The CROP Hunger Walk is taking place on Sunday at 1PM in Sunderland. Our church will be participating in this worthwhile cause to assist Church World Service's efforts to help communities in need support themselves. 25% of the proceeds will remain right here among our neighbours as the Walk will help support local charities.
If you would like to learn more about the walk or make an on-line donation, please visit our team's website at
https://www.crophungerwalk.org/…/11…/Hatfield-Congregational
If you would like to make a cash or check (payable to CWS/CROP) donation, you can do so at church on Sunday.
And if you would like to walk with us, we'd love to have you join us. Simply show up at the Sunderland Congregational Church between 1 and 2PM. If you can't see us, give my cell a call at 4130-824-1630.
This is an uplifting experience as we gather with hundreds of other church people from the region who are living the Christian gospel of realizing that all people are our neighbours and that we have a moral obligation to help those in desperate need. This, truly, is the work of church.
Thanks.
Rev. Randy

Due to the fact that we will be starting our Stewardship Drive on Sunday, October 6th, the congregation will be accepting donations for the United Church of Christ's Neighbors in Need offering on Sunday, September 29th.
"Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to UCC churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. This year, special consideration will be given to projects focusing on serving our immigrant neighbors and communities."
We will speak to this topic in Sunday's sermon because the lectionary directs us to Jesus' powerful parable of the rich man and Lazarus. If you would like to join us, please know always, that all are welcome here, whoever you are.

​Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry. Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to UCC churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. This year, special consideration will be given to projects focusing on serving our immigrant neighbors and communities.

   CROP Hunger Walks help support the overall work of Church World Service, particularly grassroots development efforts around the world.  In addition, our local CROP Hunger Walk will return 25% of the funds it raises to hunger-fighting programs in our local communities.

   Anyone who would like to be a part of our team can pick up a collection envelop at church; and anyone who would like to donate may speak to any team member.

   Anyone who wishes to contribute online or even join our team is asked to visit https://www.crophungerwalk.org/bernardstonma/Team/View/114596/Hatfield-Congregational. 

​   The Walk is in Sunderland on Sunday, October 13th, at 1PM.

   It's time to get thinking about our Craft Fair.  Here's what we can do already or start thinking about:

• Gift Card Tree - Please see Carolyn.  Any kind of donated gift card will be appreciated.  They all go on the tree and then the tree is raffled off.
• Baking Table - Please see Moki.  Pies, cakes, cupcakes, breads, cookies, anything you bake is appreciated.
• Jewelry - Please see Carol.  If you have items you no longer wear, they can be sold at the Craft Fair.
• Collectibles - Please see Wunderly or Cynthia.  These are always in demand.  
• Baskets - Please see Mary.  You can create your own gift basket, do it with another friend or family, or bring in items we can put together for a gift basket.  The basket raffle is always a huge hit.
• St. Nick's store - Please see Linda.  If you have Christmas decorations that you would like to share, December is when everyone is feeling the spirit.
• Christmas Tree Ornaments - Please see Marty.  If you have ornaments that are in good condition, we decorate a tree with them and sell the ones that grabs someone's attention.
• The Greens - Please see Marcia.  If you have a green thumb and have plants you would like to donate, we would love them. 
• Kitchen Cafe - Please see Glenda.  If you could help in the kitchen with lunch and snacks, again, much appreciated.
• Knitting and sewing - Please see June.  If you have these talents, your crafts are quick sellers.
• Book sale - If you have books in good condition that you would like to let someone else enjoy, we would be happy to take them off your hands.
• If you would like to help work to prepare for the Fair or on the day of the Craft Fair, boy would that be appreciated.  There is set-up, pricing, decorating, the actual Fair from 8:30 - 2:30, break down and pack away.  It's a lot of work.  It's a lot of fun.  And it's an important fundraiser for our church.

SO THANKS FOR WHATEVER YOU CAN DO.  CHECK IN HERE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE AS WE UPDATE WITH DATES, TIMES AND NEW INFORMATION.

The choir will return on September 1st.  They add the beautiful gift of their voices to our worship. On Sunday, September 8th, we greet the season of Fall as summer vacations fade in the rear view mirror, by celebrating New Member / Homecoming Sunday.
Rev. Randy and the Deacons will meet with those who are interested in formally becoming a part of our congregation on Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:30pm, in the church parlor.  If you have any inclination toward membership, or have any questions, we would love to have you join us.
Then on Sunday the 8th the congregation and those who wish to become a part of our church will covenant with each other.  This is a short but profound ceremony that reaches back to our very beginning in 1670. 
As we say in one way or another at the opening of each of our Services, "Whoever you, and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here."