God speaks to us in God's own special sign language - a baby.
Not much.
A small December child.
A baby is birth, beginnings, potential without guarantees.
A baby is helpless but not hopeless.
A baby is someone to watch.
A baby is the future appearing now.
Are there baby-signs from God signaling hope to us watchers on the hillside?
- Robert Raines
As we move from the waiting of Advent to Christmas' celebration of God's presence in our lives, may we keep our eyes open for those baby-signs. And may we commit to being those baby-signs ourselves in the year ahead.
Peace,
Rev. Cindy
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Worship
Sunday, December 24, 9:30 am
At this sacred time of year, join us for worship with special music, candlelight and celebration:
This Sunday morning, Dec. 24, we celebrate Advent IV at 9:30 am. In this shorter, intergenerational worship service, we will focus on Advent IV's theme of Love with a story and Word for All Ages.
In the evening, join us for Christmas Eve worship at 7 pm (come at 6:45 for the carol sing!). We will hear readings, sing carols, and circle the sanctuary in candlelight.
Next Sunday, Dec. 31, we'll make some resolutions for the new year. No weight loss, house cleaning, or new job resolutions allowed. Nursery attendant Jen B. will be with preschool and elementary kids in the Gathering Room.
Sermons
Worship Bulletins
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Spiritual Nurture
This Sunday all ages are invited to worship together, as we celebrate Advent IV with a story and Word for All Ages. Nursery care is available throughout worship.
Christmas Eve worship is intergenerational, with no nursery care. All ages are encouraged to join together for music, readings and candlelight!
Dec. 31 there is no Sunday School, but Nursery attendant Jen B. will hang out with preschool and elementary kids in the Gathering Room.
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Christmas Eve Worship
Sunday, Dec. 24, 7:00 pm
Intergenerational Candlelight Worship
Lessons and carols to
welcome Christmas!
We'll circle the sanctuary with
candlelight and the singing of Silent Night
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Hats for Homeless
The basket was not just overflowing once, but twice. The total number of warm items collected was 126, just about twice the amount donated in previous years. They were delivered to the Worcester Fellowship once again. Thank you so much
for your generosity and caring for those less fortunate.
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A Sweet! Circle Winter Social for youth and young adults
Jan 5 at 6:00 pm
All high school youth and young adults are invited to gather in the spirit of Ernie Fournier. Let's get together to chat, have fun, bring your favorite board or card game...and bring a donation for the Worcester Fellowship, a church by and for people currently or formerly unhoused. Some of you might recall visiting the church. They are in need of:
New men's underwear (briefs sizes medium and large)
New men's undershirts (sizes medium and large)
New women's underwear (sizes small, medium and large)
New women's personal hygiene products
When? Friday, January 5, from 6 till 8:30 pm in the Gathering Room at UCCB.
Spread the word to current and past mission trippers. Bring old and new friends. Everyone is welcome. We will provide plenty of food and beverages.
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Adult Mission Trip
July 15-20th, 2018
You are invited to join us on our fourth Adult Mission Trip to Cherryfield, Maine, where we work in partnership with the Maine Seacoast Mission. Last summer's trip was another resounding success and we are excited to be making a return trip. We'd love to have you join us! Maine Seacoast Mission was started in 1905 by two brothers who were both pastors who realized that the spiritual needs of the island residents of far Downeast Maine were not being met. Today Maine Seacoast Mission's focus includes rural education and healthcare issues. While they provide a wide array of support services, they only utilize mission trip volunteers in their Housing Repairs Program. Downeast Maine has an old and decaying housing stock and the need for repairs and weatherization on these homes is constant. With the support of volunteers, Maine Seacoast Mission is able to help their most vulnerable neighbors. The UCCB has reserved several spots for this trip. We can always adjust this number later, so the more, the merrier! To join us you only need to be 18 or older (too "old" to participate in one of our youth mission trips). While this has been called a "hammer and nails" experience, all levels of physical ability and expertise are welcome. Feel free to check in with prior years' mission trippers for a sense of the physical demands of the week. Please contact Peter or Kellie Senghas if you are interested in joining us or if you wish more information
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Looking for a roommate:
I'm a 38-year-old liberal minded French teacher and contra-dance caller, looking for a roommate to share my 2-bedroom apartment.
The unit has a dishwasher and extra storage space in the attic. Laundry is in the basement. Your room looks out over the garden, gets lots of light, and has the larger closet.
Our landlord is conscientious and responsible. The scenery is beautiful (gorgeous fall foliage, hiking trails, and apple orchards). The neighbors in our complex are super-nice. We sometimes have cookouts together.
What I'm looking for in a roommate, is someone courteous and respectful. If you'd enjoy hiking or biking with me that is great, but if you just want a quiet place to feel at home, that is fine too.
No pets are allowed in our complex.
This is a smoke-free, drug-free home.
LGBTQ friendlly.
The rent is $650/mo. + utilities. Our heat is electric, and electricity is priced very reasonably through our provider, so no worries about keeping the apartment comfortable or paying astronomical heating bills in the winter.
If this sounds like a place you'd want to live, please email me at
[email protected]
or call me at 617-230-8145.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
- Jeannine Ameduri
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Welcome Jenn - Officially!
We've been so lucky to have Jenn LaCross as our temporary administrative assistant these last couple of months. We are excited to announce that Jenn is now "permanent"! Her training in Quick Books, ability to get any information through Google, and willingness to jump in have already made her a great asset to our ministry. New office hours are Wednesday 9 - 1, and the rest of the week from 9 - 2. Welcome, Jenn!
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Church Office Holiday Schedule
The church office will be closed Dec. 23 - Jan. 1. Voicemails and emails will be returned Jan. 2.
Rev. Cindy will be taking time off Dec. 25 - Dec. 30. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please call her at home, 978-649-2210.
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Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather, Buildings and Grounds works with the Pastor to determine if it is safe to hold worship or other events at UCCB. They take into consideration travel advisories, weather outlook, and the condition of the church itself. For Sunday morning worship, information regarding the canceling or continuing of worship is left on the outgoing voicemail by 7 am.
Regardless of whether or not worship or other events are officially canceled, all parishioners, staff and lay leaders are urged to make their own decision based on their individual circumstances and comfort level: safety is our first priority.
If you have a role in worship or an event and are unable to attend, please notify Rev. Cindy via email ([email protected]) or church voicemail (978-263-7387).
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Want to learn more... click the links below!
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