Matching Challenge Update

Matching Challenge Update: The full challenge amount, $50,000, has been earned by the generosity of the congregation!  We now have $120,000 pledged for 2013 from 108 members in 67 pledges.  Specific gifts for certain projects, and the general increase in giving exceed $50,000.  Pam and Kevern deposited funds into the Church’s account back in October to cover the $50,000, their pledge for 2013 and a little extra.  We still need more of our members committed and pledging to reach our budgeted contributions for 2013, $185,000.  We are confident we can do the follow ups needed to get that done.  We have still to hear from over half of our membership. We will use that little extra given to cover any additional gifts or increases until it is all committed. This is the perfect thing to have completed successfully before we call our new settled pastor.  We will get to work on some of the projects soon. Thank you all for giving generously, to make this happen!  The Stewardship Committee

Seasonal Choir

Seasonal Choir: We will be having a seasonal choir for all teens and adults. (The children will be working on their own special music with Wendy and Jackie) Practice dates are: December 6, 13 and 20^th.  No experience is necessary, all are welcome.  Please join us!

Outreach Seeks Donation Nominations

Do you know any worthy organizations which could benefit from our church's financial assistance?  As we do each year, the Outreach Ministry seeks suggestions for organizations to aid.  You may leave a note in the Outreach mailbox in the church office.  Please include information as to how you would like to be contacted if we need to get further information.  Or be on the lookout for nomination forms which will appear in the church bulletin.  Our congregation's pledges and offerings fund these donations, so we welcome your input.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Worship Service 10:00 AM

Worship will be at 10:00 am on Sunday.

Calendar for the Week

Sunday, December 16, 2012
10:00 am Worship Service
Third Sunday in Advent

Thursday, December 20, 2012
7:00 pm Seasonal Choir Rehearsal

Friday, December 21, 2012
Christmas Carol Sing

6:00-7:00pm Informational Meeting Beginners AA
7:30pm AA LSH

Sunday, December 23, 2012
10:00 am Worship
Fourth Sunday in Advent

Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas Eve Service
5:00 Pageant
11:00 Worship Service

Meditation/Meeting Room

The Crib Room across from the Church Library has been moved to the third floor. This room has now been refurbished and painted by Jack and Linda Paradise to be used as a place for meditation and a space for meeting small groups. We are in need of furnishings for this room. If you are willing to help fund the furnishing for this room, contact Jack and Linda Paradise. They have done a great job refurbishing and painting the room. Thanks to Jack and Linda! Stop by and take a look at the room after worship.

Outreach Ministry - Hunger Commission

Outreach would like to thank all those who contributed non-perishable food items to The Hunger Commission. A rough tally suggests we collected about $250 worth of much needed canned goods, pasta and cereal. A conversation with the head of The Hunger Commission revealed that recently, for the first time in his 19 years in operation, he experienced two food pantries running out of food. Our donation was very much appreciated.

Pew Pads

A Reminder From The Fellowship/Membership Ministry

Please remember to sign your pew pads each and every Sunday. The pew pads are more important than many of us may may realize. In addition to providing the names of our neighbors sitting next to us, they also provide the Membership/Fellowship Ministry with information relative attendance patterns , requests for membership information, visits by the pastor or a ministry member etc. We thank you for your cooperation in this effort, which is a vitally important component to improved communications and becoming a more cohesive and defined church family as we approach the imminent search for our next settled pastor.

Help the Hungry - Sister Rose's Soup Kitchen

Our church needs people to volunteer to serve at Sister Rose’s Soup Kitchen one morning each month from 9:30a.m. – 12:30p.m. This program serves approximately 100-150 clients who depend on the daily lunch at the Pilgrim United Church in New Bedford. Outreach was given the responsibility for overseeing this program when the new Ministry structure was implemented three years ago. We have had an increasingly difficult time getting volunteers to signup. This is an obligation made by our entire church and more volunteers are needed. You can sign up as an individual or form a group to volunteer together. Those who have volunteered can attest to the sense of satisfaction that comes from serving those who rely upon this important program. The sign up sheet is located in the lower social hall. Please consider giving a morning of your time to a very appreciative group of hungry people.