THE CRIER A Monthly Publication of

The First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) United Church of Christ

December 2010

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.” (Isaiah 9:2)

A Light Shines in the Darkness As the days grow shorter and winter closes in, it may appear that we are dwelling in the “land of gloom” that the prophet Isaiah described. The mood of the nation is decidedly darker this December. The gap between the haves and have-nots seems to be widening, while unemployment and other economic woes seem to be worsening. On a personal level, many of us are stressed by worry, over-work, grief, illness, or disability. We may be feeling the "compassion fatigue" of caring too much. We may be feeling drained by the forced cheer, relentless con-sumerism, and sensory overload of the secular holiday season. Enter the Holy Spirit. Ushering in the prophet Isaiah, who announces that a great light shines on those who dwell in the darkness. Ushering in a pregnant teenage girl, who has faith that God is using her to make a spe-cial delivery to humankind. Ushering in a tiny babe, who is born in a barn and becomes the Light of the World. Ushering in a holy season filled with glorious music, heartfelt prayers, timeless stories, and the comforting glow of candle-light. Finding our way in the dark isn't easy. Advent calls us to walk through it with courage and grace, trusting that we are not alone, believing that it’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness. Advent calls us to seek the Light of Christ that will heal and transform this land of gloom. Advent calls us to wait and pray and prepare the way for Christ to be born in our hearts again at Christmas. Rev. Mary

Special Advent and Christmas Calendar

on Page 3

Merrimack Valley Ringers Winter Concert

See page 10 for details

IMPORTANT! NEW POLICY FOR

ACCESS TO FIRST CHURCH SEE PAGE 5

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OUR CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Mary Poole, Bridge Pastor

Russ Goliger, Music Director

Jim Duncan, Organist

Diane Burke, Bell Choir Director

Steve Kotsopoulos, covenant. Director

Jenn Bastien, Senior High Fellowship Advisor

Sue Pellerin, Superintendent

Sue Buckingham, Curriculum

Steven Levy, Multi-Media Director

Amy Lapetina, Administrative Assistant

Deb Marino, Clerk

Cindy Vail, Moderator

Jennifer Flynn, Treasurer

Cliff Fenton, Sexton

Susan Pellerin, Collector

Bob Horne, Computer Systems Director

Here, at First Church in Marlborough,

we believe that together we are called to be The Body of Christ -

God's hands, feet, heart, head, etc. We share the core values

of Spiritual Growth, Hospitality, Mission, Discipleship and

Compassion.

CRIER POLICY:

The CRIER welcomes all material submitted on a timely basis for publication. Every effort will be made to include all works submitted. However, the Editors need to reserve the right to make correc-tions to ensure quality of presentation and correct-ness of information, and to use a consistent format throughout. All material should be submitted with the writer’s name and daytime phone number. When major corrections are necessary, we will make every attempt to contact the writer. Personal notes, such as a thank you, etc., will be printed as submit-ted. Overly long items may be shortened for space consideration. All material should be submitted be-fore the published deadline (15th day of the previous month).

JANUARY/FEBRUARY CRIER

The next issue of the Crier will be a combined January/February issue. The deadline for

that edition will be December 30th. No articles will be accepted after the deadline

date. You can expect to receive this Crier after the first week in January.

WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday Worship services at First Church begin at 10:00 am, followed by coffee hour in the Parish Hall. Nursery and toddler care are avail-able.

All are welcome!

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Advent / Christmas 2010 at First Church

NOVEMBER 28 -- First Sunday of Advent (Hope) Contemplative Service -- Rev. Mary Poole (Bridge Pastor) preaching

Before dawn comes the dark night. As we prepare our hearts and our minds for Christmas, how can we “lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light”? We begin by lighting one candle of hope.

DECEMBER 5 -- Second Sunday of Advent (Peace) Traditional Communion Service -- Rev. Mary Poole (Bridge Pastor) preaching

Is the world ready to welcome the Prince of Peace? Are we ready to let there be peace on earth, really? John the Baptist said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” What does this mean for us?

DECEMBER 12 -- Third Sunday of Advent (Joy) Blended Worship Service -- Rev. Mary Poole (Bridge Pastor) preaching

The Chancel Choir will sing and the Joyful Ringers will ring as we explore “The Magnificat,” Mary’s faithful, radical song of rejoicing. Our second Offering today will support retired UCC clergy.

DECEMBER 19 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent (Love) Contemporary Family Service --- Rev. Mary Poole (Bridge Pastor) preaching

All ages will gather for this service uniting all our musicians -- covenant. rock band, Chancel Choir, Chil-dren’s Choir, and Joyful Ringers -- for a Trans-Siberian Orchestra piece, “This Christmas Day.”

DECEMBER 24 -- 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Service -- Rev. Mary Poole (Bridge Pastor) leading worship

On this night of all nights, a tiny Child will lead us. Our children will present a contemporary Christmas pag-eant, “Away With The Manger!” This service will be family-friendly, with caroling and child-safe candles.

DECEMBER 24 -- 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service -- Rev. Mary Poole (Bridge Pastor) leading worship

Come in from the cold to the warm welcome of a traditional Christmas Eve service of lessons and carols. Have you considered inviting a friend to share this Holy Night with your family and church family?

DECEMBER 26 -- First Sunday after Christmas Family Service -- Rev. Phyllis Frechette (retired clergy) preaching

Isaiah tells us that, in spite of our sins, God continues to love us, care for us, and guide us -- so we can count our blessings, naming them one by one. Paul reminds us that we are one big family.

JANUARY 2 -- Second Sunday after Christmas Traditional Communion Service -- Rev. Phyllis Frechette (retired clergy) preaching

God is both Alpha and Omega, First and Last. As we stand looking forward to a New Year, we have the op-portunity to receive God’s gift of Communion for the first time in 2011 as if it were our very first time.

JANUARY 9 -- Epiphany Sunday Blended Worship Service -- Rev. Mary Poole (Bridge Pastor) preaching

Worship Leaders for December

December 5th Lead Deacon: Bill Davis Ushers: Sue Hanahan, Frank Marino, Kim Matheson, Richard Rowell, Christina Fehlow Lay Leader: Linda Warren Greeters: Gary and Sarah Hollis Advent Readers: Marnie and Max Hooker December 12th: Lead Deacon: Bob Murphy Ushers: Peter Nott, Sandy Stetson, Steve Ziegler Lay Leader: Carol MacEwen Greeter: Sandy Stetson Advent Readers: The Sullivan Family December 19th Lead Deacon: Linda Warren Ushers: Frank Marino, Andrea Merritt, Pat Kennedy

Lay Leader: Bill Davis Greeters: Shirley Ney and Doris Asbury Advent Readers: The Gilchrest Family December 26th Lead Deacon: Bill Davis Ushers: Sue Hanahan, Bob Murphy, Anne Tennyson

Lay Leader: Fred Haas Greeter: Bill Davis

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 

Leaders for Special Worship Services December 24th Family Service (6:00pm) Usher 1: Bill Davis Usher 2: TBD Advent Readers: The Crocker Family December 24th Candlelight Service (11:00pm) Usher 1: Bill Davis Usher 2: Deb Beauregard Advent Readers: The Kotsopoulos Family

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STARS AND

ANGELS

The Outreach Committee is in the proc-ess of planning for the Stars and Angels program and other upcoming Outreach activities. If you are interested in helping with the Stars and Angels pro-gram (collecting Christmas gifts for Marlboro needy children) or have any thoughts about Outreach, please feel free to reach out to Carol MacEwan, Donna Ziegler, Chip Horne, Cheryl Eaton or Marcia Fitzgerald.

NEW POLICY FOR ACCESS TO FIRST CHURCH The Trustees of First Church in Marlborough ap-proved the following procedures governing access to the church building located at 37 High Street, Marlborough, MA. This policy applies to all members, friends, employees, guests, ven-dors, and all other adults. If you have a church key for access, these procedures also apply. 1. During the hours of 8 am to 5 pm from Monday through Friday all church doors will be locked. The church office must be notified prior to entering the building. Call the office at (508) 485-6297 and speak with either the administra- tive assistant, sexton, minister, or leave a mes- sage on the answering system. 2. People entering the church must sign in using the Visitor Log which will be left on the small circular table outside of the church office. Each person must leave their name, date, time in, and purpose of business. When leaving the building please sign out using the same Visitor Log. Make sure that the door(s) you are using to enter and exit the building are locked. 3. If emergency supplies are needed, the items will be left outside at the Parish Hall door.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. CHANGES TO THE SANCTUARY You may have noticed a slight change at the front of the Sanctuary. The first pew has been removed to create added space for weddings, funerals, mu-sical performances and more. This project, spear-headed by Cliff Fenton, was also made possible with the help of members of Boy Scout Troop 41. Troop 41, which meets here at First Church, is led by Scout Master Ken Bloomquist and Assistant Scout Master Doug Holmes. The carpeting in the area was rearranged and parti-cally replaced by a generous donation from Post Road Carpet. Post Road also recently replaced our worn and damaged foyer carpeting. The Trustees are very pleased with these projects and have received many positive comments. Please take a look!

FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL REPORT (July – September, 2010)

At the May 2, 2010, First Church Annual meeting, the members approved a fiscal operating budget of $261,832 and voted to meet in January, 2011, to review our financial status. Stewardship reported that 170 letters were delivered and 79 pledge units responded for a total of $ 134,981. Our approved budget had estimated the pledge line number at $160,000 so the pledge number is lower than anticipated.

The purpose of the First Church operational budget is to help the congregation meet its vision and mission. Our July, August, and September budget and expenses were:

Income $ 56,275.00 (pledges, loose collection, rental, & investments) Expenses $ 42,020.00 (programs, property, & personnel) Balance $ 14,255.00

In addition First Church gratefully acknowl-edges the Memorial Fund donations that were re-ceived during the first quarter. Gifts were received in loving memory of: Edna Bailey, Jean Dunn, and Ken Nims.

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S-T-R-E-T-C-H YOUR SPIRIT!

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES! Check out our programs for children, youth, and adults. Register your kids for Preschool, Sunday School, or Youth Groups. Sign up to be a teacher or youth mentor. Learn how you can stretch your spirit through adult Bible Study, Prayer Practice, or Book Group. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Nursery—Sunday School (K-6): Sue Pellerin/Superintendent (978-562-8699) Sue Buckingham/Curriculum (508-481-7794) Grades 7-8 Discussion Group: Robert “Chip” Horne (888-852-1956) Grades 8-9 Confirmation Class: Rev. Mary Poole (508-966-2471) or Richard Rowell (508-624-0612) Grades 7-12 Youth Group: Jenn Bastien (508-485-9278) Adult Bible Study: Rev. Mary Poole (508-966-2471) or Bill Davis (508-868-5022) Adult Prayer Practice Group: Rev. Mary Poole (508-966-2471) or

Bob Knox (978-562-3841) Adult Book Group: Church office (508-485-6297)

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS FOR DECEMBER AND JANUARY

We are looking for teachers as we journey with our children through the Advent & Epiphany Season. During our Advent journey we will: follow the Star of Bethlehem & the Magi as we make hanging stars; celebrate Joseph the carpenter and hear Jesus’ birth story through his eyes as make wooden stools; and discuss the Christmas Story as we make Christmas Trifle. We then begin to learn about the liturgical church year as we make banners to reflect symbols of each season and move into the end of January doing puppetry and astronomy!! We have lessons laid out for you, we have all supplies prepared for you and we are here to support you on the Sunday(s) you teach. This is either a one or two-Sunday commitment depending on the lesson plan which is a very small time commitment…… We also need pre-school teachers during December and January and have an age-related curriculum to use that has been very successful with this class. Please contact Sue Pellerin or Sue Buckingham if you feel called to this ministry for our children.

SUNDAY SCHOOL—FALL SESSION

The fall session of the Sunday School program ended on November 14th and in conjunction with the wor- ship ser-vice, we talked about several versions of the Lord’s Prayer and then about the P.I.T.A. program we had been learn-ing about. We then worked on two wonderful mission projects. We set up an assembly line and made up sandwiches for our friends at the Worces-ter Street Ministry which were then delivered by the Bastiens and George Pellerin that same afternoon. Our second project was to make Christmas and Chanukah cards for a Marine unit that will be away from their families in the Middle East during the holidays. The sentiments written in the cards by our kids were heartwarming.

Come and join the fun at Sunday School

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NEXT NEW ORLEANS WORK MISSION TRIP Submitted by Susan Pellerin

Mark your calendars, grab your work clothes and join the group going to New Orleans for our fifth work camp mission trip from February 5-12, 2011. This next trip will be coordinated by Susan & George Pellerin. We will stay at the Good Shepherd Church in Metairie as we have done in the past and this trip will be a con-struction week as we again work with the St. Bernard Project. There is a need for all kinds of workers and your skills can range from basic to finished construction. The cost of the trip is $600 for the week which includes all of your food, van rentals, insurance and accommodations at Good Shepherd (you would need to purchase your own airline ticket). We have some money in our account from prior year fundraising which means we can provide some finan- cial assistance for people who may want to join us and are in need, so PLEASE do not let this stop you from participating in this life changing mission trip. Contact Susan if you are in need of a scholarship and this information will be kept com- pletely confidential. If you would like to know about the construction experience, talk with George Pellerin, Wally Flynn, Tammy Ducey, Chip Horne, Liz Mahoney or Steve Ziegler for first-hand information. If you think there is nothing more to rebuild in New Orleans go to the St. Bernard Project website (www.stbernardproject.org) and continue to pray for these people as they continue to rebuild their homes and lives.

SCAVENGER HUNT UPDATE

Thank you to all that partici-pated in our annual scaven-ger hunt.

Sad news....Sue Pellerins' team won. Team Jenn will have to work harder next year. Thanks to Amelia Kinney, Kira Macauley, Hannah Cole, and Emily Ducey for their help in collecting 323 canned goods, 78 hygiene products, and 15 turkeys for the Marl-borough Food Pantry. Jenn Bastien

YOUTH GROUP UPDATE This year the members of the youth group will be going on a mission trip at the beginning of the sum-mer. The youth met on November 12th to finalize a location for this trip - NYC! Youth Service Opportu-nities Project (YSOP) is a program located in NYC where the youth spend each day of the week work-ing at sites such as food banks, shelters, and day-cares that serve those in need. To find out more information, please visit their website http://ysop.org/index.htm. The cost for each youth will be approximately $400, so they will need the support of this church and members of the community to be able to make this a possiblilty for them. We plan on having many oppurtunities for you to support them in easy, fun ways.

REV. MARY ON VACATION DECEMBER 26 - JANUARY 2

Worship services on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 will be led by Reverend Phyllis Frechette. She also will be on

call for emergency pastoral care and can be reached through the church office phone at

508-485-6297.

A huge thank you to all the men who came in to help set up and take down the tables and the

general store for the Meetinghouse Fair. Your help was really appreciated!

Thank you, Cliff Fenton,

Sexton

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A MESSAGE FROM OUTREACH MINISTRIES OF FIRST CHURCH

We are looking for new people to join our group. If anyone feels called to one of our missions, please call Bob Horne, Marcia Fitzgerald, Cheryl Eaton, Donna Ziegler, Peter Nott, Carol MacEwen or Bob Knox. Some of our ongoing missions are: Our Father’s Table where we serve a meal to those in need from the community. We meet at the Baptist Church on the third Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm for set-up and at 5:00 pm to serve. We always need four people to make a portion of the meal at home and four people to make dessert for about thirty to forty people. We also need helpers to serve. Please call Carol MacEwen at 508-481-0623 if you would like to help out with this mission. Each week we need donations of food and toiletries or paper towels, toilet paper and napkins for the com-munity Food Pantry. Bill Davis is kind enough to bring our donations to the pantry every Monday. Our Prayer Shawl Ministry is wonderful! Special thanks for the following people who have given their time and talent to the Glory of God to give comfort to others by making Prayer Shawls, Baby Blankets and Lap Ropes: Sandy Stetson, Julie Smith, Cindy Vail, Barbara Stone, Sandy Charland, Laura Lane, Diane Gil-chrest, Mary Rowe, June Venoit, Jean Dunn, Mary Vautier, Dottie Sawtelle, Maddie Hasbrouck, Betty Hollis, Peggy Aucoin, Christina Fehlow, Carol MacEwen, Betty Christiansen and Shirley Fenton. These shawls, robes and blankets are all blessed by Pastor Mary and the church congregation before being given to those in need of a comforting gesture. We are always grateful to new helpers who knit or crochet these prayer shawls. Please call Carol MacEwen at 508-481-0623 if you would like to help. 23rd Psalm Bracelets: Marcia Fitzgerald has been making and selling 23rd Psalm bracelets with other helpers from the church. She sells them for $25 each to bring money into our church to help with costs of missions within and outside of the church. Please call Marcia at 508-481-4593. In August we begin our Katy Mahoney Backpack Program. We provide (with the help of members and friends of our church) a backpack and school supplies for needy children of the community through the Food Pantry. In November we begin the Stars and Angels program to provide gifts and a food gift card for families in need from the community. We receive names and gift requests and ask our friends and members of First Church to help to give a child a happier Christmas. At Easter we provide Bunny Baskets for children through the Food Pantry. Bob Knox has started a ministry, the “E-Team” to help people from First Church to winterize their homes. We want to thank everyone who has helped us provide these outreach ministries for our church and commu-nity. This is our way of doing God’s work. Outreach member, Carol MacEwen

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CRIER TEAM SEEKS HELP WITH EDITING, COPYING AND MAILING: We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced

church member with writing and editing skills who can work with our newsletter team to produce the monthly Crier. We also need volunteers, on a monthly basis, who will print, fold, stamp and mail the Criers. If you are willing to pitch in and help, please contact Rev. Mary or Amy Lapetina in the church office.

E-TEAM NEWS: 1. Did you know that you may receive 30% tax credit (up to $1500) on home improvements for energy efficiency? (2010 is the last year for this tax credit). 2. Can you think of anyone in our church commu- nity (e.g. that may not / can not be in worship) that may not have heard about E-Team, and would benefit from our services (home energy audit + work)? Contact Robert Knox at 978-562-3841.

BE PREPARED FOR A CRISIS OR SERIOUS ILLNESS

There are five questions that everyone, regard-less of age, should discuss with their family in order to be prepared for a serious illness or life-threatening situation. It's not too late to receive the special “Five Wishes” packet shared with us by Theresa Sorrentino of Parmenter Community Health Care on Oct. 17. Contact the church of-fice if you would like a copy of it.

Want to join our Prayer Chain?

The congregation that prays together, stays together. If you would like to receive email notices of peo-ple’s prayer concerns several times a week, send your email address to Amy Lapetina or Bob Knox.

DONORS CHOOSE: YOU CAN HELP

Do you know about DonorsChoose.org? This is a website for teachers to post supply needs for their classrooms throughout the country. You can select an area, a town or give general funds and supplies needed for classrooms will be purchased for that teacher. The sad news is that this need exists in our country and the glad news is that this organization has evolved to support teachers and students. The needs are researched, verified and you can search for high poverty areas and urgency of needs. It's a great way to support education and is a tax de-ductible donation. It's also a great idea for Christmas if you care to give a donation in honor of someone instead of buying them a gift!

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Holiday Fun and Fellowship

HOLIDAY TINTINNABULATIONS… SAVE THE DATE!! On Saturday December 4th at 7:00 pm, First Church will host a Holiday concert by the Merrimack Valley Ringers, an auditioned community hand-bell choir based in Chelms-ford MA. MVR has a full complement of 15 ringers from Massachusetts and New Hamp-shire, and their instrumentation for this per-formance includes 6 octaves of handbells, 6 oc-taves of handchimes, windchimes, electric gui-tar, and a synthesizer! You’ll be treated to an array of holiday favorites by the group, including “SleighRide”, “The Nutcracker”, and “Feliz Navidad”. MVR is also proud to have both a Holiday CD- “Season’s Ringings”- and their second CD, “Kaleidoscope” , available for this concert. Best of all…….Admission is FREE! So gather your family and friends, and come and enjoy an evening that is sure to put you in the mood for this very special time of year!! And if you want more information about MVR, check out the MVR website at mvringers.com.

Next Women’s Fellowship Meeting:

Tuesday, December 14th at 7:00 pm Parish Hall

Program: Marti Sawyer - Holiday Songs Devotions: Betty Hollis Hostesses: Mary Wenzel, Laura Lane & Bev Fiske Food Pantry: We will be collecting baby items, food, diapers, wipes, etc. Donations for Baldwinville will be collected.

Every woman is welcome!

Let’s help make the holidays a little easier for those in need!

Our Men’s Fellowship Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 16th at 7:00 in the Parish Hall. Join the festivities with a holiday potluck meal and a Yankee Gift swap.

Please join us for our monthly Spaghetti Supper on Wednesday, December 22nd from

5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall. The price remains the same: $5 per person with a maximum of $15 per family. We hope you will join us.

Happy Holidays to all!

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Mark your calendars:

Saturday, January 29, 2011 PRAISAPALOOZA-4 IS COMING!!

Plans are under way for our 4th annual Praisapalooza music & worship fest. This year, we’re moving the event back upstairs in the sanctuary. The program will feature our own [covenant.], the Immacu-late Conception Contemporary Group, the Holden Congregational group, and a new addition to the ros-ter that we have to keep under wraps for the time being. As always we will be donating 100% of the $5/person admission to the Marlborough Food Pantry.

CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT

The Christmas Eve family service will include a mod-ern Christmas play blended with our traditional music. Notices will be going out to parents in early December as we will need to know if your children would like to participate in the play.

If you need more information, please contact Sue Pellerin.

WERE YOU A NEWCOMER TO FIRST CHURCH IN 2010?

If so, you are invited to a luncheon gathering for our newest church friends on either one of two Sun-days, January 16 or 23, from 12:00-2:00 in Class-room 7. This will be a time to get better acquainted with Rev. Mary and our lay leaders, discover your spiri-tual gifts, learn more about our various groups and min- istries, and con- sider the possibility of church member- ship. New members will be welcomed during worship on Feb-ruary 13. RSVP by calling the church office at 508-485-6297 by January 9.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AND CONCERT The City of Marlborough will celebrate its annual “Home for the Holidays” on Friday, December 3, 2010 on Union Common at the intersection of Rt. 20 (Main Street) and Rt. 85 from 6PM to 8 PM. Mayor Nancy Stevens will arrive with Santa and Mrs. Claus via Fire Truck at 6:15 PM with the Tree Lighting ac-companied by the Marlborough High School Com-bined Chorus. The Marlborough High School String Ensemble and Jazz Band will each perform here at First Church beginning at 6:45 pm. Activities on the Common will include Santa and Mrs. Claus, live barn animals, music, magician and free balloons, popcorn, candy canes and hot choco-late. Please join us for this festive evening.

Christmas is not meant to be simply a day of celebration; It is meant to be a month of contemplation. “Maybe the merriest Christmas we could ever have will be the year we remember again what Christ-mas is supposed to be about. Christmas is not about getting; it’s about giving the world a glimpse of what the Christ Child would really look like if we ever allowed him to be born in us.” (Joan Chittister)

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"Christmas Angels” TV Special Features UCC Youth

On Christmas Day, when children all over the country will unwrap their gifts, one group of

young people will give a special gift to the nation through a TV special called “Christmas Angels.” The program celebrates Christmas through the music and memories of youth from the United

Church of Christ and other Christian denomina-tions across the United States. It will air on

Christmas Day on local NBC TV stations and is being produced by the United Church of Christ.

“Christmas Angels” features teenagers from

churches all over the country performing as choirs, youth groups, bellringers, organists, soloists, litur-

gical dancers, and hula dancers. Along with the inspirational music, they share their poems and

fondest memories of this holy season.

A Prayer for Advent

“Every year we celebrate the holy season of Ad-vent, O God. Every year we pray those beautiful

prayers of longing and waiting, and sing those lovely songs of hope and promise. Every year we roll up all our needs and yearnings and faithful

expectation into one word: Come!” (Karl Rahner)

Christmas Blessings

to our Church Family from your Church Staff

May the season bring you hope, peace, joy and love!

A Prayer For Christmas

Shepherd of Israel, May Jesus, Emmanuel and son of Mary, be more than just a dream in our hearts. With the apostles, prophets, and saints,

save us, restore us, and lead us in the way of grace and peace,

that we may bear your promise into the world. Amen

Blue Christmas: A Service of Healing

The First Congregational Church of Spencer will offer a Service of Physical, Mental and Spiritual Healing on Wednesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m.

The service will include prayer, music, guided meditation, and Scripture as well as several heal-

ing stations that offer one-on-one care. All are wel-come to receive Holy Communion at the end. The church is located at 207 Main Street in Spencer.

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 **10:00 Bible Study

3 6:15-8 pm Christmas Tree Lighting & Concert

4 7:00 pm Merrimack Valley Ringers Concert

5 10:00 Worship with Communion 2nd Advent

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8 7:00 pm Trustees

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11 1:00 To 5:00 PM Private Function in Parish Hall

12 10:00 Worship 3rd Advent

13 7:00 Diaconate

14 7:00 Women’s Fellowship

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16 7:00 Men’s Fellowship

17

18

19 10:00 Worship 4th Advent

20 7:00 Outreach

21 5:00 Our Father’s Table

22 5:00 Spaghetti Supper

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24 6:00 Family Service 11:00 Candlelight Service

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26 10:00 Worship

27 7:00 Council

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29

30 CRIER DEADLINE

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DECEMBER First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) United Church of Christ

Worship Service: Sunday @ 10:00 am with Sunday School and Nursery Chancel Choir Rehearsal: Sundays at 8:45 am and Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

Joyful Ringers: Mondays at 7:00 pm Book Group: Please call the church for dates Search Team: Thursdays @ 7:00 pm

covenant. Rehearsals: Sundays at 11:30 am Children’s Choir: Sundays at 9:30 am Prayer Practice Group: Mondays at 6:15 pm; Bible Study: Wednesdays at 10:00 am

Rev. Mary on vacation December 26 through January 2nd.

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

2 10:00 Worship With Communion

3 4

5

6 7 6:00pm Confirmation Lock-In (Rooms 1,2,3,4)

8 Confirmation Lock-In Ends at 8:00 am

9 10:00 Epiphany

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11 6:15 Pot Luck Supper-Women’s Fellowship

12 7:00 pm Trustees

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14

15

16 10:00 Worship 12:00-2:00 Newcomer Luncheon

17 7:00 Diaconate 7:00 Outreach

18 5:00 Our Father’s Table

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20 7:00 Men’s Fellowship

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22 4:30 Recital Tambre Knox

23 10:00 Worship 12:00-2:00 Newcomer Luncheon

24 7:00 Council

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26 5:00 Spaghetti Supper

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28 Praisapalooza Set-Up in Sanctuary

29 Praisapalooza Event: 7:00-9:00pm

30 10:00 Worship

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JANUARY 2011 First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) United Church of Christ

Worship Service: Sunday @ 10:00 am with Sunday School and Nursery Chancel Choir Rehearsal: Sundays at 8:45 am and Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

Joyful Ringers: Mondays at 7:00 pm Book Group: Please call the church for dates Search Team: Thursdays @ 7:00 pm

covenant. Rehearsals: Sundays at 11:30 am Children’s Choir: Sundays at 9:30 am Prayer Practice Group: Mondays at 6:15 pm; Bible Study: Wednesdays at 10:00 am

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THE BOOK OF LIFE

HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS!

2nd Kelsey Hanahan 3rd Erin Merritt 4th Andrea Hollis 6th Anne Tennyson 8th Nick Granitsas, David Youngstrom 9th Dottie Sawtelle 10th Peter Palmgren 11th Kelly Ney 12th Thomas Brossi 13th Carol MacEwen 14th Carol Palmgren 16th Alice Olsen 18th Mike Bracken, Jessica Merritt, Kevin Murphy 25th Katlyn Taylor 28th Ashley Levy 31st Alyssa Crocker

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

30th Anita Stetson and Tim Kinney

I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound The carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent,

And made forlorn The households born

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said;

"For hate is strong And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep. "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep!

The wrong shall fail, The right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men!"

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

BAPTISMS AT FIRST CHURCH

October 24: Emmaline Evena Francois Daughter of Jessica and Emmanuel Francois

November 14: Reese Debra Sherblom and Brody Jason Sherblom Daughter and son of Michelle and Jason Sherblom

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Reverend Mary Poole, Bridge Pastor

Regular Worship Service Sunday 10:00 am

All are Welcome!

Church Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday

8:30 am - 1:30 pm 508-485-6297

has answering service

508-485-2969 rings through

Church e-mail and web addresses:

office@firstchurchnet.com crier@firstchurchnet.com revmarypoole@gmail.com

http://www.firstchurchnet.com

Newsletter Editor: Amy Lapetina

Newsletter Volunteers: Sandy Stetson, Rev. Mary Poole,

Cindy Vail, Janet Yurkus and Sue Pellerin

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

CRIER DEADLINE:

30 December 2010

First Church in Marlborough (Congregational)

United Church of Christ 37 High Street

Marlborough, MA 01752-2344

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