This year as we remembered and gave thanks for the lives of many saints and souls, we also gave thanks for our Pilgrim Hymnal, retiring after more than 60 years in service!

On October 24th, we surprised Jim with a service full of gratitude for him in words and song! Watch below.

West Concord Union Church had a visit from Rev. James Ross II, the new Minister for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for our Southern New England Conference of the UCC. Hear his sermon on Mark 10:35-45:

A sermon on Mark 9:30-37 for October 10th, 2021.

A sermon from October 3rd, 2021 on the second creation story found in Genesis 2.

Here’s our teaser video for Sweet, Sweet Spirit: Our Congregational Giving Appeal for 2018. Thanks to Ruth for putting it together with photos from Tony Rinaldo and Kathy for getting it up on the web! On Sunday we had lovely members of our Junior Choir singing Doris Aker’s “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” alongside it:

There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place
And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.

Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.

Thanks to the efforts of WCUC leaders and many others, more than 350 people gathered on April 19th to walk, ride, process and rally to “sound the alarm” on the urgent need to address climate change. You can view the event website here and a video summary of the event here.

At the end of June, the United Church of Christ gathered in California for its General Synod.  There were worship services, conversations, and demonstrations, , but the biggest news is that we adopted a resolution to divest from fossil fuel companies.  Read more here.  We can thank our local Massachusetts Conference, and especially our leader, Rev. Jim Antal, for making this possible.

In other General Synod news, a local young clergyman celebrated the return of marriage equality to California by marrying his sweetheart in a flashmob!  Read more here or watch the video.

We’re part of a courageous and joyful denomination!