February 2024 Newsletter

Barbara Schenk • January 31, 2024


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.


april newsletter

April 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schenk • March 29, 2025
Dear friends, These are tumultuous times for our nation. At the time of this writing, we have scheduled a Prayer Service for our Nation for Sunday, March 30 from 4-4:30 p.m. This brief service will include special music and time for shared prayers. As I was thinking about the state of our nation and the continuation of our Lenten season, these beautiful words from a Lenten hymn, “Before the Cross of Jesus,” came into my mind and heart: The hopes that lead us onward, The fears that hold us back, Our will to dare great things for God, The courage that we lack, The faith we keep in goodness, Our love, as low or pure - On all, the judgment of the cross Falls steady, clear, and sure. Yet humbly, in our striving, O God, we face its test. We crave the power to do Thy will With Him who did it best. On us let now the healing Of His great Spirit fall, And make us brave and full of joy To answer to His call. Blessings and Peace, Barbara

March 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schenk • March 4, 2025
Dear friends, Please be sure to read Peter Well’s article about an important discussion on the Intersection of Faith and Politics and opportunities for next steps. ** The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5; we will hold an in-person worship service that evening at 7 PM. The season continues until Easter Sunday, which is celebrated this year on April 20. One of the ways we can put our faith into action during this season is through our One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) Special Offering. The money raised from this offering is utilized through the UCC’s Wider Church Ministries to respond to a wide variety of global and local concerns. This year’s OGHS theme is “Be The Light.” Our grateful thanks to Sharon Gormbley for a special OGHS Sharing/Engagement Calendar that runs from March 9 – March 29. The calendar is attached to this newsletter. We also have fun “Fish” Coin/Money boxes at church, available on Sunday mornings. We will collect our OGHS special offering on Sunday, March 30 during our worship service. In this holy season, and in these tumultuous days, may we be bearers of God’s light – and take actions to “Be The Light.” In Christ, Barbara
FosterMemorial Church

February 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schenk • January 31, 2025
Dear friends, The season of Epiphany, a season to focus on the beginnings of Jesus’ earthly ministry, his teachings, healings and ministries, continues for a longer period of time this year. Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the season of Lent, will be on March 5; Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 20.