March 2024 Newsletter
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.
Easter Sunday Services (March 31)
In-Person at 8:00am - and 10:00am
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!
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/
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.
