Present: Chairman Don Umlauf, Janet Umlauf, Jim Melhorn, Janet Kohlmorgen, Bernice Ferwerda, Marty Ferwerda, Flossie Hastings, Steve Henrikson, Jane Hannon, Doug Popp and Mark Warner

Reports: The April Council minutes were read and approved, as was Treasurer’s report.  There was no Collector’s report.  All other committee reports were accepted as read and/or presented.

Pastor’s Report: 

1. Jim has been quite active with a funeral, graveside service, large church activities and is starting to see greater activity for the wedding season.
2. The Welcome Baskets are up and running.  Jim talked about the process a bit.
3. 12 Keys – Accessibility.  Jim took us all outside to see what the experience of someone new in a wheelchair would experience.  The handicap location may not be as visible as one might like, the door going into the town hall was not marked and was locked.  Once in, the person would need to traverse all the way to the front of the church (no signs) where the chairlift was.  We got training in the chairlift (only a couple of people knew how to use it.  Bottom line, we need work in that area.  Don Suggested that the Buildings & Grounds Committee look into it.

Click here to see article in this Deaconer on Accessability

Christian Education Committee: Bernice talked about the possibility of using the grant to cover Nursery upgrades, mentioned VBS.

Membership: Welcome Baskets ready. Web site a tad behind.  Membership database on hold.

Delegates: Art Fitzwater has a conflict with the NH Conference Annual Meeting and can’t attend.  Jim is looking for a volunteer.

Pastoral Relations: Will be meeting May 18^th.

Trustees: Mark made a motion to replace the shutters on the parsonage, seconded and passed.  Buildings & Grounds need to do a final walk-through to insure the parsonage work is complete.  The Collector's position was discussed.  Outlet(s) approved for back of sanctuary.  Steve Henrikson expressed concern over information being published in the Deaconer.

Men’s Club: There was a woman’s appreciation breakfast held on Mother’s day.

Unfinished Business: None

New Business:

• July 19 Country Fair - Need volunteers including Chair.

• Church Computer – Jim expressed concern over the condition of the church computer.  It has fried 3 modems and is becoming unstable for use.  He does most of his work on his home computer.  Suggest that Steve, Don, Doug and Jim discuss alternatives.

• Town Hall – it appears that the town hall is not being cleaned very well after coffee hour.  Deacons will have to insure it is know that the hall needs to be cleaned.

Next council meeting: June 19^th

Repectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

                                     Happy Birthday

       June  1 - Justin Carmichael       June 17 - Maura Keegan
       June  5 - Calvin Sholl            June 22 - Brenda Perry
       June  8 - Jeanne Norwood          June 24 - Larry Kabat
       June 12 - Martha Thomas          June 27 - Jared Robie
       June 12 - June O'Day             June 28 - Donald Umlauf
       June 14 - Colleen Keegan         June 28 - John Kohlmorgen

Diaconate

The Deacons met on May 8, 2003 at 6:30^pm in the Vestry. 

Deacon of the month for June is Sue Chatwin.  Communion will be on June 1^st assisted by Robin Crowe, Trudie Kalinen and Steve Henrikson.

We discussed the condition of the amplifiers and microphones.  The system is getting old and becoming unstable.  We also discussed moving the system to the back of the sanctuary.  An outlet or two are needed.

Jim talked about some ideas he had for the summer months.  One idea is to form a movie group where movies would be watched and then discussed from a Christian perspective.  Another idea is to have a discussion group base on the “gospel according to the Simpson’s (Homer – I think)”.  He suggested that these plans be finalized and then sent to all of the town folks via a letter.  Stay tuned!

Next meeting -- June 12^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry. 

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Mission Ministries Team
May 18, 2003

Present: Marty Ferwerda, Penny Chace, Betty Chenausky, Alice Zwart, Mary Alice D'Ambrosio

1. One Great Hour of Sharing collection totaled $610 (including $100 from LVA & $100 from Missions budget).

2. Focus membership - Jim suggested that we consider purchasing a membership to this Global Ministries (for World Missions) organization. Everyone agreed that this was a good idea, Marty will get the $15 membership fee.

3. Communion offering - Steve Chace relayed information on decision made by deacons to use offering envelopes for the Heifer Project instead of having a separate offering. This will help the service run more smoothly on Communion Sunday. Our committee will be responsible to obtain the envelopes & get them into the bulletins.

4. Missions potluck supper held on 5/16, went well. The freewill offering totaled $106. It was decided to also send $100 from our budget to support Jonathon Ayers as well. We will also keep in mind the possibility of supporting him more in the future.

5. Approval was received from Deacons to put out the Today devotional. Marty will obtain about 10 copies & put on the back table in the sanctuary, these are free of charge.

6. Discussion on the welcome baskets.

Next meeting to be on June 15^th after church.

Respectfully submitted,
Penny Chace

Christian Education Committee
May 6, 2003

Attendance- Doug Popp, Michelle Cormier, Robin Crowe, Jim Melhorn, Jennifer Skelton 

The meeting was opened with prayer by Cindy Melhorn. 

The minutes from the previous meeting were not available for discussion. 

Topics covered:

1. Rally Day - discussed the possibility of combining with the Ashburnham Church for a homecoming celebration following the service on Rally Day.  It was decided to keep this topic on the agenda for future meetings as we continue making plans for the fall. 

2. Communication - discussed ways to involve all committee members in important discussions.  It was agreed that communication is sometimes fractured, and we need to remember the committee process. 

3. Children's Sunday - June 8^th was chosen as the date.  We plan to use the theme "World Peace", and will be looking for ways to involve all classes in the service.  Teachers will explore ideas with their classes.  Bibles will also be given to ^3rd graders, teachers will be recognized and attendance awards will be given.  We will incorporate our bible bank funds into the service by announcing the amount collected and what will be purchased for the Heifer Project.  A potluck picnic will be held at the Mathis home following the service. 

4. VBS - plans to hold a combined program with Ashburnham are progressing well.  One concern voiced was for volunteers - it is hoped that more will come forward and that several youth will also participate as group leaders.  Appreciation and praise was offered for the staff of Toah Nipi and their assistance in this project. 

The meeting ended in prayer. 

Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Melhorn

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee met on May 7, 2003 at 7:15^pm in the vestry. 

We have 4 requests for Welcome Baskets.  Missing a few pieces to be placed in the basket.  Lois picked up most of the supplies and baked a few breads as well.  If you know of a new family in town, please see that a basket is on the way to them.

Web site is progressing.

Next Membership Committee meeting will be June 4, 2003 at 7:15^pm in the Vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Ladies Vestry Association / Evening Circle

The LVA / EC meets every Monday evening at 7^pm.  We have craft activities available for all levels and welcome all woman of the church to join us.  Items are sold at the Snow Flake Fair. 

June Worship Services

June 1 – Communion Sunday - Pastor Jim will be joined by Rev. William Wildey, the Regional Director of Church World Services, who will deliver an inspiring message based on his experiences of the gospel in action all over the world.

During the time of offering, we will take a special collection to help our Sunday School youth in their goal to provide a flock of ducks as part of the Heifer Project, sponsored by Church World Services

Ushers: George & Robin Crowe
Lay Reader: Craig Clark
Greeters: Jean Benson & Peg Brummer
Acolyte: Shannon Crowe

June 8 – Pentecost - Sowing the Seeds of Peace – Our Annual Sunday School Program – Presented by the youth of our church, the service will contain music, drama, and prayer as our students become teachers of what it means to experience and spread peace. 

Ushers:  Burt & Jan Goodrich
Lay Reader:  Elaine Pratt
Greeters:  Mary Sawyer & Kerry Yachesyn
Acolyte:  Blake Skelton

June 15 – Trinity Sunday 
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:18-27
Sermon:  Moaning and Groaning
Ushers:  Steve Henrikson & Penny Chace
Lay Reader:  Emily Melhorn
Greeters:  Susan Casey & Katie Duffy
Acolyte: Emily Thomas

June 22
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 17
Sermon:  David and the Beanstalk
Ushers:  Jane Hannon & Sue Casey
Lay Reader:   Arthur Fitzwater
Greeters:  John & Michelle Cormier
Acolyte: Micaela Crowe

June 29
Scripture Reading:  2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Sermon:  Finish the Job
Ushers:  Lois May & Sue Campbell
Lay Reader:  Lois May
Greeters:  Ernest & Marge St Pierre
Acolyte:  John Kohlmorgen 

 Special Service
Contemplative Prayer and Healing

Are you looking for something different in a worship service?  Is Sunday morning just not right for your schedule?  Are you searching for more spirituality in your worship experience?  Just need a few moments of peace and quiet in your busy life?

Beginning in June, we will be conducting a monthly service of prayer.  Held in the sanctuary by candlelight, these services will include meditative music and singing of contemporary songs as well as the reading of scripture, a brief message and times for prayer, sharing, and healing.  These services will be held on the last Wednesday of each month, beginning with June 25^th.  Come and explore the possibilities of what alternative worship might mean to you.  Since we are starting from scratch, there is lots of room for input from those for whom this type of worship might hold meaning.  All are welcome.

 What's New in Sunday School?

Children's Sunday - June 8, 2003
Thanks to a group of dedicated and hard working teachers, we have had a very productive year in Sunday School.  For proof of their accomplishments, just ask a member of the 7^th & 8^th grade class to recite the books of the Bible.  Currently, all students are busy preparing for Children's Day on June 8^th with a lively and inspiring worship service entitled "Sowing the Seeds of Peace".  Written entirely by the youth of our church, the message of peace will be delivered through songs, scriptures, and drama.  Students in 3^rd grade will also be receiving their bibles, attendance awards will be given, and teachers will be recognized for their dedication.  Don't miss this opportunity to see our Sunday School participants shine!

Learning About Missions - The Heifer Project
This year, the children have been celebrating their birthdays by giving an offering to the Sunday School bank.  As a group, it was decided that the money collected would go toward purchasing an animal for the Heifer Project.  They chose to save for a flock of ducks, costing $20.00.  The money was counted in April and they discovered they had over $28.00, with more than a month to go in the Sunday School year.  The students decided to challenge themselves-if they can raise a total of $40.00 by June 8^th, they will be able to purchase a flock of ducks AND a flock of chicks!  They are anxiously awaiting the final tally - come to Children's Day on June 8^th to see if they meet their goal!

Summer Children's Activities
If you would like the chance to interact with a group of AWESOME young people, sign up to host an activity for the youth of our church this summer!  Leading a summer activity has many benefits for everyone - it provides the children with an opportunity to become familiar with a variety of people in our congregation, and it offers leaders a chance to teach without the long-term commitment of being a Sunday School teacher.  An activity manual with games, devotions, skits and topics for discussion is being assembled by Christian Ed to make lesson planning easy.  There are also many books and videos available in the church library.  As a congregation, it is our responsibility to guide the youth of our church in their Christian Education.  It is through giving that we most often receive!

 Summer Acolyte Schedule

Dear Acolytes,

Here is a schedule to get us through the rest of the summer. Any problems, just let me know -- and keep those lights shining!   Cindy Melhorn 

  July  6 - Richard Keegan 
  July 13 - Zach Cormier
  July 20 - Paul Chace
  July 27 - Emily Thomas
August  3 - Kyle Sewell
August 10 - Vanessa L'Heureux
August 17 - Micaela Crowe
August 24 - Blake Skelton
August 31 - Melissa Melhorn

 Hashing It Out 

We’ve started our video series, “Hashing It Out”, and all those participating have enjoyed the chance to discuss the real issues of the world from a perspective of faith.  The premise of the series is two people, conservative radio host and author Steve Brown and teacher and liberal evangelist Tony Campolo, gathering together to discuss real life issues from very different outlooks.  While the discussion is heated, it is always measured by the love these two Christian brothers feel for one another.  After the brief video, those gathered have a chance to continue the discussion.  Each session lasts about an hour.

We are seeking more participants for our discussion sessions.  Each session will cover a new topic, so jump in at any time!  We meet to ‘hash it out’ either as a brown bag lunchtime discussion group or in the evening.  If you have an interest in this kind of series but can’t make any of these times, please let Pastor Jim know, so that we can consider other dates and times.   Scheduled sessions for June: 

June 10 12:00^pm - 1:00^pm and 7:00^pm to 8:00^pm
June 24 12:00^pm - 1:00^pm and 7:00^pm to 8:00^pm

Greeter Schedule
June through December - 2003

June

  1  Jean Benson/Peg Brummer
  8  Mary Sawyer/Kerry Yachesyn
15  Susan Casey/Katie Duffy
22  John & Michelle Cormier
29  Ernest & Marge St. Pierre

July

  6  Dick & Donna Docekal
13  Marty Ferwerda/Nada Foster
20  Sue Chatwin/Susan Campbell
27  Ernest & Marge St. Pierre

August

  3  Art & Kathy Fitzwater
10  Burt & Janet Goodrich
17  Jennifer Skelton/Laura L'Heureux
24  Phyllis & Harry Groezinger
31  Ernest & Marge St. Pierre

September

  7  Flossie & Dana Hastings
14  Jane Hannon/Bernice Martin
21  Larry & Joyce Kabat
28  Ernest & Marge St. Pierre

October

  5  Janet & Rick Kohlmorgen
12  Penny & Paul Chace
19  Mark & Wendy Warner
26  Ernest & Marge St. Pierre

November

  2  Dale & Sandy Pyer
  9  Victoria Skowronek/Don Umlauf
16  Jean Benson/Peg Brummer
23  Mary Sawyer/Kerry Yachesyn
30  Ernest & Marge St. Pierre

December

  7  Susan Casey/Katie Duffy
14  John & Michelle Cormier
21  Marty Ferwerda/Nada Foster
28  Ernest & Marge St. Pierre

Picture of the Month - Accessability

If someone came to our church who was physically challenged, would you know how to help?  Here are a few tips. The picture shows where the access ramp and parking are located.  The door at the top of the ramp is locked – make sure you unlock it from the inside. Help to navigate from the rear corner of the building through the town hall and vestry to the chair lift in the front hall.
	Do you know how to operate the chair lift? As a courtesy, please leave the parking spots on either side of the main front entrance open for those who could use close parking. Together, we can make a visit to our church a pleasant one for all.

Computer Corner

Since the last report, the web site has been updated with the following

• Maundy Thursday
• Come to the Table
• May Deaconer

This month, I’d like to highlight the Mission page.  We have a very active Mission Team.  It is important that our church focus on mission work.  The Mission link provides insight into the various ways we reach out into the community and world.  Please take a few moments to see the work of our Mission Team.

Actually, I’d like to assign some homework.  When I first posted the “Location” page, I used estimates for the mileage from various points.  Click on the Location menu selection to view the Location page.  During your travels, if you would measure the actual distances and send me the data, I will update the page to be accurate.  While you’re at it, click on the three maps to see them in greater detail.  And please scroll down the page to view the aerial picture.

See you next month,
Steve Henrikson – webspirit – henrikson@surfbest.net

Summer Fair

The Summer Fair will be held on July 19^th. We are looking for 1 or 2 people to Chair this event.  This does not involve very much work and basically requires taking reservations and collecting money from the many vendors who rent space on the Town Common.  The LVA / EC have a table for RADA knives and will provide a luncheon; the Music Committee will have an ATTIC TREASURES table.  Please call Don Umlauf (899-5434) for more information

Summer Camp

HELP!!!!     Financial assistance is available for any youth who is interested in attending camp this summer.  Several of you have expressed an interest in weeks during mid-July.  However, NO applications have been received and we are past the deadline for Applications.  If you plan to attend, get those applications in to Cindy Melhorn or call her at 899-2268.  TIME IS IMPORTANT

Roast Beef Suppers

Don’t forget our wonderful Roast Beef Suppers.  You won’t find a better meal in the State of New Hampshire. 

• Roast Beef
• Mashed Potatoes
• Carrots
• Salad
• Bread
• Beverage
• Strawberry Shortcake

Much of the money raised by the Roast Beef Suppers ends up back in the church in the form of  new equipment, support of youth activities, and basic support toward the church.  A little effort during one of these events will benefit ALL of us.   Call Doug Popp at 899-5541 for more information. 

Thanks

Thank You - Charlene Robbins

Charlene Robbins and her family would like to thank everyone for their cards, thoughts, prayers and many acts of kindness during the long illness of her husband, Rev Sheridan Robbins.  Your support at this time was truly appreciated and will always be remembered.

Our Thinking vs God's Promises

An unknown author has made a list which he or she called "Our Thinking vs God's Promises"