September 29, 2026 - Happenings

World Communion Sunday


This Sunday, October 4th, during worship we'll observe World Communion Sunday, a day to promote Christian unity, encouraging churches worldwide to come together in a spirit of inclusivity and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper as a symbol of unity among believers from diverse traditions.


It is also traditionally the Sunday to receive the annual Neighbors in Need Offering which we will do, in support of UCC ministries of justice and compassion, with one-third of the offering given to the Council for American Indian Ministries and the remaining two-thirds supporting UCC justice ministries.


In 2025, the Neighbors in Need Offering supported 26 grant recipients across the UCC who were engaged in projects of direct service and advocacy. Learn more at www.ucc.org/nin

This Sunday, October 4:

Second All-Church Conversation

on Congregational Purpose


Following worship this Sunday, you are invited to gather for Session Two of our Congregational Conversations which began last Sunday. If you missed last week but would like to join this week, you are welcome to join in! 


There was a substantial group of folks who stayed on after worship, enjoyed a delicious chili lunch and then, with an open heart, turned their attention to the conversation. Our time together was upbeat and enjoyable as we accumulated a long list of experienced strengths and gifts from within this community of faith. This Sunday, we will again use Appreciative Inquiry to guide our next conversation as we now seek to learn from our best lived experiences. 


We'll look at our strengths and consider how they might be distilled, shaped and channeled toward a clear purpose for the days ahead. Once again, if your love for this congregation is encouraging you to join the conversation either in person or via Zoom, you are welcome!


Let Pastor Jill know if you're attending so as to guide this week's setup. Remember, a light lunch will precede our conversation. Assorted sandwiches and salad are on the menu.  

A Peek at the Village Family Food Program in Action


Boxes of glorious produce and shelf- stable foods this past Thursday were ready to be delivered to local families.


Mike Daly, Berkshire Bounty volunteer, is a regular member of our packing team every other Thursday.


Our next packing day will be October 8th.

A Look Back


This week back in 2019, two significant developments occurred that have been valuable assets for this church ever since. The Wilkinson fellas broke ground for the slab foundation of the new Community Bread Oven in the backyard, while a truck by the ramp door arrived to deliver our brand new commercial refrigerator and freezer thanks to a grant received through the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.


We have been blessed to make good use of both these gifts in the community ever since.

Sheffield Fall Festival


The Southern Berkshire Chamber and the Town of Sheffield will be presenting the first annual Sheffield Fall Festival on Saturday, October 17 from 3-9pm on the Town Green.


Our church will be hosting some music out the front doors during the Festival.


Rania Markham and her Families Like Ours will offer Accessibility for All Abilities in our parking lot and a Sensory-Friendly space in the Christian Ed room.  


There will be plenty of opportunities for participation, including a pumpkin-themed Cook-off/Bake-off, a costume parade, and lots of activities that need volunteer helpers! The Chamber is especially interested in getting a large group of Jack-o-Lanterns for the Jack-o-Lantern contest and Tower of Pumpkins (carve your Jack-o-Lantern ahead of time to drop off in the morning for judging and lighting later in the Festival).


If you have questions or would like to get involved, please email Rachel at office.sberkchamber@gmail.com

Steeple Lighting


The Steeple is lit for the month of October by the Larkin family in celebration of Jim and Margie's 60th wedding anniversary.


Future Steeple Lighting Sponsorships are available starting in 2027.


It is a lovely way to honor a friend, an occasion, a memory or loved one.

Thank you for your generosity in giving toward the ministries of this church. Love flows because of you!


Financial donations are welcome during Sunday worship, via the donate button here, or by mail:



First Congregational Church of Sheffield

PO Box 387

Sheffield, MA 01257
Donate

Upcoming Dates


Sunday, October 4 – 11:30am-1:30pm, Congregational Conversation with lunch (2 of 3)

Thursday, October 8 – 4:30pm, Deacons Meeting

Thursday, October 15 – 10:30am, Council Meeting

Saturday, October 17 – 3:00-9:00pm, Sheffield Fall Festival

Tuesday, October 20 – 2:00pm, Called to Care

Sunday, October 25 – 11:30am-1:30pm, Congregational Conversation with lunch (3 of 3)



Ongoing

Sunday evenings – 7:00pm, AA meditation group in Parish Hall

Mondays – 9:00am, Sheffield Food Assistance Program

Wednesdays – 5:00pm, Weekly Zoom Social Hour

Every other Thursday – 10:20am, Bi-weekly double content packing for Village Family Food Distribution

Fridays – 7:00pm, ACA Twelve Step meeting in Parish Hall

125 Main Street

PO Box 387

Sheffield MA 01257

413-229-8173 

 office@firstuccsheffield.org

 grahamj@firstuccsheffield.org


You are invited to worship with us.

10:00 Sunday mornings in person and via Zoom.

visit our website for more info.



We are an Open and Affirming Congregation

of The United Church of Christ

First Congregational Church of Sheffield, United Church of Christ | 125 Main Street PO Box 387 | Sheffield, MA 01257 US

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