MAY 2013 NEWSLETTER
CONGREGATIONAL CONNECTIONS
God in the Music, an Evening of Sharing
Thurs, May 2 at 7pm
You are invited to come to the parsonage on Thursday evening, May 2, at 7 p.m. (or when you can get there), and bring songs to share that bring you closer to God, be they sacred, secular or profane. Music should be on CD or MP3. Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to Pastor Doreen by Wed May 1.
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Family Worship: May 12
In honor of Mother’s Day, there will be no Sunday school, allowing teachers and children to worship with their families.
There WILL be Sunday school on May 5.
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2013 UCC Membership Dues
Each church in the United Church of Christ is asked to contribute to the support of the Associations and Conferences of the denomination. Churches benefit from these connections in numerous ways, which are often highlighted in our newsletter in the UCC Connections section.
This year local churches are asked to pay $19.00 per member. First Congregational Church asks that members pay these dues apart from their pledges to the church. Please make checks payable to “First Congregational Church of Leicester”. Checks can be mailed to the church, attn: Ann Orsi, or dropped in the offering plate with note “membership dues.”
If this poses a hardship for anyone, please see Pastor Doreen. Perhaps you can make a partial contribution toward the dues, with the church subsidizing the rest. Also, people may want to contribute extra to help subsidize the dues for those who cannot pay. All contributions are tax deductible.
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A Note from the Pastor
I’ve been thinking about the giving and receiving of gifts. My nephew is getting married in June, and I attended the bridal shower last week. The invitation included information about a gift registry, so I went to the store named, saw the list of gifts desired, chose some things from the list, and accepted the free gift wrap service. At the shower the gift table was laden with similarly wrapped packages. It was so easy!
I thought back to when I was a young bride-to-be and my sisters threw a surprise shower. I really had no idea there would be a shower, as I had been on my own for several years by then, as had my husband-to-be, and we had been letting people know we had everything needed for running a household. We both felt uncomfortable with any implication that people ought to give us gifts, and if they were moved to give us gifts, we did not feel we should tell them what to give. So of course there was no gift registry. (Looking back, I wasn’t even sure gift registries were available back then, but according to Wikipedia, the practice started in 1924 by the department store Marshall Fields.) But it was indeed a delightful surprise to receive wonderful gifts for the shower and again at the wedding. I was touched that people took time to think about what we might like, infusing the selections with their own flair and taste, and perhaps thinking about the things they appreciated having themselves. I still remember the soft pink towels from my fiancé’s close friends, the elegant serving trays from his English cousins, the dishes from my best friend, the great country-kitchen salt and pepper shakers from my cousin. I would never have chosen for us many of the things we received, but I loved them. And I loved the surprise of them.
I can’t help wonder if something is lost when people mostly receive what they ask for or wish for, because sometimes we don’t even know the best things to wish for. This is surely true of life in Christ, isn’t it? Who would ask or wish for a Savior who is tortured and crucified? As Paul said, such is foolishness! Who would think to follow a man who called people to leave behind their livelihood and families to do so? Who would guess that our lives are made whole and rich by letting go of our too-small wishes and desires and instead open ourselves to what the Spirit will bring to us? But it is true! Try it and see.
For the wedding in June, I’m going to off registry and try to find a gift that includes a bit of the couple, a bit of the givers, and a bit of God. It may not be easy, but I think it will be inspiring.
Blessings, Pastor Doreen
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Pentecost Sunday: May 19th
The Birthday of the Church.
Help us celebrate this special day by wearing red and bringing in a red geranium to decorate the altar.
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Looking to grow in faith?
Participating in the life of the church is a great way to do that. We are looking for more people to be active in the functioning of the church. At the Annual Meeting we will be electing people to the various committees of the church. While it is said that people don’t join a church because they want to be on committee, the committees have a tremendous impact on the experience of church, enabling the church to be welcoming, nurturing, and stable. Whatever your interest or passion, there is likely a committee that would be a match. Here is a list of committees.
If you would like more information about them, or are know you are interesting in joining one, please speak to the pastor or to Neil Mulrain of the Nominating Committee. Deacons, Nominating, Religious Education, Trustees, Finance, Pastoral Relations, Missions, Music, UCC Delegates, Stewardship. If you have never served before, would you please consider it? It can be very rewarding.
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Bible/Book Study
Mondays 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays 5:00 p.m. Contact Pastor Doreen or see worship bulletins for locations, schedules and reading assignments.
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UCC CONNECTIONS
Central Association Annual Meeting May 5
At The Congregation Church of Harvard at 4 p.m. It includes a U2charist (Eucharist service with the music of U2) and a game about healthy relationships in congregations. The meeting closes with a dinner catered by the Bromfield School’s famous Chef Paul (chicken marsala or vegetarian pasta primavera). Please contact Pastor Doreen ASAP if you are interested in attending.
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Massachusetts Conference Annual Meeting June 14 & 15 – “Risking Vision”
Join UCC members and clergy from across the Commonwealth as they gather for worship, plenary sessions, hearings and forums, and meals. The theme for this year’s meeting is taken from Habakkuk 2:2-3 – Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. The meeting will be held at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center. Speak to Pastor Doreen if you are interested in attending both or either day.
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Moment for Mission: LifeLinks by Pastor Doreen
My new husband had sold his home of 25 years and moved to Massachusetts to be with me, leaving behind the various good works he’d been involved in. Those of you who know Quentin know he is driven to help people, to give of his time and resources to make life better for others, so he cast about looking for new volunteer opportunities. He has written in this column about two that he found, but he hasn’t mentioned the third. When he first told me about it, I lit up and said, “I want to do that too!”
He had signed on as a volunteer with LifeLinks, Inc., “the pre-eminent agency in the Greater Lowell area providing a wide variety of programs and supports for adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families.” The organization hosts dances for its clients several times per year, and relies on volunteer chaperones. I got the contact information from Quentin, filled out the paperwork and eagerly awaited the next dance. Our chance came in the spring of 2011. The dance was held in an elementary school cafeteria – long, low tables set up along the perimeter of 3 walls, a DJ set up on the stage, and a huge open area for dancing. I sat outside the “dance hall” collecting admission fees, putting stickers and stamps on the hands of the guests.
People were so happy to be coming in, looking for their friends from the day program, wheeled or walked by group home staff. The music started playing and I peeked in to see people rocking out. Some were doing the worm, others twisting and shouting, others wheeling around in their wheel chairs and singing. I stood in the doorway moving to the beat and the staff person suggested I go in and dance. She explained that the clients loved dancing with the chaperones, that it was part of our duties if we were comfortable with it, along with serving and enjoying the pizza and baked goods. That was all I needed to hear, and I was out on the floor. Shy men would approach, looking at the floor while asking for a dance, kissing my hand afterwards. The young woman, who sat in a corner most of the evening leapt to the stage, held a pretend microphone and belted out the words to Dancing Queen when it played. Sometimes there were raffles, sometimes conga lines, but always great music, always loads of people dancing, always yummy food, and always an incredible amount of joy in the room. Quentin and I love it so much we continue to go to the dances (four times per year) whenever our schedule allows, despite the long drive from Leicester. It is truly difficult to accept the thanks of the staff for this volunteer “work” because there is such joy in it for me.
So often we think of giving primarily in terms of money, but when we give of our time and open ourselves up to people we don’t spend time with in our day to day lives, we can be enriched beyond measure. Is there a school, an agency, a program that might benefit from your time and share their gifts with you also?
CLICK HERE to view their web page
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Hot Topic: Summer Worship Schedule
Churches sometimes change their worship schedule in the summer, typically starting 30-60 minutes earlier from Father’s Day through Labor Day. Some also focus on crafting a shorter service, often eliminating the children’s message, and maybe a hymn or anthem. I believe the idea behind it is that summer weather is to be enjoyed to the fullest, especially on weekends, and starting and ending church earlier allows people to get out and experience God in the joy of the outdoors and time with family and friends. When FCC was the Federated Church, worship moved to the Unitarian Church building and started at 9:30. Occasionally someone floats the idea to implement a time change for summer worship here. This is a decision of the Council, but your input matters. What do you think? Would you be more or less likely to come to worship if the start time was earlier? Do you have any thoughts about the structure of a shorter worship experience? Write down your thoughts and add them to the Hot Topics Box in Russell Hall through the month of May, or e-mail Pastor Doreen at pastorfccleicester@verizon.net.
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Pick-Up Choir: Sun, May 12
If you love to sing but can’t make a commitment to becoming a full-time choir member, then our Pick-Up Choir is perfect for you! All voices are welcome, both women and men. And knowing how to read music is not necessary!
Give your name to Bob, Cindy or Jackie by Sunday, May 5, and we will see you at rehearsal!!
Here’s how it works:
Attend rehearsal Wednesday evening May 8(specific time negotiable). Bob will teach an easier anthem as well as a simple introit and benediction.
Attend the Sunday morning “warm up” at 9:00 on May 12. Choose a choir robe, and you’re ready to go!
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Women’s Association Trip to Overlook Farm: Wed, May 1
Meet at the church at 11:30 to carpool. Bring a bag lunch. The tour is rain or shine, so wear appropriate clothing (close-toed shoes) and in case of rain, bring an umbrella or rain gear. Twelve have signed up to go, and there are four more openings. If you would like to join us, please contact June Kelley, tel: 508-892-3795.
The next meeting is June 5, at Hartman’s Herb Farm, Barre, MA. Installation of officers for 2013-14 followed by lunch. A tour of the gardens & greenhouses or a wreath demonstration to be decided at the May meeting.
CLICK HERE for more information about Overlook Farm and Heifer International
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Bunny Day
On Saturday, March 23rd, we held our 10th Bunny Day Easter Party. It was a cold, windy day and this was the first year we actually had to snowplow the front yard for the egg hunt! It was a great team that made everything happen and although it seemed there were fewer partygoers this year it all worked very well and was very enjoyable.
Special thanks to everyone who donated basket items and filled eggs with candy and helped decorate – and most certainly to ALL those who worked so hard on the day of the event to keep all the children busy and happy and loving their experience. YOU ARE ALL WONDERFUL! We sent boxes of food and checks totaling $225.00 to the Leicester Food Bank. Thank you all very, very much…it was a GREAT day.
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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 the Phipps and Southwick families on the loss of Sarah Phipps on April 2.
– For Norma Dodge as she heads off on a hurricane relief mission trip to Maryland
– For Louise Doe, who is now at Brookhaven Assisted Living in West Brookfield
– For those who will never stop missing Gary Orsi, who would have turned 59 on April 23.
– For the family and friends of Roger Menard, including Ellie and Ken Latham. Roger died on April 21. May they all find comfort in wonderful memories of him.
– Continued prayers for Zach, who is being treated for leukemia, and for his family.
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Beautiful
A woman and her little grandson, whose face was sprinkled with bright freckles, spent the day at the zoo. Lots of children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws.
“You’ve got so many freckles, there’s no place to paint!” a girl in the line said to the little fella. Embarrassed, the little boy dropped his head. His grandmother knelt down next to him. “I love your freckles. When I was a little girl I always wanted freckles,” she said, while tracing her finger across the child’s cheek. “Freckles are beautiful!”
The boy looked up, “Really?” “Of course,” said the grandmother. “Why just name me one thing that’s more beautiful than freckles.” The little boy thought for a moment, peered intensely into his grandma’s face, and softly whispered, “Wrinkles.”
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Collector’s Report By Ellie Latham
On March 17th, the Council appointed me as Interim Collector. I look forward to your help and patience through the training curve while maintaining confidentiality. Until I am accustomed to your preferred allocated funds (Missions, Building or Organ Fund) please indicate your preference on your envelope or on your check. Otherwise, it will go to church expenses. Thank you for your cooperation.
Collection totals: (includes Special Collections – Lenten/Easter)
March 3 $1,428.00
March 10 $ 786.00
March 17 $ 752.60
March 24 $ 652.00
March 31 $1,341.85
April 7 $1,312.00
April 14 $ 465.00
April 21 $ 488.50
Total above $7,225.95
