Earlier this week, I was on the GoDaddy website to prepare for the renewal of the church's domain name. Ever since, GoDaddy is following me everywhere. Online, at least. I was on a bible website preparing for Sunday's sermon, and GoDaddy was flashing an ad at me, letting me know that I haven't yet completed my transaction.
Of course, GoDaddy isn't the only company doing this to me. We spent one night in a hotel recently and now Hilton finds me on a news website. And a necklace I clicked on by mistake several weeks ago keeps showing up in the margins of Facebook. I don't even like it!
Advertisers are using tracking algorithms to make sure we get the messages they want to send us, over and over again. It's irritating, but apparently also effective.
What if we were as intentional and skilled at sending each other the messages we really need? You're watching cat videos on YouTube and a pop-up image of a beautiful sunrise includes the words, "You are a gift to the world." You go to do a Google search and "You are my beloved" fills the margin of the page. You're doing some online shopping and an alert pops up: "Take one minute to practice gratitude".
Okay, so we don't want to use more algorithms to stalk people, even with the best of intentions. But how about we give people those messages IRL? (That means "In Real Life".) We can give these messages with our attitudes, our words and our actions every day of our lives.
Actually, I believe God is already sending us these messages. God doesn't use algorithms; God uses music and poetry and nature and us to get those messages across. So whenever you feel a bit of peace or hope or inspiration to act, that's God "advertising" the good news in your life: God is near, you are loved just as you are, and you have all you need to bless the world.
Well, maybe just one pop-up ad inviting people to worship at 9:30 this Sunday?
Peace,
Rev. Cindy
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Worship
Sunday, May 7, 9:30 am
The breaking of bread. On this first Sunday of the month we celebrate the sacrament of communion by intinction, coming forward to tear off the bread and dip it in the cup. As we do so, we remember the early Christian community, who did the same. We'll also wrap up our food drive (see information below) and take a collection for the Pastoral Excellence Program (which supports training for UCC clergy in Massachusetts).
Sermons
Worship Bulletins
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Spiritual Nurture
Can you believe the end of the school year is in sight?! Here is the Spiritual Nurture schedule for the rest of the program year.
Nursery care is available for our youngest parishioners every Sunday, in the Vestry. When Spiritual Nurture is offered for elementary, middle and high school youth, kids begin with us in worship then leave for their programming at the second hymn.
May 7 - Spiritual Nurture for elementary through high school
May 14 - Spiritual Nurture for elementary youth. Middle and high school youth stay in worship for Confirmation.
May 21 - Spiritual Nurture for elementary through high school
May 28 - Intergenerational worship with Baptism (Memorial Day weekend)
June 4 - Final day of Spiritual Nurture for elementary through high school
June 11 - Spiritual Nurture Sunday! Intergenerational worship featuring our youth.
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Renovation Food Drive
Sunday, May 7
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). 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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41st Annual Music Sunday Concert
Sunday, May 7, 4:30 pm
Come and brighten your spring day by coming to the annual Music Sunday Concert this Sunday, May 7 at 4:30 in the sanctuary. This free musical program showcases local talent (instrumental and choral) from UCCB and the community. It will be highlighted by special selections by both Choirs plus a variety of music performed by people of all ages. Come one and come all to this special, joyful musical program. Bring your whole family and friends to this concert. Light refreshments will follow the program coordinated by the Fellowship Committee. For more information contact Gloria Roe 978-264-0052, email
gloria.roe@comcast.net
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Project Linus Reminder
Sunday, May 7th
Please be aware that the deadline to turn in Project Linus blankets this year is Sunday, May 7th. If more time is needed, please let me know. Thank you. eanddparkes1@yahoo.com
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Flowers For Mother's Day
Sunday, May 7, Deadline
We invite you to decorate the church sanctuary on Mother's Day, May 14.
Last date for signing up will be Sunday, May
7
. You may wish to give in memory of someone special or in celebration of some special occasion or a special person(s) in your life. Pink
Azalea Plant - $12.00 each.
Please sign up on the sheet next to the flower chart. All checks should be payable to the church, UCC Boxborough. Questions? Call Jackie 978-263-7568.
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Second Grade Bibles
Thursday, May 11, Deadline
At UCCB, we give bibles to our second graders, so they can begin to explore scripture with family and on their own. We'll be giving out the bibles on June 11. If you have a second grader (or older child who hasn't received a bible before) who would like to receive a bible, please contact the church office with his / her name by May 11. Please also let us know if you'll be able to be in worship on June 11 (boxborochurch@verizon.net).
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Graduates
Thursday, May 11, Deadline
Graduating from high school or college this spring? We'd love to celebrate your accomplishment! Please contact the church office (
boxborochurch@verizon.net) with your name, school you're graduating from, degree you're receiving, and any known plans. High school graduates, we'd particularly love to celebrate you in worship on June 11, so let us know if you are available.
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Confirmation Sock Drive
through May 14th
Do you know that feeling of putting on a fresh, clean pair of socks? Would you like to give that feeling to someone else? I'm Spenser Worthington-Berry. As part of my confirmation, I am doing a sock drive for people in the military. It will run from April 30th to May 14th. There will be a bin in the foyer. Please leave donations there.
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Sunday, May 21, after worship
On Sunday May 21, come to church ready to work on a project near and dear to so many hearts.
The plan is to clean out and organize the basement of Fellowship Hall. Lenny (our custodian) will be here to help, but we will need a lot of people to clear everything out of the FH basement, get rid of what is not needed, clean the floors and walls, and return and store what we want to keep in an organized way.
Did I mention that pizza would be served to provide nourishment to keep your strength up?
Come to church dressed to work. Hope to see you all there.
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Want to learn more... click the links below!
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