August 2025 Newsletter
Dear friends,
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer – it seems to be flying.
I know we have been very concerned about issues going on that are dividing our nation. Decisions being made can shake us to the core, daily. We have started Waving for Peace on Sunday mornings, in addition to Monday afternoons, and the response from our neighbors passing by has been overwhelmingly positive. We will also be looking for more ways to advocate for God’s justice in the coming days, including our hosting an International Peace Event in September.
There are many hymns that can move us onward and upward with hope and conviction of faith. One of these is entitled Community of Christ, with words by Shirley Erena Murray.
Community of Christ, through whom the world must sound-
Cry out for justice and for peace the whole world round;
Disarm the powers that war and all that can destroy,
Turn bombs to bread and tears of anguish into joy.
When menace melts away, so shall God’s will be done.
The climate of the world be peace and Christ its sun;
Our currency be love and kindliness our law,
Our food and faith be shared as one forevermore.
Blessings,
Barbara
CALENDAR FOR AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
August
Saturday, August 2:
Men's Breakfast: 8:20am
Sunday, August 3:
11th Anniversary Waving for Peace
Saturday, August 9:
Monthly Food Drive: 1-3pm
Sunday, August 10:
Blessing of School Supplies
Just Peace Team Meeting
Wednesday, August 13:
Finance Board/Exec Board
Sunday, August 24:
Prayers for the Nation: 4pm
September
Thursday, Sept 4:
FMC Hosts Crop Rally 5pm
Friday, Sept 5:
Quarter Auction: 7pm
Saturday, Sept 6:
Men's Breakfast: 8:20am
Sunday, Sept 7:
Worship Resumes at 10am
Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser
Wednesday, Sept 10:
Finance Board/Exec Board
Saturday, Sept 13:
Monthly Food Drive: 1-3pm
Sunday Sept 14:
Rally Sunday
Sunday, Sept 21:
FMC hosts Peace Day Event: 3-5pm
Thursday, Sept 25:
Pastor hosts local UCC clergy
Saturday, Sept 27:
Fosterians 11:30am
Sunday, Sept 28
Prayers for the Nation: 4pm
ONGOING
Sunday mornings:
- Church School and Nursery Care
- Coffee Hour after worship,
- Waving for Peace
Mondays:
- Waving for Peace: 3:30-4 PM
Wednesdays
- Cutting Edge Group: 5-6 PM
Third Thursday:
- Prep for Loaves and Fishes Dinner
Third Friday:
- Serve Dinner at Loaves and Fishes
Last week:
- Deliver baked goods to Loaves &
- Fishes (Bun Runners)
SAVE THE DATES
- Crop Walk for Hunger: Sunday, October 5
- Blessing of the Pets/Animals: Sunday, October 19
- Pancake Brunch for Tenzin: Sunday, October 26
- Fosterians Gathering: Date TBD
MEN'S BREAKFAST: SATURDAY, AUG 2
All men of the church are invited to join on the first Saturday of the month for breakfast at a local restaurant. We meet at 8:20 AM in the front parking lot. All are welcome and invited to bring friends!
AUGUST DRIVE THROUGH: SATURDAY, AUG 9
Time: 1-3 PM in our church parking lot. We will be collecting food for the Open Pantry and School Supplies for Rebecca Johson School. REMINDER: We collect non-perishable food for Open Pantry every Sunday. All donations are so appreciated.
TEXAS ROADHOUSE FUNDRAISER: SUNDAY AUGUST 3: 11:30am - 3pm
Show this to your server for our fundraising benefit.
BIG Y GIFT CARDS
See Jeanie Marsh to order Big Y gift cards. This is an ongoing fundraiser for the church. Thanks for your support!
FOSTER SOFTBALL TEAM
Congratulations to our softball team, who has done VERY well this season! Playoffs are on Saturday, August 2 at Bethany Church in Agawam. Stay tuned for what time our team will be playing!
https://www.interchurchsoftball.com/
Go team, go!
11th ANNIVERSARY OF OUR WAVING FOR PEACE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
Please join us right after worship for an all-church photo to mark our 11th anniversary of our Waving for Peace ministry. We will also plan to Wave for Peace after coffee hour.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR REBECCA JOHNSON
We will be collecting school supplies each Sunday through August 10. Needed: Everything from pencils to back packs, notebooks, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, and two and four pocket folders. Thanks to everyone for your support!
MONTHLY QUARTER AUCTION: SEPTEMBER 5
Doors open at 6 PM, and the auction begins at 7 PM. Everyone is invited to bring quarters and friends for a fun evening and a chance to win some great items from our vendors! There will also be a raffle! Admission: $5 for two paddles. Bring a non-perishable food item and receive a free third paddle. This month, a portion of our proceeds will go to: Tapestry Health: https://www.tapestryhealth.org/
More details to come. Dinner food and snacks will be available for purchase. Speak to Lori for more information.
FOSTERIANS: SAT, SEPT 27 11:30AM
All women welcome! Theme: Big E! There will be a Pizza lunch with a free will offering taken to cover costs. More details will be coming soon!
INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY: MAY PEACE PREVAIL
Sunday, September 21: 3- 5 PM Rain Plans: Inside
We need helpers for set up, clean-up and refreshments. Please speak to Pastor Barbara if you would be able to help. Our Just Peace Team is one of the participants in this event. We hope you can join us.
GREATER SPRINGFIELD CROPWALK FOR HUNGER
Please save the date for the walk: Sunday, October 5. We gather for the walk at Trinity United Methodist Church on Sumner Ave, at 1 PM. The walk kicks off at 2 PM; we walk through Forest Park (either one or three miles), and return to Trinity for refreshments. We always need helpers with refreshments and our “Welcome Back” team, as well as walkers and sponsors. Please speak to Pastor Barbara if you can help.
SUNDAY, OCT 19 AT 2PM
Join us for this special event! All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Photos of pets also welcome! Everyone is also invited to bring pet food, toys and supplies to be donated to Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. New or gently used towels are especially needed. Everyone welcome, with your pets, or just come to enjoy!
NEWS FROM OUR CHURCH OFFICE
- Thank you!
We want to thank Patrick O’ Brien for his good work for us as our Admin. Assistant since the spring of 2024. Patrick will be finishing up on August 22. - CANCER CARE SPECIAL OFFERING: THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone for your donations to our own special Cancer Care offering. A total of $1051.00 was raised, to be divided between Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center and Baystate Health D’Amour Cancer Center. Everyone’s support is greatly appreciated
