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.

• No report from the Christian Education Committee. 
• It as noted that Rally Day was well attended.

• The minutes of the September 14, 2005 meeting were available. 
• It was suggested that the Committee send Welcome Baskets to those individuals listed in the Rindge real estate transfer list published in the Ledger.
• Membership Data base is in process.

Music:  No Report Available.

Pastoral Relations:  No Report Available.

Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee meeting has been rescheduled to September 28^th (from September 19^th.

Public Relations:

• Report presented
• Trudie asked that the church find a place to store and display the church photo albums and scrap books that she has created.   A space was made in the office supply closet and the albums will be displayed at several coffee hours.

• Marcia Esterbrook will present her program “Three Mill Girls” on May 6, 2006.  The proceeds from this event will be used to provide scholarships for church graduates.  There will be seven graduates this year.

• The Men’s Club donated $1500.00 to the Church general fund.

• Youth Leader Search Committee - no report.
• Policies and Procedures - Policies are due to Janet by October 21, 2005.  They are coming in slowly.
• ’65 Agreement - on hold.

Church Retreats dates set

November 6, 2005 (after church service) – continuation of Church Mission discussion at Woodbound Inn.

April 29 – 30, 2006 – Friday evening Through Saturday at 4:00pm at the Woodbound Inn.

Church Calendar - Council will establish church calendar for 2006 at the next meeting.

Next Meeting: October 20, 2005

Submitted by: 
Cynthia Childs, Secretary Pro Team

Diaconate

The Deacons met on Thursday September 8^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry.  Those in attendance were Sue Campbell, Stephen Chace, Sue Chatwin, Phyllis Groezinger, Steve Henrikson, Trudie Kalinen, Barbara Wells and Rev. Melhorn.  Sue Chatwin called the meeting to order and Jim opened with a prayer.

Deacon of the month for October is Phyllis Groezinger.  Communion will be on October 2^nd assisted by Stephen Chace, Sue Chatwin and Steve Henrikson.

           Usher                                             Greeter
       2   Betty Chenausky & Bernice Martin   Michael Picinisco & Owen Chace
       9   Trudie Kalinen & Maura Keegan      Marua Keegan & Cathy Berardi
     16   Rick & Janet Kohlmorgen                 Sue Campbell & Mary Williams
     23   Ken & Sandy Harding                      Norm & Lois May
     30   Steve Henrikson & Jeff Sonnega       Charlie Berry & Mark Warner

Next meeting will be Thursday October 13^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Mission Ministries Team
September 2, 2005

The committee met on Friday, September 2, 2005 at 7:00^pm at Laura’s home.  Attending were Mary Alice D’Abrosio, Alice Zwart, and Laura Henrikson.  The meeting was changed to evening to accommodate everyone.

We felt the food sale at the Rindge Woman’s Club 1st Craft Fair went very well.  We totaled $264.05 for the Rindge Food Pantry.  Thank you to everyone that donated and/or purchased food.   The club has asked us to take care of providing food again next year at the fair.  We received a thank you note from the Food Pantry.

The Crop Walk is in October and Alice will be attending a meeting, date yet to be announced.

Bowls and soup mixes were sold at the Snowflake Fair; Mary Alice will check into seeing if they will be available again this year.

Next month we will decide on some donations and make our budget for the coming year.

We tentatively have planned a Soup Supper for Friday, October 28, 2005.  Alice will check with the Rec. Dept. to make sure the meeting room is available.  Next month will be more planning and discussion of program for the supper.

We had planned to work on projects for Africa and Asia, but the recent catastrophe in the south after Hurricane Katrina changed our direction.  We all felt that the greatest need at this time was in our own country.  A decision was made to do a month long collection during the worship service.  Money will be sent to the Conference for their “Hope Shall Bloom – UCC Hurricane Recovery” Fund to Wider Church Ministries.  They are hoping to raise 1 million dollars to help the recovery.  We will then see what next is needed.

The next meeting is planned for Sunday, October 2, 2005 after the worship service.  Laura read a prayer written by the UCC President after Hurricane Katrina.

Respectfully submitted,
Laura A. Henrikson, Secretary

Membership and Evangelism Committee

The Membership and Evangelism Committee met on Wednesday September 14^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry (this was not our normally scheduled meeting due to schedule conflicts).  Those in attendance were Susan Casey, Steve Henrikson, Lois May and Rev. Melhorn.

 We continue to work on completing the Church Directory.  The primary hold up is completing the population of the new church database (Steve has started a new job which restricts the free time he had to do the work).  Again, if you were not able to make the photo shoot in June and would like your picture in the Directory, please contact a member of the committee to either take your picture or scan one that you have into the computer.

Next meeting will be Thursday September 22^nd at 7:00^pm in the vestry to review Church Directory status and to do further work on the directory.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

October Worship Services

October 2 – World-wide Communion Sunday – We share the Lord’s Supper with Christians all over the world and receive our Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:33-46
Sermon: “Dressing for Dinner”
Lay Reader:  Laura Henrikson
Ushers: Betty Chenausky and Bernice Martin
Greeters: Michael Picinisco and Owen Chace

October 9
Scripture Reading:Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Sermon: “The Empty Frame”
Lay Reader: Trudie Kalinen
Ushers: Trudie Kalinen and Maura Keegan
Greeters: Maura Keegan and Cathy Berardi

October 17
Scripture Reading: Philippians 3: 4b-14
Sermon: “Diamonds are Forever”
Lay Reader: Lou Thomas
Ushers: Rick and Janet Kohlmorgen
Greeters: Sue Campbell and Mary Williams

October 23
Scripture Reading: Matthew 23:1-28
Sermon: “Tell Me What You Really Think”
Lay Reader: Bernice Martin
Ushers: Ken and Sandy Harding
Greeters: Norm and Lois May

October 30 – Reformation Sunday – We celebrate God’s work through the early reformers of the Protestant church and feature the music of Brian Wren, a modern writer of hymns.
Scripture Reading: Joshua 5:1-3, 8-12
Sermon: “No More Strained Peas!”
Lay Reader: Frens Zwart
Ushers: Steve Henrikson and Jeff Sonnega
Greeters: Charlie Berry and Mark Warner

“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.

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?

To all Church Committees - Budget Request

It would be very much appreciated if you could have all budget requests for 2006 to me no later than October 20, 2005.  Please include a list of any bills you expect to incur for the remainder of the year. 

With rising costs and lower than expected income this year, your help in keeping spending for the remainder of the year to necessities only would assist the church in meeting its financial commitments.

If you need information or assistance to prepare your budget, do not hesitate to contact me. 

Thank you,

Cynthia Childs, Treasurer

899-6146
cchilds_rindge@yahoo.com

Why CROP WALK

• You will make a difference locally.  25% of all money raised is distributed equally to nine Monadnock area food banks.
• You will make a difference in the world.  Church World Service distributes money raised through CROP WALK wherever there are people in crisis because disaster, famine, wars, displacement, etc.  CROP WALK funds are also used to help people to help themselves through clean water projects, upgraded machinery and farming tools, and technical assistance.
• Church World Service is ecumenical and is dedicated to providing assistance to people worldwide regardless of race, color, creed, or nationality.
• Much of the distribution of CROP WALK funds goes to established agencies in each area with whom Church World Service has formed partnerships for assistance.  Many of these agencies utilize volunteers just as our Monadnock area food banks do.  This results in reduced staffing and a greater degree of CROP WALK funds going directly for assistance rather than administrative costs.
• CROP WALK is an enjoyable way for recruiters and walkers to join with friends throughout the Monadnock region in making a difference locally and worldwide.  By collecting sponsorship money and walking 5 miles, we are vicariously able, to some degree, to experience the daily hardships endured by those who benefit from our efforts.  Last year's CROP WALK raised over $15,300 with nearly $4,000 distributed to nine Monadnock region food banks, including the Rindge Food Pantry.
• Join the CROP WALK on Saturday, October 22, 2005, starting at 8:30^am from The First Congregational Church of Jaffrey.  See Alice or call 899-2247 to get involved as a walker, sponsor, or volunteer.

Hope Shall Bloom – United Church of Christ Hurricane Recovery

The United Church of Christ is responding to the destruction and human suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that followed.  UCC leaders announced September 6, 2005 the goal of raising $3 million from members and congregations to support long-term hurricane relief, recovery and rehabilitation phases of this disaster.  A 5-10 year response is projected based on past experience and the magnitude of this catastrophe. 

The major role of the church in this disaster, as in all disasters, is long-term recovery.  The UCC has trained Disaster Network Coordinators and Church World Service (CWS) staff who will work with devastated communities to organize and plan for identifying and meeting the "un-met" needs of their communities – to catch the folks who might otherwise fall through the cracks.  The UCC promises to walk with disastered communities on the long, long road to restoration. 

100% of your gift made to the Hope Shall Bloom – UCC Hurricane Recovery Fund goes to support hurricane recovery programming.  This is possible because church member’s gifts to Our Church’s Wider Mission basic support provide for the infrastructure necessary to make the UCC disaster response possible.

$25,000 Church World Service, to support distribution of blankets, health kits, and deployment of Disaster Response and Recovery Liaisons

$15,000 UCC South Central Conference to meet emergency needs; provide grants to UCC clergy families who have been displaced and lost homes & income sources 

$60,000 Community of Faith Church of Houston (UCC/Disciple) – Amistad Resettlement Project, to assist in paying resettlement cost (two months housing; food and clothing allowance for 78 evacuated families who have been identified to participate in long-term resettlement project

$15,000 UCC Southeast Conference to meet emergency needs; feeding evacuees in Atlanta through the Hosea Williams Feeding Program (at the request of Ambassador Andrew Young)

$20,000 UCC Back Bay Mission, Biloxi, Mississippi to re-establish mission site for emergency relief and long-term recovery and rebuilding

$5,000 Purchase of two Iridium satellite phones and service for use by Back Bay Mission staff as long as normal land-line and cell phone communications are disrupted

$5,000 UCC related Dillard University, New Orleans to repair damage to campus 

$10,000 UCC National Disaster Ministries and Church World Service for research, production and dissemination of environmental hazards/protection information related to Hurricane Katrina

$(Amount pending) UCC South Central Conference, Good Shepherd UCC, Metairie, Louisiana to prepare church building to serve as site for evacuee/returnee housing/hospitality and long-term mission trip base camp 

$100,000 Church World Service – Relocation Program for Displaced Americans, relocation of 165 families in various sites across U.S.

$100,000 Church World Service - Spiritual Care for Caregivers

$90,000 Support for recovery efforts of nine UCC congregations in New Orleans Association

$500,000 UCC Back Bay Mission/UCC National Disaster & Volunteer Ministries – Home reconstruction program

$500,000 Church World Service – Home reconstruction program

The projects and funding amounts listed above are projections.  This is a very fluid situation and we anticipate many opportunities to serve our sisters and brothers in need.

9/19/05
 

Hurricane Katrina - Church World Service

Within the first three days following Hurricane Katrina, Church World Service delivered its initial shipment of immediate emergency medicines and supplies to Baton Rouge.  To date, CWS has shipped more than $300,000 in donated material assistance to affected areas, including 18,100 CWS Blankets;  14,335 "Gist of the Heart" Health Kits; 500 CWS Kids Kits; and 1,000 School Kits.  In addition, CWS has processed a shipment of 20 Interchurch Medical Assistance Boxes to Louisiana containing basic medicines and antibiotics for 20,000 people for three months.

This week, CWS disaster responders are in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, assessing needs, meeting with existing community-based long-term recovery organizations, and organizing new recovery groups, utilizing its' network of churches and community volunteers.  CWS predicts that as many as 25 new CWS-assisted long-term recovery groups ill be formed nationwide as a result of Katrina, and will focus on helping the poor, elderly, disabled, and other vulnerable populations, including the Native American population in the region.  Some of the groups organized last year are still working to help survivors of the 2004 hurricane season.  "Church World Service is one of the first agencies to respond in times of disaster, and one of the last to leave," said Bill Wildey, CWS Northern New England Regional Director.

Church World Service will offer seed grants for developing long-term recovery organizations; sustainability grants allow the organizations to operate over the next 3-5 years; and home reconstruction grants to organizations.  CWS has almost 60 years experience in disaster response and recovery.

The reason CWS is prepared to respond immediately to disasters is in large part because of the on-going support raised by CROP WALKS.  CROP WALKS form the foundation for the work of Church World Service.  Thanks to that support we had staff trained in emergency response immediately available and could begin shipping material assistance (Kits and CWS Blankets) to the affected areas within hours.
 

Children's and Adult Outdoor Ministries

The Outdoor Ministries Board for the NH Conference is seeking volunteers. We are seeking people that desire to use their God Given Talents to further the Good News. The NH Conference facilitates summer camps every year at Horton Center located atop of Pine Mountain in Gorham, NH, of which hundreds of children and adults attend each summer to discover or deepen their faith and experience what it is to live in Christian Community. The site of Horton Center holds a special place in the hearts and minds of countless individuals.

There is always a need for people that just want to spend the day doing good honest work in the White Mountains There are a number of site and building projects that are in need of people that have carpentry, electrical, and plumbing talents. Aside from the scheduled "Fall Work Week-end" Mike Scott, the Site Manager, and all-round Mr. Fix-It, needs your help. Many of these projects are done in the early spring before camp opens. Improvements and modifications are necessary to continue the work started by Douglas Horton over 50 years ago.

So if you have a small or great amount of time that you can donate your talents to the Outdoor Ministries please contact the Volunteer Coordinator John Tostenson at johntostenson@msn.com Many hands make light work. 

Thank You,

John Tostenson
Outdoor Ministries Board 

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.