Vendors Needed

We are still seeking vendors! Would you like to rent a 20 x 20 grassy spot on the common for $40? Crafters, vendors, tag salers and others are welcome to join in the fun! This is a great way to free yourself of unneeded items and enjoy a beautiful day. See Karen Murphy for an application.

Please invite your friends and spread the word!

Our New Minister Arriving Soon!

Please mark your calendars and plan to be at church on Sunday, September 7th to welcome our new minister, The Rev. Dr. Douglas Williamson (Pastor Doug) and his wife Karen. A welcoming coffee hour will follow our morning worship.

The Music Committee is seeking guest musicians for the summer. Soloists, groups and/or instrumentalists are all welcome. The choir will resume in September so special musical offerings would be greatly appreciated for these summer weeks. If interested, please call Chris Showalter at (508) 577-3043 for details.

Sunday Schedule: August

As was mentioned in a previous announcement, in the weeks before our new DTP, Doug Williamson begins his ministry with us, we have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of guest speakers from the missions that our church supports. Following is the schedule for August.

Please note the change for August 31st. Pastor Linda had a conflict on that day and so Pastor Julie Olmsted will be joining us. Some of you may remember Julie from her time with us last winter. We are happy to welcome her back to our church!

• August 24 –  Tim & Emma from Dismas Farm, Oakham
• August 31 – Rev. Julie Olmsted –Communion 

*There are printed copies of our summer worship schedule located on the rear table for those who would like a paper copy.

*Remember, communion for the month of August will be held on August 31st.

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard is in need of more plastic shopping bags, mayo, canned peas, canned carrots, and canned green beans. Please leave all donations in the donation box at the church entry. Thank you!

Meetings This Week

Sunday, August 24 – Deacon’s Meeting

Website

Did you know that you can access the bulletin and the announcements on the website?  I have been working on updating the website.  If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

Telephone Directory

I have reached out to everyone that is in the current telephone directory and that I have contact information.  If you have not heard from me and want to be in the directory, please contact me.