Brookfield Congregational Church Announcements
Be sure to check out the Moderator's Moment, it's new!
Be sure to check out the Pastor's Page, it's new!
Dear People:
ABOUT PALM SUNDAY, this year April 5, the Bible says: "All this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, “Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold your king cometh to you, lowly, riding on a donkey.'" (Matthew 21:4) Where did Jesus come up with this idea for Palm Sunday? Two places: one, his Bible--the book of Zechariah, chapter 9, verse 9, which says exactly what Matthew reports. It is the same place Jesus found the Great Commandment, and the second commandment which is like unto it. It is the same place Jesus found much of his teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, the same place he found his words, and prayers, and courage while on the cross; his Bible--Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, the Psalms, etc. And second, Jesus came forth with his plan for Palm Sunday by observing and listening to the needs and hopes and challenges and requests and bickering among people, especially among his own disciples. Jesus read those matters like an open book ; St John says, "Jesus needed no one to testify (read explain, teach) about anyone, for he himself knew what was in people" John 2:25. Sometimes the question is raised noticing Jesus lived only to age 30 or 31, but began his ministry at age 30! "What was he doing all that time?" He was paying attention, and what he learned, he knew. What Jesus did on Palm Sunday and, actually, the whole week, came from that attention he had paid.
Sincerely,
Pastor John
NEW CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
The Church building will be closed to all meetings and services until after April 7, 2020. In the meantime we will be providing pastoral support that can be reached either by calling the church at (508)867-6262, or via email or the Church’s Facebook page. Pastor John may by reached at home (508) 222-2535 or Cell phone (774) 414-4452 ANYTIME. We will look to return calls as best we can. Planning is underway to offer services Sunday’s at 10 AM via Facebook. Look to the Church’s Facebook page for the coming Sunday’s. It may not be pretty but it will be that ray of hope we can all use.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL GATHERING OF PRAYER
Please join us digitally at 10AM for Palm Sunday worship. This week we welcome back Pastor John Condon!
We will be streaming through Facebook live as well as ZOOM through phone (dial 1-646-876-9923 meeting ID 514-052-9780
Password 137369). The recording will also be available on our website shortly following.
God Bless!
REMINDER
When an emergency is called during a church service – everything STOPS – 911 is called and everyone EXITs quickly and quietly to a designated area. Thank you for your cooperation.
OUR CHURCH COVENANT
We, the members of the Brookfield Congregational Church following the example of Jesus, who loved and served all, promise we will:
~Do unto others as we would have them do unto us;
~Faithfully support the Church with our time and treasures;
~Seek to do the will of God to promote the life of our church community and
the community at large.
~Listen to, speak with, and interact with each person in the church with
respect, honesty and love.
~Interact with open minds and hearts, considering perspectives that may be
different from our own and,
~Showing the charity of Christ, we will love and serve the people
of the church and community in the name of our Lord
On behalf of Project 351 (see below) our ambassador for Brookfield, Joseph Roderick is hosting a clothing drive from March 22 thru April 3. The drive is to support Cradles to Crayons which is a non-profit organization that provides children living in homeless and low-income situations with everyday essentials. They are collecting new or like- new children's clothing and shoes. They will be accepting shoes from birth to adult extra-large. This year, Cradles to Crayons has a high demand of shoes up to adult size 10. Donations can be brought to the Brookfield Congregational Church and left in the cardboard boxes at the back of the church.
Project 351 is an independent nonprofit organization that builds a movement of youth-led service by engaging an unsung hero from each of Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns. United for a year of leadership and service, Ambassadors transform communities, elevate kindness, advance social justice, and gain the courage, compassion, and capabilities to lead change.
Food Pantry reminder:
BCC is one of many churches that provides support to the Brookfield Ecumenical Food Pantry. Approximately 50 families in the community are receiving services through the food pantry. If you are willing and able to help support this program, there are donation baskets in the back of the Sanctuary near the stairs to the Narthex.
Thank you for your continued support. Non-perishable food donations are accepted. The Pantry can also really use paper goods and toiletry items, as these are items they are unable to get from the food bank.
Blessings to you all!
WINTER IS HERE!
Let’s help keep our friends warm. If you can knit and/or crochet
please contact Patti Coltey. We can use your help.
THANK YOU
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY DONATIONS
Patti Coltey would like to call anyone who can knit or crochet to join this important mission. There is nothing like being wrapped in a shawl made with love – care – blessing when you need some comfort!
Syl
Child Care
Child care is provided under the supervision of Ellie Blodgett during each Sunday service. All children from newborn to Sunday school age are welcome. Please speak to the deacon in charge if you need assistance.
FLOWERS FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP
We invite you to contribute flowers for Sunday worship. The flowers may be from a florist or in season, home gardens. Please see the Flower Chart in Fellowship Hall to sign up for a Sunday of your choice. Sundays already designated will be marked on the chart. If you wish to give flowers in memory or in honor of someone, please leave information for the worship bulletin with the office on TUESDAY BEFORE THE SUNDAY that you give flowers. Questions? Speak with Robin Dennehy.
COMING EVENTS
This Week
The Church building will be closed to all meetings and services until after April 7, 2020.
Deacons for the Month of March
Sarah Oxman
Paul Shailer
Volunteers
|
READERS |
CHILDREN’S SERMON |
GREETERS |
|---|---|---|---|
03/01 |
Child Reader |
Communion Sunday |
Cathy & Lee Farr |
03/08 |
Donna Brown |
Darlene Dean |
Carolyn Boucher |
03/15 |
Alan Hoffsommer |
Paul Shailer |
Carol & Andy Vanderburg |
03/22 |
Elizabeth Jay |
Punk Snyder |
Gae Warman-Gold |
03/29 |
Paul Shailer |
Peggy Sullivan |
Jan & Bob Wilson |
Recently we were graced with an outstanding mural in our nursery of Noah's Ark. This artistry was completed by Jordan Nugent, a college student who currently attends Nichols College. Jordan's work is so well done and super entertaining. Viewing the ark has brought smiles of delight not only to the children in the nursery but any adult who walks past the nursery. If you would like to see more of Jordan's work you may look for her at facebook.com/nugentcreations
Church Cookbooks from Helping Hands are available.
Our Church Cookbooks make a great gift!
Available in the Fellowship Hall. Only $5.00
each. Just think of those Christmas cookies
Senior Moments.
Susan Raymond, the Outreach Coordinator for the W.B. Senior Center has notfied us that the Brookfield COA and the W.B. Senior Center have collaborated by adding 10 hrs/month of her services for Brookfield residents. Anyone over the age of 55 who would like information about SNAP benefits (food stamps), answers to questions regarding fuel assistance or needs assistance with resources, please call the W.B. Senior Center at 508-867-1407 and ask for Sue Raymond.
The Council on Aging will meet at the Brookfield Congregational Church on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, except July and August, from 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Women's Bible Study
On Wednesday, March 4th through Wednesday May 6th we will be holding a Women's Bible study group from 10 – 11:30 a.m. We will be using a book entitled “Psalms, A Life Changing Encounter With God's Word.” This 10 week study will help you broaden and deepen your understanding and experience of prayer. Psalm are really just songs and another way to engage in prayer. We all know how powerful prayer can be. The study will teach you how to express your heart to God and enrich your prayers so that you can get to know Him more deeply. The better you know God's purpose for you the more you can share in His joy and participate in His plan. The cost of the book is $10.00. If you need assistance with that, please talk with Jan Wilson or call the church office at 508- 867-6262. We hope to see you there. Any woman is welcome. You do not need to be a member of any church. Thank you and God Bless!
HELPING HANDS AND LENT GIVING
Helping Hands will sponsor “Lent Giving” on Sundays, March 8, 15, & 22.
All items that are listed can be placed on the tables set up in the back of the Sanctuary. There is continued proof that we are the most generous “Ever”! Helping Hands will also provide “Teddy Bears” to the Brookfield Police Department.
Items needed for Dismas House
Laundry detergent
Dish detergent
Shaving cream
Razors
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Toilet paper
Items needed for Abbey’s
House and the Brookfield
Food Pantry
Laundry detergent
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Dish detergent
CHURCH SCRAPBOOK
Calling All People
We are looking for pictures for the Church Scrapbook. We only have ten pages for the 2019 book. If you have snapshots of any of our church activities such as: Fusion Youth Group (let’s get our teens in this book), Boy Scouts, spaghetti suppers, pie baking for Apple Country Fair, tag sale pictures, nursery and Sunday School pictures please contact Jane Snyder. We do have pictures of VBS.
Thank you, Patti Coltey
Open to ALL Youth Grades 6th to 12th
Youth Leader: Jim Joyce Jr. Asst Youth Leader: Tammy Taquino
Fusion.yg.bcc@gmail.com (508) 867-6262
Sundays from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at Brookfield Congregational Church.
Need Community Hours for School?
Here are some ways to get community service hours for school.
- Would you like to help cheer someone up? Spirit Lifters is looking for helpers to make gift baskets and assist with delivery.
Fusion Youth Group Update
The Fusion Youth Group band, Holy Intentions, has finished the tracks for their first song! The youth group recorded at Abraham’s Closet Recording Studio located at Greenville Baptist Church. They recorded a cover of ‘On My Own’ by Ashes Remain. The mechanical license has recently been obtained. With the license, the youth will have CD’s made to use as a fundraiser. Keep your ears open for the CD release!
Calendar
March 17th
NO Youth Group Meetings
Calender Notes
-
There will be NO meetings until after April 7th
Love People – Love God - Connect – Grow - Reach
SEEKING A CHURCH SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
DO YOU LOVE TO WORK WITH CHILDREN?
ARE YOU ORGANIZED?
ARE YOU ABLE TO VOLUNTEER?
ARE YOU INTERESTED? CLICK HERE!
Just a reminder that we are still in need of Teachers and Teacher's Assistants along with Assistants for Nursery. Please Pray on this and let Jane know when you are called to commit.
Saturday, March 28th volunteers are needed for spring cleaning of the church from 8 am to 4 pm. A sign-up sheet is available in Fellowship Hall and a list of items needed for cleaning will be posted also. We are hoping for at least 20 people. Please join us!
KITCHEN RECYCLING
Just a reminder to abide by our recycling rules when using the church kitchen: rinse out any recyclables before putting them in the receptacles, crush/flatten items when possible, etc. Guidelines are posted in the kitchen for your reference.