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The Evangel The Congregational Church of Westborough, United Church of Christ
Westborough Massachusetts
1724-2018
"Open Doors - Growing Faith!"
Volume 38, Issue 4 April 25, 2018
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
All of our Sunday services are at 10 AM, and there
is nursery care and Faith Formation for kids up
through the 8th grade. The kids are in church for the
first 10 minutes or so, and then they go to their
special session. Everyone is invited to join us for
coffee hour after the service downstairs in the vestry
(or fellowship hall)!
SUNDAY, MAY 6TH
COMMUNION- CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
We will celebrate the Sacrament of Communion
today, and also the confirmation of Adam Dapolite.
Rev. Elaine S. Gaetani will be preaching.
SUNDAY, MAY 13TH
MOTHER’S DAY HANDS ACROSS THE SEA BOOK FAIR
We will give thanks for all the special women in our
lives today, and Pastor Paul will be preaching. We
will also have our annual Hands Across the Sea
Book Fair after church today.
SUNDAY, MAY 20TH
PENTECOST – BACCALAUREATE
SUNDAY – NEW MEMBERS
Pentecost is here! We will celebrate the gift of the
Holy Spirit, and our graduating seniors will be
leading us in worship. We will welcome new
members into our church family.
SUNDAY, MAY 27TH
MEMORIAL DAY SUNDAY
LINDA HARTLEY’S LAST SERMON
We will remember Memorial Day today, and Linda
Hartley will be sharing her last sermon.
SUNDAY, JUNE 3RD
COMMUNION SUNDAY
We will celebrate the Sacrament of Communion
today, and Rev. Elaine S. Gaetani will be preaching.
Continued on next page
PASTOR’S COLUMN
As many of you know, Irene and I recently moved her
mother Astreed into an assisted care facility after living with us
for the past 10 years. As we packed up all of her stuff, and
then drove her over, I had a feeling similar to the way I felt
when we drove my daughter to college a few years ago! It is
good to report that Astreed is now enjoying her new home and
the friendships she is developing there and the activities she
can participate in. And she also likes the food-Hallelujah!
Over the next couple of months, we will have a chance to
celebrate and give thanks for the women and men who have
had an impact on our lives on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
While Astreed is not my biological mother, she certainly has
had a major impact on my life, and I am grateful for her. I
hope you too, whatever age you are, will give thanks for those
men and women who have made a difference in your life as
well. For as St. Paul puts it in Ephesians 6:2, “Honor your
father and mother”-which is the first commandment with a
promise-“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy
long life on the earth.”
Faithfully Yours,
Pastor Paul
Regular Office Hours
Monday, Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am – 2pm
Friday 9am – 1pm
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Continued from previous page
SUNDAY, JUNE 10TH
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY
LINDA HARTLEY’S LAST SUNDAY
Our kids will be leading us in worship today, and we
will give thanks for the three year ministry of Linda
Hartley among us as our seminarian and pastoral
associate.
SUNDAY, JUNE 17TH
FATHER’S DAY
We will give thanks for the special men in our lives
today, and also commission those going on our work
camp trip next week! Pastor Paul will be preaching.
SUNDAY, JUNE 24TH
We will be praying for those on our work camp trip
who left early morning. Pastor Paul will be preaching.
PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
TO JOIN US HERE FOR WORSHIP!
PRAYERS & CELEBRATIONS
Bereavement: Rich and Deb Boucher and family upon the death of Rich’s mother, Shirley Boucher on April 16th. Continued Prayers: Sue Menzel; Donald Gray (Betty Gray’s brother had heart surgery); Carroll & Marcia Hoffman; Dick Birch; Linda Polatka (Cathie Achorn’s sister); Marketa’s friend; Lois Gray & family (sister-in-law of Betty Gray); Pari (friend of Cathie Achorn and Angela Caron)
Coleman House: Jean Hall Beaumont: Shirley Foss Kindred Health Care: Bea Ladner
You can place prayer concerns on the church’s email distribution list at [email protected]. To add or renew an ongoing concern, please call the church office 366-2000 or [email protected]
CAN YOU LEND A HELPING HAND?
In an effort to reduce expenses, the Board of Trustees is asking for volunteers to perform lawn mowing activities this year. Clippings can be disposed of in the church’s dumpster. Mowing will be done on an as-needed basis. If you are willing to help, please send your availability dates to Dave Smith at [email protected].
BOARDS & COMMITTEES MEETING – MAY 20
th
We will have our annual Boards and Committees meeting on Sunday, May 20th at 11:30am downstairs. We will elect new officers for the year, and consider our budget for the rest of the year. All members and friends of the church are welcome. If you are responsible for a report, please email it to the church office at [email protected] no later than Friday, May 4th.
Staff & Officers: Clerk, Senior Pastor, Pastor of Spiritual Development, Minister of Music, Director of Children’s Ministries, Director of Bells, Pastoral Associate, Moderator/Church Cabinet, Librarian, Communications Officer. Boards: Trustees, Deacons, Christian Education Standing Committees: Stewardship, Memorial Gifts, Music, Missions & Social Concerns, Flower, Growing and Inviting, Properties, Teaching Parish, Pastor-Parish Relations (for Pastor Paul/for Rev Gaetani) Ad Hoc Committees: Hospitality, Called To Care Fellowship Groups: Women's Fellowship, Parish Life Other: Boy Scouts of America, Assabet Valley Pastoral Counseling Center
MISSIONS
On Sunday May 20th, we will be collecting the Strengthen the Church offering. This offering supports the expansion of ministry
and growth of UCC local congregations. Your support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill on its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities.
DISMAS HOUSE DINNER
Dinner with the residents at Dismas House is on the first Thursday of every month. Our next two dinners will be Thursday, May 3rd and June 7th.
How can you get involved? 1. Help prepare a meal for 15 to 20 people.
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2. Donate a grocery card that can be used to help shop for food.
3. Come along and join us as we share great food and fellowship with the residents!
For more information please contact Karen Hutchinson at 508-870-1782, [email protected] or chat with her during fellowship hour!
HABITAT BUILD DAY- JUNE 16TH
Back on a very cold day in February, a hardy bunch of church members gathered in Northboro to help rehab two buildings into housing for four families in need. We worked hard and accomplished so much, but there is more work to do. Two of the units are nearing completion and two are not so close. So, we will send another team on Saturday, June 16th to continue building. Skilled…no skills, we can use all abilities and the weather should be much nicer. B/T/W - the Habitat staff are still talking about the fabulous lunch prepared by our own wonderful cooks! A sign-up sheet will be on the missions table in May. Look for pictures of our work day on the TV screen in the Vestry. Co-leaders: Pam Faustine and Doug Wales
SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP WORK CAMP 2018
Bright and early on the morning of Sunday June 24th, the Congregational Church of Westborough 2018 Workcamp vans will depart for Camillus, NY, a suburb outside of Syracuse. Approximately 7 Adults and 27 youth will spend one week sleeping on air mattresses in the high school (some might call it “work-glamping” because the school is air-conditioned this year), eating cafeteria food, participating in morning and evening worship services, and most importantly spending days in service to others. Some will paint, others will build; some will clean, others will visit; some will experience a little bit of everything; all will build new relationships with crew members, leaders, and residents, creating
memories that will last forever. We are super excited this year to be bringing along seasoned veterans as well as first time workcampers in both our youth and adults. We will be sure to bring them all back safely on Saturday June 30th. We will make ourselves known to you in the days leading up to our trip and in the days after. We love to sing our workcamp songs and tell our workcamp stories, so don’t be afraid to ask. For as much as we give of ourselves that week we receive far more in return. We can’t thank you enough for all your generous support and prayers as we prepare for the life changing mission trip.
FARMERS’ MARKET
It’s time to put away the snow shovels and get out the reusable market shopping bags! The Dismas House Farmers’ Market will return to the church lawn on Thursday, June 7th, from
2-6 pm for its 8th season. The hours have been shortened this year, but there will be just as much food and fun. Yummy Mummy Brownies, Five Loaves Bakery, Ackermann Maple Syrup, our local Westborough farms: Nourse, Harvey’s and Heirloom Harvest are returning with their fresh and organic produce. There will be many new vendors, live music, including our own Joe Stillitano, and crafts for the kids.
Follow the farm activity on Instagram: dismashouseofma, Facebook: @the.dismas.house or www.eatfresh01581.
You may find out more about Dismas House or sign up for their weekly CSA at www.dismasisfamily.org . We are always looking for volunteers to help with the market. If you are a student in need of community service hours or someone with a mission heart we have an opportunity for you. Please email Suzanne Arpante at [email protected]. See you at the market!
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Faith Formation This Spring
During the month of May, we will be focusing on who Jesus said He was and who the people around Him, said He was. In June we will be wrapping up our theme “Who Am I” by thinking about whom each one of us is…who are we called to be? How can our faith, and relationship with Jesus, guide and support us?
HANDS ACROSS THE SEA SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR – MAY 13TH
Our annual book fair will take place on Mother’s Day, May 13th during coffee hour. We raised over $1,000 at our Great Pie Challenge in the fall. We will be using those funds to select books to purchase and donate to Traumaca and Cane End Government Schools. These are the schools we volunteered at in St. Vincent during last summer’s mission trip. All donations of money and books purchased at the book fair will also be donated to their school libraries and summer reading programs.
BACCAULAUREATE SERVICE MAY 2OTH
This year we are planning a very special Baccalaureate Service on May 20th and we want YOU to be a part of it. If you are graduating this spring (High School,
College, Military, etc.) please let us share in the celebration of your accomplishments! Please email: [email protected]. We will send you a very brief “STAT” Sheet to fill out and return (complete sentences NOT necessary!), and give you some more details about the service! Many of you have already reached out…if YOU haven’t yet, please do as soon as possible!
CHILDREN & YOUTH SUNDAY, JUNE 10TH
We will be celebrating our amazing program year by reflecting upon all we have learned and done! Awards will be given to our “Outstanding Faith Formation Students”, 3rd grade Bibles will
be received and we will share all of our “Who Am I?” experiences with music, pictures and words!
We are looking for volunteer mentors for the summer months. It’s easy and fun! Everything is done for you…no preparation needed! The CE Board is so appreciative of your time, talents and loving spirits. Children preschools through 3rd Grade are invited to come to “Summer Story Time” during worship for the summer months. We will share a story and an activity together!
Youth Group
During the months of May and June, we will be having all of our meetings outside! We will continue our conversations concerning “self”, peer groups, family & school pressures, learning coping skills and creating out “5 GO 2” lists for times of extreme anxiety! Youth Group Annual Beach Retreat
We are planning an overnight retreat at Nonquitt for July…more info to follow!
MISSION TRIP 2020 PLANNING TEAM!
We will be forming a planning team for our “2020 Mission Trip” anyone interested should email: [email protected]. The team will be made up of adults and youth. We will be
brainstorming places to go, work to do, and all of the who’s, how’s, and how-much!
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Blood Drive in Honor of Corinne Sciarappa
Saturday, May 12th Congregational Church of Westborough
57 West Main Street 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Corinne Sciarpappa is continuing her courageous fight against rhabdomyosarcoma. She is currently undergoing intense chemotherapy and radiation treatment and has received over 150 units of red cells and platelets thus far. Cancer patients like Corinne rely on the generosity of blood donors like you, and we are asking for your support at our TENTH blood drive in her honor!
Over the last three years, the Red Cross has collected an incredible 819 blood donations at our blood drives for Corinne. These donations have been able to help up to 2,457patients in need. Thank you to everyone who has supported Corinne’s blood drives by volunteering, spreading the word, and rolling up your sleeves to give blood. As a special thank you, all presenting donors at this May’s blood drive will can enter to win a pair of Red Sox tickets and be honored at Fenway Park as the Blood Donor of the Game!
We highly recommend scheduling an appointment to donate. You can sign up by calling1-800-REDCROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org, sponsor code Corinne. Volunteer help and donation of baked goods are also very much appreciated. To volunteer, [email protected]. Help us spread the word and make this May’s blood drive our best one yet. Thank you so much for your continued support! You can read more about Corinne’s journey and stay up-to-date on her progress at http://posthope.org/corinne-sciarappa. Thank you,
Kaity and Anita Lawler
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
Women’s Fellowship will be having their
annual May Dinner on Monday, May 7th at
6PM. You must sign up. (Please see the flier
at the back of the newsletter for details)
HOSPITALITY
If you need help with meals due to medical
setbacks, injuries or sickness, please contact
Betty Gray 366-1039.
Also, if you would like to join the Hospitality
Committee we could use your help.
Participation involves cooking and delivering
a meal to a family or individual, on occasion.
Contact Betty Gray.
GROCERY CARD SALES
2018 Goal: $8,000 YTD Sales: $ 1961.00
Grocery Shoppers: Be sure to have a grocery card in your pocket for those last minute items at Stop & Shop, Roche Bros, and Price Chopper. Purchase a grocery card on Sunday, stop by the Church office, or add your name to our delivery list. We’ll be ready for you! Or contact Karen Hutchinson at 508.870.1782 or [email protected] or Nancy Quimby at 774.249.4431 or [email protected] or Sally Petersen at [email protected] and 366.5169
WORDS OF APPRECIATION
I would like to thank the members of the Flower Committee for the beautiful Easter lily that was delivered to my home. Your thoughtfulness was appreciated.
Sincerely, Thelma Nordwell
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Judy Oliver would like to thank everyone for their prayers and cards before, during and after her surgery.
______________________________________________________________________________
Dear Friends, Thank you for the lovely Easter lily. When it is no longer blooming, I will plant it outdoors and it will bloom again in July. Also, many thanks to the Women’s Fellowship for the inspirational Easter card. It is so nice to be remembered.
With Best Wishes Eleanor R. Myers
__________________________________________
The family of Parker Uhlman would like to express their thanks for all the thoughts and prayers from our church family.
Sincerely, Nancy Uhlman
CHANCEL FLOWERS If you would like to grace our Chancel with flowers on a Sunday morning, please sign the flower chart in the Vestry. Flowers are given in memory of, in honor of, or for a special occasion. Please call Carolyn Bent at 508-393-2625 with questions.
*HOSPITALITY If you would like to be added to this committee, please contact Betty Gray, 508-366-1039.
*AUDIO VISUAL REQUESTS Please let Tom & Donna Morgan 508-366-0358 know at least one week in advance if you have AV requests of church services or events.
*HOSTING COFFEE HOUR If you would like to host, please sign-up in the Vestry or call Suzanne Arpante at 508-366-7812.
*SUNDAY BULLETIN DEADLINE Submissions for Sunday’s bulletins must be received by 10 AM the preceding Wednesday.
*THE EVANGEL DEADLINE The next issue of the Evangel will be published on Jun 27th. The deadline is Wednesday, June 20th.
PCC of MA
The Pastoral Counseling Centers of MA, with a main office at 7 Church Street, Westborough have a long history of providing counseling to all persons seeking healing, wholeness and renewal. We work with individuals, couples and families offering a holistic approach that focuses on all aspects of a person's life. We also offer several support groups including care-giving, divorce and mid-life groups. To inquire further, please call Mary Taber at #508-366-4000.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Pastor Paul Sangree, Senior Pastor [email protected]
Rev Elaine S. Gaetani, Pastor of Spiritual Development
Wendy Reardon, Director of Children’s and Youth Ministry
Clayton Heidbreder, Minister of Music [email protected]
Sue Menzel, Handbell Director [email protected]
Linda Hartley, Pastoral Associate
Church Office Phone 508/366-2000
General Church email [email protected]
Church web site www.UCCwestboro.org
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Letter to the Congregation from Your Pastoral Associate
Westborough Family,
The past three years with you have been a wonderful experience for me. I had
thought it would only be one and feel so very blessed to have had three years to get
to know you. I have learned so much from you as we have shared our lives together
in worship and in conversation. Each one of you has contributed to my growth as
my gifts for ministry have deepened and expanded during our time together. But, as
they say, all good things must come to an end, and my time here as your Pastoral
Associate will end on Sunday, June 10th.
My time here has helped me to discern my gifts for pastoral ministry and I will be
continuing my journey toward ordination with my Ecclesiastical Council on June 3rd
with the Rhode Island Association/Conference of the UCC, my home conference.
So, we still have a little more of this journey to share prior to my leave-taking.
Know that I will miss you all even as I feel such joy for the time we have shared. In
the coming weeks, I look forward to sharing our memories of the past three years as
we look forward to the future, and prepare to say goodbye.
May God bless our time together,
Linda Hartley
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The Congregational Church of Westborough United Church of Christ NON-PROFIT ORG.
57 West Main St. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Westborough, MA 01581-1928 WESTBOROUGH, MA PERMIT NO. 37
Change Service Requested
