June 2015 Newsletter

Congregational Connections

The First Congregational Church of Leicester
June 2015 Issue

Nominations

There are several openings on our church committees.

Anyone interested in serving can contact Neil or Carol Mulrain at 508-867-3741 or mulsey@charter.net.

A Neighboring Church – Follow Up

I have a list of names of people who have expressed interest in continuing the conversation begun by church consultant Betsy Waters about finding new vitality in reaching out to neighbors (home and church neighbors). I so appreciate your interest, and didn’t want to leave you hanging. I will follow up this summer. We have the gift of time, and I’m willing to take it. But rest assured I have not forgotten. If you did not sign up yet, but are interested in participating, please let me know. This can be done from a distance for those friends and members who live out of state.

Concerts On The Common 2015

Hot Dog Committee

Ron & Cindy LaPointe

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 1st and will continue through the third Wednesday in August. (5 concerts in July and 3 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, except for the first concert which will be held in the Town Hall if the is bad. All concerts are scheduled for 6:30 until 8:30 PM this year.

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 one 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. A sign-up sheet will be available in Russell Hall. 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 so much!

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 Ellie Latham as she recovers from a blood clot.
For Brenda Ponton and family dealing with serious medical issues.

A Note from the Pastor

Grace and peace, my friends. Finally, finally spring has really sprung, and summer is just around the corner. We do not publish a newsletter in July, and with the delivery delays some have experienced, this may be the last you hear from me until school is back in session (unless, of course, you come to worship). Although our worship attendance remains fairly steady through the summer, it feels somehow that the connection is a little bit looser. Maybe it is because the bible and book study groups go on hiatus. Maybe it is the break from my denominational roles. Maybe it is the reality of vacations – yours and mine. So I’d like to offer an opportunity to connect in a slightly different way.

I have been reading a book by Barbara Brown Taylor called An Altar in the World, in which she expounds on twelve spiritual practices that can help us remember that God is at home in all the world, not just in churches. These practices are not scary – not 20 minutes of meditation while sitting twisted like a pretzel – not reading mystical tomes. These are things like taking off your shoes and standing somewhere outside with bare feet. My thought is that I could summarize a chapter, share her suggestion for a practice, maybe offer one of my own, and invite your suggestions or comments. I would do this once a week via e-mail from June 14 to August 30. And perhaps those in the local area could get together in early August to do a practice or two together. No commitment required. No checking in if you don’t want to. Just let me know if you are interested, and I will include you in the e-mails. You can read it or not, try the practice or not. For those who are interested but not on e-mail, I would gladly print out a hard copy of the e-mail and either send it through the post office, or give to you on Sunday. And whether or not you join in, I pray that all of you feel the presence of Christ with you through the season.

I want to thank you all for your prayers for my sister and parents. Things are looking up all around. My sister is gaining weight and feeling better, and my father should be getting his hip replaced sometime this summer. Continued prayers, please, that this brings him the relief he craves.
Blessings, Pastor Doreen

Christianity 101

Confirmation Class

I am considering faith formation options for 2015/2016. In addition to our adult bible study and book groups, I am would like to offer a multi-aged class in which we learn some of the basics of what it means to be Christian (some history; teachings about God, Christ, Holy Spirit, the Cross & Resurrection, Church, Heaven, Hell, Sin and Evil; the Bible); about our denomination (United Church of Christ); and how it all of it impacts our lives (or not!). For those who have not been Baptized or Confirmed, it will be great preparation for that, but it also will be an interesting refresher for those who have already experienced such milestones. There is no upper age limit for the class, and the lower age limit is flexible. If you think your child is able to engage in meaningful discussions about faith, s/he is welcome. I imagine approximately 8-10 sessions (commitment required) plus optional outings such as the UCC Youth Confirmation Retreat, Worcester Area Mission Society Overnight Mission Outing, Worcester Fellowship service, and/or Community Worship Suppers at FCC. Classes would be scheduled on Sunday late afternoon / evening – exact weeks and hours negotiable with interested parties. Please send me an e-mail or call if you are interested (978-846-6498 or pastorfccleicester@verizon.net). I would need a commitment from at least four people by July 31 for this to move forward. So far I have three – 2 teens and an adult. A group of 6-10 would be ideal, and, really, lots of fun. This is the last note going out before the deadline, so if you are interested, please don’t delay. Let me know right away.

Stop Hunger Now

On Sunday May 17th, a group of volunteers from our church, Leicester Unitarian and Christ Episcopal, gathered together at Christ Episcopal Church in Rochdale for a massive meal packaging event. In less than 2 ½ hours, about 40 people measured, weighed, packaged, sealed and boxed nearly 19,500 meals. The volunteers ranged in ages from under 10 to senior citizens. It was an assembly line of love and compassion. AND, it was fun! We had lively music to keep us motivated and a gong sounded every time we finished 1,000 meals. Everyone cheered when that happened.

Stop Hunger Now is a year round meal packaging program. Community leaders and volunteers from corporations, churches, educational institutions and civic organizations package dehydrated, high protein, and highly-nutritious meals which are used to save lives in developing countries around the world. The meals from Sundays’ event will go to Nepal where there is an urgent need because of the recent earthquake in that area.

To host an event, you need to set a goal for the number of meals you will package and contact your local Stop Hunger Now program coordinator. You need to recruit volunteers and then begin to fund your event. All you need to raise is $.29 for each meal you package. At First Congregational Church, we had a quarter collection tube at the back of the sanctuary and an anonymous donor challenged us by matching funds collected up to $500. Our total collected was $1,140.00.

Yes, there is a world hunger crisis; nearly 870 million people lack adequate food and more than 25,000 die each day from hunger-related illnesses (Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2012). But the reality is that this crisis is surmountable. The Stop Hunger Now meal packaging program is recognized as a viable solution to combat hunger among the worlds most impoverished. It has been fulfilling its mission to end hunger across the globe for 15 years. On Sunday, WE were part of the solution! And what a wonderful feeling it is to help someone in need. This was the second year that First Congregational was involved with Stop Hunger Now. For more information on Stop Hunger Now, visit www.stophungernow.org. Maybe you know an organization or club that would like to sponsor an event. TOGETHER, WE CAN END HUNGER.

Thank You * Thank You * Thank You

I am so blessed to have such a caring and generous church family. These last four weeks with my illness has been a challenge for sure. With each passing day, I realize I am one grateful and lucky woman with our Good Lord watching over me. I also know the Holy Spirit is shining down on me, through all of you, with healing powers as you keep me in your prayers and give me strength to face each day. This will be a slow and long ordeal. I appreciate and thank you from the bottom of my heart for the beautiful bouquet of flowers, all the get well /thinking of you cards, calls, texts, emails, and wonderful meals (Ken says thank you too) and for all you do. “I thank God for You.” (II Timothy 1:3)
With love & blessings, Ellie Latham

Collector’s Report

Loose Offerings Envelopes/Pledges Stop Hunger UCC dues Totals
4-26 145.00 993.00 500.00 60.00 1,698.00
5-03 35.00 698.00* 100.00 833.00
5-10 13.00 523.00 537.00 100.00 1,173.00*
5-17 53.00 453.00 80.00 586.00
5-24 102.65 363.00 50.00 20.00 535.65
Totals $348.65 3,030.00 1,087.00 360.00 $4,825.65
• Includes $6.00 that should go to Missions

Since this will be my last monthly Collector’s Report, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support and patience these last couple of years. I know you will give my successor the same as will I. Please note, to indicate on your checks if any portion goes to the missions committee. Once again, thank you for your support. I appreciate your trust and support. Ellie