February 2024 Newsletter
Dear friends,
The season of Epiphany, a season to focus on the beginnings of Jesus’ earthly ministry continues through February 13. The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 14. We will have an in-person worship service that evening at 7 PM. This service sets the tone for the season of Lent, inviting us to follow Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem, while embarking on an inward journey of self-reflection. This year, it coincides with Valentine’s Day, reminding us of Jesus’ self-giving love.
We celebrate Holy Communion during this service, as well as Experiencing the Ashes. Please join us if you are able; we will also have a recorded Ash Wednesday service on our website at fostermemorial.org and on our Foster Memorial Church Facebook page.
Throughout these Lenten days and nights
we turn to walk the inward way,
where, meeting Christ, our guide and light,
we live in hope till Easter day.
- James Gertmenian
Blessings,
Barbara
February Calendar
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| All month | Soup Collection |
| February 3 | Men's Breakfast |
| February 10 | Monthly Drive Through: Focus: Soup |
| February 11 | Pancake Brunch: Fundraiser |
| February 11 | Just Peace Team Meeting |
| February 14 | Ash Wednesday Services at 7pm and on film |
| February 18 | Events Team Open Meeting after worship |
| March 2 | Fosterians: Sandwich Lunch and Bingo |
MEN'S BREAKFAST
All men of the church are invited to join on the first Saturday of the month for breakfast at a local restaurant. We meet at 8:20 AM in the front parking lot. Would love to see you there.
FANCAKE BRUNCH: Sunday, February 11
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. It is our tradition to hold a fun Pancake Brunch after worship on the Sunday before Shrove Tuesday/Ash Wednesday.
This year’s Brunch will be held on February 11 because Ash Wednesday this year is February 14 (Valentine’s Day!)Our theme for this Brunch is Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday. Pancakes, sausage, fruit salad and beverages will be served. We’ll also have a fun Gift Basket Raffle.
A free will offering will be collected to help with support for the refugee family from Afghanistan, with whom we have the blessing of walking alongside. The brunch is hosted by our Christian Ed. Team, God Time Guides and lots of helpers! If you would like to help, please speak to Alice Kempf or Pastor Barbara.
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
DATE: FEBRUARY 14
TIME: 7PM PLEASE JOIN US
There will also be filmed service posted on our website and
Facebook page
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
We are collecting soup throughout the month of February for the SOUPER BOWL OF CARING. In the past, we have collected as many as 600+ cans of soup. If you cannot shop for soup, donations with “SOUPER BOWL” in the memo of a check are also blessings to this annual outreach ministry. All soup will be donated to the Emergency Food Cupboard of the Open Pantry. Thanks so much for your support.
FEBRURARY DRIVE THROUGH DONATIONS OF FEED
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1-3PM
Our focus will be collecting soup for Souper Bowl of Caring. All non-perishable food donations are appreciated, to be donated to Open Pantry.
EVENTS TEAM: INVITATION TO OPEN MEETING: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 AFTER WORSHIP
Everyone is invited to an Open Meeting to talk about plans for fund-raising events for the church this year. We have a few already scheduled. At this meeting, new ideas are welcome and please join us if you are interested in helping with planning and volunteering at events. Please speak to Lori LaTaille or Judy Milano for more information. Hope to see you there!
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.
EYE TO THE SKY
If we need to cancel worship or another special event during the winter season, we will try to post on Channel 22. We will have an outgoing message on our church office voicemail (413-782-2112) if worship or major event is cancelled. For smaller meetings, please contact the Chair. Thank you. Reminder: We provide film services, available on our Facebook page and on our website at fostermemorial.org.
