Friends,

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

 

Dismas Christmas – Seventh Annual Tree & Wreath Sale

November 29th & 30th, December 6th & 7th    687 Lincoln Rd. Oakham, MA

Handmade Christmas Crafts, Cookies, Cocoa & Hayrides!

Call 508-882-0000 for more information

http://www.dissmasisfamily.org

 

Hanging of the Greens: 

We will be decorating the church for the seasons of Advent and Christmas following our worship service on November 23.  The First Sunday of Advent this year is November30!  We hope many folks will be able to stay after worship to help “hang the greens” and then share in a time of community at coffee hour. It will be a wonderful start to the festive season ahead!

 

Advent Interlude:

If you’re looking for a time to gather and reflect upon, and be inspired by, the true meaning of the Advent season, we hope you will join us in the sanctuary on Tuesday, December 2 at 7 p.m. for a new program called “Advent Interlude.”  We’ll have an hour together of inspiring readings, short video presentations, and lively music offerings.  Come for a time of joy and go out inspired by the true meaning of the season in which we prepare for the birth of the Christ child!

 

To Support Elena’s Ministry in Mexico

Dear Friends:

What a blessing to have been with you in mission and ministry! We are grateful for the time we spent with you.

Several of you have asked where to send donations for Elena’s work in Chiapas and Latin America. The best place to send a donation is through the Global Ministries webpage. I have included it below. Please specify “Roots in the Ruins” in the blank section under “Specific Designation.”

Your donation makes a difference today.

Whether it’s a gift that provides support for the overall work of Global Ministries, a mission placement, or one of the over 200 ministries of international partners – your donation is an investment in creating a world where all people and creation share in God’s abundant life. 100% of your gift will be used as designated without administrative or bank fees.

Donate here for Elena’s work

Thank you for your support of Global Ministries, which funds Mission Co-workers all over the world.

Shalom,

Beverly

 

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.

Please note: some of the previous copies had missing pages. Your directory should have 2 pages printed on both sides. If you have one with this error, please grab a new one. Thanks!

 

White Christmas

Be sure to mark your calendars for our White Christmas celebration on Sunday, December 7 from 11:30 – 5 pm. Right after our morning service, plan to stay for lunch and joy a delicious hot turkey sandwich, soup or one of the other wonderful lunch entrees! Check out the bake table and buy a few chances at our huge raffle loaded with unique items and gift cards. Be sure to settle into the sanctuary at 1:30 for a lovely concert by the Hardwick Memorial Handbell Choir. After all of this, head out for the many craft fairs and events around town.

Interested in volunteering to lend a hand that day? The sign-up sheets are posted on the sliding wooden doors. Please check them out – and thanks!

Poinsettias

The holidays are fast approaching and once again Nancy Arsenault will be ordering the poinsettias to decorate our church sanctuary for Christmas Eve.  When you fill out your order form you will notice that Green Thumb, our local West Brookfield florist, is giving us more choices this year than we have had in the past.  In addition to the traditional red and white poinsettia’s, there is now also a choice of pink as well as variegation!  The price this year will be $15.

From the Stewardship Committee:

We would like to thank everyone who pledged this year!  So far we have received 25 pledge cards, totaling $92,076.  We are so grateful for your faithful generosity in supporting our church!

We would also like to thank Shelley Fullam, Bruce Prestwood-Taylor and Linda Daskowski for sharing their Stewardship Moments during our campaign.

If you have not returned your pledge card, you are encouraged to do so, as it helps the Parish Board in creating next year’s budget.  Additional pledge cards are available from one of the committee members.  Again, THANK YOU!

Your Stewardship Committee

Dee Blanton, Angela Carville, Mary Deotte and Terry Hall

 

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.

1. Brookfield Farmer’s Market

The W. Brookfield Farmer’s Market that is held on the town common during the spring and summer months has returned to our Fellowship Hall for another season. The market is held on Wednesdays from 3 pm – 6 pm (except the Wednesday before Thanksgiving 11/26) and enjoy a bountiful selection of wonderful fresh foods, farm products and handmade items from local artists and farmers.

DEADLINE

The deadline for the December edition of Glad Tidings is Monday, November 24^th.

Meetings This Week

No meetings are scheduled for this week.

 

Have a wonderful weekend.

Bonni Holmes
Church Secretary