Brookfield Congregational Church;

8 Common Street
P.O. Box 457
Brookfield Massachusetts, 01506-0457
 Click here to leave an E-mail message
Phone: (508) 867-6262
Sunday Service starts at 10:00 AM
Communion First Sunday of the Month



Brookfield Congregational Church Announcements


NEW CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday..............................9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The Church building is open to in person services, 10 AM Sundays.  On line services recording are available, soon after.   For use of the Church hall contact the Church Office.  We are providing pastoral support.  This 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. 

 


HOME COMMUNION



Pastor John would welcome the opportunity to bring Communion to persons unable to attend church.
A time convenient for you may be arranged by calling Pastor John at 1 (774) 414-4452.

 



Scripture Readings for March 2023

Date

Scripture

Gospel

Themes

05

Genesis 12:1-12

John 3:1-17

“Nicodemus said to Jesus, ‘How can these things be?’  Jesus answered, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?’”     Even very good, imaginative teachers of others fault when they can think only literally about the same lessons applied to themselves.”
John 3:9,10

12

Exodus 17:1-17

John 4:5-26

 “Jesus tired by his journey, was sitting by Jacob’s well;  It was about noon.  A Samaritan woman Came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink."    The lordship of Jesus did not mean he never ever got tired, nor that could not need or ask for someone else’s help.”
John 4:6,7

19

1 Samuel 16:1-13

John 9:1-41

“Jesus spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man born blind’s eyes, saying to him, ‘Go wash in the pool of Siloam.’ The man did and came back seeing.” “  If the good God were suddenly to make a solitary blind to see We would  stand wondering all And call it miracle; But that He gives with lavish hand Sight to a million souls We stand with little awe And say He but fulfills a natural law.”   John 9:6,7

26

Exodus 37:1-14

John 11:1-45

“  Jesus wept.  The people standing by said, 'Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man kept his friend from dying?' Death and dying for human beings are matters obviously God cannot prevent even for God’s dearest and best, no prevention; what God alone can and  does do;  that dying is NOT the end of God or of them!”   John 11:35-37




Scripture Readings for April 2023


Date

Scripture

Gospel

Themes

02

 

Matthew 21:1-11

PALM SUNDAY
Passion according to Matthew

In servitude and humility a majestic Jesus enters the Holy Cityon this earth not to wear a crown bet to carry other's  clothes 

06

 

 

Maundy Thursday
SEDER MEAL 6:00 p.m.

07

 

John 18 

GOOD FRIDAY 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

09

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

John 19:41

EASTER 10:00 AM.  Holy Communion

Christ Jesus arose in the dimlight of dawn not to beat, badger or beratre but to  Name a Promise  

16

John 20:27

Those wounds, raw and red, that He wore, childern and adults of all names and kinds, continue to ware them today

23

John 21:5

How the Lord Jesus demonstrates He is not going anywhere

30

I Peter 4:5,6

Whose idea was it that Jesus died and went to hell; I thought he, if any, have died, especially how he died, went to Heaven.?!




General Messages


SUNDAY MORNING SCRIPTURE READERS:  an opportunity for Readers—children, teens, adults to prepare for the assigned reading of the Holy Bible at Sunday worship—Sunday, April 2 at 11:30 a.m. in a classroom upstairs. It will be led by Pastor John and is for all those who lead our worship that way.  If you have already been a volunteer doing so, here is a refresher course; if new, or interest in doing so, this is the best way to prepare.  We shall meet for about a half-hour.  Questions? Speak to Pastor John.

NEW MEMBER CLASSES—Learning about church membership?  Ready to become a member?  Beginning Sunday April 16, classroom upstairs, 3 Sundays, one-half hour each Sunday—April 16, 23, & 30. 

Lent Giving

The Board of Missions will be collecting items during Lent for Dismas Farm and Abby’s House. A list of needs will be posted on the Missions Board in Fellowship Hall. Thank you for your support.





















April 2: Reading of the Passion according to Mathiew
at 10:00 AM





April 6: Maundy Thursday Seder Meal at 6:30 PM







April 7: Good Friday services at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM





April 9: Easter Sunday Service at 10:00 AM





March 21

Chair Yoga, 9:00 AM

March 21

Council On Aging, 10:00 AM

March 21

Centering Prayer, 10:00 AM

March 21

Men's Group, 6:30 PM

Contact Bill Simpson 508.867.6897 for more information

March 22

AA, 7:00 PM

March 23

Bible Study, 10:00 AM

March 23

Dismas, 5:45 PM

March 23

TOPS, 6:30 PM

 March 24

Praise Night, 6:30 PM

(Fundraiser for Youth Mission Trip)



DEACONS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY


Jullie Buchanan

Jane Snyder









If anyone is interested in becoming a member of our church please speak with Pastor John.









Sign Up to Serve for Coffee Fellowship
Team up with a partner(s)


Coffee Hour…a time for fellowship after our Sunday Service!
If you would like to volunteer to put on a pot of coffee and provide some simple “goodies” (keep it simple), sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board in place in Fellowship Hall! You can always “TEAM-UP” with someone!!! If you have never done Coffee Hour before, there are plenty of people that will happily lend a hand!

 

GATHER WITH FRIENDS FOR COFFEE AND FELLOWSHIP!  



 





Centering Prayer Welcomes your Participation

    

Once again, Centering Prayer is being offered on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. in the library. If you would like to participate in our 20 minute silent prayer time praying for those in need, we would joyously welcome you.  If you have any questions, please speak with Jane Snyder



 





Come join us:

 Bible Study has resumed on Thursday Mornings at 10:00 am. In Fellowship Hall. Come, join us, study God’s Word Together

 





Christian Life


Opportunities Abound

 Your Christian Life Board would like to know if there is interest within the congregation to hold a six-week Women’s study perhaps this winter, meeting once a week at the church at a time to be determined.  If this might be of interest to you, please sign your name on the flyer posted on the sign-up board in Fellowship Hall.  Suggested programs are: I’m Waiting God by Barbara Roose or Fearless by Angela Donadio.

OR

Your Christian Life Board would like to know if there is interest in having a couples 6 week study in the near future using the curriculum Communication in Marriage by Christian Bible Studies.  If this might be of interest to you, please sign your name on the flyer posted on the sign-up board in Fellowship Hall.

OR

Your Christian Life Board would like to know if there is interest in a Women’s get away weekend study that would be held in Petersham at the Monastery sometime in March.  The weekend would encompass fellowship Friday evening over a simple supper.  Saturday would possibly contain a bible study, a bit of free time, maybe lunch with the nuns, and a compline service at 8pm.  Sunday would have more fellowship and another bible study before returning home.  Pastor Ellie has been asked if she would consider leading this group.  The cost of staying is simply a free will offering that would be left in an envelope for the nuns.  Should you have any questions concerning any of the above, please speak with Jane Snyder.
Your Christian Life Board
Jessica Safford, Doreen Blouin, Kathy Crevier

 





CHOIR MEMBERS WANTED!!

We would like to welcome anyone who would be interested in joining the choir.  Please speak to Reagan or Lindsey Paras. Let’s make a joyful noise and sing praises unto our Lord! Or if you play an instrument and would like to join us in our Praise and Worship, please feel free to speak to us.



 



BROOKFIELD ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY

The B.E.F.P.  is an all volunteer organization.  It was created by the churches in Brookfield to help those who find themselves in need of supplementary food and/or household supplies.  The B.E.F.P.  is  open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

There are no requirements, such as income, other than that you are a Brookfield or East Brookfield resident.  You are also allowed to come monthly.Many, many people donate goods and/or money to the B.E.F.P.   Also, other groups and businesses donate to the pantry -  groups such as;  school students, scouts, state police, banks and other organizations.  Money allows us to purchase non-food household items such as soap, paper goods, cleaning supplies and other items not covered by S.N.A.P. (food stamps). 

Once a month, devoted volunteers travel to the Worcester County Food Bank in Shrewsbury. There, we are able to obtain a lot of food to help replensih our shelves at very little or no cost.

For more information, please call Louise Woodard at 508-867-3891.   When you come please bring your own bags and on the first visit, some proof of residency.

Thank you,  Paul Shailer, Board Member, 508-867-9298


 


 

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 By Clicking Here, 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.

 





New Mission for 2023


“Tunnel to Towers Foundation ” Please see the Missions Board in the Fellowship Hall to sign up. One time donation of $11 or as often as you like to help First Responders in need of help. See Jane Snyder for more info. Thanks.



 




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.

 



 

If anyone is interested in helping to provide a meal for Dismas Farm, please see Tammy Taquino for more information.

Also, if you are interested in crocheting, knitting, or quilting for the Prayer Shawl Ministry please speak with Patti Coltey for detailed opportunities.


 


FLOWERS FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP   



We invite you to contribute flowers for our Sunday worship! Flowers may be from a florist, something in season or from home gardens!
The sign-up calendar is back in place in Fellowship Hall! If you have any questions, contact Cathy Farr (508-450-6052).
If you would like to give flowers in memory or in honor of someone and would like that information to be printed in the bulletin, please let the church office know by the Wednesday before the service date.
Thank you!

 



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

 


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!


knit crochet

 



Child Care

Child care is provided under the supervision of Ellie Fournier 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.

 






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

 

 


CHURCH SCRAPBOOK

Calling All People

We are looking for pictures for the Church Scrapbook.  I am working on 2022-2023. If you have snapshots of any of our church activities such as: choir, spaghetti suppers, pie baking for Apple Country Fair, tag sale pictures, nursery and Sunday School pictures please contact Patti Coltey

 


YEAR-TO-DATE INCOME FOR:  FEBRUARY 2023

ANNUAL BUDGET                                                     $170,974.52
PROJECTED MONTHLY AVERAGE                               $14,247.87
RECEIVED INCOME FOR MONTH OF FEBRUARY        $18,817.55
                        Offering                      $18,088.55
                        Other Sources                  $729.00
PROJECTED INCOME YEAR-TO-DATE                         $28,495.75
RECEIVED INCOME YEAR-TO-DATE                            $28,973.33


 



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.