The Bellman. January Everyone s input is important to the life of North Church Women. A New Year's Prayer ~W.R.Hunt~ Dear Lord, please give me

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1 January 2007 The Bellman Page 1 January 2007 The Bellman North Church of Portsmouth LAST CHANCE! The Membership Resource Committee will be printing a new copy of the Church Directory in January Please contact the church office no later than January 10 should you have any CHANGES to the Directory. Thank you. ~The Membership Resource Committee North Church Women A New Year's Prayer ~W.R.Hunt~ Dear Lord, please give me A few friends who understand me and remain my friends; A work to do which has real value, without which the world would be the poorer; A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed; An understanding heart; A sense of humor; Time for quiet, silent meditation; A feeling of the presence of God; The patience to wait for the coming of these things, with the wisdom to recognize them when they come. Amen. North Church Women will hold a planning meeting on Monday Jan. 8 at 10 am. All officers and committee members please attend. Anyone interested in helping plan for this year PLEASE FEEL WELCOME TO ATTEND. Joyce Browning, President Ellen Nickerson, Vice President Everyone s input is important to the life of North Church Women. Agenda for North Church Women s Meeting January 8, 2007 Silver Tea: If so; Who does it Retreat: If so; Leader/Time/Hostess May Luncheon and Installation of Officers: Date/Hostess Nominating Committee: Who will serve Christmas Fair and any other business.

2 The Bellman Page 2 January 2007 In this month s issue: Directory Update Info 1 North Church Women Meeting 1 Worship Schedule 2 Are you ready to be a covenant member? 2 From the Pastor 3 Renovation Committee 4 MSSF Campaign update 4 Church Life Happenings 5 ADDRESS UPDATE 5 A New Year in Christian Education 6 Cabinet 7 Decisions of the Heart 7 Holiday Updates 8 Prepared to Serve 9 Blood Drive 9 Birthdays & Anniversaries 10 In our Thoughts & Prayers 10 Are you ready to become a Covenant Member of North Church? The Deacons encourage those who are active in the church, but have not become members to talk with them about how to do that in the coming months. Watch the February Bellman for more information about scheduled opportunities to meet with others interested in membership and with church leadership. Worship in January January 7: Holy Communion Chapel: 9:00 AM Market Square Sanctuary: 10:30 AM Lectionary: Isaiah 43:1-7 with Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, January 14: Guest Worship Leader: The Rev. Mimi Hollister Chapel: 9:00 AM Market Square Sanctuary: 10:30 AM Lectionary: Isaiah 62:1-5 with Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11 January 21: Guest Worship Leader: The Rev. Mimi Hollister Chapel: 9:00 AM Market Square Sanctuary: 10:30 AM Lectionary: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Psalm 19 I Corinthians 12:12-31a Luke 4:14-21 January 28: Guest Worship Leader: The Rev. Mimi Hollister Chapel: 9:00 AM Market Square Sanctuary: 10:30 AM Lectionary: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-6 I Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 4:21-30 Deacon on Duty at the Parish House: Norm Henderson Deacon on Duty at Market Square: Rick Lafleur 2007 Daily Bible Reading Guides Available Copies of the American Bible Society Living in Union with God 2007 Daily Bible Reading Guide is available in literature racks at the Parish House and the Market Square Sanctuary. You may also find it online and other resources online at absport/dailybiblereading/item.php. The Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide, published 6 times a year, offers a daily page of Scripture, Reflection, Prayer and a Thought for the Day. It is made available by the North Church Women with some assistance from the Deacons. You will find the January-February guide in the Parish House and at the Market Square Sanctuary. The five minutes you spend with The Upper Room could make the difference in your whole day!

3 The Bellman Page 3 January 2007 I come to this page with a wide range of thoughts that run in so many directions! I m going to pick three that are of particular importance to me and, I think, to you. This New Year seems to have come barreling down the road at us before we had a chance to really take in the variety of Lots of people tell me that things feel out off kilter for reasons no one can put a finger on. I usually make some comment about it being the weather since the weather cannot defend itself, but I know exactly what they mean. It is hard to focus and it feels like we never seem to get to celebrate the end of anything because we move so quickly into the next thing. Celebrations remind us of the tremendous good in a world where good is constantly threatened by evil. Celebrations, whether they be of activities or lives, remind us that we believe in the end good will triumph. Celebrations help us to acknowledge our debt to those who have made a significant difference in our shared experiences. We have much to celebrate and surely the restoration work on the Market Square building is one in particular. Come spring there will be a great church and community celebration. No doubt, come our Annual Meeting in May several Annual Reports will note all that has been accomplished and we will celebrate what we have done together with the help of God. But, so much will happen between now and then that it might be old news. Before it is, I want to acknowledge this church s debt to three of its members. While almost everyone connected with this church has made a significant contribution to this work and one always takes a chance in naming names, when the history of this time is written Betty Gilman, Peter Kinner and Phil Pettis (whose names I ve rearranged three times in this sentence and settled for alphabetical!) will be seen on every page. Rarely a day and certainly not a week has gone by that these three people have not been personally involved in attending to the nitty-gritty of this project. In the midst of there own busy lives they have put countless hours into the work necessary for the success of this project. They have sacrificed family time and lost a little sleep here and there about the responsibility for making necessary decisions. They have worried on your behalf. The end is in sight and they know better than anyone that this ending is but another beginning. There is no time like the present to celebrate them. I do and I hope you will. A second subject that is very much on my mind is that I am about to take time out to have some surgery that I m told will go a long way toward alleviating the chronic sinus condition that has plagued me for the last two years. This day surgery is scheduled for January 17 th. I expect and hope to return to the office on February 5 th. I had already planned a vacation Sunday for January 14 th for a family event, so I will be out of the pulpit four Sundays. The Cabinet, Deacons and I are very happy to be able to tell you that our friend The Rev. Mimi Hollister, a retired UCC minister who has preached here on numerous occasions, has agreed to cover Sundays and critical pastoral care while I am unavailable. Knowing that I leave you in the capable hands of Mimi, Melissa, Mary Ann and your elected leaders will make my recovery much easier. I will keep you in my prayers as I trust you will keep me in yours. It is with the third thought on my mind that I close these comments. We as North Church have been given the wonderful opportunity to host Temple Israel s Hebrew School while that congregation experiences its own building renovation. For the most part the schedules of Hebrew School and church events will be such that we don t cross paths much that is why sharing space is possible but our awareness that we journey together in some fashion over these next months is important to all of us and an example to the community. I pray that God blesses this time with happy surprises. The New Year is already off and running. May God open our eyes and ears to the opportunities and grant us wisdom and courage as we step out in faith. Blessings ~ Dawn

4 The Bellman Page 4 January 2007 North Church Restoration Committee As we begin this New Year we are now over eight months into our restoration of the down town church. We are in the final stages of the steeple restoration with copper work being completed in the bell deck and on the exterior surfaces surrounding the clock area. During the month of December were fortunate to have unusually mild weather that allowed the steeplejacks to complete the spire and restoration of the lower steeple wood surfaces. With the completion of the spire, the restored wind vane was reinstalled at the top of steeple. If you happen to be down town on a sunny morning you can see how it once again gleams in the sunlight. Inside the church you may have noticed the new lighting at the front of the sanctuary that was added just before Christmas Eve. During the first week of January we anticipate the clock faces, the restored scrolls and the bell cradle to raised back up to the their steeple locations. With the completion of the work in the clock and bell areas the scaffolding can be removed down to the roof line in preparation for the replacement of the roof. During January we will once again be able see the clock and hear the bell chime the hour for the residents of Portsmouth. Work also will continue on the iron fence around the church and the installation of the external protection for the stained glass windows. ~ Peter Kinner MSSF Campaign We haven t met our goal of $1 million yet, but we re not finished yet! To date, we have raised $909,422 in pledges. We are optimistic that we will raise the remaining $100,000 within the next month or two. Over the next several weeks, there will be some high profile publicity that will surely help our efforts. NH CHRONICLE will feature the construction project and fundraising campaign in one of its January programs. The Portsmouth Herald will also continue to promote the project. Infinite Imaging recently donated a new and improved banner to replace the old Look Up banner that advertises our website - marketsquaresteeple.org. With this ongoing exposure, we hope that we can finish this campaign very soon! It is important to note that as of December we had only dipped into our loan for approximately $345,000 to pay Milestone Engineering. We used monies from the North Church campaign and the MSSF campaign to pay over $566,000 of the total bill so far (the construction total through December was approximately $911,000). We are still working hard to complete the campaign and make it a huge success. We are planning a final celebration of the construction project and campaigns for late April Stay tuned! ~Phil Pettis Men s Breakfast January 17th 8am Café Espresso Islington St.

5 The Bellman Page 5 January 2007 Hebrew School begins at the Parish House The Evening Women's group will gather at the home of Betsy Kinner on Monday, January 22 from 7-9 p.m. for their monthly meeting. The group will continue to discuss the book, The Dance of the Dissident Daughter, A Woman's Journey from the Christian Tradition to the Sacred Feminine. All women and friends of the church are welcome. Please contact Liz Good or Carolyn Layton for additional information. As you learned in a letter from the Properties Maintenance Committee, Temple Israel s Hebrew School will be held in the North Church Parish House while the synagogue is being renovated. Classes begin in the Church School wing of the Parish House on January 16. Preschool will be in session every weekday from 9 to 12. Every Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday classes for older children will be in session from approximately 3 to 6 PM. Other events will be scheduled periodically. Please direct any questions about availability of space to Melissa in the Church Office. Nearly New Dates: Coffee Hour Schedule Thank you to everyone for your help in providing this fellowship! January 7: Parish Life January 14: Membership/Resource January 21: June Ellis & Ryan Watts January 28: Cabinet Thursday 01/04 7 pm 8:30 pm Friday 01/05 10 am 1:30 pm Friday 01/12 10 am 1:30 pm Thursday 01/18 7 pm 8:30 pm Friday 01/19 10 am - 1:30 pm Friday 01/26 10 am 1:30 pm Please remember if schools are closed for a snow day, Nearly New will be also. Sometime in late January/early February church s ending will become inactive - starting NOW please use ONLY these addresses to be in touch with us via the church. Thanks! Melissa ~ mwilson@northchurchportsmouth.org Pastor Dawn ~ dshippee@northchurchportsmouth.org Mary Ann ~ mdrapcho@northchurchportsmouth.org And remember - Bellman & Calendar can be found on our website at

6 The Bellman Page 6 January 2007 Welcome to the New Year in Christian Education! Welcome to the New Year in Church School January 7, 14, 21, 28, 10-11:15AM, Spinney Road: Church School for infants and toddlers through 6 th grades For the next few months, our Church School will be learning about and supporting Heifer Project International. Heifer Project s mission is to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth and build strong communities by promoting sustainability. Our Church School will be sharing half of their offering with Heifer Project, in hopes of symbolically purchasing animals that will guarantee children s nutrition and help families buy medicine, clothes, and schooling for their children. Also, our children will have the opportunity to participate in Read to Feed. This is a service learning opportunity where our Church School classes will get sponsorship for the books they read. As they read, they will be raising money to help children around the world. If you would like to sponsor a class for Read to Feed, please see a Church School teacher or Mary Ann. To watch the flocks of animals grow, as our Children s offering and Read To Feed earnings grow, please see the Joy in Generosity exhibit in the fellowship hall, updated first on Jan. 14. Welcome to the New Year in Adult Discussion All Adults are welcome and encouraged to join our lively discussion following fellowship every Sunday morning. We meet in the family room at Spinney Road for approximately thirty minutes. Welcome to the New Year in Youth Ministry 5 th & 6 th Grade Youth Group: Jan. 7, 4-5:30PM, Spinney Road 7 th & 8 th Grade Youth Group: Jan. 7, 21, 28, 4-5:30PM, Spinney Road HS Youth Groups, weeks of Jan. 14, Jan. 21, & 28 th: to be announced HS Youth Group: Jan. 7, 5:30: Please meet at Spinney Road, and Mary Ann and Beth will drive you all to Barnes and Noble for dessert and talk. Please bring a signed off-site permission slip. Please note: Jan. 14, 10:30AM Service, will be an opportunity for all Youth to worship together at the Market Square Sanctuary, and out for hot chocolate & pastries following worship. There will be no PM youth groups. Please bring a signed off-site permission slip. Looking Forward.. Feb. 4, 9AM, Spinney Road: Youth groups host the Souper Bowl of Caring Feb. 4, 9AM, Spinney Road: Cherub Choir shares their gift of music Feb. 20, 6-7:30PM: Shrove Tuesday Celebration for everyone

7 The Bellman Page 7 January 2007 Cabinet News Looking back at the last January's message, one quickly realizes that the Cabinet and North Church has had a very productive year. Day to day things seem to change very slowly, but from the long range view, North Church has made great progress in many areas. Thanks to the efforts of many, the work will continue. Most important for all to know immediately is the date for the second Round Table will be February 11, Please note that this date is different from the originally announced date. Further details on the session will be forthcoming in the February Bellman. The purpose of the Round Table is to help everyone focus on the efforts of North Church, improve communication, develop awareness of future plans, and continue our work together. As you read this January Bellman, you will see the Pastor Dawn will be out for about three weeks due to surgery. The Cabinet will be available to step up in appropriate areas for her during this time. Contact may be through the church office or directly to any Cabinet member and/or specifically to Betty Gilman. We wish Dawn a speedy and rest filled recovery in the coming weeks. One goal that was established over a year ago is beginning to formulate. During last month's Cabinet meeting, members discussed ways to support the shared ministry of North Church's pastor and membership over the long term. Cabinet voted to move toward an Associate Pastor. Although this hasn't been defined nor details developed, Cabinet realizes that the Church membership has long understood the need for moving in this direction. The Cabinet looks forward to revisiting the Spinney Road facility expansion. It was originally thought that work on Market Square and Spinney Road could be done at the same time. Projects such as these are bigger than one realizes and take the time and commitment of many people. In the weeks ahead, the Spinney Road project will become the primary focus. And so continues the goals from 2006 into the hope of a new year. The Mission and Stewardship Committee invites you to join us for an evening of fellowship and food for thought on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at 5:30 pm. Just when the midwinter blues are setting in, we are hosting a potluck dinner for the entire church community to feed ourselves and our spirits. The event will feature an epicurean feast provided by YOU! We are asking that each person or family with last names beginning with A D bring a dessert, those with names beginning with E P bring a main dish, and those with names beginning with Q Z bring a salad or vegetable side dish. Since we know the first shall be last, we will be eating the meal in the traditional order, with dessert last, despite the alphabetical choices. The evening will also include a short program directed at inquiring into the decisions of our hearts. Though we often decide intellectual issues with our heads, the matters of most importance are settled in our hearts. How did the Magi decide what gifts to bring the Christ child? We will follow their example and refer to scripture as a starting point for discussion in small groups. We are taking the opportunity to weave the ongoing process of stewardship into the community life of the church by combining an evening of festivity with friends and food for the soul. We are counting on seeing you there, and are looking forward to enjoying the night together. ~ The Mission and Stewardship Committee

8 The Bellman Page 8 January 2007 Family Service Association This Christmas season a large number of the White Gifts presented on Pageant Sunday were designated for Family Service Association. North Church has a long history of supporting FSA, which is the oldest community charitable organization in the Sate of New Hampshire, and we are happy to continue to do so. In coming months more information about the work of this significant human services organization will be highlighted. Donations are always welcome and vol- unteers are always needed. Diapers, all sizes, Deodorant, Shampoo, Lotion, Shaving cream, Razors, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes (adult & child) are always appreciated. You will find a box for your donations in the Parish House foyer. Each month a volunteer from North Church, often from Mission and Stewardship Committee, delivers your donations to Family Service Association. A Christmas Thank You! The 100 tags on the Giving Tree turned into 100 gifts for those in need. The mother in one of the families we assisted writes I cannot express my gratitude enough, your kind generosity has given me relief. Thanks. There has been so many changes in my daughters young lives. They handled Mom s illness and the separation of their parents with so much grace and bravery. With each passing day things are looking up. Thank you for helping me make this holiday a bright memory for them and for me too. Thank YOU for your generosity. Holly Shoppe Update The luncheon was a big success this year! The efforts and dedication of our faithful crew is very much appreciated! Rick Provost from Warren's Lobster donates clam chowder, Tony Rahn is our lobsterman, and our own Randy Leach is the kitchen liaison and fish chowder guy! As always, thanks to Betty Gilman, Nancy Barquist, Marcia Leach, Wendy Mello and June Ellis. Your dedication, humor and support are irreplaceable! A special thank you to Emily Mello, Hannah Leach, and Kayla Pafford. These girls work hard every year doing all sorts of tasks from set up, to clean up, to washing dishes!!! Thanks again- Deb Jones & Karen Conway Many thanks to everyone involved with the 2006 Holly Shoppe Fair. It takes many hands and lots of time and effort to have a successful event. I want to extend my gratitude to all for working with the changes made this year. We raised over $7,000. My sincerest appreciation is offer to all. ~Patty Philbrook, Holly Shoppe Coordinator

9 The Bellman Page 9 January 2007 "Prepared to Serve" an Annual Training Event of the NH Conference, United Church of Christ, will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2007 from 8 am to 4 pm at Pembroke Academy in Pembroke, NH. 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 the NH Conference Commissions, committees and working groups...a buffet LUNCH and conversation with over 400 church folks from all corners of the Granite State! "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. If you are interested in attending Prepared to Serve, registration forms are available at the Parish House. Please speak with Mary Ann or Pastor Dawn about financial assistance. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 15, 2007 Registrants will receive directions and confirmation of workshop selections at least one week prior to the event. REGISTRATION FEE: a nonrefundable registration fee of $25 per person covers the cost of resources and lunch. IF IT SNOWS: Since there is no snow date for Prepared to Serve, we will only cancel in the event of a major storm. Please call for cancellation because of the weather. OFFERING: An offering will be received at the opening and closing worship services. REFRESHMENTS AND LUNCH: The registration fee includes morning beverages, pastries, yogurt and fruit and a buffet lunch including pasta salad, assorted roll ups, veggies and dip, fruit, chips, beverages, and desserts CHILDCARE: Childcare will be provided free of charge. Please fill out a separate registration form for each child, indicating his/her age and whether or not he/she will need lunch. ACCESSIBILITY: Pembroke Academy has an elevator between floors and accessible parking at the main entrance. Please note on your registration form any specific accessibility or dietary request. FAIR TRADE coffee and tea will be served throughout the morning with our thanks to the Equal Exchange Interfaith Program! VOLUNTEERS are needed to assist with onsite registration, hospitality, audiovisual support, photography and much more. Come lend a helping hand and find out what goes on behind the scenes at PTS by calling Jean Clarke at X108. BLOOD DRIVE The North Church Diaconate will once again sponsor the ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE on Tue. January 23, 2007 at the Parish House, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Volunteers for registration, escorts, and canteen (kitchen help) will be needed as well as donations of sandwich fillings such as tuna, egg or ham salad. Sign up sheets are available at the Parish House. Please come and donate blood and remind your friends and family of this annual appeal. For more information, please call Jim McDevitt at

10 The Bellman Page 10 January 2007 Beth & Richard Simpson 09-Jan 01-Jan Michael Foye 01-Jan Barbara Robinson 02-Jan Ellie More 02-Jan Gene Jones 03-Jan John MacLeod 04-Jan Russell Knox 06-Jan June Ellis 08-Jan Alexander Cushing 09-Jan Elizabeth Philbrook 11-Jan Taylor Brady In Our Thoughts & Prayers Our prayers are with Betty Goodrich following Clyde s sudden passing on Christmas Day. The Memorial Service for Clyde is Saturday, January 6 at 11:00 AM in the Parish House. Our sympathy is extended to Ryan Watts and her family following the death of her brother Derek. We also keep the family of Jared Terrio in our prayers following his sudden death. We celebrate the baptism of Emelia Theresa Mayhew. Born August 10, 2006, she is the daughter of Elizabeth and Jeremy Mayhew who were married here in October, Big brother Myles was baptized here in March, We pray God s blessing for Emelia and her family. Our prayers continue for our troops, especially those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. As we enter the New Year let us take the time to remember church members and friends no longer able to be active. When you receive your new Church Directory late this month, look through it for names of those you don t see much anymore and make a call or send a card. And always, keep our homebound members and friends in your prayers. We keep each other in our prayers for strength, health and comfort and particularly think of Phil Toomire, Betty Yeaw, Marion Clare, Alice Slator, Tom Pearson, and Jackie Davis. 12-Jan 14-Jan 15-Jan 16-Jan 17-Jan 19-Jan 22-Jan 24-Jan 24-Jan 25-Jan 25-Jan 27-Jan 29-Jan 29-Jan 29-Jan Bette Ann Hirtle Connor LaPointe Loyal Wessling Ryan Corti Berit Sjuls Jim McDevitt Ahdrah Moore Marley Conway William Parker-Feld Christine Hodgson Ryan Watts Susan Diehl Danielle Cushing Mary Furber Elizabeth LaPage What on Earth Should I Say? Useful Pastoral Care Techniques for Lay People A four-week series at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital led by The Rev. Elsa Worth, Chaplain. Mondays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, :30 to 9:00 PM For more information, see the brochures available at the Parish House or swew@wdhospital.com Hospital Reminder If you are admitted to the hospital and want your pastor to visit, you need to be certain that the hospital staff knows this. When you are admitted, you should be asked questions about Spiritual Care. If you say Yes to these questions, your name will appear on the Clergy List and the Chaplain will be able to call the Church. This is especially important during the transition time in the Portsmouth Regional Hospital Spiritual Care department following the departure of The Rev. Mary James. Mary has returned to parish ministry, accepting a call to be Pastor of the UCC church in Wakefield, NH.

11 NORTH The Bellman CHURCH OF PORTSMOUTH Page 11 January 2007 Church Sanctuary Market Square, Portsmouth, NH Church Office Parish House 355 Spinney Road Portsmouth, NH phone fax Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. Parish House Chapel 10:30 a.m. Market Square Sanctuary Fellowship Time Following 9:00 a.m. service at Parish House Church School 10:00 am Parish House (Sept - June) North Church Staff Pastor: Reverend Dawn A. Shippee Director of Parish Life: Mrs. Mary Ann Drapcho Administrative Assistant: Ms. Melissa Wilson Custodian: Mr. Paul Gobbi Interim Organist: Mr. Nathan Amsden Office Hours: M F, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm NORTH CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT W e the members of the North Congregational Church Family, a loving and compassionate people of faith, gathered to worship God, accept our responsibility to seek justice for all God s people. Inspired by the Holy Spirit we resolve to share the Word of God with those seeking spiritual growth. Following Christ s teachings and example, we accept and embrace the challenge of a changing church community, nation, and world as we strive to live out our faith. North Church of Portsmouth, UCC 355 Spinney Road Portsmouth, NH Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Portsmouth, NH Permit No. 2