First Community Church

September 2016

The Pastor’s Message

s I am sitting down to write this, it is the first day of September! The summer seemed togo so fast, and here we are standing on the threshold of another church year. I have beenback to school for a week—the beginning of my twenty-fourth year at Assumption

College. As I walk our dog in the morning, the temperature has been delightfully cool and onlyan occasional chirping of a bird breaks the silence. Our boards and committees are beginning toregroup after the summer break. And Rally Day is next Sunday!

Although the summer has passed very quickly for me, much quicker than I would like it to pass, Iam really looking forward to getting back into the deeply meaningful rhythms of the fall.

Darlene and I vowed to make this summer a lot quieter than it has been the past few years. Andit was. We took one trip to South Carolina to see the kids. The rest of the time we spentworking around the house and taking day trips to Boston, Hampton Beach, and a relaxing ridealong the coast from Beverly to Rockport. Partially because we were away so much of lastsummer, I spent most of this summer pulling weeds and spreading mulch (17 cubic yards in all).For a sedentary middle-aged pastor/therapist/teacher like me, I have paid a price for this!

I did manage to do a little reading (though not as much as I hoped). I read an excellent book onJohannes Kepler’s life and his contribution to the Copernican revolution. I then read a book onthe life and work of Blaise Pascal, the seventeenth century philosopher and mathematician.Pascal, who had a profound mystical experience, is famous for what is known as Pascal’s Wager,for essentially playing dice with God. I read a recently published account of C. G. Jung’s 1936-40 seminar on ancient and modern dream interpretation, a seminar that was attended by somereally smart people, the “first generation” of Jungian analysts. I reread the first of the CarlosCastenada series on his encounters with the Yaqui shaman don Juan and Carlos’s discovery ofthe world that lies behind the one we see. In addition, I took a continuing education seminar on

First Community Church

A

Our Mission Statement

We are a community of faith believing in the power ofprayer and seeking earnestly to deepen our spiritual life

and share the love of God with others.

First Community Church Newsletter September 2016

cognitive behavioral therapy and another on attachment theory in relationships andpsychotherapy. So though I didn’t read as much as I wanted (I never do), I did receive someinput and the stimulation of new ideas.

This summer I enjoyed preaching on the Beatitudes, specifically the theme of setting aside ourarmor, our defense systems, and allowing life to touch us through our “soft spot,” through ourvulnerability. Though these sermons were not taped, they will be printed and posted on our website. I am looking forward to resuming our study groups: our Bible study on Sunday morningsand our spiritual reading group on Tuesday afternoons. Perhaps there is a way we can continueto explore and build on this theme in the year to come.

I have also been thinking of working with the theme of God’s revelations. An account of awoman’s experience of her brother who died and what he revealed to her about his experiencesafter death, which I read this summer, got me wondering how many of these accounts are “real.”Although I am willing to bend to popular demand and the democratic process, I would really liketo explore The Bhagavad Gita, the revelation of truths about life and the psyche that weretransmitted thousands of years ago from Krishna to Arjuna. I also listened to a fantastic tape by aHindu swami from the Boston Vedanta Society that explains the various yogas of the Gita in away that I had never considered. There was absolutely nothing in this teaching that runs counterto the teachings of Jesus (hint, hint – this book-tape combo would be great for our Tuesday studygroup).

This summer, in addition to the new members that joined our church in June, we wereencouraged by the presence of several new individuals and families. We hope they not onlyreturn this fall; we hope they will be able to join us in our ongoing spiritual study. New ideasand perspectives are always welcome!

We invite you to join us in our commitment to grow and deepen our faith through Sundaymorning worship, weekly Bible study and spiritual growth groups in the context of a genuineChristian community, the kind of community that finds outreach in mission and a caring,compassionate fellowship, the kind of community that has given our little church the reputationof being “the little church with a big heart.”

Faithfully yours,

Reverend Paul D. Sanderson

Adult Bible Study

Our Adult Bible Study, which meets on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays ofevery month, will begin on Sunday, September 18. We meet in the Vestryfrom 9:15 – 10:30 AM.

For our study this fall, we have chosen to read and discuss Conversationswith God an uncommon dialogue written by Neale Donald Walsch.

Whether you are a beginner or a life-long friend of the Bible, there is aplace for you around our table! Bibles are provided!


Missions Offering

Our September Mission Offering will go to “STOP GirlTrafficking” a project sponsored by the American HimalayanFoundation.

The problem is huge. Every year, as many as 20,000 girlsfrom the poorest parts of rural Nepal are trafficked. They arecoerced or tricked with false promises of good jobs, then soldinto brothels, indentured servitude, or forced into childmarriage as far away as the Middle East. In either case, they’reslaves. Many are HIV positive within two years, and deadbefore they reach twenty.

EDUCATION IS THE WAY

The way we combat this modern-day slavery is surprisingly effective: weprevent it.

We keep girls from being trafficked by going into the villages, findingthe girls most at risk and putting those girls into school. We also educatethe girls, their teachers and whole communities about the realities anddangers of trafficking. For a small investment, we can keep a girl safe foran entire year: $100 pays for school fees, books, uniforms, mentoring,and tutoring.

The Power of Ten

April 1, 2016 by Bruce Moore

This week almost 1,500 girls in “STOP GirlTrafficking” are beginning the all-importantgrade 10 exams, along with 400,000 of theirclassmates.

In Nepal, passing grade 10 is so significant itis often referred to as the “Iron Gate” - if youdon’t get through, it will shut in your faceand you will be locked out from furthereducation, opportunity, and any kind offuture. Last year, less than 50% of studentsand only 17% of the girls who sat for theSchool Leaving Certificate (SLC) passed.By contrast, the success rate among girls in“STOP Girl Trafficking” was 70%. And considering that girls in rural government schools are

Dhangadhi girls sitting to take Nepal’s School LeavingCertificate (SLC) exam. GOOD LUCK!


statistically the most likely to fail of any group—and all SGT girls fall into that category—SGT’spass rates are remarkable.

Sunita from Dhangadhi has been part of SGT since grade three and is now in grade 11. When wespoke, she couldn’t hold back her tears of gratitude to RHEST (Rural Health and EducationalServices Trust) and particularly Shanti Sharma, RHEST’s stellar representative in Dhangadhi.“I’m an orphan and pretty much alone in all of this. I failed grade 10 twice and would havedropped out had it not been for your and Shanti ma’am’s support and encouragement. I can’tbelieve I am a junior in high school, it’s like a dream.”

Kamana told me what it is like to be ahigh school junior. “In a villagewhere there are so few women witheven a basic education, juniors arereally admired. Students in grades sixand eight ask me to coach them andhelp with their homework. Of courseI do, and I don’t worry about chargingthem a fee, I have their respect, andthat is all I need.”

“Adults ask me to help them as well,”says SGT’s Gita in grade 11. “Mymother, a laborer, will bring me hertimesheets to check her boss is payingher the right amount for her work.”Others when selling grain towholesalers will ask me to come along to make sure they are being paid properly. Most of theadults in my village are illiterate and some people do take advantage of that.”

So passing through this “Iron Gate” not only means a girl can continue high school, she can startto bring change to her family and community. Good luck girls—ACE IT!

What success looks like—these STOP Girl Traffickingstudents passed the SLC and made it to grade 11.

Saving girls, one student at a time

For a small investment - $100 pays foreverything: school fees, books, schooluniforms, tutoring. It is all it takes tokeep a girl in school and safe fromtraffickers for a whole year.


Rally Sunday, the official kickoff of our new churchyear, is scheduled for Sunday, September 11. Ourworship service will be followed by an all-churchluncheon sponsored by the Diaconate. They will beproviding a baked ham for the entrée. A sign-up sheetis posted in the vestry for sides and desserts that youwould like to bring.

Let’s start the year off on a high note with everyonepresent to welcome in the new church year!

Yard Sale -- Part 2

Yard Sale - Part 1 in June was a big success! Soafter some discussions we have decided why notgive it another try, what can we lose? So on to Part2.

It’s time again to set aside those items you nolonger need and donate them to the FirstCommunity Church yard sale to be held Saturday,October 1, from 9 AM to 1:00 PM at the church.Rain or shine! Items must be CLEAN andSALEABLE.

Donations can be brought in to the church now through Tuesday, September 27. We cannotaccept big old TVs, computer monitors or cribs. If you have any questions about donating, justask.

We hope you will also stop by and browse. You just might find a treasure!!! We will haveclothes, shoes, toys, household items, books, puzzles, games, holiday decorations and more!Check out our bake sale, too! Stop by for FREE coffee!

Anyone interested in helping set up and price items should contact one of the committeemembers. We could use help during the week of the sale as well as the day of the sale.

2016 Stewardship and Growth Committee

Barbara Crane, Bob Farmer, Cheryl Holmes, Darlene Sanderson, Dianne Simmons, andSharon Willman


Women’s Fellowship

“Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

The Women’s Fellowship will now be holding their meetings on the third Friday of each monthat 1:00 PM. Our first fall meeting is set for Friday, September 16. We will be having a potluckluncheon. All women of the church are welcome to attend. Mattie Cummings will be leadingthe devotions. More information regarding the luncheon will be announced in church at a laterdate.

Mattie CummingsPresident/Secretary

Report Of The Trustees

The Trustees met in June to discuss and prioritizeour projects. There will be new items to addwhen we meet in September, such as the annualfall cleanup and (unfortunately!) snow removal.

Speaking of the fall cleanup, the Trustees wouldlike to thank those who maintained theflowerbeds over the summer, and our “gardeningangel” Karin Farmer, for her recent trimming andclipping efforts. Any “gardening angels” whowould like to contribute an hour here or there tohelp keep the Church grounds looking neat andpretty, please feel free!

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday,September 13 at 6:30 PM.

2016 Board of Trustees

David Crane, Joyce Harrington, Beth Hook and Helen VarneyEx officio members Bob Farmer and Rev. Paul Sanderson

Spiritual Exploration Reading Group

Begins Tuesday, September 20 with Rev. Sanderson

Our Spiritual Exploration Reading Group, which meets Tuesdays from 2:30 - 4:00 PM in thevestry, will start up again on September 20.

At our first meeting, we will decide what book we will be reading. Hope to see you there.


From The Desk Of The Collector

REFRESHER 101 “HOW DOES PLEDGING WORK AT FIRST COMMUNITY?”

Every now and then I think it helps to explain to everyone how pledges and using the envelopeswork within our Church.

As many of you know, the TOTAL budget of our Church is a little over $80,000. That is what itcosts for the basic Church operation -- To keep the lights on, the building comfortable, thegrounds decent. It also pays the Pastor, sexton, organist and choir director salaries. Also thePastor’s pension, housing allowance and guest ministers. And of course, there is buildinginsurance and worker’s comp insurance. NOT included in this total is the significantcontribution from our members to our monthly missions.

We hope you will pledge each year because it helps us plan reasonably for the coming year. Alsocontributing to a level funded budget are contributions from our Endowment Fund and manyfundraisers. Your pledge is ONLY that amount you plan to give for the Operating Budget. Itdoes not include the amount you may choose to give to our missions or the monthly Deacon’soffering. Envelopes are provided for those only as a convenience.

Our minimum order of pledge boxes is 50, far more than we need. Some people who requestpledge envelopes elect not to make an actual pledge (do not fill out a pledge card) but theyappreciate the privacy an envelope provides. These offerings are tabulated as “loose offerings.”

Because we very much appreciate your support, we do not dictate how you honor your pledge.Some people choose to donate weekly as that helps them keep track of their commitment. Othersfind that a once a month contribution works best for their cash flow. Yet others will pledge atotal dollar amount for the year and will determine through the year, how they will meet thatgoal. We have some folks who are amazingly committed to keeping their pledge current whetherthey are in Church or not on Sunday. We have had shut-ins who mail their contribution to theChurch. We do not BILL anyone if they are “behind” on their pledge. After the end for the thirdquarter (September), the Collector (me!) will give out a statement showing the amountcontributed to date only as a courtesy to know where you stand for the remaining three months ofthe year. A final statement is distributed in January of the following year.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know, from looking around at the size of our Sundaycongregation, that to support an $80,000 budget ($1500 +/week) takes a significant amount ofmoney each week, whether we are in Church or not.

We VERY MUCH appreciate your support of any size, at any time.

Jim HolmesCollector


Stewardship & Growth Committee Report

The committee hopes that all enjoyed a safe and wonderful summer.

The Spring Yard Sale held in June was a huge success thanks to allthe many people who participated in so many ways.

But wait - it’s not over yet! Another opportunity presents itself toraise more $$. Yard Sale, Part 2 will be held on Saturday, October 1.

If you have found some more new “old stuff” (or new “new stuff”)and you want to donate it, please bring it to church in the next fewweeks. See the Yard Sale article further in this Newsletter for moreinformation.

We continue to monitor and evaluate the response to the large mailing we did in March to oursurrounding community of Southborough.

The Stewardship and Growth Committee will be moving our meeting nights from the 4th Tuesdayto the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 20 at6:30 PM.

2016 Stewardship & Growth Committee

Barbara Crane, Bob Farmer, Cheryl Holmes, Sharon Willman, Dianne Simmons, Secretary; andDarlene Sanderson, Chair

Choir Notes

THE CHOIR IS BACK! The choir will be back in the loft on Rally Sunday, September 11!Anyone who would like to sing with us is more than welcome.

Our regular rehearsals will begin again on Tuesday, September 6 from 5:00 PM to approximately6:15 PM, with a short rehearsal every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM.

Please consider adding your voice and join us for a great time of fellowship, fun, and some“joyful noises!”


A Blast From The Past

150 Years Ago

1866 – September

A letter of recommendation having been presented to the Church from the CongregationalChurch in Littleton from Sister Alice Whipple by a unanimous vote, was received a memberin full standing and communion with this Church. S.L. Hobbs, Scribe.

125 Years Ago

1891 – September

Annual meeting of Second Congregational Church of Southborough

Mr. A. Ward chosen moderator. Motion carried to extend thanks to Mr. Hooper for his kindservice as janitor of the Church. Also vote of thanks to Mr. Works for services rendered asorganist for the past year.

Vote of thanks be sent to Mr. E.J. Edmands for his kindness in donating five dollars to theChurch and also and apology for our neglect in acknowledging its receipt.

Voted unanimously to hire our minister Mr. A.C. Fay for another year. Motion made thatMr. Fay be informed that it will not be convenient to pay him but once a quarter. Motioncarried.

Special meeting held September 10th - Voted to change article seven of the standing rules toread thus: the regular weekly meeting of the Church shall be on Thursday evening (insteadof Tuesday). Motion made that it be left with the standing committee to see Mr. Works forour organist another year.

On Saturday night, last, a freight train braker named John Dalton of Boston was instantlykilled by falling from a train going west about 1 ¼ mile from the station. The train brokeapart at Southville and was not discovered by the engineer until the Grafton Hill was reachedwhen the brakeman was missing from the train.

The train was set off on a side track and the engine came slowly back and found Dalton’sbody between the rails. It is supposed that in the darkness, not knowing that the train hadbroken apart, he was walking back from one car to another, and stepped off, supposing hewas stepping onto another car.

He leaves a wife to whom he had been married but 4 weeks. Dalton had been on the roadseven years and was a steady, reliable man.

It is reported there was recently a dogfight in the town of Hopkinton. The dogs were evenlymatched and the winner belongs to Cordaville.

100 Years Ago1916 – September

The roof of the M.E. Church is being shingled. The work is in charge of John Sparrock,assisted by Frank Fairbanks of Westborough.


Annual Church meeting held September 14th. Mr. Chickering chosen Moderator. Mrs.Boutilier elected Clerk. Mr. Chamberlain elected Treasurer. Voted Mr. Fred Fuller andRalph Clark to serve as ushers and take collections for the coming year. Voted Mr. Rogersand Mr. Chamberlain to serve as deacons. Voted Mr. Chickering should still continue to behonorary Deacon. Voted to take a collection at our Sunday evening service. Annie E.Boutilier, clerk.

75 Years Ago

1941 – September

September 8th Meeting of the Advisory Committee. Treasurer’s report showed balance of$4.14. Coal bill received for $65.00. Ralph Clark & Mr. Nelson appointed nominatingcommittee for officers to be chosen at annual meeting. A Roll Call supper will be held atthat time. James Stockwell, Sec. Pro Tem.

50 Years Ago

1966 – September

The Board of Deacons voted unanimously to adopt a proposal for a Unified Church with theorganization of a commission composed of 2 members from each branch.

The Stewardship Drive received 47 signed pledges. Envelopes also received from 10 otherswho did not wish to pledge a certain amount. Total annual amount pledged: $6,062.80.

Chairman was Ruth Lindsay. Church year was 10/1/1966-9/30/1967.

The Community Branch annual meeting was held September 18th with 19 members present.Ronald Nelson was elected Moderator. Robert L’Heureux was elected to serve on Board ofDirectors for 3 years ending 1969. It was voted to continue sending missionary money toAmerican Leprosy Mission.

When the Church School started in September, we found available space for teaching verylimited, especially for the lower grades. We eased this situation a little by using the kitchenas a classroom. As the year continued, further steps were needed. The separation forbeginners and nursery from the primary department and having them meet at the same timeas the last church service was chosen as the best solution at this time.

Pamela Masterman and David Chadwick married September 30th.

Elaine (Norcross) Rogers died Sept. 18th, 1966 (note piano in Church donated in hermemory)

25 Years Ago

1991 – September

The Women’s Fellowship had their traditional potluck supper. They also began a newfundraiser “Shopping Days at Star Market.” On specified days, upon presenting certificates,a percentage of the grocery bill is donated to the Church.


10 Years Ago

2006 – September

Due to some scheduling conflicts, Rally Day, our traditional “Welcome Back!” day has beenmoved from September 17 to September 24. However, the regular Fall schedule will stillbegin on September 17 with Morning Worship Service beginning at 11:00 AM, Bible Studyat 9:25 AM, the Choir back in full voice and L’il Shoppe reopening its doors.

The Spiritual Study & Growth Group will hold their first meeting on Thursday, September21 at 7:30 PM to begin a six week program reading and discussing the book MisquotingJesus by Bart Ehrman.

This year, by popular request, the Adult Bible Study will study the Gospel of Thomas andsome of the other Gnostic gospels that were not include in the original canon of scripture,gospels that give us a slightly different picture of Jesus. The Gospel of Thomas came to theattention of many when it was mentioned in Dan Brown’s book The DaVinci Code.

Report Of The Diaconate

We hope you enjoyed a safe and wonderful summer. We are grateful for the beautiful world ourCreator provides for us in the summer. (And the rest of the year too, for that matter) Thesummer services held jointly with Pilgrim Church, went nicely and were well attended.

All those who were in church this past June on Father's Day enjoyed our popular “StrawberrySocial” held annually to celebrate the occasion. Moving forward to begin our busy fall season,we start with another one of our church traditions, Rally Sunday. On Sunday, September 11, wewill gather as a church family at our 11:00 AM worship service then “rally” around a luncheon atthe conclusion of our service. The Diaconate will provide a baked ham for the entrée and we areasking the congregation to provide the sides and desserts. There is a signup sheet in the vestry tolet us know what you would like to bring. We hope everyone will be able to make this specialevent – everyone always has a good time on Rally Sunday.

The Tuesday afternoon Spiritual Exploration Reading Group will begin their fall session onSeptember 20 at 2:30 PM. Sunday morning Bible Study begins on Sunday, September 18 at9:15 AM.

The next meeting of the Diaconate will be on Tuesday, September 6 at 6:30 PM.

2016 Board of Deacons

David Crane, Karin Farmer, Beverly Lees, Sandra McKeen, Treasurer; Dianne Simmons,Secretary, and James Holmes, Chair


With Our Sincerest Sympathies

We were all saddened at the loss of Ralph A. Claflin, our friend and member ofFirst Community Church of Southborough who joined in 2008. Ralph, 88, died onMonday, July 11, 2016 at Beaumont Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center inWestborough after a period of declining health.

Ralph was the beloved husband of Myra L. (Farnum) Claflin who passed away in2012.

He is survived by his sons, Steve Claflin and his wife Juanita of Irvine, CA; Jonathan Claflin andhis wife Susan of Bradford; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He waspredeceased by his son, David Claflin, who passed away in 2003.

A funeral service, officiated by Rev. Paul Sanderson, was held on July 16 at our church followedby a collation in the Vestry.

Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to all of the Claflin family for their loss.

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Our heartfelt sympathies reach out to Jan Bishop on the loss of her son KennethM. Bishop. Kenneth died on Friday, June 24, 2016 at the age of 55 in HudsonMA.

Ken was the son of Janet M. (Doore) Bishop of Lady Lake, Florida and the lateRobert W. Bishop who died in 2007.

He also leaves his brothers Steven Bishop and his wife Amy of Marlborough, and Donald Bishopand his wife Sheila of Charlestown, RI, two nephews, a niece and many cousins. He waspredeceased by his older sister Carol G. (Bishop) Frost in 2015.

A funeral service and burial was held in the Evergreen Cemetery in Marlborough MA.

Our love and prayers reach out to Jan and all the Bishop family.

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Our heartfelt sympathies to all of the Blood families for the loss of Mildred E.(Knowles) Blood, 80, of Northborough who died on Sunday, July 10, 2016 atMass General Hospital after a very short illness. “Millie” a friend to severalmembers of First Community Church, was the wife of wife of Edward L. Bloodfor over 60 years.

She is also is survived by her children, Edward L. Blood, Jr. and his wife Mary;Debra Petrie and her husband Jim; Donna Ahern and her husband Steve; Timothy Blood and hiswife Lisa; six grandchildren and four great grandsons; along with many nieces, nephews, cousinsand friends.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, July 17, at 1:30 PM at Pilgrim Church in Southboroughwhere she was an active member for many years.


Our Gifts We Bring

Our Missions Offerings are donations made above and beyond our gifts of the Pledges that wemake to support the First Community Church of Southborough’s General Operating Budget.

Beverly Lees, our Mission Treasurer, has provided us with an update of what we have collectedand donated as of August 31, to the Missions that we have chosen to support this year.

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From The Editor

The deadline for the October 2016 Newsletter will be Monday, September 26, 2016. Rememberto include any dates for meetings or events you would like listed on the calendar. Articles maybe submitted to Cheryl Holmes by:

(508) 460-0142244 Flanders RoadWestborough, MA 01581

[email protected]

Haiti

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord…to give you a future and a hope.”

JUNE JULY

$215.00 $347.00


From Our Missions

Dear Friends:

Thank you for your generosity and gift to Heifer International.The end of extreme poverty is within our grasp, and your helpmatters. Your commitment to helping others gives hope tofamilies who once struggled with hunger and poverty and provides the foundation for strongfarming families.

Families in rural villages in places like Peru, India, and Ghana have more secure futures to lookforward to as well, because of your generosity. Best of all, through Heifer’s tradition of “Passingon the Gift,” our gift will be multiplied for many seasons to come.

Thank you for investing in Heifer International to help make a better world – one family at atime.

Sincerely,

Pierre U. FerrariPresident and CEO

From Our Newest Members

Dear Rev. Paul Sanderson and Congregation of the First Community Church, the “quaint littlechurch with a very big heart,”

We’d like to personally thank each of you a bit more properly for the moving service this pastSunday when you officially welcomed us into the fold of your wonderful church. For sure, wealready felt as if we were members from all the kind, caring and loving fellowship extended to usthrough the past months.

We especially want to thank all who made the reception so special, the cake and all the well-wishers. Believe us, nothing went unnoticed. Everyone expressed a sincere welcome as wemingled with the congregation. Thank you all for making a simple Sunday so meaningful.

Or perhaps this is just more of the best-kept secret in Southborough!

Sincerely,

Ursula and Bill Guenon


With Our Special Thanks To –

The Diaconate for honoring all the Dads on Father’s Daywith the annual “Strawberry Shortcake Social.”

The Women’s Fellowship for doing such a magnificent joborganizing and hosting the collation for Ralph Claflin’smemorial service. The actual number in attendance wasapproximately twice what we had anticipated. Thank God,our women always make extra! (No one ever goes awayfrom our church hungry.)

Everyone who donated items for and/or made purchases atthe very successful Spring Yard Sale. Thanks to theWomen’s Fellowship for again hosting their “Bake Table”that always is a winner. And very special thanks to thefollowing who worked so hard organizing, setting up,staffing, and/or cleaning up after the sale:

Barbara Crane Ursula Guenon Gil Joe David SicklesDavid Crane Joyce Harrington Marlene Joe Dianne SimmonsMattie Cummings Cheryl Holmes Beverly Lees Helen VarneyBob Farmer Jim Holmes Sandy McKeen Sharon WillmanKarin Farmer Beth Hook Cricket Port Skip WillmanBill Guenon Martha Hubley Darlene Sanderson

David Sickles for moving all the leftover items from the June 11 yard sale (and there wasa lot!) into the Sunday School room so we could have the entire vestry nice and neat forthe collation following Ralph Claflin’s memorial service. This was a major piece ofwork, which David undertook on his own initiative. Having our vestry look so good andhaving room for all the tables meant so much to Ralph’s family.

Barbara Crane, David Crane, Bob Farmer,Joyce Harrington, Jim Holmes Beth Hook,Bob L’Heureux, and Skip Willman whohelped add to our General Fund by sortingand bagging bottles and cans at theSouthborough Transfer Station. And ofcourse, a big thanks to the Chief Bottle &Can Collector, Mattie Cummings whoorganizes this fundraiser every year.


Fall Yard SaleSaturday, October 1

BirthdaysZack Bird 2nd

Zachary Webster 9th

Rev. Paul Sanderson 16th

Rae Kay 20th

Marlene Joe 22nd

AnniversariesCheryl & Jim Holmes 3rd

Susan & Mitch Hansberry 10th

Jennifer & Lou Dundin 13th

Nancy & Walter Hite 26th

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2016

Missions 1 2 3

4FALL WORSHIP

11:00 AM Worship ServiceRev. Paul Sanderson

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Coffee Hour following Worship Service

5 6

5:00 PMChoir Rehearsal

6:30 PMDiaconate Meeting

7 8 9 10

10:30 AM Choir Rehearsal11:00 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship Service

Luncheon followingWorship Service

12 13


6:30 PMTrustee’s Meeting

14 15 16

1:00 PMWomen’s

Fellowship

Potluck Luncheon

17

18

9:15 AM Adult Bible Study10:30 AM Choir Rehearsal11:00 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship Service


19 202:30 PM

Spiritual ExplorationReading Group


6:30 PMStewardship & Growth

Committe

21 22 23 24

25

9:15 AM Adult Bible Study10:30 AM Choir Rehearsal11:00 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship Service


26

October NewsletterDeadline

27

2:30 PMSpiritual Exploration

Reading Group


6:30 PMChurch Council

28 29 30

First Community Church

Documents

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