Arlington Street Church Supper

November 13, December 4, and January 8

Join us as we travel to Boston to help serve dinner to those in need. We will leave UCCB at 3:45 p.m., and return by 9:00 p.m. Those who have done this in the past will tell you it is a powerful experience to interact with the guests who attend this dinner. The Supper program is well-organized and very rewarding. A reminder and details will come via email and Facebook each month.

Newcomer and Refresher Sessions

Would you like to meet with others to explore where you are at in your faith journey? How about digging into the question of how you already are or might see yourself engaged in ministry using your unique gifts and talents in your day-to-day life? Would you like to know more about the history of this particular church as well as the activities and beliefs of the United Church of Christ? Whether you are a newcomer to the church, or a member who wanted to attend the laity empowerment sessions of the past two years, or someone who has come to the UCC from a different tradition, there is something here for you to explore. All sessions will be held after church from 10:45-12:00.

Sunday, November 15^th - “Awakening the Minister Within”

Sunday, November 22^nd - “Weekday Ministries”

Sunday, December 6^th - Boxborough History and What is the UCC?

Those who are new to the church and would like to become members are invited to join on Sunday, December 13^th.

Bereavement Support Group

Have you recently lost a loved one or are still hurting from a loss that occurred some time ago? Come and share stories about your love one, explore helpful insights and tools that might help you on your journey through grief in a supportive and confidential atmosphere.

The group will meet on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. on the following days:  11/12; 12/2.

If you have any questions, please contact Ute at ute.molitor@comcast.net or 978-263-7387.

Acton Food Pantry Support

On Sunday, November 29th members of our church will be helping to sort and shelve food at the Acton Food Pantry.  In advance of this sorting date, we once again will be having a food drive to collect donations to bring with us that day.  Each Sunday in November we'll be providing opportunities for you to contribute items.  

Items most in need are: Baking Mixes, Canned Tomato Products, Canned Vegetables, Hearty Soups, Sardines, Rice Pilaf, Diapers, White Rice and Canned Fruit.  Please avoid glass containers for safety.  Please see the following web-site or more information about the pantry and to see updated lists of their needs throughout the month:  http://www.actoncommunitysupper.org/acton-food-pantry.htm

Please contact Kellie Senghas (ksenghas@msn.com or 978-263-5508) for pick-up arrangements or to join the sorting effort.  Thank you! 

Date      Time         Event                        Place

11/12      2:00 PM      Bereavement Group         Old Sanctuary

11/13      3:45 PM      Arlington Street Supper    Boston

11/15     10:45 AM     Newcomer Session          Vestry

11/15     11:00 AM    Layreader Training            Sanctuary

11/21      9:00 AM     Merrie Christmas Fair       Church Grounds

11/22     10:45 AM     Newcomer Session          Sanctuary

11/29      TBD           Acton Food Pantry           Acton

12/2        2:00 PM      Bereavement Group         Old Sanctuary

12/4        3:45 PM      Arlington Street Supper    Boston 

12/6       10:45 AM     Newcomer Session          Sanctuary

1/8         3:45 PM      Arlington Street Supper     Boston

Family to Family

Family Educational Program on Mental Illness

Families need help to cope with mental illness. That is why the free Family to Family ((F2F) Education Program has drawn over 115,000 participants nationwide since 1995. The 12 week course is taught by trained volunteers who are also family members caring for individuals with severe brain disorders, i.e. mental illness.

 Each spring and fall this program is offered in Massachusetts. Review the current 2009 fall schedule at the NAMI State web site at (http://www.namimass.org) or download the attached flyer.  This course is made possible through a grant from the MA Department of Mental Health in cooperation with NAMI National and NAMI Massachusetts. (NAMI stand for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.)

This program is designed specifically for parents, Grandparents, spouses, partners, siblings, teenage and adult children and other relatives of persons with severe and persistent mental illness.

 Classes cover information about schizophrenia, mood disorders (bipolar and major depression), panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder; coping skills; handling crisis and relapse; basic medication information; listening and communication techniques; problem solving and limit setting; recovery and rehabilitation; self care around worry and stress; and fighting discrimination and stigma.

 Beginning September 8^th this course will be offered in Concord (Tuesdays from 7 – 9:30 PM for 12 consecutive weeks) and is limited to approximately 20-22 people. All instruction and course materials are free for class participants. For more information call one of the teachers; Dee at 978.697.3441 or Tom at 978.618.7521 or email Tom at garlandhome@comcast.net.

Extending Thanksgiving Beyond November

Date: Four Thursday evenings this winter:
           January 14 and 28, February 11 and 25

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Despite many scripture verses that encourage and instruct us to be thankful, we tend to notice what is wrong more than we see what is right.  Your perspective determines the quality of your life and your relationships. This will be a thought-provoking and practical four-session workshop. Through discussion, reading, writing, audiovisuals and fun exercises you will build new "appreciation muscles". By learning to focus your attention on the blessings in your life, your joy will increase and your relationships improve.

Andy Migner, M.S.W. , will be leading this workshop. Led by the spirit to live a grateful life, she loves to share what she is learning with others. This workshop was inspired by the Talent Parable Project. The cost of the workshop is $50. The proceeds will go to the youth mission trip. 

Register by contacting Andy Migner, directly or by phone or email: andy@mayallbepeaceful.com/978-635-9847.