May 2023 Newsletter
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 7th 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
| Saturday, June 3 | Vendor Tag Sale |
| Saturday, June 10 | Drive Through Donations |
| Sunday, June 11 | Children's Day |
| Sunday, June 18 | Last Sunday for Choir |
| Sunday, July 2 | Worship Shifts to 9:30am |
We Wave for Peace 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
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!
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:
