Announcements
Dear Friends,
At a recent Wednesday morning prayer service, we heard these verses from the seventh chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, and I’ve been reflecting on them ever since: “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Mt 7:7-8) This passage from the Sermon on the Mount has always been one of my favorites because it’s reassuring. It reminds us that God will provide for our needs and that God is a loving and wise parent who cares about everything that is happening in our lives and who wants to bless us, not always with exactly what we ask for, but as Matthew puts it, with “good things.” The reminder to rely on God and to trust in God’s goodness and generosity is always pertinent but seems especially so as we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit regarding the future of our church. Although we are generally comfortable sharing our thoughts and concerns with one another, let’s remember to lean into God’s strength and love for us in this season of discernment, confident that God wants what is best for us all. Let’s be open to the holy work of the Spirit in our lives and in our church, as we ask, seek, and knock, knowing that God will always open the door for us.
Grace and peace, Pastor Mary
Per CDC guidelines face masks MUST be worn when inside the church building.
Oct 10 (Sun) New Directions Conversation: Join us for an informal conversation immediately following worship about the exploratory process on our church’s future. We want to hear your ideas, concerns, and insights. We make our best decisions when we do it together in prayer and truthful, loving conversation.
Neighbors in Need Offering - October 3 This year UCC’s “Neighbors in Need” special missions offering is focused on supporting organizations and projects that are serving homeless and immigrant neighbors or communities. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry. Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries to provide funding grants to UCC churches and organizations leading justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects in their communities. We will be receiving this special offering on October 3 as part of World Communion Sunday, but contributions can be made at any time. Thank you for your generosity!
General Synod 2021 Over the summer I was blessed to serve as a delegate to the UCC’s 33rd General Synod, whose theme was “Rooted In Love.” Due to the ongoing pandemic, this was the first virtual General Synod in the church’s history which, of course, presented a host of unique challenges and opportunities. As the UCC’s Constitution frames it, “The General Synod is the gathering of a faith community representative of the wider church to listen for and discern the call of God to the United Church of Christ. The General Synod deliberates, discerns, and identifies the mission of the wider church of the United Church of Christ in God’s world and receives and offers suggestions, invitations, challenges, and assistance in covenant with Local Churches, Conferences, and other settings as they engage in mission together.” There was much to deliberate and discern this year. In addition to three separate worship opportunities and keynote addresses by social justice activist Valarie Kaur and author Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, president of the organization Sojourners, there were amendments to the UCC’s Bylaws, and several resolutions considered and voted upon in plenary sessions. These resolutions addressed a variety of important issues and concerns, including, but certainly not limited to: recognition of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent initiative; pledges to respond to racism as a public health crisis and to affirm of the “Rights of Nature;” a call for “Just Peace” between Israel and Palestine; and commitments to ensure gender equity and safety in ministry settings, to change the current U.S. cash bail bond system, and to end the practice of conversion therapy. Although I missed being with other Synod delegates in person, it was an honor to serve the wider UCC and reminded me once again that we are blessed to be part of a denomination that is actively working to make God’s kingdom real for all people. Pastor Mary
At a recent Wednesday morning prayer service, we heard these verses from the seventh chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, and I’ve been reflecting on them ever since: “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Mt 7:7-8) This passage from the Sermon on the Mount has always been one of my favorites because it’s reassuring. It reminds us that God will provide for our needs and that God is a loving and wise parent who cares about everything that is happening in our lives and who wants to bless us, not always with exactly what we ask for, but as Matthew puts it, with “good things.” The reminder to rely on God and to trust in God’s goodness and generosity is always pertinent but seems especially so as we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit regarding the future of our church. Although we are generally comfortable sharing our thoughts and concerns with one another, let’s remember to lean into God’s strength and love for us in this season of discernment, confident that God wants what is best for us all. Let’s be open to the holy work of the Spirit in our lives and in our church, as we ask, seek, and knock, knowing that God will always open the door for us.
Grace and peace, Pastor Mary
Per CDC guidelines face masks MUST be worn when inside the church building.
Oct 10 (Sun) New Directions Conversation: Join us for an informal conversation immediately following worship about the exploratory process on our church’s future. We want to hear your ideas, concerns, and insights. We make our best decisions when we do it together in prayer and truthful, loving conversation.
Neighbors in Need Offering - October 3 This year UCC’s “Neighbors in Need” special missions offering is focused on supporting organizations and projects that are serving homeless and immigrant neighbors or communities. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry. Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries to provide funding grants to UCC churches and organizations leading justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects in their communities. We will be receiving this special offering on October 3 as part of World Communion Sunday, but contributions can be made at any time. Thank you for your generosity!
General Synod 2021 Over the summer I was blessed to serve as a delegate to the UCC’s 33rd General Synod, whose theme was “Rooted In Love.” Due to the ongoing pandemic, this was the first virtual General Synod in the church’s history which, of course, presented a host of unique challenges and opportunities. As the UCC’s Constitution frames it, “The General Synod is the gathering of a faith community representative of the wider church to listen for and discern the call of God to the United Church of Christ. The General Synod deliberates, discerns, and identifies the mission of the wider church of the United Church of Christ in God’s world and receives and offers suggestions, invitations, challenges, and assistance in covenant with Local Churches, Conferences, and other settings as they engage in mission together.” There was much to deliberate and discern this year. In addition to three separate worship opportunities and keynote addresses by social justice activist Valarie Kaur and author Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, president of the organization Sojourners, there were amendments to the UCC’s Bylaws, and several resolutions considered and voted upon in plenary sessions. These resolutions addressed a variety of important issues and concerns, including, but certainly not limited to: recognition of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent initiative; pledges to respond to racism as a public health crisis and to affirm of the “Rights of Nature;” a call for “Just Peace” between Israel and Palestine; and commitments to ensure gender equity and safety in ministry settings, to change the current U.S. cash bail bond system, and to end the practice of conversion therapy. Although I missed being with other Synod delegates in person, it was an honor to serve the wider UCC and reminded me once again that we are blessed to be part of a denomination that is actively working to make God’s kingdom real for all people. Pastor Mary
We Are Blessed
Thank you to Maurine Upton and Janet Clough for initiating the planning for this year’s Church Fair. We also thank Gian DiCostanzo and John Baglole for the extra worship help they provided during Pastor Mary’s sabbatical in August, and Janet Clough for organizing a large stack of our church history documents. We are very blessed!
Wednesday Phone Prayer Service
Pastor Mary will be hosting a brief prayer service by way of a conference call each Wednesday morning at 10:00 until we are able to resume our in-person gatherings. Dial 1-253-215-8782 and when prompted, enter meeting ID 862 2469 5175. There will be a scripture reading and time for the sharing of our prayer concerns.
Confirmation News
Confirmation classes begin on Sunday, October 3 and will be held after worship on the first Sunday of the month. These classes are led by Pastor Mary with the assistance of parent volunteers. If you would like your child to participate, please contact Pastor Mary.
ATTIC TREASURES ONLINE
Our Church Fair may have been postponed until spring 2021, but you can still shop for just that right gift, find that hidden gem, or snag a bargain. Don’t miss out! We have been regularly posting selected items from Attic Treasures on Facebook Marketplace - and you can shop now! Here’s how:
CHURCH FAIR - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 9 AM – 3 PM
Plans are underway to hold a holiday fair once again this November if Covid-19 health and safety protocols permit it! Maurine Upton has been busy making calls asking people to commit to take an active part in making our Church Fair a success. Not only is the fair important to our church’s financial health, it also brings old and new friends together and to have a few minutes to”catch up” as we begin the holiday season. If you did not hear from Maurine, please give her a call (781-344-4609) and let her know how you can help. If you led a specific area last year (Attic Treasures, Books, Jewelry, Baked Goods and Candy, Raffle Baskets, Knit Goods, and Crafts) we hope you will do so again. There may also be a lunch area. You can also help out in other ways – donate an item to Attic Treasures, make a craft, knit good or baked good for one of our tables, help set-up tables so they are ready for sale time, offer to work at one of the tables, or help with cleanup. This year's fair will be smaller than in the past as the whole fair will be on the upper floor of our building using the Library, Fireplace Room, Lobby, and the Fellowship Hall. We are ready to hear from you so we know who we can depend on. Talk with your family and friends, get a partner to work with, mark your calendar NOW!
Ways to stay connected:
Sunday Worship at 10:00 AM. We worship together each Sunday morning at 10:00 AM. Please pay careful attention to Pastor Mary’s weekly emails and other church communications for any changes in Covid-19 health and safety protocols. The Safe Opening team, after monitoring the current data on the Delta variant surge and recent CDC recommendations, has asked that all who attend indoor worship wear face masks and observe social distancing. If you do not get the weekly email, contact the church office at office@uccstoughton.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Pastor Mary at 774-571-7307.
On Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM Pastor Mary leads a 30-minute conference call Prayer Service. Dial 1- 253-215-8782 and when prompted, enter conference code 862 2469 5175. There is a scripture reading and a time for the sharing of our prayer concerns. This weekly gathering is open to all, so if you have a friend who might find this opportunity helpful, please share the information.
Pastor Mary has set up a private Facebook group called UCC Stoughton Prayer. No one sees the posts except group members, so it is a safe place to share your prayer requests, pray for others in our community, or just vent. If you have a Facebook account and would like to join the group let Pastor Mary know.
Also remember to check our church Facebook page and church website (http://www.uccstoughton.org/).
Church Council has been meeting on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm via Zoom. These meetings are open to everyone, not just Council members. If you would like to attend, please contact Pastor Mary and she will send you the link to the meeting. If you prefer to call in by telephone, dial 1-646-876-9923 and enter Meeting ID: 837 8927 2962
Food Pantry Collection
Donations are still urgently needed. Now that we have resumed indoor worship, you can bring your non-perishable food items to church on Communion Sunday each month or leave them in the Giving Corner in the church lobby at any time. Please check the expiration dates. If you are looking for practical ways to help your neighbors, please consider making a monetary donation to the Stoughton Food Pantries.
To donate by credit card:
Food Pantry Foundation of Stoughton
To donate by check please mail to:
Food Pantry Foundation of Stoughton
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Although we cannot yet meet in person, we encourage you all to continue to knit prayer shawls for those who need to feel God’s loving care wrapped around them. You can also work on knit goods for the church fair.
October 20(Wed): Mainspring House: This is this next date we are scheduled to provide dinner for Brockton’s homeless shelter. Although we cannot serve dinner due the pandemic, food donations are still needed. If you can make a casserole or make a monetary donation to defray the cost of salad and dessert, please contact Anita Keenan keenans21@gmail.com (781-244-7742). It’s a busy time of year so you can make your casserole early and pop it in the downstairs church freezer any time before Sunday, October 17. Contact Anita if you need a foil baking pan and recipe or to arrange drop off.
Seafarers Clothing Drive: Once again help us gather warm clothing for the men and women who serve us upon the sea. These Seafarers help to bring us items we need daily. Friendly Service will collect and deliver your clean clothing items in good condition between September 1 – October 15. Place your donation in the large baskets in the church lobby. Thank you.
Bottles and Cans: Please donate your clean, redeemable bottles and cans. Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted and the money collected is used for various church ministries and operational needs. Cans and bottles can be left in the drop-off container at the bottom of the stairs just before the church office or contact Maurine Upton for more information.
Sunday Worship
10:00 AM in the Sanctuary
Wheelchair Accessible
Coffee Hour
After worship in the
Fellowship Hall
The Link
Download our latest newsletter
"The Link"
Church Bylaws
Current bylaws
Have a Prayer Request?
Let us know here.
Thank you to Maurine Upton and Janet Clough for initiating the planning for this year’s Church Fair. We also thank Gian DiCostanzo and John Baglole for the extra worship help they provided during Pastor Mary’s sabbatical in August, and Janet Clough for organizing a large stack of our church history documents. We are very blessed!
Wednesday Phone Prayer Service
Pastor Mary will be hosting a brief prayer service by way of a conference call each Wednesday morning at 10:00 until we are able to resume our in-person gatherings. Dial 1-253-215-8782 and when prompted, enter meeting ID 862 2469 5175. There will be a scripture reading and time for the sharing of our prayer concerns.
Confirmation News
Confirmation classes begin on Sunday, October 3 and will be held after worship on the first Sunday of the month. These classes are led by Pastor Mary with the assistance of parent volunteers. If you would like your child to participate, please contact Pastor Mary.
ATTIC TREASURES ONLINE
Our Church Fair may have been postponed until spring 2021, but you can still shop for just that right gift, find that hidden gem, or snag a bargain. Don’t miss out! We have been regularly posting selected items from Attic Treasures on Facebook Marketplace - and you can shop now! Here’s how:
- Go to Facebook Marketplace (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/109554902404443/).
- Type “Online Church Fair” in the Search Marketplace box.
- Most items that pop up at the top of this search have Stoughton MA listed as the location of the seller.
- Click on one of those items, scroll down to Seller Information and click on Marcia Olson. You can also scroll down that post and see all the treasures currently for sale that day.
CHURCH FAIR - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 9 AM – 3 PM
Plans are underway to hold a holiday fair once again this November if Covid-19 health and safety protocols permit it! Maurine Upton has been busy making calls asking people to commit to take an active part in making our Church Fair a success. Not only is the fair important to our church’s financial health, it also brings old and new friends together and to have a few minutes to”catch up” as we begin the holiday season. If you did not hear from Maurine, please give her a call (781-344-4609) and let her know how you can help. If you led a specific area last year (Attic Treasures, Books, Jewelry, Baked Goods and Candy, Raffle Baskets, Knit Goods, and Crafts) we hope you will do so again. There may also be a lunch area. You can also help out in other ways – donate an item to Attic Treasures, make a craft, knit good or baked good for one of our tables, help set-up tables so they are ready for sale time, offer to work at one of the tables, or help with cleanup. This year's fair will be smaller than in the past as the whole fair will be on the upper floor of our building using the Library, Fireplace Room, Lobby, and the Fellowship Hall. We are ready to hear from you so we know who we can depend on. Talk with your family and friends, get a partner to work with, mark your calendar NOW!
Ways to stay connected:
Sunday Worship at 10:00 AM. We worship together each Sunday morning at 10:00 AM. Please pay careful attention to Pastor Mary’s weekly emails and other church communications for any changes in Covid-19 health and safety protocols. The Safe Opening team, after monitoring the current data on the Delta variant surge and recent CDC recommendations, has asked that all who attend indoor worship wear face masks and observe social distancing. If you do not get the weekly email, contact the church office at office@uccstoughton.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Pastor Mary at 774-571-7307.
On Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM Pastor Mary leads a 30-minute conference call Prayer Service. Dial 1- 253-215-8782 and when prompted, enter conference code 862 2469 5175. There is a scripture reading and a time for the sharing of our prayer concerns. This weekly gathering is open to all, so if you have a friend who might find this opportunity helpful, please share the information.
Pastor Mary has set up a private Facebook group called UCC Stoughton Prayer. No one sees the posts except group members, so it is a safe place to share your prayer requests, pray for others in our community, or just vent. If you have a Facebook account and would like to join the group let Pastor Mary know.
Also remember to check our church Facebook page and church website (http://www.uccstoughton.org/).
Church Council has been meeting on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm via Zoom. These meetings are open to everyone, not just Council members. If you would like to attend, please contact Pastor Mary and she will send you the link to the meeting. If you prefer to call in by telephone, dial 1-646-876-9923 and enter Meeting ID: 837 8927 2962
Food Pantry Collection
Donations are still urgently needed. Now that we have resumed indoor worship, you can bring your non-perishable food items to church on Communion Sunday each month or leave them in the Giving Corner in the church lobby at any time. Please check the expiration dates. If you are looking for practical ways to help your neighbors, please consider making a monetary donation to the Stoughton Food Pantries.
To donate by credit card:
Food Pantry Foundation of Stoughton
To donate by check please mail to:
Food Pantry Foundation of Stoughton
- Box 757 Stoughton, MA 02072
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Although we cannot yet meet in person, we encourage you all to continue to knit prayer shawls for those who need to feel God’s loving care wrapped around them. You can also work on knit goods for the church fair.
October 20(Wed): Mainspring House: This is this next date we are scheduled to provide dinner for Brockton’s homeless shelter. Although we cannot serve dinner due the pandemic, food donations are still needed. If you can make a casserole or make a monetary donation to defray the cost of salad and dessert, please contact Anita Keenan keenans21@gmail.com (781-244-7742). It’s a busy time of year so you can make your casserole early and pop it in the downstairs church freezer any time before Sunday, October 17. Contact Anita if you need a foil baking pan and recipe or to arrange drop off.
Seafarers Clothing Drive: Once again help us gather warm clothing for the men and women who serve us upon the sea. These Seafarers help to bring us items we need daily. Friendly Service will collect and deliver your clean clothing items in good condition between September 1 – October 15. Place your donation in the large baskets in the church lobby. Thank you.
Bottles and Cans: Please donate your clean, redeemable bottles and cans. Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted and the money collected is used for various church ministries and operational needs. Cans and bottles can be left in the drop-off container at the bottom of the stairs just before the church office or contact Maurine Upton for more information.
Sunday Worship
10:00 AM in the Sanctuary
Wheelchair Accessible
Coffee Hour
After worship in the
Fellowship Hall
The Link
Download our latest newsletter
"The Link"
Church Bylaws
Current bylaws
Have a Prayer Request?
Let us know here.