Elm Street Congregational Church News

March 2008

Elm Leaves
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” Matthew 28:6
March 2008
Issue 3

The Elm Leaves is a publication of Elm St. Congregational
Church and is published monthly with a combined July/August issue.

FROM THE SECRETARY
The Deadline for submitting articles for the next Elm Leaves is Tuesday, March 18, 2008 for publication in the March Elm Leaves.
To all board secretaries: your meeting minutes are due in the church office on or before Friday, March 21, 2008.
Correspondence to the Secretary may be e-mailed to ESCC_Office@verizon.net or left in the Secretary’s mailbox in the conference room. Thank you!

LUNCH BUNCH
We will meet on Tuesday, March 11th, at Lola’s in Sturbridge at 12:00 noon. For more details, or to arrange carpooling, please call Karen Horton at (413) 245-3000.


A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Friends:
What comes to mind when we think of the word resurrection? Do we think of the light at the end of the tunnel that is reported by people who have near death experiences? Or do we think of Jesus striding back into life after a short stay in the tomb, knocking aside Roman soldiers and scaring His own disciples, who thought He was a ghost? Perhaps the word reminds us of the 2004 Red Sox, coming back from the dead to take four games from the Yankees to win the American League Championship. That victory certainly resurrected the hopes and dreams of millions of Red Sox fans.
It may not seem obvious at first but there is a common theme running through all three of these images of resurrection. That theme is love. A person undergoing a near death experience reports being enveloped by great love as he or she enters the light. The disciples of Jesus surrounded Him with great love once they realized He was really among them once more (See Luke 24:41). And heaven knows that Red Sox Nation surrounded their team with love once they won the World Series in 2004. (And we showered them with love again when they won in 2007!)
Resurrection is all about the discovery that love lives on in the land of death. We journey to the land of death, expecting to find only grief and pain, and are surprised to discover that love lives there, too. Death can never deprive us of love. It can and does rob us of everything else, ruining our bodies and our minds, stealing our hopes and our dreams, but it cannot destroy love.
Love is indestructible. Love is eternal. Love is God. God is love (See 1 John 4:16). Death cannot blight love because death cannot blight God. Love lives in the land of death because God lives in the land of death (See Psalm 139:8).
If death cannot destroy love, than it cannot destroy us, for we are made of love. God is love, and He created us in His image (See Genesis 1:26). Therefore, we have the spark of Divine Love within us. We can and do turn away from this spark, but God, being Love Himself, is never content to leave us in the darkness. He always comes after us, seeking to restore us to love and therefore to Himself. He will move earth and heaven, death and hell to reach us. Jesus came to prove that to us. Jesus came to do that for us. Because of Jesus we know that not even death itself can separate us from Divine Love (See Romans 8:38-39).
Many things come to mind when we think of resurrection, but only one of those things carries with it the breath of eternal life. Jesus rose from the dead. Divine Love cannot be destroyed, and neither can those who rest their hearts in Him.
Yours in the Risen Christ,
Pat

TEAMS FOR MARCH
DEACON FOR MARCH - Lou-Ellen Corkum
COMMUNION TEAM – Not available at time of printing

ALTAR FLOWERS
3/2 - given by Bob Wiles in memory of Phyllis Wiles
3/9 - given by The Mills Family in memory of loved ones
3/16 - given by

3/23 - given by Ray & Harriet Lacasse in honor of Grace Nigels & Armand
Lacasse
3/30 - given by John Martin in memory of Alva L. Hyde

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
All men of the church are invited to attend the Men’s Fellowship breakfast meetings the first Sunday of the month at The Elm Centre Café in Southbridge at 8:00am. Hope to see you there March 2nd!

OUR PRAYER LIST
Please keep the Church Office updated regarding your prayer requests. Names listed in bold print will remain on next month’s list. Name not listed in bold print will be removed. Thank you for your assistance.
Stella Anderson
Maria Avilles
Janett Addy
Stella Anderson
Harold & Brenda Baker
Ken Beres
Barbara Cleri
Nancy & Bill Cook
Dennis Curboy
Mark Desmarais
Melissa Donnell
Frank Dungey
Elaine
Falvo Family
Daryl Foisy
Florence Herwig
Karen Horton
Jessica
Judy
Ken & Pauline Julien
André & Fran Lamprey
Dina Maria
Gaelle McLoud
Lisa Mercure
Martha Nadeau
Susan P.
Toby Parent
Mark Peterson
Ruth Ploski & Family
Katy & Friedel Preyer
Paul & Elva Procopio
Lisa Pryor
Nora Salvo
Satya
Bernie Savage
Leon Sheldon
Ruth Sheldon
Mark Walker
Norman Wiles American Service men, women
Sue Zappone and Civilians in areas of conflict
Mary Zarazinski around the world

EASTER ALTAR FLOWERS
The flowers that decorate the sanctuary on Easter Sunday are provided through your memorial gifts and/or donations. Our flowers will be ordered from Town & Country. The choices of flowers and their costs are as follows:
Tulips, Hyacinths, Daffodils $5.50
(various colors)
Hydrangeas $25.50
Easter Lilies $14.00 $16.00
Orders must be received by March 11, 2007. Please fill out the order form below and submit, with your payment, to the church office by that date. (P.O. Box 723, Southbridge, MA 01550) Checks may be made payable to Elm Street Congregational Church. Please call the church office if you have any questions (508) 764-8058.

IN OUR RECORDS FOR MARCH
Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary!
1 Emily Fournier 1 Irving & Dorothea Pulsifer
4 Olivia Pineiro 6 Warren & Melissa Donnell
4 Sarah Silverman 20 John & Paige Shaw
5 Jordan Plue 25 F. Robert & H. Elizabeth Eckhardt
5 Noel Rojas
6 Rebecca Losavio
6 Dana Sexton
10 Gloria Curboy
11 Tom Lapriore
12 Devon Tait
13 Layne Wandelear
17 Christopher McGee
24 Stephanie Cumming
27 Jeff Gay
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THE OFFICE HAS THE CORRECT DATES FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAYS OF CELEBRATION. THANK YOU !

CHURCH NEWSCongratulations to Ethan Plue, a senior at Tantasqua Regional High School. Ethan was named Student of the Quarter by the English Department.
Congratulations to Sara Fournier, a sophomore at Tantasqua Regional High School. Sara was named Student of the Quarter by the French Department.Please adjust your directory:
Dorothy Clemence has moved to The Lodge at Eddy Pond, 669 Washington Street, Apt. 216, Auburn, MA 01501.
Paul & Judy Rask, 101 New Boston Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566

THE MODERATOR’S MESSAGE
The March Board Meetings will be held on Tuesday, March 11th at 7:00 PM.
All those who have been elected to serve on the Prudential, Christian Education or Diaconate Boards are asked to please notify your respective chairperson prior to any of the meetings if you will be unable to attend.
The March Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25th at 7:00 PM.Please notify David Curboy (508)764-4112 or your board’s chairperson if you will be unable to attend.On behalf of the Church Family, I wish to extend our sincere gratitutude to Richard Bucknam for his many years of service as our church auditor. Your service has been a blessing to Elm Street Church!
I also wish to sincerely thank Effie Beres for her tremendous work establishing and directing the “Belles and Beaus” hand bell choir. This choir has been a wonderful addition to our music program here at Elm Street. It is a choir that truly makes a joyful noise unto the Lord! We wish you well in your “retirement” and remain grateful that you have blessed us with your gift of music.
A warm welcome to Paul Rask, our new Music Ministry Director. Paul came to us in November as an interim Music Ministry Director and has accepted a permanent position as of February 1st. Paul has done a wonderful job leading the choir in a variety of musical styles as well as introducing a contempory choir. We are truly blessed to be able to welcome both Paul and his wife, Judy.

SOUTHBRIDGE INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK
A warm thank you to all who volunteered for SIHN. If it weren't for caring individuals such as all of you, this wonderful mission work would not be able to continue. Our next Hosting week at Grace House is May 11th -18th. If you have any questions or concerns about helping out, please call Tricia Gay at 508-248-0130.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
All women who attend Elm Street Church are invited to participate in the activities and meetings of the Women’s Fellowship. Monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month, usually at 7:00pm, October through June.

March 5, 2008 at 7:00pmWomen’s Fellowship welcomes Paul Rogers, a well known writer on gardening.
Is Sustainable Gardening Possible?This will be an informational program on the ins and outs of local gardening and how to maintain a garden successfully year after year.
The public is invited so be sure to bring a friend and enjoy a night out

The Executive Board Meeting will be held on
March 18th at 7pm in the Conference Room.

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITYNotes of Thanks
To our Elm Street Congregational Church Family,
We want to thank all of you for the support and the gifts you gave us after we lost our house in the fire. Amaret was one of the first faces I saw at the fire and she helped me to stay focused on what needed to be done. I kept telling her we were fine and she reminded me that I didn’t even have a toothbrush for that night. She somehow got information from me explaining what we would need. That night at the Martin’s, Pat and Amaret arrived bringing us the essentials that we did not have. The Turkey Dinner was a success thanks to the Corkum’s and everyone who helped out that day. We had a little help from my friend at the radio station. Mark Veau took it upon himself to advertise the dinner. Hopefully this has shown the public what a great time we all have at the ESCC dinners, and more people will come. It hasn’t been an easy road, but with your prayers and help, our family will be fine. Thank you again from all of us. All of you will be in our prayers forever.
Sincerely,
Mike, Jeanne, Joey & Gail Dupuis
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I want to thank everyone at Elm Street for all their prayers and concern for me during my recent hospitalization/recovery period. This was a horrific surgery and an extremely humbling experience being confined to bed on my back for more than ten days. Everyone's thoughtfulness and prayers were most appreciated. I am now thankfully back home with "Buffy".
May God Bless You All,
Karen Horton

PRUDENTIAL- Together We Will Make It Happen
If you have any questions or concerns about our church building and property or finances, please feel free to speak with one of our board members: Chairperson: Jeff Gay, Secretary: Tricia Gay, House Committee Chairperson: Brian Hicks, House Committee member: Lem Walker, Treasurer: Pat Taylor, Board Members: Bob Eckhardt, John Shaw, Jr., Dick Taylor.
God never ordered sacrifices for his own benefit, and he certainly had no need of them. But he established such acts of piety under the law, and now he commands us to give generously and to spend our money for our neighbors. Whatever we spend in their service, he declares, is a fragrant sacrifice, pleasing and acceptable to him. Hence when we hear our giving so highly praised, we should be kindled to generosity and kindness; and we should know that our hands are by their gifts, consecrated to God.
John Calvin, Calvin's Biblical CommentariesFiscal Snapshot
YTD 02/08/08 Operating Income $ 18,641 Operating Expenses $ 14,394 2008 Annual Budgeted Income $160,087 Budgeted Expenses $160,087
Pledges, Offerings and Collections
Total Amount Proposed for 2008 $133,140 Actual as of 02/08/08 $ 17,847
Please remember Elm Street Congregational Church, U.C.C. in your will and estate planning.

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
If you are in grades 6 – 12, plan to join us on Sunday evenings from 6pm – 8pm. Feel free to bring a friend! For information or a ride, call Debbie Bonin (508-248-5941) or Amaret Johnson (508-764-7569).

There will be no YF meetings during lent ~ Enjoy Living Faith!

DIACONATE
The Diaconate Board held their first meeting for 2008 and elected the following individuals to serve on its committees:
Elva Procopio - Lay readers and Coffee Hour chairperson
Norman LaFleur - Usher and Communion team chairperson
These deacons will be contacting you in the next few weeks to ask for your help in fulfilling various duties during the coming year. Please consider each duty and reply with a heartfelt "YES" to each request.

We also voted to continue with the Mission of the Month program. If you have a special mission that you are called to serve please let any member of the Diaconate know so that we can include it in this year’s Mission of the Month.
The Sunday Evening Bible Study will meet on Sunday March 16th & 30th at 6:00pm in the church vestry. Everyone is welcome to join us!

EASTER WEEK SERVICES
Palm Sunday ~ March 16, 10:00am
Distribution of Palms

Maundy Thursday ~ March 20, 7:00pm
This is a service of Holy Communion and the
reading of the Passion of the Lord.

Easter Sunrise Service ~
March 23, 6:15am at 113
Clemence Hill Road, Southbridge
Breakfast immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall of Central Baptist Church. Breakfast will be served until 7:30am (no exceptions).

Easter Service ~ March 23, 10:00am
at Elm Street Congregational Church

MUSIC MINISTRY
We embarked on an adventure back at the beginning of November when I started as Interim Music Ministry Director. We filled the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year seasons with guitar and accapella (unaccompanied) choir music along with other special music. I and my wife Judy have felt welcomed and accepted here. Everyone has been very supportive and all your positive comments about the music have been appreciated. I also appreciate the faithfulness of the choir members and Effie with her organ playing and work with the bell choir. You have moved me from "Interim" to a permanent position and I'm very appreciative of that strong vote of confidence. Our adult choir is progressing nicely and the participation has been great. That choir will continue to be the foundation of Sunday worship services. The new contemporary music choir is an outgrowth of the teen/youth peoples singing group. There is a desire to give variety to our music program and this group has created much interest by those young in heart that enjoy the contemporary along side the traditional. I believe there is a place for both. This is a wonderful, Christ loving church body and I'm proud to be associated with it and to be able to contribute with the abilities God has given to me. I should also say that many individuals such as Pastor, Karen Fournier and Barb Lammert have been an extra big help to me. May we continue together to glorify Christ Jesus Our Lord through our music program.
Thank You, Paul
Adult Choir – Paul Rask, Music Ministry Director, holds choir rehearsals on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm in the Nursery Room. Paul is also holding rehearsals on Sunday mornings at 9:30 in the vestry for the Contemporary Choir.
Hand Bell Choir - rehearses on Mondays at 7:00pm in the church vestry.
The Cherub and Youth Choirs If your child(ren) is interested, please see Effie Beres or Elizabeth Eckhardt. They meet at Sunday mornings at 11:15am in the Sanctuary.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
The Christian Education Board needs you! We have three openings on our Board that we need filled. There are two 3-year terms available and one 1-year term available. Christian Education is for all of us. We never stop learning and there are many venues for that learning. Come help us to continue to grow in Christ, each one of us, in our church family.
Our Sunday School is growing and needs more helping hands! Please prayerfully consider teaching Sunday School. Now is a great time to come see what we do each Sunday and learn how you can make a difference in the lives of our young people! Even better - you will discover what a tremendous impression these children will leave in your heart. Please speak with Karen Fournier (508-347-3996) or Marcy Menard (508-765-9761) if you are interested or have questions. Thank You!
The Nursery Room - We are still in need of someone to care for our children. There is a speaker in the nursery that allows you to hear the church service as well. If you are called to serve the youngest of our church family in this way, please speak with Marcy Menard or Karen Fournier. There is a sign up sheet in Fellowship Hall for anyone who would like to take turns in the Nursery.
NEW Adult Education Program has begun!
We have a very exciting Christian program for you. We are going to start with the basic fundamentals of Christianity and then explore other issues. This is a good opportunity for Christian growth. This program is designed for beginners in faith, as well as people growing in faith. In March, we will meet on Sunday the 2nd, 16th, & 30th from 11:30am – 12:30pm. We look forward to seeing you there! There will be child care made available in the Nursery.
If you have questions or comments regarding the Sunday School program please email Karen Fournier at: ESCCSundaySchool@hotmail.com

MARCH MISSION OF THE MONTH
One Great Hour of Sharing
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have,” says the writer of Hebrews to the community of faith. God desires our participation in the lives of others, an expectation made even more pointedly by Jesus when he tells his followers, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matt. 25:40)
Each year ESCC supports the efforts of OGHS through its annual collection. During the month of March, offering envelopes will be located in each pew for your gift. With our gifts we help support the hope and well-being of people around the world. Of every dollar given to One Great Hour of Sharing for 2006, 92 cents were used directly for mission programming. Your donations are truly at work to help our wider mission.
By giving to One Great Hour of Sharing, we join with communities struggling to overcome poverty, illiteracy, illness, and dangers of wars and disasters. Together we follow God’s call – sharing resources, changing lives!

THE ELM LEAVES
Elm Street Congregational Church, U.C.C.
Corner of Elm & Park Streets
P.O. Box 723
Southbridge, Massachusetts 01550
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-ONE NATION UNDER GOD
OFFICE HOURS:
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Tuesday through Friday
Office (508) 764-8058
Kitchen (508) 764-2129
E-mail ~ ESCC_Office@verizon.net
Website ~ http://mysite.verizon.net/ESCC_Office/
Church Service and Sunday School - 10:00 AM
The Rev. Patrick J. McLoud ~ Home (508) 764-7569
Karen Fournier ~ Newsletter Editor