Saturday Dec 17, 9am -11am, Last Coat Closet of 2011

As 2011 ends, we are winding down the EFC 's Coat Closet Ministry. Thank you to all those who have donated coats, and volunteered time to make this a success. Special thanks to Holy Trinity for the space and Eileen DeMings, who has coordinated this effort over the last few years, making it the success it is!

If you know of those who are in need of coats still, please have them stop by Holy Trinity this Saturday, Dec 17from 9am to 11am for the last Coat Closet of the season.

Thanks once again!

Crop Walk - Sunday October 2, 12pm!

The Ecumenical Fellowship Community is pleased to be sponsoring the Crop Walk once again this year. If you would like to participate in a good cause against global hunger - this is your opportunity. As well, you can do so, while enjoying a nice day of walking, fellowship, and the beauty of early fall out doors.

We will be gathering at Westville Lake Dam on October 2, 12pm for a 'Bring your own Lunch.' This will be a time of fellowship before the walk begins. Registration will be at 12:30pm. And the walk will start at 1pm. The walk will range from 4 - 8 miles (and of course less if need be). The goal is for you to raise sponsors to support your walk. All the proceeds will go to the fight against global hunger.


Are you interested? Do you know someone who would be? For more info, or to obtain sponsor sheets, please email: stuart@sturbridgeworshipcenter.org

Upcoming EFC Year Begins Tues September 6

One in Christ for the Community

September 2, 2011

Dear friend in the community:

I hope this letter finds you well! Amazing how the summer is already coming to an end. I think this year I was aware more than any other how short our New England summers really are! Oh well – at least God saw fit to give us one of the best fall seasons in the country!

On behalf of the EFC I would like to invite you or someone from your church to our first meeting of the year – Tuesday, September 6, 7pm – 8:30pm at Charlton City United Methodist Church (CCUMC): 74 Stafford St, Charlton, MA 01507. If you are returning to the EFC, or whether this might be your first time, you are most welcome. As stated above we seek to be “One in Christ for the Community” – and that takes all of us, so you are most welcome.

We are excited for the many good initiatives before us this year. But for now, here are a few reminders before the first meeting:

·         We will use Acts 6:1-7 as a Scriptural launching point for our fall mission, and take a few minutes to meditate on it.

·         There is a great opportunity to contribute to the impact of the EFC in our community. If interested there is a new volunteer position for advertising and community communications.

·         The Crop Walk, which raises money against the problem of hunger, will take place Oct 2 at Westville Lake Dam. If you do not have info yet, we will have resources for you at the meeting. Your church can already put out sponsor sheets for this great event! There will be a potluck picnic at 12pm under the pavilion, registration at 12:30pm, and walking by 1pm.

·         Also, please bring your $50 church dues for the year if you are able. With the many members of the EFC paying dues, we have been able to bless countries needful as Haiti, touch the inner city in Philadelphia, and fund projects in our own backyard like the annual living faith series, the Winter Coat Closet, and much more.

To learn more about us, our purpose, please survey this website, or please feel free to contact me at the contact in the right side of this page.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, Sept 6, 7pm at CCUMC, 74 Stafford St, Charlton, MA 01507.

All the best in Christ,

Stuart Rankin

EFC President

United Way Day of Caring 2011 - deadline August 5!

To all the churches in Southbridge, Sturbridge & Charlton:

The United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge & Charlton presents:

2011 Day of Caring

September 14, 2011

Project Application

EMail or Fax Completed Application to United Way by August 5, 2011.

All project requests are subject to approval by United Way.

Only projects in Southbridge, Sturbridge or Charlton will be considered.
Please Print:

Agency:
Point of Contact:
Address:
Phone:	Fax:	Email:
PROPOSED PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project Location:
Project Contact Person: (if different from agency contact)
Phone:	Fax:	Email:
Project Description:  (Please be specific) ____  This is an outdoor project. ____  I have attached an alternate rainy day indoor back up project with this application.
Special Skills Needed:
Materials/Equipment/Supplies Your Agency will Provide:
PROJECT ASSESSMENT (to be completed by United Way)
Materials Needed (in addition to what Agency will provide, if applicable):
Equipment/Supplies Volunteers to Bring: (ex. gloves)
Notes: Site Visit Date:  ____________________
Please mail completed application by August 5, 2011 to: Day of Caring United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge & Charlton 155 Main Street  2nd Floor Southbridge, MA  01550 (508) 765-5491 (tel) (508) 765-4851 (fax) UnitedWaySSC@verizon.net ~ www.UnitedWaySSC.org

Annual Potluck on May 10, 6pm

Annual Potluck on May 10, 6pm

Join the Ecumenical Fellowship Community for our annual potluck where we celebrate the year, hear from a local ministry speaker, and look forward to the next year. This is a great time to build relationships with other churches in the Sturbridge, Southbridge & Charlton area - All are welcome!
The potluck starts at 6:00pm.


The Speaker this year will be Pastor Michelle Criswell, from Sturbridge Worship Center. Pastor Michelle will speak on a ministry called "Sidewalk Sunday School" that is reaching children for Christ in Southbridge. This is a ministry with great Ecumenical potential. Come to find out more!

National Day of Prayer - Thursday May 5, 7pm - 8pm

The National Day of Prayer is fast approaching. What a wonderful opportunity to come together as citizens from our local towns, with local church pastors and leaders, to pray for the well-being of our communities, families, and the Nation. All welcome! This gathering will take place on the Sturbidge Town Common.

 

Come on out for this great event! Thursday May 5, 7pm. Sturbridge Town Common.

Easter Sunrise Service - April 24, 6am

The Easter Sunrise Service will take place at Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) once again this year. Easter is this Sunday, April 24. The service begins at 6am at the Old Meeting House. Admission is Free and all are welcome.

Come celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the clarity and peace of the early morning. Our minister this year is the Rev. John Rankin, from Simsbury, CT. For more information, please visit: www.teinet.net

For directions, please visit: www.osv.org/visitor/directions.html

Thanks to Everyone for a Successful and Enriching Series!

Last Sunday we concluded our 2011 Living Faith series with a potluck meal and fellowship. We also wrapped up this year's theme of "Living with Wisdom & Purpose" by watching an inspiring and provocative short-video, encouraging us to be the body of Christ in the earth. Check it out if you haven't seen it:

Thank to everyone who participated - our speakers, those who donated food, who prepared and cleaned up, the different churches who participated with worship teams, and finally to Sturbridge Worship Center for hosting the 5-week series.

May God bless you richly.

Next EFC Event: Easter Sunrise Service at Old Sturbridge Village at 6am. This is a free event.

Blessings in Christ,

Stuart

EFC President

Easter Sunrise Service on April 24

The annual Easter Sunrise Service will be held at the Center Meetinghouse at Old Sturbridge Village on April 24 at 6am.

Come and join many others as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This service is always a favorite in our community and you are invited to come!