FOSTER MEMORIAL CHURCH, UCC

THE CHRONICLE

Volume 66, Issue 10 November, 2017

Dear friends, This month, our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving and Blessings. We have much for which to give thanks, as individuals, households and as a community of faith. We have so many blessings to count. I give thanks for all of you, my dear sisters and brothers. In Christ, Barbara

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

God of all creation, we give you thanks not only with our lips, But with our heart and mind and soul.

Every day is a gift. Each day is a blessing.

Open our eyes to see your living presence in each other. Help us grow stronger each day, in faith, hope and love.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

forever and ever. AMEN

--Author Unknown

The deadline for submitting articles or announcements for

the November issue of The Chronicle is November 13,2017.

Foster Memorial Church, UCC 1791 Wilbraham Road

Springfield, Massachusetts 01119

Office Telephone (413) 782-2112 Pastor’s Study (413) 783-2907

Office Hours: Tues., Wed., & Fri., 9a.m.-1p.m. Email: fostermemorial@msn.com Web: www.fostermemorial.org

Facebook: Foster Memorial Church

Minister: Rev. Barbara Schenk Choir Director & Organist: Frank Jackson Administrative Assistant: Marty Benander

Childcare: Eneidamarie Gonzalez

We are a joyful, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community of Christ followers, eager to shine God's love by connecting people

through partnerships and service that foster peace and hope in our neighborhood, wider community and world.

God is still Speaking

WE ARE AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING CHURCH

ALL ARE WELCOME!

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If you would like your birthday and/or anniversary included in The Chronicle or have updates to our prayer list, please contact Marty in the Church Office

at (413) 782-2112 or fostermemorial@msn.com. Thank you!

Happy Anniversary to all of our members and friends who celebrate their

anniversaries in the month of November!

4 - Dot and Skip Koszalka 14 - June and John Dakers 17 - Gail and Dave McFadden 21 - Pat and Dick Pond

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Our church, Marilyn Breuer, Louise Bushey, Lynda Kinney, Lester Leonard, Rob Marinello, Adell Kenyon, Ken Padden, Bonnie Flynn, Malala Yousafzai, Mary Veraneau, Katherine Kelb, Karen Kelb, Joe Leas, Susan Kowinski, Shirley Kane, Lisa Rodriguez, Bill Wason, Mary Wason and Mary Wassung

3 - Dorothy Morgan (101 years old!) 5 - Barbara Nason 14 - Jeanne Millot 16 - Lisa Thatcher 19 - Betty Bridgman 20 - Stella Warner (101 years old!) 25 - Tom Howells 28 - Jeanine Maagero

LET’S CELEBRATE

Happy Birthday to all of our members and friends who were born in November:

IN SYMPATHY

Vivian George, long-time Foster Memorial church member, died on September 14. A memorial service for Vivian was held at our church on September 23. Vivian held many leadership roles in our church over the years. She also donated to the church proceeds from the sales of her homemade jams and pickles. We are grateful for her devotion to Foster Memorial and for her friendship. She is deeply missed. Let us keep her daughters, Christina and Samantha, her grandchildren and all of her family and friends in our prayers.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 5th. Please remember to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night, the 4th.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: October 1

Thanks to everyone who brought pets, donations for

Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, and helped with set-up and clean-up. We had a beautiful day and a great turnout!

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QUARTER AUCTION

Friday, November 3 Doors open at 6 PM

Foster Memorial Church, UCC 1791 Wilbraham Road

Springfield, MA

Admission: $5 which includes a numbered paddle, one beverage and one raffle ticket!

Bring a roll of quarters and bid 1-4 quarters on a wide variety of items.

Something for everyone!

Snacks available for purchase: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Popcorn and more!

Reserve your seat: Call Lori at 626-9040

Come help us raise money for the church while enjoying a fun-filled evening!

HEALTH UPDATE FROM PASTOR BARBARA:

As I write this in mid-October, I have one more treatment of chemotherapy to go. I am scheduled for surgery on November 29, followed by a few weeks of recovery at home. I expect to begin six weeks of radiation by the beginning of January. Thank you to everyone for your support and care through this tough time. And thanks again, so much, to those who continue to visit our church folks for me in hospital and nursing care settings.

CHRISTMAS FUN — DECEMBER 3rd

On Sunday, December 3th the Christian Education Board will hold their annual CHRISTMAS FUN event following the Sunday morning coffee hour. The event will begin at 11:30 and continue through 1:00, and it will be “on going” with participants able to come in at any time. Starting at 12:00 there will be a “finger food luncheon” (small sandwiches, cookies and treats) with special holiday beverages available throughout the workshop. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us and take part in making craft items for the Christmas season. Crafts will be appropriate for ages from 3 to 103. If you are interested in helping, please call Lori LaTaille at 626-9040. We have craft ideas available if you are interested in facilitating a craft table.

REBECCA JOHNSON PARTNERSHIP

Coats for Kids- A reminder that we are collecting “gently” used or new coats for students at the school. Boxes are located in the narthex and back hall and will be there through November. Sizes can range from 4 to 16. Thank you for your help.

Box Tops for Education- Thank you for your continued help in collecting Box Tops and Labels for Education. The box tops help provide supplies for the school ranging from staplers to playground equipment. Collection boxes can be found in the narthex and in the Fellowship Hall.

PANCAKE BRUNCH FOR TENZIN

Please plan on joining the Christian Education Board, our God Time children, students and guides for our annual Pancake Brunch for Tenzin on Sunday, November 12th in the Fellowship Hall immediately following our morning worship. The menu will consist of pancakes, sausage, fruit cup and assorted

beverages. A free-will offering will be used to support our mission supporting Tenzin, a thirteen year old Tibetan refugee boy living in a school in India.

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BIG E VOLUNTEERS Thank you SO much to this year’s Big E volunteers: Jim Cummings, Anna Dunnigon, Jazmin Gonzalez, Vivian Gonzalez, Lori LaTaille, Patti McDowell, Bruce and Jill Moore, Cathy Moran, Dick Pond, Charlie Shultz, Rob Shultz, Barbara Tardy, Linda Theriault, Beverly Weinhold-Shultz, and Peter and Joanne Wells! Special thanks to Dick Pond, who also served as coordinator of volunteers. Over $700 was raised for our church’s ministries!

PUMPKIN PATCH FUNDRAISER

Thank you to Jim and Lori for coordinating this fundraiser and to ALL of our volunteers! The sale continues through October 30. Interesting to note: The pumpkins are grown in cooperation with the Navajo Nation on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Farmington, NM and provide seasonal and full-time employment for over 700 Native Americans.

FALL CLEAN UP DAY

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Please join us, beginning at 9 AM. Wear gloves; bring rakes and shovels to help with raking and general grounds clean-up. All help is greatly appreciated. Rain date: November 11.

AFTERNOON FOSTERIANS

The Afternoon Fosterians will be meeting on Wednesday, November 15 at noon. Their guest speaker will be “Mrs. Massachusetts” Holly Joy Pearson, and the event will be hosted by Diane Marceau and Barbara Hamill.

Members will vote for a December meeting date, when they will look hold a holiday Gift Exchange and Luncheon. Hosts will be Pam Corey, Marilyn Flynn, Shirley Wright & Judy Rososky. All women are Welcome to all Afternoon Fosterian gatherings.

EVENING FOSTERIANS

The Evening Fosterians will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8th. The program will include Margaret Feyre, speaking about the Holyoke Soldier’s Home. Host will be Diane Marceau.

On Wednesday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m., their annual Christmas Party and Collection for confined church members and friends will take place. Gay Owczarski and Sandy Moore will host this event. All women are welcome to all Evening Fosterian gatherings.

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THANKSGIVING/STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY: NOVEMBER 19

A Stewardship letter will be distributed to everyone soon, asking for pledges for the year to come. Our theme this year is: “Love God, Love Neighbor.” On November 19, we will be invited to bring our pledges to the altar as part of our morning worship. For those who cannot be with us, please mail your pledge cards to the church office. Every pledge is greatly appreciated.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL REPORT In an effort to keep everyone informed as the year progresses, the Executive Board voted to publish a summary financial report in each edition of the Chronicle based on the Treasurer’s most recent report. The summary report of Income and Expenses as of September 30, 2017 is as follows:

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INCOME: 9/30/2017 YTD Budget % of Budget

TOTAL RECEIPTS $12,564.16 $117,013.29 $166,520.00 70.27%

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $18,559.27 $109,878.57 $172,099.00 63.85%

YTD DEFICIT/SURPLUS $7,134.72 -$5,579.00 n/a

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER EVENTS

Friday, November 3:

Quarter Auction: (see flyer)

Saturday, November 4: Fall Clean-Up begins at 9 AM

Sunday, November 12:

Pancake Brunch following 10 AM worship Proceeds for our sponsored child, Tenzin

Sunday, November 19:

Thanksgiving/Stewardship Sunday 10 AM worship service

December 3

CHRISTMAS FUN, following worship and coffee hour – 1 pm

Caroling – To Be Announced

Sunday, December 17: Christmas Pageant during 10 AM worship service

Sunday, December 24

10 AM service and 7 PM service

2017 CROP Hunger Walk: October 15

Our church was well represented at the Walk. Thanks so much to our walkers, sponsors and helpers. Over 25 people actively participated in the Walk and Rally this year! See more photos on our church Facebook page!

OUR WELCOME BACK TEAM FOR CROP HUNGER WALK

We were given this award for raising the second

highest amount for last year’s walk!

November 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 All Saint’s Day

6:00 Chancel Choir

6:30 Grace Baptist

7:00 Deacons’ Meeting

2

3

9:30 AA Group

4 Fall Clean-Up

5:30 Grace Baptist/Choir

5 10:00 Worship

& Communion

11:30 Grace Baptist

6:30 Refuge Recovery

6

5:30 Waving for Peace

7

1:00 Bridge

8 10:00 Staff Meeting

6:00 Chancel Choir

6:30 Grace Baptist

7:00 Evening Fosterians

9

6:30 Finance Board

Meeting

10

9:30 AA Group

6:30 Grace Baptist

Set-up for 11/11

11

Grace Baptist Luncheon

5:30 Grace Baptist/Choir

12 10:00 Worship

Pancake Brunch for Tenzin

11:30 Grace Baptist

6:30 Refuge Recovery

Interfaith Thanksgiving

13 Chronicle Closes

5:30 Waving for Peace

6:30 Trustees Meeting

14

1:00 Bridge

15

12:00 Afternoon Fosterians

6:00 Chancel Choir

6:30 Grace Baptist

7:00 Executive Board Mtg.

16 Loaves and Fishes

Prep

17

9:30 AA Group

5:00 Loaves & Fishes

Dinner/Open Pantry

18

12:00 Grace Baptist

Event

5:30 Grace Baptist Choir

19 10:00 Worship 11:30 Grace Baptist

Thanksgiving/

Stewardship

6:30 Refuge Recovery

20

Office Open

5:30 Waving for Peace

21

1:00 Bridge

6:00 Chancel Choir

22

9:30 Chronicle Folding

6:30 Grace Baptist

23 Thanksgiving Day

24

Office Closed

9:30 AA Group

25

5:30 Grace Baptist Choir

26 10:00 Worship

11:30 Grace Baptist

6:30 Refuge Recovery

27

5:30 Waving for Peace

28

1:00 Bridge

29

6:30 Grace Baptist

30

Office Hours:

Tues, Wed., Fri.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Except Thanksgiving

week.