(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.
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 14, 2026
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
Aug 07, 2026
Aug 07, 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 31, 2026
Jul 24, 2026
Read the latest issue of our newsletter, Glad Tidings