Church Council Update

Dear Friends,

The Church Council recently gathered for our regular monthly meeting, and I wanted to share a few highlights from our conversations and the life of our church.

We are grateful for a busy and encouraging start to the fall season. Pastor JT reported on our return to the sanctuary, the launch of the new worship series (Come to the Table), and a successful presence at Westwood Day, where we connected with many members of the community. We also reflected on the moving memorial service for Roger Christian and heard exciting updates about Katherine’s work with Christian education, youth ministry, and our confirmation partnership with First Congregational Church in Norwood.

Financially, the church remains in a strong position for the year. Income and expenses are tracking well against the budget, thanks in part to generous member support. We continue to monitor higher energy, insurance and mortgage expenses while studying options to continue progress on our remaining capital projects – primarily the bell and parsonage electrical work - in light of the increased costs that we are seeing in many aspects of life.

Council members also shared plans for upcoming outreach efforts, including the annual pumpkin sale and food collection drive, both of which provide meaningful ways for us to connect with and serve our neighbors. We are also delighted that the Sunday evening prayer group has resumed and continues to offer a welcoming online space for fellowship and spiritual growth – thanks to Juliana and Bob for leading that each week.

Juliana shared that she needs to step away from Council, and so we are seeking someone to step in as head of our Growing Faith pillar. I am so appreciative of all Juliana has done keeping our faith formation program running through its all-volunteer year, steering the vision for our future plans, and recruiting, hiring and onboarding Katherine as our Director of Faith Formation. We are now in a much better place thanks to her efforts. If you are interested in this role, please reach out to me or Pastor JT.

Looking ahead, several important initiatives and dates are on our calendar – watch our Thursday emails for details:

• October: The Interfaith Walk to End Hunger, food drive, pumpkin sales, and discussion of our book, Future-Focused Church.

• November: Stewardship season and our annual Stewardship Celebration as we reflect on God's abundance and plan for the year ahead.

• December: Advent and Christmas celebrations, including Cookies & Carols and our Christmas Eve worship, as well as our holiday service projects.

• January 24: A congregation-wide celebration and send-off for Pastor JT before sabbatical.

• January 27 to April 27: Pastor JT's sabbatical period, with pastoral coverage and church programming continuing throughout.

• May 2: A joyful welcome-back celebration marking JT's return from sabbatical.

  
  

The Council spent time discussing ways to keep our congregation engaged during the sabbatical through worship design gatherings, fellowship events, and other opportunities to strengthen our life together. While JT will be away for rest, renewal, and study, plans are being put in place to ensure continuity in worship, pastoral care, and ministry.

As always, we give thanks for the many ways God is at work in and through this congregation. We are grateful for the dedication of our staff, volunteers, ministry leaders, and all who help make our church a place of faith, welcome, and service. We look forward to sharing these upcoming events with you and hope you will join us as we continue our ministry together.

Grace and peace,

Mary Masi-Phelps

Church Moderator