February 2024 Newsletter

Barbara Schenk • January 31, 2024


Dear friends,

 

The season of Epiphany, a season to focus on the beginnings of Jesus’ earthly ministry continues through February 13. The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 14. We will have an in-person worship service that evening at 7 PM. This service sets the tone for the season of Lent, inviting us to follow Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem, while embarking on an inward journey of self-reflection. This year, it coincides with Valentine’s Day, reminding us of Jesus’ self-giving love.

 

We celebrate Holy Communion during this service, as well as Experiencing the Ashes. Please join us if you are able; we will also have a recorded Ash Wednesday service on our website at fostermemorial.org and on our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page.

 

Throughout these Lenten days and nights

we turn to walk the inward way,

where, meeting Christ, our guide and light,

we live in hope till Easter day.

- James Gertmenian


Blessings,

Barbara




February Calendar


Date Event
All month Soup Collection
February 3 Men's Breakfast
February 10 Monthly Drive Through: Focus: Soup
February 11 Pancake Brunch: Fundraiser
February 11 Just Peace Team Meeting
February 14 Ash Wednesday Services at 7pm and on film
February 18 Events Team Open Meeting after worship
March 2 Fosterians: Sandwich Lunch and Bingo


MEN'S BREAKFAST


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. Would love to see you there.



FANCAKE BRUNCH: Sunday, February 11


Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. It is our tradition to hold a fun Pancake Brunch after worship on the Sunday before Shrove Tuesday/Ash Wednesday.

 

This year’s Brunch will be held on February 11 because Ash Wednesday this year is February 14 (Valentine’s Day!)Our theme for this Brunch is Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday. Pancakes, sausage, fruit salad and beverages will be served. We’ll also have a fun Gift Basket Raffle.

 

A free will offering will be collected to help with support for the refugee family from Afghanistan, with whom we have the blessing of walking alongside. The brunch is hosted by our Christian Ed. Team, God Time Guides and lots of helpers! If you would like to help, please speak to Alice Kempf or Pastor Barbara.



ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
DATE: FEBRUARY 14
TIME: 7PM PLEASE JOIN US


There will also be filmed service posted on our website and

Facebook page



SOUPER BOWL OF CARING


We are collecting soup throughout the month of February for the SOUPER BOWL OF CARING. In the past, we have collected as many as 600+ cans of soup. If you cannot shop for soup, donations with “SOUPER BOWL” in the memo of a check are also blessings to this annual outreach ministry. All soup will be donated to the Emergency Food Cupboard of the Open Pantry. Thanks so much for your support.



FEBRURARY DRIVE THROUGH DONATIONS OF FEED
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1-3PM


Our focus will be collecting soup for Souper Bowl of Caring. All non-perishable food donations are appreciated, to be donated to Open Pantry.                   



EVENTS TEAM: INVITATION TO OPEN MEETING: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 AFTER WORSHIP


Everyone is invited to an Open Meeting to talk about plans for fund-raising events for the church this year. We have a few already scheduled. At this meeting, new ideas are welcome and please join us if you are interested in helping with planning and volunteering at events. Please speak to Lori LaTaille or Judy Milano for more information. Hope to see you there!



RECORDED/PRINT WORSHIP SERVICES

We have recorded worship services for each Sunday, posted on

You Tube, our website at http://www.fostermemorial.org/videos/

And on our Facebook page. Worship services are also provided in print through the mail each week for those without computer access. Please call the church office if you would like to be included on our “snail mail” weekly mailing list.



EYE TO THE SKY


If we need to cancel worship or another special event during the winter season, we will try to post on Channel 22. We will have an outgoing message on our church office voicemail (413-782-2112) if worship or major event is cancelled. For smaller meetings, please contact the Chair. Thank you. Reminder: We provide film services, available on our Facebook page and on our website at fostermemorial.org.

August 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schenk • July 28, 2025
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

July 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schnek • June 30, 2025
Dear friends, One of the blessings of this season is gardens, both flowers and vegetables. There’s a hymn I love called “Come to Tend God’s Garden.” When I read the words, written by John A. Dalles, I am reminded that God does not intend for us to be overwhelmed or feeling in despair amidst these tumultuous days. We are called to sow seeds of hope and much more: Come to tend God’s garden, seeds of hope to sow, Planting fields of justice, watching mercy grow! In an arid wasteland, spread a verdant heath! In a land of tumult, cultivate God’s peace! As we tend God’s garden, from its furrows rise Stems of fresh beginnings, stretching toward the skies! Graciousness, our meadow, joyfulness, our root, Unity, our foliage, righteousness, our fruit! Blessings, Barbara
Foster Memorial Church

June 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schnek • May 30, 2025
Dear friends, June is here, with several special activities and events, including our Vendor Fair, Children and Youth Sunday, Special Offering for Cancer Care and more. Please see the articles and calendar in this newsletter for more information.