DECEMBER ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY DATES

ASSOCIATION & CONFERENCE EVENTS

CHURCH & OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST

Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Gary Shahinian Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Gary Shahinian for being honored by the Knights of Vartan, Arshavir Lodge, Worcester Chapter, in appreciation for his dedicated service since 1995 including as Commander in 2001, 2002, and 2003 and as Recorder from 2006 to the present. He was honored on the night of November 25, 2019, at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester. In addition he was awarded a key to the City of Worcester by Councilor Matthew Wally representing Mayor Joseph Petty. Also a Proclamation was given to Pastor Gary from Mayor Petty “in recognition of your years of dedicated service to the Armenian community and the City of Worcester as a whole. . . . In light of your lifetime of service to the betterment of our community and your dedication to growing our city’s understanding of the Armenian people and its culture, it is only right and fitting that you receive the City of Worcester’s highest honor.”  Relieving the Pressure One Box at a Time! New Hope United Church of Christ 345 Main St. Sturbridge, MA 01566 New Hope United Church of Christ, the fun church, sent some smiles, goodies, and a bit of relief to their students and miltary personnel recently as they sent off their care boxes.  “Our youth are under so much pressure these days. sending goodie boxes serve as friendly reminders that they may be out of our sight but never our of our hearts and prayers,” said Reneé Graveline, Mission Shepherd. The congregation donates items and treats and does their best to customize each of them. Each box includes an encouraging note from Pastor Janet.  The boxes go out twice a year and are scheduled arrive just before exams. One funny note was that in the age of e-mail and social media, we’ve discovered that the students rarely check and may not even have a snail mail box so we let them know when it’s on its way - electronically of course.

Paint Class Fundraiser First Congregational Church of Millbury 148 West Main Street Millbury, MA Saturday, January 20th at 1:00 PM Sue Dion of Inspired Painting and Instructions will be teaching us to paint an 11” x 14” acrylic painting, “Home Fires Burning’’. No experience is necessary. The $40.00 fee includes an 11”x 14” canvas, all supplies needed and complimentary refreshments. Come join us to support the church and enjoy a fun, informal afternoon. Fellowship hall is accessible to all and there is handicapped parking available. Register online: Suedionart.com. If you have any questions about Paint Night please call Janice Fortin at 508-826-6381.

Caregiver Support Group

First Congregational Church
19 Church Road
Shrewsbury, MA 01545

Expanded Fall Caregiver Support Group Schedule. In the months of September, October and November, we will now be meeting 2x per month on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. On the 2nd Monday, we will be having informational meetings facilitated by Beth Anne Doan and guest speakers. On the 4th Monday, we will be holding informal caregiver support meetings. Meetings will be held in the youth group room on the second floor.
Finally, in December, Beth Anne Doan will lead a service of Loving Care for Christmas.
Please see the attached FLYER for the Fall Caregiver Support Group Schedule.

New Grief Support Group

Beginning November 20th and continuing weekly from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM.

The Rev. Lee Atherton is starting a New Support Group from the comfort of your own home. We will gather online using an easy-to-use platform called ZOOM. Pre-registration is required in order to get login information. Please call or email Rev. Atherton at 508-308-7116 or Lee@CoachRev.com.

Third Floor Coffee House -
Now held on the first floor! 
2nd Friday of the month, 7 PM to 9 PM
Trinity Church 
23 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532
Office: (508) 393-8156
www.trinitynorthborough.org/coffee-house  

John Fraize is December 13th's special featured guest.

Coffee and refreshments will be served with a suggested donation. BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug). A $5 per person donation will be accepted at the door ($10 max family) or buy a VIP season pass! $50 for individual and $100 for family. Passes can be purchased at the door.   
Contact Pat Faldetta for more information, thirdfloorcoffeehouse@gmail.com.

LOCAL THRIFT SHOPS, FOOD PANTRIES, & COMMUNITY DINNERS

Please click here to see the list of thrift shops,
food pantries,and community dinners.

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

TRANSITIONS

More: macucc.org/transitions

OBITUARIES

Margery Williams died on Monday, December 9, 2019 after a battle with PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy) and vascular dementia. She was surrounded by music, prayer, loved ones, and tender care during her final days.  She is survived by her two children, Todd Williams of Boston MA, and Jennifer Williams of Greenfield MA from her marriage to Rev. David Chapman Williams of Alton, NH; three grandchildren, and her sister, Betsy Coombs of Quincy MA.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held in the Lunenburg Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, 763 Massachusetts Ave, Lunenburg, MA on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 11:30 am. Visiting hours will begin at 10:30 am and the family invites you to join them for a memorial luncheon following the service at Apple Hill Farm, 143 Joslin St., Leominster MA. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the UCC Christmas Fund (www.christmasfund.org) which cares for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the UCC. Click here for more information.

The Rev. Mr. John Harrison Petter III, Harry, of Hudson, MA died on November 13, 2019 after a long illness. Harry’s wife Ann survives him as do his children Jennifer (Cathy), Steve (Randi), Tim (Lyssa) and Mark (Tina), and nine grandchildren: Elijah, Joshua, Amy (Chris Gauvin), Benjamin, Eleanor, Samantha, Aiden, Grace and Christopher, as well as two step-grandsons, Evan and Tyler. His great friend and brother-in-law Dick Scobie and wife Jill survive him as well.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Edwards UCC Church, 39 Edwards St., Framingham, MA 01701. Click here for more information.

Please click here to view all MACUCC Obituaries.

CLASSIFIEDS

Part Time Church Sexton - Holliston, MA

Organist - Leicester, MA

Church Administrator - Longmeadow, MA

Part-Time Church Secretary/Receptionist - Milford, MA

Looking for Used Bibles - Worcester, MA

Please click here to view all MACUCC Classifieds

ASSOCIATION INFORMATION