October 2024 Newsletter
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
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!
