Dear Friends,

"Raise your joys and triumphs high...Alleluia! Sing ye heavens, and earth reply....Alleluia!"

As I write this, on the day after Easter, I and many others are still hearing the jubilant sounds of the Easter trumpet and seeing in our mind's eye the glorious colors of the Easter flowers; still hearing the inspiring voices of the choirs, and seeing the excitement of our young people as they decorated the traditional cross and "Easter Tree" with flowers and hand-colored ornaments; still smiling over the delights of the Easter
breakfast and the heartwarming fellowship that overflowed in Dale Hall.

On behalf of the congregation, THANK YOU to the many, many people who gave their loving effort to the Easter breakfast, the two Easter morning services, and the Palm Sunday/Maundy Thursday Tenebrae services that led up to the joy of Easter morning. All these events were well attended. And best of all, the spirit of the church has never felt better. Many, many of you noticed the joy that filled the church and saw in it a good sign that the new life of resurrection is taking place in this congregation.

Fortunately Easter is not over. In the church Easter is not just a Sunday in March but a season that lasts all the way to Pentecost in mid-May. Unlike the secular world (which drops holidays like a hot potato as soon as they're past) in the church we savor our holiest days over a lengthy season. For us, feast days mark the beginning of an inner event we're invited to experience for weeks to come. In fact, as is often said, we are called to be "Easter people" all year round.

As we travel through this season of hope and promise, we're also entering the exciting time in which the Search Committee is meeting candidates for the position of settled Pastor. I know the process has seemed long to some of you - but with God's help, the waiting will soon be over and then- you'll be meeting the person who will- walk with you into God's future. God bless all the "Easter people" who've supported the congregation in this transition time.

Easter Blessings,
Sharon

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Notes from the Diaconate

March 9th the pulpit was filled by Rev. Paul Millin. While he hadn't been inside our church in quite some time, it was a visit with a long-time friend for many. His name was one of twenty or so supplied to us by the office of the Massachusetts Conference of the DCC located in Waltham. Phone conversations, a short meeting and his fine work led to a worship service that was an enjoyable experience for all.

Holy Week can be a busy time for the Deacons but it is the most rewarding season. The prayer list was reviewed this month to prepare for the Deacon's visits. The Deacons each delivered tulips during Holy Week. In some cases the visits were a renewal of old friendships in the best cases it was the beginning of new.

Maundy Thursday plans included consideration of several alternative ways of celebrating this solemn service. At the service, we experienced many of the things which have become our valued traditions. This Year included the custom of "stripping of the altar," meant to symbolize Christ being arrested, stripped, and beaten before his crucifixion.

We reviewed, edited and approved the work of the Pilgrim Fellowship on the final script for their "Super Heroes" presentation during the Flowering of the Cross service on Easter morning. They prepared and rehearsed well for their leadership role and the service was enjoyed by all. The flower-covered cross was once again placed outside after services so passers-by could be reminded of the beauty of the day.

Our second service on Easter Morning followed an Easter breakfast in Dale Hall. The volunteers enjoyed themselves while serving at least a hundred people (though I haven't heard a final count yet). The service itself was joyous and crowded - people were reminded to "move to the center" to allow seating for all.

The routine work of the Diaconate has yielded a new baptism brochure. They were drafted, approved and printed. You can see a copy on the Diaconate bulletin board and here.

The open portion of this month's Diaconate meeting was visited by a Confirmand as part of her education in the meaning of Confirmation. Each Confmnand is visiting with a church committee. The Diaconate will be having fellowship with the confirmands when we host a dinner for them on Sunday evening one week before their confirmation. Their confirmation will be a most important part of our service on Sunday 13 April.

Two of our Deacons are working with our Music Committee during this time of change. We will be hearing the sound of a new electronic organ soon.

Busy times are the best times for growth. The Deacons are considering ways we can help our congregation grow spiritually. There has been discussion about different types of trainings and retreats (e.g. Grotonwood, UCC Framingham). If you have an idea please pass it on to one of our Deacons.

"For I was a stranger and you welcomed me" Matthew 25:35

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Questions and Answers from the Search Committee

When will the Search Committee be finished?
The goal is to have a new Pastor by the fall -- if the search process goes smoothly. The most important thing is to find a candidate who will make a successful Pastor for this congregation. Sometimes that happens in a matter of weeks, sometimes not.

Why does it take a long time?
Choosing a Pastor is not like hiring a corporation employee. The successful candidate must be acceptable to a congregation of hundreds of people, with widely varying tastes and preferences. Finding the right person is complicated and time-consuming.

How will the Search Committee make its choice?
The choice will be made by consensus. All must agree on a candidate, not just a majority.

What has the Search Committee done so far?
The "profile" of this church has been developed and sent off to a national UCC office which lists all ministerial openings. Any minister can request that his/her application be sent here through the MA Conference. Meanwhile, the Committee has been setting up criteria for evaluating these applications.

When will applications start arriving?
The Committee is already receiving candidates' profiles and reviewing them!

What else does the Search Committee need to do before interviewing?
We will set up a "mock interview" with help from the area conference minister.

What's a mock interview and why do we need it?
Using an experienced minister who is not actually a candidate, the committee will go through a practice interview, acting as though it's real. It allows the Search Committee to fine-tune their interviewing skills. They will get feedback from the "mock" candidate on how successfully they handled the interview.

How many profile applications will the Search Committee receive?
This is hard to predict, but currently there are 200 ministers looking for openings in this conference. Some may not find this church a match in terms of size, salary, location, or other factors.

Why is our church not advertising for our Pastor on the internet?
We are not using the internet as -a search tool since we need to be sure any candidates are pre-screened by the DCC. The DCC is the clearing house for all our potential candidates. They run extensive background checks on every profile before sending it to us to guarantee that we receive only the most highly qualified and ethical candidates.

Why is this level of screening important?
Should the church go "outside the process" and call a minister who engages in sexual misconduct, or other violations of ethics, it would be liable for huge financial damages, not to mention the pain that would be inflicted on the congregation. What's more, anyone can call themselves a minister. As a denomination, we require that clergy be educated and trained and that they undergo an emotional and spiritual formation process through supervised preparation for ministry. The UCC prescreens for education, training, and supervised personal formation.

What will the Search Committee do with the profiles it receives?

The Committee will send promising candidates a copy of the church's profile. These candidates will study it and decide, based upon the detailed description of the church, whether to accept an interview if one is offered. The Search Committee may invite some candidates to send sample sermons and other materials to further help them evaluate the best people to interview. Meanwhile they'll be reviewing new applications that will be arriving.

What will the Search Committee look for in a potential candidate?
They will base their evaluation of candidates on information gathered from the survey, cottage meetings; and other interim activity. E.g., the congregation has said it wants a person who is approachable, preaches well, and subscribes to a moderate theology.

What happens after the interviews?
The Committee will schedule a "neutral pulpit" for very promising candidates. This means the candidate will lead worship in a prearranged church that is not his/her own and not ours! This gives the committee a chance to see the candidate in the critical roles 'of preacher and worship leader.

How come we can't all have a chance to meet the finalists?
Exposing a congregation to multiple candidates would almost certainly lead to some groups favor;ing one candidate, others another. Then those whose candidate "lost" in the end might find it hard to accept the "winner" -- meaning the new minister would start off in a church divided. In a small group of people committed to reaching consensus, the search committee members can engage in give and take until they agree on a candidate.

How long does the interviewing process take?
If a candidate does well on both the first interview and the neutral pulpit, the committee will schedule a second interview. This interview goes into more depth and will start to address "nitty gritty" issues such as salary. If a candidate emerges as a consensus choice, the committee will announce to the congregation that they have a recommended candidate and will invite that person here for a candidating Sunday.

What is a "candidating Sunday"?
After formal notice to the congregation, the candidate leads worship at this church. The congregation will have the chance to meet the candidate in person following the worship service. Members of the congregation then vote whether to accept the recommendation of the Search Committee to call this individual to be their Pastor.

When can the new minister start?
If the minister to be is currently serving a church, he/she gives notice - usually 60 to 90 . days, and begins taking leave of that church. For others, a start date is negotiated.

What can we do?
Respect the Committee's need for confidentiality. Let them know your hopes. AND PRAY!

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Spring Cleaning: Your Church Needs You

This spring the Trustees are sponsoring its Clean up "day" throughout the month of April. Many people who want to be involved and can not take part because of prior commitments and schedules for a day (particularly a Saturday) may be able to offer some time during the work week or after work (it does stay light out later now). People who also want to take' a less active part in the life of the church can do so at their leisure.

There are many projects, big and small that require one person, an entire family or any number in between. Jobs range from something as easy as cleaning those scuff marks you saw Sunday from the pew in front of you or cleaning the newly installed windows in the Sanctuary and classrooms, to sweeping the driveways and parking lot of all the sand needed this winter.

There are other jobs that would be considered specialty jobs such as repairing or replacing the sign in the front of the church, repairing the block wall on the exit driveway, landscaping the sides and front of the property.

Other jobs that you feel may have been neglected for too long may be the job just right for you to complete or forward to the Trustees by placing a written note in their mailbox.

Many hands make the job go faster.

Your Church family thanks you
for your help!
Trustees,
Joanne, Gene, Rick & Wayne

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Check Out These Seminars and Workshops .

April 11-13, Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Four Points Sheraton at Meriden, CT (contact Lynne & Bruce Hildreth @ 978-663-4727 or Hildreth@comcast.net).
More Information.

April 12 - Area UCC Churches Gather. The spring meeting of the Andover Association will be held April 12 at the Tewksbury Congregational Church. Our church covenants with other churches in the area through the Andover Association, which is part of the MA Conference of the United Church of Christ.

April 12-13, 2008, Concord, Being a Blessed Church, featuring Graham Standish.

April 25-27, Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Four Points Sheraton at Meriden, CT (contact Lynne & Bruce Hildreth @ 978-663-4727 or Hildreth@comcast.net)
More Information.

May 2, 2008, New Ways to Worship.

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Confirmation Class - April 13

Four young people are completing the 2008 Confirmation Program in preparation to be confirmed and, if desired, to become members of the church. Confirmation will be held April 13 in the 10 a.m. service. The Christian Education Committee will host a coffee hour celebration after the service.

The four members attending this years class are:

Michelle Button
(Mentor: Katie Button)
Kyle Corkery
(Mentor: Susie Carmichael)
Miranda Keesler
(Mentor: Nicole Hewitt)
Marc Piro
(Mentor: Penny Shea)

Our last class meeting will be held on Sunday, April 6 starting at 3:00. Note the change of time from previous weeks. Mentors and parents are asked to join them in the sanctuary at 4:30 p.m. for rehearsal. Rehearsal will be followed by a dinner in the parlor, hosted by the Deacons.

As in past years, confirmands have carried out service to the church and community to learn the meaning of discipleship, attended worship at another church to broaden their understanding of Christianity, and attended a church meeting to experience our form of governance.

Thank you to all who have served as mentors. And blessings to all the parents who have encouraged the spiritual growth of their children by supporting their participation in the confirmation program.

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Missions Committee Report

April 2008

PROJECT CHACOCENTE

Thank you so much to those of you who continue to contribute old, out dated phones into the silver box near the pay phone. We received over $40.00 for our last shipment and will soon be sending a second shipment. Also, thank you to those who have already purchased greeting cards to benefit the families in Nicaragua. As you give one of these in place of a birthday gift, for Mother's Day, etc, you provide medical care for Nicaraguan children and their families. See Bob Miner to look at/or purchase a card. FYI ~ of our Chacocente families have fulfilled all the "requirements" and in early July will receive deeds to their houses and 2.6 acres of land. This is a BIG DEAL and our church has been part of the journey.

PANTRY COLLECTION
Our pantry collection set a record this month as 309 items were donated. For the first ~ of the year, we've collected a phenomenal number for a church of our size. Please continue to remember to bring pantry items on the 1st Sunday of each month.

PALM SUNDAY DINNERS
On Palm Sunday, Nita Owin led the Mission Committee in the preparation and delivery of beef stew dinners to 5 of our shut-ins. In addition to the delicious stew,
we added salads, rolls, Easter eggs, and apple pie. Thanks Nita for leading this effort.

HISTORIC 40th WALK FOR HUNGER - SUNDAY, MAY 4
Since 1969, The Walk for Hunger has been supported by religious organizations. Over the years, that support has grown from one to more than 1,000 religious and community organizations that come out to protest the social injustice of hunger in our mist. This is our historic 40th Walk. It's a year to find out what we've accomplished and what our plans are for ending hunger in the years ahead. Now is the time to dig out your Walk memorabilia and join us for Project Bread's special 40th Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 4.

Enjoy a festive day walking through Boston and surrounding neighborhoods while you help our hungry neighbors in Massachusetts. With the high cost of living in the Commonwealth, hungry people need your help more than ever. Your pledges feed people through emergency food programs throughout the state and through our many food programs in schools, after school programs, and pediatrician offices that integrate help into the ordinary fabric of everyday life.

Celebrate the spirit of giving along with 43,000 other concerned citizens by participating in this historic Massachusetts experience. For more information, call 6-7-723-5000 or visit www.proiectbread.org/walk.

YOUTH GROUP MISSION TRIP
Following a presentation by Jake Carmichael and Brent Davis, we learned that the youth group was still $3,250.00 short for their mission trip. After much deliberation, we settled on a figure of $1,625 which we would contribute in your name; 50% of their shortfall. If any or you have United Airline miles that you could donate to this purpose, please see Barbara Daverin; that would be a BIG help.

FUNDING REQUESTS
We continue to receive multiple requests for contributions and are applying due diligence and careful scrutiny before we commit any of your money.

WEB SITE
We continue our efforts to update our portion of the web site (once again under Nita Owin's leadership). We are rewriting and updating our activities and hope to add photos in the near future. Like Rte. 128, this seems to be an ongoing, but very important effort.

Bob Miner, for the Mission Committee

Walk for Hunger
May 4, 2008

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I recently read the book Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory; about someone who receives an invitation to have dinner with Jesus. The person doubts the validity of the invitation and when he arrives for dinner challenges his host with many questions. It is only after some time goes by that he actually starts to believe that he is speaking with Jesus. If you received an invitation to have dinner with Jesus what do you think he would say to you?

When we think about our giving do we give for Jesus or do we give a set amount each week or month out of routine or obligation? Giving systematically, key biblical principal #2, is about giving of our resources on a regular and consistent basis in accordance to what the bible tells us about giving proportionally of our financial resources and our time. Giving of yourself can sometimes be much harder and requires some~ sacrifice in the busy world we live in but can be quite rewarding.

I would like to thank all of the hard working volunteers who give of themselves to make the church an inviting sanctuary for all. The time you give to Committee work, Sunday school, PF Programs, and the nursery has not gone unnoticed. Thank you!

Monies collected from the offering for the month of February are as follows:

To those who have contributed to the church's missions and programs thank you.

On average our monthly expenses run between $18,000 and 19,000. For the past two months we collected for the general fund $24,205. This amount was more than the average expected for the period.

Sheila Vitali

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Religious Education

Confirmation is April 13th. The RE Committee needs your help in providing food for the reception following confirmation. We appreciate any food donations or help with the reception. A sign up sheet for donating food is posted in Dale Hall on the bulletin board. We would like to thank everyone for their support during past years to help make confirmation memorable for past confirmands. We hope that this year will be just as memorable. Any questions or concerns, please contact Shannon Fisher or Lynn Gaudet.

Attention Sunday' School Teachers and Parents of Sunday School Children:

The RE Committee will be sending out surveys for the teachers and parents to fill out regarding the Sunday school program come mid-April. The surveys need to be returned to the Sunday school teachers or placed in the RE Committee mailbox by June 1st. Please take the time to fill out this survey. Your opinions and. suggestions are important to us and will be very helpful as we focus on improving the curriculum.

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PF News

We would like to thank Elliot and everyone who came out early Easter morning to celebrate with us. We hope you enjoyed our worship service.

Schedule:

**Our Sr. PF group is small and would like to play some rounds of catacombs on May 30 . So If you are a kid at heart and would like to stay the night with some great youth, we are in need of people to join us. So please mark your calendar and sign up on the PF board to join us.

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An Invitation to Become a Church Member

If you'd like to make the commitment to be a member of this church, please speak to Rev. Goss or a Sr. Deacon: Glenda Lovegrove or Bob Slack.

A New Member Day will be held in May. Individuals may join by letter of transfer or affirmation of faith.

A 90-minute class will be offered by the Pastor and Deacons to prepare people for membership. This class, held early on a Sunday afternoon, will be arranged.at a time convenient for all. It is also open to those who would like more information about this church or the United Church of Christ.

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PASSAGES: Births, Baptisms, Weddings, and Memorial Services

Births:

Congratulations to Jared and Susan McLay, upon the birth of their son Jacob. Proud grandparents are Rick and Bonnie McLay and Andrew and Phyllis Jennings.

Funerals:

Our deepest sympathy is extended to the families of:

Betsy Burton, long-time member, wife of Steve Burton. Funeral services were held at the church on February 26th.

Alfred Scott, a resident of Florida, father of Susan Campbell, Robert Scott, and Carolyn Ames, and grandfather of Carolyn and Tim Malone. Funeral services were held at the church on March 15.

Arline Mauro, long-time member. Funeral services were held at the church on March 25th.

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Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend

"AND TWO SHALL BECOME ONE." Discover God's desire for your marriage on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend! Marriage Encounter is 44 hours where married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones and focus only on each other.

If you'd like greater depth, growth, and enrichment in your relationship, you'll like the difference a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend can make! The next Marriage Encounter weekends will be held on April 11-13 and 25-27 at the Four Points Sheraton in Meriden, CT and April 25-27 at Alton Bay Christian Conference Ctr, NH. For more information or to register, contact Lynne & Bruce Hildreth at 978-663-4727 or Hildreth4@comcast.net.

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So What's Your Excuse?

The Diaconate is trying to make it easier for everyone to wear a name tag And we want to eliminate as many of the excuses that for not wearing them as possible.

For example:

"I don't like putting a pin through my clothes."
Ask and your holder will be changed to one with a clip or one that hangs over your head.

"I lost mine."
Ask and you will receive a new one.

"The color clashes with my tie"
Let us know what color you want and we will make one of that color.

"I want one that expresses my individuality"
We have some other designs that you can choose from, or supply us with what you want as a background and we will make one with that background.

"I forgot and left it on my bureau"
You can fill out a temporary one, and we will make a second one. Eventually the pile of name tags on the bureau will get so high that you won't forget!

Remember: Wear your name tags for others as you would want them to wear one for you.

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LAY SHEPHERDING

Next Meeting Monday, April 21, 12 :00 P.M.

If you like to visit and chat with some of our homebound members or write cards, make a friendly phone call, just come to our next meeting or speak with any of our present Shepherds.

The present shepherds are Donna Bailey, Betty & Dennis Blanchette, Christa Brown, Alberta Hamilton, Pat Hefler, Mildred McCauley, and Audrey Schwartz (978-663-3239)

Audrey Schwartz

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AIM-HI

Aim-Hi is pleased to announce that the members of the Circle of Friendship will join with us as to become one group. New members are always welcome!

Our March meeting will be held on April 17, at 12 noon.

Aim Hi has been sending our love, prayers, and Thank You packages to several young people serving overseas. We encourage the congregation to use the addresses below and send a short note or greeting card to these young people while they are away from home. It means so much to them and their families.

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The current addresses of the service personnel overseas are:

If anyone in the congregation knows of other young people who are serving our country overseas and feels comfortable providing us with their addresses, please contact Aim Hi through June Orne at 603-883-6732, (june62123@aol.com. or call the church office at 978-663-8433.)

Donna Ricarte & June Orne

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Music Notes

On Sunday, March 30, we are saying good-bye to our pipe. organ with a hymn-sing during the worship service. Come; sing with the pipe organ one more time. Most of you know by now that we are in the process of purchasing a new electronic organ for our Sanctuary. Over the next few weeks we will be preparing the space to house this new instrument. Delivery should take place around the beginning of May followed by installation of the instrument and the sound system. We will update you as the work progresses.

We feel blessed to have a choir that is so committed. Please be sure to join us on Sunday, April 27, as we show appreciation. to our choir with a special thank YOU, including a collation in their honor.

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Behavioral Covenant for First Congregational Church in Billerica

At our October Congregational Meeting I opened that meeting with the Behavioral Covenant developed from our Walking in the Way of Peace program. This covenant was created over a few meetings by the attendees of this church and reflects what they felt was important for our church, and is not just something handed down from Walking in the Way, the UCC, or other organizations. The tenants presented in this behavioral covenant were first used during the Sabbath Day House issue and served the church well.

Some people had not seen the covenant before our October meeting and they requested a copy. Please keep this and refer to it as you see the need.

Remembering our purpose as a Church and our Biblical grounding, we covenant to be peace-makers by

Speaking...

• Speaking only for ourselves, using "I" language
• Keeping our voices as calm as possible, and controlling our emotions
• Encouraging everyone to speak and express their views and making space for all voices by setting time limits and hearing from all before speaking twice

The Truth...

• Acting with courtesy and honesty
• Speaking from facts and differentiating them from memories or opinions
• Recognizing that every opinion is important
• Sharing important information on all pertinent business of the Church
• Delaying decisions until information has been shared

In Love...

• Listening to each other with compassion and understanding
• Being respectful to one another
• Creating a non-judgmental atmosphere so that people feel free to ask questions
• Remaining open-minded even when we disagree with other's opinions and perspectives

As a community of faith...

• Striving to act within the covenant and encouraging others to do the same
• Working together to resolve things peacefully
• Affirming the value in other's thoughts, ideas and concerns rather than "discounting" by putting them down or ignoring them
• Considering our children in all matters of the church

Use these well and God Bless,
Ed Reinecker, Moderator

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Flowers for April

April 6- Given by Lillian Turner in loving memory of her husband, Elder, her parents, Florence and Robert Campbell, and her grandmother, Eliza Jane Ashworth.

April 13- Given by Pat Hefler in loving memory of my husband, Lester, and members of the Lacey and Chandler families .
On the piano flowers are given by his family in loving memory of Philip D. Rohnstock.

April 20 - Given by the Snowden family in loving memory of Donald Snowden, son, Richard Snowden, grandparents, Mary and Alexander Paris, parents, Bertha and Walter Finnegan, sister-in-law, Matte Belle Finnegan, and brothers, Richard and Alexander Finnegan and Walter Finnegan, Jr.

On the piano, flowers are given in loving memory of Lee Hile by her daughter, Dawn and granddaughter, Tricia, husband, Carl, grandson, Michael, wife Trish, and great grandchildren, Malison, Megan, Emily, and Jeremy.

April 27 - Given in loving memory of Leonard J. and J. Raymond Brown from Barbara Brown.

If you would like to donate flowers any Sunday, please call Jeannette Rohnstock at 978-663-6804.

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THANK YOU'S

From Bruce and Lynne Hildreth:

We would like to thank all of our church friends for giving us so much love and support through my mother's illness and subsequent passing. We sincerely appreciate all of the cards, prayers, and kind words.

From Alison

Big Thank You's to Edna McDewell, and Audrey Schwartz for their help in the delivery of the March issue of The Lantern!

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Next Lantern Deadline: Sunday, April 27.

This newsletter will include all happenings and events for May.

Newsletter/Bulletin note

When giving me material that does not need to be retyped/rewritten for “publication” but needs to be copied (440 times or 250 times), please be sure it is given to me with black type on white paper. (Colors like yellow, red, blue, etc., on colored paper can not be duplicated, since our machines do not have color capability)

Thanking you, Alison