March 2023 Newsletter

Foster Memorial Church UCC • March 7, 2023

Dear friends, The season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday on February 22, and continues throughout the month until Easter Sunday, celebrated this year on April 9. During this season, we’re asked to devote time for inner reflection, taking stock of our lives. And we are called to reach out, in Christian service, to neighbors, near and far.


One of the ways we do that each year in March is through our One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special offering. The money from this offering is utilized through Wider Church Ministries of the UCC, to respond to a variety of global and local concerns by providing advocacy, sustainable development resources, long term disaster recovery support, and assistance for refugee and asylum seekers, working in collaboration with our partners locally and globally


“Nobody hungry, nobody thirsty, shade from the sun, shelter from the wind, For the Compassionate One guides them, takes them to the best springs.” – Isaiah 49:10


Our generosity ensures that the transforming power of love will continue to support our neighbors in need, here in our country and around the world. Blessings, Barbara 



Don’t foget to set clocks ahead one hour to get to church on time for Sunday, March 12.


Evening with Bob Loesch: Thursday, March 9 6:30- 8 PM


Zoom information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82054833561

Meeting ID: 820 5483 3561 Dial In: 312-626-679


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”. “James Paterson-My Life and Art” is the first-person account of an artist/architect who grew up as the descendant of slaves in Virginia. Paterson’s family founded a construction company and James began work in Alexandria. In 1994, Paterson moved to Springfield to teach art at AIC, the Springfield Museums, Wesley United Methodist Church and around the city. He was in his home when the tornado of June 1, 2011, wreaked havoc in the area. The history of African Americans in Springfield is intertwined with James’ life in the city. The sixth Zoom gathering will be on Thursday, April 13 at 6:30 pm.




GATHERING FOR FOSTERIANS

All women are invited to a gathering of our “Fosterians” on Saturday, March 18 from 1-2:30 p.m. downstairs in Fellowship Hall. We will have refreshments and share in a fun game of gift bag Bingo. Everyone coming is invited to bring a small item (wrapped or in gift bag) to be used as a gift for Bingo winners! For more information, please speak to Lori LaTaille or Judy Milano.



RECORDED FILMED SERVICES

We continue to offer recorded worship services for each Sunday, posted on YouTube, on our website videos page and on our Facebook page.



SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

419 cans of soup were donated for the Open Pantry! Thanks to everyone!



PANCAKE BRUNCH: FEBRUARY 19

Thanks to all who donated food, set up, cooked, served and cleaned up for our delicious Pancake Brunch. We had a great time, combining Shrove Tuesday and Mardi Gras themes (a little early). We raised $740.00 to help with support for the refugee family, with whom we have had the blessing to walk alongside as a church for just over one year.



IN SYMPATHY

Charles (Charlie) Rososky, long-time member of our church, died on February 17. Among other active ways of participation in our church, Charlie served sexton and sang in the choir. A memorial service was held on February 25 at Wilbraham Funeral Home, with Pastor Barbara as officiant. We are thankful for his friendship and support for our church. Charlie’s wife, Judy, died this past July. Please keep their sons, Michael and Russell and all family and loved ones in prayer.


IN SYMPATHY

William (Bill) Bridgman died on February 9 in Sarasota, Florida. Bill and his wife, Charlotte, along with their family, were active in Foster Memorial Church for many, many years. After Charlotte’s death, Bill moved to Florida. He joined his wife, Betty, at Church of the Palms, where he sang in the choir. Please keep Betty, and all family and loved ones in prayer. We are grateful Bill’s support for our church, which continued throughout the years he lived in Florida.




Drive Through Collection of Food for Open Pantry Sunday, March 11 from 1-3 PM

All donations of food are appreciated! We will also have a fun Gift Basket Raffle. Proceeds will go to support our church’s ministries



Holy Week

April 6: Maundy Thursday: Service at 7 PM

April 7: Good Friday: FILMED service

April 9: Easter Sunday: Services at 8 AM and 10 AM


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.