Present:  Mary Alice and Tony D’Ambrosio, Cynthia Childs, Jim Melhorn, Janet Goodrich, Sue Campbell, Phyllis Ames, Sue Casey, Jane Hannon, Janet Kohlmorgen

Pastor Jim opened the meeting with prayer.

Financial reports:  Accepted as presented.  Cindy noted that certain line items are ‘in the red’, primarily due to increased insurance costs, pre-payment of increased fuel expenses, and a lag in the receipt of anticipated pledge receipts.  Jane Hannon will write a note for the Deaconer related to this. 

Pastor's Report:

• Our church will host the Cheshire Association this Sunday at 3:00^pm with the deacons providing goodies for the meeting.
• For the second year, on December 11 at 7:00^pm, the Franklin Pierce College medieval music group will hold a candlelight program in the sanctuary.  An invitation  is extended to all members of the community.

• The deacons have sent 16 cards and messages out this month.
• The committee budget for ’06 is complete.
•  A church retreat has been scheduled for April 28, 2006 at Woodbound.
• There will be a 7:00^pm Thanksgiving Eve service.
• Christmas Eve service will include communion.
• People have responded very positively to the nominating committee as they seek to fill committee positions for the new year.
• The policies and procedures records have been completed.
• Sanctuary cleaning day will be Sunday, November 13^th.

• Part of our investment portfolio has been re-aligned at the recommendation of our financial advisor.
• With permission from the appropriate parties, some of the music funds have been combined into a single fund.
• The recommendation that the Treasurer receive a stipend has been taken under advisement.
• Stair well carpets are being installed this week.
• The alter railings will be installed in January.
• Final refinements are being made to the Endowment Policy.

• The new curriculum has been well received by students and teachers.
• The FLOCK meeting on November 5^th will be a service-clean up project.
• Any ideas / suggestions for the annual Christmas program would be welcomed.
• Next meeting:  November 13^th.

• Steve Henrikson continues to work on the new data base. 
• The committee is gathering the last of the pictures for the directory.
• Next new membership class to be scheduled after the first of the year.
• Policies and procedures ready to be submitted.

• A soup supper is in the process of being scheduled.

• Tony updated us on the organ concert to be held October 30.  He has taken on the challenge of distributing publicity to area churches.
• Tony is the point person working with the carpenter to install the railing in January.
• New gloves are needed for the bell choir.

EC / LVA:

• Anyone interested in joining in the wreath making should meet at the Cathedral at 9:00^am - 1:00^pm on October 29, November 4, November 12 and November 18.  Wear work clothes, warm gloves and bring sharp clippers, if you have them.  The group anticipates a significant number of scholarship requests this year, and the profits from this project help make those requests a reality.
• On May 6, 2006, the group will sponsor a living interpreter program on the Mill Girls in the Lowell mills.
• Bakers …cookies and cakes are needed for the Snowflake fair!

• Youth Leader Search Committee - There may be several FPC individuals interested in the position.  Jim will meet with them next week.
• Policies and Procedures - Need to finalize the use of church property policy.
• 2006 Events - Please submit dates for 2006 events as soon as possible.
• FLOCK:  Although parents of our young people indicated they looked forward to youth activities that involve the family unit, the attendance hasn’t supported that effort.  We continue to search for ways to increase involvement.
• Nominating:  Sue Campbell reports significant support for the callers working to fill positions for the upcoming year.  If you are willing to serve or have a particular interest, please let Sue know.
• 2006 Council Budget:  The council request will be the same as last year.

No New Business

Next Meeting: November 17, 2005 - Agenda includes brainstorming alternative fundraiser ideas.

Submitted by: 
Janet Goodrich

Diaconate

The Deacons met on Thursday October 13^th at 7:00^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 November is Barbara Wells.  Communion will be on November 6^th assisted by Trudie Kalinen, Sue Campbell and Sue Chatwin.  There will also be a Communion on November 27^th.  Sue Chatwin will cover the duties and be assisted by Barbara Wells, Sue Campbell and Steve Henrikson.  There will be no Communion on the first Sunday of December (there will be Communion at the Christmas Eve service).

We decided to set November 13^th as Cleaning Day.  Members will be encouraged to wear jeans that Sunday and stay after the service to participate.  A meal will be provided.  This will get our sanctuary in top shape for the holiday season.  Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Ushers and Greeters for November will be;

           Usher                                 Greeter
       6  Ken & Sandy Harding           Betty Chenausky & Bernice Martin
     13  Burt & Janet Goodrich          Stephen & Penny Chace
     20  Marie & David Marr             Phyllis & Harry Groezinger
     27  Jane Hannon & Sue Casey    Jean Benson & Peg Brummer

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

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Christian Education
October 9, 2005

Our meeting opened with a prayer by Rev. Melhorn.  Those present: Cindy Melhorn, Bernice Ferwerda, Jennifer Skelton, Phyllis Ames.

Church School Curriculum  "Walk with Me" has been very well received by teachers and children.  It was suggested we send "Miss You" cards to absent children.

The next F.L.O.C.K. meeting will be held on November 14^th and is a "clean-up" project, to help homeowners with simple tasks such as yard work, leaf raking, etc.  More church bulletins for children will be ordered. 

Christmas Pagent ideas are needed.  We would appreciate any holiday ideas for our children to use: books, films, stories, etc.

Discussions on Safe Church and Policies to be scheduled soon.

A concern arose about Acolyte schedules and these will be reviewed.

Our next meeting is scheduled for November 13^th following our church service.

Submitted by Phyllis Ames

Mission Ministries Team
October 2, 2005

The committee met on Sunday, October 2, 2005 after the worship service.  Attending were Mary Alice D’Ambrosio, Alice Zwart, and Laura Henrikson.

The Neighbors In Need (NIN) collection was taken today.  The Crop Walk is on October 22 and Alice is taking charge of that event.  Hurricane Relief collection at present is $574.00.

We have received a letter from Jose, Habitat for Humanity, Monadnock Council of Churches, Samaritan Purse and Campus Crusades.

The Meeting room has been reserved for the Soup Supper on Friday, November 11, 2005.  We are looking for a speaker (see previous article)  for the evening.  Donations will go to Hurricane Relief.  We may be having something musical for a program at a later date.  MaryAlice will contact a family group that she knows of to hopefully fill the bill!  We will do soups and breads as before and ask for donations for dessert.

Laura will work on a proposed budget and also an amount of what other causes we plan to donate to this year.

Prayer was given by Alice at the end of the meeting. 

Respectfully submitted,
Laura A. Henrikson, Secretary

Membership and Evangelism Committee

The Membership and Evangelism Committee met on Thursday September 22^nd at 7:00^pm in the vestry to review Church Directory status and to do further work on the directory.

Next meeting will be Thursday October 27^th at 7:00^pm in the vestry.

Submitted by,
Steve Henrikson

Music Committee
October 2, 2005

A meeting was held October 2, with Chair Mary Lu Mathis, Tony D’Ambrosio, Bob Popple, and Mary Jane Sawyer in attendance.

Mary Lu reported that Reverend Melhorn has supplied her with a copy of the current Church Fee Schedule.

Tony will schedule installation of the altar railing, recently approved by Trustees and Council.

The Organ Concert (October 30) was discussed.  Jeff Fuller has arranged for practice time on our organ.  Organ tuning will be done October 24.  We are still pursuing the possibility of enhancing the program with performances by young (Franklin Pierce) musicians.  Publicity waits on receipt of more information from Jeff Fuller.  Tony will send out postcard mailers to make congregants of the Peterboro Episcopal Church (Mr. Fuller’s home church) aware of the Concert date.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 16 at Mary Lu’s home, at which time committee members will be prepared with budget requirements.

Mary Jane Sawyer - for the Committee

A meeting was held October 16, at Mary Lu Mathis’ home.  In attendance were Chair Mary Lu, Tony D’Ambrosio, Bob Popple, and Mary Jane Sawyer.

Correction was made to the October 2 minutes, where it was stated that Reverend Melhorn had provided Mary Lu with the new Church Fee schedule.  In fact, we have not yet received that new schedule.

The Organ Concert, scheduled for October 30 was discussed.  Mary Lu will distribute posters.  Tony will arrange for notice to be published this week in our bulletin, and in the bulletin of the Peterboro Episcopal church.  Next week card inserts will be placed in each bulletin. (Organist Jeff Fuller is the organist and choirmaster of the Peterboro church.) 

Mary Jane will furnish Trudie Kalinen with publicity information. 

Mary Lu will ask church members for donation of goodies for the reception which will follow. 

Bob will coordinate organ tuning. Mary Lu will be in touch with Barbara Wells concerning flowers.

Tony will work with Mike Ellis, as construction of the new altar railing begins.

Mary Jane will order new Bell Choir practice gloves.

The 2005 budget was developed.  Considering 2005 budget restraints which were outlined in a communication from Trustees, we cut to the bone regarding each request.  Tony will prepare a spread sheet explaining each segment, and will submit it to Council this month.

Our next meeting is scheduled for November 13, following church.

Mary Jane Sawyer - for the Committee

November Worship Services

November 6 – Communion Sunday and celebration of the Saints of the Church.  Join us at the Woodbound Inn after worship for lunch and an opportunity to finish our church mission statement drafted at our all-church retreat.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13
Sermon: “Close the refrigerator door”
Lay Reader:  Mary Jane Sawyer
Ushers: Ken & Sandy Harding
Greeters: Betty Chenausky & Bernice Martin

November 13 – Guest Pastor Rev. David Forry will lead worship.  Dress causally in working clothes.  After worship, the Deacons will sponsor a light lunch and we’ll take some time for our annual Sanctuary Cleaning.
Ushers: Burt & Janet Goodrich
Greeters: Stephen & Penny Chace

November 20 – Thanksgiving Sunday – we accept our Stewardship pledges as we give thanks for all the God provides.
Scripture Reading: Zechariah 7:1-1
Sermon: “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”
Lay Reader: Barbara Wells
Ushers: Marie & David Marr
Greeters: Phyllis & Harry Groezinger

November 27 – First Sunday in Advent – Communion
Scripture Reading: John 1:19-34
Sermon: “Testify!”
Lay Reader: Betty Chenausky
Ushers: Jane Hannon & Sue Casey
Greeters: Jean Benson & Peg Brummer

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee has been meeting and calling present committee members in the last month.  We will be making calls in the next month to fill the vacancies for the coming year.  The term on a committee is usually 3 years unless you are finishing another person’s term.  The Nominating Committee will call all committee members each year to check with them about their availability for the following year.  The Committee does that because we are aware that people’s lives can change in a year. 

If you are interested in serving on a committee, please contact us 

Susan Campbell 899-2705
Jeanne Norwood 532-6283

Soup Supper
Friday, November 11, 2005
6:30^pm
Meeting Room

The Mission Ministries Committee invites everyone to dine with us on Friday night, November 11 at 6:00^pm in the Meeting Room.  There will be a wide variety of homemade soups and breads – come and enjoy!

A free will offering will be taken and sent to the Hurricane Relief Fund.

Our speaker for the evening will be Professor Niyi Osundare, professor of English from the University of New Orleans and an internationally-acclaimed Nigerian poet, who was displaced by Hurricane Katrina.  He is now living in Rindge and lecturing at Franklin Pierce College.

Posted on the FPC website is this information on Prof. Osundare:

Dr. Osundare, considered by many to be the greatest living Nigerian poet, arrived at Franklin Pierce College after a temporary stay in Birmingham, Alabama.  He and his wife, Kame, lost nearly everything in Hurricane Katrina and barely escaped the floodwaters.  They were rescued by boat and were staying with friends when Franklin Pierce College extended the offer to teach for a semester. Dr. Osundare received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Franklin Pierce in 2001.

He will serve as guest lecturer and poet-in-resident for the fall term.  While most of Dr. Osundare’s books are published in Nigeria, they have been translated into many languages.  Two of his works, Pages from the Book of the Sun: New & Selected Poems and Thread in the Loom: Essays on African Literature and Culture, were published in the United States by African World Press.  He has won many literary awards including the Noma Award, Africa’s most prestigious literary prize.

Niyi Osundare

Poet, dramatist, critic, essayist, and media columnist, Niyi Osundare has authored over ten volumes of poetry, two books of selected poems, four plays, a book of essays, and numerous articles on literature, language, culture, and society.  He regards his calling as a writer and his profession as a teacher as essentially complementary. 

He was educated on three continents: 

B.A. (Honours) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 
M.A. from the University of Leeds in England, and 
Ph.D. from York University, Toronto, Canada. 

Article taken from Michigan State University Press East Lansing, Michigan

Haley Diane Hannon

has arrived
October 25, 2005
daughter of
Danielle & Joseph Hannon

Budget Request

All budget requests are due
by
November 1, 2004

Thank you

Stewardship

Stewardship Sunday will be held on November 20^th.  Information will be distributed.  When you consider your pledge for 2006, look inside yourself and consider what God has given to you and your family and what he has asked of you in return.  What does your church mean to you, what would your life be like without God and your church?

Please give careful consideration to your pledge so that we may continue with our current programs., especially in light of our rising costs for heat and insurance.

Spruce Up the Sanctuary Sunday

On November 13^th, the Deacons will be sponsoring a day to clean up the Church.

We need HELP from EVERYONE.  Please bring  yourself, elbow grease and suitable clothing.

The Deacons will provide a light lunch and all the cleaning supplies.

This is a great chance to get together and put a little love into our beautiful church.

Help Wanted

Sign -up sheets will be available after church.

The EC / LVA needs help from every women to make our Snowflake Fair a success -- you don't have to be a member of the EC/LVA to contribute.

BAKERS -- We are in need of the following -- pies, cookies, cakes, breads, fudge, other goodies.

WREATH MAKERS -- we will be making wreaths at the CATHEDRAL OF THE PINES on several mornings, beginning on October 29th  (the other dates in November will probably be on either a Friday or Saturday).  We will begin at 9AM and should finish by noon.  You don't need any talent and we have many different jobs -- just dress warm and wear old clothing -- AND WE ACTUALLY HAVE FUN.  EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

TABLE WORKERS -- we need people to work at our various tables.  You don't have to be there for the entire time, but we always need people to relieve others. 

SHOPPERS -- hopefully everyone will come to the fair and begin their Christmas shopping.

Wreath Making

If anyone would like to help with wreaths, please come to the Cathedral of the Pines on the following dates between 9:00^am and 1:00^pm.  We have a great time and have many jobs for any level of ability.  The proceeds from the sale of wreaths will help to fund our scholarships in the spring.

• October 29^th
• November 4^th
• November 12^th 
• November 18^th

Snowflake Fair
Saturday
November 26, 2005
9:00^am - 2:00^pm

Come and get into the Christmas Spirit

Cookbooks -- Rada Knives
Children's Room  --  SANTA
Wreaths -- Decorations -- Vintage Linens
Baked Goods -- Silent Auction  Lunch

Birthday Sundays

Once a month we will have a Birthday Cake for anyone who has celebrated a birthday OVER 80 during that month.  Our information isn't always correct, so please let Sue Chatwin know (drop a note in the Deacon's Box) (before your birthday) if you should be included. 
Anyone who makes it to 80, deserves to be recognized.

Thanks, Sue Chatwin

Turkey Supper Thank You

We would like to thank all the people who helped at the Turkey Supper. It would not have been the success that it was without your support. 

Thank you again. 

Sue Chatwin  & 
Sue Campbell

Missing Stand

If anyone has the Music Stand (black iron base & wooden back with a carved lyre), we would appreciate its return.

United Church of Christ Plan Celebration

Women from all six New England states and their respective United Church of Christ Conferences are busy planning a CELEBRATION!!  It will be the seventh CELEBRATION for these church women since 1982.  The theme of the three-day gathering is CELEBRATE MICAH'S CALL, you know … to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God … (Micah 6:8b)

The Rev. Dr. Nancy Taylor, Pastor of the Old South Church in Boston, the Keynote Speaker at the second plenary session on Saturday morning, March 18, 2006, will address the … to do justice … portion of the Micah scripture.  Rev. Taylor will also lead a workshop with her husband, The Rev. Peter Southwell-Sander, entitled "The Liturgy and Justice: The Work of the People."  Rev. Taylor is known by many people for her energy around social justice issues.

Valerie Tutson, renowned Bible story teller, woll speak to the … love kindness … part of the Micah 6 scripture during worship on Saturday evening.  Ms. Tuston will also lead two forums in Bible Study during the day on Saturday, March 18.  Her God-given "gift of the story" id in demand around the globe and Ms. Tutson returns to CELEBRATION by popular demand.

Come, be energized and renewed and know that God is still speaking to women and men alike.  Check out our website for more information: www.uccwomencelebration.org.

March 17, 18, & 19, 2006
Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center
Burlington, Vermont

The State Women's Fellowship Board will be able to provide some scholarship aid to those who need financial help. Also check with your Association for scholarships. 

If anyone would like to receive a Celebration brochure, you may contact:

Jean Robarge
58 Hayden Road
Pelham, NH  03301-4305
Telephone 603-635-3363

News from around the New Hampshire Conference UCC

Family News
The Rev. Susan A. Henderson has accepted the position of Interim Conference Minister in the Vermont Conference, UCC. She will finish her work at the New Hampshire Conference Center in mid November.  Please join the entire staff and conference leadership as we wish Susan the very best in her new endeavor.

Training for Sunday School Superintendents and Christian Education

• Directors/Coordinators

As a part of the NH Conference, UCC Christian Educator Training Program, we are offering two Training Tracks – one for Directors/Coordinators of Christian Education, and one for Sunday School Superintendents. Cost to participants is $35 per course plus textbooks. The following classes and dates have been set: 
• Superintendents Directors/Coordinators of CE

Faith & Human Development Old Testament – 
January 18 and January 14 & 21, 9 am – 2 pm February 1 & 15, 9:30 am 1pm
• New Testament – 

March 8 & 22 and April 5, 9:30 am 1 pm
• All classes will be held at the NH Conference Center in Pembroke. For more information and a registration form, please contact Debbie Gline Allen, Program Administrator, at 6033700294, or by email at deb@allenhome.org.  Registration deadline for the JANUARY classes is January 6, 2006.

Godspell!
This energetic, funny, poignant musical retelling of the good news of Jesus Christ will be presented by the United Church of Christ in Keene. Performances are Friday, November 4 at 7 pm and Saturday, November 5 at 2 pm and 7 pm.  Reserved tickets are $15, or $12 each for a group of 12 or more. This is a  vibrant event for church groups and Christians of all ages. Tickets may be purchased through the church office by calling 603-352-4136.

“Opening the Bible as the People’s Book”
A Bible Study with John Bell will take place on Friday, December 2 from 1 – 4 pm at Main Street Congregational, UCC, 145 Main Street, Amesbury, MA 01913.  For more information, please call 978-388-0982.  To register, please send your name, address, phone number and email with payment of $10 to the above address.

“Cloth for the Cradle” – John Bell Leads a Big Sing
Big Sing: a gathering of as many people as can come to sing together in three or Four part harmony, often without music. John Bell leads a Big Sing on Friday, December 2 at 7 pm at Main Street Congregational, UCC, 145 Main Street, Amesbury, MA 01913. For more information, please call 978-388-0982.  A freewill offering will be received in support of the Amesbury Cluster of Refugee Immigration Ministries.

We’ve a Story to Tell
The New Hampshire Conference, UCC and its Our Church’s Wider Mission Committee have initiated a project intended to help us celebrate our common ministry that is given so many expressions through the UCC congregations in New Hampshire. We invite congregations to share the story of how the spirit of God is moving and acting through the congregation. Your story, submitted to the OCWM Committee at the Conference Office, will be printed, without editing, in a booklet entitled, “We’ve a Story to Tell.” We anticipate distributing the booklet at our Prepared to Serve gathering next spring. Please take the time to assure that your congregation’s story will be represented in this publication, to share the good news of how God is Still Speaking to and through your ministry.