We will hold both Thanksgiving themes (Come, O Thankful People Come!) and the liturgical celebration of Christ the King (Crown Him with Many Crowns!) The offering this Sunday will go to Cor Unum. Sunday School meets; Nursery is open. Zoom check-in before worship and coffee hour afterwards!

Join us to enter the hush and comfort of the Advent season. This all-ages service will introduce the Advent Wreath and this year's theme: I will light candles. We will celebrate communion together, so folks at home: have bread and juice ready. After worship, we'll enjoy lunch, caroling (11:30-12) and the Advent Workshop (12-2 pm).

Kids begin in worship and then may depart for Sunday School with our Sunday School Coordinator, Emelie, and a parent volunteer. Childcare for our littlest ones is available in the nursery. Note that there is no Sunday School on the first Sundays of the month.

Our youth group for 5-9th graders has its next meeting Friday, December 6 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the church! Come eat pizza, and have fun. Meetings are every first Friday. See our weekly announcements email for more details.

We are so grateful to everyone who returned a pledge for 2025! The support of each one of us keeps our faith community vibrant and growing. If you have not yet made a pledge, or if you need a pledge card, or if you have questions, please reach out to any member of the Ministry of Giving or to Amber in the church office.

Order a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. The plants will decorate our sanctuary on Christmas Eve and can then be taken home or gifted. Order forms are available at the church on the table by the office. Please return them to the church office by December 11.

Each year, we make Christmas cards for our elder members during coffee hour. We need 4 weeks to get them finished in time to be mailed, so card making will start this Sunday, Nov 24, thru Dec 15. Children and adults: all are welcome to participate! As always, there are many cards to be made, and each one is deeply appreciated.

The next choir rehearsal is on Wednesday, November 20, in the sanctuary at 7:30 pm, and the choir will sing in worship on November 24. All are welcome! Contact Mila with any questions.

On Thursday, November 21, at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall, the Women's Evening Circle will sponsor a presentation by local beekeeper Dave Meldrun. Dave is a well-known beekeeper in the Andover area, having hives first at his home in Andover and presently at Edgewood in North Andover. He is involved with beekeepers nationally as well as internationally. Dave plans to share his extensive knowledge with us at this event. This presentation is open to all so feel free to bring friends to hear his interesting lecture.

Join us for a monthly check-in about your grief journey. Whether you’ve lost a loved one in the last few months or the last few years, the journey of grief continues. Come and share in a supportive, confidential group with others who understand. The group will decide the date and time for the monthly meetings - first meeting will be after coffee hour on Sunday, November 24.

Mark your calendars for a wonderful West Parish tradition: Advent Workshop! After worship on the First Sunday of Advent, December 1, we will share lunch in fellowship hall, enjoy carol singing at 11:30 am, and then return to fellowship hall for seasonal crafts from 12:00 - 2:00 pm. Begin the Advent season by slowing down and mindfully creating some beautiful and fun items. For all ages! We are looking for volunteers who can lead a craft table at the event - we ask that you are available to host your table for the full 2 hours. You can choose any easy craft that you enjoy and bring the supplies, or you can let us know and we will provide them for you. Here is a great list of easy adult crafts to give you some ideas. If you're interested in hosting, see this week's announcements email message for details.

All are invited to a discussion group focused on prayer, meditation, and reflection. Meetings are every other Wednesday in the parlor, 12:00 - 1:00 pm. Bring your lunch and join for as many meetings as you are able.

Join Katrina after coffee hour every second Sunday for an open discussion about some of the "big" topics of our faith! Come share your thoughts, beliefs and questions; all ages welcome. The next meeting is Sunday, December 8 at 11:30 am and we will discuss Christmas.

We will be welcoming FOURTEEN new members into the West Parish community on Sunday, December 8! If you are interested in learning more, contact Katrina

Calling all prayer shawl knitters! On Sunday, December 15, we will bless prayer shawls during worship and deliver them to Hospice House. Note: All shawls need to be washed and placed in a Ziploc bag (bags in shawl bin). Please put your name on your shawl so that we can acknowledge you. See this week's announcements email message for more details. Deliver completed shawls by December 11.

Join us for our Christmas Eve services! Our Children's Christmas Eve service is at 3:30 pm and includes a spontaneous pageant geared for younger children or anyone who'd enjoy a 30-minute service with chaotic cuteness. Our Lessons and Carols Service with our choir and candles is at 5:00 pm.

Women's Evening Circle will be sponsoring another winter apparel drive for women in need from the Merrimack Valley. Bundle Up is a program offered by Uncommon Threads, an empowerment boutique for local women who may not have warm clothing for the upcoming cold weather. We will be collecting warm sweaters, winter coats, boots, hats, scarves, and gloves. A collection bin is located in the hallway near the office door. The program will run from now until Thanksgiving. Please help keep our friends warm this winter.

Leadership Council has finalized our policy for building access, fobs and master keys. If you would like a copy of the policy, contact the church office.

Smith Purdon: Seeking Grant Applicants

We are seeking worthy applicants for our 2024 grants. See this week's announcements email message for more info.

Ballard Vale Community Pantry

A permanent collection bin has been placed in the sanctuary entryway.

Gather Saturdays in the Parlor or on zoom at 8:00 am. We serve donuts and coffee. What more is there to say?

Our Care Circles are another way to stay connected and care for one another. Everyone is in a Care Circle! Reach out to your Care Circle Leader if you have a question or a need. See this week's announcements email message for more info.

The UCC has a special collection for Christmas to assist retired and active UCC ministers, church workers and their families. For more information and to donate, go to www.christmasfund.org