Janet Kohlmorgen called the meeting to order at 7:10^pm.  Jane Hannon offered the opening prayer.
The August 18, 2005 Council Meeting Minutes were accepted.  The Treasurer’s Report and the Collector’s Report’s were presented.

Pastor's Report:

• The Cheshire Association of the NH Conference of UCC will meet at the church on October 23, 2005.
• Rev. Victoria Snow will be bringing some students to spend the night at the church before climbing Mt. Monadnock.

• Minutes of the September 8, 2005 meeting were presented.
• Jim is developing plans for Thanksgiving Holiday services.  A suggestion was made that for that service the Deacons invite the community and ask that they bring a canned good donation for the Rindge Food Bank.
• As Christmas and New Year’s fall on Sunday plans for the holidays are as follows: (1) Christmas Eve service will include Communion;  (2) there will be a Christmas morning (Sunday) service; (3) there will be a New Year’s morning (Sunday) service and (4) Communion will be January 8^th.

• Minutes of the September 6, 2004 meeting were presented.
• Trustees approved the replacement of the carpet on the left stairway that was left damaged with the removal of the stair lift.
• Trustees approved the request of the Music Committee to accept the bid of Mike Ellis to build a railing for the choir.

 

• Parents have been interviewed for ideas and opinions.
• A detailed job description and compensation need to be considered.  This would be a year-round position, if possible.
• If approved by the Council and the Congregation at the Annual Meeting, this could be implemented by next year -- still needs to be funded.
• Bernice has compiled a list of all children, youth, and babies.
• The Trustees are aware of Christian Ed's wishes to fund this position.
• A proposal was made: to establish and fund  "The position of Director of Children and Youth Program."  The Council voted in the affirmative.

• Baskets for newcomers. 
• Discussed the Director of Youth and Children. 
• Will continue the "12 Keys Program. 
• A Proposal made to expand from 3 to 5 members to accommodate their increased activity -- will be approved at the next Council Meeting.
• May do another Church Directory next year

Music:  Workshop for small Choirs on November 6^th in Pembroke.  Adult Choir has started.

Nominating Committee: Have been busy calling to fill any open positions.  Will contact all new members to see if they wish to take on any position.

Public Relations: We already have reservations for the Turkey Dinner in October.

EC / LVA: Busy working on the Fair

Men's Club: Finished with Roast Beef Suppers and have made our pledge to the church.

New Business: 

Turkey Dinner -- October 23^rd.

Next Meeting: October 21, 2004

Diaconate

The Deacons met on Thursday August 11^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry.  Those in attendance were Sue Chatwin, Phyllis Groezinger, Steve Henrikson and Barbara Wells.  Sue Chatwin called the meeting to order and opened with a prayer.  Rev. Melhorn was away on vacation.

Deacon of the month for September is Trudie Kalinen.  Communion will be on September 4^th assisted by Stephen Chace, Sue Chatwin and Phyllis Groezinger.  We trust that everyone who attended the service at the Cathedral of the Pines with Jaffrey United enjoyed the service, the perfect weather and the social gathering at Woodbound Inn following the service.

Ushers and Greeters for September will be;

           Usher                                            Greeter
       4   Anita & Charles Phillips                   Betty Chenausky & Bernice Martin
     11   Nancy Bogar & Sue Casey             Jeff Sonnega & Steve Henrikson
     18   Marie & David Marr                       Ken & Sandy Harding
     25   Jane Hannon & Sue Campbell         Burt & Janet Goodrich

Next meeting will be Thursday September 8^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Mission Ministries Team
July 26, 2005

The committee met on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 7:00^pm in the church vestry.  Attending were Mary Alice D’Abrosio, Alice Zwart and Laura Henrikson.

The donation of $150.00 to the Rindge Food Pantry has been made.  We passed around the current batch of mail and everyone took something home to read.

We made our plans to have a dessert/bake sale table at the Rindge Woman’s Club Craft Fair on Saturday, August 13 on the town common, with all proceeds going to the Rindge Food Pantry.  We will announce our plans and make appeals for baked goods such as cookies, bars, and squares and candy on the next two Sundays.  The Destination Imagination group will be offering hot dogs for lunch.  If they are not offering beverages, we plan to do that also.  Also offered will be sliced watermelon.  Laura will take care of signs and Alice will get zip bags, stickers, and donation can for monetary donations.  We also need to bring card tables, chairs, napkins, paper plates (small and large) and a knife and board for the watermelon.  We plan to set up at 7:00^am.  A few people will be called for some special goodies that we hope to have.  Our back up plan if it rains and the fair is postponed, is to have the bake sale at church on Sunday.

The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 2 at Laura’s home.  The meeting is scheduled early as members will be away during the early part of September and we would like to do some planning.  Prayer was given by MaryAlice.

Respectfully submitted,
Laura A. Henrikson, Secretary

Membership and Evangelism Committee

The Membership and Evangelism Committee met on Wednesday July 28^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry.  Those in attendance were Susan Casey, Steve Henrikson, Lois May and Rev. Melhorn.

Just a reminder, if you were not able to make the photo session on June 3^rd and 4^th but would like your picture in the back of the new directory, please contact Steve Henrikson and he will take your photo – or you may submit a fairly recent photo to be included.

Next meeting will be Thursday September 14^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Music Committee
August 12, 2005

A meeting was held August 12 at Mary Lu Mathis’ home. In attendance were Mary Lu, Tony D’Ambrosio, Bob Popple and Mary Jane Sawyer.

Mary Lu announced that Marge Nielsen will assume organ responsibilities on August 14 and 21, during Bob’s vacation.

Tony reported that Reverend Melhorn will update the Fee Schedule, reflecting an increase to $175 organist fee. He will maintain the fee schedule in his computer.  Music committee requests that they be provided with any further updates to the schedule.

Choir robe cleaning is complete.  Thanks to Sue Chatwin for cleaning the closet area where the robes will be stored.

Altar railing: We may possibly receive a second quote for the work.  Tony continues to pursue the matter.

Mary Lu announced that Jeff Fuller has been contracted to perform in our Organ Concert on October 30, at 3:00^pm.  Jeff is the organist at All Saints Episcopal Church in Peterborough, and has performed extensively throughout the area. Tony will develop postcard mailers, Mary Jane will work with Trudy Kalinen regarding publicity, and Mary Lu will assemble items for the reception which will follow. Mary Lu will contact Sue Casey exploring the possibility of including a Franklin Pierce musical group. Bob will arrange a special tuning of the organ, prior to the performance.

Future meetings are scheduled for October 2 and 16.

Mary Jane Sawyer - for the Committee

September Worship Services

September 4– Communion Sunday
Scripture Reading: Psalm 149, Romans 12:14-21
Sermon: “The War on Terror”
Lay Reader: Anita Phillips
Ushers: Anita & Charles Phillips
Greeters: Betty Chenausky & Bernice Martin

September 11– Rally Day 
We’ll gather downstairs at 10:00^am for breakfast and worship as we launch our Fall Sunday School program, highlight the ministries and activities of our church, experience both new and traditional music, and celebrate 5 years of ministry together with Pastor Jim.

September 18
Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:3-12
Sermon: “No Fault Divorce”
Lay Reader: Lou Thomas
Ushers: Marie & David Marr 
Greeters: Ken & Sandy Harding

September 25
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1-13
Sermon: “Work it out”
Lay Reader: Susan Casey
Ushers: Jane Hannon & Sue Campbell 
Greeters: Burt & Janet Goodrich

Rally Day
Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 10:00^am
Town Hall

We are very excited about the start of our new Sunday School season, and we plan to launch things in a grand fashion.  We’re inviting the whole town, and we want as many of our current members and friends  as possible to attend.  Don’t forget – September 11 at 10:00^am, downstairs in the Town Hall room of the Meetinghouse.  This will be the first of many ways in which we let people know about the good things that happen here.  This will be a celebration of the many important and vital ministries of our church, an expression of our friendliness and welcoming nature, and a commitment to continue spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through our lives and our work.

This would be a great time to speak to that friend or neighbor who you’ve been meaning to ask to church and ask them.  Each one of us holds the key to the growth  and flourishing of our church.  Invite someone know, as Jesus did, to “come, and see”.

Thank You from Rindge Food Pantry

The Rindge Food Pantry would like to thank members of Mission Ministries for holding a Bake Sale on August 13^th and all those who provided food items.  $264.05 was realized from this event.  We continue to have new clients and therefore we need to purchase more food, particularly over the summer.  We express our gratitude for this support of the Food Pantry with thanks.

Joint Service at Cathedral of the Pines

On August 7^th the Rindge and Jaffrey churches held a joint service at Cathedral of the Pines.  The service was well attended by both congregations.  There was a joint Choir led by our organist, Robert Popple.  Pastor Jim gave a sermon on chaos (which most of us can identify with).  The service was followed by a luncheon at Woodbound Inn.  Our church provided the lunch and Jaffrey provided desserts.  There seemed to be a lot of good fellowship between all that attended.  Thanks to all.

Board of Deacons

Monday Morning Bible Study

Our Monday morning bible study group meets in the Sunday school room of the church each Monday at 9:30^am.  While there are a good crop of ‘regulars’, we are always looking for some new folks to join in the discussion.  We usually take a book of the Bible and discuss it ‘cover to cover’ in some amount of detail.  While this may seem to be intimidating to some people, just ask someone who currently attends how much fun we have when we are together.  Although we dig deep into the text, we spend lots of time relating the words and ideas to our daily lives.  We hash out some serious issues, don’t always agree, and rarely have all the answers, but we spend a lot of time laughing and enjoying one another’s’ company.  Whether you know a lot about the Bible or just a little, you will feel right at home with this great group.  Why not come out and give us a try?

“The Bible for Beginners” coming in October

While we claim the Bible as important and central to our life of faith, the reality is that many of us find the Bible confusing and difficult to understand.  The language and images can seem strange and unfamiliar, and as a result, many of us don’t know what the Bible really says or don’t feel comfortable in reading or discussing it.  With this in mind, Pastor Jim will be leading a five-week session called “The Bible for Beginners”.  These sessions will be held Sundays in October, right after church from 11:30 to 12:30.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Bible in a relaxed, non-judgmental setting is welcome to attend.  Bring your questions, problems, and your Bibles, if you have them.  No prior knowledge is required, no question is ‘stupid’, you don’t have to own a Bible to come, and all topics are open for discussion.

The five week session will cover how the Bible has been put together, different ways of reading, thinking critically about the text, major themes, and strategies for incorporating the Bible into our daily lives.

Ringers Wanted

We are still looking for any young people interested in forming a hand bell or hand chime choir.  Every thing is in place, so all we need are some ringers.  Call the church office or talk to Pastor Jim.

Ecclesiastical Council

The Cheshire Association of the United Church of Christ will hold an Ecclesiastical Council for Bob Marrone at the United Church of Winchester, NH on Sept 18 at 4:00^pm.  Bob graduated last year from Andover Newton Theological Seminary, and is currently serving as a licensed pastor at the Munson Congregational Church in Munson, MA.

An ecclesiastical council is held by an Association of churches within the UCC to determine the fitness for ministry of a candidate for ordination.  During the council, the candidate presents some biographical information and describes their understanding of their own call to ministry along with a general ideas of his or her concept of theology and church doctrine.  Delegates from each member church then discuss and vote on the candidate in question.

If you would like to witness this incredible moment in the life of an individual and of the church and either participate as a delegate or an observer, please contact Pastor Jim at the church office.