A Note of Praise!
Join Us for a Bible Study We gather in the Church Parlor the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 6 PM. We have been following the Upper Room Devotional which is available at each meeting and is also available in the Church Office. No prior knowledge is required. It is informal and casual. Join us for a wonderful time of spiritual fellowship. All Are Welcome!
Office Hours
The Church Office is staffed Monday-Friday mornings. Larry is in the office as usual, Monday-Thursday and is also available by phone as needed. Thank you!
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As noted with the last edition of the Chimes-Online, we are testing it as a way to reach out to members and friends of the Federated Church of Ashland with current and updated news and information about what is happening in our church, some stories and reflections that might inspire you, and to take advantage of the speed and convenience of electronic media, such as email.
Your thoughts and suggestions are encouraged, and any feedback on how we might improve or even with articles of interest, are welcome.
It is hoped that we can all become more familiar with the exciting things happening in our church, maybe inspire your involvement, and provide a means by which you can share this email with your family and friends. Simply "forward" it by clicking on the link below.
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From Larry's Desk....
What a church! Wow, on "Home Coming Sunday" a couple of weeks back, we acknowledged the participation of 50 plus members in 18 ministries of our church, some of whom are involved in 2 or more ministries. (That count didn't even include those who were unable to attend that day.) Who are these people who, besides worshiping with us on Sunday and contributing to our church's stewardship, have made the work of the Kingdom of God, so central to their lives?
Well they are the people who sit across the aisle from you on Sunday, or who sit in the back of church, or might even be sitting up front. Have you ever asked them why they do what they do? Have you ever put into words and shared with them your own story or faith journey? By now all members and friends of our church should have received my letter in the mail inviting you to participate in a series of open cottage meetings to talk and share about what and why, is important to you about the Federated Church of Ashland.
While our church is made up of many diverse people, which cuts across age, gender, sexual orientation, economic means, professional standing and education, young families and retirees, new comers and long term members, there is something which binds us all together. I would like to invite you to join us for a brief meeting after Sunday worship on Oct. 21st, to hear about an exciting opportunity for us to reacquaint ourselves with who we are, why we choose to be part of this special congregation of Christian believers, and together to discern God's call going forward.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions ahead of time or if you are unable to join us on Oct 21st for the start of this special opportunity to rediscover who we are.
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 Annual Church Fair Sat.November 3rd
10 AM - 3 PM
It is almost time for the Fair! The biggest fundraiser that we have each year. It is fun, a challenge and a time when we all get together and work toward a single goal. I bet every person in our Church does one thing or another to make it the success that is has always been.
One area that we are focusing on is the Candy Table. We have spent several Sundays sampling fudge during coffee hour. So far, we have tried coconut, pumpkin, mint chocolate and almond raisin and will do some more. We'll have 6 or 7 different kinds of fudge and will give penuche a go as well.
 Last year, the new thing at the Fair was the Raffle and it was a huge success. Obviously, it is on again, so think about a great basket or must-have item that you can donate with friends or by yourself. We have two gorgeous Floor Lamps, a Beautiful Mirror, Handmade Scarves and Ponchos, an Antique Sled and a piece of Jewelry. Items can be viewed on our website. And...there will be more items! We are looking for creative theme baskets and other items to put in the raffle. If you would like to add to our raffle, please speak to Peg Daly or Nick Paternostro.
The New-to-You Room is always a cool event with lots of great treasures you never expected to find. There is always room for more. If you can donate, please make sure your items are clean and unbroken. There are already some incredible useful things --- coolers, an inflatable bed, ashore theme small table...come see for youself and Please........ Donate.
Of course, food is everyones' favorite thing. Lois, Bill and Company will be upstairs putting together the luncheon with Turkey Divan...my very favorite thing. I love it!! The Country Store will be downstairs where you can find dill pickles and cheddar chesese. That cheese is the best to eat (like an apple) or as an incredible macaroni and cheese dish, nice and crisp on top.
 Naturally, Liz will be running her Bakery Table, which is such a fantastic place to find cookies, brownies, pies, cupcakes, etc., etc.! Plan to buy dozens of holiday desserts and freeze them until your holiday dinner or an evening with friends. We always have lots of items to choose from.
So, please help by donating, slaving or purchasing or all of the above, as so many folks do. It is a fun place to be!
Margot Ellsworth, Fair Committee Chair
508-881-5242
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 Missions News
Hello My Church Friends,
We are in need of some help with the shelter meals during the next few months. We serve at two shelters each month. On the 3rd Thursday of the month, we serve at Shadows/Meadows. This is a Women's Shelter and averages 20 people each month. On the 4th Wednesday of the month, we serve at Crossroads. This is a Men's Shelter and averages 15 people each month. We need help purchasing and preparing the meals. I deliver and serve the meals each month, so if you would like to join me and help serve, that would be great. We pray together and talk about almost everything and then serve and eat with the residents at the shelters. It is really a rewarding experience. Our next meal is Thursday, October 18th. Please see me on Sunday, after Church, if you are able to help with this meal or future meals. You don't have to do the whole meal alone. If you are able to help in anyway, provide the main course, a salad, bread, dessert or juice - anything would be much appreciated.
On Behalf of the Missions Committee, I Thank You,
Mark Heaton |
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Brown Bag Sunday
November 18th
With Thanksgiving fast approaching it is even more important to remember those who benefit from our donations. Please bring in a few food items so we can continue to respond to the important challenge facing the Ashland Food Pantry. There are bins in which to drop off the food items in the narthex, as you enter the church from the street.
"For when I was hungry, you gave me something to eat..." Matt: 25:35
One of the ministries of our church. |
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Our Members
November Birthdays
11-01 Tamara Maswoswe
11-08 Bryan Rivas
11-15 Arlene Ripley
11-18 Angelina DeBernardo
11-28 John Robertson
Happy Birthday to One and All !! |
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Hello Everyone,
It's that time of year AGAIN...time to fill a "Surprise Jar" for the Fair.
Some ideas - a roll of pennies, a few loose coins or a dollar bill, birdseed, buttons, wrapped candy, stickers, small toys, costume jewelry, gift certificates, ETC., ETC.!
Would you be willing to donate a jar to our FAIR? Be creative...they do not have to be filled to the top!
If you need a jar, there are a variety of sizes on the table, outside the church office - help yourself!
Please drop off your filled jar to Linda in the Church Office, Monday-Friday between 9-Noon or put them on Linda's desk on Sunday morning.
Thank you,
Linda |
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Electronic Recycling Day
 Ashland Town Hall Parking LotSaturday, November 10th
9 AM - 2 PM
This is a fundraiser for our church. Please recycle! This recycle event will have low fees ranging from $5 for a computer up to $25 for Large TV's, etc. Appliances are $10 each. They will accept all electronic items including Microwave Ovens, Appliances, A/C Units, Washers, Dryers, Exercise Equipment, Grills, etc. They will also take Lawn Mowers and Snow Blowers (with the gas removed). If you would like to recycle cell phones, car/truck batteries or bicycles - they will take them for FREE!
If you have any questions, please contact Steve Howard at
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