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STEEPLE SOUNDS

October 2026


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

 

"And he took them up in his arms” -Mark 10:16

 

This year, World Communion Sunday and National Taco Day happen to fall on the same day. At first glance, they may seem to have absolutely nothing to do with each other. One celebrates the unity of Christians around the world; the other celebrates one of humanity’s greatest culinary inventions. But, as I sit in my office wrapped up in my tortilla blanket, I wonder…maybe there is a connection.

 

Tacos remind us that many different things can come together and make something amazing. A tortilla holds all kinds of ingredients—beans, meat, vegetables, cheese, salsa, maybe a little guacamole or sour cream—and somehow, they belong together.

 

World Communion Sunday offers a similar vision for the church. We come to the table with different languages, cultures, traditions, experiences, and understandings of faith. We don't all look alike or think alike. Nor should we. Unity is not uniformity. The beauty is in the coming together. And perhaps that is one of the gifts of the Communion table: it reminds us that God's table is big enough for all of us. There is room for our differences, room for our questions, room for our stories—and somehow, by God's grace, we become part of something larger than ourselves.

 

So, on this World Communion Sunday—and National Taco Day—we give thanks for both. One reminds us that we are connected to people around the world. The other reminds us that almost everything tastes better when wrapped in a tortilla. And both might teach us the same thing: there is something beautiful about bringing different things together.

 

In Christ,
Rev. Beth

 

Pass the bread. Pass the cup. Pass the salsa, too. 
Oct. 4th Rev. Beth is making Breakfast Tacos!
Join her at 9am in Fellowship Hall!

 

World Communion Sunday

October 4, 2026

"That All May Be One"

Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun ~ 9-1

Please note the office will be closed on 10/16, 10/18, 10/23, 10/25.

Remote worship on Facebook and YouTube

Sunday Worship will resume livestreaming Sunday worship from the Sanctuary at 10 a.m. on Sept. 13.
Use the link on the homepage of www.csccucc.org to access Sunday worship, or visit our Facebook page. Past worship services are also available in both places.

NEXT CABINET MEETING is

Wednesday, October 21, 7pm

 

Monthly meetings of the church leadership are held in the Fellowship Hall. All church members are also welcome to attend.

 

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Do you need a meal, a call, spiritual care, or even just a prayer or a chat?

Contact the Pastor, a Deacon, or a member of our Care Team.

 

CSCC Deacons
Deb Sorgman – debsorgman at gmail . com

Anne Malmquist - amalmquist at comcast . net

Cristi Ciaramitaro

Stephanie Holmgren, Altar Deacon

Liam O'Connell, Jr. Deacon

Talinn Muurisepp, Jr. Deacon
 

CSCC Care Team
Bev Mitchell  *  Nina Gabel-Jorgensen  *  Deb Moore  *  Rev. Beth Stotts

Contact the church office if you need us!

 

The Bridgewater Food Pantry, hosted and supported by CSCC, is open Thursdays, 10am-1pm, and the first Mondays of the month, 6-7:30pm (except holidays). All Bridgewater residents who are in need of food are welcome.


If you are a Bridgewater resident unable to come to the food pantry, but are in need of food, please contact the church office by email (office@csccucc.com) or phone (508-697-6016) and arrangements will be made for you.

CSCC Team Leadership 2026-27

Spiritual Engagement Team Leaders:

Deb Moore, Deb Sorgman, Eric Stotts

 

Congregational Engagement Team Leaders:
Natalie Muurisepp, Logan Muurisepp, Jeanne Roscoe

 

Property & Finance Team Leaders:
Patrick Donahue, David Hanson, John Sharland

 

Community Engagement Team Leaders:
Heather Ciaramitaro, Stephanie Holmgren, Drew Sullivan

 

VENMO!

We continue to make it easier than ever to contribute to CSCC. The church accepts donations via Venmo! Aim your phone camera below, or use the Venmo app to send your donation to @cscc-ucc

 

Did you know that Venmo has lower fees to the church than Paypal? So if you can't decide which one to use, choose Venmo.

 

 

“Community is the heartbeat of humanity, pulsing with love and support.”

 

• Congratulations to Ian Jackson and Amber Vargas, who were married on September 20.


• The CSCC community mourns the loss of life-long member Sally Burke, who died on September 18. Her service will be held on Saturday, October 24, at 1:30pm.


• We also remember CSCC member and former choir member Elaine Henriksen, who also died last month.

 

Do you have an important milestone in your family you'd like to share with the CSCC community? Perhaps a retirement (yay!), a birth, a new job or house, a passing? Let us share in these important moments in the life of our community together. 


Send your brief, one-line message to the church office at office@csccucc.com. If it's received by the 20th of the month, it'll be in the next Steeple Sounds. If it comes after, we'll save it for the next one.

What's new with you?

 

Coins for Kids Church

 

Don’t forget to bring your spare change for the Coins for Kids Church collection! This helps to pay for Kids Church supplies and teaching materials.


We normally collect it on the first Sunday of the month, but feel free to bring it on any Sunday!

 

 

Rehearsals at 9:40am:   Oct. 4  ~  Oct. 18  ~  Oct. 25

 

Performance at 10am:   Oct. 25

 

 

Monthly Potluck Lunch!

Please join us for a potluck lunch after worship on October 18. If you are able to bring a dish to share, we thank you. If not, we hope to see you for some time of fellowship.

 

Fellowship Time is an informal time following Sunday morning worship where we can gather to greet friends and welcome visitors. Sign-ups are now available in the fellowship hall to help out on occasion with setup and cleanup. No previous experience needed! When you sign up please text Natalie at 518-892-9070 to let her know so supplies can be coordinated. Questions? Natalie can help with that, too.

All women are invited to our first meeting, a potluck supper on Wed. Oct 7th at 6:30pm. Your hostesses for the meeting are the Executive Board. Please bring a food item to share, which can either be an appetizer, salad, entrée, vegetable or dessert. Beverages will be provided. We will enjoy a meal together and have our business meeting. Everyone is welcome to bring a friend, invite a newcomer and see what we are all about.  Hope to see you there.
Carol Chaffee and Debbie Golob
Co-presidents,  WG&F

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATE
Donations
Women’s Guild and Fellowship Fall Rummage Sale is October 17th from 9am – 1pm. Time to start cleaning out your closets. We will be accepting fall and winter clothing, household items, glassware, toys, holiday décor, linens, shoes and bags and jewelry. No electronics or books.


Items can be dropped off at the church Tues. 10/13 and Wed. 10/14, 9am-1pm; Thurs. 10/15, 4-6pm; and Fri. 10/16, 9am-3pm.


Shopping & Lunch!
Come shop with us on October 17th! There will be a bag sale at noon. Soups and baked goods will be sold. Please stop by and shop for your treasures and take some soup and some baked goods home.
Thank you!
Team Rummage,
Carol, Debbie, Connie, and Jane

Just in case you haven't been to Central Closet Thrift Shop lately, we want all to be aware that we currently have restocked Hilliard's candy bars. They have gone up in price so unfortunately there is a slight increase being passed on to our customers. However, if you buy more than one, we will be offering a bit of a discount. 


Fall is back! We are ready at the shop. We have been blessed with lots of donations, and we thank you all. Halloween,  Thanksgiving, and Christmas  are right around the corner! It’s a good idea to start making your lists and looking for bargains. You could find a lot right here, and be helping the church at the same time. Every penny we make goes to help our church.  


Women's Guild and Fellowship will be having their annual fall rummage sale on October 17th. Our thrift shop will to be closed October 14th and the 17th to accommodate them.  We will be back on the 21st. 
Happy Halloween! 
Connie, Sandy, Jane, Lynn, and Gail 

 

Please book  your appointment ASAP!


CSCC is working with Universal Church Directories to create a new directory for our church. They will be here Monday, October 12th and your family can have a professional photography sitting. You will be given one complimentary 8x10 photo and also a directory when they are printed. Your family can do different poses, use different backgrounds, and there will be an opportunity to purchase additional prints.


There are two ways to sign up for a session.
• First, you can contact the church office and ask for an appointment. Jenne will be happy to walk you through the process.
• Or second, you can CLICK HERE to schedule your own appointment directly with the company.


Jenne will be in the office from 9am until 1pm on the following Sundays to help make appointments, share information, and answer any questions: Oct. 4, 11


You may also contact Jenne during her weekday office hours, Tue/Wed/Fri, 9-1.


If October 12th does not work for your family, you can submit your own photo for the directory. We are also looking into a possible make up day.

 

The Neighbors in Need offering will be received on Oct. 4.

On Sunday, October 4, we will receive our Neighbors in Need collection, one of the United Church of Christ’s 5 for 5 special offerings. Neighbors in Need reflects our call to walk in love by supporting ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. 

 

 

Warmth in Cold Places

We will also begin collecting donations for our Warmth in Cold Places outreach project soon. More information about needed items and collection details will be shared soon.

 

 

 

Ongoing Fundraiser Basket Collection


The Community Engagement Team is beginning an ongoing collection of themed baskets to support church fundraisers throughout the year. Members of the congregation are invited to create and donate a basket at any time, or to approach a local business to donate. Please reach out to Stephanie Holmgren or the church office if you would like to create a basket or arrange a time to drop one off.

 

 

Church Fair Sign-Ups


Lots of information about this year’s fair is later in this newsletter. Calling all bakers, pie-makers, turkey-cookers, and lunch-servers, and anyone that has a couple of hours they can donate to help us on the church’s biggest fundraiser of the year!

 

All Saints’ Day Altar & Ofrenda Invitation for Sunday 11/1

On All Saints’ Day, we celebrate and give thanks for the saints who have gone before us, those whose lives, love, and faith have drawn us closer to God. This year, our altar will include an ofrenda, a special display of remembrance inspired by the tradition of honoring those who have passed on.


You are invited to bring a small item, photo, or symbol that represents something or someone who has helped shape your faith, a loved one, a teacher, a piece of music, a favorite book, or anything that reminds you of God’s presence in your life. Together, we will create a sacred space of gratitude and reflection, celebrating how God continues to work through the people, stories, and experiences that guide our spiritual journey.
As we honor the saints of our lives, may we be reminded of the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us and be encouraged to live our faith with joy and hope.


Please have your picture or item in by 10/30 and place it in the church office. You will be able to take your memento home with you following worship.


Contact Stephanie Holmgren at sholmgren @ praxis-counseling.com or the church office with any questions.

CSCC Emergency Aid Fund

At Central Square Church, we provide cash and gift card grants to community folks in dire need through the CSCC Emergency Aid Fund. We provide funds for prescriptions, rent, transportation, short-term housing, diapers and baby stuff, school supplies, etc. Almost all of our gifts are to people outside of the church, especially folks living on the edge economically or experiencing homelessness, unemployment, or underemployment. Any donation would be a wonderful gift!  Simply put your check or cash in one of the small envelopes in the pews and place it in the Sunday collection plate, or drop it off at (or mail it to) the office. Just be sure it’s clearly marked “Emergency Fund”. 


Donations can also be made via Venmo, or on the church website on the “giving” page.

 

Thanks in advance for your prayers and generosity. 

Wanted: Fire Steward!


Job Description: Are you someone who believes that lighting a candle is a sacred responsibility? Do you have what it takes to arrive at church before everyone else and boldly face… the Christ Candle?


We are seeking a Fire Steward to tend to the light of Christ by:
• Making sure the Christ Candle is lit before Sunday worship begins.
• Checking that the memorial candles have enough oil to keep shining.
• Keeping a watchful eye on our holy flames.
• Ensuring that the sanctuary is appropriately illuminated for worship, prayer, and the occasional search for the bulletin you just dropped.


Qualifications: Must be comfortable with fire, oil, and the awesome responsibility of making sure nobody asks, “Who forgot to light the candle?”

 

Benefits: The satisfaction of knowing that, each Sunday, you literally help keep the light of Christ shining.


No previous experience required. Training provided. Candle-lighting expertise strongly preferred. Contact Rev. Beth or the church office with questions or to sign up.


Come tend the flame. Keep the faith. Don’t burn the place down.

 

Kids of all ages are invited to join us for Kids Church this October!


We’ll be exploring some wonderful Bible stories together—Matthew 22 and Psalm 23—and discovering what they have to say about love, belonging, following Jesus, and knowing that God is with us wherever we go.


There will be stories, conversation, creativity, fun, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and wonder together. And remember: you don’t have to have all the answers to be part of Kids Church!


So bring your questions, your curiosity, your whole self—and maybe a friend!


Come discover what God’s story has to do with your story. We can’t wait to see you!

 

Wondering about volunteer opportunities at CSCC?

 

Keep your eyes on www.csccucc.org/time-talent

 

Youth/Young Adult Outing: Topgolf Canton!
Sunday, October 11 | 1:00–3:00pm (Sign up by Oct. 2)

Ready to tee up, have some fun, and hang out with your church friends? All youth & young adults are invited to join us at Topgolf for an afternoon of games, laughs, and friendly competition!


No golf experience necessary! Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or have never picked up a club, you’re welcome to join us. All youth are invited!


The church will cover the cost of gameplay. Youth are responsible for the cost of any food or drinks they choose to purchase.


Spots are limited!
Please sign up by October 2 by calling the church office (508-697-6016) or emailing us (office@csccucc.com) so we know you’re coming.


Come ready to swing, laugh, and maybe discover your inner golf pro!
Rev. Beth

We can't believe the church fair is coming so quickly. We are asking for your donations for Attic Treasures. We need things like - candles, note paper, dishes, Christmas items, small toys, bedding, perfume and hand lotion.   


We are also looking for Christmas tops (men and women) in good condition. We hang them up and last year sold all of them. Please no clothing except Christmas-themed. 


You can drop things off on Thursday (11/5) or Friday (11/6). Please come by on Friday night and Saturday to shop. Thank you!


Debbie Golob and Bev Mitchell 

 

This is the BIGGEST FUNDRAISER FOR THE CHURCH OF THE YEAR. Many hands make it a successful event. What can you do? (Read on...)


We need:
• Chili makers! Reach out to Heather Ciaramitaro or Rev. Beth for the chili recipe.
• Volunteers the day of the fair to help out around and about
• Gift basket donations! Do you know a local business that would donate a gift basket in return for some publicity? Or maybe your family would put together a fun basket! Baskets and gift cards gratefully accepted.
• Community service-seeking high school and college students. 
• Folks to distribute flyers at their favorite public places.
• And for the turkey dinner: turkeys, apple crisp, stuffing, kitchen prep (potato and squash), and a clean up crew.

 

As you can imagine, these events can only happen with lots of help! The “folks in charge” of each area are ready to roll, but need your help – if you are willing to bake, cook a turkey, serve lunch or dinner, or just about anything else, please let us know. Any and all time and talent is much appreciated! 


We will also again be accepting any high school (or college) students that wish to earn community service hours by working at the fair and/or turkey dinner. 

 

CLICK HERE to see how you can help with the Fair.

 

CLICK HERE to see how you can help with the Turkey Dinner.


Contact the church office or a member of the fair committee with questions.

 

Your 2026 Fair Committee,
Stephanie Holmgren, Alison DeVasto, and Anne Malmquist

CSCC Cabinet Meeting – Minutes, August 19, 2026 at 7pm

Location: Fellowship hall, Church

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 by Anne Malmquist, Moderator.

 

Cabinet members in attendance:
Anne Malmquist, Moderator; Nina Gabel-Jorgensen, Clerk; Heather Ciaramitaro, Community Engagement; David Sheibley, Treasurer; Reverend Beth Stotts, Pastor; Patrick Donahue, Property and Finance

 

Guests
Josephine Stotts 

 

Devotional 
Psalm 138

 

Acceptance of Minutes (May and June)
Motion to accept May and June minutes Dave Sheibley. Anne Malmquist and Reverend Beth seconded. Motion passed.

 

Pastor’s Report
Reverend Beth’s Sabbatical was amazing. She participated in many soul enriching activities, including dancing, meditating, reading, etc. She visited France and Germany.
Church Work - 3 Funerals and Lizzy’s (Karissa’s daughter) baptism. The Church will be active in Bridgewater’s peace weekend - September 26th. Worship on September 27th will have an International Peace theme. 4 people are signed up for confirmation.

 

Treasurer’s Report
The end of the year report went into the Steeple Sounds last month. We ended on a strong note. In June we took in $31,000. We ended up with an $8100 surplus with no deficit.
For July we took in $9,000. There were no unusual expenses. We were able to replace 10k of our Vanguard account. We have 14k in the bank.

 

Community Engagement
We are getting started with activities for September 13th (BBQ) and Autumnfest (26th). There will be a meeting with Drew to iron out details.

 

Food Pantry - Not represented at this meeting.

 

Spiritual Engagement
Kids church starts on 9/20 along with the kid’s choir.

 

Property and Finance Team
Still working on the kitchen floor estimate. Estimate of 2k for electric water heater. Office furniture removed.
Remember to turn on boilers again. John Sharland cleaned out the nest in the tree. The wasp nest on the church has been cleaned out since last year.
Patrick brought in a Jardinaire as a back up for Twin baptisms if needed. Kristy committed to weeding.

 

• Anne Malmquist, Alison DeVasto, and Stephanie Holmgren met with Diane Sheibley regarding the Fair. They looked into whether they should keep the Thanksgiving Dinner together with Pie night during the Fair or whether to schedule the Thanksgiving Dinner the next weekend. Tentative theme for the Fair is “Patchwork Pies and Plenty”. Gift baskets to be stored in the bookshelf in the “other office”. The table chairs were contacted via email regarding the Fair.

 

• September 13 and 20th there will be no livestream as Paul will be in England celebrating his 80th birthday.

The next meeting is September 16, 2026 at 7pm. 

 

Go Bridgewater! (Little League)

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:39pm.

 

For the current CSCC calendar of events, click here: CALENDAR


 

Church Administration
Pastor: Rev. Elizabeth Stotts, csccpastor at hotmail.com

Office Manager: Jenne Foronjy, office@csccucc.com
Minister of Music: Julia Scott Carey 

Director of Video Evangelism: Paul Holmes
Treasurer:  David Sheibley 

Communications Coordinator: Diane Sheibley

Kids Church Director: Eric Stotts

Office email: office@csccucc.com
Office telephone:  (508) 697-6016
Website:  www.csccucc.org
Facebook: facebook.com/csccuccbridgewaterma (main page)

Instagram: @centralsquarechurch 

Venmo: @cscc-ucc


Steeple Sounds submissions deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

 

Amazon Shopping!

Shopping on Amazon and feeling generous? Check out the CSCC Wish List, and drop an item in your cart for us! CLICK HERE to take a peek at our Amazon wish list. (Whether you buy these items at Amazon or at other stores, this is what we need!)