News

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours for the Remainder of December:

Wednesday, 12/31, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Please feel free to call me at 913-387-9947 if you need to schedule other times to meet.

Thank you

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the spur-of-the-moment “Santa Club” fund to assist Sharing Cupboard families with Christmas.  After hearing how many in our Sharing Cupboard client list were not able to participate in the Warren Police Department’s Toy Drive, either because their children were over 13 or because they did not attend Warren Elementary school, we were able to raise funds to purchase gift cards to assist parents.  I heard many expressions of gratitude from parents who were struggling with the financial dilemma of rent, heat, food, and a little something for their children for Christmas.   A little here and there adds up to a lot, and our church and Sharing Cupboard volunteers raised just over $2500 to help 18 families with children.   Thank you all for sharing your blessings with others!

Here’s an excerpt from an email from a grateful mom:

When I got home and opened the card I was completely blown away, and I cried. Here I am almost negative in my bank account trying to figure out how I will make Christmas happen for my boys and here you come an angel. You didn’t have to do this and I know you already know that but, please know that this family will be very happy waking up on Christmas thanks to you and what your church has done for us. Please also thank all involved for me. I hope one day that I am able to give back like you do for so many. Merry Christmas to you and your family and God bless.

Thank you everyone!

Dee Blanton

Church Moderator

President, Sharing Cupboard Board of Directors

Funeral – Joan Dirlam

At the church on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 11:00am

Memorial Service -Lynn K. (Collings) Lettieri

Saturday, January 3, 2026,  11 a.m. at the Ellington Congregational Church, 72 Main St., Ellington, CT.

Snow Cancellations:

With last Sunday’s snow having been a bit more than was predicted in some areas, we weren’t able to make a timely decision about whether or not to hold our worship service.  Going forward, we will make such a decision 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.

1. Brookfield Farmer’s Market

NOTE: The market will be taking a hiatus on 

December 24th and December 31st due to the holidays.

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 and offers a bountiful selection of wonderful fresh foods, farm products and handmade items from local artists and farmers.  Check it out!

Meetings This Week

There are no meetings scheduled for this week.

DEADLINE

The deadline for submissions to the next Glad Tidings newsletter is Monday, December 29^th.

Christmas Eve Service:

Please join us on Wednesday, December 24^th at 7pm for a Candlelight service celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior.

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours for the Remainder of December:

Friday, 12/19, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, 12/23, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Friday, 12/26 TBA

Wednesday, 12/31, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Please feel free to call me at 913-387-9947 if you need to schedule other times to meet.

Lynn K. (Collings) Lettieri Obituary

Lynn K. (Collings) Lettieri, 55, of Ellington, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, colleague and friend, beloved wife of 21 years to Brian R. Lettieri, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, December 12, She was born on August 12, 1970, in Springfield, MA, one of two children to Albert F. and Kathleen (St. Marie) Collings.

Lynn grew up in Somers, attended local schools, and was a graduate of Somers High School, Class of 1988. During her time there, she was a 12-letter athlete, excelling in softball, basketball and soccer. Following high school, she continued her education earning her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Maine College of Art, and shortly thereafter, her master’s from Central Connecticut State University. Lynn was employed by the town of Farmington, and most recently, the town of Glastonbury, as an art teacher in their elementary schools. In 2018, Lynn was named the CT Art Education Association’s Elementary Teacher of the Year. When not teaching art to others, you could find Lynn at her home painting at her easel, capturing different subjects through her camera lens, or spending time out in her garden. Although our time with Lynn has been cut short, her creativity, kindness, and attention to detail will be missed by all those who knew her.

In addition to her husband and parents, Lynn is survived by her son, Alex Lettieri of Ellington; her brother, Peter Collings and his wife Maya Shastri of Gainesville, FL, and their children, James, Lee, and Robin.

A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, January 3, 2026, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Ellington Congregational Church, 72 Main St., Ellington. At the request of her family, burial will be held privately in Ellington Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Glastonbury Board of Education Student Activities, Art Department and mailed to Glastonbury Board of Education, 628 Hebron Ave., P.O. Box 191, Glastonbury, CT 06033 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD

To leave an online message of condolence for her family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.

Update

Jim Haynes was moved to Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital in Ludlow on Tuesday, Dec. 16th following surgery on his hip after a fall.  Cards would be most welcome and appreciated.  They can be sent to Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, 222 State Street, Ludlow, MA  01056.  He’s expected to be there for 2-3 weeks.

Christmas Eve refreshments:

We will be inviting people to stay for refreshments after the Christmas Eve candlelight service.  We are looking for finger foods, preferably not all pastries.  If you would like to contribute something please contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy718@charter.net   Or 508-801-7692

Snow Cancellations:

With last Sunday’s snow having been a bit more than was predicted in some areas, we weren’t able to make a timely decision about whether or not to hold our worship service.  Going forward, we will make such a decision 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

NOTE: The market will be taking a hiatus on December 24th and December 31st

due to the holidays.

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 and offers a bountiful selection of wonderful fresh foods, farm products and handmade items from local artists and farmers.  Check it out!

Meetings This Week

There are no meetings scheduled for this week.

Church Secretary’s Office Hours

Bonni will be in the office on Tuesday, December 23^rd 8-10 instead of Friday.

Friends,

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

From Pastor Doug:

Joan Dirlam’s funeral service will be held at the church on Monday, December 29 at 11 a.m., with a service of interment to follow immediately afterwards at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Southbridge.  Peter’s service is tomorrow morning at 11 a.m., also followed immediately by a service of interment in Southbridge. Please keep their family members in prayer in this sad time.

Jim Haynes fell on the ice on Tuesday and broke his hip.  He was transported to Baystate Hospital on Wednesday and was scheduled for surgery on Thursday. We will get updates to folks as we receive them.  Please keep Jim and Ellen in prayer as Jim goes through the healing and rehab process.

Al & Kathy Collings daughter, Lynn Lettieri, passed away peacefully Thursday night at her home in Ellington, CT.  Arrangements are pending but there will likely be a service at the UCC church in Ellington in the near future.  Please keep Lynn’s family, including Al & Kathy in your prayers.

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours for the Remainder of December:

Friday, 12/12, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Monday, 12/15, 2:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Friday, 12/19, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, 12/23, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Friday, 12/26 TBA

Wednesday, 12/31, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Please feel free to call me at 913-387-9947 if you need to schedule other times to meet.

Advent Interlude – this Tuesday!

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 15 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!

Service for Peter Dirlam

Calling hours for church member Peter Dirlam will be held at Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge on Friday, December 12th from 4 – 6 pm. Peter’s funeral will be held at our church on Saturday, December 13th at 11 am.

White Christmas

A giant THANKS to each of you who participated or donated to this year’s White Christmas in West Brookfield event at our church. It was a great success in both fun and fellowship AND funds! It is believed that there was as much laughter and smiles as money generated – and that makes it all worthwhile!

A Very Special Thanks to:

Kitchen mavens: Karen Andersen and Debbie Steltzer for a vast and delicious lunch menu and — for both organizing the bake table AND baking much of what was on it!

The Bakers: All of those who came to the church kitchen and created your scrumptious delicacies for the bake table!

The Raffle Queens: Dee Blanton, Angela Carville & Linda Barron for gathering, organizing and overseeing our huge “really cool stuff” raffle!

And to every other person who donated the turkeys and all the groceries to make the wonderful luncheon and to all the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make it all happen that day! The order takers, the greeters, the cashiers, the order fillers and of course the clean up crew!

Total Funds generated to support our church and its outreach into the community were:

Kitchen – $2118

Bake Table – $778

Quilt Raffle – $143

“Really Cool Stuff” Raffle – $1482

Total – $4521

THANKS!     THANKS!     THANKS!     THANKS!     THANKS!     THANKS!     THANKS!     THANKS!

Poinsettias

The holidays are fast approaching and Nancy Arsenault will be ordering poinsettias to decorate our church sanctuary for Christmas Eve.  Order forms are available on the table in the rear of the sanctuary with a deadline of Sunday, December 14th. Please note that Green Thumb, our local West Brookfield florist, is offering us more choices this year than we have had in the past.  In addition to the traditional red and white poinsettias, there is now also a choice of pink as well as variegated!  The price this year will be $15 ea. Thank you for helping to make our sanctuary festive for Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve refreshments:

We will be inviting people to stay for refreshments after the Christmas Eve candlelight service.  We are looking for finger foods, preferably not all pastries.  If you would like to contribute something please contact Karen Murphy at kmurphy718@charter.net   Or 508-801-7692

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 and offers a bountiful selection of wonderful fresh foods, farm products and handmade items from local artists and farmers.  NOTE: The market will be open on December 17th but will take a hiatus on December 24th and December 31st due to the holidays.

Meetings This Week

Open and Affirming Committee – Friday, December 12th – 1 pm

White Christmas Committee – Post-event brainstorm gathering – Tuesday, December 16th – 2 pm

Have a wonderful weekend.

Bonni Holmes
Church Secretary

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours for the Remainder of December:

Wednesday, 12/10, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Friday, 12/12, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Monday, 12/15, 2:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Friday, 12/19, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, 12/23, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Friday, 12/26 TBA

Wednesday, 12/31, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Please feel free to call me at 913-387-9947 if you need to schedule other times to meet.

Dismas Christmas – Seventh Annual Tree & Wreath Sale

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

I assume you will insert the update on this with the new date:

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!

White Christmas – THIS SUNDAY!

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 enjoy 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 Nancy Arsenault will be ordering poinsettias to decorate our church sanctuary for Christmas Eve.  Order forms are available on the table in the rear of the sanctuary with a deadline of Sunday, December 14th. Please note that Green Thumb, our local West Brookfield florist, is offering us more choices this year than we have had in the past.  In addition to the traditional red and white poinsettias, there is now also a choice of pink as well as variegated!  The price this year will be $15 ea. Thank you for helping to make our sanctuary festive for Christmas Eve!

Clothing Drive Worcester Fellowship – Deadline This Sunday!

The Mission Committee is currently holding a clothing drive for the folks at Worcester Fellowship Church. They are collecting NEW socks, underwear, tee shirts, gloves and hats for women, men and kids in all sizes.

The deadline for contributing is Sunday, December 7th and all donations can be placed in the bucket located in the rear of the sanctuary.

Thank you for your generosity!

The Mission Committee

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 and enjoy a bountiful selection of wonderful fresh foods, farm products and handmade items from local artists and farmers.

Meetings This Week

No meetings are scheduled for this week.