Scripture:  Isaiah 55:1-5     Luke 15:1-10

Ushers: Betty Chenausky and Bernice Martin
Lay Reader: Lou Thomas
Acolyte: Michaela Crowe

December 8 – Second Sunday in Advent – Joyful Noise bell choir will participate in worship and we will sing the familiar "“ Come, O Come Emmanuel"”and learn about the seven "O” antiphons.

Scripture:  Matthew 5:23-25     2 Peter 3:8-15
Sermon:  “Where in the world”

Ushers: George and Robin Crowe
Lay Reader: Kathy Fitzwater
Acolyte: John Kohlmorgen

December 15 – Sunday School Program – Our children and youth will lead this intergenerational service filled with contemporary and traditional music, dance, drama, and more.

Ushers: Burt and Jan Goodrich
Lay Readers: SS Program
Acolyte: Elise Perry

December 22 – A Service of Lessons and Carols – based on the traditional service held each year at King’s Chapel in Cambridge, England, this service features our choir and congregational singing, along with readings from the prophet Isaiah.

Ushers: Art and Kathy Fitzwater
Lay Reader: Lessons and Carols
Acolyte: Michael Skowronek

December 24 – Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 7 PM – Featuring the sights and sounds of Christmas with traditional carols, Luke’s story of the birth of Jesus, and a message from Rev. Melhorn.

Acolyte: Emily Thomas

December 29 – Carol Singing – We will revisit the holy night through song, with an ‘ask the Pastor’ sermon and some prayerful preparation for the coming year.

Scripture:  Luke 2:22-40

Ushers: Steve Henrikson and Penny Chace
Lay Reader: Betty Chenausky
Acolyte: Lauren Kabat
 

Church Council Meeting
Thursday, November 21, 2002

Present:  Mary Sawyer, Flossie Hastings, Don and Janet Umlauf, Jane Hannon, Doug Popp, Sue Casey, Mark Warner, Bernice and Marty Ferwerda, MaryLu Mathis, Jim Melhorn and Janet Goodrich

Chairman Don Umlauf called the meeting to order at 7:10 followed by an opening prayer by Rev. Melhorn.

The October Council minutes were read and approved.

The treasurer’s report was approved as presented by Jane Hannon and the collector’s report as given by Janet Umlauf.  The percent of total pledged amount received in October was 8%.  79% of the total yearly amount pledged has been received to date, approximately $1625 less than anticipated.  Jane was authorized to pay the annual conference/association .

Written committee reports were accepted as presented.

Pastor’s Report:  Jim led a discussion of the Fifth Key, strong leadership resources. Research reports that successful churches have a 1:15 ratio of leaders to active participants.  Some of the ideas discussed were the difference between a leader and an enabler, the need for varied talents among the leaders and the quality of committee objectives.  The need for training potential leaders for their roles is essential.

Jane Hannon presented draft copies of survey and information update forms that will be included in a future newsletter once suggested revisions have been completed.

Marty Ferwerda reported that $282.13 was collected for the Empty Bowl Project which will be used to help local food pantries.  Jane, Janet U. and Marty will review the record-keeping procedures for this project.

The music committee has received a $100 donation. The council supported using the contribution to fund the purchase of music.

The nomination committee gave the council a status report on openings for next year.  Council members are asked to speak to their individual committee members and confirm they will continue to serve in that capacity next year.  Any changes should be reported to Sue Casey ASAP.  Sue noted that both the collector and assistant collector would be completing their terms of service at the end of this year.  The council briefly discussed how best to provide support to whomever serves as collector/ assistant collector next year.

The council approved the purchase of four long needed moveable partitions for the Vestry/Sunday School room.  Cash reserves will fund $2690 of the purchase.  The remaining $900 will come from the Church Restoration Fund. 

Mark Warner and Mary Sawyer provided an update on the parsonage renovation project bids. Oversight of the project will be provided by Mary Sawyer from buildings and grounds, Mark Warner from trustees and Jim Melhorn.  The trustees will meet Nov. 26 at 7PM to award the bid.

The next Men’s club breakfast will be held Dec. 8.  The group will continue discussing what the Men’s Club mission means to the church and community.

New Business:
The Snowflake Fair will be held on Nov. 30.  Men are needed to help with the set up on Friday, Nov. 29 at 9AM and the breakdown on Saturday from 3-4.  Doug Popp will send an e-mail to the Men’s Club members informing them of the need.

The Annual Church meeting will be held on January 19.  The All Committee Organization meeting will be held on 1/23.  Reports for the annual meeting are due to the secretary ASAP.

The next council meeting will be reschedule to Dec. 12.  The agenda will focus on the budget for the upcoming year.  All committees need to have their budgets to the Trustees by December 1.

Information on “Prepared to Serve” was distributed to all council members.  Favorite workshops fill quickly so members are encouraged to submit applications to Jan Goodrich as soon as possible.  The council will pay any participation fees. 

The night before Thanksgiving church service will be held at 7PM at Advent Lutheran Church.  Doug Popp will be guest preacher on Dec. 1; The Bell choir will play on Dec. 8; The Sunday School Program will be held during church on Dec. 15; Carols and Lessons Service will be held on Dec. 22.  The Christmas Eve candlelight service will be held at 7 PM.

Repectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Happy Birthday

       December 1  - Laura Henrikson      December 6  - Elizabeth Sampson
       December 2  - Trudie Kalinen       December 10 - Lynn Carmichael
       December 4  - Eric Casey           December 19 - Jacob Robie

Board of Trustees

Call to Order at 7:10^pm by Mark Warner, Chairperson.

Members Present: Art Fitzwater, Burt Goodrich, Jane Hannon, Don Umlauf

Trustee Letter to Congregation regarding Stewardship was reviewed and signed.  It will be sent out to the membership this week.

Moveable partitions for Sunday school classes were discussed and approved for purchase.  Motion will be made at next Council meeting for approval.

Reviewed two contractor proposals for renovating the existing shed addition to parsonage.  Art will speak to one contractor regarding his plan to construct a proper foundation for addition and/or removal of existing shed before building new addition.  Further consideration will be given to this matter.

Don advised looking into financing these renovations through mortgage verses outright payment because of low mortgage interest rates and the desire to maintain capitol in reserve.  Don will investigate further.

A possible Capital Campaign to cover these renovations was discussed.

Jane indicated that church department budgets should be submitted to the Trustees by December 1, 2002.  Mark indicated that the Trustees will then set meeting times with the various church boards to review their budget requests

Meeting adjourned at 8:20^pm

Respectfully, Burton Goodrich, Clerk

Diaconate

The Deacons met on November 14, 2002 at 6:30^pm in the Vestry.  Those in attendance were Stephen Chace, Steve Henrikson, Trudie Kalinen, Janet Kohlmorgen, Lois May, Elaine Pratt and Rev. Jim Melhorn.  Steve Henrikson called the meeting to order (Stephen Chace arrived a tad late).  Jim opened with a prayer.

Minutes of the October 10, 2002 meeting were reviewed and approved.

Deacon of the month for December is Stephen Chace.  Communion will be on December 1^st assisted by Robin Crowe, Steve Henrikson and Lois May.  Janet Kohlmorgen will cover as Deacon for Elaine on November 24^th. 

Jim drafted a letter and list for Ushers, which was reviewed and approved. 

Pulpit supply – We discussed the December 1^st service.  Jim indicated that Doug Popp will do the sermon on that Sunday.  We will need someone to act as “Master of Ceremony” to help facilitate the whole service.  Stephen will conduct the Communion – the elements will be previously consecrated so that the Deacons can perform the sacrament.

Coffee Hour – we are good up to the last two weeks of December.

Flowers and Cards – Elaine indicated that she had sent cards to Peg Goddard, Brenda Perry (in Belgium) and Andy at the transfer station.  She also sent cards to the Bolduc’s and O’Day’s that we miss them.  Stephen indicated that his grandmother had passed away and that it was good that they did not delay their recent trip to see her. 

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Mission Ministries Team

The Missions Team met on Nov. 10 & discussed the following:

Prayer chain list has been revised & the new lists are available on the back table in the sanctuary.

Thank you notes have been sent to those that have donated time resources to the Crop Walk.

Budget items for 2002 & upcoming items for 2003, as well as organizations to be supported.

Hat/Mitten tree to be promoted again this year, with the items going to Warming Families, an organization that supports southern NH & northern Mass. homeless shelters.

The Empty Bowl project - looked like a good collection was received, Marty to count the change & report the total at a later date.  Marty will take a check for the amount to the Keene Community Kitchen on November 16^th.

Meeting for next month to be held on December 8^th after service.

Respectfully submitted,
Penny Chace

Buildings and Grounds Committee

The meeting was called to order at 6:45^pm by Chair Norm May. Present were: Norm, Arthur Fitzwater, and Mary Sawyer.

Norm opened with prayer.

The group discussed the 2003 B&G Budget, and the fact that it is in the hands of Trustees for approval.

Norm reported that Allen & Matthewson had responded to a no heat call.

The Rindge Recreation group has been contacted regarding routine rewaxing of the Meeting Room floor, to keep it in good condition.

Mary reported that the new Sanctuary Use Policy should be ready for presentation to the group at next month's meeting.

Mary advised that Harry Groezinger had repaired and replaced a broken window in the parsonage basement. Our thanks to Harry.

Two bids have been received for the parsonage room job, and have been forwarded to Trustees for their consideration. Trustees will also be reviewing bids for the parsonage siding job.

Arthur will open the December 12 meeting with prayer.

Meeting adjourned at 7:25^pm

Mary Sawyer, for the Committee

Christian Education Committee

November 10, 2002

Present: Bernice Ferwerda, Mary Sawyer, Phyllis Ames, Doug Popp, Cindy Melhorn, Jennifer Skelton.

Bernice opened meeting with prayer.  Requested that Phyllis send a Thank you note to Sue Campbell for her donation to the Library Cart.  Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.  Discussion concerning “Good News Club”.  Bernice read their mission statement.  Christian Ed should make sure that Rev. Melhorn be kept apprised of all Christian Ed discussions even if he is unable to attend meetings.

Proposed Budget for 2003 was prepared by Bernice and sheets with all figures given out.  We have some large increases.  Bernice will meet with the Trustees (and also with Cindy Melhorn) to discuss this subject.

The Church School is going well.  In case of an absence of any Church School teacher, Cindy Melhorn needs to be notified so that she can arrange coverage.  There are three subs for nursery school:  Kathy Fitzwater, Doug Popp and Michele Cormier.

Bernice, Doug and Phyllis will meet Tuesday, November 12^th, to discuss the purchase of room dividers.

Bible Study groups are going well.

Cindy Melhorn is working on a Church School Christmas Program.

Youth Group: 20 youths attended the movie “Jonah and the Big Fish.”  They loved it.  There will be a Youth Work Camp this summer in Portsmouth, NH.  We would like to send 2 or 3 to this project – the cost is $380 per student.  Doug Popp will be meet with parents to discuss this.

The Christian Ed committee should start planning another “Come to the Table” for the spring.  We will speak to June O’Day and Lois May, who were the chief planers of the last event.  Cindy and Phyllis will help Jim Melhorn with the planning. 

Doug Popp will concentrate on the High School Youth Group, hopefully with help from volunteers.

There being no further business the meeting was closed with prayer by Phyllis. 

Next Meeting: December 8^th, following the church service.

Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis Ames

Membership

The Membership Committee met on November 7, 2002 at 6:30^pm in the vestry.  Those in attendance were Susan Casey, Steve Henrikson and Jim Melhorn.

The New Member classes and All Saint’s Day celebration were considered a great success. 

We briefly discussed the logo mug, which is the final piece of the Welcome Basket.  Mugs are on order.

Susan talked about this being her last year on the committee.  We discussed potential candidates for the committee. 

Steve did his usual update on the web site.

Next meeting will be January 2, 2003 at 6:30pm in the Vestry (there will be no December meeting).

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

LVA / EC Annual Christmas Party The LVA / EC will hold their Annual Christmas Party on December 16th at 6pm.  (SNOW DATE – December 17th) at Jane Hannon’s home (11 Swan Point Road).  All women in the church are invited to attend.  A potluck Dinner will be served.  Please bring a gift for our “Yankee Swap” and 2 or 3 personal items (tooth paste, grooming products, personal hygiene, etc) for the Rindge Food Pantry.  Everyone will be asked to bring a casserole dish, appetizer, salad, or dessert – sign up sheets will be available at church.  Please RSVP by calling  Lois May (899-6651) or Jane Hannon (899-5789).

Rindge Food Pantry

The Rindge Food Pantry is looking to all of us to help provide some of the necessities to those of our neighbors who are in need.  Most of us do quite well, but open your eyes and you will see many who need a helping hand – many people hide their difficulties very well and we need to look a little harder to find some of the real needs.  Please be as generous as possible –a few canned goods, paper products or packaged foods will hardly be missed from your cabinets – but think what a difference they may make to others.  This time of the year is especially difficult for many people in our area.  Money donations are gladly accepted and used to purchase things that are overlooked.    Items may be left upstairs at the church, as well as at several retail locations in town.  This is a combined effort by all people in our community.

Christmas Poinsettias

Christmas flowers are a wonderful way to remember family members or friends who are no longer with us.  It is also a nice way to remember how blessed we are and to honor our children and family who are with us.  A list of memorials will be published in the bulletin before Christmas. 

The poinsettias will adorn our Sanctuary during the Advent Season and will be enjoyed by all who visit us.  After Christmas Sunday, people may either take their plants home or have them delivered to friends or nursing homes. 

The plants are only $10.  A form is included in this Deaconer and should be completed and sent to Barbara Wells, along with $10 and the memorial information.  You may also call Barbara at 899-5460 (early evenings best). 
 

Cookbooks for Christmas Giving

The EC/LVA still has cookbooks for sale. These cookbooks are only $10 and will be available after church or by calling Jane Hannon at 899-5789.  The recipes are from members of our church and offer a great assortment of satisfying items.  Just think – you can avoid the crowded stores and have a unique gift, or stocking stuffer, for many on your list.

Parsonage Construction

At their November meeting, Council approved money for the addition of a room and bath in the breezeway of the parsonage.  A contract for vinyl siding of the parsonage exterior was also awarded.  Work will start shortly on these exciting projects.

Pledges

At their November meeting, Council approved money for the addition of a room and bath in the breezeway of the parsonage.  A contract for vinyl siding of the parsonage exterior was also awarded.  Work will start shortly on these exciting projects.

Annual Reports

The Annual Report will soon be due.  Start to plan this report now so that it will be available by January 2^nd.    The Annual Meeting will be held on January 19^th. 

Prepared to Serve

Prepared to Serve IX will be held on February 8, 2003.  (Deadline for registration is January 15^th.)  The church will pick-up the cost for anyone wishing to attend.  Many informative workshops are available.  Packets are available at the back of the church.  Contact Don Umlauf (899-5434) for more information.

Snowflake Fair

The Annual Snowflake Fair was held on Saturday, November 30th.  The fair is put on by the Evening Circle / Ladies Vestry Association.  Fresh Balsam wreaths were their normal success (both plain and decorated were available).  Christmas decorations, hand knitted items and home made baked goods drew their usual attention.  Vintage Linens were new this year and showed much interest.  The Silent Auction was full of activity and very successful.  Rada knives and Church Cookbooks were available.  A wonderful lunch was also served.  A king-sized quilt (patriotic flags of reds, blues, and whites) was raffled and won by a very pleased, Judy Unger-Clark.  Santa made his appearance and delighted many excited children.

This year the fair earned a record amount (over $6,000).  Money from this fair supports many worthy causes within the community and also makes a substantial donation toward the church budget.

From March to November, many women meet each Monday night to work on the craft items.  If you are interested in this type of activity, please contact Lois May at 899-6651.  We actually have fun while creating some great items (we have all levels of ability and are willing to teach those who do not have much experience).

Thanks to all who participated and helped by working or donating items.  Thanks also to all of the shoppers, who supported the event so well.  And a special thanks to Santa who took time from his busy schedule.