A Note from our Pastor...

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1 Wilbraham United Church 1 September 2018 No. 801 A Note from our Pastor... Dear Church, On September 9 th, we will begin our program year with Homecoming Sunday, when we will celebrate our youth and our teachers, welcome back many who have been away over the summer months, and renew our purpose and our mission as a part of the Body of Christ. I hope that you all are as excited as I am about the possibilities and opportunities that await us as we walk together into the future God has prepared for us. We are richly blessed with many gifts, and it is my prayer that we will work together to find ways to use them for the glory of God and to serve our members, friends, and all God s children, spreading joy and love in the name of Jesus Christ. Because I am still getting to know each of you, and your gifts, as well as the town of Wilbraham, the Springfield area, and the Pioneer Valley, I am asking for your help. You have already done so much work, and created a sure 500 Main St. Published Monthly * Yearly mail Wilbraham, MA subscription $12 Main office: Admin@WilbrahamUnitedChurch.org foundation from which to work and serve as the people of God and disciples of Christ. But, as we begin to build on that foundation, I hope that some of you will reach out to me if and when you see an opportunity, either to put your unique gifts into play or when you see a need in the community in which we might be able to serve. As I have heard it said in our building: Many hands make light work! This fall, in our worship, in our fellowship, and in our service, we will have the opportunity to learn more about the opioid addiction crisis that has taken root in our communities. In our learning about the tragedies that have sprung from it, we should take time to discern how we can also make possibilities grow, what we can offer to the many people who are in pain physical, psychological, spiritual pain because of opioids and addiction. There are the intense personal costs, as well as social and cultural tolls, that affect not only those who are or have been addicted, but their families and the community at large. I hope that we will find a place for ourselves in the midst of those pains, a place of peace and comfort, strength and encouragement, invitation and reconciliation. In our lives as Christians, we are called to be witnesses to Jesus Christ, and share his Gospel message of hope. We are called to spread that hope far and wide, to all who will hear us. And, as we have been so wonderfully and richly blessed, we are called to become blessings to one another, and to the whole world. As we take these first steps together, let us do so united in our hope, both in Jesus and for the world, and walk with our ears, eyes and arms open to the possibilities that await us! Blessings, Pastor Chip 1

2 2 Hi Everyone; It won't be long before our program year begins at WUC. In these last few weeks I have found some wonderful new music for us to learn. I think you'll like all of it and some of it you will love! I'm providing a rehearsal schedule. Not much has changed except the addition of "Balcony Bells" which is an entry level group meeting on Tuesday nights. Other than that I wanted to let you all know WHEN rehearsals begin. I've always thought that the crickets of late Summer are a most bittersweet sound. They signal the waning days of Summer and the precious few remaining weeks of vacation. Their survival depends on this mating call and it's a beautiful enveloping chorus. I think our created chorus of sound, be it bells, instruments, or our voices; is similar. It may not be a mating call (some possible exceptions may exist in the back row of the choir) but it is essential for our survival. This world needs our music, we need our music. Maybe the reason is elegantly simple. Maybe it's just because it is good to give God thanks and praise. Maybe that's enough. Because in the end we are all left better because of it. Grace and Peace Mark CHOIR REHEARSALS RESUME All Are Welcome! Be part of our exciting and joyous Music Ministry as we make music for the glory of God. Handbell Choir Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 7:45 starts September 6 Adult Choir Thursday evenings from 7:45 to 9:00 starts September 6 Junior Choir Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 starts September 15 Praise Band Wednesday evenings 7:00pm-ish - 8:30 starts September 19...AND introducing a NEW GROUP!!!!! Balcony Bells a new group for the less experienced, entry-level bell ringer. Tuesday evenings at 7:00 starts September It is good to give God thanks and praise. 2

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4 Annual Mum Sale to benefit ACTS Action Centered Tutoring Services Providing free tutoring and mentoring to the children of Springfield! Please make checks payable to ACTS 4 Annual Mum Sale to benefit ACTS Action Centered Tutoring Services Providing free tutoring and mentoring to the children of Springfield! Please make checks payable to ACTS 8 Pot 10 Pot 12 Pot $4 each or $10 each or $15 each or 3/$10 2/$18 2/$25 14 Pot 8 Pot 10 Pot 12 Pot 14 Pot $20 each $4 each or 3/$10 $10 each or 2/$18 $15 each or 2/$25 $20 each Colors: tricolor (only 10 pot), purple, yellow, rust, and burgundy. Please note first and second choices. Name: Name: Colors: tricolor (only 10 pot), purple, yellow, rust, and burgundy. Please note first and second choices Phone/ Phone/ Pot Size How Many First Color Choice Second Color Choice Pot Size Ho w Ma ny First Color Choice Second Color Choice Thank you for your order! Thank you for your order! 4

5 5 P a g e 5 P a g e 5 T h e Br a n c h L i n e N o Announcing our September Birthdays! Kathie Birkhaeuser September 9 Sorn Peou September 11 Penny Harlow September 12 Margaret Bearse September 14 Robert Law September 19 Bill McCollough September 19 Open House! Sunday, September 9, 2018 The Old Meeting House 450 Main Street Wilbraham, MA FAMILY/ALL-CHURCH EVENTS The WUC Open will be held at Fenway Golf on Sunday, September 23 at 3pm. Fear not, the Patriots have the night game this day and the baseball playoffs will not have started. We will have a miniature golf tournament (with prizes that have no value whatsoever) and ice cream for all participants. Everyone is welcome 5

6 6 P a g e 6 T h e Br a n c h L i n e N o P a g e 6 OUTREACH NEWS & UPDATES... NARCAN EDUCATION PROGRAM On Sunday, September 16 at Coffee Hour, Outreach is sponsoring an educational program given by Carolyn Meuse RN,BSN, ER Complex Coordinator at Mercy Medical Center. Carolyn will be providing information, handing out pamphlets, demonstrating the use of NARCAN and answering questions. There will also be information regarding the Pathway to Care program at Mercy Medical Center which addresses the Opioid Crisis. Coffee Hour and this Program are Open to the Public!! Survival Center Thank you for all the donations! This summer 16 pounds of food were delivered! For Sept., beef stew was requested or anything on sale. The Piecemakers...will meet on September 10 and 24. 6

7 Thank you!! News and Notes from the Thrift Shop 7 As September gets closer, our thoughts turn to getting ready for Fall. Here at the Thrift Shop, we are always accepting donations to help support our mission. So, as you look at your garage, attic, basement, etc, please keep us in mind! We accept all types of household items every Monday- Saturday generally between 9am- 5pm. There is a table set up at the bottom of the stairs from the pre-school entrance for your convenience. Due to space constraints, we cannot accept large furniture or clothing. We are always posting updates and pictures on Facebook! Be sure to like the Wilbraham United Church Facebook Page to see the Thrift Shop s latest pictures and updates! Looking forward to seeing you on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30AM 12:30PM! ~Donna and Nancy Back to School Scrip Thank you to all who support our shopping card program for your grocery, gas, pharmacy, dining out and home improvement needs. Please remember your scrip! Here are just a few to keep in mind when getting school supplies and clothing Amazon American Eagle Barnes&Noble Dick's Sporting Goods BedBath&Beyond Gap Kohls Lands End Walmart Old Navy Staples Target The above cards are available in stock and may be purchased at church on Sundays or call Connie 24/7. See order form or visit for a comprehensive list of retailers available by order with a one week turnaround. In a hurry? Print your own ecard, the fastest and easiest way to receive scrip! Plus, send egifts to your college bound friends and family! Contact Connie for details at cdstiefel@gmail.com or Thank you! Your shopping card ministry team Bob Law, Connie Stiefel, Lisa Fallon, Wendy O rourke and Candy Dearborn 7

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9 9 Church School Schedule September 9 September 16 September 23 September 30 October 7* October 14 October 21 October 28 November 4* November 11 November 18 November 25 (no class) December 2* December 9 December 16 December 23 (Pageant) December 30 (no class) January 6* January 13 January 20 January 27 February 3* February 10 February 17 (no class) February 24 March 3* March 10 March 17 March 24 March 31 April 7* April 14 April 21 (EASTER no class) April 28 (Matt) May 5* May 12 May 19 May 26 June 2 June 9 (Pentecost and Celebration Sunday) *Communion Sunday: Go directly to Church School classes. Students and teachers will join the Church Service at Communion Time. Also, Middle School students will attend church for the whole service during this time. 9

10 10 Daily Lectionary Scripture References September 2018 (Year B) Sat., Sept. 1 Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 Hosea 3:1-5 John 18:28-32 Sun., Sept. 2 Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 James 1:17-27 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, Mon., Sept. 3 Psalm 144:9-15 Song of Solomon 3: Timothy 4:6-16 Tues., Sept. 4 Psalm 144:9-15 Song of Solomon 5:2-6:3 1 Peter 2:19-25 Wed., Sept. 5 Psalm 144:9-15 Song of Solomon 8:5-7 Mark 7:9-23 Thurs., Sept. 6 Psalm 125 Proverbs 1:1-19 Romans 2:1-11 Fri., Sept. 7 Psalm 125 Proverbs 4:10-27 Romans 2:12-16 Sat., Sept. 8 Psalm 125 Proverbs 8:1-31 Matthew 15:21-31 Sun., Sept. 9 Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, Psalm 125 James 2:1-10 [11-13] Mark 7:24-37 Mon., Sept. 10 Psalm 73:1-20 Proverbs 8:32-9:6 Hebrews 11:29-12:2 Tues., Sept. 11 Psalm 73:1-20 Proverbs 11:1-31 Hebrews 12:3-13 Wed., Sept. 12 Psalm 73:1-20 Proverbs 14:1-9 Matthew 17:14-21 Thurs., Sept. 13 Psalm 19 Proverbs 15:1-17 Hebrews 11:17-22 Fri., Sept. 14 Psalm 19 Proverbs 19:24-29 James 2:17-26 Sat., Sept. 15 Psalm 19 Proverbs 21:1-17 Matthew 21:23-32 Sun., Sept. 16 Proverbs 1:20-33 Psalm 19 or Wisdom 7:26-8:1 James 3:1-12 Mark 8:27-38 Mon., Sept. 17 Psalm 73:21-28 Proverbs 22:1-21 Romans 3:9-20 Tues., Sept. 18 Psalm 73:21-28 Proverbs 25:1-28 Colossians 3:1-11 Wed., Sept. 19 Psalm 73:21-28 Proverbs 29:1-27 John 7:25-36 Thurs., Sept. 20 Psalm 1 Proverbs 30: Corinthians 2:1-5 Fri., Sept. 21 Psalm 1 Proverbs 30:18-33 Romans 11:25-32 Sat., Sept. 22 Psalm 1 Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 Matthew 23:29-39 Sun., Sept. 23 Proverbs 31:10-31 Psalm 1 James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a Mark 9:30-37 Mon., Sept. 24 Psalm 128 Proverbs 27:1-27 James 4:8-17 Tues., Sept. 25 Psalm 128 Ecclesiastes 4:9-16 James 5:1-6 Wed., Sept. 26 Psalm 128 Ecclesiastes 5:1-20 John 8:21-38 Thurs., Sept. 27 Psalm 124 Esther 1:1-21 Acts 4:13-31 Fri., Sept. 28 Psalm 124 Esther 2:1-23 Acts 12:20-25 Sat., Sept. 29 Psalm 124 Esther 3:1-15 Matthew 5:13-20 Sun., Sept. 30 Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 Psalm 124 James 5:13-20 Mark 9:38-50 UNITED Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. commontexts.ord. Used by permission. This resource may be reproduced by congregations for their own worship and educational activities. Provided by the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ - made possible by Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support and Fellowship Dues. 10

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12 12 The Church Office is open weekly Tuesday Friday from 9:30am to 1:30pm. Main Phone: FAX: website: Rev. Wallace A. Hurd IV PASTOR Church Ext. 103 Suzanne Taylor, ADMIN ASSISTANT Church Ext. 100 Mark Jacobson, MUSIC DIRECTOR Church Ext. 106 Eric True, CUSTODIAN STAFF & Phone Extensions: Paul Nesbit, DIR. OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Church Ext. 105 Betsy Johnsen, BOOKKEEPER Through office Ext. 100 WILBRAHAM UNITED CHURCH NURSERY SCHOOL Church Ext. 108 Missed church? Watch the service on Wilbraham Public Access, Channel 191, 8 PM on Mondays and 8 AM on Tuesdays. Services are also available on-line. Go to On the left click Public Access Schedules - Channel 191. Find the service you d like to watch by selecting a date on the calendar and a time, 8pm Mondays or 8am on Tuesdays. Click Watch Now 12