Who among us feels like the bombardment of negative news and divisive energy is just too much? We all seem to be looking for a way to center ourselves and calm our minds. Peace, as something within ourselves and as something tangible in the world, can sometimes seem elusive. With our 6-week study of Peace: Christian Living in a Violent World by Mary Farr, we are going to: see what the Bible and Jesus say about peace, explore peace as a state of being, and what we can do about peace in the community and the world.

The church will once again participate in the Town-Wide Yard Sale on August 23.  If you have items to add to the sale, please drop them off on the table to the left of the door in Fellowship Hall.  Thanks!

It’s time to register for the GABB Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Oakham Congregational Church!

The GABB Tournament was originally started in 1995 as the Bob Tyck Memorial Golf Tournament. In its early years it helped a family in need, but over the years became a tournament to benefit local charities. After a 3-year pandemic pause, the tournament is back again, now renamed in honor of Gretchen Nahkala, Art Gray, and Bob Lajoie, who were always present and instrumental to the great success of the original Bob Tyck Tournament.

Registration is $100 per person (or $90 per person before 7/25/25). Complete the registration form on our NEWS page and mail it to Dawn Thistle, Oakham Congregational Church, 4 Coldbrook Rd., Unit 12, Oakham, MA 01068.

We’ll see you on the course!

On Tuesday, July 29 at 4 pm, there will be a reception and opening of the exhibition, Sacred Rebellion, at the Congregational Library & Archives in Boston. Come learn about the role of the Congregational Church in the Revolutionary War and American independence. Pastor Carissa is willing to coordinate transportation, but please let her know by July 20 so that we can RSVP!

Have you ever wondered what goes on at the Dismas Family Farm on Lincoln Road? Join us at the church on Wednesday, May 14, at 6:00 PM for a pot luck supper to find out. The men of Dismas have been invited, and they are happy to talk about the farm – the animals, the vegetables they have planted, the farmers’ markets where they sell their produce and the Dismas program more generally. Please join us and, if you are able, bring a hot dish, salad, or dessert to share. There is a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall or call Gail Pryce at 508-886-4095 for more information.

Our next community breakfast will be held on May 10th,  from 8:00 to 9:30. We will be serving pancakes, eggs, sausage, berries, orange juice, coffee and tea. There is no charge for our breakfasts. You may, if you wish, make a donation that helps support worthy causes and our church expenses.  This month’s donations will benefit the Rutland and Barre Food Pantries. Please join us!

Christ is Risen! Please come join us for this joyful family service. Wear your Easter bonnet—or come as you are! All are welcome.

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Join us on the hillside behind the church as we watch the sunrise and praise God with a brief Easter service. Stay and join us for a hearty breakfast in Fellowship Hall—all the good stuff: scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, fruit and coffee!

Please join us for our Tenebrae Maundy Thursday Service. In this communion service our Deacons read the passion scriptures, extinguishing a candle after each one, until the sanctuary is left in darkness and silence. This is probably the most solemn and moving service of the year.

Hosanna, loud hosanna! We celebrate Jesus’ ride through Jerusalem and his coming Passion on this Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. As we do each year, palms will be distributed.

Original Blessing by Danielle Shroyer

Week Six: Living Into Blessing

Read: Section V, Living Into Blessing

Scripture for reflection: Philippians 2:12-13, Romans 6:11-14, Matthew 10:16

Original Blessing by Danielle Shroyer

Week Five: Rediscovering Jesus

Read: Section IV, Rediscovering Jesus

Scripture for reflection: Psalm 38, Romans 5:5

Original Blessing by Danielle Shroyer

Week Four: Rethinking Sin

Read: Section III, Rethinking Sin

Scripture for reflection: Genesis 4, Deuteronomy 30, Matthew 5:43-45

Original Blessing by Danielle Shroyer

Week Three: Revisiting the Garden

Read: Section II: Revisiting the Garden

Scripture for reflection: Genesis 2 and 3, Isaiah 61

All members are encouraged to come and participate in this important component of congregational governance.  Copies of the 2024 Annual Report will be available for your review at each entrance.  

Our next breakfast will take place on Saturday, March 8th from 8:00 to 9:30 A.M. On the menu will be pancakes, eggs, sausage, strawberries, orange juice, coffee and tea. There is no charge for our breakfasts. You may, if you wish, make a donation that helps support worthy causes and our church expenses. This month’s donations will benefit flood victims in Kentucky.

Please join us for this solemn, Taizé-influenced evening service. Let us all begin the season of Lent humbly and in a right spirit.

Our February breakfast will take place on Saturday, February 8th from 8:00 to 9:30 A.M.  On the menu will be pancakes, eggs, sausage, strawberries, orange juice, coffee and tea. There is no charge for our breakfasts. You may, if you wish, make a donation that helps support worthy causes and our church expenses.  February’s donations will support the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches’ 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RELIEF FUND. Please join us!

Our monthly breakfasts will resume on Saturday, January 11th from 8:00 to 9:30 A.M. On the menu will be pancakes, eggs, sausage, strawberries, orange juice, coffee and tea. There is no charge for our breakfasts. You may, if you wish, make a donation that helps support worthy causes and our church expenses. This month’s breakfast will benefit the Sullivan family of Rutland, in honor and memory of Ciara, Elizabeth and James.

The 28th annual Festival of Lessons & Carols will take place on December 15, 2024. We will be performing the cantata, Glory in the Highest, by Marty Parks followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall. We are thrilled to have an orchestra of students from Quabbin High School joining the choir this year. The performance is open and free to all; however donations are greatly appreciated and will be used to support both Quabbin Pro Musica and the Oakham Congregational Church music program.

“This program is funded in part by a grant from the Oakham Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Come to the Oakham Congregational Church for the annual Harvest & Holly Fair! Baked goods, crafts, White Elephant items, and raffle tickets for prizes and the 2024 Whirligig Star quilt are available for sale. Local vendors will also sell their wares, and, of course, there will be delicious lunch options including chili dogs, soups and stews! Start (or finish!) your Christmas shopping with us—we’ll have something for everyone!

Our Sunday School Christmas Pageant will be held during the morning worship service next week,  December 17th.  This is always a fun and joyful service!  The only practice for the pageant will be Saturday December 16 from 8:30-9:30. Sunday School will not meet from December 24th through January 7th, but will resume again on Sunday January 14th.