Dear Friends,

One of the pleasures of the holiday season is digging out ornaments and decorations that have been part of our celebration of Christmas in years past. Some are reminders of people we've known, or places we've been; some are reminders of times alive to us now only in memory. In church too we dig out our treasures - our beloved carols and anthems, familiar Scriptures, traditional practices like the pageant, cantata, and candlelight service. As December approaches, I also dig out my bountiful collection of seasonal readings, items clipped and filed in years past and treasured as old friends.
Among my favorites is this piece by Rev. Howard Thurman, titled "The Work of Christmas." In the midst of our whirlwind of shopping, sending cards, attending get-togethers, preparing food, and all the rest, it reminds us to focus on Christmas as a pathway into God's future:

When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the shepherds are back with the flock,
The work of Christmas begns:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungy,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers (and sisters),
To make music in the heart.

As Christians we're not so much called to celebrate Christmas as to follow the Christ. Advent is the time we prepare to hear why it is he came and what is asked of us in return, that God's love might be known to all people and God's kingdom might yet come to be in this troubled world.

May you be blessed with al the true gifts of the season: Hope, Peace,
Love, Joy.
Blessings, Sharon

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Check Out These Seminars and Workshops Elsewhere in the Area.

Sat., January 5, 2008, Framingham, *How to Get More Members for your Congregation. *(For teams of at least three lay leaders. + Pastor). Sign up by Dec. 1

Sat., March 1 2008, Martha Grace Reese will present a workshop based on her acclaimed book, Unbinding the Gospel, a study of mainline Protestant evangelism. We're invited to build a team of five or more people to read the book and attend the Workshop.

March - Lift up Your Voice: Blending Ancient & Contemporary Worship; Wollaston (See Deacons bulletin board.)

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

May 2, 2008, New Ways to Worship.

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Advent & Christmas Services and Special Events

A variety of services and other events are planned for the Advent and Christmas season, including a return to the Christmas Cantata service and a new "Light in the Darkness" evening service (see article below).

December 2, 1st Sunday of Advent
Communion; lighting of Advent wreath, Advent music

December 9, 2nd Sunday of Advent
Traditional Service of Lessons & Carols

December 9, 2 PM
Merrimac Valley Chorale Concert

December 16, 3rd Sunday of Advent
Christmas Cantata: CandleHght Christmas by Benj Horlan
Sung by the Adult Choir

December 16
Caroling and Soup Supper 3:00 - 6:30 PM
A rranged by the Family Life Committee

December 16
Light in the Darkness" Healing Service 7:00 PM
A quiet service for those feeling a need for support, or just for peace.

December 23 4th Sunday of Advent
Family Service with Children's Pageant, including the baptism of Samantha Raworth

December 24 Christmas Eve
5:00 PM Family Service, especially for children
7:30 PM. Candlelight Service with Adult Choir

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Light in the Darkenss Service, December 16

Not everyone feels in "the Christmas mood" just because it's December. In fact, many people feel sad at holiday time due to illness, recent loss, or sad memories stirred up by the holidays. Or perhaps they're just overwhelmed by the demands of the season and want time to reflect. Our light in the Darkness service will be an opportunity for anyone in need of God's presence to gather for prayer, quiet music, and symbolic lighting of candles in the night. We invite the wider community to join us. Please join us for this beautiful evening service: 7 PM, Sunday Dec. 16 in the Sanctuary.

Outreach Opportunities

Watch the bulletins for opportunities to share with those in need during the Advent season.

Christmas Flowers

As we did last Easter, we are offering everyone in the congregation an opportunity to donate flowers at Christmas time in memory or in honor of loved ones. These flowers will be used to create a festive altar for the Dec. 23 and 24 services. (They can be taken home following the late Christmas Eve service.)

This year the price is $10.00 each. You can order either red, white or Jingle Bell (red and white) colors.

Click here for Chrismas Poinsettia Order Form

Earlier in the month, the Deacons and others will distribute poinsettias to those on the Lay Shepherds' list.

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Family Life Committee Notes

Christmas Caroling, December 16

We will leave from the church at 3 PM and then upon our return, we will enjoy soup and bread at 5 PM in the church parlor. Sign-up sheets will be on the Family Life Committee bulletin board.

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Advent Meditation

God sent the Angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee named Nazareth.

He had a message for a girl promised in marriage to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. The girl's name was Mary. The Angel came to her and said, "Peace be with you!" The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you!

Mary was deeply troubled and wondered what his words meant.

The Angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, God has been gracious to you. You will give birth to a son and name him Jesus. and he will be called Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king, like his ancestor David, and he will rule the descendants of Jacob forever.

Luke. 1:26-33

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2007 Christmas Fund
Pension Boards-United Church of Christ

The Christmas Fund Offering (formerly Veterans of the Cruss), which is administered by the United Offering (formerly Veterans of the Cross), one of the Special Mission Offerings of the United Church of Christ (UCC), is an important way of sharing our joy at God's renewing and life-giving grace. The Church Board for Ministerial Assistance of the Pension Boards on behalf of the UCC, is an expression of joy and gratitude to, and for, those who serve the church. Gifts to the Christmas Fund help provide pension and health premium supplementation to low-income retirees, emergency assistance to the families of clergy and lay employees,and Christmas Gift checks to hundreds of annuitants.

The Christmas Fund collection at our church will be held on December 23. Look for the special Christmas envelopes in that Sunday's bulletin.

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December 2007

At the October 10th Congregational meeting, the name change and mission statement for the Stewardship Committee was approved, replacing the previous "Finance Committee." The Stewardship Committee will still retain its lead role in our annual pledge drive and in overseeing activities with a financial component, but will be shifting its focus from general fundraising to the various Biblical components of Christian Stewardship, including financial giving, identification and use of Member talents, and evaluation of our endowment policies. One of our primary missions will be evaluation of Stewardship progress, without compromising our long-term commitment to privacy of individual donations. Keeping the congregation apprised of Stewardship goals and progress on a yeararound basis will be one of our main goals.

Toward that goal we have the following to report regarding our annual drive. To date we have pledged approximately $109,000 which is approximately 50 % of our estimated $218,000 projected budget. About $18,000 of the $109,000 is specifically pledged for Building Fund and Missions, which means that we have a shortfall of 50% or more, if giving matches pledges. It also appears that approximately 35% of people who pledged last year have not pledged to date. While these results are worrisome, our Financial Secretary, Fran Rogers, has reported that one person who pledged has stepped forward and doubled his\her pledge, and 15 new pledges have been made. So if the 35 percent of us who have not pledged do pledge, and some of us find our finances better than expected, we could go a long way toward meeting our goals.

The coming Thanksgiving Season seems an appropriate time to evaluate the blessings that God has bestowed on us, and what we should pledge and give as good Christian Stewards.

Respectfully submitted, The Stewardship Committee

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"Variance"

by Fran Rogers, Financial Secretary

There has been some confusion over the word "variance" as it is used in the financial statements. "Variance" is computer talk for "difference." The variance column shows the difference between what was pledged and what was contributed. There are three possibilities.

The first possibility is nothing but dashed lines showing in the variance column. This means that everything is on track, contributions match pledges, you're neither ahead or behind.

The second possibility is to have whole numbers in the variance column. This means you're ahead of what you pledged by the amount shown (and we thank you!)

The last possibility is that there are whole numbers with parentheses around them [i.e.: ($120.00)] in the variance column. This means contributions are behind what was pledged for that time period. This happens a lot during the summer due to vacations,
stays at the summer camps, and so on. Generally things get caught up during the last quarter (SeptemberDecember).

Please keep in mind that the statements you have received so far are only place markers, an accounting of what's happened up to the statement date. The one that really counts is the end-of-year statement, which is printed in early January. This is the one you should use with your tax filing.

As always, if you should have specific questions about your account, please feel free to contact me at any time.

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DECEMBER 2007 MISSIONS COMMITTEE REPORT

We delivered 161 items to the Food Pantry this past week; $70 was collected, too.
Checks were written in the amount of $1200 this month for charities.

Dennis Blanchette

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Religious Education

Sunday School Calendar for -December

Dec 2 - Communion, everyone goes to church with their family and then children are released to their teachers for class. Start of Advent

9 - Children go directly to classroom

16 - Children go directly to classroom

22 -  Rehearsal for Christmas Pageant

23 - Christmas Pageant

30 - No Sunday School

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Children and Advent/Christmas

The Sunday School classes will.be preparing all this month for the Christmas pageant on the 23rd. If at all possible, try to have your children in class so that they can learn the hope, peace, love, and joy of preparing for the coming of Christ. Invite your friends and family to experience the story of Christmas and add new meaning to the old, old story with the pageant, Twelve Days of Christmas in song, word, and action.

The Pilgrim Fellowship is sponsoring the Angel Tree for gifts to less well-off families in our area. Children love to help choose gifts for others and experience sharing.

• On the 30th, plan to worship as a family:
• Pick up one of the children's activity packets at the back of the church for moments when distraction is needed.
• Help your child find the hymns and follow along in\the bulletin.
• Find the reading in the Bible. Sit up where they can see.
• On the way home talk about what you each enjoyed about the worship. Children are unlikely to learn to love worship as teens and "adults if they haven't been introduced.
  

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Preschool and Kindergarten News

The children have had a fantastic start to the new Sunday school year. We have a large group of children attend each week and the integration of preschool and kindergarten is successful so far. We have created a religious environment that is both inspiring and engaging through bible stories, prayer, songs, and activities. Each week, we read a story from the Bible and discuss how it correlates to our daily lives and work on an activity that reinforces the meaning of the story.

This semester, we are focusing on the stories from the Old Testament. They are also learning about values such as kindness, obedience, faith, responsibility and patience that will help them evolve into good disciples. In addition, the children have been introduced to worshiping God through prayer and are working on learning the Lord's Prayer. We welcome you to join us one Sunday or stop by to see what the children have been learning.

They are very enthusiastic about their projects and have displayed some of their recent woi'k to share with the congregation. We also encourage anyone who is interested in helping the instructors on a Sunday with the art activities to please feel free to sign up on the sign up sheet outside the classroom. There are a great number of dedicated disciples in this classroom and an extra pair of hands is always welcome in assisting us to provide the best religious education
possible.

GOD BLESS,
Dawn Salter Shannon Fisher Leslie Ayers

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JR High Sunday School Class

Note the December activities.

Please support the PF with the annual Angel Tree for families in need. If you take a Mitten, please purchase a pair of gloves and hat for the child's age on the mitten. If you take a football or Teddy bea,r please buy a toy for the child (suggestions may be made according to what they asked for). If you take an Angel ,please buy a set of clothes for that child.

Dec 2 Wreaths will be on sale @ $7.00. Anyone who pre-orders may pick them up at church; otherwise, we will call to set up delivery or pick up.

Your in Christ,
Jr& SrPF

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SR High Sunday School Class - What is Mission?

The high school class is currently preparing to choose the location and mission project which will be the focus for the year. In order to prepare for this mission trip the class will work each week to understand the work they will do, the people they will work with and the situation. Currently, they have been discussing what mission is along with the reasons Christians are called to mission. They will be sharing what they have learned with the congregation either in worship or at their World Dinner Kickoff fundraiser which will be planned for late January. We hope you all will support this event and this class as they prepare for this mission trip. Details of the site chosen and the World Dinner will be in the Dec/Jan Lantern.

All youth grades 9 through 12 are welcome to join us Sunday morings 10-11 AM to participate in this year's class and mission trip. If you have questions, please call Barbara Daverin 978-663-3115 or Brent Davis 978-667-2994.

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SR Pilgrim Fellowship (9th to 12th Grades)

We will be doing PF a little different this year in that we will only be meeting 2-3 times a month. The PF groups will not be meeting together this year and will have different activities than the other group. We are planning on meeting on Sunday Nights from 6:30-8:30 for those of you that work on Sundays can hopefully make a meeting every once in a while. Here is the tentative schedule if you would like to join us please swing by a meeting or e-mail me at ddmac@comcast.net.

In order for this to work I will need help from the parents of the youth as well as the RE. Committee. The youth will be meeting two or three times a month and a lot of the activities will be parent child or family related. Please be advised that you do not have to be an active member of the church to join the youth group. Feel free to invite a friend to the meeting who you think will enjoy participating in this youth group interested in joining the group please feel free to give me a call at 978-670-5768 or e-mail me at ddmac@comcast.net

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An Invitation to Become a Church Member

Joining a church isn't a matter of paying dues to obtain benefits, as with most other organizations. For us membership is more like getting married - i.e., making a commitment to become part of something larger than yourself - in this case, the Body of Christ, with its invitation to discipleship.

What's required to join? An affirmation of faith or letter of transfer from another church and completion of a brief class for prospective members.
We'll soon be offering a New Member class (an hour or so on a Sunday afternoon) for those who might like to join the church or just have questions about us or our denomination, the United Church of Christ.

If interested, please contact Rev. Goss or one of the senior Deacons, Jenny Carmichael or Bruce Hildreth.

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Meet Our New Members

June Coke:
June was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Grace Episcopal Church in Everett MA. After marriage she settled in West Somerville and attended St. James Church. Her husband was treasurer for many years, and she taught Sunday School. She enjoys good music and watchi"ng "Dancing with the Stars"~ For 26 years shewas a dental assistant. She is now retired and looking forward to becoming a member of this church.

Jeremv Verrocchio:
He was baptized into the Episcopal church at The Old North Church in Boston. He grew up in Tewksbury and graduated from Shawsheen Valley Technical High School from the Internet shop. He now works as a merchandiser for Pepsi and is trying to pursue a career in the electrical union. He teaches martial arts a few nights a week at his father's Tae Kwon Do school in North Reading where he is a 3rd degree Black Belt. He now resides in Hudson NH with his wife. He enjoys reading and watching and playing sports. He is looking forward to becoming a member of this church.

Katie Verrocchio:
She was christened, af1d cOnfirmed as a Catholic at St Theresa's Church in Billerica. She lived in Billerica almost all her life and graduated from" Shawsheen Valley Technical High School in the cosmetology program. She now works asa sales support administrator and a receptionist a few nights a week at aTae Kwon Do school. She enjoys dancing, entertaining, decorating and spending time with her family. She now resides in Hudson NH with her hU$band and is looking forward to becoming a member of this wonderful church "family".

Jim O'Connor
Jim was raised a Cathlolic growing up on Long Island. He was
" introduced to the UCC through his wife, Brooke's church in CT, where they were married in 1997. He 'enjoys the "sense of community and family in the UCC church. Jim enjoys playing gotf and skiing, and being a new dad to baby Claire. He is a mechanical engineer at Integra-Radionics in Burlington. Jim and Brooke have lived in the BiliericalBurlington area for the past 12 years.

Brooke O'Connor
She was baptized, confirmed and married at the United Church of Rowayton (CT), Brooke is a lifelong UCC member. She was extremely involved in the church while growing up through junior choir, bell choir, being a Sunday School teacher and Jr Deacon.

With no extended family living nearby, she hopes the church can become her extended family. Brooke enjoys biking, swimming and skiing, and being a new mom to baby Claire. She is a software administrator and mechanical engineer at Axcelis Technologies in Beverly.
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The Diaconate

• The new hours for the Christmas service will be 5.00 PM for the family service and 7.30 PM for the candle light service. Mark it down on your calendar.
• The Diaconate committee will be decorating the Sanctuary Saturday December 1 at 10.00 AM.
• The poinsettia sale is coming up shortly, so be thinking about who you would like to buy flowers for. MaryAnne and Helen will be taking orders.
• Just another reminder to take a look at our website and how well it is coming along. Any suggestions you might have could be helpful so let Glenda Lovegrove know at glovegrove@comcast.net.
• We would to send our thoughts and prayers to the Crocker family. His church family will miss him, and I will miss him personally because he was my co~leader as usher. We had some fun times ushering together. He will be missed by a lot of people. (Your friend and partner, Bruce.)
• Thanksgiving is coming up and we would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday and a safe one for those who are traveling. Peace And May God be with you all.
• We would like to wish the newly formed Search Committee good luck with getting that committee up and running.
• We would like to thank all the people who made the Deacons Donuts Shop at the Church fair such a great success and a special thanks to Jack for all his organizing and planning. We are so glad and thankful to a have a special person like you, Jack.

Respectfully, Deacons

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The Updated Web Site

If you're here you've found the updated web site! If you have anything you'd like to share on the site, just contact the web master at glovegrove@comcast.net. The site is still developing, so any suggestions for additional or changed content are happily accepted. Some recently added material:

• Information on Room Rental - who to contact, how much, process, etc. See Facilities & Rental.

We'd particularly welcome book and movie reviews, etc.,and will gladly post them in the Resources section. Other Church Members are always looking for suggestions about good things for them and their children to see and read. Your participation gratefully appreciated. Just use the email address above or contact any Deacon.

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PASSAGES: Baptisms, Weddings, and Memorial Services

Baptisms:

November 11, 2007 Clare Nancy O'Conner, daughter of Brooke and Jim O'Conner.

Weddings:

October 28, 2007, Corey Button and Kathleen Lee

Funerals/Memorial Services:

November 14, 2007 - Everett A. Crocker

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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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Trustees

The parlor has new carpeting and tile. We are replacing the carpeting on the back stairway near the Dale Hall stage. The installation of the carpeting in the classrooms has been finished. We are purchasing a carpet shampooer to clean these new carpets periodically. Unfortunately, spills will happen. If you notice a spot on the carpets, please leave the trustees or the custodian a note so that the spot can be cleaned immediately and, hopefully, we will avoid a permanent stain.

We are still researching a key card locking system for all of the church doors. The church office needs new wiring as we use too many extension cords to run the multitude of machinery in there. There is now a shredder in the church office if any committee needs to shred sensitive papers.

We hope you all have a Peaceful and Merry Christmas.

Carol Lazott

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CIRCLE OF FRIENDSHIP

The Circle of Friendship Christmas Party will be held Monday, December 17 at 7:00 PM in the church parlor. Please bring a gift for exchange ($5-$7).
We invite anyone who is interested to join us. This will be Circle's final meeting before joining the Aim-Hi group in 2008.

Muriel Swanberry 978-663-8454
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LAY SHEPHERDING

Next Meeting Monday, December 10, 1 :00 P.M.
We invite anyone who is interested in serving our homebound members to join our group. We are presently exploring ways to best serve and to whom we need to serve. Any comments are appreciated. You may bring them to our next meeting or speak to any of our present shepherds who are: Donna Bailey, Betty & Dennis Blanchette, Christa Brown , Alberta Hamilton, Pat Hefler, Mildred McCauley, Audrey Schwartz or Barbara George.

Barbara George

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AIM-HI

Newcomers are always welcome, just bring a lunch and join us.

Aim-Hi's next meeting will be Thursday, December 13, 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 these addresses 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 address, 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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The Pairs and Spares Annual Christmas Progressive Supper

Saturday, December 8th, 6:00 PM
Cost $12 per person (Well worth it for the delectable food that is served.)

Sign up sheet is on the bulletin board going into Dale Hall. You can also call Lynne Hildreth at 978-663-4727 or Grace Rogers at 978-671-4443 to sign up or if you would like a ride. Carpooling is strongly suggested.

Our Host Homes need help preparing each course, please call a host to offer your help or if you need directions.

We hope to see some new faces!

Pairs & Spares are the adult fellowship group in our church. We are adults (18 or over) who, between September and June, get together occasionally for times of friendship and fun. If you are new to the church, this is a good way to meet people. If you've been attending church for a while, it's a great way to just get to know others better. There is no commitment to the group. You simply sign up for whatever activity you are interested in. We try to offer a variety of activities, some very inexpensive and some a bit more costly. Announcements are made for each activity and there is a sign up sheet in the entranceway to Dale Hall. Suggestions are also welcome.

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Senior Choir

The Senior Choir will be performing "Candlelight Christmas", a spiritually moving Christmas cantata by Benjamin Harlan on Sunday, December 16th during the worship service. We invite anyone interested in singing with us to come to rehearsals on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. starting on October 11th. Other rehearsal nights will be offered (TBA). If you are interested, please speak to any choir member, Elliot, or Liz.

We look forward to having you join us for an uplifting experience.

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Organ News

Those who attended the congregational meeting in October may recall that a sub-committee of the Music Committee had been looking for solutions to the problem of the organ. The committee decided that the best plan was the purchase of a new instrument, a 'digital' organ, to replace our existing instrument. Here's the thinking that led to that decision.

Estimates of the cost of bringing our current instrument back to its original playing condition have been as high as $80,000.00 - and to make some improvements to it, notably pipe voices that would help congregational singing, $100,000.00. (The cost of a new, built from scratch, tracker-action pipe organ, could easily be in excess of $5oo,000.00.) At the end of that .process, two things would still be true. First, as a mechanical, largely wooden instrument, in a sanctuary with a heating system such as our current one, . further expensive maintenance would likely be necessary. In winter we heat the sanctuary to 65 degrees or so each.Sunday, and by Tuesday, the room is down to 50 degrees or so. In addition to the temperature fluctuations, which affect the tuning, the heating process dries out all the wooden parts. Our pipe chests, and many of our wooden pipes are cracked. Both need replacing.

The second truth is, that after spending whatever amount to fix the current organ, it will still be in the wrorg place. Have you noticed? It's about 30 feet deep in what sound engineers consider a separate room. That's the other reason congregational singing isn't supported. Ironically, new pipe voices that would make hearing the pitch easier, are the sounds most diminished by the distance, and by the architectural barrier, the lowered opening from the chancel area into the main part of the sanctuary, that part which extends down from the ceiling across the whole opening.

These considerations have led to the decision to purchase an electronic instrument. The initial outlay may be in the neighborhood of $60,000.00 But, as nearly as the committee could discover, maintenance costs would be small, perhaps very small. (In general, the companies building digital organs don't offer maintenance insurance. Not because the policies would be expensive, but because there is little need.)

In addition, the sound system could be configured to pour sound right into the sanctuary, solving the other problem. We envision placing the console, the key boards, pedal board, and controls in the case, right where the current keyboard is. The sound system would be where the pipes are now, and auxiliary speakers would speak directly into the sanctuary. The appearance of the sanctuary would not change. The case, with those bronzecolored fa,ade pipes would remain. And the sound, since it is produced by 'samples' of organ pipe sounds, would be indistinguishable from a pipe organ.

So, this is the thought process which has led to the decision.. Do nothing, and the current organ will wither away - gradually, or suddenly. Get along with piano only. Not a reasonable option given the music program of this church. Spend perhaps $100,00.00 and still face major maintenance costs, (hard to predict, but perhaps major work every five to ten years, costing perhaps $30,000.00 at current prices.) Install a new climate-controlled heating/humidifying system. Pricelessl

Or make a major outlay for a new, digital instrument, and get an organ with greater sound resources than our current instrument, with the sound coming from the right place. We'd then have a reliable instrument able to withstand temperature fluctuations, low humidity and all that with much lower maintenance expenses.

This would be the church's instrument, not the Music Committee's. We would like to hear from the congregation - your questions and concerns. For example, the Music Committee has some ideas about financing the purchase of this instrument. We hope members of the congregation have some ideas about this as well. We are interested in these.

Liz Wetherbee

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From the Moderator

One of the most important aspects of searching for a new settle pastor is the formation of a Search Committee. In our bylaws the Deacons, the Trustees and the Moderator appoint a Pulpit Committee (Search Committee in other churches) of seven members. The Deacons and Trustees appoint three members each and the Moderator appoints one member to the Pulpit Committee of seven.

Working in concert was considered more beneficial than going our separate ways to get members. As a group we were able to bring the names of many people forward, some that were not well"known to all of the selecting officials. This gave us a greater base of people to consider and chose from. We were also able to define what areas we felt the committee needed to represent, Le., music, youth, established members, new members, religious education, and service to the church, to name a few. Roll all those together and you get a Pulpit Committee that we felt would represent not only who and what First Congregational Church in Billerica is today, but what it hopes to be in the future. During the many meetings and decisions made, Rev. Goss was there to help us with process issues, but not in a role to select candidates. Her insight was valuable as we formulated the make-up of the Pulpit Committee.

The people recommended by the Deacons, Trustees and Moderator were contacted and many did not feel they could make the commitment due to work and/or family issues. Of the many called, seven did answer "the Call" and agreed to be on the Pulpit Committee. As many of you may know the seven members are Larry Carroll, Lynne Hildreth, Phyllis Jennings, Francis Rogers, Denise Smith, Diane Thompson and Jeremy Verrachio. Please thank them when you see them for stepping up for this important part of a search for our new settle pastor. On November 18th they met with the Conference Minister to receive their charge so you can say "the search is on".

God Bless,

Ed Reinecker, Moderator

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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. (Review in PDF Format.)

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 December

December 2 - Given by Mallie Monteforte in memory of loved ones.
On the piano, flowers are given in loving memory of Bapa, Wayne's father, Lester Thompson, by Wayne, Diane, Amanda and Eddie.

December 9 - Given by Barbara Brown in memory of her sister, Alice McCabe.
On the piano, flowers are given in memory of my mother and father from their daughter, Donna Ricarte.
On the lectern flowers are given in memory of Patricia Milinazzo by her sister, Marilyn Welch and Patricia's daughter, Lynn Gaudett and her family, Mark and Rachel.

December 16 - Given by Ruth, Melissa and Doug MacKinnon in loving memory of the Hallenborg family.
On the piano, flowers are given in loving memory of all our grandparents by Steven, Stephanie, Derek and Kathryn Norman, and Wayne, Diane, Amanda and Eddie Thompson.
On the lectern, the flowers are provided by a memorial fund of the late Dorothy Richardson and are placed in memory of her grandparents, Mr. Mrs. John H.Baker.

December 23 and 24 - Anyone who would like to donate poinsettias in memory or in honor of loved ones may do so. They can be taken home following the late Christmas Eve Service. Click here for Order Form.

December 30 - Given by Lillian McLay and son, Richard and family, in loving memory of her husband and son, Richard's father, Richard C. McLay.
On the piano, flowers are given in loving memory of Agnes "Nessie" Tonks from her family; who all miss her very much.

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 Alison

Big Thank Yous to Edna McDewell, Barbara George, and Audrey Schwartz for their help in the delivery of the December issue of “The Lantern”!

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Lantern Notes

NEXT LANTERN DEADLINE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16

This newsletter will include all happeningsand events for January.

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 as yellow, red, blue etc. on colored paper can not be duplicated as our machines do not have color capability)

Thanking you, Alison