Present:  Chairwoman Janet Kohlmorgen, Doug Popp, Kathy Fitzwater, Phyllis Ames, Mary Alice and Tony D’Ambrosio, Jim Melhorn, Janet Goodrich, Mark Warner, Jane Hannon

Pastor Jim opened the meeting with prayer and a scripture reading.

Minutes:  Council approved the minutes from the December and Annual meetings.

Treasurer’s Report:  Accepted as presented.  Jane Hannon distributed up-to-date budget information to all committee representatives.  The council thanked Jane for the revised format of the data that will allow the committees to have the current status of their individual budgets. 

Pastor’s Report:  See written report.  Pastor Jim provided a mini-lesson on the relationships among the local U.C.C. church, the Association, the Conference and the General Synod at the national level. 

Deacon’s Report:  See written report.  Kathy Fitzwater shared the deacon’s desire to reserve coffee hour as an opportunity for fellowship with one another, and requested that announcements be made during the worship service at the time when Pastor Jim asks for them.  Special programs, etc. could be offered at a time other than immediately following the service during coffee hour.

Trustees’ Report:  Mark Warner requested the council begin the process of identifying an auditor to review fiscal records at the end of the year as outlined in the revised by-laws.  With the need to replace the chairlift to make the sanctuary handicap accessible, the trustees recommended the first by – law change:  to add the phrase excluding repair or replacement to the current language.  “…the following matters must come before the entire congregation at a duly called congregational meeting;….any extra-budgetary program or project, excluding repair or replacement,  using over $10,000 of endowed funds or investment income .”    The by-laws state that “The by-laws may be provisionally amended at any duly called Church Council meeting by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present, provided that…the Council has two meetings at which to discuss the proposed change.  All amendments to the By-laws shall receive final approval at a duly called congregational meeting…”   Council discussed the proposed change in detail and will address it further at the next council meeting. 

Christian Education:  Phyllis Ames reported that Penny Chace and Robin Crowe will share the responsibilities for Church School coordinator.  The church school will once again be making ‘care packages’ for our college students.  A long-term goal is to explore the time Sunday School is held.  Church School teachers would like the opportunity to attend church services.

Membership:  Doug Popp reported the committee will be planning a new members class.

Music:  Tony D’Ambrosio updated the council on the gracious donation of $3,526.61 from the Fitzwilliam Baptist Church, which recently disbanded, for use by the music committee.  Robert Popple had been their church organist.

Old Business:  Each committee confirmed their meeting dates, chairman, secretary, and council representative.

New Business:

’65 Agreement:  At the direction of the annual meeting, the council reviewed the 1965 agreement with the town.  Jim gave a general historical overview of the building’s relationship with the church and the town.  As a co-tenant of the building, what clarifications to the 1965 agreement do we feel are needed, if any?  The document was written before the Ward Fund was established.  When do the co-tenants of the building approach the Ward Fund?  What does it cover? Etc.  The council felt those who have had direct responsibility for the building are in the best position to identify where clarifications may be needed.  The Trustees will discuss the document at their next meeting and report back to the council at the February council meeting. 

Deaconer:  Jane Hannon reminded all committees of the timelines for getting articles into the Deaconer. 

Talent Auction:  Each committee will make a basket for the Talent Auction to be held on April 18 after church.

Council packets:  All committees are asked to give Janet Goodrich (jgoodrich@monad.net) copies of your minutes prior to the Sunday before the council meeting.  Packets of all minutes will be distributed to council reps on that Sunday for review prior to the council meeting.  This should provide more meeting time to address council business at our meetings.

Doug Popp closed the meeting with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Happy Birthday

       March  2 - Michael Skelton      March 15 - Hayden Skelton
       March  6 - Elise Perry          March 21 - Dale Pyer
       March  7 - Luella Racicot       March 23 - Michele Perry
       March  7 - Marian Rogers        March 23 - Caroline Rogers
       March  9 - Janet Goodrich       March 25 - James Melhorn
       March  9 - Christie Carmichael  March 25 - Maria Dauphinias
       March 10 - Phil Casey           March 28 - Perry Thomas
       March 11 - Art Fitzwater        March 31 - Kathy Fitzwater

Board of Trustees
February 5, 2004

Trustees present were Mark Warner, Frens Zwart, Dave Marr, Burt Goodrich, Art Fitzwater, Jane Hannon, Jim Melhorn and Nancy Bogar.  Mark opened the meeting with a prayer.

With the approval of the new bylaws at the Annual Church Meeting, the Board of Trustees were divided into three smaller committees – Finance, Buildings & Grounds, and Stewardship.  Finance Comm. elected Mark Warner as chairperson, Nancy Bogar as Secretary and David Marr as Council Rep. Buildings & Grounds elected Jon Cormier as chairperson and Larry Kabat as Secretary.  Stewardship Comm. elected Frens Zwart as chairperson and Burt Goodrich as Secretary. The decision was made that all three groups would meet monthly at the same time, divide into the individual groups and then reconvene back together after 20 – 30 min. for any additional discussion.

The financials were accepted as presented.  However, it is time for our annual audit and Mark will bring this before the Council as no auditor was elected at the Annual Meeting.

Stewardship – Wendy Warner and Sue Casey are both going to the conference, “Prepared to Serve,” and will be attending the Estate Planning Session.

Building and Grounds had several issues. 

1. The Parsonage has pipes freezing so work is being done to hopefully alleviate that problem. 
2. Stove in the kitchen is still under discussion. 
3. Replacement of the chairlift: Trustees came to the agreement that the Church needs to proceed with this project immediately.  The decision was to go with a vertical lift rather than simply replacing the existing chairlift.  A vertical lift can also accommodate a wheelchair.  Weber Accessibility will be contacted to begin negotiations.

Respectively submitted,
Nancy Bogar

Diaconate

 The Deacons met on February 12, 2004 at 7:00pm in the Vestry.

Deacon of the month for March is Sue Chatwin.  Communion will be on March 7^th assisted by Susan Campbell, Kathy Fitzwater and Steve Henrikson. 

The new committee member responsibilities are as follows;

• Chair – Steve Chace
• Secretary  – Steve Henrikson 
• Council Rep. – Kathy Fitzwater
• Coffee Hour – Sue Chatwin
• Cards & Flowers – Kathy Fitzwater
• Pulpit Supply – Trudie Kalinen & Lee Mailloux
• Ushers & Greeters – Penny Chace
• Nominating Committee Rep. – Susan Campbell

The new Fellowship blend of coffee is now in use.  Comments seem to be very favorable.  If you like to learn more about this important mission activity, please see Sue Chatwin.

Next meeting will be March 11^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Mission Ministries Team

Our last meeting was held on February 8, 2004 following coffee hour; attending were Marty Ferwerda, Mary Alice D'Ambrosio, Alice Zwart and Laura Henrikson.  There is still one opening to be filled on this committee.  The meeting was started with a prayer by Marty.

Mary Alice will do a mission moment on Josue St. Louis and read the letter sent to us.
Thank you notes were read from Jon Ayers – Campus Crusade (who is working at NH Technical School in Concord and Stonehill College; we also received his newsletter, (Twelve Stones) and from Straight Ahead Ministries.  Letters were also read from Samaritan Press & the Pregnancy Resource Center in Peterborough.  These will be posted on the bulletin board.

The Super Bowl Soup and Bread Supper was held on Friday, January 23, 2004.  About thirty people gathered to partake of the many delicious soups and breads.  Don & Kim Pederson presented a program on Global Missions Fellowship.  This Mission involves mission campaigns to over 30 countries and works to help plant multiple churches and also help to invigorate churches that have been established through evangelism.  There was a slide presentation, a demonstration of the EvangeCube, and then a question and answer time.  An offering of $27.00 was received for a donation to this ministry program.

A special offering at church received $232.23 plus food – all to be donated to the Rindge Food Bank.   This makes a total of $259.23 donated to missions in January 2004.

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) will take place on March 21, 2004.  We have been supplied with posters and leaflets for the bulletins.  Alice will be in charge of this mission project.

The Team would like to participate in a year long, special mission project and get everyone in church involved.  We will be examining many ideas at the next meeting.

Laura will be in charge of picking up mission info from the mailbox while Marty is away doing mission work.

Another Soup & Bread supper is being planned for May 2004

The next meeting will be held on March 14, 2003.  The meeting was closed with a prayer by Alice.

Respectfully submitted, 
Laura A. Henrikson, Secretary

Christian Education Committee
February 8, 2004

In attendance were the following Rev.James Melhorn, Cindy Melhorn, Bernice Ferwerda, Phyllis Ames, Doug Popp, Victoria Skowronek, Robin Crow & Penny Chase.

Bernice gave a brief description of her attendance at "Prepare to Serve", discussed also was the Ecumenical Curriculum Fair in Pembroke New Hampshire taking place February 18^th, 2004. 

There was no meeting of Christian Education in January due to furnace problems.  Phyllis Ames will be Secretary for the All Committee Meeting, outgoing Secretary was Robin Crowe.  No minutes for January Meeting were taken.

Easter Care Packages & The Heifer Program were discussed, more to come later.  Doug Popp will be getting things ready for the Youth Group, putting together "The Easter Breakfast".  The Youth Group went sledding at Peg Brummer's and had a great time!  Volunteers for Vacation Bible School were discussed and will be talked about more in the next meetings. 

Rev. Melhorn reported that Adult Ed Curriculum will be on order and the Book of Exodus will be the topic.  Christian Education also welcomed Penny Chase who will be assisting Robin Crowe with her duties and helping when needed.

Goals for 2004 were looked at and they at this time consist of reading ourselves for "Come to the Table", Confirmation Class in the Fall of 2004, Night Watch, Christmas Program, and Children's Sunday June 13^th of 2004, more plans to come. 

On March 21^st, Sunday School will have a guest speaker Judy Unger Clark who will talk about her "Mission Trip to Russia", which is about orphans expressing themselves through art, this should be a wonderful opportunity to learn! 

Again the topic of looking at a different time for Sunday School was discussed with more discussion to come regarding time.

Reverend Melhorn closed with meeting with prayer. Meeting adjourned. 

Victoria L. Skowronek 
Administrative Assistant 
Financial Aid Office Rindge Hall 
Franklin Pierce College 
20 College Rd 
Rindge, NH 03461 
603-899-4180 
skowrov@fpc.edu 

Membership Committee

The membership committee held it’s first meeting of the year on Tuesday, February 3, 2004.  Doug Popp opened with prayer.   Lois May will serve as Chairperson, Doug Popp as Council Rep and Susan Casey as Secretary. 

Unfinished Business

Lois reminded us that the Deadline for the monthly Deaconer is the 19^th of each month.

We discussed the “Welcome Basket” process, contents & distribution.  It is also noted that we have misplaced a box of mugs, so if anyone should discover a box containing a large number of white mugs with our Church Logo on them, please contact us.

Once each month we will make an announcement reminding the congregation about our “Welcome Basket” Program.

Steve Henrikson will continue to serve as our “Web spirit”, so rest assured that our Church Website is in capable hands.

New Business

The Church Directory will be 4 years old this spring.  While we are not ready to undertake a new directory for this year, the committee agrees that it’s time to update information.  We are discussing the best way to introduce new members to the congregation and to update contact information on present members.  We hope to put a process in place that can provide updated information each year.  Some of the options we discussed would be to include it with the Annual Report or to make it available to members at our Annual Meeting in January.   We’ll keep you posted.

Lois will check with Pastor Jim as to when the next “New Member” Classes will be held.

Activities were discussed for future “Bring a Friend” Sundays.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2003 and Susan will do the closing.

The Meeting adjourned at 8:30 and Lois closed with prayer.

Submitted by,
Susan Casey

Music Committee

MaryLu Mathis (Chair), Tony D'Ambrosio (Council Rep), Martha Thomas (Secretary), and Bob Popple (Organist/Choir Director) met as a committee for the first time this year on February 8, 2004.

MaryLu has already started going through our music, selecting ideas for the Junior Choir as well as for soloists.  Katrina Fleming and Mary-Jane Sawyer have submitted their schedule of performances by Junior Choir and Bell Choir for the remainder of this school year.  The Junior Choir will participate in the worship services on February 29^th, March 28^th, April 25^th, and May 23^rd.  The Bell Choir will add to our worship services on March 21^st and May 9^th.

The committee has graciously accepted a donation of $3,526.61 from the Fitzwilliam Baptist Church, which recently disbanded.  Ideas were brain stormed about its allocation, some of which are- enhancement of music library, repairing/replacing the sound board and bridge of the piano, and sponsoring an organ recital by George Bozeman.  The status of the Jim Campbell Fund is still being explored.  We are still in need of someone to organize/direct a Children's Chime Choir.

This committee plans to continue to meet after church services on the second of each month, unless that falls on a holiday.  Our next meeting is scheduled for March 14^th in the sanctuary.

Respectfully submitted, 
Martha Thomas

March Worship Services

March 7 – 2^ndSunday of Lent – Communion 
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 55:9-13
Sermon:  “Higher Math”
Ushers: Lois May and Sue Campbell
Greeters: Laura L'Heareux and Victoria Skowronek
Lay Reader: Susan Casey
Acolyte: John Kohlmorgan

March 14 – 3^rd Sunday of Lent – We’ll sing from our list of Favorite Hymns
Scripture Reading: Psalm 32
Sermon:  “Seabiscuit”
Ushers: Janet and Rick Kohlmorgan
Greeters: Phyllis and Harry Groezinger
Lay Reader: Lou Thomas
Acolyte: Shannon Crowe

March 21 – 4^th Sunday of Lent – Intergenerational Service – Judy Unger-Clark will speak about her mission trip to Russia and our young people will participate in an activity during the worship service.  The Joyful Noise Bell Choir will also play and we will accept our One Great Hour of Sharing Mission Offering
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Ushers: Betty Chenausky and Bernice Martin
Greeters: Flossie and Dana Hastings
Lay Reader: Craig Clark
Acolyte: Paul Chace

March 28 – 5^th Sunday in Lent – We will focus on Evangelism with a dramatic presentation of the sermon.
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:31-35
Ushers: Ethan and Michelle Perry
Greeters: Ernest and Marge St. Pierre
Lay Reader: Phyllis Groezinger
Acolyte: Owen Chace

Reserve these dates for Worship in April:

April 4 – Palm/Passion Sunday – a sight and sound presentation of the events of Holy Week

April 8 – Maundy Thursday Passover Meal – we’ll gather around tables in the same way as Jesus and his disciples gathered to celebrate the Passover Meal.  This interesting and fun Seder meal is appropriate for all ages

April 11 – Easter – We celebrate the resurrection and the fulfillment of God’s promises in song and story, the cross of flowers, and the joyous feast at Christ’s Table.

Computer Corner

 Updates in February included the following;

• February Deaconer
• Announcements
• Men’s Valentine Dinner
• Men’s Breakfast
• Ash Wednesday
• Hymn Sing
• Talent Auction
• 2004 Annual Meeting
• Updates to the Week in Review (on a weekly basis).

Just announced, Microsoft has announced a FREE Windows Security Update CD that will be shipped to you free of charge.  This CD includes Microsoft critical updates released through October 2003 and information to help you protect your PC.  In addition, you will also receive free antivirus and firewall trial software.  I’ve mentioned in the past the importance of keeping your updates current - this saves valuable dial-up download time.  You can order the CD at the following URL.  In addition, you can sign up for a free bi-monthly Microsoft Security Newsletter for Home Users containing valuable information to help you protect your home PC.  This newsletter provides practical security tips, topical security guidance, useful resources and links, pointers to helpful community resources, and a forum for you to provide feedback and ask security-related questions.  You can subscribe at the second URL listed below.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/security/home/secnews/default.asp

Steve Henrikson – webspirit – henrikson@surfbest.net

Picture of the Month

This picture shows Penny with Warming Families volunteer Kerry Canty accepting the donations.

Warming Families Each year, Penny Chace coordinates the local collection of hats and mittens to be donated to Warming Families.  This year, the list was quite extensive;   9 scarves   6 pairs of underwear 45 hats, 12 headbands 17 sweaters (all made by a neighbor) 24 pairs of mittens   4 pairs of socks   4 blankets   1 pajama set

Prayer List

Mission Committee is in the process of updating the Prayer List.  The existing Prayer List will be at the back of the church for the next three weeks.  If you would like to be added, please leave your name and phone number.  If you no longer want to participate, please cross out your name and your number.  You may call Laura Henrikson at 899-5456 and leave a message.  Please check Prayer List below for accuracy.
 
 

Rindge Congregational Church Prayer Chain (Updated November 6, 2002)

Jim/Cindy Melhorn 899-5722 Phyllis Ames 899-5704 Frenz/Alice Zwarts 899-2247 Nancy Bogar 899-2126 Jean Benson 899-6956 Ed/Peg Brummer 899-2800 Sue Campbell 899-2705 Sue Casey 899-6161 work  899-4075 Steve/Penny Chace 978-297-3404 Betty Chenausky 899-3382 Jon/Michelle Cormier 899-2785 Burt/Janet Goodrich 899-5780 Art/Kathy Fitzwater 899-9859 Nada Faster 899-5790 Marty/Bernice Ferwerda 899-6035 Trudie Kalinen 899-6823 Rick/Janet Kohlmorgen 899-6017 George/Robin Crowe 899-6969

Jane Hannon 899-5759 Steve/Laura Henrikson 899-5456 Maura Keegan 899-5285 David/Marie Marr 899-6430 Bernice Martin 899-5065 Chuck/Mary Lu Mathis 899-5227 Norman/Lois May 899-6651 Jeanne Norwood 532-6283 Doug/Julie Popp 899-5541 Mary Sawyer 899-2376 Jennifer Skelton 585-6558 Victoria Skowronek 899-6952 work  899-4120 Lou/Martha Thomas 899-5271 Don/Janet Umlauf 899-5434 June Sailor O'Day 585-9245 Peter/Barbara Wells 899-5460 Ernest/Marge St. Pierre 899-5292

Reminder - Easter Memorial Flowers 

Don't forget to remember your loved ones with Easter Flowers.  These flowers add to our beautiful sanctuary and make for a special day.  A form is enclosed for your convenience. 

Again this year, an opportunity is available to place Memorial Flowers in the church on Easter Sunday.  Barbara Wells will be accepting orders for Lilies, Tulips and Daffodils.  For your convenience, please use the order form below (or the one in your hardcopy Deaconer) and return it to Barbara in an envelope or call her at 899-5460.

(  )  Yes, I would like to order___________ plants to be used in the Sanctuary on
       Easter Sunday

(  )  I am enclosing cash / check ($10 per plant)

(  )  I will bring a plant(s)

This plant is given (  ) in loving memory of: __________________________________.

                            (  ) in honor of: ________________________________________.

                            (  ) (your choice) ______________________________________.

                             ___________________________________________________.

                            ___________________________________________________.

                            ___________________________________________________.

Signed: ___________________________________________________________.

Phone: ___________________________________________________________.

(  )  I wish my plant(s) to Be Delivered to friends or members of our chuch family.

(  )  I will Pick Up my plant(s) after the Service on Easter Sunday

Please Return this form to: Barbara Wells
                                     PO Box 152
                                         Rindge, NH  03461

Talent Auction

Our Annual Talent Auction will soon be here on Sunday, April 18^th after our church service (11:30^am).  This will be one of our major fundraising events and we need to have everyone participate. Norman May will be our auctioneer.

Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page and give it Janet, Jane or Tony.  You may also leave your form in our "Talent Basket" at the back of the church.  Everyone has something to offer.  Extra forms are available (next to the basket) and you are encouraged to offer more than one item.  We will accept some new or "very special" items (a beautiful dish, an antique, etc) (Please, no Flea Market Specials)

Return Forms by March 21st

Each committee or Church Group has also been asked to provide a basket of items.  We will also have some great gift certificates and donations from our local businesses.

This event will be open to everyone in our community and we ask you be bring a friend, neighbor or relative.  Those who do not wish to offer a talent are welcome to come and bid on some of our great items. 

Our Youth Group will provide lunch (for a small fee). Childcare will be available if needed.

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.

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

Remember - Kids also have talents

Coffee Hour Policy

Recently a program was presented at Coffee Hour that was unrelated to church business.  For future reference, the Deacons would like to establish a policy that specifies Coffee Hour is intended for fellowship following the service and that any activity or program conducted during Coffee Hour be limited to church business.

Thank You

"Thank You" to our Church Family for their thoughts, 
prayers, cards and words of comfort to us during my 

                                                                   Susan, Dennis, Eric & Phil Casey

Treasurer on Vacation

Jane Hannon will be away between March 8^th and March 20^th. 
Please submit your financial requests before March 5^th or after March 23^rd. 
Maura Keegan will be available if an emergency does arise.

Amnesty

Amnesty Granted to all tablecloths returned to church kitchen. 
Many have gone wondering and there are no sets of two left. 
Would appreciate their return.

Peterborough Unitarian Church Organ Concert

Peterborough Unitarian Church The Rev. Sarah E. Clark, minister                                                        25 Main Street Ann Kesti, administrator                                                                      Peterborough, NH 03458 Merry Stockwell, director of religious education                             tel. (603)924-6245 Maria Belva, director of music                                                             fax (603)924-8475 The Rev. David D. Van Strien, minister emeritus February 11, 2004  Dear Friends:  The restored organ at the Peterborough Unitarian Church will give its inaugural concert under the hands of Peter Sykes on March 14, 2004 at 3:00 p.m.  This concert will be given free to anyone and everyone in the region, simply to say thank you for helping with the restoration effort.  You helped in many ways, from being there as a part of the community that made the project worth while, to actually contributing part of the approximately $170,000 that was needed to complete the project. The organ was installed in 1867, and continually serves well as an adjunct to worship and for concerts.  In 1933, an electro-pneumatic action was installed to replace the original tracker action, and the sound was made brighter by reconfiguring stops and adding pipes.  Over the years, the new action deteriorated and late in the last decade it began to fail, suggesting that serious restoration was needed.  The Andover Organ Company from Massachusetts was selected to complete this task and the instrument was reinstalled in the fall of 2003.  Restoration will be complete this month after the new trumpet stop is installed.  Peter Sykes is one of the most distinguished and versatile keyboard artists performing today.  His extensive performing career has taken him allover the globe, perfonning on the world's greatest instruments.  He is Director of Music at First Church in Cambridge, and a member of the faculties of the Longy School of Music, Boston University, and the New England Conservatory.  Visit his website, www.petersykes.com for his extensive biography and lists of concerts and recordings.  We can be assured of a world-class performance on our newly restored pipe organ. Please come to the concert, which will be followed by a reception.  More information on the organ, its history and the nature of the restoration project can be found on our web site, at: www.websdone.net/organ. Information can also be obtained by calling 603-924-6245.  The Peterborough Unitarian Church is located at 25 Main Street, Peterborough, NH 03458.  Sincerely,  Joy Flemming  Historic Organ Restoration Committee  Please feel free to use the following in your newsletter or bulletin An invitation is extended to all to attend a free Organ Concert by Peter Sykes on The Peterborough Unitarian Church's restored E. & G. G. Hook Organ on March 14th, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. 25 Main Street, Peterborough, NH 03458 603-924-6245 or www.websdone.net/organ