February 2016 Volume 69, Number 6

FEBRUARY 2016 VOLUME 69, NUMBER 6

Park Congregational Church United Church of Christ Worshiping in Davis Chapel 111 Park Avenue Worcester MA 01609 Telephone: 508-752-2468 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.parkcongregationalchurch.org

www.facebook.com/ParkCongregationalChurch The Rev. Dr. Gary R. Shahinian, Minister Telephone: 508-756-5667 Cell: 508-451-8785 Fax: 508-753-7354 E-mail: [email protected] -2-

A NOTE FROM THE MINISTER

“Oh No! Not Lent Again!”

Lent comes early this year. Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, arrives on February 10. Some still wonder how to observe this season, especially Protestants.

Unlike the Advent season, when we look forward to receiving presents, Lent seems to conjure up images of the opposite, giving up things. We feel that we must deny ourselves things that we enjoy, such as candy, alcohol, the Internet, or any number of everyday indulgences. That’s not something that anyone looks forward to doing.

Each of us enjoys certain things. Because Lent is viewed as a time when we must forbid ourselves from partaking of those things that bring us pleasure, we tend to look upon this holy season with disdain.

But is Lent really about relinquishing candy or alcohol for 40 days? Do we emerge “victorious” if during the weeks of Lent, we have managed to forego texting anyone? Does the renunciation of these delights really please God?

Maybe. But maybe not. Many become engrossed in the symbol of Lent instead of connecting with the reality behind the symbol. Giving up chocolates or junk food might help you to lose weight, but if you’re not focusing on God instead of enjoying those treats, you’re not really making any kind of spiritual sacrifice. The practice of giving up something is supposed to allow you to refocus your life on drawing closer to God. Giving up something isn’t about the thing itself. If you’re mindlessly denying yourself a piece of chocolate, but forgetting about God in the process, then it’s a waste of time. You’ve missed the point. It would be better if you didn’t give up any of your usual habits, but make some extra time in some devotion such as reading the Bible, praying more, or volunteering for some church ministry or mission in some way.

The gesture of self-denial is a spiritual practice. We give something up in order to see something else more clearly. By abstaining from that drink of whiskey, that sacrifice should allow you the opportunity to grow spiritually in some way, to see God more clearly, appreciate more deeply what God has done for you in Jesus Christ, or open -3- yourself more widely to become a more loving person. Think of denying yourself something you enjoy during Lent like cleaning out your garage. Only when you remove the clutter can you see the space for what it is, allowing an opening for God to fill your life.

The process of emptying oneself during Lent paradoxically achieves a remarkable sense of wholeness. During the Lenten season, we have the opportunity to focus on God because we’re thinking less about ourselves. It’s not really about giving up something you like; it’s about acknowledging God being an abiding part of the things you enjoy. The sacrifice you are making in giving up that delight is a way of thanking God for it. It’s an opportunity intentionally to recognize that God is the giver of all good things and activities, so that instead of being only dimly aware of this truth, you are putting it first and foremost in your mind and actions.

So, does God care if you give up chocolate for Lent? Only if it helps you to remember during those times when you are craving the candy to show appreciation to God for it, not in some flippant silent prayer that lasts only a few seconds, but by setting apart the time for some devotion or sacrifice to God that will edify your spiritual life.

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Gary * * * * * * * * * *

AN ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE WILL BE HELD IN DAVIS CHAPEL ON FEBRUARY 10 AT 7:00PM

* * * * * * * * * * WE WELCOME ROBIN PAQUETTE AND SONIA MOORADIAN AS NEW MEMBERS INTO OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Robin and Sonia have been worshiping with us for several months already and have been participating in the life of the church. If you have not yet introduced yourself to them, please do so. -4-

DEAR PARK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,

Thank you for participating in the annual Adopt-A-Child program of Y.O.U., Inc. You made the holiday season a special one for all the children we serve. Your Christmas presents helped us to achieve our goal of making sure that every child or youth receiving services from Y.O.U., Inc. had gifts to receive this holiday. We can all be comforted by the generosity and kindness of people like you who support our children and families. Warm wishes for a Happy New Year.

Gratefully, David P. Forsberg, President and CEO, Y.O.U., Inc.

Thank you for your generous donation of 70 lunches your Youth Group provided for us on the Sunday of January 17, 2016. We enjoyed having your young people worship, eat, and fellowship with us. We cannot do this ministry without you.

Rev. Georgeanne Bennett, Worcester Fellowship

We thank you for continuing to donate to Carty Cupboard Food Pantry. We thank you for your food and funds. We couldn’t do what we do without your continued support and kindness. Your folks donated 168 bags of food in 2015!! Thanks again so very much! As we start 2016, I would like to readdress the list of what we do and do not need here at Carty Cupboard Food Pantry to help fill our shelves. We do not need donations of the following items that we regularly receive from the State of Massachusetts: pasta, pasta sauce, tuna, canned chicken, white rice, macaroni & cheese, canned fruit, canned vegetables, and peanut butter. The pantry is always in need of the following: hearty canned soups, canned pasta, baked beans, canned stew, brown rice, jelly in plastic only, and any condiments, such as salad dressing, mustard, ketchup, relish, and mayonnaise.

Sincerely, Nancy Spencer, Coordinator, Carty Cupboard Food Pantry -5-

DEAR YOUTH GROUP OF PARK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,

Thank you for your donation to Sweetpea, a non-profit, no-kill animal rescue whose mission is to provide humane shelter, care, and placement for homeless and abandoned animals. Volunteers commit untold time and energy to fulfill Sweetpea’s mission in addition to providing love and companionship to the animals. We are devastated by the loss of the dozens of dogs and cats who perished in the fire on November 22, 2015, and are appreciative of the outpouring of support received from near and far. All of the funds raised will be used to build a new state of the art facility this year. Until then, we remain Sweetpea Strong!

Sincerely, The Friends of Sweetpea!

Your “Awesome Youth Group” wishes to thank all the members and friends of our Park Church Family who baked, bought, or did BOTH to make their Cookie Walk a fine success! Many thanks!! * * * * * * * * * *

Robin Paquette February 3 Jennifer Nodelman February 7 Hazel Velez February 23 Rose Depoian February 25

* * * * * * * * * * A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, IMMEDI- ATELY FOLLOWING THE WORSHIP SERVICE TO ELECT KIMBERLY PELKEY AS CLERK, JAMES ROSE AS DEACON, AND ARIANNA DENEAULT AS YOUTH DEACON -6-

SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13th The Sunday School is hosting their annual VALENTINE’S SUPPER on Saturday, February 13, 2016, in Gordon Hall at 6:00pm. Tickets are available in the church office, from any Sunday School teacher, or by calling the church office at 508-752-2468. Yummy Food and Basket Raffle! Adults $10 - Children ages 5-12 $5.00 – Under 5 years old eat for free! AS ALWAYS, a wonderful meal, dessert, and Basket Raffle will make for a “sweet” evening! ALL ARE WELCOME! The menu you ask? ROAST PORK!!! (back by popular demand)

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PLAN NOW to reserve your seating for our LENTEN SERIES which will begin on Sunday, February 14, in the Lee Room following the worship service. The Big Bang Theory was suggested by our “Awesome Youth Group,” as this weekly comedy series is currently rated the number one most watched television program in prime time. Following each episode we will discuss the spiritual/moral issues raised. If you intend to come, please sign your name on the bulletin board sheet outside Davis Chapel or call the church office at 508-752- 2468. You will also be asked if you intend to bring your own lunch or wish to have pizza for a nominal cost. Even if you intend not to be present for all the episodes, you should still register. This LENTEN SERIES should prove to be one of the best! Parents of elementary and middle school children should use discretion as this show frequently addresses mature themes and uses adult language. -7- THE CHILDREN'S TOWER February 2016

Dear Children,

Though we think of February as probably being the coldest month of the year, it really is the warmest! “Warmest,” you say? Yes. I say the warmest because it is the month that we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Love, love, love everywhere you look!!

I once read a poem that I would like to share with you that Miss Linda feels is just perfect in describing the true meaning of Valentine’s Day and all that we think of when we are in the COLD, or should I say WARM month of February. Read on . . .

You cannot do a kindness without a reward, Not silver or gold but in joy from the LORD . . . You cannot light a candle to show others the way, Without feeling the warmth of that bright little ray, And you cannot pluck a rose, all fragrant with dew, Without part of its fragrance remaining with YOU. (author unknown)

Always remember that nothing warms the heart like love. As the poem says, you cannot give love away without love remaining with you! The most perfect love is the love that God gives to us so freely to warm our hearts and lives no matter what the temperature outside. So, see . . . February with all its love truly is the warmest month of the year! Sharing in God’s love with you . . . your friend, Miss Linda -8-

UPCOMING SERVICES AND EVENTS

February 10, Ash Wednesday Service, 7:00pm February 11 – March 17, Thoughtful Thursdays, 11:30am–12:15pm, discussion of Lauren Winner’s book, Mudhouse Sabbath, hosted by First Baptist Church February 13, Saturday, Sunday School Roast Pork Supper, 6:00pm February 14 – March 20, Sundays, Lenten Luncheon and Series featuring episodes of The Big Bang Theory, 11:15am-1:00pm February 21, Sunday afternoon, Sunday School Bowling outing March 24, Maundy Thursday Service, 7:00pm March 25, Good Friday Workshop on Hollywood Portrayals of the Crucifixion, 4:00pm – 6:00pm in the Lee Room March 25, Good Friday Ecumenical Service, 7:00pm at First Presbyterian Church, Worcester March 27, Easter Sunrise Service, 7:00am at Institute Park March 27, Easter Breakfast, 7:30am – 9:00am in the Lee Room March 27, Easter Sunday Service, 10:00am

Park Congregational Church 111 Park Avenue Worcester MA 01609