This past Saturday, our church, along with the United Church of Jaffrey, sponsored the 25th anniversary of the CROP walk in the Monadnock region.  About 120 people walked and raised over $10,000 for hunger relief.  One quarter of the money will go to Food Pantries in the Monadnock region, and the remainder will help to feed hungry people all over the world.

I had to chuckle during the walk, because it seemed as though God had forgotten the familiar words of scripture above.  Sandwiched between two nearly-perfect ‘seasonal’ Autumn days was the decidedly unseasonal Saturday.  We woke up to an inch of snow on the ground which covered the changing leaves.  Following the snow, a soaking rain followed our walkers from the beginning of the walk on the Rindge common to the hot coffee and warm, nourishing soup that awaited them at the United Church.  It was described by one veteran walker as, “simply the worst weather we’ve ever had for a CROP walk in 25 years.”

Now you might expect the walkers to have been a sullen and miserable bunch.  Slogging through the 6.5 mile course left some cold and damp, while others were downright soaking wet and freezing, not exactly the optimum way to start one’s Saturday morning.  But you would be wrong.

I was stationed at the halfway mark, offering apples and a brief respite in the heated restrooms of the Woodbound Inn.  Without a doubt, this was one of the most joyous groups I had ever seen.  They were pretty much all smiles.  Many seemed so pumped up, they barely slowed down to grab an apple.  Others were happy for the brief bit of warmth, but set out on the last half of the walk with enthusiasm.  Considering the conditions, this group was almost ‘strangely’ happy.

And then I remembered what season it really is; the season of harvest, the season of reaping the bounty of God’s good earth, the season of thanksgiving, the season to celebrate our plenty and share what we have around the table.  This season is for many people the only time of the year during which their thoughts turn to the needs of others.  The church’s focus turns to stewardship, a giving response to God’s goodness in our own lives.

Then I realized it: this group was so happy because they were completely in tune with the season.  They were giving of themselves and making a real difference in the lives of others.  They had become cheerful givers.  They were experiencing the warmth of God’s love, which no amount of rain or snow could dampen.

Gathering around the tables at the end of the walk, the warmth of love and fellowship grew.  The organizers set up a few tables, thinking that people would gulp down some soup and scurry back home to search for some dry clothes.  But they didn’t.  They stayed and talked, and extra tables had to be set to accommodate the lingerers.  What a perfect way to experience the season, surrounded by those who gave their time and their talents, and in so doing, gave others life.  Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.

Church Council Minutes - 9/15/02

Present: Vice-chair Doug Popp, Steve Henrikson, Jane Hannon, Robin Crowe, Mary Sawyer, Sue Casey, Janet Goodrich, MaryLu Mathis, Flossie Hastings, Marty Ferwerda, Jim Melhorn, Dee Boucher

Acting Chairman Doug Popp called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM with Rev. Melhorn offering the opening prayer.

New secretary Dee Boucher was introduced to the committee.  She reviewed procedures, timelines, etc. that various committees should follow so that information can be disseminated through various vehicles of communication in a timely manner.  She can be reached at 899-5008 or at hannon@surfbest.net.

The previous council meeting minutes were read and approved with one correction to the music committee notes:  third review should read third-month review.

Committee Reports:

Collector’s Report – The committee approved the collector’s report as read by Jane Hannon.  Year to date: Percent of total amount pledged received in August: .05%; Received year to date: 61.4% of total amount pledged; Pledges are approximately $2000 behind anticipated receipts.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer’s report was approved as presented  by Jane Hannon.

Pastor’s Report – Jim noted that the study group had addressed Key 2 and 3 in the Keys to an Effective Church.  The next topic will be Key 1, which focuses on the church’s role in missions, the area that is most vital to a dynamic, growing church.   In discussion it was noted that although the members of our church are extensively involved in local mission activities, many of these efforts are not a direct outreach of our church but through groups such as the men’s club, LVA/Evening Circle, the Cathedral, etc.  Jim noted the importance of our support for individuals, be it five or fifty people within our church, that share a common conviction related to specific missions efforts.

There were limited committee meetings during the month of August. Written reports of August meetings that were held were read and accepted unanimously.

On behalf of the Deacons, Steve Henrikson noted that the tape system order was being placed 9/16. He would seek the contribution of five tapes to be used with the system before purchasing them, if necessary.   The need for ushers, greeters and coffee hour hosts continues to be a concern.  Anyone interested participating in Sunday worship in these capacities should speak with a deacon.

Long-term Planning Committee will resume its meeting schedule this fall.

New member classes are being held in October with new members joining our church on November 3^rd.   The welcome baskets are ready to be distributed to new members of the community, with  an invitation to join us in worship.

Missions will be hosting a Potluck Supper on October 4^th.  The executive directors at Toah Nipi will be the guest presenters.  Additional information will be available in the bulletins, newsletter and website.

Our church will be playing an active leadership role in planning for the Crop Walk that will be held on October 26..  Members of our church are invited to work at rest stops, baking goodies for the participants, etc.  Those interested in participating as a walker or support personnel should speak with the pastor or a member of missions.  The council unanimously approved the expenditure of up to $500 from miscellaneous expenses for Crop Walk related needs, including rental of four port-a-johns, water for the rest stops, etc.

MaryLu Mathis reported the Music Committee had repairs made to the organ’s pedals.  People interested in singing with the choir are invited to speak to MaryLu.  Baritones and basses – please step forward!

Stewardship efforts are underway through the efforts of Jane Hannon and Robin Crowe. 

All the men of the church are invited to participate in the next men’s breakfast on September 29.

Unfinished Business

Land Sale: The land sale paperwork has been completed and the Town Administrator indicated the money should be forthcoming shortly.

Turkey Supper: Jennifer Skelton and Robin Crowe are coordinating the Turkey Dinner on October 26^th, the evening of the Crop Walk.  People interested in being Turkey cookers should speak with them as soon as possible.  During discussion there was a request to have the turkeys weigh no more than 22 pounds if possible. 

Christian Education is requesting a nursery gate.  Robin Crowe will research the pricing information and bring that information back to the council.

Budgets: Jane Hannon reported the trustees will be meeting with each individual committee within the next four to six weeks to discuss the development of their budgets for the new year.  Jane distributed an updated status report of the budget.  Noting that a substantial amount of fundraising had been contributed for camperships, the council voted to reallocate an appropriate sum from the camp fund line item to the Christian Education line item to cover anticipated curriculum needs.

New Business

No new business.

The meeting closed at 8:30^pm with Marty Ferwerda offering the closing prayer.  Janet Kohlmorgen will offer the closing prayer at the next council meeting on October 17^th.

Respectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Happy Birthday

          October 3 - Barbara Wells     October 18 - Susan Casey
          October 4 - Sandy Pyer        October 19 - Judy Unger Clark
          October 8 - Owen Chace        October 21 - Shane O’Day
          October 9 - Chris Pyer

Diaconate

Deacon for the month of October is Lois May.  Communion will be on October 6^th assisted by Elaine Pratt, Stephen Chace and Robin Crowe. 

We are moving forward with the Sunday Service Tape project.  Church Council has approved funds for the Deacons to purchase the needed equipment.  The order is in the process of being submitted.  Once the equipment is in and set up, we will begin distributing tapes of Sunday services to those who cannot attend.

We continue look for folks to sign up for Ushers and Greeters.  You may send an e-mail to the church (rindgeucc@netzero.net) or contact a Deacon or Jim by phone or in person.  If you’d like to try something different, go to the web site (http://rindge.nhcucc.org) and click on Online Pew Card.  Being an Usher or a Greeter is a simple way to help out and only involves an occasional Sunday.  Please help out.  Duties for Ushers and Greeters are outlined in this issue of the Deaconer.

We are also in need of Coffee Hour host/hostess.

If you know of anyone who is ill or needs a visit, or even just a card, please speak to a Deacon or Rev. Melhorn – we will insure they are contacted. 

Pulpit supply – all set.  The Koinonia Award winner Catriona Grant will be preaching on October 22^nd.  Jim was thinking out loud about going to PA for thanksgiving but that would not impact services.

Pastor’s report – Jim said that he received a letter from the Cathedral of the Pines.  It indicated that it was OK to take offerings at the services (they only asked that we donate a portion).  Weddings are proceeding and under control.  Jim mentioned that a Communion workshop like Come to the Table would be a good idea to do again – he would bring this to the Christian Education Committee.  He thought that we should look into doing a church-planning event (November?) – he will bring this to council.  Lastly, Jim brought up the cleaning day that was put on hold earlier.

Under Unfinished Business, Steve presented the order form to purchase the tape system.  The tape machine, tape duplicator and 100 tapes come to $697.  Tape boxes and labels can be obtained locally.  There are some nice little tape players at Wal-Mart for about $18.  It would be nice to have about 5 units to loan with the tapes if needed.

New Business – no new business.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00^pm with a prayer by Robin Crowe.  Trudie Kalinen will close the next meeting with prayer.

Next Deacon’s meeting will be October 10^th at 6:30^pm in the vestry

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Membership

The Membership Committee met on September 5, 2002 at 6:30pm in the vestry.  Those in attendance were Susan Casey, Steve Henrikson, Janet Kohlmorgen and Jim Melhorn as well as Doug Popp.

Janet presented a sample Welcome Basket.  It included a wealth of items of local interest (brochures and flyers).  The church brochure will be place prominently in the center.  The basket will also include a baked good.  We also discussed having mugs made up with the church logo and including those as well.  The thinking is that mugs are held forever which would help reinforce the church presence.  We may also have extra mugs made to help with fund raising in the church.  Doug Popp is working with Olan Mills to see about getting new brochures printed without the errors.  However, we could use the existing ones if need be using white out and labels printed by Steve.

We discussed New Member classes.  Tentative dates for the classes are October 6th, 13th and 20th with new members joining November 3rd.  It looks like after church works out as the best time to have the classes.  Jim and Susan will speak to potential candidates.  Susan obtained some videotapes from the Conference Media Center.  Two were presented “Who do we say we are?” and “Where all are welcome”.  There is one more tape in the series.  It was thought that these tapes would add another dimension to the classes.

November 3rd will also be Member Recognition Sunday.  Members who joined in years ending in 1, 2, 6 and 7 will be contacted and invited to be present at the service for recognition.  A candle will be lit for those who have passed away.  A potluck meal will follow the service – when have we ever celebrated with out eating??

Steve did his usual update on the web site.

Next meeting will be October 3, 2002 at 6:30pm in the Vestry. 

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Buildings and Grounds Committee

The meeting was called to order on 9/11/02 at 6:45^pm by Chair Norm May.

Present were: Norm, Arthur Fitzwater, Reverend Melhorn and Mary Sawyer.

Arthur offered the opening prayer.

Norm discussed the suggestion by builder Bill Harper that vestibule renovation include tearing out and rebuilding the hardwood floor to eliminate the uneven effects of age.  The group decided that the additional expense of $4100 was not feasible.  Vestibule renovation will commence soon.  Bill Harper assured us that the section of floor which will be slate, will not be slippery, as some had feared.

Carpeting of the vestry, hall and pastor's office will begin soon.  Parishioner Don Smith has donated $1600 toward the project and the Trustees have approved an additional $1100 to complete the project. Norm will enlist volunteers to paint in those areas.

Work is in progress for the new alarm system.

Parsonage exterior work was discussed.  Norm will seek estimates for vinyl siding of the building.
Mary introduced the draft of a new Facilities Use policy.  No decision was made, pending inquiries as to fees charged at other churches.

Norm showed the group a photo of the church taken by photographer Albert Sylvestre.  We will pursue the possibility of sale of the photos as a fundraiser.

Mary will offer the opening prayer at the October 10^th meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.

Submitted by,
Mary Sawyer

Worship Schedule for October

October 6 – World Communion Sunday

We gather with Christians all over the world to share the one holy meal that binds us together.  We will also collect our special offering for Neighbors in Need, a UCC-wide offering for poverty relief.

Scripture:  Exodus 20:1-20, Philippians 3:4b-14

Sermon:  “Can’t you read?”

October 13 – Seminary Sunday 

We welcome Catriona Grant, a student at Andover Newton Theological Seminary and the 2002 winner of the Koinonia Award, sponsored by the EC/LVA as our guest preacher

Scripture:  Matthew 22:1-14

October 20

We will bless those participating in the CROP walk, and celebrate 25 years of concern and action in the fight against hunger.  Along with the United Church of Jaffrey, our church cosponsored the first Monadnock Area CROP walk 25 years ago, and the two churches are cosponsors this year.

Scripture:  Matthew 22:15-22, Psalm 96

Sermon:  “Whose Line is It, Anyway?”

October 27 – Reformation Sunday 

A celebration of those who sought to make their faith alive and a challenge for us to do the same in this day and age.

Scripture:  Psalm 90, I Thessalonians 2:1-12

Sermon:  “Bye Bye Barbie, Hello Brittany”

Twenty -five years of stepping out against hunger!

On October 26, 2002, the First Congregational Church, UCC, in Rindge and the United Church of Jaffrey will be co-sponsoring the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Monadnock area CROP walk

What is the CROP Walk?  It is an annual walk for hunger that raises funds to relieve hunger both locally and worldwide.  25% of the funds raised remain in our own communities and are distributed to local area food pantries.  The balance goes to hunger relief projects worldwide, in 80 countries and the U.S.

Who’s in charge?  CROP is sponsored by Church World Service, an ecumenical organization involved in worldwide mission projects.  Because of their low overhead costs, CWS provides lots of ‘bang for the buck’.  CWS provides food, disaster relief, low interest loans, school kits, tools, and other projects that encourage independence and sustainable economic development.

Locally, the Rindge and Jaffrey churches were the co-founders of the Monadnock area CROP walk 25 years ago.  We celebrate the commitment of these two churches as well as all of those in the Monadnock area who have walked and pledged over the years.  Our goal this year is to raise $25,000 in celebration of 25 years.  This is a substantial increase over the money raised last year, but a very achievable goal with your help.

What can I do?  As Paul told the church in Corinthians, “there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord.” We need people willing to walk the 6.5 mile course that runs from the Rindge Common to the United Church in Jaffrey.  We need sponsors for the walkers.  We need people to prepare the course with signs.  We need people to stay at the rest stops and offer directions, water, and encouragement.  We need help with cleanup.  We also need cookies and snacks for the walkers at the end of the course.  And we need publicity; we need to let others in our community know about CROP and about its importance.

Why should I care?  The food and services provided by the money raised at this walk don’t just make life a little easier for those who receive them.  Through our efforts, we can transform people's  lives in a major way.

If you are interested and able to help in any way, please call Pastor Jim at 899-5722