Oct 2013 Newsletter
Congregational Connections
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Strawberry Hill Fair: November 9
Yes! It is Fall! The crisp mornings and sunny days and the trees in all their beauty are a picture to remember.
It is also time to think about creating a magical day at the fair. For many years we have come together to create wonderful items, handmade knitting & crocheted items.
The Christmas room is full of keepsake ornaments, door and table decor for the holiday season; and let’s not forget Christmas stockings.
There is always something new to discover. The silent auction filled with so many wonderful treasures. Some things just bring back memories of long ago- not to mention that perfect something you have been looking for. The Basket Raffle has something for everyone – a great place to get some great holiday gifts for all ages. The General Raffle has lots of great items for you or a great gift. Everyone loves home baked goodies and we have many of them – some packaged for gift giving. The General Store brings us back in time with many great homemade food items – jams , relishes even handmade bird feeders. And don’t forget the veggies, hot dogs and popcorn. Lunch is always a surprise. Our kitchen crew, they sure are creative. Face painting and games will be enjoyed by the children. Enjoyed a good book? You can donate it to the book room.
Whoops! I forgot to mention many hands are needed to make all this possible. We sure could use your talents and any ideas to help make our fair realize another successful year. Many hands are needed on the day of the fair also. If you can help in any way- OR HAVE ITEMS TO DONATE- please contact a member of the committee.
Marie Frascolla (508 892-0038)
Judy Ivel (508 892 3321)
Cindy LaPointe (508 885 9875)
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A Note from the Pastor
Grace and peace, my friends. For the past few years our newsletters have featured a “Moment for Missions,” in which people share about an agency / organization that they have personally supported through contributions of time or money. Sometimes the church has also supported these agencies, whether through gifts of the Women’s Association, from our Missions giving, or special collections. It has been a wonderful way to become more acquainted with all the good work being done in the world to help people, and to lift up the generosity of the souls at FCC. You will be hearing more from our Missions Committee about gifts made recently out of a donation to FCC by the Adams Square Congregational Church upon their closing. However Jackie Henderson, who has been recruiting contributors for the Moment for Missions columns, recently said she is not sure who else she can ask.
It got me wondering if we can start sharing about a different kind of missions ministry – justice work. The way I understand missions work is that it has two components – outreach and justice. Outreach seeks to alleviate suffering by responding to it when it occurs. We give food to the hungry, blankets to the cold, clothing to those in need, money to the poor, shelter to the homeless. Justice work seeks to decrease suffering by addressing their causes. Justice work asks, “Why are so many people hungry, cold, homeless, poor, ill?” Justice work seeks to change the systems or wider conditions that cause or exacerbate these things. Since such deep-rooted problems are usually very complex in cause – it is not just one thing – there is always going to be disagreement on what actions might be effective, and there are always concerns about unintended consequences of any actions taken. This is where things often get controversial or “political,” and it can be scary to open up those conversations.
And yet we have the example of Christ Jesus who, when he walked in this world, did not shy away from controversy and politics. Yes, it may well be what got him killed, but that shows how important he thought it was to engage in these big issues that affected God’s people. I wonder if we can look to his resurrection, to the new life we are offered by following him, and risk these conversations in trust of a positive outcome. I have found such positive outcomes when I have risked these conversations one-on-one with parishioners, and in the Monday evening book group. Participants have been willing to share differing perspectives, listening with respect, disagreeing about particulars while honoring the goodness of each person and the validity of each concern. I would love for our church to be a model of how to engage in “political” conversations. I think we are just the ones to do it.
Will you try an experiment with me? Over the next several months, I will feature in my Notes a few justice issues, and organizations that seek to address them. The month following such a feature, I will share responses to the issue and organization. For instance, if I feature the problem of racial injustice and talk about the NAACP (which I will at some point), the next month I will share YOUR responses to it. Perhaps they will be positive and encouraging responses; perhaps they will disagree as to whether racial injustice is a real problem, or whether legislative action or other work of the NAACP is effective in response. I ask that when you share your responses you first make a positive statement validating the concern, and I ask that you be respectful in tone and language, i.e., no name-calling, no put downs.
It can be scary but also very exciting to start looking at some of the complex problems of this world, and to ask what our role is in solving them, whether as individuals or as Christians. If you have ideas about justice work to be presented, please let me know. If you would like to talk through a response to something either before or instead of sharing it in the newsletter that would be great. Just call me and we’ll set up a time to talk.
Please be assured that I am not committing any financial or philosophical support to any justice work organization on behalf of First Congregational Church. When I share about any personal involvement, I will make clear that it is personal, and not in my role as pastor here. In sharing your responses, I hope to offer a wide range of perspectives so that it doesn’t seem I am pushing a personal / political agenda, but again, just opening up some conversation. Perhaps next month I will share your response to this idea in general. So let me have it, respectfully and kindly of course. I think we can do it, and I think it will be exhilarating. Call or e-mail me (pastorfccleicester@verizon.net).
Blessings, Pastor Doreen
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UCC Connections
The Massachusetts Conference is hosting a day of workshops and worship on Saturday, October 26 at the Tri-County Regional Vocational High School in Franklin. The theme of the program is “Risking Vision.” Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the welcome and worship start at 9. The program ends at 3:30 p.m. Since we did not have any nominees for the church delegate slots, any interested party is most welcome to attend (up to 3 people subsidized). Please check out the Conference website for information on the workshops being offered (www.macucc.org) or see Doreen for information or to register.
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Worcester Fellowship: October 27
We are scheduled as lunch providers for WF on Sunday, October 27. Quentin Lewis usually organizes this effort, but he and Doreen will be away that weekend. We are looking for a volunteer to coordinate the making/packing of lunches and their delivery to the Worcester Common. Quentin will ensure that all needed supplies are at the church. We have been doing this for a few years now, and the procedure is fairly straightforward. Won’t you please consider taking this on? Also, look for the donation sign-up sheet beginning October 13.
In other WF news, they have been accepted as a covenant church partner with the Central Association of the UCC, which means they have standing as a UCC church. There will be a Rite of Acceptance during their worship service on Sunday, November 10, followed by a great outdoor party. All are invited, so please come celebrate a new sister church of the UCC. Pastor Doreen will be participating in the Rite.
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Our “Hot Topic” for October
The autumn weather is cooling, but our monthly “Hot Topics” survey continues!
Our goal as a committee is to tune into all types of activities and relationships within the church and discern what works great, what doesn’t work at all, and what could use some adjustment. The area we are focusing on this month is fellowship – the ways we build relationships within the church us through social contact. It might happen during coffee hour or while working together on fundraiser events, or through special social events like the church picnic.
Over the past few years, pot luck lunch and family games events were scheduled after worship. It started monthly, the first Sunday each month. The scheduled was changed the next year, and they were held less frequently. As Pastor Doreen worked to prepare the September newsletter, she wondered if there was interest in continuing these events. We agreed it was a job for Hot Topic. We want to know what you think. Have you enjoyed the pot luck lunch and family games events? Would you like to see them continue? If so, how often? Do you have a scheduling suggestion?
What other events might help you get to know the people you worship with? What have you done through a church in other places or at other times that might work well here and now? Do you prefer events for all ages, or should there be age-segregated events? Should events be mostly at the church or outside of the church?
If you have a great idea for a fellowship event, would you be willing to help to implement it?
Please take a moment to stop by the little table in Russell Hall and tell us what you think. Your opinions matter!
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Swaddled by Love Free Clothing Shop
It is important in this church to be supportive of new ideas for ministry in our community, so the Women’s Association and other church members were pleased to help implement the idea suggested by Heidi Ferraro to convert the book room into a book and free clothing shop. Unfortunately Heidi had to move south this past spring. Since then Angie Shea has graciously taken on the task of sorting through donations and putting them out on display.
The goal has always been to open the shop to the wider community, not just to church folks. We are trying to figure out ways to get the word out, and to offer times that people can come by to “shop.” Angie is working on a flyer / poster that will go to the food pantry. Do you have other ideas for spreading the word? We are also looking for people to donate time to staff the shop. It can be either a set time or by appointment only. Angie is willing to stay around after worship to staff the room, so that people can come and shop on Sundays from 11:30-1:30. Please speak to Angie or Doreen if you are willing to help out at another time. If there is not enough support for this ministry, we may have to let it go. But it would be a shame not to try a little harder. Thanks so much.
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Collectors Report by Ellie Latham
Loose Offerings Envelopes/Pledges
Aug 4 $ 24.00 $645.00
Aug 11 $ 72.61 $340.50
Aug 18 $106.00 $573.00
Aug 25 $152.00 $705.50
Sept 1 $111.00 $1099.25
Sept 8 $ 45.00 $698.00
Sept 15 $ 69.00 $554.50
Sept 22 $ 84.00 $613.00
Totals $663.61 $5228.75
I am currently preparing Tax Donation Statements from the first Sunday of our church fiscal year, June 2 through September 22. I hope to have them available for pickup on Sept 29th (see me Russell Hall after worship service) or I will mail them to you that week. If you find an error or discrepancy, please call me to let me know at 508-885-6021.
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Bible/Book Study
All are welcome to join in these engaging explorations of scripture and spirit.
• The Monday evening group meets at 7 p.m. (except 2nd Monday), and will be reading War of the Worldviews: Where Science and Spirituality Meet — and Do Not, by Deepak Chopra & Leonard Mlodinow. Speak to Doreen about location and specific assignments.
• The Wed morning group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 10:30 at the parsonage. We will be exploring some of the Prophetic books, beginning with Joel (10/2) and Amos (10/16).
• The Thursday evening group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. We will be reading Making Sense of Scripture, by David Lose. See Doreen for specific location and assignments.
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Breaking Bread and Giving Thanks
At the Religious Education brainstorming session held in July, an idea was suggested for building a sense of connection between the generations of the church, some ritual that might strengthen the bond and the joy. We would like to gather for a song as we start our fellowship time after worship, just as the children join us from their Sunday school classes or right after worship when they worship with us. So beginning October 6, as we make our way downstairs, as you are getting your snack, we will take a moment to stand in a circle in Russell Hall and sing a song together (accompanied by a CD).
We hope you will join us. If you have an idea for a song, please see our Deacon Chair Carol Mulrain.
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Hot Dog Committee and Harvest Fair – THANK YOU
In the blink of an eye (it seems) summer has come and gone. It seems as though just a couple of weeks ago we were just getting set up to begin loading the
Ron & Cindy LaPointe
trailer and opening the Concert Season and here it is, already, the final week of September and beyond the weekend of the Harvest Fair. Whew !…. where does the time go ??
Many people have been busy all summer long with wonderful results. We are especially grateful to all those who donated items to the Hot Dog Committee to sell at our hot dog stand. To all our bakers (Wow……such great treats!) and to EVERYONE who loaded coolers, cooked hot dogs and made popcorn, helped with set-up and clean-up, waited on everyone who came to purchase our goods, tended the cash box and greeted everyone with a “hello” and “Thanks for stopping by” and/or “have a nice day” and to those who came back week after week to help realize a successful summer … you really made it happen! We ended the concert season with a profit of $2,992.00 – a job well done.
The Harvest Fair was a wonderful event and the weather this year was delightful. On Friday afternoon/evening we put together 40 pans of Apple Crisp in about 2 ½ hours (we’re really getting this
down to a science) and the baking began at about 8 AM on Saturday morning. We set up the tables and decorated our booth and were ready for our Board of Health inspection by 9 AM. We had great help all day long and when things started to get REALLY busy it continued right up to the end of the day when the fair ended at 4 PM. The Popcorn and Soda stand was busy ALL day also, and together our profit for the day was $1,409.00. Thank you so much to everyone who helped prepare and work our tables this year. You are all invaluable and we are so very grateful for all that you do for our church.
Blessings and Thank You one and all.
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The Woman’s Association, Oct 2
Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 2nd at the church in Russell Hall at 12:00 noon. Please bring a pair of scissor, common pins and a pencil for tracing if you have them. We will be making baby clothes. Come and join the fun, all are welcome
Marie Frascolla, President
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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 Mary Ellen Brosnihan on the loss of her friend Amy, “a true gift from God.” Amy had gone missing, and her body was recently found. Pray that Amy is at peace, and that her loved ones are carried through this terrible tragedy.
– For George (Chip) Karle who was in a motorcycle accident Saturday, 9-28, and is in serious condition. He is a musician friend of Ellie and Ken Latham.
– For all those suffering with health, disabilities, depression or mental illness
– For those impacted by suicides, that the peace that surpasses all understanding breaks through the pain, anger, guilt, confusion and shock of such a death.
– For those dealing with cancer of all kinds, and with the ups and downs of treatment, remission, recurrence, and relapse.
– For Pat Peters and her husband Jim as she battles pancreatic cancer.
– For Jan Albrecht, who is battling BP problems after hospitalization. These issues kept her and Cliff from a visit north last month. Let’s pray for speedy healing for Jan, TLC in the treatments, and comfort for both Cliff and Jan. And may they come visit soon.
– Prayers of thanks from Gloria and Brian Besse for the loving support and prayers from you for them and their son Edmund as they deal with his ongoing medical issues. They especially want to thank the angel who dropped off a pack of diapers and a gift card for them at the church.
– For Doreen’s father Paul Cullen who is having an exploratory procedure on Oct. 7.
