STAYING CONNECTED TO YOUR CHURCH COMMUNITY
Thursday, October 7, 2021
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Update from the Re-Opening Task Force:
Congregational Singing Resumes!
This wave of Covid19 has begun to abate both in Massachusetts, as well as around the country. (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting) We are seeing fewer new cases and the proportion of tests coming back positive continues to decrease. The Re-Opening Task Force therefore feels it is safe for the congregation to resume singing (masked) of the hymns, as well as the Gloria and the Doxology. We will continue with masking and social distancing while we are in the Sanctuary, and all other indoor spaces.
The Re-Opening Task Force will continue to track the situation and re-assess the risk/benefit balance between the needs for community and safety. We are looking forward to seeing you, and hearing you, in the Sanctuary!
The Re-Opening Task Force: Rob Andrews, Mimi D’Angelo, Jill Edens, Richard Edens, John Finney, Anne Marie Holloway, Gary McCabe, Chris Stowell, Judy Swahnberg, Sally Tomasetti, Elaine Vildzius
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THE P_MPKIN PATCH RETURNS ON OCTOBER 9th! |
Hmmm...What is missing?
"U" are!!!
Won't "U" join us in our efforts to support those in need through this year's Hills Church Pumpkin Patch Fundraising efforts! There are many opportunities for service! Click the link below to learn more and to sign-up to help! LEARN MORE & LEND A HAND! Thank you for the blessing of your thoughtful and generous efforts to help with this year's Pumpkin Patch . . . it just wouldn't be the same without "U"!
The beloved Hills Church Pumpkin Patch is returning on October 9th! This year The Hills Church Pumpkin Patch Ministry Team, Youth Ministry Team and our Christian Service Support Board are partnering to support Global H.O.P.E. UCC with emergency relief efforts for Haiti! Join us on October 9 at 9 am to unload pumpkins and volunteer to take a pumpkin patch shift or two! With Pumpkin decorating for the children at 11 am.
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For our “hosting” week in October, we are collecting groceries for the Pantry at the Day Center Shelter Program, and familes who are in the Case Management Program. Small boxes/quantities as their storage area is limited. Please drop off in the Brown Box at the North Entrance by noon on October 12. Items needed:
- Low-sugar cereal (no oatmeal needed)
- Rice/Millet/Barley
- Raisins
- Meals in a box (ex - Banquet)
- Taco kits
- Mac and Cheese
- Goya Sazon seasonings
- Goya yuca casava
- Vienna sausages
- Canned tomatoes
Watch for more exciting news on Family Promise! In April 2022, families will be moving into more permanent housing (vs. hotel). Hills Church will resume some hosting roles in July 2022. We will be doing some grocery shopping, dinner preparation (4 days a week), and dinner hosting (4 days a week).
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Green Book Tour of Boston
City Mission invites you to join us on a Green Book Tour of Boston. The Green Book was the AAA guide for Black motorists who took to American roads. First published in 1936, during the period of Jim Crow segregation, Black people never left home without a plan and a copy of the Green Book.
Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021
Time: 10am - 1pm
The Tour will include:
- Presentation by Rev. June Cooper, Scholar in Residence at City Mission, and Mr. Byron Rushing, Public Historian, Community Organizer, and Former State Representative of the Ninth Suffolk District.
- Walking Tour to several Green Book sites in the South End.
- Lunch at the historic Slade's Restaurant, a Green Book site. We will eat and engage in conversation about our experience.
Registration is required. Cost: $45 (includes the tour, lunch, and speakers) REGISTER NOW
Covid safety precaution: The event will be in-person and primarily outside. Masks are required inside and optional while outside and walking. Questions? Please contact Paul TonThat, nptonthat@citymissionboston.org.
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Nature as Cathedral: Finding the Sacred in the Natural World
This hybrid small group will meet virtually at 7 pm on October 20. We will then 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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It is our hope that you have found yourself reflecting and asking questions as you pondered the quotes in "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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Try to travel, otherwise
you may become racist,
and you may end up believing
that your skin is the only one
to be right,
that your language
is the most romantic
and that you were the first
to be the first.
Travel,
because if you don't travel then
your thoughts won’t be strengthened,
won’t get filled with ideas.
Your dreams will be born with fragile legs
and then you end up believing in tv-shows,
and in those who invent enemies
that fit perfectly with your nightmares
to make you live in terror.
Travel,
because travel teaches
to say good morning to everyone
regardless of which sun we come from.
Travel,
because travel teaches
to say goodnight to everyone
regardless of the darkness
that we carry inside.
Travel,
because traveling teaches to resist,
not to depend,
to accept others, not just for who they are
but also for what they can never be.
To know what we are capable of,
to feel part of a family
beyond borders,
beyond traditions and culture.
Traveling teaches us to be beyond.
Travel,
otherwise you end up believing
that you are made only for a panorama
and instead inside you
there are wonderful landscapes
still to visit.
- Gio Evan, Italian writer, poet and songwriter (Translated from Italian)
REFLECTION QUESTIONS ??? ??? QUESTION REFLECTIONS
Think about the places you have been and the people you have met on your travels within this country and in other countries around the world. What did you learn from what you saw, who you met and what you experienced in a surrounding different from your own? How can you share those experiences and what you learned with others in your own community?
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Spiritual Conversations for Women
Whether you are a founding member or have never attended, NOW is the perfect time to come join us. Come share and/or just listen to a conversation about life and faith. A lot has happened since we last connected with one another. As you reflect over our time apart, there are many stories you might choose to share . . . some lighthearted, some difficult, some are about your own individual journeys, others may involve your family, your work, your health or something else entirely. What story (stories) would you like to share? What role did God play in this narrative? How does this understanding impact your faith today? Be prepared to be moved and blessed by the stories you hear.
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Landscape Interest Group (in Formation)
You are invited to join like-minded church members and friends to explore the church’s current landscaping, learn about its history, including work by the Olmstead Bros, and potentially make suggestions about its enhancement. This wholly ad hoc group is not envisioned as any part of the church’s formal structure and has no budget and no decision-making authority or responsibility. This is solely for fun! Subject to other suggestions, we might start by “meeting”, weather permitting, in a few weeks after coffee hour and walk the grounds. If any of this appeals to you, please let me know via email (link below). Comments and ideas are invited. ~ Steve Hansen
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As in scripture, there is a time and a season for everything. Please join me in embracing this new season in the life of our church's landscape. ~ Myralee Wilson
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The large sugar maple tree (one of four originally planted over a hundred years ago) which has stood tall on the front lawn of our church for decades, is no longer able to stand without concern for falling branches to the ground below. It has shared its beauty and shade with our church for many years, probably as many years as our current sanctuary has been standing, if not more. And, I have come to learn from our resident naturalist Tia Pinney, the choice of planting a sugar maple may also have been intentional. In the 1800’s sugar maple trees were planted as an abolitionist statement, to encourage the use of maple sugar instead of cane sugar which was an integral part of the slave trade.
Slowly over time, our sugar maple has begun to shed branches, and in the past year, it has lost several large branches. For it to remain on the front lawn presents many dangers, and therefore, it needs to be removed. The Church Moderators as well as Stewards have been made aware of the necessity to have the tree removed and have given approval to do so. In the interest of utmost safety, it will be removed on October 8, just before the pumpkins are to arrive on October 9.
While it is time for this grand tree to be leaving our front lawn, it will also be providing another gift. It will be giving us fresh light to grace the front of our church as well as opportunities for new growth.
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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 13, we will discuss: Job 38:1-7 (34-41); Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45. 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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A Hills Church Cheer!
A HUGE "Hills Church Cheer" for our Chancel Choir and our Director of Music, John Finney -- as well as our Hills Bells Choir and Bells Director, Martha Stowell! This past Sunday the Chancel Choir and the Hills Bells shared their sacred musical talents with us (in person)! Our worship service was blessed and brought to life with the sacred songs of the choir and the music of the bells! We look forward to being able to SING along in person with the choir this upcoming Sunday!
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Faithful Fun Ministry
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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Chancel Flower Memorials
Did you notice how beautiful the arrangement was last Sunday? Posies, our new florist, is doing a fabulous job! If you wish to contribute to the weekly chancel flowers “In Honor of” or “In Memory of” a loved one, please email Susan MacDonald in the church office. Your gift will be noted in the order of worship. Any amount of donation is welcome. Following the service, chancel flowers are delivered to members of the congregation who need our love and support, or are celebrating a particular joy, so if your wish is to bring home some of the chancel bouquet, please let a Deacon or one of the Ministers know. Thank you for making our sanctuary so beautiful on Sunday morning!
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CHURCH MOUSE REMINDER, PLEASE?
"Events at the Hills" Newsletter Publications
Need to spread the word about an activity or event?
Your weekly Events is the best way to do this!
And reading your weekly Events keeps you informed!
ARTICLES DUE MONDAY BY 5:00 PM
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Hills Church Weekly Calendar (picture below is link)
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October 7
9:00 am
10:00 am
2:00 pm
3:30 pm
5:30 pm
October 8
8:00 am
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
October 9
9:00 am
October 10
9:45 am
10:00 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 11
8:00 am
8:00 am
6:45 pm
October 12
7:00 am
9:00 am
9:30 am
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
October 13
10:00 am
12:00 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
8:00 pm
October 14
10:00 am
5:30 pm
7:15 pm
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THURSDAY - Susan Vacation
Tent drop-off and set-up
Staff Meeting (Library)
Food Pantry (Pantry Room)
3rd Floor Feasibility Study (3rd floor)
New Beginnings (AR, K, RR, L, BR)
FRIDAY
Tree Removal (front lawn)
AA Meeting (Board Room)
Connections (Zoom)
SATURDAY
Pumpkins Patch Unloading (front lawn)
SUNDAY
Outdoor Church School (Wallace Chapel)
Pumpkin decorating (outdoors)
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 - Columbus Day/Office Closed
Pancake Breakfast (outdoors)
Boston Marathon Cheer Station (outdoors)
Cub Scouts (Assembly Room)
TUESDAY
Fraser Quarterly/ARCH visit (onsite)
Mantra: Ian (onsite)
Morning Meditation (Zoom)
Food Pantry (Pantry Room)
Bi-weekly check in ARCH (Microsoft Teams)
Food Pantry (Assembly Room)
Church Council (Zoom)
WEDNESDAY
Bible Study (Chapel)
Noonday Prayers (Facebook)
Evening Prayers (Facebook)
Confirmation Class (Upper Room)
Chancel Choir (Sanctuary)
THURSDAY
Staff Meeting (Library)
New Beginnings (AR, K, RR, L, BR)
Words to Ponder (Zoom)
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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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