UCC Medfield E-News 11/16/2017

Church Office Hours - Next Week

Monday and Tuesday

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Wednesday

8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Thursday and Friday

Closed for Thanksgiving

Thank You From Pastor Phil

Last Sunday afternoon our son-in-law, Tyler Fielstra, had a bad accident and suffered a serious spinal cord injury. Fortunately he was medevaced to Yale New Haven Hospital right away where they performed surgery late Sunday evening. The surgery to repair the vertebrae was successful, but there was damage to the spinal cord and he is currently unable to walk. The last couple of days there have been some encouraging signs of feeling in his feet and his ability to move the toes on his right foot. The physicians treating him are encouraged by this but let us know that he has a long road of convalescence ahead of him—at least a year. He will be moved to an excellent rehab center for spinal injuries sometime next week.

I want to thank everyone who has contacted us to let us know that you are keeping Tyler and Michelle in your prayers, and would covet all of your prayers for his full recovery and the adjustments they both have to make in the next 12 months.

Blessings,

Pastor Phil

A Message From The Missions Team

Thanks to your generous giving and feedback, UCC Medfield has changed more lives this year! To highlight local outreach, your tithings have funded Welcome Packages for our Soup to Go Ministry, purchased yarn for Knitting for Others, and supported New Life and Place of Promise each with $25,000 of desperately needed funding. We are filled with joy to witness the impact of this funding to change the lives of those whom we are blessed to serve.

A Message From The Stewardship Team

The Stewardship Ministry Team invites you to make a financial pledge for 2018 if you have not already done so. Pledge cards and collection boxes are available in the lobby. Thank you.

Beacon Brass Quintet - This Sunday, November 19

Beacon Brass Quintet is coming to UCC Medfield this Sunday, November 19 for the 9:30 am worship service. Music to include Thanksgiving favorites "We Gather Together" and "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come" as well as Grant Cochran's arrangement of "Simple Gifts," works by Vaughan Williams, Holst’s Jupiter Theme from “The Planets” and more.

Musicians Dana Oakes and Dana Russian, trumpet, Robert Marlatt, horn, Hans Bohn, trombone, and Ken Amis, tuba are members of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, Boston Ballet Orchestra and appear with the Boston Symphony. As an ensemble, Beacon Brass has performed in concert throughout the United States, on radio and television, including recording the theme music for "The Advocates" for PBS.

Beacon Brass Quintet has been featured at prestigious special events including a Carnegie Hall recital, the opening ceremonies of the John F. Kennedy Library and the Centennial Dinner for members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. They have been featured in informal lecture/recitals with Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart.

Watch last Sunday's sermon from Pastor Phil entitled,

"Fired Up! Reprise"

Watch Sunday's Sermon

News and Events

Follow This Link To View A Complete List Of All UCC Events And Announcements

Adult Nursery Caregiver Needed -

November 26 and December 3 and 10

Do you love spending time with babies and toddlers? Are you looking for a way to serve one another here at UCC? Our dedicated nursery caregiver, Judy, will be away on Sunday, November 26, December 3, and December 10. We are looking for an adult to lead the nursery on each of those Sundays. If you are interested, please contact Liz Lisciandra .

Music For All - Intergenerational Worship Service on Sunday, November 26 at 9:30 am

- "Pick-Up" Choir

- Meet the Organ

- Guest Conductor

At the 9:30 am Intergenerational Worship Service we will have a “Pick-Up” Choir, reminiscent of our summer services, where ALL are welcome: all ages and musical abilities, to sing “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.”

Additionally, our youngest members are encouraged to come forward for the hymns and organ music to “Meet the Organ” during the worship service. They will be invited to pull stops, press presets, and more. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!!!!

Finally, we will have a special “guest” conductor, or conductors, Sunday morning for the anthem.

Christmas Gift Collections -

Starting November 26

UCC Medfield is again collecting Christmas gifts for City Mission’s Christmas Shop, Medway House Family Shelter, and Friends Of The Mentally Ill. Donation boxes can be found in the Church Lobby.

Annual Community Carol Sing - Friday, December 1 at 7:30 pm

(after the town tree lighting)

The program will include traditional Christmas carols intermixed with Sanctuary and Handbell choir selections.

Growing Young Survey - December 3

Growing Young research identified this list of the 6 things that growing churches do. They:

Practice key-chain leadership
Empathize with today’s young people
Take Jesus’ message seriously - nurturing a Jesus centered community
Foster warm peer and intergenerational friendships
Involve young people and families in all facets of congregational life
Are the best neighbors (locally and globally)

We need you to take an online survey to let us know how you think UCC Medfield does in these areas! This survey will be open thru January 7. Stay tuned for more info and directions to the link. Assistance will be provided for anyone that needs help logging onto the assessment.

Women's Ministries Advent Supper And Cookie Wrap - December 12 at 6 pm

Join the Women’s Ministries annual evening of soup and service. All you need to do is bring a double batch of cookies. We’ll enjoy a light dinner together and fill treat boxes for our neighbors in need of good cheer. Sign ups coming soon!

Come early for an Advent Worship Experience! Everyone is welcome to put aside their busy Holiday schedules and "to-do" lists and spend some quiet time of reflection in the Great Room, which will be transformed into a beautiful space where you will journey through the experience of waiting for the birth of Christ. The Experience will open at 5 pm.

Christmas Concert - Santa Claus Is Coming to UCC Medfield

Friday, December 15 at 7 pm

Please join us for a fun and festive concert featuring UCC Medfield's Sanctuary Music Ensembles and soloists. Pieces will be performed by the Sanctuary, Youth and Cherub Choirs, Chapel Bell and Youth Handbell Choirs, and featured soloists. Our musicians will perform traditional and contemporary Christmas favorites. The concert will end with a visit from Santa, who will join us for our reception with refreshments. Following the concert, children young (and young at heart) will have a chance to visit and take photos with Santa. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information contact Christine .

Save The Date For The Women's Ministry Retreat - March 2 - 4, 2018

Location: The International Hotel in Bolton, MA

Discussion Topic: "Blessed Are They...How to lead lives that will be blessed, how to be a blessing to others, and how to navigate this in our day-to-day lives."

Leaders: Gayle Kendall and Wendy Cohen

Anyone 18 years and older are encouraged come, with a special invitation to our college age/young adult women . More details and registration information coming soon. Please contact Alexandra Compton or Pastor Karen with questions .