Volume 3, Issue 6, October 13, 2016 www.hillschurch.org ...

Volume 3, Issue 6, October 13, 2016

www.hillschurch.org OPPORTUNITIES

THE PUMPKINS ARE COMING, THE PUMPKINS ARE COMING!! Every year, the sale of our pumpkins helps to support our kids on service trips near and far. And THIS YEAR’S PUMPKINS ARE ALMOST HERE!!! Bring your wheelbarrows and your wagons! This year’s pumpkins are scheduled to be delivered this Saturday, October 15. We will need help from many hands to get the pumpkins off of the truck and onto our front lawn for our first day of business, so please join us. Once the pumpkins are here, we’ll also need lots of volunteers to help sell them. So if you can staff a shift or two, please sign up during Community Hour or CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER. If you have questions, please reach out to David Thornton, Rob Andrews, or Paul Bruchez. THERE’S A RECITAL YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS – THIS SUNDAY, AT 3:00 P.M. John Finney, our Director of Music, will perform a recital of solo organ music at the McIntosh Clubhouse Chapel at Brooksby Village (100 Brooksby Village Drive, Peobody, MA 01960) this Sunday, October 16 at 3:00 p.m. The recital will be dedicated to the memory of Lois J. Krall (19192016), former Assistant Organist here at the Hills Church, and will include music by J. S. Bach, Jean Langlais, and César Franck. AFTERNOON TEA WITH JUDY – THIS COMING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, AT 1:30 Please join Judy and the Senior Ministry Team for a wonderful opportunity to be introduced to Rev. Katherine Blaisdell, Acting Associate Minister for Youth and Families! Rev. Blaisdell began her ministry at the Hills Church in late September, and we will have a special chance to learn more about her ministry journey and her arrival at the Hills Church at this Tea. Our cherished senior community is invited – as well as anyone else wishing to take time out of their day to meet and get to know Rev. Blaisdell. The Tea will take place this coming Tuesday, October 18 at 1:30 in the Reception Room. Tasty morsels will be served with afternoon tea, and we look forward to sharing with all.

Let Cynthia know in the church office at 781-235-4424 if you need a ride to or from the church. Hope to see you there! THIS YEAR’S FALL FELLOWSHIP CELEBRATION IS THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS – NEXT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 – AT 3:00 P.M. Next Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 3:00 p.m., Rev. Judy Swahnberg invites all beloved pets and their “people” to gather outside in the church “garth” near Wallace Chapel for a simple service of Blessing of the Animals. We’ll ask God to care for our animals’ health and wellbeing, and bless the relationship and bond we have with them as part of our common kinship, an aspect of the great glory of Creation. Please consider what will work best for your animal-- bringing dogs on leashes and cats and other animals in comfortable travel containers. Stuffed animals also welcome!

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Questions? Contact Rev. Judy Swahnberg at [email protected]. A PATH APPEARS: A MOVIE, A BOOK, A DISCUSSION GROUP Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on three consecutive Sunday evenings – beginning this Sunday, October 16, this group will read A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity, written by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, and watch excerpts from the movie "A Path Appears." This discussion of the path out of poverty examines questions of poverty in our own country, and around the world. It has both direct and indirect relevance to our own giving as a church, and our response through Honduras Hope, through the African Indian Alliance’s support of the Sidi in India, and through support of our neighbors in Waltham and Boston. What should be our Christian response to these problems? How do you measure the effectiveness of dollars donated to organizations dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and socialized inequality? Are there effective solutions to these problems? Interested? Join us at the following locations: • • •

This Sunday, October 16 – at the home of Chris and Martha Stowell, 23 Marvin Road in Wellesley October 23 – at the home of Jack Morgan, 112 Abbot Road in Wellesley October 30 – at the home of Steve and Janeen Hansen, 24 Sumner Road in Wellesley

Contact Sue Spencer for details – [email protected]. TELLING OUR STORIES HILLS CHURCH WOMEN’S RETREAT – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Our lives are made up of rich experiences, both sorrows and joys. Come spend a day away with Rev. Judy Swahnberg – on retreat –with the women of the church, as we sift through our own stories, listen to each other’s stories, laugh, and look for God’s grace. Suggested donation: $20 Date: Saturday, November 5 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: Mass Conference Retreat Center, in Framingham Includes continental breakfast, lunch and snacks Sign up by email with: [email protected] or with Cynthia Gordan in the Church Office 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-to-

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person 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]. 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]) SAD NEWS – AND A REQUEST FOR YOUR ADVICE The Property Maintenance Team is responsible for the care and upkeep of our church buildings and grounds. This summer, as part of planned work to prune trees and shrubs on the church property, we sought input from a certified arborist to ensure we were taking prudent action related to the trees which grace our outdoor spaces. One large maple tree (see photo) near the main entrance to the church is in severe decline – wth many dead branches that may create hazards in the future. Sadly, this problem needs to be addressed. Given the age and overall condition of this tree, the arborist we are working with has recommended that the tree be removed in the near future. The Property Team is seeking input on two issues: the steps we could take to reduce the effect the removal of this tree will have on the appearance of our church – and the ways in which the wood from this tree could be used to create a lasting memory of its glory days and its rightful place in the history of this

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church, e.g., build memorial benches from the wood. Please contact any Property Team member at coffee hour or by email/phone with your thoughts and suggestions. Sincerely, your Property Team - Tia Pinney, Marilyn Nutting, Betty Ule, Herb Ule, and Gintas Vildzius."

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THIS YEAR’S FIRST LAY-LED DINNER WILL BE HELD NOVEMBER 9 – AT 6:15 On Wednesday evening, November 9, we will have the first Lay-Led dinner and service for the 2016-2017 season. For over ten years we have gathered together to enjoy the company of people we care about and share a good meal, then head to Wallace Chapel for a mid-week worship service where we have heard inspiring music, contemplated our relationships with each other and all God’s children and become more aware of our relationship with a loving God. In short, for more than ten years, we have practiced what it means to be a beloved community. Whether you have participated in many of these services or none at all, we would love to have you join us Wednesday, November 9, at 6:15 p.m. for dinner and 7:00 p.m. for the worship service. ALL SAINTS SUNDAY On Sunday, November 6, we remember those who over the past year passed from this life to the larger life in the nearer presence of God, by reading their names aloud in our worship service. If you’d like the names of your loved ones included, call or email the church office by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1. FAMILY PROMISE METROWEST IS OFFERING ONE MORE TRAINING CLASS IN OCTOBER Looking for an opportunity to serve those less fortunate? Family Promise Metrowest is a program that provides shelter, food, and fellowship, using space donated by area houses of worship, including the Hills Church. Volunteers help by setting up/tearing down sleeping space, making meals, or serving as dinner or overnight hosts. Helping to serve our Family Promise guests is a wonderful opportunity to work alongside friends or family to help folks in a homeless situation. No training is required, except for those wishing to serve as either a dinner or overnight host. For those who do wish to serve as dinner or overnight host, FPM is offering one more evening training class in October – at the following location: •

Thursday, October 20, at St. Andrew’s Church, 79 Denton Road, in Wellesley.

This class will run from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. If you'd like to attend, please let Tricia Frank ([email protected]) know.

Our next Family Promise Network hosting week begins Sunday, December 11. THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL COAT DRIVE BEGINS NOVEMBER 1 Coats for the Boston homeless shelters will be collected during November. Outerwear in clean and in good condition is accepted. All sizes are appreciated. 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 November. Questions? Please contact Donna McCabe, [email protected].

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FAMILY PROMISE METROWEST IS LOOKING FOR A FULL-TIME OFFICE MANAGER Family Promise Metrowest (www.familypromisemetrowest.org) is currently seeking a full-time, tech-savvy individual with three to five years of office management experience and excellent interpersonal skills to run their small, yet very busy, office in Natick.

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This individual would be responsible for: • Managing the office and all systems in an efficient and orderly manner. • Dealing with all correspondence and keeping accurate records. • Providing administrative support for the Executive Director, and Supervising all van drivers and office volunteers.

Interested applicants should send their resume, with a cover letter, to Sue Crossley, FPM Executive Director at [email protected]. FOOD PANTRY IN NEED OF PAPER TOWELS, GROUND COFFEE, COOKING OILS If you can help with these needs – or with food of every kind – please bring your donations to church with you any Sunday and put them in the baskets set out for that purpose in the North Narthex. You may also give them directly to a Food Pantry volunteer any Monday morning between 9:00 and 10:30. (The Wellesley Food Pantry is located directly below Wall ace Chapel – and can be accessed through either the east or west entrance.) Many thanks. 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 and ends 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”) http://wellesleyturkeytrotfoundation.org/. Space is limited. Questions? Contact Doug Eisenhart, [email protected]. Hope you can join us!

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Join Family Promise Metrowest at the Keep the Promise Food and Auction Event Saturday, November 5, 2016 Temple Shir Tikva 141 Boston Post Road in Wayland 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Come and enjoy delicious appetizers and delectable desserts from 15 local restaurants. Live and silent auctions will have something for everyone, including cooking classes, Red Sox tickets, gift baskets, and more. Relax with a hand massage at the Neiman Marcus booth. Join in the wine pull raffle. Or take a group photo to remember the night! All proceeds from the event will help Family Promise end the cycle of homelessness by providing shelter, meals, and professional services to families. For more details, visit http://www.501auctions.com/fpm or call 508-318-4820. 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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Adult Education at the Hills Church – Fall 2016 THREE CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS – BEGINNING THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 A PATH APPEARS: A MOVIE, A BOOK AND A DISCUSSION GROUP Evenings – Times and locations to be announced Meeting on three Sunday evenings, the group will read and watch excerpts from the book and movie "A Path Appears," and other resources. This discussion of the path out of poverty examines questions of poverty in our own country, and around the world. It has direct and indirect relevance to our own giving as a church, and our response through Honduras Hope, through the African Indian Alliance and its support of the Siddi in India, and through support of our neighbors in Waltham and Boston. What should be our Christian response to these problems? How do you measure the effectiveness of dollars donated to organizations dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and socialized inequality? Are there effective solutions to these problems? Co-sponsored with the Christian Service Board. Interested. Please join us at the following locations: • This Sunday, October 16 – at the home of Chris and Martha Stowell, 23 Marvin Road in Wellesley • October 23 – at the home of Jack Morgan, 112 Abbot Road in Wellesley • October 30 – at the home of Steve and Janeen Hansen, 24 Sumner Road in Wellesley WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19 THE END OF LIFE AND DYING WELL Harold Wilkinson, M.D., Ph.D., Hills Church member 6:30-7:00 pm – Supper 7:00-8:00 pm – Program – Reception Room In the light of medical advances of the past few decades there has been increased discussion about the definitions of life and death. We will explore those definitions in the context of history, religious views, and current medical challenges. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies in September 2014 issued a report entitled Dying in America: Improving Quality and Honoring Individual Preferences Near the End of Life. Consistent with that report and our wanting more control over end of life decisions we will also consider living wills and death with dignity. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23 RIDING THE ADOLESCENT SKATEBOARD: A WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS Jeff Levin, Dartmouth, B.C. School of Education, Smith College School of Social Work 11:30 am – Reception Room (lunch and childcare provided) This program will provide the space to gain knowledge, compare notes, share exasperation and joy, discuss the challenges, and acquire support and understanding for the unsteady, yet rewarding journey of parenting teens today. Details to come. If you are planning to attend, please call (781.235.4424) or e-mail ([email protected]) today to let us know. Co-sponsored with the Youth Ministry Team. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 A CONTEXT TO BETTER ENJOY THE UPCOMING SPECIAL MUSIC John Finney, M.M., Director of Music Hills Church 11:30 am – Reception Room Joseph Haydn’s Missa St. Nicolai, a masterwork missa brevis composed in 1722 for the Feast of St. Nikolaus, will be performed during the Sundayworship service on December 11. The mass honors Haydn’s great patron, Prince Nikolaus I, Prince Esterházy of Hungary. Join John Finney on November 6 to learn more about Haydn, his music, and the historical and musical context of this glorious piece. Co-sponsored with the Music Ministry Team.

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SPECIAL ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY -

BEYOND WORDS: ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS IN BOSTON COLLECTIONS

The Adult Education Team would like to thank Mary and Ted Hatch for bringing to our attention this program running through early December at three venues: • • •

The McMullen Museum of Art at Boston College, The Houghton Library in Harvard Yard, and The Isabella Stewart Gardner museum.

The Boston Globe reported that the McMullen venue has the most to see. Mary described the McMullen exhibit as “… a magnificent show of 180 works of medieval and renaissance book

painting, much of it relating to the gospels. The artistry is overwhelmingly beautiful.”

We encourage you to make the short trip to Brighton either by T or car and see it. More information on the shows at all three venues can be found at beyondwords2016.org.

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HILLS CHURCH CALENDAR THURSDAY, October 13 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 7:00 p.m. Youth Ministry Team FRIDAY, October 14 7:00 p.m. AA Meeting 7:30 p.m. Connections (at the home of Meg Sweeting, 61 Kenilworth Road in Wellesley) SATURDAY, October 15 – THE PUMPKINS ARE COMING! 6:30 p.m. Fall Fellowship Celebration (at the home of Kate and Raleigh Shoemaker) SUNDAY, October 16 This Sunday’s Scripture Readings: 9:00 a.m. Lectionary Bible Study Group 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 10:00 a.m. Worship Service Luke 18:1-8 11:00 a.m. Community Hour 11:30 a.m. Children’s Choir 11:30 a.m. Community Hour Ministry Team Planning Session 11:30 a.m. Confirmation Class 4:00 p.m. Hills Bells Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. AA Meeting 7:30 p.m. Adult Ed. Event – A Path Appears (at the home of Chris and Martha Stowell) MONDAY, October 17 TUESDAY, October 18 1:30 p.m. Afternoon Tea with Judy 6:30 p.m. Caring for the Caregivers WEDNESDAY, October 19 6:00 p.m. Adult Ed. Event – Harold Wilkinson, M.D., Ph.D. 8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal THURSDAY, October 20 9:30 a.m. Clergy Meeting 10:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 1:00 p.m. Pines’ Edge Tea 6:30 p.m. New Beginnings

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CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH MINISTRIES NEWS AND EVENTS THE PUMPKINS ARE COMING THIS SATURDAY THE PUMPKINS ARE COMING THIS SATURDAY Children's Ministry invites families and children to help unload this year’s pumpkin truck. Have fun together – while serving together. Children in attendance will be invited to choose a small pumpkin to decorate. Join Mrs. T. for this fun event. Serve, play and decorate! Because the time of the truck delivery is not yet known, time is TBA. Stay tuned! GET READY TO SHARE SOME HALLOWEEN CANDY! It’s soon to be Halloween! It is a candy-filled day we all love a little toooo much, but we don't need all that candy lying around the house for months after. So, we have a solution! Bring your candy to church for our service project. During this year’s All Church Service Day on Sunday, November 13, church members will decorate and fill candy bags to be shared with elderly members of the local community. The collection box will be outside the church office just before Halloween – and candy drop off will continues until All Church Service Day, Sunday, November 13. Thank you for sharing this precious bounty. 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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