Announcements
Service of Gratitude and Blessing for the Completion of a Church Ministry
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Service at 3:00 PM
Followed by a reception in the church hall
First Congregational Church of Stoughton, UCC 76 Pierce Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
Thank You From Pastor Mary
Dear Church Family,
My heart is filled with gratitude for our time together and for the ways we worshiped, prayed, and ministered to God’s people over the past ten years. I was deeply moved by the beautiful farewell service and reception on March 5, and grateful for both the extremely generous gift card and the framed picture of the stained-glass windows. Each of you will always have a special place in my heart. May God bless you and keep you until we meet again.
Love, Pastor Mary
A Message from the Moderator: Going Where the Spirit Calls
It’s time. After many years of prayer, conversation, and discernment, God has called us to end our ministry at First Congregational Church in Stoughton, where we have gathered since 1744, and weave ourselves into a new faith community with our friends and neighbors at Christ Congregational Church in Brockton. We released Rev. Mary Perry at a joyous celebration of her decade long ministry with us on March 5, sold our building to another church, and will be moving on from this beloved home at the end of April. As I reflect on my time here at UCC Stoughton, I would like to share with you part of the stewardship witness I gave in 2016 about why I love my church family so much.
My husband John has been a lifelong member of this church; I came about 30 years ago from my local parish to join my husband and children in worship after my mother’s death. I came because it was my husband’s church and I always felt comfortable when I visited; I stayed because this community of faith has transformed my life in so many ways.
I stayed because this is where I feel that God is very near, and in times of doubt, there are people who let me question and who walk with me until I find my way again.
I stayed because this is where a brown thumb like me could meet a someone at a Martin Luther King Day of Service event and be learning how to make a lasagna garden to feed the community less than four months later.
I stayed because even though I am not always a fan of the old hymns, I just have to listen to the choir sing “Here I am Lord” or “This is My Song, O God of All the Nations” to tear up and bring me to that thin space where I can feel God’s presence in worship.
I stayed because I can sit in a book study and really question why I believe the things I do and learn from
hearing other people’s perspectives.
I stayed because even though my bones will creak and I will be hobbling after a week of organizing Attic Treasures for the church fair, I love how our whole church comes together to work for a common purpose.
I stayed because I love how much I have learned from the children and youth of our church. And even though every year I say I am too old for overnighters and sleeping in the back of my car – I love these kids and could not imagine the past 30 years without a single one of them.
I stayed because even after a horrible, exhausting week trying to juggle a crazy work schedule, multiple family medical emergencies, and church responsibilities, I can walk in the door at the end of a soul-sucking day and find a note from the Caring Committee letting me know that I am loved and supported. And I feel once again that all is right with my soul.
I stayed because this is the community of faith that embraced my children, where they were baptized, where they have been loved and nurtured, and learned to love God and love kindness.
I stayed because I see the prayer shawl knitted lovingly by the women of this church wrapped around my Uncle Vinnie, keeping him warm and giving him comfort.
I stayed because so many of you in this church family supported my friend Sam during the years he was in prison, sustained him, prayed for him, gave him hope, and let him know he was not abandoned.
I stayed because we are an open and affirming congregation – one that accepts everyone as made in God’s
image.
I stayed because something feels not quite right when I am not here on Sunday mornings. Worship and this faith community is what strengthens and centers me each week.
So much to be grateful for. So many memories to cherish. But now God calls us to a new home at Christ Congregational Church, to a place that shares our values of openness and inclusion, to a congregation who has welcomed us so warmly, and gently walked with us during this bittersweet journey. Let us continue to weave ourselves into this “beloved community” so we may continue to love, laugh, and pray together, and trust in this “new thing” the Lord has made.
I’ll close with a favorite quote of mine from Barbara J. Winter. “When you come to the edge of all the light you know and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen. There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught to fly.”
It’s time.
Holding you all in love and prayer.
Marcia Olson
Moderator,
First Congregational Church of Stoughton, UCC
Pew Bibles
Our pew bibles need a good home … maybe yours? If you would like one of the pew bibles from our church sanctuary, please contact the Church Clerk, John Baglole through the church office email address: office@uccstoughton.org or leave a message at 781-344-2371 before April 16.
Membership Changes
Those members wishing to transfer their membership to another church can contact the Church Clerk, John Baglole through the church office email address: office@uccstoughton.org. John will send a letter of transfer to the new church.
Fertilizer Happens!
We have 5 copies of the late Rev. Jean Niven Lenk’s book, Fertilizer Happens: A Pastor’s Faith, Calling, and a Journey with Cancer, recently donated by her husband, Peter Lenk. If you would like a free copy, please ask at the checkout table at the church yard sale on Saturday, March 25 between 9-2. Available while copies last.
Sunday Worship: We are now gathering for worship at Christ Congregational Church, 1350 Pleasant St., Brockton as regular services in the Stoughton church have ceased pending the sale of the church building at the end of April. Starting every Sunday morning at 9:55am (music starts at 9:50 AM), our worship service combines relevant biblical preaching, great music, and space for prayer. Pastor Jeff Kardisco will be leading worship. Please stay for a time of fellowship after the service. All parking is in the rear of the building and is handicapped accessible. You can find information about the Sunday morning worship service, including an order of worship and links to access the service online, on the Christ Congregational website (https://brocktonucc.org/). There is also an option to call in and hear the service over the phone. To do so, call the number given and enter the meeting id, followed by the # sign when asked. +1 929-205-6099 US; Meeting ID: 896 5156 4024.
Holy Week Services at Christ Congregational Church
Uniting for Judah
Judah Lee Kardisco was born on September 30th. There were some concerns at birth and after seeing several
specialists it was found that Judah is in kidney failure. He started dialysis at 2 weeks old and will eventually
need a transplant. A Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/579106504013334) has been
created as a communal space for the Kardisco's tribe to unite for Judah, Ivyn, Dani, and Pastor Jeff: for
updates, encouragement, praises + prayers, supportive initiatives, connections, etc. "In this family nobody
fights alone" Judah will be living at Boston Children’s hospital for at least 3 months as he receives treatment. If
you would like to make a donation to help support the Kardisco family through this season, please go to
https://www.gofundme.com/f/uniting-for-judah?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-
1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer. Any donations given will be used for gas, parking, hotels,
food, medical bills, childcare for Ivyn, or other things that come up regarding care for Judah.
Sunday Worship:
We gather for worship each Sunday morning at Christ Congregational Church, 1350 Pleasant St., Brockton at 9:55 AM (music starts at 9:50 AM). Our friends at Christ Congregational are ready to give us a warm welcome but if will be easier if we all wear our name tags. Name tags from UCC Stoughton have been taken to Christ Church. Please stay for a time of fellowship after the service. All parking is in the rear of the building and is handicapped accessible.
You can find information about the Sunday morning worship service, including an order of worship and links to access the service online on the Christ Congregational website (https://brocktonucc.org/).
If you know of someone who is unable to get online to access the service, there will be an option to call in and hear the service over the phone. To do so, call the number below and enter the meeting id, followed by the # sign when asked. +1 929-205-6099 US
Meeting ID: 896 5156 4024
Christ Congregational Church Happenings
“BE THE (NEWLY WOVEN) CHURCH” CAMPAIGN 2023 We are looking forward to all the wonderful things we can accomplish together in our new woven community. Please take a few minutes to participate in the time and talents survey linked below. We would love to hear from our Stoughton family on how things have been done with their committees. If you have questions about the campaign, please don't hesitate to contact Pastor Jeff or a member of our Leadership & Development Team - Deana Colby, Matt Howard, Lisa Sparling, and Barry Shelley.
Regular Church Programs
Adult Choir: Wednesdays, 6:45PM
Adult Hand Bells: Wednesdays, 6PM
Afternoon Hand Bell Group Wednesdays, 3:15pm
Bible Study: Zoom Wednesdays, 10AM
Fiber Fellowship: Zoom 2nd Tuesday, 6PM
Prayer Shawl Ministry Wednesdays, 10AM
Quilt Guild: 3rd Tuesday, 1PM
What’s the Buzz? As we transition over to full-time worship with our friends at Christ Congregational Church and start to participate more fully in the life of our new woven community, find about all that is happening at CCC in the upcoming months. Contact the church office at 508-586-3022 or office@brocktonucc.org to sign up for the church newsletters, The Courier and Nearly Weekly. Get on the church email list by signing up on the church website.
Contact Us
CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC
1350 Pleasant Street Brockton, MA 02301-2840
Tel: 508-586-3022
Web: brocktonucc.org
Email: office@brocktonucc.org
Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Sunday Worship Time: 9:55 a.m.
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Service at 3:00 PM
Followed by a reception in the church hall
First Congregational Church of Stoughton, UCC 76 Pierce Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
Thank You From Pastor Mary
Dear Church Family,
My heart is filled with gratitude for our time together and for the ways we worshiped, prayed, and ministered to God’s people over the past ten years. I was deeply moved by the beautiful farewell service and reception on March 5, and grateful for both the extremely generous gift card and the framed picture of the stained-glass windows. Each of you will always have a special place in my heart. May God bless you and keep you until we meet again.
Love, Pastor Mary
A Message from the Moderator: Going Where the Spirit Calls
It’s time. After many years of prayer, conversation, and discernment, God has called us to end our ministry at First Congregational Church in Stoughton, where we have gathered since 1744, and weave ourselves into a new faith community with our friends and neighbors at Christ Congregational Church in Brockton. We released Rev. Mary Perry at a joyous celebration of her decade long ministry with us on March 5, sold our building to another church, and will be moving on from this beloved home at the end of April. As I reflect on my time here at UCC Stoughton, I would like to share with you part of the stewardship witness I gave in 2016 about why I love my church family so much.
My husband John has been a lifelong member of this church; I came about 30 years ago from my local parish to join my husband and children in worship after my mother’s death. I came because it was my husband’s church and I always felt comfortable when I visited; I stayed because this community of faith has transformed my life in so many ways.
I stayed because this is where I feel that God is very near, and in times of doubt, there are people who let me question and who walk with me until I find my way again.
I stayed because this is where a brown thumb like me could meet a someone at a Martin Luther King Day of Service event and be learning how to make a lasagna garden to feed the community less than four months later.
I stayed because even though I am not always a fan of the old hymns, I just have to listen to the choir sing “Here I am Lord” or “This is My Song, O God of All the Nations” to tear up and bring me to that thin space where I can feel God’s presence in worship.
I stayed because I can sit in a book study and really question why I believe the things I do and learn from
hearing other people’s perspectives.
I stayed because even though my bones will creak and I will be hobbling after a week of organizing Attic Treasures for the church fair, I love how our whole church comes together to work for a common purpose.
I stayed because I love how much I have learned from the children and youth of our church. And even though every year I say I am too old for overnighters and sleeping in the back of my car – I love these kids and could not imagine the past 30 years without a single one of them.
I stayed because even after a horrible, exhausting week trying to juggle a crazy work schedule, multiple family medical emergencies, and church responsibilities, I can walk in the door at the end of a soul-sucking day and find a note from the Caring Committee letting me know that I am loved and supported. And I feel once again that all is right with my soul.
I stayed because this is the community of faith that embraced my children, where they were baptized, where they have been loved and nurtured, and learned to love God and love kindness.
I stayed because I see the prayer shawl knitted lovingly by the women of this church wrapped around my Uncle Vinnie, keeping him warm and giving him comfort.
I stayed because so many of you in this church family supported my friend Sam during the years he was in prison, sustained him, prayed for him, gave him hope, and let him know he was not abandoned.
I stayed because we are an open and affirming congregation – one that accepts everyone as made in God’s
image.
I stayed because something feels not quite right when I am not here on Sunday mornings. Worship and this faith community is what strengthens and centers me each week.
So much to be grateful for. So many memories to cherish. But now God calls us to a new home at Christ Congregational Church, to a place that shares our values of openness and inclusion, to a congregation who has welcomed us so warmly, and gently walked with us during this bittersweet journey. Let us continue to weave ourselves into this “beloved community” so we may continue to love, laugh, and pray together, and trust in this “new thing” the Lord has made.
I’ll close with a favorite quote of mine from Barbara J. Winter. “When you come to the edge of all the light you know and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen. There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught to fly.”
It’s time.
Holding you all in love and prayer.
Marcia Olson
Moderator,
First Congregational Church of Stoughton, UCC
Pew Bibles
Our pew bibles need a good home … maybe yours? If you would like one of the pew bibles from our church sanctuary, please contact the Church Clerk, John Baglole through the church office email address: office@uccstoughton.org or leave a message at 781-344-2371 before April 16.
Membership Changes
Those members wishing to transfer their membership to another church can contact the Church Clerk, John Baglole through the church office email address: office@uccstoughton.org. John will send a letter of transfer to the new church.
Fertilizer Happens!
We have 5 copies of the late Rev. Jean Niven Lenk’s book, Fertilizer Happens: A Pastor’s Faith, Calling, and a Journey with Cancer, recently donated by her husband, Peter Lenk. If you would like a free copy, please ask at the checkout table at the church yard sale on Saturday, March 25 between 9-2. Available while copies last.
Sunday Worship: We are now gathering for worship at Christ Congregational Church, 1350 Pleasant St., Brockton as regular services in the Stoughton church have ceased pending the sale of the church building at the end of April. Starting every Sunday morning at 9:55am (music starts at 9:50 AM), our worship service combines relevant biblical preaching, great music, and space for prayer. Pastor Jeff Kardisco will be leading worship. Please stay for a time of fellowship after the service. All parking is in the rear of the building and is handicapped accessible. You can find information about the Sunday morning worship service, including an order of worship and links to access the service online, on the Christ Congregational website (https://brocktonucc.org/). There is also an option to call in and hear the service over the phone. To do so, call the number given and enter the meeting id, followed by the # sign when asked. +1 929-205-6099 US; Meeting ID: 896 5156 4024.
Holy Week Services at Christ Congregational Church
- Palm Sunday, April 2 @ 9:55 AM
- Maundy Thursday, April 6 @ 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM
- Good Friday, April 7 @ 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM
- Easter Sunday, April 9 @ 9:55 AM
Uniting for Judah
Judah Lee Kardisco was born on September 30th. There were some concerns at birth and after seeing several
specialists it was found that Judah is in kidney failure. He started dialysis at 2 weeks old and will eventually
need a transplant. A Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/579106504013334) has been
created as a communal space for the Kardisco's tribe to unite for Judah, Ivyn, Dani, and Pastor Jeff: for
updates, encouragement, praises + prayers, supportive initiatives, connections, etc. "In this family nobody
fights alone" Judah will be living at Boston Children’s hospital for at least 3 months as he receives treatment. If
you would like to make a donation to help support the Kardisco family through this season, please go to
https://www.gofundme.com/f/uniting-for-judah?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-
1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer. Any donations given will be used for gas, parking, hotels,
food, medical bills, childcare for Ivyn, or other things that come up regarding care for Judah.
Sunday Worship:
We gather for worship each Sunday morning at Christ Congregational Church, 1350 Pleasant St., Brockton at 9:55 AM (music starts at 9:50 AM). Our friends at Christ Congregational are ready to give us a warm welcome but if will be easier if we all wear our name tags. Name tags from UCC Stoughton have been taken to Christ Church. Please stay for a time of fellowship after the service. All parking is in the rear of the building and is handicapped accessible.
You can find information about the Sunday morning worship service, including an order of worship and links to access the service online on the Christ Congregational website (https://brocktonucc.org/).
If you know of someone who is unable to get online to access the service, there will be an option to call in and hear the service over the phone. To do so, call the number below and enter the meeting id, followed by the # sign when asked. +1 929-205-6099 US
Meeting ID: 896 5156 4024
Christ Congregational Church Happenings
“BE THE (NEWLY WOVEN) CHURCH” CAMPAIGN 2023 We are looking forward to all the wonderful things we can accomplish together in our new woven community. Please take a few minutes to participate in the time and talents survey linked below. We would love to hear from our Stoughton family on how things have been done with their committees. If you have questions about the campaign, please don't hesitate to contact Pastor Jeff or a member of our Leadership & Development Team - Deana Colby, Matt Howard, Lisa Sparling, and Barry Shelley.
Regular Church Programs
Adult Choir: Wednesdays, 6:45PM
Adult Hand Bells: Wednesdays, 6PM
Afternoon Hand Bell Group Wednesdays, 3:15pm
Bible Study: Zoom Wednesdays, 10AM
Fiber Fellowship: Zoom 2nd Tuesday, 6PM
Prayer Shawl Ministry Wednesdays, 10AM
Quilt Guild: 3rd Tuesday, 1PM
What’s the Buzz? As we transition over to full-time worship with our friends at Christ Congregational Church and start to participate more fully in the life of our new woven community, find about all that is happening at CCC in the upcoming months. Contact the church office at 508-586-3022 or office@brocktonucc.org to sign up for the church newsletters, The Courier and Nearly Weekly. Get on the church email list by signing up on the church website.
Contact Us
CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC
1350 Pleasant Street Brockton, MA 02301-2840
Tel: 508-586-3022
Web: brocktonucc.org
Email: office@brocktonucc.org
Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Sunday Worship Time: 9:55 a.m.
Christ Congregational February Happenings
Christ Congregational Church Happenings
Lenten Dinners: The Ministries Support Task Force will be preparing take home meals for the six Fridays during Lent. There are different options every week such as Chicken Divan; Veggie or Meat Chili; Chowder or Soup; Chicken, Broccoli & Ziti (or rice); Shepherd’s Pie, and always Mac & Cheese. Volunteers are also wanted to choose a week to make or provide a dessert item. Dinners will start on Friday, February 24 through March 31 and must be ordered in advance. Watch your midweek Nearly Weekly emails in the upcoming weeks for ordering information.
Breakfast and Beliefs: For the season of Lent the Vitality board will be partnering with Barry Shelley and Pastor Jeff to offer 3 Breakfast and Beliefs events. These events follow a simple format where 2-3 speakers prepare remarks for about 5-6 minutes on a topic for discussion, then once all of the speakers have shared the floor is open for everyone gathered to join in a dialogue on the subject matter (all with very light moderation by our leaders). A light breakfast will also be served. Please save the following dates if you want to join us for any (or all) of the offerings. The dates and topics are:
March 4th – Parenting Complexity: Raising Neuro-diverse and Medically Complex Children
March 18th – Becoming Caretakers: Supporting Those Who Once Supported Us
April 1st – Living with Mental Health Challenges: Navigating Invisible Storms Each week we will open conversation around life experiences that are often unique (and sometimes isolating) in the hopes of allowing space for our Beloved Community to process together. Those who share will have lived these unique experiences and will highlight unique challenges they wish others knew about – but at the same time each presenter will also share “the God moments” of their experience. The dialogue that follows will allow space for questions, clarification, and (most importantly) and chance for all of us to empathize with one another.
Food Pantry Collection
Food Pantry: Non-perishable food items for the Ilse Marks Food Pantry may be left in the Giving Corner in the church lobby through Sunday, April 16. After that date, you may drop off donations to the food pantry at Christ Congregational Church in Brockton or drop off items directly at the food pantry at 116 Seaver Street in Stoughton on Tuesday mornings between 8:00 – 10:00 AM. Please be sure to check the expiration date!
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
April 19 (Wed) Mainspring House: This is this next date we are scheduled to provide dinner for Brockton’s homeless shelter. If you can make a casserole or give a monetary donation to defray the cost of salad and dessert, please contact Anita Keenan (keenans21@gmail.com | 781-244- 7742). Contact Anita if you need a foil baking pan and recipe, or to drop off your casserole. Please be attentive to deadline and the drop off location when Anita sends out the request for casseroles.
Bottles and Cans: Please donate your clean, redeemable bottles and cans from your Easter holiday events and parties. If possible, drop them off at Maurine Upton’s home. If not, they can be left in the drop-off container at the bottom of the stairs just before the church office no later than Sunday, April 16. Contact Maurine Upton for more information. We are grateful to Maurine for her faithful support of various church ministries and operational needs.
Sunday Worship
9:55 AM at Christ Congregational Church in Brockton
Wheelchair Accessible
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