Friday, September 13, 2024 | |
Greetings UCCB,
Come this Sunday, September 15, 9:30pm, at UCC Boxborough as we read of Jesus’ question to his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And then he asks his follow-up question, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter then correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah but incorrectly understands the identifying characteristics of the Messiah.
When it is said that this question of identity is central to Mark’s gospel, it is literally true. The story is in the 8th chapter of a 16-chapter book. Identity is central to much of our lives. On Tuesday night we witnessed a political debate over the identity of two Presidential candidates and the struggle over the identifying characteristics of a President. Many of us have received alerts following the breach of the National Public Data our identity may be compromised. Identity is central to much of our lives.
While we enjoyed wonderful and diverse musical talents during worship this summer, wasn’t it great having Joe back on the organ and the choir, under the direction of Cindy, singing again! Hope to see you at worship this Sunday.
Peace,
Richard & Jill Edens
Interim Co-Pastors
UCC Boxborough
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FOLLOW UP ON TODD B.
Todd B., son of Duncan and Connie, is still in Dartmouth Hitchcock following a mountain bike accident two weeks ago. His wife has set up a page on CaringBridge so that others may follow his progress. If you have not used Caring Bridge, you may set up an account at caringbridge.org and then seek the person through the Caring Bridge site.
Caring Bridge is a networking site for patients, caregivers, and loved ones so no one goes through a health journey alone.
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Message from the Pastoral Search Committee
Thank you for your confidence in us in appointing us as the search committee to nominate a candidate for settled pastor at UCCB. We are excited to be embarking on this journey. We’ve spent the past couple of months laying the groundwork for our search, including familiarizing ourselves with the search and call process as practiced in the UCC, developing questions to ask, and conducting a mock interview.
We now enter a new phase of our transition process. The church profile has been posted at the national UCC website, thanks to the hard work of the Profile Writing Team, so ably chaired by Tineke. You can see the profile HERE. This website is used by ministers across the country who are looking for pastoral openings. A minister who sees our profile and would like to be considered for the position will contact our Associate Conference Minister, Carol Steinbrecher, asking her to forward their ministerial profile to us. Only ministers in good standing in their home associations may do this.
The search committee will review every ministerial profile we receive, and interview those who we believe have the experience and alignment with our church’s mission and vision to be the minister for this next chapter in our journey. We all would like to find our next settled pastor sooner rather than later, but it is important we exercise due diligence to find the best candidate, so we thank you for your patience.
We hope you will understand that this process must be conducted in complete confidence. The ministers we interview will in most cases be currently serving at a church, and would not want their parishioners to know their pastor is considering leaving.
While honoring the need for confidentiality, we will communicate periodically to provide an update on the search process itself. Thank you!
Your search committee:
Susan Appleton
Brian Davis
Ellen Hickey
Kellie Senghas
Todd Waddington
Larry Wellington (chair)
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Becoming a Member of UCCB
If you’ve been attending UCCB for a while and would like to deepen your connection to the church, you may wish to consider becoming a member.
What does it mean to be a member of UCCB?
When you join the church, you covenant to walk together with us on our journey of discovering who we are and who God is calling us to become. Your part of the covenant is to support the church in whatever way is most fulfilling for you with your time, talents, or treasure. In turn, the church covenants to support you and your family on your journey.
As a member, you can vote in congregational meetings such as the vote to call a new pastor which will be coming up some months from now. Non-members may attend congregational meetings but cannot vote.
We’ll be receiving new members in worship on October 13. If you would like to learn more, or to join the church, please see one of the pastors or a Deacon.
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SERMON SHAPING or TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY RESUMES
On Tuesdays at 10am, you are invited to a lively and far-ranging conversation with the Pastors on the scripture for the coming Sunday.
On Tuesday, Sept 17, we will discuss the lessons for Sunday, September 22
18th Sunday after Pentecost: Proverbs 31:10-31; Psalm 1; James 3:13-4:3,7-8a; Mark 9:30-37.
On Tuesday, Sept 24, we will discuss the lessons for Sunday, September 29
19th Sunday after Pentecost: Esther 7:1-6,9-10; 9:20-22; Psalm 124; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50.
On Tuesday, Oct 01, we will discuss the lessons for Sunday, October 6
20th Sunday after Pentecost: Job 1:1, 2:1-10; Psalm 26; Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16
The meeting opens at 9:45 for visiting. Please join us. The Zoom link is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81402428901
Passcode: 7387
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Register Now for Rise Against Hunger
Worship in Action, Sunday September 29, 2024
The upbeat music! The assembly line! The stylish hair nets! We’re excited to bring back Rise Against Hunger. All ages are invited to this Worship in Action service - there are roles for everyone! We’ll gather in the Community Center for a short worship service, then work together to assemble meal packets that will be distributed globally to those most in need. Just one way that we put our faith into action by caring for the world and demonstrating our love for neighbors, near and far. Have friends who are equally motivated – invite them to join!
All participants are required to register and agree to a liability waiver and release. It would be helpful for people to register ahead of time, freeing up time during the event for us to package as many meals as possible. On the registration page click the “Register” button. Where it says “Choose the time best for you to end world hunger” check “Volunteer Shift #01” (note that we’ve reserved two hours for the event, but any amount of time you can give will be appreciated). Don’t forget to hit “Submit” at the bottom of the page. Questions? Contact ktsenghas@gmail.com. Most Sundays in September, Kellie will be available during fellowship time after church to register you if easier. See you on September 29!
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Silent Auction Needs Your Donations!
Get into the Christmas spirit early by giving a gift or a service to the Merrie Christmas Fair’s Silent Auction, which will be held online again this year at www.BiddingForGood.com from November 13 through 23. You donate an item or a service that you provide, then people bid to win that item or service.
All different kinds of donations are welcome:
· gifts you purchase
· gifts you make
· art and photography
· delicious homemade food (food-of-the-month or one-time treats)
· Christmas-themed items
· tickets to plays, concerts, or sports events
· gift certificates to local restaurants
· skills you can share (cooking, hiking, cross-country skiing, singing, decorating, pie-crust making, gardening, etc.)
· services you can provide (remodeling advice, pet sitting, rides to the airport, planting bulbs)
· something you really like – others will, too!
Add your gift to the list on the Silent Auction poster in the Gathering Room during coffee hour or contact Mary Anne Vogel (home: 978-263-8957, cell: 978-852-9637, or email: voglfmly@gmail.com).
Can’t decide what to donate? We gladly accept money to buy articles for the Auction from local businesses. Mail a check to the church, or bring your check to the church office between 9 AM and 2 PM weekdays, except Wednesdays. Make the check out to “UCCB” and write “Silent Auction” on the memo line.
You can also donate money online using the church website (www.boxboroughucc.org). Click on the blue DONATE button at the top of the homepage to bring up the Donations form. Near the bottom of the form, next to “Special Collections” enter the amount you would like to give and type “Silent Auction” in the box next to the amount. Click Continue at the bottom of the page to finish the donation by entering your name and credit card information.
Please let us know what you want to donate by November 1st. The Silent Auction needs everyone’s participation to be successful! Thank you very much!
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United Church of Christ, Boxborough, MA
Office Manager
Welcoming Protestant church in MetroWest seeks part-time Office Manager. Church includes Pastor and four part-time staff. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can professionally manage confidential information. Unchurched professionals welcome.
Responsibilities
● Office and Communications management
● Management of church membership data
● Financial management and bookkeeping
● Management of building use and rental of facilities by community organizations
Application knowledge (preferred but not required)
QuickBooks, MS Word, MS Excel, Publisher, Canva, WordPress,
Position Details
● Flexibility with 24-32 hours per week. Typical work week includes 1 day per week from home and 2-3 days at Church (9am – 3pm)
● $25/hour
● Paid vacation and holidays
The Office Manager is a highly trusted and respected role within our Church and the greater Community.
Resumes should be directed to sidwelld806@gmail.com
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Are you whiling away your evenings (or days)?
Shame on you! Just kidding. If you are into sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, taking pictures, decoupaging, making cards, creating doll clothes, painting, macrame, cross stitch, embroidery, candle making…………. The KNITS AND GIFTS table needs your talents. I’m hoping that many of you will contribute items to the table for the Merry Christmas Fair. In past years this table has offered a large variety of beautiful homemade items.
Pricing of items will take into account the cost of materials, but recouping your time can be difficult. It’s truly a labor of love. Shoppers are looking for unique, one of a kind items at a reasonable price.
If you have any questions please give me a call or send a message.
Marlee Roberts.
978-399-4228
Marleeroberts@verizon.net
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Do you have something you want to share in the weekly Flash?
Submissions for the weekly newsletter are due on Thursday morning at 9:00am. Please submit your camera ready announcement and the dates which you would like it run to boxborochurch@verizon.net. Any questions, please contact Jenn in the church office at 978.263.7387.
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