Welcome to our church website!  We hope that you find the information here friendly and informative.

On the first Sunday of every month, Communion is offered.  After worship, we offer a time of fellowship and refreshment in the fellowship hall.

We are fully handicapped acessible with a ramp at the Church Street entrance and an elevator that goes to all levels.  Handicapped bathrooms are also available. 

We hope that you will worship with us any Sunday to see that we are a warm and welcoming community.  Come join us.

MEET THE STAFF

Rev. Timothy J. Benson has been our senior pastor since March of 2003.  He is also involved with the work of the Bridgewater Council of Churches and the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. 

Rev. Kristy Lee Coburn, Associate Pastor, first joined us officially on August 15, 2004, as Minister of Christian Education. Rev. Kristy has a Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theo. School.  Her background experience includes funeral ministry, volunteer work in Early Childhood Education and Spiritual Care and Bereavement counseling.  Prior to joining us, Rev. Kristy served as an interim CE director at Abington UCC. During a Special Meeting of members on August 13, 2006, Rev. Kristy began her new ministry as our Associate Pastor. 

Gabrielle Heath is our pianist and organist. As a polished professional, Gabrielle is able to bring out the best in everyone.

The church secretary is Betty Reardon.  Betty joined our staff in the fall of 2005 and she has an extensive background in church secretarial work. 

The Sexton is Bill Hall. He keeps our church home clean and prepares the church for Sunday worship and other activities. (We have over 30 groups per month that use the church home for their events.)

Music Ministries at CSCC always welcome new voices, musicians and dancers!

Senior Choir - Our very versatile and gifted choir sings in worship most Sunday mornings. Sub-groups such as the women’s choir, gospel quartet, soloists and various ensembles often offer special music in addition to the anthems sung by the whole choir. Practice is at 8:00AM on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. Director: Lin Schuller.

Praise Chorus - Its purpose is to introduce contemporary Christian Praise music to the congregation and to lead the congregation in singing. Rehearsal times vary to accommodate as many people as possible. Though we have a dedicated core group, others are welcome to drop in for a rehearsal or two when they are able. Youth welcome. Kids accompanied by parents also welcomed. You do not have to know how to read music. Coordinator: Gabrielle Heath

Church Band- Adds a special touch to worship about once a month. Rehearsals are usually the Wednesday before the Sunday on which they play. The band is always open to new players. Youth are welcome. Director: John Schuller .

Liturgical Dance- We are looking forward to expanding our Liturgical Dance during worship this year.  I hope that we will have some new participation.  Our first rehearsal will be on September 8 at 9:30a in the church sanctuary.  This rehearsal will be for 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders.  We will dance during worship on September 9, Rally Day.  So, plan on joining us.  If you have questions or concerns, please contact Carol Chaffee @ 508 697-3728 or galchaffee@msn.com.

It is my hope that we also will have a 6^th – 9^th grade group that will do Liturgical Dance on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 18, with rehearsal on the 17^th.  We welcome new children and youth to join these groups.  It is a wonderful way to express our love for God and Jesus and to show how much we appreciate the gifts that we have been blessed with.

If you can or would like to help out with either group, that is appreciated too.  Please speak to Carol Chaffee about your involvement.

Outside Our Doors

We become aware of the larger church — our denomination, the United Church of Christ and the ecumenical community, when we are served by them. How has the larger Church served us? Here are a few examples.

·         Our young people have attended summer church conferences.

·         Many more young people have participated in Mission Trips sponsored by the Massachusetts Conference.

·         Colleen Lothrop has been trained and certified in Christian Education by the Massachusetts Conference.

·         Many church members have attended workshops and seminars on Christian Education, Church Growth and more.

·         The Conference guides the church through the placement process when leadership is needed, most recently, to find our Christian Education Director, Rev. Kristy.

·         God is Still Speaking training events have given us ideas and inspiration about church growth.

·         We have also received leadership with our Capital Campaign and Stewardship.

·         The annual Choral Concert includes several choirs from SE Area churches.

·         We are given many opportunities to serve Christ by serving others.

There is much more, but I better stop and point out that this is a two-way relationship.

We have been in mission to our kindred churches in many ways, too!

·         Judy Pino serves in mission through the Boston City Missionary Society, a Massachusetts Conference related agency.

·         John Sharland is the Moderator of the Pilgrim Association,

·         Tom Herrington served on the Conference Commission on Communications moving churches to the 21^st century technology.

·         Deb Sorgman led a workshop for the conference on using PowerPoint presentations in worship.

·         Rev. Tim served on the Search Committee that called Andy Gustafson, the new Minister of Stewardship for the Conference. Currently Tim serves on the Church Development Committee charged with starting new congregations.

This is as it should be. Jesus prayed about his followers, “that they may all be one.” In this give and take we become one and we grow. May we continue to serve and be served, demonstrating that, as Jesus said, (Mark 9:35) "If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

       Grace and Peace,

                  Rev. Tim Benson

 A New Way to Give

 Central Square Congregational Church is embracing technology and adopting a giving option that may be more convenient for many of our parishioners – the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Program.  It works in the same manner as the programs offered by local gas and electric and many insurance and mortgage companies.

 You choose a donation frequency:  weekly, semimonthly, or monthly.  Indicate the amount of the contribution you want applied as a regular pledge and/or toward the Building Upon Our Blessings Capital Campaign.  Then complete the remainder of the authorization form, mail it to the church office, place it in your pledge envelope or just drop it in the offering plate and we will arrange for your savings or checking account to be debited per your instructions.

Opportunities for Youth

Kids of the Kingdom:  A youth group for kids in grades 4-6, which meets once a month on a Friday night for 1½ hours starting in October. Program includes making a snack together, Bible study, games and/or crafts and occasional mini-service projects. 

Youth Group 

  A group open to Central Square youth and their friends in grades 7-12. The Youth Group usually meets about twice a month for fellowship and fun, discussion, faith-building activities, and service projects. Special events include the Faith Santa project, Cathedral on the Common, Mid-winter retreat, Mini-Mission trip and 2 overnights here at the church.

Central Square Congregational Church          

United Church of Christ           

71 Central Square                 Bridgewater, MA 02324

               (508) 697-6016                                     

e-mail address:

csccuccoffice@verizon.net

We are handi-capped accessible

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The worship bulletin for January 7, 1951 in the Seymour, Connecticut Congregational Church is in front of me.  I was going through a folder, looking for something else, when I stumbled upon it.  I have no idea how it got there or why I have had it with me for years – I served in Seymour in the 1980’s.

I receive it as a gift of God’s grace that I must share with you. 

          While its’ language has become a little dated and it presumes all clergy are men, its’message is enduring – as near as yesterday and as timeless as Faith.

Ten Rules For Worship

1. Worship begins as I close the door to my home.  On my way, I pray for my church, my minister and for those who worship far and near.

    

2. Before I enter the House of God, I pause for a moment that I may cast off and leave outside all thoughts unbecoming to a child of my heavenly Father – hates, grudges, frettings, worldly cares and sinful thoughts.

    

3. The moment I enter the door of this sacred house, I cease conversation.  I come in silence for great things arise out of quietness and minister to me and those around me.

    

4. As soon as I am seated, I bow my head in prayer.  I pray for others as well as myself.  I pray for my church and its great causes.  I ask God to be near me now.

    

5. I join in the singing of the hymns.  I think about the words of the sermon, and let their meaning and spirit go down to the roots of my soul.

    

6. As I lay my offering on the plate, I say a prayer of thanks for my money and I ask God’s blessing on its use here and in the uttermost parts of the earth.

    

7. Throughout the service, I think of God objectively.  As power, peace, strength, and love.  He is all I need for life as it should be.

    

8. I listen as my minister preaches from God’s word and I seek to apply his message to my life.  I pray for him as he preaches.

    

9. When the service has ended, in Christian friendliness, I speak to those I know and also to those who are strangers to me.  

    

10. As I pass through the Vestibule and go on my way home, I dedicate my life to walk this week the high road with Christ.

Grace & Peace

      Rev. Tim Benson

A Word from the Board of Deacons

Let me introduce you:

There is a lot happening in the next couple months at CSCC.  On e of those events is Confirmation Sunday on June 8.  I thought I would take a few moments  to walk you through this intensive program which helps our youth to begin forming or shaping their faith.  As adult Christians, we know that faith doesn’t just appear overnight.  Our faith changes and grows, then it might change direction again and grow some more.  Our faith is influenced by conversations with God, by our worship experiences at church, by the people who are close to us, by the strangers we might meet on the street.  Jesus guides us in our faith journey and we have to be open to His presence in our lives.

Our Faith Formation program covers a lot of material over the course of 9 months.  We try to offer a variety of different settings for learning and experiencing faith formation.  Through classes, casual potluck settings, retreats and field trips, the youth are exposed to Christian beliefs, traditions, the Bible, the Sacraments, Eternal Life, Family Values, Peace and Justice, the life and times of Jesus, Sin and Salvation, Service and more.  At the end of their program, the youth must write a paper on what they believe; how Jesus is a part of their life and explain how they are going to live their faith by their actions.  Parts of their papers are incorporated into the sermon on Confirmation Sunday.

This year’s class has four members:  Michael Hagen; a ninth grader at BR, Timothy Tufts; a ninth grader at Oliver Ames in Easton, Eric Pierce; a ninth grader at East Bridgewater High and Tyler Chaffee; a ninth grader at Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical School in Taunton.  Michael’s mentor is Scott Jackson and Scott is helping Michael with his service project focusing on the history of the church.  Charlie Brandes is Tim’s mentor and Jeff Tufts is Tyler’s mentor.  Tim and Tyler are helping Marlene Jacobs with the Kids of the Kingdom Youth group for grades 3 – 6.  They also have shared their musical talents, Tim on the drums and Tyler on saxophone throughout the year here at CSCC and also at the service that the youth did at the Scotland Church.  Peter Compton is Eric Pierce’s mentor.  Eric is making gift baskets of toiletries for the residents at Sachem Nursing Home in East Bridgewater.

We ask a lot of these youth and they have shown commitment throughout the year.  It is great to get to know them and to see how they have grown in their faith since day one of the program.

We thank the congregation for the support they have given this program over the course of several years.  We invest a lot in this program to be able to send these young adults forth into the world, so that they might share their faith and love for the Lord wherever the Wind may take them.

As a final assignment for the program, each student will write a page long paper (one page minimum) on what they have come to believe.  The Deacons will hear these papers at the end of May.  It is often humbling to witness how Christ has touched the lives of these young people.  Amen!

Carol Chaffee

Board of Deacons

Come and cheer on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  All ages, both sexes -anyone interested is invited!  We will formulate some simple cheers that everyone can do and  will part of worship on Sunday, May 18^th.  Rehearsal will be held May 10^th from 10:30 - 12 and May 17^th from 10:30 - 11:30   Liturgical Dancers also invited as we will prepare a presentation also.  Any questions, please call Carol Chaffee 508 697-3728

WHAT IS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

AND WHO NEEDS IT?

At Central Square Church, we believe that Christian Education is a lifelong process.  We offer programs for the very youngest to the person 100⁺.  We hope that you will grow in your faith and your love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, by participating in the program that is right for you.

Nursery through High School

Nursery For newborns through age 3. This is a safe place filled with lots of age appropriate toys staffed by screened volunteers many of whom are parents. We have one crib plus a portable crib, which can be set up. We have a safety procedure to make sure every child leaves with the correct person.

Pre-Kindergarten Children must be 3 and be toilet trained. Miss Barbara, a retired Pre-school teacher, runs this class, which mixes free play with Bible stories, songs and art projects.

Kindergarten-Grade 8 All of these classes utilize the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. Classes are broken up into Kindergarten, Grade 1&2, Grades 3&4, Grades 5&6, and Grades 7&8 (Teen Forum)

Teen Forum  This faith based discussion group meets from 10-11AM , every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month,  Teens are expected to worship on non-Forum Sundays.

FAITH FORMATION is our Confirmation program.  High school students and adults who wish to make a firm commitment to their faith are invited to become part of the Faith Formation class.  This intensive year long (Sept. - June) program prepares the students to become knowledgable members of Central Square Congregation Church, a United Church of Christ.

Bible Studies

Throughout the year, different studies will be offered by a variety of people, with a variety of themes.  Some may meet for several weeks or just one time.  We offer a Bible Study which meets every other Sunday following Worship.  New members are always welcome to attend  Take time to make Bible Study a part of you life.

 

Why get involved?                            Carol Chaffee

If you waver back and forth as to whether you should go to a church event, let me offer some reasoning.

"Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively.  If one of them falls down, the other can help him up.  But if someone is alone and falls, it's just too bad, because there is no one to help him.  If it is cold, two can sleep together and stay warm, but how can you keep warm by yourself?  Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone.  A rope made of three cords is hard to break."                                     ~Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 Good News Bible 

After attending our church's annual meeting, where we approved a budget with a large deficit, it is hard for me to come away from that meeting without mixed feelings.  If it has not been apparent to the majority of the church family over the past few months, it should be now, that this is a time to really come together as a family, with true meaning.  It is a time to be together in worship, in prayer, and in fellowship, not one, but all three.    Take a pen, not a pencil and use it to record the events offered by our church, especially during Lent, onto your family calendar.  Take this newsletter, read it from beginning to end.  Share it with your kids, your friends, your neighbors. 

I believe we will be successful this year.  Many will grow in faith.  Be positive, but show concern when necessary.  Strength comes in numbers and we need to come out in droves and support the work of OUR church, Central Square Congregational Church, United Church of Christ.

No matter where you are on the Faith Journey road, a Friend is either beside you holding your hand, behind you so you don't fall back or in front of you, encouraging your forward progress.  Amen!

“What a friend we have in Jesus,

all our sins and griefs to bear. 

What a privilege to carry

everything to God in prayer.

O, what peace we often forfeit,

     O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

   everything to God in prayer.”

 

Have you ever really wondered what the Board of Deacons is really about?

 We are about more than serving communion, and we wanted to redefine ourselves and focus on the true mission of the Diaconate. The title Deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos which is translated as servant. We developed a new  “Role and Responsibility” of the Deacons using biblical principles as stated in 1 Timothy chapter 3 using  the concept of servant leader with our primary model being Jesus Christ.

We as deacons should serve in speech, conduct and love, should be worthy of respect, be sincere, attend worship, keep and hold the truth of faith with a clear conscience. We also listed 4 qualifications of being a deacon as one who demonstrates growth toward mature faith, demonstrates Christian family life, demonstrates personal and public morality and demonstrates a life accepted by God and the Church.

          In order to accomplish the act of servant leader we should: be able to have a spirit of reconciliation (1 John 1:9, Matt. 18:15-17), hold prayerful conversations with God, balance activity with periods of withdrawal as Christ exhibited in Luke 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 21 &22, we should also study scripture and use the strength and power of God to transform ourselves into people capable of working with God in ministry to others.  We as deacons should also build up relationships, work as a team in unity (Eph 4:1-6) and be submissive to the Lordship of Christ.

          Deacons have many events planned for the upcoming church year and look forward to serving your spiritual, pastoral and worship needs. We hope you also take time to read the scripture verses referenced above since they are guides for all in Christ’s Church. 

May God continue to bless each of you with a rich understanding of God’s purpose in your life, your local church’s life and Christ’s everlasting life that He offers to all who accept Him as our Lord and Savior. 

Jo-Ann Corr, Chair of Deacons

SALUTATIONS FROM STEWARDSHIP

Everything I Need                                              Sheila Boudreau 

Read:   Luke 9:1 – 6 

“{Jesus} said to them, “Take nothing for your journey; no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money – not even an extra tunic.” 

When my family goes on vacation we make sure we have enough cash before we begin our trip.  We have the car serviced and fill the car with gas; clothes, direction and food are all packed in the car.  I can not imagine going and taking nothing with us.   

However, Jesus’ 12 disciples were told to do just that – to take nothing.  Why would Jesus ask them to go out into the world with no provisions?  They were sent to preach God’s word with only the clothes on their backs.  I believe Jesus wanted them to learn a valuable lesson about trust.  They were to rely on God for everything.  Worrying about everyday necessities would consume energy they needed for their most important task – proclaiming the message of God’s kingdom. 

God still calls us today to take the salvation story to a lost and hurting world – to a discouraged co-worker, our neighbor, a friend.  The only requirement is a willing heart.  God provides everything else we need for the journey. 

Just because the summer months are upon us, does not mean our mission to God work stops. We need to keep reaching out to our neighbors in need of God’s message and to continue preaching his words.  To do this work we need to keep our resources available for our neighbors and committees to delivery this message.  I would ask every member to please keep up with their gifts to our church so we can continue our work.  Please remember that God has provided all that we have and just asks us to use our Time, Talent and Treasure to spread his word. 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Rev. Scovil Will Lead Mashpee Church

The Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ has called the Rev. Dr. James S. Scovil to become full-time Organizing Pastor for a new United Church of Christ church start in Mashpee, MA beginning January 1, 2007.

The call comes following extensive research, considerable fundraising among area United Church of Christ congregations, and much prayer; it marks a major milestone in a commitment to building an inclusive United Church of Christ community in Mashpee.

Rev. Scovil brings thirty-five years of parish ministry experience to the position, including a new church start in Green Valley, Arizona. Most recently he has received advanced training as an interim minister while serving Dennis Union Church in Dennis, MA. and the First Congregational Church of Bellevue, WA .

Rev. Scovil has stated how blessed he feels to be part of a new church start on Cape Cod which has not seen a new United Church of Christ (Congregational) church in over 80 years. The start comes during the 50th anniversary of the United Church of Christ.

“This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a church with a new vision, one that comes in the midst of the ‘God Is Still Speaking’ campaign launched by the denomination,” Rev. Scovil said.

There are 410 United Church of Christ churches in the Massachusetts Conference with Congregational roots that trace back to the Pilgrims, making it the largest Protestant presence in the Commonwealth. Those same roots will now help grow that presence in the Town of Mashpee.

Rev. Scovil and his wife, Diane, will live in their home in Centerville. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.

Interested in learning more about membership in the new Mashpee United Church of Christ? Call 508-477-9211.

© 1996 - 2006, Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ .

Main Office: 1 Badger Road, Framingham, MA 01702 • 508-875-5233 • fax: 508-875-5485

How to Pray for Your Pastor 

Every Pastor Needs prayer support, regardless of the size of the congregation or the pastoral staff.

Pray that God will protect your Pastor spiritually.

1. Pray that your Pastor will be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

2. Pray that your Pastor will know God’s will and do it.

3. Pray that your Pastor will make personal devotions & quiet times a priority.

4. Pray that your Pastor will resist temptations.

5. Pray that your Pastor’s ministry will be Christ-centered.

6. Pray that your Pastor will be concerned for the lost.

7. Pray that your Pastor will have a compassionate heart.

8. Pray that your Pastor will handle opposition well.

9. Pray that your Pastor will give glory to God.

Set aside time each day to uphold your Pastor in prayer.  Encourage others to follow your example.

Tell your Pastor that you are praying for him & his ministry: ask him for specific prayer requests.

Knowing that you are praying for him will strengthen his stand for Christ & increase his effectiveness in ministry.

                                        © Jim Somerville 1999 [Decision October 1999]

                                                                                                                    

 

What We Do

Belonging to the United Church of Christ (UCC) means:

• We are a mainline Protestant church.
• We believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior, and support the United Church of Christ Statement of Faith.
• We are liberal and very inclusive community. No one is denied church membership if they believe in Jesus Christ.
• We believe in the Christian way, the loving, supportive, and giving message of Jesus Christ.
• We are a socially just church. We actively support access to the basic human needs: food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, companionship and religion.
• We provide religious education for our members, their children and anyone wishing to know more about Jesus Christ and Christianity.
• We govern and support ourselves. There is no controlling authority other than our members. Each member has one vote, and majority rules. We decide what we must do to follow the Christian way.