December 2013 Newsletter
Congregational Connections
Keeping Christ in Christmas
We can find God so many places, and the spirit of Jesus as well, but it does the soul good to set aside time in the holiday season to remember and give thanks for the divine incarnation. Advent / Christmas season is so beautiful at First Congregational Church. Each Sunday of Advent (beginning 12/1), an Advent candle is lit and someone shares on the theme of the day. On December 22 there will be a Christmas pageant based on the Nativity, and we’ll have a birthday party (with cupcakes!) for Jesus after. On Christmas Eve at 11 p.m. there will be a service of lessons and carols, with beautiful music and candlelight. Readers and candle lighters are needed for Christmas Eve, so please contact Pastor Doreen if you would like to participate in one or both of the services. Good readers of all ages are welcome. If you have friends or family members who do not have a church, Christmas is a wonderful time to invite them to experience worship at First Congregation. And if your path has taken you some distance from FCC, I hope you have found or will seek a faith community in which to satisfy your hunger, not only for Christmas, but for Christ our Lord. Merry Christmas.
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Christmas on the Common: December 7th
Tree Lighting 6-6:30 followed by free Christmas Concert at 7p.m. here in our sanctuary.
The program will be “CHRISTMAS IS COMING” Sing for Joy presented by the Christian Community Choir. Churches represented in the choir are: Brookfield Congregational Church, East Brookfield Baptist Church, First Congregational Churches of Leicester & North Brookfield, Lowell Assembly of God, Mary Queen of the Rosary, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, St. Anne’s & St. John the Baptist Catholic Churches, & The First United Methodist Church of Spencer. A collation will follow the performance provided by the Women’s Association. Please contact Judy Ivel, Cindy Lapointe or Marie Frascolla to sign up to bake or contribute.
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Order Your Christmas Poinsettia: Deadline December 15
Christmas Poinsettias: FCC is taking orders for beautiful poinsettia plants. The orders are delivered to the church to decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas, then can be taken home Christmas Eve. Please contact Marie Frascolla at 508-892-0038 to order, or fill out the order form in the Sunday Order of Worship.
Deadline for orders is December 15. Colors available: red, white and pink. Prices: Single $9.85, Double $19.50, Triple $29.50.
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Advent Offering
Enclosed in the newsletter is an envelope addressed to the church. This is for those who are interested in making an offering to the church in honor of Advent and Christmas. Blessings to all.
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Pastor’s Note
Oh I am so excited! My attempt to start a conversation about justice issues has finally gotten off the ground. Last month I wrote about economic justice, starting with tax reform. I shared the perspective that justice may be served by making the tax structure more progressive; closing loopholes; offer incentives only for the public good; adequate to meet social needs; and redistributive to reduce income inequality and enhance common good. I outlined several questions, and got two very thoughtful responses. In addition to the responses posted below, I engaged with their writers further in e-mail discussion that was lively and, for me, enlightening. I came to greater appreciation of their viewpoints, and felt heard and respected. I would love for more people to be in on these discussions so even if you don’t have a response to the “Justice Issue of the Month” let me know if you’d like to be included in e-mail conversations. And please feel free to suggest other Justice Hot Topics for discussion.
From Len Ivel: You ask some questions in the newsletter; my answers would be:
-“Why do some people receive so much more income, and others so much less?”
Because different work has different value and different people perform the same work differently. The work of a brain surgeon or a physiatrist has different value than that of a grocery bagger or a street sweeper. Some people who mow lawns finish the job sooner than others and some more neatly than others, therefore different income.
-Do you believe there are still institutional barriers to economic justice?
There are still barriers from bias and prejudice but I can’t think of any institutional ones in the US.
– Do you think changing the tax laws can reduce or eliminate barriers?
First you would have to believe that current tax laws create economic barriers, and I don’t. If anything the current laws benefit lower income people with minimums and lower rates. You could argue that this structure discourages hard work.
– Do you agree that some problems and suffering are too widespread for individual / community action and require government intervention?
Government is inherently inefficient (no competition) and therefore should only be used if the private sector cannot do the job. Right now the government, in its effort to help the poor, is creating more of a problem by enabling bad behavior.
-Do you think those who earn more ought to pay a higher percentage in taxes?
No. I think we should have a flat rate of no more than 10% of net earnings above the poverty level. That would just about eliminate the need for the IRS and would result in the higher earners paying higher taxes; real simple.
-Do you think there are too many loopholes and havens that allow people to pay less than they “ought?” Yes, see above.
-Do you think the common good is served by redistributing wealth?
Absolutely not; as I said earlier if a person does a faster and better job of mowing lawns he should earn more money than those he outperforms. If you take some of the earnings from the high performer and give it to the lesser you destroy the incentive of the high performer. The high performer then slows down and does a poorer job and the common good suffers.
-Do you think we ought to be concerned with the common good as Christian, as citizens?
Yes, and the best way to benefit all is via the free enterprise system which, as a result of competition, creates excellence in the production of goods and services which in turn raises the standard of living for all. Improving products and services and reducing or containing cost is SOP for private business. If you suggest that to government they think you have two heads.
And from Cliff Albrecht:
First, I think the term “redistribution of wealth” is a poor description for a more equal treatment for all using the resources of this nation. The “redistribution” term smacks of gross communism with a one for all and all for one theme. To me, this goes against my heritage and beliefs.
Although I believe that we all are born equal in the eyes of God, we are not born with the same abilities to succeed in physical, mental, or social challenges. It is only fitting that those who can succeed in their endeavors be rewarded for that effort. However, those who truly lack the ability to succeed cannot be left behind in unconscionable situations. Therefore, those who have gained in wealth, power and status must be willing to sacrifice some of their bounty to help others. Through reasonable increased taxes on the wealthy, programs should be implemented to assist those willing to improve their abilities to succeed. Of course the helpless, the ill, etc. need more help. The simple taking of cash from the wealthy and giving it to the poor is non-productive and recitative.
There are two difficult parts to this. One, separating the wheat from the chaff, that is, helping those deserving while bypassing the “players”. The second is in the implementation of the assistance programs. They are often corrupted by greedy or inept sponsors and administrators, which often wastes resources and even hurts those intended to be helped.
I don’t know if this was too general a response, but as I said in the beginning it is an involved discussion including many aspects to our own personal approach to social responsibility and justice.
From Doreen: There! That wasn’t distressing was it? Kudos to Len and Cliff for putting their views out there. Hope to have more voices joining in as the discussions continue.
Wishing you all a joyous Christmas. Much Love, Pastor Doreen
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IT’S SNOW-TIME! Worship Cancellation Procedure
The pastor, deacon and trustee will consult by 7:30 am on the day of the worship service to determine if the worship service must be cancelled or postponed due to inclement weather. Consideration will be given to travel advisories, weather outlook, and the condition of the church itself (i.e. confirm there is heat and electricity and that the parking lot and walkways will be cleared). Regardless of whether or not worship is officially cancelled, all parishioners, staff and leaders are urged to make their own decision based on their individual circumstances: safety is our first priority. Any worship or Sunday school leader unable to be present can notify Rev. Doreen via her cell (978-846-6498). By 8 am, information regarding the canceling or continuing of worship will be left on the outgoing voicemail. All staff and lay leaders are advised to check the outgoing voicemail for the information. If the power is out, the answering machine won’t be activated, and worship is likely cancelled. People may also call the parsonage in that situation for confirmation (508-859-8060). If the decision is made to cancel or postpone the service, calls will be attempted to the following individuals, but they should also check church voicemail: Organist and Choir, the Deacons of the day, any individuals participating actively in the service (e.g. special guests and worship attendants).
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Women’s Association: Holiday Gift Bags
The Women’s Association would like your help to provide holiday gift bags again this year for Worcester Fellowship. Items needed are winter knit hats, scarves, mittens or gloves, hand warmers, and candy canes. We also need 100 gallon size zip-lock bags. Items can be dropped off at the church anytime. We also would like your help in assembling them on a Sunday after worship in December and have them ready for December 29th. We hope this will help to make this cold winter warmer for those out on the streets.
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Women’s Association: December 4
We will attend the Holiday Brown Bag Concert at Mechanics Hall. We have 3 tables of 8 reserved on the floor. Performing will be the New England Conservatory Symphonic Winds & Concert Choir. The concert is free. Lunch is being arranged by Judy Ivel and costs $5.00; please bring your own drink though. Make your reservation & pay Judy as soon as possible. We will car pool from the church leaving at 11:00 a.m. that day. Concert begins at 12 noon sharp!
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Holiday Open House at the Parsonage: Friday, December 13
Drop in any time between 5 and 10 pm. for food, fellowship, fun and Christmas music. All are welcome, though it is not a child-focused event. Come see what our holiday decorators have done with the place! You can park in the driveway, on the street, or on the right side of the house, pulling in between the cones. Hope to see you there. And feel free to bring a friend or two.
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Fellowship Lunch: Sunday Jan 12
Kick off the second half of our program year by breaking bread together after worship on January 12. Instead of pot luck, we thought we’d put together a spaghetti lunch. People can sign up to bring pasta, sauce (with or without meatballs / sausage), garlic bread, rolls for meatball sandwich, salad, drinks, or dessert. Bring a game to share if you like, or just come enjoy the conversation and fellowship. Look for the sign-up sheet on Jan. 5, or contact Doreen and let her know what you would like to bring. And if you forget or aren’t able to bring anything but your company, we hope you will join us anyway. All are welcome.
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Scholarship Application
It’s that time for the Dorothy Warren Scholarship. Applications may be obtained from __________. The first semester of school must be completed, and the application returned by December 31.
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Hamming It Up
The deacons have been challenging the congregation to contribute to the Leicester Food Pantry in their efforts to compile Thanksgiving and Christmas grocery bags. For Thanksgiving we collected over 200 cans of green beans, exceeding our goal of 150. For the Christmas bags our goal is 150 canned hams, 1 pound size, by December 1st. As of print time, we were well along, with 40 hams in the collection wagon, and another 60 ordered and on their way. Way to go FCC! Your generosity and team efforts are inspiring! Remember that the Food Pantry is always in need, and financial contributions to them go a long way. On Christmas Eve there will be a collection plate in the back of the Sanctuary, with all contributions going to the Food Pantry.
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FCC Driving Ministry
We have several people in our church who do not drive at night, or at all, but hate missing the wonderful events at the church, such as the Christmas Tree Lighting and Concert, or special worship services. If you plan to attend an event and would be willing to provide a ride to the church and/or back home to someone in need, please let Pastor Doreen know and she will arrange the connection. And please let her know if there’s an event you’d like to attend, and need a ride.
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Worcester Fellowship Outreach: December 29
We are scheduled as lunch providers for Worcester Fellowship, and all are invited to go help serve lunch and then stay for worship behind Worcester City Hall beginning at 1 p.m. The signup sheet for donations to the lunch will be out in Russell Hall on Dec. 16 and 23. In addition to food donations, white socks, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves are always needed. Contributions to this effort are greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your support.
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Worcester Fellowship Volunteer Gathering: Sat, January 25
Save the date NOW for Worcester Fellowship’s Volunteer gathering on Saturday, January 25. We’ll meet at Church of the Nativity, 45 Howard Street, in Northborough starting around 9am and end by 2pm. Church of the Nativity is providing us lunch. This celebration is for all those in your congregation that make Worcester Fellowship happen: sandwich makers, schedule negotiators, sock collectors, party planners, etc., plus of course all those who come out to serve lunch and share with our congregation. This means all you friends at First Congregational Church in Leicester. More details to come. RSVP to office@worcesterfellowship.org and include any special food needs you may have or restrictions.
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Adult Spiritual Retreat: Fri, Feb 21, 2014, 5:00 p.m. – Sat, Feb 22, 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 and Rev. Elaine Gaetani. 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 December 20, 2013. Price includes 2 meals (breakfast and lunch on Saturday, snacks, overnight accommodations at Edwards House and linens.) Late registration fees to be determined. Register on-line at www.macucc.org. Financial Assistance is available – See Pastor Doreen.
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Philippines Typhoon Relief
We are accepting donations towards relief efforts on behalf of these people who have lost so much. The UCC has a presence in the region in and through our churches and partner agencies. The UCC immediately sent $15,000 in grants through relief agencies, and is seeking to raise $250,000 for long term aid, and 100% of the money sent through the UCC goes directly to affected areas. Checks can be made out to First Congregational Church, with a notation for Typhoon Relief, and we will send a check for total collection to the UCC. Thank you so much for your generosity.
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Dreams and Visions
During worship on November 17 I invited people to share their dreams and visions for the world, their words of comfort to another, or their commitment to an action by writing something and putting it in the offering plate. I was so touched by these offerings that I thought I would share them.
Visions: I want a world where people are not persecuted for religious reasons; For a world without hate and mistrust; Peace for everyone everywhere in the world; That all people are equal, all colors; Peace; I pray for a world where all children feel loved and cared for, especially those who get lost in the foster care system; Peace throughout the world and all children’s bellies filled.
Words of comfort and blessing: May Mary Ellen find the blessing of peace for the way she is helping her aunt through this illness and perhaps in her crossing; Thoughts and prayers to the people of the Philippines; prayers for Ken, healing for Edmund, healing for all those with no homes, food, or loved ones; God bless you Doreen.
Commitments: I’d like to be more supportive and helpful with the Sunday school and work on getting to come; I want to know God better and will keep seeking your truth through the Bible; Work on random acts of kindness; To be of physical, emotional and spiritual support whenever and wherever God asks me to do so.
I have tears in my eyes as I write these. I feel so blessed, so grateful to be on this journey with you,
Saints of God. Bless you and thank you.
Doreen
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Collector’s December 2013 Report by Ellie Latham
MACUCC –
Loose Offerings Envelopes/Pledges Philippines Typhoon Relief Totals
10-27 41.00 670.50 711.50
11-03 142.00 1,008.00 1,150.00
11-10 65.00 555.00 620.00
11-17 53.10 623.00 25.00 701.10
Totals $301.10 $2,856.50 $25.00 $3,182.60
Please note: MACUCC Philippines Typhoon Relief collections will be taken each Sunday through December. Checks can be made out to FCC Leicester and envelopes will be in the back of the sanctuary.
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Prayer Requests
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.
– For Catherine M. Quinn, aunt of Mary Ellen Brosnihan.
– For those dealing with natural disasters at home and around the world, prayers of comfort and hope
– For the Latham’s friends; Caroline, who continues to struggle with depression and Nate, who is recovering from surgery.
– For Ron, member of Worcester Fellowship and friend to many at FCC, who is having health problems.
– For the Mandella family on the loss of mother/grandmother/mother-in-law Rita.
– For all those going through another holiday season with the gnawing ache of missing a departed loved one, for peace and joyful memories.
