February 2025 Newsletter
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.
Themes for the season of Epiphany include God’s light and AHA! experiences of transformation. The liturgical color for Epiphany is white.
One of my very favorite hymns is fitting for this season:
I want to walk as a child of the light
I want to follow Jesus
God set the stars to give light to the world
The light of my life is Jesus
In him there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The Lamb is the light of the city of God
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
Kathleen Thomerson
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. All are welcome and invited to bring friends!
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
We are collecting soup through the end of February for a special mission ministry called “Souper Bowl of Caring.” All soup will be donated to the Emergency Food Cupboard of The Open Pantry. Our support is appreciated. Let’s see how much soup we can collect!!
JUST PEACE TEAM MEETING
The Just Peace Team will meet on Sunday, February 9, after worship. All are welcome.
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. Reminder: We provide film services, available on our Facebook page and on our website at fostermemorial.org.
FEBRUARY DRIVE THROUGH DONATIONS OF FOOD
Saturday, February 8, 1-3 PM
Our focus will be collecting soup for
Souper Bowl of Caring. All non-perishable food donations are appreciated, to be donated to The Open Pantry.
FUNDRAISING BY GROCERY SHOPPING:
BIG Y GIFT CARDS
Thank you to everyone who has purchased Big Y gift cards through our new fundraising program. For each card purchased, the church will get a benefit of 5%. It doesn’t sound like much, but together, we are raising almost $200 per month for the church—just by our regular shopping. It’s handy to keep a card in your wallet to be used at Big Y or Fresh Acres or the Big Y gas pumps. See Jeanie Marsh if you would like to order any cards for yourself or for others.
NEW: MONTHLY QUARTER AUCTONS:
FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
SAVE THE DATE FOR FIRST AUCTION: MARCH 7
We are going to begin having Quarter Auctions on the first Friday of each month. Our church will have guarenteed proceeds from these auctions, and every month, some of the proceeds will also be donated to a non-profit, including our church for our mission outreach ministries. This month’s proceeds will go to help fund meals we provide each month for Loaves and Fishes.
On March 7, doors will open at 6 PM; auction starts at 7 PM.
Bring quarters and friends for a fun evening and a chance to win some great items fron our vendors! There will also be a raffle! Admission: $5 for two paddles. Bring a non-perishable food item for a free third paddle. Dinner food and snacks will be available for purchase. For more information or to help (we especially need “runners”), please speak to Lori.
ANNUAL MEETING: THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Annual Meeting last Sunday. Thank you to our Deacons and friends for the delicious soup luncheon, helpers, and Lori for our raffle. Thank you to Bruce Moore, our Moderator, who led the meeting. We appreciate everyone who is serving on boards, committees and teams.
The Annual Reports and the Approved Budget were distributed at the meeting and by email to our email Blast List. The reports and approved budget are available at the church.
