June/July 2009

 

Dear Friends,

 

I vividly remember that bitter cold January night in 2004 when Fred and I stepped across the threshold of the church undercroft to meet all of you for the first time.  I remember the warmth of your hospitality, the excitement in the air, my own anxiety wanting to make a good first impression.  How quickly five years have passed.  In all too short a time, I will step across that undercroft threshold for the last time, embarking on a new and unknown path. 

 

John O’Donohue writes in his beautiful book, To Bless the Space Between Us (New York:  Doubleday, 2008):  “A threshold is not simply an accidental line that happens to separate one region from another.  It is an intense frontier that divides a world of feeling from another…it becomes a dividing line between the past and the future.” (p. 193)

 

Though we have been using the word “transition” a lot lately to describe this place of living in-between, O’Donohue says that the word “transition” does not quite capture the weight and significance of many of our significant life passages.   He favors the word, “threshold” and reminds us that some of the most powerful thresholds “divide worlds from each other…And on each side is a different geography of feeling, thinking, and being.  The crossing of a threshold is in effect a rite of passage.”  (p. 192)

 

At such times it is important to offer each other our blessing.  O’Donohue defines a blessing as “a circle of light drawn around a person to protect, heal and strengthen.  Life is a constant flow of emergence.  The beauty of blessing is its belief that it can affect what unfolds.”  (p. 198)

 

On Sunday, June 28 our service of worship will provide an opportunity for us to bless each other and release one another from the vows we shared at the time of my installation as your pastor and teacher.   This service of leave-taking is the way we ask for God’s help in honoring the journey we have shared and to send each other on our way with the gift of our blessing – a gift so precious it can never be taken away or destroyed. 

 

As I close this last offering for the Belfry newsletter, let me say what a blessing it has been to share with you my thoughts and reflections over the years.  Thank you for your faithfulness, prayers and ministry whether you are an active part of this congregation or are a reader from afar.  It has been a great privilege to be part of your life.

 

I would like to share with you this closing blessing from John O’Donohue: 

 

For Equilibrium

 

Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore,

May the relief of laughter rinse through your soul.

 

As the wind loves to call things to dance,

May your gravity be lightened by grace.

 

Like the dignity of moonlight restoring the earth,

May your thoughts incline with reverence and respect.

 

As water takes whatever shape it is in,

So free may you be about who you become.

 

As silence smiles on the other side of what’s said,

May your sense of irony bring perspective.

 

As time remains free of all that it frames,

May your mind stay clear of all it names.

 

May your prayer of listening deepen enough

To hear in the depths the laughter of God. 

 

                                                To Bless the Space Between Us, p. 127

 

In Christ’s Peace and Love always,

Patrice

 

June/July Calendar at the Sanbornton Congregational Church, UCC

 

June 4:             Christian Education Meeting 6:30pm

 

June 6:            Blessings Workshop 9:30am at Woodside, Taylor Community, Laconia

 

June 7:             Worship at 10:00 a.m.; Rev. Patrice Ficken, preaching.

We will celebrate the music ministry of our Senior Choir

and lift our voices in song as we celebrate the sacrament of communion.

 

June 8:             Trustees Meeting 5:45 pm Undercroft

 

June 10:           Council Meeting 7:00pm Undercroft

 

June 14:           Worship at 10:00 a.m.; Rev. Patrice Ficken, preaching.       

We will welcome new members and hear a special mission moment in honor of our June anniversary of becoming an Open and Affirming congregation.  Our special guest is Gerri Cannon, a member of the UCC New Hampshire Conference Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender concerns.  Gerri is a member of the Pilgrim, UCC Church and President of PFLAG New Hampshire.   Please give her a warm welcome during worship and coffee hour.   Seniors Dinner in the undercroft, 12:15 p.m.

 

June 15:           Deacons Meeting 4:30 pm

 

June 16:           Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:30pm Woodside, Taylor Community , Laconia

 

June 17:           Book Group Gathering 6:30 Arlene Ilgenfritz’s Home, Lochmere

 

June 21:           Worship at 10:00 a.m.; Rev. Patrice Ficken, preaching

                        We will bless our Tools for Hope offerings in honor of Father’s Day.

 

June 28:           Worship at 10:00 a.m.; Rev. Patrice Ficken, preaching

                        We say “farewell” to Patrice and Fred during this special worship service

                        of leave-taking.  The Reverend Dr. Tim Wildman will join us

as a representative of the UCC New Hampshire Conference;

Patrice’s FAREWELL CELEBRATION LUNCH

 

July 5:              9:30am Summer Worship begins. Rev. Bob Curry Worship Leader

 

July 12:            9:30am Summer Worship Rev. Bob Curry Worship Leader; 12:15 pm Seniors Dinner at 2nd Baptist Church

 

July 17-19:      Sanbornton Old Home Days 17th Farmer’s Market at Sanbornton Historical Society,

 

July 18:            Parade and Fair and Historical Society Variety Show

 

July 19:            10:00am Worship at Sanbornton Congregational Church UCC

with the Rev. Cyndi Taylor Morse as Guest Preacher.

 

July 26:            9:30am Summer Worship Rev. Bob Curry Worship Leader:  12:15 pm Seniors Dinner 1st Baptist Church

 

MODERATOR

 

Greetings! Over the next 30 days or so, we will be saying our personal farewells to Patrice and wishing her well as she begins a new calling and chapter in her life. The church congregation will be celebrating her time with us at her last worship service on Sunday, June 28th. There will be a meal and a special program after church service that Sunday, so please be sure to be there if you possibly can!

 

After Patrice’s last worship service with us, guest ministers will be coming in over the summer months to worship with us, many of whom you will recognize from previous visits to our church. The Council will be working over the summer to hire an interim minister. Our hope at this time is that an interim minister will be selected and serving our congregation sometime around the end of summer. At that time, the interim minister and the UCC Conference will be working with us in establishing a Search Committee to find our new Pastor. Stay tuned for more information about the search committee process!

 

If you have any questions whatsoever on this process, feel free to drop me a call or an email, or to chat with any member of the church council. Also as a reminder, Church Council meetings are not “closed door” meetings and everyone is always welcome to come and sit in to see what goes on! I hope you can join us on June 28th as we all wish Patrice well on her new faith journey! 

David Henderson, Church Moderator

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT

 

How many choir members does it take to change a 300 watt light bulb in the sanctuary?  Two,

plus a very tall ladder!  Thanks to Kim Bossey and Dave Henderson for volunteering for

hazardous duty pay and accomplishing this unique service for our Church ...

 

Back at ground level, the Cemetery Committee held a successful clean-up day on May 17.  Thanks to all who helped. Take a minute and drive by; I think you will pleased with the overall appearance.

 

The Committee is planning to have a table at the Old Home Day celebration.  The Church bylaws require an annual audit of the church finances.  The 2008 financial records were reviewed and approved by a team consisting of Dennis Akerman, Dave Hart and Wally Strauch. The team acknowledges the terrific job done by our Treasurer, Bob Ilginfritz.

 

We had hoped we would be eligible for some energy saving credits from PSNH. Because the church is not in use enough hours in a week, the consultant indicated we would not qualify for any rebates on energy-saving investments.

 

Frank Baker plans to get at painting another side of the church within the next few months.  There are also plans to review the need for certain repair work at the parsonage.

 

At its May meeting, the Trustees also began discussing the impending transition and the effect it will have on the budget for the balance of this year.

 

Have a safe and wonderful summer...Wally Strauch, for the Trustees

 

A Sanbornton Preacher at the Traditional Old Home Day Sunday Service

 

This year, Old Home Day Weekend falls on July17, 18 and 19.  The Sunday Service which is always a town-wide Union Service, held by turns in each of Sanbornton’s three Churches, will be held on July 19, at the Congregational Church in Sanbornton Square at 10 a.m.  Prizes will be given during the Service to the oldest and youngest persons present, to the person who has traveled the greatest distance to attend and to the family which has the largest number of members present.

 

Noted for her eloquence, the preacher at the Service traces her ancestry back to the first settlers of the Town of Sanbornton.  The Reverend Doctor Cynthia Taylor Morse is a direct descendant of Nathan Taylor whose portrait hangs in the narthex of the Congregational Church.  Dr. Morse grew up in Sanbornton, was baptized and confirmed in the church in the Square, attended Sanbornton Central School and Northfield School for Girls. She went on to Connecticut College for Women where she earned AB and MA degrees in Music History. She worked at the Connecticut State Department of Correction for 25 years in a variety of capacities including parole officer and as an administrator handling all of the interstate compacts and agreements for the Department of Correction and in charge of staff training for the Parole Division.

 

In her second career, she studied for the ministry at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, graduating with a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Theology. She served as a Chaplain at Morgan Street Detention Center in Hartford, CT, 1985-1991; at Altobello Children & Youth Center in Meriden, CT, 1987-1988; at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital and Correctional Unit. Boston, MA 1992-1998; Merrimack County, NH, House of Correction, 1997-1998; and Southern NH Medical Center, 2009 – present.  She was ordained in 1992 and served in Interim Ministry in the NH Conference of the United Church of Christ from 1997-2008.

 

She has been active in many capacities in the UCC’s NH Conference. She is currently Chair of the Conference Response Team and also serves on the Commission for Congregational Life and is a member of the Conference Minister’s Resource Group.  She earned a Doctorate in Ministry in Congregational Studies at Hartford Seminary in 2005.  She has taught at both Episcopal Divinity School and Harvard Divinity School.

 

Dr. Morse retired in September 2008, although she still does supply preaching and consulting with congregations and clergy.  She is currently living in Salem, NH, with her spouse, Rev. Carolyn Stephenson, Rector of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Salem, Dr. Morse’s “other church.” Dr. Morse’s family home in Sanbornton Square is their summer “refuge.” Dr. Morse enjoys sea kayaking off the coast of Maine, growing orchids, and spending time in Sanbornton.  

 

Diane Farrell

(See Dr. Morse’s photo at the bottom of this page)

 

 

 

Understanding Transition and Change – A Process

 

The Church Council has just learned of the resignation of our beloved pastor, Rev. Patrice Ficken. She has served us well as pastor and teacher for five years. What are we to do with this new unsettling event?

 

Dr. William Bridges is a noted consultant and authority on Transition. His analysis can help us understand the ending of Patrice’s pastorate and how we best might proceed from here. It is always good, when the time is right, if we can draw away from what is happening in front of us to gain a broader perspective, to begin to assimilate and amalgamate the meaning of this event. The feelings will be broadly inclusive and vary from sharp and painful to warm and reassuring.

 

Dr. Bridges’ study applies to the life of an individual, a family, a community or an organization. He outlines a three-stage process of transition that he sees manifested repeatedly, regardless of the nature of the transition: the departure of a leader, a loss of a job, a death in the family, an economic downturn, etc.

 

The transition begins, Bridges observes, with an ending, a time when the familiar disappears, the usual processes cease, and all but the minimal functions needed to survive come to a halt. After a while all that can end or be shut down does end and the second stage of transition ensues. Bridges calls this the neutral zone. In this period of time nothing much happens, a kind of limbo or dormancy takes over, when the old is all gone but the new has yet to appear. Ultimately the transition moves into the third stage of beginnings, marked by a new energy, by experimentation and with a fresh sense of direction.

 

The time required for each stage is infinitely variable. Transition does not fit neatly into a designated schedule: the ending coinciding with the organization saying “goodbye” to its leader; the interim period marking the time spent in the neutral zone to rest and regroup; and after the new leader has arrived the organization forges ahead into the new beginnings stage. Instead, the transition happens in fits and starts for both the organization and for the individuals within the organization. Any one stage of the process may be far longer than had been anticipated, especially if a departure, an interim or an arrival is complicated.

 

Pastor Patrice’s resignation is too new. It will take time to absorb this change and sort out what should be retained and what should be changed. However, we must not fail to do the hard work required as it comes to us. 

 

ENDINGS

The ending time, Bridges observes, is identified by feelings of “disengagement, disidentification, disorientation, and disenchantment” and all such characteristics can be seen in our common life. We may exhibit a marked preoccupation with internal congregational affairs and as one observer has put it, “It feels like a balloon that has all of the air let out of it.” As a congregation we will continues to grapple with the profound experience of ending in the immediate days ahead. As anyone who has suffered a loss of any kind knows, and as Bridges emphasizes in discussing this stage of transition, going through the process of ending is not an experience that happens on a timetable or schedule; rather the stage of ending is finished  ----  when it is finished!

 

THE NEUTRAL ZONE

For all the pain and loss that comes with the ending stage of a transition, in many ways it can seem easier to bear than the emptiness of the stage that follows, the period of time Bridges has identified as the neutral zone. The absence of activity can be alarming, since it seems to indicate that a death has occurred. The fact is that a death has occurred, but it is the kind that presages a rebirth, a disintegration that must happen before a reintegration can begin. Pastor Patrice has been a focal point as she has led us in the faith.

 

Bridges talks of neutral zone activity as being that of “ritualized routine”, wherein one acts in ways that are part of established patterns, familiar routines that require little planning. The neutral zone is also characterized by a pronounced inward orientation. For organizations, this focus manifests as a heightened concern with internal affairs, with the maintenance of the institution and care for those within the organization. External involvement occupies a much lower priority.

 

Bridges observes that one of the most important tasks of the neutral zone stage of transition involves “determining what it is that you really, truly, deeply want.”  The Search Committee will be posing this question to us in a variety of ways, asking, “Where do we want to be as a congregation in one, two, or five years?” We will need to set out a clear strategy for getting there. Simply agreeing on goals is only the first step of many steps in becoming the Sanbornton Congregational Church that knows:                   

                        who it is,

                        why it exists,

                        what it is called to do and be

                        and how it will attain those goals.

Pastor Patrice has helped us to know what it means to be in a “covenant community with each other.” In these five years we have done pretty well in honoring and supporting a diversity of viewpoints. We have a strong Culture of Trust that will help us to find a common ground and a common purpose in order to accomplish a common goal of selecting a new pastor and teacher.

 

BEGINNINGS

Bridges has found that the most frequent mistake made by individuals and organizations undergoing transition is that of moving too quickly into the final stage of beginnings, of starting something new before the full transition process has run its course. Such premature efforts tend to run out of steam quickly because they are not rooted in that strengthened sense of identity which develops during the time spent in the neutral zone. When the real readiness to start anew has come, then the new initiatives will find the right opportunity to take hold, and will have an energy and staying power that comes from their being grounded in a clarified purpose and vision. In addition, the beginnings that come in the final stage of a transitional process often will seem truly different, unfamiliar, the sort of projects that have not been undertaken before and that freshness and unfamiliarity suggest the depth of the transition that has occurred. Because of the uncharted waters, beginnings that follow transition may be accompanied by conflict and a feeling the organization is being threatened as it is challenged to let go of old ways.

 

When a function or responsibility is not practiced often, it is best to ask assistance from an outside authority. We are fortunate to have the support and depth of knowledge from our NH Conference by way of our Conference Minister, the Rev. Gary Schulte to give guidance in this demanding responsibility. He will be with the Church Council at a special Council meeting, Tuesday, May 5, 2009 to help us to sort out our feelings as we begin the task of searching for where God is leading us as a congregation.

 

CONCLUSION

A deep and thoroughgoing transition is a process that consumes energy as it unfolds and spreads. It comes with pain and struggle, often with losses as well. There are times in the transition when it can appear that only pain, struggle and loss are present; when positive change, rebirth and energy directed toward the future are difficult to find.

 

Poet Denise Levertov offers a hope that can keep us committed to one another in our Sanbornton Congregation for those times when it seems as if the transition will neither end nor carry us into a more fulfilling chapter of our history:

 

                       

            We have only begun to know the power that is in us if

            we would join our solitudes in the communion of struggle.

            So much is unfolding that must complete its gesture;

            so much is in bud.

 

Likewise, Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese poet, has observed:

 

            You are your own forerunner, and the towers you have builded are but the

            foundation of your giant self.

            Always have we been our own forerunners, and always shall we be. And all

            that we have gathered and shall gather shall be but seeds for fields yet

            unploughed. We are the fields and the ploughmen, the gathers and the

            gathered.

 

God is in this place and will lead us. As the Sanbornton Congregation begins to search the future for its direction, let us approach it with confidence. We walk together in a very special Christian tradition.

Editor: David B. Hart

 

(Note: As editor I am greatly indebted to the Rev. Kathy Fuson Hurt, pastor of the First Baptist Church  of Granville, OH for her approach to Dr. Bridges’ material and I thank her for her personal observations, to which I have added some pertinent thoughts.)

 

Let’s Celebrate Patrice’s Ministry Together!

 

Sunday, June 28, is the last time that the Rev. Patrice Borst Ficken will be with us as Pastor of Sanbornton Congregational Church, UCC. The Service will begin at 10 a.m. Music Director Dennis Akerman will be leading the Choir in special music to be sung, “Old One Hundred,” by Vaughn Williams and “This Little Light of Mine.”

 

There will be no Coffee Hour. Instead, a Committee of the Church Council is planning a Special Potluck Luncheon immediately after the Service, to be followed by a short Program, some Fun, we hope, and Presentations. Dessert and Beverages will be provided.  Having all of us together is what is most important, but bring a dish to share.

 

We would like Patrice to have a gift from our church family. If you can and wish to contribute, please drop a check, made out to the church and marked “Patrice’s Gift,” into the plate next Sunday or mail to the Financial Secretary, Rea Alkema, In addition to the gift, we would like to present Patrice with a scrapbook filled with farewell messages from each of us.

 

TIME IS SHORT! PLEASE RESPOND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,  (AT LEAST BY JUNE 10)

 

We need: a head count for the luncheon, what you will be bringing to share (if you are able) and your message to Patrice as well as your donation. Get all to Rea Alkema, 58 Weed Rd, Meredith, NH 03253 or mrba@metrocast.net or 279-8848.

 

The Committee: Rea Alkema, Michelle Chapman, Elizabeth Cotsibas, Richard Currier, Diane Farrell, Edna Hansen, and Patsy Wells.

 

(We are saving some surprises, but we welcome additional ideas. Speak to any of the above.)

 

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

 

Thanks to all for supporting Heifer International!  The final tally reached $1002.43. We all can celebrate our children’s efforts and the wide response of members and friends that made contributions. Our money was matched with a grant from Heifer Hong Kong that will provide animals, training and support for 4,000 families in 20 villages devastated by the May 2008 earthquake that struck China’s Sishuan province. Our committee will be considering a trip to Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA. this summer. If you are interested, check out www.heifer.org/overlook.

 

Church School Concludes with celebration on Children/Youth Sunday.  On May 17th, all classes participated in the Worship Service. Devin Morris, third grade student, received a BIBLE. Sue Long directed the Preschool/Kindergarten Class in ‘This Little Light of Mine’ and ‘the Bible Song’. Marg Whedon directed the Third and Fourth Grade Class in “Seeing Jesus”; and Fifth through Eighth Grade Class in “Fishers of People”(Marge wrote this skit for the class). A ‘Message for Grown-ups’ highlighting the Camp Program, was presented by Sarah Harbrook. Flowers were given in honor of our church school student, teachers, and volunteers. We thank the parents for sharing their children with us each week–we had a great and wonderful year.

 

Appreciation to our church school ministry team goes to Barbara Akerman, Kaylah Barton, Kyla Brosseau, Michelle Chapman, Kara Downes, Karna Feltham, Polly Fife, Sarah Harbrook, Arlene Ilgenfritz, Susan Long, Jonathan Marchant, Heather Max, Mary Morris, Shirley Powers, Mary Ruth Scott, Shirley Strauch, Marg Whedon, James Wood, Sally Wood, and Tracy Wood. These persons are teachers, substitutes, Christian Education Committee, Nursery Volunteers. Please join us in saying thank you to each one!

 

During summer worship our popular Quiet Bags will be available for children–look for ones for younger and older children. They are in the back of the Sanctuary----thank Sue Long for creative skill in renewing the Quiet Bags. If needed, the Nursery Area is available for parents and their young children.

 

Missions Report

 

The Mothers' day Blanket Sunday on May 10, 2009 was a success.  We collected $305 towards emergency response blankets with a large list of dedications/honorariums and memorials.  This special tradition is very meaningful and a wonderful opportunity to honor the women in our lives who have made a positive difference.

 

On Sunday, June 21st, we will honor the special men in our lives through our "Tools of Hope" collection for Fathers' Day.  Again, there will be an opportunity for memorials and dedication/honorariums.  The envelope and dedication slips will be distributed on June 7th and 14th with the list published on June 21st.

 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is currently working hard in many areas of the world to help refugees resettle whenever and wherever possible.  They are also working in the Sudan and Sierra Leone to decrease infant mortality and their work is yielding impressive results with fewer deaths due to famine, disease, and neglect.  Until June 30th, the IRC has a quadruple grant from a Canadian organization.  Missions would like to urge support with either a check to our church earmarked IRC or direct contributions.  If appropriate, we will address this briefly in church on Sunday and provide more information.

 

Respectfully submitted,  Patsy Wells, Chair

 

208th Annual Meeting of the New Hampshire Conference United Church of Christ

Judy and Harry Anderson, Lee Hart, Karna Feltham, Rev. Patrice Ficken, and Shirley Powers attended the Conference Annual Meeting on Saturday and Sunday, May 16th & 17th, 2009 at Waterville Valley Conference Center.

 

All of us agreed that our ride up Route 93 was most beautiful at this time of year and that time spent enjoying our gorgeous scenery put us all in a reflective and spiritual mood for a very meaningful time together.

 

The theme of the conference was ‘Widening Our Witness’. After registering, we had time to browse the Open Exhibits, enjoy coffee/tea and goodies, and listen to the wonderful gathering music performed by Rob St. Cyr on keyboard, and enthusiastic music by our Partners in Faith from Zimbabwe.  We were all amazed that twelve members from the Zimbabwean Church UCC ( ie: Ukama Partnership) were with us. 

 

By 9:00 a.m. the Plenary Session began.  After the Invocation, Welcoming Message, and Introductions, the Conference Minister’s Report was presented along with the Nominating Committee Report, the Conference Financial Report and the Introduction of the Proposed Budget for 2010. By 10:00 a.m. the Resolutions of Christian Witness were introduced.  These four Resolutions have been posted on the bulletin board in the Undercroft for your review.

 

After a refreshment break, we gathered for worship. The keynote speaker was Rev. Felix Carrion and the title of his speech was “That Same Hour, Widening Our Witness”, Luke 24:13-35.

 

Rev. Carrion is Coordinator of the Stillspeaking Ministry, UCC.  He served with the UCC Office for Church in Society and Commission for Racial Justice (1994-2000) providing support and training to conferences, associations, and churches throughout the UCC.  He was the spokesperson for the denomination’s pronouncement and proposal for action on being a multi-racial and multi-cultural church. Born in New York City, Rev. Carrion earned his BA degree in biblical studies from King’s College, Briarcliffe Manor, NY, and his MDiv from Andover Newton Theological School. 

 

He spoke about the importance of our looking at and remembering our past.  He then specifically noted times in the past when the United Church of Christ was there, such as:  during the time of Amistad, Women’s Suffrage, Civil Rights movement, and many others.  He surprised us all by stating that it was the UCC who ordained the first UCC woman minister in New Hampshire, Elida Frost Bascom!!  (Shirley had a chance to introduce herself to him on Sunday.)  His point was that those moments are not different than the present moment – they are the same. We as a church must pay attention, widening our witness – God is Still Speaking!

 

At noon a wonderful buffet luncheon was served in the Outdoor Dining Area.  After lunch, the afternoon Plenary Session began.  After the Nominating Report, a service on Installation of Conference Church Leaders occurred.   A short time was devoted to ‘Speak Outs’ where anyone in attendance who had a topic of interest, was given one minute to talk about it.  After this, the Resolutions were discussed and voted on.

 

Resolution A – Prudential Instruction in Support of Expanding and Affirming Resolution C Adopted at the 201st Annual Meeting of NHCUCC.  Passed as written

 

Resolution B – A Resolution of Christian witness in Support of U.S. Ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.   Passed as written

 

Resolution C – A resolution of Christian Witness Renouncing the ‘Global War on Terror’.  Amended by striking out wording that was deemed political.  Passed as amended.

 

Resolution D -  Prudential Instruction to Establish a Requirement for Boundaries Awareness Training for Those Serving and Seeking to Serve in the NH Conference in Authorized Ministries on Behalf of the UCC. Passed as written.

 

After a refreshment break, the afternoon Plenary Session resumed with more Speak-Outs.

The Budget was voted upon and passed with little discussion, The Small Church Vitality Project Report and the Registrar’s Report was presented and this was followed by the Benediction and Adjournment.

 

According to Judy and Harry Anderson the dinner buffet Saturday evening in the Outdoor Dining Area was absolutely excellent – Sirloin Tips/Salmon and many delicious desserts!  At this time various awards were presented to persons who have served the UCC and our own Pastor Patrice received an award for her five years with us!  The Chair of the Ukama Partnership, UCCZ lead the evening program and the rest of the Zimbabweans broke out in song accompanied by drums and percussion instruments, gathering enthusiasm from all attendees, to the point that they actually danced in a congo line around the dining area. There was a campfire for the Youth – some adults enjoyed that also.

 

Sunday morning presented a much more relaxed atmosphere.  After the Invocation the attendees chose one of four Round Table Discussion Groups to attend.  The four groups were: 

 

STILL SPEAKING SPECIFICS FOR LOCAL CHURCHES presented by Rev Felix Carrion, Stillspeaking Coordinator.

 

CHEERFUL GIVING IN A TIME OF SCARCITY presented by Rev. Richard Slater, Associate Conference Minister

 

LET’S TALK ABOUT CAMP presented by Rev Robert Vodra, Director of Outdoor and Education Ministries, NHCUCC,  and

 

A CONVERSATION WITH OUR ZIMBABWEAN GUESTS presented by Rev. Fungayi Mutsumbei, Ukama Partnership Chair, UCCZ and Rev. Kim McKerley, Local Church Coordinator, Ukama Partnership, UCC

 

Shirley Powers attended the discussion on Cheerful Giving in a Time of Scarcity.  Shirley writes:  The discussion was led by The Rev. Richard Slater, Associate Conference Minister, and Jay Shambaugh, who has been hired to serve on the federal government team of economists.  Using II Corinthians, chapters 8 and 9 as background material, and looking toward the act of being good stewards, we are being tested about “the genuineness of [our] love…for Jesus Christ…It is appropriate for [us] to desire to do something…For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has -- not according to what one does not have...It is a question of a fair balance between [our] present abundance and their need.”  We were reminded that the “source of all things is God” and that God uses us to share with others.  “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.” 

 

Karna Feltham, Lee Hart, and Harry and Judy Anderson attended Still Speaking Specifics for Local Churches.   The following are comments made by Karna and Lee.  It was a joy to be in a group that was encouraged to be interactive.  It was very lively with lots of mutual participation.  Some churches have opted to be Still Speaking churches, others not.  Many churches display the God is Still Speaking banner.  ‘The Stillspeaking Ministry spreads the message of God’s extravagant welcome, reaching out especially to those who have felt there is no room for them within Christianity and the church – the excluded and alienated, the spiritually homeless, the questioning.’ (from the Stillspeaking Website).  Gracie Allen, Comedian, said “Never place a period where God has placed a comma.” The Stillspeaking Ministry has adopted this quotation as their slogan.  The second part of this slogan is - ‘Listen for the other still voice – God within you’.  Churches need to be trained in this ministry, greeters especially. The focus is to journey together treating each other with respect, even if you do not agree.  Listen, witness, and be in conversation.

 

The UCC church found its voice in the Stillspeaking Ministry.  This media blitz is not a form of ‘branding’, not a political statement, but is biblically grounded.  New media messages will be forthcoming soon.  One that caught everyone’s attention is entitled “No Fee For Extra Baggage”.  Rev Carrion stated ‘Remember, we are people of Covenant, not Creeds.  We must remember our identity.’  He suggested that every church should read our Covenant every Sunday in worship.

 

Round Table Discussions ended just before 11:00 a.m. when we gathered together for Sunday Worship.  Our Zimbabwean guests led us in joyful song, the sermon was by Rev. Gary Schulte, Communion was given and received, and when the service ended the Annual Meeting ended.  Lunch was served in the Outdoor Dining Area and after lunch everyone headed home.

 

Contributors:  Karna Feltham, Lee Hart, Judy and Harry Anderson, &  Shirley Powers

 

From the Minister of Music

 

 June 7 will be the Senior Choir's last Sunday until September.  As they say in England, we're to be 'on holiday'.  A few thoughts come to mind as we end the year.

 

The Juniors have had remarkable growth, both musically and physically.  Devin Morris got his Light Blue ribbon; Sydni Chapman, Taylor Nute, and Samanth Wood received the Dark Blue ribbon; Shelby Chapman and Serena Downes were awarded the Red ribbon.  They are great kids.

 

Mary Ruth Scott has been ready and willing to fill in when Doug is away, and she did a rather long stint leading the choirs while I was laid up.  We are so very fortunate to have her.

 

Katie and Kim Bossey and I will be going overseas again this year (9th, I think, for Kim and me) to the Royal School of Church Music's Cathedral Singing Week.  This year there's a big change:  we'll be at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland, www.cccdub.ie  the week of August 16.  Not quite so long a trip for us, longer for most of the choir singers who attend, from the UK, Europe, and other far-flung places, year after year.  The RSCM's website is full of interesting material.  Have a look.  www.rscm.com and www.rscmamerica.org

 

We've had a good year, and I'm thankful for the dedication and musical ability of our choristers.  We particularly enjoyed our 'Messiah' work, and we'll be singing more from that during next Advent.  Our old Schirmer Edition copies were in sad condition; Susan Bayer has bought us a new set of the highly regarded Oxford University Press edition, given in memory of her parents.

 

It has been wonderful to have worked closely on matters musical with Patrice over these 5 years.  How important it is to have a pastor who knows music and who knows the power and significance of music in worship. She has supported us in every possible way.  We will all miss her very much.

 

We couldn't let Patrice's last Sunday as our pastor pass without making some music, so we'll be back from 'holiday" for June 28th.  And we might throw in a little surprise, too.

 

Dennis

 

Sanbornton Old Home Day Weekend, July 17, 18, and 19, 2009

 

The Committee, headed by Karen Ober, has been working hard to fill the 3 days with exciting events. This issue of the Belfry is going to press before all are firmed up; but here is a sampling. Watch the local newspapers for more information.

 

On Friday, the celebration will begin with the Sanbornton’s Farmers’ Market in the Square and an Open House With Tours at the Historical Society’s Lane Tavern, both from 3 – 6 p.m.   Also in this time slot, there will be an Art contest, Photo Exhibit, Baking Contest, Cribbage Tournament and Bike Safety Lesson. From 4 – 7 p.m. there will be a cookout in the Square. And at 7 p.m, Square Dancing will begin in the Town Hall.

 

On Saturday morning, the Historical Society will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast in the Tavern, beginning at 8 a.m. The Fair will be held in the Square from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Field Exhibits, Demonstrations, Vendors, Food, a Dunking Booth, Children’s Games and Billy goat Bingo.The Tavern will be open for Tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Parade will gather at 12:15 and begin at 1 p.m.  There will be Farm Games on the hill from 3-5 p.m. and there may be Music in the Gazebo from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The Library will be sponsoring a Barbecue on Saturday evening, time and location to be determined.  The Historical Society’s 3rd Annual Olde Time Variety Show will play at the Town Hall at 7 p.m.

 

On Sunday the Union Church Service will be held at the Congregational Church in the Square. The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Taylor Morse will preach.  The Service will be followed by a Dinner in the Undercroft. There is no charge for the Dinner but donations for the cost of the food will be accepted.  The collection at the Service will be donated to the Sanbornton Food Pantry.

 

Mission Committee Adopt a Military Person Project

 

Mission Committee Adopt a Military Person Project at Sanbornton UCC.

The Missions Committee has sent 14 care packages to members of the armed forces serving overseas to date.  Each box is accompanied by a letter telling the recipient who has asked us to send the package and also tells them that our prayers are sent within the boxes. The Prayer Shawl group at Sanbornton UCC has given us Prayer Squares to include in each box, with a small note of explanation attached.  Several soldiers have written home to their parents to express their appreciation for these gift packages. One or two have also requested additional items.

 

The first such special request was for sports equipment, balls, mitts, bats etc, so they can get physical exercise in their off times.  How they can play in the 120 degree heat is beyond me but that is the request at this time. I am in receipt of money from that soldier's parents to help defray the cost, if I have to purchase any equipment.  I am seeking donations among my school children’s teammates and looking forward to being able to fill this soldiers "make a wish" type request.  If you have any used sports equipment lying about please get in touch with me, I have a place for it where it will be appreciated. 

 

In addition to the care packages, another special request has come to my attention; Major Phillip Bascom (nephew of Shirley Powers) is a medic in Afghanistan and he has written that his corps at the hospital like to provide shoes for the children patients when they are discharged.  They come to the hospital barefoot.  If you have any used but not abused children’s shoes, we would be glad to have them to add to the box of children’s shoes we plan to send to Major Bascom. We have limited funds to purchase new shoes but will see what we can get from the local stores to augment this request.

 

The family of Dennis Wells has graciously donated money from the Dennis Wells Memorial Fund to be used for postage for these care packages we are sending overseas. Many thanks to the Wells family for their generosity.  As was previously mentioned each package sent overseas costs $11.95 for postage.  Each box so far has weighed in at just about six pounds, so shipping in these specially marked boxes provided by the post office is a bargain.

 

If you have a service person, please be sure to submit his or her name to the committee and we will be happy to send them a special box of treats. Please call me at 934-4256, thank you, 

 

Ann Emerson-Knott, Patsy Wells, Edna Hanson and Tracey Woods

 

HISTORICAL TIDBITS By Milly Shaw, Historian

 

In Rev. Moses T. Runnels ”History of Sanbornton”, he wrote “An association was formed several years ago for the improvement of the Centre Cemetery near the old Town Meeting-House site; but it soon ceased to have a constitutional existence!”  He added, “This yard is peculiarly interesting as being the last resting-place of the first three pastors of the Congregational Church, and their families.” The Runnels died in 1902 it was his and his family’s resting place as well.

 

The before mentioned association was known as the Sanbornton Square Cemetery Association, formed Thursday December 6, 1866. The record book exists which includes a Preamble and Constitution in perfect handwritten words. Its object “shall be the proper care of the cemetery on the old meetinghouse hill(so called) in Sanbornton, and the taking of such measures as may seem advisable from time to time for the enlargement, improvement of adorning of said Cemetery.”

 

Officers chosen were Rev. M.T.Runnels, president; Richard Ward, vice president; and Secretary-treasurer. Ward offered a strip of land on the west side of the cemetery and the Executive Committee was authorized to purchase a strip on the north side to be divided into lots and held in trust by them for individual purchase.

 

Fund raising was done by letters to relatives of those buried in the cemetery. Men in the Square area worked in the cemetery and were paid for their labor. The record shows:

 

John Taylor Goodhue Sanborn……..$10.00

 

Andrew P. Gilman ………………$ 2.00

 

Nathan Sanborn…………………….$ 8.75

 

Thomas Taylor (for powder and fuse) $ 2.00

 

The last record was of the Annual Meeting of January 12,1874, and there was a balance in the treasury of $12.00, according to Jonathan M Taylor., Secretary & Treasurer.