Moderator Steve Henrikson called the meeting to order at 11:35^am with 44 members present.  Pastor Jim led the opening prayer. 

Article I: To hear and act upon all reports of Officers and Committees:  Bernice Ferwerda distributed copies of the Christian Education Committee’s annual report, which had not been printed in its entirety in the Annual Report booklet.  Don Umlauf motioned and Burt Goodrich seconded to accept the annual report of officers and committees as amended.  The motion passed unanimously.

Article II:  To choose all necessary Officers and Committee Members for their delegated terms:  The nominating committee distributed its list of proposed officers and committee members for the 2004 church year.  Sue Casey noted the nominations were made in light of the proposed by-law / constitution changes to be discussed in Article IV.  She extended a sincere thank you to all those who have served this past year and are retiring from the respective committee positions.  In addition to those ‘retirees’ listed on the distributed list, a warm thank you is extended to Cindy Melhorn who will be retiring from her role as Sunday School Superintendent.  Burt Goodrich motioned and Sue Campbell seconded that the slate of officers and committees be accepted as presented.  Craig Clark motioned that the Clerk cast one ballot for the proposed slate.  The motion was unanimously accepted and one ballot was cast. 

Article III:  To adopt the budget for the Fiscal Year 2004:  Norm May motioned and Laura Henrikson seconded that the budget be accepted as presented.  Jane Hannon noted the budget was a deficit one.  Don Umlauf spoke to the fact the budget preparation process reflected the cooperative spirit of the whole church and that this would be the first year we had a total in excess of $100,000. The cost of the chairlift replacement was not included at this budget.  Don Umlauf and Mary Jane Sawyer informed the congregation the replacement costs are solely the responsibility of the church and will not be shared by the Town.  The Trustees will be making a recommendation shortly concerning the type of lift and its funding.  The budget motion was passed unanimously.

Article IV:  To act upon any other business that may legally come before this meeting: 
Revision of the Constitution and By-laws:  Jim Melhorn motioned and Tony Ambrosio seconded that the revised Constitution and By-laws be accepted as presented.  Pastor Jim reviewed the lengthy two and a half year process.  In the past, council often found itself asking, “Can we? How do we do this?” only to find the necessary information missing from the original constitution / by-laws, a document that had become a series of un-unified amendments.  The revision provides clear, efficient processes that allow the church to accomplish its mission with a fair distribution of power and responsibility.  Steve Henrikson thanked Jim for his tireless leadership throughout the revision process.  The motion to accept the newly revised Constitution and By-laws was accepted unanimously.
Review of The 1965 Agreement with the Town of Rindge:  With the updating of the Constitution and By-laws complete, Craig Clark made the motion that, as a continuation of the review process, the Council review the 1965 agreement to determine if it remains current or needs updating, and to seek legal advice if necessary.  During the discussion that followed, several people expressed concern that the Town understand that, following the review of our constitution and by-laws, this is a natural next step for us to take and it should not to be interpreted as a negative concern about the document.  After a review of the Agreement by the Council, the Council may conclude that the 40-year old document continues to be a one that provides the necessary answers to contemporary situations and no further actions are needed.  Should the council find that due to the passage of time clarifications are needed, it could recommend the church and town review it jointly. 
Missions Annual Report:  Sue Casey complimented the Missions Ministry Team on the clarity of their annual report.  It enabled us to recognize all we do as a church in the missions field with 16% of our annual budget going to outreach. 
Salt of the Earth Award:  Steve Chace presented the Salt of the Earth Award to Doug Popp in recognition of the many hours of dedicated service he has provided to doing God’s work. 

All-Committee Meeting:  All members of committees are asked to attend the annual All-Committee Meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 7:00^pm to decide on committee chair, secretary, council representative and meeting schedule. 

The annual meeting was adjourned at 12:40^pm. 

Respectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Happy Birthday

       February  1 - Kyle O'Day        February 19 - Griffin Thomas
       February  4 - Nada Foster       February 21 - Jordan Melhorn
       February 13 - Mary-Jane 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

Diaconate

The Deacons met on January 8, 2004 at 7:00^pm in the Vestry. 

Deacon of the month for February is Stephen Chace.  Communion will be on February 1^st assisted by Sue Chatwin, Kathy Fitzwater and Steve Henrikson. 

Jim has just returned from vacation – they had a great time – he thanked the Deacons for providing coverage while the family was in Florida.  Jim reminded us that February 25^th is Ash Wednesday and there will be a special service.  Easter is April 11^th.

The Usher and Greeter lists through June 2004 are now available on the web site.  And remember, the Greeters are 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 Deacons have started the process of reviewing the membership list.  When members join the church, a covenant is entered whereby the church and member agree to support each other.  Over time, situations change.  On an annual basis, the Deacons review the membership list to insure that the members listed are active.  If it is determined that a member has not been active for a period of time (and there are no known extenuating circumstances), a letter is sent to the member to determine if they are in agreement.  If a member is determined to not be active, their status is changed to inactive.  Inactive members are still members of the church except they do not have voting privileges.

Next meeting will be February 12^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry.  There will also be an All Committee meeting on January 22, 2004 at 7:00^pm in the Sanctuary. 

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee met on January 7, 2004 at 7:00^pm in the Vestry. 

The committee will look into creating an addendum for the church directory or if it’s time for a new directory.  Either way, the goal is to have new members (since the last directory was published) added.

The web site is the responsibility of the Membership Committee.  However, Steve Henrikson is completing his tour of duty on the committee, but has offered to remain as the web master.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 3, 2004 at 7:00^pm in the Vestry.  There will also be an All Committee meeting on January 22, 2004 at 7:00^pm  in the Sanctuary. 

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Church Committees

New committees members were elected at the Annual Meeting on January 18^th.  All members met on January 22^nd for a short time of prayer.  Committees then met to elect a Chairman, Secretary and Council Representative for the next year.  A few openings still exist on some committees. If you are interested in helping, please contact the Committee Chairman -- your participation would be appreciated.

Moderator - Janet Kohlmorgen
Vice Moderator - Doug Popp 
Clerk - Janet Goodrich
Treasurer - Jane Hannon 
Assistant Treasurer - Maura Keegan
Collector - Frens Zwart
Assistant Collector - Nancy Bogar 
Auditor - Open

Official Delegates
     Susan Casey 
     Jeanne Norwood 
     Open
     Emily Melhorn (youth delegate) 

Board of Deacons 
Meeting Date -- 2^nd Thursday of the month
     Steve Henrikson, Secretary
     Kathy Fitzwater, Council Representative
     Stephen Chase
     Lee Mailloux
     Sue Chatwin
     Trudie Kalinen
     Steve Henrikson
     Kathy Fitzwater
     Penny Chase
     Mary Williams
     Susan Campbell
     Open -- 3 positions

Membership & Evangelism Committee
Meeting Date -- 1^st Tuesday of the month
     Lois May, Chairman
     Susan Casey, Secretary
     Doug Popp, Council Representative

Historian - Anita Phillips
Assistant Historian -Trudie Kalinen
Public Relations - Trudie Kalinen

Board of Trustees
Meeting Date -- 1^st Thursday of the month
  Finance
     Mark Warner, Chairman
     Nancy Bogar , Secretary
     David Marr, Council Representative
     Don Umlauf
     Jane Hannon
  Buildings & Grounds Committee
     Jon Cormier, Chairman
     Larry Kabat, Secretary 
     Arthur Fitzwater
  Stewardship Committee
     Frens Zwart, Chairman
     Burt Goodrich, Secretary
     Wendy Warner
     Open

Christian Education Committee
Meeting Date -- 2^nd Sunday of the month
     Bernice Ferwerda, Chairman
     Victoria Skowronek, Secretary
     Michelle Cormier
     Phyllis Ames
     Robin Crowe
     Doug Popp
     Cindy Melhorn

Mission Ministries Team
Meeting Date -- 2^nd Sunday of the month
     Martin Ferwerda, Chairman
     Mary Alice D'Ambrosio, Council Representative
     Laura Henrikson 
     Alice Zwart
     Open

Music Committee
Meeting Date -- 2^nd Sunday of the month
     Martha Thomas
     Tony D'Ambrosio
     Mary Lu Mathis

Pastoral Relations Committee
     Janet Goodrich, Council Representative
     Arthur Fitzwater
     Janet Umlauf
     Barbara Wells
     Craig Clark

Nominating Committee
     Susan Campbell
     Susan Casey
     Wendy Warner

LVA / EC Craft Nights

The LVA / EC will resume their Monday night crafts on February 3^rd.  We meet at the church from 7:00^pm to 9:00^pm and work on items to be sold at the Snowflake Fair on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Some people are more proficient than others, but we always find a job for everyone -- even those of us who are "craft challenged".  Some do much of their work at home while others with limited time or skills do some of the basic (but much needed) tasks when they come.  We do other things as well -- last year we collected and packed items for our servicemen in Iraq, went out to dinner, had a picnic, and had a great Christmas party. 

We don't collect dues (or anything else) and you don't have to come every week. Please join us for an entertaining and "useful" evening --  bring a friend if you would like to.

The LVA / EC earns all money from the Snowflake Fair and contributes to the church budget, offers a scholarship, and donates to community assistance and a number of charities.

Men's Club

Breakfast was held on January 11^th.

Sheila O'Brien from ABC's gave a presentation on the construction of a new High School for Jaffrey-Rindge school district.

It was very cold in the church as the heat was out, so we had a slight turnout.  Sheila is scheduled to come for coffee hour on February 1st to give her presentation.

February 8^th is Scout Sunday.  The men's club will host a breakfast for the scouts, leaders, and their families.  All are welcome.  We are planning to have a dinner dance at Woodbound Inn on February 14^th.  All are welcome.  Please contact Doug Popp before February 8^th to make a reservation.  The cost is $15.00 per person.

Respectfully, Doug Popp

February Worship Services

February 1 – Communion Sunday
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Sermon:  “Without One Plea”
Ushers: Betty Chenausky and Bernice Martin
Greeters: Susan Casey and Katie Duffy
Lay Reader: Martha Thomas
Acolyte: Emily Thomas 

February 8
Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11
Sermon:  “We’re Not Worthy”
Ushers: Alice and Frens Zwart
Greeters: Susan Campbell and Victoria Skowronek
Lay Reader: Laura Henrikson
Acolyte: Blake Skelton

February 15 – Invite a Friend Sunday – This week, we’ll be especially intentional about inviting our friends and neighbors to church to worship with us.  The Deacons will have a special friendship gift for all our guests.  We’ll also be singing hymns from our list of favorites.
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1
Sermon:  “Heirloom Tomatoes”
Ushers: Alice and Frens Zwart
Greeters: Art and Kathy Fitzwater
Lay Reader: Susan Casey
Acolyte: Perry Thomas

February 22 – Transfiguration Sunday – This is the end of the church season of Epiphany and a celebration of Jesus’ ‘mountaintop’ experience.
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sermon:  “Poppa Was a Rollin’ Stone”
Ushers: Alice and Frens Zwart
Greeters: Art and Kathy Fitzwater
Lay Reader: Susan Casey
Acolyte: Perry Thomas

February 25 – Ash Wednesday – We will meet at 7:00^pm for a brief service of prayer and meditation ending with the traditional imposition of ashes.  While many people associate this only with the Catholic Church, many Protestant churches are reclaiming the powerful symbol of repentance and self-examination that begins the season of Lent.

February 29 – First Sunday in Lent
Scripture Reading: Luke 4:1-13
Sermon:  “Herding Cats”
Ushers: Jane Hannon and Susan Casey
Greeters: Ernest and Marge St. Pierre
Lay Reader: Craig Clark
Acolyte: Micaela Crowe

Computer Corner

The web site continues with updates.

• January Deaconer Announcements
• Prepared to Serve
• Talent Auction
• New Usher/Greeter Link
• Updates to the Week in Review (on a weekly basis).

My term on the Membership Committee has been completed.  The membership Committee owns responsibility for the web site.  However, I will remain as the web master because 1) it’s my passion and 2) I don’t think anyone else wants to do it.

Now you can check ahead and see when you are listed as an Usher or Greeter.  Just go to the web site and click on the new button on the menu.  You can scroll through or try using the “find on web page” feature on your browser and search for your name (last name will do).  As reminder, if you can not make it, try to swap with someone or contact a Deacon.
http://rindge.nhcucc.org/ushersgreeters.html

In past issues, I’ve described various aspects of computer usage and ways to make it safer and more enjoyable.  There is a new phenomenon that is starting to become more prevalent.  It’s called “Phishing”.  Phishing is a new type of scam.  It is a high-tech scam that uses Spam to deceive consumers into disclosing their credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords and other sensitive information.  It works something like this – you receive an e-mail from what looks like a business or site you deal with - for example, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), online payment service or bank. The fraudsters tell you that they need to "update" or "validate" your billing information to keep your accounts active and direct you to a "look-alike" web site of the legitimate business, further tricking you into thinking you are responding to a bona fide request.  Unknowingly, consumers submit their financial information - not to the businesses - but the scammers, who use it to order goods and services and obtain credit.  Bottom line, DO NOT respond to these e-mails.  Take a moment to explore more on this and how to protect yourself by using a search engine and search for “Phishing”.

Steve Henrikson – webspirit – henrikson@surfbest.net

Picture of the Month

Are we tired of winter yet? This picture was taken on December 7, 2003 on a very stormy day.  Only 14 brave souls attended.  The parking lot looked like a Jeep/Subaru car lot. Pray for Spring!!

Interfaith Coffee Program
Joining Faith & Fair Trade 
“Equal Exchange is like drinking a cup of justice...  And justice can taste outstanding.” Timothy Bernard, Messiah Lutheran Church

Around the world coffee and fellowship come together where we share community.  A warm pot of coffee is often the centerpiece of fellowship hour and other gatherings.  As the second most heavily traded commodity in the world after oil, coffee is a direct link between our community and farming communities in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Yet the small farmers who grow our coffee often struggle just to make a simple living.  Most live in rural communities in some of the poorest countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia.  Isolated from markets, they are forced to accept low prices.  Without affordable credit, they become trapped in cycle of debt.  Many lack access to adequate housing, healthcare and education.

But there is an alternative.  In partnership with congregations, Equal Exchange's Interfaith Coffee Program is a bridge between these communities and our own.  By paying a fair price, working with democratic cooperatives, offering affordable credit and supporting sustainable agriculture, Equal Exchange helps farmers to build better lives for themselves and their families.

The Board of Deacons, the ‘keepers’ of our coffee fellowship, have voted to participate in this exciting mission program.  Beginning soon, we will be enjoying Equal Exchange’s “Organic Fellowship Blend” during our coffee hour.  We will we be supporting local growers and helping the environment, promoting organic farming techniques and preservation of the rainforest as well.

By serving fairly traded coffee each Sunday, we can share fellowship with our neighbors in coffee-growing countries, making a difference in their lives while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. Through the program, farmers earn a fair price for their products, receive affordable credit, and gain a long-term trading partner that they can trust.  By pooling their resources in democratic cooperatives, farmers are able to invest in training, health care, and agricultural improvements in their communities. 
Equal Exchange already partners with some major faith-based agencies, such as Lutheran World Relief, Catholic Relief Services, the American Friends Service Committee, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and Brethren Witness. 

Additionally, we have the opportunity to purchase all of EE’s fairly traded products, including a variety of coffees, teas, and cocoa products at wholesale prices.  Please talk to a Deacon or Pastor Jim if you are interested in further exploring this program.

Talent Auction

Our Annual Talent Auction will be held on Sunday, April 18^th after our church service (11:30^am).  Our Youth Group will provide lunch (for a small fee).  This event will be open to all, so bring a friend or invite your neighbors and relatives.  Childcare will be available if needed.

This will be one of our major fundraising events and we need to have everyone participate.  Those who do not wish to offer a talent are welcome to come and bid on some of our great items.  Norman May will be our auctioneer.

We will also accept some new or "very special" items (a beautiful dish, an antique, etc) (Please, No Flea Market Specials).

We will have some great gift certificates and donations from our local businesses.

Janet Kohlmorgen will chair this event.  Please contact Janet (532-6017), Jane Hannon (899-5789), or Tony D'Ambrosio (899-3179) if you would like help.

Please fill out the form below and leave it in the Church Council mailbox in the Vestry.  More forms will be available at the back of the church.

But What Could I Offer?
We all have something that we do well.  Here are a few suggestions; many of you will have other Great Things to offer.

• Bake a pie, cake, cookies
• Prepare a special meal
• Make a soup or chowder
• Yard or Garden work
• Tickets to a Red Sox Game
• Offer your plants for transplant
• Flower arrangements
• Baby sitting
• Music lessons
• Musical entertainment
• Computer help or lessons
• Make a quilt or wall hanging
• Knit a sweater
• Prepare a basket full of "goodies"
• Help with cleaning a garage
• Help with window washing
• Help with house cleaning
• Shopping or errands
• Host a barbecue for another family
• Plan & serve a meal for another family
• Take "kids" to a movie
• Car cleaning (in & out)
• Offer your vacation home for a week
• Give a gift certificate
• Offer your boat for a weekend

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

Enriching and Enlivening Worship Through Music
March 20, 2004

A day long workshop is currently being developed by the Commission for Congregational Life for pastors, music committees, musitians and lay people in small to medium size UCC churches.