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Greetings UCCB,
Today is Good Friday, the traditional day of Jesus’ death. The day the powers-that-be used their most terrifying, violent tools in an effort to silence this leader, teacher, prophet. Little did they know that God would use their hatred and fear for good.
2000 years later, there is still terror and violence in our world. But God is still at work, in the words and deeds of those who care for each other, cry for justice, and work to bring God’s kin-dom of peace to the world.
On Good Friday, I hope you might have a few minutes to step away from screens and work and busyness. Maybe go for a walk, or write in a journal. Breathe in deeply, again and again. Ground yourself in God’s love, not so you can ignore pain – the world’s or your own – but so you and God can face it together.
On Good Friday, the powers-that-be thought they had ended Jesus’ story. But it was only the beginning. See you on Sunday.
Peace,
Rev. Cindy
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Hybrid Worship
Sunday, April 9th, 9:30 am
In person and VIA ZOOM
Bulletin
All ages join together (in person or online) for worship full of celebration and joy. Choirs will sing and bells will play! Those in person will help flower the Easter cross; please bring your own flower (ideally one for everyone in your party), so we can weave gorgeous variety into the cross!
For in-person worship, we continue to keep windows open, and encourage vaccination. We are “mask friendly” – you are invited to mask or not depending on your individual circumstances and comfort level. We have ended every-other row seating. As always, please make decisions based on your own comfort level and wellbeing.
Please note: our worship services are streamed live via Zoom and Facebook, and recorded for posting on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh1ayswOH7Ta7LYVK-BcAyA). Facebook offers closed captioning (subtitles) for those who find that helpful.
Zoom link with Passcode embedded (cut and paste if necessary): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84586884054?pwd=aFR1NkR6ZnViUXRKRmZGR0dEQllVdz09
Phone in: 929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 845 8688 4054
Passcode: 7387
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Easter Sunrise Service
6:15 a.m. (in person only)
North Cemetery, intersection of Hill and Middle Roads (parking at Boxborough Historical Society)
We will practice the resurrection and welcome Easter morning! We will sing hymns and share communion. We will also flower the cross, a UCCB tradition! Please bring your own flower (ideally one for everyone in your party), so we can weave gorgeous variety into the cross!
The Deacons will host a simple breakfast in the Gathering Room following the service.
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Faith in Action
This Sunday we continue to learn about Heifer International. The most important gift people receive from Heifer International is one they can’t see, feel or smell. It’s the gift of hope. Lives can be restored; families can become self -supporting again and their can share their hope. Fill the Ark calendars are available at the back of the church. They have wonderful pictures and descriptions of the work of Heifer International.
There will be a collection box at coffee hour. You can also mail a check to the church (please put “Heifer” in the memo) or donate online https://www.boxboroughucc.org/giving/ click donate, select Special Collections, (and add “Heifer” in the memo).
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Rev. Cindy Schedule
Rev. Cindy will be off for study, rest and renewal from April 10 – 23. While she is away, Deacons will cover routine pastoral care, and Rev. Misty-Dawn Shelley from Berlin will cover any emergencies. Contact Jenn in the church office or Deacon Heidi M. for coverage details.
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Refugee Shabbat - Save the date!
Friday, April 28, dinner at 6:30, service at 7:30
Congregation Beth Elohim in Acton
For more than a year UCCB has been partnering with Congregation Beth Elohim to sponsor an Afghan refugee family. On Friday, April 28 both communities will gather (in person and online) to celebrate Refugee Shabbat (Sabbath), along with special guests including the family we sponsor.
We will have dinner together (6:30 pm), worship (7:30 pm) and oneg (fellowship, 8:30 pm). You can even come a little early (6 pm) to join our Afghan family on a tour of the synagogue. The service will also be broadcast via Zoom.
Please plan on joining us in whatever way you can – worship, dinner, the whole evening. If you haven’t had a chance to get involved in sponsoring our Afghan family, this is a wonderful way to show your support, and grow our interfaith relationship with CBE.
Please click here for more information and to register through CBE. When you register, you will receive a link to the special Zoom account for this event.
Any questions, please contact Rev. Cindy.
NOTE: The younger daughter of the family we sponsor drew this picture of “my new home.” The bird on the chimney represents freedom.
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Hold the Date!
May 21, 2023, Immediately after Sunday Worship
Please plan on joining us for the Annual Visioning Meeting, to be held immediately after church on Sunday May 21. Please keep your eyes open for details in future Bulletins and Weekly Flashes. It should be a great time to reconnect with UCCB friends and families. Hope to see you there!
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Weekly Bible Study
(except April 11 and 18)
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. via Zoom (meeting opens at 9:45 for visiting)
Zoom link (cut and paste if necessary):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81402428901
Meeting ID: 814 0242 8901
Passcode: 7387
Join Rev. Cindy as we dive a little deeper into a scripture passage. Many weeks we’ll be looking at the passage for the upcoming Sunday. No preparation, no homework, no experience necessary! No bible study on April 11 and 18 as Rev. Cindy is off for rest and renewal.
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Indigenous People Walking Tour
The Nurturing Racial Justice team has as one of its goals identifying local actions that can be taken to address issues related to racial justice and sharing that information with the congregation.
Last Sunday a group of 30 organized by Griet and the Nurturing Racial Justice Team did a walking lecture about local Indigenous People. Wow! we all learn a lot! Near the end of the tour, we were shown a picture of the Massachusetts seal. It is presently a picture of a non-Massachusetts indigenous person underneath a white person's arm holding a sword. This week we learned there had been an effort to change the flag through the statehouse, but that has stalled. So, there is now an effort to get each town to vote to change the flag. Acton seems to have taken this vote, but Boxborough and several other towns near us have not as far as we know. The organization proving support and strategy for this work is
https://changethemassflag.com/ The website offers more information and a list of possible (not very hard) actions.
Our guide on Sunday added that a group of 8th graders led the state to change the image on the Mass Turnpike sign. That seemed like a challenge to us adults to take similar action.
Nurturing Racial Justice Team
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On April 30th - Let’s meet in Worcester for Jesus Christ Superstar! - Only 4 Tickets left, grab them today!
Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier® Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.
With lyrics and music by Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar® and Tony® winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, “Gethsemane” and “Superstar.”
A block of 20 tickets, seated together, in the right balcony has been reserved for the 1:00 showing on April 30, 2023. The discounted price is $59 / ticket. Click here to sign up or contact Kellie at ktsenghas@gmail.com. Please sign up by April 9th – appropriately Easter Sunday!
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Want to learn more... click the links below!
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