June/July 2020 Issue
Annual Meeting Notice: June 28
To all members and officers of the First Congregational Church of Leicester: On Sunday, June 28, 2020, the annual meeting of the church will take place beginning at 11:30 in Russell Hall.
Purpose: To hear the annual reports, to vote on the budget and the nominating slate, and to address any other business that may come before the church.
Annual Meeting 2012
Zoom Meetings
The meeting will also be accessible by Zoom and /or phone for those who prefer not to gather in person. Due to coronavirus risk, there will be no pot-luck, but people are welcome to bring their own lunch or snacks. Tables and chairs (1 individual/couple per table) will be arranged in compliance with physical-distancing regulations, and people are encouraged to wear masks when moving around the room. There will be gloves and plenty of hand sanitizer.
Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting and participate in any discussion, but voting is restricted to official members. If you would like to become a member, please contact the pastor.
Drive-by
Food Drive: June 27
On Saturday, June 27 from 1-5 p.m. we will have a few tables set up in front of the church to collect donations to the food pantry. Pastor Doreen and Carol Mulrain will be nearby to help unload donations, direct people and keep the area sanitized. Spread the word and swing by with your donation. You can also contribute on Sunday if you plan to come to worship and/or the Annual Meeting.
Women’s Association
Hello Everyone, We will be talking about when and where we can get together again soon. Our thoughts are maybe in September at an outdoor restaurant or a picnic at a park. We would love any of your ideas! Have a wonderful and safe summer! Blessings, June
A Note from the Pastor
Dear Friends,
I am so grateful for your prayers and support in this time of pandemic. This is where the rubber meets the road in terms of trusting God. I have claimed that the ground of uncertainty is Holy Ground because there is room for the Holy Spirit to work. This belief does not necessarily make it easy to dwell in uncertainty, but it may provide us a needed glimpse of the strength and quality of our faith. How much do we see of what Paul called the “fruits of the Spirit” in his letter to the Galatians? Even in so strange and scary a time as this, are we able to experience joy, peace and love? Are we able to demonstrate forbearance, kindness, goodness and faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? If not, if we find ourselves constantly feeling anxious, discontent, suspicious or disdainful – if we demonstrate impatience, impulsiveness, grabbiness – it may be a sign that we have wandered away from God and are trying to manage this with only our own human resources. When we insist on answers, when we are determined to forge our own path forward, we crowd out the Spirit and may struggle to get back to the path God would have us travel.
I know I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty and just want decisions made. And sometimes decisions have to be made – do we welcome people into the Sanctuary for worship or not? Do we hold annual meeting or not? Should committees gather? Some decisions are out of our hands – will there be Concerts on the Common? If so, should we do our bake sales? Will there be a Harvest Fair? If so, should we do our Apple Crisp booth? Will we be able to have our Strawberry Hill Fair? If so, what changes might we need to make to keep it as safe as possible? I search the internet looking for answers from others, then remind myself to slow down, to let go and trust that I will know what I need to know when I need to know it.
Then there are the uncertainties that serve as an invitation and can help us grow in connection with God and each other as we sit with them. How will we show loving care and support for each other when we can’t be together face-to-face? How do we facilitate worship that is equally welcoming and meaningful to those who are in the Sanctuary and those who worship remotely? How do we provide spiritual nurture to those who can do neither? How can every voice be heard in discerning a way forward? How do we demonstrate the radical welcome of Jesus Christ and minimize the risks of connecting.
How will we respond to our call as disciples to bring the good news of God’s love and justice beyond the walls of the church when our usual ways of giving are not available? We can’t serve soup to the community; we can’t make lunches for Worcester Fellowship. The students have no lunch balances to pay off and the school nurses don’t need our supplies at this point. I have not been called upon for any funerals, but I wonder what it would be like if I / we needed to do one. We can be sure there is still a need out there for the kind of generosity for which this church is known. I can’t imagine we will simply wait until we can “go back to” those things rather than finding new ways to give. I invite you to join me in praying that a way be opened for us to “be the church” beyond worship. Sometimes we need to move on this ground of uncertainty, trusting that we will be guided. Perhaps we make the road by walking it. We don’t need to be certain before we step out in faith. If ideas come to you, please do share them with me. We never know how a statement from one person can spark ideas and creativity in others so that the whole community is ablaze with inspiration.
Blessings,
Pastor Doreen
Stewardship
In the previous issue of the newsletter, there was an article encouraging you to consider your financial commitment to the church, and to set it down 
in writing on a pledge card. Thank you to those who took up the challenge and submitted a pledge card. We are hoping that over the past two months, the financial situation has become clearer for those who have not pledged, so that more of you might be able to make a commitment now. As noted in the last issue, the budget is not dependent upon pledge cards, so there is no practical urgency, but with our annual meeting approaching it is helpful to report as accurately as possible. Since I (Ellie) will not be coming to the church in person, you are welcome to send your pledge card directly to me at 177 Charlton Road, Spencer, MA 01562. Pastor Doreen will forward any cards that come to the church P.O. Box by June 4. If you misplaced your card, you can write your pledge down on a piece of paper with your name on it, or e-mail me at elliemay2222@gmail.com.
If you are not comfortable making a pledge commitment, I encourage you to continue supporting the church by sending in regular offerings. As previously noted, it is a meaningful spiritual practice which demonstrates your trust in and thanks to God for the many blessings we have received.
Blessings, Ellie Latham 508-885-6021
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.
– For Ann Orsi and family in their loss of husband/father/grandfather Bob who died on May 29. A memorial service will be planned in the future at a family member’s home, as Bob wished.
– For Babs and Doug, friends of Jackie and Nancy, who are both dealing with serious health issues.
– For the family of John Songy who lost his battle with COVID. John was a police officer in Rutland.
– For the world as a whole.
– For all the school graduates who were not able to gather for recognition and celebration, including Ellie & Ken’s grandson Brent.
– For residents of long-term care facilities and their families, separated due to COVID. Also for people grieving the death of loved ones, unable to receive embraces and hand-holding.
June / July 2020
