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Check this page each month for the latest news and events
in the Brookside community. We'll do our best to get each
month's updates online by around the 25th or 26th of the
month.
For a complete copy of the Monthly Chronicle
(which includes all up-to-date information in a downloadable/printable
format) click here.*
Heavenly Concert
Rochester Cathedral
Boy's Choir
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New Horizons'
Walk Against
Hunger
Join Brookside's Team
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Help Out at All-Church Clean-up
Barbecue Included!
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THIS JUST IN!
Roof Follow-up
Meeting
Sun. May 11, 11:15
Fellowship Hall
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So that all may Worship with us...
Brookside is fully accessible,
with a covered ramp at the rear of the church, a special pew to
accommodate wheelchairs, an elevator reaching all levels of the
facility, and handicap-accessible restrooms both downstairs and
in the Sanctuary Narthex.
There are large print Bibles for use during worship, as well
as large print bulletins and hymns. Assistive listening devices
(hearing aids) are available for use during the service. If you
cannot find these materials in the Sanctuary Narthex, please ask
an usher for assistance.
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Carolyn's Corner - Monthly Message From Our Pastor
 "Through
the scientific advances of our time, we are seeing nature with
new eyes, and what we see fills us with wonder and praise. Stunning
images of deep space are like new windows on creation. Microscopic
details of living cells show us the unexpected intricacies of
our biology. Mathematical equations unravel the secrets of the
first seconds following the birth of the universe. Through these
gifts of science, we look across ever-expanding vistas of cosmic
beauty, almost to the beginning of time itself. What we see evokes
wonder and humility, and we hear within ourselves a new voice
arising and singing an anthem of praise that reverberates through
the whole creation."
This quote is from the first of two important and intriguing
Pastoral Letters on Faith that have recently come out of our national
United Church of Christ office. In January, a beautifully written
discourse on science and technology, centering on the themes of
creation and evolution, and our relationship with our faithful
God was published. This was followed on April 8 by a second Pastoral
Letter on Faith, with its area of exploration that of Faith and
Environment, and how we live in community with God's Creation.
Both letters weave together lyrical language that reflects a deep
Biblical faith with a strong understanding of science; a compelling
reminder that a biblically-based faith and core scientific knowledge
are not mutually exclusive.
As the earth slowly reawakens from its winter slumber it is good
to be able to reflect on and to celebrate our interconnectedness
with all of God's good creation. On Sunday, May 4, as part of
our continuing cross-generational worship services, we will remember
our covenant with God to be faithful stewards of the earth.
Easter Blessings,
Carolyn
To read the Pastoral Letters on Faith in full:
http://www.ucc.org/not-mutually-exclusive/
http://www.ucc.org/earthcare/
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 Keeping
Things Fresh
Pastor Carolyn will be on study leave attending a Christian education
event, "Renewal, Rejuvenation, and Resources for the Emergent
Church" at Craigville Conference Center in Massachusetts from
May 6-8. Hospital visitation and
pastoral emergencies will be covered by the Diaconate and the
Revs. Peter and Joyce Lovejoy (call the office, 669-2807).
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This Month's Update
 We
continue to summarize our process and provide an update as to
where we are, and encourage any of you to speak with members of
the committee if you have questions or comments. The search process
has a number of steps:
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The Brookside ad appears monthly in the national UCC employment
listing;
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People who see the ad and are interested contact the NH
Conference which sends out a copy of the Brookside brochure;
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If, after reviewing the brochure, the individual continues
to be interested in Brookside, the individual requests that
his/her candidate profile be sent to us;
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The committee reviews each profile and decides whether
we want to move forward;
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If the decision is to move forward, we schedule a telephone
interview with the candidate. If, after the telephone interview,
we wish to continue, we request additional material to assist
us with the process of discernment (sermon tapes, written
sermons, worship bulletins, newsletters).
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The committee reviews the additional material and again
asks whether we want to continue. If we decide to move forward,
the candidate and his/her spouse or partner are invited
to Manchester for an interview with the committee, a tour
of the community, and a meal with the committee.
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The penultimate step in the process is for the conference
to schedule neutral pulpit opportunities so that the search
committee can see the finalist candidates (no more than
2) conduct a worship service.
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The final step is the presentation of the candidate to
the congregation at a service conducted by the candidate
and the congregational vote on whether or not to call the
candidate.
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To date, the Search Committee has received and reviewed
more than 30 candidate profiles; conducted 13 telephone interviews
(and is in the process of scheduling four more); reviewed supplemental
materials for four candidates; and has scheduled a number of personal
interviews. The committee meets several times a week. We do our
work prayerfully with joy and laughter. We are grateful for the
support of the congregation; please continue to hold us in your
prayers.
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Respectfully submitted,
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Tricia Lucas, Chair
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Karen Horsch
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Gil Desjardins, Vice Chair
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Joe Lachance
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Kerry Richardson, Chaplain
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Pete Lovejoy
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Laura Sevigny, Clerk
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Judi Mitchell
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Jeff Fletcher
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Dale Trombley
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Christian Education News
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 Teaching
in May:
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Infant/Toddler Room:
CE Person/Week |
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Preschool (3-5 yr olds):
Peyton Fletcher, Thandi Dhliwayo,
Donna Moody |
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Grades 1-4: Bob Milling, Erin Powers
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Grades 5-7: Sandi Decknick, Ed Mitchell
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New Ideas for Church School in 2008-09
Thank you, thank you to the many teachers and assistants
who have worked with our children during the Church School
hour this past year. The 2008-09 church school year looks
to be quite exciting. The C.E. Board has chosen a new curriculum
and an exciting new concept for providing Christian Education
to our for preschool children through 7th grade youth.
Adults and high school aged teens are encouraged to come
to a short presentation right after church on May
18 in Fellowship Hall. Please contact Ed Mitchell
(345-4335) if you have questions.
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Can You Help on Children's Day?
Assistance is needed in a variety of ways to make our
end-of-year Children's Day a great celebration. Children's
Day is scheduled for June 8.
Sign-up sheets will be available in Fellowship Hall during
the month of May.
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Summer Camp, Anyone?
It's not too late to sign up for camp! Information about
camping options is available in Fellowship Hall for all
ages, elementary through high school, adults, and families
with young children. To register, contact Ed Mitchell
(345-4335) or visit the Horton Center website,
www.hortoncenter.org
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Returned from Mission Trip
Thandiwe Dhliwayo had a different experience traveling
by train to Washington, D.C., working with 8 other young
people from around the NH Conference to serve those who
are homeless and hungry within the urban area surrounding
our nation's capitol. Thank you to all who provided support,
encouragement, and prayers for safety and great experiences.
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Senior High Youth Group
Sunday, May 4 - We will
hold a "youth call" with Sakubva Church in Zimbabwe
- tell them about some of our youth group activities and
the mission trips we have been involved with last year
and this - then join with the all church spring cleanup
& BBQ!
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Middle School Youth Group
Sunday, May 4 - Join us
for a combined Middle & High School youth-to-youth phone
call to Sakubva Church following the morning service.
Then stay for the all church spring cleanup & barbecue!
Saturday May 17 - 8:30
am -12:30 pm. Back in December we had the opportunity
to help the NH Food Bank with a food drop - helping to
provide food to families in need within the Manchester
area. Our last trip was on a very cold day in December.
This time the temperature should be much warmer. Meet
at Brookside at 8:30 a.m. and we will travel down, by
car, to the NH Food Bank on West Brook St. Lunch at Pappy's
afterward will be paid for by the youth budget.
Year-end Pool Party, Saturday,
June 7 at the Bensons' home in Hooksett. More details
will be in the June Chronicle.
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Note to Parents of Third Graders
As has been the custom at Brookside Congregational Church
for many years, we look forward to recognizing our Sunday
School children who are completing third grade with a
gift Bible. Bibles will be presented on Children's
Sunday, June 8.
Please notify the church office (669-2807) by
the end of May if you would like your child included in
this special recognition.
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Zimbabwe Phone Conference: Youth from
Brookside and Sakubva
Following morning worship on Sunday,
May 4 a conference call will be made between the
youth of Sakubva Church in Zimbabwe and Brookside Church
here in New Hampshire.
How are our youth and the youth of Sakubva alike or different?
What are the burning issues in the minds of young people
from different hemispheres and continents? Encourage the
young people in your life to be part of the conversation!
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Summer Child Care Needed
Adults, middle & high school aged teens are encouraged
to sign up to supervise our little folks, Infants/Toddlers
through 5-year-olds, in the crib room during July and
August. Please contact Jean Dickson (669-2807, ext.
104) or Ed Mitchell (345-4335) with any questions.
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Notes From Our Music Director
 Be
sure to mark a few dates on your calendar regarding special musical
events occurring at Brookside. The Music Department is pleased
to host the Rochester Cathedral Boys Choir from Rochester, England
on Friday, May 23. The concert
time is in negotiation, however, posters will be up soon to promote
this memorable event.
Our second musical event is scheduled for Saturday,
July 12 at 7:30 p.m. with the New England Barnstormers
as the featured guest performers. An active performing ensemble
of 70 male voices, the Barnstormers will present a Saturday evening
concert along with providing music for our service on Sunday,
July 13. This performance is shaping up to be a fine summer
evening family activity - I hope you will plan on joining us.
Please stay attentive to further announcements and PR material
posted around the church.
Good things are brewing at Brookside!!
Blessings,
Rob St. Cyr
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 Women
Are Invited
The Women's Study Group will be meeting Wednesday
evenings at 6:30 in the second floor lounge through May. We are
reading "The Faith Club," a book that explores
the commonality of the Abrahamic faiths and how we as Christians
can be open to respecting the faiths of Judaism and Islam while
understanding more about our own faith in Christ Jesus.
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Exploring Our Faith
 Join
us on Mondays, May 5 & 19 from
7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Lounge as we continue our discussion of
Marcus Borg's book "The Heart of Christianity." Leaders are Fran
Hakenson and Pete Lovejoy.
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Wedding Traditions Explored by Women of Faith Group
 Come
to this informative program featuring the preparation, customs,
dress, words and personalization that are part of Christian, Jewish
and Muslim women's marriage celebrations. The program takes place
at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 5 in the
downstairs dining room of First Congregational Church, 508 Union
Street (corner of Hanover) in Manchester. Meet women of other
faiths, and bring a wedding remembrance to share! Please RSVP
by May 3 to Ellie Kelton, 627-7054.
Parking is available in the lot behind the church, corner of
Amherst & Union Streets.
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Top Ten Reasons to Participate in the Walk Against Hunger
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10.
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The weather just has to be better than last year!
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We can all use the exercise.
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8.
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You get a snazzy T-shirt advertising your affiliation with
Brookside UCC.
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7.
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It's a great opportunity to see the mill buildings up close.
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Teach your kids social responsibility; bring them along
and make it a family tradition.
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Fellowship - you can learn a lot about your fellow church
members over a four-mile course.
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4.
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On any given day in New Hampshire, 2,248 people are homeless.
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3.
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New Horizons provided 68,199 meals to those in need during
2007.
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2.
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16,347 bags of food were distributed to the hungry last
year.
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"When did we see you hungry and feed you, or see you thirsty
and give you drink?" ... "The truth is, every time you did
this for the least of my sisters or brothers, you did it
for me." (Matthew 25:37-39)
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 The
Details: The Walk Against Hunger will be held on Sunday,
May 18, starting at 12 noon. Pledge sheets will be available
at coffee hour during the weeks prior to the walk. On the walk
day, come to church in your walking clothes (including your snazzy
Walk Against Hunger T-shirt) and carpool with others to the starting
line at Victory Park. If you are concerned about walking the four
miles, Brookside is conveniently located along the course. If
for physical or other reasons, you cannot join us, please consider
sponsoring our team!
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 Loaves
and Fishes
In April, we collected 26 bags of groceries and other non-perishables
for New Horizons. Let's try to double that amount in May!
Please consider putting some extra items in your supermarket basket
for the food pantry. Their wish list currently includes: diapers,
baby formula, peanut butter, jelly, baked beans, macaroni & cheese,
canned goods, tomato sauce, pasta, and tuna. Our next collection
is Sunday, May 4.
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A Great Mother's Day Gift Idea: Give a Blanket of Hope
 Looking
for a special gift for that special mom? Why not help someone
in need in her name? On May 11
(Mother's Day), Brookside will be joining with 8,000 other congregations
across the country by observing Tools and Blanket Sunday (an initiative
of Church World Service). Your contributions will provide blankets,
tents, bedding, farming tools, and other emergency supplies to
victims of natural disasters, wars, and ethnic violence. For $5
you can buy a blanket in your special mom's name. If you'd like
to donate but don't plan on being here on the 11th, please bring
your check in on another Sunday or mail it to Brookside—please
be sure to put "Blanket Sunday" in the memo line so we know where
it's to go!
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NHCUCC Annual Meeting
Clergy and delegates from around New Hampshire will be heading
to Wolfeboro the weekend of June 13-14
to attend the 207th Annual Meeting of the NH Conference, United
Church of Christ. The theme this year is Sanctuary: Living into
the Image of God based on Exodus 25:8, "Then have them make
a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them." Keynoter
is the Rev. Martin Copenhaver and Kim and Reggie Harris are the
worship leaders, musicians and storytellers. Besides doing the
business of the Conference, there will be time for worship, workshops,
and fellowship. Representing Brookside as delegates are Walter
and Janet Stiles, Joe and Denise Forest, and Jean Dickson. Those
who serve on Conference committees are also voting members of
Annual Meeting. For more information, go to www.nhcucc.org
and click on "Annual Meeting."
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 Holy
Communion
The sacrament of Communion will be celebrated on Sunday,
May 4, served by: Dennis Giguere, Keith Hamer, Joyce
Lovejoy, Jeff Rapson, Dale Trombley, Don Waldrupe, Russ Dunn and
Jeff Fletcher.
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Church Family News
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Baptisms
Baptized on April 20 was Quintin James Molony
(born 9/10/07), son of James and Donna Molony. Quintin
has two older siblings, twins Johnathan and Isabell.
The sacrament of Baptism is generally scheduled monthly,
on the third Sunday. If you are interested in receiving
this sacrament on May 18
or a date further out, please speak with Pastor Carolyn
(669-2807).
New Member Class Coming Up
A New Members' Class will be held in Pastor Carolyn's
Office on Sunday, May 4
from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those who desire to be received
as new members may do so on Sunday,
May 11.
Please let Pastor Carolyn Keilig know if you intend to
be at the class.
With Condolences
Please keep June Gray and family in your prayers, after
the death of her mother, Marjorie J. Langdon, on March
28.
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Hillsborough Association Annual Meeting
The Hillsborough Association of the NH Conference, UCC, of which
Brookside Congregational Church, UCC is a member, will hold its
Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 4
at the First Congregational Church, UCC in Pelham. The meeting
begins at 2:30 p.m. with a program and discussion, "Vital
Conference Ministry." Following that, the Association business
will be conducted and the meeting will conclude with fellowship
and refreshments.
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Photo Has Become a Tradition
Thank you to Studio One for their continuing service to
Brookside by producing the Palm Sunday photo. All eight annual
photos, 2001-2008, are displayed in Fellowship Hall. In how many
do YOU appear?
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It's CLEAN UP Time - INSIDE and OUT!
Come
join us on Sunday, May 4, for our
much-needed spring clean up... WITH A TWIST! After such a harsh
winter, our beautiful grounds are in desperate need of a good
cleaning... but so do some of the areas INSIDE our lovely buildings!
It doesn't matter if you're an "inside" cleaner or an "outside"
cleaner, just wear your working clothes to worship on May 4. Bring
your rakes, barrels, trucks and trailers, but don't forget your
mops, buckets and sponges too! After worship, we'll split up and
get to work. We'll have a cookout to keep you fueled up and if
you have little ones, we'll watch them for you, too! Let's keep
Brookside beautiful!
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Women's Union
The Women's Union Annual Meeting will be held at the Chateau
Hospitality Complex at 201 Hanover Street. The Date of the meeting
is Thursday, May 15. Social Hour
begins at 6:00 followed by dinner at 6:30. Dinner choices are
Broiled Haddock or Chateau Chicken Breast with an Herb Bread Stuffing,
at a cost of $20.00. Martha Cushing will be taking reservations
and payment; please call her at 669-8368 by May
8.
The scheduled program is "All about the Trolley Museum" presented
by Herb Pence. Everyone is welcome. If you wish more information
on the program, please call Ellie Kelton at 627-7054.
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Diaconate Board to Host Dinner
Due to the wonderful response we received for our January dinner,
the Diaconate would like to sponsor another fellowship dinner
on Saturday, May 17, from 5:30
to 7:30 p.m. (with dinner being served at 6:00), in Fellowship
Hall. Everyone is invited and we encourage you to bring your friends!
This is a great opportunity to relax for a couple of hours with
good food and good conversation. (And you still have time to go
catch a movie or get home for your favorite TV program!) So, please
'Save the Date' and watch future Sunday bulletins for more information
on this FREE event.
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Enjoy Fellowship at a Progressive Dinner
Brookside Adult Fellowship is planning to hold a Progressive
Dinner on Saturday, June 7, from
5:30 to 10:00 p.m. The cost will be $15.00/person. We are still
looking for people who would be willing to host 6-8 others at
their homes for a salad or dinner course. If you are interested
in hosting and/or attending, please see either Dave Migliori or
Laura Sevigny after church or call Dave, 623-2241. We look
forward to seeing you there.
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A Note of Farewell:
To my many dear friends at Brookside:
In the first week of May I will be moving to Fredericksburg, Virginia
to be with my daughter. I wanted to let you know that I have had
many happy years here and will miss you all very much.
Peace be with you,
Lee Boynton
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Thrift Shop Is Busy, Busy, Busy!
By Penny Stillman, Co-chair
So much is happening at the Thrift Shop that five of us are spending
four or five days per week keeping up. Our recent $5 bag sale
was a big success, as usual. Our customers all expressed gratitude
with every $5 bag they could fill. We observed how carefully they
stuffed them to the fullest. Generally, customers purchased only
one bag, whereas in the past it was two or three.
Our friends, Michelle, Erika and Gary, dropped in to report on
their welfare after the tragic fire on Pearl Street. They now
have an apartment and jobs. They are very grateful for the help
they have received from our church, but are still in need of a
bed and a dresser or chest of drawers. Their living room is fully
furnished. The Shop will buy shades for their windows as they
have no blinds or drawn drapes and live on the first floor. Their
spirits are high but so regretful that all we did and spent for
them was lost.
Another woman, sent to us by the Red Cross for blankets, lived
right below Michelle's apartment and told us Michelle's whole
floor burned and the furnishings fell right into their apartment.
That woman is still looking for a home for eight.
On the brighter side, spring flowers are sprouting up and Wake
has further plans for "our" garden. He hopes to clear that whole
area, leaving the grape arbor, so all of us can picnic or enjoy
the whole view at once of the Shop's garden, the vegetable garden,
the new rose garden and the butterfly memorial garden.
Despite tragedies, there is always beauty
around us, and we thank God for that.
For more information on the Thrift Shop, click
here.
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KIDS! Online activities for May...
Print out these fun activities (click any image below to download
the PDF file)*
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Quick Note from the Finance Committee
In an effort to further diversify our endowment account and to
improve returns, the Trustees have voted to move a portion of
our investment account into two balanced funds. Those funds, Fidelity
Balanced and Oakmark Equity Income, have both received top ratings
from Consumer Reports Magazine and have shown consistent above
average returns in both up and down markets. Please see Dave Migliori
if you have any questions.
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How Times Change in 70+ Years...
By Ellie Kelton, Historian
PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 1935:
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Minister's salary
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$4,500
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Director of Religious Education
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1,700
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Pastor Emeritus
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1,000
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Secretarial Work
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250
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Janitor Church
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800
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Care of Parish House
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500
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Music
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1,500
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House rent for minister
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800
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Annuity Dues
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200
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Supplies Church School
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400
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Fire Insurance
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300
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Heating and Lighting
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1,500
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Collector
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300
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Supplies and Printing
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500
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Repairs and Miscellaneous
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500
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Congregational Benevolent Work
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1,500
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Balance Due on Repairs
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1,000
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Total:
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$17,500
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Here's Our Monthly Financial Checkup:
Any questions regarding the detail of the treasurer's report
below may be directed to Gail Goodman at 656-9038, or e-mail
her at ggoodman@elliot-hs.org.
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TREASURER'S
REPORT
For the period ending March
31, 2008
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ACTUAL vs
BUDGET
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March
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Actual
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Budget
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Variance
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| Total Income |
33,546
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31,179
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2,367
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| Total Expenses |
29,834
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27,030
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2,803
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| Net Gain (Loss) |
3,712
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4,149
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(437)
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Year-to-date
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| Total Income |
82,327
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84,143
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(1,816)
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| Total Expenses |
86,445
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84,961
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1,484
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| Net Gain (Loss) |
(4,118)
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(817)
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(3,300)
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YTD Pledges
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36,471
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37,437
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(966)
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 May
Lectionary
Each issue of the Chronicle features monthly Bible readings,
so that you can read and reflect on your own. The following passages
will be used by Pastor Carolyn in worship this month.
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May 4
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Old Testament
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Psalm 8
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New Testament
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John 15:1-11
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May 11
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Pentecost
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Old Testament
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Acts 2:1-21
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New Testament
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John 7:37-39
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May 18
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Old Testament
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2 Corinthians 13:11-13
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New Testament
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Matthew 28:16-20
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May 25
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Old Testament
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Psalm 46
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New Testament
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Matthew 7:21-29
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