 September 22, 2023 www.grovelanducc.org Join us for worship Sunday at 10 am…all are welcome! The Weekly Word by Pastor Donna The Power of Compassion: Overcoming Judgment  In our journey through life, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of passing judgment on others. This inclination to judge often arises from our own emotional struggles and insecurities. However, it is essential to recognize the detrimental effects of such judgment and embrace a more compassionate perspective. When we judge others,we fail to acknowledge the complexities of the other person’s life. We reduce them to mere snapshots, neglecting the intricate layers that make up their life experiences. In doing so, we deny ourselves the opportunity to cultivate empathy and understanding, hindering our own personal growth. It severs our sense of belonging with the one we judge and interferes with our own inner peace. With incomplete information we will be making false judgments. One biblical scripture that offers guidance on this matter is found in Matthew 7:1-2: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” These words of Jesus remind us of the reciprocity inherent in judgment. Just as we pass judgment on others, we open ourselves up to be judged by those around us. Therefore, it is crucial to approach others with compassion rather than judgment. Another scripture that highlights the importance of withholding judgment is found in John 8:7: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” These words are a powerful reminder that we all have flaws and imperfections. By recognizing our own shortcomings, we become more inclined to give the benefit of the doubt. This scripture encourages us to reflect on our own vulnerabilities and extend understanding to those who we feel are trespassing against us. When we refrain from judging others and instead approach them with empathy and grace, we foster connection and build bridges rather than erecting walls. Our decision to withhold judgment allows us to see people as individuals with their own unique stories, struggles, and triumphs. It enables us to extend kindness, support, and encouragement, uplifting those who may be burdened by stressors, insecurities or that we do not have all the facts. We should strive to abandon judgment, especially when it stems from emotional places or insecurities within ourselves. When we point a finger to judge, three of our fingers point back at ourselves. Through scripture, we learn the importance of compassion and the consequences of judgment. By embracing empathy, we can break free from the cycle of judgment, fostering a culture of acceptance, understanding, and love. Let us remember the words of Matthew 7:1-2 and John 8:7, and commit ourselves to viewing others through the lens of compassion, knowing that in doing so, we not only uplift others but also nurture our own personal growth and sense of belonging. Share with your neighbors and friends!!   As we enter Pumpkin Spice Season, be thinking about your favorite treat to prepare. Sign Up online and let us know what you’re bringing. Then come down to the church on Sunday October 29th and sample all the delicious Pumpkin Spice goodness and vote for your favorite!!  Learn to Play the Ukulele!! Beginning on Tuesday October 10 and running for 8 weeks. The program will be run by Shawna Kelley and the goal will be to play together in church on the second Sunday of Advent. Three spots left!! Calling all Kayakers!!! We are planning an outing for Friday, September 29th and would love to have anyone who’s interested join us! Reach out to Jen in the office if you’d like to join in the fun. If the weather looks uncooperative we’ll try the following week.  Volunteer Opportunity For many years GCC has supported Our Neighbors Table in Amesbury with financial contributions, food collection donations and even with youth group and/or confirmands assisting with food sorting days. The Missions Team is very excited to announce a new hands on opportunity to support the vital mission of ending food insecurity. On Wednesday November 29th a group of 6 GCC volunteers will be able to serve dinner at the regular weekly ONT free dinner in Amesbury. Time commitment is from 3:30 to approximately 6:30. If you would like to be one of the servers please let Deb Stephenson know via email to dbs1975@comcast.net. Do you or a loved one suffer from memory issues? Are you currently caring for someone with dementia? Perhaps you’re the primary caregiver for a family member or friend? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, we believe our support group can be a valuable resource for you. You don’t have to face this journey alone. We would love to have you join our support group and be part of our caring community. Together, we can navigate this challenging path and find comfort in knowing that we’re not alone. We are looking at one of the following days/times to meet: either Monday evenings 6:30-7:30 pm, Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 pm or Thursdays 11:30 am -12:30 pm. If you’re interested in joining or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Pastor Donna at 781-222-4028 or contact Jen in the office 978-372-3463 and let them know which day and time is better for you. We will likely choose the one that works best for the majority. GCC Chimers On Saturday, September 23rd, from 9:30 to 11:00 am, there will be a Chimers workshop in Memorial Hall led by Griff Gail, Director of the Back Bay Ringers, which is based in Boston. Griff is also a music teacher in Danvers. The workshop is open to anyone who is interested in learning more, so please come and check it out. If you have any questions, call Bonnie Glazier at 978-994-4332. If you’d like to help out with the GCC monthly community lunch on 10/14 we could use one or two people to serve as well as donations of cornbread and dessert. Please let either Nancy Fitzgerald or Deb Stephenson know if you are able to help in either way.Scratch Ticket Prize Drawing: last year’s Mass Lottery scratch ticket prize was a big hit at the Snowflake Fair so we’d like to try it again. We are seeking donations of tickets from church friends and family. You can leave them in the office anytime between now and November 1st. Thanks!! Do you have time on Wednesday afternoons to help deliver groceries for the Groveland COA to folks at home? The time commitment would be every other Wednesday at 1:30 PM for approximately one half hour. If you can help, please reach out to the COA at 978-372-1101. The Pines Speedway Reunion will be held on Saturday, October 7th. GCC will be there serving burgers and hot dogs to the crowd and we need volunteers! We will also be asking for donations of food items…watch the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall for the list. If you can help that day (cooking or serving food) please reach out to Sandy Daniels and let her know. She can be reached at 978-372-5301.  Back by popular demand…Kim’s Famous Chicken Pot Pies!! Our favorite chef has been hard at work stocking the freezer in the back hall with her delicious pies for sale to benefit the Snowflake Fair. They are $6 each and you can leave your money with the Jen in the office.  Thank you so much to everyone who has helped provide Jane Holden a ride to church!! You can go to the Sign up Genius website and sign up. If you can bring her to church but are unable to drive her home, other arrangements can be made. Just reach out to Kathleen and she can help. Snowflake Fair It’s time to start thinking about how you can help! As you are canning your summer bounty, consider putting aside a few jars to donate to the Country Store. Nancy Fitzgerald, Cookie Walk Chair, asks everyone to start thinking about what kind of cookies they will be making for the table. Thanks! !  Remember to pray for one another… Bob and Sandy Daniels Don Powell (Barb’s brother) Paul Tucker (Kathleen’s brother) Janice Campbell (Kathleen’s niece) Ron Mertens John Herlihy Thomas Petty (the Feeney’s relative) Dennis Hall (friend of Sue Tilden’s) Patrick McGuire Ed Hartshorn Harry Takesian Therese LaPorte Cirio Lapha (Keo Spaulding’s sister) Bette Neumyer Roger Powell (Barb Harrold’s cousin) Phyllis (Donna’s family) Tracy Gilford Mark Gilford Cliff Bohanen (friend of Joan Parah) Pamela Adie (Judy Lynn’s daughter) Brandon (Mark Szarek’s co worker) Jeff Kuchelkmeister (the Harrold’s son in law) Please remember all those affected by extreme weather this summer. If you would like to add a loved one to the prayer list, please reach out to the church office at 978-372-3463 or email gccucc@gmail.comCopyright © 2023 Groveland Congregational Church, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in as a member or friend of the Groveland Congregational Church. Our mailing address is: Groveland Congregational Church4 King St.Groveland, Ma 01834Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list |