foster-memorial-church-v4

May 2026 Newsletter

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:42:24 GMT

Dear friends,

The joyful season of Easter continues this month. This season lasts 50 days and ends on Pentecost Sunday, celebrated this year on May 24. During this season, we focus on Jesus’ appearances to his followers after his death and resurrection.

One of my favorite hymns for this season is In The Bulb There is a Flower by Natalie Sleeth.

In the bulb there is a flower;

in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise:

butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter

there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season,

something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence,

seeking word and melody.

There’s a dawn in every darkness,

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future;

what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season,

something God alone can see.

Blessings,

Barbara

Worship Each Sunday at 10 AM

Nursery Care and Church School provided. Coffee Hour after worship.

May 2026 Calendar

Friday, May 1 — Quarter Auction: 7 PM
Saturday, May 2 — Men’s Breakfast: 8:20 AM
Sunday, May 3 — Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser
Saturday, May 9 — Drive Through for Open Pantry
Sunday, May 10 — Just Peace Meeting
Sunday, May 31 — Prayers for the Nation

Ongoing

Sundays: Waving for Peace after worship
Mondays: Waving for Peace, 3:30–4 PM
Wednesdays: Filming of Sunday Service, 2 PM · Cutting Edge Group, 5–6 PM
Second Wednesday: Finance Board / Executive Board
Thursday before 3rd Friday: Prep for Loaves and Fishes Meal
Third Friday: Serve Dinner at Loaves & Fishes
Last week of the month: Deliver baked goods to Loaves & Fishes

Looking Ahead

Saturday, June 6 — Vendor Fair / Tag Sale
Saturday, June 13 — Workday for Trustees and Friends
Saturday, June 13 — Drive Through Donations for Open Pantry
Sunday, June 14 — Children and Youth Sunday
Sunday, June 21 — Last Sunday for Choir
Sunday, June 21 — Cancer Care Special Offering
 Sunday, June 28 — Prayers for the Nation

Quarter Auction — Friday, May 1

Admission: $5 for two paddles. Part of our proceeds will go to The Gray House. Bring a non-perishable food item, to be donated to The Gray House Food Pantry, for a free third paddle. Dinner food and snacks will be available for purchase.

Note: This is the final Quarter Auction until September.

Men’s Breakfast — Saturday, May 2

All men, members and friends of the church, are invited to meet in the front parking lot at 8:20 AM and then go to a local restaurant for breakfast.

Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser — Sunday, May 3

Show this to your server to help raise funds for the church.

Food Drive for Open Pantry — Saturday, May 9, 1–3 PM

In our back parking lot. Our focus foods are pasta and rice. All non-perishable food is appreciated.

Just Peace Team Meeting — Sunday, May 10

Our Just Peace Team meetings are held after worship on the second Sunday of the month in the Foster Room next to the kitchen. These meetings are always open to everyone.

Prayers for the Nation — Sunday, May 31

Everyone is welcome to come together for a time to pray for our nation after coffee hour on this date.

Donations for The Gray House

We are going to hold a special collection for The Gray House for the following items: toothpaste, toothbrushes and hand soap. We will continue the collection through the month of May.

Ongoing Fundraiser: Big Y Gift Cards

Thank you to everyone for your support! The church benefits 5% from this fundraiser, which is adding up nicely. Please see Jeanie Marsh if you would like to order cards.

Vendor Fair & Yard Sale — Saturday, June 6, 2026, 9 AM–3 PM

In our back parking lot. Rain or shine!

If you would like to be a vendor, please call Lori at 413-626-9040 or email lorilhi@aol.com.

New and gently used items for sale — something for everyone! Bake Sale, lunch food for purchase, and a fun Gift Basket Raffle.

Volunteers Are Needed

Help is needed for set-up, clean-up, cashiers, lunch prep, serving and more. It takes the help of many members and friends of our church to make this fundraiser a success. Please speak to Lori LaTaille or Judy Milano if you can help.

Donations Needed

New or gently used articles
Please: no clothes or linens
Small appliances only (no TVs)
Donations of jewelry are appreciated
We also need baked goods

Special Offering for Cancer Care — Sunday, June 21

On this day, we will have a special offering; we are also invited to decorate luminary bags in memory or in honor of someone with cancer. Our offering will be donated to Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center and Baystate Health D’Amour Cancer Center. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Cutting Edge Team — Wednesdays from 5–6 PM

We have a team of volunteers who are assisting our Garden Angels with outdoor work. When it rains, the team comes in to take on short projects. Everyone is welcome to help. The team works each week for one hour. If you would like more information, please speak to Keith Walker.

Foster Memorial Church Softball Team & Schedule

For the weekly schedule, consult this website: https://www.interchurchsoftball.com/

Go team, go!

April 2026 Newsletter

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:57:52 GMT

April 2026

Dear friends,

We begin this month with Holy Week , and celebrate Easter Sunday on April 5. Following is the season of Easter, which lasts 50 days until Pentecost Sunday, celebrated this year on May 24.

This season focuses on the Easter message that love is stronger than hate and death will never have the last word.

May this focus encourage us and strengthen us to be Easter people, striving to follow Jesus our Savior, who showed and shows us how to shine God’s light of love and justice into the world.

One of my favorite hymns for Easter season was written by Brian Wren:

Christ Is Alive!

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.

The cross stands empty to the sky.

Let streets and homes with praises ring.

Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

Christ is alive! No longer bound

To distant years in Palestine,

But saving, healing, here and now

And touching every place and time.

Christ is alive! and comes to bring

Good news to this and every age,

Till earth and sky and ocean ring

With joy, with justice, love, and praise

Blessing in this holy season and in every season,

Barbara

April Dates:

Thursday, April 2: Maundy Thursday 7pm
Friday, April 3: Good Friday FILMED service
Sunday, April 5: Texas Roadhouse
Friday, April 10: Quarter Auction 7pm
Saturday, April 11: Drive Through 1-3pm
Sunday, April 12: Just Peace Meeting
Sunday, April 19: Prayers for the Nation
Monday, April 20: Trustees meeting: 6:30pm
Saturday, April 25: Fosterians: 1-3pm

Maundy Thursday Service: April 2

In-Person Service at 7 PM

This service focuses on the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples. There is also a Service of Tenebrae (“Shadows”) including special scripture readings of the Passion of Jesus.

Good Friday Service: April 3

Please note: Filmed Service Only

The focus for this service is the crucifixion of Jesus, through the lens of “The Symbols of Good Friday.” The film will be posted on our website at fostermemorial.org, You Tube, and on our Facebook page.

Easter Sunday Services: April 5

In-Person at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM

Our early service features the construction of our “Flowing Cross.” Our 10 AM service includes special music by our Chancel Choir and the “Unpacking of our Alleluias!” Please join us as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior!

Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser

Show this graphic to your server for 10% proceedsfor the church. Thanks for your support!

APRIL MONTHLY QUARTER AUCTION

We are holding our next Monthly Quarter Auction on Friday, April 10. 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. Part of our proceeds will go to One Call Away Veterans Support Center (OCA). Bring a non-perishable food item, to be donated to OCA, for a free third paddle! Dinner food and snacks will be available for purchase.

MEN'S BREAKFAST: NOTE DATE CHANGE

Just for this month, the men will meet on the second Sat,

April 11 at 8:20 AM in the front parking lot. All men welcome. (Usually this is held on the first Sunday of the month)

JUST PEACE TEAM MEETING: Sun. April 12

Our Just Peace Team meetings are held after worship in the Foster Room next to the kitchen. These meetings are always open to everyone.

PRAYERS FOR THE NATION: Sunday, April 19

Please note date change
Because of a wider UCC event happening on our usual date, this will be held on Sunday, April 19. Time TBD.

FOSTERIANS GATHERING: April 25: 1-3PM
All women are welcome and welcome to bring friends.

We’re having a Spring theme with a Tea Cup Auction. You’re

invited to bring a new or VERY gently used item for the Auction. Help with hosting and donations of desserts are needed. Please contact Lori or Judy if you can help or need more information.

ONGOING
Sunday mornings:

Church School and Nursery Care
Coffee Hour after worship
Waving for Peace

Mondays:

Waving for Peace: 3:30-4 PM

Wednesdays:

Filming Sunday Service 2 PM
Cutting Edge Group: 5-6 PM

Second Wed.:

Finance Board/Executive Board

Thurs. before 3rd Fri:

Prep for Loaves and Fishes Meal

Third Friday:

Serve Dinner: Loaves & Fishes

Last week:

Deliver baked goods to L & F

TWELVE MONTH TOTAL FOR FOOD DONATIONS TO OPEN PANTRY
In the last twelve months, between our weekly collections, monthly food drives, and Quarter Auctions, we have donated approximately 4,000 pounds of food to Open Pantry’s Emergency Food Cupboard! Thanks to everyone!

SHROVE SUNDAY PANCAKE BRUNCH RESULTS
Thanks to our shopping, cooking, set up and cleanup crew for our February Shrove Sunday Pancake Brunch, and to all who came to this fundraiser. We raised over $490.00 as a gift of support for the Afghan family with whom we have had the blessing to walk alongside for the last four years.

REPORT FROM OUR DELEGATES
Installation of The Rev. Dr. Holly Norwick

The First Church of Monson :Sunday March 1, 2026

On Sunday March 1st Pastor Barbara, Rev. Dr. Bob Loesch and I had the pleasure of representing Foster Memorial at the installation of their pastor, The Rev Holly Norwick. Making it extra meaningful, Rev Holly was called exactly one year ago on March 1st. Hampden Association clergy, delegates, church members and friends filled the sanctuary to celebrate her ministry.

The occasion began with a question-and-answer period, and Rev. Holly’s sharing of the journey that led her to Monson. The service then moved to her formal Installation, filled with music, prayer, and scripture. The entire time was punctuated with vocal music highlighting their lively youth group “The Treble Makers” as well as Monson’s Johnson & Son organ. The service moved to Rev Holly’s formal welcome to the Association with the laying-on-of-hands and prayer.

It was a joyful occasion, and we were pleased to represent Foster Memorial.

--Rev. Susan Tarrantino, Foster delegate

RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES
Along with in-person worship service, we offer pre-recorded worship services, posted each week (and for special services) on YOU Tube, on our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page and on our church website: http://www.fostermemorial.org/videos/

Worship services are also provided in print through the mail each week for people who do not have access to the internet. If you would like to receive printed bulletins and sermons, please contact Pastor Barbara through the church office.

SAVE THE DATES
Friday, May 1

Quarter Auction

Saturday, May 2

Men’s Breakfast

Sunday, May 3

Texas Roadhouse fundraiser

Saturday, May 9

Drive Through for Open Pantry

Sunday, May 10

Just Peace meeting

Sunday, May 31:

Prayers for the Nation

Saturday, June 6

Yard Sale/Drive Through

A NOTE FROM ERIN LUKENBILL

Friends of Foster Memorial,

Thank you for the many ways you support CWS (Church World Service) including your recent donation to CWS Blankets! Because of you, individuals in need receive a tangible sign of love and hope at the time they need it most. Thank you for continuing to care for neighbors in need – both near and far.

NOTE: We also recently received word that our local CROP Hunger Walk ranked 46th in raising the most money out of all the walks around the country!!! Thanks to everyone for your support!

March 2026 Newsletter

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:01:52 GMT

Dear friends,

The season of Lent began on February 18 and continues until

Easter Sunday, celebrated this year on April 5. (See the schedule

for Holy Week included in this newsletter) During this season,

we’re asked to devote time for inner reflection, taking stock of

our lives. And we are called to reach out, in Christian service, to

neighbors, near and far.

One of the ways we do that each year in March is through our

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special offering. This year,

the offering will be collected on March 15. The money from this

offering is utilized through Wider Church Ministries of the UCC,

to respond to a variety of global and local concerns by providing

advocacy, sustainable development resources, long-term disaster

recovery support, and assistance for refugees and asylum seekers,

working in collaboration with our partners locally and globally

Our generosity ensures that the transforming power of love will

continue to support our neighbors in need, here in our country and

around the world.

Attached to this newsletter is an activity calendar for Feb. 22-

March 15 to help us gain deeper understanding about the work of

this offering. Thank you to Sharon Gormbley for designing this

calendar.

Blessings,

Barbara

FUNDRAISING BY GROCERY SHOPPING: BIG Y GIFT CARDS

Thank you to everyone who has purchased Big Y gift cards for

our 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 almost $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.

PRE-RECORDED FILMED SERVICES

We continue to offer recorded worship services for each

Sunday, and special holy days, posted on You Tube, on our

website at http://www.fostermemorial.org/videos/ and on our Facebook page. through to the end.

Thank you to all who gave their time, talent and treasure throughout the year. The amount entered

for Receipts does not include unplanned transfers from our savings or other accounts needed to pay

bills from month-to-month.

TEXAS ROADHOUSE FUNDRAISER: MARCH 1

QUARTER AUCTION: FRIDAY, MARCH 6

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 for the Open

Pantry for a FREE third paddle. Part of the proceeds will be

donated to Loaves and Fishes, meall program of the Open

Pantry in Springfield. Dinner food, baked goods and snacks

will be available for purchase. Hope to see you there!

MEN’S MONTHLY BREAKFAST: SATURDAY MARCH 7

All men of the church are welcome to gather in the front

parking lot at 8:20 AM to go to breakfast at a local restaurant.

Friends are always welcome!

JUST PEACE TEAM MEETING: SUNDAY, MARCH 8 AFTER WORSHIP

Everyone is invited to this gathering.

DRIVE UP COLLECTION OF FOOD FOR OPEN PANTRY: SATURDAY, MARCH 14 1-3 PM BACK PARKING LOT

All donations of non-perishale food are appreciated!

Please spread the word about this event with friends!

GATHERING FOR FOSTERIANS: Saturday, March 28 1-3 PM

All women are invited to a gathering of our “Fosterians” on

Saturday, March 28 downstairs in Fellowship Hall. Our theme

will be the season of spring. Please let Judy or Lori know that

you are coming and if you would like to bring help host and/or

bring a dessert. All women of the church are welcome and

invited to bring a friend!

PRAYERS FOR THE NATION: SUNDAY, MARCH 29: 4 PM

Everyone is welcome to come together for a time of

scripture, reflection and prayers for the nation.

Palm Sunday Service at 10 AM (March 29)

On this day, we remember Jesus fulfilling ancient prophecy by

riding into Jerusalem in a most unusual kind of parade.

Maundy Thursday Service (April 2) In-Person Service at 7 PM

This service focuses on the Last Supper Jesus shared with his

disciples. There is also a Service of Tenebrae (“Shadows”)

including special scripture readings of the Passion of Jesus.

Good Friday Service (April 3) Please note: Filmed Service Only

The focus for this service is the crucifixion of Jesus, through the

lens of “The Symbols of Good Friday.” The film will be posted on

You Tube, our Facebook page and our website at

fostermemorial.org

Easter Sunday Services (April 5) In-Person at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 AM

Our early service features the construction of our “Flowing

Cross.” Our 10 AM service includes special music by our Chancel

Choir and the “Unpacking of our Alleluias!” Please join us as we

celebrate the resurrection of our Savior!

MARCH

Friday, March 6: Quarter Auction: 7 PM

Saturday, March 7: Men’s Breakfast: 8:20 AM

Sunday, March 8: Just Peace Meeting

Monday, March 9: Zoom Informational Call about Kidney Donation 5:30 PM

Saturday, March 14: Food Drive: 1-3 PM

Sunday, March 15: One Great Hour of Sharing Sun.

Saturday, March 28: Fosterians: 1-3 PM

Sunday, March 29: Palm Sunday/ Prayers for the Nation: 4 PM

APRIL

Thursday, April 2: Maundy Thursday service: 7 PM

Friday, April 3: Good Friday FILMED SERVICE

Saturday, April 4: Men’s Breakfast: 8:20 AM

Sunday, April 5: Easter Sunday Services: 8 AM and 10 AM

Friday, April 10: Quarter Auction: 7 PM

Saturday, April 11: Food Drive: 1-3 PM

Sunday, April 26: 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: Filming Sunday Service 2 PM Cutting Edge Group: 5-6 PM

Second Wed.: Finance Board/Executive Board

Thurs. before 3rd Fri: Prep for Loaves and Fishes Meal

Third Friday : Serve Dinner: Loaves & Fishes

February 2026 Newsletter

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:57:29 GMT

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.

January 2026 Newsletter

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:05:44 GMT

Dear friends,

When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people

--Howard Thurman

As I write this, we are heading into the 12 Days of Christmas, the season of Christmastide. At the end of the twelve days, we begin the season of Epiphany. On Epiphany Sunday, (celebrated January 4 this year) we re-experience the story of the Magi’s visit to the Christ Child and his mother, Mary.

As the season continues, our focus is on the early times of Jesus’ ministry on earth, his teachings, healings, and miracles. Themes for this season include God’s light and AHA! experiences of transformation. The liturgical color for Epiphany is white.

During this holy season, may Jesus, the Light of the World, be revealed to us and through us.

Blessings,

Barbara

BUDGET PRESENTATION FOR 2026/SPECIAL MEETING

We will hold an Informational Meeting about the Budget Proposed for 2026 on Sunday, January 18, following our worship service.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING: SUNDAY, JAN. 25

Our church’s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 25 after worship. There will be a special soup luncheon, provided by the Deacons and friends. A free will offering will be collected; all proceeds will help to fund our dinner ministry for Loaves and Fishes. Although voting is limited to church members, we also encourage church friends to attend. The meeting will include the acceptance of annual reports, the election of officers and board and committee members, discussion and voting on the 2026 budget and other business that may be brought before the meeting. Your participation is both needed and appreciated. Please plan to attend.

REPORTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT

All written reports should be completed by January 7. Please email reports to Pastor Barbara. Thank you.

PLEDGES FOR 2026

Thank you to everyone who has already made a financial pledge to the church. All pledges are a blessing and greatly appreciated. Pledge letters and cards are available in the entryway to the sanctuary. Boxed envelopes are in the hallway next to our Friendship Room. Please sign the clipboard if you do not see your box of envelopes and would like to receive them. Thank you for your support!

JANUARY SCHEDULE

Saturday, January 3: Men’s Breakfast: 8:20 AM

Sunday, January 4: Epiphany Sunday/Texas Roadhouse

Sunday, January 4: Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser

Saturday, January 10: Food Drive for Open Pantry 1-3 PM

Sunday, January 11: Just Peace Meeting after worship

Sunday, January 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday/Blankets Offering

Sunday, January 18: Budget Proposal Meeting 11 AM

Sunday, January 25: Annual Meeting/Soup Luncheon

Ongoing:

God Time, nursery care Sundays at 10:00 AM

Waving for Peace, Sundays at 11:30 & Mondays from 3:30-4 PM

MEN'S BREAKFAST

Men's Breakfast will be held on Saturday, January 3. All men are invited to meet in the church’s front parking lot to leave for breakfast at 8:30 AM.

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!

STAR WORDS

Everyone is welcome to receive a Star Word for the year ahead. We will be distributing them throughout this month on Sunday mornings. These are words we are invited to reflect on during the year to come. You can contact Pastor Barbara to select star word for you if you are unable to come to worship. Or, you are welcome to select a word from the stars below.

JANUARY FOOD DRIVE

This month’s Drive will be held on Saturday, January 10: 1-3 PM in our back parking lot. We will be collecting Food for Open Pantry. Our focus foods: Soup, pasta and rice.

JUST PEACE TEAM MEETING

Our Just Peace team has an open meeting on the second Sunday of each month, following worship. All are welcome.

COLLECTION OF JACKETS AND COATS

We will continue to collect new and gently worn coats and jackets for all ages throughout this month. All donations will be distributed through Rebecca Johnson School, Gray House and Loaves and Fishes. Thank you for your support!

"BLANKETS +" SPECIAL OFFERING

Each year, over 8000 congregations and organizations across the nation collect donations for the offering of CWS (Church World Srvice), providing funds to help people in need around the world. Our donations help provide:

*Blankets, tents, food and other emergency supplies in the wake of a disaster.

*Tools and seeds for refugees returning home to replant their fields

*Wells for families living in drought prone areas

*Literacy training for women struggling to realize their potential

*And much more!

We collect a special offering for Blankets + on Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday, observed this year on January 18.

WAVING FOR PEACE

We witness for peace every Sunday after coffee hour and Mondays from 3:30-4 PM . All are welcome! We don’t wave if the weather is bad (heavy rain or snow or ice). We keep an “eye to the sky” especially in the winter months!

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

Everyone is invited to start collecting soup for SOUPER BOWL OF CARING outreach ministry. We will be collecting soup throughout January and February. Our donations will help our neighbors who receive services through the Open Pantry, here in Springfield.

EYE TO THE SKY

If we need to cancel in-person worship or another special event during the winter season, we will post on local TV channels. For smaller meetings, please contact the Chair or Facilitator. NOTE: A pre-recorded worship service is available for viewing each week.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD CAMPAIGN NONVIOLENT SPECIAL EVENT FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

Everyone is invited to a special program entitled “Living The Gospel with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sister Dr. Thea Bowman.” Guest speaker: Sister Melinda Pellerin

Monday, January 19, from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Mary, Mother of Hope Church 840 Page BLVD, Springfield, MA 01104

Co-Sponsored by PAX CHRISTI MA & Sisters of St. Joseph

Contact Bob Loesch or Pastor Barbara for more information.

LOOKING AHEAD - FEBRUARY

Sunday, February 15: “Shrove Sunday” Pancake Brunch: Fundraiser for the Afghan family

Wednesday, February 18: Ash Wednesday service: 7 PM

December 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:51:47 GMT

Dear friends,

As we enter the Advent season, we are aware of God’s people, creatures and creation struggling for freedom, healing and wholeness. Our Savior Jesus came to earth, born as we are all born, to show us God’s intentions for the world, for justice and mercy, unity within diversity, and the deep peace of God’s shalom. In this holy season, may we focus on the reasons Jesus came to earth and do all that we can to shine God’s holy light of hope, peace, joy and love.

Hear us, God, for we are praying

Hear us, God, for we are laughing in our joy

Hear us, God, for we are crying out to you

Wondering what will be, what will be

Speak to us, God, for we are listening

Speak to us, God, for we are waiting for your voice

Speak to us, God, in our hearts and all around

Show us what can be, what can be –

Chris Grundy

Blessings,

Barbara

December Calendar

God Time (church school) and nursery care are provided.

Following worship, we enjoy a time of refreshments and conversation in our Fellowship Hall.

Saturday, December 6: Men's Breakfast at 8:30am

Saturday, December 6: Fosterians Gathering: 1-3pm

Sunday, December 7: T. Roadhouse: 11:30am - 3pm

Saturday, December 7: Christmas Fun after worship

Saturday, December 13: Food Drive Through: 1-3pm

Sunday, December 14: Blessing of Gifts for Gray House

Sunday, December 14: Just Peace team after worship

Sunday, December 21: Christmas Pageant during worship

Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Service 7pm

Sunday, December 28: Prayers for the Nation: 4pm

MEN’S BREAKFAST: Saturday, December 6

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!

FUNDRAISER: TEXAS ROADHOUSE :

Sunday, December 7th 11:30am - 3pm

WORSHIP SUNDAYS AT 10AM

God Time (church school) and nursery care are provided.

Following worship, we enjoy a time of refreshments and conversation in our Fellowship Hall.

FOSTERIANS GATHERING: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6: 1-3PM

All women of the church are invited to a fun afternoon. We’ll have a “Yankee Christmas Swap” (bring gifts $5-10 to swap) and collect donations (suggested: $5) for holiday bags to be distributed to our confined members and friends. Please let Judy or Lori know that you are coming or call the church office at 782-2112. Friends are invited too!

CHRISTMAS FUN CRAFTS: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7th

During coffee hour on this day, everyone is invited to join in creating special crafts for the season.

GIFT BASKET RAFFLE: NOV 23 - DEC 7

We are having an ongoing Gift Basket Raffle through December 7. Thirty seven different fabulous prizes! You can purchase

Six tickets for $5, or a stip of 25 tickets for only $10! All proceeds will go to help the church. The auction will end on December 7 at 12:30 PM after Christmas Fun crafts!

DECEMBER DRIVE THROUGH COLLECTION OF DONATIONS: DECEMBER 13: 1-3pm

We will be collecting food for Open Pantry and winterwear. We are so grateful for the response to these events by our church folks and our community friends from all around our area.

GIFTS FOR GRAY HOUSE

We are collecting toys and games and gift cards for children and youth, to be distributed through the Gray House. Please bring gifts unwrapped. Ideas for teens include blankets, gift cards, and toiletries. The gifts will be blessed on Dec. 14.

DONATIONS OF WINTER WEAR FOR OUR MITTEN TREE

Through December 24, we will be collecting new mittens, hats, scarves and gloves for all ages for our Mitten Tree.

COLLECTION OF JACKETS AND COATS

We will also be collecting new and gently worn coats and jackets for all ages, to be distributed through Rebecca Johnson School, Gray House and Loaves and Fishes. Thank you for your support!

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO OUR VETERANS

We are invited to sign holiday cards to be distributed to the residents of the Holyoke Veterans Home. You may wish to take some home to fill out and return the following Sunday, or fill out cards during coffee hour. This is a small way that we can extend our caring for our veterans. Please see Sandy Moore for further information.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Our Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 21, during our worship service. Rehearsals begin on November 30, with a full rehearsal after worship on December 14. All children and youth are invited and encouraged to participate.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Our Christmas Eve service will be held at 7 PM on December 24. This service is designed for all ages. We hope that you can join us.

EYES TO THE SKY

If we need to cancel in-person worship or another special event during the winter season, we will post on local TV channels.

For smaller meetings, please contact the Chair or Facilitator. NOTE: A pre-recorded worship service is available for viewing each week.

WAVING FOR PEACE

We witness for peace every Sunday after coffee hour and Monday from 3:30-4 PM . All are welcome! We don’t wave if the weather is bad (heavy rain or snow or ice). We keep an “eye to the sky” especially in the winter months!

ANNUAL REPORTS

For everyone writing an annual report, please email reports to the church office by Friday, January 3.

November 2025 Newsletter

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:38:42 GMT

Dear friends,

This month, our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving and Blessings.

I am grateful for the ways that we, as this community of

faith, continue to offer encouragement and care for one

another and shine God’s light of hope into the world.

Blessings,

Barbara

Thanksgiving is

a time of gratitude to God, our Creator and Provider,

whose guidance and care go before us...

and whose love is with us forever.

Thanksgiving is

a time to reflect on the changes,

to remember that we, too, grow and change

from one season of life to another.

Let us remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

As we see the beauty of Autumn,

let us acknowledge the many blessings which are ours...

and let us give thanks in our hearts.

--Author Unknown

CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER

Saturday, November 1: Men’s Club meet at 8:20 AM

Sunday, November 2: Texas Roadhouse: 11:30 AM- 3 PM

Friday, November 7: Quarter Auction 7 PM

Saturday, November 8: Food Drive Through 1-3 PM

Sunday, November 9: Just Peace Team: after worship

Sunday, November 23: Thanksgiving/Stewardship Sunday

Sunday, November 30: Prayers for the Nation: 4 PM

Ongoing:

Worship Sundays: at 10 AM with God Time (church school) and childcare provided each Sunday

Pre-recorded worship services posted on Sunday mornings on YouTube, Facebook and our website at fostermemorial.org

Waving for Peace: Sundays after coffee hour & amp; Mondays 3:30 – 4:00 PM

Monthly prep for Fishes and Loaves dinner: Thursday before the third Friday. Serving Dinner on the Third Friday at South Church at 4:30 PM

MEN’S BREAKFAST: Saturday, November 1

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!

FUNDRAISER: TEXAS ROADHOUSE :

Sunday, November 2 from 11:30AM-3PM

INTERFAITH GIVING THANKS CELEBRATION: Sunday, Nov. 2

Sunday, November 2 from 2-4 PM Dodge Room, Campus Union Springfield College

NOVEMBER QUARTER AUCTION: Friday, Nov.7

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! This month, a portion of our proceeds will go to Tapestry Health, a leading

expert in critical public health issues, serving over 26,000 residents annually in our local area and beyond. Admission:

$5.00 for two paddles. Bring a non-perishable food item for a FREE third paddle! Dinner food and snacks will be available for

purchase. Note: This will be our last Auction until next spring.

NOVEMBER DRIVE THROUGH: SAT. NOV. 8: 1-3 PM

We will collect jackets and coats along with non-perishable

foods for Open Pantry. NOTE: We collect non-perishable food

for the Open Pantry each Sunday during our worship service.

THANKSGIVING/STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY: NOV. 23

A Stewardship letter will soon be distributed to everyone with a pledge card enclosed for the year to come. Our Stewardship

theme this year is: Stewardship is Love in Action. On November 23, Thanksgiving/Stewardship Sunday, we are

invited to bring our pledge cards to our morning worship service. For those who cannot be with us, please mail your pledge cards to the church office. Please contact the office if you do not receive a pledge letter by November 3. Every pledge is greatly appreciated and a symbol of our engaging together to continue to “be the church” and further God’s realm, right where we are.

December:

Special Gatherings/ Services: More information to come!

Saturday, December 6: Men’s Breakfast: meet at 8:20 AM

Saturday, December 6: Fosterians Gathering: 1-3 PM

Sunday, December 7: Christmas Fun after worship

Sunday, December 14: Blessing of Gifts for Gray House

Sunday, December 14: Just Peace team after worship

Saturday, December 13: Food Drive Through: 1-3 PM

Sunday, December 21: Christmas Pageant during worship

Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Service 7 PM

FOSTERIANS GATHERING: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 from 1-3 PM

All women of the church are invited to a fun afternoon. We’ll have a “Yankee Christmas Swap” (bring gifts $5-10 to swap)

and collect donations (suggested: $5) for holiday bags to be distributed to our confined members and friends. Please let

Judy or Lori know that you are coming or call the office at 782-2112. Friends are invited too!

CHRISTMAS FUN: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

During coffee hour, we will have a few special crafts for the

season. If you would like to help, please speak to Pastor Barbara.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR GRAY HOUSE

Throughout November and early December, we will be collecting

new toys and games to be distributed through the Gray House for

children and youth in our local area. Gifts for teens will also be

collected; ideas for teens include blankets, gift cards, and

toiletries. Please bring gifts unwrapped. The gifts will be blessed

on December 14. ALL gifts are appreciated. Looking for ideas?

Gray House wish list on Amazon can be found at

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/H94002T42N4Q/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

COLLECTING NEW WINTER OUTERWEAR:

Through December 24, we will be collecting new mittens, hats,

scarves and gloves for all ages for our Mitten Tree.

October 2025 Newsletter

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:24:12 GMT

Dear friends,

October will be a very active month of events for our church’s

outreach ministries. Please see separate articles in this

newsletter.

One of these events is the Greater Springfield CROP Hunger

Walk.

This Walk started 48 years ago in Springfield and is the

first/oldest walk of its kind to be held in the city. Donations help

our neighbors around the world through global and national

partnerships with 25% staying in our local area, distributed

through the Open Pantry, Lorraine’s Kitchen and Western MA

Food Bank.

This year’s walk will be held on Sunday, October 5 at Trinity

United Methodist Church on Sumner Ave. Registration begins at 1

PM. There is DJ music and tee shirts for sale for $10.00. The

walk begins at 2 PM. There is an option of a one mile or three-mile

walk.

Kevin Withers is our CROP Treasurer this year. Please speak to

him if you would like a walker/sponsor sheet. Donations can be

made with Kevin for our Team Donation Sheet. NOTE: all checks

should be made out to CWS/CROP (not to the church)

There is also a website through which donations can be made:

https://events.crophungerwalk.org/crophungerwalks/team/foster

-memorial-church-ucc

All online donations will be matched, made possible by a generous

donation from Bethesda Lutheran/East Congregational Churches.

Over the years, CROP WALK has been a vital outreach ministry

for our church. Everyone’s support is so appreciated.

Blessings,

Barbara

CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER

October:

Friday, October 3: Quarter Auction: Doors open 6 PM

Saturday, October 4: Men’s Breakfast: 8:20 AM (Front parking lot)

Sunday, October 5: Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser

Sunday, October 5: Crop Walk for Hunger

Monday, October 6: FMC hosting Hampden UCC (Association Meeting)

Saturday, October 11: Food Drive For Open Pantry:

Sunday, October 12: Just Peace Team Meeting

Sunday, October 19: Blessing of the Pets: 2 PM

Sunday, October 26: Pancake Brunch for Tenzin/Trick or Treat for UNICEF - Prayers for the Nation: 4 PM

November:

Saturday, November 2: Men’s Club meet at 8:20 AM

Friday, November 7: Quarter Auction: Doors open 6 PM

Saturday, November 8: Drive Through 1-3 PM

Sunday, November 23: Thanksgiving/Stewardship Sunday

Sunday, November 30: Prayers for the Nation: 4 PM

Ongoing:

Worship Sundays at 10 AM with God Time (church school) and

childcare provided each Sunday

MONTHLY QUARTER AUCTION: October 3

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! This month,

a portion of our proceeds will go to: Greater Springfield Crop

Hunger Walk. Admission: $5.00 for two paddles. Bring a non-

perishable food item for a FREE third paddle! Dinner food and

snacks will be available for purchase.

MEN’S BREAKFAST: Saturday, October 4

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!

FUNDRAISER: TEXAS ROADHOUSE :

Oct. 5 from 11:30AM-3PM

OCTOBER FOOD DRIVE: Saturday, October 11: 1-3 PM

We collect food for Open Pantry on the second Saturday of

each month. This month, we are also collecting donations of pet

toys and food in honor of our Blessing of the Animals event on

October 19 (see separate article)

ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE PETS: Sun. 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 is welcome, no

matter if you bring pets or just want to enjoy the event. In

case of rain, this will be a Drive Through Event in our back

parking lot!

TRICK OR TREAT FOR UNICEF/PANCAKE BRUNCH FOR TENZIN: Sunday, October 26

During worship on Sunday, October 26 everyone is invited to

bring donations (coins or bills) for “Trick or Treat for

UNICEF.” All children and youth are invited to dress in

Halloween costumes. Following will be a Pancake Brunch:

Proceeds to help fund our sponsorship of Tenzin, a Tibetan

refugee youth living with her family in India.

September 2025 Newsletter

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:41:29 GMT

Dear friends,

We are going to be really busy in the next few months here at Foster! Highlights for September include Rally Sunday with an Ice Cream Social and our September Quarter Auction. On September 21 , we will be hosting the International Peace Day Fair/event, where agencies and faith communities come together for an afternoon to share about work being done on issues of justice and peace in our local region. Please join us!

One of my favorite hymns about justice is “For Everyone Born.” Some of the words, by Shirley Erena Murray, include:

For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
for everyone born, a star overhead

For everyone born, a place at the table
to live without fear, and simply to be,
to work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
for everyone born, the right to be free.

Chorus: And God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!

Blessings,

Barbara

CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

September

Thursday, Sept. 4: FMC Hosts Crop Rally 5 PM

Friday, Sept. 5: Quarter Auction: 7 PM

Saturday, Sept. 6: Men’s Breakfast: 8:20 AM

Sunday, Sept. 7: Worship Resumes at 10 AM

Sunday, Sept. 7: Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser

Wednesday, Sept. 10: Finance Board/Exec Board

Saturday, Sept. 13: Monthly Food Drive: 1-3 PM

Sunday Sept. 14: Rally Sunday

Sunday, Sept. 21: FMC hosts Peace Day Event: 3- 5 PM

Thursday, Sept. 25: Pastor hosts local UCC clergy

Saturday, Sept. 27: Fosterians 11:30 AM

Sunday, Sept. 28: Prayers for the Nation: 4 PM

October (highlights)

Friday, October 3: Quarter Auction: 7 PM

Saturday, October 4: Men’s Breakfast: 8:20 AM

Sunday, October 5: Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser

Sunday, October 5: Crop Walk for Hunger:

Monday, October 6: FMC hosting Hampden UCC Association Annual Meeting

Saturday, October 11: Food Drive for Open Pantry

Sunday, October 12: Just Peace Team Meeting

Sunday, October 19: Blessing of the Pets/Animals: 2PM

Sunday, October 26: Pancake Brunch for Tenzin11

ONGOING

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! This month, a portion of our proceeds will go to: Rebecca Johnson School. Bring a School Suppy item for a free third paddle! Dinner food and snacks will be available for purchase.

MEN’S BREAKFAST: Saturday, September 6

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 t he front parking lot. All are welcome and invited to bring friends!

TEXAS ROADHOUSE FUNDRAISER: Sunday, September 7: 11:30 AM – 3 PM

MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE: Saturday, Sept. 13

Time: 1-3 PM in our church parking lot. We will be collecting non-perishable food for the Open Pantry. REMINDER: We also collect non-perishable food for Open Pantry every Sunday. All donations are so appreciated.

GOD TME/RALLY SUNDAY: Sunday, September 14

Rally Sunday, the beginning of a new program year for God Time/Sunday school, will be held on SUNDAY, September 14, followed by an Ice Cream Social for everyone. Please help us spread the word!!

INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY: May Peace Prevail

Sunday, September 21: 3- 5 PM Rain Plans: Inside Our Just Peace Team is hosting this event. Please speak to Pastor Barbara if you would be able to help. We would also hope many of us can participate in this special annual event. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with agencies and faith Show this to your server for our fundraising benefit. communities who are working on issues of justice

FOSTERIANS: Sat, September 27 11:30 AM

All women welcome! Theme: Big E! There will be a Pizza lunch with a free will offering taken to cover costs. Please RSVP with Lori LaTaille or Judy Milano. Desserts are also needed.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD CROPWALK FOR HUNGER: October 5 1:00 PM

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.

ANNNUAL BLESSING OF THE PETS: Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 PM

Join us for this special event! All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Photos of pets also welcome! We will also be collecting pet food and supplies for Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center

August 2025 Newsletter

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:25:03 GMT

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

July 2025 Newsletter

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:50:50 GMT

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

Summer Schedule for Worship

Our worship services will be held at 9:30 AM for the months of July and August. Please help us spread the word!

July

Saturday, July 5
Men's Breakfast: 8:20am

Sunday, July 6
Worship Moves to 9:30am

Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser

Saturday, July 12
Food Drive Through: 1-3pm

Sunday, July 13
Just Peace Team Meeting: All are welcome

Sunday, July 27
Prayers for the Nation: 4pm

August

Saturday, August 2
Men's Breakfast: 8:20am

Sunday, August 3
Waving for Peace 11th Anniversary

Sunday, August 3
Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser 11:30am - 3pm

Saturday, August 9
Food Drive Through 1-3pm

July 1 - August 10
Collection of School Supplies for Rebecca Johnson School

Sundays: Waving for Peace after coffee hour
Mondays: Waving for Peace from 3:30 - 4pm

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!

Waving for Peace on Sunday Mornings & Mondays

All are invited to participate in waving for peace on Sunday mornings after worship and coffee hour. We will also continue waving on Mondays from 3:30 – 4:00 PM. We will mark the 11 ^th Anniversary of our Waving for Peace Ministry on Sunday, August 3.

Men's Breakfast: Saturday, July 5

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!

Monthly Food Drive

Saturday, July 12th from 1-3pm in the back parking lot

All non-perishable food collected is donated to The Open Pantry. Our focus foods are rice and pasta.

NURSERY HELPERS

We are looking for two more volunteers for our nursery, to help once a month or once every other month. Please speak to Pastor Barbara if you would be able to help. It’s so much fun!

School Supplies for Rebecca Johnson

We will be collecting school supplies through August 10. Needed: Everything from pencils to backpacks, notebooks, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, two and four pocket folders and more! Thanks to everyone for your support!

June Quarter Auction: Thank You

Thank you to Lori, our coordinator and to everyone who helped with our June Quarter Auction. We raised $700.00 for the church and $100.00 for our special Cancer Care Offering. We also collected food for the Open Pantry.

Our next Auction is scheduled for Friday, September 5. We always can use more volunteers. And people to play the auction! It’s a true fund raiser as well as “fun raiser,” with two mission components each month and an opportunity to welcome new friends to our church!

Vendor Fair/ Yard Sale: Thank You

Thank you to everyone who helped to make our recent Vendor Fair/Yard Sale a success! Despite the weather (which could have been much worse!) we did very well, raising over $2,500.00 for the church! Grateful thanks to Lori and Judy, our vendors, all volunteers and everyone who came out to support the event! We are so grateful!

June 2025 Newsletter

Fri, 30 May 2025 18:37:54 GMT

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.

And please note that our worship time will change from 10:00 AM to 9:30 AM beginning July 6.

Worship resumes at 10:00 AM on September 7.

Blessings,

Barbara

VENDOR FAIR & YARD SALE

Saturday, June 14, 2025 9 AM-3 PM Rain or shine!!

Foster Memorial Church, UCC - 1791 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA

New and gently used items for sale! Something for everyone!

Bake Sale, lunch for purchase and a fun

Gift Basket Raffle!

Sunday, June 1: 11:30 AM – 3 PM

Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser

Friday, June 6: 7 PM

Quarter Auction: Doors open at 6 PM

Saturday, June 7: 8:20 AM

Men’s Breakfast meet in front parking lot

Sunday, June 8:

Children and Youth Sunday

Sunday, June 8:

Just Peace Team meeting: all welcome

Friday, June 13: 5 PM

Set up for Vendor Fair

Saturday, June 14:

Vendor Fair/Tag Sale

Saturday, June 14: 1-3 PM

Drive Through for Open Pantry

Sunday, June 22:

Cancer Care Special Offering

Sunday, June 29: 4 PM

Prayers for the Nation

Waving for Peace every Monday from 3:30-4 PM

SUMMER SCHEDULE FOR WORSHIP

Our worship services will be held at 9:30 AM for the months of

July and August. Please help us spread the word!

WAVING FOR PEACE ON SUNDAY MORNINGS

All are invited to participate in waving for peace on Sunday

mornings from 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM. We will also continue

waving on Mondays from 3:30 – 4:00 PM.

JUNE QUARTER AUCTION: Friday, June 6

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, to be donated to The Open Pantry, for a

free third paddle. Part of our proceeds will go to The D’Amour

Cancer Care Center and The Sister Caritas Cancer Center at

Mercy Medical Center. Dinner food, baked goods and snacks

will be available for purchase.

Note: This is the last Quarter Auction until September.

MEN’S BREAKFAST: Saturday, June 7

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!

CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUNDAY: June 8

There will be special activities for our God Time (church school).

Following our worship, everyone is invited to an “ice cream social”

on the la wn or inside, as weather permits.

MONTHLY DRIVE THROUGH DONATIONS OF FOOD

Saturday, June 8, 1-3 PM in the back parking lot

All non-perishable food donations are appreciated, and will be

donated to The Open Pantry. Please note: The Drive Through

will take place during our Vendor Fair/Yard Sale.

SPECIAL OFFERING FOR CANCER CARE: Sunday, June 22

We are going to collect a special CANCER CARE offering on

Sunday, June 22 during worship. The money from this offering

will be donated to The D’Amour Cancer Care Center and The

Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center. After

worship, everyone is invited to decorate a luminary bag in honor

or memory of loved ones who have experienced cancer. We will

place the luminaries on the front steps of the church. Thank

you for your support. Donations can also be mailed to our

church office.

NURSERY HELPERS

We are looking for two more volunteers for our nursery, to

help once a month or once every other month. Please speak to

Pastor Barbara if you would be able to help. It’s so much fun!

May 2025 Newsletter

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:25:52 GMT

Dear friends,

The joyful season of Easter continues this month. This season

lasts 50 days and ends on Pentecost Sunday, celebrated this year

on June 8. During this season, we focus on Jesus’ appearances to

his followers after his death and resurrection.

The Easter season, coinciding with the season of spring, can

remind us of new life springing up around us in gardens.

One of my favorite garden-themed hymns is “The Beautiful

Garden of Prayer,” written by Eleanor Allen Schroll in 1920, which

includes these words:

There’s a garden where Jesus is waiting,

There’s a place that is wondrously fair,

For it glows with the light of His presence

’Tis that beautiful garden of prayer.

There’s a garden where Jesus is waiting,

And I go, with my burden and care,

Just to learn from His lips words of comfort

In the beautiful garden of prayer.

Refrain:

O the beautiful garden, the garden of prayer,

O the beautiful garden of prayer!

There my Savior awaits, and He opens the gates

To the beautiful garden of prayer.

Blessings,

Barbara

May Calendar

- WORSHIP EACH SUNDAY AT 10 AM:

Nursery Care and Church school provided

- Friday, May 2 at 7 PM

May Quarter Auction (see article)

- Saturday, May 3 at 8:30 AM

Men’s Breakfast

Meet at the front parking lot at 8:20 AM

- Sunday, May 4 after worship

Meeting of Just Peace Team: All welcome

- Saturday, May 10, 1:00 -3:00 PM

Drive Up Collection of Food Donations for Open Pantry

- Saturday, May 17 at noon

May Gathering for Fosterians (all women welcome)

May 2nd Monthly Quarter Auction

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. Our mission is: Community Survival Center. Bring a non-perishable food item, to be donated to The Survivial Center, for a free third paddle. Dinner food and snacks will be available for purchase.

Fosterians Gathering: Saturday, May 17 from 12 PM-2PM

Our focus is a “Women’s Special Tea Gathering.” We will have a light luncheon, followed by a “Tea Cup Auction.” Please bring an

unwrapped new or very gently used item for auction prizes. Proceeds will go to help with church projects. We will also be talking about the upcoming Vendor Fair/Yard Sale. All women are welcome and invited to bring friends. Please let Lori or Judy know you are coming for our luncheon count. Wearing of spring hats is encouraged!

Cutting Edge Team: Wenesdays from 5-6 PM

We have a new team of volunteers who are assisting our Garden Angels with outdoor work. When it rains, the team comes in to take on short projects. Everyone is welcome to help. The team works each week for one hour. If you would like more information, please speak to Keith Walker.

Ongoing Fundraiser: Big Y Gift Cards

Thank you to everyone for your support! The church benefits 5% from this fundraiser, which is adding up nicely! Please see

Jeanie Marsh if you would like to order cards.

Upcoming Events

Friday, June 6: Quarter Auction
Saturday, June 7: Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, June 14: Vendor Fair/Tag Sale
Saturday, June 7: Drive Through Donations for Open Pantry
Sunday, June 8: Children and Youth Sunday/Pentecost Sunday
Sunday, June 16: Last Sunday for Choir
Sunday, June 22: Cancer Care Special Offering
Waving for Peace: Each Monday from 3:30-4 PM

VENDOR FAIR & YARD SALE

Saturday, June 14, 2025 9 AM-3 PM

Rain or shine!!

If you would like to be a vendor,

please call Lori at 413-626-9040 or email lorilhi@aol.com

New and gently used items for sale! Something for everyone!

Bake Sale, Lunch food for purchase and a fun Gift Basket Raffle!

Volunteers are Needed!

Help is needed for set-up, clean-up, cashiers, Bake Goods table,

lunch prep and serving and more. It takes the help of many

members and friends of our church to make this fundraiser a

success. Please speak to Lori or Judy Milano if you can help.

April 2025 Newsletter

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 18:52:23 GMT

Dear friends,

These are tumultuous times for our nation. At the time of this writing, we have scheduled a Prayer Service for our Nation for Sunday, March 30 from 4-4:30 p.m. This brief service will include special music and time for shared prayers.

As I was thinking about the state of our nation and the continuation of our Lenten season, these beautiful words from a Lenten hymn, “Before the Cross of Jesus,” came into my mind

and heart:

The hopes that lead us onward,
The fears that hold us back,
Our will to dare great things for God,
The courage that we lack,
The faith we keep in goodness,
Our love, as low or pure -
On all, the judgment of the cross
Falls steady, clear, and sure.

Yet humbly, in our striving,
O God, we face its test.
We crave the power to do Thy will
With Him who did it best.
On us let now the healing
Of His great Spirit fall,
And make us brave and full of joy
To answer to His call.

Blessings and Peace,

Barbara

April Calendar

Friday, April 4: Quarter Auction 7PM
Saturday, April 5: Men’s Breakfast 8:20 AM
Sunday, April 6: Texas Roadhouse
Saturday, April 12: Drive Through 1-3 PM
Sunday, April 13: Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 13: Just Peace meeting
Thursday, April 17: Maundy Thursday
Friday, April 18: Good Friday (film service)
Sunday, April 20: Easter Sunday 8 & 10 AM

April Monthly Quarter Auction

We are holding our next Monthly Quarter Auction on Friday, April 4. 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. Our main vendor is One Call Away Vereans Support Center (OCA). Bring a personal hygiene item, to be donated to OCA, for a free third paddle. Dinner food and snacks will be available for purchase.

S ouper Bowl of Caring Total

We collected a total of 238 cans of soup through our special Souper Bowl of Caring outreach offering. All soup was donated to the Emergency Cupboard of the Open Pantry. Thanks to everyone! We are also grateful for community folks who brought soup to our monthly Drive Through Collection of Food Donations.

Palm Sunday Service at 10am ( April 13)

On this day, we remember Jesus fulfilling ancient prophecy by riding into Jerusalem in a most unusual kind of parade.

Maundy Thursday Service (April 17) In-Person Service at 7pm

This service focuses on the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples. There is also a Service of Tenebrae (“Shadows”) including special scripture readings of the Passion of Jesus.

Good Friday Service (April 18) Please Note: Filmed Service Only

Easter Sunday Services (April 20) In-Person at 8am and 10am

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 5: Men’s Breakfast – all men welcome. Meet in front parking lot at 8:20 AM
Saturday, April 12: Drive Through Collection of Non-Perishable Food for Open Pantry 1-3 PM in the back parking lot of the church
Sunday, April 6 from 11:30 AM – 3 PM. Texas roadhouse Fundraising

Shrove Sunday Pancake Brunch held on March 2

Thank you to everyone who made this brunch very special. Thank you to Jim and the cooks, our youth and CE team and friends who served, and everyone who came to eat and join in the fun! We raised $430.00 which was gifted as a helping hand to the Afghan family with whom we walk alongside.

Recorded Worship Services

Worship services are also provided in print through the mail each week for people who do not have access to the internet

A note from Jim Wood's Sister, Sue:

Thank you all so very much for your support and friendship during Jim's illness and passing. It's a comfort to us in knowing how beloved he was, and your love for him will sustain us during this difficult time. In gratitude, Sue and Steve Saunders.

March 2025 Newsletter

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 19:34:29 GMT

Dear friends,

Please be sure to read Peter Well’s article about an important discussion on the Intersection of Faith and Politics and opportunities for next steps.

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5; we will hold an in-person worship service that evening at 7 PM.

The season continues until Easter Sunday, which is celebrated this year on April 20.

One of the ways we can put our faith into action during this season is through our One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) Special Offering. The money raised from this offering is utilized through the UCC’s Wider Church Ministries to respond to a wide variety of global and local concerns.

This year’s OGHS theme is “Be The Light.”

Our grateful thanks to Sharon Gormbley for a special OGHS Sharing/Engagement Calendar that runs from March 9 – March 29. The calendar is attached to this newsletter. We also have fun “Fish” Coin/Money boxes at church, available on Sunday mornings.

We will collect our OGHS special offering on Sunday, March 30 during our worship service.

In this holy season, and in these tumultuous days, may we be bearers of God’s light – and take actions to “Be The Light.”

In Christ,

Barbara

March Calendar

Saturday, March 1: Men’s Breakfast Sunday 8:20 AM
Sunday, March 2: Shrove Sunday Pancake Brunch
Sunday, March 2: Texas Road House Fundraiser
Wednesday, March 5: Ash Wednesday 7 PM
Friday, March 7: Quarter Auction
Saturday, March 8: Drive Through 1-3 PM
Sunday, March 9: Just Peace Team 11 AM
Saturday, March 15: Fosterians 1 – 2:30 PM
Saturday, March 22: Building Use
Saturday, March 29: Anne Smith’s Service 11AM
Sunday, March 30: One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday

Men's Monthly Breakfast: Saturday, March 1

All men of the church are welcome to gather in the front parking lot at 8:20 AM to go to breakfast at a local restaurant. Friends are always welcome!

Shrove Sunday Pancake Brunch: March 2

We will have our Shrove Sunday Pancake Brunch with a “Mardi Gras” theme on March 2. 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

Special Mission moment: Sunday, March 2

Erin Luchenbill, Community Engagement Manager and our local Church World Service (CWS) staff, will offer a special Mission Moment during worship concerning the ministries of CWS regarding immigration and resettlement of refugees. She will also be with us for our Pancake Brunch. We are partners with CWS for our local CROP Hunger Walk and Blankets + Special offering.

Reminder: Set clocks ahead one hour to get to church on time for Sunday, March 9

GATHERING FOR FOSTERIANS: Saturday, March 15 1-2:30 PM

All women are invited to a gathering of our “Fosterians” on Saturday, March 15 downstairs in Fellowship Hall. Our theme will be St. Patrick’s Day with fun and snacks. Please let Judy or Lori know that you are coming and if you would like to bring a snack. All women of the church are welcome and invited to bring a friend!

Ash Wednesday Worship Service: March 5

Time: 7pm Everyone welcome

Recorded Filmed Services

We continue to offer recorded worship services for each Sunday, and special services, posted on You Tube, on our website at http://www.fostermemorial.org/videos/ and on our Facebook page

Memorial Service for Anne Smith

A Service of Remembrance and Thanksgviving will be held for Anne Smith on Saturday, March 29 at 11 AM. Let us keep Anne’s family and friends in prayer

Automatic External Defibrillator

Last year, our church purchased an AED, (automatic external defibrillator.) There is a team of church members who are qualified in CPR and the AED. The team members are Mary Caron, Jim Cummings, Kevin Withers, Judy, Milano and Bruce & Jill Moore.

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 almost $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.

Our First Monthly Auction: Friday, march 7

We are going to begin having Quarter Auctions on the first Friday of each month. We will have guarenteed proceeds from these auctions. There will also be money generated from these auctions to be donated to a non-profit, including our church for our mission outreach ministries including meals provided for Loaves and Fishes.

Doors will open at 6 PM; auction starts at 7 PM.

Bring quarters and friends for a fun evening and a chance to win some great items fron our vendors! There will also be a raffle!

Admission: $5 for two paddles. Bring a non-perishable food item for a free third paddle. All nonperishable food collected will be donated to the Emergency Cupboard of the Open Pantry. Dinner food and snacks will be available for purchase. For more information or to help (we especially need “runners”), please speak to Lori.

Annual Meeting Luncheon Proceeds

Thanks to everyone for your generous free will offering donations for our Annual Meeting Luncheon and Raffle. We raised $330.00 to help fund the costs for our monthly meals served to the guests at Loaves and Fishes, Soup Kitchen of The Open Pantry. Special thanks to all who provided homemade soups and food for the luncheon, to Lori, our raffle coordinator, and all who donated items for the auction.

Intersection of Faith and Politics: The Rev. Peter Wells

Luke 9.51: When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.

After church on February 23, we had a good discussion about how faith and politics intersect. We were reminded that Jesus found himself at that intersection when he entered Jerusalem – the heart of his political and religious world. He chose to go there despite the risks. It was the consensus of the group that if we chose (and there is always a choice) to follow Jesus, that is where we will end up as well. The question is not that we will find ourselves there but what we do when we arrive.

One answer we identified was we could choose to turn around – to do nothing. But it was agreed that the faithful response is described in Micah 6:8. What the Lord requires when our faith leads us to the political is to do justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with our God. It was noted that do, love and walk are all verbs – action words. Our faith is a verbal faith.

In the end, when our faith takes us to the places of human need, we are called to act. Martin Luther King was right, the moral arch of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice. But it doesn’t bend on its own.

We explored possible actions we could take individually and collectively. It was noted that when it comes to politics about the only thing a congregation can’t do is endorse a candidate or a political party. Other than that, there are multiple options we can be engaged in. One of those is to communicate with those who do represent us. On March 2, during our Pancake Brunch, we will offer such an opportunity to the congregation. We will set up letter writing tables with suggested scripts for people to express their opinions to those in power. This is just one response we hope to pursue. There will be more.

A Letter from our Sponsored Youth - Tenzing

A Letter from our Sponsored Youth, Tenzing, a Tibetan refugee who lives with her family in India. This is in reply to a letter and pictures sent from our God Time (church school) children and God Time Guide, Karen Coughlin.

Dear Friends,

I hope you are doing fine. And I have received the letter and a beautiful picture that you have sent me. Thank you for the letter and the picture.

I am very delighted to know your likes as it sounds interesting. Here the weather is cold sometimes. My favorite season of all is summer as we can do lots of activities outside our house. And I wish you Merry Christmas, hope you spend this day with lots of happiness.

It is good to hear that most of your favorite food is healthy.

I like pineapple the most. It’s good that you spend your time at home doing gymnastics etc.

Thank you for the kind support.

Thanking you,

Nancy, Everly, Sofia, Chloe, Sienna, Juliet, Annabella, Mrs. Karen

Tenzing Passang Bhutia

February 2025 Newsletter

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:03:24 GMT

Dear Friends

The season of Epiphany, a season to focus on the beginnings of Jesus’ earthly ministry, his teachings, healings and ministries, continues for a longer period of time this year. Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the season of Lent, will be on March 5; Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 20.

Themes for the season of Epiphany include God’s light and AHA! experiences of transformation. The liturgical color for Epiphany is white.

One of my very favorite hymns is fitting for this season:

I want to walk as a child of the light

I want to follow Jesus

God set the stars to give light to the world

The light of my life is Jesus

In him there is no darkness at all

The night and the day are both alike

The Lamb is the light of the city of God

Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

Kathleen Thomerson

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. All are welcome and invited to bring friends!

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!!

JUST PEACE TEAM MEETING

The Just Peace Team will meet on Sunday, February 9, after worship. All are welcome.

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. Reminder: We provide film services, available on our Facebook page and on our website at fostermemorial.org.

FEBRUARY DRIVE THROUGH DONATIONS OF FOOD

Saturday, February 8, 1-3 PM

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

FUNDRAISING BY GROCERY SHOPPING:

BIG Y GIFT CARDS

NEW: MONTHLY QUARTER AUCTONS:

FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH

SAVE THE DATE FOR FIRST AUCTION: MARCH 7

We are going to begin having Quarter Auctions on the first Friday of each month. Our church will have guarenteed proceeds from these auctions, and every month, some of the proceeds will also be donated to a non-profit, including our church for our mission outreach ministries. This month’s proceeds will go to help fund meals we provide each month for Loaves and Fishes.

On March 7, doors will open at 6 PM; auction starts at 7 PM.

Bring quarters and friends for a fun evening and a chance to win some great items fron our vendors! There will also be a raffle! Admission: $5 for two paddles. Bring a non-perishable food item for a free third paddle. Dinner food and snacks will be available for purchase. For more information or to help (we especially need “runners”), please speak to Lori.

ANNUAL MEETING: THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Annual Meeting last Sunday. Thank you to our Deacons and friends for the delicious soup luncheon, helpers, and Lori for our raffle. Thank you to Bruce Moore, our Moderator, who led the meeting. We appreciate everyone who is serving on boards, committees and teams.

The Annual Reports and the Approved Budget were distributed at the meeting and by email to our email Blast List. The reports and approved budget are available at the church.

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:41:10 GMT

PASTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Thanks to everyone who wrote Annual Reports for 2024. These reports help us to reflect on and take note of the many ways our church was active in the past year. Through all of our ministries, we continued to strive to live into being an Open and Affirming Church and a Just Peace Church through the words of our Church Purpose Statement:

We are a joyful, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community of Christ followers, eager to shine God's love by connecting people through partnerships and service that foster peace and hope in our neighborhood, wider community and world.

At the same time that the word “I” is used in many of the sentences in this report, I am always keenly aware that nothing I do as pastor can be done alone. I am so grateful to serve this church, where members and friends are committed to faith through prayer and action.

This past year, I continued to focus on ways to keep us connected with one another, the wider UCC church and happenings in the world. This is done through my emails to our “email blasts” which reach over 100 people, and our email Prayer Chain. I wrote the bulletins and monthly newsletters, served as administrator for our church Facebook page and coordinated our church website.

I led worship services for Sundays and special services including Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday. I led and coordinated our filmed services and posted them on Facebook and You Tube, making it possible for people to participate when not able to be in person for worship. My thanks to our film team: Jamie Rooke, our Videographer for much of the year, Keith Walker, our current Videographer, Geri Thompson and Judy Milano, for our Altar Designs, Gerri for scripture readings and Frank Jackson, our organist and hymns leader. I also wrote the weekly “Snail mail,” including each week’s bulletin and sermon which was mailed out to those who are unable to attend in person worship and without access to a computer.

In the community, I coordinated with members and friends in outreach ministries through our partnerships which include The Gray House, Rebecca Johnson School, Open Pantry and Church World Service. I took the lead in our church hosting the “International Peace Day Fair,” as a way to put my faith into action as a member of our local Campaign Nonviolence. I served on the Steering Team for our Regional Crop Walk for Hunger. I also served as a member of our NST (Neighborhood Support Team) who support and walk alongside the refugee family from Afghanistan. I continued in the role of coordinator for our Christian Education ministries and continued involvement with and resourcing boards and committees and teams. I also helped with fundraising events throughout the year.

This year, we experienced the joys of Heidi Mayfield, Ron Maagero, Nick Chechile, Kim Pages and Sean LaTerz joining our church’s membership, and the baptism of Harper Dols, infant daughter of Stephen and Holly Payne. We experienced the sorrow of the deaths of dear church members and friends: Shirley Wright and Donna Griffth and in very recent weeks (in January 2025) the deaths of Dick Pond and Vivian Gonzalez.

There are so many people to thank for your support and steadfast faithfulness.

Thank you to everyone for your financial support to the church, which enables us to move forward with confidence and hope. Thank you to Ted, Kevin and Joe, who work on our behalf in the ministries of church finances.

Thank you to everyone in leadership roles including Bruce Moore, our Moderator and all who served as officers. Thank you to all who served on boards, committees and teams. Thank you to our choir, God Time Guides, nursery volunteers, ushers, readers, coffee hour teams, and all who work in other areas of church life, including Gerri and Judy, our “Garden Angels.” (The names of people serving on Boards and Teams and church groups are included in separate reports.) Thank you to Lori LaTaille, Judy Milano, Jim Cummings and everyone who helped and supported our fundraising efforts. Thank you to our wonderful staff. Thank you to Frank Jackson for blessing us with your talents and gifts as our Choir Director and Organist. Thank you to Patty Blomquist and George Rose for your custodial and groundskeeping work and to Rick LaTaille for snow removal. Thank you to Patrick O’Brien, our administrative assistant and to Hayley LaTaille for your care for our little ones in the nursery. Thank you to Jim Cummings, who volunteers to plow during our wintry months. I am so grateful to all!

On a more personal note: At the beginning of this year, I was diagnosed with stage four metastasized cancer. (There is treatment, but no cure). I experienced little side effects through treatment of oral medication and infusions and have been able to continue to work full time as your pastor. I thank God for the support and care given to me by members and friends and by my husband, Keith.

We know there will be challenges for our church in the coming year. May we move forward in hope, striving to continue to bear the light and love of Christ from our little corner of the world.

Respectfully Submitted and in Prayer, Barbara Schenk

MODERATOR ANNUAL REPORT 2024

This year was an exceptional year at Foster Memorial Church. One important focus was church safety. We purchased an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). A team of six members were trained in Basic Life Support and updated all Fire safety requirements. The church is now on an automatic schedule to maintain all our fire extinguishers. The addition of a child changing station was greeted with enthusiasm. A new group was formed to help with maintenance of church grounds and properties aptly called the “cutting crew.” We meet for one hour on Wednesday from 5-6 PM. All are welcome to join us!

The church continues to maintain our community support efforts. We continue to prepare hot meals monthly for Loaves and Fishes, the Open Pantry’s Soup Kitchen. We also provided the “Bun Run” for Loaves and Fishes one week a month. We marked our fourth year of collecting donations of weekly food and monthly donations from our monthly ”Drive Through.“ Along with our weekly collection of food, we donated hundreds of pounds of food to Open Pantry’s Emergency Food Cupboard each month.

We set a church record for monetary donations to our local Crop Walk for Hunger. We collected school supplies for Rebecca Johnson school and Christmas gifts for The Gray House. We also collected coats, jackets and new winter outerwear through our “Mitten Tree.” Church members and friends really came together to support all these efforts.

We had some great fundraisers for the operating costs of the church, including a Pancake Brunch/Sing Along, Vendor Fair, Craft Fair and Quarter Auction to name just a few. New fundraisers include cards for Big Y and Texas Roadhouse which give us a small benefit for our participation. Another new fundraiser is the Music Box, inviting people from our church and community to enjoy local performers.

Social groups: The Fosterians (women) gathered on a regular basis and the Men’s Club met monthly for breakfast and fellowship.

One of our most loved ministries by Pastor Barbara is the continuation of our online pre-recorded films of Sunday services. We are an active and enthusiastic, small but mighty parish, hopeful in making a positive impact on our community and beyond.

Respectfully submitted, Bruce Moore, Moderator

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2024

This past year, members of our Board were busy helping with church maintenance for our church building, our house on Wilbraham Road, and outside on our lawns. We helped with repair of the sink in the Friendship Room Closet, restrooms. We were also involved with setting up/taking down of wreathes and lights for the Christmas season.

Members were also involved with our church’s new group called “Cutting Edge” that meets from 5-6 PM on Wednesdays. Thanks to our Garden Angels, Judy Milano and Gerri Thompson.

Our paid staff continued this year to do a wonderful job. Patty Blomquist is the sexton for the inside of our church and George Rose takes care of general maintenance of our church lawns.

We hope to take on some larger projects in the coming year. Please let us know if there are concerns about our properties, inside and out.

As Pastor Barbara says, It takes a whole village to help to maintain the projects and ministries of our church.

Grateful thanks to the members of our Trustees: Mary Caron. Mark Coughlin, Judy Milano, Dennis O’Keefe and John Pappanikou.

Respectfully Submitted, Jim Cummings

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD (CE) ANNUAL REPORT 2024

We are so blessed by our children and youth. We strive to provide a meaningful God Time (church school) experience for all ages. For the second year, we the “Feasting on the Word,” published by the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA). This curriculum follows the prescribed readings for Sunday called the Common Lectionary. Pastor Barbara follows this as well, so on most Sundays, the themes for God Time coincide with the themes for our Sunday worship.

In June, we celebrated Children and Youth Sunday , hosting an Ice Cream social after worship. In September, we held our Rally Sunday , the official beginning of a new program year for God Time and we hosted another Ice Cream social after worship. In October, we collected donations for our annual Trick or Treat for UNICEF Sunday.

December was a busy month: In early December, we hosted a Pancake Brunch with proceeds going to our sponsored youth, Tenzing, who is a Tibetan refugee, living and going to school in India. We support Tenzing through The UCC’s Child Sponsorship Program. This same event featured “Christmas Fun” that included children making gingerbread houses with Connie Gumlaw and CE members and friends offering crafts for all ages. Our Christmas Pageant was held on December 22, with God Time Guides taking the lead in coordination and over twenty children and youth taking part as readers and characters.

We express our grateful thanks to our God Time Guides: Karen Coughlin, Kevin and Robin Withers, Lori LaTaille, Sharon Gormbley, Alice Kempf and Matt and Kim Kobjeck. We are so grateful to Hayley LaTaille for her wonderful care for our youngest children in our church nursery. Thanks to our nursery volunteers: Joanne Wells, Amy Pawle, Deb Kirchherr, Laura Condega, Karen Coughlin, adult substitutes and our youth helpers.

Our thanks to Gloria Checile and Nick Checile, who facilitated our summer God Time sessions. We welcome Gloria and Nick as new members of our Board! And thank you so much to all church members and friends who helped with our ongoing CE ministries and special events.

We remain so very grateful to Dick Pond for all his years of coordination and leadership for our CE ministries with children and youth. At the time of this writing, we have just learned of his passing from this life to the next. We ask God’s help in following the model he gave to us of faith and fun.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pastor Barbara, CE Coordinator, on behalf Christian Education Team:

Karen Coughlin, Sharon Gormbley, Vivian Gonzalez, Alice Kempf, Kim Kobjack, Lori LaTaille, Gloria Chechile and Nick Chechile

DIACONATE ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Diaconate Officers: Chair: Mary Caron, Secretary: Ann Cesan

We are many strong and enjoy doing God’s work together.

We continue to be creative in the ways we, the Diaconate, support the pastor in plans and ideas for worship and special services – participating through our in-person worships, Facebook worship, checking our emails for the latest updates, hosting the Annual meeting luncheon, and of course participating in the in person and drive through activities.

Committee volunteers 2024:

Baptism

Mary Caron, Connie Gumlaw

Practical Christianity/Functions

Persephone Pappanikou/Judy Milano

Communion

Connie Gumlaw, Persephone Pappanikou

Confined members and friends/sunshine

Dianne Hay, Eric Sutter, Bev Weinhold Shultz

Guest Preachers

Mary Caron

Executive Board

Mary Caron

Deacon duty Scheduling

Anne Cesan

Parament/alter cloth changing

Sally Hawley

Diaconate participation 2024:

In person worship
Updated role of deacons; we are constantly evolving
Zoom participation including worships and meeting
Reaching out to the congregation through prayers and cards.

Deacons continue to help others during the holiday season. For the twelfth year we collected money to be distributed through the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund for use at Christmas and in the future.

We welcomed Judy Milano, Heidi Mayfield and Biff Simpson to our Diaconate team. We appreciate your time and talents.

Thanks to former Deacons for continued help; Bev Weinhold Shultz, who helps with Sunshine, and Sally Hawley for changing the liturgical colors of the paraments. Thank you to our ushers: Jeanie Marsh, Keith Walker. Thank you to our lay volunteers – without you we would not have enough hands to do God’s work.

Lastly, THANK YOU to present Deacons. Together we worship and serve many; we work as a team and we accomplish much.

With many thanks,

Mary Caron, Diaconate Chair

MUSIC BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Our Church's music ministry continues to be a vital and uplifting part of our worship services. Frank Jackson, as our Organist and Choir Director, leads the choir and shares his talents to inspire us with his upbeat enthusiasm and joy allowing us to deliver our musical talents.

The choir is always open to anyone. This year, Laura Bisbee Condega and Amy Pawle joined the Soprano section. The rehearsal time is 9:15 AM on Sunday before worship. During the summer break, the followings individuals and groups provided a variety of music: “Pick-Up” Choir, Frank P. Jackson, pianist, Men’s Choral Group, Women’s Choral Group, Keith Walker & Pastor Barbara, musicians and vocalists, Roxie & Steve Bailey, musicans and vocalists, Sue Mcnary, Soprano Soloist and Kathy Schoeck, Violinist.

In closing, the Chancel Choir would like to thank Choir Director Frank Jackson for his leadership in keeping our music ministry going strong at Foster Memorial Church.

Respectfully submitted,

Eric Sutter

The Music Team: Sandy Moore, Judy Milano, Gay Owczarski, and Eric Sutter

FMC FINANCE/STEWARDSHIP BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2024

The members of the Foster Memorial Church Finance – Stewardship Board met monthly to monitor the status of the church’s finances (mostly by reviewing and discussing the Treasurer’s monthly financial reports) and make decisions as necessary as to spending and investment. The monthly reports were also reviewed and discussed at the Executive Board at its monthly meetings.

The budget for day-to-day operations of the church approved at the last Annual Meeting in January 2024 predicted a deficit of $16,176.00 for the church finance year (February 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025). As of the end of December, from a financial perspective, the church was doing much better than projected. To that date, we had a surplus of just over $3,000. There are often a number of larger bills that are paid in January, but it appears there is a good chance we will have taken in more income than we have spent on budget items for this finance year. The current surplus has been due almost entirely to much more being received for bequests and miscellaneous donations that expected. Because of the somewhat random nature of those receipts, it is always difficult to predict what amount we will receive in any year. A great effort by all of those involved in our fund-raising events also contributed to the budget’s health. The other items of income and expense in the budget were close to what we had predicted when the budget was adopted.

With respect to Stewardship, a sub-committee of the Finance Board, the Board was very pleased with the number of people in the congregation who have generously donated their time, talents and treasure to the many missions of the church. As of the beginning of January, we have received 52 pledges for a total of about $87,500 for next year. This is more than has been pledged in the last several years.

The Endowment Board did not meet separately during the year, as almost all its members are part of the Finance Board or the Executive Committee. Those who are not part of one of those groups received the monthly finance reports tracking the performance of our Endowment investments and the investment of the proceeds of the Puritan Road house sale, With respect to both of those investments, it was an up and down year, as the investments tend to track the general performance of the stock market. However, both funds recorded net gains for the year; the Puritan Road Fund gained about 11% and the Endowment gained about 14% which were very good results overall.

Respectfully submitted, Kevin Withers, Chairperson of the Finance Board

COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM/MISSIONS

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Throughout the year, our purpose was to help our church strengthen partnerships of outreach, both local and global. It should be noted that our team has not gathered for formal meetings. Instead, members of the team work on different aspects of mission outreach ministries throughout the year.

Our Monthly Drive Through Collection of Food for Open Pantry is into its fourth year. All food is donated to the Open Pantry. A team of volunteers continued this year to prepare and serve a monthly dinner for the guests at Open Pantry’s Loaves and Fishes meal program. Grateful thanks to Joanne and Peter Wells, our coordinators, and to our team of volunteers. This year, we also resumed in person serving the meal at Loaves and Fishes. The “Bun Run,” delivery of baked goods to Loaves and Fishes has also continued. Grateful thanks to Sandy Moore, our coordinator, and to our team of volunteers. New volunteers are also welcome to help with these teams.

Support for our Refugee Family: This year, the NST (Neighborhood Support Team) has started to intentionally step back from hands on support, with our focus on our shared goal of self-sufficiency for the family. We enjoyed fellowship with the family through an All Church picnic this summer.

In August, we marked the 10th Anniversary of Waving for Peace witness.

We also collected school supplies, which were donated to the students at our partner church, Rebecca Johnson School.

In September, we helped to host The International Day of Peace, which brought together local agencies and faith communities working on issues of peace.

In October, we participated in the annual Greater Springfield CROP Hunger Walk, which helps people in our community and throughout the world with food insecurity, refugee settlement and much more. Members of our team serve on the steering team for the walk. We thank everyone for participation as walkers, volunteers at the walk and our sponsors. We also held our Annual Blessing of the Animals with the community, and collected donations of food, money and pet supplies for the Thomas J. O’ Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center.

In December, we collected new and gently used coats and jackets and new outerwear for all ages, to be distributed to our community through three of our local partnerships: The Gray House, Rebecca Johnson School and the guests at Loaves and Fishes.

Throughout the year, our church donated financial gifts for wider outreach ministries through several Special Offerings, including Blanket Sunday (distributed through Church World Service), One Great Hour of Sharing (UCC Disaster Fund), Easter Special Offering, Cancer Awareness (donated to two local cancer centers) and Christmas Eve offering for the UCC’s Christmas Fund. We also collected soup for the Open Pantry for our Souper Bowl offering.

We are so grateful to everyone for your continued support. Please speak to any one of us if you would like to help with any of the ministries listed here. We also welcome new ideas!

Respectfully submitted,

Pastor Barbara, on behalf of our team: Judy Milano, Sandy Moore, Gerri Thompson, Joanne Wells, Rebekah Crampton Kamukala and Vivian Gonzalez

FUNDRAISING REPORT FOR 2024

This is an informal report about fundraising efforts for the year for our church’s ongoing operations. In total, we raised $7534.58. Our thanks to Lori LaTaille, Judy Milano, Jim Cummings and all who helped and supported these special events.

Our events included:

Vendor Fair/Yard Sale

Craft Fair

Many, many Raffles

Corned Beef Dinner

Quarter Auction

Pancake Brunch/Sing Along with Keith Walker

Annual Financial Pledges

Christmas and Easter Special Offerings

New/ Ongoing Fundraisers

Monthly fundraiser through Texas Roadhouse

Big Y gift card program

Newest idea for Fundraiser:

The Music Box

Thanks again to everyone.

Respectfully Submitted by members of our Events Team and Pastor Barbara

DELEGATES ANNUAL REPORT 2024

We represented Foster Memorial Church as delegates on Sunday, February 4, for the Installation of Rev. Chontell Nelson Washington, Pastor of First Congregational Church of West Springfield, by Hampden Association UCC. The opening worship service included scripture reading by Charles Jason Washington and a musical selection with violin played by Alexis Marie E. Nelson, respectively the son and daughter of Rev. Washington. Rev. Barbara Hesse, pastor of Second Congregational Church of Westfield, gave the sermon. During the ceremony of installation participants included moderator of the Association, moderator of First Congregational Church, chair of the search committee of First Church, chair of the Association committee on Church and Ministry, and Area Conference Minister of Southern New England UCC.

Rev. Douglas Bixby was installed as Pastor of First Church of Christ, Longmeadow, in April 21. He had been welcomed into the United Church of Christ by Privilege of Call. He shared the journey of his faith from an earlier denomination into a new relationship with the United Church of Christ. Present were members of his family and from previous churches. Participants in the service included the moderator of the Association and of the local church and of the Association committee on Church and Ministry. ministry

The Spring meeting of the Hampden Association of the United Church of Christ was held on Sunday, May 5 at First Congregational Church of Ludlow. The opening worship service was on the topic "What Gives Us Hope?”. The service was led by Moderator Paul Nesbit, Susan Kennedy, Nicole McKinstry, Gary Grimes and Ted Lyman.The theme of the meeting was “Finding Hope." A presentation by Rev. Eric Elley, SNEUCC Digital Minister, taught us how to make a video for Finding Hope and our own social media. Several representatives from our member churches talked about how they find hope in their congregations. The Finding Hope program will also be presented at the Annual Meeting of the SNEUCC Conference, June 21-22 at U Mass, Amherst.

We were the in-person Foster Church delegates to the 5th Annual Meeting of Southern New England Conference United Church of Christ, held June 21-22 at U Mass Amherst. Pre-Meeting events were held on Friday, June 21. On June 22, the Opening Worship included music by Persephone Hall and Liberty Christian Band and the sermon "Finding Hope Now" by Rev. Darrell Goodwin, Executive Conference Minister. Plenary #1 included opening business, speakouts, state of the Conference addresses, WISE Resolution and recognition of Authorized Ministers. The W.I.S.E. (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, Engaged) Resolution was passed A presentation was given by Dr. Erica Dollhopf, PhD., Director of the Center for Analysis, Research & Development, and Data for the United Church of Christ, exploring findings from recent research on congregational vitality in the UCC and beyond.

In the afternoon Prayers for Peace were held, followed by the Keynote speech "God Math!" by Rev. Dr. Courtney Stange-Tregear. She is the Chief Relationship Officer at the Cornerstone Fund of the UCC, who shared inspiring stories of churches that have grown their ministries and more greatly impacted their communities. Plenary #2 included Find Hope Now, speakouts, vote on the 2024 Budget, election of conference officers and Board of Directors, report on Legacy Corporation, and Recognition of Local Churches. The meeting closed with worship and Communion. Reports and videos about the Annual Meeting (/2024AM) and the June 2024 Annual Report (/annualreport) are available by going to the website www.sneucc.org

We attended in person the Annual Meeting of the Hampden Association of the Southern New England United Church of Christ Conference (SNEUCC). The meeting was held on October 6 at 2 pm at The Wilbraham United Church, 500 Main Street, Wilbraham. Due to the CROP Walk at Trinity United Methodist Church at the same time no other Foster Church members were able to attend the Annual Meeting. Following a brief worship service in the sanctuary we moved to the Fellowship Hall for refreshments. The annual meeting included the business meeting with approval of minutes, approval of reports, and election of association officers. A special remembrance of the late Mrs Rachel Tierney, an active member of the Committee on Ministry and other association activities. Regional Associate Conference Minister Rev Terry Yasuko Ogawa brought greetings from the SNEUCC. Eric Ellev, Digital Minister, SNEUCC. spoke about two topics: Church Without Walls and FindHopeNow.org. The meeting concluded with with three topics: Finding Hope- Hampden Association, Merciful Conversations on Race, and reports from three churches which have received VitaMin Grants.

Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan Tarantino and Rev Dr Robert Loesch

JUST PEACE TEAM REPORT FOR 2024

Our meeting on Sunday, January 7, 2024, was cancelled due to the snowstorm. Members were encouraged to attend the annual Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence program marking Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday, January 15 at 7 pm at Mary, Mother of Hope Church,

840 Page Boulevard, Springfield.

At the Sunday, February 11 meeting team members reviewed some recent events including the Martin Luther King event on January 15 at Mary, Mother of Hope Church with the main program by Chris Judd about ROCA. The team received minutes from the January 24 Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence meeting.

At the Just Peace meeting Sunday, March 10, we reviewed the February 28 minutes of the meeting of Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence. Each team member was invited to select one specific justice issue that each one will be able to report and encourage actions at future Just Peace meetings.

The nine JP team members who are also on the Neighborhood Support Team (NST) with the Afghan refugee family will include this as one of their selected topics. The issues from which our team members are selecting are: racial justice, housing justice, economic justice, environmental/climate justice, indigenous justice, education justice, gun justice, nuclear weapons, Palestine/Gaza/Israel justice, Ukraine/Russia justice, food justice, human rights justice and health justice.

Our team meetings were held on April 14, May 12, June 9. At each of those meetings we discussed several of the selected justice issues. We also reviewed the monthly minutes of Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence and discussed some of their future activities.

We did not meet in July or August due to vacation schedules. Our next meeting was on Sunday, September 8 when we finalized the ways our Just Peace team would help with the Peace Fair, 3-5 pm on Sunday, September 22 sponsored by Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence. We distributed the Springfield Republican advance article about the August 6 Hiroshima Remembrance event and "Memories of 9/11/2001" by Robert Loesch.

The next three meetings were held on Sundays, October 13, November 10 and December 8. At each of these meetings we reviewed specific topics among our justice issues and minutes of meetings of Greater Springfield Campaign Nonviolence. At the last two meetings of 2024 we also discussed ways that we can respond to the divisions in our communities and continue to reflect and focus on primary issues in the months ahead. At the December meeting I distributed a letter to the editor that I had written to Springfield Republican and published on December 2. It was titled "2024 Nobel Peace Prize recognizes Nihon Hidankyo" a Japanese organization of survivors of the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

During 2024, those attending your Just Peace team meetings have included: Vivian Gonzalez, Rev. Dr. Robert Loesch, Judy Milano, Sandra Moore, Persephone Pappanikou, Rev Barbara Schenk, Beverly Shultz, Charlie Shultz, Eric Sutter, Rev. Sue Tarantino, Gerri Thompson, Keith Walker, Joanne Wells, Rev. Dr. Peter Wells, Kevin Withers, Robin Withers, Kimberlee Pages, Sean LaTerz and Nick Chechile.

All of our meetings are open to our church members and friends.

Respectfully submitted by Robert Loesch

FOSTERIANS ANNUAL REPORT 2024

The Fosterians (Women’s Group) had four gatherings this past year. We meet on Saturdays beginning at noon, which seems to work very well with people’s schedules. We have averaged 25-30 women at our gatherings!

All women members and friends of the church are welcome – and welcome to invite more friends!

In March, we had a sandwich luncheon, followed by a fun game of “Gift Bag Bingo.” In May, we enjoyed a light lunch and enjoyed fun activities around the theme of mothers. At our November gathering, our theme was pumpkins! We also had a light lunch.

In December, we enjoyed a lasagna lunch followed by a fun “Yankee Christmas Swap.” We also collected money for a team of shoppers to make up Christmas bags for our members and friends unable to attend church.

The Fosterians help the church whenever we can. This year, we helped with All Church events including the Vendor Fair/Yard Sale and Craft Fair. We donated money to help with the purchase of a ladder for the church, purchased tablecloth protectors for the Fellowship Hall and purchased flowers for our church gardens.

Grateful thanks to everyone who helped host these gatherings and contributed food for our luncheons. And thanks to everyone who participated in our gatherings! If you would like to help us in hosting, please speak to one of us. We also welcome new ideas!

Lori LaTaille, Judy Milano and Gerri Thompson, Co-Leaders

January 2025 Newsletter

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:50:56 GMT

Dear friends,

With the new year comes a new church season, Epiphany, which begins on January 6. On the Sunday closest to this date, (January 7 this year), during our worship, we re-experience the story of the Magi’s visit to the Christ Child and his mother, Mary.

As the season continues, our focus is on the early times of Jesus’ ministry on earth, his teachings, healings and miracles. Themes for this season include light and AHA! experiences of transformation. The liturgical color for Epiphany is white.

As we remember the light of God shining through the earthly ministry of Jesus, so, in the midst of troubled times for our nation and world, may we remember our own call to shine God’s light.

A prayer for this season, by Godfrey Rust:

For those seekers

who put truth before comfort

and hope before security

we give thanks.

Grant us a wise man’s hope – light in darkness,

use for our gifts,

God at the end.

During this holy season, may Jesus, the Light of the World, be revealed to us and through us.

Blessings,

Barbara

This is also the season when we gather for our church’s Annual Meeting. The Executive Board has been working on arrangements; please see separate articles and please plan to join us.

January Calendar

Sunday, January 7: Epiphany Sunday
Saturday, January 13 1-3 PP Collection of Donations of Food for Open Pantry
Sunday, January 14: Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday/Blankets Offering
Sunday, January 21: 11: AM Budget Proposal Meeting
Sunday, January 28: after worship. Annual Meeting Begins with luncheon
Ongoing:
God Time, nursery care Sundays at 10:00 AM
Waving for Peace, Mondays from 3:30-4 PM

Star Words

Everyone is welcome to receive a Star Word for the year ahead. We will be distributing them throughout this month on Sunday mornings. If you would like one emailed to you, please contact Pastor Barbara. These are words we are invited to reflect on during the year to come. Or, select a word from the stars below.

Budget Presentation for 2024/Special Meeting

We will hold an Informational Meeting about the Budget Proposed for 2024 on Sunday, January 19, following our worship service.

Notice of Annual Meeting: Sunday, January 28th

Our church’s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 26 after worship. There will be a special soup luncheon, provided by the Deacons and friends. There will be a free will offering; all proceeds will help to fund our dinner ministry for Loaves and Fishes. Although voting is limited to church members, our church friends are also encouraged to attend. The meeting will include the acceptance of annual reports, the election of officers and board and committee members, discussion and voting on the 2024 budget and other business that may be brought before the meeting. Your participation is very much needed and appreciated. Please plan to attend.

Reports for Annual Report

All written reports should be completed by January 5. Please email reports to Pastor Barbara Thank you.

Pledges for 2025

Thank you to everyone who has already made a financial pledge to the church. All pledges are a blessing and greatly appreciated. Pledge letters and cards are available in the entryway to the sanctuary. Pledge envelope boxes are in the hallway next to our Friendship Room. Please sign on the clipboard if you would do not see your box of envelopes. Thank you for your support!

Jauary Drive Through Collection of Donations

Saturday, January 13: 1-3 PM Back parking lot

We will be collecting Food for Open Pantry

Men's Breakfast

Men's Breakfast will be held on Saturday, January 6. All men are invited to meet in the church’s front parking lot to leave for breakfast at 8:30 AM. Contact Biff Simpson for more information.

"Blankets+" Special Offering

*Blankets, tents, food and other emergency supplies in the wake of a disaster.

*Tools and seeds for refugees returning home to replant their fields

*Wells for families living in drought prone areas

*Literacy training for women struggling to realize their potential

*And much more!

We collect a special offering for Blankets + on Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday, observed this year on January 14.

Looking Ahead: Souper Bowl Sunday

Everyone is invited to start collecting soup for SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY, celebrated on February 11. We will be collecting soup throughout January and February. Our donations will help our neighbors who receive services through the Open Pantry, here in Springfield.

Pledges for 2025

Our grateful thanks to everyone who made a financial pledge to the church for the coming year. We have pledge cards available in the entryway to the sanctuary. Or you can call the church office at 782-2112 to have a card mailed to you. Every pledge is greatly appreciated and a symbol of our engaging together to continue to “be the church” and further God’s realm, right where we are.

December 2024 Newsletter

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:29:13 GMT

Dear friends,

Even in the midst of all of this…

Trouble on the news, no peace within,

Still, there is a light in the distance

drawing nearer, drawing nearer

--Christopher Grundy

In this holy season, as we await the coming of God once again into our world as a tiny baby, may we work and pray for the world that God intends. A world of justice and mercy, unity within division, and the deep peace of God’s shalom.

May we look to the light drawing ever nearer to earth to shine on earth as it is in heaven.

Come, Jesus, into our hearts and homes, for you are the Hope of Hopes, Prince of Peace, Joy of Joys and Love of Loves.

In Christ,

Barbara

December Calendar

Sunday, December 1: Christmas Fun/Pancake Fundraiser for Tenzing
Saturday, December 7: Men’s Club meets at 8:20 AM
Saturday, December 7: Fosterians Gathering 12:00 PM
Sunday, December 8: Blessing of Gifts for Gray House:
Sunday, December 8: Just Peace Team Meeting
Saturday, December 14: Drive Through: 1-3 PM
Sunday, December 22: Christmas Pageant during worship
Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Service at 7 PM

Each Month

Worship Sundays at 10 AM
God Time (church school) and nursery care each Sunday
Filmed worship services filmed on Wednesday afternoon and posted each week on our church Facebook page, website: fostermemorial.org and You Tube
Monthly prep for Fishes and Loaves dinner
Monthly Drive for outreach: 2 ^nd Saturday, 1-3 PM
Waving for Peace, Mondays from 3:30-4 PM

Pancake Brunch: December 1 Following Worship: Fundraiser for Tenzing

We are having a pancake brunch on this day to raise funds in support of Tenzing, our sponsored youth who is a Tibetan refugee living and going to school in India. It costs well over $400 a year for sponsorship, so we appreciate everyone’s support through a Free Will offering. Please join us for a delicious brunch, followed by crafts for all ages.

December Outreach

We are collecting toys and games and gift cards for children and youth, to be distributed through the Gray House. Please bring gifts unwrapped. The gifts will be blessed on December 8.

Collecting Through December 24, 2024

Through December 24, we will be collecting new mittens, hats, scarves and gloves for all ages for our Mitten Tree.

We will also be collecting new and gently worn coats and jackets for all ages, to be distributed through Rebecca Johnson School, Gray House and Loaves and Fishes. Thank you for your support!

D ecember Drive Through Collection of Donations

Our next Drive Through event will be on Saturday, December 14 from 1-3 PM in the church parking lot. We will be collecting food for Open Pantry, toys, games, and winterwear (see above). We are so grateful for the response to these events by our church folks and our community friends from all around our area.

Thanksgiving / Stewardship Sunday: Nov. 24

A Stewardship letter will soon be distributed to everyone with a pledge card enclosed for the year to come. On November 24, Thanksgiving/Stewardship Sunday, we are invited to bring our pledge cards to our morning worship service. For those who cannot be with us, please mail your pledge cards to the church office. Please contact the office if you do not receive a pledge letter by November 15. Every pledge is greatly appreciated and a symbol of our engaging together to continue to “be the church” and further God’s realm, right where we are.

Our Christmas Pageant

Our Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 22 during our worship service. Rehearsals begin on December 1 with a full rehearsal after worship on December 15. All children and youth are invited and encouraged to participate.

Caroling on the Steps

On the three Sundays before Christmas (Dec 8, 15 and 22), everyone is invited to gather on the front steps of the church at 9:45AM to sing carols together until 9:55 a.m. All ages are welcome. Optional: Bring mufflers and top hats!! Talk to Biff Simpson for more information.

Christmas Eve Services

Our Christmas Eve service will be held at 7 PM. This service is designed for all ages. We hope that you can join us.

Pledges for 2025

Eye to the Sky

If we need to cancel in-person worship or another special event during the winter season, we will post on local channels.

For smaller meetings, please contact the Chair or Facilitator. NOTE: A pre-recorded worship service is available for viewing each week.

Waving For Peace

We witness for peace every Monday from 3:30-4 PM . All are welcome! We don’t wave if the weather is bad (heavy rain or snow or ice). We keep an “eye to the sky” especially in the winter months!

Just Peace Team Meeting

Our Just Peace team will have an open meeting on Sunday,

December 8 ,following worship. All are welcome.

Film/Snail Mail Worship Services

We continue to offer pre- recorded worship services for each Sunday, posted on You Tube and on our website at

http://www.fostermemorial.org/videos

These videos are also posted on our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page. Worship services are also provided in print through the mail each week to those without access to the internet. If you would like to be added to the weekly mailing list, please call the church office.

November 2024 Newsletter

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 17:22:22 GMT

Dear friends,

This month, our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving and Blessings.

I am grateful for the ways that we, as this community of faith, offer encouragement and care for one another and hope into the world.

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

God of all creation, we give you thanks.

Every day is a gift. Each day is a blessing.

Open our eyes to see your living presence in each other.

Help us grow stronger each day, in faith, hope and love.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Savior,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

forever and ever. AMEN

--Author Unknown

Blessings,

Barbara

Daylight Savings

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 3. Please remember to set your clocks back one hour the night before.

November Calendar:

Saturday, November 2: Men’s Club meet at 8:20 AM
Saturday, November 2: Fosterians 12-2 PM
Saturday, November 9: Drive Through 1-3 PM
Saturday, November 9: Quarter Auction
Friday, November 15: Music Box 7 PM
Sunday, November 24: Thanksgiving/Stewardship Sunday

Ongoing:

Worship Sundays at 10 AM with God Time (church school) and

childcare provided each Sunday

Pre-recorded worship services posted on Sunday mornings on You Tube, Facebook and our website at fostermemorial.org
Waving for Peace: Mondays 3:30 – 4:00 PM
Monthly prep for Fishes and Loaves dinner: Thursday before the third Friday.
Serving Dinner on the Third Friday at South Church at 4:30 PM

If you would like a copy of the bulletin and meditation mailed to you, please contact the church office.

Quarter Auction:

Saturday, November 9th

Doors open at 3:30pm - Auction starts at 4:30pm

Address: Foster Memorial Church, UCC
179 Wilbraham Rd. Springfield, MA

Admission: $5 for two paddles
Bring a non-perishable food item for a free raffle ticket

Bring a friend and your quarters for a chance to win some great items!

Something for everyone! Food and Snack available for purchase

Vendors and Raffle

For more information, please call or text Lori at 626-9040

Fosterians Gathering: Sat. November 2:

There will be a gathering for the Fosterians on Saturday, November 2 from 12-2 PM. The theme for the gathering will be PUMPKINS! There will be a light lunch served (with a free will offering) If you would like to help, please speak to Lori LaTaille or Judy Milano. Please also let them know you are coming, so we can get a count for lunch. All women of the church are invited, and we love to have guests!

November Coat and Jacket Drive

For the months of November and December, we will be collecting new and gently used jackets for all ages.

November Drive Through: Satuday, Nov. 9 1-3pm

We will collect jackets and coats along with non-perishable foods.

NOTE: We collect non-perishable food for the Open Pantry each Sunday during our worship service.

Thanksgiving / Stewardship Sunday: Nov. 24

December:

Special Gatherings / Services: More information to come!

Sunday, December 1: Christmas Fun/Pancake Fundraiser for Tenzing

Saturday, December 7: Men’s Club meet at 8:20 AM

Saturday, December 7: Fosterians Gathering 12:00 PM

Sunday, December 8: Blessing of Gifts for Gray House:

Saturday, December 14: Drive Through: 1-3 PM

Sunday, December 22: Christmas Pageant during worship

Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Service 7 PM

Christmas Gifts for Gray House

Throughout November and early December, we will collecting new toys and games to be distributed through the Gray House for children and youth in our local area. Gifts for teens will also be collected; ideas for teens include blankets, gift cards, and toiletries. Please bring gifts unwrapped.

Save The Dates:

Collecting New Winter Outerwear

Through December 24, we will be collecting new mittens, hats, scarves and gloves for all ages for our Mitten Tree.

Fosterians Gathering: Saturday, December 7 at noon

All women of the church are invited to a luncheon hosted by the Fosterians. A light lunch will be provided. We’ll have a “Yankee Christmas Swap” (bring gifts $5-10 to swap) and collect donations (suggested; $5) for holiday bags to be distributed to our confined members and friends. Please let Judy or Lori know that you are coming or call the office at 782-2112. Friends are invited too!

Pancake Brunch For Tenzing/Christmas Fun: Sunday, December 1

On this Sunday, we will have a fundraising Pancake Brunch with a free will offering to support our sponsored youth, Tenzing, a Tibetan refugee living in India with her family. After brunch will be addition to a delicious brunch, we will have a gingerbread house craft for the children and a winter craft for all ages.

October 2024 Newsletter

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 02:39:08 GMT

Dear friends,

October looks to be another active month of outreach ministries for the church, including Drive Through Donations for Open Pantry, Blessings of the Animals, Trick or Treat for UNICEF and the Greater Springfield CROP Hunger Walk.

The CROP Walk started 47 years ago in Springfield and is the “oldest” walk of its kind in the city. Donations help our neighbors around the world through global and national partnerships with 25% staying in our local area, distributed through the Open Pantry, Lorraine’s Kitchen and Western MA Food Bank.

The walk will be held on Sunday, October 6 at Trinity United Methodist Church on Sumner Ave. Registration begins at 1 PM. There is DJ music and tee shirts for sale for $10.00.

The walk begins at 2 PM. There is an option of a one mile or three-mile walk. I had an idea for all the walkers to carry a little CROP sign this year. Thanks to Robin who designed the signs and to members and friends for helping to make the signs! (Close to 100!)

Kevin Withers is our CROP Treasurer this year. Please speak to him if you would like a walker/sponsor sheet. There are many ways to be a sponsor. We have small CROP WALK donation envelopes in the pews. Donations can be made with Kevin for our Team Donation Sheet. NOTE: all checks should be made out to CWS/CROP (not to the church)

There is also a website through which donations can be made:

https://events.crophungerwalk.org/cropwalks/team/foster-memorial-church-ucc

Through the years, CROP WALK has been a vital outreach ministry for our church. Everyone’s support is so appreciated.

Blessings,

Barbara

October Calendar:

Saturday, October 5: Men’s Club meet at 8:20 AM
Sunday, October 6: Texas Road House/Crop Walk
Sunday, October 6: Crop Walk for Hunger
Saturday, October 12: Drive Through: 1-3 PM
Just Peace Team after worship
Sunday, October 20: Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 27: Trick or Treat for UNICEF

November Calendar:

Friday, November 1: Quarter Auction
Saturday, November 2: Men’s Club meet at 8:20 AM
Saturday, November 2: Fosterians 12-2 PM
Saturday, November 9: Drive Through 1-3 PM
Sunday, November 24: Trick or Treat for UNICEF

Ongoing:

Worship Sundays at 10 AM with God Time (church school) and childcare provided each Sunday
Pre-recorded worship services posted on Sunday mornings on You Tube, Facebook and our website at fostermemorial.org
Waving for Peace: Mondays 3:30 – 4:00 PM
Monthly prep for Fishes and Loaves dinner: Thursday before the third Friday.
Serving Dinner on the Third Friday at South Church at 4:30 PM

If you would like a copy of the bulletin and meditation mailed to you, please contact the church office.

October Drive Through:

We collect food for Open Pantry on the second Saturday of each month. This month, we are also collecting donations of pet toys and food in honor of our Blessing of the Animals event on October 20 (see separate article)

Just a reminder: We collect nonperishable food every Sunday during worship. Our current focus foods are pasta and rice. All non-perishable food is appreciated. Thanks for your support.

Trick or Treat for UNICEF

Sunday, October 27th

During worship on Sunday, October 27 everyone is invited to bring donations (coins or bills) for “Trick or Treat for UNICEF.” All children and youth are invited to dress in Halloween costumes. There will also be special God Time activities on this day!

Annual Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2pm

Join us for this special event! All animals 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 is welcome, no matter if you bring pets or just want to enjoy the event. And please invite friends!

Greater Crop Walk: Save the date: October 6th

The CROPWALK is the oldest and first walk of its kind in our city of Springfield. 75% of the money raised works around the world; 25% is distributed to our neighbors in nrrf through local agencies. This year’s walk will be held on Sunday, October 6. 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 or Judy Milano if you are able to help.

Fundraiser: Texas Roadhouse: Oct. 5 from 11:30am - 3pm

Thank you to everyone who provided special music for our worship services over the summer, with special thanks to Frank Jackson, our Organist and Choir Director, who coordinated the musicians and music.

Our thanks to: “Pick-Up” Choir, Frank P. Jackson, Men’s Choral Group, Women’s Choral Group,, Keith Walker & Pastor Barbara, Roxie & Steve Bailey, Sue Mcnary and Kathy Schoeck.

New Fundraiser

We have a new fundraiser for the church in the form of grocery cards that can be used as gifts or to buy our own groceries. We all buy food and wouldn't it be nice if every time we shopped at Big Y, the church got a small benefit (5%). The church will order some cards in various amounts ($25, $50, $100, $200) and we will have the opportunity to purchase these cards on Sunday. We'll try it out and see how it works. Some churches have been very successful with this program so let's give it a try!! For more information, please speak to Jeanie Marsh.

Our Videographer, Jaime Rooke

Jamie has been our videographer for our filmed services since shortly after the church was shut down because of Covid. Over four years! Jamie has been promoted in her job and is no longer going to film the services. Thank you so much, Jamie, for sharing your wonderful talent and for your generousity to our church. We will miss you!

Note: Keith Walker is filling in as videographer for now. Thank you, Keith!

Looking Ahead: Fosterians Gathering: Sat. November 2

September 2024 Newsletter

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 19:13:00 GMT

Please note: Worship time changes from 9:30 AM to

10:000 AM, beginning on September 1.

September marks the turning of the seasons. We are moving ahead with activities and ministries. Our Craft Fair Sale is coming up on September 7. Please speak to Lori if you would like to help. Rally Sunday, marking a new program year for church, will be held the next day.

Wider church/community events: Everyone is invited to help us host International Peace Day on Sunday, September 22. We would also love to have folks from our church stop by to experience the event. Our CROP Hunger Walk will be held on October 6. Please see separate articles for more information about these and more upcoming events.

September also marks the beginning of the school year in our region. Thank you to everyone for donations of school supplies for our partner, Rebecca Johnson School.

Holy God, bless teachers and administrators,

school staff, volunteers, and families.

Bless everyone involved with education

throughout the world

During these uncertain and challenging times,

We pray for the safety and well- being of all your beloved.

All this we ask in the name of Jesus, who said,

“Let the Children come to me.” AMEN.

Blessings,

Barbara

September Calendar:

Worship Service time resumes at 10 AM

Saturday, September 7: Craft Fair: 9 AM-3 PM
Sunday, September 8 during worship: Rally Sunday: Just Peace Team will meet after coffee hour
Saturday, September 14: Drive Through 1-3 PM
Sunday, September 22: Peace Day Event 3-5 PM

October Calendar:

Saturday, October 5: Men’s Club meet at 8:20 AM
Sunday, October 6: Crop Walk
Saturday, October 12: Drive Through: 1-3 PM
Sunday, October 20: Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 27: Trick or Treat for UNICEF

November Calendar:

Friday, November 1: Quarter Auction
Saturday, November 2: Men’s Club meet at 8:20 AM
Saturday, November 2: Fosterians 12-2 PM
Saturday, November 9: Drive Through 1-3 PM

Craft Fair

Saturday, September 7, 2024: 9 AM-3 PM

Indoor and Outdoor Vendors

Location: Our church

If you would like to be a vendor,

please contact Lori at 413-626-9040 or email lorilhi@aol.com

Quality Crafts: Something for everyone!

Lunch for purchase and a fun Gift Basket Raffle!

We need Vendors and Helpers. Please contact Lori

God Time/Rally Sunday

Rally Sunday, the beginning of a new program year for God Time/Sunday school, will be held SUNDAY, September 8, followed by an Ice Cream Social for everyone. Please help us spread the word!!

SEPTEMBER DRIVE THROUGH : Saturday. Sept. 14

Time: 1-3 PM in our church parking lot. We will be collecting food for the Open Pantry. REMINDER: We collect non-perishable food for Open Pantry every Sunday. Our focus foods are pasta and rice. All donations are so appreciated.

INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY: May Peace Prevail

We are hosting this event for the third year!

Date/Time: September 2, 2024, from 3:00-5:00 PM

Rain Plans: Inside the church

Representatives from area groups/organizations/faith communities working on issues of justice and peace will gather to mark and celebrate International Peace Day. Each organization will be invited to set up a table with resources and share information and conversation with other participants and guests. We will also have art activities, music, and light refreshments.

Please speak to Pastor Barbara or Bob Loesch if you can help us to host this event. And please spread the word to neighbors and friends to come and find out more about how people in our local area are addressing issues of justice and peace.

Greater Crop Walk: Save the date: October 6th

We always need helpers with refreshments and our “Welcome Back” team, as well as walkers and sponsors. Please speak to Pastor Barbara or Judy Milano if you are able to help.

SUMMER MUSIC

Our thanks to: “Pick-Up” Choir, Frank P. Jackson, Men’s Choral Group, Women’s Choral Group,, Keith Walker & Pastor Barbara, Roxie & Steve Bailey, Sue Mcnary and Kathy Schoeck.

RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

Along with in-person worship service, we offer pre-recorded worship services, posted each week (and special services) on YOU Tube, on our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page and on our church website: http://www.fostermemorial.org/videos/ Worship services are also provided in print through the mail each week for people who do not have access to the internet. Contact the church office if you would like to receive the service in the mail or join our email list.

THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who served this summer as…

God Time Guides, nursery helpers, garden angels, deacons and ushers, coffee hour leaders and teams, those in charge our church finances, our film crew, wavers for peace, lift operators, members of boards, committees, teams and many more who serve behind the scenes!

August 2024 Newsletter

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:57:27 GMT

Dear friends,

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer – it seems to be flying! Many events and special worship services are coming up! We also hope to have a Garden Tour – if we’re not able to have it in person, we will provide a filmed tour!

This reminds me of a beautiful hymn: “The Beautiful Garden of Prayer” by Eleanor Allen Schroll:

1 There’s a garden where Jesus is waiting,

There’s a place that is wondrously fair,

For it glows with the light of His presence

’Tis that beautiful garden of prayer.

Refrain: O the beautiful garden, the garden of prayer,

O the beautiful garden of prayer!

There my Savior awaits, and He opens the gates

To the beautiful garden of prayer.

2 There’s a garden where Jesus is waiting,

And I go, with my burden and care,

Just to learn from His lips words of comfort

In the beautiful garden of prayer. [Refrain]

3 There’s a garden where Jesus is waiting,

And He bids you to come meet Him there,

Just to bow and receive a new blessing

In the beautiful garden of prayer. [Refrain]

Blessings,

Barbara

Important Dates

July-August 11: Collection of school supplies for Rebecca Johnson

August Calendar

Saturday, August 3: Men’s Club meet front parking lot at 8:20 AM

Sunday, August 4 at 10:30 AM: Rain Date: August 11

10th Anniversary of Waving for Peace

Saturday, August 10 1-3 PM:

Drive Through Collection of Food for Open Pantry

and School Supplies for Rebecca Johnson

Sunday, August 11 during worship:

Blessing of School Supplies

Tuesday, August 27: (Crop Team)

Hosting Distribution of Crop Hunger Walk materials

September:

Sunday, September 1:

Worship Service time resumes at 10 AM

Saturday, September 7:

Craft Fair: 9-3 Vendors asked to provide tables and set up

Sunday, September 8 during worship:

Rally Sunday: First Day of the Church School Program Year

Saturday, September 14:1-3 PM

Drive Through Collection of Food for Open Pantry

Sunday, September 22:

Hosting International Peace Day:

Ongoing:

Sunday mornings:

God Time and Nursery Care

Coffee Hour after worship

Monday afternoons:

Waving for Peace from 3:30-4 PM

Wednesdays 5-6PM

Cutting Edge Group

Third Thursday:

Prep for Loaves and Fishes Dinner

Third Friday:

Serving Dinner at Loaves and Fishes

Last week:

Delivering baked goods to Loaves & Fishes

October:

Crop Walk: Sunday, October 6

Drive Through: Saturday, October 12

Blessing of the Animals: Sunday, October 20

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR REBECCA JOHNSON

We will be collecting school supplies through August 11 . Needed: Everything from pencils to backpacks, notebooks, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, and two and four pocket folders and more! Thanks to everyone for your support!

SPECIAL MUSIC SCHEDULE:

8/4 Men’s Choral Group

8/11 Frank P. Jackson, Pianist

8/18 Women’s Choral Group

8/25 Kathy Schoeck, Violinist

9/1 Pickup Choir (note: Rehearsal at 9:15 AM)

Everyone is invited to join the Pickup Choir and men are invited to join Men’s Choral Group. Rehearsals will be held in the sanctuary on Sunday at 8:45 AM. Please speak to Frank Jackson for more information.

WAVING FOR PEACE ANNIVERSARY

Sunday, August 4, following worship

All are welcome to help us celebrate TEN years of Waving for Peace on Monday afternoons. We will wave for a half hour. Chairs are provided. All ages welcome!

AUGUST DRIVE THROUGH: Sat. Aug 10

CRAFT FAIR

Saturday, September 7 ^th : 9 AM-3PM

Indoor and Outdoor Vendors

Foster Memorial Church, UCC

1791 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA

If you would like to be a vendor,

please contact Lori at 413-626-9040 or email lorilhi@aol.com

Quality Crafts: Something for everyone!

Lunch for purchase and a fun Gift Basket Raffle!

We are once again the hosts for this event!

INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY: May Peace Prevail

Sunday, September 22 from 3- 5 PM Rain Plans: Inside

We need helpers for set up, clean-up and refreshments. Please speak to Bob Loesch or Pastor Barbara if you would be able to help.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD CROPWALK FOR HUNGER

Please save the date for the walk: Sunday, October 6. 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 or Jeanie Marsh if you can help.

Annual Blessing of the Animals:

Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 PM

Join us for this special event! All animals 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 animals or just to enjoy this event!

July 2024 Newsletter

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 00:42:13 GMT

Dear friends,

Reminder: Our worship service time shifts to 9:30 AM from

July 7 through August.

Everyone’s Help is Welcome!

The events and ongoing ministries listed- and others not listed - in this newsletter are OPEN to anyone who would like to get involved. Please speak to the contacts below or to me for more information:

(Apologies for any omissions)

Craft Fair/Vendor Fairs/Raffles: Lori LaTaille

July Pancake Brunch: Pastor Barbara & Keith Walker

Prep for Loaves and Fishes: Joanne & Peter Wells

Serving Loaves and Fishes: Joe Rosati

Choir: Frank Jackson

CROP Hunger Walk and Drive Through: Jeanie Marsh

Finance Board: Kevin Withers

Foster Softball: Matt Kobjack & Wilberth Condega Ortiz

Garden Angels and Altar Design: Judy Milano & Gerri Thompson

Cutting Edge (help with lawn and gardens): Keith Walker

Bun Run – delivering baked goods to Loaves & Fishes: Sandy Moore

International Peace Day/Just Peace Group: Bob Loesch

Deacons (support for worship & care:) Mary Caron

Trustees (buildings and grounds): Jim Cummings

Christian Ed, God Time, readers for worship, Coffee Hour, Filmed Worship Service & Nursery Volunteers: Pastor Barbara

Fosterians Women’s Group: Lori LaTaille & Judy Milano

Men’s Group: Biff Simpson

Delegates: Susan Tarantino & Bob Loesch

Blessings in this summer season,

July Calendar

July-August 11: Collection of school supplies for Rebecca Johnson

Saturday, July 13 1-3 PM:

Drive Through Collection of Food for Open Pantry

Sunday, July 28 at 10:30 AM:

Pancake Brunch with performance and singalong by Keith Walker Fundraiser for our church's Sprinkler System

August Calendar

Sunday, August 4 at 10:30 AM:

10th Anniversary of Waving for Peace

(Rain date: August 11):

Saturday, August 10 1-3 PM:

Drive Through Collection of Food for Open Pantry

And School Supplies for Rebecca Johnson

Sunday, August 11 during worship:

Blessing of School Supplies

Tuesday, August 27:

Hosting Distribution of Crop Hunger Walk materials

September:

Sunday, September 1:

Worship Service time resumes at 10 AM

Saturday, September 7:

Craft Fair: 9-3 Vendors asked to provide tables and set up

Sunday, September 8 during worship:

Rally Sunday: First Day of the Church School Program Year

Saturday, September 14:1-3 PM

Drive Through Collection of Food for Open Pantry

Sunday, September 22:

Hosting International Peace Day:

Ongoing:

Sunday mornings:

God Time and Nursery Care

Coffee Hour after worship

Monday afternoons:

Waving for Peace from 3:30-4 PM

Wednesdays 5-6PM

Cutting Edge Group

Third Thursday:

Prep for Loaves and Fishes Dinner

Third Friday:

Serving Dinner at Loaves and Fishes

Last week:

Delivering baked goods to Loaves & Fishes

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR REBECCA JOHNSON

We will be collecting school supplies through August 11. Needed: Everything from pencils to backpacks, notebooks, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, and two and four pocket folders and more! Thanks to everyone for your support!

PANCAKE BRUNCH & PERFORMANCE/SINGALONG WITH KEITH WALKER

Sunday, July 28 at 10:30 AM

This is a Fundraiser to help with expenses for our church's sprinkler system. Please speak to Pastor Barbara if you are able to help in the kitchen or hosting.

MONTHLY DRIVE THROUGH: July 13 from 1-3 PM

Collection of Food for Open Pantry

We also collect food for Open Pantry each Sunday during our worship services. This summer, we will also be collecting school supplies.

WAVING FOR PEACE ANNIVERSARY

Sunday, August 4, following worship

All are welcome to help us celebrate TEN years of Waving for Peace on Monday afternoons. We will wave for a half hour. Chairs are provided. All ages welcome!

SPECIAL MUSIC SCHEDULE:

6/30 Pickup Choir

7/7 Women’s Choral Group

7/14 Roxy & Steve Bailey, Vocalists &

Instrumentalists

7/21 Sue Mcnary, Soprano

7/28 Barbara Schenk & Keith Walker

Vocalists & Instrumentalists

8/4 Men’s Choral Group

8/11 Frank P. Jackson, Pianist

8/18 Pickup Choir

8/25 Kathy Schoeck, Violinist

9/1 Pickup Choir

Everyone is invited to join the Pickup Choir. Women are invited to join the Women’s Choral Group and men invited to join Men’s Choral Group. Rehearsals will be held in the sanctuary on Sunday at 8:45 AM. Please speak to Frank Jackson for more information.

CRAFT FAIR

Saturday, September 7 ^th : 9 AM-3PM

Vendors Welcome!

Outside and Inside Spaces Available

Cost: $30.00 per vendor

We request that vendors supply their own tables

Speak to Lori LaTaille for more information!

413-626-9040 or lorilhi@aol.com

There will also be lunch items for purchase

and Gift Basket Raffles.

FOSTER SOFTBALL SEASON IS HERE!

https://www.interchurchsoftball.com/fields/

There are three weeks left to the season!

Tuesdays: July 9, 16 and 23 beginning at 5:30 PM.

Please contact Pastor Barbara for game locations, because there might be changes. The games on the 9 ^th are scheduled to be played at Bethany Assembly Church in Agawam.

The locations for July 16 and 23: TBD

Everyone is always welcome and encouraged to come!

Go, Foster team!

June 2024 Newsletter

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:38:21 GMT

Dear friends,

June is here, with several special activities and events, including our Vendor Fair, Children and Youth Sunday, Flat Jesus project and more. Please see the articles and calendar in this newsletter for more information.

And please note that our worship time will change from

10 AM to 9:30 AM beginning July 2.

Blessings,

Barbara

Vendor Fair & Yard Sale

Saturday, June 1, 2024

9am - 3pm

Rain or shine!

Foster Memorial Church, UCC

1791 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA

New and gently used items for sale!

Something for everyone!

Bake Sale, lunch for purchases and a fun Gift Basket Raffle!

June Calendar

Saturday, J une 1:

Vendor F air / Tag Sale

Saturday, June 8:

Drive Through Collection for OP

Sunday, June 9:

Children and Youth Sunday/Ice Cream Social

Children and Youth Sunday: June 9:

There will be special activities for our God Time (church school). Following our worship, everyone is invited to an “ice cream social” on the lawn or inside, as weather permits.

S ummer Schedule For Worship

We will be collecting non-perishable food to be donated to Open Pantry. All food donations are appreciated! When we deliver the food, we hear how much the donations are appreciated. We are also thankful to members of our community who participate in this outreach mission each month!

God Time Summer Schedule

We are looking for Volunteers to facilitate God Time (church school) for July and August. We are also looking for Nursery Volunteers. Please speak to Pastor Barbara or Lori LaTaille if you would be able to help.

Recorded Worship Services

Along with in-person worship service, we offer recorded worship services, posted each week (and for special services) on YOU Tube, our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page and on our church website: http://www.fostermemorial.org

W orship services are also provided in print through the mail each week for people who do not have access to the internet. Contact the church office if you would like to receive the printed service in the mail.

God Times Guides and Nursery Volunteers

The Christian Education Board would like to thank this year’s God Time Guides who worked with our children and youth throughout the school year on Sunday mornings. Thank you to Karen Coughlin, Robin and Kevin Withers, Lori LaTaille, Gail Foss, Matt Kobjack, Kim Kobjack, Sharon Gormbley and Alice Kempf for sharing your gifts and talents with our young people. We are so very grateful to you all! Thank you to Hayley LaTaille, our staff nursery care provider and to our nursery volunteers: Amy Pawle, Joanne Wells, Karen Coughlin, Laura Bisbee Condega, Deb Kirchherr, Aubrey Kobjack and Ellie McRobie.

Thank You To Our Choir

Our Chancel Choir will take a break for the summer, but there will be opportunities for anyone who would like to join us for both Men and Women’s “Pick Up” Choirs over the weeks of summer: Stay tuned for more information! Our grateful thanks to our Choir Director/Organist, Frank Jackson, and to our choir members: Pam Corey, Becky Crampton Kamukala, Sandy Moore, Bev Weinhold-Shultz, Charlie Shultz, Nick Chechile, Vivian Gonzalez, Gerri Thompson, Gay and Ted Owczarski, Joe Rosati, Eric Sutter, Judy Milano and Pastor Barbara.

Monthly Drive Through Collection of Donations for OP Saturday, June 8: 1-3PM

We will be collecting non-perishable food to be donated to Open Pantry. All non-perishable food donations are appreciated!

Report from our Delegates: Written by Rev. Susan Taratino

On Sunday April 21, 2024 , the Hampden Association gathered in Longmeadow at First Church of Christ. Members and guests celebrated the call and Installation of The Rev. Doug Bixby. The full celebration included music provided by Longmeadow’s choir and organist, and a stirring sermon offered by the Rev. Dennis Moon of Glastonbury, a long-time friend and colleague of the Longmeadow Pastor.

Rev. Bixby offered words about his experiences, his faith journey and lifelong involvement with the church. His formal ministry began in the Evangelical Covenant Church in which he served two churches over fifteen years. Over this period, he felt increasingly called to greater diversity and to ministries of social justice and inclusion for all persons. He detailed his wonderful ecumenical journey and his thoughtful transition from one denomination to another. By the action of the gathered Association, he was welcomed with full ordained standing into the United Church of Christ and the Hampden Association.

A reception followed with amazing food and drink. We are all grateful for and celebrate their ministries.

Foster Softball Season is Here!

https://www.interchurchsoftball.com/fields/

The Inter-Church Softball League's season has begun! Website above. There is also a Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/WesternMAChurchSoftball

Everyone is always welcome! Go, Foster team!

May 2024 Newsletter

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:07:41 GMT

Dear friends,

This month, the season of Easter continues. It is a joyful season of 50 days, which lasts from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday, celebrated this year on May 19. During this season, we focus on Jesus’ appearances to his followers after his death and resurrection. One of my favorite hymns for this season is

In The Bulb There is a Flower by Natalie Sleeth.

In the bulb there is a flower;

in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise:

butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold and snow of winter

there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season,

something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence,

seeking word and melody.

There’s a dawn in every darkness,

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future;

what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season,

something God alone can see.

Blessings,

Barbara

Worship Each Sunday at 10am

Nursery Care and Church school provided

Saturday, May 4 at 8:30 AM

Men’s Breakfast

Meet at the front parking lot at 8:20 AM

Saturday, May 11, 1:00 -3:00 PM

Drive Up Collection of Food Donations for Open Pantry

Sunday, May 12 after worship

Meeting of Just Peace Team: All welcome

Saturday, May 18 at 11AM

May Gathering for Fosterians (all women welcome)

Looking ahead:

Saturday, June 1: Vendor Fair/Tag Sale

Sunday, June 2: Relay for Life Special Offering

Saturday, June 8: Drive Through Donations for Open Pantry

Sunday, June 9: Children and Youth Sunday

Sunday, June 16: Last Sunday for Choir

Monthly Drive Through Collection Saturday, May 11, 1-3pm

Fosterians Gathering: Saturday, May 18 11am

Please note the start time for this gathering is 11 AM.

All women members and friends of the church are invited to this gathering, which will include a fun game and theme, light lunch and a discussion about the upcoming Vendor Fair/Yard Sale. There will be a free will offering to help with expenses for the lunch We are also looking for people to provide desserts! We hope you can join us. Contact Lori LaTaille or Judy Milano to let them know you are coming!

Cutting Edge Team Wednesdays from 5-6pm

Vendor Fair & Yard Sale

Saturday, June 1, 2024

9 AM-3 PM

Rain or shine!!

Foster Memorial Church, UCC

1791 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA

If you would like to be a vendor,

please call Lori at 413-626-9040

lorilhi@aol.com

New and gently used items for sale!

Something for everyone!

Bake Sale, lunch for purchase and a fun

Gift Basket Raffle!

Volunteers are Needed!

Help is needed for set-up, clean-up, cashiers, Bake Goods table, lunch prep and serving and more. It takes the help of many, many members and friends of our church to make this fundraiser a success. Please speak to Lori or Judy Milano if you can help.

Donations Needed:

New or gently used articles

Please: no clothes or linens, Small appliances only (no TVs)

Donations of jewelry are appreciated.

We also need baked goods for our Bake Sale table

Relay for Life: Sunday, June 2

On this day, we will have a special offering and special coffee hour to mark our Annual Relay for Life Sunday.

This year’s offering will be donated to Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center and Baystate Health D’Amour Cancer Center.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Texas Roadhouse Monthly Fund-Raiser

Just show this to your server on May 5

Between 11:30 AM-3PM

In the Office

Elizabeth Heiney is going to be leaving as our Administrative Assistant at the end of April. She has an Internship in Minnesota for the summer, and then will be back in the area to finish her degree at Western New England University. We want to thank Elizabeth very much for her work on behalf of our church.

Our Personnel/Hiring team has hired a new Administrative Assistant. Patrick O’Brien is finishing up his sophomore year at Western New England University, with a major in Creative Writing and minor in English. He will begin work in our church office on

May 1. Patrick is the son of church member Amy Pawle and the grandson of church member Elva Merry. Welcome!

Office hours are Wednesday and Friday, 9 AM- noon.

April 2024 Newsletter

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 14:08:44 GMT

Dear friends,

This month, the season of Easter continues. It is a season of 50 days, from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday, which will be celebrated this year on May 19.

Amid so many troubles and sorrows in the world, this season focuses on the Easter message that love is stronger than hate and death will never have the last word.

May this focus encourage us and strengthen us to be Easter people, striving to follow Jesus our Savior, who showed and shows us how to shine God’s light of love and justice into the world.

One of my favorite hymns for Easter season was written by Brian Wren:

Christ Is Alive!

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.

The cross stands empty to the sky.

Let streets and homes with praises ring.

Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

Christ is alive! No longer bound

To distant years in Palestine,

But saving, healing, here and now

And touching every place and time.

Christ is alive! and comes to bring

Good news to this and every age,

Till earth and sky and ocean ring

With joy, with justice, love, and praise

Blessing in this holy season and in every season,

Barbara

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 6: Men’s Breakfast – all men welcome
Meet in front parking lot: 8:20 AM
Saturday, April 13: Drive Through Collection of Non-Perishable Food for Open Pantry
1-3 PM in the back parking lot of the church
Saturday, June 1: Vendor Fair/Community Yard Sale
April 7: New Fundraiser for the Church - Texas Roadhouse
Bring flyer with you

Community Organizing within the Congregation

This presentation showed us how to identify and move forward with projects in the community that are controlled by the congregation.

The first emphasis is the need for Power, defined as the ability to act. This includes both Relational Power (People with influence) and Financial Power (Money). People with influence can include Moderators, both current and former, Youth Group Leaders, Committee Chairs, and long-time members. Building Financial Power means involving Stewardship, Finance, and the Treasurer.

The method of organizing a project is to utilize the Cycle of Organization which proceeds as follows:

Listening and Discussing Issues and Ideas with Relational Power people to gain support for the project.
Identifying Leaders and issues to move forward.
Research and Power Analysis to determine what is needed.
Taking Action to achieve Goals of the project and deal with the reactions to it.
Evaluation of the results actions taken to achieve the goals.
Listening and Further Discussing Issues and Ideas with Relational Power people to determine continued Project progress. This is essentially a reassessment after initial goals are met to decide, “What’s Next?”

All the material was well presented and interesting.

It was interesting to me that at the NST Meeting, Bob Loesch’s summary of Foster’s work with the Afghan family was quite a lot like the organizational method presented at the Super Saturday presentation.

Charlie Shultz

W orship for all Ages

A worship service with both adults and children attending was held during this workshop.

Children learn by observing adults around them. They acquire the language of worship by observing the words of adults and the minister.

The leaders talked about an area for children in front of the church during the service. This would be for a small church with no Sunday School. Some parents desire to have children with them during the service, too. Children can participate by singing and using shakers and hand motions. Children love rituals and repetition. Scripture can be read by older children.

Our church has a time for the children with the minister early in the service. Then they go down to God Time with adults that teach about the lesson learned during the service.

This workshop had a little coffee hour at the end.

I enjoyed the workshop very much as I’ve worked with children and many ideas were given to use with them.

Beverly W. Shultz

R ecorded Worship Services

Worship services are also provided in print through the mail each week for people who do not have access to the internet.

The next gathering for the Fosterians will be on Saturday, May 18 beginning at noon .
There will be a light luncheon served with a free will offering to pay for the costs of food. After lunch, there will be a fun time with the focus on spring and mothers. The gathering will end with discussion of preparations needed to be done for our Vendor Fair/Yard Sale scheduled for June 1. All women of the church and friends are invited to this gathering. Please let Lori or Judy know that you plan to attend.

Corned Beef Dinner

Thanks to everyone who worked on the dinner and raffle. Special thanks to Jim, our lead cook. Thank you to everyone who supported the dinner. We raised just about $2000 for our ministries. Photo shows some of the members of the kitchen/helping crew.

March 2024 Newsletter

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 20:21:58 GMT

Dear friends,

The season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday on February 14 and continues throughout the month until Easter Sunday, celebrated this year on March 31. During this season, we’re asked to devote time for inner reflection, taking stock of our lives. And we are called to reach out, in Christian service, to neighbors, near and far.

One of the ways we do that each year in March is through our One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special offering. This year, the offering will be collected on March 10. The money from this offering is utilized through Wider Church Ministries of the UCC, to respond to a variety of global and local concerns by providing advocacy, sustainable development resources, long term disaster recovery support, and assistance for refugees and asylum seekers, working in collaboration with our partners locally and globally

Our generosity ensures that the transforming power of love will continue to support our neighbors in need, here in our country and around the world.

So, let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good.

At the right time we will harvest a good crop

if we don’t give up or quit.

Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance,

let us work for the benefit of all.

Galatians 6: 9–10, (The Message version)

Blessings,

Barbara

**Reminder: Set clocks ahead one hour to get to church on time for Sunday, March 10**

Gathering For Fosterians

All women are invited to a gathering of our “Fosterians” on Saturday, March 2 starting at noon downstairs in Fellowship Hall. We will have a sandwich luncheon and share in a fun game of gift bag Bingo. Everyone coming is invited to bring a small item (wrapped or in gift bag) to be used as a gift for Bingo winners! Guests are always welcome too! Please let Judy or Lori know that you are coming and if you can bring a dessert for the Luncheon.

Drive Through Collection of Food for Open Pantry Saturday, March 9 from 1-3 PM

All donations of non-perishale food are appreciated! Please spread the word about this event with friends!

Corned Beef Dinner: Saturday, March 16
Doors Open at 5:30 pm; Dinner at 6pm

Adults: $15.00; Children under 10 yrs: $10.00

Vegetarian Option (pasta) is available

Tickets will be available on Sunday, March 3 and 10.

Or, please call Lori at 626-9040

This is a fund- raiser for the church.

Help is needed for set-up, serving and clean-up. Please speak to Judy Milano or Lori LaTaille if you are able to help.

Palm Sunday Service at 10am (March 24)

On this day, we remember Jesus fulfilling ancient prophecy by riding into Jerusalem in a most unusual kind of parade.

Maundy Thursday Service (March 28)

In-Person Service at 7pm

This service focuses on the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples. There is also a Service of Tenebrae (“Shadows”) including special scripture readings of the Passion of Jesus.

Good Friday Service (March 29)
*Please note: Filmed Service Only*

The focus for this service is the crucifixion of Jesus, through the lens of “The Symbols of Good Friday.” The film will be posted on our website at fostermemorial.org and on our Facebook page.

E aster Sunday Services (March 31)
In-Person at 8:00am - and 10:00am

Souper Bowl of Caring

Thanks to everyone for supporting this annual outreach project. All soup collected will be donated to the Open Pantry.

Delegates Report

We represented Foster Memorial Church as delegates on Sunday, February 4, for the Installation of Rev. Chontell Nelson Washington, Pastor of First Congregational Church of West Springfield, by Hampden Association UCC. The opening worship service included scripture reading by Charles Jason Washington and a musical selection with violin played by Alexis Marie E. Nelson, respectively the son and daughter of Rev. Washington. Rev. Barbara Hesse, pastor of Second Congregational Church of Westfield, gave the sermon. During the ceremony of installation participants were moderator of the Association, moderator of First Congregational Church, chair of the Association committee on Church and Ministry, and Area Conference Minister of Southern New England UCC.

--Report by Robert Loesch and Susan Tarantino

Help is Really Needed For the "Bun Run" For Open Pantry's Loaves and Fishes

Our partnership with Open Pantry includes preparing a meal each month. In addition to this, volunteers serve as “Bun Runners.” Help is really needed – please contact Sandy Moore if you are able to help. Below is information from Sandy and a request for help.

The Bun Runners are looking for a volunteer to join their team. We have an opening for someone to deliver baked goods from

the Big Y to South Church on Maple Street on ONE Thursday a month. It does help to have a small SUV or even a mid-size sedan.

The baked goods are picked up (9:30 to 10:30 AM) from the back of the Big Y on Cooley Street and delivered to South Church on Maple Street .

At the Big Y, the boxes are on a wheeled "truck" which you bring to your car. You do have to load the boxes into the car yourself.

They are a reasonable size and weight. If you can't fit all the boxes into your car, return the extras when you bring the truck back. Then you deliver them to the back of South Church on

Maple Street where they will be unloaded for you. You are done!

Ted, Charlie, Keith and I find that it takes about an hour to an hour and a quarter from the time we leave home until we return. Please contact me if you think you can help (or would like to do a "ride-along" to see what it is like before committing yourself)

Sandy Moore

RECORDED/PRINT WORSHIP SERVICES

We have recorded worship services for each Sunday, posted on

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

February 2024 Newsletter

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:17:07 GMT

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

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/

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.

January 2024 Newsletter

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 15:08:38 GMT

Dear friends,

As we remember the light of God shining through the earthly ministry of Jesus, so, in the midst of troubled times for our nation and world, may we remember our own call to shine God’s light.

A prayer for this season, by Godfrey Rust:

For those seekers

who put truth before comfort

and hope before security

we give thanks.

Grant us a wise man’s hope – light in darkness,

use for our gifts,

God at the end.

During this holy season, may Jesus, the Light of the World, be revealed to us and through us.

Blessings,

Barbara

This is also the season when we gather for our church’s Annual Meeting. The Executive Board has been working on arrangements; please see separate articles and please plan to join us.

December Calendar

BUDGET PRESENTATION FOR 2024/SPECIAL MEETING

We will hold an Informational Meeting about the Budget Proposed for 2024 on Sunday, January 21, following our worship service.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING: SUNDAY, JANUARY 28

Our church’s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 28 after worship. There will be a special soup luncheon, provided by the Deacons and friends. There will be a free will offering; all proceeds will help to fund our dinner ministry for Loaves and Fishes. Although voting is limited to church members, our church friends are also encouraged to attend. The meeting will include the acceptance of annual reports, the election of officers and board and committee members, discussion and voting on the 2024 budget and other business that may be brought before the meeting. Your participation is very much needed and appreciated. Please plan to attend.

REPORTS FOR ANNUAL REPORT

All written reports should be completed by January 5. Please email reports to Pastor Barbara Thank you.

PLEDGES FOR 2024

Thank you to everyone who has already made a financial pledge to the church. All pledges are a blessing and greatly appreciated. Pledge letters and cards are available in the entryway to the sanctuary. They can be put in the offering plate or mailed to the church office. Thank you!

Pledge envelope boxes are in the hallway next to our Friendship Room. Please sign on the clipboard if you would like to receive envelopes. Thank you for your support!

JANUARY DRIVE THROUGH COLLECTION OF DONATIONS

Saturday, January 13: 1-3 PM Back parking lot

We will be collecting Food for Open Pantry

STAR WORDS

MEN'S BREAKFAST

Men's Breakfast will be held on Saturday, January 6. All men are invited to meet in the church’s front parking lot to leave for breakfast at 8:30 AM. Contact Biff Simpson for more information.

“BLANKETS +” SPECIAL OFFERING

*Blankets, tents, food and other emergency supplies in the wake of a disaster.

*Tools and seeds for refugees returning home to replant their fields

*Wells for families living in drought prone areas

*Literacy training for women struggling to realize their potential

*And much more!

We collect a special offering for Blankets + on Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday, observed this year on January 14.

LOOKING AHEAD: SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY

December 2023 Newsletter

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 18:26:14 GMT

Dear friends,

Hear us, God, for we are praying

Hear us, God, for we are laughing in our joy

Hear us, God, for we are crying out to you

Wondering what will be, what will be

Speak to us, God, for we are listening

Speak to us, God, for we are waiting for your voice

Speak to us, God, in our hearts and all around

Show us what can be, what can be –

Chris Grundy

Blessings,

Pastor Barbara

December Calendar

EACH MONTH

Worship Sundays at 10 AM

God Time (church school) each Sunday

Filmed worship services filmed on Wednesday afternoon and posted each week on our church Facebook page and website: fostermemorial.org and You Tube

Monthly prep for Fishes and Loaves dinner

Monthly Drive for outreach: 2 ^nd Saturday, 1-3 PM

Waving for Peace, Mondays from 3:30-4 PM

Team/Board Meetings

FOSTERIANS GATHERING: DECEMBER 2 AT NOON

All women of the church are invited to a luncheon hosted by the Fosterians. A light lunch will be provided. We’ll have a “Yankee Christmas Swap” (bring gifts $5-10 to swap) and collect money donations for a team of shoppers to make up bags to distribute to our confined members and friends. Contact Lori or Judy if you would like to join us!

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO OUR VETERANS

We are invited to sign holiday cards to be distributed to the residents of the Holyoke Soldiers Home. We’ll be signing cards after church in the Friendship Room. You may wish to take some home to fill out and return the following Sunday. It’s a small way that we can extend our caring for the veterans. Please see Sandy Moore for further information.

PANCAKE BRUNCH: DECEMBER 3 FOLLOWING WORSHIP: FUNDRAISER FOR TENZING

We are having a pancake brunch to raise funds to support our Tenzing, our sponsored youth who is a Tibetan refugee living and going to school in India. It costs well over $400 a year for sponsorship, so we appreciate everyone’s support. Please join us for a delicious brunch, followed by crafts for all ages.

OUR CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Our Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 17 during our worship service. Rehearsals begin on December 3 with a full rehearsal after worship on December 10. All children and youth are invited and encouraged to participate.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

We have two services on Sunday, December 24, at 10 AM and 7 PM. Both services are designed for all ages. We hope that you can join us.

ANNUAL REPORTS

For everyone writing an annual report, please email reports to the church office by Wednesday, January 3. SAVE THE DATE: Our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 28, beginning with a soup luncheon after worship.

DECEMBER OUTREACH

We are collecting toys and games and gift cards for children and youth, to be distributed through the Gray House. Please bring gifts unwrapped. The gifts will be blessed on December 10.

Through December 24, we will be collecting new mittens, hats, scarves and gloves for all ages for our Mitten Tree.

We will also be collecting new and gently worn coats and jackets for all ages, to be distributed through Rebecca Johnson School, Gray House and Loaves and Fishes. Thank you for your support!

DECEMBER DRIVE THROUGH COLLECTION OF DONATIONS

Our next Drive Through event will be on Saturday, December 9 from 1-3 PM in the church parking lot. We will be collecting food for Open Pantry, toys, games, and winterwear (see above). We are so grateful for the response to these events by our church folks and our community friends from all around our area.

CAROLING ON THE STEPS

Bringing back an old tradition, we will gather on the front Church steps at 9:45am on the three Sundays before Christmas (Dec 10, 17 and 24) and sing carols together until 9:55 (so choir can participate also). All ages and vocal talents are welcome. Bring mufflers and top hats!!

EYE TO THE SKY

If we need to cancel in-person worship or another special event during the winter season, we will post on local channels.

For smaller meetings, please contact the Chair or Facilitator. Zoom is a great option

for meetings, and we also have filmed services for worship each week.

FILM/SNAIL MAIL WORSHIP SERVICES

We continue to offer pre- recorded worship services for each Sunday, posted on You Tube and on our website at

http://www.fostermemorial.org/videos/ These videos are also posted on our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page. Worship services are also provided in print through the mail each week to those without access to the internet. If you would like to be added to the weekly mailing list, please call the church office.

WAVING FOR PEACE

We witness for peace every Monday from 3:30-4 PM. All are welcome! We don’t wave if the weather is bad (heavy rain or snow or ice). We keep an “eye to the sky” especially in the winter months!

PLEDGES FOR 2024

Our grateful thanks to everyone who made a financial pledge to the church for the coming year. We have pledge cards available in the entryway to the sanctuary. Or, you can call the church office at 782-2112 to have a card mailed to you. Every pledge is greatly appreciated and a symbol of our engaging together to continue to “be the church” and further God’s realm, right where we are.

DELEGATE REPORT FROM THE REV. SUSAN TARRANTINO

Ordination of Janet Brown October 1, 2023 A Joyous Occasion

The Hampden Association gathered on Sunday October 1 in Feeding Hills to celebrate the long-awaited Ordination of The Reverend Janet Brown. In spite of travel delays travel delays due to the final day of the Big E, the sanctuary was full, and happily including members of Janet’s family as well as guest participants. Janet had been serving this congregation for some time while awaiting ordination and was then formally installation as Pastor and Teacher. A Reception followed with food and drink provided by church folk. We celebrate and congratulate the Reverend Janet!

Hampden Association Annual Meeting October 29, 2023

Our Covenantal Call to Live in the Love and Justice of Jesus

Hampden Association and guests gathered happily on October 29 at the 1 ^st Congregational Church of Westfield. After prior years and months of Covid-driven adaptation and virtual-only gatherings and meetings it was truly a joy to be together.

The business of the last year was reviewed, reports received; pastoral changes honored and those called to serve our churches were recognized. Interim/bridge pastors were welcomed, serving in Longmeadow, Feeding Hills, Hampden and Ludlow First/Grace Union in Wilbraham. Several folks presented briefly on this summer’s General Synod and unique programs and opportunities “happening” in our Association. Area Conference Minister the Rev Terry Yasuko Ogawa spoke about upcoming Conference opportunities.

And we were treated to really amazing food and drink. The Association thanks Westfield for welcoming us!!

JUST PEACE TEAM MEETING

Just Peace team will have an open meeting on Sunday, December 10 following worship. We will have continuing discussion of the Gaza/ Palestine and Israel conflict, plus a couple other topics.

November 2023 Newsletter

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:51:17 GMT

Dear friends,

This month, our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving and Blessings.

I am grateful for the ways that we, as this community of faith, offer encouragement and care for one another and hope into the world.

Psalm 100

¹ Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.

² Worship the Lord with gladness!

Come into God’s presence with singing.

³ Know that the Lord is God!

It is God who made us, and to God we belong;

we are God’s people, and the sheep of God’s pasture.

⁴ Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, and God’s courts with praise. Give thanks to God, bless God’s name.

⁵ For the Lord is good;

God’s steadfast love endures forever,

and God’s faithfulness to all generations.

Blessings,

Pastor Barbara

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 5. Please remember to set your clocks back one hour the night before.

NOVEMBER DRIVE THROUGH

Our November Drive Through Collection for Open Pantry will be held on Saturday, November 11 from 1-3 PM. We will be collecting food as well as coats and jackets for all ages.

We collect non perishable food for Open Pantry each Sunday. We are also collecting coats and jackets for all ages on Sunday mornings during November and December. Thanks for your support!

THANKSGIVING / STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY: NOV 19

A Stewardship letter will soon be distributed to everyone ,with a pledge card enclosed for the year to come. Our theme this year is: “Grateful Hearts.” On November 19, Thanksgiving/Stewardship Sunday, we are invited to bring our pledge cards to our morning worship service. For those who cannot be with us, please mail your pledge cards to the church office. Also, please contact the office if you do not receive a pledge letter soon. Every pledge is greatly appreciated and a symbol of our engaging together to continue to “be the church” and further God’s realm, right where we are.

Ongoing:

Worship Sundays at 10 AM

God Time (church school) each Sunday

Filmed worship services filmed on Wednesday afternoon and posted each week on our church Facebook page and website: fostermemorial.org

Waving for Peace: Mondays 3:30 – 4:00 PM

Monthly prep for Fishes and Loaves dinner

If you would like a printed copy of the bulletin and meditation by mail, please contact the church office.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER OUTREACH

Beginning November 19 through December 10, we will be collecting toys and games and gift cards for children and youth, to be distributed through the Gray House. Please bring gifts unwrapped. The gifts will be blessed on December 10. Most needed: gifts for teens: suggestions include robes, blankets, toiletries and gift cards.

Through December 24, we will be collecting new mittens, hats, scarves and gloves for all ages for our Mitten Tree.

FOSTERIANS GATHERING: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 AT NOON

PANCAKE BRUNCH FOR TENZING

We usually have a fundraising Pancake Brunch in November to support our sponsored youth, Tenzing, a Tibetan refugee living in India with her family. This year, we’re moving the brunch to Sunday, December 3. In addition to a delicious brunch, we will have a gingerbread house craft for the children and a winter craft for all ages.

CROP HUNGER WALK: OCTOBER 15

Thank you to everyone who supported our local CROP Hunger Walk this year! Thank you to our sponsors! We had a great team of walkers, “Welcome Back” greeters and hosts for refreshments at the Walk. Thanks to all!

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Thanks to everyone who supported our Blessing of the Animals on October 22. We had great weather for the event - and lots of pets!

PASTA SUPPER: OCTOBER 29

Thank you to Jim, Judy and all our volunteers for a wonderful pasta dinner! Thank you to Lori, for the beautiful gift bag raffles. Thank you to everyone who supported the dinner. It was a very successful fundraiser for the church.

October 2023 Newsletter

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 21:47:51 GMT

Dear friends,

October looks to be another active month of outreach ministries for the church, including Trick or Treat for UNICEF, our 11 ^th (!) Annual Blessing of the Animals, our monthly Drive Through for Donation of Food, Pasta Fundraising Dinner and the Greater Springfield CROP Hunger Walk.

The CROP Walk started 46 years ago in Springfield and is the “oldest” walk of its kind in the city. Donations help our neighbors around the world through global and national partnerships and locally through the Open Pantry, Lorraine’s Kitchen and Western MA Food Bank.

The walk will be held on Sunday, October 15 at Trinity UMC on Sumner Ave. Registration begins at 1 PM with some fun music and a pre-walk presentation by Meteorologist Brian Lapis. The walk begins at 2 PM. Judy Milano, Jeanie Marsh, Vivian Gonzalez and I serve on this year’s Planning team.

We need walkers, sponsors, and help once again with volunteers at the walk and with our “Welcome Back Team!” Please speak to me if you can help. Please see Ted Owczarski for walker sheets. Everyone’s support is much appreciated. Checks should be made out to: CWS/CROP.

You can also donate on-line to our Foster team. It’s easy!

Just use this link:

https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2023/team/foster-memorial-church-ucc

Blessings,

Pastor Barbara

Calendar

Meetings of boards and teams and groups:

Just Peace Team: Sunday, October 8 after worship

Exec Team/Finance Team: Wednesday, October 11 at 6>30/7:157 PM

Ongoing:

Worship Sundays at 10 AM

God Time (church school) and childcare provided each Sunday

Filmed worship services filmed on Wednesday afternoon and posted each week on our church Facebook page and website

Waving for Peace: Mondays 3:30 – 4:00 PM

Monthly prep for Fishes and Loaves dinner: Thursday before the Third Friday of each month

SEPTEMBER DRIVE THROUGH: Saturday, Sept 9th

Time: 1-3 PM in our church parking lot. We will be collecting food for the Open Pantry. REMINDER: We collect non-perishable food for Open Pantry every Sunday. All donations are so appreciated.

October Drive Through: Saturday, October 14: 1-3pm

We’ll be collecting food for Open Pantry. Just a reminder: We collect nonperishable food every Sunday during worship. Thanks for your support.

Food for Open Pantry: Food Items Needed

We asked Jonathan, staff member at Open Pantry, what foods most needed: His response:

Please note: all foods are to be non-perishable.

Needed: canned tuna, vegetables and fruit, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, rice and beans and soup. He asked to please make sure food is not expired. Thank you to everyone for your donations to help our neighbors who experience food insecurity. Reminder: We collect non-perishable food each Sunday during worship for Open Pantry.

Loaves and Fishes: Needed: Delivery of our Monthly Meal

Our grateful thanks to Peter and Joanne Wells, who continue to do the shopping and organize the cooking of our monthly meal and to our team who do the food prep.

We are in need of someone to deliver the meal to South Congregational Church in Springfield, either on the Thursday afternoon we prepare the meal or on Friday morning (always the third Friday). Please speak to Joanne or Peter if you can help. Thanks!

Annual Blessing of the Animals. Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 2pm

Join us for this special event! All animals 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, no matter if you bring animals or just want to enjoy the event.

Trick or Treat for UNICEF. Sunday, October 30th

During worship on Sunday, October 30, everyone will be invited to bring donations (coins or bills) to be donated to UNICEF. All children and youth are invited to dress in Halloween costumes on this day. There will also be special God Time activities on this day!

Fundraising Pasta Dinner. Saturday, October 28th at 6pm

Please support our dinner! All proceeds will go to our church’s ministries. And please invite family and friends. We would like to make this as successful a fundraising event as possible.

There will be a sign-up sheet at church for those who are able to attend.

On the menu: Pasta with meat sauce (option: non-gluten pasta with meatless sauce) Also rolls, salad, beverages and dessert.

Tickets: $15.oo for adults; $10.00 for kids under 12.

We also need help with set up, serving and clean-up. There will be a separate sign up for volunteers. You can also speak to Judy Milano if you are able to help.

Hope to see you there!

Just Peace Open Conversation

The Just Peace Team will meet Sunday, October 8 after coffee hour, with an open discussion about Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Mon, October 9). This discussion will be similar to our open discussion about Gun Violence. The Indigenous Peoples Agenda in the MA state legislature (supporting five bills) has been one of the issues we have been following this past year.

Garden Tour Video

If you haven’t watched our Garden Tour Video for 2023, here’s the link for You Tube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAMzRCfUcAE&t=4s

Our thanks to our Garden Angels, Judy and Gerri, and angel helpers!

If you would like to help with yard work, please speak to Mark Coughlin or Keith Walker. Thanks to all who are helping!

September 2023 Newsletter

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 18:01:51 GMT

**Please note: Worship times change from 9:30 to 10:00 am beginning on September 10th

Dear friends,

September is going to be a busy month for our church.

Please take a moment to read through articles about our various events.

On Sunday, September 10, we resume worship services at 10 AM. This is also the day that we celebrate RALLY SUNDAY, the first Sunday of a new program year for our church school which we call “God Time.”

As always, the children and youth will join with the congregation for the first part of the service and, after Time with Young People, will go to God Time. We will have special faith-based lessons and activities, followed by an Ice Cream social for everyone.

We are blessed at our church with a wide age range of children and youth. The Christian Ed. team and God Time Guides have purchased a new lectionary-based curriculum that is able to focus on age groups from preschool-teens. (The curriculum we used for many years is no longer in publication.)

And we will continue to offer childcare for our youngest children in the church nursery, with our childcare staff, Hayley LaTaille and nursery volunteers.

Please share the news about Rally Sunday and our ministries with children and youth with family and friends!

Blessings,

Barbara

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR (SEE ARTICLES FOR MORE INFORMATION)

GOD TIME/RALLY SUNDAY

Rally Sunday, the beginning of a new program year for God Time/Sunday school, will be held SUNDAY, September 10, followed by an Ice Cream Social for everyone. Please help us spread the word!!

SUMMER MUSIC

Our thanks to: “Pick-Up” Choir, Frank P. Jackson, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Pamela Corey and Colleen Moynihan, Keith Walker and Pastor Barbara, Roxie & Steve Bailey, Sue Mcnary and Kathy Schoeck.

SEPTEMBER DRIVE THROUGH: Saturday, Sept 9th

Time: 1-3 PM in our church parking lot. We will be collecting food for the Open Pantry. REMINDER: We collect non-perishable food for Open Pantry every Sunday. All donations are so appreciated.

FOSTERIANS GATHERING: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th at 12:30pm

All women of the church are invited! Everyone is asked to bring $5.00 to cover food costs. We also need help with hosting and bringing desserts. Please let Judy or Lori know if you can help AND let them know you are coming!

GREATER CROP HUNGER WALK: OCTOBER 15th SAVE THE DATE!

This walk is the oldest walk of its kind in Springfield, starting in 1977.

Over the past 45 years, congregations and groups have come together to support our most vulnerable neighbors who experience food insecurity.

A total of $765,604.51 has been raised, with $128,184.16 remaining right here in the Springfield area supporting programs like the Western Mass Food Bank, Open Pantry, and Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen. And although a lot has changed over the course of the last 46 years, our unwavering support for our most vulnerable neighbors has not.

The 46 ^th Annual Greater Springfield CROP Hunger Walk will be held this year on Sunday, October 15.

We will gather at Trinity UMC church on Sumner Ave. at 1 PM for special music, and a very brief presentation. The walk, through Forest Park (1 or 3 miles) kicks off at 2 PM. After the walk, we return to Trinty for refreshments and fellowship.

Our church has participated in this walk for many, many years. We will have registration and sponsorship forms available beginning Sunday, September 10. Walkers of all ages are invited to participate.

Other ways to help if you are unable to participate as a walker: Being a member of the “Welcome Back” team, help with refreshments and more.

Please speak to Pastor Barbara if are able to help.

One easy way to donate is through our Foster Memorial Church team web page:

https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2023/team/foster-memorial-church-ucc

Please spread the word to families and friends!

Note: Jeanie Marsh, Judy Milano and Vivian Gonzalez, along with Pastor Barbara, are members of the wider CROP Walk planning team. Ted Owczarski serves as our church’s registrar and treasurer.

INTERNATION PEACE DAY: WORKING TOGETHER FOR PEACE

Location:

Our church lawn

Date/Time:
September 24, 2022/ 3:00-5:00 PM

Rain Plans:
Inside the church

Representatives from many groups/organizations will be joining us for this event to mark and celebrate International Peace Day. Each organization will be invited to set up a table with resources and share information and conversation with other participants and guests. We will also have children’s activities, interactive activities for all ages including decoration of peace flags, music, and light refreshments. Please speak to Pastor Barbara or Bob Loesch if you can help us to host this event.

RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

August 2023 Newsletter

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 16:33:10 GMT

Dear friends,

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer – it seems to be flying!

We have had many special events over the past few months. Just one was a tour of our church gardens by our “Garden Angels,” Judy and Gerri. Stay tuned for a filmed tour and slide show of the gardens, coming up soon.

I’m reminded of the words to one of my favorite hymns:

“The Beautiful Garden of Prayer” by Eleanor Allen Schroll:

1 There’s a garden where Jesus is waiting,

There’s a place that is wondrously fair,

For it glows with the light of His presence

’Tis that beautiful garden of prayer.

Refrain:

O the beautiful garden, the garden of prayer,

O the beautiful garden of prayer!

There my Savior awaits, and He opens the gates

To the beautiful garden of prayer.

2 There’s a garden where Jesus is waiting,

And I go, with my burden and care,

Just to learn from His lips words of comfort

In the beautiful garden of prayer. [Refrain]

3 There’s a garden where Jesus is waiting,

And He bids you to come meet Him there,

Just to bow and receive a new blessing

In the beautiful garden of prayer. [Refrain]

Blessings,

Barbara

SUMMER SCHEDULE FOR WORSHIP

Reminder: We will continue to worship at 9:30 AM through September 3. Childcare and Church school are provided each Sunday.

WAVING FOR PEACE ANNIVERSARY: MONDAY, AUGUST 7th

All are welcome to help us celebrate NINE years of

“Waving for Peace” on Monday afternoons.

Time: 3:30-4:00 PM, waving, followed by refreshments

and conversation on the lawn

SPECIAL MUSIC SCHEDULE

AUGUST DRIVE THROUGH: SAT. AUGUST 12th

Time: 1-3 PM in our church parking lot. We will be collecting food for the Open Pantry and School Supplies for Rebecca Johnson School. REMINDER: We collect non-perishable food for Open Pantry every Sunday. All donations are so appreciated.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR REBECCA JOHNSON

We will be collecting school supplies each Sunday through August 13. 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!

FINAL SESSION WITH BOB LOESCH: SUNDAY, AUGUST 13th AFTER WORSHIP

We thank Bob for giving his time and talents during this past year. This final session will be sharing reflections and conversation about our personal “Star Words.” If anyone did not get a star word, see Pastor Barbara.

COMING UP: SAVE THE DATES!

DISTRIBUTION OF CROP MATERIALS: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 4:30 - 6:30PM

Once again, this year, members of the CROP WALK team will be hosting the distribution of CROP Hunger Walk materials from 5-6:30 PM at our church.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD CROPWALK FOR HUNGER

Please save the date for the walk: Sunday, October 15. 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. More information will be coming soon.

DONATIONS FOR CROP HUNGER WALK ONLINE

If you would like to make a donation to our Foster church team online: https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2023/team/foster-memorial-church-ucc

GOD TIME RALLY SUNDAY

RALLY SUNDAY (Beginning of our church school program year) will be held on Sunday, September 10.

RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

Along with in-person worship service, we offer pre-recorded worship services, posted each week (and for special services) on YOU Tube, on our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page and on our church website: http://www.fostermemorial.org/videos/ W orship services are also provided in print through the mail each week for people who do not have access to the internet. Contact the church office if you would like to receive the service in the mail. Or contact us if you would like to be included on our email mailing list.

We are once again the hosts of this event!

INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY: MAY PEACE PREVAIL

Date: Sunday, September 24, 2023

Time: 3:00-5:00 PM

Rain Plans: Inside the church

The purpose of this event is to mark and celebrate International Peace Day, 2023 (September 21 ^st ) by bringing together groups and organizations engaged in the work for peace and justice in the Greater Springfield area. Each organization will have a space/table for sharing resources, information and conversation with other participants and guests. There will be time for each organization to share with everyone a few highlights of their group's involvement with concerns of peace and justice.

There will also be music, light refreshments, and interactive activities for all ages. One special activity will be writing on small "Peace Flags," which, together, will be displayed on the church lawn as a communal witness for peace.

NOTE: Our Just Team is helping to host the event. We would love your help and also your participation in this event. Please contact Bob Loesch or Pastor Barbara for more information.

July 2023 Newsletter

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 17:36:56 GMT

Dear friends,

About a week ago, I was thinking that we didn’t have much going on here at church for the next month. And then, I started writing this newsletter!

Here are just some highlights: A Conversation with our Just Peace team regarding Gun Violence, a gathering with Bob Loesch, our writer in residence focusing on our Star Words, a church Gardens Tour and collection of school supplies for the students at Rebecca Johnson. There’s special music every Sunday, peace waving on Mondays and, at the end of the month, we are having our second summer picnic with the family we walk alongside from Afghanistan.

Please read the separate articles about these and other events and happenings.

Summer is a great time to invite friends to come to church too. I am reminded of that song we sang at summer church camp (way back when!)

It only takes a spark to get a fire going…

And soon, all those around

Can warm up with its glowing.

That’s how it is with God’s love,

Once you’ve experienced it…

You want to pass it on

Kurt Kaiser

Blessings,

Barbara

July Calendar

Looking Ahead

Ongoing

Garden Tour: July 20

Our garden angels, Judy and Gerri are hosting a church garden tour on Thursday, July 20 ^th from 5-6:30 PM . There’s so much to see and to learn about the stories behind all the different gardens!

MONTHLY DRIVE THROUGH: July 8 from 1-3 pmCollection of Food for Open Pantry

We also collect food for Open Pantry each Sunday during our worship services.

JUST PEACE GATHERING: SUNDAY, JULY 9

Our Foster Just Peace Team is hosting an "Informal Conversation about Gun Violence” after worship next Sunday. Everyone is invited to participate. For more information, please contact Bob Loesch.

GATHERING WITH BOB LOESCH: SUNDAY, JULY 16

Everyone is invited to join Bob, our Writer in Residence, after worship on July 16 to discuss, write and share reflections on each participant's “Star Word” that we distributed in January. See Pastor Barbara if you need a star word!

SPECIAL PICNIC: SATURDAY, JULY 29 AT 5:30 PM

Please join us for our second annual picnic with the family from Afghanistan with whom we have the honor of walking alongside. We will also be joined by members of our Neighborhood Support team from area faith communities.

Would you like to be on the coordinating team? Please speak to Pastor Barbara. We’ll have a sign up sheet for participation soon!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR REBECCA JOHNSON

We will be collecting school supplies each Sunday through August 13. Needed: Everything from pencils to backpacks, notebooks, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, and two and four pocket folders. Thanks to everyone for your support!

SNEUCC CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING 2023 - A NEW THING

Submitted by the Rev. Susan Tarantino

On June 16-17, the Southern New England Conference held its 4th annual meeting at the DCU Center in Worcester. Friday evening featured a story-telling event in Worcester’s historic Canal District. With 500 attending in-person or virtually, this was the first full meeting of the new conference since its establishment in 2020!

Truly a new thing: “born” at the start of the pandemic, our new conference has gathered each year in alternative ways including the virtual-only attendance required by covid. This was its first ever Annual Meeting held NOT entirely online, and NOT completely in person, but truly hybrid! 100% online AND virtual. God is indeed doing a new thing!

The 85 people who attended online had opportunities to participate alongside the 400-plus in-person delegates: to vote and have their votes instantly counted; to speak during debate; to ask questions of the keynoter. They also had break-out groups, and those who registered early enough received quilt squares in the mail, the same as those given to the in-person attendees as they entered for worship.

The most visible “new thing” was the online voting. Gone were the voting cards that delegates once held up, or the simple voice votes. Also gone: Zoom polling used for some online meetings. Instead, all voting delegates were given credentials to log into a voting website for each vote. In the two weeks prior, delegates had the opportunity to take a practice vote. (For those who are curious about the outcome of the practice vote, 286 people voted "yes" when asked if they enjoy spring in New England; 11 voted no and 17 chose to abstain.)

Other new things: Spanish language interpretation, and assistance for hearing impaired attendees. Online voting proved to need a little tweaking but was successful. And a milestone vote: While the new conference was formed on Jan. 1, 2020, the historic entities continued to manage their own endowments and properties. One board member called the vote to consolidate funds “an act of ongoing becoming" as delegates to this 4th Annual Meeting voted overwhelmingly to “gratefully and soberly” accept the transfer of more than $26 million in endowments and invested funds from the historic Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island Conferences.

Report from our Delegates:

Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Robert Loesch

Susan Tarantino and I, delegates from Foster Memorial Church, and Pastor Barbara Schenk, attended two recent United Church of Christ events:

(1) Living the Love and Justice of Jesus- A Covenantal Gathering, sponsored by the Hampden Association was held on Sunday May 21, 3-5 pm. at Southwick Congregational Church. The event began with a service of worship led by the host pastor, Rev. Paul Nesbit with music, prayers, scripture readings and a time of thinking, pairing and sharing about the question "What is Covenant to you?" The service was followed by a time of breaking bread and sharing further in how we Live in the Justice and Love of Jesus.

Members of our Hampden Association churches were invited to take part in the 2nd Annual Springfield Pride Parade on Saturday June 3, starting at 12 noon to a gathering, vendor fair and block party at Stearns Square. There are 9 Open and Affirming Churches among the 21 UCC churches in the Hampden Association.

(2) Southern New England Conference United Church of Christ (SNEUCC) sponsored a G.R.O.W Together Regional Gathering on Sunday, June 11 from 2-5 pm at the First Congregational Church of Chicopee.

There are 6 regions of the SNEUCC. The Northwest Region of the Conference consists of UCC churches in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Associations of Massachusetts and Litchfield Association of Connecticut. This was an opportunity to share and receive best practices from other associations and local church leaders as well as hear about NEW resources from the Conference. It was a time of learning, sharing and worship led by Conference staff: Rev.Darrell Goodwin, Executive Conference Minister, Rev. Liz Garrigan-Byerly, Executive Minister for Area Conference Ministry. and Rev. Terry Yasuko Ogawa, Associate Conference Minister of the Northwest Region.

For more information about the Southern New England United Church of Christ Conference go to www.sneucc.org; you can also visit the Facebook page of Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ.

The Keynote address was given by the nominee for UCC General Minister, The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, who will be affirmed at the 34 ^th General Synod June 30-July4 in Indianapolis.

She shared this vision for the future Church:

1. Innovation and risk (“the SNEUCC is this”)

2. Creativity and new life

3. Collaboration and togetherness

All in all, new technologies—while not glitch-free—allowed a full and better experience for everyone at the meeting, in-person as well as online. So... let's hear it for trying new things! Even when those things don't go perfectly. And give thanks for the hard work of our Conference leadership, staff, delegates, members and friends and hold in prayer the work of General Synod 34.

Note: Susan and Pastor Barbara participated in the meeting via ZOOM; Bob Loesch participated in-person for the meeting.

SPECIAL MUSIC SCHEDULE:

7/9 Women’s Choral Group

7/16 Sue Mcnary, Soprano

7/23 Roxy & Steve Bailey, Vocalists & Instrumentalists

7/30 Pamela Corey & Colleen Moynihan, Pianists

8/6 Men’s Choral Group

8/13 Barbara Schenk & Keith Walker, Vocalists &

Instrumentalists

8/20 Frank P. Jackson, Pianist

8/27 Kathy Schoeck, Violinist

9/3 Pickup Choir

FOSTER SOFTBALL SEASON IS HERE!

https://www.interchurchsoftball.com/fields/

The Inter-Church Softball League's season has begun! Website above. There is also a Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/WesternMAChurchSoftball

Everyone is always welcome! Go, Foster team!

June 2023 Newsletter

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 02:15:10 GMT

Dear friends,

June is here, with several special activities and events, including our Vendor Fair, Children and Youth Sunday, Relay for Life special offering and more. Please see the articles and calendar in this newsletter for more information.

And please note that our worship time will change from 10 AM to 9:30 AM beginning July 2.

Blessings,

Barbara

O ur Vendor Fair & Yard Sale

Sunday, June 3, 2023

9am - 3pm

Rain or shine!

Vendors and yard sale with new and gently used items for sale!

There will also be, lunch food for purchase, special music,

a fun Gift Basket Raffle and more!

June Calendar

S UMMER SCHEDULE FOR WORSHIP

Our worship services will be held at 9:30 AM beginning July 2 and continuing through September 3. Please help us spread the word!

GOD TIME SUMMER SCHEDULE

We are looking for Volunteers to facilitate God Time (church school) for July and August. Please speak to Pastor Barbara or Lori LaTaille if you would be able to help.

RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

Along with in-person worship service, we offer recorded worship services, posted each week (and for special services) on YOU Tube, on our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page and on our church website: https://www.fostermemorial.org/videos

EIGHTH (AND FINAL) EVENING WITH THE REV. DR. BOB LOESCH, our Writer in Residence

Thursday, June 8th at 6:30pm

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87332441207

Meeting ID: 873 3244 1207

Or: Dial 305-224-1968

On this eighth and final Zoom gathering in this series Bob will read and discuss another short story he has written from his published book Out On A Limb and other stories. “Tony Gandolfo’s Story” includes Tony’s first-person review of life as an Italian Catholic living in Springfield, his family and his long career as a driver for Peter Pan Bus Lines from 1976-2016. He tells about the November 23, 2012 natural gas explosion across the street from his condominium on the corner of Worthington Street and Chestnut Street.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18th: RELAY FOR LIFE: SPECIAL COFFEE HOUR

We have been supporting Cancer Research through RELAY FOR LIFE for many, many years. This year, we are going to have a special Coffee Hour to raise funds on Sunday, June 18 after worship. We will collect donations for our Relay for Life offering (Checks to be made out to The American Cancer Society). Donations can also be brought to church anytime or mailed to the church office.

GOD TIME GUIDES AND NURSERY VOLUNTEERS

The Christian Education Board would like to thank this year’s God Time Guides who worked with our children and youth throughout the school year on Sunday mornings. Thank you to Mary Lynn Hunter, Karen Coughlin, Robin and Kevin Withers, Lori LaTaille, Matt Kobjeck, Kim Kobjack, Sharon Gormbley and Alice Kempf for sharing your gifts and talents with our young people. We are so very grateful to you all!

Thank you to Hayley LaTaille, our nursery care provider and our nursery volunteers: Amy Pawle, Joanne Wells, Karen Coughlin, Aubrey Kobjack and Ellie McRobie.

THANK YOU TO OUR CHOIR

Our Chancel Choir will take a break for the summer, but there will be opportunities for anyone who would like to join us for both Men and Women’s “Pick Up” Choirs over the weeks of summer: Stay tuned for more information! Our grateful thanks to our Organist and Choir Director, Frank Jackson and to our choir members: Pam Corey, Becky Crampton Kamukala, Sandy Moore, Bev Weinhold-Shultz, Charlie Shultz, Vivian Gonzalez, Gerri Thompson, Gay and Ted Owczarski, Pastor Barbara, Joe Rosati and Eric Sutter.

FOSTER SOFTBALL SEASON IS HERE!

https://www.interchurchsoftball.com/fields/

The Inter-Church Softball League's season has begun! Website above. There is also a Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/WesternMAChurchSoftball

Everyone is always welcome! Go, Foster team!

MONTHLY DRiVE THROUGH COLLECTION OF DONATIONS FOR OP SATURDAY, JUNE 10: 1-3PM

We will be collecting non-perishable food to be donated to Open Pantry. All non-perishable food donations are appreciated!

May 2023 Newsletter

Mon, 01 May 2023 16:49:05 GMT

Dear friends,

This month, the season of Easter continues. It is a joyful season of 50 days, which lasts from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday, celebrated this year on May 28. During this season, we focus on Jesus’ appearances to his followers after his death and resurrection.

Amid so many troubles and sorrows in the world, this season focuses on the Easter message that love is stronger than hate and death will never have the last word.

May this focus encourage us and strengthen us to be Easter people, striving to witness to God’s love and justice.

Just one of the events this month is the 7 ^th session of Evenings with Foster member The Rev. Dr. Bob Loesch, our writer in residence. This session will be held on Thursday, May 11, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM on Zoom. (see separate article for specific information)

During these sessions, Bob reads and leads conversation on one of his published short stories from Out on a Limb and other stories.

This is a wonderful way to wind down our evening. All are invited to join us! If you do not have access to the internet, you can simply dial in at the number listed in the article.

Blessings,

Barbara

WORSHIP EACH SUNDAY AT 10 AM:

Nursery Care and Church school provided

***

Sunday, May 7 after worship

Meeting of Just Peace Team: All welcome

Thursday, May 11, 6:30-8:00 PM

Evening with Bob Loesch on Zoom

Saturday, May 13, 1:00 -3:00 PM

Drive Up Collection of Food Donations for Open Pantry

Saturday, May 20 at 1:00 PM

May Gathering for Fosterians (all women welcome)

Sunday, May 21 from 3:00-5:00 PM

Celebration of Covenant:

Meeting of the Hampden Association, UCC

Southwick Congregational Church

Please speak to Pastor Barbara if you would like to attend.

All are welcome!

LOOKING AHEAD

We Wave for P eace each Monday from 3:30-4 PM.

Everyone welcome!

Evening with The Rev. Dr. Bob Loesch, our Writer in Residence

Thursday, May 11th from 6:30-8:00pm on ZOOM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82233320757

Meeting ID: 822 3332 0757

Participate by Phone: call 312-626-6799 and put in Meeting ID number

At this gathering Bob will read and discuss another short story he has written from his published book Out On A Limb and other stories.

"A Second Chance - Ellen's Story" is her account of attending her 2011 twenty-fifth high school reunion from Classical High School in 1986. This was actually the last class to graduate from Classical High School. The reunion brings back many memories of her high school years. In the meantime, she has become an English teacher at West Springfield High School and has recently become a widow.

The eighth and final Zoom gathering in this series will be on Thursday, June 8 at 6:30 pm, and will feature "Tony Gandolfo's Story."

MONTHLY DRIVE THROUGH COLLECTION SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1-3PM

GATHERING FOR FOSTERIANS:
SATURDAY, MAY 20 FROM 1-2:30PM

All women members and friends of the church are invited for a fun gathering with a surprise theme! We hope you can join us. Contact Lori LaTaille or Judy Milano if you need more information.

VENDOR FAIR/YARD SALE

Saturday, June 3, 2023!

9am - 3pm Rain or Shine!!

Foster Memorial Church, UCC

1791 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA (Sixteen Acres)

If you would like to be a vendor, please call Lori at 413-626-9040 or email lorilhi@aol.com

Vendors and yard sale! New and gently used items for sale! Something for everyone! Bake Sale, lunch for purchase and a fun Gift Basket Raffle! Hope to see you there!

HELP IS NEEDED

It takes a whole church to put on this event! Please speak to Lori for volunteer opportunities. We’ll form teams for the different tasks to be done; especially needed are people to set up and clean up.

We are also looking for GENTLY used items for our Foster Yard Sale able, Baked Goods and for new items for our Gift Basket Raffles.

RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

Along with in-person worship service, we offer recorded worship services, posted for each week (and for special services) on YOU Tube, on our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page and on our church website: http://www.fostermemorial.org/videos/ Worship services are also provided in print through the mail each week for people who do not have access to the internet.

INTERFAITH SPRING CONCERT OF VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Wednesday, May 10th from 6:30-8:00 pm
The Community Music School of Springfield

The concert will be held in the Robyn Newhouse Hall of the

Community Music School of Springfield, which is accessible from the front entrance at 127 State Street.

Live In-Person Concert only and will not be livestreamed.

The concert will feature performances by musicians from The Community Music School of Springfield, First Church of Christ, UCC of Longmeadow, Baha’i Faith Community, Unitarian Universalist Society of Greater Springfield and St. Mark Armenian Church

Nearby parking includes MGM Casino parking garage (free), Springfield Central Library parking lot (free), CVS parking lot (free), Main Street and Union Street, and on street parking.

The concert will be free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations required.

For all questions regarding this concert: Contact Rev. Dr. Robert Loesch (518) 674-8204 (cell phone and text) e-mail: rkloesch@aol.com

The Interfaith Council of Greater Springfield is grateful to the Community Music School of Springfield for its generous co-sponsorship of this program.

Please visit our websites:

communitymusicschool.com

www.icgs-ma.org

April 2023 Newsletter

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 20:52:13 GMT

As I write this letter, we are heading into Holy Week. The schedule is printed below. Please help us spread the word!!

Blessings,

Barbara

Palm Sunday Service at 10 AM (April 2)

On this day, we remember Jesus fulfilling ancient prophecy by riding into Jerusalem in a most unusual kind of parade.

Maundy Thursday Service (April 6):

In-Person Service at 7 PM

This service focuses on the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples. There is also a Service of Tenebrae (“Shadows”) including special scripture readings of the Passion of Jesus.

Good Friday Service (April 7)

Filmed Service Only

The focus for this service is the crucifixion of Jesus, through the lens of “The Symbols of Good Friday.”

Easter Sunday Services (April 9)

In-Person at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 AM

APRIL CALENDAR

M ONTHLY DRIVE THROUGH COLLECTION SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 1-3pm

We will be collecting non-perishable food to be donated to Open Pantry. All food donations are appreciated! to Open Pantry.

N EW WEBSITE

We are so excited about our new website! We use the same address as before: fostermemorial.org But it has a whole new design! Pastor Barbara and Jeanie Marsh collaborated with Ryan Stack of The Stack Group for this new site. Check us out! And please invite others to take a look!

AN EVENING WITH BOB LOESCH, WRITER IN RESIDENCE

Thursday April 13, 6:30-8 pm on ZOOM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82155181117

Meeting ID: 821 5518 1117

Participate by Phone: call 929-436-2866

At this Zoom gathering, Bob will read and discuss another short story he has written from his published book Out On A Limb and other stories. "Tia Santiago's Senior Year of High School" is the fictional story about Tia, who moved during the summer into a home in Sixteen Acres. While her parents were working in the construction of MGM Casino, Tia learned about her new neighborhood. She became friends with an African American neighbor who encouraged her to enroll in Springfield Central High School and its Air Force Junior ROTC program. The story recounts the highlights of Tia's senior year of 2017-18. The seventh Zoom gathering will be on Thursday, May 11 at 6:30 pm.

SUNDAY SLIDESHOW: SUNDAY, APRIL 30

On April 30 at coffee hour, the Rev. Elva Merry, Foster church member, will be sharing slides from her trip to the Holy Land and Jordan. Some of the sights are Jacob’s well, Nazareth, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. She’ll also share slides from her day at the World Heritage Site, Petra, in Jordan.

GATHERING FOR FOSTERIANS

Save the date! All women are invited to a gathering of our “Fosterians” coming up next month on Saturday, May 20 at 1:00 PM downstairs in Fellowship Hall.

VENDOR FAIR/YARD SALE

Saturday, June 3!

If you would like to be a vendor, please speak to Lori LaTaille. We will also need lots of volunteers for this fun event. Stay tuned for more information!

RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

Worship services are also provided in print through the mail each week for people who do not have access to the internet.

March 2023 Newsletter

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 20:16:27 GMT

Dear friends, The season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday on February 22, and continues throughout the month until Easter Sunday, celebrated this year on April 9. During this season, we’re asked to devote time for inner reflection, taking stock of our lives. And we are called to reach out, in Christian service, to neighbors, near and far.

One of the ways we do that each year in March is through our One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special offering. The money from this offering is utilized through Wider Church Ministries of the UCC, to respond to a variety of global and local concerns by providing advocacy, sustainable development resources, long term disaster recovery support, and assistance for refugee and asylum seekers, working in collaboration with our partners locally and globally

“Nobody hungry, nobody thirsty, shade from the sun, shelter from the wind, For the Compassionate One guides them, takes them to the best springs.” – Isaiah 49:10

Our generosity ensures that the transforming power of love will continue to support our neighbors in need, here in our country and around the world. Blessings, Barbara

Don’t foget to set clocks ahead one hour to get to church on time for Sunday, March 12.

Evening with Bob Loesch: Thursday, March 9 6:30- 8 PM

Zoom information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82054833561

Meeting ID: 820 5483 3561 Dial In: 312-626-679

At this gathering Bob will read and discuss another short story he has written from his published book “Out On A Limb and other stories”. “James Paterson-My Life and Art” is the first-person account of an artist/architect who grew up as the descendant of slaves in Virginia. Paterson’s family founded a construction company and James began work in Alexandria. In 1994, Paterson moved to Springfield to teach art at AIC, the Springfield Museums, Wesley United Methodist Church and around the city. He was in his home when the tornado of June 1, 2011, wreaked havoc in the area. The history of African Americans in Springfield is intertwined with James’ life in the city. The sixth Zoom gathering will be on Thursday, April 13 at 6:30 pm.

GATHERING FOR FOSTERIANS

All women are invited to a gathering of our “Fosterians” on Saturday, March 18 from 1-2:30 p.m. downstairs in Fellowship Hall. We will have refreshments and share in a fun game of gift bag Bingo. Everyone coming is invited to bring a small item (wrapped or in gift bag) to be used as a gift for Bingo winners! For more information, please speak to Lori LaTaille or Judy Milano.

RECORDED FILMED SERVICES

We continue to offer recorded worship services for each Sunday, posted on YouTube, on our website videos page and on our Facebook page.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

419 cans of soup were donated for the Open Pantry! Thanks to everyone!

PANCAKE BRUNCH: FEBRUARY 19

Thanks to all who donated food, set up, cooked, served and cleaned up for our delicious Pancake Brunch. We had a great time, combining Shrove Tuesday and Mardi Gras themes (a little early). We raised $740.00 to help with support for the refugee family, with whom we have had the blessing to walk alongside as a church for just over one year.

IN SYMPATHY

Charles (Charlie) Rososky, long-time member of our church, died on February 17. Among other active ways of participation in our church, Charlie served sexton and sang in the choir. A memorial service was held on February 25 at Wilbraham Funeral Home, with Pastor Barbara as officiant. We are thankful for his friendship and support for our church. Charlie’s wife, Judy, died this past July. Please keep their sons, Michael and Russell and all family and loved ones in prayer.

IN SYMPATHY

William (Bill) Bridgman died on February 9 in Sarasota, Florida. Bill and his wife, Charlotte, along with their family, were active in Foster Memorial Church for many, many years. After Charlotte’s death, Bill moved to Florida. He joined his wife, Betty, at Church of the Palms, where he sang in the choir. Please keep Betty, and all family and loved ones in prayer. We are grateful Bill’s support for our church, which continued throughout the years he lived in Florida.

Drive Through Collection of Food for Open Pantry Sunday, March 11 from 1-3 PM

All donations of food are appreciated! We will also have a fun Gift Basket Raffle. Proceeds will go to support our church’s ministries

Holy Week

April 6: Maundy Thursday: Service at 7 PM

April 7: Good Friday: FILMED service

April 9: Easter Sunday: Services at 8 AM and 10 AM

foster-memorial-church-v4

May 2026 Newsletter

May 2026 Calendar

Quarter Auction — Friday, May 1

Men’s Breakfast — Saturday, May 2

Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser — Sunday, May 3

Food Drive for Open Pantry — Saturday, May 9, 1–3 PM

Just Peace Team Meeting — Sunday, May 10

Prayers for the Nation — Sunday, May 31

Donations for The Gray House

Ongoing Fundraiser: Big Y Gift Cards

Vendor Fair & Yard Sale — Saturday, June 6, 2026, 9 AM–3 PM

Special Offering for Cancer Care — Sunday, June 21

Cutting Edge Team — Wednesdays from 5–6 PM

Foster Memorial Church Softball Team & Schedule

April 2026 Newsletter

April 2026

April Dates:

Maundy Thursday Service: April 2

March 2026 Newsletter

Dear friends,

FUNDRAISING BY GROCERY SHOPPING: BIG Y GIFT CARDS

PRE-RECORDED FILMED SERVICES

TEXAS ROADHOUSE FUNDRAISER: MARCH 1

QUARTER AUCTION: FRIDAY, MARCH 6

MEN’S MONTHLY BREAKFAST: SATURDAY MARCH 7

JUST PEACE TEAM MEETING: SUNDAY, MARCH 8 AFTER WORSHIP

DRIVE UP COLLECTION OF FOOD FOR OPEN PANTRY: SATURDAY, MARCH 14 1-3 PM BACK PARKING LOT

GATHERING FOR FOSTERIANS: Saturday, March 28 1-3 PM

PRAYERS FOR THE NATION: SUNDAY, MARCH 29: 4 PM

Palm Sunday Service at 10 AM (March 29)

Maundy Thursday Service (April 2) In-Person Service at 7 PM

Good Friday Service (April 3) Please note: Filmed Service Only

Easter Sunday Services (April 5) In-Person at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 AM

MARCH

APRIL

ONGOING

February 2026 Newsletter

-James Gertmenian

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January 2026 Newsletter

December 2025 Newsletter

November 2025 Newsletter

October 2025 Newsletter

September 2025 Newsletter

August 2025 Newsletter

July 2025 Newsletter

June 2025 Newsletter

May 2025 Newsletter

April 2025 Newsletter

Shrove Sunday Pancake Brunch held on March 2

March 2025 Newsletter

Memorial Service for Anne Smith

February 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

PASTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT 2024

MODERATOR ANNUAL REPORT 2024

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD (CE) ANNUAL REPORT 2024

DIACONATE ANNUAL REPORT 2024

MUSIC BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2024

FMC FINANCE/STEWARDSHIP BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2024

COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM/MISSIONS

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

FUNDRAISING REPORT FOR 2024

DELEGATES ANNUAL REPORT 2024

JUST PEACE TEAM REPORT FOR 2024

FOSTERIANS ANNUAL REPORT 2024

January 2025 Newsletter

"Blankets+" Special Offering

December 2024 Newsletter

Caroling on the Steps

November 2024 Newsletter

Christmas Gifts for Gray House

October 2024 Newsletter

New Fundraiser

September 2024 Newsletter

RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

August 2024 Newsletter

July 2024 Newsletter