"Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" This Sunday we'll join the crowd in celebrating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. If you're new to UCCB and your calendar highlights religious holy days, you might be a bit confused: Easter is still two weeks away, so shouldn't Palm Sunday be next week? For the last few years we've separated Palm and Passion Sunday so we can fully focus on each. This Sunday will be full of celebration, and next Sunday will be more somber. But that means we need the palms to arrive a week early. Every year the supplier warns us that they can't promise the palm fronds will arrive on time for our Palm Sunday, so we go through Lent with a bit of anxiety. But the palms have safely arrived and are being kept cool, ready for Sunday. Phew! In a few more years, we might have less to worry about: more churches are separating Palm and Passion Sunday. It would be nice to have one less thing to worry about.
As eagerly as admin Heather and I await the palms, the crowd was much more eager for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. We'll catch a bit of that spirit when we re-enact their palm-waving this Sunday.
Peace,
Rev. Cindy
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Worship
Sunday, April 2, 9:30 am
Palm Sunday! This Sunday we remember the story of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We'll wave some palms of our own during this joyful service, and the Junior Choir will sing. And we will celebrate the baptism of Rylee Sue Maruskin, daughter of Amy and Adam, granddaughter of Marlee and Dave Roberts. We'll celebrate communion on April 9, Passion Sunday.
Sermons
Worship Bulletins
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Spiritual Nurture
This week and next Spiritual Nurture features Nursery care throughout the service downstairs in the Vestry. Elementary age kids leave for Sunday School in the Pipe Room at the second hymn; at the same time middle and high school youth head to the Fellowship Hall. April 16 will be intergenerational Easter worship, and April 23 will also be intergenerational due to school vacation.
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April 13 - Maundy Thursday Soup Supper (6 pm) and Worship (7 pm)
In this Holy Week, we gather to face the darkness in Jesus' story, in our world, and in our own lives. The Deacons will host a soup supper before worship in the Gathering Room. Our service in the sanctuary will include communion, handwashing, and the extinguishing of candles. See more information elsewhere in this newsletter.
April 15 - 16 - Easter Vigil
From 7 pm on Saturday night until 6 am on Sunday morning, folks are invited to "watch one hour" in the sanctuary. See more information elsewhere in this newsletter, and sign up in the Gathering Room.
April 16 - Sunrise Worship, 5:45 am
Greet the sun on Easter morning with worship at North Cemetery (at the intersection of Middle Road and Hill Road). Following worship, a delicious breakfast will be served in Fellowship Hall.
April 16 - Easter Worship
At 9:30 in the Sanctuary, all ages join together for worship full of celebration and joy. We will flower the Easter cross and enjoy special music. Easter egg hunt to follow!
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Household Good Drive for Tylen
On April 2 and 9, we're collecting items for Household Goods in memory of Tylen Cunningham, a little boy with a big heart! Please join us by bringing items with you to worship, and adding them to the box in the sanctuary.
Household Goods is an amazing resource, donating furniture and household items, free of charge, to help people in need to make a home. The items below are on their "most wanted" list!
| Kitchen Sponges |
Dish Towels |
Can Openers |
| Pot Holders |
Measuring Cups |
Measuring Spoons |
| Spatulas |
Large Spoons |
Cooking Utensils |
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Easter Flowers
Help bring nature's beauty to the UCCB sanctuary on Easter morning, by ordering lilies and tulips in memory or honor of someone special. Lilies are $12, tulips are $8. Order forms are available at the church, and are due by April 9.
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Renovation Food Drive
On May 7 we will celebrate the newly reopened Acton Food Pantry (located in Boxborough) with a stock-the-shelves food drive! See below for the pantry's spring wish list. Please bring your contributions with you on May 7 (or earlier, but not until after Easter please). The Acton Food Pantry is an incredible program, helping our neighbors week after week. We're glad to partner with them.
| Spaghetti sauce |
Tomato paste |
Baked beans |
Tuna |
Cooking oil |
| Cereal |
100% juice boxes |
Spaghetti O's |
Canned fruit |
Jelly |
| Boxed rice |
Baby wipes |
Tissues |
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NYAJ Mission Trip Fundraiser
Do you like to eat? Do you like to support the UCCB Youth Mission Trip? Then we have the opportunity for you!
Every Tuesday in April, 15% of your bill at Not Your Average Joe's in Acton will be donated to the UCCB Youth Mission Trip. Just bring in the certificate below and give it to your server! Thank you supporting for 2017 trip to Vermont!
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Annual Youth Services Auction
"Spring is here! Time for yard work and the annual Youth Services Auction to benefit the SHYG mission trip! We will auction off work groups with 2 adult team leaders and 5-6 youth, who will come to your yard for 2.5 hours to do your chores! The Auction will be held during fellowship after worship on April 2 and 9, so organize your punch list and get ready to bid! The yard work will be scheduled for the last weekend in April or first weekend in May."
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2017 Music Sunday Concert
Sunday, May 7, 4:30 pm
INVITATION FOR SINGERS AND MUSICIANS! This year the annual Music Sunday Concert is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, May 7 at 4:30 pm. Mark your calendars for this special concert in the Spring! Musicians and singers of all ages are invited to perform a selection of their choice. Here is an opportunity to perform a solo, duet, or more! Involve the entire family to play an instrument and/or sing a song together. Invite your musical friends to join in the fun. All are welcomed! Signup sheet will be in the Gathering Room. For more information about how you can participate in this special musical program, contact Gloria Roe 978-264-0052 ,
Gloria_roe@comcast.com
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Bettering Boxborough Together
Community Forum
Tuesday, April 4, 7 - 9 p.m.
Sargent Memorial Library
How can Boxborough be even better? Come share and plan! Boxborough has received a grant to research and identify ways we can make Boxborough a better, healthier place to live. Lauren Abraham, Boxborough's amazing Community Services Coordinator, is in charge of the grant, along with the Boxborough Well Being Committee (of which Rev. Cindy is a member). Boxborough residents recently had the opportunity to participate in a survey. At the community forum, you can hear the results and help identify next steps. Refreshments will be served! See Rev. Cindy for more information, or RSVP (appreciated but not required) to
labraham@boxborough-ma.gov
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Want to learn more... click the links below!
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