Last Sunday Recap and Pastor's Note
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Church is more than a Sunday worship service. Over the next few months we want to remember what happened on Sundays and reflect on the songs, prayers, and special moments as well as the sermon with our Sunday Recap.
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Sunday Recap:
What a joyful Sunday! We had our annual Lessons & Carols service to kick off the season of Advent. Many families participated by lighting the advent wreath and doing the many readings (lessons) that show us all the Signs pointing to the Savior – Jesus. Did you hear a scripture with new ears or see something with new eyes this morning? ..
..read more
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Pastor's Note:
The oracles of Balaam in Numbers 22-24 seem to come right out of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings: the plot is measured in centuries rather than years, fantastic events occur (a talking donkey) and, like
Saruman
, there is even a powerful wizard with the strange name of Balaam, son of Beor.
The story of Balaam contains rich lessons and the one we’re focusing on today is the fact that he is “Balaam son of Beor, whose eyes are opened.”
...read more
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Advent and Christmas Services
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As we enter the season of Advent, let's be mindful of those around us that need to hear the message of the Gospel. Be in prayer about who you can invite to these upcoming services, and then take a bold step and invite someone to attend with you!
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Next Evensong is Wednesday,
December 12,
6:45-7:15p
A 30-minute mid-week evening worship service.
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Monday, December 24th
5p - Family Nativity Drama
7p - Candlelight Communion Service
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At both Christmas Eve services the offering taken will support TCC's Deacon's Fund, used to help people in our community experiencing financial hardships throughout the year.
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Opportunity for Families: Advent Wreath Lighting
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We light candles of the Advent wreath to signify the growing expectation and hope of the coming of Christ, the light of the world. If you or your family would like to be Advent candle lighters in one service, please contact
adam@tccwayland.org.
Christmas Eve slots open at 5pm and 7pm!
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Angel Tree Gifts Needed ASAP!!
In order to deliver the gifts before Christmas, we need your Angel Tree gifts brought to the church now!
If possible, please include a gift receipt with your gift in case an item needs to be exchanged. Also, please attach the Angel Tree tag to
your wrapped gifts and return them to TCC ASAP!
Gifts can be left on the tables set up in the stairwell area off the lobby.
If you would like more information on this program or could help with gift delivery, please contact
Jim Santamaria
508-358-7821
or hermits@comcast.net
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Sock Drive - December 9th-30th. Can You Help?
Starlight Ministries, a program of Emmanuel Gospel Center (Boston), is running low on socks in their drop-in center. Would you consider donating a few new pairs of socks?
Starlight is also accepting hats and gloves for those in need. There is a drop-off bin underneath the main stairwell.
We are excited to partner with Cynthia Bell, Starlight Director, and this amazing ministry!
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Reminder about TCC Parking
As you know, parking at TCC on Sunday mornings is always a challenge! With winter approaching, we want to remind people that if they are physically able, please park in the Town Hall Building Lot. You may drop off people or paraphernalia before you proceed there. This will leave parking spots for visitors, the handicapped, our older population as well as those with young infants and toddlers. This is a practical way for us to show hospitality.
Besides designated handicapped parking spots, we have 5 spaces on the south side of the building for visitors as well as 4 newly designated spots for families with small children. Please respect these spots.
Do not park along the sides of the driveway, as these areas are fire lanes and must be kept clear.
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Thank You for Returning your Faith Promise Cards
Thank you for Returning Your Faith Promise Card! To date, we have received 102 cards, indicating planned contributions of $998,352 to TCC next year. If you have not yet returned a card, you may do so through the church office or the offering plate.
To aid us in developing our 2019 budget, please return your Faith Promise Card ASAP. Additional Faith Promise Cards are available in your pew rack and Stewardship Packets may be found at the Connection Hub.
You may also email your Faith Promise to the church at contributions@tccwayland.org.
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Children's Actors Needed!
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Children, Pre K-5th grade, are invited to play a role in our 5 pm Family Christmas Eve Drama. Signup at the Children’s Ministry desk on any Sunday between now and December 2nd! (PK kids may participate but will need a parent with them.)
Rehearsal times are as follows:
Sunday 12/16 from 11 am-12:30 pm
Sunday 12/23 from 2-3:30 pm
Please signup at the children’s ministry checkin desk or email
Gail
to sign up ASAP - rehearsals begin soon!
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Children's Artwork Needed!
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Help us tell the Christmas story with your child’s artwork! We use the Jesus Storybook Bible (JSB) during the Christmas drama and need the following scenes illustrated:
of the following scenes:
Luke 1:26 – Luke 2:7
The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:8-20
The Shepherds and the Angels
Matthew 2
The Story of the Wise Men
This can be a great project for your kids to have a hands-on experience of the Christmas Story. It is also a great opportunity to read the Bible together as your child thinks about how to illustrate it. We need LOTS of artwork of many different images, so pick one and make it your own!
Directions:
Submit full color drawings on letter sized paper.
Write your child’s name and grade NEATLY ON THE BACK.
Turn artwork into the CM desk by Sunday, December 16th.
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Ring the Bell this December!
Salvation Army Outreach Opportunity.
We have an opportunity to serve the larger community of those in need by helping to man the red kettles and ring the bell for the Salvation Army. There are hourly time slots available to participate in this ministry at local markets in Cochituate and Wayland. This is a terrific introduction to Christian service for families during this Christmas season. It’s easy and fun for kids to do with a parent! If you are willing to volunteer for one hour of bell ringing during daytime business hours, please contact Preston Keith (508-358-4318 or
npkeith@icloud.com
) or Paul Church (617-947-1903 or piman71@gmail.com).
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Want to serve this Holiday Season?
TCC has partnered with The Bridge House, in Framingham, a faith-based recovery home for men with substance abuse problems. We have the opportunity to provide a meal for 50 men on a day of your choosing Tuesday- Friday. More information about their ministry can be found on their website.
http://thebridgehouse.org/wp/
Gather a group or your family and prepare a meal during this holiday season. It would be a wonderful expression of love during this holiday season. You can use your kitchen or schedule to use TCC’s kitchen. We can help you with menu ideas.
Please call the office and speak with Jen or Nancy to schedule a date and for more information.
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Men's Basketball This Week!
A devoted group of men have been playing basketball in the gym at TCC almost every Thursday night since last winter. Each week about 5-10 men come and take advantage of the amazing facility that we are blessed with at TCC. We play "pick-up" which just means that we form new teams each week depending on who can play that week. Adults and young adults are welcome - just show up. This includes both church members and friends and neighbors who do not call TCC home. We play hard but we "take it easy" and always consider it a good night if there are no injuries. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to Sam Jackson; <
jsamjackson8@gmail.com
> Start time is at 7:45 pm every Thursday.
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Coats for Kids – Donations Due December 30th
Live the Adventure (LTA) is participating in the Anton Cleaner's annual Coats for Kids drive. In these hard economic times, there are thousands of individuals who are without a warm winter coat. Coats, for children and adults, in good-condition can be donated at the drop-off box near the Children's Ministry desk until
December 30th.
One of the lessons we’ll be learning in LTA this month is “Work together to help someone in need.” This is a wonderful opportunity for children to realize there are others in need and that they could share what they have to help!
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Girls Gathering, Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45p
All fourth and fifth grade girls are invited to join us at Girls Gathering,
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45 pm
. This year we’ll use the book,
A Girl After God’s Own Heart
by Elizabeth George. We’ll discover what God says about growing in love for family and friends, growing in wisdom in order to make good choices, growing in grace when facing situations that are hard, and growing in joy when drawing closer to Jesus. We’ll pray for and encourage one another to become girls after God’s own heart.
Guys Gathering, Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45p
Attention all 4 and 5th grade boys! Come and join the fun with Kyle Smethurst, Pastor of Students and Outreach, each Wednesday from 5:30 – 6:45 pm.
Register online now.
What We’ll Learn in LTA This Week
Pre-K:
This month we are celebrating a very special birthday! We will celebrate Jesus’ birthday because He is God’s Son. God’s Son deserves a celebration as big as Christmas and birthday bash as big as what we are going to give him this month! He is that special!
Week 2
: Jesus Born in a Stable, Luke 2:1-7.
Story Focus:
Not everyone knew Jesus is God’s Son.
K-5:
God’s compassion for the people He created led to the greatest act of love the world has ever seen. God sent His only Son to make us right with Him. We reflect that compassion when we care about others and show them how much God loves them.
Week 2:
Gabriel Appears to Mary, Luke 1:26-56.
Bottom Line:
God can use anyone to meet others’ needs.
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MS and HS Christmas Parties
Our Christmas Parties are just few weeks away! For each of them you need to bring a $5 wrapped gift for the Yankee Swap competition. Some of you might be wondering, what's a "progressive dinner"? It's when we enjoy the 3 courses of a Christmas dinner at 3 different houses...all in one night! Don't miss this crazy night of games and food...and more food.
*Drop-off & Pick-up at Bradford Hall for both parties!
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Adult Ministries and Bible Studies
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Wednesday Bible Study:
Christ in the Psalms
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Join Allan Baldwin's class for a mid-week spiritual banquet (we don’t live by bread alone!).
Wednesday Mornings
9:30 - 10:30a
Room 205
Bible Lecture given by Rev. Baldwin.
Come, reflect, enjoy!
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Light breakfast and Bible Study from 7:30 am-9:00 am. All men are welcome to join us! For more information, contact: Ed Brown at 508-655-9116;
beverlybrown2@mac.com or Jim Santamaria at 508-358-7821;
hermits@comcast.net.
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All ages knitting group, Mondays at 10 am & 7 pm in the parlor.
Questions? Call Susan Foster at 508-358-5852.
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Women's Bible Study - Now on Winter Recess
Women’s Bible Study (WBS) will be studying 1st and 2nd Corinthians this year. We’re going to see how if we don’t understand the cross and what came after it - our lives won’t reflect it. Come study with us how to live a life of love in a broken world through His truth! Thursdays 9:15-11:00 am at TCC, Wayland. September 13 - April 2018. Registration and questions? Contact Amy at
TCCWBS@gmail.com or the TCC office at 508-358-7717.
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Mom to Mom - Now on Winter Recess
Friday mornings, 9:20 am - 11:15 am
"Mom to Mom makes me a better mom as it 'gives me support' along the way..."
Mom to Mom meets weekly to address issues and needs of women and family, guided by Biblical principles. We offer encouragement, compassion, and support to moms with children of all ages living at home. For over sixteen years, hundreds of Moms from the community at-large have come together and learned that they "are not alone" in the delight and struggles of raising a family. Any mom, independent of religious affiliation, is invited to join us.
Mom to Mom also offers a wonderful Christian Children's Ministry Program for infants through kindergartners. There are crafts, music, games and Bible stories for toddlers on up. A loving and responsible children's team offers your kids the best!
Please note that moms and children must be pre-registered. Placement in the children's program is offered on a first come, first served basis.
The program registration fee is $55/year and scholarships are available.
The children’s program fee is $75/year and scholarships are available.
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Here at TCC, we are passionate about cultivating authentic community. Throughout the week, LIFE groups meet and rely on Bible study, discussion, practical yet compassionate care to encourage, befriend and help each other grow in relationship with Christ. We have groups in Wayland, Weston, Sudbury, Natick and Hudson who would love to have you join them!
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SPREAD THE WORD...
If you are in need, or if you know someone who is in need, such as single parents, those on a fixed income, unemployed or others who could use a helping hand, please feel free to visit the church office for assistance from our loaves & fishes food pantry. Our food pantry is open on sundays and regular church hours.
The TCC Food Pantry, “Loaves & Fishes” offers assistance to those of TCC and the surrounding community who need help with providing for themselves and their family
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Donations to the TCC “Loaves & Fishes” Food Pantry are gratefully accepted. There is a collection bin on a table near the lobby stairwell. We only accept donations of non-perishable food and personal items.
We respectfully ask you not to donate any open or expired items – we just have to throw them away!
TOP ITEMS NEEDED:
Dental Floss
Women's Deodorant
Hot Chocolate Packets
Dish Detergent
Dishwasher Detergent
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Luke 12:48
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We are seeking additional Children Ministry Partners (volunteers). God can use you to make a difference in the life of a child. Don’t miss an exciting opportunity to help kids discover God and grow their relationship with Jesus. Help is needed in the following areas:
Live the Adventure Sunday 9:30 - 10:30A
· Infant care - once a month
·
PK & Elementary small group assistants - once a month
·
Infant - Grade 5 - Substitute small group leaders or assistants
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One-on-One assistants - once or twice per month
Encore Sunday 11:00A – 12 P
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Infant - Grade 5 assistant once a month or more
LTA Prep – help prep small group materials for small groups (can be done midweek).
Greeting Ministry
Greeters stand in the lobby and at the doors to help people into the building safely. Arrive at 9 am and help us foster a welcoming community.
Usher Ministry
Ushers are absolutely critical in helping newcomers form their first impression of TCC. You help set the tone for the worship experience to come. You are representatives of God’s kingdom.You’re not just opening doors, providing information, handing out bulletins or collecting the offering, you are making people feel welcome!
Sunday Hospitality / Coffee Hour
If you enjoy having a cup of coffee while chatting with others during the 10:30 am Fellowship time, please sign-up (alone or with your Small Group) to host a coffee hour! You don’t even have to provide snacks – just make, set up and then clean up the coffee and tea!
(Easy instructions provided – click here to see what is involved!)
Participation gives you and your group an opportunity to serve the Lord and is greatly appreciated by your fellow members.
Counters
Are you accurate and reliable? Volunteers count the weekly offering (mostly checks for deposit) each Sunday, and we are in need of new helpers. Offering counters work in pairs.
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We partner with local Christian organizations to help us achieve the greatest impact in serving our community. We also believe that serving the poor is an essential part of the Christian faith. If you are not yet involved in one of these ministries, sign up yourself and/or your LIFE group today!
For more information, please contact Jen Calverley or Nancy Griffin at 508-358-7717 or email frontdesk@tccwayland.org.
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The Bridge House
The Bridge House, located in Framingham, is a faith-based recovery home for men with substance abuse problems. Their program provides individualized treatment including counseling to support the spiritual, physical, social and intellectual health of each person in recovery. TCC would like to provide a meal for 50 to Bridge House every month.
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Pearl Street Cafe
Pearl Street Cafe provides dinner for 50-100 people every weeknight. TCC will provide 12 volunteers to serve dinner there every 1st and 5th Monday of the month from 4:30-7 pm. It's a great way to serve others in our community and no cooking experience is required. We simply wait on tables and serve food prepared by the Pearl St. Cafe staff
.
There is no age restriction on the volunteers. We hope you will join us and serve!
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