Dedication of New Organ – Nov 21, 2010
Rejoice! The Lord is King from Deborah Arsenault on Vimeo.
Our organist and choir director, Robert Shauris, put together a wonderful program for the dedication of our new Roger’s organ. Guest organist was Erik Johnson accompanied by trumpeters Kenneth and Kenny McCane and on timpani, Nick Narcisi. It was a thrill to hear the combined choirs of the First Congregational Churches of Sutton and Leicester. After the service, everyone was invited to continue this celebration by joining for a collation prepared by the Woman’s Association of the congregation. If you missed it, you missed a special event.
Organ Dedication
Rodger’s Allegiant 688 organ
This Sunday November 21at 4:00pm, the First Congregational Church of Leicester will be having a Dedication Service for our new Organ. Playing will be guest Organist Erik Johnson, the Musical Director of the First Congregational Church of Sutton, MA. Also, their Senior Choir will join ours for some beautiful music.
After there is a food and fellowship gathering downstairs in Russell Hall. All are welcome and encouraged to come!
Anthem – Let Me Live For You by Carl Fritsche
Singers of all types and experience were asked to join the choir on Nov 7, 2010 for our first Pick Up Choir. Bob Shauris is our organist. Below is a small sample of the anthem sung that day. It was recorded on a small personal camera from the audience – not a professional recording. But they sounded great and hope you enjoy this segment. (Ken – apologies for cutting your picture out of the video – you sounded great – I didn’t realize I had done that)
Let Me Live for You – Pick Up Choir Nov 7, 2010 from Deborah Arsenault on Vimeo.
Strawberry Hill Fair – Another Success
Lots of food, raffles and homemade items made for another successful fair
Strawberry Hill Fair
The Strawberry Hill Fair
Nov 13, 2009
9 to 2
Start your Christmas shopping at the
Strawberry Hill Fair!
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Take a chance on our great raffle baskets and donations from local merchants. Bid on a great find in the Silent Auction.
Happy Raffle Winner - Charlene
Check out the Christmas Room for decorations.
Christmas Stockings
The knitting room is full of great hand made items.
Fair goers enjoy a lunch break
Take a break and have lunch in Russell Hall. Tell all of your friends. It is a great way to get into the Christmas Spirit.
Lots of News
There has been so much happening in the church that I have not been able to keep up with the posts. Here are some highlights. To see more pictures, click on the picture of the event in this post and it will take you to the photo gallery.
Doreen & Quentin's Wedding July 24, 2010
Our own Rev Doreen Oughton and Quentin Lewis got married in a beautiful ceremony this past July. Many of the parishioners were able to attend. Everyone said they had a wonderful time. Congratulations Doreen and Quentin.
Harvest Fair Sept 18, 2010 - Cindy, Jackie & Debbie @ Apple Crisp stand
The Harvest Fair was another huge success. We were a little worried when Cindy was in the hospital the week before. Actually, we were in a panic. She does all the planning and organizing for the apple crisp we sell at the fair. But she rallied and was home in time to lead us to another both profitable and fun day. We sold 34 pans of apple crisp. Ron and Quentin sold popcorn and soda. Lenny directed traffic and Bob Kelly ran back and forth with hot pans of apple crisp that Deb E. and Carol M were baking in the church. An added table was the Busy Fingers. Bonnalee volunteered to put out a table of the knitted goods that we sell at the Church Fair. The hats were going as fast as the apple crisp!
Baptism of Collin Edward Burtt
Collin Edward Burtt was baptized on Sunday, September 26, 2010. His parents are Craig and Mandy. Collin is Marie Frascolla’s great grandson. The godparents are Amber and Jamie. Rev. Doreen Oughton performed the ceremony with the help of Deacon Ann Orsi.
Carol Mulrain in good form at the Spare Me Bowling event Sept 26,10
Spare Me Bowling – held at the Auburn Ten Pins was another huge success. This was the first time we held a bowling fundraiser; everyone was asking when we are going to hold the next one. We raised over $500 and all we did was have a good time. It was good to get together for an activity outside of the church. In addition to our members there were a lot of people from outside the church filling all 20 lanes that AMF Bowling had donated. We want to thank them for their generosity. Everyone there was so nice.
Church Picnic Wedding!
Newlyweds - Marie and Paul Gravina Aug 28, 2010
The annual church picnic at the LaPointe’s house was extra special this year. Marie Feeney and Paul Gravina got married! Standing under an arch overlooking Stiles Lake, Rev Doreen Oughton performed a beautiful wedding ceremony as Marie and Paul exchanged vows. Most of the members were able to attend and everyone agreed that it was a perfect day.
Champagne Toast for Marie and Paul
A champagne toast was given to for the new married couple; wishing them many more years of wedded bliss.
Marie and Paul cutting the cake
There was then the traditional cutting of the wedding cake (Christine Cathcart made the cake).
Gifts
Cindy LaPointe presented them with a gift that included a very fun reading with different products being opened to finish the sentences. The church picnic then continued with lots of food and boat rides around the lake. It was a magical day. Congratulations Paul and Marie.
For more pictures of the wedding and the church picnic CLICK HERE
Judy Ivel Presented Appreciation Award
Judy Ivel - Appreciation Award for Concerts on the Common
Our own Judy Ivel was presented with an award in appreciation for all her hard work and dedication in bringing Leicester their summer Concerts on the Common.
CLICK HERE to read the completer article in TheDailyLeicester.com
Concerts on the Common
Hot Dog Stand Crew
Concerts on the Common are fun nights for the whole family. Every week is a different style of music by very professional entertainers. Our church is having another successful year selling hotdogs, popcorn, soda and a variety of wonderful homemade desserts. If you want to help, just come on down. Most of all – support the music.
Wedding Shower for Doreen & Quentin
The Bride and Groom
Vanna (Bonnalee) declares Ann the winner!
A surprise wedding shower was held after church on Sunday, July 11, 10 for Doreen and Quentin. As usual, the women put out a fabulous luncheon. In bridal shower tradition, we played some games. First we tested the new couples shopping skills by playing our version of the “Price Is Right”. Bonnalee Bohlman and Debbie Arsenault served as game show hosts. Bonnalee was definitely a rival for Vanna White. Prizes were given out in three different rounds. We have to say that Quentin has very keen shopping skills, winning the $10 shopping test. Some of the parishioners were pretty impressive too. Ann Orsi nailed one of the prices right on the money and came within two cents of the other item; winning the first round. Then we found out how well this couple knows each other. About a week before the shower, Quentin had answered about 30 questions about either himself or Doreen (i.e. What is your favorite color?). Then Doreen had to see if she could match his answer. We were a little worried at first, it took about 10 questions before Doreen got one right. We were about ready to recommend counseling for this couple but they rallied in the end.
Shower Cake by Marie Frascolla
The beautiful cake that Marie Frascolla had made was served and then they opened presents. It was a really fun party. Best Wishes and blessings to Doreen and Quentin on their wedding day and for many years to come.
Click here for more pictures from the shower.
