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A New Look for 2012
We are still in the season of Christmastide, and as I thought about a Beacon article for February, I remembered that I usually focus on a theme of Valentine’s Day or love. This year I want to share with you a few of the thoughts from a sermon that I preached on New Years Day. I know that some people do make New Year’s Resolutions, and that not too long after making this promises for the coming year, they seem to be broken, or forgotten, before the middle of January, (Today’s date is January 17th in fact). Here are a few points from that message that I want to share as you contemplate this New Year based on Isaiah 61:1-11
First, Isaiah says “God will provide us with a crown of Beauty instead of ashes. Ashes are the symbol of grieving, mourning, despair. During Lent people put ashes on their foreheads as a sign of contrition and repentance. There is a time for ashes, but according to Isaiah, God's yearning is to replace our ashes with a crown of beauty. One translation says a garland of beauty. The crown and the garland are symbols of victory not defeat. They say to the world, "Here is a winner." Can you imagine the change that would take place in our lives if you and I had that sense of confidence, poise, and self-worth, of knowing that we are winners? Imagine yourself right now wearing a crown or a garland of beauty.
Second, GOD HAS FOR US "THE OIL OF GLADNESS INSTEAD OF MOURNING...." When Christ comes into our lives we receive an attitude adjustment, from sad to glad. Some followers of Jesus could use that kind of adjustment. Some saints must be a pain even for God to endure.
FINALLY, ACCORDING TO ISAIAH, HE GIVES US A GARMENT OF PRAISE INSTEAD OF A SPIRIT OF DESPAIR. That's how He finishes our wardrobe. A crown of beauty, then oil of gladness, and finally, a robe of praise. I love to be around someone who is robed in a garment of praise, don't you? C. Ward Crampton, a noted gerontologist, lists five qualities of living, which are necessary for healthy aging. One of these is praising God. There is something about praising God that is healthy for soul, mind and body. Of course, like any great gift of God, even praise can be abused.
According to Parade magazine, William Linkhaw, a North Carolina man, was convicted in 1873 of disrupting church services with his singing. His Methodist brethren said they had put up with him for years. Even when everyone else had stopped singing Linkhaw kept on. When Linkhaw was asked to be quiet, he refused, saying that singing was part of his duty to God. But the courts found him guilty of a misdemeanor and ordered him to keep quiet. However, when he appealed the conviction to the state supreme court it was overturned. (4) I don't know if brother Linkhaw had a garment of praise or simply was a show-off.
I do remember George Buttrick telling about the headman in a village in Pakistan. He asked the members of a little Christian church in the village to move to the edge of town from next door to his house. He offered to work out an exchange of properties if they would do it. He was concerned his Muslim wives, hearing the joyful singing of the Christians, would be influenced. They might even become Christians.
He had good cause to be threatened. If we truly came into this place of worship each week with a spirit of praise, the world would be trying to break down the walls to join us. And we would profit from the experience as well. Praise is to nourishment to our souls. It lifts us to higher ground.
This then is the new look God would give us for this New Year. We who once floundered in defeat and darkness can stand tall, proud and steadfast as "oaks of righteousness." He gives us "a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
I hope this new year will be a blessing to you and your families as we continue to worship and Praise God for all that God is doing every day in the life of the Congregational Church of Putnam.
Bunnie and I will be away from February 4th thru February 13th. I will bless the elements of the Holy Sacrament before we leave. We are blessed to have to have parishioners who are willing to serve God and our church by helping in every capacity. Thank you
Yours in Faith,
Pastor Tom
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Faith Fellowship News
by Charlie Leach
The latest Faith Fellowship meeting took place on Sunday, January 8th, 2012. The meeting was called to order at 12:00 by President Myrna Paulhus with 23 people present. The secretary and treasurer’s reports were read and approved. The current balance in the FF checkbook reads $2,646.12. Discussion on the treasurer’s report centered on the increase with the Church electric bill. Questions on why the bill has increased were abundant and it was decided that we should look a bit closer on the amount of lights we use and when we use them. It was also mentioned that we should probably contact CL & P regarding the high usage. This reporter will check with CL & P and also NA Power regarding the bill and our usage.
OLD BUSINESS
Under Old Business, the following items were discussed: the annual nut sales, and upcoming events on the 2012 calendar
The annual nut sales will be continuing for a few more weeks as we have about 200 bags of nuts remaining. The remaining bags will be sold for $5 each and the decorative tins will sell for $7. Sales as of this date have totaled $18438.75 of which $4200 is being noted as profit. Thanks to Roger Franklin and Wanda Fontaine for assisting this writer with this annual fundraiser.
Upcoming events discussed at this meeting included the Spaghetti Supper (on hold), the Turkey Pot Pie (2/25), the annual Book Sale (5/12) and two new additions, those being a Tag Sale (TBD) and an event at one of the Putnam River Fires (TBD). The Shrove Tuesday pancake supper was also discussed and it was mentioned that the church will need a few grills to help assist at this year’s event.
NEW BUSINESS
Most of the discussion under new business centered on the proposed “Empty Bowl Project”. This is an ongoing event supported by the Putnam Interfaith Group with the purpose of aiding the Daily Bread program. The support of the community in this project will help in creating money for the program which in turn will help in procuring a much needed grant. Our church was asked if it might help in providing a supper of sorts, consisting of soup and bread. Donations for the empty bowls would help provide some funds for the Interfaith Group. Terri Pearsall, Missions Coordinator, is going to head up this project and is seeking some help from some of the local restaurants in providing their favorite soups for the event. The church’s participation is a new event on this year’s calendar.
There was some discussion regarding the FF and church possibly helping the Congregation Church of Somers, CT after a fire destroyed its sanctuary. Pastor Tom stated that the UCC will probably be asking all of its churches to assist in this effort in the near future.
A brief discussion at the end of the meeting centered on the possibility of our church being used to host a few musical concerts in the near future. Sharon Almstrom will look into this possibility.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 PM.
The next FF meeting is scheduled to be held February 12th, 2012
As always we welcome anyone interested, to join our Faith Fellowship Group. The group meets the second Sunday of each month and we would love to have some new faces join us. Please join us and have some fun and share in some wonderful fellowship.
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Trustee Report
To all a Happy New Year and the best of Health. The year ended on a good note for some of our major projects came together The Sanctuary was released for use by the contractor just in time for our Bell Choir and the Sunday School’s Christmas pageant. Also the Sound System was repaired as well. The new Furnace installation was moved to January 9th 2012. This was done because of some of the uncertainties that could happen during the holiday period. Going into January we still have some open issues to address such as a water leak up at the Steeple and a Balcony Railing. Also a new set of Stairs going down to the Furnace Pit and more lockable doorways. These were all discrepancies that the independent Insurance Auditor recommended and reported to the Insurance carrier. Most of these are being addressed as this is reported.
Sincerely,
Trustees, Ken and Bob
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The Putnam Business Association Monthly Report
After the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Holiday Season, the lack of activity during January and February gives pause to reflect on the various accomplishments and successful events during 2011, and to look forward to even more success, and perhaps a few new events, during 2012.
The Last Green Valley Green Light Celebration continues through Sunday, February 12. You can participate by using green lights in a window display or by placing a lone green light in a window. Some Downtown Merchants and Restaurants have special offers during this Green Light Celebration
Looking ahead to March; there will be a new event, "O' Putnam" on Sunday, March 11th. First Fridays will return on May 4th. Further details will be outlined in the March issue of the Beacon.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to see me or call me at 860-928-6615. More information can be obtained by visiting WINY.Com or PutnamBusinessAssociation.org.
Roger Franklin, PBA Representative
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Missions Outreach Report
Terri Pearsall – Coordinator
Happy New Year to all! I trust that you had a joyous Holiday Season and are prepared for a blessed New Year.
I want to share with you about the generosity of our congregation. During both Christmas Eve services we took a free will offering for Daily Bread and I am pleased to tell you that we received $230.00. A check in that amount has been sent to Daily Bread from our church. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this offering.
The Daily Bread food bank to host the “Empty Bowl Dinner” benefit meal has approached our church. Faith Fellowship and Missions Outreach has decided to accept their appeal and host the dinner on March 24th. More information will follow next month. All proceeds will be given to Daily Bread. We are very excited to undertake this project and ask that you pray with us that the community will support it.
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Church Events Cancellation Notices
Yes, it is something we New Englanders have to face year in and year out. In order to make sure the members of the church are aware of possible changes to the church service or church events, we have initiated a program where all members will be able to either listen to their radio or watch the television to see if we are have services or not.
A local announcement will be aired on WINY radio for radio listeners and for television viewers you can watch Channel 3 (WFSB) or Channel 30 (WVIT) for notices of church closings or postponements.
These announcements will be made after consultation with Pastor Tom, Church Council Chair and Marilee Morse.
Any questions regarding this matter can be forwarded to one of the above-mentioned individuals.
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Spring 2012 BOOKS, ETC
We would also like to collect craft supplies and children’s toys that are in good condition along with the children’s books. If we have enough items we would create a “children’s room” for all the children books, craft supplies and toys. No stuffed animals please.
Also please keep bringing in the books, etc. and putting them under the coat rack downstairs.
Paperback and hard cover novels Children’s books, toys, craft supplies
DVD’s CD’s
Newer cookbooks Puzzles and board games with all the pieces.
PLEASE do NOT bring in textbooks, encyclopedias, Reader’s Digest, health books, foreign language books, dictionaries, magazines, records or tapes. These do not sell and we have difficulties disposing of them.
Thank you; we need your donations to have another successful fundraiser.
Shannon Labonte and Jan Christy
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SUPER BOWL PARTY
For all who would like to attend, we will be again hosting a Super Bowl Party at our home on February 5th. As in the past we are requesting that you bring your favorite dish and the beverage of your choice (adult beverages if you desire). Festivities will begin around 5 PM and hopefully we will have a nice day to watch this annual event.
For those of you, who just happen to be Pats fans, please wear your favorite Pats shirt, or whatever? For those of you, who aren’t Pats fans, heck, wear your own team shirt.
Our home is located at 33 Quinebaug Ave. here in Putnam. Quinebaug Ave. is the road right below Day Kimball Hospital and the road parallels the Quinebaug River (beige home with green shutters). Please let Deb and I know if you plan on coming, so we have an idea of what to expect, okay?
We hope to see you all on the 5th. Charlie and Deb (860)- 928-1584
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The Golf Tournament Committee Meeting
The first organizational and planning meeting for this year's Golf Tournament was held on Tuesday evening, January 17th. The tournament will be held on Sunday, June 24th at the Raceway Golf Club in Thompson. This year's golf tournament will be renamed to reflect it’s becoming a memorial to Steve Bousquet. Katie Bousquet was present at the meeting as a Bousquet Family representative.
The task list was reviewed and assignments were made. The committee will continue to work on the renaming and new logo for the tournament with suggestions being presented at the next committee meeting. Other items on the agenda for which discussion will continue at the next meeting include the starter package, the wording of the letters to be sent to prospective golfer and donors, as well design of posters. The next meeting will be held at 11:45A on Sunday, February19th.
Thank you to all who attended the meeting and to those who will be called upon to support this event.
The Golf Tournament Committee
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Thompson Knights of Columbus Dinners
Our friends at the Knights of Columbus, Route 12, North Grosvenordale, who supported our Capital Campaign, are holding Fish Dinners on the First Friday of each month from 12N until 7P. There are various menu items including Fish and Chips, Baked Haddock and Scallops. The cost varies with each entree from $8 up to $15. Dine in or take out. Support this great community organization for all the good they do, and their support of our Capital Campaign.
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The Coach Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship Spaghetti Dinner
On Friday, February 17th for the Coach Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship Fund Committee in conjunction with The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1523 will be holding a fundraiser dinner at the VFW Hall at 2907 Providence Street in Putnam. The menu features Buster Corey's renowned Spaghetti and Meat Balls (Gluten-free pasta and meat sauce on request) with Garlic Bread, dessert and coffee. The ticket donation is $15 for either dine-in or take out. Please see or call me (928-6615) for tickets.
Coach Jim Greenhalgh was a member of our church and served on several boards and committees. He coached and taught Physical Education at Putnam High School for over 30 years. I was privileged to have played basketball and baseball under his watchful eye.
Roger Franklin
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Sunday School’s Pageant – Thank You
To all the children of our Church School….Thank you so much for your wonderful performance on Sunday, December 18th, 2011. You were perfect, remembered your lines, knew what to do and sang beautifully. You looked wonderful in your costumes too! Your Moms, Dads, family members and Church family appreciated it I’m sure. It is wonderful to start Christmas with our children bringing love and joy to the story of our Savior’s birth. Thanks Mr. Franklin, Mrs. Pontbriand and Mrs. Morse, our token adults and “children at heart” for your help. . . let’s do it again next year!
Myrna Paulhus
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THE GREAT WINTER TAG SALE
Tag Sale Items Needed
Last year your Faith Fellowship successfully ran a great Estate/Tag Sale in February . . . we raised approximately $2400 and we want to do it again!! The “Winter Tag Sale” will be held on Saturday, March 17th, 9 AM – 2 PM, in the dining room and other places in the Church as need dictates. Early birds allowed for a $5 admission. !! We’re asking for sellable items to add to our inventory . . . here’s what we’re looking for:
ITEMS USED BUT NOT BROKEN . . .
Kitchen Items Dining pieces Office items Small Appliances
Garden Items Antiques Baby items outside decorations
Tools Collectibles Figurines, etc. Décor wall items
Small Electronics Furniture
ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: . . .
Large appliances (stove, refrig. etc.) Sleep sofas
Broken items Used mattresses
Items that don’t work, (TV, radio, etc.) Clothes
If you need assistance transporting these donated items to the Church, we will make that happen.
Items to be left may be delivered and left in the dining room area or under the coat rack at the rear entrance. How else might you help? Beginning Tuesday, Mar. 13, we begin the work of organizing, cleaning and pricing all the items. We’ll meet at the Church at 9 AM and end the day’s work at 12 or 1 PM. This is good work and important to make the sale successful.
We found that Putnam folks loved this sale and wanted assurance that it would be an event again this year. Let’s make it happen! If further information is needed or if you need help transporting items to the Church, call Myrna at 942-4205 or Jan at 928-7048.
Thanks, Myrna Paulhus and Jan Christy, Co-chairmen
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Are You Hungry? ? We are Cookin’ this month !
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Adults $10, Kids, 12 and under $5
Call ahead for tickets to the church office 860-928-4405.
We also have take-out and deliveries within the Putnam area.
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Faith Fellowship Fundraising & Church Events for 2012
Tue. Feb. 21st Shrove Tuesday Supper
Sat. Feb. 25th Turkey Pot Pie Supper
Sat. March 24th Empty Bowl Soup Supper with Interfaith Human Services of Putnam
Sat. March 27th The Great Winter Tag Sale, 9am-2pm; early admission is $5
Sun. April 1st Palm Sunday Concert
Sat. April 21st Polish Supper
May 4th Putnam’s First Friday
May 12th Book, etc. Sale Pomfret has their town wide tag sale on May 5th
June 1st Putnam’s First Friday
Sat. June 24th Annual Golf Tournament
June or July Pastor Tom’s Famous Spaghetti Supper
July 6th Putnam’s First Friday
August 3rd Putnam’s First Friday
August 12th Putnam Car Cruise
Sept. 7th Putnam’s First Friday
Labor Day Weekend Woodstock Fair annual Frappe Booth
Aug. – Feb. Annual Nut Sale
Sept. 22nd Swedish Supper
Oct. 5th Putnam’s First Friday
Oct. 20th Harvest Fair/luncheon
Oct.26th Halloween Stroll
Nov. 2nd Putnam’s First Friday
Nov. 3rd Roast Beef Supper
Nov. 22nd Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov.25th Dazzle Light Parade
Dec. 7th Putnam’s First Friday
Dec. 9th Annual Potluck/Yankee Swap
Bold denotes fundraisers
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Knock knock
Who's there?
Hatch
Hatch who?
God bless you!
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Congregational Church of Putnam
Church Council Minutes; December 13, 2011
Attendance: Brenda Pontbriand, Ken Hamilton, Bob Picard, Bill Pearsall, Terri Pearsall, Shannon Labonte, David Fiorio, Pastor Tom Meyer & Audrey Lombardi.
Meeting was called to order at 6:08 p.m. by Brenda Pontbriand, Pastor Tom offered the opening prayer.
Secretary’s Report: was reviewed and accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report: was gone over by Jo-Anne, the checkbook balance is $3,606.89 as of 12/13/11. Payroll is approximately $2,100 every two weeks. We could be looking at a short fall if the income from the Brousseau Account is the same as last month. Motion was made by Terri and seconded by Bill to accept. All in favor.
Deacons Report: The Christmas flowers have been ordered. Visits to 10 shut-ins have been made. Annette Hamilton continues to send our cards. Plans for Christmas Eve area all set.
Trustees Report: The new boiler should be installed the week of January 9th, 2012. It was decided to hold off installation because of Christmas holidays. The inspector from the new insurance company expressed concerns on how secure the church is, how many pounds the new roof will hold etc. Recommendations were made to raise the railing on the balcony to 42” and also place a lock on the downstairs swinging doors. Ken Sigfridson is paid in full for the roof work. Bob reported a balance due of $12,998.00 on the boiler. We may be short $6,500.00. If we wait to change the water heater we could save approximately $2,100.00. There is a balance of $12,483.89 in the Capital Campaign Fund. One of the speakers on the sound system is not working. Tom has checked it but cannot find problem. Ken will further arrangement will be made to call someone to fix it. A request for use of church on 1/21/12 by Morgan Richard was made for a second benefit for Edmond Mosher and Dan Belleceau. Jo-Anne made motion & Terri seconded, passed.
Christian Education: The children have been busy practicing for the Christmas pageant.
Missions Report: Terri reported there was a problem changing the name on the bank account so she would be able to cash checks. $875.20 was collected for two church families. A $1,000.00 donation will be made with the difference made up by missions.
Faith Fellowship: It was suggested that a talent show be held 2 or 3 times a year to help raise money. F.F. continued to pay the electric and gas and advertising bills for the church.
Pastors Report: Tom requested vacation time February 4 to 12th. Motion was made by Terri and seconded by Jo-Anne. Passed. He will be away for communion. Tom could bless the elements and deacons distribute them. Bill made the motion and Ken seconded. All in favor. Tom discussed the idea of changing the order of worship, possibly moving the sermon earlier in the service and offering later or last. Discussion followed. Riverside Pizza of Thompson is making a donation of 5% of every pizza. A thank you card will be sent.
Next meeting, January 18, 2012
Respectfully,
Audrey Lombardi, clerk
al/cmp
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February Remembrance Flowers are in Loving Memory of
5th - All Deceased Member of the Franklin Family
12th - Robbie Fontaine
by Wanda Fontaine
19th - Mary Evans
by her husband, children and grandchildren
26th- Gordon Sherman
by his wife Avis (on the altar)
Gustaf Adolph Pearson
by Bill, Roberta and Shelley Solomon and Chris and Shannon Labonte (on the organ)
Contact Wanda Fontaine at 860-923-5072 if you are interested in doing flowers
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Illuminate the Music Window
In Memory or in Honor of a Loved One
for $5.00 per week.
Envelopes are available in the back of the church or you
May call the church secretary at 860-928-4405
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