Volume 3, Issue 9, November 3, 2016 www.hillschurch.org ...

Volume 3, Issue 9, November 3, 2016 www.hillschurch.org OPPORTUNITIES Would you like to become a member of the Hills Church? The next Joining Sunday will be November 20, 2016. Please join clergy and church members in the Reception Room for a combined Membership Class this Sunday afternoon, November 6 from 3:00 to 5:00. This class will cover include information about our Educational Programs, Service Opportunities, The United Church of Christ (UCC), Baptism, Communion and Confirmation at the Hills Church, and Community Life. We will also discuss the Order of Worship, Church Governance, the Membership Covenant and Stewardship. You do not need to have made a decision to join the church to attend. So whether you have already decided you would like to join – or you would just like to know more about the church, please plan on joining us on the 6th. Please RSVP to the church office at 781-235-4424, ext 210 or via email to [email protected]. TELLING OUR STORIES HILLS CHURCH WOMEN’S RETREAT – THIS 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: This 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 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.

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]. THIS YEAR’S FIRST LAY-LED DINNER WILL BE HELD NOVEMBER 9 – AT 6:15 In the final chapters of the Old Testament book of Isaiah the prophet presents a promise that God will bring about a new creation and a wonderful vision of a beloved community. The persecution and anguish of the people of Israel will be no more, all people will live in harmony, they will have an intimate relationship with God, and the lion will lie down with the lamb. This summer I read a book entitled “The Beloved Community.” The book traces the history of the Civil Rights Movement from its beginning to the present. It reveals the importance of the beloved community in empowering its leaders, formulating its mission, and sustaining its soldiers. As I read the book, it was striking to me that in many ways our church exemplifies this beloved community. For the first two of our lay-led services – on November 9 and December 7 – we will explore the lessons of the book, how our church exemplifies the community and the imperative that we share the vision. Join us at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and 7:00 p.m. for the worship service. TEA WITH A MINISTER - 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 on 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! 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!

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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])

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. 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

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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. Child care will be available. 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]. 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 on Sunday, November 6 and 13 to 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. 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. 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.

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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 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 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 Sunday worship 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. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 LAY LED SERVICE Jim McKinney, M. Theological Studies, Harvard Divinity School, Hills Church member Dinner 6:00 pm – Reception Room; Service 7:00 pm – Wallace Chapel These services provide a break from the week’s demands in order to be still and know that God is God. All are welcome to join us for dinner prepared by Captain Marden’s Seafood and time for fellowship followed by a worship service that includes wonderful special music and lots of singing, a thoughtful homily and time for prayer and reflection. 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 CALLING ALL SINGERS GRADES 5 - 8 YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE JUNIOR CHOIR FIRST REHEARSAL – THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE YOUTH CHAPEL. One intangible but substantial benefit we will reap from the Junior Choir is that the children will be able to build on techniques taught during Children's Choir. An older grade choir continues to develop good singing and musicianship skills - fostering the enjoyment of singing and providing additional opportunities to grow in faith through joy in music. 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 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.

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 3 9:30 a.m. Clergy Meeting 10:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 6:30 p.m. New Beginnings FRIDAY, November 4 7:30 p.m. AA Meeting SATURDAY, November 5 8:00 a.m. Boy Scout Food Drive for the benefit of the Wellesley Food Pantry 8:00 a.m. Women’s Retreat SUNDAY, November 6 – All Saints’ Sunday This Sunday’s Scripture Readings: 9:00 a.m. Lectionary Bible Study Group Psalm 145:1-5 10:00 a.m. Worship Service Luke 6:20-31 11:00 a.m. Community Hour 11:30 a.m. Children’s Choir 11:30 a.m. Adult Ed. Event – John Finney 11:30 a.m. Confirmation Class 11:30 a.m. Teaching Parish Committee 3:00 p.m. Membership Class I and II 4:00 p.m. Hills Bells Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. AA Meeting MONDAY, November 7 7:30 p.m. Board of Deacons TUESDAY, November 8 4:30 p.m. Food Pantry Client Supper WEDNESDAY, November 9 6:00 p.m. Lay-led Worship Service and Dinner 8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 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

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

Sunday Orders of Worship Submissions are due Monday by 5:00 p.m.

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