Present: Pastor Jim, Trudie Kalinen, Janet Goodrich, Janet Kohlmorgen, Kathy Fitzwater, Dave Marr, Tone and Mary Alice D’Ambrosio, Phyllis Ames, Doug Popp, Jane Hannon

Following scripture and prayer led by Pastor Jim the minutes of the April meeting were approved.

Treasurer and Collector’s Reports: Jane Hannon distributed status reports of individual committee’s budgets.  The April financials were reviewed. 

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Jim reviewed the distribution of funds given beyond the local church and the terminology used to refer to those funds.

• Our Church’s Wider Mission: The main vehicle to support the national denomination.  Our church contributes $1550 that goes to the NH conference.  The NH conference keeps 45% and forwards 55% to the National denomination.
• One Great Hour of Sharing:  multidenominational fund often used for disaster relief.
• Neighbors In Need: recent focus has been on Native American mission work
• Strengthen the Church: funds church development
• Veterans of the Cross: supports retired clergy.
• Fellowship dues: collected at the association level for the conference.  $5.80 per active member of a church; $5 forwarded to conference and $.80 remains with the association.  Our church’s share is approximately $700.

Trustees’ Report:
Vertical Lift - Dave Marr noted the need to have a project manager for the Vertical Lift installation.  Janet Kohlmorgen volunteered to work with buildings and grounds in that capacity.  Mark Warner is scheduled to speak with the Selectmen about the status of the project.
Stove - Larry Kabot continues to work on the project.
Kitchen Use - Reviewed the need for clear communication with the Town about scheduling, etc.
’65 Agreement - The subcommittee has identified some of the issues with the agreement as it is currently written.  They are drafting modifications to the document and then will speak with the appropriate town officials.
Auditor - Trustees recommend an annual external audit and will recommend an auditor to do it.
Heating of the Vestibule - The building oversight committee is reviewing the heat controls.

Christian Education Report: Phyllis Ames reported Children’s Day will be 6/13.  Robin Crowe is meeting with the children for planning purposes.  Summer coverage is needed for children during church services.  Daily Vacation Bible School dates to be announced.  Bernice Ferwerda is working on next year’s curriculum.

Membership Report: Doug Popp updated the council on the current New Members classes.  Nine new members are expected to join the church on the 30^th.  The membership committee is considering having new directories made next year.

Missions Report: Mary Alice noted a soup supper is in the works.  Date to be announced.

Music Report:  See written report.  Tony D’Ambrosio updated the council on the committee’s efforts to see if the organ console can be moved further back to allow the organist visual contact with the choir.

Public Relations: See written report.  Trudie pointed out the importance of having an individual designated to coordinate the church calendar and the town’s calendar for use of the Town meeting room. 

Men’s Club Report:  Doug Popp gave an update on the Mother’s Day breakfast.

New Business: A tentative calendar of events through 2005 was distributed to all committee representatives.  All committees are asked to review the draft for accuracy and report back to Dave Marr ASAP.  Those scheduling events are reminded to notify Dee Hannon so she can include it in the Deaconer and Steve Henrikson so he can include it on the web page.

Doug Popp closed the meeting with prayer.  Phyllis will offer closing prayer at the June 17 meeting.

 Respectfully submitted,
Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Happy Birthday

       June  4 - Hope Davis              June 17 - Maura Keegan
       June  5 - Calvin Sholl            June 20 - Nicole Fleming
       June  8 - Jeanne Norwood          June 22 - Brenda Perry
       June  8 - Kyle (Sewell) L'Heureux June 24 - Larry Kabat
       June 11 - Justin Carmichael       June 27 - Jared Robie
       June 12 - Martha Thomas           June 28 - Donald Umlauf
       June 12 - June O'Day              June 28 - John Kohlmorgen
       June 14 - Colleen Keegan          June 29 - Kimberly Anderson 

Board of Trustees
May Minutes

Trustees met on May 6^th.  Those present were Dave Marr, Burt Goodrich, Frens Zwart, Mark Warner, Don Umlauf, Jim Melhorn, Nancy Bogar, and Larry Kabat.  Jim began the meeting with a prayer.  April financials were accepted as presented.

Building and Grounds: All of our projects are still ongoing.  The vertical lift and stove are still on our “to do” list, and we know that we are getting closer to resolutions.  Heating of the Vestibule has also come up since the new floor tiles could be ruined if not properly taken care of.   Dave Marr was elected to the Town Liaison Position.

Trustees met on April 29^th to discuss the 1965 Agreement.  Don Umlauf gave the trustees a history of the Church and Town building and the agreements between the two over the years.  The committee came up with several agenda items that need to be discussed in greater depth.

Next meeting to discuss the 1965 Agreement will be on May 18^th at 7:00^pm, and the next Trustees meeting will be June 3^rd at 7:00^pm.

Respectively submitted,
Nancy Bogar

Diaconate

The Deacons met on Thursday May 13^th at 7:00^pm in the Vestry.  Those in attendance were Stephen Chace, Penny Chace, Kathy Fitzwater, Steve Henrikson, Trudie Kalinen, Lee Mailloux and Rev. Jim Melhorn.  Steve called the meeting to order.  Jim read a passage from 1 Timothy regarding the qualities of being a Deacon and then opened with a prayer.

Deacon of the month for June is Trudie Kalinen.  Communion will be on June 6^th assisted by Lee Mailloux, Mary Williams and Susan Campbell. 

We are reviewing the existing audio system and hope to provide a recommendation in the near future.  The current system is old and temperamental, and is a patchwork of piece-parts not designed to work well together.  Our goal is to develop a system that captures audio from all parts of the sanctuary evenly, is more flexible and provides a quality output to the taping system.

Just a reminder, June 20^th is Father’s Day.

Next meeting will be Thursday June 10^th at 7:00^pm in the Vestry. 

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Christian Education Committee
May 16, 2004

Bernice opened our meeting with prayer. Those present Doug Popp, Robin Crowe, Phyllis Ames, Victoria Skowronek and Cindy Melhorn.

Children's Day is June 13^th.  Robin Crowe will be meeting with all the children so that they can have some input on ideas and planning.  There will be guitar-playing and singing.  The children will be ushers and greeters. Those participating are: Perry Thomas, Jacob Berardi, Jordan Melhorn, Shannon Crowe, Micaela Crowe and other children from grades 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. Since there are no 3^rd graders this year, no bibles will be given. 

VBS - The Ashburnham Church will host the program this summer.  No dates have been set yet. There will be a youth camp-out at the Ferwerda's' - probably in early August.  A group from the Trinity School will be joining us for the campout.

Bible Study classes are growing in attendance.

We will propose a Christian Education Director (part-time).  Parents have been contacted by telephone in regard to the possibility a part-time director to see what interest there is and any discussion there might be.

Curriculums for next fall are being discussed. We need to see how many 7^th and 8^th graders there will be.

Nursery - going well under the care of Colleen Keegan and Jesslyn Thomas.

Our next meeting will be on June 6th at the parsonage as a luncheon meeting given by Cindy Melhorn.

Victoria L. Skowronek 

Membership Committee
May 4, 2004

Unfinished Business

We discussed the continuing distribution of “Welcome Baskets” to new Rindge residents. 

New Business

• New member classes are underway.  We expect to welcome our newest members on Sunday, May 30, 2004.
• Reminder:  If you know someone who has recently moved into your neighborhood and is new to the area, please contact one of us:  Doug Popp 899-5541. Lois May 899-6651 Susan Casey 899-6161 or Pastor Jim and we will be happy to deliver one of our “Welcome Baskets”.  They contain a little information about our church and a lot of information about this area.

Submitted by Susan Casey

Music Committee
May 6, 2004

• Organ was tuned this past month
• Want to explore history behind our alter, and whether it's possible to pull it forward a bit to allow the organist to see the choir
• A new light will be ordered for the piano that extends across the whole length of music
• Still brainstorming how to interest FPC students in joining our choir
• Would like to establish an outline of expenses so this committee can have a budget
• End-of-year picnic scheduled for June 13 at Mathis' home
• Much discussion about the decreasing size of the choir and how the music is often less than inspiring as a result
• Jim Campbell Fund discussed (Sue Campbell was present):
• everyone agrees that it would be great to use this as seed money for some special program such as a concert series with a separate committee who takes ownership and helps develop this over time (and if we had a budget, this would be a line item to continue to feed into this program)
• the money donated by Bob and the Fitzwilliam church will probably be added to this fund
• This committee will meet again on June 8^th at Martha's

June Worship Services

June 6 – Trinity Sunday and Communion – We celebrate God’s presence in our lives as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:1-3, 3:11, 16-20, 4:1-3
Sermon:  “The Clover, the Triangle, and the Dance”
Ushers: Lois and Norm May
Greeters: Steve Henrikson and Don Umlauf
Lay Reader: Trudie Kalinen
Acolyte: Nicole Fleming

June 13 – Children’s Sunday – A celebration of our Christian Education program, as we recognize the work of our teachers and students.  There will be plenty of chances for the congregation to participate, so expect some surprises!
Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-2, 8-10, 6:1-4
Ushers: Rick and Janet Kohlmorgen
Greeter: Mary-Jane Sawyer
Acolyte: Paul Chace

June 20 – We’ll sing from our list of favorite hymns, honor Fathers, and remember that we are children of the Heavenly Father
Scripture: Galatians 3:26-4:7
Sermon: “Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow”
Ushers: Penny and Stephen Chace
Greeters: Bernice Martin and Betty Chenausky
Lay Reader: Stephen Chace
Acolyte: Joshua Warner

June 27 – Koinonia Award Winner Sarah Hubble will preach her award-winning sermon as the Deacons lead worship.  Pastor Jim will be accompanying our High School youth for a week at Horton Center, the NH Conference camp located in the White Mountains.
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37
Ushers: Marty and Bernice Ferwerda
Greeters: Ernest and Marge St. Pierre
Acolyte: Micaela Crowe

Computer Corner

Updates in May included the following;

• May Deaconer
• Announcements
• Men's Club Mother's Day Breakfast
• Learn More About the Church (New Member Class)
• May Breakfast
• Hymn Sing
• New Hampshire Annual Meeting 2004 
• April 18^th Service page
• April 4^th Service page
• Updates to the Week in Review (on a weekly basis).

Steve Henrikson – webspirit – henrikson@surfbest.net

New Members

The following New Members joined our church on May 30, 2004.  Please take a few moments to welcome them and get to know them.  Below are pictures and a brief biography.

Rose and Jack Dark	Jack was born and raised in Long Island, NY and comes from the Episcopal tradition.  He worked in the Aluminum Industry and most recently as insurance broker.  Rose was born and raised in London, England and is from the Methodist tradition.  She has worked as a Secretary, Office manager and most recently as a Real Estate Agent.  Both were serving in the Army of their respective countries when they met in England in 1944.  They married in 1945 and settled down in Long Island.  They have lived in New York, Arizona and Massachusetts. They have 2 sons and moved to Rindge in 1991 and are enjoying their retirement.   Jack’s favorite hobby is photography about which he is passionate.  Rose enjoys gardening and loves to read, especially mystery novels.
Buford and Susana Pettus	Buford served in the Air Force for 4 years and in the Civil Service for over 20 years as an electronics technician before retiring.  Susana was raised in the Catholic tradition, is originally from Quito, Ecuador, and came to the US on a college scholarship.  She worked as a teacher of Social Studies, Spanish, and ESL.  They met while both were attending college in Missouri.  They have traveled all over the US, living in California, Montana, Missouri, Mississippi, Maine, and Massachusetts. They have 5 children and 11 grandchildren, and moved to Rindge 6 years ago to be closer to family.  Buford enjoys his dogs and has built several of the houses in which he and Susana have lived.  Susana enjoys gardening and classical music, and has played piano for many years.
Ken & Sandy Harding	Ken and Sandy were born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were high school sweethearts and have been married for 42 years.  They were both raised in the Presbyterian tradition.  Because of Ken’s military career they have lived in many different places.  While Ken was stationed in Germany for 6 years they were able to travel to many places in Europe.  They have also lived in San Diego California.  They moved to Rindge in 1983 when Ken was stationed at Ft. Devens in Ayer, Mass.  In 1991 Ken retired from the military as a Colonel after serving 30 years in the U.S. Army.  He has been employed as an Asst. Principal at Milford NH High School since 1994.  Sandy was employed at Franklin Pierce College for 15 years.  She worked in the Bursar’s Office for 12 years and as an Administrative Assistant in the Facilities Dept for 3 years. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.  Ken enjoys woodworking and loves to attend both high school and college sporting events.  Sandy is also a sports enthusiast, enjoys gardening, staying physically fit and is an avid reader
Cynthia and Bob Childs	Bob and Cindy are from Hatboro Pennsylvania and have known each other since childhood.  They’ve also lived in upstate New York and most recently in Sterling, Massachusetts. They are both from the Methodist tradition.  Bob is a small business owner in the Plastics Industry and Cindy manages Physician Practices for Henry Heywood Hospital. They have one son and have lived in Rindge as “summer people” since 1991.  They have been full-time Rindge residents since 2001.  Bob enjoys photography and remodeling their “deck” style home on Lake Monomonock.  Cindy loves to knit and weave.  Her most recent project was to weave a HOPPA Cover for their friends’ daughter’s wedding.  They enjoy life on the lake, family visits and the cooking competitions that have become a tradition in their home.
Jeff Sonnega	Jeff was born and raised in Michigan.  He moved to Rindge approximately 9 months ago from Shirley Mass.  He works at Devens for the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Psychologist.  He has an older brother who lives in Indiana and most of his other family members live in Michigan.  Before moving to New Hampshire he was active in the Acton Methodist church and has served as president of the Men’s Group, on the Trustees, Parish Pastor Relations Committee to name just a few.  He volunteers each year at the Annual Senior Golf Tournament in Concord Mass and is a Mason belonging to the lodge in Littleton Mass.  He has two cats and enjoys reading especially about politics and current events.  He plays golf in the summer and goes skiing in the winter both here and abroad.

Picture of the Month

Fish Story Actually, this picture was taken last September at a Youth Group Campout on Emerson Pond.  But pictures like this help us believe that the long cold winter is over and good days are ahead. Here, Michael Skowronek shows us one that didn’t get away.  Great catch!!

Roast Beef Suppers

June is here finally and so are those delicious Roast Beef Suppers.  Because we have so many new friends coming to our Rindge Congregational Church these days, I'd like to give a little background on the Men's Club Famous Roast Beef Suppers.  This is a tradition that began in the early 60's and has continued on the last Saturdays of June, July and August.  In the October 1974 edition of the Yankee Magazine appeared a wonderful eight-page article with pictures of one of the meals.  If you have a chance to see the article you will see the late Roland Goddard, who recently died at the age of 101, enjoying one of the meals.  Back then all the worker's involved were men.  Don Preble, a bachelor who taught himself to cook, was in charge. He did all the baking too.  Over the past 15 years or so, the women and children have joined the men to prepare and serve the family style menu that hasn't change: delicious juicy roast beef, homemade gravy, real mashed potatoes, hot buttered carrots, tossed salad, bread, strawberry shortcakes made with homemade biscuits and real whipped cream and the bottomless cup of coffee.  The men are still in charge of the kitchen.  There are two seatings: at 5:30 and 6:45.  The price of this "all you can eat" affair is $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for children twelve and under.  Even though we can feed 160 guests at each seating, reservations are definitely recommended and should be made by calling the "Roast Beef Lady" at 603-899-6823.  Our supper guests come from all over Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

The suppers this year are on the following Saturdays: June 26 - July 31 - August 28.

It takes many hands to prepare these meals, so don't hesitate to offer your help.  The women are invited to come Friday mornings at 9:00 with their favorite paring knives to help peel potatoes and carrots.  They may also be asked to bake biscuits at home and help in other ways.  Men are needed Friday morning to set out the 16 tables and 160 chairs.

It looks great when we are ALL wearing the green church T-shirts.  If you don't have one you may borrow or buy one.

Submitted by Trudie Kalinen a.k.a. "The Roast Beef Lady"

Upcoming Events

Worship in July – Hot Topics – Jim’s sermons during July will center on some of the major divisive issues of our day and age.  Issues like Abortion, Capital Punishment, Homosexuality, and Church/State Relations divide faith communities and threaten to break apart the unity for which Christ prayed.  Jim will share his personal views, discuss the scriptural witness, and look for ways in which both sides might come together.  Following each service, there will a chance for discussion.

August 1 – Our yearly joint outdoor worship and communion with the United Church of Jaffrey at the Cathedral of the Pines.

UCC and Equal Exchange inaugurate fair-trade coffee project
May 2004

Equal Exchange, a nonprofit marketer of fair-trade coffee, and the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries have teamed up to offer UCC congregations a justice-oriented approach to the Sunday morning coffee hour.

The UCC Coffee Project, launched March 27 at First Congregational UCC in Pasadena, Calif., hopes to increase use of fair-trade coffee among UCC congregations and promote greater understanding among church members of the justice issues surrounding international coffee production and global trade policies.

The project's celebrative inauguration included music by Los Jornaleros del Norte, a Central American day laborers' band.

The Rev. Jake Pomeroy, First Congregational UCC's senior pastor, says the effort provides congregations an opportunity "to plant the seeds of justice as we give birth to a broad new movement across the wider church."

Already, about 200 UCC congregations are committed to serving fair-trade coffee-hour products, says the Rev. Wallace Ryan Kuroiwa of the UCC's Economic Justice Ministry. By so doing, he says, they are ensuring that the coffee, tea and cocoa that members enjoy at church are purchased equitably and with concern for the world's poor.

Throughout the Americas, Africa and Asia, Ryan Kuroiwa says, small-operation coffee farmers are often trapped in an economic system that results in the bulk of profits being reaped by coffee traders and purveyors, not the growers.

"Farmers cannot even cover their production costs at what are historically low world-market prices," Ryan Kuroiwa says. "Equal Exchange, in contrast, supports small farmer cooperatives by guaranteeing fair prices."

In addition to purchasing justice-based products at wholesale prices, participating congregations will be supporting the UCC's ministries that advocate for small family farms in the United States and abroad. When churches make orders using the UCC Coffee Project order form, Equal Exchange will make a contribution to support the UCC Small Farmer Fund, which supports agricultural communities through relief, development and capacity building.

For more information, call toll-free at 866/822-8224, ext. 3714, or e-mail coffee@ucc.org. Equal Exchange can be reached at 781-830- 0303, ext. 228.

Order online -  http://store.yahoo.com/equalexchange/

Order Form (click image below to open PDF file)
 

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.
 

How to Make Peace: A Spiritual Response to Conflict at Home and Abroad

Best Selling Author of

Care of the Soul and Soulmates

Thomas Moore

Speaks on
How to Make Peace: A Spiritual Response to Conflict at Home and Abroad

at
United Church of Jaffrey
54 Main Street
Jaffrey, New Hampshire

Thursday, June 17^th at 7:00^pm

Freewill Donations Appreciated
Sponsored by: 
The First Church in Jaffrey, 532-7979, fcij@earthlink.net and
United Church of Jaffrey, 532-7047, ucj@worldpath.net

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^pm

“Christianity Today: A Time of Change and Conflict”

Saturday, the 13^th 9:00 a.m.-3:00^pm

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

Bike Across America 2005
   An Adult Bike Conference for Adults

The Outdoor Ministries Committee of the Connecticut Conference, UCC, will sponsor a bicycle trip across America for adults during the summer of 2005.  This 9-week, RV-supported journey will begin in Sharon, Vermont and in Seattle, Washington.  The group will visit 15 UCC churches, as well as several other denominations.

Registrations will be taken from October through December 2004.  The leaders have taken this trip four times with youth and would like to offer the opportunity to adults in the New England UCC Conferences.

Whether you are a cyclist who has dreamed for years about making such a trip, or are a non-cyclist who feels called to the journey, please call for details and an information packet.

Contact: Ken and Nancy Wright at 802-763-8937

“BIG SING”

Come to an Evening of Singing

Come to a

“BIG SING”

led by 

John Bell
of the
Iona Community in Scotland

October 5^th and 6^th beginning at 7:00^pm

The Union Congregational Church, UCC
33 Concord Street
Peterborough, New Hampshire
603-924-3272