uly/august 2017 the first congregational church...
TRANSCRIPT
The Church Bell
Hurd in the Halls…...…….………...2
September Worship Schedule
Thank you
Coats
Prayer and Praise
Church Office Hours……...………..3
Church Auction……………………..4
Fall Fundraisers…………………….5
Financial News
WB Food Panty Needs
Second Chance Thrift Shop….……6
Christian Outreach
Church School News………….……7
Birthdays
Church Staff /Address…..Back Page
JULY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
10:00 United Worship at Christ Lutheran Church
10:00 United Worship at First Congregational Church
Pastors from both churches will be preaching throughout the summer.
THE CHURCH BELL JULY/AUGUST 2017
The First Congregational Church Newsletter
A Congregation of the United Church of Christ At 26 Central Street in West Boylston
online at www.fccwb.com
The Lord has yet more light and truth to break forth from his holy Word.”
~John Robinson, pastor to the Pilgrims
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and let anyone who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’”
~ John 7:37-38 NRSV
The Church Bell 2
Hurd in the Halls……. Thank you.
I know that I’ve said that many times before, but I want to say it again: Thank you. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, encouragement, and generosity from all of you throughout my time here (which is quickly approaching five years!). I have felt so blessed by all of your love and care, and your willingness to share your gifts. I am humbled and grateful to have each of you in my life. The congregation, and the Church, is blessed to have such faithful and devoted disciples. In the days and weeks leading up to my ordination last month, so many of you reached out to me to tell me how happy you were for me, how proud you were of me, how excited you were to share in this with me. And even though I may not have shown it, I was also happy and joyful and excited. But I didn’t expect to be so emotional that afternoon. I didn’t expect that it would mean so much to me. I didn’t expect that I would be overcome by the way in which you all have helped me live into my call and become (after such a long and winding road) an ordained minister in the UCC. And the next morning, when I saw all the lovely notes that you’d written, opened the cards you’d given to me, re-membered the sight of all of the smiling faces and the sound of all your cheers, I was even more grateful that God had called me to you, and that you had embraced me and allowed me to walk with you.
So, thank you. Thank you for the generous gifts. Thank you for the kind and thoughtful words. Thank you for the love you have shared with me and one another, the grace and mercy you have extended to me and one another, the encouragement and comfort you have given me and one an-other. Thank you for being the Church, the Body of Christ, to me and for me, which has given me the strength and reassurance to hear my call -- and to live it out with you. You all have been an abundant blessing to me, and I hope that we will continue to share our blessings with one another and with the world, so that more people will know the love, grace, and peace that I felt and known from each of you.
From the bottom of my heart, and with all my soul: Thank you. Bless you. Peace, Chip
The Church Bell 3
Prayer and Praise All those with health concerns: Jim Bronwell Howard Rotti Carol Rotti Cayleigh Lynne Gilroy-granddaughter of Carol Ann Hamilton’s friend Robert Comeau-Nancy White’s son Lynne Pierce-Arlette and Bill Peterson’s friend Steven Small Sophia Landeo Linda-Carol Rotti’s cousin Ralph-Lori Rotti’s brother Ron Newman, Dan Newman’s father Bernadette White–one of our faithful Second Chance Thrift Shop stewards Carolyn Small Plummer-Steven Small’s sister Daryn Gillies-Beverly Fisher’s cousin Helen-Lauren Espe’s friend Barbara Mecum-Carol Ann Hamilton’s friend Bowen Flood-Sue Coviello’s nephew Lyle Smith Sally Duffy-family friend of Allison Person David Holmes-Amie Dehner’s step-father Bill Nierintz Wider concerns: Thanksgiving for all who come through our doors. Our service men and women around the world and their families. Those who are unemployed among us and around the country.
The September Bell Deadline is Thursday, August 17.
Send address changes to [email protected]
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY
9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
TELEPHONE: 508-835-4462 FAX: 508-835-4463
OFFICE EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.fccwb.com
Phone messages will be checked daily.
Bookkeeper Cindy Testa (ext. 103)
Administrative Assistant-Lisa Fisher (ext. 100)
In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact Acting
Senior Pastor-Wallace “Chip” Hurd 617-549-0882
Staff Email addresses are:
Chip: [email protected]
George: [email protected]
Financial Office: [email protected]
Christian Ed Office: [email protected]
Community Nursery School: [email protected]
Are you missing a coat?
There are several coats hanging near the
kitchen, could one of them be yours?
Please take a look the next time you are in
Fellowship Hall.
Thank you.
Worship returns to 10:15 on Sunday, September 3
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost The Reverend Wallace A. Hurd IV preaching
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Sunday , September 10 ~ Homecoming Sunday Chancel Choir 8:30
Church School Returns The Reverend Wallace A. Hurd IV preaching
A Festive Homecoming Reception
following worship.
Dear Church Family:
My sincere appreciation for the lovely altar flowers that were recently delivered
to me by Karen Michalak. They helped to lift my spirits at a difficult time
following the unexpected passing of my dear friend Kay. Additionally, thanks to Karen for her cheery visit and to the
many church friends who supported me at a very sad time.
With love and blessings to all,
~~ Nancy Thomson
The Church Bell 4
Friends and Family Church Auction
“A casual night of food, fellowship, and family fun”
Save the Date: Saturday, September 30, 2017
4:00 – 8:00
Are you ready for another Church Auction? Are you interested in how you can help make it success? Here's a
checklist to follow:
1. Save the date - Saturday, September 30th. The fun begins at 4:00.
2. Invite friends or family to join you at the auction. The more, the merrier.
3. Donate your talent. Cook a meal; host a get-together; take someone shopping; handle a chore;
create something crafty or artistic; let the bidding begin!
4. Contribute silent auction items - We welcome unopened/unused merchandise to add to a variety
of gift baskets up for bid. Think holidays; baby gifts; cooking; sports; beach; teens; travel; school
supplies; gardening; country decor; etc.
5. Volunteer - Solicit merchant donations; help prepare the meal we'll serve to attendees; organize,
advertise, and setup the auction; get involved.
Contact Heather or Paul Krasnov for more information. Email [email protected] or
[email protected], or call 508-829-9248.
The Church Bell 5
Fall Fundraisers
We know you don't really want to hear about the Fall in June ~ but we want you to start planning now!
September 23
All Church Bazaar and Bake Sale (start putting your attic and garage treasures aside now!)
September 30
Friends and Family Auction
November 19
Thanksgiving Bake Sale *Including preserves, jams, jellies, salsa, pickles, relish ~ if anyone wants
to learn please call Donelle Wright 774-364-4444*
Canning jars needed!!!
If you have any 4, 8, 12 or 16oz jars please contact Donelle Wright. No quarts please, and "screw top" only-no bail jars.
Any questions please contact Donelle Wright [email protected]
or Dan Newman [email protected].
The Church Bell 6
WB FOOD PANTRY
First Congregational Church
partners with Oakdale United
Methodist, Christ Lutheran and Our
Lady of Good Council churches in West Boylston to
host a Food Pantry. It is open from 1-4 p.m. on the
3rd Tuesday of every month. Donations of food and
money are always welcome.
Current Pantry Needs include:
Toilet paper, paper towels and tissues.
Personal items such as shampoo, soap,
mouthwash and toothpaste.
Please check all items for expiration dates as we have
to discard any items that have expired.
Donations may be left in the blue bins in the ramp
entrance. Thanks so much for your generosity.
This project was funded in part by a grant from the
Greater Worcester Community Foundation.
Please note we are closed (& prepped) for the
months of July & August. We'll miss you all.
The new season begins Wednesday, September 6.
We look forward to your support.
We always need volunteers, merchandise & patrons.
Call Darlene 978-256-3484 or the church office with
questions.
Thanks to all,
Bernie, Beverly, Darlene, Dawn, Donna, Melda, and-
Sharlene
2nd Chance Thrift Shop
First Congregational Church
26 Central Street
2nd Floor
West Boylston, MA
From Our Treasurer—We need your help!
Please remember to keep current with your pledge
through the summer months. Our expenses contin-
ue all year even when you are not in worship in any
given week or month. If you plan to be away over
the summer we appreciate your efforts to honor
your financial commitment to our church to help us
honor our commitments to our staff, ministry and
mission. You can mail your offering or drop it off
at the church office or in the mail slot on Central
Street.
During our united worship time with Christ Luther-
an Church offering envelopes will go to their re-
spective churches and undesignated cash offerings
will be divided equally between the two churches.
Second Chance Thrift Shop News
Say hello to our oldest (99 years old & counting) &
friendliest customer. We photographed her and her
wonderful son in our shop. She comes in & pur-
chases toys for children in her neighborhood. He
usually finds some great clothes. They're a great
example of how to live life to its fullest & look after
each other at the same time.
WE THANK ALL OUR
LOYAL CUSTOMERS
The Church Bell 7
CHRISTIAN OUTREACH
BOARD NEWS
Upcoming Events…
JOHN STREET SOUP
KITCHEN
Our next opportunity to volunteer at the John Street
Soup Kitchen will be: Saturday, July 1
We need:
30 lbs. of mashed potatoes in 5lb increments
Desserts: 4 dozen squares or cookies
Deliver to our church kitchen by 8:30 a.m. on
Saturday morning, July 1
People to help serve
Please contact Dave O’Brien at 508-835-8929 or
[email protected] for more information.
HOPE for HOUSING
PURCHASE GROCERY CARDS
CVS Stop & Shop Big Y Shaw’s Hannaford
Build a Habit...Save a Home
Together, we can end family homelessness!
Food Cards are available for purchase each Sunday
following worship.
Checks are accepted for payment
You purchase food cards- value
from $10 - $100
You receive the full face value of
the card you purchase.
What you don’t spend remains on your card for
later use.
The store donates 5% of what you spend to
prevent family homelessness.
Church School News
A huge shout out to all who par-
ticipated in Children's Sunday
on June 11th. It was one of the
best ones we have had. The messages that
you all shared were heartfelt and impressive.
We appreciate you sharing with your church
family. The participation in the service by so
many of you made the morning special. Thank
you to all the children and teachers who made
the morning special.
Teachers Jody Barnard, Lauren Espe, Lori
Rauktis, Jorge Landeo and Chris Franger,
thank you for all the time effort and talent
you bring to our church school Sunday morn-
ings. Your dedication and commitment to the
children is wonderful. Thank you!
Youth Leaders, Matt and Amy Colangelo and
Helen Holt and Rich Blais, thank you for your
leadership and devotion to the youth of our
church. The tireless hours you give to make
these programs great and make sure our old-
er youth find a purpose and a place to fit in
our church family. Thank you!
Pam Doonan on behalf of the CE Board
We hope everyone has a happy fun and safe
summer. Looking forward to seeing everyone
back in class on Homecoming Sunday Septem-
ber 10th.
Volume 62 No. 7 The Church Bell Back page
PHONE: 508-835-4462 EMAIL: [email protected]
FAX: 508-835-4463 WEBSITE: www.fccwb.com
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 26 CENTRAL STREET, WEST BOYLSTON, MA 01583-1600
The Reverend Wallace A. Hurd IV, Acting Senior Pastor
The Reverend George E. Vogel, Associate Pastor Emeritus
William E. Nierintz, Ch.M., Minister of Music Emeritus
Cindy Testa, Bookkeeper
Kristjon Imperio, Minister of Music
Lisa A. Fisher, Administrative Assistant, Editor
Kendrik Imperio, Custodian
Heidi Pisano, Community Nursery School Director
The Reverend Steven A. Small, Senior Pastor is on medical leave.
03 Shirley Rotti
03 Brenda Smith
04 Jayson Pusateri
04 Anne Webb
06 Pamela Cummings
06 Stephen Howland
08 Nathan Dawidczyk
09 Vincent Latorre
10 Jonathan Dehner
10 Bailey Doonan
11 Brenda Rotti
13 The Reverend George Vogel
15 Shirley Patch
15 George Stark
16 Joshua Krugman
16 Brittany Zendzian
16 Benjamin Krugman
20 Janet Gustafson
21 Francis Beaupre
21 Christopher Shliapa
21 Andrea Borge
21 Mikayla Bishop
22 Albert Rotti
23 Caroline Espe
24 Winifred Hesemeyer
25 Becky Mathews
26 Joyce Rowell
27 Margaret Goodale
27 Ruth Bolivar
27 Donald Gray
29 Cara Bjorklund
29 Chelsea Dellasanta
31 Alexander Bartholomew
03 Jake O'Brien
04 Lisa Zendzian
05 Kathryn Lynch
05 Lori Rauktis
05 Davin Ketchum
06 George Richardson
07 Benjamin Fancy
08 Cynthia Rotando
08 Kristin Franger
08 Emily Stark
09 Peter Rotando
09 Patricia Boyle
10 Sarah Jones
11 Lauren Espe
11 Zachary Newman
11 Molly O'Connor
14 Welles Mahoney
15 Nicholas Person
16 Jodie Nierintz
16 Brady Allain
18 Lehman Bolivar
20 Nicholas Coviello
20 Emily Walker
25 Amy Colangelo
25 Robert Morris
26 Katrina Pusateri
26 Branlin Smith
27 Susan Mathews
27 Todd Raymond
27 Luke Fancy
28 Donna-Drew Price
28 Karen Michalak
29 Julie Krugman
31 Tina Beaupre
July August