Sept 2012 Newsletter


CONGREGATIONAL CONNECTIONS

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Harvest Fair

 Sat, Sept 15 – Rain or Shine

We will be selling Apple Crisp and Ice Cream again this year on the common, and popcorn and soda from the church lawn.

Friday afternoon/evening (the 16th) we will be making the Apple Crisp in the church kitchen with anticipation of that wonderful aroma that fills up the whole church the day of the fair.

If you can help out either day (or both) or if you can spend just an hour or two at one of our sale areas, we would be extremely grateful. If the weather is as wonderful as it was the last two years we will need many hands to get through the day. It’s a great event – hopefully you won’t miss it!

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The Nursery is open!

 

I am delighted to announce that we have another capable and enthusiastic nursery care provider for the year. Sarah Robinson is a life-long resident of Leicester and is a junior at Leicester High. She has completed a babysitting course, and has worked with children in a variety of group activities. She comes highly recommended and is very enthusiastic. She will be a consistent presence for these youngsters who so need stability.

Families can bring children up to and including age 3 to the nursery before worship, or when the older children go to Sunday school. A copy of our Nursery Policy will be given on the first drop-off or on request. Nursery care will be provided every Sunday beginning September 9. Occasional cancellations may occur due to illness or other circumstances.

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Pot Luck Lunch and Family Games Fellowship Event – September 23

I love this tradition we have of gatherings of all ages to break bread and have some fun. Our first of the season will be Sunday, September 23. Hope you can join us.

Just as a suggestion for divvying up contributions, if your last name begins with A-J, please bring a side dish or dessert to share, and if it begins with K-Z, please bring a main dish. We’ll switch next time we gather.

And please join us even if you don’t bring something to share. There is always enough food, and we truly cherish each person’s presence.

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A Note from the Pastor

Grace and peace to you, friends. I apologize for getting the newsletter out so late this month. Sometimes life gets so busy and stressful that deadlines are just too much, and we need to go let go and go with the flow. I have been busy with the move, and by the time you read this, hopefully will have settled in a little more. Right now the house is in a jumble, as is my mind. So I’m going to go with that flow, and share some things that might seem random.

Towards the end of the moving process, in the middle of cleaning my former residence, I took time out to get a massage. I hadn’t had one in years, and it was wonderful. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with my body in a way that is hard to put into words. Just as so many people came to tend to the parsonage – cleaning and fixing, and as Quentin and I are tending to the house we are leaving, this felt like tending of the house of my spirit. It felt like it mattered. As the masseuse took my hand in his and massaged my palm, then each finger, the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful popped into my head – “each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, God made their glowing colors, God made their tiny wings.” I was reminded that, in the words of Psalm 139, I am “fearfully and wonderfully made,” formed by God. I know massages can be expensive, but if you can swing it even once in a while, I recommend it. I got mine with a Groupon discount, at less than half the regular price, so look around for deals.

The other thing I wanted to share is a version of the Footprints in the Sand story, which I read in the newsletter sent out by the First Congregational Church of Worcester. Many are familiar with the original – a spiritual piece about someone who has a dream of walking on the beach with Jesus, and many scenes from their life flash across the sky. The dreamer notices sets of footprints in the sand next to each scene. With most, there are two sets of prints, but in the scenes of the most difficult periods, there is only one set of footprints. The dreamer asks Jesus why he wasn’t there for these difficult periods, and Jesus responds that he was there, and that there was only one set of prints because it was then that s/he was carried by Jesus.

And here is Footprints in the Sand, part II.

Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord’s footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures and returns.

For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord’s, soon paralleling his consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends. This seems perfect, but then there is a change. Your smaller footprints that were once next to Jesus’ are now inside his larger steps. You and Jesus are becoming one.

This goes on for a ways, and then you notice another change. Your footprints inside the larger footprints seem to be growing. Eventually the distinction disappears altogether. There is only one set of footprints. They have become one.
This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back, and it seems worse than ever. Zigzags all over the place. Stops, starts, gashes in the sand. A mess of prints. You are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends.

Now you pray: “Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But you walked along, staying with me and helped me learn to walk with you.” You felt Jesus’ reply, “That is correct.”

“And when the smaller footprints were inside of yours, I was actually learning to walk in your steps, following you very closely.” “Very good… you have understood everything so far.”

“When the smaller prints grew and filled in yours, I suppose I was becoming like you in every way.” “Precisely.”

“So Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first.”

There was a pause as Jesus answers, with a smile in his voice. “You didn’t know? It was then that we danced!”

Love this story! I only hope I don’t have to wait until I am like Jesus in every way before I get to dance with him, as I suspect that will take a while. I’m hoping that Jesus dances even with sinners like me.

Blessings, Pastor Doreen

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Book Study Resumes!

All are welcome to join in these engaging explorations of scripture and spirit.
• The Monday evening group begins its gatherings on September 17 at 7:00 pm We will be reading Love Wins, by Rob Bell. Contact Pastor Doreen for location, or if you need help getting the book.

LOVE WINS. – Available March 15th from Rob Bell on Vimeo.

The Wednesday morning group will meet the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:30 beginning September 19. We will be studying the lectionary texts assigned for Sept. 23, which are:
Proverbs 31: 10-31
Psalm 54
Mark 9:30-37
James 3:13-4:8.

The Lectionary is a 3-year cycle of recommended scripture readings to be used in Sunday worship. Typically the readings suggested for Sunday worship include something from the Hebrew Scripture, a Psalm, a Gospel passage, and an Epistle. Many Christian churches base their services on the lectionary recommendations, so you may find that your friends and family from another church heard a sermon on the same passage(s) you did!

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Women’s Association – Sept 5
Meeting will be on September 5th 12 noon. Feel free to bring your lunch – dessert and coffee/tea will be provided.

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Sunday School News

I am looking forward to another wonderful Sunday School Year! I would like to welcome back Angela Shea – I am truly looking forward to working together again. I would also like to welcome those who have been called to help teach our children this year –
• Pam Morales (1st – 3rd)
• Ellie Latham (Preschool/Kindergarten)
• Bonnalee Bohlman (Preschool/Kindergarten)
• Deb Arsenault (Preschool/Kindergarten)
• Brielle MacDonald (Preschool/Kindergarten)
• Neil Mulrein (Preschool/Kindergarten)
• June Kelley (Preschool/Kindergarten)

I am looking for an additional volunteer to play our first “Wacky Character” – “Spud Russet”
Spud is a stereotypical couch potato who is on a tour of Ireland with his/her friends (who are trying to shake him/her loose from his/her present lifestyle). Spud is lazy and unkempt (not interested in personal hygiene). If you like to laugh please consider volunteering to be this silly character. It only requires about 10 – 15 minutes on 5 Sundays (not in a row – we can discuss dates). Please consider this opportunity – you will be so happy you did!

This year the 4th – 8th Graders will be continuing their study of Jesus’ Factual Life. They will continue to learn what it was like when Jesus lived. These lessons will be mixed with some movie studies. The movie studies will show the kids that the lessons that Jesus taught us show up in our everyday lives. The kids will be watching movies such as Wall-E and Millions. They will then answer some questions, do some projects and will also have the opportunity to apply what they have learned through community outreach.

The 1st – 3rd Graders will begin the year with lessons in Ireland on Everyday Choices. The subjects covered will be:
• Can I Really Make Good Choices Every Day?
• Who Can Help Me Make Good Choices?
• Can I Make Good Choices When It Isn’t Easy?
• Can I Make Good Choices All the Time?
• How Can My Good Choices Become Extraordinary?
• They will also be learning about Worship and Hope this year.

Our Preschool/Kindergarten class will begin with Our Wonderful God with the following lessons:
• God Made Everything Good
• God Made People Special
• God Cares for Posies, Puppies, and People
• God Loves Us
• God is Good All the Time
• They will also have lessons for Christmas and Easter as well as continuing the Boz series of lessons.

Any children who wish to can participate in our Christmas Play this year on our stage! I will be having rehearsals on Sundays from 11:30 – 1:00 beginning in October. I will also be looking for volunteers to help with this. Children are not required to participate but they will have lots of fun if they do! Non-speaking roles will be available for those kids who want to participate but are reluctant to speak in front of people. All ages Preschool and Up are welcome!

This will be a fun and Exciting Year!
Welcome Back!

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Moment for Mission

Heifer.org…my pet (pun intended) charity
By: Bonnalee Bohlman

Mathew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave me food…

Was it serendipity that led me to the Overlook Farm in Rutland? After all, I was just looking for another day trip adventure for my great-nephews, Anthony and Spencer. Or, did God guide my path there to speak to me? Overlook Farm is the home of the Heifer Project.

I guess my conservative ideals are best expressed by the Chinese proverb… “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Heifer’s proven approach – more than 65 year in the making – helps people obtain a sustainable source of food and income. Donations buy animals that will nourish people, who were once hungry, with milk and eggs. The organization’s emphasis on community involvement provides long-term solutions and distinguishes their work from that of global relief organizations. Recipients agree to share the offspring of gift animals with others in need, making them equal partners with Heifer in the fight to end world hunger.

 

Families who for generations knew only poverty will be building new homes and starting businesses. Children who once headed out to the fields to do backbreaking work will be heading into schoolrooms to learn to read. And people who never thought they’d be in a position to help someone else will be experiencing the joy of charitable giving.

I highly recommend a visit to Overlook Farm. There is always someone there to give you a tour of the farm. Learn more about this worthy charity at Heifer.org.

Click Here to link to their website

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Strawberry Hill Fair

 Sat, Nov 10 from 9-2 pm

 

Please let us know if you can help in any way: posters & advertisements set up, table relievers, or kitchen. Let’s use our gifts. Many hands make the job a lot easier.

Items needed for the fair:
Sewing & knitting, Christmas decorations, Silent Auction, Bake table, Country Store, Toys (in saleable condition), Luncheon, Book room, Raffle items and Raffle baskets – it would be greatly appreciated if you could get the baskets to Marie Frascolla by October 27.

Thank you,
The fair committee:
Judy Ivel 508 892-3321
Cindy LaPointe 508 885-9875
Marie Frascolla 508 892-0038

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Parsonage Memories

From Cliff Albrecht
In Sunny Florida

I read with increasing interest, Pastor Doreen’s “Note” in the Congregational Connections. As I continued to read, more and more memories of my encounters with the Parsonage returned, dripping back in my mind. A few years ago they may have flooded back, but things have slowed down a bit lately. My first thoughts went back to Rev. McKinstry’s (not sure I’ve got the spelling correct) era when I was about 10 years old. Mrs. McKinstry, I assume, had passed away sometime previous. I have no memory of her. I do remember however, my parents would invite Rev. McKinstry to Sunday dinner on a regular basis and I enjoyed his company at the table much more than his sermons.

Word had spread among the congregation that the good Reverend was a bit lacking in the housekeeping area and it had been many years since there had been a general sprucing up of the facility. As has happened many times since, and I’m sure many times previous, the volunteers came forward to apply their various skills and elbow grease to shape the place up.

Of course, my father volunteered himself and me to help. During the initial phase, furniture had to be moved so wall paper could be stripped, etc. I was helping move the upright piano away from the wall when a caster broke and caused the piano to fall over, on top of me. I managed to escape with minor bruises but it did get everyone quite excited for a while. I was removed from the furniture detail and put on the wallpaper stripping detail. It didn’t take long for me to get hold of a good long piece of wallpaper which fell down on my head and put a good paper cut on my ear. I think that’s when Mom got a call to come get me.

I can think of several more renovations as the parsonage was readied for the succeeding ministers to the Leicester flock, but none as memorable to me as my first one.

I join with the rest of the Church body in wishing Pastor Doreen and her family a happy and rewarding stay at our Parsonage.

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A note of Thanks from your Stewardship Committee

 

As summer winds down, and autumn approaches, FCC is now starting our fourth month into our new fiscal year! We, however, are not winding down! Our work in our ministries and missions in the church are ongoing. The summer Concerts on the Common are over, Pastor Doreen and Quentin have moved into their new home at the parsonage, we are looking forward to Sunday School starting up soon and the Harvest Fair is just around the corner.

We would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to those that made the commitment to PLEDGE this year. Pledging is a faithful practice and we are filled with joy that you took the challenge! Our pledges do help support our ministries and missions but it’s more about our relationships to God and one another and our community. We give because we are blessed.

To those who have not as yet – it’s not too late – we personally invite you to prayerfully consider to pledge and make the commitment. Again, we would like to remind you, the amount is not nearly as important as the commitment and your pledges remain confidential. Pledge cards are still available in the office. If you would like to discuss any reservations you still may have, please feel free to speak to one of us or to Pastor Doreen, confidentially of course. Thank you for reconsidering.

Blessings,
Deb Entwistle and Ellie Latham

With Gratitude

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Dear Friends,

Such a memorable 90th birthday I have experienced. To celebrate it at The Leicester Congregational Church was very heartwarming and a complete surprise for me. Yes, a surprise even though the plans originated with my own Nancy and Alley.

It made me so happy to hear the small group of Worcester Master Singers, with my granddaughter participating, and to visit with friends at the party which followed the program. The meaningful birthday remembrances from those attending and the beautiful flowers given to me from my friends at the First Congregational Church of Leicester are very much appreciated! Being in this church on my 90th with friends was a reminder of what a wonderful blessing it is to have spent so many years of my life serving in the Ministry of Music and especially the 27 years working with the Leicester Church Choir.

Many thanks for your kindness and help with the celebration. God bless you – one and all.

With my love,
JoAnn May

I want to thank all or friends at the beautiful stone church on the Common. My mother’s 90th birthday celebration was a huge success. My heartfelt gratitude for all the help with ideas, planning, and the party itself. The music, personal words from friends, the food, visiting, impromptu sessions at the piano all contributed to a warm celebration among friends and family. Enclosed is a token in appreciation for the usage of “the choir house,” a term my daughter Ali referred to the Leicester Church when she was 9 months old.

God bless you one and all.

With love and gratitude,
Nancy May Cote