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Moderator's Report
By Bob Picard
This is my most favorite time of year. Having celebrated Thanksgiving and thanked God for all that he has given us, family, church family, friends and his love, we will be preparing for the Advent Season.
Much quality time will be spent with family and friends once again to welcome the birth of Jesus. I find people to be in friendlier moods, greeting one another as they pass on the street, smiling and enjoying the season and festivities. It should be that way all the time. This is also when we gather more people into our Sanctuary to celebrate and praise God. It is so nice to see the Sanctuary filled on Christmas Eve. I love it. Please try to attend the services that will be provided during this Season and beyond.
The Roast Beef supper was held on Nov. 8th and was very successful. Charlotte and I had the pleasure of chairing the event and would like to thank all who took part in helping in any capacity, be it clean-up, set up, serving etc. A very special thank you to Barry and Cecile Stanzione, very good friends of Charlotte and I for doing the cooking. This is the second year they've cooked for us.
Our thanks go out to the ladies who made our dining room look so beautiful and inviting.
Jan Christy, Myrna Paulhus, Wanda Fontaine, put in many hours painting and cleaning. Audrey Lombardi, and Linda Lamoureux did the wallpapering and decorations. Cecile also got in on decorating in between cooking and everything else. Awesome job ladies. Thanks so much.
We are blessed to have all of our members and friends who step up whenever there is something to be done. God has provided for us in many ways. I wish to extend my heartfelt feelings for each and every one of you and wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Bob.
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Faith Fellowship News
by Charlie Leach
The last meeting of the Faith Fellowship Group was held on November 9th, 2008. a small group attended and even though the group was small, there was a good amount of discussion on varying topics.
The Treasurer reported that the current balance in the checkbook totaled $13, 392.
A reception was to be held on 11/17 for the Rev. Virginia Army. It was expected that 150-300 guests could possibly attend. The Faith Fellowship Group would be providing snacks for the group. Rev. Army has spent a number of years serving the community and Day Kimball Hospital. She will be working out of the area and this event was a good way for us to show our appreciation for all she has done. Good wishes and may the Good Lord Bless this fine servant.
The dining room project is just about completed with the final work to be on the floor and stairs. A price of $215 was quoted to do the stairs, carpet cleaning would coast $70, and stripping and waxing the floor would cost $386. Total cost for the entire project would be around $700. The Capital Fund will pay $862 for replacing damaged carpet in the downstairs classroom.
Several events took place this last month and proved very worthwhile. Several more are to follow. The annual Harvest Fair drew a lot of people and The annual Roast Beef Supper did so, as well. Profit from the roast beef supper totaled $1125. A special Thank You should be extended to Bob and Charlotte Picard for the fine effort they put forth on this supper. Their good friends Barry and Cecile also deserve a lot of praise for their efforts, as well. I understand that Barry took time from his job on Friday to help prepare some of the fine tasting product that we had on Saturday night. In my opinion, it tasted Great!
The Halloween Stroll took place on Halloween night and we had quite a few children flow through the church narthex. Some of the community was heard to say that they missed going through the "haunted" kitchen area. Myrna Paulhus headed up this project and did a great job. To her and her helpers, kudos to you all. It was pointed out that a few more helpers playing “acting” roles may prove beneficial next year.
The annual Christmas Pot Luck and Yankee Swap will be held on Dec 12th with a “snow” date on the 14th of December.
A continuing discussion was held regarding the idea of the Faith Fellowship assisting the Church by paying some portion of the bills. In the end, it was decided that the group would pay for some advertising for the Church on a 6 month trial basis and that the group would also pay the Church electric bill for the same period of time. By doing this, the group feels it would help alleviate some of the burden on the General Budget. Many thanks for the efforts of the group in making this decision.
Under New Business, Marilee Morse made a proposal to the group of a possible trip to the Providence Performing Arts Center in March to view a production of “Stomp”. Those interested parties can talk to Marilee about this and it is hoped that if there is enough interest we will be able to get a get a reduced rate. More information will follow.
As always, The Faith Fellowship Group is open to all members. We would love to have you join us the 2nd Sunday of each month. Its a lot of fun with good fellowship..
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STEWARDSHIP NEWS
Charlie Leach
The year is fast coming to a close and with that a new year will begin. The annual Stewardship Campaign will not be held at the usual time, due to the change in the time frame of the Church fiscal year. It is hoped that all members of the Church will continue their current pledge up to the time of the Spring Stewardship Campaign. Envelopes will be provided for all members so that you may continue to participate in the welfare of the Church.
The Spring Campaign will most likely be conducted during the month of April and culminate with Stewardship Sunday in early May. As usual, we hope to be able to provide a pot luck luncheon on this Sunday.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the Stewardship Committee may contact myself as I will need assistance in putting this campaign together. Per the Church's by-laws, “ The Stewardship Committee shall consist of two or three other members appointed by the Church Council, one of whom could be the Treasurer”.
I would like to meet with new members of the committee as soon as possible so that we may come to an easy understanding of the campaign process.
Thank you and God Bless!
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Outreach Coordinator News
Hello all!
As you may already know, Brenda Shead and I have taken on the roll of co-coordinators for Outreach/Missions for our Church. We thank Ken Evens for all of the time he put into the position. His shoes will be tough to fill, but we'll give it our all!
We had a slow start getting the checks out to the different charities, but finally, this month, we are caught up. In November we sent checks to Daily Bread and Northeast Homemakers. In December it will be Our Churches Wider Mission.
Brenda and I have talked about changing the Outreach budget for next year to focus more on local charities. We welcome any suggestions or recommendations for different charities or anything else that you would like us to consider.
I know that the economy is making it tough for all of us, however, if you could find it in your heart and budget to pick up an extra box of stuffing, can of vegetables, packet of gravy etc., Daily Bread could really use your donations as they are expecting a much greater need this year.
Holiday's can be a lonely time for some people. Not everyone is blessed enough to have a large close family, so if you know of anyone who doesn't have someone to share the Holiday's with, please let us know and we will try to find a place at a table for them. Also, if you can open your home to a fellow worshiper let us know. It's important to know that throughout the year and especially around the holidays that we are here for each other.
Thank you for having faith in Brenda and I that we can help our community through these positions. We wish you a healthy, safe and joyous Christmas.
Remember, it's the giving, not the receiving that really warms your heart.
Blessings,
Wendy Warren and Brenda Shead
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Make Note
by Marilee Morse
As the holiday season approaches, our choirs are busy preparing lots of special music to enhance our worship services. We are very fortunate this year to have several small ensembles including our Handbell Quintet/Quartet which continues to meet every Thursday at 5:20.
The Handbell Quartet will perform “Bring a Torch” on December 21. This is a fun and challenging carol because each ringer is responsible for a melodic part rather than two or three bells. We will be using a total of 20 bells. Each ringer plays as many as nine different bells during the performance which means sharing, and often making quick bell changes. The “trick” to success is to return the used bell to its proper place on the table, otherwise it can be hard to find when it is needed next. Mastering this technique, known as “weaving” the handbells, has been a challenge which has resulted in many good laughs. We will have it mastered by the December performance date! The smaller bell ensembles will also be playing other carols during the Advent Worship Services.
The full Joyful Praise Handbell Choir will be ringing bells and chimes on Sunday morning, November 30, and at the 7:00 Christmas Eve Service. Based on a Yiddish folk tune, the anthem for the first Sunday in Advent will be “Light in the Darkness (Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah).” The anthem for Christmas Eve, “Emmanuel, Savior of the Nations,” is a wonderfully gorgeous piece of music based on the hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
The Chancel Choir is also rehearsing many exciting anthems for our holiday services. Additionally there will be soloists, small ensembles including our vocal Quartet, and Roberta Sharpe adding her flute on some of the anthems. If you enjoyed the Quartet's September performance of “Just a Little Talk with Jesus,” you won't want to miss their rendition of “Jesus, Oh, What a Wonderful Child!”
More great news:. On Saturday, December 13, our Joyful Praise Handbell Choir and small ensembles will be performing at the Westview Health Care Center in Dayville at 10:30 A.M.
God indeed has graced our church with an abundance of talented musicians! Our choir members are also the most enthusiastic, dedicated, hard working and helpful individuals imaginable. I'm in Director's Heaven to be sure!! Don't miss a single Sunday right on into January and Epiphany!
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Church Events Cancellation Notices
With winter weather soon to be knocking on our doors, it is time to bring the cancellation policy notice out of storage. Per the church council policy the Pastor, council members and organist will consulate with each other regarding cancellation of the morning service and any schedule events or fund raisers.
Notices will be on WINY radio
WFSB- TV Channel 3
WVIT-TV Channel 30
If you have any questions as to whether or not there will be church service, you can now listen to the radio or watch the TV for your answer
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Faith Fellowship hopes all member and friends of the Congregational
Church of Putnam will join in fun and fellowship for our annual
Christmas Pot Luck and Yankee swap on
Friday, December 12th - - - 6 pm in the dining room.
Had a great time last year - - - hope you'll join us. Bring a dish to share and
a fun present to swap.
For more information, see any member of Faith Fellowship!!
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Friday Night Holiday Stroll
Beginning on Friday evening November 28 and every Friday evening through December 19,
5P to 9P, the Annual Friday Night Holiday Stroll will take place in the Putnam downtown area. The event is an attempt to bring back the joy and experience of the holiday season and to enjoy the hospitality of Putnam.
Shop, dine, browse and stroll in downtown Putnam where there will be holiday music, holiday displays, a festive atmosphere and more. Most shops will remain open until 9PM.
Anyone interested in caroling during these evenings is asked to gather at Arts and Framing in the Ward Building on Main Street.
For more information call Sherri at 963-0105, or Roger Franklin at 928-6615.
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Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
The committee for the Roast Beef supper wants to thank everyone who participated in putting this supper on. It was a great challenge and without all of you, is not possible. We would also like to thank Barry and Cecile Stanzione for their expertise in preparing the meat and staying on to help clean etc.
Just Fantastic. We netted approximately $1,125.
Audrey, Charlotte and Bob
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NUTS FOR SALE
Nuts will be on sale in the chapel after the church service. Stock up for future baking needs as they freeze well and they also make excellent gifts.
Thank you Roberta, 928-4293
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The Concert Choir of Northeastern Connecticut
David Belles, Music Director
With support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism
presents
Messiah
Congregational Church of Putnam
175 Main Street, Putnam, CT 06260
SaturdaySunday
December 6, 2008 December 7, 2008
8:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
Tickets available from members of the Concert Choir of Northeastern Connecticut or
the Pomfret Spirit Shoppe & Wine Shed , 640 Pomfret St, Pomfret, CT 06258
For information: www.concertchoirnect.org or 860-974-SING
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On the weekend February 20-22, 2009 "Stomp" will be performing at the Providence Performing Arts Center. "Stomp" is a group of eight phenomenal percussionists who find music in everything except conventional instruments, including wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, hubcaps, etc. This sensational musical troupe appeals to all ages and are truly amazing. The best performance times are Saturday at 5:00 P.M. with ticket prices $33-$50 or Sunday at 6:30 with ticket prices $28-$45. If we can get a group of 20 there will be a discount of $5 per ticket. Seating is main floor or balcony. For more information see the website: ppacri.org If you are interested in attending a performance of "Stomp", please see Marilee Morse. The sooner the tickets are ordered, the better the seats. We will order as soon as we have 20 attendees.
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Congregational Church of Putnam
Church Council
October 9, 2008
Present: Pastor Tom Meyer, Brenda Pontbriand, Shannon Labonte, Bob Picard, Charlie Leach, , Myrna Paulhus, Roger Franklin, Charlotte Picard, Wendy Warren, Brenda Shead, Reggie Hilton
Meeting brought to order by Bob. Pastor Tom offered an opening prayer.
Minutes submitted and reviewed. Minutes were approved on a motion by Roger and 2nd by Charlie
Financial Report: Submitted and reviewed. Myrna motioned to accept and Charlie 2nd. Merrill Lynch will transfer tomorrow. Silva's Fine painting was paid in full. An extra $100.00 for fixed hole from birds. There is $14,471.60 in the capital fund.
Deacon's report: Eva was visited by Charlotte. Confirmans possibly to meet regarding the Holiday Dazzle Light Parade and other interests in the church. There are issues with the new candles. Some will not light and some are burning too high. Ed Mosher is still in Haven health.
Trustee report: The bid by Peter Hamel Masonry, LLC, for much-needed brick work to our building's exterior has been approved by the Congregation and the work should start around the end of October or the first of November. Saveway Petroleum serviced the boiler on 9 September, and was then called back for a “no-heat” situation. Although they have indicated that replacing the burner will NOT guarantee any improvement in boiler efficiency, there are no longer parts available to repair the burner and replacement seems inevitable. There is still no decision on contract prices for the coming heating season, but a bid was received to replace the burner. That bid is $2,685 and will require the approval of the congregation at a called meeting. Gutters for the north wall, although possibly a further help to prevent basement water damage are still not being considered because no bid could be obtained as yet for them.
The insurance policies renew in November so I continue in the process of reviewing any potential changes to coverage or premiums. It has been suggested that along with the approved brick work and painting, that bids be sought to make the handicap ramp a more permanent addition to the Chapel. Once the large set of front steps have been replaced, we will be looking to add a hand rail that could be removed, if necessary, for funeral services at the church when a casket is involved. After re-keying the church as recently as about 2 years ago, we now find that there are keys that have been already been taken or assigned but no names recorded. Please make sure that if one of the following numbered keys is in your possession that it is properly noted on the sign-out sheet in the church office. Keys for which no one is named as the current holders are: 11, 12, 19, 20, 24, and 26.
Christian Education: Discussion about Pastor Tom's spending time with the children in Sunday school again. Issues with a stain on classroom rug. Discussion about involving confirmans in the suppers.
Missions: Outreach for June is the Missionary Society of Connecticut. Outreach for June is Habitat for Humanity.
Faith Fellowship: The carpentry downstairs is finished. The painting is almost finished. Discussion about Faith Fellowship paying for monthly advertising and possibly a monthly church bill. Discussion regarding a pot luck dinner to dedicate the new dining room. A big thanks you to Paula and her team for a successful wine tasting event. A portion of the proceeds will go to TEEG.
Pastor's Report: Request for November 17th from 4-6 for a gathering to honor Rev.Virginia Army and her work at Day Kimball Hospital. Motion to approve by Myrna and 2nd by Charlie. Pastor Tom wishes to thank everyone for get together of his anniversary of his being with the church. Discussion took place about possibly accepting ads for the Beacon from local establishments.
New Business: Stewardship discussion took place. Charlie will put an article in the Beacon regarding cancellations. Church request from Roger for Day Kimball Hospice Bereavement Group “Circle of Friends” for Oct 29th from 5-8:30. Motion to accept by Charlie and 2nd by Bob.
Motion to adjourn made by Roger and 2nd by Bob
Next meeting: Nov 11, 2008
Respectfully submitted by: Brenda Pontbriand
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Special Meeting Oct, 26,2008
Meeting called to order by Bob Picard at 11:52.
Pastor Tom led with an opening prayer.
An explanation of the problems with the furnace burner and $2,685.00 is the estimated cost for burner replacement. A donor offered to cover the cost but because the amount is over $500.00 the congregation must vote.
A discussion took place about possibly purchasing a new furnace instead of just a burner. Final decision agreed on that new burner would be purchased with potential to adapt it to a new furnace should that need arrive.
Motion made by Charlie and 2nd by Eva to purchase a new burner with potential to adapt it to a new furnace. Motioned carried and passed.
Motioned made to adjourn by Charlotte and 2nd by Roger.
Respectfully submitted by: Brenda Pontbriand
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SPECIAL CHURCH MEETING
A SPECIAL CHURCH MEETING WAS HELD ON SUNDAY, THE 28TH OF SEPTEMBER TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
1. APPROVE THE SPENDING OF MONEY TO REPAIR THE BRICK WORK IN VARIOUS PLACES AROUND THE CHURCH.
2. APPROVE THE BY LAW CHANGES THAT ARE NEEDED WHEN THE CHURCH VOTED TO CHANGE THE CHURCH FISCAL YEAR.
3. APPROVE ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY COME FORTH.
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 11:45 AM BY BOB PICARD. BOB CONDUCTED A SHORT PRAYER, THEN READ THE CALL.
DON REID EXPLAINED THE VARIOUS BRICK WORK THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE AND THE COST OF EACH PROJECT. THE ESTIMATES HE READ WERE PROVIDED BY PETER HAMEL, A LOCAL BRICK MASON AND PICTURES WERE AVAILABLE TO SHOW THE EXACT AREAS OF THE CHURCH THAT NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED. THE AMOUNT NEEDED TO DO THE WORK TOTALED $9300 AND A MOTION WAS MADE BY ANN RUSSO TO APPROVE THE MONEYS AND SECONDED BY GRACE MARCY. THE MOTION WAS THEN VOTED ON AND APPROVED BY THE MEMBERS PRESENT.
DON ALSO EXPLAINED THAT PAINTING AND REPAIR WORK WAS NEEDED TO VARIOUS PARTS OF THE CHURCH, AS WELL. THIS SCRAPINNG, PAINTING AND REPLACING OF WOODWORK WAS ESTIMATED TO COST THE CHURCH $1500. IT WAS VOTED ON AND APPROVED AFTER A MOTION TO DO SO WAS MADE BY AUDREY LOMBARDI AND SECONED BY DEB LEACH.
A BRIEF DISCUSSION WAS HELD CONCERNING THE POSSIBILITY OF INSTALLING GUTTERS ON THE ROOF, BUT WAS NOT VOTED ON DUE TO THE FACT WE DID NOT HAVE A VIABLE OFFER FROM ANY CONTRACTOR.
A QUESTION WAS ALSO BROUGHT UP BY LARRY CHRISTY REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY OF INSTALLING A PERMANENT HANDICAP RAMP (MADE OF CONCRETE) AND WHAT IT MIGHT COST THE CHURCH. DON STATED HE WOULD LOOK INTO IT AND TRY AND GET AN ESTIMATE OF SAME.
THE BY LAW REVISION WAS BROUGHT UP NEXT AND CHARLIE LEACH PRESENTED THE CHANGES TO THE MEMBERS PRESENT. THE CHANGES WERE APPROVED WITH A SLIGHT MODIFICATION SUGGESTED BY DON REID. THAT MODIFICATION WAS THAT A DATE OF MAY 31ST SHOULD BE USED AS THE CUT OFF DATE OF PLEDGES FOR MISSIONS.
NO OTHER BUSINESS WAS BROUGHT UP AND THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 12:17PM.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, CHARLIE LEACH, VICE CHAIRMAN.
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www.northpole.com
Click on the gingerbread house
and you will be in Mrs. Claus'
Kitchen, click on her cookbook
and go wild!
You will find recipe for cookies,
cakes, pies, Candy/fudge, bread
and others.
Give the gift of time with children
and create Christmas memories
or give baked items to a friend or
loved one.
Let the calorie counting begin
'tis the Holiday Season!
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Spring 2009 Books, etc. Sale
Remember that Faith Fellowship will be having a book etc. sale in the spring of 2009.
Please start collecting or bringing in:
Paperback and hard cover novels, Children's books, DVD's and VCR tapes, CD's and cassette tapes, Records and 8 tracts.
From experience we have learned what does not sell and there are difficulties disposing of them after the sale.
Please do not bring in text books, encyclopedias, Reader's Digest, health books, foreign language books, cookbooks, dictionaries, magazines, how to books etc.
Please bring them to the church, put them under the coat rack by the downstairs door or just let us know they are here and we will save them until Spring.
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Applying Bible Principles
The vast majority of people like to excel at something. Most of us like to do what we do in a manner that is truly first-class. Whether we are involved in one of the trades, or whether we are working in a profession, we like to excel in what we do.
Similarly, in the Christian life, most of us like to demonstrate our love for the Lord in ways that will reflect properly on Him and that will bring honor to Him. As His servants, we take great care that our Christian service is of such quality that what we do for His sake is first-class. Thus, whether we sing a solo in a worship service at church, prepare a meal for someone who is a shut-in, or teach a Bible class, we strive to do what we do for God in the very best way possible.
The Apostle Paul indicates we are also to excel in the grace of giving. "Now as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you - so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking" (2 Cor. 8:7). In other words, just as we might seek to excel in other ways which demonstrate our Christian faith in action, we are also to excel in the grace of giving.
In the context of the verse we just read, Paul commends the Macedonian Christians for giving as much as they were able and more. When we follow their example, we experience "grace giving" in action, not only giving as we are able, but also, giving beyond our ability. This is possible only as we demonstrate the fruit of the Christian life by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. As we step out by faith (which is one of the signs of a Spirit-controlled life), we are able to give in ways which might seem improbable or impossible at first. The Spirit of God thereby motivates us and compels us to excel in the grace of giving!
One anonymous writer penned these powerful words: "God has a storehouse of blessings. Prayer is the key to that storehouse. But faith both turns the key and unlocks the door."
Say, are you excelling in the grace of giving? If not, why not take God at His Word - by faith - and begin today?
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December Remembrance Flowers are in Loving Memory of
If you are interested in putting flowers on the altar please see or call Wanda Fontaine at 935-5072
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The Music Window is Illuminated for the month of December
in Loving memory of Hazel King
by Ted & Marion Langlois, Charlotte Trahan, Alan & Jo-Anne Joslin
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December Daily Bread
Canned Juice or Crackers
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