Here it is--Volume 7, Issue 4 of our e-mail Newsletter!

FEATURED IN THIS NEWSLETTER

PASTORAL PONDERINGS--"The Sacred Work of Leave-Taking"

Monthly Update on our Church's Pastoral Transition

Worship & Music Ministry News

• Our Sunday Faith Community Celebrations in April
• Spiritual Formation News for our Children, Youth, & Families
• Music and Ministry Notes
• Tenderly Held in our Hearts and Prayers
•  Into God’s Hands
• Founders' Day Confirmation Celebration

Welcoming and Caring Ministry

• April 12th Potluck in the Parish House for Sharing with John and Susan
• Invitation to Join our Church Caregiving Ministry Team

APRIL CALENDAR of EVENTS in the Life of our Spiritual Family

Spiritual Formation for Adults

• "Wake Up Grateful" Book Study
• "Stop Being So Nice--How We Can Disagree with Civility"
• "Reel Soul" Earth Month Film--"Common Ground"
• Freedom Passover Seder

Administration & Finance News

• Report on Upcoming Projects
• Report of the Assistant Treasurers
• Stewardship Progress thus far
• COVID-19 Task Force Update

April Birthdays & Anniversaries

Growing a Just World for All

Economic Justice

* Raise the Minimum Wage Rev. Dr. Gail Kinney, Worker Justice Minister

* Support for the PRO Act

Immigrant Justice

* Monthly Vigils at the ICE Building

Climate Justice

*Ecumenical Earth Day Service--"Real Faith in a Synthetic World"

*Second Annual Earth Day Summit, featuring Bill McKibben

* Faithful Resilience Webinar--Culture of Preparedness

*"Common Ground" Film on Friday--April 26th @ 7:00 PM

Antiracism Ministry

*Calling for CeaseFire NOW!

*Continuing Black Lives Matter Vigils on Wednesdays @ 4:30 PM

Legislator Contact Information

Revs. Susan & John Gregory-Davis,

Co-Pastors

Meriden Congregational Church

603-469-3235

john@meridenucc.org

susan@meridenucc.org

secretary@meridenucc.org 

www.meridenucc.org

“All I ask of you is forever

to remember me as loving you.”

--The Monks of Weston Priory

           Leave-taking is holy work. Jesus knew this. He went to pains throughout his ministry to lovingly prepare the disciples for his leaving. On the night before he died, Jesus talked at length with these friends—giving them guidance, encouraging them not to be afraid, offering them peace, and sharing with them comfort. And in one of the most poignant moments of his farewell conversation that evening, he bid them, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). Jesus knew that, in the holy work of leave-taking, Love is at the heart.

           Our own goodbyes are holy, too. The word “goodbye” comes from the phrase “God be with you.” It is a blessing. A prayer for God’s Love to be with the one to whom we bid farewell. Just as Jesus was intentionally loving in his goodbye to the disciples--his closest friends, so too are we invited—in each leave-taking, however temporary or permanent, to give intention and attention to how we bless one another in our goodbyes.

           Now that we are in the season of Eastertide and the month of April, the hours and days are fleeing way too quickly, at least for John and myself, as we anticipate our last eight weeks with you, our Beloved Church Family. We wish to hold onto each moment, each conversation, each hug, each everything—with you. And while we know we can’t physically hold on, we are cherishing these and all the ways we love and continue to feel loved by you. 

           We are so grateful for your holy work in preparing for our mutual goodbyes, our “God be with you” blessings. Our Church Leadership is so faithfully guiding us all through these weeks ahead--preparing for the calling of your interim/transitional pastor, as well as lovingly planning for a meaningful and festive “God be with you” celebration on our last weekend with you, June 1-2. Friends, as a Church Family, we are doing the holy work of leave-taking—honoring Love at the heart of all the joy and sorrow, hope and uncertainty, relationships and community that is sacred to our life together.  

           Please let us know how your own heart is faring on this shared journey. We would love to talk or visit by phone or in person. Just let us know what you would like! And we hope as many of you as possible will be able to join us for two special opportunities to share the stories and memories you and we will always cherish from our years together. Join us for one or both of our Story-Sharing Potlucks on Friday, April 12 and Friday, May 10—each at 6pm in the parish house. Children and adults or all ages—everyone—is warmly welcome!

           One of our favorite songs sung by the Monks of Weston Priory includes this refrain, “All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you.”  Isn’t this how we all wish to be remembered?  And isn’t this the heart of holy leave-taking, honoring the many and diverse ways we have loved and been loved. May God continue to bless with love the journey of our holy leave-taking. 

With heartfelt hope of always being remembered as loving you,

Your grateful Co-Pastors,

Susan and John

Come join Susan & John

and Church Leadership Members

for Food and Fun!

Story-Sharing Potlucks:

Celebrating our Years and Moments Together Through sharing  the Stories we cherish!   

Fridays--April 12th and May 10th

6:00 PM in the Parish House

Come to one or both!

Come and enjoy the gift of being together as a church family, sharing our gratitude, sadness, joy, & HOPE for all the blessings to come!   

Bring your favorite memories and stories!

Bring your feelings, questions, and anticipation!

Bring your potluck dish you love to share!

But most of all, bring yourself!

For a time of sharing the Love of

our Beloved Community!  

Children, Youth, Adults of all Ages, Families, Individuals, Friends, our Church Family and beyond, One and All are Welcome!

“Transforming Lives as a Compassionate Community:

ReImagining Love”

OUR SUNDAY FAITH COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS IN APRIL

(In-Person and on Zoom,

in the Sanctuary,

with masks optional)

April 7th @ 10:00 AM

Holy Humor Funday :)

Communion Celebration

Come revel in our Sunday Morning Alive Communion celebration filled with Godly play and Holy hilarity   on this Second Sunday of Eastertide!

April 14th @ 10:00 AM

Third Sunday in Eastertide

Good Sheperd(ess) Sunday

Join us for this opportunity to pray, sing, and reflect upon what it means to be held in and to embody the love of our Good Shepherd(ess) God, as the sheep of Her pasture.

April 21st @ 10:00 AM

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Earth Day Sunday

   Come share with us in this Inter-generational Service in celebration of  Earth Day, recommitting ourselves to taking essential care of our generous yet fragile earth.  



April 28th @ 10:00 AM

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Join us on this Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries Sunday in celebration of the beautiful diversity of our humanity!

MAY 5th @ 10:00 AM

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Founders' Day Sunday!

Come celebrate with us the 244th Birthday of the Meriden Congregational Church! This Intergenerational Service will feature confirmation of our Faith Odyssey Youth participants.

Whoever you are,

Whomever you love,

Wherever you are on

life's journey,

YOU are WELCOME to

share in all our

Spiritual Family Services, Celebrations,

and Activities!

SPIRITUAL FORMATION NEWS FOR OUR CHILDREN,

YOUTH AND FAMILIES!

Peaceful greetings and Happy Eastertide to all our children, youth and families!!! Did you know that Easter is not ONE day but FIFTY days--beginning with Easter Sunday and ending on Pentecost Sunday which, this year is May 19th! During this season of Eastertide, Jesus' disciples deeply mourned his death and yet also rejoiced in beholding Jesus' presence as they experienced his loving spirit among them. During these fifty days of Eastertide, let's keep our ears and eyes and hearts open to the presence of love all around us! And, as Jesus' disciples, be his hands and feet and spirit sharing love with all we meet!

This month, our church family continues to focus on offering the Our Whole Lives (OWL) Lifespan Sexuality Education Program to many children in our church and wider community. Our children in Kindergarten and First Grader are enjoying OWL with their co-facilitators: Susan Sanzone Fauver, Kelsey MacNamee, & Glen Greenough! Our Fourth through Sixth Graders are joined by co-facilitators: Andrea Keen, Kevin Ramos-Glew, Greg Castell, and Karen Heaton; and our Seventh through Ninth Graders are doing their OWL Program with co-facilitators: Maura Hart, Tori Constantine, Jeff McGlone, and Steve Jameson. All together 14 children from 12 families are participating in this exceptional program which will run through the end of April/early May. Thank you to all our co-facilitators for your excellent work and incredible commitment to guiding our children and youth in developing healthy, well-informed, compas-sionate, and respect-based attitudes and understanding of their developing sexuality and life values. Please contact Kelsey MacNamee or Susan Gregory-Davis if you are interested in learning more about the OWL Program and/or joining us on the OWL Ministry Team.

Also on the April schedule is our Monthly Pizza Pot-luck Supper for all our Young Parents/Families (with children and youth of any age!). Our next gathering will be on Friday, April 19! Join us for this gathering offering oodles of support for young parents! We begin with our family pizza time with your child/ren from 6-6:30pm, followed by a facilitated parent discussion from 6:30-7:30pm (free childcare offered during this time). Come with your joys, your struggles, your hopes, and your beloved children, as we celebrate the amazing work of parenting and share support for all its challenges! Please RSVP if you are able to join us! Invite friends! We look forward to welcoming you!

Faith Odyssey for our Seventh through Ninth graders: Susan and John are so looking forward to the next meeting for our students and mentors on Sunday, April 21st from 12:30-2pm. Pizza provided! We also look forward to Confirmation Sunday for our Faith Odyssey students on Sunday, May 5th!

And if you have a high school student in your family who is interested in gathering for our Senior Seekers time for support and fun, please let Susan or Kelsey know! We would love to be of support to your high schooler and friends during this important and challenging time in their lives!

So much to celebrate!! We look forward to sharing any and all of these spirit-filled activities with you and your children and youth this month!

WELCOMING and CARING MINISTRY

Thanks for the many people who helped to make the Easter Breakfast a reality again this year. There were many people who combined to make it a memorable event. Food was offered by Jeff McGlone, Kathy Wright, Laura and Ed Cousineau, and Diane Walker. Even in the snow, the Sunrise Service is beautiful. Anne Cragin helped with the set up.

Thanks to Kathy Wright, Laine Gillespie and Bill Chappelle, and Anne Cragin for providing food and clean up at Coffee Hour in March. There are open dates on the sign up for April Coffee Hours.

THE NEXT TWO GATHERING OPPORTUNITIES ARE A POTLUCK SHARING DINNER WITH JOHN AND SUSAN ON APRIL 12TH AT 6:00PM AND THE YOUNG FAMILIES DINNER ON APRIL 19TH AT 6:00PM. John and Susan are having potlucks this Spring as an opportunity to gather for reminiscing about their many years here. Their hope is to share many stories.

I will be calling people to ask for help with Coffee Hour and Ushering. Please say yes to help the Beloved Community! Lee and Evan Oxenham, Anne Cragin, Peter Nolette, Ed Cousineau and Kathy Wright helped with ushering in March.. MANY THANKS!!

If you would like to help with any of this please contact Kathy Wright at (603) 469-3235 or at home at (603) 675-5989.

HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US THIS APRIL!

Kathy Wright, Co-Coordinator of the Welcoming and Caring Ministry

Do you find a deep sense of 

joy and gratification

in reaching out and helping others? 

If so, Please join our

Church Caregivers Team!

Even if you have only a few minutes a month to write a short "thinking of you" or "get well" card, your loving care will be so appreciated by members of our church community. If you would rather make occasional phone calls or in-person home visits, there is a place for you on the Caregivers Team, too!!! Everyone is welcome to offer gifts of care with no effort ever too small! Our Team meets quarterly with the loving guidance of our Chair, Kathy Wright. If you are interested in joining or talking further, please contact Kathy at secretary@meridenucc.org or Susan (susan@meridenucc.org). We warmly welcome you to join in the very meaningful ministry of this small group with a BIG HEART! 

Our Church’s Upcoming Pastoral Transition:

A Loving Update for Members and Friends of the

Meriden Congregational Church

Dear Friends,

Each month between now and June our church newsletter will feature an update with current information on how our church is preparing for our pastoral transition prompted by the upcoming retirement of Susan & John. Written each month by our Co-Pastors or members of our church’s Leadership Ministry Team, you will be kept up to date on all relevant developments, as it is of utmost importance that the whole of our church family is vitally part of this time of transition. We are on this spiritual journey together and are here to support one another with faith, hope, and love! 

Please know that your questions and concerns are not only warmly welcomed but also needed, as each person’s input will help us more faithfully sojourn through these upcoming months. Thank you for being a loving and invaluable part of this special time in the life of our church family.  And please let us know how we can support you and your family as we grieve, celebrate, and give thanks for all we have experienced together these past twenty-eight years, all the while rejoicing that our steadfast and still-speaking God is lovingly companioning us every step of the way! 

With love from our Co-Pastors, Susan and John, and our Church Leadership Ministry Team—Bill Chappelle (Chair), Jill Marshall (Vice-Chair), Cindy Griffin, Melanie Henry, Gail Kinney, Kelsey MacNamee, Larissa Pyer, Cathy Rodriguez, Peter Nolette, Elaine Lenz, Lee Oxenham, Kathy Wright, Shawn Rogers, Ryan McGraw, and Shideko Terai.



Leadership Transition Update--April 2024



I hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter. As usual Susan and John provided us with a wonderful service, and the choir’s sound was buoyed by some voices from returning “kids” and visiting relatives invited to join us. And what a beautiful, resounding noise all of us created when we sang Handel’s “The Messiah.” John’s sermon reminded us to think of the gift of the resurrection as it applies to life in this world, not the next, and Susan introduced us to Hope and Faith, two lovely fish puppets who taught the child within us all that Easter is Jesus’ “rebirth” day.

Speaking of Hope and Faith, it is with those two emotions strongly in place that our Leadership submitted our “Request for Leadership During a Time of

Transition” to Sara Marean, Associate Minister from the New Hampshire

Conference of the UCC. We feel that we have given Sara a very clear picture of our church’s “DNA.” As John and Susan said after reviewing the document at our March leadership meeting, “This looks like a great church; maybe we should apply to work here!”

At our next leadership meeting on April 11, we will discuss our next steps. Sara will post our document and let us know of potential candidates for an interim or transitional pastoral position. We will then develop our process for meeting and interviewing candidates for the interim position. Exciting times!

Speaking of which, if you haven’t done so already, please RSVP to Jill Marshall about your attendance on the big weekend of June 1 and 2. Saturday will feature a secular celebration of Susan and John with lots of laughter, music, and good food, while Sunday will feature Susan and John’s final church service with us (also featuring laughter, music, and good food). Lots of planning going on for those two days, so we would like to have an idea of how many people are coming as soon as possible.

Exciting times, yes, but also slightly puzzling. If you’re confused about all of the emails flying around addressed to our Spiritual Family let me attempt to explain by sharing an email correspondence I had with long-time church and Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame member Betty Pardoe:

Betty: “I don’t remember the search being so involved when I was on the

committee for John. “

Bill: “We don't actually have a search committee for the interim, or transitional

pastor search. That hiring is done by the leadership team. Once we have an

interim in place we will form a search committee to find the "settled" pastor(s).

So, why are you seeing all of these names on emails? Well, a lot of people wan to be involved in the farewell weekend for Susan and John on June 1 and 2, and there is a whole separate committee for that, but most of the leadership team are both trying to plan the goodbye to Susan and John without giving away any surprises and find the interim to replace them. It's a lot! Thank God for Jill Marshall!”

Those of you who know Jill know what I mean!

Bill Chappelle, Leadership Chair

Report on the Transition of Pastoral Leadership

Music and Ministry April 2024

While the Easter sunrise service didn’t have a glorious burst of sunshine, the campfire, hosted by the Lewis family, gave all the warmth that was needed. The steam rising from the freshly baked bread and the singing of Morning Has Broken added to the joyous gathering. it was wonderful to see so many who came to celebrate on this early Easter morn.

We were so pleased to have our guest pianist Sarah Hill join us for the Easter service at 10:00. In addition to our regular choir we had several guests join us which gave our Easter choir a joyful sound so worthy of this special service! Glenn Griffin’s trumpet was a great addition as well!

Until Carol’s return on April 28th, we are happy to have Sarah Hill as our pianist on April 7th and 14th and Brenda Chien on April 21st. Glenn and Sarah will be performing a duet soon and other special music is planned for the next two months before John and Susan’s retirement. Planning is well under way for a memorable celebration of music on June 1st and 2nd!



Elaine Lenz for Ministry and Music

Tenderly Held  in our Hearts and Prayers

  Throughout this Eastertide,  we give joyous thanks for the caring and sharing which make this community of faith such a WELCOME home for all of us. So too do we celebrate with all those bearing new life, and pray with those yet hoping to conceive, or seeking to adopt a beloved child of God, even as we also pray for our friends in Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, and Zimbabwe, and all those living in such troubled lands as Gaza, Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Haiti, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, North Korea, Yemen, Nigeria, South Sudan, and the Congo. We pray for all immigrants & refugees seeking sanctuary & welcome throughout our world, that we may be among those who offer an oasis of hospitality & compassion within the kin-dom of God’s heart. And we pray too for our BIPoC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) friends and neighbors, seeking to build with them a world wherein “Black Lives Matter!”

         Likewise we pray for Dan Beaupre’; Penny Arcone’s son, Alex; Rosa Sousa;  Valerie Stender; Gail Kinney’s husband, John Murray;  Marianne McGraw’s friend, Jeff Gold; Betty Pardoe’; Peter Nolette’s brother, Michael; Rev. Greg Marshall, as well as Greg’s sister, Donna; Carol Hartman’s step-granddaughter, Alyssa, and Carols daughter-in-law, Michelle; Roger Burch’s sister-in-law’s family; Angie Hinton’s friend, Margaret Maxham; Connie Kousman’s grand-nephew, Graham, and Connie’s sister, Joyce; Larry Wolkin; Gina Marzilli-Ericson’s mother, Paula; Co-Pastor Susan’s mom, Betty Davis; Robyn & Bob Carpenter; Karen Sutton’s husband, Robert Sutton; Laine Gillespie’s friends, Josh & Perry;  Eric Heaton; Betty Walker; Penny Arcone’s friend, Dick Slubin; Beth Kopp’s father, Jim Kane; Joan Burch; Jody Schubert’s brother, Rick; Jim Schubert’s sister, Martha, and her daughter, Wendy; Joan Burch; Suzanne Lenz; Judy Croitoru; Chris Dye; Linda Perkins, as well as Lindas’ friends, Dorothy, Barbara, Albert, & Doug; Susan Turner’s cousin, Buddy Stevenson, and Sue’s friend, Barbara Zenker.

           So too do we pray for these members and friends of our faith community currently receiving treatment for cancer: Susan Pullen; Andrea Brown’s Uncle, Mike; Shideko Terais’ Uncle, Ted De Luca; Ryan McGraw’s co-worker’s mother, Jeannie Berube; Donna Beaupre’s cousin, Bill; Odile Clavier’s colleague; Christine Greenough’s friend, Karen;  Penny Arcone’s son, Anthony; Amaia Leach; Anne Cragin’s sister, Beth; Angie Hinton’s friend, Mickey LaHaye; Martha Zoerheide’s neighbor, John; Vicki Ramos-Glew’s mother, Carole Spencer; Juliette Hampton’s teacher, Melissa Thaxton; Bill & Laine’s neighbor, Barbara Gifford; Becky Luce; Laura Cousineau’s brother-in-law, Eric; Cecilia Hampton’s best friend Victoria’s mother, Bev; Sue Turner’s brother, Kurt, as well as Sue’s sister-in-law Bev, and Bev’s step-daughter, Sarah; Connie Kousman; Gail Kinney’s brothers, Charles & David; Linda Perkins’ friend, Linda Stone; Ed Foltyn; Robert Bryant; Jeff McNamara; Lauryn Moeller’s daughter-in-law, Lisa Rae Moeller; and  Kevin Ramos-Glew’s nephew, Duncan.

If you or someone you know would like a name to be added to our Prayer List, please let us know. In an effort to keep it as up-to-date as possible, please also let us know when you would like a name removed. 

Into God's Hands

  As gradually warming weather leads us to yearn for the new life of spring, so too have our hearts ached with the loss of dearly beloved friends and relatives of our faith community.

Our hearts go out to Amy & Thom Lappin, upon the loss of Amy’s mom, Sheila Spence, on Saturday—March 2^nd, 2024.

So too are our prayers are with the members and friends of the Third Church in Alstead,  as they grieve the sudden death of their beloved Pastor, Rev. Maureen Adams, on Monday—March 25^th, 2024.

And in recognition of how much a part of our lives our beloved pets become, we grieve with Suzanne Richardson the loss of her beloved canine companion, Zeus, and also with Pam & John Custer, and everyone who knew and loved their renowned therapy dog, Dewey. 

As each of these dearly departed ones have returned to the source of Love from which all life comes, may their families and loved ones be comforted with Love’s healing embrace in the midst of this time of mourning.

April Calendar

Hugging Is

Hugging is healthy. It helps the immune system, cures  depression, reduces stress and induces sleep.  It's  invigorating, rejuvenating and has no unpleasant side  effects

.

Hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug.      Hugging is all natural. It is organic, naturally sweet,  no artificial ingredients, non-polluting, environmentally  friendly and 100 percent wholesome.      

Hugging is the ideal gift. Great for any occasion, fun  to give and receive, shows you care, comes with its own  wrapping and, of course, fully returnable. 

Hugging is practically perfect. No batteries to wear  out, inflation-proof, non-fattening, no monthly payments,  theft-proof and nontaxable.

Hugging is an underutilized resource with magical  powers. When we open our hearts and arms we encourage others  to do the same.       

Think of the people in your life. Are there any words  you'd like to say? Are there any hugs you want to share? Are  you waiting and hoping someone else will ask first?

Please don't wait!   

Initiate!

By Charles Faraone

from Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul

Meriden Congregational Church Annual Meeting

Our 243rd Annual Meeting was held on Sunday--January 28th, 2024. A quorum of members was present both in person plus by zoom. The Reports were accepted and the budget was passed. Copies of the Annual Report and Ministry Spending Plan (Budget) are available both at the back of the church and on the Secretary's Desk. The officials elected and serving on our Leadership Ministry Team are:

Members of our Church Leadership Ministry Team:

Chair: Bill Chappelle

Vice-Chair/Clerk/ Stewardship: Jill Marshall

Worship & Music Ministry: Peter Nolette & Elaine Lenz

Welcoming and Caring Ministry: Kathy Wright & Lee Oxenham

Administration & Finance Ministry:  

Melanie Henry, Shawn Rogers, & Ryan McGraw

Outreach, Peace, & Justice Ministry: Shideko Terai

Worker Justice Minister: Rev. Dr. Gail Kinney:

Spiritual Formation Ministry: Larissa Pyer & Cathy Rodriguez

Spiritual Formation Coordinator: Kelsey MacNamee

Treasurer: Cindy Griffin

Assistant Treasurer(s):  

Kathy Wright, Evan Oxenham, & Steve Beaupre

Auditor:  Melanie Henry 

Faith Odyssey for Adults!!

“Wake Up Grateful:

The Transformative Practice of

Taking Nothing for Granted”

• Kristi Nelson

Continuing on Thursday -April 18th, 2024

at 4:00 PM and Friday May 3rd at 1:00 PM

at the home of Selden & Jan Lord

27 Serenity Drive, Cornish, NH

And on zoom here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86446806052?pwd=SjcvUGpiSXhQRllQWnBYbFg5UXppZz09 

Having just completed our study of Indigenous Kinship, we are now exploring together the spiritual practice and blessing of grateful living in and through all the challenges and joys of our lives.

MCC Movie Night: Reel Soul

In honor of Earth Day on April 22^nd,

all are enthusiastically invited to join us for

a special screening of:

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

Freedom Seder

Friday--April 26th @ 5:00 PM

With Passover beginning this year on Tuesday—April 23^rd, our Jewish Voices for Peace friends will be holding a “Freedom Seder” in our Parish House on Friday—April 26^th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.  More details about this moving and inspirational gathering will be forthcoming soon, but for now, we are all encouraged to mark our calendars and plan to attend if we can. The Freedom Seder is a wonderful expression of a Judaism that is joyous, politically progressive, environmentally conscious, and spiritually meaningful, rooted in tradition but innovative and welcoming to nonJews as well.

Report from Buildings and Grounds of MCC Administration

The following news was taken from the Annual Report of Administration and Finance

Projects Planned

After a couple years of searching, we have begun the process of trying to use an independent company or contractor for the facility and/or maintenance manager. Local contractor and part time facility manger for the Town of Plainfield, Brad Atwater has agreed to work for MCC at a small scale initially and potentially larger scale in the future. The MCC leadership group is excited to have the talent and knowledge base that Brad has to work for us. His initial projects will be addressing the safety concerns of the following:



1. Large Norway spruce and the exposed roots

2. Misplaced and unsafe granite steps to the sunken garden

3. Basement under slab plumbing drainage pipes

4. Sunken garden flooding problem annually

5. Architect code review interview process

6. On call services for John, Susan, Shawn and Summer Camp Staff

Shawn Rogers and Melanie Henry (Co-Coordinators)

REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT TREASURERS

. As of March 24 we have received $35,981 in pledge payments, We have received $680 in Plate payments. The monthly total was $36,661. All of these were for 2024. The amounts collected in this year so far are a total of $48,178. In addition $264 was raised for One Great Hour of Sharing.

Thanks for your donations!!

There have been stock payments that are not listed here. Thanks for all your contributions.

Kathy Wright

Jim Lenz

Pledges are still needed and Welcomed!!

Notes from the COVID Task Force

New Year//Old Worries//New Hopes

This little note was supposed to be a brief reminder about Covid from the Church’s COVID-19 Task Force. You already know it as the usual “mask-up, wash-hands, stay-home-if-you’re-sick” message. However, as I write my mood is tempered by the darker moments of recent months as well as dim hope for brighter thoughts for the coming year. 

A number of us are carrying around the weight of senseless wars and conflict, impending climate changes, worrisome Covid and myriad personal health challenges and, perhaps, an empty loneliness even in the midst of loving, supportive family, friends and this beloved church community. (Spoiler alert—I’ll give no quick fixes below, just a point or two for your reflection.)

In December 2023 the men’s group pondered some wise sayings of the Jewish Rabbi/philosopher Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972). One particular sentence read: “...[M]orally speaking, there is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings, that indifference to evil is worse than evil itself, that in a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible.” We had some fun with this thought—yes, “fun” as in playing with Heschel’s words to extrapolate the meaning of “responsibility” for all of us. 

Our men’s group (what goes on in men’s group stays in men’s group) tapped into some of the seriousness of our world. That night I think we walked away richer for our discussion. It was a good way the begin the holidays, though I won’t (can’t) say more.

So now we’re in the post-Christmas time and this morning I opened an on-line site and read a late Advent blog: “Advent affords us the time to remember the birth of the historical Jesus and to remember his life as showing us how to live. In that memory is hope, a hope that expands its fulfillment in the yet-to-be cosmic event….” 

The blogger remarked on a silk screened poster by 1960’s graphic artist Corita Kent, who captures this pending moment well. Quoting words variously attributed either to Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel or to the personalist French philosopher Gabriel Marcel, Kent created a colorful graphic, making a characteristic personal addition to the quote,

“Hope is the memory of the future”

... have a hand in it.

Kent’s contemporary addition of “have a hand in it” seems to harken back to the Heschel notion of “responsibility” for and to the world. We have it in our very own hands to start the needed change and to set aright for the future.

Covid’s assaults, the threats of ongoing wars, enduring injustices, constant climate degradation and their companions are not going away. The usual call to “mask-up, wash-hands, stay-home-if-you’re-sick” message may work for individuals trying to avoid Covid. Yet for the rest of the above crises maybe each of us should all adopt the counter strategy “speak-up, hands-on, take-to-the-streets” as our responsible, hopeful new communal mantra for 2024.

Ed Cousineau for the MCC Covid 19 Task Force

APRIL

BIRTHDAYS

4/1      Beckett Eastman

4/2        Marcia Copperswaite

4/2      John Yacavone

4/2      Cindy LaFlam

4/2         Taylor Williams

4/6         Jed Wilbur

4/6      Zoey Houde-Crane

4/7      Natalie Ruppertsberger

4/7         Reed Brozen

4/7      Virginia Sraeel

4/11     Graham Brooks

4/12     Bryden Nugent

4/13       Noah Herfort

4/13     Rodney Wendt

4/13     Warren Calderone

4/13     Griffin Fischer Alberts

4/15     James (Beau) McGraw

4/15     Bobby Annis

4/15       Johanna Schafer

4/16     Harold Clark

4/16     Steve Robinson

4/17       David Carver

4/17      Yesenia Araya

4/17       Bob Bucklin

4/18     Betty Pardoe

4/19      Alexandra Parsons

4/20       Mike Schafer

4/20       David Sneiderman

4/20      Michelle Sneiderman

4/21     Elaine Lenz

4/21      Caitlyn Howell

4/21     Heleno Ramiro Costa

4/22     Andile Muhlauri

4/22     Betsy Beck

4/22      Carter Williams

4/22     John “Jack” Richard Morton

4/23       Austin James Currier

4/24       Lisa Elder

4/24     Macsen Elkouh

4/24      Hunter Townsend

4/25     Jasmine Hardy

4/25     Jan Timmons

4/25     Lindsay Anikis

4/25     Becky Luce

4/26     Christina Robinson

4/26     Susan Yacavone

4/27     Deborah Chapman

4/27       Kaylee Rogers

4/28       Ursula Herfort

4/28     Grace Kindeke

4/28     Eva Castillo

4/29     Karyn Swett

4/30     Alyssa Reetz

4/30       Svia Araya Russman

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

4/8     Shawn and Robert Phelps

4/15   Andrea and Brandon Feid

4/20   David and Michelle Sneiderman

4/20   Bob and Carla Bucklin

4/21   Carol and Mike Hartman

4/25   Susan and John Yacavone 

CELEBRATING OUR 244th Birthday!!

 HONORING OUR PAST / EMBRACING OUR FUTURE

 Recalling that our church was founded on May 2^nd, 1780,

we shall once again celebrate

Our Annual

Founders’ day Anniversary

Sunday--May 5^th  , 2024

         As always,  we look forward to this annual celebration of both the past we so cherish, and the future we eagerly anticipate as a spiritual family. A special part of this year’s festivities will be the confirmation of the youth who have been sharing their Faith Odyssey with us for the past few years. 

           Thus are we all invited to gather, whether in person, or on-line from far and near, to celebrate this 244^th birthday of our faith community, both to rejoice with each other in the many gifts that we have offered and received through our connection with our “brave little church” here on the Meriden hilltop, and likewise to envision and dream about all that our Beloved Community may yet become!  

Outreach News

Outreach, Peace, and Justice

Ministry Teams

News for April 2024 

"The way to heal the soul of the nation is to pass policies that heal the body of the nation. It’s the just thing to do. That’s how we as a nation can move forward together"  ~Rev. Dr. William J. Barber 

OUTREACH

Listen Community Dinners Meriden Congregational Church has offered the commitment to prepare and serve dinners the FIRST Thursdays of the odd-numbered months. The next date is May 2nd. If you know of anyone, including the broader community, who would be interested, please text, phone or email Shideko Terai. 603-252-7898 The director, Larry Lowndes has discontinued the use of the volunteer hub; therefore, Shideko will send out a notice a week beforehand to seek volunteers. Many thanks to Ed Cousineau, Anne Cragin, Martha Zoerheide, and Linda Leone for volunteering in March. 

Claremont Soup Kitchen Bill Chapelle continues to lead volunteer participation at the Claremont Soup Kitchen on the fourth Saturday of every month and this slot covers the hours 2-5:30 PM. No cooking experience necessary. April 27th is the next opportunity. “We always have a lot of fun. Your Saturday night begins with a good feeling that you have given nice people a delicious meal.” ~Bill Chapelle

JUSTICE

Economic Justice 

Please read Rev. Dr. Gail Kinney’s article below. Also, please urge passage of the PRO Act as detailed below.

Social Justice 

"There are millions of poor people in this country who have very little, or even nothing, to lose. If they can be helped to take action together, they...will be a new and unsettling force..." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Immigrant Justice

Our church is a member of the NH Immigrant Solidary Network. Organizations include GSOP, AFSC, and clergy. It is interfaith and non-partisan. Please contact John if you would like to get involved.

Climate Justice

Please see multiple Earth Day related opportunities described below.

Racial Justice /Antiracism

   A few years ago our church formed a Racial Justice Ministry Team that has been guiding us in learning about the ways in which systemic racism and white supremacy undergird so much of our history and identity. Now, in keeping with the call of our denomination, the United Church of Christ, to become an antiracist church, our Racial Justice ministry team has evolved our name to become the Antiracism Ministry Team.  

    One of the ways that our Church Leadership recently chose to live more fully into our antiracism commitment is through declaring ourselves to be an "Apartheid-Free" congregation, thereby affirming our theological and moral conviction that "ALL people are equal and should be treated with dignity and respect." We expect to share soon opportunities for education and action in fulfillment of this commitment.

With a particular focus upon the oppression of the Palestinian people, this commitment is in keeping with the national Resolution calling for a Just Peace Between Israel and Palestine which our church co-sponsored. Seeking to be in solidarity especially with the people of war-ravaged Gaza,  let us continue urging Senators Hassan and Shaheen, as well as Representative Kuster, and President Biden, to call for a CeaseFire NOW!  

    Our weekly BLACK LIVES MATTER Vigils continue on Wednesday afternoons, from 4:30 to 5:00 PM, and all are welcome to join us anytime.

In solidarity and hope, 

Shideko Terai (she/her), Outreach, Peace & Justice Coordinator

text or phone 603-252-7898, email shideko.terai@gmail.com

America has a history of banning Black studies. We can learn from that past (Derecka Purnell, The Guardian) - “This history is important because it helps us realize that today’s book banning efforts belong to a broader political backlash to the current Black liberation movement that started with the murder of Trayvon Martin in 2012. The ideas and demands that Black people, and all people, deserve freedom from police violence, deserve quality housing, deserve universal healthcare, deserve a world that has different problems from what Dr. King identified as the triple evils of racism, capitalism and militarism. It is no accident that these ideas are found in the very same books that prisons ban, including mine. Prison officials, politicians and rightwing pundits target knowledge found in critical race theory because they know that theory leads to action for people who care about love, liberty and justice. They want to stop people from being inspired to fight for better lives.”

A Note from our Environmental Justice Team--

Ecumenical Earth Day Service:

Real Faith in a Synthetic World

Friday--April 19^th @ 12:00 PM

Drawing on resources from Creation Justice Ministries' Earth Day Sunday resource, Plastic Jesus: Real Faith in a Synthetic World, this service will lead participants into a time of contemplation and prayer while considering the prophetic actions we might take on behalf of God's creation. Rev. Caleb Haynes, author of Garbage Theology, will preach and the service will include new music commissioned for the Earth Day resource.



Join us online for this ecumenical service of music, prayer, and preaching to celebrate creation!

Register Here:

https://secure.everyaction.com/qm6xq8n31USJflpfWwKlqg2?emci=a7fbe2af-38f0-ee11-aaf0-002248223794&emdi=46d07f0c-0af1-ee11-aaf2-002248223353&ceid=1457400

Second Annual UCC Earth Day Summit!

Saturday—April 20^th @ 1:00 PM 

 The theme this year is “Energy from Heaven or Energy from Hell.”  This two and a half hour summit will feature celebrated author and climate activist, Bill McKibben, along with a panel of grassroots leaders in a David vs. Goliath struggle against one of the world’s largest plastic producers. Even if you cannot make the event at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. 

Register at:

https://ucc.zoom.us/webinar/register/1217026585830/WN_rYyzeGCVSIiQ_kNEH5DPQg?inf_contact_key=1e0cb2cd3efcfd9d9fe2d630f3e2f479d18a532c4142cb79caf2b269de1401fa#/registration

SUNDAY--APRIL 21st, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION for all earthlings.

Meetinghouse Green if nice, or at the Store if not.

Cornish Flat

*) Beginning at noon we’ll picnic. Bring chairs and a plastic-free picnic. Not an easy task! But try.

*) Then at 1 pm, E-Bike demo and bike (any kind) ride, from 1-2pm. 

*) A Drum circle will begin at 2 pm. For anyone to try. We’re mostly beginners! Bring any percussion instruments to play and share.

*) From start to finish, there will be a few children’s activities. Bring your extra plants to give away to new homes. We will divide and pot as we explore ideas for 2025.

For more info, please call Nancy Wightman at, 603-542-4813

Faithful Resilience Webinar:

Culture of Preparedness

Thursday--April 25^th , 2024 @ 6:00 PM

      This webinar is part of the “Faithful Preparedness, Faithful Resilience” Webinar Series. In this session, SBP will discuss the importance of creating a culture of preparedness at the individual, community, state, and federal levels. Throughout this session, participants will learn how to better identify, understand, and reduce disaster exposure. 

Steve Beaupre' faithfully rings our church bell

each Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 PM as a clarion call to

our Community BLACK LIVES MATTER Vigil

Thank you, Steve!!

 We are continuing our Showing Up for Racial Justice BLACK LIVES MATTER Vigils each Wednesday afternoon, now happening from 3:30 to 4:30 PM on the SouthWest corner of the intersection of Rte 120 & Main Street (at the blinking traffic light). We have “BLACK LIVES MATTER” signs available for folk to hold, but please feel free to make and/or bring your own signs.

  Come join us in “showing up for racial justice,” and Standing for  LOVE, and AGAINST racism, white supremacy, hatred, and violence, here in our community and beyond!  Together, let us publicly declare that we will NOT be complicit in white terror, and let us call our friends and neighbors to rise up with us in our resolute affirmation of the inherent and sacred value of us all within Beloved Community. 

STATE

Rep. Margaret Drye

1136 Rt. 12A

Plainfield, NH 03781

Phone: 603-675-9159

Email: margaret.dry@leg.state.nh.us

Rep. Bill Palmer

603-675-2117

Email wpalmernh@gmail.com

Sen. Suzanne Prentiss

Legislative Office Building, Room 102

33 State Street

Concord, NH 03301

Phone: 603-271-3092

Email: Suzanne.Prentiss@leg.state.nh.us