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