Dear Friends,

Recently I noticed that we've been doing a lot more laughing at our committee meetings. This is a healthy sign - one that shows the church's stress and grieving has lessened and its mood lightened, compared to a year ago. Along with increased laughter, there's also a
surge of new ideas and initiatives that suggest "resurrection" is underway. Did you know all this is happening?..

• April Goss-Baker is leading a long-awaited youth choir.
• Barbara Daverin and Brent Davis are offering high school youth a Sunday morning class focused on mission.
• The trustees are spiffing up the parlor and classrooms with new, dean carpeting.
• Liz is planning a Christmas cantata.
• Glenda Lovegrove is giving the website a much-needed makeover; and others are working on better welcoming our visitors.
• Deb MacEachern has launched a junior PF group, hoping to also draw together families of youth in grades 5-8.
• The Moderator is trying out a monthly "executive leadership" meeting to fill a troublesome gap between cabinet meetings.
• Stewardship Sunday will be different this year, with a celebration of our music ministry and an offering of our pledge cards to God in the service.

These new initiatives suggest the church is turning a comer in its healing process and is adapting to change. It's also a hopeful-sign that revitalization is getting that "jump start" many of you recognize needs to happen.

As we proceed into this second interim year, we are living by God's words of hope, from Isaiah 43: Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already - you can see it now."

Blessings,  Sharon

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Check Out These Seminars and Workshops.

By Oct 7, 2007, 100,000 People for Peace, a petition campaign to end the war: www.macucc.org

Sat, Oct 13, Newton Centre, Faith and our Environment Featuring Matthew Sleeth.

Oct. 21,23 in Weston, Worcester, Sabbath Resistance, featuring Barbara Brown Taylor, MA Bible Society.

Mon., Nov. 19, Shrewsbury , Testimony: Talking ourselves into Being Chnstian, Featuring Dr. Tom Long.

Sat., January 5, 2008, Framingham, *How to Get More Members for your Congregation. *(For teams of at least three lay leaders. + pastor). Sign up by Dec. 1

Sat., March 1 2008, Martha Grace Reese will present a workshop based on her acclaimed book, Unbinding the Gospel, a study of mainline Protestant evangelism. We're invited to build a team of five or more people to read the book and attend the Workshop.

March - Lift up Your Voice: Blending Ancient & Contemporary Worship; Wollaston (See Deacons bulletin board.)

April 12-13, 2008, Concord, Being a Blessed Church, featuring Graham Standish.

May 2, 2008, New Ways to Worship.

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Update on Search Committee

Q: How are we doing with the formation of a Search Committee?

A: . As of September 25, the Trustees, Deacons, and Moderator had finished selecting more than half of the seven-member committee. The process of selection is expected to take another couple of weeks. It's a complicated process because the goal is not just to find seven people to serve but to balance factors of gender, age, length of time in the church, and experience in areas of church life, as well as to form a group that's apt to work amiably and be cohesive.

When the committee is formed, it will begin by meeting with the new area conference minister, Rev. Carol Atwood Lyon. It will then work with the interim minister on the "profile" to be distributed to selected applicants.

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Have Something to Say? Come to a Cottage Meeting!

If you've not yet attended a "cottage meeting," you still have a chance. One will be held October 8 at 7 p.m.,
another October 14 at 1:30 p.m.

This is your opportunity to express your views on where the church should be going in the next 5-7 years, as well as to provide input on questions raised by the survey. (Is mission really a core value, e.g., and how big do we want to be? (It's also a chance to hear what others in the church have to say.)

A summary will appear next month in the Lantern. To sign up contact Phyllis Jennings at 978-663-8193.

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Dear Congregation:

Please join us on October 21, Stewardship Sunday, for a special service in which we'll celebrate our ministry of Music - one of many ministries supported by our giving. The First Congregational Church will debut a children's choir; the adult choir will sing favorite anthems, and we'll all join in for a mini-hymn sing.

This year we're asking you to bring your Faith Promise pledge cards to the service. During the service we'll take them to the altar to dedicate them to God.

What gifts has God given each of us? For some it is the gift of music, for others it is making someone feel welcome. Let us ask the question, am I using my gifts the way God intended? Romans 12: 6-8 says God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have. If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. If we can encourage others, we should encourage them.

This year when you receive your stewardship packet you'll find some changes have been made to the pledge card. The card is now a two- part form. Simply fill out the top half and keep the yellow copy for your records. On October 21 return the white portion in the envelope provided. We sincerely ask for your prayerful consideration of your pledge toward all of our church's ministries.

We look forward to seeing you on October 21st.

Faithfully yours,
The Finance Committee

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A Note on Giving from the Interim Pastor:

PSST... KNOW WHO'S OUR BIGGEST GIVER?

All pledges to the church are supposed to be confidential, right? But just the same I'm going to publicly reveal the name of the church's biggest donor.
Our biggest "pledger" is (and has been for years) the Endowment Fund. Ever since I arrived here I've been pondering the church's financial situation. Giving doesn't equal the cost of operating the church. Precious energy goes into fundraising. The endowment lacks a plan for how to 1) protect the church's future and, at the same time, 2) put money to use in carrying out ministry. I hope we can address these issues soon.

I know that some people think money talk doesn't belong in church. They seem not to know that a sixth of the gospel verses deal with money. In fact, Jesus talked about money and possessions more than about sin or even love --five times more often than about prayer.

As we embark on the 2007 stewardship campaign I share with you this story of a woman who complained to her friend that the church was always asking for money. Said her friend. "My son cost us a lot of money --for clothes, food, bicycles, doctors, college and more. But he gave us so much joy. If we'd lost him, he wouldn't have cost us so much., But which would we have preferred? As long as our church lives, it will cost us. When it dies from lack of support it will no longer cost us a thing. Rather like that Gospel verse: Our treasure follows our heart.

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OCTOBER 2007 MISSIONS GIVING

While our committee is now down to 4 people, we continue to meet and continue to carry out the work we believe you would have us do.

Our committee continues to forward $450.00/month as our commitment to the UCC

We have recently sent $200.00 to Habitat for Humanity and have sent $800.00 to the Nicaraguan Program called Chaco cent e. This money is intended to fund training in the trades with the ultimate goal to make each family self-sufficient and no longer dependent on a handout. It is the teaching to fish philosophy rather than the giving a fish method.

We have received several thank you notes and they are posted on the Missions bulletin board.

USED PRINTER CARTRIDGES AND CELL PHONES

If any of you have used printer cartridges or old cell phones no longer in use, please save them until our next "mission moment" ... they have value.

PANTRY

With your help, we continue to make a substantial monthly contribution to the Billerica Pantry. Our September 2nd collection brought in 82 items plus a $10.00
donation. Please bring your October contribution on Sunday, October 7th.

MISCELLANEOUS

Did you know that while nearly 3 billion people live on $2.00/day or less, the European Union subsidizes its cattle at a rate of $2.50/day?

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Neighbors in Need

Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that support ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. One-third of the NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAlM) Two-thirds of the offering is sued by the UCC's Justice and Wi.tness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service project. .

THE NEIGHBORS-IN-NEED COLLECTION WILL BE HELD AT OUR CHURCH ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7.

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Religious Education

Sunday School Calendar for October-December

Oct 7 - Communion, everyone goes to church with their family and then children are released to their teachers for class.

14 - Children go up for children's sermon then are released to their teacher's for class. Sunday school Fire drill.           .

21 - Children go up for children's sermon then are released to their teacher's for class

28 - Children go directly to classroom

Nov 4 -  Communion, everyone goes to church with their family and then children are released to their teachers for class:

11 - Children go up for children's sermon then are released to their teacher's for class

18 - Ingathering, (food collection for the food pantry) Children go up for children's sermon then are released to their teacher's for class.

25 - Children go directly to classroom.

Dec 2 - Communion, everyone goes to church with their family and then children are released to their teachers for class. Start of Advent

9 - Children go directly to classroom

16 - Children go directly to classroom

22 -  Rehearsal for Christmas Pageant

23 - Christmas Pageant

30 - No Sunday School

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Sunday School & Youth News

Sunday School is off to an exciting start with several new programs.

Youth are reminded that PF is starting with a family program for 5th through 8th grade and a high school group. High School Sunday morning class starts Oct.7. C

Children's choir rehearses at 9:30. All ages are welcome.

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Sunday School and Nursery Needs

A few more helpers are needed for the children's programs especially a couple of regulars for the nursery so our littlest ones can feel welcome. Contact Pat Rogers or Phyllis Jennings.

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Get to Know the Bible

During most fall Sundays, Rev. Goss will continue a "Grand Sweep" of the major
stories/books of the Bible. After Genesis we'll explore the story of the Exodus, the central story of the Jewish people and an inspiration to many oppressed peoples.

Each Monday from 12:30-1:30 a Bible Study is held in the parlor. We're currently studying the psalms. All are welcome.

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Music

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Come Christmas Eve 2007, worship services will be starting earlier than in recent years.

That's because this year we'll be trying out new times for our Christmas Eve services. At 5:00 or 5:30 p.m. we'll hold a short family service geared toward children. The "Candlelight Service," with adult choir, will be held at 7:30 p.m.

The new times are designed to help parents get their children to bed at a reasonable hour, and to offer the later service at a time more attractive to the widest number of worshippers.

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An Invitation to Become a Church Member

Joining a church isn't a matter of paying dues to obtain benefits, as with most other organizations. For us membership is more like getting married - ie., making a commitment to become part of something larger than yourself - in this case, the Body of Christ, with its invitation to discipleship.

What's required to join? An affirmation of faith or letter of transfer from another church and completion of a brief class for prospective members.
We'll soon be offering a New Member class (an hour or so on a Sunday afternoon) for those who might like to join the church or just have questions about us or our denomination, the United Church of Christ.

If interested, please contact Rev. Goss or one of the senior Deacons, Jenny Carmichael or Bruce Hildreth.

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Fall Congregational Meeting - SAVE THIS DATE!

October 10, 7:00 pm., Dale Hall

The proposed 2008 budget will be on the agenda, along with any other business to come before the meeting.
The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Dale Hall. Clerk Gerry Healey has posted a copy of the warrant regarding Finance Committee in the first floor corridor.

Also on the agenda for the October 10 Congregational Meeting is a warrant that proposes changing the name of the Finance Committee to "Stewardship Committee." The proposed change reflects a shift away from fundraising toward the Biblical principle of giving through member pledges.

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The Diaconate

Website updated! One of our Deacons, Glenda Lovegrove, has been hard at work, giving our website a new look and updating the information that is available. While it is still in a preliminary stage, it is off to a wonderful new start. Please check it out at www.firstcongo.org. If you have any information that you would like to have reviewed for addition, please contact one of the Deacons. Great work Glenda--thank you!

The Deacons have also reviewed our Christmas Eve services times and have proposed changing service times from 6 pm and 9 pm to 5 to 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. The early service will be a family service, while the 7:30 service will remain a Candlelight service. We will post the service times well in advance, in the Lantern, bulletin and website, once times are finalized.

If you are interested in sharing your spiritual gifts, but aren't sure what to do, please contact a member of the Diaconate. There are many opportunities to help our church, while growing in your own faith. Opportunities include, but are not limited to: greeting fellow members on Sunday morning--helping us live up to "For I was a stranger, and you welcomed me." Matthew 25:35; reading scripture during a Sunday morning service, serving as an Acolyte, working with our Lay Shepherding group who faithfully visit our members who are sick and shut-in, and many more. Your ideas to serve in new, creative ways are also welcome.

Blessings,
The Deacons

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Trustees

The trustees have had a very busy summer. As you all know, the replacement windows have all been installed. Thank you to Gene Guild for all of his tireless effort. We are now working on having painting done on the outside of the church. The survey of the church has been completed and permanent markers have been put in place. The plot plan shows definitively that the driveway is on our property. We have repaired all the chairs that could be fixed for the Sunday school classrooms, and will purchase any others that are needed.

We are presently re-carpeting the classrooms. Upon completion, the minister's office and the parlor will also be re-carpeted. The back stairs leading to Dale Hall will have the rug replaced with rubber treads, providing a more aesthetic appearance and much safer passage up the stairs. Random painting and staining will also be done, as needed.

The issue of re-keying the church is under discussion. Several options have been put forward and we are looking into all of these. A decision should be made shortly.

The Trustees will continue to participate in the selection of a Search Committee with the Deacons and the Moderator.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 3.

Joanne Pendergast

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FLOWERS FOR October

October 7 - Given by Lillian Turner in memory of her father, Robert Campbell.

October 14 - Given by Marlene Richards and children in memory of George and Bobbie Richards. On the piano glowers are given in memory of Ray Walsh with gratitude for the time he spent with us.

October 21 - Given by Mary Pasho in loving memory of her mother.

October 28 - Given by the Gove family in memory of loved ones. On the piano, flowers are given in loving memory of my grandmother Lillian MacElvaine from her granddaughter, Carol.

An additional donation for September 30 - Flowers are given in loving memory of Leonard Barrett from his loving daughter, Edna, and her husband, Michael Battcock and family.

If you would like to donate flowers any Sunday, please call Jeannette Rohnstock at 978-663-6804.

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Looking for a Way to include God in your marriage?

Find out how on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend! Marriage Encounter is 44 hours where married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phone and focus only on each other. If you'd like greater depth, growth and enrichment in your relationship, you'll like the difference a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend can make! The next two UCC Marriage Encounter weekends will be held on October 26-28, 2007 and November 9­-11, 2007 at the Four Points Sheraton in Meriden, CT. For more information or to register, contact Lynne ,and Bruce Hildreth at 978-663-4727 or Hildreth4@comcast.net.

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THE FAIR IS COMING November 3rd!

THE FAIR IS COMING November 3rd!!

CRAFTERS: Hope you've been crafting like crazy this summer in the cool, comfort of home. If anyone has a neat idea for something we can all do (easily), please let us know. We'll be having a few craft days at church in the coming weeks (TBA). Let's have fun!

WHITE ELEPHANT NEWS: We'd love to have any items (except clothing and electronics) you may have to donate to our WE room. Please make sure all items are CLEAN and in good condition. You may bring them to church and leave them on the stage in Dale Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Reinecker.

Check out the Fair Program.

Thank you,
Liz and Dennis

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PASSAGES

Weddings

On Sunday, October 28 at 3 p.m., Rev Goss will officiate at the wedding of Corey Button and Kathleen Lee.

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Baptisms

On October 28 in the service we'll be baptizing the infant daughter of Wayne and Dawn Salter. Their newest child will be joining Devin, Cameron, and Caitlin.

On October 7, following the service, we will baptize Nikolas Merkel, big brother of Alexander. They are sons of Chris and Chantel Merkel.

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CIRCLE OF FRIENDSHIP

The Circle of Friendship will meet Monday, October 15 at 7:00 PM in the church parlor. CRAFT NIGHT is the activity.

We invite anyone to join us for an evening of fellowship and creating items for the Fair. We hope to see you there. - Barbara George
978-667-7335

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LAY SHEPHERDING

Next Meeting, Monday, October 8, 1:45 P.M.

We invite anyone who is interested in serving our homebound members to join our group. We are presently exploring ways to best serve and to whom we need to serve. Any comments are appreciated. You may bring them to our next meeting or speak to any of our present shepherds, who are:
Donna Bailey, Betty & Dennis Blanchette, Christa Brown , Alberta Hamilton, Pat Hefler, Mildred McCauley, Audrey Schwartz or Barbara George.

Barbara George

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AIM-HI

Aim-Hi's next meeting will be Thursday, October 18 at 12 noon.

Please remember to bring items for the "Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket" to be used for the Harvest Fair. Newcomers are always welcome, just bring a lunch and join us.

We are accepting knitted and crochet mittens to sell at the fair.

The members of Aim-Hi would like to thank all those who supported our bake sale and "kitchen" raffle. The winner of the kitchen raffle was Juanita Owin.
(Donna at 978-663-4043)

Aim Hi has been sending our love, prayers, and "Thank You" packages to several young people serving overseas. We encourage the congregation to use these addresses and send a short note or greeting card to these young people while they are away from home. It means so much to them and their families.

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The current addresses of the service personnel overseas are:

If anyone in the congregation knows of other young people who are serving our country overseas and feels comfortable providing us with their address, please contact Aim Hi through June Orne at 603-883-6732, (email: mailto:june62123@aol.com). or call the church office at 978-663-8433.

Donna Ricarte & June Orne

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Music Notes

The Senior Choir will be performing "Candlelight Christmas", a spiritually moving Christmas cantata by Benjamin Harlan on Sunday, December 16th during the worship service. We invite anyone interested in singing with us to come to rehearsals on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. starting on October 11th. Other rehearsal nights will be offered (TBA). If you are interested, please speak to any choir member, Elliot, or Liz.

We look forward to having you join us for an uplifting experience.

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Acolytes to Return in October

One way that young people can participate in the worship is through the acolyte program. The acolytes symbolically bring "the light of Christ" into the morning service and carry it back into the community at the close of the service.

On Sunday, September 30, following the worship service, there will be a meeting to set up the Acolyte program for the remainder of the calendar year. The tasks of the acolyte will be demonstrated, and questions about the program will be answered. We will try and schedule acolytes for upcoming Sundays. If you or your children are interested in participating in the program, or if you have questions or concerns about the about the acolyte program, please come to the meeting on the 30th. If you are interested, but can not make the meeting on the 30th, please contact Andrew Jennings (978-663-8193) or Helen Carroll.

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THANK YOU'S

From Andrew

Thanks - Liz and Eliot for making my attempt of singing a solo on September 9 fun and easy.
If anyone else has thought about contributing to the worship service through song or music, I recommend contacting one of them and making an attempt.

Andrew Jennings

From Helen

There are no words to express my gratitude for all you've done! A grateful Thank You for the Condolences that I received after the passing of My Mother (Eleanor Kakles). Again our Church Family has surrounded us with Love and Support. Thank you all for the many many Cards, Calls, and Acts of Kindness. Sometimes simple words say it best. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We are Blessed to be part of such a caring community.

Love, Helen Carroll

From Alison

Big Thank Yous to Edna McDewell, Barbara George, and Audrey Schwartz for their help in the “delivery” of the September issue of “The Lantern”!

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Lantern Notes

NEXT LANTERN DEADLINE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21

This newsletter will include all "happenings" and events for the November and any last minute Fair News.

Newsletter/Bulletin note

When giving me material that doesn’t need to be retyped/rewritten for “publication” but needs to be copied (440 times or 250 times), please be sure it is given to me with black type on white paper. (Colors as yellow, red, blue etc. on colored paper can not be duplicated as our machines do not have color capability)

Thanking you, Alison