(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.
Oct 16, 2026
Pastor Doug’s upcoming office hours
Thursday, October 22; 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Jazz Concert Piano Series
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 on Friday, 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 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.
Big Steps Forward!!
The repair work that was voted on this past spring is getting started this coming week! The front steps into the coat room are being replaced, adding a new wide top landing to make it easier and safer to get in and out of the church. In addition, the paver landing is being replaced to be level with the sidewalk. Please avoid using that front door until the work is complete. Thank you!
Stewardship Season
Stewardship season has begun. 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. Thank you for your continued support. It is appreciated.
Your Stewardship Committee
Prayer Request
Lois Bennett died peacefully in the early morning hours of October 15 at The Overlook in Charlton. Please keep her family and her many friends, including those here in this community of faith as they grieve her passing. We will announce any plans for funeral or memorial services as we learn of them.
Bible Study
Our six-week Bible study continues with our book Signs and Wonders: A Beginner’s Guide to the Miracles of Jesus, by Professor Amy-Jill Levine. We will be meeting for our final two sessions on Thursday afternoons October 22 and 29, with class from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. on both days. This is another wonderful chance for us to learn together! I will mention that all are welcome to drop in for one or more class sessions, even if you have not bought a book. There are always short videos and handouts in each session, so folks who drop in will have some insights into the week’s material.
Sunday School Begins!
After a summer break, Sunday school has begun and will be held on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays of each month. All ages are welcome.
Do you know any families in your neighborhood who might enjoy Sunday school? Maybe your grandchildren? Please spread the word! We have a wonderful new curriculum and creative and happy teachers ready to teach and have fun with the children of our church! For questions or more information, see one of our teachers, Nancy Aresnault, Angela Carville or Nancy Zurawka.
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.
Thank you!
Meetings This Week
White Christmas Committee – Monday, October 20 – 12 pm
Bible Study – Thursday 5:00 – 6:15
Church Council Sunday – October 18
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
Pastor Doug’s upcoming office hours
Friday, October 16; 9:30 a.m.-12 noon
Parking Lot Update
Reminder: The church parking lot cannot be used Friday, October 9th (today) because the men are working on it again.
Thank you for parking on the street.
The Parish Board
Jazz Concert Piano Series
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 on Friday, 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 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.
Stewardship Season
Stewardship season has begun. 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. Thank you for your continued support. It is appreciated.
Your Stewardship Committee
Prayer Request
Please continue to pray for Lois Bennett as she has entered hospice care at The Overlook in Charlton.
Bible Study
Our six-week Bible study had a great third session with our book Signs and Wonders: A Beginner’s Guide to the Miracles of Jesus, by Professor Amy-Jill Levine. We will be changing our meeting time on Thursday afternoons beginning October 15, with class from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on October 15, 22 and 29. This is another wonderful chance for us to learn together! I will mention that all are welcome to drop in for one or more class sessions, even if you have not bought a book. There are always short videos and handouts in each session, so folks who drop in will have some insights into the week’s material.
Sunday School Begins!
After a summer break, Sunday school will begin again this Sunday, October 11th and will be held on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays of each month. All ages are welcome.
Do you know any families in your neighborhood who might enjoy Sunday school? Maybe your grandchildren? Please spread the word! We have a wonderful new curriculum and creative and happy teachers ready to teach and have fun with the children of our church! For questions or more information, see one of our teachers, Nancy Aresnault, Angela Carville or Nancy Zurawka.
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.
Thank you!
Meetings This Week
Bible Study – Thursday 5:00 – 6:00
Deacon’s meeting – Sunday 11th
Pastor Review – Friday 16th
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
Oct 09, 2026
Oct 02, 2026
Oct 02, 2026
Pastor Doug’s upcoming office hours
Doug is out of town to attend the Alumni Award gathering at Rockford University in Illinois.
Thursday, October 8; 2-4 p.m.
Worship on the Town Common – Rain!
On Sunday, September 20 the service planned for our town common was moved inside due to the threat of rain and then actual rain! It turned out to be a dynamic indoor service with both Pastor Doug and Sandy Damn from George Whitefield Methodist Church leading. There were two guest musicians accompanying Mike and Stephen and the four of them together created inspirational and foot-tapping tunes. As a member from GWMC shared during prayer time, “it was wonderful to be worshipping with all of her friends, not just the ones from her church.” She may have been speaking for many, as overall it was a warm and welcoming service that we plan to do again. Our thanks to all who worked to make it happen. Your efforts were appreciated!
Terry Hall – Board of Deacons
Prayer Request
Please continue to pray for Lois Bennett as she transitions to a skilled nursing facility in the days to come.
Bible Study
Our six-week Bible study has gotten off to a good start with our book Signs and Wonders: A Beginner’s Guide to the Miracles of Jesus, by Professor Amy-Jill Levine. We have no class on October 1, but we will meet on Thursday afternoons, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., on October 8, 15, 22 and 29. This is another wonderful chance for us to learn together! I will mention that all are welcome to drop in for one or more class sessions, even if you have not bought a book. There are always short videos and handouts in each session, so folks who drop in will have some insights into the week’s material.
Looking for help to move furniture!
The Parish Board is looking into getting a junk trailer to get rid of the old furniture that is upstairs as well as a bunch of stuff that is downstairs. If you are able and or know someone that is willing to give us a hand, please contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy718@charter.net or 508-801-7692 with your availability.
We are looking at doing this at the beginning of October. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sunday School
Would you consider taking a turn teaching Sunday School occasionally? We are hoping to get Sunday School class sessions started again soon—with classes lasting 25 minutes following the Youth Message in worship on Sunday morning. We would like to have classes on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of the month. We have just ordered a wonderful new story-based curriculum that makes planning and leading classes easy—and it has arrived in case anyone would like to look at it. No one will have to teach every week, so if you would be willing to volunteer to teach once every other month or “once in a while,” you would help immensely! If interested, please talk with Nancy Arsenault or Pastor Doug soon!
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.
Thank you!
Meetings This Week
Bible Study – Thursday 5:15 – 6:30
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
Oct 02, 2026
Sep 25, 2026
Read the latest issue of our newsletter, Glad Tidings