Scripture - Jeremiah 31:7-14   Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon:  U.S. Christians

Ushers: Phyllis and Harry Groezinger
Lay Reader: Craig Clarke
Acolyte: Melissa Melhorn

January 12 – Celebrating the Baptism of Christ

Scripture - Mark 1:4-11    1Corinthians 6:12-20

Sermon:  Rated PG-13, Parental Discretion Advised

Ushers: Rick and Janet Kohlmorgen
Lay Reader: Elaine Pratt
Acolyte: Micheal Skowronek

January 19 – Martin Luther King Sunday – Annual Meeting after Worship

Scripture:  Psalm 139

Sermon:  If I had sneezed

Ushers: Doug Popp and Mark Warner
Lay Reader: Arthur Fitzwater
Acolyte: Elise Perry

January 26 – Dedication of Church Leaders

Scripture:  Mark 1:14-20     2 Corinthians 4:1-12

Sermon:  Who will I be in 2003

Ushers: Ethan and Michelle Perry
Lay Reader: Emily Melhorn
Acolyte: Emily Thomas

Church Council Meeting
Thursday, December 12, 2002

Present:  Mark Warner, Don and Janet Umlauf, Bernice and Marty Ferwerda, Janet Goodrich, Jim Melhorn, Jane Hannon, Sue Casey

Don called the meeting to order at 7:15^pm with Rev. Melhorn offering the opening prayer.

The November council minutes were read and approved with the annual meeting date corrected to January 19, 2003.  The organizational “All Committee” meeting will be held on January 23, 2003.

All council member e-mail addresses have been confirmed.

The treasurer’s report was accepted as presented by Jane Hannon and the collector’s report approved as presented by Janet Umlauf.  It was noted that 87% of the pledges have been received.  However, plate collections are substantially less than previous years’ receipts.

Various committee reports were accepted as presented.  Discussion was held to a minimum to allow sufficient time to finalize the 2003 budget. 

Mark Warner reported the contract for siding the parsonage has been signed with work on the siding and renovations to begin in January.

The by-law committee has made significant progress in reviewing the constitution and by-laws.  The council will review their suggested revisions beginning in March.  There will be a tentative meeting in May at which time they will present their report to the congregation for approval. 

Christian Education anticipates delivery of the partitions in 2 ½ weeks.  Because this will be a tailgate delivery, we’ll need assistance in moving them into the vestry. 

Deacons have requested the names of individuals who would like to receive tapes of the Sunday services.  Individuals who are willing to deliver the taped services to the recipients are asked to speak with one of the deacons.

The Nominations committee continues to work on filling the slate of positions for the upcoming year.  After discussion it was agreed to establish an ad hoc committee to explore how to establish a stewardship program.  This group would conduct three meetings over three months for the sole purpose of gathering ideas.  Individuals interested in serving on this ad hoc committee should speak with a nominations committee member. 

Old Business: 
Annual reports from each committee, typed in ‘go-to-print’ format, should be forward to the secretary by 12/20.  Financial reports are due by 1/5/03. It was suggested a narrative form of the budget be included in addition to the traditional spreadsheet. The complete copy of the annual report will go to the printers on 1/6 and will be available on 1/12 for review prior to the annual meeting.  Don Umlauf will contact the chairmen of each committee with the above information. 

The council unanimously voted to accept the proposed 2003 budget as presented by the Trustees, with one revision.  The council unanimously voted to establish a discretionary fund for the purpose of benevolence at the discretion of the pastor.  The initial source for this fund would be the unexpended resources available from the pastor’s discretionary line item for 2002.

The next meeting of the council will be on Thursday, January 23 at 7^pm.

The meeting adjourned at 8:50^pm following the closing prayer. 

Repectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Happy Birthday

       January  2 - Ruth Lambert     January 14 - Steve Bolduc
       January  7 - Ed Brummer       January 14 - Nancy Sholl
       January 11 - Martha Gilroy    January 24 - Asa Clark
       January 12 - Chuck Mathis     January 25 - George Carmicheal
       January 12 - Unice Halbedel   January 28 - Kaitlin Warner
       January 12 - Farra Carmicheal

Diaconate

Deacon of the month for January is Robin Crowe.  Communion will be on January 5^th assisted by Steve Henrikson, Janet Kohlmorgen and Lois May.

Recipient for the annual Salt of the Earth was determined.  This award will be presented at the annual meeting on January 19, 2003.

2002 brings to a close two terms of service as a Deacon for Lois May.  Her presence and dedication are going to be very much missed and difficult to duplicate.  Elaine Pratt will also be stepping down as a Deacon.  Her service in insuring folks get cards and flowers is going to be missed.

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 January 9^th at 6:30^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Mission Ministries Team

December 8, 2002 meeting

Present: Marty Ferwerda, Penny Chace, Betty Chenausky, Alice Zwart

Marty read several letters from organizations desiring support, Betty took home to read & decide if
we should support some of these in the coming year.

Discussed bulletin board, Marty stated that when the new room dividers arrive, we will possibly get
another board (one of the old dividers) to post announcements on, etc. Also, website that Steve
Henrikson maintains has lots of information on what our committee has going on, (all church)
members are encouraged to check this out!

Discussed budget items & remaining dollars left for this year, decision was made to send money to
Samaritan's Purse.

Marty asked if those current members of our team are willing to serve next year, all current members
said yes.

Discussed Heifer Project as a possibility for church support during 2003.

Date for next month's meeting was not firmed up, to be decided at a later date.

Respectfully submitted,
Penny Chace

Christian Education Committee

December 8, 2002

Present: Mary Sawyer, Michelle Cormier, Bernice Ferwerda, Phyllis Ames, Cindy Melhorn, Doug
Popp

Bernice opened our meeting with prayer.

Our 2003 budget has been presented to Council.  We have not been given any decision on it as of
yet.  The portable room dividers have been ordered and payment sent.  At the time of delivery
someone must be at church to receive them.

Christmas gifts for Church School children was discussed.  Bernice will represent Christian Ed. At
next Council meeting as Mary Sawyer cannot attend.

It was suggested we have our 3^rd and 4^th graders set up the Nativity scene.  Their teacher Vickie
Skowronek will supervise.  This activity will be a yearly one for our 3^rd and 4^th graders.

Church school Christmas program is all planned.  Cindy Melhorn will find costumes for the
participants.  "Come to the Table" plans will begin in January.  Adult Education: both study groups are
going well.  Youth Groups: Doug Popp is investigating some new curriculum for the groups.  Men's
Club has voted to give $2000 for our youth programs in 2003.  This funding also includes support for
Boy Scouts and for providing funds to send youth delegates to summer work camps.  Doug will meet
with parents on Monday, Dec. 9^th at 7:00^pm to discuss the work camp programs.

Bernice is working on our Annual Report.  Gift-giving and recognition awards were discussed.

Cindy Melhorn closed the meeting with prayer.

Next Christian Ed. Meeting will be on January 12^th following our regular church service

Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis Ames

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee did not meet in December. 

It is with regret that we must say so long to Susan Casey.  She has completed two terms and based
on our by-laws must take at least a year off.  Susan has been the motivating force behind this
committee and her zeal will be missed.  Janet Kohlmorgen is also stepping down to attend to personal
issues.  Janet has been a real plus on the committee by committing to the Welcome Basket and
graciously providing meeting accommodations.

Next Membership Committee meeting will be January 2^nd at 7:00^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Public Relations

Because I will be flying south soon with all the other snowbirds, I would appreciate if all interesting photos and newspaper articles of happenings while I am away will be put into my PR mailbox at church.

Trudie Kalinen

 Tee Shirts Etc.

We have a large inventory of polo shirts, tee shirts, sweatshirts and tote bags with our church logo on them. They are in the front hall closet in marked boxes. If you would like to purchase something, help yourself andgive the money to Jan Umlauf. A nice warm sweatshirt would feel really great right now! And how about a sturdy, washable tote to carry your shoes when you're wearing boots?

Thank you, Trudie Kalinen

Information Update

Please complete and return the enclosed survey, as soon as possible.  We are trying to update the church files and would appreciate everyone's cooperation.

Thank You,  Dee Boucher, Secretary

The name and address on this Deaconer label was correct:

Yes  _______   Family Name:  ______________________

No - Please change to:

    Name:   ___________________________

    Street:   ___________________________       PO Box  __________

    City:      ___________________________       State:  ________        Zip:  _________

Phone Number:  ___________________       e-mail :  ___________________________

Birthdates of Family Members:

Name           Month    Day   Year (optional)           Name           Month    Day   Year (optional)
_________________________________            _________________________________
_________________________________            _________________________________

I (we) am  ____  am not ____ a member of the church.

I (we) would like to be included on the PRAYER CHAIN  ________

Please include the following name(s) on the PRAYER LIST: (person does not need to be a church member)
 _____________________________________
 _____________________________________

I (we) would like a visit from the pastor:  _______________

Do you know a family or individual who would like an invitation to attend a service?  __ 
(Who)  __________________________

Do you know someone else who would like to receive a copy of the Deaconer?

    Name:   ___________________________

    Street:   ___________________________       PO Box  __________

    City:      ___________________________       State:  ________        Zip:  _________

What committees or activities would you like to become involved in?  What other activities should our Church pursue?  Please feel free to add additional information or comments.

___ Bldgs & Grounds   ___ Christian Ed   ___ Collector  ___  Choir  ___ Deacons 
___  Delegates    ___  Historian   ___ LVA /  EC  ___  Membership    ___  Men’s Club 
___  Missions     ___   Music  ___  Nominating   ___ Pastoral Relations   ___  Publicity 
___  Stewardship   ___  Treasurer   ___  Trustees
__  Other (Please list)

I (we) are currently involved with the following committees or groups in the church:
_____________________________       _____________________________
_____________________________       ______________________________
_____________________________       ______________________________

Please drop this form in the Collection Plate or mail to:

      First Congregational Church
      PO Box 451
      Rindge, NH  03461 

Thanks for your help

2003 Annual Meeting - Warrant

---

First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
Rindge, New Hampshire

Church Clerk                                                                                                          899-5780
Janet Goodrich                                                                                   21Paradise Island Road
                                                                                                                            Rindge, NH 

To the members of the First Congregational Church and Society of the United Church of Christ in Rindge, New Hampshire qualified to vote in Church affairs:

You are hereby notified to meet in the Sanctuary on Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 11:30^am to hear and transact the following business:

Article I      To hear and act upon all reports of Officers and Committees

Article II     To choose all necessary Officers and Committee Members for their delegated terms

Article III    To adopt the budget for the Fiscal Year 2003

Article IV    To act upon any other business that may legally come before this meeting

Given this 5^th day of January, in the year of our Lord 2003