STAYING CONNECTED TO YOUR CHURCH COMMUNITY
Thursday, January 13, 2022
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A “PAUSE” IN RE-OPENING:
VIRTUAL WORSHIP ONLY
The Hills Church will “pause” our reopening and worship by holding virtual services If all is well, we will resume in-person worship and church school in February. Please check your Events e-newsletters for updates.
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TRACES OF THE TRADE: A Story from the Deep North
A Sacred Conversation on Race
Wednesday, January 19, 7:00 pm (Zoom)
REGISTER Today
On Wednesday evening, January 19, beginning at 7pm, you are invited to engage in A Sacred Conversation on Race. Talking about race in this country is difficult as conversations on race are dynamic, always changing, and inevitably political, not partisan but political, as slavery, “Jim Crow” statues, voter disenfranchisement, and racial discrimination have all been legally sanctioned at various times.
Slavery has been described as our country’s “origin sin,” so to have a dialogue seeking reconciliation and healing must journey through the legacy of slavery and the traces of that heritage to this day.
We will watch and discuss the PBS documentary, Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North as it explores this untold legacy of the DeWolf family, a prominent slave trading family in Rhode Island from 1769 to 1820. It follows 10 current family members from Bristol, RI, to sugar plantations in Cuba, to Ghana as this history of trading enslaved people is revealed. The viewer sees the complicity of this nation in enslaving people and the pain of talking among descendants of the slave traders about its implications.
Our plan is to watch the one-hour documentary together on a Zoom shared screen beginning at 7pm and then engage in a conversation beginning at 8pm. James DeWolf Perry will join in our 8pm conversation. We will conclude before 9pm.
Please register by clicking HERE in advance. You will be taken to a site where you will be asked for your name and your email address. Once that information is given, you will be given a link to use on January 19 at 7am. This will aid our planning and provide the security of knowing who is on the Zoom call with us. Registration is possible at any time but the earlier the better for our planning.
You may also want to prepare by linking your computer to your television to watch the documentary on a larger screen as the film is 56 minutes. Please check out that option in advance.
James DeWolf Perry was nominated for an Emmy Award for his role as the principal historical consultant for this documentary. After the release of the film, James cofounded the Tracing Center and served for several years as its executive director. He now leads many public programs on racial healing and equity, as well as professional workshops for educators and public history professionals. James is also the co-editor of Interpreting Slavery at Museums and Historic Sites which is aimed at improving the interpretation of slavery and race in our nation’s history.
Our goal is to learn more about our own history and how to have a purposeful conversation for racial justice, healing, and reconciliation. For more information, contact the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church UCC (office@hillschurch.org or 781-235-4424) or Rev. Richard Edens, Interim Co-Senior Minister (richard@hillschurch.org).
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Join Meeka the Bunny and special guest Dr. Kimberly Johnson as they read and present, “It Starts with Me”. This new illustration book follows a young girl as she sees the trouble in the world and realizes it must start with her to make the change.
Special Appearances: Dr. Bernice King, Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson, Jimmica Collins
About the Book: Join Amora as she encourages her friends to BE LOVE™. She shows them how to open their hearts and minds by allowing love to drive their words, actions, and thoughts. Through love, we can create a world where everyone feels like they belong. Come along with Amora as she introduces us to the Beloved Community!
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Read about our ASL efforts in this story published by SNEUCC
https://www.sneucc.org/blogdetail/wellesley-hills-church-finds-energy-in-sign-language-15797652
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American Sign Language
Featured article on Sally Tomasetti
In early September, we at Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, UCC in Wellesley, MA, were beginning our planning for Church school. We were making final decisions on how to open our faith formation program safely. There were many considerations on keeping our children safe; Plan A and then Plan B were in place after a long week.
One night during that week, I had a detailed and vivid dream. I saw myself welcoming a young deaf child and their family to church. I crouched down, and said/signed, "Pleased to meet you; my name is Mrs. T."
I woke up that morning and had a Eureka moment; this is how we will sing in church school. Not just Christian camp songs with prescribed movements; no, we will learn American Sign Language (ASL) . . .
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CALL TO ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Video Conference (Zoom) 11:15 a.m.
Register in advance for this meeting:
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2022 Stewardship
From your Stewardship Co-chairs, David & Julie Safaii
As we look to wrap up our Stewardship Campaign and put the finishing touches on our 2022 budget, we want to thank everyone who has so generously pledged their support to the church this year. We have exceeded $800,000 in committed dollars, but it is not too late! If you have not pledged but still wish to do so, we welcome your gifts with gratitude. Pledge cards are available in the church office, or make your online pledge HERE.
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Church Mouse Chatter
From Susan MacDonald, Church Administrator
Please note that I am working remotely more often these days, so please call my cell phone (978-273-6339) if it is urgent that you need to reach me. I will be taking vacation days on Thursday (1/13) and Friday (1/14). Monday (1/17) is MLK Jr. holiday, so the church office is closed.
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A Cup of Morning Prayer
From Rev. Anne Marie Holloway
Every Monday at 7 am, join Rev. Anne Marie Holloway for a cup of morning prayer - in the quiet presence of God - focus on prayer. Most sessions are held in the sanctuary of nature, where church friends and families are invited to participate via FACEBOOK LIVE. Find your special outdoor space, and practice an ancient form of prayer known as breath prayer. If you cannot make it, you may request to have the recordings sent to you by email. Please share prayer requests in advance HERE. Your personal prayers of celebration and concern will be lifted up and held in gentle care by our small, private group.
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Morning Meditation
From Rev. Judy Swahnberg & Mary Hill Canavan
We gather via Zoom every Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Whether you are new to meditation or practice it daily . . . please join us and be restored during this time together. Questions? Email Mary Hill Canavan or Rev. Judy Swahnberg.
Noonday Prayers
Tune into the church's Facebook page at twelve noon on Thursdays for a brief time (5-15 mins.) of reflection and prayer. Click here to participate via FACEBOOK LIVE.
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2022 Winter Youth Program for Families & Youth
Find our latest newsletter Youth Newsletter HERE.
Be on the lookout for the Winter Program Schedules for Youth Groups, Service Days, Confirmation Class, and More! Our Middle and High School Youth Groups will not meet this week for cookie baking/typical program schedules, but will resume meeting on Sunday evening, January 23rd, outdoors for a Hot Cocoa Club! Confirmation Class will continue to meet on Wednesday evenings on ZOOM! Thank you for your patience as we creatively enter into this new season of programming while continuing to work within the landscape of COVID.
Peace and Joy to you in 2022, Anne Marie
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Hills Church Weekly Calendar |
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January 13
10:00 am
12:00 pm
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
January 14
4:00 pm
7:30 pm
January 15
January 16
10:00 am
7:30 pm
January 17
7:00 am
2:00 pm
January 18
9:30 am
1:45 pm
2:00 pm
January 19
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
6:00 pm
January 20
10:00 am
12:00 pm
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
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THURSDAY - Susan Vacation
Staff Meeting (Reception Room)
Noonday Prayers (Facebook Live)
New Beginnings (AR, K, RR, L)
Church Council (Zoom)
FRIDAY - Susan Vacation
Exercise Class (Upper Room)
AA (Board Room)
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Worship (Livestream)
AA Meeting (Board Room)
MONDAY - MLK Jr. holiday (office closed)
Cup of Morning Prayer (Facebook Live)
Food Pantry (onsite)
TUESDAY
Morning Meditation (Zoom)
Food Pantry (Pantry)
ARCH check in (virtual)
WEDNESDAY
Food Pantry (pantry)
Confirmation Class (outdoors)
Evening Prayers (Facebook Live)
THURSDAY
Staff Meeting (Reception Room)
Noonday Prayers (Facebook Live)
New Beginnings (AR, K, RR, L)
CSSB meeting (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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