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Volume XLI, Issue 38, June 4, 2014 www.hillschurch.org
DON’T MISS THE BOAT (ARK)!
Our all-church production of Benjamin Britten’s church opera
“Noye’s Fludde” (“Noah’s Flood”) takes place THIS SUNDAY, June 8,
during our regular worship service at 10:00 a.m. So many Hills
Church members, children, and staff have given so generously of
their time and energy in creating this spectacular production! It
will be a grand feast for the eyes and ears of all who attend!
You’ll enjoy the production much more if you’ve read the story
ahead of time. Enjoy!
Synopsis of “Noye’s Fludde” (“Noah’s Flood”) by Benjamin
Britten
Based on the medieval Chester Miracle Play
A solemn hymn (“Lord Jesus, Think on Me”) is sung, accompanied
by foreboding rumbles of thunder (provided by the timpani), as Noah
enters with his wife, their three sons (Sem, Ham, and Jaffett), and
their sons’ wives. While going about his daily work, Noah suddenly
hears the voice of God warning him of impending destruction and
commanding him to build “a shippë” in which he and his family can
escape the flood. Noah summons his family, and they begin to
collect the necessary tools and materials. Mrs. Noah has been lured
away by her band of “gossips,” and they sit together, drinking and
contributing contemptuous remarks during the industrious activity
of the rest of the family. Despairing of obtaining his wife’s help,
Noah commands her to be quiet, lest the others think she is master
of the family . . . which he secretly admits she is! The family
then begins to build the ark, under Noah’s supervision. When it is
finished, Noah urges his wife to leap into the boat, but she
refuses. The voice of God is heard again, telling Noah to enter the
ark with his family, and to take with him each kind of beast and
fowl, “he and she, mate to mate.” God tells Noah that it will rain
forty days and forty nights, and that everything will be destroyed.
As Noah urges haste, the animals arrive and enter the ark, singing
“Kyrie eleison” (“Lord, have mercy”). Everyone except Mrs. Noah is
bundled into the ark. Noah’s three sons succeed in hauling their
mother aboard just before the water sweeps the screaming gossips
away to be drowned. As Noah feels the boat begin to rise, he and
his family close up the ark and praise God for their deliverance.
The wind rises, and the waves rock the ship more and more
violently. The animals begin to panic. Above the fury of the storm,
everyone sings, “Eternal Father, strong to save. . . O hear us when
we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea.” When the rain has
almost stopped, Noah sends a raven to search for dry land. The
raven does not return, and Noah concludes that it has found land.
He next sends a dove, which at last returns with the
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branch of an olive tree. Noah gives thanks to God, who commands
him to leave the ark, taking all with him. As the animals
disembark, they sing a great chorus, “Alleluia!” joined by Noah and
his family. God promises to send no more floods, and that a rainbow
will appear as a token of God’s promise. Everyone sings the final
triumphant hymn, “The spacious firmament on high,” each leaving to
begin life anew. Only Noah remains for a moment near the ark, to
hear God’s quiet blessing and good-bye: “And now fare well, my
darling dear.” Then Noah too moves silently away. Benjamin
Britten’s “Noye’s Fludde” is presented by arrangement with Boosey
& Hawkes, Inc., publisher and copyright owner. Synopsis adapted
from the 1980 production of “Noye’s Fludde” at Second Church in
Newton, directed by Ellen Goodwin and Rachel Sheridan.
NOAH AND THE DOVE
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MAKING READY TO HOP ON THE ARK!
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EVERY GREAT ORGAN RECITAL DESERVES AN EQUALLY GREAT
RECEPTION
As the cake says, “Thank you, John Finney” for a lovely
recital!
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THE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS This past Sunday evening, The Table
worship service took place in the Garth and focused on Blessing
many spirited four footed friends. The dogs attempted to harmonize
with our dear Maddie Downer. The humans enjoyed the community. Rev.
Judy led us in prayers for our departed pets and our current
veterinarians. We were blessed not only with beautiful weather but
also many joyful moments that will stay with us throughout the
week. Thank you to all who came, including the stuffed frog, the
dogs, the cats, the large teddy bear and all of their loving
humans!
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THURSDAY, June 5 8:30 a.m. Membership Committee 10:30 a.m. Staff
Meeting 6:30 p.m. New Beginnings 7:00 p.m. Noye’s Fludde Principal
Singers/Orchestra Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Ministerial Transition Team
FRIDAY, June 6 6:00 p.m. Hills Bells 7:00 p.m. AA Meeting SATURDAY,
June 7 4:00 p.m. Noye’s Fludde Dress Rehearsal SUNDAY, June 8 -
Pentecost 8:45 a.m. Lectionary Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Noye’s Fludde
Performed during the Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Community Hour 3:00
p.m. Suzuki Violin Recital in Wallace Chapel 4:00 p.m. Noye’s
Fludde Rehearsal 5:00 p.m. 6:8 – Jr. Fellowship 6:20 p.m. Youth
Dinner 6:40 p.m. Sr. Fellowship 8:00 p.m. AA Meeting MONDAY, June 9
7:30 p.m. All Church Committee Meeting Night TUESDAY, June 10 1:30
p.m. Tea with Judy 7:30 p.m. Property Maintenance Committee
WEDNESDAY, June 11 8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
HILLS CHURCH CALENDAR
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WELLESLEY AREA ANIMALS BEGINNING TO LINE UP IN PAIRS Our
all-church production of "Noye's Fludde" (Noah's Flood) will be
This Sunday morning, June 8, at 10:00 a.m.! For more
information, please see our website: hillschurch.org!
Would you like to become a member of the Hills Church? The next
Joining Sunday will be June 22, 2014.
Please join us for the second of two Membership Classes on
Thursday, June 12, in the Senior Minister’s office from 7:30 to
9:00 p.m. Childcare will be provided and light refreshments served.
Membership Classes include information about Educational Programs,
Service Opportunities, The United Church of Christ (UCC), Baptism,
Communion and Confirmation at the Hills Church, and Community Life.
We will also discuss the Order of Worship, Church Governance, The
Membership Covenant and Stewardship.
If you would like to participate, please RSVP to the church
office at 781-235-4424, ext 210 or via email to
[email protected].
IN RECOGNITION OF 2014 HILLS CHURCH GRADUATES On Celebration
Sunday, June 15, we will acknowledge and honor all Hills Church
graduates. If you know of any graduates from high school, college,
or graduate school, please forward their names—exactly as they will
appear in the Sunday Order of Worship and in Day by Day, as well as
the graduating institution, by Monday, June 9, to Cynthia at
[email protected]. (Note: for undergraduate and graduate
degrees, please forward name, degree, and institution.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THIS YEAR’S CHURCH PICNIC – AND PARSONAGE OPEN HOUSE ARE SUNDAY,
JUNE 15!
The Parish Life Committee and the Board of Deacons take pleasure
in inviting you and your family to join us for our Annual
All-Church Picnic – immediately after worship on Sunday, June 15 on
the front lawn. (In case of rain, we will gather, undaunted, in the
Assembly Room.) Come and enjoy the delectable results of our grill
masters’ skill at flipping burgers and grilling hot dogs to
perfection! Then, enjoy a delicious dessert provided by the Deacons
– and take a walk over to the parsonage to see the wonders this
past year’s renovation project has worked! All are encouraged to
bring blankets or beach chairs. Tables and chairs will be on hand
for our senior friends. Please plan to join in, have lunch, tour
the parsonage, and help us all welcome summer! Admission is
free.
mailto:[email protected]
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THIS SPRING’S FINAL TEA WITH JUDY – NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 10, AT
1:30 Please join Judy and the Seniors Committee for the final Tea
until September. We have had many great conversations throughout
the year and this Tea will be no exception! The topic for
discussion will be “Summertime! What makes summer special for you?
What are your favorite memories of summers in the past? What are
you looking forward to this summer?” We have had our “ups and
downs” with our New England weather lately, but let’s celebrate
summer by coming together to share thoughts, tea and tasty treats!
Please call Cynthia, 781-235-4424, in the church office if you are
in need of a ride to and from the Tea. Hope to see you there!
A MESSAGE OF THANKS Thank you for your generous assistance to
the ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts in the Philippines
after Typhoon Haiyan devastated the central islands in November
2013. The killer storm, the strongest ever to hit landfall in
recorded history, killed more than 6,000, injured 10,000, destroyed
the homes and livelihoods of 2 million, and traumatized thousands
of Filipinos who survived the cyclone. Though no longer in the
news, the aftermath of the devastation continues to adversely
affect the lives of countless millions. According to the United
Nations, it will take at least 6 years to rebuild. As an advocate
for Philippine typhoon aid, I am in direct contact with churches
and other organizations in the central islands, where my home is
located. In the island of Leyte, ten boxes of donated clothing have
been received by a rural church. In the island of Samar, donated
Sunday school materials are being sent to help rebuild the
children’s programs. The funds you have contributed will go a long
way in assisting the rebuilding efforts of two churches in Leyte
and Samar. On behalf of those who will benefit from your kindness
and generosity; I would like to express my appreciation and thanks.
It is a testament to the courage and resilient spirit of Filipino
Christians who, when asked if their churches survived the storm,
responded by saying that the buildings were gone but the Church was
still there. Your financial contribution will provide much-needed
hope for these survivors.
Sincerely, and with deep gratitude, Prof. Priscilla Lasmarias
Kelso
Advocate for Philippine typhoon aid Newton, MA
HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED BEING A GREETER? A firm handshake and a
warm smile are all it takes! The Board of Deacons is seeking
volunteers to greet incoming worshipers on Sunday mornings.
Greeting has benefits for both the greeter, and the greeted. The
greeter has the first opportunity to make visitors feel welcome and
included. And being a greeter is a great way to learn names and
faces whether you are a new member or a member of long standing.
Greeters arrive approximately 30 minutes before the start of
worship, to welcome people into the sanctuary. After the service,
greeters pour coffee and tea at community hour. Altogether this
volunteer commitment takes about an hour. To sign up, please
contact Laurie Otten. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR OUR NEXT FAMILY PROMISE
NETWORK HOSTING COMMITMENT We will soon (June 15-23) be hosting
another group of Family Promise Network program participants. It
takes about 60 volunteers from our church congregation to set up
and tear down our Sunday School
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rooms, to provide dinners and snacks, and to serve as overnight
and dinner hosts, laundry personnel, meals coordinator, occasional
shoppers and volunteer coordinators. When our church began its
commitment to help with this program in 2008, over 100 church
members signed up for the 90 minute sensitivity training required
for the Hills Church to become qualified as a participant in the
Family Promise Network temporary housing program. Since then, a
dedicated group of volunteers has “risen to the challenge” every
time we announce a hosting week. Your help is needed again. So,
please sign up for the next hosting session (June 15-23) and (2) if
your training was done prior to 2010, please attend the next
training session here on Thursday, June 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the
Third Floor Youth Meeting Room. Family Promise is an ongoing
commitment of our church and we will soon be signing up for 4 weeks
in 2015. Please consider preparing yourself to help us fill the
many volunteer spots it takes to provide this wonderful hospitality
to our Metrowest neighbors who need our helping hands. FAMILY
PROMISE NETWORK DONATION NEEDS The FPN has an immediate need for
the following. If you can help, please contact Dwin Schuler at
[email protected].
Six (6) forward -facing toddler car seats, for children 1-4
years, 20-40 pounds. Safety seats must be in excellent condition
and no more than 6 years old.
Clothing for their newest family: For the mother: Spring jacket,
t-shirts, shirts (all size large) – scarves – jeans, suits and
pants (for interviews), short pants (all size 13, Jrs.) –
sweatshirts, tank tops, summer dresses (all size medium) – blouses
(medium to large) For the father: Long sleeve shirts (medium) –
belt (large) – ties – dress pants (38 w) – suits (large) For their
two month old baby boy: Onesies, socks, pajamas, bathing suit,
short pants, t-shirts, shirts, spring jacket, jeans, sweatshirts,
sweatpants, hats – (All size 3-6 months.)
PUMPKIN PATCH CHAIR/C0-CHAIR OPPORTUNITY The pumpkins are
ordered! The Outreach Committee is looking for a volunteer or
volunteers to manage the Pumpkin Patch in October. This is a great
opportunity during the beautiful month of October, and one of the
biggest All-Church volunteer efforts. Past Chairs include Trish
Frank, Sheri Clark, Marbo Hansen, and Laurie Otten – and all stand
ready to share their sage advice on how to organize a successful
Pumpkin Patch effort. You can also count on a knowledgeable – and
sizeable – number of past volunteers to help assist. If you don’t
want to chair, consider being a Co-chair. Please email Cynthia in
the church office ([email protected]), or contact anyone on
the Outreach Committee, if you are interested or have any
questions. Thanks, Dan Tierney ([email protected])
mailto:[email protected]
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UPDATE FROM THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY PLANNING AND HIRING
TEAM
Background:
• Mid-March, the Deacons voted to create a Children & Youth
Ministry Planning and Hiring Team to develop a Hills Church
Children & Youth Ministries strategic plan for the 2014-2015
programming year and to hire a person (if needed) by early
June.
• This short-term plan needed to be crafted carefully but
quickly in order to minimize disruption in programming for the
coming year
• The short-term nature of the plan was designed to allow Matt
Wooster, our “Senior Minister Elect” and the congregation time to
focus on long-term visioning for the future.
• Listening posts held by the Deacons were well attended and
insights gained helped shape the process we have followed
• We consulted Sally and Jess, Wendy Vanderhart (UCC), and our
clergy including our new Senior Minister Matt.
Where we are now:
• Our proposal: The establishment of a three-person Children
& Youth Ministry Team composed of Sally (Children’s Ministry
Coordinator); Jess (Youth Ministry Coordinator) and a Children and
Youth Co-Coordinator who will work with both Sally and Jess.
• The three-person team will be supervised by Pash and Judy, who
together have more than twenty years of youth and children’s
ministry experience.
• This new part-time one year contract position is open to
ordained or non-ordained applicants though we have stated a
preference for persons with some theological training.
• The plan strives to be sensitive to our congregation’s need
for stability and continuity while providing the assistance
requested by our current part-time c&y ministry team.
• We are currently advertising in three area seminaries, and on
the UCC website, Craig’s List, and Barefoot Student. Also, see our
job posting on the new Hills Church website.
Current team members: Becky Williams (co-chair) Will Wilson
(co-chair), Dawn McGrew, Mark Fraga, Jane Tierney, Karla Pastore,
Al Persson, Judy Swahnberg (clergy consultant). We welcome your
questions and want to hear your feedback. Please come to us
individually or send us an email.
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES NEWS AND EVENTS
THE WATER IS ALMOST HERE! NOYE'S FLUDDE NEWS
NOYE’S FLUDDE DRESS REHEARSAL – THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 7 - 4:00 -
6:00 p.m. All animals must be present. Please wear black or dark
bottoms/leggings or trousers with black shoes. We have t-shirts for
all animals and of course their masks. Parents- Thank you for
working with us on this project, we are so proud of all the hard
work the children have put in to this production. The performance
date is this Sunday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. call)
TEACHERS ARE NEEDED FOR THIS FALL AND BEYOND!
Can you help encourage a child? There are many ways to serve,
many ways to be involved in a child's life. You can make a
difference to a little someone.
Don't want to do Sunday morning? Ask about helping at CLUB 345 –
or about volunteering at Big Adventure VBS. Ask about being a youth
mentor. We are a village. Talk to someone on the Children's
Ministry Committee: Michelle Foster, Vickie Batka, Kevin O'Grady,
Bruce Dishman, Erin Johnson, Martha Cooney, Jackie Adams, Linda
Wilkins, Korinna Garfield and Amanda Kinney. They will all be happy
to tell you what a joy it is to teach our wonderful Hills
children.
Sign up online: Hillschurch.org or contact
[email protected]
BIG ADVENTURE (HALF-DAY) VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Excitement in the Children's Ministry office about the impending
flood is rising, no pun intended. But when that has dried up,
summer is here! And we are just as excited about this year’s Big
Adventure Vacation Bible School!
After a school-year spent in the classroom, children and parents
alike are ready for vacation! However, our faith should never go
into “vacation mode!” Big Adventure VBS is a way for children to
learn about their faith and grow deeper in their relationship with
God in a relaxed, entertaining environment that leaves the
classroom behind.
At Big Adventure, we discover new friends! Experience, see,
hear, touch, and even taste Sciencey-Fun Gizmos, team-building
games, cool faith-filled songs, and tasty treats. We take a mystery
field trip, get soaked on Water Day – and just get messy. Plus,
we’ll help kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday
life through serving others. So don't miss out, sign up today.
For children entering grades 1 through 6 June 23 through June 27
- Monday – Thursday, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 - 1:30 p.m. A
week of fun, games, adventure and art. Pick up a registration form.
They are all around church. The registration fee is $100 per child.
If finances are an issue, scholarships are available. Contact Sally
- [email protected] with questions.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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Youth Ministry
Opportunities for students in Grades 6 through 12
This Sunday, June 8
Noye’s Fludde
This will be a fun and special service. If you are not in the
production, come and bring your friends to enjoy the musical flood
during our regular worship service at 10:00 a.m.
Youth Group – Last Official Normal 6:8 5:00 – 6:20 p.m. DINNER
6:20 – 6:40 p.m. Sr. High 6:40 – 8:00 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, June 15
Celebration Sunday
Breakfast for High School Graduated Seniors and their families
at 9:00 a.m. Red Scarf Worship
All Church Picnic, Ice Cream Social, and Parsonage Open House -
immediately following the worship service.
End of the Year Youth Group Party Meeting with rising 6th
graders and families, 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Party & Dinner: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
And finally, please let Jess know as soon as possible, if you
would like to serve as a counselor at this year’s Big Adventure
VBS!
