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!
NEW CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
The Church building will be closed to all meetings and services until further notice. 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.
Your pledges allow the Council to recommend the budget for the following year. Without this it is hard to plan what the church can do.
If you have sent yours in…thank you!
If you have not sent yours yet…thank you in advance!
Offering envelopes for 2021 are on the round table in the office. Please contact the office to arrange a pick up time.
Brookfield Congregational Church
Moderator’s Moment
We are guided by these words this month, “O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever” Psalm 107,.
With more vaccine comes a loosening of restrictions and the hope that we can begin to come together in person. The Church Council deliberated a good while to determine the course of action for March and early April. There continues to be infections locally and the Church does not want to rush to then need to shut down to quarantine, especially for Easter. The decision was made to look to a hybrid model for Easter. To meet in person for those who are comfortable and to record the service live and offer it online by noontime on Easter. Should all go well with Easter we would continue with both in person and virtual services.
Leading up to Easter we will continue to record and produce services on line. The Church has a substantial following on line and we look to continue to provide these messages of hope, especially as we see a younger aged demographic taking part. While we encourage everyone to enjoy the new found beauty in the sanctuary we know that it is not possible for many.
To improve access the Church added a feedback link on the Church’s website bcc1857.org the email link, bccmafeedback2gmail.com in the upper right corner of the Home Page. If you would like a copy of the order of service or other matters please consider using this link.
The Church also added the ability to donate on-line. This on-line link on the Home Page is not the only way but a new alternative to give. The Church thanks those who are mailing their offerings to the office. This additional alternative came about as Church leaders looked to alternatives to “passing the plate” in COVID times. While the offering plate will be provided once we are able to gather the act of passing the plate or basket will need to be kept on “hold” for now. The Church is thankful for all those who support the missions of the Church. This month’s senior outreach activity, the Spirit Lifters are now preparing for the Easter flower and card deliveries. This is a good example of many hands and donations touch seniors in 17 towns throughout the region bringing a vision of hope in these difficult times.
The Council also agreed to introduce a fundraising initiative we will call the 20/20 Challenge. In the year that has passed with COVID the Church’s operating income was just over $100,000. With many activities canceled the Church made it work. In years before COVID the Church averaged just over $120,000. If the Church is to return to a fuller service of offerings, we need to challenge ourselves to make up the difference. Hence the 20/20 Challenge. Would 20 who have not traditionally given, give $20 a week for the remainder of the year. While we know many are being challenged in this time, if others can assist, we can look to Easter and beyond to do more.
For those who can not give monetarily there are opportunities of your time. Currently Bob Wilson is cleaning the Church. With infrequent use that is OK. As we look to opening, Bob will need help. As we look to opening Church School in the Fall we need a Christian Ed committee to guide us with a curriculum and 2-3 teachers to share an hour a week. Do any of these ideas interest you. We have a strong leadership team available to mentor anyone with these interests.
Yours Faithfully,
Clarence (Punk) Snyder
Moderator
Brookfield Congregational Church
Pastor’s Page Newsletter
March 11, 2021
Dear Church Family:
Today I attended my first IN-PERSON Bible Study at our church in months. It was everything I have been hoping for, primarily just seeing each one of you. We were able to keep our safe distances so no virus in the air could spread, we all wore our masks, we made out fine, and we shall return next Thursday morning at 10 o’clock.
Even better preparations are well under way for in-person Sunday worship very soon, likely in March! The long-awaited goal is almost here. That is because you have been most patient, careful and therefore increasing the safety of the whole church family. Our church home looks wonderful; it has been superbly cared for day after day by Bob Wilson especially and some others. The complete renovation will take your breath away. Just seeing each other in-person will “restore our souls”. Worshiping God together will put that comfort and strength back into our faith battered much this past year by the virus, the absence, huge loss. My own faith shattered and torn; we will bring both of ours back together.
Here is what you need to know. We will continue the safe-distancing when together as long as required. Sanitizing will continue diligently. Face-masks as required strictly followed. But the doors will be open! You will be Home! We desire your presence. BUT I understand some among us will need and/or choose to wait a little longer, you have our support and care doing so. We will continue to record each Sunday Service and make it available Sunday afternoon, same day. And we shall keep you informed of changes as we go. Have I received vac cine? Yes! Do I recommend? Yes! As long as medically a possibility for you. Easiest, best thing you can do for yourself.
Initially there are limitations as to how many can gather, registering by e-mail or a simple phone call is for now necessary; that shall change as safety improves. Can we sing? Pray out loud? I hope so wearing face-masks, toning down the volume (for the moment!) that we can. Let’s attend that with our usual care too. We can make this virus a distant memory. How long was the human family apart during second world war? 5, 6 years, YEARS. We can do this one, handled worse before. When it came time for the Lord Jesus to be lifted up, parted from the Twelve, his family and friends, they said to him, “What is going to happen now, to us, to your Gospel?” He said, “You will receive power from on high, the Holy Spirit, God near and for you.” We are never alone as church, “God near and for you”, this old world with all its trials and troubles “a piece of cake”. There is a Kingdom coming, take heart, God is right here.
Sincerely,
Pastor john+
20/20 Challenge
A challenge to return the Church to a new normal.
The Council agreed to introduce a fundraising program called the 20/20 Challenge. In the year that has passed with COVID the Church’s operating income was just over $100,000. With many activities canceled the Church made it work. In years before COVID the Church averaged just over $120,000. The best year totaled nearly $125,000. If the Church is to return to a fuller service of offerings, we need to challenge ourselves to make up the difference. Hence the idea of the 20/20 Challenge. Would or could 20 who have not traditionally given, give $20 a week for the remainder of the year. While we know many are being challenged in this time, if others can assist, we can look to Easter and beyond to strive to fulfill God’s plan for the Church.
You can go on line to donate bcc1857.org, or mail you offering to the office or drop your offering in the plate after the service beginning on Easter. Many hands make light work.
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
Meeting times for the upcoming weeks
*BCC – Brookfield Congregational Church
*EBBC – East Brookfield Baptist Church
|
NIGHT |
LOCATION |
TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
04/16 |
Friday night |
@ EBBC |
6 PM to 8 PM |
04/25 |
Sunday night |
@ BBC |
6 PM to 7:30 PM |
04/30 |
Friday night |
@EBBC |
6 PM to 8 PM |
05/09 |
Sunday night |
@BCC |
6 PM to 7:30 PM |
05/14 |
Friday night |
@EBBC |
6 PM to 8 PM |
05/23 |
Sunday night |
@BCC |
6 PM to 7:30 PM |
05/28 |
Friday night |
@EBBC |
6 PM to 8 PM |
06/06 |
Sunday night |
@BCC |
6 PM to 7:30 PM |
Love People – Love God - Connect – Grow - Reach
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
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!
Be the “change” you want to see in the world
One of the many things I’ve thought about while sitting at home is that as we have been unable to gather in our beloved church, Gertrude, our hungry goose has not been fed either.
I quote an article I found and believe it still holds true today, props do work. Whether it be a plastic goose, a shopping cart or a plastic bank shaped as a Church. The children, and some of us adults, loved feeding Gertrude during coffee hour. Kudos to the person who started with this prop.
From article of 2012 in the South New England Conference United Church of Christ
“Paul Shailer, a deacon at the Brookfield Congregational Church, believes the goose -- which is put out at coffee hour -- is very visible and stands out. "Gertrude the Goose" (as she has been named by the Sunday School children) has become the church's ambassador for mission donations.
"Kids love to put money in its bill and watch it swallow the change," explained GwenYaskoski, a trustee and treasurer at the church. "The prop really gets the children involved and they have become very curious as to not only where the money goes after it's eaten by the goose, but who is being helped by the donations."
Whether it's a faux fowl or a real shopping cart, unique props can be helpful to mission and fundraising programs”
We have a post of our focused Missions for each month. If your heart is being called to support any of these focused Missions, please submit your donation to the church at P O Box 457, Brookfield, MA 01506. In the memo line, please note: feed Gertrude - Focused Mission (and the month).
Our Lenten giving mission, which was to benefit Dismas as well as Abbey’s house, was impacted by the outbreak of Covid19 and as we will be unable to plan a Suicide Awareness and Prevention vigil in May, as hoped, I would request that we allocate any funds raised during May to donate to Dismas and Abbey’s Feel free to visit their websites for ways you can help…at: http://www.dismasisfamily.org/donate/” and https://abbyshouse.org/donate/
I’ll sign off with the following….perhaps til we can be together and you can feed Gertrude directly, a fun little prop to make with the kids...a “feed” bag with scraps of material to stick your loose change into...
In His light and love,
Tammy, aka “T”, Mission Chair
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!
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 further notice
Deacons for the Month of April
Cathy Farr
Paul Shailer
Volunteers
|
READERS |
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE |
GREETERS |
|---|---|---|---|
04/04 |
Child Reader |
Communion Sunday |
Jo-Ann Gorham |
04/11 |
Alan Hoffsommer |
Brian Oxman |
Michelle Bonneau |
04/18 |
Brian Oxman |
Cheri Carty |
Paul Shailer |
04/25 |
Jane Snyder |
Tammy Toquino |
Robin & Wayne Dennehy |
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.
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
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.
YEAR-TO-DATE INCOME FOR: MARCH 2021
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.