THE CRIER MAY 2017 The First Church in Marlborough, UCC 37 High Street Marlborough, Massachusetts

Transcription

1 THE CRIER MAY 2017 The First Church in Marlborough, UCC 37 High Street Marlborough, Massachusetts Dear Members & Friends of First Church, You might not know this but the 500 Anniversary of the Reformation is upon us. On Saturday, June 3 together with St. Stephen's Lutheran Church and the Roman Catholic Immaculate Conception parish we will celebrate it with a church service here at First Church, a Feeding the 500 meal to people in need on our Common, and an evening concert at IC Parish. We in Marlborough are only part of larger celebrations. Therefore this month s Crier has two stories, starting below, about the larger festivities so have a look! I especially recommend the article from "Christianity Today that will appear in our June Crier! Happy 500! Yours in Christ, Four Reformation Churches Celebrate 20 Years of Communion Reprinted from the UCC News ~ March 28, 2017 Written by Anthony Moujaes Setting aside their different viewpoints, and focusing on what they share in common, four Protestant churches in the United States have embraced a shared journey during the last two decades as part of their commitment to reconciling the separated branches of the Church of Jesus Christ. This week those churches the United Church of Christ, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Reformed Church in America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America begin a celebration of that 20-year commitment to the four-way Formula of Agreement communion. A full communion allows two or more churches to recognize each other s sacraments, ministries, and ordination of ministers, allowing them to be called by and to serve congregations of either denomination. "I value greatly the Formula of Agreement we share with the Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Reformed Churches in the U.S. While there have always been disagreements, we encourage and admonish each other with grace, dignity, and mutual respect," said the Rev. John Dorhauer, general minister and president of the UCC. "We benefit from the differences, and celebrate the unity we share at the table of the Risen Christ. Our call to seek unity in the body of Christ creates a spirit of openness that engenders these deep relationships; and the relationships broaden our perspectives." The Rev. Tom De Vries, general secretary of the Reformed Church in America, said the unity shared by the four churches "is a testimony to how followers of Jesus Christ can set aside different points of view and even some disagreements of theology and embrace the common faith, common convictions, and common commitments we have together." "The life of the Reformed Church in America has been enriched because of relationships with these three denominations," De Vries said. "It has helped us understand our Reformed identity more fully, and embrace who God has called us to be, and it has also allowed us to embrace fellow sisters and brothers in Christ with whom we share a journey of mercy, compassion, and justice together." Representatives from each of the four churches gathered for two days in Cleveland March as part of that celebration, but also are spending time exploring what the next 20 years of partnership might look like. They celebrated the signing of the agreement in a shared worship service on Sunday afternoon, and reconvened for all-day discussions the next day. (continued on page 3)

2 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Reflection 1 Church Biz 2 Church Council Policy Reminder 2 Worship, Prayer & Music Events 2 One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism 3 Community Outreach 4 Men s & Women s Fellowship 4 Our Church Family 5 Christian Camp Scholarships 5 Women s Fellowship Scholarship 5 May Calendar 6 June Calendar 7 CHURCH COUNCIL POLICY REMINDER The church directory is published for CHURCH USE only and should not be used for business purposes. If you are using it in this manner, please discontinue doing so and delete members from any mail or social media lists. CHURCH BIZ!! Church Office: Sue will be on from May 5 th until May 15 th. The church office will be closed however, the phone will be checked daily for messages. The May 7 and 14 bulletins will be printed in advance so any new announcements will be put in the May 21 st bulletin. Coffee Office Hours with : Coffee Office Hours with will resume on May 15th at the Starbucks by the Hannaford complex in Marlborough Mondays from 9am- 1pm. June Crier: The deadline for new articles is May 22nd. Sunday Bulletins: If you wish to sponsor a bulletin on any Sunday in memory or celebration of someone, the church office at office@firstchurchnet.com. The cost is $ WORSHIP, PRAYER & MUSIC Worship/Bible Study/Prayer Weekly Sunday Worship ~ 10am Weekly Bible Study ~ 10am Tuesday Mid-Day Prayer ~ Noon Tuesday Healing Service in our Sanctuary Sunday May 21, 2017 from 2:00-4:00pm Organized by Rob Knox "Healing Prayer" has different meanings for different people. On May 21, there will be a worship service (approx..one hour) led by Rev. Debbi Mygatt who will give "the message" about healing prayer. Then, there will be a QUIET, contemplative time in which Debbi and her team will pray with anyone that so desires. Rev. Debbi is a United Methodist pastor who has many years of experience in healing ministry. Pastor Debbi is a soft-spoken, down-to-earth, and compassionate pastor. To learn more about Pastor Debbi's ministry visit Sunday Morning Christian Contemporary Music Frank Marino recently started a new Christian contemporary music ministry and we are the benefactors of his love for this genre of music! On most Sunday mornings when you come into the main entryway of church, you will be greeted not only by the greeters, but also by a selection of contemporary Christian musical pieces intended to put you in the mood for worship. So rather than rushing through and on upstairs, feel free to linger a few minutes and enjoy the artistry. You may find yourself asking What is that song? Who is that artist? (Don t worry, we'll tell you.) So come, listen, be inspired, and maybe find new ways to think and talk about your faith! All of Frank s music selections are listed on the inside cover of the worship bulletin. TELEVISED WORSHIP WMCT-TV Marlborough HUD-TV Hudson Comcast Ch 96, Verizon Ch 33 Comcast Ch 8, Verizon Ch 47 Sun., Wed. & Fri at Noon Thursday 9 pm Saturday at 9 am Friday & Saturday 1 pm, Sunday Noon 2

3 (from page 1) Said De Vries, "It is my hope that we can continue to affirm one another in our living under the gospel, and also encourage one another to love and good works as we put our faith into action." The Formula of Agreement is one of the UCC's four full communions with churches in North America and Europe. The other communions are with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Canada, and a Kirchengemeinshaft with the Union of Evangelical Churches in Germany (UEK). While full communion opens up possibilities for cooperation among the national and regional ministries of participating churches, the relationships between local congregations are what help the agreements become alive. "It has allowed us to express our unity in Christ among the four denominations, said the Rev. SanDawna Ashley, assistant stated clerk and manager for leadership development and church leadership connection for the PCUSA. "Often we find the exchange of ministers is used when we have smaller congregations that are looking for well-trained ministers being able to go to denominational partners and having confidence that well-trained ministers can serve in smaller or remote churches is a blessing." The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, was pastoring a local parish 20 years ago, wondering what the Formula of Agreement meant in practice. What she discovered is that the four churches would, in part, be open to tension. "We name, right at the beginning, that this is going to be a relationship of admiration and admonition, she said. And there are some things named that are deeply important to each tradition. We said, 'We're not going to figure this out, we are going to live with this tension.'" "And [we did that because] maybe we could be an example to our own people and people in our time," Eaton said. The agreement was signed by the four churches in One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism Saturday, June 3rd ~ A Commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, and First Church in Marlborough will share as one collaborative body to worship, feed the hungry and celebrate with music. Worship Together at an Ecumenical Service at First Church at 11am Break Bread Together as we Feed the 500 We Will Welcome ALL to a Free Meal on the Common Rejoice Together with a Music Concert with Combined Choral and Bell Choirs from the Three Churches at Immaculate Conception Church at 7pm The Feeding of the 500 meal on the Common is a vision of s. This alludes to both the 500th anniversary of the Reformation as well as Jesus miracle, as we seek to provide a healthy meal to local people in need. The plan is to ask ALL families from all three churches to make one dish to donate to the meal (we call it One Family ~ One Dish). If each family made and donated one dish, whether it fed 3 people or 20 people, when we all work together we know we will have enough food for everyone who needs it. We are looking for things you d bring to a picnic: things like finger foods, salads (other than green salads), cold chicken, desserts, etc. Think about something you d make for a picnic and donate it!! We will reach out to local stores for hamburgers, hotdogs, condiments, paper products, etc. to round out our food and supply list. PASTOR KAZ IS HOPING THAT EVERY FAMILY OF FIRST CHURCH WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE ONE FAMILY ~ ONE DISH PROJECT. The meal coordinators are Steve Kotsopoulos ( ) and Sue Pellerin ( ) 3

4 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Relay for Life The American Cancer Society Marlborough/ Hudson Relay for Life is coming up May 19th and 20th. If you are interested in joining the First Church team, making a donation, or dedicating a Luminaria bag please see Todd Beauchmin during Coffee Hours. On Sunday May 7 th, the First Church Relay for Life team the 'First Church Trekkers' will be hosting a breakfast fundraiser for the Marlborough/Hudson American Cancer Society Relay for Life. The breakfast will begin at 8:30am in Parish Hall. The suggested donation is $5.00 per person or $15.00 per family. ~~~~~~~~~~ Our Father s Table Call Carol Mac Ewen (508) if you can help make part of the meal, help to serve, or just spend time with the guests who come for dinner. Our May date is Tuesday the 16th. ~~~~~~~~~~ The MetroWest H.O.P.E. Outreach Center provides help to individuals with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and help to family members, friends or loved ones of those suffering from SUDs. Second Wednesday every Month 5:30-8:30 pm First Church Marlborough 37 High Street, Marlborough Fourth Tuesday every Month 5:30-8:30 pm Grace Baptist Church 353 River Road, Hudson metrowesthope@gmail.com Facebook: metrowesthope Fellowship A Backyard Bird Presentation by the Massachusetts Audubon Society from the Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary will be presented when the Women's Fellowship meets on Tuesday, May 9, at 7 p.m., in the Parish Hall. The presenter will have three live birds and a portion of the program will be a discussion about the Audubon Society. This would be an entertaining and educational program for children as well as adults so families are welcomed and encouraged to attend from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Pauline Wills, president, will run the business meeting and Deb Beauregard will offer devotions. The hostesses will be Pauline Wills and Debbie Marino. Also, at the May meeting, Installation of Officers will take place. Members are asked to bring a donation of cleaning supplies for Marlborough s Community Cupboard. Guests are welcome. The annual Women's Fellowship Banquet will be on Tuesday, June 13, at 6 p.m., at Carbone's Restaurant on Rte. 85 in Hopkinton at the Southborough line. The entrée choices are baked haddock, steak tips or chicken parmesan. The cost is $20 per person which includes the entrée, tea/coffee, dessert (ice cream with fudge sauce), and a required 20 percent gratuity. If you order a different beverage at the restaurant, whether it is alcoholic or non-alcoholic, there will be an additional cost to you that night. Debbie Marino will be taking the meal orders and collecting the money at our May 9th meeting. If you plan to be at the banquet and know your entrée choice now you could her ahead of time at debm61854@msn.com. The absolute deadline to make your reservation will be May 31 because Debbie will have to give the restaurant a headcount. Men s Fellowship will hold their May meeting on Thursday the 18th. The May Spaghetti Dinner will be held on Wednesday the 24th. 4

5 OUR CHURCH FAMILY Dear Church family, We are truly grateful for your loving concern and generosity. Your prayers, hugs and cards have meant a lot to us. Thank you so much for the wonderful memorial service. Your support and presence at Cam's birthday party and at his memorial service is of great comfort. We wish to extend a special Thank You to the Diaconate and the Church Staff for all of their efforts. We cherish all of you - Karen, Tom and Brenton Sullivan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Our heartfelt condolences to the family and dear friends of Doris Asbury who passed away on April 1st. Doris brought us all much joy and laughter in her many years here at First Church. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMPS! Simply submit a description of the program, a brief statement as to why you want to attend this program, and provide proof of registration to Liz Mahoney (emahoney88@yahoo.com) or in the Scholarship mailbox by May 20, IMPORTANT!!! The scholarships may not be equally distributed. Preferences will be made to those applicants who have been the most active at First Church during the past year. Looking for a summer camp? Try these links: (see all UCC camps in N.E.); Star Island: starisland.org/programs/ registration; Grotonwood: grotonwood.org/ summer-camps THANK YOU TO OUR TOP LEVEL GALASPONSORS (who we will be acknowledging through our October 2017 in the Crier) ~ John P. Rowe Funeral Home ~ ~ OneShield Software ~ ~ Slattery Funeral Home ~ ~ St. Mary s Credit Union ~ Thank You to the Vin Bin for Donating the Wine, Beer & Prosecco 5 Women s Fellowship Scholarship For Graduate Level Studies in Ministry, Christian Education/Service & Missions Application Guidelines Please read before filling out an application (can be downloaded from the First Church Website) Qualifications: Applicant must be an active member of First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) United Church of Christ and not receiving an Alice Blakeley Scholarship. Applicant must be pursuing graduate level studies toward a full time career in Ministry, Christian Education, the Mission Field, Christian Service or teaching in Christian Higher education. Considerations will be given by the committee to character, promise, sincerity and goals. The application must be received no later than May 15 th. Please send to: Women s Fellowship Scholarship Committee, First Church (Congregational) UCC, 37 High Street, Marlborough, MA Information: A scholarship gift of $1000 will be awarded each year to a qualified student. The application must be completed in full and received by the committee no later than May 15 th. Upon the decision of the committee, the award may be divided between two applicants. The gift may not be awarded to two persons of the same immediate family in any given year. The award is presented directly to the recipient no later than September 1 st.

6 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7 Relay for Life fundraiser breakfast 8:30am with Communion 11:30am Annual Meeting Women s Fellowship 7pm 3 10 MetroWest H.O.P.E. 5:30-8:30pm Trustees 7pm (Music room) 4 GRASP Meeting 6:30-8pm 5 6 Yoga 10-11am :30pm Private Rental (PH) 14 Mother s Day 15 Diaconate 7pm 16 OFT 5pm Private Recital 3-9pm (PH) Men s Fellowship 7pm Private Rental 3-7pm (PH) 21 Healing Prayer Service 2-4pm Spaghetti Dinner 5-6:30pm Council 7pm Memorial Day

7 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 GRASP Meeting 6:30-8pm am Yoga Class Reformation Worship, Feeding 500, & Concert 4 Confirmation Sunday Vespers Service 7pm with Communion Children s and Baccalaureate Sunday Women s Fellowship Banquet 6pm 14 MetroWest H.O.P.E. 5:30-8:30pm Trustees 7pm (Music Room) 15 Men s Fellowship 7pm Music Appreciation Sunday Father s Day 19 Diaconate 7pm 20 OFT 5pm New Member Sunday Spaghetti Dinner 5pm Council 6:30pm off site 7

8 WORSHIP HOURS ON SUNDAY 10:00 am Sunday School K-8 Nursery care provided ALL ARE WELCOME! First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) United Church of Christ 37 High Street Marlborough, MA CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday: 8:30am 2:30pm Wednesday: 8:30am 2:30pm Thursday: 8:30am 2:30pm CHURCH OFFICE PHONE: CHURCH CHURCH WEBSITE: 8