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News & Updates
Federated Church of Ashland
118 Main Street
Ashland, MA 01721
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Volume Five: 1st Edition January 2017
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From Larry's Desk...
To Lead By Example
There is a quotation attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, which in paraphrased form encourages people of good will to always spread the good news of God's love; and when necessary use words. Such a sentiment lays out a challenge to us all, by pointing out that we are moved more by what we see and experience in our interactions with one another, than by the good intentions that we claim or speak, or as others have said, "actions speak louder than words".
Who among us is not moved when we witness an act of compassion and heroism, when a firefighter enters a burning building to rescue someone trapped inside without regard to the color of their skin, their religious beliefs, their immigration status or sexual orientation. Who is not moved when we learn of a physician who leaves behind a thriving medical practice or prominent hospital assignment to work with Doctors Without Borders in some impoverished or dangerous setting in Somalia, or Syria or Columbia? Who is not moved when a child begins a campaign in their school to raise money for a classmate diagnosed with cancer, who needs a handicap ramp at home?
The example set by people who recognize their neighbor's need and their own capacity to make a difference move and inspire us all. Whether it is the soldier's heroism who willingly places themselves in harm's way to save a wounded comrade, or the civil rights worker who takes the blows directed at them for defending a victim of discrimination and injustice, our nation holds in highest esteem such people by honoring their sacrifice with the Congressional Medal of Honor, or the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
It is unfortunate that often times people in the political arena use words to distort our perceptions of what is good and noble, what is just and fair, and what is right and salutary. Planting seeds of doubt and fear, suspicion and harm, threat and danger, are often the kinds of words that distort our perceptions and cause us to pause and hesitate in doing what is right. While we can be influenced by those who use their position as a public forum to appeal to our darker angels, don't we find our real inspiration in the actions and deeds of those who make our world a better place, who hold up for us courageous lives, examples of self-sacrifice, and who know the true meaning of public service?
Let's hear the unspoken message demonstrated by people of good will, and spread the good news!
In God's Grace,
Pastor Larry
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A Conversation on Aging & Death
Of all the things that unite us as human beings, there is one topic that seems to be more difficult than others to talk about. The topic has to do with the experience of aging, and more specifically with our individual thoughts about our own death. While we all have thoughts, reflections and inner conversations with ourselves about the eventuality of our own death, it seems that there are many barriers to having an open and honest conversation on the topic especially with those we care about. Instead we often only have ourselves to "talk to" on the subject.
In referring to the subject, I am not referring to funeral planning or writing a will, but rather the difficulty of "thinking out loud" in conversation with those closest to us taking about what it's like to age. Perhaps it's about the fact that we have less to look forward to in the years ahead because we know our years ahead are numbered. Perhaps it's the peeling away of our capacity for independence, the loss of strength, clarify of thought and self-reliance. Perhaps it's a conversation about the increase need for medical care, pain management, and general assistance with life. Perhaps it's a conversation about our struggle with the anxiety and uncertainty of when or how our life will end, those anxious doubts about what is to come, in contrast to the accepted beliefs of our faith community. Do we feel that others will think less of us if we were to say that we fear death because we have those doubts about what is to come, or that we will be "corrected" unless we speak with confidence and assurance of heaven or of a God to greet us.
How would you feel about having an opportunity to have an open conversation about aging and the ponderings of your heart about your own death? Would you like to talk about your thoughts without having to worry about "burdening" your children with such a conversation, or without someone saying that you shouldn't think or feel as you do, or without someone telling you that you MUST think or feel or believe something else?
I wonder if there would be any interest in a once a week, daytime meeting, to have an open conversation about what its like to age, what are your thoughts on your own future and how you think about death? If the time frame works, how about getting together on Tuesday mornings at 10AM in the church parlor beginning January 31st. Those in attendance can discuss if that is a good time frame and how long and how often you might like to meet. Feel free to bring a friend or family member or spouse.
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Larry. His office number is 508-881-1355 ext 25.
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Remembering Those in Need
As you go about your day and run to the supermarket please remember our monthly collection of non-perishable food and groceries for the Ashland Food Pantry. This month,
Sunday, January 22nd is "Brown Bag Sunday" when we collect and bless the donations placed in the bins in the narthex of the church and then bring them to the food pantry.
Pick up some extra food and bring it to the church either during the week or on Sunday. There are many, many families here in Ashland that are forced to rely upon the generosity of others to supplement their limited grocery budget.
Thank you for your generosity in the past!
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New Extended Hours
Thrift Shop News!
The Thrift shop will now be open Wednesdays until 7pm most weeks,
weather permitting.
Come and shop, or donate gently used clothing or household items.
Wednesdays
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thank you for your support!
Volunteers are welcome to lend a hand.
Contact Sue Wallace
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Vacation Bible School at the Federated Church
We are once again inviting children ages 4-12 to join us for a full week of Vacation Bible School from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon, from July 10th-14th.
Mark your calendars NOW!!
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Our Members'
Birthdays
1/1 Angela Lawson
1/2 Dotty Clowes
1/4 Bruce Scotland
1/13 Larry Iannetti
1/14 June Stephens
1/15 Bob Richards
February
2/13 Henry Carlson
2/18 Nancy Hansen
2/24 Muriel Mayotte
Happy Birthday to One and All!!
If we missed your birthday it means we don't have it in our records, please call the church
office and leave your information with Linda - thank you!
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WANTED
Do you play guitar or know someone who does? Do you play piano or a keyboard, or know someone who does? Do you play a flute or clarinet, or saxophone, or the violin, or know someone who does?
We are looking for people who can help us revitalize the music and introduce some new sounds to our Sunday Worship Services. We cannot pay much, but we can offer an enthusiastic and grateful congregation, and an opportunity to have fun with us on Sunday mornings.
If you have talent or know someone who does, let us know!!! Spread the word!!!
Please contact the church office at 508-881-1355 and ask for Pastor Larry
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ASHLAND COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT
Greetings Ashland Community,
I'm proud to announce that I will be running the 2017 Boston Marathon! This has secretly been my dream since I was just a little girl. I remember standing on the sidewalk watching all the runners pass by thinking that someday I was going to run from Hopkinton to Boston. Well, here goes!! I'm raising money for the Town of Ashland. This place is near and dear to my heart. Not only did I grow up in Ashland and go through the school system, but now I work here! I cannot imagine teaching anywhere else! All of the money raised goes directly back to the schools, Historical Society, Police and Fire Departments and the Senior Center in town. All donations are greatly appreciated! Thank you for supporting me!
Warmest regards,
Kim Conner
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| Federated Church of Ashland
118 Main Street
Ashland, MA 01721-3112
508-881-1355 Church Office Hours Monday - Friday 9 AM TO 12 NOON Church Office: [email protected]
Pastor Larry Iannetti: [email protected]
federatedchurchofashland.org
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