News

Friends,

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

Looking Ahead

We will be holding a Maundy Thursday service of worship on April 2^nd at 7 p.m. Please watch the upcoming weekly announcement messages for more details about Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter!

Bible Study

I would like to do a six-week study using Professor Amy-Jill Levine’s book Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven, beginning on Wednesday, April 8 and meeting on Wednesdays a 5 or 5:15 and lasting until 6:15 or 6:30 p.m. when we will still have plenty of daylight.  If we order books as a group, we will not have to pay shipping and they will likely cost $13.50-$14 each.  If this study sounds like something in which you would be interested , please e-mail me (djwnscaa@gmail.com) or text me (913-387-9947) and let me know if you would like to be part of a group book order or rather order your book individually.

Prayer Requests

Please continue to keep Dave and Joan Fitzgerald in prayer as Joan continues in hospice care at home.

Please also continue to keep Jim and Ellen Haynes both in prayer.  Jim has been transferred back to the rehabilitation facility in E. Longmeadow.

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

For the month of February and March, I will be changing my office hours to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00-2:00 p.m.  Wednesday hours will be by appointment, and I can be available by appointment on other days by calling my mobile phone at 913/387-9947.

Annual Reports

Our 2025 annual report is available in printed form for those who need a paper copy. they are located on the chest in the Fellowship Hall near the mailboxes.

A Chorus for These Times
It is with great pleasure that we welcome a newly formed choral group, A Chorus for These Times, directed by Nym Cooke, to rehearse in our sanctuary. They will have their initial rehearsal on Saturday, February 28th and a second on March 7th, both from 2 pm – 4 pm.  Thereafter, they are scheduled to rehearse every other Saturday.  If you are interested in joining this chorus, you can contact Nym at: nymcooke@gmail.com.

Snow Cancellations:

We will make decisions about snow cancellations by 8:30 and if we decide the safest decision is to cancel the service we will send out an e-mail message announcing the cancellation.  If you would prefer to receive a telephone call regarding such cancellations, please let Karen Murphy know.

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard always needs mayo, mustard, ketchup, canned carrots, 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.

Brookfield Farmer’s Market

Did you know?

….Our church is host to a fabulous farmer’s market each Wednesday afternoon from 3 – 6 in our Fellowship Hall!

Some of the fresh and delicious fare at the market include a wide variety of mushrooms, micro greens, fresh eggs, incredible bread, beautiful bulbs and flowers, a plethora of vegetables, fresh baked goodies, imported coffee, kombucha, honey, maple syrup, ice cream, grass-fed meat, hand-crafted jewelry, wooden bowls and cutting boards and even more!  Stop in sometime and enjoy one of West Brookfield’s hidden treasures! (Hidden right inside our church!)

(Time is running out to shop the market – Last one is Wednesday, March 25th!)

 Meetings this Week

Sunday, March 1 – Parish Board

Have a wonderful weekend.

Bonni Holmes
Church Secretary

PATTERN: Blue Onion

SIZE:  68” X 78”

TICKETS: $5.00 each

or 3 for $10.00

All proceeds help fund the

Pastor’s Discretionary Fund!

(This fund is set up to help folks in the community with urgent needs)

WHERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS?

Following Sunday Services

Farmer’s Market, Wednesdays through March 25^th

Asparagus & Flower Heritage Festival on the W.B. Common – Saturday, May 16, 2026

Flea Market on the W.B. Common – Saturday, September 12, 2026

White Christmas in West Brookfield at the church – Sunday, December 6, 2026

DRAWING WILL BE DECEMBER 6, 2026

Ash Wednesday Services

On the First Sunday of Lent, February 22, immediately following our regular worship service, we will invite whoever would like to stay for a short service of imposition of ashes (likely 10 minutes or so) to come to the front of the church.  We will share a brief responsive litany and reading, and then impose ashes on those who wish to do so. I will offer the option of placing ashes on one’s forehead, or on the back of one’s hand, as many churches did during COVID.  We will still be offering this opportunity on Sunday, February 22.

Bible Study

I would like to do a six-week study using Professor Amy-Jill Levine’s book Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven, beginning on Wednesday, April 8 and meeting on Wednesdays a 5 or 5:15 and lasting until 6:15 or 6:30 p.m. when we will still have plenty of daylight.  If we order books as a group, we will not have to pay shipping and they will likely cost $13.50-$14 each.  If this study sounds like something in which you would be interested , please e-mail me (djwnscaa@gmail.com) or text me (913-387-9947) and let me know if you would like to be part of a group book order or rather order your book individually.

Prayer Requests

Please continue to keep Dave and Joan Fitzgerald in prayer as Joan continues in hospice care at home.

Please also continue to keep Jim and Ellen  Haynes both in prayer.  Jim has been transferred back to the rehabilitation facility in E. Longmeadow.

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

For the month of February and March, I will be changing my office hours to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00-2:00 p.m.  Wednesday hours will be by appointment, and I can be available by appointment on other days by calling my mobile phone at 913/387-9947.

Annual Reports

Our 2025 annual report is available in printed form for those who need a paper copy. they are located on the chest in the Fellowship Hall near the mailboxes.

CHORUS for these times
It is with great pleasure that we welcome the Chorus for these times directed by Nym Cooke.  This chorus will have an initial rehearsal on Saturday, February 28th and again on March 7th from 2pm – 4pm in our Sanctuary.  Thereafter, they are scheduled to rehearse every other Saturday.  If you are interested in joining this chorus, you can contact Nym at: nymcooke@gmail.com.

Deadline:

The deadline for the next Glad Tidings is Monday, February 23^rd. 

Snow Cancellations:

We will make decisions about snow cancellations by 8:30 and if we decide the safest decision is to cancel the service we will send out an e-mail message announcing the cancellation.  If you would prefer to receive a telephone call regarding such cancellations, please let Karen Murphy know.

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard always needs mayo, mustard, ketchup, canned carrots, 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.

Brookfield Farmer’s Market

Did you know?

….Our church is host to a fabulous farmer’s market each Wednesday afternoon from 3 – 6 in our Fellowship Hall!

Some of the fresh and delicious fare at the market include a wide variety of mushrooms, micro greens, fresh eggs, incredible bread, beautiful bulbs and flowers, a plethora of vegetables, fresh baked goodies, imported coffee, kombucha, honey, maple syrup, ice cream, grass-fed meat, hand-crafted jewelry, wooden bowls and cutting boards and even more!  Stop in sometime and enjoy one of West Brookfield’s hidden treasures! (Hidden right inside our church!)

(Time is running out to shop the market – Last one is Wednesday, March 25th!)

 Meetings this Week

Sunday, February 22 – Parish Board

Annual Meeting – Sunday, February 15th – Plan to Attend!

The annual meeting of the First Congregational Church is scheduled for this Sunday, February 15th with a snow date of Sunday, February 22nd. This meeting is open to all members and friends of the church. You do not need to be a member of the church to attend and speak, only to vote. (If you are interested in becoming a member, please see Pastor Doug.) This annual business meeting is a wonderful opportunity to get to know your church better. Past and future activities of boards and committees are discussed as well as reviewing and approving our 2026 budget. This year, a delicious lunch will be provided by Jaclyn & Eric von Bleicken (our thanks to them!!).

Please remember to bring a copy of the annual report that was emailed out last week, to the meeting. If you are unable to print, there will be a few paper copies available.

Questions regarding the annual meeting? See Parish Board members, Pastor Doug or Clerk, Terry Hall.

We hope to see you all there!

Ash Wednesday Services

A couple of weeks ago I sent out the following message regarding Ash Wednesday and a time here at church to receive ashes. Here is the part of that message with details: On the First Sunday of Lent, February 22, immediately following our regular worship service, we will invite whoever would like to stay for a short service of imposition of ashes (likely 10 minutes or so) to come to the front of the church.  We will share a brief responsive litany and reading, and then impose ashes on those who wish to do so. I will offer the option of placing ashes on one’s forehead, or on the back of one’s hand, as many churches did during COVID.  We will still be offering this opportunity on Sunday, February 22.

Since that notice went out, we have been invited by Pastor Sandy at George Whitefield United Methodist Church here in town to participate in a “drop in” Ash Wednesday time of reflection and prayer from 2-5 p.m. at the George Whitefield UMC. Here is the introduction to that service that Pastor Sandy used last year and will use again this year: “This service uses Visio Divina (Latin for “divine seeing”) and a written reflection. Visio Divina is a method of praying with art or visual images. Please enjoy the images from the Hubble telescope as you contemplate God and God’s love for us and use the written meditation as you choose. You may sit and pray and (if you wish) come forward to receive the anointment of ashes whenever the Spirit moves you. The symbol will be in the shape of a cross, and you can choose to have it placed on your forehead or on your hand.”

Bible Study

I would like to do a six-week study using Professor Amy-Jill Levine’s book Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven, beginning on Wednesday, April 8 and meeting on Wednesdays a 5 or 5:15 and lasting until 6:15 or 6:30 p.m. when we will still have plenty of daylight.  If we order books as a group, we will not have to pay shipping and they will likely cost $13.50-$14 each.  If this study sounds like something in which you would be interested , please e-mail me (djwnscaa@gmail.com) or text me (913-387-9947) and let me know if you would like to be part of a group book order or rather order your book individually.

Prayer Requests

Please continue to keep Dave and Joan Fitzgerald in prayer as Joan continues in hospice care at home.

Please also continue to keep Jim and Ellen both in prayer.

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

For the month of February and March, I will be changing my office hours to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00-2:00 p.m.  Wednesday hours will be by appointment, and I can be available by appointment on other days by calling my mobile phone at 913/387-9947.

Snow Cancellations:

We will make decisions about snow cancellations by 8:30 and if we decide the safest decision is to cancel the service we will send out an e-mail message announcing the cancellation.  If you would prefer to receive a telephone call regarding such cancellations, please let Karen Murphy know.

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard always needs mayo, mustard, ketchup, canned carrots, 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.

Brookfield Farmer’s Market

Did you know?

….Our church is host to a fabulous farmer’s market each Wednesday afternoon from 3 – 6 in our Fellowship Hall!

Some of the fresh and delicious fare at the market include a wide variety of mushrooms, micro greens, fresh eggs, incredible bread, beautiful bulbs and flowers, a plethora of vegetables, fresh baked goodies, imported coffee, kombucha, honey, maple syrup, ice cream, grass-fed meat, hand-crafted jewelry, wooden bowls and cutting boards and even more!  Stop in sometime and enjoy one of West Brookfield’s hidden treasures! (Hidden right inside of our church!)

(Time is running out to shop the market – Last one is Wednesday, March 25th!)

 Meetings this Week

Friday 13th – Open and Affirming Committee

Sunday 15th – Annual Meeting

Special Open and Affirming Panel Discussion – Thank you for joining us!

The Open and Affirming discussion that was held last Sunday provided powerful testimonies and stimulating conversation for all who were there. The committee would like to thank all who attended and shared their questions and thoughts.  We continue to be open to questions and comments from all members and friends of the church. Our future plans will be announced soon.

It was wonderful to have you all there.

Your Open and Affirming Committee

Upcoming Worship Services

As a result of having to cancel two consecutive Sunday worship services, we will be adjusting the service content for the first three Sundays of February:

February 8 – A worship service using the bulletin that would have been used on January 25th; communion will be postponed until February 15

February 15 – Transfiguration Sunday, the final Sunday before the beginning of Lent; this service will include communion.

Dismas Farm Dinner

Dinner will be at the church this Tuesday, February 10th at 6.00 PM.

Please email Deanna or Angela with whatever you would like to bring!  Thank you for your help!

Deanna Randall – 413-436-7849 or drandall444@comcast.net

Angela Carville – 508-347-1148 or angelacarville67@gmail.co

Announcements from Pastor Doug

I have had long discussions with several groups regarding a possible Ash Wednesday service.  The suggestion of holding the service at 5 p.m. sounded good until we remembered that we have the winter farmers’ market in the building from 3-6 p.m. on Wednesdays.  No other time seemed to work well for our congregation at this time of year, so we have come up with a creative plan that we hope may be meaningful for a number of folks.  On the First Sunday of Lent, February 22, immediately following our regular worship service, we will invite whoever would like to stay for a short service of imposition of ashes (likely 10 minutes or so) to come to the front of the church.  We will share a brief responsive litany and reading, and then impose ashes on those who wish to do so. I will offer the option of placing ashes on one’s forehead, or on the back of one’s hand, as many churches did during COVID.  Lent and Easter come very early this year, so we are hoping that this option will be helpful in this winter of snow and icy roads.

I have also been discussing the logistics of a possible Bible study group for our church in the near future.  Once again, finding a good time in Lent has been exceptionally difficult.  Several folks suggested that we wait until after Easter, when the weather is warmer and we have longer times of daylight.  I would like to do a six-week study using Professor Amy-Jill Levine’s book Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven, beginning on Wednesday, April 8 and meeting on Wednesdays a 5 or 5:15 and lasting until 6:15 or 6:30 p.m. when we will still have plenty of daylight.  If we order books as a group, we will not have to pay shipping and they will likely cost $13.50-$14 each.  If this study sounds like something in which you would be interested , please e-mail me (djwnscaa@gmail.com) or text me (913-387-9947) and let me know if you would like to be part of a group book order or rather order your book individually.

Prayer Requests

Please continue to keep Dave and Joan Fitzgerald in prayer as Joan continues in hospice care at home.

Jim Haynes has once again been transferred from the rehab facility to Baystate Hospital in Springfield to be treated for a likely infection.  Please keep Jim and Ellen both in prayer.

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

For the month of February and March, I will be changing my office hours to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00-2:00 p.m.  Wednesday hours will be by appointment, and I can be available by appointment on other days by calling my mobile phone at 913/387-9947.

Annual Meeting – Sunday, March 15th – Plan to Attend! (A Few Desserts Requested)

The annual meeting of the First Congregational Church is scheduled for Sunday, February 15th with a snow date of Sunday, February 22nd. This meeting is open to all members and friends of the church. You do not need to be a member of the church to attend and speak, only to vote. (If you are interested in becoming a member, please see Pastor Doug.) This annual business meeting is a wonderful opportunity to get to know your church better. Past and future activities of boards and committees are discussed as well as reviewing and approving our 2026 budget. This year, a delicious lunch will be provided by Jaclyn & Eric von Bleicken (our thanks to them!!). A few desserts are requested.

Please let Terry Hall know if you would like to bring a dessert to share so that we don’t have too many.

Questions regarding the annual meeting? See Parish Board members, Pastor Doug or Clerk, Terry Hall.

We hope to see you all there!

Snow Cancellations:

We will make decisions about snow cancellations by 8:30 and if we decide the safest decision is to cancel the service we will send out an e-mail message announcing the cancellation.  If you would prefer to receive a telephone call regarding such cancellations, please let Karen Murphy know.

Sharing Cupboard Needs:

The Sharing Cupboard always needs mayo, mustard, ketchup, canned carrots, 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.

Brookfield Farmer’s Market

Did you know?

….Our church is host to a fabulous farmer’s market each Wednesday afternoon from 3 – 6 in our Fellowship Hall!

Some of the fresh and delicious fare at the market include a wide variety of mushrooms, micro greens, fresh eggs, incredible bread, beautiful bulbs and flowers, a plethora of vegetables, fresh baked goodies, imported coffee, kombucha, honey, maple syrup, ice cream, grass-fed meat, hand-crafted jewelry, wooden bowls and cutting boards and even more!  Stop in sometime and enjoy one of West Brookfield’s hidden treasures! (Hidden right inside of our church!)

(Time is running out to shop the market – Last one is Wednesday, March 25th!)

Have a wonderful weekend.

Bonni Holmes
Church Secretary