I am really excited. As part of our master plan / capital campaign process, we've started working with a group called Theory One Design. They are going to help us with promotional materials for the campaign. But more importantly, they are going to help us tell our story. I've had two phone conversations and one in-person meeting from T1, and every time they have made an observation that either refined some thinking or took us to the next level. Every time!
Now you can join in. They will be leading us in a "narrative workshop" on June 11 (see information elsewhere in this Flash). This is different from a visioning / brainstorming meeting: they are going to be helping us to find within all the ideas we've been sharing an image or a phrase that will capture all we've been talking about for the last year or so. I've never been to a workshop like this before. But having experienced T1 over the last week or so, I can't wait! June is a challenging time of year to hold an important event like this, so I hope you can join us.
Peace,
Rev. Cindy
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Worship
Sunday, June 4, 9:30 am
Pentecost Communion. On this first Sunday of the month, we share the sacrament of Communion. We will be served by the Deacons in our seats. It's Pentecost, so we will also celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit! We will also have the opportunity to participate in the Strengthen the Church offering, which supports youth ministries and new church starts around the country.
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.
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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Summer Worship & Pastoral Coverage
SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE 2017
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Sunday
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Location
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Preacher
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June 25
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South Acton Congregational
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Rev. Cindy Worthington-Berry
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July 2
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South Acton Congregational
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Rev. Elizabeth Magill (Rev. Liz)
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July 9
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South Acton Congregational
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Rev. Cindy
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July 16
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South Acton Congregational
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Rev. Cindy
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July 23
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South Acton Congregational
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Rev. Liz
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July 30
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UCCB
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Rev. Liz
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Aug. 6
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UCCB
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Rev. Liz
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Aug. 13
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UCCB
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Rev. Cindy
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Aug. 20
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UCCB |
Rev. Cindy |
| Aug. 27 |
UCCB |
Rev. Liz |
| Sept. 3 |
Resume Regular Worship Schedule |
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PASTORAL COVERAGE
As is our custom, South Acton Congregational Church and United Church of Christ, Boxborough, will be sharing pastoral care coverage this summer, in addition to Sunday worship.
Coverage is divided as follows:
| June 19 - June 25 |
Rev. Cindy Worthington-Berry |
| June 26 - July 2 |
Rev. Elizabeth Magill (Rev. Liz) |
| July 3 - July 9 |
Rev. Cindy |
| July 10 - July 16 |
Rev. Cindy |
| July 17 - July 23 |
Rev. Liz |
| July 24 - July 30 |
Rev. Liz |
| July 31 - Aug. 6 |
Rev. Liz |
| Aug. 7 - Aug. 13 |
Rev. Cindy |
| Aug. 14 - Aug. 20 |
Rev. Cindy |
| Aug. 21 - Aug. 27 |
Rev. Liz |
| Aug. 28 |
Resume Usual Schedule |
When Rev. Liz is providing coverage, she can be reached at:
Office: 978-263-2332
Cell: 508-450-0431
When Rev. Cindy is providing coverage, she can be reached at:
Office: 978-263-7387
Cell: 978-204-0473
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Narrative Workshop
Sunday, June 11, 11:00 am-1:00pm
Your voice and creativity are requested at a fun workshop for the Capital Campaign. This workshop is an opportunity to work together to craft a single story that will become the Campaign theme and help us to share our vision. The consulting firm Theory One Design will facilitate our discussion. Come with an open mind and ready to collaborate.
We will have sandwiches and salads. Childcare will be provided.
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Neighborhood BBQ
Planning Meeting
Sunday, June 4, 10:45 am, Pipe Room
We know, summer hasn't even begun . . . BUT, before you know it, Rally Day will be here and our FIFTH annual BBQ will be 2 weeks later! Save the date: Sunday, Sept. 24!
The Neighborhood BBQ has become a beloved tradition at UCCB. Last fall, we agreed we wanted more people involved in the planning and execution. And early planning and ownership is even more important this year because Jennifer & Walker Royce will be away the week prior and day of the BBQ! But they have complete confidence in our ability to make this year another success.
We need a representative from each Ministry Team and anyone else interested to join a planning meeting on June 4 to review the various aspects of the BBQ. We need folks to volunteer and work together on the invitations, the food & beverage planning, ordering and pick up, sign-up sheets, set-up and clean-up plan, identifying and securing an activity for children and some mix & mingle activity for the broader audience. An idea will be shared at the June 4th meeting if you want to weigh in.
An outline of all planning elements has been prepared and we'll walk through the items together. If you can't attend the June 4 meeting, but want to be involved in the event preparations, please contact Rev. Cindy.
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Unified Pledging -- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Unified Pledging?
Parishioners will be invited to pledge a single unified amount yearly to support UCC Boxborough.
How is it different from current practice?
Each of us currently pledges a separate amount for operations and a separate amount for missions. In the last several years, the percentage for missions has ranged between 8% and 10% of the total pledged giving.
Why are we changing?
Combining into one unified pledge amount affirms that the entire church is a mission.
When we pledge for "Operation Expenses", we are enabling the church to carry out its fundamental goal of mission in the community. Combining the two amounts underlines our commitment to mission. The Missions and Outreach Ministry Team, the Finance Team and the Generosity Team have endorsed unified pledging. Two thirds of Massachusetts UCC congregations currently practice unified pledging. Council intends to improve on two fronts. First, we want to make annual budgeting a more holistic process where Missions is a part of everything we do. Second, we would like to see more active planning and communicating of specific forecasted Missions activities during the budgeting process.
When will this change become effective?
The Fall 2017 pledge campaign will invite unified pledges.
How will the Missions and Outreach budget be determined?
In the last several years, the percentage for missions has ranged between 8% and 10% of the total pledged giving. Council proposes a three-year transition period where we will set 9% of budgeted pledge income as the planned budget allocation of pledges for the Missions and Outreach budget. After three years of transition, council will determine how to better codify our lessons learned into formal church processes as needed. During this transition period, a different percentage can be proposed if there are specific needs forecasted by the Missions and Outreach team. A proposal to change the 9% allocation to Missions could be accommodated in the existing budget process and would have to be approved by the Congregation at the Annual Budget Meeting. We also want to separate OCWM from the Missions budget and manage that contribution more intentionally.
What about the Merrie Christmas Fair and other fund raisers?
These funds will remain separate and will not be included in the percentage.
How can I learn more?
Talk to any council member. Also, a cottage meeting will be held after service on June 18th to discuss further and answer any questions.
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Fresh Air And Fellowship
Saturdays, 10:00 am
Want to experience some fresh air and fellowship? Saturday mornings are a great time!
Let's meet at 10:00 at UCCB for a walk - destination/distance unknown!
The walk will be customized depending upon who joins. Perhaps down Middle Road and then crossing into Steele Farm (if we have some good Boxborough guides!) or perhaps a loop on the roads. We'll be flexible and welcoming to all!
Please bring your own water bottle. If the organizers are organized (no guarantees!), there may be refreshments at the church for before / after.
Please feel free to personally invite family, friends, and neighbors to join.
The more, the merrier!
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The Compassion Experience
June 9 - 13
"The Compassion Experience" is coming to the United Methodist Church in Leominster, June 9 - 13. This interactive experience shares the stories of children living in poverty around the world. It also shows the impact of Compassion International, a Christian child development organization. For more information and to register, visit:
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Active Bystander Training
June 13, 7:00 pm - 9 pm
Learn how to be active and effective in responding to interpersonal harm-doing that you see. Active Bystanders learn strategies to interfere with bullies and stand up for those being bullied. Suggested Donation is $10. Curriculum is designed by Quabbin Mediation. Rev. Cindy and Mary Pavlik both took this training and found it very useful!
Offered by South Acton Congregational Church June 13, 7 - 9 pm. 35 School Street, Acton, MA. Send email to [email protected] to register.
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Want to learn more... click the links below!
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