News

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

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m

Updated Directory

There are copies of our updated 2025 Church directory located on the table in the Fellowship Hall. Please plan to take one so that you will have everyone’s current information.

White Christmas

Interested in volunteering for White Christmas (12/7)? The sign-up sheets are posted on the sliding wooden doors. Please check them out – and thanks!

Clothing Drive

Clothing Drive for Worcester Fellowship

It is that time again when the Mission Committee in conjunction with church member Shelley Fullam are holding the clothing drive for the folks at Worcester Fellowship Church. They will be collecting NEW socks, underwear, tee shirts, gloves and hats for women, men and kids in all sizes.(I honestly hadn’t realized how important the contributions from our church were to this outreach until I was talking with one of their directors during the summer. She mentioned to me that for a period of time last winter they had no items to distribute to their clients and weren’t sure what they were going to do, then Shelley showed up with the donations from our congregation. They were a lifesaver! – Angela)

The clothing drive will run from November 2nd through December 7th and all donations can be placed in the bucket located in the rear of the sanctuary.

Thanks,

The Mission Committee and Shelley

LITURGISTS NEEDED FOR 2026

The liturgist schedule is being constructed for 2026.  We are looking for folks that would be willing to be a reader.  If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Karen Murphy by December 1^st at:  kmurphy718@charter.net

COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS FOR 2026

Coffee hour is a very special time to fellowship with our church family and friends.  We are putting together the coffee hour schedule for 2026.  Coffee hour consists of set-up, clean-up and supplying food.  We try to incorporate pastries and healthy items in our mix.  We appreciate the help with set-up & clean-up.  However, you are NOT committed to all parts if you are not able.  If you are only able to supply a couple of food items for your scheduled week that would be superb.  You would just need to let us know what parts of the coffee hour you are willing to assist with.  Coffee, creamer & paper products (when used) are supplied.  We schedule 2 people each week, if there is someone special you would like to work with it can be arranged.  There are always extra bodies that hang out for the clean-up.  If you are willing to lend a hand or have any questions, please contact Karen Murphy by December 1^st at:  kmurphy718@charter.net

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.

Donations Welcome

The church office is running low on copy paper. If you would like to donate a ream or a case please let the office know.

Thanks!

Meetings This Week

Nominating Board – Friday, November 7th, 11 am

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m

A Couple of Notes from Pastor Doug:

In this month of Thanksgiving, I’d like to offer a special thank you to the ad hoc Stewardship Committee of Terry Hall, Mary Deotte, Dee Blanton, and Angela Carville for organizing this year’s stewardship program, and to Linda Daskowski, Shelly Fullam and Bruce Prestwood-Taylor for their distinctive, personal, and inspiring presentations, during our October worship services, that helped us reflect upon our own stewardship. Thank you as well to all who have made pledges for the year ahead and to those who organized a joyful celebratory coffee hour after worship on October 26.  And of course, pledges are still welcome as we plan for our ministries going forward!

As I write this note, our nation is on the cusp of shutting down SNAP benefits for millions of Americans, including 1 in 7 persons in Massachusetts.  Some of those affected by this shutdown will be folks who also depend upon our Sharing Cupboard for monthly help in feeding themselves and their families.  For any of us who are able, this would be an especially good time to donate to our Sharing Cupboard.

Finally, Karen and I will finally be able to get our Massachusetts drivers licenses this coming week—if all goes well.  We had to book appointments more than five weeks out, and spots were limited, but we’re hoping all will go smoothly first time around!  As a result of those appointments, I will need to change my office hours once again, moving my Wednesday hours to Thursday afternoon, November 6, from 2:30 -5:00 p.m. (Friday morning hours will remain the same).

Updated Directory

There are copies of our updated 2025 Church directory located on the table in the Fellowship Hall. Please plan to take one so that you will have everyone’s current information.

Trick or Treat Donations

Thanks to all of you who generously gave candy for the West Brookfield trick or treaters for Halloween. There is plenty for all of the little goblins and spooks!

White Christmas

Interested in volunteering for White Christmas (12/7)? The sign up sheets are posted on the sliding wooden doors. Please check them out – and thanks!

Clothing Drive

Clothing Drive for Worcester Fellowship

It is that time again when the Mission Committee in conjunction with church member Shelley Fullam are holding the clothing drive for the folks at Worcester Fellowship Church. They will be collecting NEW socks, underwear, tee shirts, gloves and hats for women, men and kids in all sizes.(I honestly hadn’t realized how important the contributions from our church were to this outreach until I was talking with one of their directors during the summer. She mentioned to me that for a period of time last winter they had no items to distribute to their clients and weren’t sure what they were going to do, then Shelley showed up with the donations from our congregation. They were a lifesaver! – Angela)

The clothing drive will run from November 2nd through December 7th and all donations can be placed in the bucket located in the rear of the sanctuary.

Thanks,

The Mission Committee and Shelley

LITURGISTS NEEDED FOR 2026

The liturgist schedule is being constructed for 2026.  We are looking for folks that would be willing to be a reader.  If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Karen Murphy by December 1^st at:  kmurphy718@charter.net

COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS FOR 2026

Coffee hour is a very special time to fellowship with our church family and friends.  We are putting together the coffee hour schedule for 2026.  Coffee hour consists of set-up, clean-up and supplying food.  We try to incorporate pastries and healthy items in our mix.  We appreciate the help with set-up & clean-up.  However, you are NOT committed to all parts if you are not able.  If you are only able to supply a couple of food items for your scheduled week that would be superb.  You would just need to let us know what parts of the coffee hour you are willing to assist with.  Coffee, creamer & paper products (when used) are supplied.  We schedule 2 people each week, if there is someone special you would like to work with it can be arranged.  There are always extra bodies that hang out for the clean-up.  If you are willing to lend a hand or have any questions, please contact Karen Murphy by December 1^st at:  kmurphy718@charter.net

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 – Sunday, November 2

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m

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

Trick or Treat – Donations are Needed!

We are looking for donations of single wrapped candy for Trick or Treat on Friday October 31st. They can be left on the table in the Fellowship Hall.

If you have questions or you would like to join in the festivities, please see or call Debbie Steltzer at 774-452-2691

Thank you!

Clothing Drive

It is that time again when the Missions Committee in conjunction with Shelley Fullam are holding the clothing drive for the folks at Worcester Fellowship Church. We are collecting NEW socks, underwear, T Shirts, gloves and hats for ladies, men and kids ( all sizes are needed). I honestly hadn’t realised how important that the contributions from our church are to this outreach until I was talking with one of their directors during the summer. She mentioned to me that for a period of time last winter they had no items to distribute to their clients and weren’t sure what they were going to do.. Then  Shelley showed up with the donations from our congregation which was apparently a lifesaver.

The clothing drive will begin November 2nd and end December 7th.

Thanks, on behalf of Missions and Shelley.

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

Board of Deacons – Sunday, October 26^th

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m

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).