February 2026 Newsletter
Dear friends,
The season of Epiphany, a season to focus on the beginnings of Jesus’ earthly ministry, continues through
mid-February this year.On Sunday, February 15, we will hold our annual Pancake Brunch, marking the end
of the Epiphany Season. We combine this with a fun Mardi Gras theme! Our free-will offering for the brunch
will go to help support the Afghan family with whom it is our blessing to walk alongside. They are doing very
well; this month marks the fourth year since their arrival to Chicopee and the beginning of our very blessed
relationship! The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 18. 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 being invited to embark on an inward journey of our own self-reflection. 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.
Blessings,
Barbara
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
JUST PEACE TEAM MEETING
The Just Peace Team will meet on Sunday, February 8, after worship. All are welcome.
MEN’S BREAKFAST: Saturday, February 7
All men of the church are invited to join on February 7 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!
FEBRUARY DRIVE THROUGH DONATIONS OF FOOD Saturday, February 14, 1-3 PM
Our focus will be collecting soup for The Souper Bowl of Caring. All non-perishable food donations are appreciated,
and will be donated to The Open Pantry.
SHROVE SUNDAY PANCAKE BRUNCH: February 15
We will have our Shrove Sunday Pancake Brunch with a “Mardi Gras” theme on February 15. A free will offering will be
taken to help support the Afghan family with whom we walk alongside. The brunch is being hosted by our Christian
Ed. Team and friends.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP SERVICE: February 18
Time: 7 PM Everyone welcome!
FEBRUARY
Saturday, February 7: Men’s Breakfast 8:20 AM
Sunday, February 8: Just Peace Team meeting
Saturday, February 14: Food Drive: 1-3 PM
Sunday, February 15: “Shrove Sunday” Pancake Brunch: Fundraiser for the Afghan family
Wednesday, February 18: Ash Wednesday service: 7 PM
Sunday, February 22: Prayers for the Nation: 4 PM
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
Second Wed.: Finance Board/Executive Board
Third Thursday: Prep for Loaves and Fishes Meal
Third Friday: Serve Dinner: Loaves & Fishes
Last week: Deliver baked goods to L & F
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
We are collecting soup through the end of February for a special mission ministry called “Souper Bowl of Caring.”
All soup will be donated to the Emergency Food Cupboard of The Open Pantry. Our support is appreciated. Let’s
see how much soup we can collect!!
EYE TO THE SKY
If we need to cancel worship or another special event during the winter season, we
will try to post on local TV channels 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. Reminder: We provide film services, which are available on
our Facebook page and on our website at fostermemorial.org.
SAVE THE DATES!
MARCH QUARTER AUCTION: Friday, MARCH 6 Doors open at 6 PM. The auction begins at 7 PM. Admission: $5.00 for two
paddles. Bring a non-perishable food item for a FREE third paddle! Everyone is invited to bring quarters and friends for
a fun evening and a chance to win some great items from our vendors! This month, a portion of our proceeds will go to
our church’s Loaves and Fishes meal ministry, a program of The Open Pantry here in Springfield. Dinner food and snacks
will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Lori LaTaille at 626-9040.
Looking Further Ahead:
One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday: Sunday, March 15
Maundy Thursday: Thursday, April 2
Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 5
Vendor Fair/Yard Sale: Saturday, June 6
FUNDRAISING BY GROCERY SHOPPING:
BIG Y GIFT CARDS Thank you to everyone who has purchased Big Y gift cards through our new fundraising program. For each
card purchased, the church will get a benefit of 5%. It doesn’t sound like much, but together, we are raising around $200
per month for the church—just by our regular shopping. It’s handy to keep a card in your wallet to be used at Big Y or
Fresh Acres or the Big Y gas pumps. See Jeanie Marsh if you would like to order any cards for yourself or for others.
