Central Square Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
Steeple Sounds
October 2019
We are a Christian community of people who are reaching out to our neighbors,
at home and abroad, sharing our faith and our resources.
Central Square Congregational Church, UCC, of Bridgewater, Massachusetts is an open and affirming
church. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
From the Desk of Rev. Beth
Rev. Elizabeth Stotts, Pastor
There are many definitions of the word “bless”, but here’s the one I like: To make holy, to consecrate, to hold in reverence. In religious and secular culture, we too often hear a spoken or implicit connection between blessing and reward, whether that be the blessing of health, wealth, security, opportunity, etc. Too little air time is given to the opportunities we have to do the blessing, to recognize the mundane and momentous objects, moments, and people as holy and hold them in reverence. And yet, the opportunities are all around us. And as church, what better way to be doers of the Word!
Blessing is something that we can do in any time and any place. We can say a blessing over a sink full of dirty dishes, thanking God for these vessels that held the food that nourished people. We can say a blessing as we park our cars, giving thanks for a safe arrival. We can bless one another. In Puerto Rican culture, it is a tradition that children greet elders with the word “Bendición” to which the elder replies “Que Dios te bendiga.” The child literally asks for a blessing, and is met with the words, “God bless you.” (Just one example to celebrate during Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15!)
As we consider this Fall how to be doers of the word, let us also ask how in our daily living we are given opportunities to bless others and to bless the world around us. The Spiritual Enrichment topic for the Month of October is “Our Global Community”. When we think about blessing the world around us, we can start here. As you read the pages of this newsletter, whether it is a paper copy in your hands or a document on your computer screen, I invite you to offer a blessing over the words you read, the people who wrote them, and the ministries they describe. May the many opportunities to serve, build up community, witness to one another and the world, and know God more deeply and fully, be a blessing in your life as well.
Yours In Christ,
Rev. Beth
csccpastor@hotmail.com, 508-697-6016
Thank The Hosts!
Each Sunday, volunteers from Cabinet-level boards, committees, groups, and officers provide the coffee and, maybe, goodies for all of us to enjoy in the Fellowship Hour. Please thank them and offer to help the next time your church friends are the hosts. Setup, making coffee, bringing cream/milk and juice, cleanup, and providing goodies are the tasks needing extra hands. (There are no “fifth Sundays” in October and November, so the services of Board of Deacons and Music Committee are not needed!)
Oct. 6—First Sunday..................Board of Christian Outreach & Board of Stewardship
Oct. 13—Second Sunday.............................CSCC Officers & Women’s Guild & Fellowship
Oct. 20—Third Sunday...........................Growth Committee & History & Memorials Committee
Oct. 27—Fourth Sunday............................Board of Trustees & Board of Christian Education
Nov. 3—First Sunday..................Board of Christian Outreach & Board of Stewardship
Nov. 10—Second Sunday.............................CSCC Officers & Women’s Guild & Fellowship
Nov. 17—Third Sunday...........................Growth Committee & History & Memorials Committee
Nov. 24—Fourth Sunday............................Board of Trustees & Board of Christian Education
Sunday, October 6 and Sunday, October 20
Come join us 9-9:45am for breakfast! Everyone is welcome! Homemade, hot breakfast buffet! Pay what you can. If you can’t pay, eat for FREE! If you are doing OK, pay the going rate $5-$15 (family limit). If you are blessed, leave some extra so we can keep this going!
Calling All Women!
Wednesday, October 2
The Women’s Guild & Fellowship meets the first Wednesday of each month. On the agenda are ways to give to others locally and around the world. Our gifts could be goods, services, or monetary. Here is our personal invitation, for you are invited to help us discover who needs our help and how we may give. Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, October 2nd at 6:30 p.m. Just bring your favorite salad, main dish, or dessert and enjoy a great pot luck supper. Bring a friend for everyone is welcome. Business meeting will follow and the years planning will begin.
Yours truly,
The Women’s Guild & Fellowship
Co-Presidents Beth Basler and Terry Reynolds
PS — see later in this issue about our semi-annual RUMMAGE SALE!
Weekly Evening Bible Study
Tuesdays
Join Rev. Beth in the Fireplace Room each Tuesday at 7pm to read the lectionary scripture together, discuss what sticks out, how it relates to our lives, how it relates to the Spiritual Enrichment topic of the month, and to pray.
Bible Study Reflection with Gordon Brailsford & Rev. Beth
Gordon brought a scripture verse he’d been really struggling with so we set aside our planned Bible Study session and studied the text he brought.
It was Luke 14:26-27 which says,
“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Surely Jesus didn’t mean HATE, right?! In looking a little bit deeper into the text we realize that the Gospel of Luke was written in Koine Greek. Jesus spoke Aramaic, similar to Hebrew and Arabic, and here we are speaking English. There are so many opportunities to translate, interpret, and re-interpret scripture, and even a single word can throw us off. “No” Rev. Beth told Gordon, “Jesus didn’t mean HATE how we think of the word hate. I think he meant are you willing to give up everything you know and everything you have? Are you willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to follow me? Remember that the disciples literally walked away from their lives, their jobs, their families to learn from and follow Jesus.” So it makes us think... if this is what it means to be a disciple, what are we willing to give up? To sacrifice?
Gordon and Rev. Beth just wanted to share these Bible Study insights with you in the hopes that you’ll join in Bible Study too. 7pm. Every single Tuesday in the Fireplace Room.
Spiritual Enrichment For Young and Old
Sundays
Sunday mornings at 9am is our new time of Spiritual Enrichment for all ages. This will be our new Sunday School time for children in grades K-4, and it will also be a time for those older than that, both youth and adults, to organically gather in small-group fellowship and discuss whatever is on their minds. Talk about where you found inspiration in the prior week; pick a topic you share an interest in discussing; share inspirational stories of good works in today’s world; offer shared comfort with others that have experienced something difficult that you’ve experienced. There is no structure; there are no limits.
On a breakfast Sunday, invite others to grab their breakfast and share your table for discussion. On other Sundays, bring your coffee and find a quiet place in the church to chat. Meet with the same folks every week, or once a month, or once. Have an idea for a spiritual enrichment group? Submit it to the office a week ahead, and Ellen will invite participants in the Monday blast email. Or make an announcement in church. Or invite people yourself. Questions? Chat with Rev. Beth about your ideas: csccpastor@hotmail.com, 508-697-6016.
Sunday Stories with Rev. Beth
Sunday, October 13
9am in the nursery
Hear a story, sing songs, and play! All infants and toddlers (and their parents) welcome.
Mom & Baby Playgroup
Saturday, October 12
9-10:30am in the nursery
Bring your baby or toddler and hang with other moms! No agenda or program, just a fabulous play room for the kids and time to be with other moms!
Junior Youth Group
October 20
Who: All students in grades 5, 6, or 7
When: 11:30-1:00
Where: the upstairs meeting room at church
Topic: “Our Global Community”
Senior Youth Group
October 27
Who: All students in grades 8-12
When: 11:30-1:00
Where: the downstairs youth room
Newcomers welcome!
Every month we’ll gather for some conversation and inspiration.
Note: this is a change from the former format of meeting at the 99 Restaurant.
Also, feel free to bring a friend or two! Lunch will be provided.
Jess Stearns • jessicastearns1231@gmail.com
Every month we’ll gather for an activity, a craft, and a shared meal. Our topics will follow the monthly themes for our Jubilee Year, so for October, it’s “Our Global Community”. See you on the 20th! Lunch will be provided.
Rev. Beth • csccpastor@hotmail.com, 508-697-6016
PS -- feel free to bring a friend!
Confirmation 2019-2020
Sunday, October 27 (info meeting)
All youth and parents interested in knowing more about Confirmation are invited to attend a brief informational orientation meeting on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 immediately following worship, in the Sanctuary.
Confirmation is a program for youth to engage in a year-long exploration of their faith lives and systems of belief. Confirmation is a process, an ongoing, life-long process, not a destination. However, when the students complete the year-long study, they will prepare their own worship service where they will share with the congregation all that they have learned and discerned.
Parents, if your youth is interested, I invite you both to attend the orientation on the 27th. Information about the program will be handed out at that time, and questions will be answered.
And do let me know if you have any questions. I'm here for you.
In Christ, Rev. Beth, csccpastor@hotmail.com
-> Nursery is open every Sunday 9am-12pm
-> Spiritual Enrichment, Sundays 9am
-> Bible Study, Tuesdays, 7pm
-> Mom & Baby playgroup, Nursery, 10/12, 9-10:30am
-> Sunday Stories w/Rev. Beth, Nursery, 10/13, 9am
-> Junior Youth Group (grades 5-7), 10/20, 11:30am-1pm
-> Confirmation info meeting, 10/27, 11:00am
-> Senior Youth Group (grades 8-12), 10/27, 11:30am-1pm
October’s Theme is:
OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Text...
Central Square Services are Available Live Streaming and On Demand!
Booth Video Productions and BTV Access Corporation team up weekly to bring you live stream productions of our service. The link to watch the service live, as well as an electronic copy of our bulletin so that you can follow along, is available each week on our website homepage, www.csccucc.org.
You can also find replays by visiting the Booth Video Youtube Channel or search “Central Square Congregational” at Youtube.com. Select services are also available on Demand at BTVAccess.Viebit.com. Coverage is produced weekly by Paul Holmes.
Senior Choir
We welcome all interested individuals of all musical levels to raise their voices with the choir. Rehearsals are at 8am on Sundays in preparation for that day’s 10am service. No need to sign up, just come! Any Sunday, all year long. The choir room is next to the kitchen. If you have any questions, contact Minister of Music Julia Scott Carey at juliascottcarey@gmail.com, or call the church office at 508-697-6016.
Junior Choir
The children’s choir rehearses at 9:15am on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, and at 9:30 on the third Sunday of the month (to allow you to enjoy our church’s wonderful breakfast before rehearsal). We will perform on the fourth Sunday of the month throughout the school year. Children of all ages are welcome. If you have any questions, contact Minister of Music Julia Scott Carey at juliascottcarey@gmail.com, or call the church office at 508-697-6016.
Food Pantry Sunday Donations
The Bridgewater Food Pantry, hosted here at CSCC, is busy every Thursday morning and one Monday night a month. If you think of it, bring a non-perishable item to church each Sunday and drop it in the shopping cart just inside the Church St. door. Just think how quickly the basket would fill up if each of us put one item in on Sunday!
Neighbors in Need Collection
October 6
The UCC “Neighbors in Need” collection will take place on OCTOBER 6 during worship. Neighbors in Need is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Please consider making a donation to this worthy effort.
Inspirational Themes
This year our congregational life will be centered around monthly themes. These themes will be the topics for our Christian Education during Children’s Spiritual Enrichment, youth group meetings, Sunday Stories with Rev. Beth in the Nursery, and in our weekly Sunday Worship at 10am. They will also (along with the lectionary texts) be a focal point in our weekly Bible Study which is each Tuesday at 7pm in the Fireplace Room.
Upcoming Monthly Themes for the Year are:
October - Our Global Community
November - Giving Thanks
December - Expectation
January - Light
February - Loving Our Neighbors
March - Questioning
April - Journeying
May - Growing and Changing
June - Release
Volunteer opportunities and service
Be an Usher, Greeter, or Acolyte!
These small commitment/big impact roles are available throughout the year. Whether for one Sunday, or once a month, or more, ushers, greeters, and acolytes are needed to create a helpful and welcoming experience for all. Contact the church office, or speak to someone in one of those roles on Sunday for more information about how you can participate.
Acolytes have traditionally been 3rd-6th graders, but anybody is welcome to take on this important job of leading off worship by lighting the altar candles. Be the one who brings the light of Christ into our presence at the beginning of Sunday service!
For more information, contact Ellen at office@csccucc.com or 508-697-6016.
Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and Smiles
We, the members of your Growth Committee, are thankful for your continued support of our ministry. We remind you that our spirit of invitation is year round and you never know if your actions and friendliness will prompt someone to inquire or visit our church.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
• Help with coffee hour (see article earlier on this page) — offer to bring a snack, or help with cleanup perhaps
• Christmas On The Common : December 1st – we are looking for volunteers to help serve free hot chocolate
• Offer your smile as a greeter. Call or see Mike for available dates and feel free to signup to greet with a friend.
In Faith, Mike Bundock (mm.bundock@comcast.net) & Gail Wershing (wershing@ptd.net), Co-chairs; Tracey Doherty and Pat Lindsey, Valued Members
Fall Rummage Sale
Saturday, October 19
Please note the time has been extended:
• The doors open at 9:00 a.m.
• “Soups On” luncheon will be served from 11:00 to 1:00
• the Bag Sale will begin at 1:00 and end at 2:00.
How may you help? The colder weather always signals it is time for Fall cleaning. As you clean you may discover some gently used clean items that you no longer need, but others could use. Items such as men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, belts, and shoes. Maybe you have clean linen, pots and pans, dishes, glassware and small appliances. Books, puzzles, toys, sporting goods, and holiday items are always appreciated.
When you have finished gathering all your items bring them to the church beginning October 15th (remember that the office is closed October 14 for Columbus Day) and place them in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you in advance for your donations!
Co-Presidents Beth Basler & Terry Reynolds
Fair
Friday, Nov. 1 - 6:30-8:30pm
Saturday, Nov. 2 - 9am-2pm
Lunch service 11:30am-1pm
Turkey Supper
Saturday, Nov. 9
4:30 and 6:30 seatings
Takeout also available
Reservations Required
Volunteers Needed!
We are in need of volunteers in any and all of the following areas. Please know that even if you only have a couple of hours to spare, your contribution is appreciated. Isn’t there just one item you could help with?
Calling All Bakers!
We are in need of baked goods. Please consider making a pie, cookies, or bread. We need a variety of pies and cookies for pie night and the cookie walk. All baked goods are welcome! Please label all baked goods and drop them at the church any time on November 1st before 6:30 pm. (Cookies should be two dozen or more in a ziplock bag, not individually packaged.) Please contact Darlene Brown at darlingsb@verizon.net and let her know what you are making. We need your help to make the fair a success, and thank you in advance for any and all help!
Fair Volunteers (Nov. 1-2)
Before the event: Bake Table Bakers & Pie Makers
Candy Makers • Lunch Dessert Makers
At the event: Lunch Team Servers
Lunch Team Kitchen Crew
Student Volunteers (Community Service Hours)
General Volunteers
Turkey Supper Volunteers (Nov. 9)
Student Volunteers (Community Service Hours)
Apple Crisp Makers • Turkey Cookers
Clean Up Crew • Turkey Supper Servers
Food Prep Crew • General Volunteers
In addition, we need the following TEAM LEADERS:
TAKEOUT ORDER COORDINATOR
(Turkey supper)
Oversee the packaging up and distribution of the takeout orders.
Total commitment: 3-7pm on Nov. 9
Fair Vendor Table Opportunity
We have a limited number of vendor tables available at the fair. If you have a product or service you wish to market, or know someone who does, please contact Diane Sheibley for all the details. $40/table, Saturday Nov. 2 only. Only one vendor per manufacturer or product category, at the sole discretion of the Fair Committee. No food or homemade craft vendors accepted. Full details at csccucc.org/events, or by contacting Diane at dianesheibley@gmail.com.
Calling all High School Students
Central Square Congregational Church is an approved community service sponsor for BRRHS. Come work at the fair and/or turkey supper for a few hours, or the entire time, and rack up those CS hours. Lots of different kinds of work to do.
Everything Must Go!
Do you like to host yard sales? Or perhaps you’re willing to help clear out useful but lonely items that didn’t sell at the fair's “attic treasures”, and bring them to the Salvation Army, or a second hand store, or possibly the transfer station. At 2pm on Saturday Nov. 2, the doors to the upstairs meeting room will be thrown open to anyone who wants to just take anything left over, and will help get it all cleared out. Everything must go! Tell your friends!
CSCC Fair Committee
Denise Molinari, Carla Jackson, Deb Rucker, and Diane Sheibley
Questions? Or to volunteer, contact Diane at dianesheibley@gmail.com
Check out the fair page at www.csccucc.org/events
Look at all the wonderful things we do at
Central Square Congregational Church, UCC!
Many folks want to help, want to serve. But life is busy. And life can be hard.
Serving God and community shouldn’t be overwhelming. It’s in a million little things.
“For God loves a cheerful giver.”
Find your passion. Help others. Be happy.
And remember... no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, there’s a place for you here.
Office Closed
October 14
Please make a note that the church office will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14 in observance of Columbus Day.
Congratulations are in Order!
Rev. Beth is one of 10 recipients (nationwide!) of the 2019/2020 Collegeville Institute’s Writers Grant! November 11-18 Rev. Beth will take part in a workshop aimed to focus on theological writing in the public forum. Congratulations, Rev. Beth!
Christian Outreach Ministry
Hurricane Dorian ravaged areas of the Bahamas, and Church World Service has established a fund to help the victims. As you read this, our three week drive has been completed, with Outreach matching up to $500 of the congregation’s donations. Thank you everyone for your help with this crucial fundraiser.
Our L Street Brockton ministry continues to serve the homeless population, feeding them materially and spiritually. We are reminded that with colder weather approaching, we will be seeking donations of clothing, hats, gloves, and hand warmers.
As we look around us, whether it be within the walls of CSCC, in the local neighborhoods, or images of far off places in need of help, let us be daily reminded that what we do matters and it is what God wants us to do joyfully with our hearts, hands, and resources.
Connie Chandler
Member, Board of Christian Outreach
Cabinet/Leadership Meeting
October 16
All board and committee leaders and officers are requested to attend the Cabinet/Leadership Meeting on WEDNESDAY, OCT 16, in the upstairs meeting room. Members of the congregation are welcome as well. Contact Anne Malmquist, Moderator, with questions, at amalmquist@comcast.net.
Historical Preservation Committee Presentation
October 20
We continued to meet on Monday evenings throughout the summer months, and we are now ready to choose our architect and contractor for this huge restoration project of Central Square Church. This month, David Moore, local historian, will join our committee as a guest speaker to give a presentation on the history of our church building. At this same time we will also share with you our plans for the renovation, which will include a talk about the application for grant money and other means of raising funds for this project. A special meeting of the congregation will be needed to obtain approval of finances before we proceed.
Please join us on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, during coffee hour following worship, for this presentation.
—Barbara I. Morey, Terry Reynolds, Carol Chaffee, Dave Sheibley, Gloria Weinrebe, Rachel Lawson, and Jim Driscoll (consultant)
Community Book Study
Our Community Book Study for this Fall is the book “Canoeing the Mountains” by Tod Bolsinger. Be on the lookout for upcoming discussion groups about this book. You can find it on Amazon or at the Bridgewater Public Library. According to Rev. Beth, “I’m only a few pages in and it’s REALLY GOOD!” To purchase it from Amazon, CLICK HERE.
Remember that when you shop on Amazon, use “smile.Amazon.com” rather than just “Amazon.com”, and designate CSCC as the charity to benefit from your purchases. It costs you nothing extra! Contact the church office with questions.
Spread the word! Kurt Walker is available for special events!
Church Administration
Pastor: Rev. Elizabeth Stotts, csccpastor@hotmail.com
Congregational Administrator: Ellen Atherton, office@csccucc.com
Sexton: Rich Sullivan
Minister of Music: Julia Scott Carey, juliascottcarey@gmail.com
Director of Christian Education: Jess Stearns, jessicastearns1231@gmail.com
Treasurer: David Sheibley, treasurer@csccucc.com
Office telephone: (508) 697-6016
Website: www.csccucc.org
Facebook page: facebook.com/csccuccbridgewaterma
Steeple Sounds submissions deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.
Calling All News and Events!
Have something that should be mentioned or highlighted in the November Steeple Sounds? Send it along to the church office by OCTOBER 15. Please be sure that there is a point of contact listed that we can print.