Steeple Talk. Pastoral Message

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1 First Congregational Church of Littleton 198 Main Street, Littleton, NH February 2009 PHONE FAX Volume 37, Issue 2 fsgcong@ncia.net WEBSITE: Pastoral Message Contents Pastoral Message 1 February Calendar 2 News of Note 3 Classifieds 4 Church Council Report 5 Budget Committee Updates 7 Upcoming Events ANNUAL MEETING February 1st Men s Breakfast Group Feb. 14 th 8:00 AM location TBA Church Council Meeting Feb. 17 th at 7 PM Christian Ed. Bake Sale Feb. 8 th after church Ash Wednesday - Feb. 25 th As I write this, the events of the Inauguration of our new president are getting underway. We pray for his success and ours; our country is facing some uncharted territory, not seen for many, many years. It will take all of us, independents, republicans and democrats, working together to get the problems resolved. The economy, war, terrorism, medical care, the infrastructure, deficit, global climate change; the problems are enormous. They are more than any two or three administrations could handle. So our prayers are for this new government and for all of us and our world. On February 1 st we have the Annual Meeting of the Congregation and the challenges facing us are also large but thankfully more our size. They too will take a lot of our efforts working together to solve. We will with prayer discuss, debate, decide, and then move forward to try to be God s people here in this community. A model for me of how a congregation works together has always been my experience moving to Montana. The vote in my call there was 88 to 2. The two votes in opposition were folks who felt I wasn t spiritual enough. But when the vote was taken and the decision made, they became the committee to run a fundraiser for moving expenses for us and then started a weekly prayer group. They, I, and several others were part of that group at 7 am every Thursday morning for 9 years. They are dear friends. We still don t agree on everything but we put God and his church first in our relationship knowing we won t always get our way. But our way wasn t ultimately what we wanted anyway. We wanted God s will to be done just as we pray in the Savior s Prayer each week. But then you all knew all that already. You have the annual report before you or you can call the church office and we will see that you get a copy. Study it, pray about it and come to the Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 1 st. See you there. Your friend and Interim Pastor, Editor: Alice Muh (muhfamily@roadrunner.com) Production Staff: Pat Whipple, Anna Jackman

2 February 2009 Office Hours: Mon Fri. 8:30 am 12:30am Dr. Gene s office hours: Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 am -2:00 pm Christian Education director office hours: Tues. 11am - 2pm, Wed. 8:30am - 12:30pm Music Director office hours: TBA Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 09:00 AM-Choir 09:00 AM-Adult Bible Study 10:00 AM-Worship 10:00 AM-Sunday School 10:00 AM-Communion 11:15 AM-Annual Meeting and Pot Luck Lunch 8 09:00 AM-Choir 09:00 AM-Adult Bible Study 10:00 AM-Worship 10:00 AM-Sunday School 11:15am Christian Ed. Bake Sale 15 09:00 AM-Choir 09:00 AM-Adult Bible Study 10:00 AM-Worship 10:00 AM-Sunday School :30 PM-SLLC Board 05:30 PM-Finance Meeting :00 PM-Property Committee 06:00 PM-Deacons Meeting 07:00 PM-Al Anon 07:00 PM-Missions 10 06:30 PM-Teachers Meeting 07:00 PM-Al Anon 17 07:00 PM-Al Anon 07:00 PM-Council Meeting 4 06:30 PM-Choir 08:00 PM-AA Weds. Night Big Book/Fellowship Hall 11 01:30 PM-Ladies Society/Parlor 06:15 PM Christian Ed. 06:30 PM-Choir 08:00 PM-AA Weds. Night Big Book/Fellowship Hall 18 10:00 AM-Clergy 06:30 PM-Choir 08:00 PM-AA Weds. Night Big Book/Fellowship Hall 5 4:15 PM-Confirmation Class 12 4:15 PM-Confirmation Class 19 08:00 AM-Gene at Conference-Concord 4:15 PM-Confirmation Class 6 08:00 AM-Pastor's Sabbath 13 08:00 AM-Pastor's Sabbath 20 08:00 AM-Pastor's Sabbath 7 07:30 PM-AA - Fellowship 14 08:00 AM-Men's Breakfast Group 07:30 PM-AA - Fellowship 21 07:30 PM-AA - Fellowship 22 09:00 AM-Choir 09:00 AM-Adult Bible Study 10:00 AM-Worship 10:00 AM-Sunday School 10:00 AM-Food Collection :00 PM-Al Anon 25 Ash Wednesday 11:00 AM AA 06:30 PM-Choir 08:00 PM-AA Weds. Night Big Book/Fellowship Hall 26 4:15 PM-Confirmation Class 27 08:00 AM-Pastor's Sabbath 28 07:30 PM-AA - Fellowship Mission Statement of the First Congregational Church of Littleton As followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we are called to provide a loving invitation and welcome to all, to inspire and uplift through the worship of God, to reach out to heal and enrich lives through the Holy Spirit, and to nurture people of various stages of their spiritual growth.

3 Page 3 Page 3 News of Note NOTES OF THANKS RECEIVED FROM: Jeanne Moriarty and family for the Christmas basket for Sally Haskell. It meant so much to her and her family. All Saints Episcopal Church for the generous donations to the Emergency Food Pantry. The financial support helps them to purchase many needed items for their clients Daughters of the Charity at Mount Sacred Heart for the poinsettias delivered to their infirmary. They send their blessings to our congregation. WE MEET COMMUNITY S NEEDS: Our building is used by various groups throughout the week and monthly. In addition to contributing to the needs of the community, each group also provides us with a stipend as an expression of their appreciation. Here are the following groups: AA Monday through Friday Noon AA Saturday evening Al-Anon Tuesday evening AA Wednesday evening (new) Minister s Prayer Group monthly Boy Scouts yearly To keep this facility open and prepared for each event, it takes coordination between our sexton, Joe Chuckinas, and our church administrative assistant, Pat Whipple. WE GIVE A SPECIAL THANK YOU for seeing to it that chairs are placed, floors are cleaned, and locations are assured for each group each week. We are not the only church in town to share our facilities for groups. All Saints Episcopal Church shares their facilities for meeting the community s needs in many ways also. They house the food contributions and provide a place for food pick up for the Food Cupboard. They host the Dinner Bell weekly. Here are some of the additional groups using their facilities on a regular basis. NAMI National Alliance for Mental Illness Women in Recovery Health Fair annually LHS Yoga and Keep it Simple Contributed by Barbara Holland DID YOU KNOW??? February is the month we are accustomed to celebrating love with Valentine s Day front and center promoting romantic love. Valentine s Day is also celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Italy and Denmark. What are the origins of Valentine s Day and who was St. Valentine? According to the website St. Valentine was: a) a priest in the Roman Empire who helped persecuted Christians during the reign of Claudius II, was thrown in jail and later beheaded on February 14 th. b) a Catholic bishop of Terni who was beheaded, also during the reign of Claudius II. c) someone who secretly married couples when marriage was forbidden, or suffered in Africa, or wrote letters to his jailer's daughter, and was probably beheaded. d) all, some, or possibly none of the above. Due to the confusion about its origins, the Catholic Church has dropped St. Valentine s from its calendar of saint s feast days. So the real question is: how can we as Christians transform this secular holiday into something meaningful for our family and friends? Valentine s Day provides us with an opportunity to show someone we love them. A kind word or deed has great power. We would do well to remember that GOD IS LOVE and that is powerful! Put that power to work on Valentine s Day! God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:16

4 Page 4 Page Classifieds and Notices Interesting web links NH United Church of Christ Conference Check out the conference web site for the newsletter that will alert you to supportive services and conference activities through out the state! Don t forget to look at our own church s website as well! Prepared to Serve 2009 When: Saturday, Feb. 14 th, 2009 Where: Pembroke Academy 209 Academy Road, Pembroke, NH Time: 8 AM to 4 PM Registration brochure and workshop details can be found online at Church Council Meetings are the typically the 3 rd Tuesday of the month and are open to the congregation. If you have any questions or issues you would like to address, please contact Phil Krill, Moderator CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT THE ANNUAL REPORT IS PREPARED AND READY FOR YOU. IT CAN BE PICKED UP UNDER THE MADONNA WINDOW IN THE SANCTUARY ON SUNDAY OR IN THE OFFICE. Many thanks to Pat Whipple for getting this report done in such an efficient manner. This was her first one to prepare Shining Lights Learning Center Pre-School openings are available immediately. Please call Dianah Hale at the center for more information Still Needed: Sunday Ushers and Greeters Coffee Fellowship hosts Please sign up on board in front of church or call church office. Greeters and Coffee Fellowship are an important ministry and create a more welcoming atmosphere for members and visitors! For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29: (NIV) GOOD JOB, PAT! Please help us raise money for Mukamana Our sponsored child from Compassion International How: Bring in baked goods before worship for our Valentines Bake Sale on February 8 th during Coffee Hour Please Contact Mary to let us know you can! This just hot off the press! Member Geoffrey Krill, 38, has been voted one of the NH Union Leader s 40 Under Forty! This is the 8 th Annual recognition of the state s emerging leaders Geoff is the New England Disabled Sports Director at Loon Mountain. Congratulations Geoff! For more information, see the NH Union Leader for January 26, 2009

5 Page 5 Church Council News Church Council met on January 20 th and was opened with devotions offered by Roger Petit based on Psalm 86:2. Dr. Gene thanked the council for supporting his ministry at Christmas; a time where old traditions are met with new ideas during an interim ministry. Dr. Gene also reported on the interim tasks. The gathering of church history is going well and he would like to have an opportunity to gather with the congregation as a group to present what he has collected so far and allow all to have some input into the process. The purpose of this is to develop a sense of identity in order to understand the direction in which we need to go and to have a better idea of the pastoral leadership we need. He would like to do this after church sometime with a fun potluck. Dr. Gene will be attending an annual conference for interim ministers in June. The annual report was discussed and each committee had an opportunity to highlight some of the year s accomplishments. Christian Ed. reports Godly Play is working out very well for the younger children. They are, however, working on more ways to engage children in middle school and high school. The deacons have received a lot of positive feedback about our interim minister and praise God for leading us to him. They have also been working on updating the membership rolls. Shining Lights reports that for the first time since its inception that they are in the black for operating balance. The children and families are very happy and the staffing is stable. Mission updated the council on Dinner Bell and reported that our church is signed up for three dates this spring. Dinner Bell is currently taking place weekly. Emma Merrill Guild is proud of the support it has been able to give to the church and other missions. They are a small group and are debating about their viability for the future. Historical report- Barbara Holland praised Dotto Ruggles who, beside being historian for the church, beautifies the church inside and out by tending the flower beds in front of the church and beautifying the nooks and crannies in the church building, not to mention showing up for church suppers and decorating the tables! Thank you Dotto! Music committee welcomed three new members to the choir. The choir continues catalog the music library as Well as learning new music. Space usage was discussed. It seems we have plenty of space; it is just not set up to meet our current needs. All are invited to make suggestions to the Property committee who are looking at all possibilities. Nominating committee reports that it was a difficult year in filling the positions that were vacant. There are 52 positions total. Annual Meeting The vacancies are for the Clerk, 5 Deacons, 2 Christian Ed., and 2 for Stewardship. We will need to discuss this at annual meeting. Property committee chair Art Hunt praised his committee and gives thanks for their faithful service. They come in and take care of the many things that need attention. They are looking at the sexton job description and the needs of the church. Personnel highlighted the updated By-Laws and the new church manual and the hire of Pat Whipple as administrative assistant, who is doing a great job Stewardship and Finance expressed their appreciation of Pat, as well, for updating the bookkeeping and making it more efficient. They are working on an independent auditor again for this year. Capital campaign shows new total of $750,000 with $511,485 having been spent. The annual meeting was discussed see below. Finally, a special thanks was offered to Barbara Holland for her years of dedicated and extraordinary service as Moderator. She has spent countless hours working with all the council and committees keeping everyone on track in this time of transition. A special gift was offered by the council as their expression of gratitude. Barbara expressed her thanks to the council members. ANNOUNCING THE 206 TH ANNUAL MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 2009 FELLOWSHIP HALL FOLLOWING CHURCH SERVICE COFFEE HOUR - MEETING CHILD CARE AVAILABLE - POT-LUCK LUNCHEON It has been some time since we have held a pot-luck lunch in conjunction with the Annual Meeting. We hope you will come to enjoy the fellowship that church membership offers each of you. Of a serious nature is the BUDGET. Please study it carefully. The Council Showcase held Sunday, the 18 th demonstrated the power your contributions are making in our world. Now it is your time to show how YOU can make a difference as well as decide how our finances are apportioned this next year. Remember: Authority lies in the congregation it is the way of life for a covenant people. As a Congregational church, we are an autonomous, self-governing, covenanted body. It is our right and responsibility to conduct our own affairs, look after our property, and elect our own ministers and leaders. Each member, when they joined, promised to support the life of this Body of Christ and each member s participation is essential to the life of the church in fulfilling its mission. The annual meeting is where the large issues are debated and settled and the course for the year is set. Come and let your voice be heard!

6 Page 6 Budget 2009 Expense Budget Budget 2008 Actual 2008 Budget 2009 REVISED DEACONS 5,150 4,867 4,050 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 5,400 3,898 4,500 MINISTRY OF MUSIC 2,500 2,032 2,400 PROPERTY 49,515 46,694 47,523 STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE 1, PASTOR SALARY & BENEFITS 64,925 56,952 58,400 STAFF SALARY & BENEFITS 50,660 53,789 50,774 MISSION & OUTREACH 15,750 15,600 13,000 TOTAL EXPENSE 195, , ,447 Income Budget Ongoing Member support 133, , ,000 Loose Offerings 13,000 7,346 7,000 Church School Offerings Scheduled withdrawal from investments 21,000 20,272 20,272 Fund raisers 6,100 5,034 4,750 Use of facilities 3,000 3,512 3,000 Gifts and donations 40 TOTAL INCOME 176, , ,122 INCOME MINUS EXPENSE -18,088-15,510-13,325 Take from prior operating surplus (opening checkbook balance*) * not available for ,088 15, Limited Income Summary Pledge/trackable income 97, , , , , ,031 Loose offerings 15,556 13,597 14,434 19,261 16,788 7,346 invested funds 32,335 32,000 31,271 22,096 20,272 20,272 limited total 145, , , , , ,649 It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome. William James ( ) American philosopher, psychologist, and physician

7 Page 7 Mission Committee Do you want an opportunity to help your neighbors in need and enjoy fellowship with friends????? Dinner Bell is sponsored and hosted by the area churches and White Mountain school. Hot meals and warm greetings are served to 40 to 80 people each week in the fellowship hall of the All Saints Episcopal Church on School Street in Littleton. Our next opportunity to host Dinner Bell is March 24th. (we have also signed up to host on April 28 th and June 9 th ) Please prepare to bring a casserole, rolls or dessert and/or to help serve at that time. Please contact Lars Nielson, with questions or to sign up. Council Showcase COUNCIL SHOWCASE A SUCCESS IN SPITE OF THE SNOW! Although the snow was falling along with the temperature, a successful Council event took place on the 18 th. Each committee s table was laden with photos, pictures and information regarding the work of the church through that committee. Each committee did a creative job for some committees it was easier than others of displaying their work for the year. The Annual Report was given out along with a series of questions designed to challenge the member in learning more about the workings of the church. The atmosphere was festive lots of good fellowship. Thanks go to: Each committee, volunteers for Coffee Hour, volunteers who helped make the gift baskets a special treat. The response from those people was energizing. The winners of the gift basket were Roger Petit and Dottie Morton. A special devotional book was won by Rachel Clark. The escort assistance provided by Alex Foryan was greatly appreciated. He offered to assist anyone down the stairs or down the ramp if there was a safety concern.. Alex can meet any challenge and always with a smile. Thank you, Alex. Ladies Society LADIES SOCIETY 160 TH YEAR One of the displays at our Council Showcase was one table that included the Ladies Society history and the present. From notebooks dating back to 1850 to the present Knitting Ministry display, the table had something to interest everyone. This anniversary year began in January with a luncheon and installation meeting at the Oasis. We thank Wayne Morello and his competent staff for providing us with the convenient and cheery location for such meetings. If you are interested in learning more about this organization please feel free to call anyone of the officers: Emily Laflam, Ginny Hyatt, Joyce Krill, Judy Clewes, Barbara Holland. Also Carol Mason and Anna Jackman would be helpful with your questions. Our next meeting will be held on February 19 th at 1:30 p.m. in the Parlor. The topic of discussion will be After 160 Years, Where Do We Go From Here? Refreshments will be served, of course! Contributed by Barbara Holland Christian Education Valentine Bake Sale FEBRUARY 8, 2009 Our annual Valentine Bake Sale will be held on Sunday, February 8th immediately following worship. Coffee, tea, or milk will be provided to go with the goodies you purchase. Proceeds from this event will support our Mission Projects. We are sponsoring a young woman, Mukamana, through Compassion International and our teens and tweens will be making some "heat and serve" meals for the food pantry at the Episcopal Church. Valentine's Day is a perfect time to celebrate God's call to us to love and help one another. Please come down and help us share our many blessings with others in need. Sunday School and Christian Education Committee Contributed by Barbara Holland

8 First Congregational Church, UCC 189 Main Street Littleton, New Hampshire Address Service Requested Page 7 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Littleton, NH Permit No. 20 STEEPLE TALK FEBRUARY 2009 A newsletter of the First Congregational Church of Littleton Church Staff Interim Pastor: Rev. Dr. M. Eugene Mockabee Administrative Assistant: Pat Whipple Organist & Music Director: Dottie Morton Director of Christian Education: Angela Jones Officers Moderator: Barbara Holland Vice Moderator: Phil Krill Clerk: Treasurer: Mary Menzies Assistant Treasurer: Marti Faulkner Financial Secretary: Joyce Krill Committee Chairs Christian Education: Linda Warden Deacons: Roger Petit & Mark Blodgett Finance & Stewardship: Marti Faulkner Mission: Lars Nielson Music: Elaine Pollak Personnel Relations: Judy Warden Property Management: Arthur Hunt Shining Lights Learning Center Board Chairperson: Suzanne Schott ANNUAL MEETING February 1, 2009 Page 8 Let your voice be heard! Announcing our Annual Meeting February 1, 2009 Begins with worship service in the Sanctuary at 10:00 am Meeting agenda in Fellowship Hall at 11:15 am Pot Luck Lunch to follow (You may bring your pot luck dish to the Fellowship Hall before worship service) Child care will be provided ~Bring your ideas~ ~Bring your enthusiasm~ ~Bring your faith~ Agenda to include: Interim Pastor s Report Programs and Budget for 2009 Trust Fund reports Capital Campaign report Installation of officers and committee members for 2009 Inspiration for the coming year