STAYING CONNECTED TO YOUR CHURCH COMMUNITY
Thursday, October 21, 2021
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“Our Faith Can Make Us Well.”
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The Rev. James D. Ross II, Minister of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for our Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ (SNEUCC) will preach at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church UCC this Sunday, October 24, 2021, at 10:00 am. His sermon will be from Mark’s story of Jesus healing blind Bartimaeus and entitled “Our Faith Can Make Us Well.”
Following worship, Rev. Ross will stay for a conversation in the Reception Room (windows open) or Assembly Room (dependent upon numbers in attendance). You may want to continue the conversation begun by the sermon, or learn more about the resources available from our UCC Conference. Please plan on joining us after worship. As we are still in a time of Covid, we will ask everyone to remain masked. Sign up for the after worship conversation HERE.
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THE PUMPKIN PATCH AWAITS YOUR VISIT!
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! 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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The kiddos from Church School used their Creation Story inspired creativity to gift the Pumpkin Patch with a very special art installation - CREATION CASTLE - FREE for all Patch visitors to use!
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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 from 10 am to noon. 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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Our Director of Music, John Finney, will be honored by receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Choral Arts New England, at their awards ceremony on Saturday, October 23, at 4:00 pm. The ceremony will take place in our sanctuary and will be live-streamed. The ceremony will include presentations of awards and announcement of grants awarded to over 50 choral ensembles from throughout New England. Due to the restrictions on the number of people permitted in the sanctuary at the time of the planning of this ceremony, only those who have received an invitation are permitted to attend in person. Several members of the Hills Church have been invited to attend, along with representatives from the other ensembles who will be recognized. We congratulate John Finney on receiving this award! John is very sorry that he couldn't invite EVERYONE to attend, but is grateful that the ceremony will be live-streamed at this LINK.
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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, provided by "Racial Justice Working Group." ZOOM LINK HERE.
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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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REFLECTION QUESTIONS ??? ??? QUESTION REFLECTIONS
What situations in your life can you use to help you grow, change, and learn?
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Saturday, October 30 11:00am-12:30pm
Hills Trunk or Treat is gaining a reputation as the place to be on Halloween weekend. And so we are excited to invite everyone once again to celebrate in spooktacular fashion! Our 2nd annual event features decorated cars, games, and storytime with Tilly the Witch in the Pumpkin Patch, a costume parade, top prizes for the best-decorated vehicles, and of course, warm donuts! FREE for ALL AGES! Sign up to attend and/decorate your car HERE!
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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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All Saints Sunday, November 7
On Sunday, November 7th, 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 2nd.
A Pumpkin Patch Ministry Team Cheer
A big thank you to Anne Marie, for your tireless organizing, juggling, encouraging, obstacle-hopping, and positivity! In the midst of the unloading-by-candlelight, you also mustered something extra wonderful - a visual that this church community can truly do anything together. You always knew we could pull this off. Congrats, and thank you :)
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A Pumpkin Patch Ministry Team Cheer
Dear Team . . . I am in awe . . . I am filled with gratitude! ~ Anne Marie Holloway
David Otten said to me after all the pumpkins were unloaded and all the glorious volunteers had headed home (something along the lines of, "Now that was Community Anne Marie! The Community you have longed to see!" So, I fear this may sound like a weird Award Night Speech or something along that line, but I am moved to share this "Hills Church Cheer" with all of you.
To David Otten, who rented our pallet jack, and spent the entire time on the truck. Sunday evening, supporting, strategizing, and encouraging our driver team (who helped a TON with unloading), our Bobcat Driver and his partner (who were absolutely heaven sent KC)!
To David Thornton, who spent the weekend in tandem with me and soccer tournaments and Pumpkins USA, while also making sure our Key Club Volunteers were kept updated (WHS Key Club Volunteers showed up, brought enthusiasm, friends, and worked hard)!
To Rob Andrews, who walked me through the iPad/pay square process and (locating) and testing of equipment - while preparing for surgery! Rob also reminded me of the finer points of needing POWER and internet connection in the sales tent!
To KC and Jason, who did the leg work to find us Ben and his Bobcat! Jason who suggested the QR Code to help us with touchless pay and or potential need for people to have a self pay option.
To Julie Safaii, who says YES to all my crazy ideas and provides constant, thoughtful support and feedback -- all while balancing sick kids and family life!
Jeff Dodge, as his constant and efficient brainstorming and support meant everything on Sunday! Because of Jeff, we had some lighting for the front yard while volunteers unloaded!
Myralee, who moved quickly to lead the charge in dismantling the pallets from the boxes and neatly move them out of the way!
Sally Tomasetti, my partner in holy troublemaking . . . her creativity and behind the scenes organizational skills are like no other!!!!
Jill Edens, who recorded it all! Jill posted on our social media and cheered us all on! Jill thank you for the JOY you brought to this event!
And to our Hills Church Family and additional Volunteers -- seeing you all show up, with enthusiasm and cheer while patiently waiting an hour and a half before the pumpkin truck arrived, to efficiently and enthusiastically unload HUNDREDS of pumpkins in support of this beloved fundraiser was just astonishing!
I'm sure I have forgotten something . . . my heart is full . . . thank you, thank you, thank you.
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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 (no Bible Study on 10/27)
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. Learn more about Sermon Seeds HERE or on FACEBOOK
Wednesday Prayer
JOIN US HERE at 12 or 6 pm on Wednesdays for 5-15 minutes of reflection and prayer.
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Family Promise November Collection
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.
Online Holiday Concert and Auction
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)
BASKET DONATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 19. Email Lucy Sur to donate a basket.
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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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 Faith & 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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Join the Hills Church Runners this Thanksgiving for the Wellesley Turkey Trot!
Race details and registration here -- be sure to sign up for the team “Hills Church Runners” when you register at this LINK. Space is limited so you are encouraged to register soon if you are interested. Questions? Contact Doug Eisenhart. We hope to see you there!
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You’ve unloaded pumpkins, raked leaves, baked cookies, taught church school, built houses, and so much more -- but have you ever run in a Turkey Trot? For over five years now the Hills Church Runners have represented the church in the annual Wellesley Turkey Trot. Join us this year on Thanksgiving morning, November 25. This is a 5K fun run held right in Wellesley. The event, which features around 2,000 runners, starts at 8:00 am. Everyone runs at their own pace. Youth and families are encouraged to join in! Children are welcome (no pets or strollers allowed) and there is a separate Kids Fun Run, less than a mile, for children 10 and under. T-shirt and bib number provided for entry fee ($30, less for children under 18). The course starts and ends at Linden Square in front of Roche Brothers, so there is plenty of free parking. It’s both fun and a great way to start the day! Importantly, the event also raises money for local charities (2021 beneficiaries TBD). Race details and registration here -- be sure to sign up for the team “Hills Church Runners” when you register at this LINK. Space is limited so you are encouraged to register soon if you are interested. Questions? Contact Doug Eisenhart. We hope to see you there!
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Hills Church Weekly Calendar |
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October 21
10:00 am
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
October 22
10:00 am
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
October 23
10:00 am
11:00 am
12:00 pm
4:00 pm
5:00 pm
October 24
9:45 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
11:15 am
11:30 am
4:00 pm
6:30 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
October 25
2:00 pm
3:30 pm
October 26
9:30 am
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
7:15 pm
October 27
10:00 am
12:00 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
8:00 pm
October 28
10:00 am
5:30 pm
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THURSDAY
Staff Meeting (Library)
New Beginnings (AR, K, RR, L, BR)
CSSB (Hemmerle home)
FRIDAY
Erikson Memorial (Sanctuary)
AA Meeting (Board Room)
Connections (Zoom)
SATURDAY
Outdoor Nature Walk
Hoffman Funeral (Sanctuary)
Hoffman Reception (Assembly Room)
Achievement Ceremony for John Finney (Sanctuary)
Achievement Gathering (Assembly Room)
SUNDAY
Outdoor Church School (Wallace Chapel)
Worship Service w/guest preacher (Sanctuary)
Middle School Youth Faith & Fun (Upper Room)
Fellowship Time (outdoors)
Sermon Talk Back (Reception Room)
Goss Baptism (Sanctuary)
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
Food Pantry (onsite)
Suzuki Violin (Assembly Room)
TUESDAY
Morning Meditation (Zoom)
Food Pantry (Pantry & Assembly Room)
ARCH checkin (virtual)
Conversations Matter (Zoom)
WEDNESDAY
Bible Study (Boardroom)
Noonday Prayers (Facebook)
Evening Prayers (Facebook)
Confirmation Class (Upper Room)
Chancel Choir (Sanctuary)
THURSDAY
Staff Meeting (Library)
New Beginnings (AR, K, RR, L, BR)
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"Events at the Hills" Newsletter Publications
Need to spread the word about an activity or event?
ARTICLES DUE MONDAY BY 5:00 PM
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