The Chimes Newsletter 
    
                           
Federated Church of Ashland 
118 Main Street 
Ashland, MA 01721-3112

                                                                 
November 2017
Our 64 th  Annual Church FAIR was a Success! 
What a gorgeous day we had - the weather was perfect.
Thank you to EVERYONE who supported our Fair!  

This year, we had a line of people waiting for the doors to open!  Once the doors opened, there was a mad dash to the Jewelry table and we had a near riot with people everywhere.  It was out of control and we were totally unprepared.  We will be ready for them next year!   Many thanks to Vickie Mancini and Anderson Jewelers for their generous donations to our Jewelry table!  

It seemed fairly quiet, but we did pretty well.  We had lots of delicious baked items.  Thank you to EVERYONE who donated to the bake table.  

Of course, the Raffle was fun.  One of the big items was a beautiful scene painted by Sue Scotland, one of our resident artists.  The Raffle is always a friendly competition and it was a good laugh.  Thank you Peg Daly and Vauntina Franklin for organizing and displaying everything so nicely. 

The Luncheon was well attended, BUT we only sold 1 peanut butter and jelly sandwich ... that seems almost un-American and Wayne Buckley had the honor.  The Turkey Divan hit the spot again this year and the pies were delicious.  I love pecan pie!!!!!

The top money producer was the Jewelry table in the Parlor, a real change from the past.  Thank you, Lynn 
VanBeek and Vickie Mancini.  

By the way, has everyone had the pleasure of enjoying Alan Mancini's spaghetti sauce?  YUM!!  

Sue Wallace opened the Thrift Shop and that is always a hit, while Bill Wallace sold his flower art in the Parlor - he does beautiful work.

The kids seemed to have a really fun time in the bouncy house, choosing pumpkins, having their faces painted and playing games.  Ruth Hanning and Sylvian Yu did fine work with them outside.  The weather was spectacular. 
The Pumpkins sold like crazy!   Of course, we have to thank all the pumpkin 'merchants' .... it has been a very busy time for our volunteers.

Linda Iarussi did an exceptional job organizing and advertising the Fair and Sylvian Yu created the beautiful signs.  

I want to thank EVERYONE who participated.  It is truly a joint effort to attain the success we have every year with new ideas and necessary updates and improvements.  Things change every year because times change, as do faces, talents, interests, and of course, the economy.  Once again, it was a stupendous group effort and it was done well.  What a wonderful congregation you are!!!

The final number is $ 3200!!

Margot Ellsworth, Fair Coordinator  

Save the Date....          
 Saturday, December 16th 10 AM - 1 PM
    "Everything Christmas Gift and Bake Sale"
It will be all about Favorite Christmas Baking and Christmas Decorations and Gift Items
Hello families of FCOA!
 
Christian Education is still happening as we welcome each child and young person who comes to us. Through the month of October, we have been studying a few of the prophets and kings of the Old Testament, such as Samuel, Saul and David. Through them we have been discussing how God watches over us, helps us deal with fears, and can use us to do great things because He can see things in us no one else can. While each lesson is fun and informative on its own, children will best benefit if they can regularly attend so they can see the full story of God's work in His people and develop a sense of being truly a part of their church community.
 
Although the Sunday school room, located down the hall from the parlor, is not staffed on the first Sunday of each month, the room is always available for parents to come down with wriggly little ones who may need a break. The first Sunday of the month is communion and all are invited to the table, even our littlest members. It is a great time for little ones to experience a full service with their families. Little books and coloring supplies are available to borrow in the Narthex.
 
Please fill out a registration form, available in the Narthex, even if your child will be with us only occasionally. It is important for us to be aware of any potential allergies or other concerns. These must be filled out yearly, so our records stay current.  Thank you!

Yucchi Cote, CE Coodinator
                               
The Pumpkins arrived on schedule this year! 
 
Thank you to EVERYONE who helped unload them from the truck!

Also, a  HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has staffed the sales tent - we couldn't do it without your help!

Brown Bag Sunday  
November 19th

On the third Sunday of the month, we collect and bless the donations placed inside the bins in the Narthex of the Church. 
 
There are many families in Ashland that rely on the generosity of others to supplement their limited grocery budget.

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, please consider picking up a few extra non-perishable food items  while you are doing your grocery shopping?
 
You may bring them to the Church on Sunday morning or drop them off at the Church during the week.  All items are delivered to the Ashland Food Pantry.
 
Thank you for your continued generosity.  
 

The Thrift Shop is 
OPEN....

Wednesdays 
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

There are Lots of Hidden Treasures!
  Vintage Items and Books, Jewelry, Clothing, Household Items, Seasonal Items,
and lots of other stuff!


All donations may be dropped off on Wednesdays.
Please stop by and visit - you never know what you will find!

 Thank you for your continued support!

LOST!! -  Tables from the Church

Hello Everyone, 

We are missing 4 tables from the Church. 

If you or someone you know borrowed them, please call the Church Office at 508-881-1355 and let Linda know ASAP.        Thank you!

Henry Carlson, Properties Chair
 
Christmas Bake Shoppe
Saturday, December 16th
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
 
Have you looked through your recipe files and found what you will be making for the Bake Sale?  If not, please take a few minutes and decide what "special" recipe you are going to make.   We want to offer a variety of Cookies, Fudge, Cakes, Spiced Nuts, ETC!      

'Church' Christmas Stocking

We passed out 'Church' Christmas Stockings to everyone in January.  Have you been filling your stocking with dollars every month?  

On Sunday, December 17th, we will all bring our Stockings back to Church and hang them on the Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary.  This is your Christmas gift to "Our" Church.        Thank you!

" Winter Wonderland Vacation Bible School"
December 28th from 9 AM - 12 Noon

Children ages 4-12 are invited to join us!

This year, we are going to offer a Vacation Bible School during Christmas break.  It will be held for one-day only.

The day will include Stories & Scripture, Crafts, Games, and Snacks!

There will be no monetary cost, instead we ask that each child bring a donation for the Ashland Food Pantry, if they are able.

Please contact the Church Office at 508-881-1355 or via email at [email protected] to request a registration form or please see Kim Conner.

   
yellow-bday-cake.jpg
Our Members' Birthdays                               
                                   
  November
11/15          Arlene Ripley
11/23          Pam Dunham

December
12/13         Dave Hansen
12/14         Brett Walker
              12/30         David Bethel
                 12/31         Laura Conner 

Happy Thanksgiving to All!
 
 
 
 
  
                                     B e present.
                                     L et the day flow with grace.
                                     E xpect nothing. Give thanks.
                                     S urrender. Be open.
                                     S peak only kindness.
                                     I mpart only love.
                                     N ever forget, you are not alone.
                                     G ive so you may receive.
                                     S ee goodness in others.

Federated Church of Ashland

118 Main Street
Ashland, MA  01721-3112
508-881-1355

 

  Church Office Hours:   Monday - Friday 9 AM TO 12 Noon

 

Office Manager - Linda Iarussi

CE Coordinator - Yucchabelle Cote

Organist - Doug Shelburne

 

Church Office:   [email protected]

     Web Site:   federatedchurchofashland.org

 Follow us on Twitter @FCOAshland

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