Oct/Nov 2018 Newsletter

CROP Walk 2018:
Sunday, October 14

With the holidays fast approaching, it is a good time to remember that for many, the holidays only highlight lack and increase isolation. It is estimated that 1 in 8 people are going hungry. Let’s show that we care. Please join me for the Leicester Crop Walk on Oct.14th. This four- mile walk provides funds to send food to those in need, and 25% of monies raised stays right in town for the Leicester Food Bank. If walking isn’t your thing and you would still like to help, you can donate by seeing me, or by going to Cropwalk.org. Additional fundraising activities that day include a bake sale and Gift Basket Raffle. Contributions of baked goods and raffle items are appreciated. The Leicester Team is an ecumenical effort with people from several churches. The Walk begins and ends at Christ Episcopal Church. Registration is at 12:30, and the Walk starts at 1. Thanks for your support. Chase Orsi (774-289-4660 / cjrorsi@yahoo.com)

Pick-Up Choir:
October 14

All are invited to join the choir,working with our new music director, on Sunday, 10/14.
No special musical abilities required or assumed.
Just come to rehearsal on Thursday evening,October 11 at 7 p.m., and come at 9 a.m. on the 14th.
It should be a fun and fulfilling experience! Please let a choir member or Annie know by 10/7 if you are interested (if possible), or just show up at rehearsal.

Pastor’s Note

Grace and peace to you, friends.

As we dive into the season of autumn, and anticipate gathering with family and friends for our Thanksgiving celebrations, I am thinking about what it means to truly welcome people to your table. Some of us love the traditional fixings of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy and lots of pie, but for others such food is a problem. I was so moved when our family was invited to a Thanksgiving meal where Tofurkey was prepared for my vegetarian step-daughter. The gesture told her how much she was wanted there, how much she was cared for and considered.

This is the kind of welcome I pray we will develop and strengthen here at FCC – a welcome that goes beyond allowing people in to make do with our usual offerings. I believe the kind of welcome we as Christians are called to extend involves truly listening to the needs, stories and perspectives of others, to the point that we are changed by them. It can be difficult to invite different perspectives into our awareness, whether in church or in the world, but I believe it is necessary to creating the Beloved Community.

In October, much of the nation celebrates Christopher Columbus Day, which remembers Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492. But in recent years, people have been considering the perspective of the Native Americans in addition to the Euro-centric perspective. The impact on them with the arrival of the explorers was devastating. Can we make room in our hearts and minds to hold this pain and grieve with their descendants? And at Thanksgiving, as we remember the grit and perseverance of those early Pilgrim settlers, can we also recall the grace shown by the Natives who may have shared that early Thanksgiving meal.

Through the ONA process, we are making room for the perspectives of people who may be different from us, whether by sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, race, ethnicity, education, political viewpoints, or church experience. We are showing people that we truly care about their needs, that we want them at the table, that we are willing to be changed. And for that, and for each and everyone of you, I am grateful.

Blessings,
Pastor Doreen

Give a Knit!
Thursday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Did you know that right here in Worcester, there is a program that offers support to LGBTQ asylum seekers from all over the world who are being persecuted in their home countries for their sexual orientation? It is an amazing program that began as a mission for Hadwen Park Church, and has grown over the years.

Our organist Annie Arsenault had the chance to really get to know some of these people, and hear about their struggles prior to coming here, and their struggles since arriving. Many asylees are from Africa and other warm nations, so their experience of winter in New England can be quite a shock. Annie and some friends were moved to collect some warm things to enhance their comfort, and want to give others an opportunity to contribute as well.

On Nov 29th, there will be a service of music, poetry and prayer, along with a presentation of facts and statistics about people seeking asylum. Please come! Bring the types of things people need to stay warm and cozy, or make a free-will offering. Refreshments to follow the service.

Open and Affirming:
Dec 2

The team will host our next meeting on Sunday, December 2, 11:45-1. At that time we will share a draft of the ONA Covenant, and will facilitate a discussion of how we would publicize our ONA status should the vote pass. If you have seen signage or symbols for ONA / welcoming churches that you like, please try to take a picture that could be shared at the meeting (our new printer can do amazing things!). Your participation at these meetings is so important, and we hope you will make your best effort to attend. In case of bad weather, the meeting will be held December 9.

UCC Connections

Super Saturday, October 20
(Registration deadline 10/6)

The Massachusetts Conference is hosting a day of workshops and worship at the Keefe Technical School, 750 Winter St., Framingham. The main focus is on ministry with children and youth, and there are workshops on church vitality, care and wellness, community building, justice issues, spirituality, worship and so much more! Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the welcome and worship start at 9. The program ends at 3:45 p.m. Please check out the Conference website for information on the workshops being offered (www.macucc.org) or see Doreen ASAP for information or to register.

Central Association Cluster Meetings

Started by the Board of Directors two years ago to nurture the vitality of the Central churches, and strengthen the covenant between them, the Association and the Massachusetts Conference, the Cluster meetings continue this year with a twist – speakers at each meeting to address issues people have expressed interest in. Each church is encouraged to attend at least one cluster meeting a year. It is suggested that 2 to 3 church representatives attend, with or without their pastor. The first meeting of the year is at FCC Leicester on Wednesday, October 10. All meetings run from 6:30-8 p.m. The topic for the evening is Stewardship – Best Practices, with the Rev. Dr. Jonathan New, Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship and Financial Development. People’s giving patterns and motivation for giving are changing and we are feeling the direct effects. Dr. New will share stewardship best practices responsive to these changes that still remain true to who we are as people of faith. Please let Pastor Doreen know if you are interested in attending.

Other topics to be covered at future Cluster Meetings are Safe Church Practices with Ellie Richardson, Associate Conference Minister for Lay and Clergy Leadership Development; and Today’s Faith Formation with Ms. Debbie Gline Allen, Christian Education & Youth Ministry Consultant for the Conference. Please speak to Doreen to find out where and when these topics will be covered, or go to www.macucc.org.

A Chat With Annie

 

As you know, our new church organist, Annie Arsenault, began her music ministry with us on August 5. After letting her settle in for a bit, the music committee
asked if she would sit down with us for an informal chat. Here’s what she had to say:

MC: Annie, we’re so very happy to have you here at FCC Leicester. What was it about our church that had you interested in joining us?
A: “What interested me most about coming to this church was your recent ONA journey, in addition to Pastor Doreen’s thoughtful, peaceful approach to the service. Through a lot of discussion with my family, I felt I could offer a lot of respect to your traditions, while incorporating more contemporary selections that might appeal to a more diverse congregation down the road.”

MC: Has working with our small choir (or should we say “trio”) created any challenges or problems for you?
A: “Working with a small choir is great. As a director I strive to incorporate the music preferences of each singer, so starting with three strong singers has been a dream. I think it will be an excellent foundation for growth because new singers will find strong and confident members to encourage and support them.”

MC: What do you see as the role/function of choral music in churches today?
A: “Choral music is meant to connect and uplift the congregation in a dynamic form of prayer. I find it so important to listen to the spirit when it comes to selecting music. Whether that inspiration comes from the lectionary, a conversation with the pastor, a choir member, or a congregant, it’s important to listen, because you never know whose heart that song will touch that week. I never cease to be amazed by how powerfully and unexpectedly music touches people, and that is the gift we musicians receive when we least expect it.”

MC: You’re a talented organist and pianist. Do you play other instruments also? If so, do you think they could occasionally be used during worship?
A: “Unfortunately, I do not play other instruments. Piano is my first love, and, after that, singing would be my true passion. I learned organ very minimally simply to be a music minister. I started picking up the banjo just before having my first child, and I hope to pick it up again, possibly, when my children start learning instruments.”

MC: What would you say to someone who wants to join the choir but doesn’t read music?
A: “Anyone can sing, and we will help you! I’ve worked many years in musical education and always encourage people to ask as many questions as they need – as many times as they need. New skills take time; you do not need to read music to sing. But if you are willing to be patient and work at it, you will learn along the way with us.”

MC: Thank you, Annie, for taking the time to talk with us. Thank you, also, for your thoughtful and eloquent responses. FCC Leicester looks forward to your ministry of music!

Strawberry Hill Fair:
November 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Happy Raffle Winner – Charlene

The Women’s Association is busy planning this year’s fair, to be held on November 10. Many hands are needed to complete this task. Set up will start after our regular Nov 7 meeting. Help with table set ups is also needed the day before the fair, and of course, help is needed for all kinds of things on the day of the fair. Please let Marie, Judy, or Cindy know when you are available to help.

All tables are accepting donations. Don’t wait until the last minute: bring any finished items in as soon as they are completed. All donations except for Baked Goods and Country Store are expected in by Nov. 7. Your talent and time is greatly appreciated. Working together, we can make this year’s fair exceptional!

Below are listed the tables, along with the person coordinating donations to that table.
• GIFT BASKETS (Marie Frascolla): Marie puts together themed gift baskets from donated new items. A completed basket is welcome and appreciated. Here are some ideas to inspire the creative shopper in you: Holiday, Special Dinner, Party, Sports, Children’s Toys, Baby Care, Pets, Coffee / Tea, Chocolate, Beauty, Cleaning, Car Needs, Winter Fun, Kitchen, Bath, Exercise, Home Décor, Games, Fishing, Tools, Sewing, Gardening, Family Entertainment, or something of your own creation.
• BUSY FINGERS (Cynthia Rizzo, Karen Doe, Ellen & Ann Orsi): Anything handmade: hats, mittens, scarves, head bands, afghans, table runners, pot holders, placemats, dish towels, etc.
• HOLIDAY DECORATIONS (Cindy LaPointe, Nancy Desautels, June Kelley): Put your talent to work! Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas – handmade ornaments, table decorations, centerpieces, door décor, and some creative surprises. Remember our Holiday Décor table – donate or purchase gently loved and used wonderful old treasures.
• SECOND-HAND TREASURES (Judy Ivel and Robyn Desautels): We invite donations of high quality items such as antiques, sports memorabilia, luxury services, fine art and quality collectables. White elephant-type donations will benefit the Heifer Fund.
• RAFFLES (Sue Ann Morowski): Businesses are solicited for items or gift vouchers to be raffled the day of the fair.
• BAKED GOODS (Mary Simmons, Joyce Thebodo): Take out those old and new recipes and let’s get baking! We need cookies, cakes, pies, brownies, fudge, barks, breads and sweet surprises. Baked goods can be dropped off the evening before or the morning of the fair.
• COUNTRY STORE (Len Ivel, Ron LaPointe): Welcomes donations of jams and jellies, pickles, relishes, beans and winter vegetables such as potatoes, onions, squash and pumpkins. Store-bought candy is also welcome. We know you’ll want to get rid of left-over Halloween treats!
• CAFE: Enjoy some great lunch specials and apple crisp and ice cream for dessert!

For more information, please contact Marie Frascolla (508 892-0038), Judy Ivel (508 892 3321), or Cindy LaPointe (508 885 9875)

Advent readers needed

The first Sunday in Advent is December 2. Each Sunday during Advent we light a candle in the Advent wreath and reflect on a particular theme. I am looking for volunteers for each of the four weeks of Advent to come forward as a family, individual, or friends to light the candle and say a few words about a particular theme. I warn you that it involves more than reading something pre-written, but I am excited to work with you in adding your own thoughts – a few sentences – to the ritual. Participants will be given a book of Advent devotionals by the Still Speaking writers to share
(1 book for each week). Please contact me, Pastor Doreen, if you are interested.

Food Pantry – Thanksgiving Target

Let’s do our part to make Thanksgiving a little sweeter for people who use the food pantry. Our target is to collect at least 150 boxes of brownie mix or pumpkin bread mix by November 18. Bring your box up to the Sanctuary, and we’ll build a pyramid of love and sweetness!
*

In Our Prayers

Never underestimate the power of prayer. You are invited, as you read this, to add your prayers for those listed. Take a moment to breathe in God’s Spirit, and channel your good will and hopes to each person or situation named. You might imagine them surrounded by a healing light, or held in God’s hand. May this simple practice fill you with peace and hope.

 

Leicester First Congregational Church

1 Washburn Sq

Leicester, MA 01524

Phone:

508-892-3274

Email:

Pastorfccleicester@verizon.net

Web Site:

www.leicesterfcc.org