June 2013 Newsletter
Children’s Sunday: June 9
Once again I find myself preparing for Children’s Sunday full of anticipation, excitement and joy. I have found this process to be so rewarding as it warms my heart to celebrate the remarkable children of our church. This year the kids are planning the service and I have been so surprised and full of joy to hear what they have to say! Every time I ask for input it stuns me what comes out of their mouths (in a good way – haha) They seem to really be taking it seriously and are learning how difficult Pastor Doreen’s job is each week as she prepares her lessons. They are looking forward to sharing with all of you what brings them inspiration and joy. The youngest kids have provided us with a fun and beautiful benediction, the 1st – 3rd Graders have chosen two prayers to share as well as having input on the music and “Adult Moment”, and the 4th – 8th graders are planning the rest! As we worship that day, keep in mind that the children have worked very hard to share with you a worship experience that they feel is inclusive of all ages. They have tried very hard to maintain the integrity of our rituals while still bringing the youthfulness that moves them and helps them to feel God’s presence. So as you sing, pray, and listen think back to days gone by when God showed His/Her presence to you in ways that were far different from your elders. Remember the days when God’s joy gave you an excitement that made you want to dance and clap and jump up and down – feel free to act on those feelings because that kind of joy is one of God’s most precious gifts! Make sure that you don’t miss this wonderful service on June 9th!
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A Note from the Pastor
Grace and peace, dear friends in Christ.
I have shared with you that racism is an issue I have long been concerned about, and feel called to actively fight where I can. In the spring of 2012 I attended a 2-day Anti-Racisim Training for Whites, and then joined an on-going support group of anti-racist white allies. We have talked a great deal about what it means to be an anti-racist ally. For me, it means increased engagement with people of color, listening to their experiences with racism, listening to their desires and needs, and supporting equitable rights and treatment. It also means conscious-raising with other white people. Many white people do not see racism at work, and have the privilege of not having to think much about race and racism. It is in some ways human nature to believe that our experiences and perceptions are universal, that people see and understand things the way that we do. And if this perception is never challenged, it can be hard to grow in awareness. I bring this up now because my own increased awareness has impacted a ministry decision. For the past two years, I have worked with Rev. Molly Scherm of Christ Episcopal Church to host an Independence Day Worship Service. It has been wonderful to share in this ecumenical effort, to learn and share the writings of the wise and well-intentioned men and women who founded and shaped this nation. We have always included either essays or prayers that lifted up some the ways we have missed the mark – things like slavery and the denial of equal rights. It has been important to lift up the ideals this nation has espoused, even if it has fallen short of reaching them. However, as I consider more deeply how I can be an anti-racist ally, I have come to realize that I need to consider the perspective of peoples who were, for far too many years, not included in the American dream of freedom and justice. I need to consider the perspective of the Native people who were devastated by the founding of the United States. I need to consider the perspective of those people who were not considered fully human at the founding of this nation and for over a century after. I need to consider the price that these people paid for our freedom, and not by choice. I need to do this without condemnation or judgment, but with love and compassion for all, including this great and flawed nation. Because these issues are weighing on my heart and soul at this time, I do not feel I can participate in an Independence Day Worship service this summer. There will be songs and prayers at the July 7 Sunday worship service. If you are inclined to do so, I would greatly appreciate your prayers for me in my anti-racist work. It can be painful and difficult, and very enriching. I am grateful to have deeply spiritual companions with me on the journey. We will be opening the group to new participants, so please let me know if you are interested. Blessings, Pastor Doreen
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UCC CONNECTIONS
Massachusetts Conference Annual Meeting June 14 & 15 – “Risking Vision” Join UCC members and clergy from across the Commonwealth as they gather for worship, plenary sessions, hearings and forums, and meals. The theme for this year’s meeting is taken from Habakkuk 2:2-3 – Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. The meeting will be held at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center. Speak to Pastor Doreen if you are interested in attending both or either day.
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Concert on the Common
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 3rd 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 7 PM in July and in August the start time is 6:30 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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Bible/Book Study
All groups will be on hiatus for the summer. The last meeting for the Monday group is June 3. The last Wednesday group is June 12, and the last Thursday group is June 13. All groups would love to welcome new participants when we start up again in the fall. Contact Pastor Doreen if you would like more information about the groups.
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Women’s Association
June 5th Meeting Hartman’s Herb Farm, 1026 Old Dana Rd, Barre, MA – Installation of Officers/Lecture Demonstration & Luncheon. A not-to-be missed gathering ladies – the herb wreath created during the demonstration will go home with one lucky gal! You are free to wander the gardens & the greenhouses after lunch. Please make reservations with Judy Ivel. Cost is $20 per person payable to Women’s Assoc. & given to Nancy Desautels. Please have your money in no later than May 26th – we must pay and order in advance. The car pool will leave the church no later than 11:30a.m. that morning.
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Grounded Summer Worship by Pastor Doreen
The Thursday evening book group read Rev. Scotty McLennon’s Finding Your Religion. In it, he shares his experience of teaching at a campus in the French Alps. He invited any interested students, faculty and staff to join him each morning under a great ash tree in the garden, in a semi-circle of lawn chairs. They sat in silence for 5-10 minutes, and then he or someone would share a poem or reading. He noted how contented smiles from those 15 minutes could last all day. I would like to offer everyone the chance to sit outside in silence (weather permitting) to commune with nature before moving inside for the regular worship service. Beginning on Father’s Day, June 16, I will set up lawn chairs on the Common across from the church each Sunday by 9:35. I will join you when I can, but please feel free to gather without me. If you find a poem or reading to share, by all means, bring it, and share it sometime between 9:45 and 9:50. I ask all participants to please respect that this is a time of quiet, and refrain from chatting.
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Hot Topic Results, Summer Worship Schedule
At the time I am writing this, only 10 people weighed in on the question of moving summer worship to an earlier time, and changing or removing some liturgical elements for a shorter service. The votes were evenly divided in favor of and against a time change, so that will not happen. However everyone liked the idea of a shorter service. We’ll do our best to have briefer, but equally meaningful worship as we seek to carry our love and worship to all the wonderful weekend activities that summer enables. If you have Hot Topic ideas for the fall, please let your Pastor Relations Committee (Jackie Henderson, Len Ivel, and Ellie Latham) or the pastor know. For those who were in favor of an earlier start time, you are most welcome to join in our outdoor pre-worship time of quiet on the Common (see other article).
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Worcester Fellowship
Pastor Doreen and Quentin have offered support for providing Father’s Day gifts of bandanas to the Worcester Fellowship. Would you like to help out? Bandanas of all colors can be donated right up to June 16, when Doreen and Quentin will bring them out to be distributed. Please drop them in the basket in Russell Hall. Also, we are scheduled lunch providers for June 30. Please look for the food donation sign-up sheet beginning 6/16, and please, please come help assemble lunches on the 30th. Thanks so much for your support of this wonderful ministry.
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Annual Meeting Notice: June 23
To all members and officers of the First Congregational Church of Leicester: On Sunday, June 23, 2013, 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 16 to bring a dish (or call the church).
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In Our Prayers
Never underestimate the power of prayer. You are invited, as you read this, to add your prayers for those listed. Take a moment to breathe in God’s Spirit, and channel your good will and hopes to each person or situation named. You might imagine them surrounded by a healing light, or held in God’s hand. May this simple practice fill you with peace and hope. – Prayers for a dear friend of Stephanie Orsi who is suffering a mental illness and to her family through this tough time. – Prayers for all those recovering from the Boston marathon, especially those now going home and having to relearn how to do things – Blessings on Katelyn Bouckert and Chase Orsi who celebrate their marriage with family and friends on July 6 – Blessings on Brian and Gloria Besse, who welcomed newborn son Edmund on May 11. Edmund has Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease) and the whole family faces some challenges. Let us pray that they are surrounded with love and support. – Prayer request from Donna Spaulding for Vicki (a coworker) and husband Phil who is battling lung cancer; Maryanne (high school classmate) battling thyroid cancer; Michelle (junior high classmate) recovering from brain surgery; V – For victims of the Oklahoma tornados – For Bob Jones, a friend of Deb Entwistle, who’s grandchild was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck. The baby suffered severe oxygen deprivation and is probably not going to make it. – For the family and friends of William R. McKeon, Ellie Latham’s Uncle, who passed away on May 20th. – For Andrew and Sarah Oughton, that they are safe on their summer travels, and that their experiences enrich them greatly. – Prayers for First Congregational Church, that it continue to listen to the Spirit for ways to thrive, and to be a blessing to the community and world as well as its members.
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Collector’s Report
by Ellie Latham
Collection totals:(includes $147 to One Great Hour of Sharing, MACUCC) April 28 $1,281.00 May 5 $1,112.00 May 12 $ 576.00 May 19 $ 863.00 Total above $3,832.00 Donation statements are available upon request.
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Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee would like to thank all those who returned their pledge cards for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, your thoughtful consideration of your relationship to this church is greatly appreciated. The committee has received 14 pledges totaling $26,649.00 to date. Again thank you for your quick response as this will allow us to be able to include this information in the annual report as we consider the budget for the next fiscal year. Thanks, Stewardship Committee
