THE BELFRY NEWS

SANBORNTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Tel: (603) 286-3018

www.sanborntonucc.org

Rev. Patrice Borst Ficken, Pastor

February 1, 2007

Dear Friends,

Thank you again for a wonderful, positive annual meeting. All of the presentations were excellent and represented hours of meeting time and thoughtful preparation. I am grateful to Wally Strauch and David Henderson for their leadership as moderator and vice-moderator; and for the outstanding presentations by Liz Merry on behalf of the building design committee; and Grant Ellerbeck and Dennis Akerman on behalf of the Trustees and Finance committee.

Thank you for saying “yes” in so many ways: for all who said “yes” to accepting officer, leadership and committee roles for the coming year; for saying “yes” to our future by agreeing to continue to explore the feasibility of a building expansion project. Your willingness to say “yes” is a powerful signal of faith and commitment to our church.

The affirmation of direction from the annual meeting will mean that more invitations will be extended from the nominating committee to serve on the ad-hoc Building Committee and the ad-hoc Capital Campaign committee. If a request comes your way to serve, please give prayerful and thoughtful consideration to this time commitment. Our ability to move forward with this effort is only possible if there are individuals willing to provide leadership to these initiatives.

There is also another invitation that I would ask you to consider carefully. Week after week, our choir provides beautiful music during worship. I believe we have one of the most outstanding music programs in the UCC NH Conference, thanks to the leadership of Dennis Akerman, Doug Embree and Mary Ruth Scott. Our choir needs an influx of members to help it sustain the excellence we have all grown accustomed to these many years.

On Palm Sunday, the choir would like to perform Gabriel Faure’s beautiful, “Requiem.” It can only do so with sufficient numbers. The time commitment is limited to rehearsals in March. If you have ever considered joining the choir, please consider saying “yes.”

“After the final no there comes a yes,

And on that yes the future world depends.”

-- Wallace Stevens

In Christ peace and love,

Patrice

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth, Learning and Service:

The Prayer Circle will resume Thursday, February 1, at 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the undercroft. Our focus this “semester” will be on contemplative prayer. Drop in for one session or many – all are welcome! If you have questions, please speak with Patrice.

Habit for Humanity - Members of all congregations in the Twin Rivers are invited to come together for a potluck dinner February 6th at 6:30 in the basement of Trinity Episcopal Church in Tilton, NH. The dinner will be followed by a discussion with Rev. Earl Miller of Lakes Region Habitat for Humanity.

Singers Invited!! - On Palm Sunday, April 1, 2007 the choir is planning to sing, Gabriel Faure’s beautiful “Requiem” during Sunday worship. If you love to sing, have been thinking about joining the choir, this is a wonderful opportunity to join us for a “limited engagement.” Rehearsals are March 8, 15, 22, 29 at 7:30 p.m. one Saturday in March at 10 a.m. We guarantee you a warm welcome, good music, and good singing, all in the spirit of worship! A brief, non-threatening, sing-along audition is required. We simply need to know that you can match a pitch. If you are interested, please speak to or call Doug Embree or Mary Ruth Scott.

Seniors Outreach – If you have free time during the day and some gas in your car to spare, please consider joining our team of volunteers who assist seniors with transportation to medical appointments and running errands. There are also still opportunities to prepare and serve Senior Sunday Dinners. Our seniors especially enjoy being served by our young people. Please contact Rea Alkema, 279-8848 if you’re able to help.

First Sunday Food and Bread & Roses Collection – We support the ministries of the First Fruits Food Pantry in Sanbornton and Bread & Roses in Franklin – your donations of food and dollars help to sustain these vital ministries. Thank you for your ongoing, faithful support!

Lent begins on February 21, Ash Wednesday . Watch the bulletin for more information about our traditional bread and broth supper and communion.

Musings from the Moderator

It was a wonderful 236^th Annual Meeting. Thanks to everyone who helped; - prepare for, bring for, eat the food at, present a report at, ask questions at, vote at, or clean up after, - the meeting!! This was my first Annual Meeting serving as your Moderator and I trust everyone felt they were appropriately recognized and that the conduct of the meeting wallowed for adequate discussion and participation. If anyone has any thoughts, suggestions, etc., on the agenda and process for the meeting, don’t hesitate to mention them to me.

It is obvious there is a lot of work to be done this year. But as Jean presented the Nominating Committee report, it was wonderful to hear her say that this was the easiest year she can recall having people “graciously” agree to serve on committees! Thanks to one and all for your willingness to serve…

For all you 2007 Committee Members, new and returning, I trust you will get your “team” together at the earliest possible date. As mentioned at the meeting, our first “new” Council meeting will be at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 13^th. We need to have all Committees “represented” at each meeting, be it the Chairman, or another designated Committee member.

Personally, I will do my best to serve as your Moderator to the best of my ability, and look to Him to help me as we move through a year of continued growth in Service to our Lord, to our World, to each other.

For old and new Council members, as well as all members of the Church, I would encourage you to consider attending the “Prepared to Serve” UCC Conference being held in Penacook, all day Saturday February 17^th. It is a “once a year”, educational session, put on by our Conference. It has “countless” workshops covering a wide range of topics. Last year was the first year I attended, and it was a wonderful experience. It may be too late by the time you receive this, but if you have any interest, call Jean Clarke a the Conference office, 1-888-642-8229 X108, and tell her “Wally sent you!!! Maybe she can sneak you in…

See you in Church…

- Wally Strauch, Moderator

Annual Meeting Highlights

The 236^th Annual Meeting of the Sanbornton Congregational Church took place on Sunday, January 28, with a large attendance, after a lavish and delicious pot luck meal. Moderator Wally Strauch presided. Dave Henderson reported on the October Vision 2008 Meeting which reviewed the plan created in May 2005. He noted how much had been accomplished and cited the 5 major themes or recommendations that emerged from the October discussions. Work on all of these recommendations is well underway: handicapped accessibility, building space needs, stewardship issues and expanding awareness and use of our web site.

Committee Chair Elizabeth Merry presented the report of the Building Design Committee, the fruit of a year of hard work, researching our needs, investigating what other churches have done to meet their space needs and exploring three different options to meet our needs, deciding finally that the third option, to build an extension, was the most suitable. This extension would provide room for a larger kitchen, 3 wheelchair accessible bathrooms, one on the second floor; wheelchair access to the undercroft, a pastor’s office, and large and small meeting rooms. It would cost approximately $150,000 and require an additional $1500 - $2500 a year for heat, utilities, cleaning, repairs, etc. Elizabeth Merry moved that an Ad-Hoc Building Committee and an Ad-Hoc Capital Campaign Committee be created to implement the Building Design Committee’s recommendations. Lengthy discussion ensued with questions about parking space, approval by the Town’s Historic District Commission, the funds donated to a previous Capital Campaign for an addition to the church, etc. When all the questions were answered, the motion passed by unanimous vote. The first business of the Ad-Hoc Building Committee is to meet with the Historic District Commission. The business of the Capital Campaign Committee is to come up with a plan for raising the money that will be needed when a building plan is approved. A second motion directing the Trustees, or a committee appointed by the Trustees, to explore and make recommendations concerning the parsonage was voted.

The 2007 budget was passed and also an amendment to the Bylaws establishing the position of Assistant Financial Secretary, a position that was created, approved and filled by Council 8 years ago but never put into the Bylaws. Committee Reports were accepted. Patrice thanked many individuals and the congregation as a whole for work on behalf of the church. She remembered those members whose deaths we have mourned this year: Lillian Pearl Parks, Martha Wilson and Bob Bodwell . She closed the meeting with a prayer.

A Note from Pastoral Relations

The Pastoral Relations Committee met with Pastor Patrice last Tuesday, January 30th. We welcomed a new member, Marjory Marcello who is the representative from the Deacons. Thanks to Herbert Lauterwasseur , who is leaving the committee, for his service.

The members are Barbara Akerman (Council Rep.), Marjory Marcello (Deacon), and David Hart (Chair). We welcome dialogue at any time.

- David Hart

Coffee House with Live Music, February 10

The Brunt Family Gospel Singers, Gary and Scott Brunt and Alan Frink , will be performing at a Coffee House in the Undercroft on Saturday evening, February 10, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Known throughout central and northern New England for their concerts in churches, at summer camps, civic events and on television and radio, the trio sings favorite hymns, country gospel songs and contemporary gospel music. While their songs feed your spirit, a delicious buffet of special desserts will be available to satisfy your craving for sweets. Admission is $5.00 per person at the door. Reservations are desired. Call 279-8848 and leave your name, a phone no. and the number of persons in your party or write the same information on a sign up sheet in the Undercroft.

Gary Brunt is a fine tenor with experience that goes back to his childhood; he made his first solo album at age 16. Gary sang with the Kings Keynotes and the Envoys. He is father of two sons, married to wife Patsy and lives in Northfield, NH. Scott Brunt, Gary’s son, is a baritone and a bass. Scott, who lives in Laconia, recorded his first solo CD called “He Saw What I Could Be” in 1996. Scott currently works part time as a DJ on 91.1 WVNH in Concord, producing a show every Saturday night at 6 p.m. called Saturday Nite Gospel Hour which features the best of southern and country gospel music. Some of his favorite bass singers are London Paris, J.D. Sumner, Brock Speer, and Richard Sterban . Gospel groups that Scott loves are The Jacobs Brothers, The Inspirations and The Couriers. Alan Frink , the newest member of the Brunt Family Singers, is the lead tenor. Alan has performed with the Campbells , the Cathedrals, the Dixie Echoes and others. He has a new CD out entitled “Landmark Called Calvary.” Alan’s home is in Manchester, NH. Please join us for an evening of good music and good food.

Marg Whedon, Concert Chairperson

Coming Events Sponsored by the Peace and Justice Committee

Socially Responsible Travel

Two traveling members of the church and the Peace and Justice Committee, Judi Abbott and Gail Meinhold , will tell about their experiences on their trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and share their insights about social responsibility on Friday evening, February 2, in the Undercroft. There will be a pizza and lemonade supper at 6 p.m. Please sign the sheet in the Undercroft so that we will know how many pizzas to order. The talk will begin at 7 p.m. and run for about a half hour with questions and answers afterward. Don’t miss this fun and thoughtful event!

Film Showing “An Inconvenient Truth”

Al Gore’s important film about global warming, “An Inconvenient Truth,” will be shown at the church on Friday evening, March 2, at 7 p.m. A discussion will follow. Popcorn, lemonade and Fair Trade coffee will be served. A free will offering will be taken. The community is invited to attend.

One of Gore’s college professors, scientist Charles Revell , was measuring and recording the temperature of the upper atmosphere when Gore was attending his classes. Revell had determined then that warming was taking place. Revell inspired Gore’s life long interest in the subject and his passion to persuade others that we must do something to prevent environmental catastrophe.

The film uses excerpts from the slide shows Gore has been giving around the country, photographs of the earth from outer space, diagrams, animation and his own compelling words to explain what is taking place and why it is happening , Please join us to learn more about this subject.

Senior Dinners

Sunday dinners for Sanbornton Seniors and their friends have been offered twice a month by the Town’s three churches for 25 years. All seniors in Sanbornton are invited, not just church members.

The dinners are social events with hearty home-cooked food and good conversation. There is no charge; a small donation is requested to cover the cost of the food.

The 2007 schedule of locations and dates is available in the Town Office, the Post Office, the Library and the three churches: Congregational, 1^st Baptist and 2^nd Baptist. The schedule is also listed below. If you need a ride, there are phone numbers to call on the schedule. If you wish to have a schedule mailed to you, call 279-8848, leave your name and address and say “Senior Dinner.”

If you are a senior, please join us. If you are younger, please spread the word about Sunday Dinners for Sanbornton Seniors and their friends to your friends and neighbors.

- Rea Alkema and Diane Farrell for Senior Outreach

2007 Senior Dinner Schedule

- January 7^th - 2^nd Baptist

- February 11^th - 1^st Baptist

- February 25^th - Congregational

- March 11^th - 2^nd Baptist

- March 25^th - Congregational

- April 15^th - 1^st Baptist

- April 29^th - Congregational

- May 13^th - NONE (Mothers’ Day)

- May 27^th - NONE (Memorial Day

- June 10^th - 1^st Baptist

- June 24^th - Congregational

- July 8^th - 2^nd Baptist

- July 22^nd - Congregational

- August 5th - OLD HOME DAY Union Service and Dinner – Second Baptist

- August 12th - Congregational

- August 26th - 2nd Baptist

- Sept 9th - 1st Baptist

- Sept 23rd - Congregational

- Oct 14th - 2nd Baptist

- Oct 28th - Congregational

- Nov 11th – Congregational

- Dec 9th - 1st Baptist

Christian Education

Welcome to JoAnn Marchant and Marg Whedon! They are the new members on the Christian Education Committee, and will bring insight and enthusiasm to our planning. Our next meeting is scheduled for February 11th, after Worship and Church School.

Our curriculum for the Winter Quarter has included stories surrounding the birth of Jesus, the early followers of Jesus, and teachings of Jesus. Shirley Strauch, teacher in the Younger Class, has been helped by parents, Sally Wood and Jonathan Marchant . Sarah Harbrook has been teaching the Older Class; and Marg Whedon has assisted Pastor Patrice with Confirmation.

The final total of our UNICEF collection is in.... $75.68. Congratulations to the children and all who contributed!

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS --Thanks to Michelle Chapman, Lee Hart, Mary Morris, Sue Long, Mary Ruth Scott , John Max, Heather Max, JoAnn Marchant , and Arlene Ilgenfritz, for caring for our youngest children.

HISTORICAL TIDBITS BY Milly Shaw Historian

From the "Records of the Congregational Church Sanbornton" 1771-1822 Vol. I

Two Hundred Years Ago 1806-1807 at a meeting of the Congregational Church in said town held August 28th 1806

v Voted 1. Josiah Emery moderator pro tempore of said meeting.

v Voted 2. To choose a committee of two to agree with Rev. Mr. Woodman whether he be dismissed from his pastoral relation with this church, or remain as Pastor.

v Voted 3. Deacon Nathaniel Tilton and

v Voted 4. To give Mr. Abraham Bodwell a call to settle here as Pastor of said church.

v Voted 5. That Josiah Emery present this vote to the Selectmen of this town and request them to call a meeting of the qualified voters (in ministerial matters) to see if they will join this church in settling Mr. Bodwell as Pastor of this church and congregation, as soon as they shall think it convenient.

v (Signed by) Josiah Emery, Moderator Pro Tem

v Rev. Bodwell was ordained Nov. 13, 1806 at the Sanbornton Congregational Church.

v "Moses Emery and wife received communion and fellowship of the church May 3, 1807. Baptized the children of Moses Emery, named Eliza, Hannah, and Woodman."

At a meeting of the church held May 7, 1807 the following record is found:

"The church, being convened according to appointment, voted their mind, that is no right, or that it is not scriptual , to admit to baptism the children of those, who are not, one or both, in full commission with the church. Voted to recommend that candidates for admission into the church should publicly give to the church a relation of heir experience, or the reason for their hope."