June/July 2018 Newsletter
The First Congregational Church of Leicester
Congregational Connections
Connections in a new reality
At our Annual Meeting on June 24, there will be a discussion and possibly a vote regarding a significant change in the distribution of our newsletter, Congregational Connections. If it is decided to make this change, we will be working to reduce the mailings as much as possible as we make the newsletter available through e-mail and our website. IF YOU WANT TO ENSURE CONTINUED RECEIPT OF THE NEWSLETTER THROUGH THE MAIL, YOU MUST CONTACT US TO LET US KNOW. If you would like to receive it through e-mail, and are uncertain about whether we have your correct e-mail address, please send an e-mail to pastorfccleicester@verizon.net, indicating your interest. If we do not hear from you, you may be dropped from the distribution list. Thank you for your assistance with this process.
SOUPER TUESDAY WRAP UP
Last years’ Lenten mission was so successful that we did it again this year. Volunteers from the church were here every Tuesday (except one snow date) to provide soup and fellowship to our Leicester neighbors for six weeks. Some cooked the soup and others helped to serve and clean up. And there was a wide 
variety too; curries, vegetarian, beef barley, chili and even a seafood chowder. Bread and crackers were always on the table and some kind of dessert or two appeared every week.
Our guests included people from the Town Hall, Library, many regulars from last year and even some people from out of town who came back again. Despite the soup lunch being offered free, many generous donations filled the free will offering basket on the table. People stayed and chatted long after their meals were finished. It was a wonderful experience.
Norma Dodge originally brought this idea forward and it continues to grow. This year thank you notes were given to the guests. We welcome everyone to come for lunch and if you would like to join in the fun and help in any way, that would be awesome too!
A Note from the Pastor
In her book, The Great Emergence (2012), church historian Phyllis Tickle asserts that approximately every 500 years, the Church undergoes a dramatic transition, and that we are living in such a transitory period now. She uses the metaphor of “the 500-year rummage sale” to talk about the sorting process – sifting through doctrines, traditions and practices to determine what to keep and what to let go. The goal is to simplify and keep what is most valuable and useful. Now such time periods are too vast for me to wrap my mind around and notice patterns, so I will leave that up to the experts, but surely, we can see that just in the last decades there has been great transition in the role of Church in our society, and notable change in the First Congregational Church of Leicester.
Many of the changes are not the result of careful consideration of value and usefulness, not an intentional keeping or letting go. People stopped coming – whether it was because they moved away, passed away, were discontent with something about the church, or got distracted by other activities – the number of participants in worship and in church life has decreased dramatically. The people who stayed have aged and find it increasingly difficult to do many of the things they used to do. So Boards and Committees are not staffed as they used to be; there is little rotation of leadership since there are so few leaders to begin with. Fundraising and social activities have decreased because the effort of organizing and running them is beyond our collective energy.
And yet this acknowledged limitation has pushed us, individually at least, to be intentional about where we spend our energy. I see spiritual growth and nurture taking precedence over fundraising; the expression of care and gentleness toward each other being prioritized over getting things done. Letting things go can stir up feelings of grief, loss, and fear, along with relief. And yet we are called by Christ to a continual process of metanoia, of turning and transformation. Last fall we had guests from the Association come lead a discussion about the “why’s” of our church. Continuing to clarify them and act in a way that prioritizes them is an important task as we move forward into an uncertain future.
Perhaps as we approach our Annual Meeting, we might think together about a metaphorical “rummage sale” for FCC. What are the valued and useful beliefs and practices that we wish to keep? What are the things that, though they are imbued with the fondest of memories, are no longer useful, or complicate things too much to be simply who and what we are called to be? We will get a return visit from the Association reps in the fall, but we don’t need to wait for them to keep the questions up front: Why are we (FCC) here? How do we matter to members and friends, to the community, to the wider world? Do we spend our time and money to support these “why’s” and “how’s”? Is there anything we can let go of to make room for the Spirit to move us in a new way?
I look forward to pondering these questions with you through our next year together.
Blessings, Pastor Doreen
No More Coffee Shop Hours
No one has joined me since I returned to B-Laws on May 1. That leads me to believe this is not filling a need. But I would still love to have some breakfast, lunch or snack with you and catch up. We can do it on your schedule and at a place you enjoy. Just call or e-mail me and we’ll set something up.
ONA Bible Study: June 3
After coffee hour, in Russell Hall. Please join us as we explore the scripture passages relevant to the question of being open and affirming. It can be helpful to hear a variety of translations, so feel free to bring your own bible. We will finish up by 1 p.m.
Annual Meeting Notice: June 24 (see Insert)
There will be a pot-luck lunch before beginning the meeting. Please sign up in Russell Hall on or by June 17 to bring a dish (or call the church).
Women’s Assoc. Meeting & Luncheon: June 6
June 6 at 12 noon, at Pine Ridge Country Club. Individuals may order from the menu. Advance notice appreciated – please contact Ellen Orsi, Marie Frascolla, or Judy Ivel.
Church Stewardship
We did not have a formal stewardship campaign this year, but ask that people who support the church financially continue to do so. If you are not able to come to church, and would like to fill out a pledge card for the June 2018-May 2019 program year, please contact the church by phone (508-892-3274) or e-mail (pastorfccleicester@verizon.net) and a card will be sent to you. May you be blessed in your giving.
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 Della and Jan, friends of Mary Simmons
• Prayers of comfort and love for David who is on hospice.
• For Carol Mulrain’s brother Joe as he faces major surgery in the next week or so.
• For Lizz who recently lost her best friend of 30 years to cancer
• For First Congregational Church Council as we plan for a new year
