Dear Friends,

All around my neighborhood are yards overflowing with spider webs and ghosts and, in some cases, entire cemeteries. No wonder Halloween has become second only to Christmas in terms of spending on decorations.

End-of-October observances hark back a long way. Earth-based religions (those we call "pagan"), realized that at this time of year the earth's fertility cycle was winding down. They viewed it as a sacred time -- perched on the brink between life and death. In fact, they believed that on November 1 the veil between life and death was so thin the dead could actually escape back to earth! That's why we celebrate Halloween with skeletons, ghosts, and cemeteries.

Of course, the word Halloween means "hallowed evening" - stemming from the fact that October 31 occurs the day before the Christian Feast of all Saints. (That feast was introduced as an attempt to shift the focus of attention onto a holy world beyond the grave.) Later the Feast of All Souls was added on November 2 to remember the ordinary dearly departed still trapped between earth and heaven in a place called purgatory. Nowadays, judging from the appearance of my neighborhood, I'd say the pagans are back in full force!

Soon we'll celebrate another beloved autumn holiday - the grace-filled feast of Thanksgiving. Some think it has its origins in the Jewish harvest celebration of Sukkoth. During this festival the Jewish people lived in tents to commemorate God's care for them in the wilderness and acknowledge God's continuing care. Thanks be to God that, despite turkey-day football and "big-box" stores open for early Christmas shopping, Thanksgiving still retains most of its spiritual significance as a day for giving thanks to God for our many, many blessings!

May this spiritually rich time of year be for us a reminder of God's presence in every season of our life. And may we echo the sentiment expressed in one beautiful old hymn: "God of our lives, through all our circling years, we trust in thee!"

-- Blessings, Sharon

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Check Out These Seminars and Workshops Elsewhere in the Area.

Mon., Nov. 19, Shrewsbury , Testimony: Talking ourselves into Being Chnstian, Featuring Dr. Tom Long.

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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And these Programs in Our own Church

New Member Class November 4

A class for those who might like to become church members will be offered Sunday, November 4,11:30-12:30. If you're interested in membership or in learning more about our church please contact Rev. Goss.

New members are received by obtaining a letter of transfer from another church or through affirmation of faith (usually done in a worship service). Membership in a Congregational Church is a statement of commitment to follow Christ within a particular community of faith. Through membership they also become eligible to vote on church matters.

Meet the Women of the Bible

Eve and Mary are not the only women in the Bible. They're joined by Miriam and Tabitha and Lydia and many more.
In response to a request, Rev. Goss will offer a short Bible Study (3-4 weeks) on Women of the Bible, starting after the holidays. If you're interested, please let her know which day of the week, and which time of day or night, works best for you.

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Get to Know the Bible

During most fall Sundays, Rev. Goss will continue a "Grand Sweep" of the major
stories/books of the Bible. After Genesis we'll explore the story of the Exodus, the central story of the Jewish people and an inspiration to many oppressed peoples.

Each Monday from 12:30-1:30 a Bible Study is held in the parlor. We're currently studying the psalms. All are welcome.

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Come, Ye Thankful People

Join us Sunday, Nov. 18 for a festive service in celebration of Thanksgiving. We'll sing our favorite Thanksgiving hymns, and the choir will sing anthems of the season. The children will also lead the ingathering of food to be donated to families in need. (See related article under Christian Education.)
We are also tentatively planning to receive new members during the service.

Early Planning for Advent and Christmas

We have a variety of beautiful and meaningful services planned to mark the Advent and Christmas season, including a return to the Christmas Cantata service and a new "Blue Christmas" evening service. Here's a preview of what will be happening:

• December 2 Advent 1: Communion; Advent music, lighting of Advent wreath
• December 9 Advent 2: Service of Lessons & Carols ,
• December 9 Merrimac Valley Chorale Concert
• December 16 Advent 3: Christmas Cantata: Candlelight Christmas by Benj Horlan (Adult Choir)
• December 16 - 3 - 6:30 PM Caroling and Soup Supper (Family Life Committee)
• December 16 - 7 PM "Blue Christmas" Service. A short prayer and candlelighting service for those feeling sad at holiday time or in need of support.
• December 23 Advent 4 - Family Service with Children's Pageant (Decoration of altar with Christmas poinsettias - see article below)
• December 24 Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Family Service. Reading of Nativity Story and carol singing *youth musicians welcomed
  Candlelight Service with Adult Choir, concluding with Handel's Halleluia Chorus

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 will be 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.)

Watch the upcoming bulletins and December Lantern for order forms.

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

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Heard at the Cottage Meetings

"We should grow, but not too much."
"Our biggest strength is hardworking, committed people."
"I'd like to see us get a youth minister."

These and other wide-ranging comments were offered at a series of cottage meetings held during the past month to consider the future of the church. About 55 members attended these discussions, held in various homes. Below are the major topics covered and representative answers. (Note that not all questions were asked at every session due to time constraints.)

1. Reflection on items in the congregational survey

Morale: Most people thought that morale is improving and the church is "moving on" following a period of low morale due to events surrounding the departure of the last minister. Others added though that an aging population has left some feeling "tired" as they struggle to get new volunteers for committees and other church work. Some people also seemed to be comparing the church now to what it was many years ago and longing for the old days.

Minister as "friend": According to the survey, the majority of people think it's important for the minister to be a "friend." At our meetings this was defined primarily as being approachable, supportive, and involved in church activities. Only a few expected the minister to engage with them in a personal, social relationship. The topic brought up related issues about how ministers maintain professional boundaries, the minister's need for a personal life,
and the potential for a minister to get spread too thin in a 300-member church.

Children and youth. The congregational survey indicated that support for children and youth is one of the top five tasks expected of the new pastor. Many people expressed an interest in adding a youth minister or other professional dedicated to children and youth. The concern seemed to grow out of an awareness of the church's aging membership and, for some, fond memories of a time when the church was filled with young people. Some suggested contacting churches with successful programs to see what might work and asking the RE committee to obtain more feedback from parents of currently enrolled students.
Stewardship. The size of the endowment was seen as reducing motivation to give more through pledges. One individual advocated tithing.

2. Discussion of questions to be answered on the church's Profile

The church's strengths. Humor, welcoming stance, committed and hardworking people, caring, eating, members' talents, strong opinions, service to the community by offering church space, fellowship, downtown location, respect for the minister's role, strong people, connectedness.

Challenges: An uninviting building. Aging membership. Cliques. Conflict. An old guard that doesn't let go of the reins. Resistance to change. Problems with Sunday School. People who wait to be offended. Strong personalities who are roadblocks.

Preferred leadership style: Rev. Goss pointed out that leadership style is a major factor in the success of any pastorate; there is no right or wrong, but rather the goal is to get a good match. The overwhelming majority thought that a minister who shared leadership with the laity and worked to strengthen lay leadership would be the ideal- as opposed to a minister who was directive or primarily supportive. However, there was some tendency to think that a dash of directiveness would come in handy in dealing with the church's many strong personalities.

The ideal pastor: People were open to any age minister. Only two people (a married couple) said they preferred a male. The overwhelming majority thought that the congregation was not ready for a gay or lesbian pastor, especially if that person were open about his/her sexual preference.

3. Discussion related to the church's core values and vision for the future

Growth: A majority of those present indicated a wish for the church to grow, but gradually and in moderation. Some were not interested in growth. Reasons for wanting to grow including seeing more people at worship, increasing the number of pledgers, having more people to serve the church, and having greater participation in activities. (Note: Not cited was a desire to share with the unchurched the good news of God's love for us in Jesus Christ.)

Core Values: The core value that appeared to be primary was community - church as a place to belong and connect with others. Compassion for other members in need appeared to be in second place. Controlled growth also drew widespread support. Mission appears to be very important to a limited group. Faith was not often mentioned spontaneously and was usually discussed in terms of programs such as worship, Bible Study, or spiritual growth groups.

Vision: These were the responses given to the question of what people wanted the church to become in the next 5-7 years: A place with lots of activity. More Bible study or other small special-focus groups. Enthusiasm/revitalization. More compassion for the poor. Youth activities. Less divisiveness. Being welcoming. Improved building. Updated mission statement. Retention of the "family" feeling. Good mix of ages, races. An alternative to conservative Christianity. Caring for young and old. Adult education. Outreach to community, especially newcomers living in new apartments. Two services, one on Saturday. Some contemporary worship. Powerful, exciting and uplifting worship. A strong choir and a mix of different kinds of music, including a bell choir. Spiritual guidance and renewal. Educational programs for the community. More people doing things because they want to, not because the minister coerces them. Church as a place of renewal and respite from the demands of life, rather than a place filled with activity and demands.

*Thank you to all those who offered their homes and refreshments: Mary Rounds, and the Jennings, Carrolls, Lovegroves, and Lazotts. Thank you also to Ed Reinecker, Maryann Durand, and Phyllis Jennings for serving as facilitators, recorders, and coordinators.

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Walking in the Way

"The least said is the easiest mended."

A cartoon shows the chair of a committee saying, "I suggest we put this incident behind us by not mentioning it again;;;. except in the parking lot, on the phone, and in hushed, muffled tones over coffee cups." Buzz is a sign of anxiety, and anxiety is a response to change. Change is part of the interim time, especially in the second year, as new energy arises. (The good news: This gives churches a chance to see how they handle change and to develop new skills so old patterns don't ruin the future.)

On October 22 we invited Rev. Karen Nell Smith to return for more work on learning how to live in Christian harmony, and next month we'll -apply our skills to specific situations. Rev. Goss has also shown leaders a video on how they can manage congregational anxiety rather than compound it or try to avoid it. Here are some ways we can -problem-solve -peacefully:

Gather facts. Don't rely on rumors, or jump to conclusions. Speak directly with the person with whom you have a problem (or ask
the minister, moderator o~ appropriate committee chair for help doing this). Avoid triangles (dragging -in friends or other unrelated third -parties to
bolster your cause).

Oftentimes conflict arises out of misunderstandings and unintentional slights. But we may become so focused on our own hurt feelings we grow careless about hurting the feelings of others. We can all help the church by:

• Avoiding criticism of others' efforts. (Remember: We're almost all volunteers and criticism is NOT a motivator!) . listening to others' viewpoints respectfully.
• Staying calm, speaking softly, and choosing our words carefully.
• Not saying everything we may be thinking. (Virginia Rogers offers these gems: The least said is the easiest mended" and Aword and a stone, once let go, can 'never be recalled.")
• Practicing empathy and forgiveness for the minor offenses of others.
• Using the problem-solving steps listed above for major problems or recurring offenses. .

Conflict is inevitable) someone once said, but combat is optional. Combat is the major impediment to a church's viability. It's also stress no one needs. Most important, it's not in keeping with Christ's vision of a community of disciples united in love and peace ... Shalom I

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November 2007

The newly" re-christened " stewardship committee thanks you for supporting our Request to change from The Finance Committee to The Stewardship Committee.

This marks not simply a change in name but one of orientation & emphasis. We embrace the challenge of providing leadership as we attempt to transition the church away from simply paying bills & on to stewardship of what we've been given as one indicator of our relationship to God. We recognize that this will be a" process" but thank you for giving us the green light to get started.

Although we met through the summer in an attempt to stay" ahead of the curve,"\October has still been an incredibly busy month. Stewardship letters, bulletin inserts, Mission moment speakers. .. its been quite a month. We are indebted to Patrick Gannon, Susan McLay, & Don Lovegrove for their thoughtful & powerful presentations.

What they talked about is what you'll be hearing from us in 2008.

Sheila Vitale announced her intention to have Stewardship work on a draft of an Endowment policy ( we appear not to have one) to be presented to the appropriate body At the church; ideas are always welcomed.

In keeping with past practice, only our financial secretary will know what anyone has pledged, so if our thank you letters appear somewhat generic, it is just to protect your privacy. We know that some members of the church really stretch to make their contributions; know that we are profoundly grateful for that effort.

Again, in keeping with past practice, here is the financial information for the last two months.

We believe no editorializing is required.

It is our intent to keep you informed on a weekly basis regarding the progress of our stewardship campaign beginning Oct. 28 & continuing through Thanksgiving.

Please pray for the church,
     Care for the church,
             Act for the church.

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NOVEMBER 2007 MISSIONS COMMITTEE REPORT

PANTRY

This congregation continues to "step up to the plate" with its support of the Billeric~ Food Pantry. Last month we collected 111 items plus $10.00. This is an excellent, sustained response and our best 2 months lie in front of us.

Please remember our collection on November 4 and know that the pantry would particularly appreciate cash/check donations in November to enable them to provide vouchers redeemable for turkeys at Market basket.

HABITAT
We continue our discussions with Habitat for Humanity. As soon as they are sufficiently organized, we will visit a site and provide lunch for the workers.

PROJECT CHACOCENTE
We will soon be collecting used printer cartridges and old cell phones with the proceeds going to support the Nicaraguan community of Chacocente. Bob Miner
will give a mission moment as soon as the church schedule allows.

MISSION COMMITTEE FUNDING
We continue to look for a way to clarify the amount of money that the Mission Committee has to do its outreach work. We MAY have a proposal available for the annual meeting in January.

Please know that while we still have a little money remaining in our budget, we will not spend it just for the sake of spending. Proposals must meet our criteria of a Christian connection, must help raise people out of poverty, and must be managed! a fiscally responsible way. This is your money and we take our stewardship of this very seriously.

RECYCLE
Did you know, if you recycle 1/2 your household waste you can save 2,400lbs. of carbon dioxide from entering our atmosphere?

NEIGHBORS IN NEED

Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that support ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. One-third of the NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAlM) Two-thirds of the offering is sued by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service project.

As of October 14, 2007, $837 were collected for our Neighbors-in-Need offering.

Robert Miner

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Religious Education

Sunday School Calendar for October-December

Nov 4 -  Communion, everyone goes to church with their family and then children are released to their teachers for class:

11 - Children go up for children's sermon then are released to their teacher's for class

18 - Ingathering, (food collection for the food pantry) Children go up for children's sermon then are released to their teacher's for class.

25 - Children go directly to classroom.

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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Middle School News

Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Class News

The 5th,6th,7th& 8th grade class has been working enthusiastically on practicing good deeds and the gift of helping others. The students just finished learning about Children's Hospital in Boston and made Halloween-themed activity books featuring coloring pages, mazes, and other activities which were sent to the hospital. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, the class will be putting together a Thanksgiving Basket to be donated to the Salvation Army who will
distribute the baskets to low income families around the area who can not afford a Thanksgiving dinner on their own.

We have only been in class a short period of time, and already the children are showing such an eagerness not only to do the projects and help others but learning about the different people who are less fortunate than we all are! Please stop by our classroom some Sunday and see what the class is up to! We ,will always hang our current project on our classroom door along with the children's reflections which are just priceless!

Katelyn Verrocchio

JR Pilgrim Fellowship

5th to 8th Grades

This year the RE. Committee and I have decided to try a new approach to having the youth of the church get more involved as well as their families. We would like to see this group grow in their faith while participating in activities outside the regular Sunday school classroom. Activities will include fun field trips and community service projects.

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.

Yours in Christ Deb MacEachern

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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The Diaconate

First, an important request. The Deacons are asking everyone to please try to refrain from bringing church business to Sharon on Sunday morning before the service. She needs that time to prepare for the morning service, greet people, and receive prayer requests. Please get your committee and business concerns in during the week. If it's a real emergency on Sunday morning, before the service, please see a deacon and we will get the message to Sharon. Also please note that all requests for announcements need to go through a committee chair. Thanks, in advance, for your consideration.

The Nominating Board has found another person to serve on the Nominating Committee. We would like to thank Donna Bailey for filling that position.

Following up on last month's Lantern notes, a time change for Christmas services has been made. The new hours will be 5:00 PM for the family service and 7.30 PM for the candle light service. Mark it on your calendar.

Have you noticed our Acolytes these past weeks? It is great to have that program up and running again. Many thanks to our enthusiastic youths. It's a joy to see each new week's Acolyte.

In the spirit of Matthew 25:35, "For I was a stranger, and you welcomed me", we're seeing a renewal of our past practice of wearing name tags Join the band of welcoming people. Show your artistic ability with your own unique design, or contact Andrew Jennings who has graciously been filling requests for personal nametags.

As always,

Blessings from the 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:

• Pictures from the variety show.
• Information on Room Rental - who to contact, how much, process, etc. See xxxxxx

We'd particularly welcome book and movie reviews, etc.,and will gladly post them in the xxxx 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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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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Investment Committee Update

At the end of the year, Dave Ames and Wayne Thompson will be leaving the Investment Committee to pursue other responsibilities and interests. They have been a strong asset to the church, and to its continued financial growth. Penny Hurley will continue to monitor the church's investments with the assistance of the No Load Fund X Money Management service to which we subscribe, as well as reporting to and working with the Trustees.

The No Load Fund X is the same investment service which has been the basis of all the Investment Committee's financial decisions for over two years, as initially recommended by Dave. They have been published since 1969 and have a strong history of providing sound and objective financial advice. Although none of us has a crystal ball into the economic future, we continue to have confidence in this service, and will remain consistent with our policy and guidelines regarding any Investment changes.

Any interested Individuals with a financial/investment background are encouraged to contact the Trustees or Penny Hurley.

Trustees

The Investment Committee reported that the funds have grown to over $1,000,000. The committee started in 1994 with $300,000. In 2004, the account had grown to $600,000. In the last 3 years, the fund has doubled. Dave Ames and Wayne Thompson will resign from the committee as of January 1, 2008. The remaining member, Penny Hurley, will lead the committee. We are discussing who should join her. David Ames is giving the church a 2 year subscription to No Load Fund X which is used to manage the funds.

The new windows still need some paint. Gene will be finishing them soon. The elevator box has the only old windows left in the church.

The classrooms have had new carpeting installed. They still need to have thresholds and metal strips added. New carpet for the parlor has been chosen. We will put tile in the front part up to the door that leads to the upstairs hall way. We will also replace the carpet in the Secretary's . office. We will redo Sharon's office before the new pastor starts. We will develop a policy for food and beverages limiting them to the tiled portion of the parlor. We specifically will state there is to be no grape juice or red punch. The stairs in the hallway will have rubber treads placed on them.

We have 2 hearing devices in the back of the church. We will investigate purchasing a hearing device that is more sanitary. We will put a note in the bulletin.

There appears to be someone using the church on Saturdays, as the waste baskets were found overflowing on more than one occasion.

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From the Nominating Committee

We heartily thank those who contributed their time and energies for the good of our
church and beyond this year. It takes many people to accomplish the goals of our church. Some serve on committees or offices, while others prefer to serve on events or various tasks. We appreciate whatever you do.

As we begin our task of filling committees this year, we recognize that we are still in transition and that there will be much work to do. We ask that each and every one of us search their souls and their hearts for where our time +/or talents can be most beneficial. Please check out the Volunteer Opportunities form, fill it out, and offer your gift of self to the Nominating Committee by seeing us after church or calling any of us.

Lynne Hildreth, Chairperson 663-4727 Bonnie 663-0656 Bonnie Eidens 667-6297
Barbara George 667-7335 Donna Bailey 663-2683

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FLOWERS FOR November

November 4 - Given in loving memory of her parents, Blanche and Harold Shedd and her husband, Murray Johnson, by Doris Johnson.
On the piano, flowers are given by Ruth, Annette, Michael and Dave Stanford and Edie Mozer; Marie, Brent, Janeen, and Michele Davis; Shirley, Tom, Anthony, Nicholas and Jessica Fulgani in loving memory of Claude Hodge. On the lectern, flowers are given by Ginny Paavola and family in loving memory of Toby Paavala.
November 11 - Given in memory of Doris and James Rice by their daughter, Betty, and grandchildren, Jim and Chris. On the piano, flowers are given in loving memory of our parents, Vera and Gil Wiggins from Fred Wiggins and family, Barbara Blanco and Cindy LaPointe and their families. On the lectern, flowers are given by June Coke in loving memory of her husband, Earle.
November 18 - Given by Mary Pasho in loving memory of her father.
November 25 - Given by Ruth Boutilier in loving memory of her mother, father, and two brothers.

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

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PASSAGES: Baptisms, Weddings, and Memorial Services

Baptisms:

October 28 -- Cera Salter, daughter of Dawn and Wayne Salter and Addison Herrick, daughter of James and Michelle Herrick.

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

Weddings:

October 28 -- Kevin Button and Corey Lee.

Funerals/Memorial Services:

September 29 Rev. Goss officiated at a memorial service for Robert William Roy at the home of his sister.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDSHIP

The Circle of Friendship will meet Monday, November 19 at 7:00 PM in the church parlor.

We invite anyone to join us for an evening of fellowship and creating items for the Fair. We hope to see you there. - Barbara George
978-667-7335

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LAY SHEPHERDING

Next Meeting Monday, November 19, 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

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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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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Looking for a Way to include God in your marriage?

Find out how on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend! Marriage Encounter is 44 hours where married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phone 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 two UCC Marriage Encounter weekends will be held on October 26-28, 2007 and November 9­-11, 2007 at the Four Points Sheraton in Meriden, CT. For more information or to register, contact Lynne ,and Bruce Hildreth at 978-663-4727 or Hildreth4@comcast.net.

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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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Youth 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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THANK YOU'S

From Alison

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

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Lantern Notes

NEXT LANTERN DEADLINE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18

This newsletter will include all happeningsand events for December..

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