March 2014 Newsletter
CONGREGATIONAL CONNECTIONS
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Bunny Day Eggstravaganza: Saturday, April 12
This notice is absolute proof that spring cannot be too far away! Plans are moving right along in preparation for Bunny Day which is held the day before Palm Sunday. Please save the day and join us for a lot of fun activities. If you can help out on that day, or prior to that day, please sign the board available in Russell Hall. Also, posters are available to be taken to area businesses and we would be very grateful if you could help with that process as soon as possible, and indicate on the sheet where you would be taking it so we won’t duplicate effort going to the same location. Perhaps you could share a flyer in this mailing with your grandchildren or your neighbor or a family you know who would love to come.
During March we will be collecting baskets, stuffed animals, books, small toys and games for boys and girls (ages 10 and under) as well as MANY eggs filled with pre-wrapped soft candy or small toys. There are some bags of eggs available that have been bagged in quantity of 50 each (for easy counting). Please return all donations by Sunday, March 30th as the Woman’s Association will be putting together the baskets and filling eggs at their meeting on April 2nd.
If you are able to help in any way prior to or on Bunny Day there will be a sign-up sheet available in Russell Hall so that we can coordinate these activities. Help is needed in decorating the hall, setting up craft tables, the basket raffle tables, the food collection area, manning the kitchen and the area for coffee, juice & “nibbles”, as well as the egg hunt outdoors.
Please remember that all proceeds and food collected as admission are taken directly to the LEICESTER FOOD BANK and all donations are most gratefully received.
Thanks to your generosity this is our 11th year!
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Woman’s Association: March 5
Russell Hall at 12noon. Lunch will be provided from 12:00 to 12:45p.m. A Soup and Sandwich lunch will be served. Following lunch we will hear a talk on “Osteoporosis” by Rosemary Wolanski, co-owner of Comprehensive Physical Therapy, here in Leicester. Rose has a B. S. from the University of Connecticut, a Masters of Health Education from Worcester State and a Doctorate In Physical Therapy from Mass General Hospital Institute of Health Professionals. She has clinical training & experience in areas of cardiopulmonary care, manual therapy, geriatrics and teaching. Let’s have a great turnout for this meeting. Please feel free to bring a friend. Also, please rsvp to either Marie Frascolla or Cindy LaPointe. We want to make sure we have planned enough luncheon.
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A Note from the Pastor
I am so grateful to have received a few responses to my article last month about racial justice issues. As I said then, conversations about race are extremely difficult. It is scary to put yourself out there, to try to articulate a thought, a question, or belief, and worry that it might be taken in a way you didn’t intend. You worry that you might be accused of racism. So I am honored that two people took that risk. I understand the risk. I feel it myself. I am very aware that I have blind spots, and have picked up attitudes and beliefs that pervade our culture. So bless you Len and Mary Ellen for honoring us with your contribution to the conversation.
From Mary Ellen: I feel very blessed to have gone to high school in a time where we/I just saw, my friends and classmates, as just people. My parents and Grandparents generations were so different. Being of Irish decent, they were treated lower than slaves. The women were called Bridgets which meant lower than any race. There were signs “Irish need not apply!” I was raised by a very wise grandmother, who taught me to be kind to the children because I might be the only person, in their lives, that was. When I saw beatings or shootings on TV, I couldn’t wrap my head around why. Thank you God for blessing my life with compassion for all my fellow people. As a Catholic, I was told at CCD, that my 2 best friends were going to hell because they worshiped in another type of church. I always questioned why??
From Len: As usual you stimulate conversation and thought. Rather than answer your specific questions I will offer my thoughts and experiences regarding negros in the US.
In the early 60’s I spent lot of time working in the south where and when segregation was the norm. The worst conditions and attitudes I ever experienced were in Union South Carolina where I asked for some help in order to meet the deadline for the project on which I was working. The department supervisor responded “I’ll get you a n*r”. When, after 3PM, I asked where he was I was told “company policy, no overtime for n*rs”. When walking on sidewalks in that town n*rs were expected to get into the gutter to let white folks pass. It was terrible. Approximately 40 years later I had occasion to return there for another work project. In the evening I had dinner in the elegant hotel dining room with a well dressed and well mannered negro couple sitting at the next table being served by a white waiter. I have never felt better or more thankful about the changes that have taken place in my country during my lifetime.
I think we are much better served celebrating the great changes that have been accomplished rather than seeking every opportunity to label anything negative involving a negro or other minority as racism. I am, and I believe Dr. King would be, saddened to hear any negative issue about a negro judged as racist based on the color of skin rather than the content of the issue. That is currently what is going on and it is harming race relations.
And a little bit more from me. I appreciate Mary Ellen’s comments that remind us that many groups suffered discrimination, based on nationality or religion in addition to race. And of coursethere is discrimination based on sexual preference. I also appreciate Len’s comments on the progress that has been made, and agree that focusing on the positive and celebrating accomplishments are important parts of the work. Such celebrations can help energize and motivate us to continue the work. It is often difficult for white people to fully recognize the impact of racism that is still in play, and there has been a history of white denial of racism. We sometimes discount what people of color say about their experiences. Perhaps that is because we think it is distorted by their self-interest, or because the truth might be too painful. I’m not sure why. I know that many white people minimized or discounted experiences of racism in the late 1950s and early 60s as reported by people of color, but began to believe it when white journalist John Howard Griffin darkened his skin and traveled in the south as a black man, then wrote a book about his experiences – Black Like Me. And today there is disparity between what white people and people of color say about the prevalence of racial discrimination. And so I have to ask, do we think that white people are the better judges of that? If so, why? Could it still be too painful to acknowledge the truth of what people of color say they experience? These are questions put out for your consideration. If you wish to share your thoughts with me,that would be great,but next month I’ll be moving on to a different social justice issue.
I also wanted to check in with how this has been for you readers. Does it feel dangerous to see the issues put out there? Do the opinions expressed upset you so that you would rather not know? Or do they make you think? Do they increase your respect for the people willing to put themselves out there? Do they offer good food for thought?
Blessings,
Pastor Doreen
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Church Fellowship Brunch: March 23
Join us for a shared meal featuring brunch food after worship on Sunday, March 23. Sign up beforehand if you can bring something to share, but even if you can’t please join us for great food and fellowship. Yay for bacon!
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In Our Prayers
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.
• Continued healing for Nancy D’s friend David, whose foot continues to improve following complications from his diabetes.
• Prayers for Nancy’s friend Rick and his family as he undergoes chemo for his recurring lymphoma.
• For Julie, the daughter of Nancy’s friend, who had surgery Feb. 20th to remove a urethral cyst.
• For peace within families
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The Holy Season is Upon Us
Christians are a diverse group. There are many denominations, and they formed to express different ways of understanding scripture or church governance or worship traditions. And even within denominations – heck! even within churches – there are different interpretations and understandings of scripture and faith. But the story of the Passion of Christ is important to us all. The seasons of Lent and Easter offer such richness in developing and strengthening our faith. And so we are offering some familiar and some new ways of entering into the season to receive its gifts. I believe there is a hunger in the world for the good news of Christ’s love, and this is a great time to invite people to hearit. Consider inviting a friend, neighbor or family member to one or more of these events. Check out the schedule of offerings:
Sunday, March 2: Though Lent begins on Wednesday, March 5, it will be the focus of worship the Sunday before. It is a family-friendly worship service for all ages, and will include an explanation of Lent and associated traditions. We will be doing something new to us – putting away the Alleluias. So bring the kids and come worship and break bread together. Pastor Doreen will also begin a sermon series on different types of prayer that will continue through Lent.
Wednesday, March 5: Ash Wednesday Service, 7:00 p.m. The Sanctuary in the evening is just beautiful, a wonderful setting for this service of Ashes and Communion. Take time out to reflect on the Lenten journey ahead, and to remember that Jesus journeys with you.
Each Sunday in Lent (3/9-4/13): Individuals will share reflections on Lent and participate in a candle ritual. Each of the six participants will receive a book of Lenten devotionals. Please speak to the pastor to choose your date.
Saturday, April 12: Bunny Day! FCC reaches out to the community to offer snacks and crafts and games and an Easter Egg Hunt for children under 10. We combine this event with a collection for the food pantry, so our outreach goes even further. Come for the fun from 1-3:30, and/or come help with set up and/or clean up before and after. Look for the Bunny Day blurb for more details.
Sunday April 13: Palm Sunday Worship – 10 a.m. We will gather on the front steps (or in the chapel) with our palms, then parade in to the hymn, “All Glory Laud and Honor.”
Thursday, April 17: Seder meal followed by Maundy Thursday worship service. Gather in Fellowship Hall at 5:30 p.m. to participate in a Passover meal like the one Jesus shared with his disciples on the night he was arrested. Then there will be a worship service at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary with prayer, Communion, beautiful music and Tenebrae (reading of the Passion narrative). The service ends with the tolling of the bells and stripping of the Sanctuary.
Friday, April 18: Good Friday Stations for Reflection. The Sanctuary will be open from noon to 8 p.m. with seven stations that offer opportunities for reflection, prayer, interaction and quiet. Come any time, and stay as long as you like.
EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP! Join us on April 20 at 10 a.m. to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The Sanctuary will be decorated with Spring flowers,* the Alleluias will be released, and the music will lift your soul. Deck yourself out in your Easter finery (hats and gloves, Ladies?) or dash in with bed head, but come give thanks, come hear the good news.
Ongoing: Two Bible Study groups will be focused on the Passion narratives, comparing the four gospel versions. Newcomers are welcome. Meetings times are the first and third Wednesday each month at 10:30 a.m., and the second and fourth Thursdays at 6 p.m. Speak to the pastor for location information.
*Order forms for Easter flowers will be available by April 6.
Lenten Offering
For those wishing to make a special contribution in honor of Lent/Easter, there is a donation envelope enclosed. May your sacrifice bring you many blessings, as it blesses First Congregational Church. Thank you.
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Sunday School News
The younger children have been in Antarctica focusing on Good Anger and Bad Anger. We have discussed what the difference is and how to change their bad anger into good anger. We have talked about how Jesus would get angry too but how he used his anger for good. They have heard bible stories, played games, visited with Dr. Quirky and got creative. They have been learning the two questions to ask themselves to know if they are using their anger appropriately – “Is my anger hurting others?” and “Is my anger hurting me?” They have learned the Point which is When I’m Angry, I Won’t Sin and the Bible Verse which is When I’m Angry, I Won’t Sin. I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down While I’m Still Angry.
They also have been saying The Lord’s Prayer at the beginning of every class and I feel confident that they all know it by heart. We have discussed each part and the meaning. They also have been saying the 23rd Psalm at the end of most classes and again we have discussed it and it’s meaning is clear to the children.
– Chris
The older Sunday School class has been doing some reading from the Bible, and focusing mainly on the Parables told by Jesus. We have been reading them in several bible translations, and discussing the message of Jesus, and how these stories speak to the students.
The class has done some brainstorming on what might be done as a service project, but we have not settled on what the project will be just yet. We have several ideas in the works, and might even find ourselves doing more than one thing. (one activity may be one local at our church while the second might involve a local field trip.)
-Quentin
A Personal Note from Chris Cathcart:
I feel that it is time to let everyone know that I am resigning my position as Sunday School Director as of Children’s Sunday, June 8, 2014. I feel that after 8 years or so, it is time now for me to focus on other things.
As many of you know, my family has been through many hard times over the years such as job losses, loss of our home, lots of moving around and many other more minor issues. We also experienced a realization of alcoholism within our family, and the breakup of my marriage. All of this has been very stressful but my position at our Church has helped me to be strong through it all. It gave me a focus. I had considered stepping down several times through these past few years, but the children kept giving me reason to stay on. They are a source of joy and support that I just cannot put into words. I have been so blessed to see many of them grow up and to be given their love along the way. I have and will continue to love all of my “Kids” as that is how I see them – as my own.
The most recent drama in our lives is joyous! I have been very blessed by what I feel is Divine Intervention. I was compelled one day to do something completely out of character for me and I still don’t know what made me do it – I joined an online dating site! I kept having this man’s story pop up every time I turned on my computer. He soon contacted me as apparently he was experiencing the same. We spoke on the phone several times and eventually decided to meet for lunch (and yes, I played it safe – met in a very public place and all that). I have since fallen in love with this man who also fell in love with not only me, but my three boys too! We have plans for a long future together.
Because of the chaos of these past several years, this is the first time I have been able to turn my focus to myself and my spiritual needs. I feel that God is now leading me in a different direction. While I still intend to be involved in the Sunday School program and am happy to help wherever I am needed, I feel the need to attend worship and focus more on my own spiritual needs. I will always be thankful for the gifts of our children as they nourished my soul through all of my troubles. These kids gave me strength that I desperately needed. They gave me unconditional love and support. I love them all.
I know that whatever path our Church takes with our Sunday School from here, God will guide us and show us the right way. Thank you all for your support through the years. Thank you all for understanding my advocacy around integrating the children into our Church life and for taking the steps to teach them that they are important to our Church, that God loves them always and that our Church Members are their family and they can always come home, as those were my dreams for these kids. Thank you for your support, love and kindness when our Sunday School program has been faced with some uncomfortable moments and for entrusting your children with me. For putting your faith in me that I would always keep your children safe and teach them how very loved they are.
I will miss teaching them very much but look forward to my new Adult Spiritual Adventure.
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Collector’s Report – by Ellie Latham
MACUCC
Loose Offerings Envelopes/Pledges Christmas Fund Special Totals
1-5 10.00 983.00 26.00 25.00* $1,044.00
1-12 59.00 240.50 30.00 $ 329.50
1-19 51.00 202.00 2.00** $ 255.00
1-26 17.00 931.50 20.00 $ 968.50
2-2 43.00 1,133.00 1.00** $1,177.00
2-9 40.00 825.50 2.00** $ 867.50
2-16 27.00 192.00 2.00** $ 221.00
Totals $ 247.00 $4,507.50 $ 76.00 $32.00 $4,862.50
*Advent Offerings
**Initial Offerings
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Pastoral Relations Committee – March 2014
The Pastoral Relations Committee has been charged with leading evaluations of different ministries of the church for the past few years. We have asked for your feedback in open, formal evaluation discussions on Worship and Missions. We facilitated an evaluation discussion with the Council regarding their work. We have offered opportunities for informal (and anonymous) feedback on a few areas through our Hot Topics surveys. These have all helped us assess and hopefully improve various ministries of the church.
We would now like to focus on evaluating Pastoral Care Ministries. Pastoral Care includes funerals, weddings, baptisms, hospital and home visits, crisis situations, and counseling. Because such care can involve confidential issues, we will not be conducting this evaluation through an open discussion. Members of the Pastoral Relations Committee; Jackie Henderson, Len Ivel & Ellie Latham, would like to have private conversations with people who have been on the receiving end of pastoral care. We do not need to know the particulars of any situation, just your experience of the care you received. We expect that the main focus would be on the care provided by our pastor, Doreen Oughton, but we are also interested in hearing about the ways other members of the church have been supportive, or not, through various life events.
If you have received pastoral care from Doreen – or wished you had – and would be willing to share feedback about that experience, please contact any one of us at the phone numbers below. We have also asked Doreen to provide us with names of people she has worked with in this capacity, after clearing it with them first. After the conversations have been conducted, the Pastoral Relations Committee will meet and put together a summary of the feedback to present to the pastor. She will not be given the specifics of who said what, unless it is requested by the person providing the feedback.
Later this spring, we would like to have our second open, formal evaluation discussion focused on Doreen’s role in Worship. At that time we will be looking for 5-8 volunteers to gather with Doreen and members of Pastoral Relations and provide feedback on worship. So as you attend worship the next few months, take a minute to observe. Pay attention to the things you like, the things that are difficult, the things that nurture your faith and your connection to God, and the things that put up barriers. Your experience matters to us and to Doreen.
The Pastoral Relations Committee welcomes your questions and comments at any time. While we encourage open communications, we also respect confidentially. We can be reached at the following numbers: Jackie – (508) 637-1040; Len – (508)892-3321; Ellie (508) 885-6021.
