Volume 3, Issue 10, November 10, 2016 www.hillschurch.org ...

Volume 3, Issue 10, November 10, 2016 www.hillschurch.org OPPORTUNITIES SERVICE TRIP TO HONDURAS WITH HONDURAS HOPE Informational Meeting this Sunday - Immediately after Church in the Board Room At this brief meeting, there will be a description of a seven (7) to ten (10) day service trip to Honduras being planned for April or August of next year. Informational handouts for you to take home will also be available. Questions will be answered, and you can talk with others who have participated in Honduras Hope service trips in the past. You are welcome to come to the meeting, even if you are not sure you want to participate, and just want to learn more. So, do come see if this opportunity is for you! Honduras Hope works with marginalized communities in Honduras through long-term partnerships that empower and enable possibility and self-sufficiency. See more information on their website www.hondurashope.org or contact Sue Spencer, [email protected], or 781-893-2972. TEA WITH A MINISTER – NEXT TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 AT 1:30 We have such a special Tea planned for November! Our very own Burt Payne and daughter Saranel McGuirk will be sharing the wonderful process and stories about their family apple farm in upstate New York. Fall is harvest time and it will be interesting to hear about Burt’s farm and how it came to be his passion. Please join us in the Reception Room next Tuesday, November 15 at 1:30 p.m. for a warm cup of tea and some delicious morsels (with an apple theme) for the afternoon. We are sure some great conversation will come out of Burt and Saranel’s fun and interesting presentation! If you need a ride to and/or from the Hills Church, please call Cynthia in the church office at 781-235-4424. Hope to see you there! HELP US DONATE PROCEEDS OF THE RUMMAGE SALE Each year, Women’s Ministry donates the proceeds of the Rummage Sale to small charities locally, nationally or internationally that provide services primarily to women and children. Grant amounts typically range from $500 to $2000. In addition, WM has been able to grant seed money for various special projects at the church, such as the renovation of the third floor and the redecoration of the Reception Room (in process). Charities funded have included Help Kids India, Metco, A Path in the Woods Foundation, and Fiona Almeida’s Sanitary Health Project (through the African Indian Alliance).

If you know of a charity that merits consideration, please contact Laurie Otten [email protected] for a request form. Submissions are due by December 2, 2016.

COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES Sunday evening, December 4, Hills Church high schoolers will once again be assembling and decorating care packages for our friends in college and boarding school as they prepare for finals.. What we need from you now is your child's name and current mailing address, so we can get them their packages. It would be helpful if you could also send us their email address and cell phone number, so we can update them on other upcoming events. If you have a grad student or a high school boarder in your family, be sure to get us their info as well... Please email the appropriate information to mailto:[email protected] or fill out this form: http://tinyurl.com/churchcares/. (The sooner, the better; but please no later than Wednesday, November 23.) Thanks in advance, Katherine Blaisdell. INDIA TRIP REPORT FROM PASH AND MORE! SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20 – AT 5:00 Join us on Sunday evening, November 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room for a lively evening of Indian food, stories, slides and experiences from India. Among the highlights for this year: • Hills Church member and teacher Katie McCabe, M.Ed., will reflect on her second trip to India to support English education at the primary level. • Madeleine Albright Institute representatives and students from Wellesley College will share their cultural experiences. • We will have the honor of hosting one of the African Indian Alliance’s onsite teachers, Ramnath Siddi, M.Ed. Wider mission grants from the Hills Church have made it possible for Ramnath and other marginalized Indians of African descent to access a sustained quality education in some of rural India’s poorest villages. Ramnath will share stories about his lived experiences, the realities of life on the edge, and the triumph of the human spirit. • There will be a display of unique and colorful quilts produced by Siddi women.

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Finally, a multimedia presentation will showcase the collaborative mission in which our church and Rev. Dr. Pash Obeng have been engaged for more than a decade in communities in rural India.

Members of the African Indian Alliance Board will be available to answer questions and provide additional information. If child care is needed, please advise Sally Tomasetti no later than Tuesday, November 15. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Many thanks to all who helped with the many aspects of the Pumpkin Patch. This year our final sales tally was $26,032. We could not possibly have succeeded without each one of you. Whether you kept our teams on track, marketed the Patch, helped unload, sold, sold in the rain, appeared after dark and counted and deposited our receipts, turned over the pumpkins in the Patch, or bought one or many of our beautiful pumpkins. And, oh yes: thank you to Hunnewell Farm and Staff for “cleaning us out” (to our benefit and the benefit of their livestock)! The Great Grateful Pumpkins Dave Thornton, Paul Bruchez, Rob Andrews, Gintas Vildzius SIMPLE SIMON MET A PIE PERSON TRAVELING .....TO CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS..... Well not all of us pass a Pie Person on our way to anywhere.....but as luck would have it, Anne and Brad Leland will be downstairs at Community Hour this Sunday, November 13to help you with your pies for the upcoming holidays. Apple, Pumpkin, Pecan and Sweet Potato pies may be ordered, for $30 each, and may be picked up at any one of over 100 locations the day before Thanksgiving – and they are delicious. But the best part is that proceeds from the sale of these pies feed critically ill and homebound people. Questions? Please seek out Anne and Brad during Community Hour this Sunday. THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL COAT DRIVE WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER Coats for the Boston homeless shelters will be collected during November. Outerwear in clean and in good condition is accepted. All sizes are appreciated.

November. [email protected].

As you clean your closets, please set aside the warm clothes you don’t need. Gray collection bins will be by the church doors throughout the month of Questions? Please contact Donna McCabe,

WOMEN'S MINISTRY NEEDS KNITTERS! As we welcome with joy the many new babies in our midst, we need to restock our supply of baptismal blankets. These blankets are given

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as a symbol of the care and love that we as a congregation promise to these new members of our church family. Women's Ministry will be happy to provide you with yarn and a pattern, if you'd like to knit one (or more!) of these blankets. Contact Laurie Otten at laurieotten50@gmail. com, or look for us at Community Hour. BEING A HILLS CHURCH GREETER IS SURE TO PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE! Join a Greeter Ministry Team and greet regularly – or just once a year! It's up to you! As a greeter, you can help us set the tone for worship, as a place where all are warmly received. The task involves being at one of the doors by 9:40 a.m., with a name tag and a welcoming smile - ready to offer handshakes and greetings to members and visitors arriving for worship. We especially LOVE children and youth greeters. Your responsibilities end when the worship hour begins. If you would like to join the Greeting Ministry, please contact Becky Williams ([email protected]) or Jeff Thomas ([email protected]) USHERING IS A GREAT WAY TO SERVE YOUR CHURCH The mission of the Ushering Committee is to provide a staff of ushers who serve and support the Congregation before, during and after the worship service each week. To paraphrase a quote from Rev. Lacy Scott, “An usher … is so much more than a seat finder. They are the meeters and greeters to our service … the people who meet our guests and our members alike on a person-toperson basis when they first arrive at church. They are the ones whose smiles and warm welcomes help to set the tone for our worship.” To volunteer to usher at an upcoming service, please CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK or contact Cindy Jaczko – [email protected]. SIGN UP NOW FOR THIS YEAR’S WELLESLEY TURKEY TROT! Join the Hills Church Runners once again in running the Wellesley Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, November 24. This is a 5K fun run/race held right in Wellesley. The event starts at 8:00 am – and everyone runs at their own pace. Children are welcome. T-shirt and bib number provided for required entry fee. The course starts at Linden Square in front of Roche Brothers, so there is plenty of free parking. It’s both fun and a great way to start the day. The event also supports local charities in the areas of cancer, medical research, education, and community service. Details and registration here (be sure to register for the team “Hills Church Runners”). Questions? Contact Doug Eisenhart.

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HAVEN’T PLEDGED YET?

If you have not yet submitted your 2017 pledge, please take a minute to complete your pledge card and mail it back to the church today. Thank you.

MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE A Day of Giving to Honor the Memory of Dan McCabe

Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday November 23, 2016 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wellesley Hills Congregational Church 207 Washington St. Co-Sponsored by; the Hills Church Youth Fellowship & Boy Scout Troop 182 5

As a 17-year old Dan gave blood 3 times. He also encouraged his friends to donate blood to the Red Cross. Please help us honor Dan’s memory by joining his family, friends, and fellow travelers by giving the gift of life.

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Adult Education at the Hills Church – Fall 2016 THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 THE PAULINE EPISTLES – PART 1 Adam Isbitsky, M.Div. candidate, Seminarian Hills Church Rev. Pashington Obeng, M.Th., Ph.D., Associate Minister, Hills Church 11:30 am – Reception Room Letters attributed to Paul comprise a quarter of the New Testament and likely preceded the writing of the Gospels. The Epistles were aimed at addressing specific issues confronting congregations of the early church – many of which Paul and his associates had founded. Through them, Paul shaped the development of Christianity and his influence continues to the current day. This session and the continuation on Wednesday evening will discuss which letters Paul wrote, might have written, or likely did not write; overarching themes, and the specific subjects of some of the letters. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 THE PAULINE EPISTLES – PART 2 Adam Isbitsky, M.Div. candidate, Andover Newton Theological School, Seminarian Hills Church Rev. Pashington Obeng, M.Th., Ph.D., Associate Minister, Hills Church 6:30-7:00 pm – Supper 7:00-8:00 pm – Program – Reception Room Concluding our whirlwind consideration of Paul and his seminal influence.

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CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH MINISTRIES NEWS AND EVENTS JUNIOR CHOIR - FOR GRADES 5-8 If you would like to join the newly formed Junior Choir, please contact Dr. Ingrid. The first rehearsal was held last Sunday, but we still welcome more voices. The next rehearsal is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 20. Please let Dr. Ingrid know if your child is interested: [email protected].

THE MITTEN TREE IS COMING SOON… DO YOU WANT TO KNIT A HAT OR A SCARF FOR THE MITTEN TREE? Every year we collect hats, scarves and mittens for the Advent Mitten Tree. So, why not make one this year? The Women's Ministry is available to get you started, to provide guidance and to set you on your way. They have yarn and needles (or you can bring your own) and they really know how to knit! Contact [email protected] if you are interested. This is a very fun way to learn a new skill while serving others.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL MEET AFTER WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY The church’s Children’s Choir, led by Ingrid Lestrud, will meet this Sunday morning after worship in the Third Floor Youth Chapel. This is a wonderful opportunity for your children to sing with their friends! All young people – in grades kindergarten and up. All are welcome! Children’s Ministry Coordinator: Sally Tomasetti – [email protected] Children’s Ministry team Co-chairs: Erin Johnson and Josh Waetzig

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DON’T MISS THIS YEAR’S – ADVENT WORKSHOP AND DINNER! You are invited… Advent Workshop and Dinner Sunday, November 27, 2016 The Hills Church has a great tradition of starting the Advent Season with Gingerbread House making, Christmas Carols, and Dinner. All are welcome! Gingerbread House Making 4:30-5:30 p.m. This is always a huge success, so we’re bringing them back again. Houses can be reserved in advance for $15 each. Buy one for each person in the family, or just buy one for your whole family to decorate together. Every year sees new advances in home decorating, so bring your ideas, creativity, and extra supplies (frosting, candy, and more will be provided). Gingerbread Houses are $15:00 Carol Singing and Advent Play 5:30-6:15 p.m. We move to the Sanctuary for a time of Carol Singing, led by the youth of the Church School along with a fun seasonal skit. Dinner in the Assembly Room 6:15 p.m. Reservations are required for the dinner. Lasagna and pasta dishes from Comella's, fruit, salad, bread, drinks, and more. Each family is asked to bring a finger dessert to share. Dinner- Adults $8.00, Child $5.00, Under 3 $3.00 Tree Lighting on the Front Lawn 7:00 p.m.
 For more information or if you would like to register online for the evening, JUST CLICK HERE. or Visit the Advent Dinner table during the November 20 Fellowship Hour or Contact Cynthia- [email protected]

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YOUTH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13: YOUTH GROUP HIKING IN THE BLUE HILLS Come hang out with some cool grownups and soak up a last bit of nice weather before winter comes! We will meet out front of the church at 1:00 p.m. and take the van down to the Blue Hills for a gorgeous walk in the woods. We will return to the church by 4:30pm. Dress in layers and sturdy, closed-toed shoes; bring a water bottle and a snack.

NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 YOUTH FIELD TRIP TO THE ISLAMIC CENTER IN WAYLAND Beginning in the Youth Room after church, we’ll gather over lunch to talk about the differences and similarities between Christianity and Islam. Then we’ll go to the mosque together to take a tour and observe a prayer service. Returning no later than 2:30 p.m. Confirmation students are expected to attend. We can take an additional fifteen (15) youth and adults. Email [email protected]

NOVEMBER 27 (SUNDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING) ADVENT DINNER Youth, children, and parents are invited to come decorate gingerbread houses (4:30-5:30), sing Christmas songs (5:30-6:15), and have dinner together for the first Sunday in the advent season. We’ll close by lighting the tree on the front lawn at 7:00 p.m. RSVP to [email protected]

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES High schoolers are invited to come decorate and fill care packages for our friends in college and boarding school as they prepare for finals. We’ll gather for dinner and then put care packages together. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Have a friend or sibling away at school? Fill out this form: http://tinyurl.com/churchcares

TELL REV. KATHERINE! Are you on a sports team? In a choir? Star of the school play? Tell Rev. Katherine when your games, concerts, and performances are. The best way is by email [email protected], but you can also text 508-658-2933!

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HILLS CHURCH CALENDAR THURSDAY, November 10 9:30 a.m. Clergy Meeting 10:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 1:00 p.m. North Hill Tea 6:30 p.m. New Beginnings FRIDAY, November 11 – Veterans’ Day (Church Office Closed) 7:30 p.m. AA Meeting SATURDAY, November 12 SUNDAY, November 13 This Sunday’s Scripture Readings: 9:00 a.m. Lectionary Bible Study Group Isaiah 65:17-25 10:00 a.m. Worship Service Luke 21:5-19 11:00 a.m. Community Hour 11:30 a.m. Children’s Choir 11:30 a.m. Adult Ed. Event – Pauline Epistles (Pash Obeng and Adam Isbitsky) 1:00 p.m. Youth Group (Hiking in the Blue Hills) 4:00 p.m. Hills Bells Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. AA Meeting MONDAY, November 14 7:30 p.m. Children’s Ministry Team 7:30 p.m. Stewards Support Board 7:30 p.m. Christian Service Support Board TUESDAY, November 15 1:30 p.m. Tea with a Minister 7:30 p.m. Property Maintenance Team WEDNESDAY, November 16 11:00 a.m. North Hill Worship Service 6:30 p.m. Adult Ed. Event – Pauline Epistles (Pash Obeng and Adam Isbitsky) 7:30 p.m. NAMI Meeting 8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal THURSDAY, November 17 9:30 a.m. Clergy Meeting 10:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 6:30 p.m. New Beginnings

HILLS CHURCH PUBLICATION DEADLINES Need to spread the word about an activity or event? Email your notice to Cynthia Gordan, Church Administrator, at [email protected], or call the Church Office at 781-235-4424. Weekly Newsletters

Sunday Orders of Worship

Submissions are due Fridays by 5:00 p.m.

Submissions are due Monday by 5:00 p.m.

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