Oct 2012 Newsletter
CONGREGATIONAL CONNECTIONS
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OPEN House at the Parsonage
Saturday, October 6, 2-6 p.m.
All are welcome to visit the new home of Pastor Doreen and Quentin, sharing some refreshments, fellowship, and fun. Drop in anytime, stay a little while or all afternoon. Please, no gifts! Do let us know if you can make it, so we can plan for enough food and drink (Parsonage phone number is 508-859-8060). The address is 78 Pleasant Street in Leicester.
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CROP Walk 2012: Oct 21
As the nights get shorter and summer fades into fall, families begin settling back into the routine of school and sports. The thoughts of the upcoming holidays are in the back of our minds and on every store shelf. While holidays are meant for happy times with friends and families, the reality of many people still laid off, and indicators that 1 in 8 people are going hungry, show that holidays aren’t necessarily good times. So please step up and join me, Chase Orsi, for the Leicester Crop Walk on Oct.21. The walk starts at 1 from the Christ Episcopal Church in Rochdale.
Walkers can register on-line at www.churchworldservice.org, under the group for FCC Leicester. This four- mile walk provides funds to send food to those in need, and a portion of monies raised stays right in town for the Leicester Food Bank.
If walking isn’t your thing and you would still like to help, you can donate by seeing me, one of the other walkers, or by going to Cropwalk.org. We also need people to contribute snacks to the post-walk gathering at Christ Episcopal Church. The Leicester Team is an ecumenical effort with people from several churches. Details about time and location will be coming soon. Thanks for your support.
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Woman’s Association Meeting: Oct 3
Wednesday October 3, 2012 at 12:00 noon. The Woman’s Association meeting will be held at the church.
We will be working on items for the Holiday Room If you have any ideas bring them along. Please bring with you a pair of scissors, pencil and a ruler. Materials will be provided. We will be collecting hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and white socks for Worcester Fellowship. They may be brought to the meeting. All are welcome. Dessert will be provided.
We are looking for volunteers to help with the collations we provide to Church members after a family funeral. Please see Ann Orsi for details. Marie Frascolla, President 508 892-0038
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A Note from the Pastor
Greeting Friends,
I subscribe to four daily inspirational e-mails, and was very engaged by one I received from the UCC Still Speaking Devotional on September 19, by the Reverend Lillian Daniel. She writes about bumping into a new parishioner and his newborn baby. Right there at the gym, she made the sign of the cross on the baby’s head and blessed him, and asked the father to e-mail to the church details of the baby’s arrival so he could be lifted up in prayer. The family showed up in church on Sunday, and the father positively beamed as Rev. Daniels caught his eye as she said the baby’s name during prayer time. She says, “I knew it had been a long time since he’d had a pastor.”
As I read the whole devotional story, I got caught up in memories of the first time I’d heard my name said in a prayer. It wasn’t during worship, but after a conversation I had with the new interim pastor of my home church. I went to meet her, and we talked for hours. At the end of it, she offered to pray with me. I’d never done that before! The previous minister had never once offered to pray with me, and it certainly was not the tradition in the church I was raised in. The experience of having her take my hands, call our awareness to God’s presence, and ask God’s blessing on me and my family, each of us named one by one, was so powerful that I credit it with turning my thoughts to a vocation in ministry. I wanted such an experience to be a regular part of my life. I remember my first day of chaplaincy internship, when I prayed with several patients, and experienced each time that powerful connection between the other person, myself, and God. It occurs to me now that it echoes the Trinity, doesn’t it? I was over the moon with joy.
I love how this community shares so freely during joys and concerns, offering names of those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, for those travelling or returning, or welcoming new family members. We often pray for those who are not with us on Sunday morning to return to us, to heal, to find some peace. I suspect it is hard to ask for a prayer for someone who is present and maybe going through a hard time. You don’t want to share more than that person is comfortable sharing, or open the way for questions that might feel intrusive. But still, I wish there were a way for someone sitting in the pew to hear their name lifted up in prayer other than in celebration. It can have a powerful effect. I also remember when I was going through a divorce, and I so wanted to ask for prayers for myself and my family in this hard time, but I worried it would make others uncomfortable. So I would call my pastor and ask for prayers one-on-one. But I would have felt so blessed by knowing the hearts of others were holding me in prayer also.
For me, having a pastor made a huge difference in my life, and being a pastor is more blessing than I could ever have hoped for. I am your pastor, each of you reading this. If you want someone to pray with you over the phone or in person, come visit you – home or hospital or jail or anywhere I can get to!, bless and/or baptize you or your child, help your child earn a Religion Patch from Scouting, ponder the big questions with you, talk about worries on your mind, fears in your heart, listen to you vent about stress and struggle, celebrate a wedding, honor a loved one with a funeral, see your kids’ performances, write a reference, accompany you to court or an appointment or a meeting, or break bread with you – sharing laughter and joy, please don’t hesitate to let me know. And if I somehow forget to offer you a prayer – just for you – please, please remind me.
Blessings, Pastor Doreen
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Strawberry Hill Fair: Nov. 10th – 9AM to 2 PM
The Woman’s Association is busy planning this year’s Fair to be held on Saturday, November 10, 2011 (2nd Saturday!) from 9 AM to 2 PM, and are looking for 
helpers in all areas including setting up prior to Fair day, working on a particular table or area the day of the Fair, or being part of a clean-up crew after the Fair is over.
Please let us know if you can help in any way: posters & advertisement, set up, table relievers or kitchen. Let’s use our talent, many hands make the job a lot easier.
Items needed for the fair: Sewing & knitting, Christmas decorations, Silent Auction, Bake table, Country Store, Toys ( in saleable condition), Raffle items and Raffle baskets (it would be greatly appreciated if you could get the baskets to Marie Frascolla by October 15), Luncheon & book room.
So far the following tables will be included and if you have a particular interest in any area or would like to help out in general, please speak with those listed below or the Fair coordinators Judy Ivel 508 892-3321, Cindy LaPoint 508 885-9875 & Marie Frascolla 508 892-0038
• GIFT BASKETS: (Marie Frascolla) Marie puts together themed gift baskets from donated (new) items. Popular gift basket themes are: home cleaning and
laundry, food or dinner, children or babies or pets, sports, or seasonal / holiday-themed. Please have basket item donations in by Oct. 15. After that, please check with Marie (508-892-0038).
• BUSY FINGERS: (Ellen Orsi, Ann Orsi) Here we accept anything sewn, knit or crochet. Suggested items include: scarves, mittens, hats, baby sweaters, blankets, etc.
• TOYS & GAMES: (leader needed) We happily accept donations of toys and games in good condition for younger children.
• SILENT AUCTION: (Judy Ivel) We invite donations of high quality items such as antiques, sports memorabilia, luxury services, fine art and quality collectibles. No white elephant type donations please.
• HOLIDAY DECORATIONS: (Cindy LaPointe, Nancy Desautels, June Kelley) Are you crafty? Put your hands to work on Fall/Thanksgiving items and Christmas decorations, ornaments and gifts. “Nearly-new” items will be offered as well.
• BAKED GOODS: (Nancy Tashjian) You don’t have to start baking just yet, but we hope to get visions of sugarplums and cookies, cakes, pies, fudge, brownies and breads dancing in your head. Bakers and consumers are invited to participate.
• COUNTRY STORE: (Len Ivel, Ron LaPointe) Donate items such as pumpkins, winter squash, etc., to our market table. We also accept homemade jams and jellies, beans and other non-baked food items.
• LUNCH ROOM: (Quentin Lewis) Serving lunch and other goodies to a hungry crowd throughout the day.
• RAFFLES: (Sue Ann Morowski) Businesses are solicited for items or gift vouchers to be raffles the day of the Fair.
• BOOK ROOM: (leader needed) Books are available for sale in the Book Room in the Sunday school wing.
If you have other ideas or suggestions we would love to speak with you about them, and all donated items will be eagerly and gratefully accepted.
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Sunday School News
Miss Bonnalee teaches preschoolers Drew, Zach and Ben.
Hi Everyone and welcome to another Sunday School year. I am pleased to announce that we have 17 registered children in our Sunday School program.
We held a meeting in September to orientate our new Teachers and I believe those who have been called to teach this year will experience and spread much love and joy through our program.
I would like to thank Neil Mulrain, Anne Mulrain and Quentin Lewis for all of their help with registration. I greatly appreciate the time and effort they put in.
I will be contacting parents throughout the year for various supplies and help, but if you are not a parent but would still like to help – just see myself or another teacher at coffee hour.
Miss Angie and I will be holding “Auditions” for our Christmas Play (everyone gets a part that wants one) so check the announcements for a date and time. The rehearsals will be on Sundays from 11:30 to 1. It will be open to ALL ages and will have both speaking and non-speaking parts available so if your child and/or you would like to give it a try, I’d love to have you! We decided to do it this way so that the children do not feel pressured to be part of the play, but please encourage them to try out! It will be lots of fun!
I am looking forward to a fantastic year
Drew, Ben and Zach proudly display their art work showing how God Made Everything. For more pictures CLICK HERE.
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Super Saturday, October 27, 9-3
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School
147 Pond Street, Franklin, MA
Join hundreds of pastors, educators and lay leaders and “Be Transformed” at the Massachusetts Conference’s fifth SUPER SATURDAY – a full day of workshops and networking around best practices for church leaders.
See Pastor Doreen if you are interested in attending, and/ or to look at a list of workshops being offered.
CLICK HERE for more details about this workshop
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A Moment for Missions – by Quentin Lewis
When Doreen and I married, I moved down from New Hampshire to Massachusetts, and in doing so, I left behind the places I had volunteered for the prior 23 years. They were just too far away. I quickly felt an emptiness for I missed my activities at the food pantry and the several groups I helped. So I soon began searching for local organizations.
Within a few days of beginning my search, I connected with the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital in Bedford, and with Minuteman Senior Services in Burlington. Both offered me an opportunity to reach out and help older people with a few simple things that most of us might take for granted. My Minuteman work is simple, I shop for Sharon, a 90 year old woman who with a bed ridden husband suffering from Alzheimer and a mentally handicapped son (who also lives with her). Her husband has been confined to his bed for about 7 years, and she has been his caretaker. Now those responsibilities and her advanced age keep her from leaving the house.
At my second assignment, I help at the VA hospital in Bedford where my job is straight forward, I bring Tom, an 83 year old veteran to chapel for a Catholic Mass. Tom is a devout Catholic who was an organist at his church for many years. He loves church and loves to hear the word of God. But Tom is now 83 and is wheelchair bound. His room being in building #4, and with the chapel in building #80, Tom is all the way across the hospital campus, too far for him to travel there on his own.
On the surface, both those assignments are straight forward, and could be done without emotion or connection….but because we are talking about working with people, the connection is a lot more rewarding than what was written in the “job description”. Sharon and Tom are wonderful people who love to open up and welcome me into their lives. We talk about family, life and both our experiences of the week. I love many of our conversations because these two remind me a bit of my mom and dad who have passed and because people of their generation have a bright outlook and focused set of values that I believe our current society can learn from. I sure do.
After delivering her shopping, Sharon makes me tea and we talk about the weeks activities. We don’t talk about politics or current events as much as our week, and our families. We have wonderful conversation and she has come to know Doreen, our kids and I’ve learned a lot about her childhood and adult life. Similarly, Tom and I talk a lot about God and Spirituality as we walk to Mass. Tom is always telling me how grateful he is for my help, and I tell him that I don’t get to a Catholic service all that much anymore, and that there is much if that ritual that I miss….so I enjoy it and benefit from going too!
Basically, these are not just tasks, for I have made friends. Our connection goes far past the delivery of groceries, or escorting to Church…we think about each others week, and even pray for each others family. We open up and share….we discuss, we laugh and we have fun. My prior experiences with the food pantry, and Red Cross or the various Knights of Columbus charity work were rewarding, and helpful…but helping Sharon and Tom I not only help with tasks, but I have made friends.
So my take-away is this….I am not sure who gets the most out of my volunteer activities, me or the people I try to help. I am happy to be of service, but I end up feeling so much the better in the end.
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Pick-Up Choir- Sunday, October 21, 2012
If you love to sing but can’t make a commitment to becoming a full-time choir member, then our Pick-Up Choir is perfect for you! All voices are welcome, both women and men. And knowing how to read music is not necessary!
Here’s how it works:
1. Attend rehearsal Wednesday evening Oct. 17 from 7-9 p.m. Bob will teach us an easier anthem as well as a simple introit and benediction.
2. Attend the Sunday morning “warm up” at 9:00 on Oct. 21. Choose a choir robe, and you’re ready to go!
It’s a small amount of time for a HUGE amount of fun! Please join us!
Give your name to Bob, Cindy or Jackie by Sunday, Oct. 14, and we will see you at rehearsal!
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Filling Your Cup: The Sacredness of the Ordinary
Friday, January 11, 2013, 7:00 p.m. – Saturday, January 12, 2013, 5:00 PM
A Christian Spiritual Formation Retreat to ground you spiritually; replenish your energy, joy, and purpose; give you practices to keep your cup overflowing; help you live your life as a spiritual practice; discover your spiritual tools for the ups and downs of life.
This 2- day long retreat is intended for people in all stages on the spiritual path (clergy and lay). Whether you feel like a beginner, or a long-time traveler, you will find nourishment here for your soul. This is the third adult retreat facilitated by Rev. Matt Carriker who also is the program leader for the MACUCC youth Confirmation Retreats. Come to worship, to learn new spiritual practices and rediscover old ones, to sing and express yourself through the arts, to build community, to take Sabbath, and to play. Choose from a number of activity options that will make your heart sing!
Cost: $100 if you register BEFORE November 2, 2012. Price includes 2 meals (breakfast and lunch on Saturday, snacks, overnight accommodations at Edwards House and linens.) After November 2 the price will be $125.00 per person. Register on-line at www.macucc.org. Financial Assistance is available – See Pastor Doreen.
CLICK HERE for more information regarding the retreat
CLICK HERE for more information about the retreat center
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Ministry Evaluations
About a year ago we had our first session of evaluation, looking at the whole of the worship experience – preaching, music, Communion, liturgy, welcome, announcements, etc. This discussion format of evaluation allows for deep conversation, accountability, and a sense of shared responsibility for the ministries of this church, rather than filling out a checklist or true/false evaluation of just the pastor. The hope is to continue evaluating different ministries of the church, looking for strengths to build on, shortcomings to improve, and questions to clarify.
We would like to do another worship evaluation, and begin evaluating various committees, starting with a conversation about our Mission work. If you have been involved in Missions, would like to be involved in Missions, have questions about Missions, this might be an opportunity for you to give input and ask questions.
The evaluations will be headed up by the Pastoral Relations Team of Jackie Henderson, Marie Frascolla and Len Ivel. Please let any one of them, or Pastor Doreen, know if you would be willing to participate in an evaluation discussion of Worship or Missions.
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Worcester Fellowship Lunch Ministry: Oct 28
FCC is scheduled as lunch providers for the Worcester Fellowship on Sunday, October 28. We are so grateful for the eagerness with which the food donations come in and the helping hands gather.
Please indicate what you would like to contribute on the signup sheet that will be out on October 14 and 21. People are most welcome to join Pastor Doreen and Quentin in attending the worship service at 1:00 p.m. behind Worcester City Hall. Doreen will be preaching.
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Harvest Fair and Hot Dog Committee
Update by Cindy LaPointe
What a wonderful fall day was shared on September 15th! The Common was busy all day and our Apple Crisp booth was visited by many people who said they were so anxious to return this year for another bowl of our delicious Apple Crisp & ice cream. What a great compliment! We had great helpers all day and sold out completely. Our profit was $1,080. Likewise, Ron and Quentin were busy all day selling Popcorn & Soda on the corner of the church lawn and the popcorn machine popped non-stop all day long! Their profit was $289.50. Together we raised over $1,3 00.00 for the church, plus a check was received for $200.00 from the Harvest Fair Committee for use of our building for the Art Show and Quilting Demonstrators plus use of tables in the Town Hall.
To everyone who worked on Friday putting together the Apple Crisp and on Saturday throughout the day — THANK YOU — a job well done !
I also must thank the many, many people who helped at our Summer Concert Concession Stand, baking, staffing, donating. We raised a total of $3,243.40. Thank you & bless you. You are wonderful!
To see more pictures from the Harvest Fair CLICK HERE
