THE CRIER. FROM A PILGRIM PASTOR by Pastor Kaz Bem

Transcription

1 THE CRIER A Monthly Publication of The First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) United Church of Christ MARCH 2012 \ EASTER TIDE CALENDAR ON PAGE 4 FROM A PILGRIM PASTOR by Pastor Kaz Bem Dear Friends at First Church, READY...SET.SMILE! PICTORIAL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY INFORMATION PAGE 8 BiB ALICE BLAKELEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FORM ON PAGE 7 Why does time fly so fast? We were only recently in the time of Christmas now it is Lent already, and then Easter will be upon us! Time flies, cheats us and before we know it another year has passed. The season of Lent is in some ways about watching your time, and thus your life. We read about Jesus being led away to the wilderness (a traditional place where spiritual battles were fought) where he fasted for forty days and forty nights. We know today from medical research, that it would be physically impossible to abstain from food and drink for all that time the number 40 here is given as a symbol: a generation, a long time, a lifetime. What the Gospel writers tried to say is that on some level we struggle all our lives with faith, doubt, love, and despair and so did Jesus. Lent is really about setting apart forty days (not counting the Sundays) to examine our lives critically and faithfully in the light of the Gospel. What needs amending? Where can we cut back? Where can we be more generous? Most of you no doubt associate Lent with fasting and cutting back. Yes, that is one part of a Lenten discipline. Giving up things that we enjoy (coffee, chocolate, too much TV) and then saving the money and instead giving it to the poor or to the church. But there is also another feature to it being more generous, more giving. I invite you during this season of Lent to be more generous with kind words, showing affection, smiles and laughs. There are so many ways: write to an old friend, visit a grumpy neighbor, talk to someone at church you only see and never talk to. Also, think about what talents, skills, and passion of yours you could donate to the church. Which ministry of the church do you feel called to? Our May meeting is just around the corner and there is no better time than Lent to think and pray about what part of church life to which you are being called. First Church in Marlborough and the Church of Jesus Christ is as great and as vibrant as you choose it to be really, without you and your support (financial, talents, time) we won t be able to continue and grow. (Please see next page.) 1

2 OUR CHURCH STAFF Russ Goliger, Music Director Jim Duncan, Organist Diane Burke, The Joyful Ringers Director Steve Kotsopoulos, covenant. Director Jenn Bastien, Youth Group Director & Children s Choir Director Susan Pellerin, Superintendent & Collector Steven Levy, Multi-Media Director Amy Lapetina, Administrative Assistant & Crier Newsletter Editor Deb Marino, Clerk Steve Ziegler, Moderator Jennifer Flynn, Treasurer Cliff Fenton, Sexton Bob (Chip) Horne, Computer Systems Director (continued from Page 1) Finally, Lent culminates with a season of Holy Week. Because I am a minister you might think that I am biased about loving church and spending time in worship. That is true, but only partially true. I would strongly plead and urge you to use the list of services in this Crier and put them in your calendar and come to all. Begin with Palm Sunday when Christ rode in glory to Jerusalem. Then, experience the amazing meal on Maundy Thursday when Communion was instituted. The service will end with the stripping of the church to symbolize what a world without God s love does look like. On Good Friday join us for a service of Tenebrae when we ponder the death of Christ with music and readings. Finally, join us and the whole world throughout time as we celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. There are so many ways to make these 40 days a meaningful time. There are so many ways to make your life a meaningful ministry to others. Come the Faithful, raise the strain! Pastor Kaz APRIL CRIER The deadline for the April issue of the Crier will be March 15th. No articles will be accepted after the deadline date. CRIER POLICY: The CRIER welcomes all material submitted on a timely basis for publication. Every effort will be made to include all works submitted. However, the Editor needs to reserve the right to make corrections to ensure quality of presentation and correctness of information, and to use a consistent format throughout. All material should be submitted with the writer s name and daytime phone number. When major corrections are necessary, the editor will make every attempt to contact the writer. Personal notes, such as a thank you, etc., will be printed as submitted. Overly long items may be shortened for space consideration. All material should be submitted before the published deadline (15 th day of the previous month). 2 Our mission is to welcome all to a positive environment for personal and spiritual growth through the Worship of God; to foster a caring, friendly, and inviting ministry of people who are committed to knowing God, God s will and the teachings of Jesus Christ; and to reach out to all with Faith and Love. We invite all to share in the journey to experience God s love.

3 Worship Leaders for March MAR 4 Second Sunday in Lent Lead Deacon: Bill Davis Ushers: Pam Patten, Rachael Patten, Susan Hanahan, Kelsie Hanahan, Todd Beauchemin Lay Leader: Richard Rowell Greeter: Sandy Stetson MAR 11 Third Sunday in Lent Lead Deacon: Pam Patten Ushers: Andrea Merritt, Trenton Vartabedian, Peter Nott Lay Leader: Bill Davis Greeters: The Crocker Family MAR 18 Fourth Sunday in Lent Lead Deacon: Susan Hanahan Ushers: Todd Beauchemin, Andrea Merritt, Laurel Hill Lay Leader: Frank Marino Greeter: Deb Marino MAR 25 Fifth Sunday in Lent Lead Deacon: John Merritt Lay Leader: Todd Beauchemin Ushers: Confirmands Greeter: Bob Murphy And God stepped out on space, And He looked around and said, I m lonely I ll make me a world. And far as the eye of God could see Darkness covered everything, Blacker than a hundred midnights Down in a cypress swamp. Then God smiled, And the light broke, And the darkness rolled up on one side, And the light stood shining on the other, And God said, That s good! James Weldon Johnson 3

4 Easter Tide Services SUNDAY OF ROSES LAST SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 25 TH The service will be a celebration of the rite of confirmation and reconfirmation. Service at am PALM SUNDAY APRIL 1 ST The children will process around the church to reenact Christ s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. At the conclusion of the service the Passion narrative will be read. Service at am MAUNDY THURSDAY APRIL 5 TH A celebration of the Institution of the Sacrament of the Lord s Supper. The service will conclude with the stripping of the church. Child care will be provided by our regular Nursery Staff person, Ashley. Service at 7.00 pm GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 6 TH A quiet and reflective service of Tenebrae. Child care will be provided by our regular Nursery Staff person, Ashley. Service at 7.00 pm EASTER SERVICES APRIL 8 TH Sunrise Service at Marlborough Country Club at 6:00 am. Easter Breakfast at First Church following Sunrise Service Family Easter Service at10.00 am at First Church Join us for the joyous celebration of the Risen Christ! He Has Risen Indeed! 4

5 WELCOME TO OUR NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT!! SUBMITTED BY SUSAN PELLERIN Lynette Biggs has been coming to First Church for a while now with her daughter Lindsey. Lynette who works as a full time teacher for her career and she has also been teaching in the Sunday School program. Lynette recently spent time with Pastor Kaz and after their meeting made the decision to step into the ministry position of Sunday School Superintendent effective July 1 st. I have to confess that after witnessing Lynette with our students as well as her own daughter I prayed that she would feel the call to become our new Superintendent and I believe we have been blessed with a wonderful teacher, administrator and role model for our kids. This position does need support and it would be wonderful if one or two more people worked with Lynette to assist her with teacher recruiting, program planning/ growth, mission conversation, etc. Please seek out Lynette, welcome her into this new role and let us know if you would be interested in working on this ministry with her. SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM SUBMITTED BY SUSAN PELLERIN The third session of the Sunday School program ended on February 19 th with the children spending January and February meeting Jesus our Teacher and hearing stories from the book of Matthew. Blessings and thanks to the teachers for this session including Adam Battaglino, Nancy Battaglino, Lynette Biggs, Jen Burgos, Christine Crocker, Stephanie Hasbrouck, Bob Knox, Craig Macauley, Andrea Merritt, Christina Rowell, Richard Rowell and Anita Stetson. ATTENTION SUMMER CAMPERS! Scholarships are available for Christian youth summer camps such as Grotonwood, Oceanwood and Star Island (or others we may know about). The CE ministry has some funding which we will distribute based upon submission of a copy of your camp application and an essay of why you wish to attend the camp. Please submit these to Sue Buckingham (or leave in Sunday School mailbox) by March 31 st. If you have any questions please contact Sue at or susanna.buckingham@comcast.net. 5

6 CAN YOU HELP WITH OUR WATER HEATER AND SEWER COSTS? First Church has had $15, in unexpected expenses for this fiscal year, July 1, 2011 to June 30, As a result of water flooding our basement in the Fall and damaging our oil water heater, the purchase of an energy efficient water heater was necessary. The Trustees decided on the first floor installation of a gas fueled on demand water heater. Following that expense, in November First Church had sewerage problems due to a broken / clogged sewer pipe that ran from our Parish Hall to the city sewer line in the middle of Springhill Avenue. New pipe needed to be immediately installed because the Church had numerous upcoming functions scheduled. These two large expenses were not part of our operational budget approved in May, The Trustees greatly appreciate the donations received to date, $6,847.00, and hope that you will consider making a gift to help pay for the above expenses. With the receipt of more donations, less money will be taken from our invested assets. Please make a gift this month, write water heater/sewer in the check memo area, and send it to our Treasurer, Jennifer Flynn or leave in the Sunday offering plate. First Church thanks the following who have responded to our call for help: Todd and Kim Beauchemin Marcia Fitzgerald Wallace and Jennifer Flynn Paul and Diane Gilchrest Fred and Alison Haas Paul and Stephanie Hasbrouck James and Marian Hopkins Richard Holmes Men's Fellowship John and Andrea Merritt George and Susan Pellerin Richard and Christina Rowell Mary Lou Shelales Susan Simpson John and Mary Vautier David and Lori Warren Max and Pauline Wills Women's Fellowship Anonymous donors THANK YOU!! TRUSTEES TO HOST A BUDGET ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION On March 11 th the Trustees will be holding a roundtable discussion after church to go over the budget - past, present, and future. Please try to attend so you will understand what s happening with the finances of First Church. Deficit spending just isn t good, and we can t keep it up. 6

7 First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) ALICE BLAKELEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION --Established The First Church Scholarship will be awarded to deserving youth who are members, or whose families are members of First Church in Marlborough (Congregational). The applicant should not exceed the age of twenty-five (25). Scholarships will be awarded for undergraduate work only. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of church service, church involvement and acceptance into an advanced educational program. The Scholarship will be paid directly to the recipient(s). Recipient(s) are expected to appear in person at the Church Worship Service to accept the Scholarship Award. If the recipient(s) is/are unable to attend this service, he or she should contact the Church Office or the Scholarship Committee to make arrangements. Applications for the Scholarship must be received by April 29, 2012 and given to the Church Office, c/o the Scholarship Committee. The annual Scholarship funds may be given to one applicant or divided among several. Decisions made by the Scholarship Committee are final. Name & Address: Phone: Date of Birth: 1. Are you a member of First Church in Marlborough (Congregational)? Date of joining? 2. Are your parents members of First Church in Marlborough (Congregational)? Their names: 3. Are you presently attending a college? If so, where and what year are you currently in? (skip to question 7) 4. Otherwise, to which college(s) have you applied? 5. By which college(s) have you been accepted?* A copy of your letter(s) of acceptance must accompany this application as soon as possible. 6. Which college are you planning to attend and what is your anticipated date of entrance? 7. What field do you plan to major in? 8. What has been your grade point average in the past year? (High School or College) Please provide evidence of this. 9. Are any members of your family attending college now? Please state who and whether they are full or part-time students. Also state which school they are attending and its address. 10. Please write a brief paragraph about your feelings, involvement and relationship (such as: Sunday School, Confirmation, Youth groups, etc.) with the First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) since ninth grade and attach this to this application. 11. Please write additional information about your activities (such as: employment, special honors or awards, special projects, community organizations, clubs, scouting, music, sports, etc.) Please attach this to the application. 12. Have you received a Church Scholarship before? When: *A copy of your letter of acceptance should accompany this application. 7

8 Here is a schedule of our WEEKLY meetings at the church including private groups. Please keep these in mind when planning your activities. Day of Week Time Group Location Monday 6:00-8:30pm Boy Scouts Parish Hall Monday 4:00-7:00pm Lessons with Jenn Room 6 Mondays 6:00-7:00pm Evening Bible Study Room 7 Tuesdays 4:00-7:00pm Lessons with Jenn Room 6 Tuesdays 7:00-9:00pm Chancel Choir Choir Room Tuesdays 7:00-8:30pm ESL (Horeb) Room 7 Wednesdays 4:00-7:00pm Lessons with Jenn Room 6 Wednesdays 8:00-10:00pm Sweet Adelines Parish Hall Thursdays 4:00-7:00pm Lessons with Jenn Room 6 Marlborough New Parish Fridays 7:00-9:00pm Life Group (AA) Hall Saturdays 6:45-8:00am Early Risers Parish Hall Sundays 6:45-8:00am Early Risers Parish Hall Sundays 11:15-12:15pm covenant. Music Room Sundays 6:00-7:30pm Horeb Church Sanctuary Sundays 7:30-9:00pm Horeb Church Parish Hall READY, SET..SMILE! PICTORIAL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY IS COMING!! We are way overdue for a new pictorial Membership Directory so plans are underway to get that started. Professional pictures of each family will be taken on the following dates/times. You can select whichever time works best for you: Wednesday, April 25th Thursday, April 26th Friday, April 27th Saturday, April 28th 1:00-8:00 pm 1:00-8:00 pm 12:00-7:00 pm 10:00-5:00 pm You will hear more about this in the next few weeks but please think about the time that works best for you and pencil it in your calendar. 8

9 Youth Group News for March First Church Activities for Grades 7-12 This year the youth group of First Church in Marlborough will focus on three things building friendships, religion, and mission. We will explore our religion as well as other religions through field trips, discussions, and movies. In previous years, the youth group has focused on mission, more specifically working with the hungry and homeless of other communities. This year we will work with the hungry and homeless of our own community, Marlborough. Movie Nights During Lent Pastor Kaz will be hosting movie nights during the Lent season at First Church. Some movies are for youth only, others are open for adults as well. Each movie night will start at 5:30 with breaking of bread (food). After viewing the movie, a discussion will follow. February 26th - The Mission (youth and adults **) March 4th - The Signs (youth only) March 11th - The Constant Gardener (youth and adults **) March 18th - The Iron Giant (youth only) March 25th - Of God's and Men (youth and adults **) The youth group earned $225 from the sales of Honey Baked Ham. Thank you to all who bought gift certificates. We will send $100 of that to the school in India. Also the youth have agreed to sponsor the first batch of fair trade coffee for coffee hour. We feel it is important to do little things to better others' lives and in this case make sure a farmer receives a fair wage for his work/product. God, give us eyes to see the beauty of the Spring, And to behold Your majesty in every living thing - And may we see in lacy leaves and every budding flower The Hand that rules the universe with gentleness and power - And may this Easter grandeur that Spring lavishly imparts Awaken faded flowers of faith lying dormant in our hearts, And give us ears to hear, dear God, the Springtime song of birds With messages more meaningful than man's often empty words Telling harried human beings who are lost in dark despair - 'Be like us and do not worry for God has you in His care. Helen Steiner Rice 9

10 SPRING RUMMAGE SALE 2012 NOW is the time to start YOUR SPRING CLEANING! The Women's Fellowship of the First Church in Marlborough, Congregational, will meet on Tuesday, March 13th, 2011 at 7:00 pm for a fun evening of flower arranging with Awesome Blossoms! Please bring spaghetti sauce or canned tomato products for the food pantry. Also, mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 10th at 6:00 pm for a Covered Dish Supper and a program on Medicare 101 by our own Linda Warren. For the food pantry please bring personal hygiene items. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. The spring rummage sale will be held April 12 and 13: DROP OFF: Wednesday, April 11th from 9:00am to 8:00pm Thursday, April 12th from 9:00am to 4:00pm OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Thursday, April 12th 6:00pm to 8:00 pm Friday, April 13th 9:00am to 1:00pm We are looking for GOOD used spring and summer clothing for babies, children (all ages), and adult men and women. Linens and blankets, towels, and house hold items are also needed. PLEASE remember NO sharp knives, NO TV s, computers or associated equipment, large furniture, or exercise equipment. If you think the condition of an item is questionable please remember our motto: WHEN IN DOUBT THROW IT OUT Fun and Fellowship Please mark your calendar for these upcoming Men s Fellowship events: Men s Fellowship Meetings at 7:00pm: March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21 Spaghetti Suppers (from 5:00-7:00pm): March 28, April 18, May 23, June 27 Pawsox versus Louisville Bats: June 23 at 6:05 pm: $11.00 per ticket See Cliff or Gary if interested in going. Come join us for a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on March 17 th. Dinner is at 6:00 pm, with the usual fare of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and some goodies for dessert. This is a fun(d)-raiser for First Church so come enjoy some fellowship while helping our bottom line. There might even be some entertainment. $8.00 per person. See you there!!! All are welcome! 10

11 BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES We apologize if we have forgotten your birthday or anniversary! Please take a moment and send me an or give me a call to let me know the important dates in your life. WATCH OUR WORSHIP SERVICE ON CABLE IN MARLBOROUGH AND HUDSON: Broadcast times in Marlborough are Sundays at noon; Thursdays at 3:00; Fridays at 10:00 am; Saturdays at noon. (Channel 8 Comcast and Verizon Channel 33) Broadcast times in Hudson are Thursdays at 9:00, Fridays at 2:00 and Sundays at 12:00. Please note that in Hudson you can either watch on (Channel 8 Comcast and Verizon Channel 47) Want to join our Prayer Chain? The congregation that prays together, stays together. If you would like to receive notices of people s prayer concerns several times a week, send your address to Amy Lapetina (office@firstchurchnet.com) or Bob Knox (trustinhim444@yahoo.com). Thank you, Amy Lapetina, Editor office@firstchurchnet.com INCLEMENT WEATHER CHURCH CANCELLATION INFORMATION If you would like to be added to, or removed from the church phone tree (a procedure we use to notify the congregation of church cancellations due to inclement weather) please contact the Diaconate through either Frank Marino at or Andrea Merritt at We will also continue to utilize the WBZ Storm Center to post cancellations to the WBZ website, and change the church answering system ( ) to reflect the cancellation. DO YOU LIKE TO SING or RING BELLS? PARKING REMINDER Please try to keep our small parking lot available for elders and visitors on Sunday mornings. Others may park along Bolton Street, at Rowe Funeral Home on Main Street, or at the school on Washington Street. APRIL CRIER We may need your help folding, stamping and labeling the Criers so we can get them out on time. WHEN: Wednesday, March 21st 11:30 THE CHANCEL CHOIR and THE JOYFUL RINGERS are looking for additional members. If you enjoy singing or ringing bells, then we need you! The ability to read music is helpful. Please contact Russ Goliger (Choir) or Diane Burke (Joyful Ringers). Please call Amy Lapetina IN ADVANCE if you can help. 11

12 MARCH 2012 First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) United Church of Christ Weekly Happenings: Worship Service: 10:00 am with Sunday School and Nursery Chancel Choir Rehearsal: Tuesdays at 7:00 pm covenant. Rehearsals: Sundays at 11:15 am Children s Choir: Sundays at 9:30 am Bible Study: Mondays at 6:00 pm; Wednesdays at 10:00 am Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 10:00 Worship Communion 2-5 Ghost Light Players 2nd Sunday in Lent 5 6 (PH & Kitchen) 1 (PH & Kitchen) 7 8 (PH & Kitchen) :00 Worship 2-5 Ghost Light Players 3rd Sunday in Lent 12 7:00 Missions 13 7:00 Women s Fellowship 14 7:00 Trustees 15 7:00 Men s Fellowship CRIER DEADLINE :00 St. Paddy s Day Dinner 18 10:00 Worship 11:30 Conf. & Reconfirm. 1-9 Ghost Light Players 4th Sunday in Lent 19 7:00 Diaconate (PH & Kitchen 20 5:00 Our Father s Tab. (PH & Kitchen 21 11:30 Crier Pub Party. (PH & Kitchen 22 (PH & Kitchen 23 8:00-10:00 Ghost Light Production 24 8:00-10:00 Ghost Light Production 25 5th Sunday 10:00 Family Worship Conf. Sunday (No Sunday School) Ghost Light Production 2:00-4: :00 Council :00 Spaghetti Supper 29 7:00 Evening Prayer Service

13 APRIL 2012 First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) United Church of Christ Weekly Happenings: Worship Service: 10:00 am with Sunday School and Nursery Chancel Choir Rehearsal: Tuesdays at 7:00 pm covenant. Rehearsals: Sundays at 11:15 am Children s Choir: Sundays at 9:30 am Bible Study: Mondays at 6:00 pm; Wednesdays at 10:00 am Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 PALM SUNDAY 10:00 Worship Communion :00 MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE 6 7:00 GOOD FRIDAY TENE- BRAE SERVICE 7 HOLY SATURDAY 8 EASTER 6:00 Sunrise Service at MCC 6:45 Bkfast at First Church 10:00 Easter Worship 9 7:00 Outreach 10 6:00 Women s Fellowship 11 7:00 Trustees SET UP FOR RUMMAGE SALE 12 6:00-8:00 Rummage Sale 13 9:00-1:00 Rummage Sale :00 Worship CRIER DEADLINE 16 7:00 Diaconate 17 5:00 Our Father s Table 18 5:00 Spaghetti Supper 19 7:00 Men s Fellowship Private Function 12-6:00 Parish Hall/ Kitchen 22 10:00 Worship 23 7:00 Council :30 Crier Pub Party. 1:00-8:00 Photo Session 26 1:00-8:00 Photo Session 7:00 Evening Prayer Serv :00-7:00 Photo Session 28 10:00-5:00 Photo Session 2910:00 Family Worship (No Sunday School) 30 13

14 EASTER FLOWERS Easter Sunday April 8 is coming soon! We are taking orders for the Lily and Tulip decorations that make the Easter pulpit so festive. If you would like to donate a plant please contact either Cindy , cindyvail@verizon.net; Deb , Debm61854@msn.com, or Joan or drop the form below in the baskets at coffee hour or in the flower room. PLEASE DO NOT PUT IT IN THE COLLECTION PLATE. Deadline for ordering is Sunday, March 18. The cost again this year is $10 Please fill in ONE of the following for each plant: In Memory of In Celebration and Honor of Given by: BUNNY BASKETS This year I ll again be coordinating the Bunny Bags for the Marlboro Community Services Food Pantry. Each year the need far outweighs our giving. This year our goal is The biggest need will be bags of prewrapped Easter candy...kisses, M&M s, peeps, jelly beans, etc. and bubbles, and a small toy or book for each bag. I ll put together a list of different categories as suggestions. If you would like to donate something to make our combined efforts a bountiful blessing, please pick up some of the mentioned items and drop them in the baskets that will be available at coffee hour beginning on February 26 th and each Sunday during Lent. Collections will continue through March 25 th and an assembly event will follow. I ll be looking for a few folks for the assembly event and one or two to make the delivery to the food pantry on March 28th or 30th. Your support of this important Ministry to the local community has always been a blessing as we reach out to our neighbors and their families. If you have any questions please feel free to me at cheryl.eaton@verizon.net or call me at and leave a message. Submitted by Cheryl Eaton 14

15 THE BOOK OF LIFE HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAYS! 1st Arnie Goodrich, Ross Duquette 3rd Rachel Heim 6th Heather Gould 9th Steve Levy, Paul Hasbrouck 11th Roger Beaudet 12th Cameron Sullivan 14th Rachael Patten 17th Jordan Hanahan 18th Sarah Duquette, Kyle Gilchrest, Max Wills 19th Christopher Rowell 21st James Hopkins 24th Keith Taylor 25th Rose Ferro, Peter Nott 28th Todd Beauchemin 30th Tim Kinney, Dan McCarthy HAPPY APRIL BIRTHDAYS! 1st Jamie Ney, Joshua Rennie 2nd Edna Pynigar 3th Liz Mahoney, Lindsay Snow, Meghan Ney 7th Donna Holmes 8th Pam Gilchrest 9th Eric Ziegler 10th Mary Wenzel 11th Gary Atsma 13th Emily Merritt 17th Ed Beauregard 21st Ruth Cross, Olive Kozak 22nd Vicki Taylor 24th Colin Glynn 25th Rachel LaBrache 26th George Duquette 28th Jacqueline Forman, Ellen Hollis, Steve Ziegler 29th Brian Hasbrouck 30th Jason Murphy THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU MARCH & APRIL ANNIVERSARIES: March: 22nd Amy and Tony Lapetina 26th Bill and Elaine Davis April: 15th Peter and Marlynn Stott 17th Jenn and CaseyLee Bastien 24th Calvin and Deb Jones We have such a great group of people who give their time and talents to our church. Thank you to Sandy Stetson and the Joyful Ringers for putting on another successful and delicious Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. And to the wonderful Joan and Ed Beauchemin and the Women s Fellowship for putting on the Ash Wednesday Silent Luncheon. We are grateful to all of you! 15

16 First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) United Church of Christ 37 High Street Marlborough, MA Pastor Kaz Bem Settled Pastor Regular Worship Service Sundays 10:00 Worship 11:00 Coffee Hour and Fellowship All are Welcome! Church Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm Fridays - 8:30-12: has answering service rings through Church and web addresses: office@firstchurchnet.com Newsletter Editor: Amy Lapetina Newsletter Volunteers: Peggy Clark, Cindy Vail, Dotty Sawtelle, Sue Pellerin, Kaz Bem APRIL CRIER DEADLINE: MARCH 15,