From the Minister
Grace and peace to you my friends,
In the life of the church we celebrate many new beginnings. In September we
celebrated the beginning of the programming year; in November we celebrated
Advent- the beginning of the church year; on January 1 the beginning of the
calendar year; and this past Sunday at our Annual Meeting we celebrated all
that God will do through us this year. New Committees have formed and a new
budget has been approved as we continue to move forward, walking in faith.
Jesus stood in the synagogue and proclaimed (in Luke 4:18-19, quoting Isaiah):
'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good
news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery
of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of
the Lord's favor.'
Jesus claimed his call, and set forth on his ministry with focus and commitment.
In the same way we are called to claim our gifts, seek God's call, and join
together as the Body of Christ so that we can move forward with focus and commitment.
By seeking God's path we will be a light upon a hill for all the world to see,
and our ministry together will be a blessing to many. I invite you to claim
your gifts and commit to Christ's call for your life and the Body of Christ.
During the snowy and stormy days of our New England winter we plan to be open
for worship. We encourage those who are comfortable driving, and able to dig
out, to join us and want to ensure those who feel safer at home that we will
keep them in our prayers. We will practice "where two or three are gathered
in my name, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:20) If the inclement weather
keeps you home please join in prayer with us, as we keep you in our prayers.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday on February 17. We will hold services at 7:00
am, 12:30 pm (Lenten service with Rev. Peggy Howell), and 7:00 pm. We will be
hosting the Lenten Luncheon series again, and hope that you will be able to
join us for lunch and worship.
Blessings to all,
Katherine
Events with Katherine & Office Schedule:
Wednesday Morning Worship with Communion
Come and be uplifted as we gather in the Chapel to worship God, hear Scripture,
and celebrate Communion. The service will run from 7 to 7:30 am, followed by
a light breakfast (or at least a cup of coffee to go!)
Lecture Series - Foundational Elements of Progressive Christian Critical
Thinking
Third Wednesday of each Month, September '09 - June '10, 7 am
Bible Study
Thursday mornings at 10:30 am.
Confirmation Class
The Encountering Christ confirmation program is in process and is open to
youth who are in 7th grade through high school. The program is designed to
engage the intellect and the heart in an exploration of what it is to bring
one's baptismal vows to life. If you are interested in signing up, please
contact Rev. Katherine or Kerry Piro.
Winter Office Hours
The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1 pm.
Easter Preparation - Lenten Lunches & Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday Service - 7 pm February 17th
Lenten Lunches
The Ecumenical Lunches and Services will again be held at First Congregational
Church
Lunch will be served at 11:45 with the Worship Service at 12:30 PM
February 17 - Hosted by St. Anne's Episcopal Church with Rev. Peggy
Howell
Other dates for lunches and services are:
Feb. 24
March 3
March 10
March l7
March 24
March 31
Notes from the Diaconate
This month we say THANK YOU and good-bye to our outgoing deacons
Bob Slack, Mary Anne Durand, Betty Rice, Helen Carroll, Glenda Lovegrove and
Bruce Hildreth. These wonderful folks have worked long and hard for First
Congregational Church in so many ways. The Diaconate will miss them dearly
as they transition into other committees and personal endeavors. Our first
meeting with incoming Deacons will be held Sunday January 31st right after
church.
Over the last year, we have been busy reviewing the membership list. One of
the Diaconate's responsibilities is to reach out to inactive members and periodically
cull the membership list. Letters to inactive members will have been mailed
by the time you receive this Lantern. There are a number of reasons to do
a periodic check on our membership list. First, we want to make sure members
who are inactive have every opportunity to return to us. We want to make sure
everything is okay with our inactive members. Second, if people have moved,
we need to know that, too. Third, for each member on our membership list,
$17 is paid to the Massachusetts Conference of the UCC and the Andover Association.
Also, funds are paid for each member on the membership list by the Outreach
Committee to the Mass. Conference as part of our annual giving. Lastly, our
mailing list needs to periodically be pared down as postage and paper costs
have risen and we want to make sure everyone who wants a Lantern newsletter
gets one. Our church by-laws have charged us with this task, and although
it is not an easy one, we feel we have given the task great care, time and
attention this year.
We look forward to welcoming 8 or 9 new Deacons to our committee who will
be introduced next month!
Jean Button
for the Diaconate
Executive Cabinet - Bylaws
At the December Executive Cabinet Meeting, the Nominating Committee raised
an issue that it may be time to look at the by-laws again. The Nominating Committee,
in its work this year, found that a couple of the provisions in the by-laws
were not clear, and that the current committee structure requires a high percentage
of the active members of the congregation to serve on committees. The Nominating
Committee has also found that the term-limits provision for committees was a
bit of a barrier for people with gifts and talents for certain committees to
continue to do work that they loved and were talented at.
The Executive Cabinet decided to poll the heads of committees to see if we
needed to do a major study of the by-laws or if a few small changes would be
adequate. Andrew Jennings will be assembling the comments of the committee heads
and reporting those comments to a future Executive Cabinet meeting.
Your comments on the by-laws are welcome as this poll is being conducted. If
you have any suggestions concerning the by-laws, please send them to Andrew
Jennings (email: aajennings@aol.com,
or place a note for him in the Nominating Committee slot).
Any changes in the by-laws will require a vote of the members at an official
meeting of the Church. We will update you on the poll when the results are in.
Trustees
The Trustees have once again had a busy and very productive year
The Trustees would like to extend a thank you to Rick McLay, Jerry Simmons
and Denise Smith for their many hours serving on the Board of Trustees. Rick
was very instrumental in programming the Church locks with special coded keycards.
The Trustees welcomed Steve Burton (2011) and Lou Cornaro to fill an open
terms (2010).
A list of projects completed this year includes:
-
Updated light
fixtures with energy saving bulbs
-
Runners installed
in chapel
-
Kitchen hood
cleaned/grease trap cleaned by Hood Master contractor
-
Dale Hall floor
cleaned, polished and seal coated.
-
Repair of damaged
Dale Hall Kitchen wall cabinets.
-
Plaster and
painting repairs to kitchen ceiling - Thank you Art Walsh and Tim Burns
for donating their time, expertise, the primer and paint.
-
Performed annual
Elevator Service for the church elevator.
-
Spring Work
day included landscaping to the front and side entrance.
-
A walk through
of the church to identify surplus or abandoned furniture and many items
no longer used. These items have been donated or discarded.
-
Fall Church
workday included cleaning out classroom to make room for the Fair.
-
Small kitchen
dishwasher for the Church Parlor was donated by Jack and Rita McIsaac. Thank
you Jack and Rita!
Ongoing Projects
Moving name tag board to first floor across from mailboxes to promote use.
Ideas Needed
Those people who have ideas for a project and/or can assist in completing
that project are urged to bring it to the attention of the Trustees by placing
a written note in the Trustees mailbox.
Respectfully submitted,
Board of Trustees: Wayne Thompson; Lou Cornaro; Steve Burton and Rick McLay
A Note from the Financial Secretary
2010 Pledge Envelopes for those
who have returned "2010 Faith Promises" have been picked up by many
of you or have been mailed to those who don't get out as often as they'd like.
If you didn't receive envelopes and would like to use them, just contact
the Financial Secretary via a phone call, email or place a completed "2010
Faith Promise" in the collection plate.
Fran Rogers
2010 - Financial Secretary - Bob Slack
(978-663-6697)
Outreach
Committee Report
The
apostle John says: .How does God's love abide in anyone who has the
world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little
children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. (1
John 3:17-18)
Billerica Food Pantry
The January collection for the Billerica Food Pantry numbered 94 items. The
yearly total for 2009 numbered 1703 items. The need is great and you've been
answering the call-thank you for your generosity!
It has been brought to our committee's attention that there are members who
would like to add their contributions to our Pantry collections, but due to
physical limitations, cannot deliver their donations to and/or into the church.
If you would like to arrange a "pickup", whereby someone stops at
your house or meets you at your car on the applicable Sundays, please contact
one of the following Outreach Committee members: Don Lovegrove@ 978-667-3596
* Stephen Lewis @ 978-670-1612 * Bob Miner @ 978-667-2961 * Jenny Carmichael
@ 978-262-0251. Any one of us would be happy to assist you.
Outreach Committee Members
Our Committee is now comprised of the following members, as voted at the January
17th Annual meeting: Linda Miner, Nita Owin, Don Lovegrove, Jackie Gullage,
Jenny Carmichael, Terry and Steve Lewis. We welcome Terry and Steve to our
group as our newest members and look forward to their involvement and input.
We also say thank you to Bob Miner, who has faithfully and passionately served
and led our Committee for the past 3 years. Bob's input to the work of Outreach
in our church has been impactful and inspiring! Bob has been called to be
a Deacon and we know that his passion for social justice, mission and outreach
will be a great addition to the Diaconate. Thank you for your servant leadership
Bob!
Did you know? Found on a website, www.simpleliving.net,
a poster advising "How to Build Community"…. Many of these things
are being done at the FCCB. Which can you further incorporate into your life?
How to Build Community
Turn off your TV, Leave your house,
Know your neighbors,
Look up when you are walking,
Greet people, Sit on your stoop, Plant flowers,
Use your library, Play together,
Buy from local merchants, Share what you have,
Help a lost dog, Take children to the park,
Garden together, Support neighborhood schools,
Fix it even if you didn't break it, Have pot lucks, Honor elders, Pick up
litter, Read
stories aloud, Dance in the street,
Talk to the mail carrier, Listen to the birds, Put
up a swing, Help carry something heavy,
Barter for your goods, Start a tradition, Ask a
question, Hire young people for odd jobs,
Organize a block party, Bake extra and share,
Ask for help when you need it,
Open your shades, Sing together, Share your
skills, Take back the night, Turn up the music,
Turn down the music, Listen before you react to
anger, Mediate a conflict, Seek to understand,
Learn from new and uncomfortable angles,
Know that no one is silent though many are not
heard. Work to change this.
Religious
Education
The Sunday school class will be planning their Lenten project
this month. Further details will be sent home with your child from class
and posted in the bulletin.
Please join Katherine and the RE Committee for Soup
for Souper Bowl Sunday on February 7th. Bring a can of soup to church
and wear your Superbowl attire. Proceeds will go to the Billerica Food Pantry.
Join us for TAILGATING in Dale Hall after the service. We will be serving
appetizers and snacks. TAILGAITING donations are welcome but please "PRETAILGATE"
your food donations at home. No grills, supatizers only!! For more information
please contact Katherine or the RE Committee.
Dates for the Calendar:
February 7 Soup for Souper Bowl - following church service in Dale
Hall.
(RE Committee Meeting scheduled for Feb 7 is rescheduled for Jan 31 at 11:30am.)
Dawn Salter
Pilgrim Fellowship
Jan. 24 - l-4 PM - Sledding
Jan. 30 - 8 - 12 PM- Game Night
Feb. 7 -5 PM to half time - Super Bowl
Feb. 14 - Time TBA - Chunky's - $20.00
Feb. 21 -1 - 4 PM - Snow tubing
Feb. 28 - Ice Cream Social
Debbie MacEachern
2010
Sr. High Mission Trip
The
Senior High Sunday School has chosen their trip for this summer and it is
a huge undertaking but we feel it is the right choice. Over the past two
summers we have been learning more and more about the needs of God's people
in Indiana and Colorado. This year we hope to be learning about the needs
of God's people on the Rosebud Reservation in the Badlands of South Dakota.
We hope to be participating in a program called Youthworks that provides
opportunities for youth to be in mission with other young people from all
over the country. We are very excited to be part of this group that will
be providing a much needed dose of love and care to this community!!
-
The tribe
on this reservation is the Sicangu Lakota Sioux.
-
The
reservation was established in 1889
-
21
different communities with 21,245 people
-
80%
of the work force lives below the poverty level
-
30%
of the households earn less than $10,000 per year
-
82%
unemployment rate
-
27%
of people over 25 have no high school diploma
-
24.6%
of homes have no telephone
-
1
out of 3 residents is homeless.
To be very honest, this is the one place out of all the places
we looked at, that I did not want to go. It looks so hard, so needy, so
difficult….but in spite of my trepidation, this is the place that was available
for the week we chose…this is the place we are being called to care for
and bring your love and support to.
We have a lot of work to do not only in raising money for
the trip but in learning how to help, how to understand, how to be sensitive
to the needs of this community, and how to show them they are not alone
and that there are others who care and love them even in far off places
like Billerica Mass.
Barbara Daverin
Stewardship
Notes
As we reflect over the year past and look forward
to the next let us take some time to quiet our thoughts, push aside troubles
and reflect on what we have done or left undone.
It is always hard to bid farewell to the holiday season. The
time of year where our hearts are more kindly disposed to considering the
needs of not only families and friends but also those of our fellow man.
But what is most difficult is to retain the spirit of the holidays and ask
how we might continue the good works that seem so intertwined with the season.
The members of the Stewardship committee continue to convey
appreciation to all whose great generosity enable the continued support
of our congregation and its work throughout our community.
In the coming year we would once again ask everyone the question:
What is most dear to our hearts and what sacrifices need be made to realize
those desires? How can we continue to use our Treasure, Time and Talents
to achieve those ends and what gifts could we proffer to support others
in their own personal journeys'?
Respectfully submitted by David Rappoli
On behalf of the Stewardship Committee.
Aim
Hi
NEXT
MEETING: Thursday, February 18 at 12 noon.
We thank you for contributing to our GI Footlocker. The money from the Footlocker
purchases supplies to send to our servicemen. We recenctly sent packages
to the three servicemen named below, and we encourage the congregation to
use the addresses below and send a short note or greeting card.
|
The current addresses of the service personnel
overseas are:
PFC James Adams
FB Lilley (SHKIN)
APO AE 09311
Ryan Allen
25 FS
PSC 3 Box 4308
APO AP 96266 - 0043
Jon Reinecker
BCDSTB
Task Force Gladius
Bagram Air Field
APO AE 09354
|
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.
Notes from the Music Committee
For the next month or so choir is going to be low key, but
hopefully not off key. Anyone who is willing to sing on a Sunday should
arrive at 9:15 and join in. This is a great way to try out this ministry.
More rehearsals on select Friday evenings will be added as
preparations begin for Easter and Holy week
Phyllis Jennings, music secretary
Pairs
& Spares Upcoming Events 
February -Valentine's Progressive Supper
March - Whist Party
If you are new to our church and would like the opportunity
to meet other adults or if you feel you are out of touch with your church
family or if you just need to get out for a fun filled evening of adult
company, please join us. Sign up sheets are in entrance of Dale Hall.
Sat, February 13, 6:30 pm -Valentine's Progressive
Supper. We will need volunteers to host the 4 courses (appetizers, soup,
salad, and dessert) and other volunteers to help provide the food for the
courses. We are all sweethearts, single or couples, so come along for the
fun and great food. More details to come in January.
March - will bring our annual Military Whist game.
Anyone can play, even beginners. We'll need a host home. More details in
future newsletters.
Questions? Contact Lynne: Hildreth4@comcast.net or 978-663-4727.
PASSAGES: Births, Baptisms, Weddings
and Memorial Services
Funerals
December 29th, 2009 - June M.
Cangiamila
Lay
Shepherding 
NEXT MEETING
WEDNESDAY
February 10, 2010
12:30 P.M.
Members: Barbara George (leader), Audrey Schwartz, Pat
Hefler, Dennis and Betty Blanchette, Andrew Jennings, Glenda Lovegrove, and
Wanda Lorden.
The Lay Shepherds are dedicated to assisting the Deacons and
the Pastor in serving the needs of the congregation. As described in our church
bylaws, we serve "those who are in want, troubled, sick, shut-in, or
faced with emergencies."
At our January meeting, the Lay Shepherds were delighted to
welcome Wanda Lorden as a new Shepherd. We'd love to have more of you join
us - anyone who feels called to do this work. All it requires is a willing,
sympathetic, humble spirit, and an openness to helping others. Those of us
who have visited are happy to bring new Shepherds with us on visits until
you feel ready to go on your own. Even if you don't feel ready to visit, there
are other ways to serve - making phone calls, writing cards, making and delivering
gifts of food or flowers, or just joining us as we pray for those in need.
If anyone is interested in serving as a Shepherd, but can not
make the afternoon meetings, please speak to Dennis Blanchette, and, trust
us, your help can be used and directed. Or if you are aware of anyone who
would like to be remembered or needs a friendly visit or card, please let
one of our Shepherds know. Dennis Blanchette has agreed to lead this group
during February, while Barbara George is in Florida. He can be reached at
978-667-3470.
United Church
of Christ News
Dues are due. Part of our responsibility as members of the UCC is to financially
support our association, conference and the National staff. This church
is assessed $17.00 per member reported as of Dec. 31. Those of you who pledge
with envelopes will notice a dues envelope in the box which will help FCCB
pay the bill. If you prefer not to use envelopes, you can place a check
in the offering plate or send it to the financial secretary (now Bob Slack).
This money helps support the volunteers and church staff
who in turn help our churches. It keeps workshops for pastors and church
leaders affordable. It provides a wealth of aids to all aspects of church
work. Rev. Katherine avails herself of many of the resources supported by
the association and conference. Our church directly used the support during
the interim and search process.
Phyllis Jennings, delegate
Flowers:
February
February 7 - On the Altar, flowers are given by
Harold and Jackie Phippen in loving memory of their parents.
On the piano, flowers are given in loving memory of Mary
J. Rounds from her family.
February 14 - On the Altar, flowers are given
by Isabella Anstey in loving memory of her parents, Mary and Rae Sutherland.
February 21 - On the Altar, flowers are given in loving
memory of Joseph and Margie Busa, Nana Cameron, Sue Gullage and George
A. Gullage from Scot, Jackie, Gina, and Katia Gullage.
February 28 - On the Altar, flowers are given by
Mr. and Mrs. Allard in loving memory of Bob's father, Almon Allard, and
his mother, Christine Allard, and Marilyn's father, William Mann and her
mother, Helen Mann.
On the Piano, flowers are placed in loving memory
of Betsy Burton by Steve, Erin, Kristen, Ken, Lindsay, Samantha and also
by Al and Ellie Melendy.
On the Lecturn, flowers are given in memory of Lisa
Jollimore on her fourth anniversary from her family.
If you would like to donate flowers any Sunday, please call
Jeannette at 978-663-6804.
Help Wanted
|
We are looking for
a few good men and women who might like to help with one-time or occasional
tasks. We know that some people are unable to commit to a committee, but
that they understand the need for many hands. See if you have some time
to offer for one or another of the tasks below.
- Telephone duty
on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:00 am to answer any questions or
take messages. Please sign up on Bulletin Board across from Pastor's
office.
- Nursery room
aides during church service.
If you love little ones, the sign-up list is near the nursery.
- Organizational
tasks involving books,cabinets, shelves, bulletin boards, etc. There
is no time limit. This could be done on your own schedule. See Rev.
Katherine for suggestions.
- Providing coffee/tea/cold
drinks for Sunday morning coffee hour.
- Providing a
snack for Sunday morning coffee hour. Sign up on the list beside
the kitchen door for a specific week. Suggestions /directions are posted.
- Posting newspaper
notices of upcoming events and sometimes articles in the Religious
section of the Lowell Sun and Billerica Minuteman. This is a job that
can be done from home via the Internet. Speak to Rev. Katherine.
- Membership Database
help. A lot of work is needed to maintain our database and keep
the data current. If you have simple computer skills and some time to
help out, speak to Lynne Hildreth.
Please help. Alas,
there is no monetary reward, but you will have our heartfelt appreciation
and, of course, many stars in your crown.
|
Thank
You's and Notes
FROM ALISON
Thank you to Audrey Schwartz, Barbara George and Edna McDewell for
their help in the delivery of the January issue of "The Lantern"!
If you would like to donate bulletins for any Lenten service, please pick
your choice from the booklets next to the bulletin board across from the mailboxes
and note the number, date and second choice number and let me know what message
you want printed in the bulletin on the day you are donating (in memory of,
in celebration of, in honor of, etc.). Upon receipt of the bulletins, I will
let you know what the payment is. Thank you!
Lantern on the Web
The Lantern is on the web each month in its entirety. To reduce our mailing
costs, if you would like to read it on line at http://www.firstcongo.org
instead of having the newsletter mailed, please let me know.
Next Lantern Deadline:
Sunday, February 21st, 2010
The newsletter written and mailed the week of February 21st will include
the news for the last week in February and the month of March. The next newsletter
will be sent out the week of March 21st.
