Present:  Chairman Janet Kohlmorgen, Doug Popp, Janet Goodrich, Jim Melhorn, Tony D’Ambrosio, Mary Alice D”Ambroisio, Kathy Fitzwater,  Phyllis Ames, Dave Marr

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

Minutes of the Febuary 2004 council meeting were approved.

Written and oral reports of the various committees were accepted as presented.

Treasurer’s Report:  Dave Marr reported we have expended 16-17% of our budget and received 20% of anticipated income. 

Pastor’s Report:  Pastor Jim updated the council on dates / activities for the Easter season.  The youth will accompany him to the Overlook Farm in Rutland on April 24, 2004 where they will participate in a daylong program connected with the Heifer Project. 

Deacon’s Report:  See written report.  Kathy Fitzwater expressed concern that the new coffee carafes are missing.  The need to put items under lock and key will be brought to the buildings and grounds committee for consideration. Details for the Easter season as presented in their minutes were reviewed for the council.

Trustees’ Report:  Dave Marr provided the council with a status report on the kitchen stove.  They have received bids for retrofitting, reconditioning and replacing the current stove.  After reviewing these options, they will recommend which action to pursue.  The parsonage pipes that have been subject to freezing have been insulated in an attempted to resolve the problem.  At the request of the council the trustees will review the ’65 agreement and make recommendations on a plan of action if appropriate.  Concern was raised about the Town’s annual sign fee, particularly as it applies to non-profit organizations.   The contract for the replacement lift has been drawn up and is ready to be acted upon.

Christian Education Report:  Phyllis Ames shared the Sunday School teachers ongoing desire to be able to attend church services.  They are considering having a substitute teacher once a month to allow the regular teacher to attend monthly services.  In the meantime, a related survey will be made of Sunday School families.  The Christian Ed basket for the talent auction will have a school theme.  The Ashburnham church has expressed an interest in joining us in planning Summer Vacation Bible School.  The council was updated on the Sunday School calendar for the remainder of the year.

Membership Report:  Doug Popp provided an update on the welcome baskets.  A new members class is being scheduled.

Missions Report:  See written report.  Mary Alice D’Ambrosio reminded us of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering to be taken on 3/28.

Music Report:  See written report.  Tony D’Ambrosio noted the committee is considering an organ concert.

Men’s Club Report:  The Men’s Club will discuss using the Fair Trade Coffee for the Men’s breakfasts and suppers.  The next men’s breakfast is on 4/18.

Old Business:

‘65 Agreement: Council is awaiting the Trustee’s report.

Auditor:  The new by-laws call for an annual audit to be conducted by a member of our church.  Any person who may be interested in serving the church in this capacity is asked to speak with Council chair Janet Kohlmorgen. 

By-law Revision:  The council discussed the proposed by law change offered by the trustees at the January meeting:   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…”   Having addressed the proposal at two consecutive council meetings as required, the council voted to approve the change and will bring it to the next congregational meeting for final approval as required in the by-laws.

Talent Auction:  All committees were reminded to complete their plans for the baskets to be offered at the upcoming talent auction.

The meeting adjourned following a closing prayer offered by Tony D’Ambrosio.

 Respectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Happy Birthday

       April  4 - Kim Smith            April 18 - John Sampson
       April  9 - Michael Skowronek    April 19 - Doug Popp
       April 11 - Phyllis Ames         April 22 - Brooke Robie
       April 14 - Jessica Perry        April 24 - Martin Ferwerda
       April 15 - Bernice Ferwerda     April 26 - Anita Phillips
       April 17 - John O'Day           April 29 - Marc Halbedel

Board of Trustees
March 4, 2004

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

February financials were accepted as presented.  Replacement of the chairlift by a Vertical Lift is finally getting underway.  A contract has been signed with Weber Accessibility and once we get a more accurate quote for the structural part of the project, work should begin in the near future.  Jon Cormier spent some time at the Parsonage trying to resolve the freezing pipe problem.  He has added additional insulation, plans to heat tape some other pipes and feels this should do the job.

The Church Council has requested that the Trustees discuss the 1965 Agreement between the Church and the Town.  We were told that Peggy Brogan, who is the assistant to the Recreation Dept. and who is responsible for the scheduling of the town meeting hall, is very interested in being included in the discussions.  Trustees will be meeting after Church on March 14^th to go over some of their ideas.

Next meeting of the Trustees will be Thursday, April 1, 2004, at 7:00^pm.

Respectively submitted,
Nancy Bogar

Diaconate

The Deacons met on March 11, 2004 at 7:00^pm in the Vestry. 

Deacon of the month for April is Kathy Fitzwater.  Communion will be on April 11^th (Easter) assisted by Steve Henrikson, Lee Mailloux and Mary Williams. 

Please plan to attend the Maundy Thursday service on April 8^th at 6:00pm.  We will celebrate Passover with a Seder meal much as Jesus did when he gathered in the upper room.  The Passover Seder meal has been a staple in the Jewish tradition for thousands of years, and is still observed today.  Its primary purpose is to teach children the meaning and significance of God’s deliverance and salvation through retelling the story of the Exodus from Egypt.  Following the Seder meal will be a full dinner provided by the Deacons.

Because Maundy Thursday will be on our normally scheduled meeting date, we decided to meet on Sunday April 4^th following the church service.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Mission Ministries Team

The Mission Committee met on Sunday, March 14, 2004 after the worship service.  Attending were Mary Alice D’Ambrosio, Alice Zwart and Laura Henrikson.  Rev. Melhorn was able to attend for a short time as he was attending parts of other meetings also.

Laura read a prayer from the Mississippi Relief Newsletter.  A letter was also received from Jon Ayers stating needed prayers for ministries at both Stonehill College and NH Tech.

Alice discussed One Great Hour of Sharing, with the collection to be taken on March 28.

We are looking at doing a yearlong project with Mission India as a possibility.  Jim has a friend that is involved with World Ministries in Southeast Asia and India and is a native of India; he lives in Cleveland but may be able to give us more info.  We also discussed the UCC connection with Zimbabwe, which may also be a possibility.  Missions through Church World Service will also be looked at.

Rev. Melhorn discussed his plans to take the youth to Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA on April 24, 2004 where they will participate in a daylong program connected with Heifer Project.  He is also looking for adults who would like to participate.

Mary Alice discussed a phone call to a person in Rhode Island concerning Josue and the situation in Haiti.  The person stated he lives quite far from where the action is taking place and most likely is quite safe.  Laura talked of concerns for Ann & Karl Olsson, formerly of Jaffrey, who live in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where Karl is pastoring a Protestant Church, Quisqueya Chapel; they are hearing lots of gunfire quite close to their home.

We were not able to select the date of our next meeting as the next scheduled time would be on Easter Sunday and the following Sunday is the Church Auction.  We will wait and discuss this with Marty and set a date and time when we are all available.

Respectfully submitted, 
Laura A. Henrikson, Secretary

Christian Education Committee
March 14, 2004

Attendance: Phyllis Ames, Doug Popp, Robin Crowe, Victoria Skowronek, and Rev. Melhorn

Doug Popp opened with a prayer.

The next meeting is April 4, 2004.

Discussed:

1. Subs for Sunday school possibly once a month.
2. Christian Ed will put together a school themed basket/backpack to be auctioned off at our talent auction.
3. VBS- More plans to come VBS was a success last year.  We would like to do it again with Ashburnham Church.
4. Easter Breakfast plans in the making.  We'll keep you all posted.

Music Committee

Music Committee met after church on Sunday, 3/14/04. 

Tony, Bob, Martha, and MaryLu were in attendance. 

We agreed on the purchase of several pieces of new music for the adult choir which Bob will order this month.  Even after this expense, our budget is in good shape.  MaryLu donated several items for our church auction basket which Martha and Tony will complete and assemble. 

Several ideas were raised to use some of the money in the Jim Campbell fund.  These will be
discussed with Sue Campbell and decided upon at a later date. 

MaryLu will talk to George, our organ tuner/repairer, to explore the idea of his performing a recital on our organ in the fall. Tony offered to sing solos regularly (i.e. at least monthly) during Sunday worship, and it was suggested this take place for the offertory. We welcome soloists of all types to volunteer their gifts.

Respectfully submitted, 
Martha Thomas, Secretary

April Worship Services

April 4 – Palm/Passion Sunday – We follow Jesus from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem all the way to the cross.  We’ll tell the story through scripture readings, music, and scenes from religious art through the centuries.  Many Christians have experienced Mel Gibson’s vision of the story through his recent movie, “The Passion of the Christ”.  This worship service will allow us to expand our vision of the Passion as we hear the story from Luke’s gospel and see images from the world’s greatest painters, including Rembrandt, Carravagio, Picasso, El Greco, and others
Ushers: Phyllis and Harry Groezinger
Greeters: Betty Chenausky and Bernice Martin
Acolyte: Michael Skowronek

April 8 – Maundy Thursday – Traditional Passover Seder – We gather at 6:00^pm to share a meal much like Jesus shared with the disciples in the upper room.  The Jewish feast of Passover celebrates the deliverance of God’s chosen people from slavery under the Egyptians to the freedom of the Promised Land.  All food is provided, so come and enjoy the experience.  The Seder meal is especially fun for children, and is designed as a means to teach children the meaning of the Exodus story.  All are welcome – bring along family and friends!

April 11 – Easter Sunday and Communion – We celebrate the risen Christ in song and story, decorate our flower cross, and experience Christ’s presence as we gather around his table.
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:12-19
Sermon:  “Nonsense!”
Ushers: Burt and Janet Goodrich
Greeters: Larry and Joyce Kabat
Lay Reader: Art Fitzwater
Acolyte: Melissa Melhorn

April 18 – 2^nd Sunday of Easter
Scripture Reading: Acts 5:27-32
Sermon:  “The test of time”
Ushers: Don Umlauf and Mark Warner
Greeters: Janet and Rick Kohlmorgen
Lay Reader: Betty Chenausky
Acolyte: Emily Thomas

April 25 – 3^rd Sunday of Easter
Scripture Reading: John 21:1-19
Sermon:  “Grinders, Submarines and Heroes”
Ushers: Frens and Alice Zwart
Greeters: Ernest and Marge St. Pierre
Lay Reader: Bernice Martin
Acolyte: Blake Skelton

Computer Corner

Updates in March included the following;

• March Deaconer
• Announcements
• Men’s Breakfast
• Hymn Sing
• Talent Auction
• Constitution & By-Laws
• Officers, Staff & Committees
• Updates to the Week in Review (on a weekly basis).

Also new to the web site is a complete listing of all the officers, staff and committee members.  This page contains the names of those who serve in the various capacities and their term information if applicable.  Also listed are committee positions and meeting dates.  If a description of the position/committee is needed, simply click on the title and you will be transported to the Constitution & By-Laws page to the appropriate section (please use your back button to return).  A link to this page can be found on the left menu as well.

These two pages will provide a wealth of information in one location.  Go ahead, give them a try.

Steve Henrikson – webspirit – henrikson@surfbest.net

Picture of the Month

Sedona, AZ Unfortunately I did not have a picture to use for the picture of the month.  Please enjoy a photo from a recent trip in March to Sedona AZ.  This formation is know as Courthouse Butte.

Reminder - Easter Memorial Flowers 

You still have time to order Easter Memorial Flowers for the church.  Plants are $10. 

If you are interested, call Barbara Wells at 899-5460.  Checks should be made payable to Barbara Wells.

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
April 18, 2004

We would like everyone to participate in this Fun Day.  This will be one of our major fundraising events and we hope to have a great attendance.  You do not have to donate to attend.  Please encourage your friends, relatives and neighbors to join us.  Lunch will begin about 11:30^am (after church).  Childcare will be available.  The Youth Group will provide a great lunch. 

We already have a great variety of items from our church family as well as several business donations.  Each of our church committees will also be offering a basket full of items.  You will be able to browse the available items during lunch.

If you have not already made a donation, please contact:

• Janet Kohlmorgen (532-6017) 
• Jane Hannon (899-5789) 
• Tony D'Ambrosio (899-3179)

Donations should be brought to the church 

• Right after church April 11^th (Easter)
• Friday, April 16^th   (4:00^pm -- 7:00^pm)
• Saturday, April 17^th  (2:00^pm -- 4:00^pm)
• Call Jane at 899-5789 for other times
• Freshly made food or plant items should be delivered on either Saturday or Sunday (just before church)

Year Round Ministry Opportunity

First of all, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their contributions to the hat & mitten tree. Starting this year, I will be collecting donations of (new) hats, mittens, blankets, or any item of new clothing throughout the year. This gives us an opportunity to help others throughout the entire year. When you are out shopping keep an eye out for clearance sale items. These clothing items are very much appreciated by shelter recipients. 

Penny Chace

You Never Know

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer.   One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death. 

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.  "I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's life."  "No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel.

"Is that your son?" the nobleman asked. "Yes," the farmer replied proudly.  I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of." And that he did. 

Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia. What saved his life this time?  Penicillin.  The name of the nobleman?  Lord Randolph Churchill.  His son's name?  Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around.

Work like you don't need the money.
Love like you've never been hurt.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.