Staying Connected to Your Church Community

STAYING CONNECTED TO YOUR CHURCH COMMUNITY

Thursday, November 4, 2021

Join us for worship on November 7 as we wish Pash Godspeed.

How are you doing…..fine thank you….and you? …..

A signature welcome whenever Dr Pashington Obeng would greet a group of children, the congregation, or waitstaff at Singh’s Cafe.

All of us, children and adults alike, would smile and chuckle and wait for him to continue, but he would give us just enough time and the opportunity to stop and think about….How were we doing? How is the friend next to me in the pew doing? How is my neighbor doing….How am I doing? Most often he would know how we were doing because he had either stopped by to see us with an impromptu visit or called to check in. He has always had a way with timing a visit or call.

How lucky for me to have joined the Hills Church in 1989, about six months after Pash became an Associate Minister here at the Hills. I was a young mother, taking on the responsibility of religious education for our two, soon to be three, children. This was a conscious decision my Jewish husband and I made when we had children. At the time, I was helping in the church school and Pash was responsible for Youth Programs.

I don’t remember exactly what it was that brought us together…. But I suspect it may have been Pash’s unique ability to help us all understand that no religion – Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism - was better than another. All of us shared a universal belief, but we just viewed it through a different lens. Perhaps it had something to do with his good humor and very laid-back personality as a stark contrast to my own somewhat direct, controlling nature. It has taken me 32 years to realize that my assistance in helping to direct or organize Pash has been a fruitless exercise and ultimately unnecessary. He has always moved to the beat of a different drummer…. and done it incredibly well – which is what I love about him.

Through sermons, bible study, and individual conversations, Pash helped us look for the other point of view, question our assumptions, and challenge each other. So often I would be excited that I knew where a sermon was going…..only to realize the ending was something so much more than I could ever have anticipated. I would find myself thinking about the sermon days later….talking with friends about their thoughts and interpretations. He would preach to all of us…..as if he was preaching to each of us individually. And never any notes!!!!

And so it was with his outreach to India and helping the Siddis, a class of people that are not even recognized in India. Pash spent year after year working with this incredible community, helping in ways that only a few who have traveled with him are able to fully understand, whether it was negotiating the dowry of a young woman and releasing her from bondage or finding medical care for a young boy with a sight problem. Years later this young boy would go to law school and become a practicing attorney helping the very same community where he was raised. So many amazing stories of reaching goals they never before thought were possible.

So now as Pash asks for release from the Hills Congregational Church, we want to let him know how thankful and grateful we are for his gifts of care, love and brilliance (in so many subjects). But most of all…..we thank him for always teaching us to ask our neighbor, our friend, our partner, spouse or family…..

How are you doing?......

Thanks Pal…….

Becky Epstein

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.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SEE A VIDEO OF THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AT THE HILLS CHURCH

https://youtu.be/wFEqwxbA2uw

Email Susan, our Administrator

Church Mouse Office Schedule

Office hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The church office is closed on Fridays.
Thursday, November 11 the church office will be closed in recognition of Veterans Day.
Susan will be working remotely on November 15, with one of her office angels filling in at the church office.

"Events at the Hills" Newsletter Publications

Need to spread the word about an activity or event? Articles are due in to the church office by 5 pm on Monday.

NOVEMBER CLOTHING DRIVE

Christian Service Support Board is holding a clothing drive. Clothing of any size, Accessories, Shoes, Coats, Purses, Handbags, etc. are needed. Please put the donations in a plastic bag and deliver them to the covered porch at the home of: Donna & 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!

Comments & Questions?Please email us HERE!

A GOOD WORD:

Thoughts on Racial Justice

“As people of faith and followers of Jesus, filled with love, we seek a just world for all.”

Racial Justice Working Group Mission Statement

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” ― Jason Reynolds, All American Boys

REFLECTION QUESTIONS ??? ??? QUESTION REFLECTIONS

Do you agree? Would Jesus agree?

Cup of Morning Prayer

Rev. Anne Marie hosts a Cup of Morning Prayer each Monday at 7 am on a private Facebook page! If you would like to join us for the next 6 weeks (ending 11/22), 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."

Tuesday Morning Meditation

Please join us from 9:30 to 10:30 am on Tuesday mornings when we turn our hearts and minds to this ancient spiritual practice. Email Judy or Mary to receive the Zoom link.

Wednesday Prayer

JOIN US HERE at 12 or 6 pm on Wednesdays for 5-15 minutes of reflection and prayer.

Join the Hills Church Runners this Thanksgiving for the Wellesley Turkey Trot!

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!

Hills Church Weekly Calendar

THURSDAY

Staff Meeting (Library)

New Beginnings (AR, K, RR, L, BR)

FRIDAY

AA Meeting (Board Room)

SATURDAY

Habitat Work Day (meet in parking lot)

Adult Baptism (private-Sanctuary)

Youth Group (Big Kitchen)

SUNDAY - DAY LIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS

Outdoor Church School (Wallace Chapel)

Worship Service - Honor Pash (Sanctuary)

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

Cup of Morning Prayer (Virtual)

Food Pantry (onsite)

Suzuki Violin (Assembly Room)

HRS Meeting (Reception Room)

TUESDAY

Morning Meditation (Zoom)

Food Pantry (Pantry & Assembly Room)

Church Council (Zoom)

WEDNESDAY

Noonday Prayers (Facebook)

Evening Prayers (Facebook)

Confirmation Class (Upper Room)

Chancel Choir (Sanctuary)

THURSDAY - VETERANS DAY - OFFICE CLOSED

Ian from Mantra (onsite)

Staff Meeting (Library)

New Beginnings (AR, K, RR, L, BR)

"Events at the Hills" Newsletter Publications

Need to spread the word about an activity or event?

ARTICLES DUE MONDAY BY 5:00 PM

EMAIL // WEBSITE // 781-235-4424