Hello church family,



The blossoming trees around the church are extra bright withe the cloudy, grim skies as a backdrop. It's been a wet week, and we can see the vibrant greens and unfurling blossoms as a result. They are so fleeting - enjoy them while you can - these blossoming trees only last a short, glorious time!

The blossoms of hope from Sunday afternoon's organ dedication and concert are still flourishing. What an epic concert and celebration! We had sacred music spanning many styles, show-off organ pieces and soul-stirring reverent ones, proud hymns to honor Bill Nierintz, scriptures of resurrection, the bell choir's resonance, and another program downstairs that was festive, goofy, and full of smiles. THANK YOU to all the musicians and the many devoted community members who came together with joy.

This Sunday is an abundant one: we are baptizing Zachary Bauer,

celebrating communion, basking in the music of the bell choir, and enjoying the music of Cara Brindisi. The scripture is a familiar one from the Gospel of John, Jesus's farewell discourse offering assurance and a spiritual "way" to navigate bewildering times. We will explore that spiritual way as well as what Jesus means when he says, "do not let your hearts be troubled..."  Are we tending to our hearts, and how do we tend to our heart when troubles surround us?

WE HAVE A SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN 5^th GRADE AND UNDER THIS WEEK! BRING YOUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS! TWEENS AND TEENS ARE NEXT WEEK.

After worship, stay for Christ Over Coffee, as we converse about this scripture. It's one that's often read at funerals, but has a much wider application, especially in this season of Easter when we look for the risen Christ around us.

Next Sunday, May 14th, is Mother's Day and we will begin with Pancakes with the Pastor at 8:30am for our teens and tweens. Come with your appetite for scrumptious pancakes and theological conversation, dabbling into numerous topics with our middle and high schoolers. Parents are welcome.



PLUS, CALLING ALL KIDS Kate Kent, our musician for the week, has offered to teach a song to our kiddos of all ages before worship. Come at 8:30am gobble up a pancake, chat about faith, and start singing! It will be Mother's Day, and all moms will be proud.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Nursery School Fundraiser

WELLNESS OFFERINGS

Mindfulness Yoga and Meditation for Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Thursday evenings in our Fellowship Hall.

Arrive on time to begin class at 6:30pm.

$10 per class payable upon walk-in.

Class is (now) primarily a chair class.

Please contact Carol McGuiggan for more information.

508-835-4825

[email protected]

WOMEN'S RETREAT - there are a few spots remaining! Let us know if you would like to join this overnight experience of nature walks, art, meandering, scripture, music, and lots of laughter (and chocolate!) with the women of the church. The women's retreat is May 12-13. Schedule below:

Retreat schedule

 

Friday, May 13th

4:00pm - gathering, informal ice breakers and projects as women arrive

6:30pm - dinner  

7:00pm - opening conversation and building an altar

8:00pm - worship with labyrinth in candlelight

8:30pm - yoga for sleep

9:30pm - quiet

Saturday, May 14th

7:00am - coffee on the porch, 

8:00am - breakfast 

9:00am - Noon, Bible study, conversations, journaling, art, Yoga

Noon - lunch

1:00pm - walk or hike, Macomber Farm trails, relaxing on the porch

3:00pm closing worship with communion

4:00pm clean up/goodbyes

Women's Retreat

May 12-13 at Edwards House, Framingham

“We Can Do Hard Things’’

Signup here

West Boylston Food Pantry:

Next distribution date is Tuesday, April 18th 1-3pm

Current items needed:

Jelly (other than grape), ketchup, mayonnaise, salad dressings,

short cuts of pasta, brownie/cake mixes,

canned fruit (pineapple requested), cookies and crackers.

Thank you for contributing to our mission of feeding everyone. 

We feed bodies and souls!

Green Team update: A 4th raised vegetable bed was added to our food pantry garden last weekend. We will be planting next month and will need volunteers for planting and then maintenance this summer. Please contact Carolyn Gagnon at [email protected] if you can help out.

BIRTHDAYS

We celebrate the following birthdays in our church family:

CHURCH INFO

2023 Offering Envelopes have arrived. You can pick them up in the narthex on Sunday or in the church office during the week.

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