News

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

Friday, January 16^th – 9:30am – 12:30pm

Wednesday, January 21^st  – No office hours

Friday, January 23^rd  – No office hours

Wednesday, January 28^th  – 12:30pm – 3:00pm

Friday, January 30^th  – 9:30am – 12:30pm

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

Bob Jackman’s Funeral & Visiting hours:

Bob Jackman’s funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, at the church, and will be followed by a light luncheon in the fellowship hall.

Visiting hours have been finalized and will be Friday the 16th at Varnum and Charbonneau Funeral Home, from 4-6 p.m. Please continue to keep Pat and family in prayer this week.

From Karen Murphy:

There will be a light lunch reception at the church after the service on Saturday. If anyone would like to contribute something, please contact me at 508-801-7692 or kmurphy718@charter.net.

Special Open and Affirming Panel Discussion – THIS SUNDAY! January 18th

Please join your Open and Affirming Committee members as they present an informal panel discussion where they will share why they are on the Open and Affirming Committee, why it is important to them and why they believe that our church should proclaim itself an open, affirming and welcoming church. This discussion will begin during coffee time, so plan to grab a bite, a drink, a chair and join them. All are strongly encouraged to attend, to bring questions and your comments.

Sunday January 25^th:

On Sunday, January 25th Rev. Julie Olmsted will join us while Pastor Doug is away. Some of you may remember Julie from last year when she joined us as our guest minister for a few Sundays.  Julie has recently written a book, and will be sharing a few pages with us after worship in the sanctuary for those who would like to hear about it. Please join her in the sanctuary with your coffee as you are able.

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

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!)

Meetings This Week

Sunday, January 18th:

ONA Panel discussion following worship

Have a wonderful weekend.

Bonni Holmes
Church Secretary

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

Friday, January 9^th – 9:30am – 12:30pm

Wednesday, January 14^th – 12:30 – 3:00pm

Friday, January 16^th – 9:30am – 12:30pm

Wednesday, January 21^st  – No office hours

Friday, January 23^rd  – No office hours

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

Special Open and Affirming Panel Discussion – January 18th

Please join your Open and Affirming Committee members as they present an informal panel discussion where they will share why they are on the Open and Affirming Committee, why it is important to them and why they believe that our church should proclaim itself an open, affirming and welcoming church. This discussion will begin during coffee time, so plan to grab a bite, a drink, a chair and join them. All are strongly encouraged to attend.

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

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!)

Meetings This Week

Sunday, January 11th:

Church Council following our morning worship

Open and Affirming – Monday, January 12th

(more…)

Pastor Doug’s Office Hours:

Friday, January 2^nd – call first

Wednesday, January 7^th – 12:30 – 3:00pm

Friday, January 9^th – 9:30am – 12:30pm

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

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

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.  After a holiday break the market will return on Wednesday, January 7th.

Meetings This Week

Sunday, January 4th:

Music Committee

Parish Board

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.