Present: Chairman Don Umlaf, Pastor Jim Melhorn, Tony D'Ambrosio, Bernice Ferwerda, Marty Ferwerda, Flossie Hastings, Jane Hannon, Janet Kohlmorgen, Janet Umlaf and Franz Zwart.

Reports: The November Council Meeting Minutes were read and approved.  Committee Reports were accepted as read and or presented with one change. Cindy Melhorn had not stated that she would not be the superintendent next year.

Collector's Report and Treasurer's Report were accepted as given.

Pastors Report: Reverend Melhorn reported that at the conference level for the UCC the loss of one of the conference level ministers has been painful for the conference as a whole.  The other two conference ministers agreed to stay on as they find an interim minister to fill the vacant spot.  They are thinking of restructuring the conference ministers in the future to have 1 lead minister and 2 associate ministers.

Prepare to serve will be February 7, 2004.  The pastor urged all council members to go to this wonderful workshop.

Building and Grounds: The Building and Grounds committee is looking into replacing or repairing the kitchen stove.

Christian Education: Bernice reported that she had a concern regarding the 2004 budget.  The budget had been cut by $278.  The council discussed the matter.  Bernice asked for $150 more.  The council voted and approved to give the $150. 

Mission Ministries: Dec. 28 there will be a special offering for the Christmas Fund.  January 23, 2004 there will be a Souper Bowl Supper.  The supper will consist of Soup and Bread.  A special speaker will be chosen.

Music Committee: Written report.  The organ had to be repaired for a cost of $1100.00.  The piano also had to be tuned.  This was part of the regular maintenance of the organ.  They are a 
delight to have Katrina Fleming as the new Children's Choir Director.

Pastoral Relations: See with report.  The Pastoral Relations Committee conducted an annual Pastoral Review.

Trustees: The Chairlift was discussed.  At the present time it is broken.  The Trustees talked with the Town of Rindge as to the level as which they would get involved.  Right now it seems as though the church will be solely responsible.

LVA: The Snowflake fair was very successful.  Flossie reported that they made between $5500 and $6000.  The LVA works very hard on this annual event and are to be commended for its success.

Stewardship: They are working on the current Stewardship Drive. They are making follow up calls to insure all pledge cards are in and accounted for. 

Budget: The 2004 Budget was presented and discussed. After some discussion the budget was voted and approved by the council.  It will be brought to the Congregation for final approval.

By Law Changes: The By Laws were reviewed.  After some discussion the By Law changes were voted and approved by the council.  They will now go before the congregation for final approval.

The Talent Auction will be April 18,2004.  Janet passed out the Talent Auction Forms for the Council to review and urged all the council to participate in the auction.

Closing Prayer was done @ 8:50^pm by Janet Kohlmorgen

Repectfully submitted,
Janet Kohlmorgen

Happy Birthday

       January  7 - Ed Brummer        January 14 - Nancy Sholl
       January 11 - Martha Gilroy    January 24 - Asa Clark 
       January 12 - Farra Carmicheal  January 25 - George Carmicheal 
       January 12 - Chuck Mathis      January 28 - Kaitlin Primeau
       January 14 - Steve Bolduc 

Board of Trustees
December 11, 2003

Meeting was called to order at 7:10^pm.  Those present were Mark Warner, Dave Marr, Don Umlauf, Jane Hannon and Nancy Bogar.  November minutes were accepted as presented.

Old Business:

1. Chairlift replacement:  Estimates have been received.  Trustees are still discussing options and are also looking into ADA requirements with the town.
2. Budget and Pledges:  Pledge cards are still being received.  Trustees are hoping anyone who hasn’t returned their cards will do so as soon as possible.  Motion was made to accept the 2004 budget as presented with a possible change in the pledge amount.  Motion accepted.

1. Kitchen stove:  Trustees are looking into the cost of having the stove repaired before they decide to replace the old one. 
2. There was a request to use the front door and set up coat racks in the front hall for the Senior Citizen Dinner, which is being held December18^th.  Board made a motion and accepted the use of the Church for this event.
3. By-law Changes:  New by-laws will allow the board to have up to 12 members.  Trustees all agree this will help with their job and hope more people get involved.

Respectively submitted, 
Nancy Bogar, Secretary

Diaconate

The Deacons met on December 11, 2003 at 7:00^pm in the Vestry.

Deacon of the month for December is Penny Chace.  Communion will be on January 11^th assisted by Steve Henrikson, Sue Chatwin and Robin Crowe. 

Rev. Melhorn will be away on December 28^th and January 4^th.  The Deacons will lead a Service of Carols on the 28^th (Sue Chatwin will coordinate the service) and a lay led service on the January 4^th (Steve Chace will coordinate the service).  Communion will be on January 11^th when Jim returns.

New Usher and Greeter lists were provided by Penny Chace through June 2004.  It was decided that the Greeters were not required to be at the foot of the stairs during the cold months.  They may station themselves at the top of the stairs where it is much warmer.  The idea was to have Greeters at the bottom of the stairs so as to help new folks to know where to go when they come in the front doors.  It was not the intent to freeze the Greeters.

As in every year, Deacons leave the Board when their terms are up.  That means there are openings on the Board for new Deacons.  If you ever thought you’d like to serve the church as a Deacon, this is your opportunity.  Duties include being Deacon of the month on a rotating basis, attending monthly meetings and possibly a side duty such as Cards and Flowers, Ushers and Greeters, Coffee Hour, Pulpit Supply, etc.  The rewards are great and there is always someone to help you when a conflict arises that would interfere with your duties.  Please make the Nominating Committee’s work easier, come forward and volunteer rather than wait to be asked.  And if being a Deacon is not your cup of tea, please consider other opportunities – YES, your service is needed.

The Deacons were happy to have voted and accept a rug donated by Mary Williams for the Altar.  The rug was dedicated on December 21^st during the worship service.  If you haven’t, please take a moment to view the rug and ask Mary about its history.

Next meeting will be January 8^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Mission Ministries Team
December 14, 2003

Budget amount for 2003 has been disbursed.

Hat Tree underway.  Christmas Fund offering to be taken later this month.

The soup bowls that were for sale at the Snowflake Fair were all sold except one.  Total raised was over $100, which went to the food pantry.  Thank you note to be sent to the Franklin Pierce student that brought the bowls over.

Committee members for 2004 consist of:  Marty Ferwerda, Betty Chenausky, Mary Alice D'ambrosio, Alice Zwart.

Potluck soup dinner to be held at the end of January, Marty has contacted someone from His Mansion to speak.

Respectfully submitted,
Penny Chace

Christian Education Committee
December 14, 2003

Christian Education Committee met on December 14, after church.  In attendance were Robin Crowe, Bernice Ferwerda, Cindy and Jim Melhorn, Doug Popp and Jennifer Skelton.  Bernice opened the meeting with prayer.

In the absence of our secretary, Bernice read the minutes, which were approved with one correction.  Cindy has not said that she will not continue as Church School Superintendent next year.

We again discussed our budget, which has been cut by approximately $278.  It was decided to bring this matter to council, where we will try to regain $150 if we cut the Nightwatch program by approximately $150.

Jim reported that the adult Bible study on Revelation is going well.  Cindy reported that one of her nursery workers now has a job so will need to be replaced.

Bernice reported that she did bring up, to the Council, that according to the new constitution, members of committees who attend less than 50% of the meetings, may be dropped from their committee.  This was discussed and it was decided that this will stay in the constitution because it is not mandatory to drop them, and they should be encouraged to attend more regularly.  Other information can be read in the December Deaconer.

Doug reported than no youth group activities have been held recently.  Jim said that he had tried to have a junior youth group meeting but no one came.

Bernice reported that she had purchased a Veggie Tales video, "The Ultimate Silly Song" and a Christmas video, "The Prince of Peace", as well as Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance for the library.  Bernice reported that a committee consisting of Robin Crowe, Bernice Ferwerda, Burt Goodrich, and Cindy and Jim Melhorn has been formed to explore the hiring of a part time Christian Education director.  They plan to meet for the first time in January. 

Christmas gifts for Church School students and teachers was discussed. Cindy said that the kids had already received gifts and that she plans to invite the teachers for a luncheon at the parsonage at the end of the Church School year.  The committee thanked Cindy for all her hard work in preparing the Children's Christmas program, which was presented this morning.

We also thanked Phyllis Ames (in absentia) for her faithful secretarial duties and Jennifer Skelton for her work on our committee during her three-year term.

Our next meeting will be held on January 11, 2004.

Jim closed in prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Bernice Ferwerda
(in Phyllis' absence) 

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee did not meet in December.  However, we are pleased to announce two new members joined out church family on December 21^st – Gladys Gorts and Mary Williams.  Please take a moment to say hello and welcome them to the church.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, January 6, 2004 at 7:00^pm in the Vestry. 

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Music Committee
December 15, 2003

1. The raise for Music Director will be effective with beginning of 2004 (the Treasurer is in the loop on this).
2. The committee will meet with the Music Director (hopefully this week) and review his accomplishments and progress to date, esp. as these relate to previously discussed goals, which we feel have not been completely met.  We plan to also reestablish goals for the year ahead.
3. The problems with the organ required two visits by our repair/maintenance person to put right; total cost was $1,100.  It needs to be pointed out that these are not because the organ is “bad”; that’s just the way things go with “real” organs..  The cost mentioned also included a tuning for the holidays.
4. The piano was also tuned; the bill’s not in yet, but should be in line with previous charges for same.
5. We’re pleased to point out that over the entire year there have been no costs for substitutes, due entirely to Bob Popple’s dependability and commitment.
6. The bell choir, under Mary Jane Sawyer's leadership, continues to perform and please; the committee has been called on only to approve purchases (minor).  Mary Jane is a wonder.  Next week she will be conducting the bell choir from the piano as they perform a work of her own composition.
7. As has been announced, and last Sunday was clearly evidenced in the wonderful Children’s Day program, Katrina Fleming has answered the call that was made, and joined with Cindy in leading the Children’s Choir.  It was the committee’s belief that if we asked, then we would receive … still, it’s a grand thing when it actually happens.

January Worship Services

January 4 – Our Deacons will lead the service while Jim is on vacation.  Stephen Chace, Chair of the Deacons, will deliver the message.  Come and share as we live out what it means to be a “priesthood of all believers”.  The hymn selection will be from our list of ‘favorite hymns’.
Greeters: Jean Benson and Peg Brummer
Ushers: Phyllis and Harry Groezinger
Lay Reader: Bernice Ferwerda
Acolyte: Paul Chace

January 11 – Communion Sunday – We celebrate the baptism of Jesus through word and sacrament.
Scripture Reading: Luke 3:15-18, 21-22
Sermon:  “The Terminator”
Greeters: Mary-Jane Sawyer
Ushers: Ethan and Michelle Perry
Lay Reader: Burt Goodrich
Acolyte: Owen Chace

January 18 – Immediately after Coffee Hour, we will meet in the Sanctuary to conduct our yearly Annual Meeting.  Important items for consideration will include our 2004 budget, and the presentation of a new Constitution and Bylaws.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5
Sermon:  “The names have been changed to protect the innocent”
Greeters: Kerry Yaceshyn and Sue Chatwin
Ushers: Don Umlauf and Mark Warner
Lay Reader: Bernice Martin
Acolyte: Michael Skowronek

January 25 – In the midst of Epiphany, the season of ‘Wise men bearing gifts’ we celebrate the individual gifts each one of us brings to the Christ child
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Sermon:  “A Hokey Pokey Church”
Greeters: Ernest and Marge St. Pierre
Ushers: Steve Henrikson and Doug Popp
Lay Reader:
Acolyte:

Pastor Jim will be on vacation from December 25^th to January 6^th.  Anyone in need of Pastoral care during this time should call Head Deacon Stephen Chace @ 978-297-3404.

Computer Corner

The web site continues with updates.

• December Deaconer
• Announcements
• Men’s Club Meeting/Breakfast
• Updates to the Week in Review (on a weekly basis).

I’ve also provided some insights into the inner working of your PC and ways to make your PC usage more enjoyable and safer.  If there are any questions you have or ideas that would be useful for the church family, please let me know and I will do what I can to communicate that message.

I hope you have enjoyed the site.  I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Steve Henrikson – webspirit – henrikson@surfbest.net

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting is scheduled for January 18^th, 11:30^am -- after our service. 

Please save the date

2004 Annual Meeting - Warrant

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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 18, 2004 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 4^th day of January, in the year of our Lord 2004

Janet Goodrich - Clerk

First Reading:  January 04, 2004
Second Reading: January 11, 2004
Third Reading:  January 18, 2004

Prepared to Serve

An annual Training event on Saturday, February 7, 2004, from 8:30^am - 3:30^pm

"Prepared to Serve" is designed for all persons who share leadership in the congregations and associations of the NH Conference of the United Church of Christ.  This year it will be held at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook, NH.

The day includes: interactive and meaningful worship services, 40 different workshops on a variety of topics, exhibits, and lunch and fellowship.

For more information please contact Jean Clarke at (603)225-6647 or jmclarke@nhcucc.org

New Hampshire Conference Letter