About Us
Foster Memorial Church UCC
What We Believe
Our church is a member church of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC)
The United Church of Christ (UCC) is an inclusive and diverse community of Christians connected by faith that calls us to build a just world for all. Our ministries advocate at a national and global level, but our roots are planted firmly in our local churches in communities.
We believe the UCC is called to be a united and uniting church. “That they may all be one.” (John 17:21) The UCC has no rigid formulation of doctrine or attachment to creeds or structures. Its overarching creed is loves.
We believe that God calls us to be servants in the service of others and to be good stewards of the earth’s resources.
We believe that the UCC is called to be a prophetic church. As in the tradition of the prophets and apostles, God calls the church to speak truth to power, liberate the oppressed, care for the poor and comfort the afflicted.
We are a people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear … for after all, God is still speaking.
To learn more about our conference, please visit
https://www.sneucc.org/
To learn more about our denomination, please visit.
https://www.ucc.org/
Sunday Mornings
Worship Service
Time & Date:
September - June: Sundays at 10am
July - August: Sundays at 9:30am
Location:
Foster Memorial Church UCC
1791 Wilbraham Rd.
Springfield, MA 01119
Accessibility
Our church has a side ramp that leads into the sanctuary, accessible restrooms and a lift operated by trained volunteers to assist people up and down from main floor to our lower level.
The Beginning
Brief History of Church
The summary of some of the highlights of the church’s history is based on the following two books: This Place of Thy Dwelling - Foster Memorial Church. Editor: Mrs. Ruth Ward, Church Historian. Foster Memorial Chal Church History 1970 through 2006, by Historical Council of Foster Memorial Church. If interested in more information, you can borrow either of these books from the church office.
Many, many pastors have served this church To name just a few
- Dr. George Sherman Rollins
- Rev. John B Lewis
- Rev. Charles M. Bezdek, Jr.
- Rev. David Dean
- Rev. Dr. Bruce Breuer
- Rev. Barbara Schenk
Our gratitude to The Rev. Dr. Robert Loesch for compiling this historical information.
Official formation of 16 acres branch of Hope Congregational Church
Deed of land conveyed from Cyrus Foster to the newly organized church 1912
Cornerstone laid for the new chapel building
First pastor – Dr. George Sherman Rollins (also pastor at Hope Church)
Chapel was dedicated
Foster Memorial Church legally funded
The Church became a member of the Hamden association and of the Congregational denomination
1949 The church received deed transfer a property from Hope Congregational Church.
1952 Plans for a new church building behind the little white chapel were made.
1954 Cornerstone placed in the new building.
The house of worship in the new building opened
The Weekly Nursery School began
The church officially became a member of the United Church of Christ denomination
The first carillon was installed in church belfry
Started sponsorship of a family of refugees from Vietnam
Started ministry of providing food for Loaves and fishes soup kitchen of the Open Pantry once a month
New Baldwin church organ was installed
Purchase of the house and land at 1779 Wilbraham Road
Started sponsorship of a refugee family from Kosovo
Sponsorship of a refugee child started through the UC Child Sponsorship.
The Church became an Open and Affirming Church
Began annual Blessing of the Pets/Animals
Church Peace Pole was installed on the front lawn and dedicated. Words “May Peace Prevail” printed in Hebrew Spanish Tibetan and English
Lift (Elevator) installed
The Church became A Just Peace Church within the United Church of Christ
Started monthly Drive Through Collection of Food Donations
Due to Covid pandemic, the Church provided alternatives ways of worship and gatherings, including Zoom meetings and recorded worship services, as well as monthly Food Drive for Open Pantry.
Started sponsorship of a refugee family from Afghanistan
Meet Us
Our Staff
Rev. Barbara Schenk
Pastor
Frank Jackson
Organist and Choir Director
Heidi Mayfield
Admin. Assistant
Hayley LaTaille
Childcare Provider
Become Involved
Opportunities to Serve/Become Involved
Our Officers and Boards members are elected at our Annual meetings. Boards include: Christian Education, Trustees, Deacons, Finance, Music and Endowment Trustees.
Some of our teams that have no set terms include:
Nominating, Missions, Events, Prep and serving meals for Loaves of Fishes, and Coffee Hour.
Some of our Ad Hoc teams for special projects include Monthly Drive Through for Food Collections, Fundraising/Funraising Events and special Mission projects/programs.
Additional opportunities include:
Visual Arts/altar design, Adult Chancel Choir, God Time (church school) Guides, Nursery care, Gardening, helping with special events and projects, Waving for Peace weekly witness, Lift operators, Lay readers and Ushers for worship services and participating in our special groups including our women’s “Fosterians.”
Contact Us
Get In Touch
(413) 782-2112
revschenk@comcast.net
1791 Wilbraham Rd. Springfield, MA 01119
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our church, please don't hesitate to reach out! You can call or email office or send a message online. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Be sure to follow our facebook page!
