Luke tells the story of ten lepers who were made clean by Jesus.  Of the ten, only one, a Samaritan, takes the time to turn back and give thanks for this miracle.  The other nine did as they were told by Jesus, to ‘go and show yourselves to the priests’.  Only one took the time and the extra effort to give thanks.
 As I read this passage, I am reminded of the tremendous amount of work that is required in the life of this church, of the many things that get done behind the scenes, with little fanfare, by the saints of this church.  Too often, I think, we take all these efforts for granted.  I, in particular, am guilty of being like the nine who were healed, so busy trying to do the right thing that I forget to stop and say thanks for all of those who make this church able to function.
 As a pastor, I get feedback on a fairly regular basis concerning the things that I do.  When a Sunday morning service touches someone, when a Bible study produces new insight, when a person is strengthened by a pastoral visit, there is most always a ‘thank you’ attached.  But what about the rest of the church members?  Do we take the time to say thanks to all those who do not exhibit their service to God in so public a manner.  What about the deacon who prepares the sanctuary and the elements of communion, or the coffee hour host who bakes, or at least buys the food for our social time?  What about the Sunday School teachers, the greeters and ushers, those who serve on committees, the person who schedules acolytes, our Church Secretary?  What about those who contribute time and talents to our fundraisers, our Sexton, who keeps the church looking clean, the person who empties the rubbish, the arranger of our flowers, the person who sends out cards to the sick?  The list is endless.  Often, that work is done without thanks, and sometimes even without notice.
 If we want to wear the name ‘Christian’, then we have an obligation to be thankful.  We need to give thanks to God for his grace given to us in Jesus Christ.  We need also to give thanks to God’s servants who carry out his work on a daily basis.  I promise to try to do a better job of saying ‘thank you’.  If a despised Samaritan can take the time to turn back and give thanks, how much more thankful should we be as heirs of God’s promises.  Well done, good and trusted servants!

Church Council Minutes - 6/20/02

Present: Chairman Don Umlauf, Doug Popp, Steve Henrikson, Lou & Martha Thomas, Jane Hannon, Robin Crowe, Mary Sawyer, Trudie Kalinen, Flossie Hastings, Bernice & Marty Ferwerda, Susan Casey, Janet Goodrich and Janet Kohlmorgan.

Don called the meeting to order at 7:00^pm.  Doug Popp offered a moment of prayer and remembrance for Jim and Sue Campbell.

The previous council's minutes were read and amended: The Music Committee's 'Organ Use Policy' draft will be submitted to the Buildings and Grounds Committee for incorporation into the Building Use policies being developed.

Treasure's report and the Collector's report were read and accepted.  It was noted that 40.3% of total pledges have been received to date.

The following committee reports were read and accepted: Buildings and Grounds, Deaconate, Pastoral Relations, Public Relations and Pastor's report.

Unfinished Business:

Land Sale: The land sale is progressing as antisipated.

Olin Mills: The pamphlet is completed and will be delivered to the Membership Committee when it arrives

Meeting House Reservation: A document is being developed.  The Selectmen are reviewing the use of public facilities and related fees and paperwork.  Don will bring copies of the finalized forms once the town has completed the process.  Jane Hannon has forwarded the necessary certificate of insurance and the appropriate notifications have been made relative to the July Fair use of the common and building.

July Church Fair: Additional people are needed to work with Cindy Melhorn on coordination the day's activities.  Anyone interested is asked to speak with Cindy or a member of Council ASAP.

Stewardship: There is a critical need for committee members to allow adequate time to prepare for the fall stewardship activities.  Anyone willing to participate on this committee should speak to Susan Casey or Jane Hannon.  Don Umlauf will speak with the Pastor relative to this committee and there will be follow up discussion at the next council meeting.

Pastor's Contract Anniversary: With the anniversary of the Pastor's service to the church quickly approaching, Jane Hannon reviewed our contractual commitments between the congragation and Jim.  The Pastoral Relations Committee and the Trustees need to clarify responsibilities for performance reviews and related dialogue between the church and its minister.  The process will be reviewd at a fall meeting.

By-Law Proposal: Don Umlauf reviewed his proposed by-law articlew presented at the last Council meeting;

"It is proposed that any recommended changes to the Constitution or By-Laws of the church be read into the record and discussed during at least two (2) regular Church Council meetings before and official vote is taken by the Council on said proposals(s).  If the proposal is tabled for further study, the two (2) Council meetings need not be consecutive.  A two-third (2/3) majority vote by the Council is required for passage."

Steve Henrikson suggested it be amended to include an invitation for input from the affected parties/committies prior to the vote.  With Council made of representatives from all committees, in the majority of situations that concern would be addressed.

At 8:00pm Don turned the chair over to Doug Popp.

Buildings and Grounds: reviewed the submitted Council report.  The Committee is awaiting a return call from Bill Harper relative to when the vestibule and storms/screens will be completed.

Christian Concerns: Marty reported there will be a Christian Concerns Potluck Supper on October 4, 2002.  Information about the speaker, etc. will be forth coming.  Marty noted the Committee would like to revise its name to read Mission Ministries Team.  With the by-laws being reviewed and revised, the Council voted to support the name change to better define the mission of the team.  Members of the Prayer Chain are reminded if they are unable to reach a person on the Prayer Chain, they are requested to leave a message and continue down the list until they speak directly to a person rather than stop with a recorded voice mail message.

Men's Club: Some of the new tables have arrived!  After the Roast Beef dinners, additional tables will be ordered.  (Size: 30" x 96")

Nominations: The Missions Ministry Team welcomes Alice Zwart as its newest member.  Individuals interested is serving as a Deacon should speak with Susan Casey.

Vacation Bible School: There has been limited interest from other churches in Rindge for conducting a summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) program.  At this time, where we are unable to provide a VBS program without their participation.

Sunday School Rally: There will be a Sunday School Rally on September 29, 2002 at a local camp.

New Business:

Child Care: The Council expressed its appreciation to Sisan Casey for providing child care during the services last year.  As a church we treasure family participation, which includes young children that may require childcare during the service.  Members of the congregation who are willing to assist on providing childcare - one time or on a schedule - should contact Susan Casey ASAP.

Deaconate Report: Robin noted that Penny Chase is coordinating the Ushers/Greeters for the Summer months.  Coffee Hour volunteers are very much in need.  There are a significant number of members who would appreciate a tape of the service each week.  Steve Henrikson will continue to pursue funding for the equipment necessary to providequality tapes of each week's program.  The approximate cost would be $700.

Talent Auction: After last year's successful talent auction, Trudie has expressed an interest in coordinating another successful talent auction for the upcoming year.  The next talent auction will be September 15, 2002.

Delegates Report: Susan Casey presented a review of the New Hampshire Conference Annual Meeting.  She reviewed the resolutions voted upon by the delegates.  In addition, she noted changes to the New Hampshire state law that would allow congregations to offer insureance for the clergy from the UCC Pension Board Program - for clergy an improved quality of program options and for congregations a rate benefit.

Mary Sawyer will offer closing prayer at the next Council meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 9:19pm

Respectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk.

Secretary Needed

The church is looking for a new Secretary.  This is a paid position with flexible hours.  Most work will be done at home.  Must have a computer and computer skills.  Training and assistance will be available.  Call Rev. Melhorn (899-5722) or Norman May (899-6651) for more information.

Diaconate

Deacon for the month of July is Steve Henrikson.  Communion will be July 7th assisted by Trudie Kalinen, Janet Kohlmorgen and Lois May. 

The United Church of Jaffrey will be joining us on July 21st.  We look forward to this established tradition of our two churches worshiping together.

We continue to look for donations for the purchase of a taping system that will enable us to reach folks who are not able to attend Sunday services.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

We are also looking for folks to sign up for Ushers and Greeters during the summer months.  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.

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

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. 

Next Deacon’s meeting will be July 11th at 6:30^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson, Secretary

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee did not meet in May. 

The web site has grown significantly over the last few months and you are encouraged to spend a few minutes reviewing the content.  If we can get the content up to date on a constant basis, it will be a great source of information that can be used from any computer.  Please send any updates you may have or suggestions to Steve Henrikson, Church site - http://rindge.nhcucc.org/

Recent updates include pictures of Luella Racicot, Norm May, Robert Popple, the May Breakfast, Children’s Sunday and the Sunday School/Music picnic.

The next meeting needs to be determined as the regular meeting date is July 4^th.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson, Secretary

Rindge Country Fair and Flea Market

Our annual Fair and Flea Market will be on Saturday, July 20 between the hours of 8:00 and 2:00.

Flea market space may be reserved outside on the lawns.  Inside the Meetinghouse there will be a COUNTRY STORE offering Rada Cutlery, the church cookbook, raffle tickets to be drawn on a beautiful quilt at the Snowflake Fair on November 30, church polo, tee and sweatshirts, tote bags and Meetinghouse medallions, ATTIC TREASURES (good time to clean out your attics, garages, cellars and closets), a BAKED GOODS TABLE, and the SNACK BAR featuring those delicious steamed hot dogs, sandwiches, cold drinks and coffee. 

All of these areas need man and womanpower.  What makes any activity a success is the participation of our church members.  Please volunteer by speaking or calling Cindy now at 899-2268. 

P.S.=  Prayer for Sunshine.

Submitted by,
Trudie Kalinen

Head Start Center Notice

Jaffrey Head Start Center is accepting applications for the school year 2002-2003.  If your child is three (3) years old by September 30th or not entering kindergarten, she/he may apply to Head Start.

Jaffrey Head Start Center accepts children from Rindge, Jaffrey, Fitzwilliam and Peterborough.  Please contact Jan Wilkins at 532-4135 or Larry Colby at 532-7513 or 1-800-529-0005 ext. 160

Roast Beef Supper

The second of the season's Roast Beef Suppers will be on Saturday, July 27 with seatings at 5:30 and 6:45.  We will be offering our usual delicious menu of juicy roast beef, real mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, buttered carrots, salad, bread, strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream and
that bottomless cup of coffee.  To make this a success we need lots of help from peeling those potatoes and carrots on Friday morning to cleaning up after our happy guests have left and with every job in between.  Come join the fun.

Submitted by,
Trudie Kalinen

Worship Reminders

During the summer, we are always seeking those with musical gifts to share during our time of  worship while the choirs take a well-deserved break.  If you sing or play an instrument and would like to share your talents, call the church office.  Several dates are still available.

On August 4, we will worship God in outdoor splendor as we gather with the United Church of Jaffrey for a joint communion service followed by a time of fun and fellowship.  The details are still being worked out, but plan to attend!

Christian Education Committee Meeting

Chair Bernice Ferwerda called the meeting to order after church on June 2, 2002.

Present were: Bernice, Doug Popp, Cindy Melhorn, Robin Crowe and Mary Sawyer.

After Bernice offered the opening prayer, minutes of the April meeting were approved as printed.

Bernice reported that construction of the library cart is progressing.  We will continue to seek book contributions

Robin will order new church school curriculams with guidance from the group.

Bernice has spoken with members of teh Trustees regarding the possibility of purchasing rolling room dividers, in ordewr to make use of the meeting room for church school classes.

Cindy outlined teh order of service for Children Sunday - June 9^th.  Children will be treated to ice cream sundaes following the service.

A motion was made by Doug, seconded by Robin, to authorize Cindy to spend up to $75.00 for church school stationary supplies.  Motion carried.

Bernice introduced a video library service, Travarke, which would require an annual fee of $225.00.  She wil ldiscuss the service with Rev. Melhorn and report back to the committee.

Doug will advertise the fact that our youth are invited to participate in the Jaffrey Church Vacation Bible School July 29^th to August 2^nd.

Doug will attend a meeting to help plan a "Family Fun Day" on August 3^rd which will include Monadnock Full Gospel, Christian Outreach, Vineyard, Advent Lutheran/Methodist and our church.

Next meeting will be July 14^th.

Submitted by,
Phyllis Ames

Buildings and Grounds Committee

The June 18, 2002 meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by Chair Norman May.  Present wer Norm, Arthur Fitzwater and Mary Sawyer.

Minutes of the May meeting will be reviewed at the July meeting.

The following items were discissed;

We are awaiting bids on the parsonage renovation job.  Builders were reminded this week.  Once bids are received, we will look to the Trustees to negotiate and award contracts, and to supervise construction.

Norm will purchase two pedestal fans for use during the Roast Beef dinners.

Stage curtain repairs are complete.  Tiebacks have been installed.  All of us are responsible to assure that our children do not use them as play things.

Rindge Women's Club and Boy Scout personnel will remove piano, cupboards and boxes from the church school area prior to the first Roast Beef dinner.

Norm will contact the Recreation Department about stage storage cupboards.

Norm is pursuing fuel oil supplier bids.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday July 11, 2002.  Jon Cormier will offer opening prayer.  Meeting adjorned at 7:00^pm.

Submitted by,
Mary Sawyer

Christian Concerns Committee

The Christian Concerns Committee met on June 2nd and discussed the following:

We will be donating $100.00 to the Food Pantry.

The letter received from Josue in Haiti (the boy we are suporting).

Marty will contact the Council regarding changing the name of our committee to Mission Ministries Team.

We are in need of one or two people to join our committee.  If anyone is interested in joining us, please contact Marty Ferwerda.

We will be having a Mission Potluck Supper on Saturday October 4, 2002 at 6:30^pm.  More details will follow in the upcoming months.

Our next meeting will be on July 7^th.

Submitted by,
Penny Chace

Happy Birthday

          July 8  - Joshua Warner    July 25 - Steve Henrikson
          July 10 - George Crowe     July 27 - Gertrude Blake
          July 14 - Shannon Crowe    July 28 - Blake Skelton
                  Lois May         July 29 - Micaela Crowe
          July 19 - Norman May       July 30 - Curtis Carmichael
          July 21 - Tristan Bolduc

Mission Moment

"In Palestine, vineyards were often planted with fruit trees.  When a man who owned a vineyard found that his fig tree had never borne any fruit, he commanded his gardener to cut it down.  After all, fig trees deplete the soil of it nutrients.  But the gardener replied, "Sir, let me dig around it and fertilize it once more.  Then, if it bears fruit after that, well and good.  But if it doesn't, you can cut it down." - Luke 13:6-9

Unlike some of the Gospel parables, this one is clear and straightforward.  For three years the owner of the vineyard had waited in vain for the fig tree to blossom.  To him, it was obvioulsly barren and worthless.  Worse than that, it took precious water away from the grapevines.  Still, his gardener sought a last reprieve.  "Before you destroy it, give me a year to make this fig tree fruitful," he begged.

We know whose side we are on in this parable.  As disciples of Jesus, the gardener, we belong to the church of one last chance.

Every congregation can tell the story of some individual who came to them, having exhausted the patience and resources of educational and social, relief and rehabilitation institutions.  "Trying to help this case is just a waste of time and money," was the verdict of the secular community.  Their operating guidelines did not contain the parable of the fig tree.  Or the story of the lost sheep.  Ours do.  Jesus calls us to plead the case of the barren fig tree - the three time loser.  Jesus invites us to be the church of the one last chance.

And we respond.

Our national ministries and conferences work with congregations to train and empower local church members to carry Jesus' ministry.  We give to Our Church's Wider Mission so that in communities across the land, the United Church of Christ can be the church of one last chance.

Talent Auction

Mark Sunday, September 15 on your calendar for our second annual Talent Auction.  We had such a good time, so much laughter and raised so much money in the space of an hour, paying off our Conference Capital Campaign pledge, that we would like to try it again. 

Please be thinking about what talent or service you can contribute.  Some ideas suggested are catering  a meal for four, six, eight, a fancy dessert for one or more months, birthday cakes, a batch of cookies for one or more months, a pot of soup or a pot of beans, a ride around Monadnock followed by a barbecue, a custom quilted wall hanging, a handpainted nesting toy, photography, a flower arrangement, an outing for a non-driver, baby sitting, plant sitting, pet sitting, grandmother
sitting, window washing, leaf raking, hedge clipping, garden rotatilling, clumps of perennials from your garden, snow shoveling, use or your pickup truck, use of a log splitter, oil change and filter, sewing, hemming, knitting, basket of homemade jams, wash and waxing a car, kitchen help for your party, creation of a personal web site, computer lesson, calligraphy for invitations, use of a cottage for a weekend or longer, provide music for a gathering.  What are your talents?  Be creative!  Use your imagination.

Start thinking what you can do!  For more information talk to Trudie.

Fill out the form below if you already know what talent you can offer and put it into the Historian/Public Relations mailslot or hand to me.

Name________________________________

Phone________________________________

Talent or Service_______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Please....If you have not completed the service you sold last year.....DO IT NOW!!!

Faith Mountain - Vacation Bible School

Live to the EXTREME!  Faith Mountain Vacation Bible School.
For children entering kindergarten to entering 6^th grade.

July 29th to August 2nd - 9:00am to 12:15pm - Jaffrey Bible Church

For details call: Days - JBC 532-6931, Evenings - Nita Theriault 532-8207

Faith Walk 2002

Partnering to pass on Faith - The most exciting event in Christian Education for New Hampshire in 2002!

         Date: Saturday, November 16, 2002
        Time: 8:00^am-4:30^pm
    Location: Brookside Congregational Church - Manchester NH
Registration: $25 (includes refreshments)

Dr. Richard Hardel - Search Institute's 40 Assets
Miriam Campbell - ECLA's Take it to Heart

Worship - Roundtables - 18 Workshops - Childcare - Exhibitors - Book Sales - Video Sales

Contact: Angelika McNeil
   Call: (603)673-0753
 E-mail: JMcNeil@adelphia.net

Sponsored by the NH Council of Churches and its affiliated organizations