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

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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.

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

By Barbara Schenk • January 31, 2025

Thanks to everyone who wrote Annual Reports for 2024. These reports help us to reflect on and take note of the many ways our church was active in the past year. Through all of our ministries, we continued to strive to live into being an Open and Affirming Church and a Just Peace Church through the words of our Church Purpose Statement

January 2025 Newsletter

By Barbara Schenk • January 21, 2025

Dear friends, With the new year comes a new church season, Epiphany, which begins on January 6. On the Sunday closest to this date, (January 7 this year), during our worship, we re-experience the story of the Magi’s visit to the Christ Child and his mother, Mary. As the season continues, our focus is on the early times of Jesus’ ministry on earth, his teachings, healings and miracles. Themes for this season include light and AHA! experiences of transformation. The liturgical color for Epiphany is white. As we remember the light of God shining through the earthly ministry of Jesus, so, in the midst of troubled times for our nation and world, may we remember our own call to shine God’s light. A prayer for this season, by Godfrey Rust: For those seekers who put truth before comfort and hope before security we give thanks. Grant us a wise man’s hope – light in darkness, use for our gifts, God at the end. During this holy season, may Jesus, the Light of the World, be revealed to us and through us. Blessings, Barbara This is also the season when we gather for our church’s Annual Meeting. The Executive Board has been working on arrangements; please see separate articles and please plan to join us.