Meriden Congregational Church Newsletter

AUGUST 2024

Volume 7 Number 8 

www.meridenucc.org

603-469-3235

secretary@meridenucc.org

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

• Leadership Transition Update
• Leadership Team Listing and Points of Contact
• August Calendar
• Special Events - August 10th MCC Young Parents Group Playdate and August 16th Welcome & Caring Potluck
• Prayer List, Into God's Hands, New Child of God
• All Church Retreat Sept. 27-28
• New Directory
• Assistant Treasurer's Report
• Outreach Peace and Justice News
• August Birthdays and Anniversaries

Leadership Transition Update--August 2024



Since I last wrote, a lot has happened in the world and our country. An assassination attempt on a former president, the current president dropping out, our hearts breaking at the current situation in Palestine and Ukraine. I wrote to my friend Don and said, “This is one scary summer!” He wrote back “Yes, this planet is spinning askew!” Our world and nation’s future is fraught with uncertainty, causing a good deal of anxiety, if not downright fear. 

I am fortunate to be a teacher because I work with amazing adolescents who often calm my nerves about the decades to come. One of my students who graduated on June 14 took an English elective, Public Speaking, and was asked to make a graduation speech as if they were the speaker. They are an amazing actor and singer and they wrote about the audition process and how they found a way to overcome nagging self-doubt every time they auditioned: 

“And so I did the one thing I never thought I would ever be able to do. I let myself be scared. I let myself sit in that fear, and breathe through that fear, and feel it, acknowledge it, and then move through it. Fear is a protection response. And I knew, deep down, there was nothing to be afraid of. It was genuinely going to be okay.” 

Beautifully put, and applicable to so many other situations other than the terror of auditions. Those words “I let myself be scared” and “then move through it…” certainly resonated with me. In a small way, in our little church in Meriden, we will have to let ourselves be scared and then move through it as we face a future without John and Susan. However, those words “It was genuinely going to be okay” resonate with me also. 

The leadership team has been working very hard since those magical first two days of June. We have been meeting often to review potential candidates for the interim position, along with taking on the huge task of making sure the parsonage is fully cleaned. We have been supporting Pastor Gail Kinney and a group of passionate volunteers who have been leading Sunday services in the Parish Hall. And then there’s the exciting buzz of the Meriden Community Camp, with leadership team members providing a big breakfast for counselors and staff every Friday morning. 

We are actually nearing the finish line in our search for the interim pastor position and we hope to make an offer in early August. We have scheduled second interviews with two truly talented candidates, and the leadership team will have some intense review and discernment ahead of them. I would love to tell you all about these candidates.. Can you keep a secret? Well, so can I... …..

Bill Chappelle, Leadership Chair

Report on the Transition of Pastoral Leadership

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 1-2:20.

 Pastoral Coverage: Rev. Gail Kinney

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

Available for emergency and ongoing pastoral care needs

Kathy Wright will 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 603-558-9351.        

Financial Transactions: Cindy Griffin, Church Treasurer

Church email: treasurer@meridenucc.org;

email: csvensen1s@gmail.com;

cell phone: 203-209-0922

Meriden Community Camp: Cindy Griffin, Camp Ministry Team

Church email: treasurer@meridenucc.org; email: csvensen1s@gmail.com; cell phone: 203-209-0922

Camp Director, Rosa Sousa (camp@meridenucc.org)

 Cell 508-837-9104

August Calendar

Activities at Meriden Community Camp 2024

WELCOMING and CARING MINISTRY

The Caregivers Committee would like to explore starting a "NEW MOTHERS BAG" for the New Mothers 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 AUGUST 16, AT 6:00PM IN THE PARISH HOUSE. I will plan to bring a crustless spinach Quiche. Bring something to share or just bring yourself. Our summer services in the Parish House around the circle table have already begun. (See Calendar)

HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US THIS AUGUST!

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

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

MCC Young Families Summer Meet-ups

Saturday August 10-- 9:30 at Plainfield School

Meet us at the playground to get some Saturday morning wiggles out! We'll have coffee (for the grown ups!) and donuts to share.

Larissa Pyer

For Spiritual Formation Ministry

larissa.pyer@gmail.com

Tenderly Held in our Hearts and Prayers

   As we journey throughout these Summer months, we give joyous thanks for all that makes our faith community 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.

 So too do we pray for Elise and Trevor McGraw's new son River, Penny Arcone’s son, Alex; Jim Lenz’s friend, Conor; Susan Pullen’s friend, Jean and her husband, Carl; Dan Beaupre’; Rosa Sousa; Valerie Stender; Marianne McGraw’s friend, Jeff Gold; Peter Nolette’s brother, Michael; Rev. Greg Marshall, as well as Greg’s sister, Donna; Carol Hartman’s 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; Karen Sutton’s husband, Robert; 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; and Linda Perkins’ friends, Dorothy, Albert, & Doug.

         Likewise are our prayers with these members and friends of our faith community currently receiving treatment for cancer: Christine Greenough, Carol Hartman’s sister, Priscilla; Susan Pullen; Andrea Brown’s Uncle Mike; Ryan McGraw’s co-worker’s mother, Jeannie Berube; 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.

        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, South Sudan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, North Korea, Yemen, 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!”

 If you or someone you know would like a name to be added to our Prayer List, please let Kathy Wright know. In an effort to keep it as up-to-date as possible, please also let her know when you would like a name removed. (secretary@meridenucc.org)

Into God's Hands

  As summer warms us and our gardens grow, so too have our hearts ached with the loss of dearly beloved friends and relatives of our faith community.

We pray for Bob Carpenter and his family because of the death of our friend and church member, Robyn Carpenter who passed on June 6th.

We also pray for Sue Richardson, our sexton, and her family because of the death of her brother-in-law, Brian Hammell on June 19th.

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!

Save the Date!

The All Church Retreat IS Happening this Year!

September 27-28 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 over night for this fun get away!

More Information Below!

Annual All-Church Retreat at Horton Center

Yes, the annual All-Church retreat is continuing

despite the change in our Church pastoral leadership.

There is already a group hard at work planning it. It will be held this year on September 28-29 with an option to arrive a day early, Friday September 27 th . It is being held a week later this year to allow us to really enjoy the full splendor of the fall foliage. You have never been to Horton Center? In truth I never went either until three years ago. It immediately became a must do event for me. The accommodations are rustic, but not primitive. There are beds with mattresses, indoor plumbing including hot showers and a large fully equipped kitchen and dining hall for meals.

The real attractions are the stunning beauty of the White Mountains (including a wonderful view of Mount Washington) and, of course, the wonderful companionship and friendship shared throughout the weekend. It is a completely relaxing weekend where you can feel free to do anything you want: read, hike, nap, whatever you want. Please consider coming this year. You will get to know some of your Church friends more deeply and perhaps even meet some new friends. You will not be disappointed if you do come. I hope to see you there.

If you think you might want to attend please respond to me at richardandsue@comcast.net so we can get an idea of how many people to plan for. This is not a firm commitment on your part. We will ask for that later on. Thank you.

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.. Also please add *Glenn Robinson, 328 Main St. Suite 101, Newport VT 05855 phone 802-274-8571.

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

It makes sense to me to have office hours 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 July 26 we have received $1,080 in pledge payments, We have received $190 in Plate payments. The monthly total was $1,270. All of these were for 2024. The amounts collected this year so far are a total of $79,411.

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

OUTREACH, PEACE AND JUSTICE

Outreach, Peace, and Justice

Ministry Teams

News for August 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. 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 May. 

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. August 24th 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

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 me if you would like to get involved.

Climate Justice

Anyone who may have missed viewing last month with us 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

August

BIRTHDAYS

8/1         Brendan Fadden

8/1        Emma Healy

8/1         Kevin Marshall

8/4         Peter Elder

8/5         Shideko Terai

8/6         Nathaniel Custer

8/6         Diane Walker

8/8         Kurt Filiault

8/9         Dawn Forbes

8/9         Vicki Ramos-Glew

8/10       Brandon Feid

8/13       Allan Reetz

8/13       Tori Constantine

8/13       Larry Wolkin

8/17       Juliette Hampton

8/17       Loel Callahan

8/18       Sandy Ouellette

8/18      Jack Chamley

8/18       Sean Evarts

8/20       Charles Hildebrant

8/20       Heather Hinson

8/21       Connie Bosley

8/22       Abigail Saunders

8/22       Mark Walker

8/22       Duncan Zuckerman

8/24       Jill Marshall

8/24       Eric Russman

8/24       Jeff Sraeel

8/25       Samantha Harding

8/27       Matthew Mills

8/28       Terri Crane

8/30       Phineas Custer

8/31      Cecilia Hampton

8/31      Becca Cattabriga

August ANNIVERSARIES

8/2/03       Catherine Garfield & Peter Legare

8/4/12          Garret Heaton & Brinker Ferguson

8/4/84       Linda & Jeffrey Wilkinson

8/5/78       Cynthia Howe & Murray Dewdney

8/12/89     Susan & Jim Borchert

8/15           Karen & Allen Rogers

8/17              Eric & Yesenia Mesen

8/19              Joan & Larry Burch

8/23/14         Nick Custer & Kate Walrath

8/28              Amber & Greg Castell

8/28/71     Jody & Jim Schubert

8/28/93        Amy & Cory Healy

8/29/81     Shideko Terai & Bill Cable

8/29/15        Lily (Borchert) & Austin Powell

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