THE STEEPLE

June 2010                                                                                                                                                                No. 6

Dear friends,

            In preparation for our Evening of International Cuisine, I posted an email on framcom, a listserve focusing on events happening in Framingham.  Almost immediately I received a reply from someone I did not know:  “Debbie, your church does such interesting things.”  The email prompted me to think back on the special events we have held in the last few years, and to reflect on what those events convey to the wider community about the spirit of Edwards Church.

            One of the messages we convey is that we are open.  While we are a Christian church, we honor the wisdom of other faith traditions.  The Day of Spirit we have offered for the past two years has drawn upon spiritual practices from a variety of religions.  In a similar way, our Evening of International Cuisine celebrated the ways our community is enriched by the diversity of its residents—and, of course, by the rich variety of food.

            A second message we convey is that we value creativity.  The Quilt Show and Art Show, the concerts the Music Committee has sponsored, our recent jazz worship and our participation in OpenSpirit reflect our appreciation for the creative gifts of art and music.

            A third message is that we are generous—offering hospitality and reaching out to share what we have.  The gracious afternoon tea at the Quilt Show and the overflowing chocolate at the Artful Afternoon conveyed the warmth of our welcome.  Our sponsorship of a conference on spiritual care for veterans, Crafts for a Cause, our participation in Earthcare events, and our many mission projects reflect our commitment to make our world a better place.

            The special events we have offered in the last few years reflect and convey the spirit of Edwards Church—our open spirit, our creative spirit, our generous spirit.

            At the beginning of our recent Quarterly Meeting, I shared these reflections, to guide us as we made plans for the coming fall. What is it we seek to offer to the wider community through our special events? What do we hope to convey about who we are?  Perhaps more importantly, what do we want to convey about who God is?

            The folks who gathered for Quarterly Meeting were small in number, but great in ideas and insights.  We talked about how to balance our fundraising needs with our desire to reach out in generosity.  We pondered how we can reach out to overscheduled families in meaningful ways.

            We did not make final decisions, but we made a lot of progress.  If the dates work out, we would like to hold another Golf Tournament this fall.  We would also like to continue our tradition of offering a Day of Spirit.  On October 16, when Friends of Saxonville is conducting a tour of the cemetery, we will hold a “rummage sale plus”—perhaps with entertainment or lunch.  We will explore ways we can offer hospitality to area veterans on Veterans’ Day.  We decided to approach Plymouth and Grace Churches about a potential musical fundraiser for “Blessing Cabins” for Chilean earthquake relief.  We also decided to consider ways to offer speakers or programs on parenting that might be helpful for families—and Jonathan House Children’s Center would like to collaborate with us on that.

            I am excited by the many possibilities for this coming fall.

 

Peace, Debbie

                           

WORSHIP

 

June 6 Holy Communion; Celebration of Karen Dolliver’s service as Administrative Assistant

The sermon will draw from the topic suggested by the winner of “Sermon on a topic of your choice” from our recent auction: “How do we know it’s Jesus?”

 

June 13  Honoring the Choir

In honor of the choir, our young people will play the chimes during our service.

 

June 20 Fathers’ Day

“The Council of Fathers”

 

June 27 Last Day of Church School

“An MBA Oath?”

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


BIBLE STUDY

            The Tuesday and Wednesday Bible Study groups will meet one more time before breaking for the summer.  We will complete our study of Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians.  We will meet Tuesday, June 8, at 10 a.m., and Wednesday, June 9, at 6:30 p.m.

 

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

            The Book Discussion Group will meet on Monday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Jonathan House Living Room, to discuss Stones into Schools, by Greg Mortensen. This book is a follow-up to Three Cups of Tea, and offers insight and hopeful perspective on the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Everyone is invited to read the book and join us!

 

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS

            Congratulations to Gabriella Kabiite for winning the Martin Luther King essay contest which was promoted through Framingham High School.  The awards ceremony was held at the Greater Framingham Community Church on Sunday May 16, 2010. 

 

THINKING ABOUT JOINING

EDWARDS CHURCH?

            The Board of Deacons is looking at a Sunday during the month of June to celebrate the reception of new members in worship. If you are interested in joining the church, please speak with Debbie about what dates you are available.

 

SAVE THE DATE—MOVIE NIGHT!

            On Friday, July 9, the Earthcare Team (from Edwards and Grace Churches) will be holding a stone soup dinner and movie night. Join us at 6 p.m. for supper, followed by a 7 p.m. showing of the movie Food, Inc.  This event will be held at Grace Church.  Mark your calendar now, and watch for more details!

 

SEEKING “Farm to Food Bank” VOLUNTEERS

            Grace Church, Framingham, has partnered with Stearns Farm, Framingham, and the Framingham "Hope" Food Pantry to provide a share of fresh fruits and vegetables to the pantry throughout the harvest season. This helps pantry clients supplement canned and dried goods with fresh food as much as possible.
            Farm-to-Food Bank Volunteers need to be available on a Friday afternoon (anytime between 2-7 p.m.) to pick up fresh produce at Stearns Farm (Edmands Road in Framingham). This involves weighing and bagging produce, and sometimes some light "pick-your-own". The process takes about 1 hour. Produce is bagged, labeled, and stored in a cooler that is then delivered by the volunteer to the pantry (Irving St., Framingham) the next morning (Saturday) at 9 a.m. for distribution during pantry hours.

            Individuals, small groups, or families are welcome to volunteer. Children are welcome at the farm with supervision, and there is a lovely children's garden they can visit with their parents. You will need some training. Our mission is to link those in need with quality, fresh food grown in their own town.

            Please contact Mary Memmott (memmottm@gmail.com) for more information, or call the Grace Church office (508-872-3342) if you are interested. 


A NOTE OF APPRECIATION

            It is with mixed feelings that I write this note to all of you at Edwards Church.  It has truly been a pleasure for me to work as the Edwards Church Administrative Assistant for the past seven years.  I trained for the position early in 2003, with the agreement that I would stay in the position for seven years, never expecting the years to pass so quickly!  The years have flown by and now, due to family commitments; I have decided to move on to open another chapter in my life. 

            I am looking forward to having the opportunity to travel to Austria, whenever I can, to visit with Tina and Matt.  They are expecting their first child, my first grandchild, and the prospects of being there when the baby is first brought into this world, is so exciting to me!  Because they don not have family around, my intention is to stay with them for at least 3 weeks during the months of September and October, to help them out any way I can.

            I want to thank the many people who I have gotten to know better, by working in the office.  The lunch bunch crowd, the Publicity ladies, Trustees, etc.  One of the hardest parts of leaving the job will be losing the opportunity to enjoy one on one conversation with those who drop by the office, often unexpectedly.  I will miss those opportunities with all of you.

            I appreciate the gifts that I have received while working closely with the staff members here at Edwards.  Although some of our staff members have changed over the years, all of our current staff, former student pastors, sabbatical interim and choir directors have enriched my life in some way, and I am thankful for that.  It has been a blessing to have gotten to know all of you on a different level.  I appreciate the respect I have received from everyone; being timely with sending information that I have needed for the bulletin, the Steeple, event advertising, etc., and little comments by email that have made me laugh!  You are all so wonderful to work with and I will miss that.

            Working with Debbie has been a great experience these past years and I have had the opportunity to see just how very devoted she is to this church.  She spends many hours, behind the scenes, doing things that most of us never know about.  After attending a couple of Administrative Assistant luncheons, held by the Nurture and Care Committee of the MACUCC, I can say, she is very considerate of an Administrative Assistant’s needs!  Many other Administrative Assistants have much to deal with!!  Thank you Debbie, it has been a pleasure to work for you and look forward to still working with you in other ways.

            I look forward to continuing my involvement in Edwards Church, whether singing with the choir, working with the Chancel Committee, counting donations once a month, being liturgist, greeter or usher and helping out with events.  As a result, I will not be missing the kind touch that so many of you have shared with me.  This church is truly a special place blessed with the kindness and sincerity of the people who attend here.  Thank you all for the caring community that you are.

            I would like to close with this thought.  Although many of you feel that I have given much to this church by being the Administrative Assistant these past years, I truly am the one who has received the most; one person receiving so much from all of you!  Thank you all.

 

Most sincerely,

Karen Dolliver

 

FATHER’S DAY

JUNE 20, 2010

 

LITTLE CHURCH WOODEN BANKS

            For the month of May 2010 four people contributed $40.50 to the Little Church Wooden Banks.  This brings the total to date of giving to $250.50.  Thanks to the contributors who are so faithful.

            Anyone may be a contributor by simple saving your coins and donating them to our wooden banks fund for unexpected expenses, as voted by council.  It is hoped that you will pause at meal time to say a prayer, and put your coins into a deposit bank for the Little Church Wooden Banks.  We collect the donations monthly after you have made your collections.  Your contributions can be placed in a baggy with your name inside and left in the model church in the hall of the Education Building.  That's all there is to it.  We will look forward to your taking part this month.

 

Sincerely, David Eycleshymer

 

BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

                I extend a thank you to the talented church school teachers and leaders.  Each teacher brings unique gifts and together we share God’s love!  We begin class sharing our Divine energy through song and music!  Kelly Lopez continues to lead us in fun songs on the guitar that teach Christian fellowship.  Susan Dickerman created an opportunity for us to add even more than our voices to the music.  She offered children ways to create their own joyful noise through tambourines, egg shakers, or playing the cymbals! 

We also practice creating God’s harmony when the children sound a musical note with the chimes.  As part of our celebration of Pentecost, which begins on May 23rd, children learned Spirit of the Living God and Morning Has Broken.  We will share this music with the congregation on June 13th during our worship service as we honor the choir.  Together, we can experience the Spirit’s presence that flows through our lives.

During class, we experience different ways of living out our Christian faith.  The children become great reminders of God’s possibility when we hear prayers for world peace and the hope that we all have enough food to eat.  We will continue to explore how we can reach out to each other and the world.  During June one class will focus on caring for the environment.  We will also honor diversity by celebrating native people.

            The Confirmation Class meets each Sunday with the leadership of Kris LoFrumento, Karen Albee and Chris Hendrick.  I appreciate your generosity with time and ideas.  Also, a special thank you to the following young people who offered wonderful help with the International Cuisine dinner and auction: Andy and Nick Draper, Gabby Kabiite, Sammy and Meghan Albee, Ben Akinkuoy and Nils Arnheim. 

The young people will continue to be active both in and outside our congregation.  Most of our youth will attend the United Church of Christ New England Regional Youth Event, June 24-27 in Boston.  The theme for the event is “Inside Out-Outside In: Finding Our Way in God’s World.”  The young people attending will experience worship, workshops, service projects throughout the city of Boston, and fun times!

            Keep your eyes and ears open for a leadership opportunity.  On September 25, 2010 Princeton Seminary's Institute of Youth Ministry will sponsor a day long event—sign up soon!  This event is for both youth and adult leaders.  It will be hosted by Maple Street Congregational Church in Danvers, MA.

            As the church school year winds down, we will celebrate on June 27th our learning and time together.  We will offer certificates of attendance and enjoy a party!

I’m grateful for the leadership from our dedicated Board of Christian Education members: Chris Hendrick, Church School Superintendent, Joanie White and Amy Hendrick, co-Chairs, Terry Carl, Sheryl Lesslie, Kelly Lopez and Jenny Allen.  After a break during July, church school will begin again in August.  Throughout the summer, Tammy Plaza, from Mother’s Helpers, will provide care and comfort for our infants and toddlers.

Blessings,
Heather A. Lucas

 

THANK YOU

            Thank you from the Chancel Committee to all who donated money to purchase geraniums for the service on May 23rd, Pentecost Sunday.  We will be planting them in the gardens around the campus.

 

WOMEN’S GROUP

            No need to sit on the sidelines when you can be up on the dance floor!  Line dancing engages your mind and body and is a great way to exercise and have fun.  No partner needed.  Wear comfortable shoes with smooth-soled bottoms (sneakers are okay but won't slide as well), and comfortable, loose clothing.  Adaptions can be made for those confined to a chair; please let Sarah know if you will be attending.

            Instructors: Bob and Maurene Davis have been dancing seriously for many years.  They dance several nights a week and continue to take workshops in couple, partner, and line dancing.  The Davis's teach two beginner courses a year at the Keefe Tech Continuing Education program.

            Join us by bringing a friend and a dish for the pot-luck supper Thursday, June 24th at 6:30 pm.

CHOIR NEWS

            The choir has rounded out this program year with a six-week series of anthems written by “everyday people”. These are composers who may not be famous, and may not even make their living as a composer, but, by and large, are church musicians like us, working across the world in churches of their own. I’ve had good luck in contacting all of them, and have been so happy to share their stories with the choir.

            As a complement to this mini-series, I have chosen an exciting conclusion to my first year at Edwards Church. At our final choir service, on June 13, we will sing “Glory to God” (adapted from a movement of Bach’s Magnificat) and the Lutkin “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”.

            J.S. Bach can be considered the quintessential “everyman” composer. He was no celebrity in his day, and spent many years of his life writing new music on a near-weekly basis. This music was not intended to survive for generations, but rather to advance the worship service at his St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. It is almost by chance that we know any of his music at all, as it was left largely forgotten following his death in 1750. The young Felix Mendelssohn found some of Bach’s music decades later, so the story goes, and began the worldwide interest in Bach’s music that we enjoy even today. A classic case of brilliance discovered after death.

            That same day, as a benediction response, we will offer Peter Lutkin’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” which has become, in recent years, the school song of my alma mater, Westminster Choir College (there are a number of performances by the Westminster Choir on YouTube). Lutkin was a turn-of-the-(20th)-century church musician and academic. He founded the music school at Northwestern, and was one of the original members of the American Guild of Organists. This simple piece became a favorite at Westminster, and has served as the unofficial school song for decades. It is a tradition for alumni church directors to perform this song at some point during the spring, in recognition of new graduates, as we welcome them to the same community of everyday musicians, worshiping one God throughout the world, and throughout time.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

 

Jillian Tocci

Phillip Dolliver, Jr.

Nicole Walker

Heather Lucas

 

 

EDWARDS CHURCH WISH LIST

* Rakes and other gardening tools

* Sprinkler timer

* Hand tools for the sexton to have on hand

* Old computer and color printer

(for Jonathan House Children’s Center)

If you have any requests or suggestions, please email the office at edschoffice@aol.com

 

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

2          Bryan and Holly Douros

            Peter and Kate Dickerman

3          William and Margaret Walenski

14        Deborah and Charles Greenslit

            Ron and Lois Mogavero

21        Barbara and Rick Robinson

25        Don Buell and Martha Segal

28        Tom and Kathy Gagen

 

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

1              Matthew Lesslie

            Leonard Ezbicki

2          Deborah Roy

            Cameron Goddard

3          Meghan Albee

6          Nicola Seaholm

7          Jenny Allen

            Kathleen Gagen

            Edward Albee

            Sammy Marcincavage

9          Lucy Rozier

11        Marjorie Roy

12        Makiah Stearns

14        Phyllis MacDougall

16        Virginia Hatch

26        Cindy Booth

27        Jessica Muhs

29        Kaitlin Hendrick

30        Dawn Sorensen