Volume 3, Issue 11, November 17, 2016 www.hillschurch.org ...

Volume 3, Issue 11, November 17, 2016 www.hillschurch.org OPPORTUNITIES

INDIA TRIP REPORT FROM PASH AND MORE! THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 – AT 5:00 Join us this 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. 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 this Thursday, November 17. CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES – AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE OTHERS The need is great. You can help! Sign up to shop for an individual or a family (or more) at Community Hour this Sunday, November 20, and next Sunday, November 27. We’ll provide gift suggestions and instructions. Wrapped gifts should be delivered to the church on or before Sunday, December 11. Questions? Call Sue Spencer at 781-8932972. Thanks!

OUR NEXT FAMILY PROMISE HOSTING WEEK BEGINS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Beginning Sunday, December 11 – and for all of that week – we will be hosting several families (including a number of children) in need. Volunteers are needed to support this upcoming commitment. If you can help, please sign up during Community Hour on Sunday using the “Sign-up Board” downstairs in the Assembly Room – or CLICK HERE – or use the church website to sign up online – or contact Marbo Hansen at [email protected]. And don’t worry, if you would like to volunteer, but haven't yet attended a training class (required only for dinner and overnight hosts), there are still a number of other ways you can help support this important effort. Ask Marbo for more information on this point. 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).

2

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 [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. 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,

THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND LUNCHEON IS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 All are welcome at our annual Christmas Concert and Luncheon Wednesday, December 14, when our own Laurie Stewart Otten and John Finney will perform special music of the Christmas season, including traditional favorites such as "O Holy Night" and a Christmas carol singalong. Set aside your “to-do” list and allow the glorious music of the season to lift your spirits and surround you with joy! The concert is at 11 o’clock in the Sanctuary, followed by a catered luncheon in the Reception Room for those who are able to stay.

3

If you plan to attend the luncheon, please RSVP to Cynthia in the church office by Friday, December 9 (781-235-4424). And please also let us know if you would like a ride – we can easily provide one. 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.

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 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]) RECEPTION ROOM INSTALLATION Excitement continues with the redesign of the Reception Room! Furniture has been ordered and delivered to the warehouse – fabric has shipped and is ready to be upholstered onto the new pieces – drapes are being made – and the new rug is in production! Lots of people are working together behind the scenes to pull this all together from a variety of sources and we are very grateful. Also, several of the existing antiques are being refurbished and will be returning at the same time. Our hope is to have the Reception Room painted during Thanksgiving week – and the furniture, drapes and rug installed before Christmas. We look forward to starting the New Year hosting Membership gatherings, meetings and special events in our newly designed Reception Room. Thank you for your continued patience.

Reception Room Redesign Committee

4

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].

5

SIGN UP FOR RED KETTLE BELL RINGING Starting Monday, November 28, volunteers for the Salvation Army will be ringing the Red Kettle bell in front of Roche Bros. supermarket every day from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to sign up for a one hour bell ringing slot by phoning Dwin Schuler at 781-235-5615. This one bucket raised over $25,000 last year and the Salvation Army, known for its efficiency in using charitable funds, is able to convert this money into day care, meals, housing, job advice and more, for the less fortunate right here in our area. Contributions of cash or checks, (made payable to Salvation Army with “Wellesley Chapter” written in the memo line) or time are always welcome. Thanks again for your continued support.

Dwin Schuler, Volunteer Coordinator, Salvation Army Red Kettle Fund 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.

6

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

Red Cross Blood Drive Next 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 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.

7

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. Rehearsals are held each Sunday before church at 9:30 a.m. 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

8

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]

9

YOUTH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES THIS 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!

10

HILLS CHURCH CALENDAR THURSDAY, November 17 9:30 a.m. Clergy Meeting 10:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 6:30 p.m. New Beginnings FRIDAY, November 18 7:30 p.m. AA Meeting SATURDAY, November 19 9:00 a.m. NAMI Reunion Group This Sunday’s Scripture Readings: SUNDAY, November 20 – Joining Sunday Jeremiah 23:1-4 9:00 a.m. Lectionary Bible Study Group Luke 23:33-38 10:00 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Community Hour 11:30 a.m. Children’s Choir 11:30 a.m. Confirmation Class and Field Trip to the Islamic Center in Wayland 4:00 p.m. Hills Bells Rehearsal 5:00 p.m. African Indian Alliance Event – India Trip Report 7:00 p.m. Adult Ed. Meeting 7:30 p.m. AA Meeting MONDAY, November 21 7:00 p.m. Pastor Parish Relations TUESDAY, November 22 6:30 p.m. Caring for the Caregivers WEDNESDAY, November 23 10:00 a.m. Red Cross Blood Drive THURSDAY, November 24 – THANKSGIVING (Church Office Closed)

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.

11