Present:  Pastor Jim Melhorn, Janet Kohmorgen, Trudie Kalinen, Mary Alice and Tony D’Ambrosio, Dave Marr, Janet Goodrich, Phyllis Ames, Sue Campbell, Doug Popp, Jane Hannon.

Pastor Jim opened the meeting with a reading from Scripture and prayer.

Council minutes for December, 2004 were read and approved.

Treasurer's Report: Jane Hannon reported all expenses have been paid to date. 

Budgets:  All committees should be thinking about budgets.  If a print out of expenses is needed, please request this from Jane Hannon.  Budgets should be ready before the end of October.

Pastor's Report:

• A Conference will be held by the UCC and NE Pastors on "Safety & Procedures for Churches" (financial, management, insurance, and dealing with children, young people and people in general).  The Conference will be on October 23^rd (8:30^am to 4:00^pm) in Concord.  The cost is $300 per church (5 people).  We should try to get 1 member from each committee to go.
• Laity Meeting at Star Island for the 2005 year -- a weekend retreat
• Confirmation Class will be held for 9^th graders and up.
• Neighborhood Meetings -- Informal agenda, think about stewardship, get to know people.  Perhaps in January or February -- Sunday afternoons -- 10 to 15 people per house -- different schedules.  Details later.
• September 18^th -- Youth Orientated Event, Rindge Common, Worship time 6:00 to 900^pm, Praise Groups will be there.

Trustees:

1. The lift doors are on their way!  Dave Marr told us we can tentatively expect delivery of them at the end of next week.
2. Representatives from the church are to meet with the selectmen at their March 2 meeting concerning our suggested revision of the 1965 agreement.
3. There is a need to articulate a capital plan.
4. There is a need for phone access other than through Jim’s office.

Christian Education: Phyllis Ames brought the council up to date on several items of importance.

1. Cindy Melhorn will serve as Sunday School Supt.; Jennifer Skelton is committee secretary; Phyllis will be the council representative.
2. Cindy will be a member of the search committee for the youth program coordinator’s position.
3. The new 5th and 6th grade curriculum has been ordered.
4. A youth program known as FLOCK [For the Love of Christian Kids] is being organized by Cindy. 

• Steve Henrikson will be committee secretary,
• The committee will participate in an extended program called Twelve Keys to an Effective Church,
• Plans are underway to create a new photo directory of church members.
• The committee will be maintaining an up to date membership database.  The new software will allow us to share the data among four key computers.  The council reviewed the Constitution’s language on the roles of the membership committee and the Deacons in keeping the membership information current.

Music:  See written report.  Tony reported that he is awaiting a professional’s written design recommendations for a railing in the altar area. 

Publicity:  See written report.

LVA/EC: Jane Hannon reminded us Closet Cleaning time is here! 

Men’s Club: Doug Popp reported there were 40 in attendance at the Men’s Club’s Scout Sunday breakfast. 

Old Business:

1. Search Committee:  Burt Goodrich, Member-at-large [Chairman]; Jacob Berardi, youth representative; Cindy Melhorn, Christian Ed. Representative; Deacon representative TBA;  two parent representatives TBA.
2. Chairlift:  See Deacon’s report
3. Open Church Discussion:  In the past our outdoor sign had stated “All are Welcome”.  Tony will research what it would entail to include it once again on the current sign.  The council reviewed the language of the church’s mission statement.  Each year the council conducts a church-wide planning meeting, perhaps in the format of a retreat this year.  This would be a good forum to talk about ‘who we are’ and our mission. 

1. Binder of Policies, Procedures, Traditions, How-to’s: Several times over the course of the last year council members found themselves seeking out other church members to find the answers to basic questions.  “What are all the intricacies that go into running a roast beef supper?”  “How do you prepare communion? Etc. etc. etc. “The council would like to create a manual that provides the details of all our policies, procedures, traditions, how-to’s.  When we invite people to assume a leadership role, we want to provide them with the necessary tools and information they might need.  So much of our treasured information is housed in the hearts and minds of our dedicated members…. Now we need to commit those treasures to print in our “How to…” book.

Respectfully submitted, 
Janet Goodrich

                                     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 28 - Perry Thomas
       March 10 - Phil Casey           March 31 - Kathy Fitzwater
       March 11 - Art Fitzwater 

Diaconate

The Deacons met on Wednesday February 16^th at 7:15^pm in the vestry.  Those in attendance were Sue Campbell, Sue Chatwin, Steve Henrikson, Barbara Wells and Rev. Melhorn.  Sue Chatwin called the meeting to order and Jim opened with a prayer.

Deacon of the month for March is Barbara Wells.  Communion will be on March 6^th assisted by Trudie Kalinen, Sue Campbell and Steve Henrikson.  This will be a service of intinction.  There will also be Communion on Easter Sunday (March 27^th).

Please note that there will be a Maundy Thursday service on March 24^th and Easter Sunday (March 27^th).

Ushers and Greeters for March will be;

       Usher                                              Greeter
  6   Rick & Janet Kohlmorgen                 Ken & Sandy Harding
13   Lois & Norm May                            Burt & Janet Goodrich
20   Lee Mailloux & Nancy Bogar           Maura Keegan & Cathy Berardi
27   Betty Chenausky & Bernice Martin   Ernest & Marge St. Pierre

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

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Membership and Evangelism Committee
February 23, 2005

The Membership and Evangelism Committee met on Wednesday February 23^rd at 7:15^pm in the vestry.  Those in attendance were Susan Casey, Steve Henrikson, Lois May and Doug Popp.  Doug called the meeting to order and Sue opened with a prayer.  The committee met a day earlier than usual due to a conflict with Candidates Night.

Just a reminder that anyone who wishes to deliver a Welcome Basket to someone new in the neighborhood, just contact a member of the Membership and Evangelism Committee (Doug Popp, Susan Casey, Lois May, Steve Henrikson or Jim Melhorn).

Mark your calendars – details are being set up for the new Membership Directory.  Dates for the photo sessions are Friday June 3^rd from 3:00^pm to 9:30^pm and Saturday June 4^th from 10:00^am to 5:00^pm.

Next meeting will be Thursday March 24^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Music Committee
February 13, 2005

The committee met 2/13/05, with Mary Lu Mathis, Robert Popple, Tony D’Ambrosio and Mary Jane Sawyer in attendance.

The group discussed our church’s participation in the American Guild of Organist’s Ecumenical Choir Festival, to be held April 10, at the 1^st Baptist Church in Keene. Members of the choir and Pastor Jim will participate. Note: It was later determined that this date may conflict with our Church Talent Auction. Resolution to be determined.

We will conduct Organist Evaluations in May and October, the dates to be set by Mary Lu. Bob was encouraged to add his input to the proceedings.

In an effort to promote ideas for Music Committee projects, it was decided to hold a planning session (April 2, at Mary Lu’s home.) Among projects to discuss will be an AGO Organ Concert, and a Cabaret Night.

Tony reported that he is waiting for response from a designer related to the addition of railings in the altar area.

We will meet March 6, (rather than the second Sunday) for our next meeting.

Mary Jane Sawyer - for the Committee

March Worship Services

March 6 – Fourth Sunday in Lent – Communion 
Scripture Reading: Genesis 32: 22-31
Sermon: “Great Sinners of the Bible – Jacob”
Greeters: Ken and Sandy Harding
Ushers: Rick and Janet Kohlmorgen
Acolyte: Richard Keegan

March 13 – Fifth Sunday in Lent – One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
Scripture Reading: John 8:2-11
Sermon: “Great Sinners of the Bible – The Adultress”
Greeters: Burt and Janet Goodrich
Ushers: Lois and Norm May
Acolyte: Emily Thomas

March 20 – Palm Sunday – We’ll experience the word made flesh through a dramatic
                                              presentation: The Key
Scripture Reading: Matthew 21: 1-11, Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16
Sermon: “The Key”
Greeters: Maura Keegan and Cathy Berardi
Ushers: Lee Mailloux & Nancy Bogar
Acolyte: Nicole Fleming

March 24 – 6:30^pmMaundy Thursday Seder – We celebrate the Passover in much the same fashion as did Jesus and his disciples ‘on the night that he was betrayed into the hands of his enemies’.  We’ll gather around tables, enjoy a delicious meal, and retell the story of deliverance told by our Jewish brothers and sisters for thousands of years.  This traditional Jewish Seder will help us to understand the unique way in which Jesus reinterprets the traditions of Passover for his followers.  This service is very child-friendly and geared toward children of all ages.  All are welcome, please consider inviting your friends and neighbors.

March 31 – Easter Sunday – We celebrate Jesus’ resurrection in song and story
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20
Sermon: “Speed Bump”
Greeters: Ernest and Marge St. Pierre
Ushers: Betty Chenausky and Bernice Martin
Acolyte: Hayden Skelton

Computer Corner

The New Hampshire Conference is in the process of changing their servers and consequently, the Rindge web site may not be available periodically during the month of March.

Steve Henrikson – webspirit – henrikson@surfbest.net

Nominating Committee

There are still a few positions open on the Church Committees.  The positions are 

• Clerk 
• Trustees - 2 
• Deacons - 6 
• Christian Education -1 
• Pastoral Relations -1 
• Nominating Committee -1 
• Official Delegates -1

Susan Campbell 899-2705
Jeanne Norwood 532-6283

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

Introducing - FLOCK
For the Love of Christian Kids
“It takes a church to raise a Christian Child“

The Christian Education Committee is pleased to announce the formation of FLOCK, a social group open to anyone interested in supporting Christian family life, with a specific focus on Christian kids.  The group will meet once monthly for a variety of activities such as a game night, pizza making, movies, crafts, and more.  All are welcome - seniors, singles, teens and friends. There are no requirements to join, just the desire to have fun!  Our first gathering will be:

We will begin with a potluck supper followed by a special game, sure to “hit the right note” in all of us!  Plan to be there, bring a dish to share, and join the FLOCK! 

RSVP to Jim or Cindy Melhorn
               899-2268 OR 899-5722

New Lift

Our new lift is finally being installed and should be completed soon – hopefully before Easter.  When the lift is completed and inspected by the state, we will have someone to help you take a "test drive."  It will be very easy to use and will accommodate a wheel chair and one other person.  This lift is intended to be used by people who need help using the stairs – it is not  intended for those who just want a free ride.  CHILDREN will NOT be allowed to use this lift alone (they MUST be accompanied by an adult) – this is a LAW. The cost of the new lift was $23258.  We have paid for the lift from our capital account.  At this point we have received $2,000 from two very generous sources ($1,000 – from the LVA/EC and $1,000 from a very thoughtful family).  We would gratefully welcome additional donations of any amount from other people.

Minister Shares Iraq Experience
Monadnock Ledger - 1/27/05