The ‘shadow side’ of the placebo (Latin for ‘I will please’) effect is the nocebo (Latin for ‘I will harm’) effect, also noticed by researchers.  In these studies, patients who think they are likely to get sick do get sick more often than those who think they are perfectly healthy.  It seems as though the body has the ability to hurt itself as well as to heal itself.

     There is a lot of talk among mainline churches these days about growth and renewal.  Since the 1960’s, mainline Protestant churches have seen a steady, progressive drop in membership.  The reasons for this decline are many, and (pardon my oversimplification) include broad changes in society, a lack of responsiveness and understanding of people’s needs and desires among the large, national denominations, and a general shift away from ‘traditional’ church and worship toward more ‘non-traditional’ forms.  The church growth movement has come out of the realization that, if denominations do nothing and stay the course, they will eventually dry up and cease to exist.

     There is, however, a certain desperation to this type of call for growth, and it reminds me very much of this nocebo effect.  Churches assume they are dying, and so they either want to fight off death for as long as possible, or they want to go out as painlessly as possible.  Churches want to grow so that they can meet the budget, offer more programs, have a better church choir, or make the pews look more filled up on a Sunday morning.  I think they are missing the point.

     Our own Long Range Planning committee is looking at growth, so you might assume that we are a church like all the others, fighting tooth and nail to stay alive as long as possible.  But you would be wrong.  I think we are concerned about growth not as an act of survival, but as an act of love.  We are beginning to reach out to the community around us in new and exciting ways, because that is what we are called to do as Christ’s disciples.  In fact, rather than self-preservation, we are focusing on self-giving.  And that is what being Christ’s church is all about.  We have as our example Jesus Christ himself, who gave until there was nothing left to give.  As Paul says, Jesus ‘emptied himself’ on the cross, and in doing so, received the great gift of everlasting life.

     As we begin this New Year, please pray for all those who lead this church, all those who have accepted responsibility for its vision, purpose, and growth.  We can all do something for the future and vision of this church, even if we don’t sit on a committee.  We can greet the stranger, welcome the visitor, and include the outsider.  Those signs of health in our church family are things we already do well.  While the ‘medicine’ of Long Range Planning may cure the sickness, the ‘placebo’ of friendliness is already promoting the health of our congregation

Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 19, 2003

Moderator Steve Henrikson called the meeting to order at 11:33 A.M. with a moment of prayer.  Forty-five members were in attendance. 

Article 1: To hear and act upon all reports of Officers and Committees 

Burt Goodrich motioned and Doug Popp seconded to accept reports as presented in the annual report.  Approved unanimously with a correction in the spelling of the organist’s name.  Bernice Ferwerda noted with great appreciation the efforts put forth by those who prepared the annual report, making it available to the membership in advance of the annual meeting.  Norman May inquired whether or not our by-laws call for the report to be made available one week in advance of the session.  Pastor Jim informed us that they do not but the by-law review committee could discuss that option.  Mary Jane Sawyer thanked treasurer Jane Hannon for including the additional memorial fund information.  Tony D'Ambrosio expressed appreciation for the readability of the document.   Don Umlauf spoke about the challenges faced by those preparing the financial information within the timelines currently in place.  Sue Casey reminded the congregation about similar discussions in the past about the timing of the annual meeting.  If the annual meeting were scheduled in February, committees would be inactive for a significant block of time under the by laws as currently written.  Moderator Henrikson noted that the “timing” topic will be reviewed by the council and the by-law review committee.

Article 2:  to choose all necessary Officers and Committee Members for their delegated terms 

Nominating Committee Chairwoman Sue Casey noted that the positions of Collector and Assistant Collector were still open for nominations.  Anyone willing to serve in either capacity should speak with the nominating committee as soon as possible.  Positions are also available on the Stewardship committee.  Steve Chace nominated and Doug Popp seconded Penny Chace for the open deacon’s position.  Craig Clark motioned and Burt Goodrich seconded that the clerk cast one ballot for the slate of nominations as presented in the annual report and from the floor.  The membership unanimously approved the motion and one vote as cast for the slate as presented.

Article 3:  To adopt the budget for the fiscal year 2003

Trustees Chairman Mark Warner motioned and Burt Goodrich seconded to accept the budget as presented in the annual report.  Following clarifying  questions asked by the membership, the budget was approved unanimously. 

Article 4: To act upon any other business that may legally come before this meeting

The congregation recognized with applause those who have served the church this past year. 

On behalf of the Deacons, Steve Chace awarded the Salt of the Earth Award to Marty and Bernice Ferwerda, recognizing their dedication and commitment to our faith and our church. 

Don Umlauf invited committee members to participate in the All Committee Meeting to be held on January 23 at 7^pm.  Christian Education Committee will arrange for childcare during that session. 

Marty Ferwerda invited all to join the Missions Ministry Team at the Souper Supper to be held Friday, January 24.

Norman May motioned and Doug Popp seconded the meeting be adjourned at 12:30^pm.

Repectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

All Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 23, 2003

Pastor Jim Melhorn called the meeting to order at 7:00^pm (New Hampshire time) with a scripture reading and prayer.   Following his words of welcome all participants were asked to introduce themselves.  All officers and committee members were invited to attend the service of dedication of church leaders on 1/26/03.  Committees were asked to meeting to review their goals for the upcoming year, to discuss the process they will follow to do that work, to elect a chairman, council representative and secretary, and to establish their meeting schedule.  Jim expressed his willingness to work with committees and attend their meetings at their request.  Don Umlauf also extended a welcome to the committee members and invited the council representatives to attend a council meeting immediately following the all-committee meeting.  Pastor Jim gave the closing prayer.

Repectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Council Meeting
Thursday, January 23, 2003

Chairman Don Umlauf called the council meeting to order at 8:15^pm. 

The minutes of the annual meeting were approved with one correction.  Written minutes from the deacons and membership committees were accepted as presented.   Council reviewed procedures for submitting committee reports and meeting dates to the secretary for inclusion in the bulletin and Deaconer.   Treasurer Jane Hannon reviewed procedures committees should follow for submitting bills for payment.   Committees are asked to e-mail copies of minutes, meeting dates, etc. to Steve Henrikson so they can be included on the church’s web site.  Written copies of the guidelines were made available.  The collector’s report was accepted as presented.  The trustees will appoint an interim collector until the position is formally filled.  14% of the pledged amounts were collected in December.  100.4% of the pledges for 2002 were collected. 

The meeting adjourned at 9:00^pm following a closing prayer by Don Umlauf. 

Repectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Happy Birthday

       February  1 - Kyle O'Day        February 20 - Elaine Pratt
       February  4 - Nada Foster       February 21 - Jordan Melhorn
       February 13 - Mary Sawyer       February 22 - Mary Lu Mathis
       February 14 - Julie Popp        February 23 - Jean Benson
       February 16 - Burton Goodrich   February 25 - Ben Rogers
       February 17 - Emily Thomas      February 25 - Brooks Rogers
       February 18 - Ella Dale         February 26 - Helen Clark
       February 19 - Griffin Thomas

Diaconate

Deacon of the month for February is Steve Henrikson.  Communion will be on February 2^nd assisted by 3 deacons to be determined (after new Deacons join following the Annual Meeting).

The list for Greeters has been completed and will be distributed.  If you are not able to greet on the Sunday that you are listed, please arrange with someone to switch or at least notify the Deacons.

We plan to meet with the Buildings and Grounds Committee to help iron out the building use policy.

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 February 13^th at 6:30^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Mission Ministries Team

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

The following items were discussed:

"Souper Bowl" Supper to be held on January 24^th at 6:30^pm.  Discussed which soups, breads, etc. we will be bringing to this.

Correspondence received from several organizations requesting support.

Heifer Project as a possibility, Marty to talk to Cindy about this.

Marty encouraged our group to think of what our goals for this year will be.

Several church members were mentioned for prayer for their health, etc.

Next meeting date to be decided after the All Committee Meeting on January 23^rd.

Respectfully submitted,
Penny Chace

Christian Education Committee

January 12, 2003

Present:  Robin Crowe, Michelle Cormier, Doug Popp, Bernice Ferwerda, Victoria Skowronek, Phyllis Ames

The meeting opened with prayer by Bernice.

Secretary's Report was read and accepted.

Bernice has made a list of all the Christian Ed videos that can be found -- many are missing.  We are hoping that anyone who has borrowed a video will double-check at home in case a forgotten one turns up.  Also, we hope more people will use our library cart.

Church school room dividers arrived and with volunteers (thank you) were set up and look wonderful.  They also help with noise control.  Our new curriculum has also arrived.

Cindy Melhorn is in charge of a project with our Church School children -- making Valentine "care packages" to send to our young people away at college.  These will contain "dorm food" such as popcorn, granola bars and other snack food, plus a copy of "The Upper Room".

Adult Education Bible Study will be starting a study of Isaiah.

Council:  Very few reports are available since only a few could attend due to the stormy weather.

The Christian Ed Committee wishes to support the Heifer Project by buying a flock of ducks at a cost of $20.  We hope to be able to purchase more of these in the future for this important endeavor.

Youth Group: A sledding party is being planned

New Curriculum is to be ordered.   One called "Creative Junior High A to Z” looks great.  The committee voted to purchase all 3 leader guide books at a cost of $45 for this program.  Doug Popp has agreed to serve in an advisory position with Victoria Skowronek and Michelle Cormier for the younger youth group.

We must soon begin planning for "Come to the Table" program.

Vacation Bible School:  Robin Crowe and Jennifer Skelton will work with Doug Popp to plan for this.  Hopefully, other churches will join us this year.

Bernice has agreed to be chairperson of Christian Ed for another term and Phyllis will remain as secretary.  Robin Crow will continue as Assistant School Leader and Michelle Cormier remains as Assistant Chairperson.

Next Christian Ed Meeting: February 9^th, after church.

Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis Ames

Membership Committee

The new logo mugs are in – pretty sharp!!  They have a logo on each side and have a very comfortable handle.  The primary use of the mug is for the Welcome Basket, but they will also be used as a fund raiser - $3.

We look forward to the new year and anticipate growth for the church.

Next Membership Committee meeting will be February 6, 2003 at 7:00^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

February Worship Services

February 2 –  Communion Sunday
Scripture – 1 Corinthians 8:1-13     Mark 1:21-28
Sermon – “A New Ethic”
Acolyte: Lauren Kabat
Ushers: Jane Hannon and Susan Casey
Greeters: Katie Duffy
Reader: Lois May

February 9 
Scripture – Isaiah 40:21-31
Sermon – “Regime Change”
Acolyte: Jesslyn Thomas
Ushers: Lois May and Sue Campbell
Greeters: John and Michelle Cormier
Reader: Trudi Kalinen

February 16  
Scripture – 1 Cor 12:4-31
Sermon – “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”
Acolyte: Paul Chace
Ushers: Alice and Frens Zwart
Greeters: Dick and Donna Docekal
Reader: Martin Ferwerda

February 23
Scripture – 2 Cor 4:1-12
Sermon – “The Perfect Church”
Acolyte: Michaela Crowe
Ushers: Marty Ferwerda and Don Umlauf
Greeters: Ernie and Marge St. Pierre

 Mission Ministries

On Friday evening, January 24, 27 enthusiastic people turned out for the "Soup-er Bowl Supper" sponsored by the Mission Ministries Team.  They dined on hearty soup, homemade bread, delicious desserts, and enjoyed some hymn singing.  This was followed by a slide show and an inspiring message by Laura Livingston from "Straight Ahead Ministries" which ministers to troubled young people.  $113 was collected for Laura's work, for which she is very grateful.

On Super Bowl Sunday $68 and an abundance of non-perishable food was collected for the Rindge Food Pantry. The Mission Ministries Team thanks all who participated.

Information Update

The Men's Club is organizing a dinner for Valentine's Day. It will be held at Woodbound Inn on Friday, February 14^th at 6:30^pm. The buffet will include Chicken Cordon-bleu, Sirloin, and Seafood Neptune with beverages and dessert. The cost is $15.00 per person. If you are planning to attend, please contact Doug Popp (899-5541) by February 9^th so that we can confirm the number for our reservation.

A Great Example of Stewardship

Freda Parks Sargent (born 9/9/1896) and Harold Sargent (born 6/1/1895) were residents of Winchendon, but spent summers at Lake Contoocook.  Harold Sargent was born in Rindge and the family (including daughter Priscilla Sargent Tyler) obviously enjoyed our town.  Harold died in 1965, Freda in 1980, and Priscilla in 2002.  Freda's sister, Edith, was married to Sidney Fitzgerald of Rindge.  Our church has recently been informed that we are beneficiaries of a Trust that was set up by Freda.  This is a much-appreciated legacy and will help us to carry on God's work in our community.  Please take a moment to remember the thoughtfulness of Freda and her family in your prayers.