Here it is--Volume 7, Issue 1 of our e-mail Newsletter!

FEATURED IN THIS NEWSLETTER

PASTORAL PONDERINGS--"Another World is Possible!"

Monthly Update on our Church's Pastoral Transition

Worship & Music Ministry News

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

Welcoming and Caring Ministry

• Christmas Smiles!
• Invitation to Join our Church Caregiving Ministry Team

JANUARY CALENDAR of EVENTS in the Life of our Spiritual Family

Vision / Annual Meeting Sunday--January 28th, 2024

Spiritual Formation for Adults

• Restoring the Kinship Worldview Study
• Reel Soul "Rustin"

Administration & Finance News

• Report of Projects planned for 2024
• Report of the Assistant Treasurers
• Stewardship Progress thus far
• COVID-19 Task Force Update

Poem of the Month--"A Christmas Card" by Nancy Chapman Elliot

January Birthdays & Anniversaries

"Prepared to Serve" Workshops--Saturday, February 24th, 2024

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

*UCC Programs, Resources, and Events

Antiracism Ministry

*Equal Justice Initiative "History of Racial Injustice" 2024 Calendars

*Calling for CeaseFire NOW!

*Continuing Black Lives Matter Vigils on Wednesdays @ 3:30 PM

Legislator Contact Information

Revs. John & Susan Gregory-Davis,

Co-Pastors

Meriden Congregational Church

603-469-3235

john@meridenucc.org

susan@meridenucc.org

secretary@meridenucc.org 

www.meridenucc.org

“Where do we go from here?

Our survival depends upon our ability to stay awake (woke,)

to adjust to new ideas,

to remain vigilant,

and to face the challenge of change”

-      Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Even though it’s really no different than any other day, somehow the first day of a new year often feels momentous to us, as we find ourselves both reflecting back upon the year just ended, as well as wondering “where we go from here” as we begin our journey throughout this new year just begun. And in many ways, this is especially true this year both for our nation, and for our “brave little church” here on the hilltop. As a nation rent by so much painful and dangerous division, the decisions we shall make this year about policies and persons to guide and shape our lives loom large and ominous before us.  

  And as a spiritual family, we are facing the most significant change in 30 years in our shared lives together, likely arousing anxiety within all of us, albeit perhaps in different ways, as to what the unfolding of this year holds for us. We know so well what we have cherished about the life and love we have shared thus far, and we are understandably grieving the loss of this shared experience. And we know so little about what comes next, whether for us as we begin our retirement, or for all of you as you begin new pastoral relationships with whomever offers you new spiritual companionship. 

         In the words of a song shared at our wedding nearly a decade before we became your Co-Pastors, most of us truly are “travelling down a road we’ve never seen before” making it hard fully “to trust the smile on future’s face.” The good news, both for our nation, and for our lives, is that “another world IS possible” and indeed is beckoning to us. But the world God intends, of Beloved Community both among ourselves, and for our neighbors near and far, needs our active re-imagining of the inclusive and affirming love we choose for ourselves and for each other. As our Leadership Chair, Bill Chappelle, writes in his article in this newsletter, we really will be alright, largely because we have each other for both en-couragement and support. 

         Although our departure is a disruption for us all, it is also an opportunity for new possibilities yet to be revealed and embraced. And especially as so many throughout our land have forgotten that what unites us is far more important than all that threatens to divide us, how critically important remains our shared ministry of “transforming lives as a compassionate community,” both through defending the rights and lives of those most vulnerable among us, and through transforming the walls dividing us into bridges connecting us with and for each other. 

         Thus as we begin this next chapter in the adventure of our lives, may we resolve to be gentle and tender with each other, treasuring both our memories from so many beautiful years spent together, as well as mindfully and heartfully savoring each and every moment yet to come, while likewise trusting that the love which has blessed us this far along our way shall continue to ensure that all shall be well in the days and years of the future yet awaiting us. May we laugh and cry, pray and play, live and love large and well, inspired by the vision of Rivera Sun in her prophetic novel, “The Dandelion Insurrection,” to “be kind, connected, and unafraid” in our efforts to midwife the new world our faith assures us is possible through re-imagining the revolutionary love at the heart of what it means to share Beloved Community together. 



Praying that God may bless us everyone,

As we travel the "Joyful Path" before us,

Your loving Co-Pastors,

John & Susan

“Transforming Lives as a Compassionate Community:

ReImagining Love”

OUR SUNDAY

FAITH COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS IN January

(In Person and on Zoom,

in the Sanctuary,

with masks optional)

January 7th @ 10:00 AM

Epiphany Sunday

An Intergenerational Service for All Ages celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany and sharing Communion together, followed by enjoying Epiphany Cakes made by Odile Clavier, along with Holiday Punch!

January 14th @ 10:00 AM

Second Sunday of Epiphany

The Baptism of Jesus

Join us as we baptize Jack Rogers (son of Kaylee, and grandson of Shawn & Erin), while reflecting on the words Jesus heard at his Baptism--these words we all long to hear, "You are my beloved child with whom I am well pleased!" How might our lives, and our world, be different, if all that we say and do were guided by this liberating affirmation?!

January 21st @ 10:00 AM

Third Sunday of Epiphany

Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday!

Come be inspired once again by the prophetic and pastoral message of Dr. King who continues to call us, as people of faith, to be the Beloved Community! Come join us as we reflect on the timeless message of this prophet of our time.

January 28th @ 10:00 AM

Fourth Sunday of Epiphany

2024 Vision and Annual Meeting Sunday! Come join us in cyberspace for this special Sunday when we gather to give thanks to God for the blessings God has entrusted us with in the year past and in the new year to come! Directly following our service, everyone is warmly invited to remain for our church's 243rd Annual Meeting! We look forward to "seeing" you there, either in person or on screen!

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 New Year to all our children, youth and families as we begin this brand new year of 2024 together!!! We are excited about the opportunities planned for our church families, children and youth during this month of January. Please join us for any and all activities that you and your family are interested in!

Children’s Spirit Circles: These are the special times for our school aged children (kindergarten through grade 6) on Sunday mornings from 10:20-11:15am and on two Thursday afternoons per month. Our Thursday afternoons this month are January 11th and 25th from 3:15-4:30pm. Our Spirit Circles are held either outdoors on the grounds of the church or in the parish house. During these times, Kelsey MacNamee--Spiritual Formation Coordinator for Children, Youth, and Families—or our Co-Pastor Susan Gregory-Davis, offer thoughtful and fun children’s program highlighting the spiritual values we wish to support in our children’s development, such as kindness, compassion, inclusion, openness, peace, justice, reverence for nature, joy, and love. Based on the Joyful Path curriculum (created by the Center for Progressive Christianity), each interactive session includes community building, “Prayers & Blessings,” story-telling (drawing on wisdom resources from around the world, an engaging activity, and a snack! We look forward to sharing these special times with your children! (Parents/guardians are always welcome to participate, too!).

Sunday Morning Messages “For the Child within us All!”: Each Sunday morning during our 10am service when children are present, Kelsey and/or Susan look forward to sharing an engaging message for your child/ren! Following this time during the service, the children will begin their Spirit Circle time. Join us for this time created specifically for your child/ren as they are exploring and developing their inner spiritual resources that will nourish and support them their whole lives long.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) Lifespan Sexuality Education Program: This winter and spring, we will be offering OWL for our Kindergartners/First Graders, Fourth through Sixth Graders and Seventh through Nineth Graders (and possibly our Second and Third Graders, depending on interest and facilitator availability). We are in our 20th year of offering this tremendous program through our church! We hope you and your family will join us for this unique opportunity to support our children and youth in developing healthy, well-informed, compassionate, and respect-based attitudes and understanding of their developing sexuality. The Parent/Caregiver and Child/Youth Orientation for these three upcoming programs will be held on Sunday, January 21st from 10:30am-Noon. Please contact Susan Gregory-Davis if your family is interested in participating and/or for more information. And please spread the word about OWL to families in our wider community! Everyone is welcome to take part in this exceptional program--a spiritually-based but non-religious program that . 

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, January 12th! Join us for this monthly 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, January 7th from 12:30-2pm. Pizza provided!

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!! Especially you and your family!!! We look forward to sharing any and all of these spirit-filled activities with you and your children and youth in this New Year!!!

WELCOMING and CARING MINISTRY

Our Dessert Auction was a success as well as great fun for the participants. We raised over $1100. Thanks to all who offered and/or bid on the desserts

Thanks to John and Susan Gregory-Davis, Kathy Wright, Anne Cragin, Christine Heins, Carol Hartman, Lee Oxenham, Penny Arcone and Elaine Lenz who provided food for December Coffee hours and the Church Open House. Thanks also go to Lee Oxenham and Donna Beaupre for giving the kitchen a thorough deep cleaning. A new floor for the kitchen was installed on December 27th!! Thanks to Lee Oxenham for arranging this!! We even have our dish washer and stoves back. It is a pleasure to work in a clean kitchen.

The outstanding news for the Welcoming and Caring Ministry is that Lee Oxenham has agreed to be co chair of this Ministry with Kathy Wright. Yes, it is possible to find new, enthusiastic leaders. If you have ideas you wish to put into action for our fellowship, discuss them with me or Lee Oxenham.

In December Diane and Mark Walker, Steve and Karen Jameson, Ed Cousineau, Steve and Donna Beaupre were ushers in church. Thanks for helping the ministers do their jobs. It takes many people to build the community and to make our fellowship strong. 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 DECEMBER

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

  Christmas Smiles 2023 

The Christmas Smiles season is officially completed for 2023! All of the ribbons and tags, packages, boxes, and bags were delivered to Claremont on Monday, December 4th. Thank you all who helped make this project a success as we connect with our Claremont neighbors through the Kiwanis Cares Project. Heartfelt thanks for the good cheer, generous participation, and coordination that it takes to make this mission a success! 

This year MCC met the gift requests of 55 individuals. Our congregation collected $500 in cash and/or check donations, which went toward the purchasing of some of the gifts that were posted both in the Sanctuary in November and online through the digital form. There were also 3 gift cards which helped buy additional gifts, one of which went directly to a recipient to supplement a gift that was a little tricky to fulfill. And lots and lots of gifts were thoughtfully and lovingly filled, then delivered to the Parish House. There was also a wonderful collection of wrapping paper and bows for families to use to wrap the gifts as they celebrate Christmas with their families. Thank you for those generous donations, from both near and far! We also had new folks who joined the Christmas Smiles team (all are welcome!) and we had a young elf who helped on packaging day (hooray for that energy!) 

Christmas Smiles has been one of the missions of Meriden Congregational Church for at least 21 years (maybe even longer!) and each year the generosity and care that our church family extends is one of the warmest parts of the Christmas season. May the Christmas season be warm and bright for all. 

        Cheers, 

        The Christmas Smiles Team  

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’s Leadership Ministry Team—Bill Chappelle (Chair), Jill Marshall (Vice-Chair), Cindy Griffin, Melanie Henry, Gail Kinney, Kelsey MacNamee, Lee Oxenham, Shawn Rogers, Shideko Terai, and Kathy Wright.

Leadership Committee Transition Update January 2024

For once in my life, I arrived early. Laine and I gave a ride to church to our amazing guest piano player, David Thron, from his home in Hanover. We had a chance to listen to David, Carol, Jim, Glenn, and Anne rehearse their instrumental music before the full chorus rehearsal. I welcomed the time I had to take it all in. The beauty of the church decorated for Christmas, the ethereal sounds of the instrumentalist and quartet vocalist as they rehearsed, the warmth of community as choir members arrived, with many of the “kids” who grew up in our church arriving from far-flung corners of the country and world to reunite. Many hugs and smiles. 

Susan and John’s last Christmas service sure was a beautiful one--Susan’s Merry Christmas hugs, John tearing up at the benediction. As a member of the choir, the three anthems we sang were chosen by Susan and John as their favorites, and they were my favorites as well. Honestly, I, like many of you, was filled with contradictory emotions two months ago when Susan and John announced their retirement. Joy for Susan and John of course, because they have worked so long and so hard to make our little church on the hill a wellspring of compassion, love, and social justice, and they richly deserve some time for their family and themselves. Also, some trepidation, because no one really knows the answer to the question, “What next?” 

Standing there with my lit candle singing “Silent Night” though, a huge sense of calm overcame me and I told myself “We’re going to be alright.” So, following up on Susan’s letter from last month, let me just review a few things about our process moving forward. On Monday January 8, the Church Leadership Committee, including Susan and John will meet Sara Marean, the Associate Conference Minister of the NH Conference of the U.C.C. January 8th to discuss our next steps. The leadership’s first order of business will be to fill out and submit the ” Request for Pastoral Leadership for our Time of Transition.” This document will set in motion the Conference’s regional and national search—on our church’s behalf—for an interim/transitional pastor to be hired by our church for approximately one to two years. 

Many of us have enjoyed our Worker Justice Minister, Dr. Rev. Gail Kinney's services when she fills in for Susan and John when they are traveling or called away for other commitments. If you are like me, your first thought about an interim pastor may have been “What about Gail? Would she be interested?” I had a good email exchange and phone conversation with Gail and she told me that she was deeply touched by those who have wondered if she might serve as the MCC interim pastor, and that she is committed to doing whatever she can to support a smooth transition for our wonderful church. As she put it, “I am willing to help again to lead worship at our summer communal gatherings and at other times, but my other commitments make it impossible for me to take on such a role. Also, it likely would be really helpful for us to experience a new interim pastoral face and a truly fresh perspective as we move forward through our time of pastoral transition.” The church leadership team will certainly welcome Gail’s insight as we take this journey.

Others of you may be wondering, “Why do we need to go through the process of finding an interim pastor if we can think of candidates for the settled pastor position?” Your leadership team trusts Susan and John when they tell us that the folks in the state conference- who work with many churches- have learned that finding a strong interim leader is the best way to proceed to ensure that a church ultimately locates a pastor(s) who is the best candidate. 

So, with both joy and trepidation, our church community begins this journey. A hike, if you will. Everyone put on your boots, bring your backpacks and Lexi poles, and lots of trail mix! We may have to do some climbing, but who knows what vistas we may see along the way! 

Happy New Year from your Leadership Team, 

Bill Chappelle 

Music and Ministry January 2024

It seems not possible that we are starting a new year! The Christmas Eve Service was beautiful and well attended. There was a special poignancy to it when we realized that this will be the last Christmas that John and Susan Gregory-Davis will be appearing with their family.

January also means that it is time for Annual Meeting. In the new year Peter Nolette will be serving as the Coordinator of the Music and Ministry Team. He was approved in the December Leadership Meeting and will be confirmed at Annual Meeting.

Starting in February the church will begin the search for an interim minister to work with the church in the next one or two years. This search will be handled by Leadership. When we start looking for a permanent replacement for John and Susan, a Search Committee will be formed.

Kathy Wright

for Music and Ministry

Tenderly Held  in our Hearts and Prayers

  As this New Year dawns upon us, we remember with gratitude the blessings of family and friends, food and shelter, love and life, which make this community of faith such a WELCOME home for us all. 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.  So too do we pray for the families and loved ones of all those lost through the violence and war in Ukraine, Gaza, Israel,  & Darfur, as well all those living in such troubled lands as Haiti, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, Yemen, 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 are our prayers with Betty Pardoe; Rev. Greg Marshall; Carol Hartman’s step-granddaughter, Alyssa, as well as Carol’s daughter-in-law, Michelle; Emma Greenough’s friend, Roger Burch’s sister-in-law’s family; Angie Hinton’s friend, Margaret Maxham; Connie Kousman’s grand-nephew, Graham, as well as Connie’s sister Joyce; Gina Marzilli-Ericson’s mother, Paula; Amy Lappin’s mother, Sheila Spence; Robyn & Bob Carpenter; Karen Sutton’s husband, Robert, as well as Karen’s friend, Amber Howard; Laine Gillespie’s friends, Josh & Perry;  Erik Heaton; Betty Walker; Penny Arcone’s friend, Dick Slubin; Beth Kopp’s father, Jim Kane; Linda Perkins; Jody Schubert’s brother, Rick; Jim Schubert’s sister, Martha & her daughter, Wendy; Joan Burch; Suzanne Lenz; Judy Croitoru; Chris Dye; Linda Perkins’ friends, Dorothy, Albert, & Doug; Susan Turner’s cousin, Buddy Stevenson, as well as Sue’s friend, Barbara Zenker; and Odile Clavier’s mother, Marie-Claire, as well as Odile’s niece, Amelie Marie.

So too do we pray for these members and friends of our faith community currently receiving treatment for cancer: Susan Pullen; Odile Clavier’s colleague; Shideko Terai’s Uncle, Ted De Luca; 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.

Into God's Hands

As we give thanks for the blessings of this past year, so too do we grieve those who passed away toward the end of last year.   

           We especially mourn with the family and friends of Bette Stockwell, who returned to the heart of the God she loved so dearly on Sunday—December 17^th,  2023. Bette had long been an active member of our congregation, before joining family members in their involvement with our First Baptist Church neighbors down the hill from us. 

As God has welcomed each of these dearly departed ones back into the realm of God’s eternal embrace, may their families and loved ones be comforted with God’s healing presence in the midst of this time of mourning.

JANUARY Calendar

Faith Odyssey for Adults!!

“Restoring the Kinship Worldview:

“Indigenous Voice Introduce 28 Precepts

 for Rebalancing Life on Planet Earth”

• Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows) & Darcia Narvaez

Continuing on Thursday—January 11th, 2023

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/84792111522

          Contending that Indigenous worldviews, and the knowledge they confer, are critical for human survival and the wellbeing of future generations, Editors Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows) and Darcia Narvaez emphasize our deep need to move away from the dominant Western paradigm--one that dictates we live without strong social purpose, fails to honor the earth as sacred, leads with the head while ignoring the heart, and places individual “rights” over collective responsibility. Restoring the Kinship Worldview invites readers into a world-sense that expands beyond perceiving and conceiving to experiencing and being, rooted in an Indigenous vision and strong social purpose that sees all life forms as sacred and sentient--that honors the wisdom of the heart, and grants equal standing to rights and responsibilities.

Bayard Rustin, a  visionary activist and strategist, was an advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., who dedicated his life to the quest for racial equality, human rights and worldwide democracy.   At once a work of reclamation and celebration, “Rustin” seeks to put its subject front and center in the history he helped to make and from which he has, at times, been elided, partly because, as an openly gay man, he challenged both convention and the law. His was a rich, fascinatingly complex history, filled with big personalities and tremendous stakes, one that here is primarily distilled through the march, which the movie tracks from its rushed conception to its astonishing realization on Aug. 28, 1963, when a quarter million people converged at the Lincoln Memorial. It was the defining public triumph of Rustin’s life.

Report from Buildings and Grounds of MCC Administration

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

Projects Completed and Planned

A) 2022 was a year for John and Susan to have their sabbatical. As a result of

them not being at the parsonage for the summer, it triggered a discussion

around security. We determined it made sense to install wireless security

cameras the end of June.

B) Dane Gautreau was hired to do a few painting projects over the summer. All

the church windows and window trim were newly painted that were

accessible with a standard ladder. The cathedral style windows on the front

are left to be done this summer 2023. Dan also painted the exterior of the

doors and the two entrance roof trims and some of the ceilings before the

cold weather arrived.

C) We were hoping to get the slate roof repairs started. The slate roof

contractor Leon Shabbott was working locally in Enfield at the Shaker

Museum and was hoping to take advantage of having his hydraulic man lift in

the area and do a beginning portion of the repairs that will need to be done

in the next year or two. In the end, we were not able to get enough days

available for him to do that early portion of the proposed repair. We are on

his list for early spring. We expect the total repair to be around $ 20,000 this

year.

D) The concrete entrance steps to the Parrish House were able to be temporarily

repaired to get us through the winter. We have agreed to hire Paul Sousa

(mason) from Cornish to do the permanent repair – rebuilding in April 2023.

E) A privacy door was installed in late summer at the top of the stairs going

from level 1 to level 2 of the Parrish House as requested by John and Susan.

A pane of glass needs to be installed and the new walls and trims still need to

be painted. That work is scheduled to be done in February

Shawn Rogers

Co-Chair of Administration and Finance

REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT TREASURERS

Considering what we have received as of December 28, 2023 we have received $12,485 in Pledge payments. We have also received $1,325 in Plate payments. The total is $13,810 of both Pledge and Plate payments the month of December.

In addition there were $1135 donated for the Dessert Auction, and $1540 donated as the Christmas Eve Offering-half of which goes to the church.

So far this year our total of pledge payments is $123,818. Our total of plate payments is $9,390. So our Grand Total of payments for 2023 is $133,968. In addition we have already received $19,800 in 2024 pledge payments

 Some other funds which may have been contributed through stocks may not be noted here.

Kathy Wright

Jim Lenz

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

MCC Poetry Page

“The Fate of the Poet is to fall in Love with Life”

-      Matthew Fox

Throughout our ministry here at the Meriden Congregational Church, we have been continually impressed by the number of poets in our midst. Some time ago we began featuring a Poetry Page in our monthly Newsletter, and we are delighted this month to reprise a poem some may remember from even before our time with you, composed back in 1992 by Nancy Chapman Elliot following the Christmas Eve service that year.  Nancy is currently in New Mexico, where she recently shared this poem with new friends there by way of conveying to them the special place our church still has in her heart.

“A CHRISTMAS CARD”

December 1992

By: Nancy Chapman Elliott

Silent Night, Holy Night All is calm. All is bright.

The little stone church is bathed

in glorious light this Christmas Eve.

Candles shimmer along pathways,

sparkle stained glass windows into life.

Bells chime their welcome,

“All come, All Come.”

The organ prelude rings out over the hilltop,

while fragrant boughs, “memory” poinsettias

and advent candles speak of the season within.

Friends and neighbors greet as they bundle in,

nod to others they know,

find a place “big enough for the whole family,”

jostle a moment to get settled,

and share a brief, “Why look who’s here!”

I see them all, these folks known well.

The children fidget, perhaps,

under benevolent adult smiles.

Yet they all, young and old,

listen, hushed, faces glowing,

as the Christmas story unfolds once again.

There are mysteries this night.

Even the little ones could tell you that.

And there…My family too.

I feel them beside me, each and every one,

down through the years, and those yet to be.

We stand a little closer tonight,

bumping shoulders, touching hands,

raising our voices, sometimes to harmonize

for favorite hymns.

I see them around me,

their dear faces so familiar.

For a moment my siblings and I are the children.

Then it is our own children reflected in our eyes.

Our own children with pretty bows and tiny shoes,

disappearing under pews,

learning to read the words we sing,

and new strong voices finding their place

within the circle of our love.

Our littlest ones will find their own mysteries

this wondrous night.

“Silent Night, Holy Night”

the familiar notes begin, and lights are dimmed

as the choir encircles the congregation,

bringing a candle flame of joy and peace to each of us.

We sing in emotional whispers, this special hymn,

the wavering candles lighting our faces,

shining in eyes sometimes

brimming with tears.

We preserve the moment, quietly singing still,

through the benediction.

“Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas,”

we whisper to each other,

going out in a gently falling snow

to our homes.

I am there with you,

every moment preserved for me

in memory so clear and deep,

a shining light within my soul.

The many miles are but imagination

keeping us apart.

I am there tonight and always,

with you in my heart.

“Silent Night. Oh, Holy Night.”

All is calm

this Christmas night.

 Thank you, Nancy!  All poets among us, of all ages and abilities, are likewise invited to share your poems with us so that we may in turn publish one each month as a way of helping all of us to fall ever more deeply in love with life in all its wonder, pathos, and beauty!

JANUARY

BIRTHDAYS

  1/1        2024

½          Richard Robinson

1/4       Ben Saunders

1/4       Anna Borchert

1/5       Christine Greenough

1/7       Catherine Norbury Mackey

1/8         Thom Lappin

1/8       Selden Lord

1/9        Charlotte MacNamee

1/9       Birgit Ruppert

1/10     Steve Arcone

1/10     Deborah Robinson

1/11     Anna O’Leary

1/11      Lucas Jameson

1/12     Meg Fauver

1/12     Gedeon Rodriguez

1/12     Lucas Rodriguez

1/13     Pam Annis

1/13     Terry Dewey

1/14     Susan Borchert

1/14     John Custer

1/14     Holly McGovern

1/14     Jeff Good

1/15     Karim Chichakly

1/15     Mary Kardel

1/15     Ella MacLean

1/16     Bill Chappelle

1/16     Rubin Jennings

1/17     Johanna Ruppertsberger

1/17     Andrew Duany

1/17      Jillian Williams

1/18      Hanna Foston

1/18     Allyson Wendt

1/23      Alexys Wilbur

1/23     Greg Marshall

1/24     Ross Pyer

1/24     Olivia Taylor

1/24      Liv Townsend

1/24     Blake Wendt Hennessy

1/25     Maura Hart

1/25      Sawyer Custer

1/27      Kyra Russman-Araya

1/29     Andrew Forbes

1/29      Kassidee Rogers

1/29      Eileen Williams

1/30      Isabella Dill

1/30      Audrey Elder

1/30     Jess Kilgore

1/30     Cedric Elkouh

1/30     Carol Hartman

1/31     Debbie Foltyn

1/31     Samantha Heaton

1/31      Miles Bradley

Prepared to Serve!  

"An annual training event

for clergy and members of UCC congregations"

Saturday--February 24^th, 2024

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Pembroke Academy, Pembroke, NH

           Mark your calendars now for next year’s Annual Prepared to Serve 2024, which promises to  offer everyone an opportunity to attend workshops and view exhibits designed to enhance, educate and enrich the church experience. The registration brochure and details will be available soon on the NH Conference's website: www.nhcucc.org by clicking under Calendar of Events or by calling the Conference Center at 1-888-642-8229.

Outreach News

Outreach, Peace, and Justice

Ministry Teams

News for January 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 January 4th. 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. January 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 update from our denomination, the United Church of Christ, as noted 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.  

    Please note that we still have 2024 editions of the Equal Justice Initiative "History of Racial InJustice" Calendars available in the church office.

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 3:30 to 4:00 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--

UCC Programs, Resources, and Events--A new UCC resource page looks ahead to a number of opportunities for advancing climate justice ministries in the coming year. Learn about the Vote for Climate Hope Art Contest for children and youth, the UCC Earth Summit featuring Bill McKibben, and a range of initiatives and campaigns. Read about it here: !Launching into Climate Justice in 2024 - United Church of Christ (ucc.org)

2024 History of

Racial Injustice Calendars

Equal Justice Initiative challenges racial and economic injustice and provides legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in jails and prisons. Their 2024 Calendar is a full-color wall version that includes hundreds of historical entries and 12 short essays highlighting historical events and issues in our nation's racial history. Available in the church office or by request.  

Steve Beaupre' faithfully rings our church bell

each Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 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 4:00 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