Present:  Chairman Janet Kohlmorgen, Jim Melhorn, Flossie Hastings, Mary Alice and Tony D’Ambrosio, Janet Goodrich, Kathy Fitzwater, Jane Hastings, Phyllis Ames, Dave Marr

After Pastor Jim opened the meeting with Scripture and prayer, the minutes of the 3/18/04 meeting were approved as presented.

Treasurer’s Report:  Status reports of individual committee budgets were distributed.
The March financials were reviewed. 

Pastor’s Report:  Pastor Jim reviewed the wedding and memorial service schedule for the next half year - (6/19, 6/26, 7 /17, 7/18).  The council reaffirmed the need to schedule with the town well in advance (perhaps more than a year) those events/dates that are routinely scheduled.  Jane Hannon and Janet Kohlmorgen will generate a schedule to be given to the town offices as soon as possible.  Having previously reviewed the organizational structure of the UCC Association and Conference with the council, Pastor Jim provided an update on the conference’s recently released position statement on the role of the Associations. 

Deacon’s Report:  Kathy Fitzwater reviewed the Deacon’s effort to update the active / inactive membership rolls.  They will have a copy of the letter of inquiry available for review at the next council meeting.  Pastor Jim was complimented on the excellent, informative Maundy Thursday program.  There are unfilled positions on the Deacon’s committee.  Members of the congregation interested in serving as a Deacon should contact the membership committee or a current deacon.

Trustees’ Report:  See written report.  Final discussions are underway about timing and positioning of the vertical lift that is to be installed.  The committee is awaiting an estimate for stove renovations.  In response to the council’s request, the trustee’s will meet on April 29 to review the 1965 Agreement.   The trustees recommended to the council that an outside audit be performed yearly.

Christian Education Report:  Phyllis Ames updated the council on upcoming events.  Children’s Sunday will be June 13 followed that afternoon by the annual picnic.  The annual May breakfast plans are underway.  The Education committee has placed a screen and projector like that used on Palm Sunday on its wish list. 

Membership Report:  Potential new members interested in joining the church are invited to participate in upcoming new members’ classes.  At present about a half a dozen individuals have expressed interest in attending..

Missions Report:  Mary Alice reported there will be another “Soup Supper” in May.  Details to be announced.  The One Great Hour of Sharing offering was $557. 

LVA / Evening Circle:  Flossie Hastings provided a general update.  Phyllis, Jim, and Lois attended a special service at Andover-Newton to hear three candidates for the Koinonia Award preach.  Given the exceptional quality of the presentations, they were equally acknowledged as ‘winners’.  We look forward to having one or all as guest speakers at our church

New Business:  The July scheduling conflict was resolved with 7/24 proposed as the fair date. 
Janet K. and Jane H. updated the council on the upcoming Talent Auction plans.

Kathy Fitzwater offered closing prayer.

 Respectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Happy Birthday

       May  2 - Dana Hastings           May 13 - Richard Keegan III
       May  3 - Dean Skelton            May 15 - Joyce Kabat
       May  3 - Nathan Warner           May 18 - Ruth Gay
       May  8 - Paul Chace              May 25 - Louis Thomas
       May 11 - Linda Tower             May 30 - Penny Chace
       May 12 - Emma Bolduc             May 31 - Barbara Nichols
       May 12 - Ernest St. Pierre 
       

Board of Trustees
April 1, 2004

Trustees met on April 1^st.  Those present were Art Fitzwater, David Marr, Don Umlauf, Larry Kabat, Burt Goodrich, Jim Melhorn, Jane Hannon and Nancy Bogar.  Jim opened the meeting with a prayer.  Secretary’s minutes from March were accepted as presented.  The March financials were accepted as presented.  The AG Edwards account continues to do very well.

Building and Grounds: The Vertical Lift is an ongoing project.  Construction is a little more difficult than originally thought, but the process is continuing and we are hopeful that answers to our many questions will be resolved soon.  The condition of the kitchen stove is still unresolved.  Trustees are still looking at the cost of repairing/reconditioning versus buying new.  The Deacons are concerned about the security in our building.  The Trustees identified several doors that could use locks, but before we ask for any estimates, the Trustees are requesting further clarification from the Deaconate with regard to the number of cabinets, drawers, etc. that they would like to see secured.

Although the Council is requesting someone from the Church to do an internal audit, the Trustees are looking into the availability and cost of a CPA firm to do an external audit. 

A request was made that each group contribute a basket towards the Silent Auction.  The trustees will do one with a garden theme.

Because the March 14^th meeting never happened, the Trustees have agreed to meet on Thursday, April 29^th at 7:00^pm just to discuss the 1965 Agreement. 

Our next meeting will be Thursday, May 6^th at 7:00^pm.

Respectively submitted,
Nancy Bogar

Diaconate

The Deacons met on April 4, 2004 at 11:30^am in the Narthex.  A change in the date and time was due to a conflict with Maundy Thursday.

Deacon of the month for May is Steve Henrikson.  Communion will be on May 2^nd assisted by Lee Mailloux, Mary Williams and Susan Campbell. 

We hope that the Easter season provided much spiritual nourishment.  Along with Easter Sunday and Maundy Thursday, Jim’s presentation of the Passion was very uplifting.

Just a reminder, May 9^th is Mother’s Day.  The Deacons will be providing flowers.

Next meeting will be Thursday May 13^th at 7:00^pm.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

April Worship Services

May 2 – We celebrate both sacraments of the church – Baptism and Communion
Scripture Reading: Romans 6:1-4, 8-11
Sermon:  “Party like it’s 1999”
Lay Reader: Mary Jane Sawyer
Ushers: Dick and Donna Docekal
Greeters: Marty Ferwerda and Mark Warner

May 9 – The festival of the Christian Home includes an original composition by Mary Jane Sawyer for voice, bells, and piano.
Scripture Reading: Acts 16:13-15, Psalm 148
Sermon:  “Twist my arm”
Lay Reader: Lou Thomas
Ushers: Doug Popp and Don Umlauf
Greeters: Nada Foster and Jane Hannon

May 16 – A celebration of Jesus’ healing ministry will include a time for prayers for healing with the anointing of oil.
Scripture Reading: Mark 5:21-43
Sermon:  “Get up, Stand up”
Lay Reader: Laura Henrikson
Ushers: Ethan and Michelle Perry
Greeters: Dale and Sandy Pyer

May 23 – We mark Jesus’ ascension into heaven and  his eternal reign. 
Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:1-4, Psalm 93
Sermon:  “New World Order”
Lay Reader: Susan Casey
Ushers: Marty Ferwerda and Don Umlauf
Greeters: Penny and Paul Chace

May 30 – We rejoice in welcoming new members and get to know one another better with a Name Tag Sunday. We’ll also take some time to remember men and women who have fallen in battle.
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-21
Sermon:  “Drunk as a skunk”
Lay Reader: Craig Clark
Ushers: Marie and David Marr
Greeters: Ernest and Marge St. Pierre

Computer Corner

Updates in April included the following;

• April Deaconer
• Announcements
• Men’s Breakfast
• Hymn Sing
• Talent Auction
• March 28th Service page
• All Committee Meeting page
• Updates to the Week in Review (on a weekly basis).

Steve Henrikson – webspirit – henrikson@surfbest.net

Learn About the Church

If you are interested in learning more about the First Congregational Church, you are invited to attend the information sessions that will be held on the following Sundays after the Church Service on April 25th, May 3rd, May 16th.  For more information you can contact Doug Popp at 899-5541, Lois May at 899-6651, Susan Casey at 899-6161 or Pastor Jim at 899-5722.

LVA/Evening Circle Scholarships

The LVA/Evening Circle will again offer scholarships to church members or close relatives of church members.  Applications are available from Lois May or the church office and must be returned by May 15^th. 

The scholarship was established a few years ago and we are pleased to have been part of several young people's education. 

May Breakfast Buffet

The May Breakfast will soon be here -- May 29^th is the date.  This event is held  in conjunction with the Woman's Club Plant Sale, which takes  place out in the parking lot from 7:00^am to 10:00^am.  We need help from many people -- mark your calendar and look for the sign-up sheets at coffee hour.   Tell your neighbors & friends where they can get a wonderful breakfast for the whole family at a great price. 

Our menu includes: scrambled eggs, pancakes, Pannukakkua (Finnish baked pancakes), sausage, bacon, muffins, toast, juice, coffee / tea / milk

Talent Auction

We would like to Thank Everyone who helped to make the 2004 Auction the most successful yet.  Everyone enjoyed an interesting afternoon and we had a wonderful variety of items to bid on.  We earned $1781 for the afternoon -- making this a great fundraiser.  Norman May (with a little help from some in the audience) did a great job as our auctioneer

We had donations and help from a large number of families, church committees and businesses.  This is a good time to think of ways that you might help next year (we are considering making this an early evening event and we hope to add more businesses as well as some antiques, collectibles, and other unique items).

The Youth Group had sandwiches & soda available.  Their profits will help to defray some of their camp expenses this summer -- nice job kids.

“Christianity Today: A Time of Change and Conflict”

Include This in Your Plans for Fall

Union Congregational Church
Peterborough, New Hampshire

Presents
Marcus Borg
Renowned Biblical Theologian and Author

November 12 & 13, 2004

Friday Evening, the 12^th 7:30-9:00 p.m.

“Christianity Today: A Time of Change and Conflict”

Saturday, the 13th 9:00^am - 3:00^pm

• “Seeing God and Jesus Again”
• “Seeing Prayer, Worship and Practice Again”
• “Seeing God’s Passion for Justice Again?”

Wrestling with the Conference’s finances:
Forum offers hope, but few cuts

John T. Eller, Chair, NHCUCC Budget & Finance Committee

The Conference continues to wrestle with its finances. Income is still down and expenses are still up. After three consecutive years of double-digit market losses in investment income and shrinkage in OCWM giving, the budget lives between the proverbial rock and a hard place. 

Why?  Endowment/investment income and OCWM gifts largely fund the Conference’s mission, programs, services and staff. Of the core 2003 operating budget of $1,246,379, half was utilized to support Conference Ministers, professional and support staff. Surprised? Don’t be. 

We are a people organization, people serving people in faith and covenanted service.  For example, over 30 churches are searching for a new pastor.  Who helps prepare profiles, works with search committees and provides guidance to all parties?  Answer: the Conference Ministers and staff, one third of whose salaries come from OCWM gifts provided by NH churches. 

In June 2003, Gathered Conference approved the third "deficit" budget in a row, but limited the 2004 budget to a “deficit cap” of $88,000.  Getting that budget down to that number required two serious cuts: 1) Elimination of one of the then-vacant Conference Minister's positions. 2) Paying half of the Camp Director's salary out of Outdoor Ministries’ camper revenues.

The deficit budget for 2004 was approved based on getting costs under control and proposing a balanced budget the 2005 (to be voted on at Annual Meeting in June 2004). There was no desire to continue to  “deficit fund our way into the future.”  By the end of 2003, spiraling costs were slowed, but we still had not turned the corner--expenses exceeded income by $113,930, a nine-percent overrun that had to be made up again by drawing that amount out of savings. 

Where are we now?  Based on the lower income results at yearend 2003, revenue projections for 2004 were adjusted downward.  But, expenses continued to increase.

By late February, Budget and Finance Committee (B & F) had reported to Council that the revised projected deficit for 2004 had climbed above the approved deficit cap of $88,000 to $134,134 and that more cuts were needed.  Chief Financial Officer Dana Wallace was laid off. 

Thankfully, Finance Associate Alison Pancoe, who has been with the Conference for thirteen years and is very experienced, continues to ably provide needed financial services. But, further cuts in Conference personnel may permanently damage our services. What can be done has been done. Any further budget cuts will have to be achieved by shrinking program activities. 

Are such cuts coming?  Yes. Unless OCWM giving increases or investment income goes up significantly, at least $88,000 in other expenses will be trimmed to arrive at the promised balanced budget for 2005.  That’s where B & F started as the open Budget Forum convened in Pembroke on Saturday, March 27. The purpose was to hear from the leaders of programs supported by the Conference about their 2005 budget priorities and to find a way to trim expenses.

The Stewardship Development Team (SDT) kick-started the forum.  They reported that they are working feverishly to increase OCWM giving in order to brighten the 2005 budget forecast. SDT is chaired by Reverend Fred Atwood-Lyon and staffed by Reverend David Williams. They 
outlined an exciting and detailed plan to “Inspire Generosity.” They also provided a basis for projecting a somewhat higher level of OCWM giving in 2005, over current forecasts. 

B & F members explained that Bicentennial Funds will be added into the budget as a new income source, but said they need to be restricted to certain purposes established as part of the original Campaign. That is, they can only be used for essentially new activities. The Forum then turned to specific presenters.  Each was asked to help find a way to reduce their request.  Here is what B & F heard: 

Outdoor Ministries/Camping:  OM members Daniel Allen and Bill Hill and Director of Outdoor Ministries Gregg Pitman outlined reasons that their 2005 budget has increased. They explained how the Conference’s new Safer Spaces Policy translates into one more adult in each cabin during the season or, where a volunteer is not available, hiring an additional staff person to adequately cover each cabin.  Consequently, one less camper can be accommodated per cabin/week.  So, with less income and more expenses, they needed to request $28,000 more in Conference support for 2005.  The fact is they are complying with a new Conference policy, have already trimmed expenses, hiked camper fees, fixed the facilities and streamlined operations. 

NH Council of Churches/Bible Society:  David Lamarre-Vincent, Executive Director of the NH Council of Churches, outlined their need for the same support of $17,000 in 2005.  NHCUCC provides 29 percent of the Council’s operating budget on a per capita basis, about equal with NH’s Roman Catholic Diocese. The other eight Christian communities in the state provide the rest.  The Council’s offices are located in the Conference’s new building and the Council pays “rent” of $6,500/year to the Conference. As the Executive Director for the NH Council of Churches, David provides “one stop” contact for many people who are working with the various denominations, including the state legislature, state agencies and the media. 

David also serves as the Executive Director of the NH Bible Society, also housed in our new office building and paying $6,500/year in rent.  The bottom line is the Conference contributes $17,000 to support these two valuable ecumenical agencies and receives back $13,000 in rental income. The “net cost” for these ecumenical relationships is $4,000/year.

The Media Center:  Doris Dunbar, the retiring Director of the Media Center, explained why the Center needs a boost from $31,774 to $32,574 in 2005. The increase of $830 is requested, because her successor needs a bit more salary than she did.  Doris, bless you. 

The College Chaplains:  Dr. Georgia Kerns and Jean Bass, Dea Brickner-Wood and Yvonne Miloyevich described their ministries on the UNH/Durham, Keene and Plymouth State campuses and talked about the ministry on the Dartmouth campus.  They explained how local UCC churches help each campus program and how the Conference’s $61,240 per year is even more critical in the next few years. They said any cuts would first remove any administrative support the chaplains have and then reduce chaplains’ hours. 

Reverend Miloyevich, Interim Campus Minister at Plymouth, reported how the Plymouth program has grown from “virtually nothing” two and a half years ago to a strong and viable campus-wide ministry for students, faculty and staff.  The chaplains said many churches “bemoan the lack of young people in their pews” and cry, “Where are the young people?” 

Their answer is—“we have them in campus ministry and a lot more besides.”  Did B & F discover any cuts here?  No, but we found that these vital ministries could use additional resources and a more defined relationship other than check writing between the campus ministries and the Conference—and we agreed to address that.

Zimbabwe Task Force:  Barbara Bailey, Ukama Chair, spoke passionately about the need to strengthen New Hampshire’s 34-church partnership with our sister churches and colleagues in ravaged Zimbabwe.  She brought the pain and anguish of that whole nation, full of so many marvelous Christian friends, to the Pembroke budget table. The next questions were not about dollars, but about rebuilding this partnership. 

The Conference Commissions:  Reverend Henry Beairsto requested $16,550 for 2005 to enable the Commission for Congregational Life (CCL) to support 19 programs—from Prepared to Serve and the Interim Ministry Workshop to NEAUCE, ecumenical events and several new programs. Reverend John Gregory-Davis requested $15,800 for the Commission for Witness and Action (CWA), including the Prison Ministry and several new programs. Bicentennial Funds will most likely be utilized to support the new CCL and CWA programs.

A 2005 budget will be presented to Council on April 15.  It will be balanced with prayer and more homework between now and then. On June 11-12, Annual Meeting will consider and vote on it.  In the meantime, please know that we need your help in two ways right now. 

First, each church might look hard at its OCWM giving and increase its commitment, if possible. That will brighten the prospects for 2004 and 2005 budgets, and the Conference’s prospects may not look quite so bleak in June. 

Second, if churches can pay their OCWM pledges to the Conference on a monthly/quarterly basis instead of at yearend, we will have a stronger foundation on which to maintain crucial Conference ministries and avoid paying for an expensive credit line to cover ongoing  expenses and salaries until OCWM gifts arrive.

Sing unto the Lord a New Song
June 20 – 26, 2004

Where: Horton Center – Pine Mountain

Who: Adult Musicians (18+) of all abilities with a desire to Sing!

What: Singing songs from across the globe.  This will give the adult singer an opportunity to sing with other musicians in an open air mountain environment. 

A concert is planned for the end of the week.  Activities will include taking advantage of the plethora of opportunities from hiking to shopping that the White Mountains area has to offer.  The fee for this program is $300.

Robert Stevenson
Director of Choirs, UCC Hopkinton
St. Paul’s School
Haverhill, NH Schools

Attention:
Members of the
New Hampshire Conference
Churches and Pastors

From: NHC Nominating Committee

Commission for Congregational Life
“The Fundamental mission of the Commission for Congregational Life of the NHCUCC is to assist local congregations in continuing to develop vital and effective communities of faith, as they seek to equip persons to be faithful disciples of Christ.”  We are charged with three essential ministries: education, youth ministries and leadership development.  Meeting once each month the 4th Tuesday from 5-7 pm @ the Conference.

Commission for Witness and Action
Mission and stewardship promotion and justice and peace advocacy are the tasks of this group.  Sub –committees, task forces and working groups accomplish the work.  Meetings are from 5-8pm the third Wednesday of Jan, March, May, Sept & Nov. 

Outdoor Ministries Board
They are committed to children and the camping program of this Conference.  They are especially involved with all aspects of Horton Center and are currently trying to expand its mission.  Those currently serving are very active with the goal of “keeping the dream alive” (Bill Hill Chairperson). Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month 5-8 pm at the Conference, 

Budget and Finance Committee
Responsible to Conference Council for the Gathered Conference’s general financial affairs. This includes budget preparation, monitoring the budget and oversight of special funds and property.  We work collaboratively with the investment committee and other commissions and boards helping coordinate faithful stewardship and effective use of the Conference’s financial resources.  Meets each month the 2nd Wednesday @ 4pm Sept – June.

Investment Committee
Meets 4 times a year, usually in the afternoon, with representatives of the investment advisors who are responsible for managing the Consolidated Investment Fund.  Together they make recommendations on asset allocation and investment direction for the CIF. They adopt policies for management of the fund in relation to the participants and how the fund may be used by local churches.  Members of this committee are expected to have a working knowledge of investments and related investment strategies.

Nominating Committee
Responsible for gathering capable and dedicated nominees each year to fill the vacancies on all the Commissions, Boards, General Synod delegates.  Knowledge of people within the Association where the member lives is important.  Meets the 4th Thursday 2-4 pm @ the Conference, Sept through May.  Willing to be flexible with meeting time if necessary. 

Personnel Committee
Primary responsibility is to oversee and develop personnel policies and procedures.  Meets  6 times per year – during the day.  Pastors, office managers, persons interested in personnel policies encouraged.

Prudential Committee
Responsible for “overseeing” the Ministerial Relief Fund.  The Mission statement says: “The Ministerial Relief Fund is for the relief of aged or necessitous New Hampshire Conference, UCC Ministers, their surviving spouses or domestic partners, and their children.” Meeting 5 times a year, Jan. Apr, July, Oct. and Dec. at 10am the 3rd Friday.

Annual Meeting Planning Committee
Responsibilities center around complete organization of the Conference Annual Meeting.  Scheduling, location, guest speakers, volunteer organization, themes, workshops etc.  Meet monthly Sept – May the 2nd Tuesday in the A.M.

General Synod Delegate and Alternates
Persons that are elected attend two consecutive General Synods (2 years apart) as a voting delegate to represent this Conference. GS is held in July of the “odd numbered” years.  Usually there are several meetings beginning in January of the “synod” year in preparation for the event. Delegates should be individuals that are active in their church life and in the life of the Conference.