2006-12-deaconer

January 7 – Worship and communion service featuring 'The Right Path' and gospel bluegrass music

In the twenty years since its publication, Celebration of Discipline, a book by Richard J. Foster, has helped over a million seekers discover a richer spiritual life infused with joy, peace, and a deeper understanding of God. Hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality, Celebration of Discipline explores the "classic Disciplines," or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith. Along the way, Foster shows that it is only by and through these practices that the true path to spiritual growth can be found.

Pastor Jim will be leading a group of willing participants on a year-long spiritual journey, using Celebration of Discipline as a guide book. In a series of monthly meetings, beginning in January 2007, we will explore Foster's book and begin to integrate Spiritual practices into our daily lives.

Dividing the Disciplines into three movements of the Spirit, Foster shows how each of these areas contribute to a balanced spiritual life. The inward Disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study offer avenues of personal examination and change. The outward Disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, and service help prepare us to make the world a better place. The corporate Disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration bring us nearer to one another and to God.

Each gathering will include a conversation with Foster, recorded on DVD, as well as discussion, practical guides to implementing the Disciplines, and time for fellowship as we grow together spiritually and emotionally.

Foster provides a wealth of examples demonstrating how these Disciplines can become part of our daily activities--and how they can help us shed our superficial habits and "bring the abundance of God into our lives." He offers crucial new insights on simplicity, demonstrating how the biblical view of simplicity, properly understood and applied, brings joy and balance to our inward and outward lives and "sets us free to enjoy the provision of God as a gift that can be shared with others." The discussion of celebration, often the most neglected of the Disciplines, shows its critical importance, for it stands at the heart of the way to Christ. Celebration of Discipline will help Christians everywhere to embark on a journey of prayer and spiritual growth.

We are looking for at least six people willing to embark on this rewarding journey. We'll be reaching out to the community as well, advertising this opportunity for spiritual growth especially to those who might consider themselves 'Spiritual' without being 'Religious'. This will not be an attempt to convert or coerce anyone, but will simply be an opportunity to invite and engage with those who may not be reached by our regular Sunday morning worship, those people with a spiritual hunger who are wary of organized religion.

"If everybody in the country could read-and heed-this book, what a difference it would make to the planet."

"Foster has challenged us to see Christian faith. as a life of spiritual transformation."

"Foster has taught me more about prayer and living faithfully than just about any other living author."

Dallas Willard, author of The Spirit of the Disciplines and The Divine Conspiracy

"Celebration of Discipline has quietly asserted itself in the lives of multitudes around the globe, and has taken its place as a guide to the uplands of the spiritual life for the late twentieth century. Everywhere I go I meet those whose lives have been changed by encountering it. It places us on the path of life with those who have succeeded in walking with Jesus in every circumstance and shows us accessible patterns of action through which interaction with his Kingdom is assured to us. This is the secret of its power. If you wish to know in your self the reality of the gracious life of God seen in the Bible, you may find no better counselor than Richard Foster."

"The best modern book on Christian spirituality. . . No other book apart from the Bible has been so helpful to me in the nurturing of my inward journey of prayer and spiritual growth."

"Like a child exploring the attic of an old house on a rainy day, discovering a trunk full of treasure and then calling all his brothers and sisters to share the find, Richard J. Foster has 'found' the spiritual disciplines that the modern world stored away and forgot, and has excitedly called us to celebrate them. For they are, as he shows us, the instruments of joy, the way into mature Christian spirituality and abundant life."

Richard J. Foster, a Quaker, is the author of several bestselling books, including Freedom of Simplicity and Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home, which in 1993 was Christianity Today's Book of the Year and won the Gold Medallion Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers' Association. He is the founder of Renovare, an infra-church movement committed to the renewal of the church in all her multifaceted expressions. He lives with his wife, Carolynn, in Denver, Colorado.

Common Grounds Coffeehouse

This is something new for our church and new for the community of Rindge, so we encourage you to support and publicize this as much as possible.

Remember the details: The coffeehouse will be open the second Friday of each month. Doors open at 7:30, and the music starts around 8 pm. The music will be traditional, folk, bluegrass, Celtic, Americana, blues, and roots, all performed by talented professional and semi-professional musicians in the area. There will be a small cover charge and coffee and desserts will be for sale as well. All proceeds will go to the musicians and to the support of the Rindge Food Pantry or other local missions

April lives in Rindge and is an up and coming songwriter and folk musician. She sings with a clear, soulful voice, combining old country and bluegrass tunes with a little bit of the blues, and is able to fill up a room with her sound, even when appearing as a solo act with just her guitar and vocal chords. Her new CD, "Time to Travel," was released on April 22nd, 2006. She describes her style as "Country Blues. Some of the songs are Bluegrass, a few are pretty folky, there's some Alt-country in there and some Old-time Country as well. I like to think that I'd make Jimmie Rodgers or Patsy Cline take notice if they were still around. They rank high among my influences, along with Bill Monroe, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams, Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson, Edie Brickell, Michelle Shocked, to name a few." From her sonicbids.com electronic press kit.

An Invitation to Prepared to Serve
An Annual Training Event
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Pembroke Academy, Pembroke, NH
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

"Prepared to Serve" is designed for all persons – ordained and lay – who share leadership in the congregations and associations of the NH Conference of the United Church of Christ.
The schedule for the day includes: two WORSHIP services…40 WORKSHOPS on a variety of topics including Christian education, diaconate responsibilities, stewardship, finances, youth ministry, outdoor ministries, worship resources, music, liturgical dance, committee leadership, and more; EXHIBITS sponsored by NH Conference, UCC commissions, committees and working groups...a buffet LUNCH, and conversation with over 400 church folks from all corners of the Granite State….

Look for registration materials on the NH Conference website at www.nhcucc.org by mid-November. Registration materials will also be sent to each church in the NH Conference, UCC. To receive materials via email or for further information, please contact Jean Clarke, NH Conference Center,
1-603-225-6647, ext. 108 or email: jmclarke@nhcucc.org

The Mission Ministries Team plans to sell organically grown Coffee, Tea, Cocoa and Chocolate on the last Sunday of each month at Fellowship Hour. There will be a variety of selections available. However, if you have a favorite product that you would like us to stock, please ask and we will try and make it available. Also, if you need a product in between scheduled sales, just ask Mission Team members and they will be glad to get it for you.

Equal Exchange provides these products. Their mission is “to provide a product that is economically just and environmentally sound through a mutually beneficial relationship between the farmers and the consumer.” Please help us support this worthwhile project.

Church Council Minutes

December 21, 2006

Present: Pastor Jim, Janet Kohlmorgen, Marcie Miller, Sue Campbell, Mary Alice and Tony D’Ambrosio, Jennifer Skelton, Janet and Burt Goodrich

Following the opening prayer by Pastor Jim, the minutes of the November meeting were approved as presented with three minor corrections: pot luck, not pot lick; whose, not shoes; and 28, not 35 years of attendance records were reviewed and graphed.

Treasurer’s Report: See written reports. We will end the fiscal year with close to a balanced budget. Many thanks to those who gave so generously and to the various committees for close monitoring of expenditures.

Pastor’s Report: 1] There have been major personnel changes at the conference level, including the director of outdoor ministries. It should be noted that Pastor Jim has been an active participant in the Board of Outdoor Ministries. 2] Pastor Jim asked council members to offer reflections on this past year. A number of ideas were shared: The concern for Pastor Jim during his illness and the strength of the congregation to “step up to the plate” to ensure the work of the church continued; meaningful sermons; support for mission work beyond Rindge, such as the fair trade coffee sales; the positive ‘character and flavor’ of the church; book discussion opportunities, plans for the Celebration of Discipline program, the upcoming Coffee House series, etc.

Old Business: 1] The Radio City Music Hall program at the Wang was well attended and well received. Perhaps a future trip could be planned for a program at the Colonial Theater in Keene. 2] Time to plan for the next book discussion choice and schedule 3] The Coffee House plans are in place. Check past Deaconers and the web site for details on each program.

New Business: 1] Oversight Committee appointment: Many thanks to Norm May who has served for a number of years as our representative on the Oversight Committee, a committee appointed by the Selectmen designed to insure the upkeep of the Meeting House. He will be stepping down from that position after the first of the year. The council has recommended Burt Goodrich from the Board of Trustees to fill that position. A letter will be sent informing the Selectmen. 2] Proposed 2007 budget: The Board of Trustees presented a proposed balanced budget for 2007. It was necessary to make major reductions in many line items in order to meet the increase in anticipated fixed expenses and still achieve a balanced budget. The council recognized the importance of starting January with a balanced, not a deficit, budget. It unanimously voted to support the proposed balanced budget with a concerted effort to be made to increase income to restore the programs and services lost to a lack of funds. Of particular concern was the need to fund the Youth Director position. The council also discussed the possible need for a Capital Campaign.

Deacons’ Report: See written report. Sue Campbell updated the council on some end of the year expenditures.

Membership and Evangelism Report: See written report. At the end of Membership Committee meetings, members have shared special moments where God was apparent in their lives. Marcie Miller gave an example and encouraged other committees to consider similar sharings.

Mission Ministries Report: Mary Alice D’Ambrosio updated the council on the February 3 Chili Supper. Fair Trade coffee sales have been very good, which directly benefits the native growers through this mission effort.

Music Report: See written report. 1] Tony D’Ambrosio updated the council on the recent appraisal and replacement figures on the grand piano for insurance purposes. 2] The council accepted the proposed revision of the contract for the organist/choir director contract. Copies were given to the trustees for their files.

Men’s Club: The group is investigating a possible intergenerational day hike up Mount Monadnock later this year.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Goodrich, Clerk

Diaconate

December 7, 2006

The Deacons met on Dec.7, 2006 at 7 p.m. in the vestry. Those in attendance were Sue Chatwin, Sue Campbell, Sandy Harding, Steve Chace, Phyllis Groezinger, Jean Raymond, and Rev. Jim Melhorn.

Phyllis Groezinger, Sue Campbell, Barbara Wells, and Steve Chace will be assisting in communion on Christmas Eve.

The Deacon of the Month for January is Barbara Wells. Assisting her with communion will be Sandy Harding, Jean Raymond and Phyllis Groezinger.

Standard Reports

Cards and Flowers - Thinking of You cards were sent to Ella Dale, Marge St .Pierre, and Don Smith. Get Well cards were sent to Jean Raymond, Phyllis Groezinger, Nan Sholl, and Una Bigelow. Encouragement cards were sent to Peg Brummer and Marge St.Pierre. Sympathy card was sent to Susanna Pettus.
Coffee Hour - Coffee Hour is going well .Birthday Sunday will be Dec. 24^th.
Council Report - Council Report was given by Sue Campbell.
Ushers & Greeters - Penny Chace will do the list from Jan. to June. The contact number is Sue Campbell and /or the church office.

Pastors Report

Dec.17^th - Backwards Service, Lessons and Carols, and Sunday School.
Dec. 24^th - Birthday Sunday, Cookie Party, Bring your favorite Nativity scene to the regular church service.
Christmas Eve Service at 7p.m. - Communion will be served.
Jan.7^th - Communion. Blue Grass Music.

Unfinished Business

A discussion regarding the difficulties of getting the plaques done in a timely manner. We continue to struggle with project.

New Business

Salt of the Earth was talked about.
Discussion about the level of talking before the Sunday worship and how to encourage a period of quietness before the service. Jim will mention it at the next Sunday service.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Campbell, Acting Secretary

Trustees

December, 2006

The Trustees met twice during the month of December with their primary goal of being able to present a balanced 2007 budget to the Council. They first met on December 5^th with Burt Goodrich, Norman May, Frens Zwart, Rick Kohlmorgen, Jane Hannon, Cynthia Childs, Dave Marr, Larry Kabat, Marcie Miller and Nancy Bogar present.

The entire evening was spent on the budget and their objective of a balanced budget was reached at the end of the night. Marcie and Cynthia will make the final adjustments and have the updated version ready for the Dec. 12^th regularly scheduled meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

The second meeting was held on December 12^th with Burt Goodrich, Marcie Miller, Jane Hannon, Nancy Bogar, Larry Kabat, Dave Marr, Norman Many and Frens Zwart present.

Old Business:

2007 Budget – The updates were made, and a motion was made and approved to go before Council with a balanced budget.
Oversight Committee – New lights outside the building have been installed, and the panel upstairs has been fixed. Norman May will be stepping down from the Committee and Burt Goodrich will be taking over his position.

New Business:

Motion was made and approved to have the new treasurer, Marcie Miller, buy a new “Quick Books” program for her computer.
Handicap Parking – Burt will discuss the situation with Bob Forrest and suggest that the Highway Department paint lines and install signs.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm. Next meeting will be Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at 7:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Nancy Bogar, Secretary

Christian Education Committee

December 3, 2006

Attendance: Jim Melhorn, Jeff Sonnega, Victoria Skowronek, Amy Lanza and Lisa Galante

Amy Lanza has written and handed out letters to all of the Sunday school students informing them about our Shadow Theater Christmas Pageant. She will follow up by calling this week to remind them that we will be practicing this Sunday at 11:30 after Church.

Rev. Jim will be writing the script this week. Amy and her husband will be constructing the shadow theater screen this week as well. Lisa has checked with her husband and the stage lights will be available for the pageant and for the practice. Since we don’t know how long it will take us to practice we will be ordering pizza for all who join us on Sunday.

We also talked about the December 24^th 10:00 service, which will be in the style of Los Posada. The service will begin upstairs, where everyone is to bring their nativity sets from their homes. Downstairs we will have chairs set up around the perimeter of the hall and a piñata set up. There will also be other coffee hour’ish items.

Curriculum - Vicki announced that she needs new curriculum for grades K-3. Preferably New Testament.

Submitted,

Lisa Galante

Music Committee

December 10, 2006

The committee met following church on December 10, 2006. In attendance were Chair Mary Lu Mathis, Bob Popple, Tony D’Ambrosio and Mary Jane Sawyer.

Mary Lu reported that appraiser William Faller of Temple had submitted an appraisal on our Maison Hamlin grand piano. That appraisal included a present value of 15K, and a replacement value of 40K. We will employ Mr. Faller for the pre-Christmas tuning of the piano, which Bob will coordinate. Note: subsequent to the meeting, the group authorized Mr. Faller to also make repairs to the piano which will control tonal brightness.

Bob will arrange to have George Bozeman tune the organ prior to the Christmas Eve service.

Mary Lu reported a profit of $256.50 from food sales at the Snowflake Fair.

Tony will put finishing touches on the Organist Contract.

Our next meeting is scheduled for January 14.

Mary Jane Sawyer - for the Committee

Membership and Evangelism

November 30, 2006

The Membership and Evangelism Committee met on Thursday November 30^th at 7:00^pmin the Vestry. Those in attendance were Susan Casey, Steve Henrikson, Lois May and Marcie Miller. Rev. Melhorn was away tending to medical issues with his mother in PA. Lois opened with a prayer.

New Members – We are pleased to welcome as new members Una & Joe Bigelow and Carleen Eicher who joined on November 19, 2006. Please take the time to welcome them as new members.

Membership Database – Marcie indicated that there have been 5 updates and 3 status changes. She provided membership lists to the Deacons and Trustees so that they are working from the latest data.

Web Site – Please continue to support Tony D’Ambrosio (TonytheDamb@aol.com) on the church web site - www.rindgeucc.org

Our next meeting will be Thursday January 25, 2007 at 7:00^pm (no meeting in December).

Steve Henrikson, Secretary

Mens Club

December 3, 2006

After a great breakfast prepared by Dick Docekal, Ken Harding and Ed Gagnon, the new officers were introduced; Tony D’Ambrosio, Treasurer and Charlie Eicher, Secretary.

Tony reported an account balance that should be sufficient to cover contributions/expenses until the first Roast Beef dinner in June 2007.

There followed a discussion of possible 2007 Programs. Tony described a hiking outing. He will take the lead to sense interest in a day hike on Monadnock. A Car Wash with the Scouts and a July 4th Booth were discussed as fundraisers. We need volunteers to lead the investigation into each of these. Dick looked into having a community Thanksgiving dinner but found the Meeting House was booked. There may be other possibilities so the item was continued. Other potential programs were not discussed in detail so Dave will lead them for now. These included; Ice Fishing, Super Bowl party, Scouts Breakfast, Mother’s Day Breakfast, Valentines Day Dinner/Dance and a Deep Sea Fishing Trip.

Changes to the format for the annual Roast Beef Dinners were discussed. It was decided to keep the format the same including a town wide mailing. A discussion of increasing attendance though discounts or door prizes was continued.

Submitted by Charlie Eicher

Kids in Church

3-year-old Reese: "Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen."

A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys."

One particular four-year-old prayed, "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping." A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.' Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied. "Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

Kids Corner

	Find 8 differences in these pictures
			Happy New Year Time Capsule My name is __________________________. My best friends are __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________. I am ____ years old. My favorite games are __________________________ __________________________. My favorite foods are __________________________ __________________________. I am ____feet____inches tall.

Extras From the Editor

&
Special Articles

2006 Committee Annual Reports

If you have not yet done so, 2006 Annual Reports are due so that the final report can be prepared and ready a few weeks before the Annual Meeting on March 4, 2007

Membership Database

We’d like to update the membership database with e-mail addresses. If you would, please e-mail your address to Marcie Miller (database coordinator) at millerm123@ptcnh.net

From the Collector

Most church offering boxes for 2007 have been picked up. Anybody who cannot find their name and would like to have a box with envelopes should see me at church or call 899-2247.

Frens Zwart, Collector

Electronic Deaconer

This is just a survey to find out if and how many folks would like to receive the Deaconer via e-mail. The primary purpose is to keep postage expenses down. If you would like to receive the Deaconer via e-mail, contact Steve Henrikson at henrikson@ptcnh.net.

Save these dates

Mission Ministries Chili Supper - Saturday, February 3, 2007
Annual Church Meeting - Sunday, March 4, 2007
Church Retreat - "Talking Faith" - May 18 and 19, 2007

January - Church Calendar

Happy New Year

2007

January - Church Calendar

Sunday – January 7, 2007

9:00^am Senior Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary
10:00^am Sunday Service - Sanctuary
11:00^am Fellowship - Town Hall

Monday - January 8, 2007

9:30^am Bible Study - Vestry

Tuesday - January 9, 2007

7:00^pm Trustees / Buildings & Grounds /

Stewardship - Vestry

Wednesday - January 10, 2007

7:00^pm Senior Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary

Thursday - January 11, 2007

7:00^pm Deacons - Vestry

Friday - January 12, 2007

7:00^pm Common Grounds Coffeehouse - April Hobart - Town Hall

Sunday - January 14, 2007

9:00^am Senior Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary
10:00^am Sunday Service - Sanctuary
11:00^am Fellowship - Town Hall
11:30^am Mission Ministries Team – Vestry
11:30^am Music Committee – Vestry
11:30^am Christian Ed. Committee – Vestry

Monday - January 15, 2007

9:30^am Bible Study - Vestry

Wednesday - January 17, 2007

7:00^pm Senior Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary

Thursday - January 18, 2007

7:00^pm Church Council – Vestry

Friday - January 19, 2007

All Committee Reports Due for February Deaconer

Sunday - January 21, 2007

9:00^am Senior Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary
10:00^am Sunday Service - Sanctuary

11:00^am Fellowship - Town Hall

Monday - January 22, 2007

9:30^am Bible Study - Vestry

Tuesday - January 23, 2007

7:00^pm Celebration of Discipline

Wednesday - January 24, 2007

7:00^pm Senior Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary

Thursday - January 25, 2007

7:00^pm Membership Committee - Vestry

Sunday - January 28, 2007

9:00^am Senior Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary
10:00^am Sunday Service - Sanctuary
11:00^am Fellowship - Town Hall
11:00^am Mission Team Coffee Sale –

Town Hall

Monday - January 29, 2007

9:30^am Bible Study - Vestry
7:00^pm LVA/EC - Vestry

Wednesday - January 31, 2007

7:00^pm Senior Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary

January Birthdays

January 1 – Sandra Harding

January 7 – Edward Brummer

January 11 – Martha Gilroy

January 11 – Daniel Wunschel

January 12 – Charles Mathis

January 14 – Stephen Bolduc

January 16 – Nan Sholl

January 20 – Derek Patton

January 24 – Asa Unger-Clark

January 25 – Chris Lanza

January 27 – Phyllis Sesia

January 28 – Kaitlin (Primeau) Warner

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