June 2012 Newsletter
CONGREGATIONAL CONNECTIONS – JUNE 2012 ISSUE
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Requested ASAP!
As we noted in last month’s newsletter and in the weekly bulletin, the church pays $18.60 to the UCC Association and Conference Dues. We ask individual members to pay as they can towards these dues, separate from the pledge to this church. So far, we have received dues for twelve out of over seventy members. If it has just slipped your mind, we hope this gentle reminder serves you well. If you are unable to make any contribution at all, it would be helpful for us to know for budget planning. We hope to send a check to the Association by the end of June and receipts by then would be most appreciated. Checks can be made out to First Congregational Church with notation “UCC Dues,” put in the offering plate or given to Ann Orsi. Thanks so much.
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Concerts on the Common: Hot Dog Committee
Very soon it will be time to load up the trailer and heat up the grill to cook hot dogs! The concert season begins on July 4th and will continue through the fourth Wednesday in August. (8 concerts total) Many helpers are needed for set up, food preparation, serving and clean up, and BAKERS to satisfy the hungry crowd. Squares, brownies, cookies, muffins, etc., packaged to sell for 50 cents or $l.00 works best. The concert goers come early to pick their favorites and are so disappointed if they miss out! We’re hoping for a season of great Wed. weather (fingers crossed), but please remember that if the concert is postponed because of bad weather – then it will be held on Thursday evening. Concerts begin at 6:30 PM in July and in August the start time is 6:00 PM.
We begin to load the coolers and the trailer starting at 4PM (for those who can come early), then move over to the Unitarian Church lawn to set up and start the coffee pot and begin popping corn. Many concert goers arrive early to have their supper (or dessert) before the concert begins. We can never seem to be ready early enough! At least 4 or 5 servers are needed once the concert begins and especially at intermission. The grill and popcorn machine need constant attention, as well as 1 person to handle the money box. Once intermission is past we can gradually begin to put some things away, then load the trailer again and move back to the Congregational kitchen to pack up, restock and clean up.
If you are able to help in any way PLEASE let Cindy know what is the best time for you, AND be sure to leave your phone number so she can call you in case of bad weather. It looks like a really great season of concerts – so come, enjoy and have some fun with us as we help to support our church through the summer months. It’s such a great way to meet-and-greet those in our community and hopefully make some new friends in the process. THANK YOU sooooooo much!!
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A Note from the Pastor
Recently I came across an essay written by a young pastor called, “10 Things You Forget about Pastors.” He talks about the time it takes to prepare a sermon (figure at least one hour prep for each minute of the sermon). Some people might wonder what a pastor does besides that one hour on Sunday morning, not realizing the study, prayer, research, writing, organizing, counseling and connecting involved in the role. He talks about the stress of preaching, the weight of preaching the Word of God – pleasing God, opening up scripture so that it is accessible, true to God’s spirit, engaging (humor, anecdotes), comforting and/or challenging. It’s a lot to balance. He wants you to remember that ministers don’t have all the answers, and haven’t necessary mastered the truths we preach. He wants you to know how physically tiring it can be to lead worship and provide pastoral care. I can relate to this one. I used to work back to back 13-14 hour days in my former profession, slept less, and still seemed to have more energy. I am almost always exhausted on Sunday afternoon, and need a nap! The essay points out that right before and right after worship are not good times to give us important information (except that one’s slip has slipped down past the knees – thanks Nancy!), as our minds are racing with thoughts and ideas. Because I care deeply about what is going on in your life, I’d hate for something you share with me to get lost in the recesses of my mind. I liked his suggestion of telling me at any time, but following up with an e-mail, note or phone call so I can give my full attention. Another reminder he gives is how challenging it can be to preach week after week after week. Some services will strike a chord with you, some won’t. People come with such different experiences, needs, and ways of responding. The thing that seems obvious or trite to one person may be profoundly meaningful to another.
I share this just to offer a perspective you might find interesting, and not to complain or garner sympathy. I feel absolutely blessed to do this work. It is work that I love, even week after week after week. But it got me wondering whether there ought to be a list for pastors called “10 Things You Forget About Your Congregation.” I have a few ideas of what might go on such a list, and I’d love to hear your ideas. I imagine there might be something on it like “Most congregants have not been to seminary and are not engaged by detailed and complex theological discussions.” Or how about, “People want to sing hymns that they know and that lift them up rather than being constantly asked to learn new hymns that serve the pastor’s wish for inclusive language and important messages.” Here’s another thought: “Many people fear public speaking more than death and do not want to make an announcement, do a reading or make a prayer request aloud.” There might be something about the importance of long-present symbols or long-standing rituals to people who have been coming to this church for decades. There would have to be something like, “You are not the first pastor to come in with a new idea of how things should be done.” Maybe “I could have stayed in bed late, or read the paper and ate scones. I don’t want to follow a sermon trying to make 5 points and get me to join 3 justice movements. Keep it simple and focused.” The thing I try to remember week after week after week in my worship preparation is this: “I am hungry for meaning, for love, for a deep connection in my life. Nourish my spirit and help me to know God.” Should I forget, please do let me know – and follow up with an e-mail, a note, or a phone call.
Blessings, Pastor Doreen
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UCC Connections
I usually use this space to let you know about events going on in the Central Association, the Massachusetts Conference, or even the national Synod. There are workshops and meetings, opportunities for outreach and service. But this month I want to share with you about the ways that I personally honor my commitment to these denominational connections.
I joined the Central Association Board of Directors four years ago, when I was a student pastor. It’s like the church council for all the churches in the Association (90). We hear reports from the area minister, from our mission affiliate, from the Conference, and from the Committee on Ministry (CoM). We are responsible for nominating candidates for Association officers, Board and CoM, and for planning the Annual Meeting. The Board plans and oversees the budget, and takes on various other tasks to support pastors and churches in their ministries. We also participate in rituals of ordination and installation, and lead ecclesiastical councils. It has been wonderful to learn more about the workings of the Association and to work with such dedicated and wonderful people.
After 3 years as a board member at large, I became the vice moderator last year, and have been elected to a second term in that role. I have also been elected to serve on the CoM in the year ahead. This body is responsible for ministerial standing in the Association. They work with people who believe they have heard a call to ministry in the UCC to help them discern the validity of the call, and guide ministerial candidates on the path to ordination. They also work with congregations and ministers who are in conflict, and address concerns about ministerial fitness. This is such important work – protecting congregations and ensuring that those who serve as pastors serve with integrity and love. The CoM sets the standards for ordination, and decides when a candidate is ready to present him- or herself to the ecclesiastical council. In our denomination, the CoM can make recommendations, but a candidate’s call to ministry can only be fully affirmed by a vote of the member church representatives. I am thrilled to be joining this Committee.
The Conference and Association fulfill their commitment to pastors and churches in a variety of ways. In addition to all the workshops and the gatekeeping, they offer support to pastors through annual visits to see how things are going. Communities of practice are groups in which pastors share ideas for best practices and get consistent, on-going support. They are led by experienced clergy trained for this role. There are mechanisms for churches to share about events, and loads of resources. And though I hope you won’t be needing or wanting these services for a long time, the Conference is vital to the search process, helping congregations develop their profile, gathering and sending out profiles of ministers looking for a church, and helping with interviews. We are all blessed by these covenantal connections.
Pastor Doreen
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Annual Meeting Notice: June 24
To all members and officers of the First Congregational Church of Leicester: On Sunday, June 24, 2012, the annual meeting of the church will take place beginning at noon in Russell Hall.
Purpose: To hear the annual reports, to vote on the budget and the nominating slate, and any other business that may come before the church.
We’d love to share a pot-luck lunch before beginning the meeting. Please sign up in Russell Hall on or by June 17 to bring a dish (or call the church).
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Membership at FCC
Did you know that one of the rights and responsibilities of membership is voting at the annual meeting? Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting and participate in the discussions, but only members may vote on the budget and the nominating slate, and membership is a requirement for some of the elected positions.
If you’ve been coming to FCC for a while, and feel it is a good place for your spiritual growth and connection, perhaps you are ready to take this step of deeper commitment. If you are interested, please see Pastor Doreen to schedule an information meeting. You can also indicate your interest on the “I Wish…” card in the pews and drop it in the offering plate.
I wish…. people would let me know in writing.
While thinking about worship evaluation last year, I thought it would be good to offer the congregation a simple way to provide feedback on making worship more meaningful. I developed the “I wish..” cards that are in the pews. I have received just one over the course of nine months. Now though I would love to believe that is because everyone is fully satisfied with each and every worship service, I have evidence that this is not the case. People have commented in casual conversation about hymns they’d like to hear more, or mentioned a person who needs a visit, or a longing for something in Communion, or even about becoming members. While I do my best to follow up, I worry that I lose track of some things. Please don’t be shy about using the cards. These physical reminders of what people want or need are incredibly helpful.
Thanks, Pastor Doreen
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A Moment for Missions By: Jackie Henderson
“I’d love to,” I said to her on the phone, “but I don’t have a bike.”
“That’s not a problem,” my sister was quick to reply. “You can rent one near the trailhead.”
“Ok, then,” I said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
It was as simple as that: a decision to spend a day with my sister and get some exercise at the same time. How was I to know I had just made a commitment to a charitable cause?
It was summer, 2001. Phyllis and her husband, Dan, lived in Swansea, MA, just a few miles down the road from the East Bay Bicycle Path in Bristol, RI. By the end of that wonderful day (and my first bike ride since childhood), I was exhausted and sore, but ecstatic! Two days later, I bought my own bike.
Because I knew absolutely nothing about where to find local bike paths, I turned to the experts for help. After much searching I found a book which seemed to be a good place to start: Rail-Trails New England: the Official Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Guidebook. I had never heard of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, but the word “official” must have convinced me. I opened the front cover…
Eleven years have passed since that ride with my sister, and in that time I’ve learned so much more about the work of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC for short.) It was founded in 1986 with its main headquarters in Washington, DC, its goal being “to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.” When RTC opened its doors, only a few hundred miles of rail-trail existed in all of America. Today, there are nearly 20,000 miles used by millions of people, with New England alone offering 392 open trails which cover 3,233 miles. Every year new trails are built and/or new connections made between existing ones.
Thanks to the stewardship of the RTC, I have enjoyed riding on twelve different trails in New England as well as a few in Florida. For me, riding a trail beside the ocean or through a forest is something spiritual. And I know for sure that whatever the scenery or the weather, my spirit is always lifted, and I feel closer to my God and my universe.
CLICK HERE to learn more about RTC
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Independence Day Worship Service: Monday, July 2, 7:30 p.m.
This event was initiated last year, sponsored by our church and Christ Episcopal Church as an ecumenical community event, with the hope of it becoming an annual offering, alternating hosting duties. This year First Congregational will host. It is a service of historical and scripture readings, hymns and prayers which recalls the values on which our nation was founded and which have shaped our history. The service will be followed by an informal reception (help with food provision would be much appreciated – See Pastor Doreen!). If you are interested in singing with the combined choir, please speak to music minister Bob Shauris as soon as possible. So mark your calendar and join us!
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Nursery Care
Our wonderful nursery care provider, Cassie Thorburn, is heading off to college and won’t be able to continue. I would love to keep providing reliable, responsible staffing for the nursery when the Sunday school program resumes in September.
If you know an older teen or adult who is great with young children and babies, and is interested in earning $15 on a Sunday morning, please let Pastor Doreen know.
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Walk, Saturday, June 23
All are welcome to join in this venture to walk an outdoor Labyrinth. The Labyrinth is “an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The Labyrinth represents a journey to our own center and back again out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools.” We will carpool from the church, walk the Labyrinth, and then gather to share our experiences and refreshments. Time and location to be determined. Please contact Pastor Doreen if you are interested.
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ADT Flyers By: Deb Entwistle
I recently had a chance to help the church receive some extra money. Mr. Chris Tong had approached me about putting some handouts at our place of business for ADT security systems and if someone should call ADT and use the promotion code on the flyer I would have received a check for recommending ADT. I thought this would be an easy way to help the church, so I had them print the flyers with the name of the church, they will be in Russell Hall, if you know anyone who may be contemplating installing a security system just take a flyer to give to them, they will receive a discount and the church will receive a check.
I can get as many flyers as we need so if you know any other locations where you could place some of these flyers just ask me and I will get them for you. You will be helping Chris Tong in his business and will be helping your church at the same time.
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Woman’s Association Meeting: Wednesday, June 6th
At the Castle Restaurant (Dutch treat) at 12:30. All reservations must be called into Judy Ivel by June 4th (508 892-3321). This will be our last meeting until September. The officers for 2012-13 will be installed. Hope to see there.
Marie Frascolla, President
