Soup To Go Update
The United Church of Christ in Medfield has considered it a privilege to be able to serve hot meals to the homeless community in Boston for the past 8 years. Through our Soup To Go Ministry, we have had the opportunity to support those who are in the greatest need with food, clothing and fellowship.
Recently we were notified that on February 14, nine people at the Veterans Shelter in Boston developed symptoms typically associated with food poisoning and norovirus. No investigation was done to determine the exact nature of the illness, nor to definitively identify the source/cause. A Soup To Go Ministry team among others had served food to people at the Veterans Shelter the day before.
As a result of this notification the STG ministry team decided to suspend food deliveries until further communication from the Medfield Board of Health and its Health Agent had been held. These discussions have been on-going and culminated with a meeting at the church with the Health Agent on Saturday, March 6th.
As a result of the discussions and meeting it was agreed that delivery of low risk foods (such as sandwiches, snacks, and other foods not requiring cooking for preparation, nor being kept hot during delivery and serving) could be resumed and this occurred Saturday evening, March 6th.
Serving of soup and chili will resume once the STG food preparation and delivery procedures that were outlined by the Health Agent are approved by the Medfield BOH.
It was stated by the Health Agent that he, the Medfield BOH, and the State Department of Health want to see the STG ministry continue. Their purpose in contacting and meeting with us is to ensure the safety of the providers and receivers of food prepared for STG and that all reasonable and necessary procedures, equipment, and certification are in place to minimize the probability of transmitting food born illnesses while helping those in need.
We look forward to returning to this important mission with hot meals in the near future.
March 8, 2010
The Seraphim Singers in Concert
Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. We are pleased to welcome back the Seraphim Singers of Boston, under the baton of Jennifer Lester, as they explore the new elements and fresh perspective Latin American composers have brought to European sacred music forms in a program featuring works of Zumaya, Villa-Lobos, Ginastera, and uncommon treasures of the New World Baroque.
Help us build World Vision wells!
Forty youth and their adult leaders fasted from Friday noon until Saturday at 6:00, February 26-27, when they broke their fast by celebrating communion with Pastor Phil and then sharing a meal coordinated by Susan Ott. We have an opportunity to use this year’s 30 hour Famine funds to address another community’s desperate need related to water. World Vision has identified two high priority areas in Africa in need of wells – one in Ethiopia and one in Mali. Each well supports a community of 300 people. Imagine that! 600 people we could touch in a life-changing way. Out of our abundance we can meet this basic need. If just 157 families would each contribute or raise $300, we could reach this amazing goal. The senior high youth will continue to accept donations through March 15. Please make checks out to World Vision.
Pot Luck Supper
You are invited to join us for a pot luck supper on Friday, March 19th, 6:30-8:30 PM and a discussion of ways to meet God’s expectation that we should be a blessing to the world, inspired by the study of The Hole in Our Gospel. Were you involved in the study? You’re invited! Were you inspired by Mission Possible? You’re invited! Just really like a nice pot luck supper? You’re invited too! Join us as we break bread, learn more about ways to serve God and others through current service projects, and consider new ones. A children’s activity will be provided.
Update on Crutches, Canes, Slings for Haiti
Heather Horan would like to thank all members of UCC Medfield who have donated crutches to send to Haiti. Over 60 pair of crutches have been sent, as well as many canes, slings, and post op boots. Most of the items have been shipped to an organization in Sanford, FL called Harvest Time International. HTI sends containers to Haiti via cargo boat. They figure about a two week turnaround time from when the goods arrive in FL until they are in the hands of someone in need in Haiti. If you would like more information on HTI’s efforts please visit http://www.harvest-time.org. Thank you for all of your support and many thanks to the Mission Team for covering the shipping costs.
Upcoming UCC Women Events
Mark your calendars and plan to attend any or all of the activities scheduled - March 27th – Lenten Breakfast and program; April 23 and 24 – UCC Women’s Overnight Retreat to Brewster. Check out the March Beacon newsletter and see the website for the registration for the retreat.
Haiti - Earthquake Relief Efforts
In the aftermath of the earthquake, the Missions Team voted to send $5000 to the United Church of Christ’s Wider Church Ministries this week. We had received notice on Wednesday that funds from the UCC’s One Great Hour of Sharing were rushed to our Haitian partners to support their initial emergency response. Several individuals from UCC Medfield helped assemble over 1200 hygiene and baby kits to replenish Church World Services’ emergency response supplies. Please keep the Haitian people and all the aid workers in your prayers.
Choir Recordings Available!
The Chancel and Sanctuary Choirs are pleased release “We Give Thee but Thine Own”, a compact disc recording featuring favorite hymns and anthems of the United Church of Christ in Medfield. Members and friends of “the OWLS” have gift-wrapped about 200 CD’s, which will be available in Fellowship Hall after today’s service. There is no charge for the CD, but if you would like to make a donation to one of our church outreach projects - Soup To Go, Cradles to Crayons or Parish Mutual Aid - the Missions Team would happily accept your support.
Job Networking Group
The Job Networking Group is for professionals in transition or concerned about their job security and seeking to network as well as gain helpful resources and support.
The Group meets every Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. in the Parlor (upstairs) at The United Church of Christ in Medfield, located at 496 Main Street, next to Bank of America.
With over 35 people considered “active” in the Group, weekly attendance generally ranges between 7 and 12 members. (Since we began in December 2008, 15+ members are “formerly active” and have secured jobs.)
If you know of someone who would value knowing about the Group, please forward this information along.
If you are in transition or are networking in search of a new job, we hope to see you there. For more information, call the office at 508-359-2351 or speak to Rick Cram (508-359-0136, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).
About Our Meetings
Our weekly meetings are productive and time-well-spent. Each person takes several minutes to briefly recap his or her background, outline job search goals, and list target companies. And then others offer their relevant networking suggestions and other search-related ideas. It’s common that topics such as job search strategies, other transition resources, resumes, executive profile pages and such are raised and bantered around, as well. Meetings conclude by 9:20 a.m.
What to Bring
- List of job search targets (specific companies, hiring authorities).
- Questions and thoughts about effective networking and job search resources and strategies.
- Your contacts for others (colleagues, friends, family).
- Business cards, resumes, and executive profile pages are optional, as these are more often shared digitally.
Additional Resources and Events
- Most Group members actively use LinkedIn.com. We have an active Group page on LinkedIn, as well. Visit the page at… http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1547597
- Within our Group and between other metro area networking groups, we actively exchange the details of numerous job search resources, helpful organizations, and networking events.
- We are planning several extra events in 2010 that create additional networking and educational opportunities. Outside speakers will address topics related to professionals in transition, networking strategies, etc. Each event includes speaker presentations, open discussion, and active networking.
Two Special Invitations to Gainfully Employed Professionals
- Our members need more networking contacts. Therefore, we invite you to attend one of our meetings to listen to each member describe their area of expertise and job search goals, and to offer your relevant networking contacts. Two seats are reserved each week for gainfully employed executives.
- Present your insight to benefit professionals in transition. As a presenter at one of our extra events in 2010, you’ll have the opportunity to be a valuable resource for our Group members. Perhaps your own experience from being in transition before has equipped you to be a positive, helpful supporter to our Group. Or, you may be an HR executive that can offer helpful tips about searching and interviewing for jobs today. Additional educational and networking events are being planned on an ongoing basis.
Please contact Rick Cram (508-359-0136, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) about scheduling your visit to one of the Group’s weekly meetings or to be a presenter at an upcoming Group event.
Medfield Food Cupboard
For March from UCC Medfield, they have asked for juice (boxes and plastic bottles), applesauce, jelly or jam but will gladly accept other non-perishable items. Please place your donations in the baskets marked for the Food Cupboard, located in the corner of the Narthex. Thank you.
Thomas Upham Ministry
Did you know that our church is responsible for a 15 minute service twice a month at the Thomas Upham House? It’s a ministry that means so much to those residents who otherwise aren’t able to get out and practice their faith. The Thomas Upham Team is looking for volunteers – people willing to assist with scripture reading and/or sharing a musical gift. Whether it’s one time, periodic or ongoing participation, please consider joining our team. For questions or to find out how you can help, contact the church office or Mike Polagye at 508-520-0865. Check out the web page under “Ministries” for more information. Our next services are on March 7 and 14. We meet in the narthex at 10:45 and walk over together for an 11:00 service.
