Meriden Congregational Church Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 2024

Volume 7 Number 9

www.meridenucc.org

603-469-3235

secretary@meridenucc.org

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

• Leadership Transition Updates - We Will Welcome an Interim Pastor in October! And additional transition notes
• Leadership Team Listing and Points of Contact
• September Calendar
• Special Events:

September 14th - 3:00pm - MCC Young Parents Group Playdate

September 20th - 6:00pm - Welcome & Caring Potluck

Church Retreat at Horton Center - Sept. 27-29

• New Church Directory Available
• Assistant Treasurer's Report
• Outreach, Peace and Justice News
• September Birthdays and Anniversaries
• Prayer List, Into God's Hands
• New Child of God

We Will Welcome Our Interim Pastor, Rev. Dr. David Felton, in October!

Your MCC Leadership Team joyfully announces that we have invited Reverend Dr. David Felton to join us as our Interim Pastor, and Pastor Felton has accepted that call!! Pastor Felton has a wealth of experience in interim ministry, from around the nation and New Hampshire. He is currently living in Indiana and will be moving into the parsonage sometime in the middle or end of September. His first official day on board will be Tuesday October 1, and he is very excited about his first service with us occurring on Sunday October 6, which is World Wide Communion Day. 

Everyone on the Leadership Team could tell you a lot about David, but I think I will let some of his references do the talking.

“He has an easy-going nature but ensured that people stayed on task. He has an ease of ability to work across differences. His demeanor ensured a positive outcome.”

"He has a way of turning co-workers into family. He was able to relate to everyone."

"I know I learned from his wisdom and experience. He was a gift from God during the time he was in South Dakota, as he was successful in returning the church land back to the Tribes within the Dakota Association. Your congregation would be blessed to have him as an Interim Pastor.”

"David's work with our Native American Dakota Association accomplished many goals others had written off years ago as unattainable."

And current NH Conference Minister Gordon Rankin, who worked closely with David in both South Dakota and New Hampshire: "It was a blessed time together."

Bill Chappelle, Leadership Chair

Notes About Our Time in Transition

As an extended Spiritual Family, we look forward to the arrival of our Interim Pastor, the Rev. Dr. David Felton, as he officially begins his ministry with us on October 1. Meanwhile, a consensus seems to be emerging that we should continue to worship in the Parish House during September in more informal but still deeply spiritual surroundings, thus reserving October 6th for our "grand return" to the church sanctuary for Pastor Felton's first service, glorious music from our choir, and more! We encourage ALL, including our young people, to join in our September Sundays whenever possible. Don't forget to READ YOUR EMAIL messages from the MCC as details emerge!

Yes, we are in a time of pastoral transition these days, but our work as a congregation has not missed a beat and, in some ways, seems busier than ever. The Parsonage has been humming with "preparing-for-a-new-pastor" activity. The Church Camp was filled with the sounds of child joy as campers were guided and nurtured by an extraordinary staff. The Leadership Team, ably led by the talented "Bill and Jill duo," spent countless hours in preparing for our church's future. People gathered for "welcome and caring potlucks" and for inspirational worship that included enthusiastic discussion - and more! It feels impossible to name all those who have been a part of ensuring that the MCC remains an active and vibrant church community, but I do want to convey my affection and profuse gratitude to the individuals who stepped forward to offer very meaningful worship opportunities during June, July and August: Lee and Evan Oxenham, Ed and Laura Cousineau, Juliette Hampton, Bill Chappelle, Kathy Wright, Jerry Diamond, and Glenn Robinson. Our cup runneth over with spiritual gifts!

In the words of the Labor community, we are "Stronger Together!"

Gail Kinney, Worker Justice Minister

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: 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

SUMMER LEADERSHIP COVERAGE

Points of Contact for Leadership Areas

Administration: Kathy Wright, (Church Leadership Team)

Church email: secretary@meridenucc.org; church office: 469-3235; Email: kathywright@myfairpoint.net; home phone: 675-5989 or text 603-543-7663 Kathy Wright has office hours at the church every Wednesday 1-2:30 and Friday 1-2:30 (except for the first week in September)

Pastoral Coverage: Rev. Gail Kinney

Email: uniongale@aol.com; cell phone: 603-381-7324

Available for emergency and ongoing pastoral care needs

Kathy Wright can also contact Gail as needed

If you have a pastoral care need (or know someone who does), please contact Kathy Wright (see contact info above)

Building & Grounds: Shawn Rogers, (Church Leadership Team)

Email: straightedge-arch@comcast.net; home phone: 603-790-8040;

cell phone: 603-558-9351.        

Financial Transactions: Cindy Griffin, Church Treasurer

Church email: treasurer@meridenucc.org;

Email: csvensen1s@gmail.com; cell phone: 203-209-0922

Church Leadership/General Inquiries:

Bill Chappelle, Leadership Team Chair

Email: chappellebill@gmail.com

 Jill Marshall, Leadership Team Vice Chair

Email: Jill@meridenucc.org

September Calendar

Autumn Tree

WELCOMING and CARING MINISTRY

The Caregivers Committee would like to explore starting a "NEW PARENTS' BAG" for the New Mothers and Fathers in our midst. If you would like to be part of the planning, email secretary@meridenucc.org.

THE NEXT GATHERING OPPORTUNITY IS A POTLUCK SHARING DINNER ON SEPTEMBER 20TH AT 6:00PM IN THE PARISH HOUSE. I will plan to bring a pot of Chilli. Bring something to share or just bring yourself.

Our summer services in the Parish House around the circle table are continuing for September. (See Calendar)

HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US THIS SEPTEMBER!

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

Rev. Gail Kinney and Carol Hartman at Parish House Summer Service

MCC Young Families September Meet-ups

Saturday September 14 - 3:00pm at Plainfield School

Meet us at the playground to get some Saturday wiggles out. If the weather is rainy, we will meet in the basement of the Parish House.

Larissa Pyer

For Spiritual Formation Ministry

larissa.pyer@gmail.com

Save the Date!

The Fall Church Retreat IS Happening this Year!

September 27-29 at Horton Center

This year the Horton Center Retreat in the White Mountains is being organized by Larissa Pyer, Odile Clavier, Emma Greenough and Richard Atkinson. Save the date and plan to stay overnight for this fun get away!

More Information Below!

FALL CHURCH RETREAT

The Fall Church retreat will be held from September 27-29. A group has been hard at work planning for this weekend for a month now. If you haven’t been on this retreat in the past you have been missing a wonderful weekend full of relaxation and good companionship. We are at the point where we would like to have an idea of how many people will be attending. If you are interested

please contact me at realuddite@gmail.com. This is not a firm

commitment at this point but it will give us an idea of how many to

plan for.



The weekend is an unstructured time that allows you to do whatever you want; hiking, relaxing, reading, napping, etc. You are free to do whatever you want. The only planned activity is Sunday morning worship at Chapel Rock, which has a beautiful view of Mt.Washington. There are rustic accommodations including cabins with bathrooms and showers. No sleeping on the cold, hard ground. For the adventurous there are two lean-tos to sleep in. Shared meals are Saturday night and Sunday morning. Please consider attending this year. You will be glad you did.

Richard Atkinson

The New 2024 MCC Directory of Members and Friends is Ready

Get your copy in the Church Office or email secretary@meridenucc.org to have your copy mailed to you.

Corrections to the New Directory are as follows: The email for Cindy Swensen Griffin should be  CSvensen1s@gmail.com.. Richard Atkinson's new email is realuddite@gmail.com and his phone is 223-357-9493. Also please add *Glenn Robinson, 328 Main St. Suite 101, Newport VT 05855 phone 802-274-8571.

Continuing in SEPTEMBER, Kathy Wright, Our Secretary/Administrator will hold Weekly Office Hours for Questions/Information

It makes sense to me to have office hours after the first week in September (when I am on vacation) every Wednesday 1 - 2:30 pm and Friday 1-2:30 pm. I plan to be in the church office at (603-469-3235)

Report of the Assistant Treasurers

 As of August 15th we have received $630 in pledge payments, We have received $260 in Plate payments. The monthly total was $890. All of these were for 2024. The amounts collected this year so far are a total of $80,301.

Thanks for your donations!!

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

Kathy Wright, Jim Lenz

Notes from the COVID Task Force

Here at Meriden Congregational Church this summer we’re still standing vigilant. And you should be too. Nothing beyond the simple norms we’ve established and then thoughtfully evolved through the intervening years. Our church will continue to make available masks and hand-sanitizers. Plus, it's easy to heed this tried and true wisdom:

If you feel unwell—just stay home. 

Stay “boosted” and “current” as best you can.

           Consider a mask when you’re in a crowd.

                      Wash your hands frequently.

The Church Leadership Team and the MCC Covid-19 TF will be ready to review new information should any new circumstances warrant.

Ed Cousineau

For the MCC Covid-19 Task Force

PEACE, JUSTICE AND OUTREACH

Peace, Justice and Outreach

Ministry Team

News for September 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 September 5th at 2:30pm. 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.

Claremont Soup Kitchen Bill Chapelle continues to lead volunteer participation at the Claremont Soup Kitchen on the fourth Saturday of every month. This slot covers the hours 2-5:30 PM. No cooking experience necessary. September 28th is the next opportunity. Please let Bill know if you are able to assist. (chappellebill@gmail.com)

“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

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.

Crop Walk

Save the Date--Saturday October 13th at 1:00 pm for the Upper Valley Crop Walk. Our church supports this fund raising effort to end hunger locally and overseas.

Immigrant Justice

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

Climate Justice

Anyone who may have missed our viewing of the powerful environmental justice film, "Common Ground," is encouraged to reach out to Lee Oxenham to borrow and view what this film reveals as to how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late.

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."

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

September

BIRTHDAYS

9/1         Olivia Jameson

9/2         Amanda Arcone

9/2         Davi Ramiro Araujo

9/2         Glenn Griffin

9/3         Murray Dewdney

9/3         Amber Castell

9/4         Dorothy Mori

9/4         Laura Dintino

9/4         Sebastian Keen

9/4         Matt Catabriga

9/5         William Hoffman

9/6         Richard Atkinson

9/7        Megan Hartman

9/7         Allen Rogers

9/7        Cooper Williams

9/7        Tobias Marzilli-Ericson

9/8         Len Saunders

9/9        Bailey Sibert

9/9         Lindsay Pullen

9/10       Ryker Beaupre

9/10      Tyler Cooper Gammen

9/11       Calvin Ramos-Glew

9/11       Ashley Inman

9/12       Kevin Filiault

9/14       Jim Taylor

9/14        Bill Cable

9/15       Julie Haskell

9/15       Karen Anikis

9/15      Brennan Bond

9/16       Scrib Fauver

9/17       Emily Robbins

9/17       Jim Ouellette

9/18       Kate Evarts

9/18      Marcella Hay

9/20       Steve Bishop

9/20      Delaney Croke

9/21       Doug Chapman

9/21       Dan Dewey

9/22       Nicholas Robbins

9/22       Anya Rendall

9/23       Alieke Feid

9/23       Kaitlin Chamley

9/23       Cory Healy

9/24       Liz Taylor

9/24       Tyler Dewdney

9/24       Greg Stender

9/26       Morgan Dewdney

9/27       Mara Castell

9/28       Lily Borchert

9/28       Judy Houde Hardy

9/28       Nancy Filiault

9/28       Cynthia Howe

9/28       Ross Wood

9/28       Andy Inman

9/30       Cooper Hardy

9/30       Jackson Davies

9/30       Alicia Goodwin



SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

9/1                Kevin and Vicki Ramos-Glew

9/4              Susan and Lewis Greenstein

9/6             Judy Houde Hardy and Gregory Hardy

9/6              Wendy and Ken Johnson

9/10             Alex Jameson & Kori Griffin

9/11            Clara and Kevin McNamara

9/12            Susan and Richard Pullen

9/17            Terry and Dan Dewey

9/19            Heather and Brian Giaccone

9/20            Sandy and Jim Ouellette

9/21            Sarah and Mert Hastings

9/24            Susan Sanzone and Scrib Fauver

9/26             Kimberly Henry & Scott House

9/27             Jeff and Jordan Sraeel

9/28            Karen and Stephen Jameson

9/29             Hilarie Schubert and Jeremy Warren

9/30            Susan and Allan Reetz

Into God's Hands

  As summer ends and harvest begins, so too have our hearts ached with the loss of dearly beloved friends and relatives of our faith community.

We pray for Selden and Jan Lord and Selden's brother, Larry Lord as they mourn the death of Larry's wife, Jill Lord on August 16th after a long illness.

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.

A New Child of God!

We rejoice with Elise Dunn and Trevor McGraw, along with proud big brother Elliott, upon the July 2nd birth of River Andrew McGraw.

If you would like to volunteer to be part of the meal train for the Dunn/McGraw family, please let Larissa Pyer of the MCC Young Family Group know (larissa.pyer@gmail.com).



Welcome to the world, River!

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