March 2023 Newsletter

Foster Memorial Church UCC • March 7, 2023

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 September ews etterr

September 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schnek • August 26, 2025
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 Socia 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

August 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schenk • July 28, 2025
Dear friends, I hope everyone is enjoying the summer – it seems to be flying. I know we have been very concerned about issues going on that are dividing our nation. Decisions being made can shake us to the core, daily. We have started Waving for Peace on Sunday mornings, in addition to Monday afternoons, and the response from our neighbors passing by has been overwhelmingly positive. We will also be looking for more ways to advocate for God’s justice in the coming days, including our hosting an International Peace Event in September. There are many hymns that can move us onward and upward with hope and conviction of faith. One of these is entitled Community of Christ, with words by Shirley Erena Murray. Community of Christ, through whom the world must sound- Cry out for justice and for peace the whole world round; Disarm the powers that war and all that can destroy, Turn bombs to bread and tears of anguish into joy. When menace melts away, so shall God’s will be done. The climate of the world be peace and Christ its sun; Our currency be love and kindliness our law, Our food and faith be shared as one forevermore. Blessings, Barbara

July 2025 Newsletter

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