Volume 38 No 4 Creating Beloved Community April 2018
WORSHIP AND PROGRAMS: Regular Events Worship and Sunday School:
Sundays, 9:55AM Adult Bells: Wednesdays, 6:30PM Adult Choir:
Wednesdays, 7:30PM Bible Study: Wednesdays, 10AM Craft Group:
Returns In June Fiber Fellowship: 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 7PM Junior
Ringers and Youth Choir: Sundays, 11:15AM Prayer Group: Fridays,
12PM (off-site) Quilt Guild: 3rd Tuesday, 1PM Wednesday Dinner:
Wednesdays, 6PM Young at Heart: 1st Wednesday, noon (April 4th)
Board Meetings Christian Education: Apr. 3, 7PM Council: Apr. 19,
7PM Deacons: Apr. 5, 7PM Finance & Property: Apr. 3, 7PM Green
Team: Earth Day, Apr. 22 Leadership & Development: Apr. 2, 7PM
Missions: Apr. 9, 7:30PM Music: Apr. 9, 5:30PM Organ Completion
Committee: Apr. 13, 12:30AM Vitality: Apr. 5, 7PM
1350 Pleasant St., Brockton, MA 02301 508-586-3022
www.brocktonucc.org
[email protected]
PASTOR’S PAGE
As I write this we are beginning Holy Week. I have every confidence
it will be wonderful – everyone has prepared, the traditions that
are at once heartbreaking and reassuring are before us… and we will
rise with Jesus. We will rise to the work he laid out, the work of
bringing God’s kingdom to earth where everyone is treated with
dignity and respect, where justice is applied to all, where we
value our differences and help those who cannot defend themselves.
We can heal the world, every single day – Jesus told us we
could.
On Wednesday April 4th, Brockton Interfaith Community will have its
first convention, selecting a topic of concern to work on. I have
heard many concerns from people in our congregation: addiction,
poverty, healthcare, homelessness, racism, violence and gun laws.
Other congregations around our city are also lifting up their
concerns and will bring them to the conversation on April 4th. In a
process of prioritizing, we will select one to work on together. I
hope you will come for dinner and stay for the meeting (6:30-8:30).
Your input is essential.
If you are around the church during the week, stick your head in
and say hello to the BIC staff – Tracey, the administrator, Ryan
and Will (the community organizers) would love to meet you. They
are using the two middle offices off fellowship hall, and are
delighted to have working thermostats. It is great to have their
energy and prayerful work in the building.
We will be missing Erin on Sunday mornings beginning April 15th for
3 months as she covers parental leave at Central Square
Congregational Church in Bridgewater. She will continue with her
pastoral calls and with confirmation… and we look forward to her
return in July.
April 8th will have Erin preaching. April 15th will have Will
Dickerson, Executive Director of BIC preaching. April 22nd is Earth
Day. April 29th is a Cookie Sale by the youth groups. Don’t miss
out!!
Looking for the flowers to burst forth –
Rev. Patricia
p.s. Update on my mom: She is doing well, after 6 days in the
hospital, gaining strength at home. She thanks you for your
prayers. Her address: Rev. Bonnie Byadiah, 321 Pear St #2,
Covington, LA 70433.
T H
E C
O U
R IE
Notes from Murray
Well, it is hard to believe Easter has arrived and gone, already!
It seems like only yesterday we got our year going with Rally
Sunday! Now, if spring would only get here!
We are very much looking forward to the Talent Show this year! We
have many amazing acts you will not want to miss! Tickets will be
going on sale downstairs starting on April 22nd; Adults, $10;
Children under 18, free. If you are still interested in performing,
the cutoff date for signing up is April 8th. If you would like to
attend, but can’t afford the ticket price, please email Murray or
Reverend Patricia.
It has been such a wonderful Lenten season. Thank you to all of the
musicians who participated in the Easter service and prepared the
music amidst all of the storms! As usual, thank you to Lisa
Sparling, Sylvia Berry,
and Jessica Trainor for their wonderful teaching and leading. It
isn’t too late to participate in ensembles for the year! We have
much wonderful music to sing and perform! Talk with Murray and we
will find a place for you!
Sincerely,
Murray
is amazing to watch the pews empty for the
Palm Parade. Thank you to everyone who
helped with making Holy Week Wonderful!
THE ORGAN COMPLETION COMMITTEE CHRIST CHURCH PIPE ORGAN
SERIES
Bach Birthday Bash featured concert organist and brass quintet We
had a sunny bright day with no SNOW for our third Bach Birthday
Bash concert. About 65 people enjoyed a program of music by
Johannes Sebastian Bach presented by organist Christa Rakich and
the Intrepid Brass Quintet. Thanks to all our sponsors,
advertisers, donors and audience for helping us add to the Organ
Fund. We also thank the twelve volunteers who helped make the day
enjoyable and a success: Keith Allen, Sylvia Berry, Deb Bowman,
Eleanor Calvin, Ann Clark, Ronan Cords, Zander Cords, Donna Costa,
Audrey Jones, Leo Larson, Barbara Moody, Dot Quimby, and David
Stuart. A crew from Brockton Cable Access came and recorded the
concert – so if you live in Brockton and missed the concert, check
your cable schedule and you may be able to watch it on TV, or find
it on their website. Everyone enjoyed the birthday cake and
beverages after the concert too.
PHOTOS BY LEO LARSON
Midday Music continues
Richard Hill will continue his Wednesday organ mini-concerts – on
April 18th, with
“Welcome Spring!” This program was postponed from March due to
SNOW!
Harvest Fair Planning
The Harvest Fair planning for 2018 has started! We will meet on
Sunday, April 22nd after worship in the wing. We will discuss the
2017 fair and plan for November 3, 2018!
We will start collecting items for the fair soon. Please watch for
the announcement. HOWEVER, if there are extenuating circumstances
(moving, etc.) please speak to David Wilcox or Gayle Hulbert and we
will try to make arrangements to store the items. Some items to
donate are gently worn, consignment condition women’s and men’s
clothing, household items, small electronics, tools, jewelry,
etc.
The 2017 Harvest Fair was very successful, raising over $13,000 for
the ministries of Christ Church. We appreciate all of your help,
donations and prayers with this venture.
Gayle Hulbert & David Wilcox Co-Chairs
April Birthdays! Wishing all the best on your
birthdays:
Kim Cords, Annika Lutz, Ryan Cinelli, Jenna McNally, Isabel
Cinelli, Jeffrey Illsley, Calei Nocivelli, Christine Satcher,
Lataisha Akeke, Thomas Fisher, Fred Hayes, Amanda Maksy, Adriano
Swisher Rosa, Millie Miele, Anna Thomas, Lexy Mitchell, Jeff
Johnson, Katrina Clinton, Tamra Fisher, Ruth Marvill, Debbie
Bowman, Ben Loftus, Sheppo Fisher.
(listed in order of day of month from 1 to 30)
The Diversity Book Group will
discuss the autobiography of
Frederick Douglass on Saturday
up at the information counter,
especially if you need a copy of the
book. There is a one man show on
the life of Frederick Douglass on
April 12th at the War Memorial in
Brockton – to reserve your space
email
[email protected].
Young at Heart will meet for lunch at noon
on April 4 th (soup and sandwich) and will
have a mini-meeting to talk about issues
of concern for input into the BIC process.
Please come if you are available during
the day!! Dessert enticement: Frozen
Sherbet Cake.
Prayer group meets up every Friday at noon
starting with a lunch together (bring lunch), then
a prayer discussion. Prayer group meets at: ACT CPA (Deb Bowman’s
Conference Room)
50 Oliver Street Suite 210
North Easton, MA 02356 You can contact Deb with questions at:
[email protected]
coming Sunday from the Revised Common
Lectionary.
Coffee Hour Helpers Needed: please sign up at the information
counter if you could be called on to help with coffee hour. We
assign
committees to host each month, but some committees are very small
–
please consider helping out!
contact Rev. Patricia. We will find a “best time” to
gather. New Member classes are usually 3 sessions:
one to talk about faith journeys, one to hear about the
church and hear from leaders, and one to answer
questions and tour the building. Please either email
RP or sign up at the information counter for a spring
series, time TBD.
March 2018 Dear Friends, Words cannot thank you all for the love,
care and support shown to our family during the past few weeks as
we cared for my Dad, Norman Goward and said our final goodbyes. His
loving and caring manner will be missed by all of us. The e-mails,
check-ins, prayers all filled our hearts with the understanding of
the importance of being a part of this faith community. Our hearts
overflow with gratitude. Thank you all. With love and gratitude,
Wayne & Gayle Hulbert, Grace Goward, Meghan & Cory, Lisa
& Ray
We pray for the families of Norman Goward, Tom Meany and Persis
Garniss who have passed recently. May they rest in peace.
Peace Walkers
On Wednesday, March 28th, we were blessed with visitors from the
New England Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist community who have, for 17
years, walked for peace. On this walk they are traveling from
Leverett (near Amherst, Massachusetts) to Washington DC. They walk
about 10 miles a day for 30 days, stopping at churches along their
way to speak, sing, and pray for peace. This year they are
especially highlighting the Nuclear Ban Treaty that has the support
of over 120 countries. The International Campaign for the Abolition
of Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for their
part in making this Treaty possible. You can read more about this
movement at www.NuclearBan.US. Let us continue to pray for their
walking and witness, which will conclude on April 16th. If you
would like to join them for part of their walk, contact
[email protected].
A Ministry Opportunity
On Sunday, April 22nd, I will be attending a training to become a
court observer through CourtWatchMA. The training is from 4- 6:30pm
and the commitment is to attend a minimum of 3 court sessions.
CourtWatch is a collective effort led by ACLU Massachusetts, the
Massachusetts Ball Fund, the National Lawyers Guild- MA, the
Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Families
for Justice as Healing. CourtWatchers are gathering data regarding
the perception and reality of racial disparities, excessive
prosecutions, and hyper-incarceration. To register for the training
or more information, go to www.courtwatchma.org. Rev.
Patricia
March 2018
Just a note to tell you all, “I’ve read the Monthly
Bulletin and do I wish I could come and be there
for all the jolly affairs and Blessed Events - No
car - quite lame - and getting dressed to go out
not an easy trick”. My love to all and hope that
Easter is a Season for growth
and new dreams.
Robbie).
Gloves Glasses
Check out the coat rack or the lost and found box in the
office.
EARTH DAY 2018: END PLASTIC POLLUTION We will celebrate Earth Day
on April 22nd, with a special focus for worship and activities
during coffee hour after worship. Here are some ideas for
you:
Wear something “Earth Day” themed to church that day – a flowery
hat, a special tee shirt, or something green;
Think about the things you are doing already to cut down on use of
plastic in your home or at work – using reusable bags for shopping
or reusable water bottle for drinking water or not using any
plastic drinking straws or eating utensils….
Pay attention to how much plastic you are still using and steps you
could take to reduce that
On April 22nd, stay for coffee using our washable mugs and enjoy a
couple of short videos on plastic pollution and some activity
sheets to help you plan next steps.
Children will have a special activity too. FROM THE GREEN TEAM
(Doug Anderson, Helen Camara, Ruth Coleman, Donna Costa, Alice
Farnsworth, John Hagberg, Sandra Hill, Matt Howard, and Chris
Madden)
A Note From The Deacons
The Deacons would appreciate donations
for Tea Light candles for the candle
screen and full boxes of tissues for the
sanctuary.
On Ash Wednesday we had a tableful of guests from the Randolph UCC
church at our pancake supper. They were quite taken with our dinner
operation since they were starting a monthly community meal. Keith
Allen (pictured above) went to help them prepare and serve their
first community supper. Thanks Keith!!
COMMON THREADS QUILT GUILD
Women of the guild took on a new project late last fall: to make
placemats for Meals on Wheels recipients in Brockton. I spoke to
Chris McLaren, Community Programs Director for Old Colony Elder
Services (OCES). She was thrilled with the idea and said the
placemats would be well received both by the drivers who would pass
them out and the recipients. On Friday, March 23, 2018, the guild
presented the first installment of 60 placemats to Chris. Our goal
is 600 placemats as that is how many meals are served in Brockton
on a daily basis. All placemats have a label sewn on the back
identifying Common Threads Quilt Guild as the maker. Donations of
fabric (cotton or cotton blends) and polyester batting are welcome.
Those present were Chris McLaren, Nelda Hayes, Sandy Hill and Janet
Eckstrom. Next guild meeting is Tuesday April 17th at 1pm. On May
15th Program Director Chris McLaren will attend the Quilt Guild for
a conversation about OCES and meals.
A Note From Missions Good day ladies and gentlemen of the church.
The Missions committee would like to thank you for the wonderful
comments that were given to us for Missions Sunday. It was truly a
blessing to participate in this particular Sunday Service. We hope
people of the Church will truly continue to participate in the
Ministry of The Haven. Thank you for all the donations made to The
Haven! NOW on to next month. For April we will be collecting
hygiene kits for CWS. They have been having a problem getting
hygiene kits and need then very badly. So….we will be concentrating
on hygiene kits only this session. Depot Day will be May 1st - one
day only. We will have instructions in the weekly bulletin, and on
the information counter. We will also have it announced each week
before church. Our goal is 150 kits just from our church. May 18th
will be Mother’s Day and we will be selling Mother’s Day cards as
we have in previous years with all proceeds to go to CWS blanket
project. Thank you for giving so generously to the Mission Fund. We
will have a book available this spring to show you who we have sent
contributions. With God’s blessings and prayers for everyone, The
Missions Committee
Hygiene Kits
Here’s what you’ll need:
One hand towel measuring approximately 15″ x 28″ to 16″ x 32″ (no
fingertip, bath, dish towel or micro- fiber)
One washcloth
One fingernail or toenail clipper removed from the package
One bath-size bar of soap in the wrapper
One toothbrush in the package
Ten standard size Band-Aids All items need to fit inside a
one-gallon plastic zipper closure bag. Remove the excess air from
the bag and seal before boxing. Do NOT add any extra items or
toothpaste.
Max Flanagan, Nathan Herget, Eva Lomba, Sadie Lomba and Levi
Swisher-Rosa
PILGRIM DISTRICT WOMEN
From 9:30am through lunch
Speakers: Rev. Katrina Clinton and Jo Ellen Fisher
Topic: The Mission of Magnificat Liturgical Artwork
Sign up through the church office
$5.00 registration
Please bring a pair of New Ladies White Socks
We had a date that didn’t work for Spring Fling… so it is
transformed to:
AN ITALIAN SCHOLARSHIP DINNER
An Evening of Fine Italian Dining at Christ Congregational Church
under the direction of Chef Bill
with a lot of help from his friends! May 12th from 6-10pm for an
elegant multi-course meal
Menu: Hors d’oeuvres
Pasta with Marinara Sauce (vegetarian) Italian Desserts
Punch, Coffee and Tea There will be wonderful entertainment and
raffles between the courses. Tickets will be $20.00 each and
additional contributions to the scholarship fund are always welcome
and appreciated. Tickets on sale today and every Sunday, as well as
through the church office.
World Voices will begin an 8 week program on
Wednesdays from April 28th - June 13th continuing
as a program for middle school and high school
girls. Homework help and art projects are available
from 3pm. Rehearsal 4:30 - 6pm. Dinner and table
topics 6 - 7pm. For registration,
contact Lisa Hulbert.
Easter 2018
The Easter Flowers and Memorial Donations are given to the Glory of
God and in Honor of and in Loving Memory of:
A Mr. & Mrs. Merton L. Alden Merton “Sonny” Alden, Jr. Terrence
“Terry” L. Alden Christopher Allen Harry & Jennie Allen Nicole
Allen Jeannine L. Anderson B George & Constance Bamford Horace
W. Bamford L. Elsie Bamford Sandra Ellen Bamford Alice L. Belcher
Albert R. Blanchard Dorothy Blanchard John T. Blanchard, Sr. Dick
Bouthillette Richard & Leona Brooks C George & Amy Cahill
Martha E. Campbell Rev. Warren C. Campbell Blanche Cavanaugh George
Cavanaugh Joseph A. Clark Russell Clark Cliff Cockshaw D Mr. &
Mrs. Howard W. Dalton Mr. & Mrs. Walter Dalton Mr. & Mrs.
Albert D. Daniels Robert L. Day Betty Jean “Honey” Doyle Richard
“Dickie” Doyle Phyllis M. Duhaine Peggy Dunford Shirley Dunford Mr.
& Mrs. Daniel E. Dunklee, Sr.
E Kerry Eckstrom Wayne Eckstrom Kerri-Anne Exell F Russell Ferguson
Allen Fisher G Robert & Ellen Gair Bob & Mary Gibson
Howard, Carolyn & Barbara Gill Beverly & Irvin Gillett
Archer I. Gillpatrick Helen L. Gillpatrick Lura A. Gillpatrick
Phyllis M. Gillpatrick Noah Goodale Barry Goodwin Mr. & Mrs.
Maynard Gordon Robert J. Gordon Guy Gove Gary Goward Mr. & Mrs.
J. Clinton Goward, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Norman Goward H Mr. &
Mrs. Richard Haase Raymond & Dorothy Hall Francis & Alice
Hathaway John Hathaway Thomas Hayes III Janet Higgins Mr. &
Mrs. Edwin J. Holmquist Robert Holmquist Edwin Claude Horner Mrs.
Betty Hulbert Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Hulbert I Mr. & Mrs. Arthur
E. Illsley, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Arthur E. Illsley, Jr. J Mr. &
Mrs. Charles Jewell Barbara Johnson K Elijah Kaptimer Bazu Kedebe L
Gail Laughlin Emily Lawson Frank Lawson Mr. & Mrs. Earle G.
Lovell Mr. & Mrs. Earle W. Lovell Ronald & Charles Lovell M
Corinne M. MacIntyre J. Gordon MacIntyre Walter & Flora
Marlenga Mrs. Agnes "Nancy" McGunnigal Mr. Patrick McGunnigal
O Mr. & Mrs. William Obin P Kimberely Paananen Leo Paananen
Edward Parlow Ethel Parlow George S. & Gladys M. Perkins Olney
H. & Ethel S. Perkins Alice Pickett Ed Pickett Ray Placentino
Mr. & Mrs. Seymour Priestley Joseph A. Prioli Q Harry M. &
Esther Quimby, Sr. Harry M. Quimby, Jr. R Ron Radau Rich Rajunas S
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur B. Sawyer Arthur C. Sawyer Lorraine E. Sawyer
Linda Siegrist Mr. Herbert S. Simmons Mr. & Mrs. Herbert J.
Sinclair Robert E. Soncrant Winslow & Doris Staples Scott &
Jayne Stevens Julliette Stott W Barbara Walker Y Elizabeth
Yarborough Billy Young Charlie Young
CONTACT US
CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC 1350 Pleasant St., Brockton, MA
02301-2840
Tel: 508-586-3022
Fax: 508-583-7156
Web: brocktonucc.org
Email:
[email protected]
Sunday Worship Time:9:55 a.m.
Christ Congregational Church, UCC