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 Meeting
Sunday, October 6, 2002

Present:  Don Umlauf, Mark Warner, Sue Casey, Janet Goodrich, Jane Hannon, Marty Ferwerda, Norm May, Mary Sawyer, MaryLu Mathis, Jim Melhorn, Robin Crowe

An informal meeting of the Church council was held in the Sanctuary following the church service in preparation for the Rindge 2020 programs to be held the following weekend.  On Friday evening, October 11, Norm, Sue, and MaryLu will be available in the Sanctuary to greet community members touring the renovated Meeting House.  In addition, our organist will play the organ during that time.  Jane Hannon will have copies of the original brochure available for distribution and Sue will have copies of the revised one on hand as well.   Norm will call the coordinators to confirm who will do what and when.

Church Council Meeting
Thursday, October 17, 2002

Present:  MaryLu Mathis, Janet Umlauf, Mary Sawyer, Jim Melhorn, Don Umlauf, Jane Hannon, Doug Popp, Sue Casey, Janet Goodrich.

Don Umlauf called the meeting to order at 7:00^pm and Jim offered the opening prayer.

Jim began the meeting with an update on the “Twelve Keys”, noting that “Mission”, “Worship”, and “Visitation” have been completed.  The next ‘key’ to be addressed is “Community”, which the council viewed as one of our significant strengths.  Jim noted it is community, not committee, which creates a sense of belonging among parishioners.  Research has studied the different types of groups that are found within a church community and explored the role both the established and the newly evolving groups play in church growth. The council identified several existing cohesive groups and brainstormed other potential ways of bringing people together around a common need or interest.  

Don read correspondence from the UCC Conference requesting an increase in our church’s pledge in order for the conference to maintain its currently reduced level of service.  The letter will be forwarded to the Mission Ministry Team.

Collector’s Report was accepted as presented by Jan Umlauf.  She noted that 70.9% of pledges have been received to date, approximately $1549 below the anticipated level of giving.

Treasurer’s Report was read and accepted.  Jane Hannon noted the check from the town for the land sale has been received.  She noted the carpet budget was $20.22 shy of the final cost for completing the carpeting.  The council approved the expenditure of $20.22 from the Hosey and Skillman Building Restoration Fund for that purpose.   

Buildings and Grounds:  Mary Sawyer advised the council that there are structural concerns about the kitchen sink unit which will require their eventual replacement / repair.  Fund sources for that eventuality need to be researched. Revisions were made to the written building and grounds minutes indicating that the proposed budge is several hundred dollars lower than last year’s.  It is anticipated that we will be receiving a bid from Mike Alice for the proposed renovations to the parsonage.  Many thanks to Harry Groezinger for the repairs to the parsonage’s cellar windows.   The council discussed the condition of the ceiling tiles in the vestry, hall and office areas.  It was agreed that additional bids should be sought in an effort to bring the ceiling area up to code.  In addition there was discussion about the need for Sunday School space.  Additional research is needed on how we can maximize our existing space. Sue Casey will provide information about options for partitions to Bernice Ferwerda and Mark Warner.

The council agreed that we need to review the specific guidelines for the various funds that have been established.  Don will bring the topic for discussion  to the Trustees.  In addition we need to review / develop protocols for the development of any new funds that may be established and for communicating with the family parties afterwards.

The November council meeting will include an update on the by-law review process.

Sue Casey noted we have six individuals participating in new member classes.  They will be welcomed into the church on Nov. 3.   There will also be a potluck lunch, men’s breakfast and a baptism that day.

Stewardship:  Jane Hannon and Jan Umlauf have drafted the stewardship letters to go out on Nov. 10 with a return date by Nov. 24. Members of key committees will be asked to make outreach calls to parishioners to insure they received their stewardship letters and encouraging them to return them by Nov. 24.

LVA:  Flossie reported Barbara Wells has completed the financial report.  $2000 had been earmarked for the church, $100 for the CROP walk, and $100 for the Neighbors in Need collection.

Men’s Club:  The next breakfast is Nov. 3.  The program discussion will focus on defining the direction of the organization.  On Nov. 9 they will help with the Boy Scouts spaghetti supper.  Doug Popp noted that additional new tables and chairs are going to be purchased.

Crop Walk:  Additional helpers are needed to put up signs, man the rest stops, clean up, and bake cookies.  Hannaford is donating bottled water.  A local business will be contacted to see if any donations of apples are available.

All Committee minutes were read and approved with a correction to a typo in the Council minutes report of the treasurer.  

New Business:  Budget information will given out to committees by Nov. 1.  Reports are to be returned to the trustees ASAP.

Council voted to request a level funded budget for the upcoming year.

Community Outreach:  MaryLu noted the generous food pantry donations from several of our local businesses.  She also shared a written message from the new bakery/café Panera in Keene noting their strong commitment to community outreach through their donations to programs to feed the hungry, etc.

The meeting concluded at 8:45^pm with the Lord’s Prayer. 

Repectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Happy Birthday

       November 8  - Doug Kabat        November 17 - Virginia Anderson
       November 13 - Craig Clark       November 26 - Colin Bolduc
       November 15 - Bernice Martin

Diaconate

Deacon for the month of November is Elaine Pratt. Communion will be on November 3rd assisted by Stephen Chace, Robin Crowe and Steve Henrikson. 

The tape system components are in!! We will be setting up the system and producing tape very soon. If you or someone you know would benefit from receiving a tape, please let Jim or a member of the Deacons know.

We continue look for folks to sign up for Ushers and Greeters. 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. 

Next Deacon's meeting will be November 14^th at 6:30^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Membership

The Membership Committee did not meet in October. 

However, that did not mean that the work of the committee did not take place. Janet Kohlmorgen is in the process of getting logo'd mugs to be put in the Welcome Basket. New Member classes were held on October 6^th, 13^th and 20^th with New Member Sunday being November 3^rd. A Potluck luncheon will follow the service.

As always, the web page continues to grow - http://rindge.nhcucc.org/

The next meeting date is November 7^th.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Buildings and Grounds Committee

The meeting was called to order at 6:35^pm by Chair Norm May.

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

Mary offered the opening prayer.

Minutes of the September meeting were accepted as printed. Copy to file.

We have been somewhat discouraged with the lack of bids from a number of contractors related to the parsonage room addition work. We will follow up by contacting each contractor again to attempt to stimulate bids.

We are also pursuing bids for parsonage siding and replacement of vestry and pastor's office ceilings.

The church building will be the focus of the project "2020" activities on Friday, October 18 and Sunday, October 20. Details are being developed.

Reverend Melhorn requested that, possibly as part of the parsonage room renovation work, we also install three new parsonage basement windows, which are in very bad condition. We will pursue that request.

Mary submitted to the group the draft of a 2003 B&G budget, based on 2002 budget and 2002 projected actuals. The draft was approved. Mary will discuss the details with Jane Hannon, Treasurer, prior to submission to Trustees for consideration. We are very pleased that the proposed budget is several thousand dollars lower than last year's budget.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 14. Norm will offer the opening prayer.

Meeting adjourned at 8:12^pm.

Submitted by,
Mary Sawyer

Christian Education Committee

October 13, 2002 

Opened with prayer by Benice Ferwerda at 11:20^am

In attendance were Mary Sawyer, Robin Crowe, Jennifer Skelton, Cindy Melhorn, Bernice Ferwerda and Douglas Popp.

It was decided to send thank you notes to Sue Campbell and Pat Pierce.

It was reported that Council would consider a gate for the Nursery area pending pricing.  Jennifer to look into pricing.

Bernice reported handing out invitations to the Good News Club at school.  The question was asked whether Pastor Jim needed to be in the loop for things like this.  We initially decided to ask Jim what he thought, however, after later discussion it was decided that we should discuss at one more meeting.

Process continuing to purchase dividers – considering local sources due to shipping costs.

Christmas Program:  Cindy ordered a book of youth worship services for ideas.

Funds were approved for taking the youth group to see Jonah and the Big Fish.

It was reported that both Bible studies were going well.

Bernice stressed the importance of having the monthly meetings, even if she could not attend as we didn’t have a September meeting.

Drafted a proposed FY 2003 budget.

Doug Popp closed with prayer at 12:30

Respectfully submitted,
Douglas Popp

Mission Ministries Team

The Mission Ministries Team met on October 13 and discussed the following:

Prayer Chain - Update to be coming out soon.

Mission Moments - To be resumed soon.

Missions Pot Luck Supper - About 24 people were in attendance, a total of $48.00 was received through the freewill offering to go to Toah-Nipi for the Scholarship Fund, to help a student in need.

Budget items - Discussed which organizations we will support.

The Empty Bowl Project (November 16) - Marty will put a bowl in the sanctuary for people to put  change in & will promote through announcements to the congregation. Money collected will go to support the Keene Community Kitchen 

Next meeting will be on November 10 after morning service.

Respectfully submitted,
Penny Chace

Worship Schedule for November

Nov 3 – Membership Sunday – a celebration of membership, the reception of new members, a remembrance of the Saints of the church, and infant baptism.  The Joyful Noise bell choir will play

Worship will be followed by a pot luck lunch reception for our new members.

Scripture:  Matthew 23:1-15   1 John 3:1-3
Sermon:  “Hypocrites”

Scripture:  Josh 24:1-25 
                  1 Thess. 4:1-12
Sermon:  “A Yankee Dollar”

Scripture:  Matthew 25:14-30
Sermon:  “Risky Business”

Scripture:  Ephesians 1:3-14 
                Matthew 25:31-46
Sermon:  “Refresh My Memory”

Membership Recognition Day

All Saint’s Day, Sunday, November 3, 2002, will be a special day in the life of our Church.  We invite you to join us in worship as we celebrate the baptism of Samantha Lee Harvey, granddaughter of Dale & Sandy Pyer; welcome new members into our Church Family; recognize folks who joined our church in a year ending in 01 or 02; and share in a time of remembrance for the members of our church family who passed within the years 2001-2002. 

Following the service, instead of “coffee hour” fellowship, we will be having a Pot-Luck Luncheon.  On display will be  “membership books” from times long passed as well as some of the photo albums recording the more recent happenings in the life of the First Congregational Church & Society.  The Membership Committee will be displaying the new Community “Welcome Basket”.  Our Website will be up on the screen for you to check out and we will also be showing the recent video series “Celebrate” on the TV/VCR.

If you will be joining us for the Pot Luck Luncheon (and we hope you can), we ask that you bring a casserole or salad for your family plus four.  Drinks and dessert will be provided.   We will make sure the oven is warm, and will have space available for crock-pots. 

Please join us for day where we can worship and celebrate blessings together.  If you have any questions, please contact Susan Casey @ 899-6161 or Rev. Jim @ 899-5722

Thanksgiving Eve Service A  Community Wide Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held on November 27th.  This service will include all churches in our community.  Details are still being discussed  and information will be available soon as to time and location.  The collection generally goes to the Rindge Food Pantry.  Please save this date and look for an announcement in our local papers

Snowflake Fair Our annual SNOWFLAKE FAIR will be held on November 30th from 9am until 2pm.  We will have are usual variety of crafts, baked goods and hand made wreaths, along with a wonderful lunch.  Of course, we can’t forget SANTA CLAUS.  Please plan to join us for a wonderful time.

Wreath Making We will collect greens on Friday, November 1st and begin making wreaths on Saturday, November 2nd at the Cathedral House.  If anyone would like to help with either the fair or making wreaths, please call Lois May at 899-6651.  We actually have a great time at both events.

Give God the Best

“I will not offer God sacrifices that cost me  nothing,” II Samuel 24:24

Knowing the quality of life made possible by the power of God, David is not about to give less than his best – something possible for all of us, and irrepressible when we know our own blessing.  He is not about to make an offering to God that, in effect, costs him nothing.

Please give careful consideration to your pledge so that we may continue with our current programs. Currently our pledges support Christian Education and our Worship and Music Programs. (39%)  All other areas (including our cost of operating the Church Building) must be covered by plate collections, endowment interest, fund raising and other gifts (61%).

Meeting House Renovations

Recently, the town, Franklin Pierce College, and our church participated in a celebration of the Meeting House renovation and repairs.  These included new siding, a sprinkler system, new floors in the vestibule and “Town Hall”, as well as, lights on the front.  Also the two front doors now open outwards, as they should.  Most recently due to the kindness and generosity of Don Smith, new carpeting was installed in the vestry, Pastor’s office and hallway.  The Pastor’s office was painted with the help of Dave Marr whom we should thank greatly.

Now we (the townspeople and members of the Rindge Congregational Church) have a building we can be proud of and one, which we should keep in good repair always.

There are many others to thank including the church officers, the town officers, and the Ward Fund Committee, not to mention the taxpayers of the Town of Rindge.  I’ll be finishing up my 6 years as a member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, formerly the Prudential Committee.  My greatest 
reward was to see the building brought back to the beautiful ediface it is now.

Thank you, 
Norman May - Chairman

Turkey Supper

A very successful Turkey Supper was held on October 26th .   Robin Crowe and Jennifer Skelton were co-chairs and did an excellent job.  Thanks to Robin, Jennifer, and the fantastic women’s support crew  who provided assistance.  The Supper had a net profit of $933.09 (not bad ladies).

Usher & Greeter Duties

Greeters Duties

1. Arrive at 9:30.

2. Stand in the entryway and greet all who arrive.

3. Remain until 10:00 or until there are no more arriving.  Check the parking area to see if there are any late arrivals.

4. During the colder months, just before you enter the sanctuary, close the stairwell doors to keep the cold draft from entering the sanctuary.

1. Arrive at 9:30.

2. Hand out bulletins to people entering the sanctuary.  Where appropriate, make sure they know we have large print bulletins and hearing devices.  Offer to escort them to their seat is they would like.

3. Count the number of adults and children.  It usually works best to count the children (and adults) as they exit for Sunday School, and then count the remaining adults and children in the sanctuary.  Don’t forget those who are already downstairs, the choir, the pastor and yourselves.  Record the totals in the Attendance Book located in the small speakers podium located in the rear of the sanctuary.

4. After the children have gone to Sunday School, close the doors between the narthex and the sanctuary.  This help to insulate any “noise” that may come from downstairs as well as minimize drafts during the colder months.  It also provides an enclosed space for anyone who wishes to leave the sanctuary but remain in the narthex to hear the service through the speaker in the narthex (fussy child, coughing, etc.).

5. Bring the list of name on the Prayer List (located on the small speakers podium) to the minister when called for if the pastor hasn’t already brought it up.  The preferred time is during the Passing of the Peace.

6. At the appropriate time, go to the front of the sanctuary to receive the collection plates for the offertory from the minister.  Proceed up the center aisle and pass the plate row by row in unison.  It is not necessary to be in unison for the outside aisles as they are not evenly populated.  Remain at the back of the sanctuary until the musical response is started.  Proceed down the aisle and give the offering to the minister.  Remain until the minister indicates you should return to the back of the sanctuary.

 
7. During the last hymn, open the doors between the sanctuary and narthex.