STAYING CONNECTED TO YOUR CHURCH COMMUNITY
Thursday, October 14, 2021
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October Zoom Tea Party
Tuesday the 19th at 1:30 pm
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Come gather with church friends on our October Zoom Tea Party, and learn the history and meaning behind the colors of the clergy stoles.
We’ll have plenty of time to check in with each other, of course, and to enjoy a cup of tea and a virtual cookie.
Looking forward to seeing you!
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THE PUMPKINS HAVE ARRIVED! |
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Please join our efforts to support those in need through the Hills Church Pumpkin Patch fundraising efforts! There are many opportunities for service! Click this link: LEARN MORE & LEND A HAND! This past Sunday, following the unloading of pumpkins, our youth prepared and baked into the early hours of Marathon Monday, in preparation for a "Pumpkin Everything" bake sale. Youth and Family Ministry at The Hills will be holding an additional bake sale THIS Sunday, October 17th, following worship. All proceeds from the bake sale and pumpkin sales, will be donated to Global H.O.P.E.'s efforts to support Afghanistan refugees.
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Church Landscape Interest Group "Walk Around"
The Church Landscape Interest Group will undertake a “walk around” on Wednesday, October 20 at 11 am on the front steps of the WHCC campus to see what’s happening and what’s not happening, tree and plant wise, dependent only on the absence of pouring rain. We will be outdoors (and socially distant) so even if you are not yet comfortable attending indoor worship services or other events, please join in. There are no prerequisite, though it would be helpful if you sent me an email, so I can arrange sufficient (non-church) coffee. You may email by clicking on my name at the end of this message. If you cannot join us, please let me know if you wish to receive direct emails when we assemble a mailing list. Steve Hansen
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Nature as Cathedral: Finding the Sacred in the Natural World
This hybrid small group will gather to experience an outdoor nature walk together on Saturday, October 23. We will discuss selections from the book "Renewal in the Wilderness: A Spiritual Guide to Connecting with God in the Natural World," as well as an essay from Annie Dillard. Facilitated by Suzanne Bossert and Mary Hill Canavan. Sign up using this LINK.
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Dear Friends,
Rev. James D. Ross II, SNEUCC Minister of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, will preach at our church on Sunday, October 24, using the lectionary text: Mark 10:46-52 which is the story of Jesus healing blind Bartimaeus. His sermon title will be “Our Faith Can Make Us Well.”
Rev. James will stay for a conversation in the Reception Room after worship. Please plan to worship with us and to gather for a conversation with Rev. James Ross. Questions or concerns, please contact: Richard Edens; richard@hillschurch.org; 919-357-3913.
Rev. Ross also recommends a video and articles that you may want to watch or read in advance:
“’We the people:’ The three most misunderstood words in U.S. history,” by Mark Charles, TEDxTysons, January 24, 2019
“That was no typo: The median net worth of black Bostonians really is $8,” by Akilah Johnson, Boston Globe, December 11, 2017
“$8: The complicated story behind one of the most repeated statistics aboutBoston,” WBUR, July 8, 2021
“How Dorchester Bay City can be the beginning for a new Boston,” by Imari Paris Jeffries, Dorchester Reporter, December 17, 2020.
"The Color of Wealth in Boston" by Duke University, The New School, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, March 25, 2015.
He also recommended a book for deeper reading:
Rothstein, Richard. The Color of Law: The Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. New York: Liveright. 2018
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It is our hope that you have found yourself reflecting and asking questions as you have pondered the quotes in our A Good Word: Thoughts on Racial Justice section. Please join Mimi D'Angelo and members of our group on Tuesday, October 26, at 7:15 pm for an hour of conversations about the quotes you have been reading, brought to you by the Racial Justice Working Group.
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A GOOD WORD:
Thoughts on Racial Justice
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“As people of faith and followers of Jesus, filled with love, we seek a just world for all.”
Racial Justice Working Group Mission Statement
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“We all need to see that we are in each other’s ‘jurisdiction,’ spheres of acceptance – only, all the time. And yet, there are lines that get drawn, and barriers erected, meant only to exclude. Close both eyes: see with the other one. Then we are no longer saddled by the burden of our persistent judgments, our ceaseless withholding, our constant exclusion. Our sphere has widened, and we find ourselves quite unexpectedly, in a new expansive location, in a place of endless acceptance and infinite love.” Father Gregory Boyle, Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion
REFLECTION QUESTIONS ??? ??? QUESTION REFLECTIONS
What/who do you see when you close both eyes? What barriers or judgments can you let go of when you “see with the other one”?
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CHURCH MOUSE: ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
On Sunday, November 7, we remember those who over the past year passed from this life to the larger life in the nearer presence of God, by reading their names aloud in our worship service. If you’d like the names of your loved ones included, email the church office by 5 pm on Tuesday, November 2.
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At long last we are able to participate in a Habitat for Humanity work day! We will go to Worcester on November 6th to work with the Greater Worcester chapter. The project at 81 Harrison Street will be a two-story new construction structure with full basements and contain three townhouses.
We will meet on Saturday morning at 7:15 am in the church parking lot and carpool over. We will return by 5pm. The group is limited to 10 people and everyone must be 16 years old or older to participate. Please SIGN IN HERE to reserve your spot. Any questions please contact Elaine Vildzius.
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Cup of Monday Morning Prayer
Rev. Anne Marie hosts a Cup of Monday Morning Prayer each Monday at 7 am on a private Facebook page! If you would like to join us every Monday morning for the next 6 weeks, please email Rev. Anne Marie and she will add you to the group! We are focusing on the beautiful written guidance of Joyce Rupp, "The Cup of Our Life: A Guide to Spiritual Growth." It is our hope to gather in person and share in this prayerful experience in November.
Tuesday Morning Meditation
Please join us on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 am when we will turn our hearts and minds to this ancient spiritual practice. Email Judy or Mary to receive the Zoom link.
Wednesday Sermon Seeds
Join the pastors in listening for God’s Word on Wednesday mornings at 10 am in the Board Room. We will read through the lessons for the coming Sunday as designated by the Revised Common Lectionary and discuss them. On Wednesday, October 20, we will discuss: Job 42:1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22); Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 10:46-52. Learn more about Sermon Seeds HERE or on FACEBOOK
Wednesday Prayer
Join us at 12 or 6 pm on Wednesdays for 5-15 minutes of reflection and prayer. JOIN US HERE
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Are you looking to make connections with others in our community? Let's get together for some fun and connect with friends with shared interests! The Faith Formation Support Board is excited to introduce the Faithful Fun Ministry for endless opportunities of fun for all ages, abilities, interests and talents!
Do you like to walk, hike, paint, play cards, fish or stargaze? These are just some of the ideas that could be fun to do together! Send us your ideas and let's create a group that shares your interest! Groups can meet indoors, outdoors, monthly, weekly, quarterly or whatever! We are seeking activity ideas as well as leaders to help get a new group off the ground.
If you have a special interest, hobby or talent that you would like to do or share with others, please email KC Kranker.
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Family Promise’s “ Keep The Promise” Holiday Concert and Auction will be online again this year, with free admission, on December 4 at 7 pm. This was a wonderful event last year with an array of talented vocal artists/musicians, and Family Promise families sharing their inspirational stories. We are looking for people to donate a gift basket to be auctioned off as part of the fundraiser (see below)
DEADLINE TO DONATE A BASKET IS NOVEMBER 19
Take pictures of all the contents of the baskets as well.
International Treats Basket: $50 gift card (or two $25 ones) to a gourmet food shop or specialty food deli. And a selection of internationally themed cookies, candies, snacks, etc.
International Wine Basket: $50 gift certificate to a wine store, plus maybe 2 bottles of wine from different wine countries, wine crackers, wine tools, etc.
Best Bread Baker Basket: Bread making machine, different flours (add in a gluten free one), yeast, jar of honey, recipes, etc.
Event Ticket Basket: Sports tickets, concert tickets, theater or ballet. A pair or more!
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The Christian Service Support Board is holding the annual Clothing Drive during November. Clothing of any size/Accessories/Shoes/Coats/Purses & Handbags. Please put the donations in a plastic bag and deliver them to the covered porch at the home of: Donna and Gary McCabe, 124 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills. For more information visit Secondchances.org or contact Tina Andersson.
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A trunk load of diapers was delivered to A Place to a Turn last week, as they busily served their clients. What a wonderful organization! Thank you to everyone who contributed to making our diaper drive a success! ~ Sally T.
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Lexi and her ownwer sitting on the steps of the Hills Church . . . |
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Holding two is better than one! |
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Sally Tomasetti, lovingly offering up a kiss to her special canine, Dakota. |
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Remi, posing for the camera. |
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Hills Church Weekly Calendar (calendar picture is link)
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October 14
10:00 am
10:30 am
5:30 pm
7:15 pm
October 15
7:30 pm
October 16
3:15 pm
October 17
9:45 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
4:00 pm
6:30 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
October 18
10:00 am
2:00 pm
3:30 pm
October 19
9:30 am
1:30 pm
1:45 pm
3:00 pm
October 20
10:00 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
12:00 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
October 21
10:00 am
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
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THURSDAY
Organ Practice (Sanctuary)
Staff Meeting (Library)
New Beginnings (AR, K, RR, L, BR)
Words to Ponder (Zoom)
FRIDAY
AA Meeting (Board Room)
SATURDAY
Food Pantry Delivery
SUNDAY - New Members Embraced
Outdoor Church School (Wallace Chapel)
Worship Service (Sanctuary)
Middle School Youth Faith & Fun (Upper Room)
Fellowship Time (outdoors)
Handbell Practice (Bell Room)
Boy Scouts (Assembly Room)
High School Youth Cafe (Upper Room)
High School Youth Conversation Circles (Upper Room)
AA Meeting (Board Room)
MONDAY
Memorial Service (Sanctuary)
Food Pantry (onsite)
Suzuki Violin (Assembly Room)
TUESDAY
Morning Meditation (Zoom)
Tea Party (Zoom)
Food Pantry (Pantry & Assembly Room)
Tune Pianos (Sanctuary & Assembly Room)
WEDNESDAY
Bible Study (Boardroom)
Caring for the Caregiver
Walk-around Landscape (church grounds)
Noonday Prayers (Facebook)
Evening Prayers (Facebook)
Confirmation Class (Upper Room)
Nature as Cathedral (Virtual)
NAMI (Zoom)
Chancel Choir (Sanctuary)
THURSDAY
Staff Meeting (Library)
New Beginnings (AR, K, RR, L, BR)
CSSB (Boardroom)
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