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The Congregational Church of Westborough UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
West Main & Church Streets, Westborough, Massachusetts
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
WE WELCOME VISITORS AND NEWCOMERS! We are an “Open and Affirming” Church
Available are nursery care, large print bulletins, and an elevator.
Pastor Paul Sangree, Senior Pastor Rev. Elaine S. Gaetani, Pastor of Spiritual Development
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THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WESTBOROUGH
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Oct 30, 2016 10:00 AM
“Whatever your spiritual disposition-skeptic, seeker, follower - we welcome you and pray that
you might hear something of the Good News today!”
*The congregation is invited to stand.
PRELUDE “Song of Faith” W.A. Mozart
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCMENTS
*CALL TO WORSHIP Linda Hartley
Leader: Call to mind the mighty acts of our faithful God. Remember the wonders God has
revealed in your own life.
People: With a wise heart and a strong arm, God redeems the people. Day by day, God
leads us with a shepherd's care.
Leader: Do not put your trust in things of this world. Do not rely on things that are
perishable.
People: God keeps faith with us today and forever. The oppressed and hungry receive
from God what they need.
Leader: We have received grace upon grace to minister in Jesus' name. We are called to be
faithful and to proclaim the faith to others.
All: We want to rise to the challenge set before us. We seek to keep the faith by
sharing it faithfully.
*OPENING HYMN #284 “Gather Us In” GATHER US IN
*UNISON PRAYER
Parenting God, whose will for us as faithful followers of Jesus Christ is that we live by the Holy
Spirit……..grant to us the Gifts of your love, joy and peace. Teach us patience, kindness and
generosity. Shape us to be gentle and self-controlled. Turn us from passions and desires that
separate us from You and violate love of You, self and neighbor. Keep us ever faithful and
faithfully serving, sharing, and growing. Fit us for labor in Your realm and keep our hand to the
plow. We pray this in the name of Your son, the very One who stands among us this morning and
prays:
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*THE LORD'S PRAYER (Debts)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For
thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
(Everyone may be seated)
CHILDREN’S SCRIPTURE Psalm 23:6 (pew Bible page 436)
(Children are invited to come forward)
CHILDREN’S TIME Amanda Borglund
ANTHEM “Give Me Jesus” arr. Mark Patterson
STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Sarah Regnier
SERMON SCRIPTURES
Hebrew Scripture: (Excerpts from Isaiah) Isaiah 63:7-9 (pew Bible page 605)
Isaiah 65:17-23 (pew Bible page 607)
Isaiah 66:12-13 (pew Bible page 608)
New Testament Luke 16:10 (pew Bible page 851)
SERMON Fruit of Faithfulness Rev. Elaine S. Gaetani
Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. - Luke 16: 10
*HYMN #608 “I Would Be True” PEEK
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Linda Hartley
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
Invitation: The way to Jerusalem was costly for Jesus. The way of Christian faithfulness is
costly today. It requires nothing less than the full commitment of our lives. Our offering is a
symbol of our life in the Spirit, our total commitment to the reign of God.
(In each of our pews today is a black friendship book which we encourage you to fill out and
pass to the person next to you during the offering. If you have been with us before, just put
down your name, but if you are new today, please let us know who you are. If you can,
please leave the sheet on the top of the book at the end of the pew. Thanks!)
Offertory Choir Anthem “Prayer for Peace” Benjamin Harlan
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*DOXOLOGY (unison)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts: Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Faithful and Generous God, we did not know it would cost so much or feel so good to follow
Jesus. We are grateful that we have so much to give and so much yet to learn. We dedicate
our offerings so that we and our neighbors may be equipped for life in Your realm. Amen.
*DEACON’S CALL
*SENDING HYMN #86 “Great is Thy Faithfulness” FAITHFULNESS
*BENEDICTION
Leader: We are a community of:
PEOPLE: OPEN DOORS-AND GROWING FAITH!
*POSTLUDE “Toccata in g” Johann Pachelbel
Pastor Paul is away this weekend at a disciple conference.
Cathie Achorn greeted you this morning and served as liturgist.
Nancy Cook and James McClung are Deacons of the day.
OPEN DOORS – GROWING FAITH!
This is our vision statement. It speaks to our desire to open our doors to all of God’s children,
and to have all of the love and acceptance that is in this place flow out of our doors for the
community and beyond. Our hope is also to grow faith in kids, youth and adults so that we can
walk together in Jesus’ way, led by the Holy Spirit. Join us!
Join us for refreshments and fellowship downstairs after worship!
PRAYERS & CELEBRATIONS FOR OCT 30, 2016
Continued Prayers: George Frongillo, friend of the Newtons; Carol Norton (friend of Sue Menzel); George
Reimann; Jane Kruse; Maciej Moskal; Julie Harris (Marge Butcher’s sister-in-law); Ted Jaworski’s mother
Gina and his sister Liz; Dick Birch; Helena Engberg
Prayer requests: You can place prayer concerns on the church’s email distribution list at
[email protected]. If you would like a prayer request included in today’s service, please let a
Deacon know prior to the start of worship. Prayers will remain listed for 8 weeks. If you would like a
prayer renewed, please call the church office.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
We would love for you to join one of our Small Groups……
Sundays: 9 AM Bible Study in the Chapel
Mondays: 7 PM Men’s Group in the Chapel
Wednesdays: 6 PM ALPHA in the Vestry
Thursdays: 1 PM ALPHA at the Willows
7 PM Book Study – The Cup of Our Life in the Chapel
Fridays: 6:30 PM Busy: Connecting to an Unhurried God at Brenda Lord’s house (every other)
PARKING OPTIONS
Please know that in addition to parking in our lot or on the street, you can park next door in the library
parking spaces on Parkman St., or behind the Forbes building next to the library. We’re glad you’re here!
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP – NOV. 7TH
@ 6:30 PM
Put on your dancing shoes or come have fun listening to great music and eating
refreshments from Davidian Farms. Mary Dragon will teach us a few beginner classes
which will include top of the chart music and some country genres. Social hour 6:30
meeting at 700 and dance and music at approximately 7:30.pm. Bring a friend
Mission for the month: Veterans, Inc. of Worcester. Gift cards, men's and women's personal care items
or see their website for detailed info.
THE GREAT PIE CHALLENGE
WE CAN’T BE SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT YOU!!!
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
-OPPORTUNITY #1- DONATE “INGREDIENTS” apples, flour, butter, sugar…canned pumpkin pie
-OPPORTUNITY #2- “PIE MAKERS!” of ALL AGES (w/rolling pins and aprons)
-OPPORTUNITY #3- “Holiday Pies Sold Here!” Get your holiday apple & pumpkin pies from us!
~This year’s “The Great Pie Sale” proceeds will help to fund our Youth Group Mission Trip to St Vincent
in June. We will be volunteering with Hands Across the Sea.
~Our PIES will be once again donated to The Curtis Family Thanksgiving Dinner Project.
~We will be collecting donations EVERY SUNDAY through Nov. 13th. (grocery card donations are
awesome…you donate the card… I’ll get the ingredients!)
~We will be MAKING PIES on SUNDAYS THE GREAT PIE SALE IS NOV. 20TH
NOVEMBER 6TH and 13TH, 9:45-11:30AM “GET YOUR HOLIDAY PIES FROM US!”
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CHANGE IN PRAYER TIME NEXT WEEK!
Starting next Sunday, Nov. 6th
, we will be encouraging people to speak to a pastor downstairs or to fill out a
card if you want a prayer lifted up on Sunday morning. This is because people cannot always hear or
understand people speaking during the sharing of prayers. Thanks!
UPDATE FROM THE BELL LOFT
Thanks to everyone who helped in making our Rummage Sale very successful. In addition to selling lots of
clothing, we were able to support the Girl Scouts' Textile Recycling Project. We also sent clothing to
Abby's House, the Veterans, a homeless shelter in Worcester, Tammy's (she provides Prom dresses), and
coats to Jordan's Furniture to be cleaned and sent to Boston to be donated to homeless people. So, you see,
for many reasons mentioned and not mentioned this was truly much more than just a rummage sale.
Blessings from Sue Menzel
PASTOR PAUL AT PANERA!
Pastor Paul will be at Panera in downtown Westboro from 4:30-6PM on Wednesdays. If you would like to
talk about something or just say “hi”, please drop by this Wednesday!
SANTA’S WORKSHOP
Please donate new/like-new items that children can buy for Christmas gifts for their families, friends and
pets. Some examples are leftover Halloween candy, toys and household items. We especially need items
for dads, brothers and grandfathers (auto items, tools, etc). Please put your donations in the collection box
in the library. Thank you!
CALLING ALL VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY
THIS INCLUDES NEW PEOPLE IN CHURCH
This is an invitation for all veterans and active military, including newer people in the church to you and
your spouse or significant other to attend the annual Veteran's Recognition Sunday on Sunday
November 13th at 10:00 AM. Please acknowledge as soon as possible and leave a message if you will be
able to attend to Nancy Cook by phone or email or to the church office. [email protected] or 508-
366-0047 as soon as possible about your plans. We would like to meet in the vestry by 9:45 in order to go
into the church as an orderly group for the service. Thank you, Nancy Cook, Deacon
A WORD FROM STEWARDSHIP
As you come each week to worship God, take time to listen to each faith sharer. They are on their journey
of faith. They share how they came to this church, how they came to know God, where they are in their
journey, and the role this church has in their lives. Each of us as members and friends are important to each
other. We build a foundation of faith together - our struggles and our celebrations. We reach outside of the
church to help others in need – just as Jesus did in his ministry. Take this time to think about your faith
journey and how God is working in your life. Then consider what you will give back to God, pledges and
talent, to continue this amazing journey. We need everyone’s support to keep growing and spreading the
love of Jesus Christ! Come next Sunday Nov. 6th, to offer your gifts and break bread together. Pamela
Faustine, Stewardship Chair
WELCOME WIRELESS
We offer wireless internet access within the building. The name of the network is Welcome2CCW". The
password is "CCWnetrulesROK", which implies agreement with the church's network use policy. These
"net rules" are posted in the Vestry and available through the church office. If you have any questions
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about the network, or problems using it, text Tom Morgan at (508)-439-3030 or send email to
HABITAT WORK DAY - NOV 12, 2016
Join us on Saturday, November 12, 2016, as we help two families build their homes and leave poverty
housing behind. Skilled, semi-skilled, no skills, all are welcome (age 17 and up). The build day will run
from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a lunch break at noon. Wear sturdy, closed toe shoes and comfortable clothing
that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty. If you have work gloves or your own (well-marked) tools, you can
bring them, but don’t worry if you don’t, as there will be plenty on site. Our worksite is located at 4
Homestead Ave., Auburn, MA 01501. Parking is available at Bethel Lutheran Church on the right side of
the lot. We are also looking for volunteers to make lunches for the work crew. A sign-up sheet is located
in the vestry on the Missions table. If you have any questions, please contact Doug Wales at 508-870-0086
or Pam Faustine at 978-464-2026.
COFFEE HOUR
Would you like to serve by helping out with the coffee hour after church downstairs? Please look for the
sign-up downstairs on the coffee hour table. Email Suzanne Arpante at [email protected]. Thanks!
JOIN US FOR PLAYGROUP
We meet in the nursery downstairs on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:30am. Questions call
Sandy Horton 508-410-9000.
Oct 30 Sunday
9:00 AM Bible Study/Chapel
10:00 AM Worship & Church School
11:30 AM Kids Chimes & Bells/Bell Loft
5:30 PM GSA/Vestry
Oct 31 Monday - Halloween
7:00 PM Men’s Group/Chapel
7:30 PM AA/Nursery
Nov 1 Tuesday
9:45AM Whitney Place Service
10:30 AM Beaumont Service
11:15 AM Willow’s Communion
7:00 PM Festival Ringers
Nov 2 Wednesday
9:30 AM Playgroup/Nursery
3:30 PM Journey Home Singers
6:00 PM ALPHA/Vestry, Fannie Forbes
7:00 PM Choir rehearsal
7:30 PM JoySpring rehearsal
Nov 3 Thursday
10:00 AM Staff Meeting /Kerygma Room
10:30 AM Kindred Health Care
6:00 PM BSA Court of Honor/Vestry
7:00 PM Book Study/Chapel
Nov 4 Friday 11:00 AM PCC/Fannie Forbes Room
2:15 PM GSA/Kerygma Room
Nov 5 Saturday – Fall Back
Nov 6 Sunday (Pastor Paul
preaching)
Stewardship Sunday/Communion 9:00 AM Bible Study/Chapel
10:00 AM Worship & Church School
11:30 AM Deacons/Kerygma Room
4:30 PM BSA TLC/Kerygma Room
5:30 PM GSA/Vestry
HERE ARE SOME GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO BOOST OUR CHURCH’S GROCERY CARD SALES!!
DISMAS HOUSE
Our church goes on the first Thursday of the month to cook and serve a meal with the people of Dismas
House, a home for ex-prisoners. If you would like to help, be in touch with Karen Hutchinson at
[email protected]. We will go again this Thursday, Nov. 3rd
.
Donations of Stop and Shop cards are greatly appreciated to help with the shopping for the meals!
Thank you.
MISSIONS
The Westborough Interfaith Thanksgiving Program Needs Our Support - As we are all aware, the numbers of
Westborough families who are in need is growing. The Westborough Interfaith Thanksgiving Program is reaching
out to all local faith communities for support this year. Eligible families will each receive two bags of "fixings" as
well as a $25 grocery store gift card to purchase a turkey. Please consider making a donation towards the
purchase of either a Stop and Shop or Roche Bros. gift card. Donations will be collected where grocery cards are
normally sold in the Vestry after church on 10/30, and 11/6.
The Veteran’s, Inc. of Worcester – Support the Women’s Fellowship Mission of the month by bringing a
gift card to the next Fellowship meeting, this Monday, Nov. 7.
GROCERY CARDS
2016 Goal: $10,000 2016 YTD Sales: $6,783.25
Welcome Here! Join us in fulfilling our commitment to our Church's operation budget for 2016. We will
need our faithful supporters as well as many new ones to accomplish this goal. How does it work? We
purchase grocery gift cards in bulk at a discounted rate. We then sell the cards to you at face value. It's
easy. Stop by our table after worship on Sundays for more information or contact one of us and we will
deliver them to you. 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.
Pastor Paul Sangree, Senior Pastor – [email protected]
Rev. Elaine S. Gaetani, Pastor of Spiritual Development - [email protected]
Wendy Reardon, Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries - [email protected]
Clayton Heidbreder, Minister of Music/Organist – [email protected]
Sue Menzel, Director of Bells – [email protected]
Linda Hartley, Pastoral Associate – [email protected]
Office hours: Mon & Fri 9-1, Tues,Wed,Thurs. 9-2,Church office phone 508/366-2000
General Church email – [email protected] Church website www.uccwestboro.org
www.facebook.com/TheCongregationalChurchofWestborough