March 2026 Newsletter
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
