APRIL 2015 THE OLD SLOOP’S LOG 1 A Monthly Publication from The First Congregational Church, UCC Rockport, Massachusetts The Reverend Derek Van Gulden, Pastor Beloved, In just a few days we will be celebrating Palm Sunday and then move into Holy Week. As part of my preparation for Holy Week this year I read The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach about Jesus’ Final Days in Jerusalem, by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. For me Holy Week was always just Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and Easter. The other days were like any other. In reading the book I learned that Holy Week is really about the whole week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. As usual I was trying to compress too many events into too little time. The authors begin with Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and then devote a chapter to each day. On Monday, Jesus enters the Temple and throws over the tables of the money-changers and other merchants. On Tuesday he is confronted by the Elders questioning his authority to heal, preach, and teach. Wednesday is spent in Bethany where Jesus is anointed by the nameless woman. Thursday evening he prepares his disciples for his death through the blessing and sharing of a meal. On Friday he is brought by the Elders to Pontius Pilate who condemns him to death. Saturday, the day of the Jewish Sabbath, nothing seems to happen. Finally Sunday arrives once again with the discovery of Jesus’ resurrection. As you can see, a lot happens during this short time. Jesus goes from processing triumphantly into Jerusalem on palm branches to rising from the dead in just seven days. And even though I knew the stories of these events I paid little attention to them during Holy week. However, Borg and Crossan point out that our faith depends on living through the whole week. We can’t just simply skip to the parts we like. As much as I would like to go right from Palm Sunday to Easter, if I did this the story wouldn’t make sense. After all without Good Friday, there can be no Easter. We have to accompany Jesus from the Temple, to the Last Supper all the way to the tomb in order so that we can participate in Jesus’ resurrection. When we carry the stories in our hearts we begin to grasp that these are stories about us. We too travel through hardships and pain. But with our faith we know that Easter is always just around the corner. May you have a contemplative Holy Week and a blessed Easter. Shalom, Rev. Derek We the members of this congregation welcome you with gladness into our lives. We renew our covenant of faith and offer you our support, encouragement and love to the end that all of us may grow in the boundless mercy of God. By loving and being loved, forgiving and being forgiven, serving and being served, let us go forward together with courage as Christ disciples glorifying God by being fully alive. A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR We the members of the First Congregational Church of Rockport are called upon to love one another as God loves us, freely and unconditionally. Therefore we covenant to become an open and affirming congregation welcoming persons of every age, ability, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity into full membership and participation in our community life and ministry. We embrace and support those who experience rejection and exile from spiritual community and commit ourselves to the struggle against injustice.
Transcript
APRIL 2015 THE OLD SLOOP’S LOG 1
A Monthly Publication from The First Congregational Church, UCC Rockport, Massachusetts
The Reverend Derek Van Gulden, Pastor
Beloved,
In just a few days we will be celebrating Palm Sunday and then move into Holy Week. As part of my preparation for Holy Week this year I read The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach about Jesus’ Final Days in Jerusalem, by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. For me Holy Week was always just Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and Easter. The other days were like any other. In reading the book I learned that Holy Week is really about the whole week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. As usual I was trying to compress too many events into too little time. The authors begin with Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and then devote a chapter to each day. On Monday, Jesus enters the Temple and throws over the tables of the money-changers and other merchants. On Tuesday he is confronted by the Elders questioning his authority to heal, preach, and teach. Wednesday is spent in Bethany where Jesus is anointed by the nameless woman. Thursday evening he prepares his disciples for his death through the blessing and sharing of a meal. On Friday he is brought by the Elders to Pontius Pilate who condemns him to death. Saturday, the day of the Jewish Sabbath, nothing seems to happen. Finally Sunday arrives once again with the discovery of Jesus’ resurrection. As you can see, a lot happens during this short time. Jesus goes from processing triumphantly into Jerusalem on palm branches to rising from the dead in just seven days. And even though I knew the stories of these events I paid little attention to them during Holy week. However, Borg and Crossan point out that our faith depends on living through the whole week. We can’t just simply skip to the parts we like. As much as I would like to go right from Palm Sunday to Easter, if I did this the story wouldn’t make sense. After all without Good Friday, there can be no Easter. We have to accompany Jesus from the Temple, to the Last Supper all the way to the tomb in order so that we can participate in Jesus’ resurrection. When we carry the stories in our hearts we begin to grasp that these are stories about us. We too travel through hardships and pain. But with our faith we know that Easter is always just around the corner. May you have a contemplative Holy Week and a blessed Easter. Shalom, Rev. Derek
We the members of this congregation welcome you with gladness into
our lives. We renew our covenant of faith and offer you our support,
encouragement and love to the end that all of us
may grow in the boundless mercy of God.
By loving and being loved, forgiving and being
forgiven, serving and being served, let us go forward together with
courage as Christ disciples glorifying God
by being fully alive.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR
We the members of the First Congregational
Church of Rockport are called upon to love one
another as God loves us, freely and
unconditionally. Therefore we covenant to
become an open and affirming congregation welcoming persons of
every age, ability, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender
identity, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity into
full membership and participation in our community life and
Subject to Approval The Cabinet of the First Congregational Church of Rockport, Massachusetts, UCC was called to order by the Church Clerk at 7:00pm. Pastor Derek van Gulden opened the meeting with a prayer. Present: Derek van Gulden; Pastor; Jonathon Lilja, Christian Education; Bruce Coates, Treasurer; Jack Reed, Trustees; Guy Micalizzi, Pastor-Parish Relations Committee; Jay Reed, Treasurer of Mission Funds; Janice Ramsden, Diaconate; Mindy Picardo, Christian Education Committee; Paul Hurst, Capital Campaign co-chair; and Geof Lyon, Clerk. Temporary Chair: Geof Lyon asked for nominations for a temporary chair of the Cabinet meeting since the Chair, Steve Lindo, was away. Geof Lyon was on only nominee and was unanimously voted to serve as meeting chair.
Maundy Thursday April 2 , 2015
7PM
Good Friday April 3, 2015
7PM – Morgan Room
Easter Sunrise Service –
April 5, 2015 6A.M.
Emerson Inn By The Sea
APRIL 2015 THE OLD SLOOP’S LOG 3
Organizational Matters: Review of Draft Guidelines on Conduct of Cabinet Meetings and Preparation and Distribution of Minutes. An opinion was raised that the guidelines were too strict with regard to topics of discussion. It was widely agreed that discussion should be limited to issues of importance to all members. Some felt that in addition to topics leading to decisions and actions to be taken, there were some topics that were important enough to merit discussion even if a decision was not expected by the Cabinet. For example, the Diaconate informed the Cabinet that there was a six month trial eliminating the Sunday greeters. A decision was not needed on this topic, but it was considered an important item of information to be discussed. The Cabinet generally agreed that not all topics appropriate for discussion would necessarily require a decision or approval by the Cabinet. Geof reported that we are still lacking Cabinet representatives from Membership, Nominating, and Flowers. The Nominating Committee is now complete. The Minutes of the February 22nd Cabinet were approved by voice vote Pending Actions: Capital Campaign contract was reviewed and approved. Policy on Thank You Notes for Bequests, Special Gifts and Capital Campaign Contributions. A subcommittee was appointed to make a recommendation on this issue. The subcommittee consists of Jack Reed, Mindy Picardo, Janice Ramsden and Pastor Derek. Ushers and Greeters: Janice announced there will be a six month trial, May – October 2015, during which the ushers will also perform the duties of greeters. Policy for the Handling of Cash and Checks: Jack distributed the draft policy for discussion. It was noted that some activities would have procedures that differed from the draft policy by necessity. It was noted that the policy included a variance option subject to the approval of the Trustees. The policy was unanimously approved. Website Update: Geof asked that action on the web site be tabled at this time due to pressing matters. Pages for the capital campaign would be added. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved, giving authority to the capital campaign chairs to make capital campaign changes to the web site. Officer Reports Pastor: The church will hold a Maundy Thursday Service. Treasurer: Bruce stated that budget execution is following a similar track to last year. Treasurer of Mission Funds: Jay announced that a separate fund had been created to house Family Promise Funds. Committee Reports. Capital Campaign: Paul reported that the campaign is about to initiate advance pledges from a select group of church members and friends of the church. Diaconate: Janice reported that Communion will be moved to the second Sunday in April to avoid conflicting with Easter Services. Trustees: Jack reported that the town historical commission would hear a proposal from a builder of steeples made out of non-wood materials. The commission’s approval is necessary if the Trustees are to consider fabricating a steeple out of such materials. Christian Outreach: Jay and Geof requested approval for a proposal that would allow the Coffee House to secure corporate underwriting for Coffee House activities. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed to allow for this activity. Christian Education: Mindy announced that vacation bible school this summer would be merged with that of the Baptist Church, but there are plans to hold a vacation bible school during spring break of 2016. Additionally, it was decided that once kids are dismissed from church to go to Sunday school, they will not return to the church service.
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Membership Committee: It was decided to make this committee a subcommittee of the Welcoming Ministry of Hospitality Committee. The next meeting of the Cabinet will be April 19, 2015, at 7 pm. Subject to Cabinet approval: Geof Lyon, Clerk of the Church _____________________________________________________________________________________
Minutes March 9, 2015 The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 7:05PM. Present: Jack Reed, Chair; Bill Elwell; Walter Vining; Bruce Coates, Treasurer; Mark Jurewicz Absent: Jeff Taylor; Bob Morgan; Rev. Derek van Gulden; Paul Hurst
Minutes: Minutes from the February 16, 2015 meeting were reviewed and approved. Mark will contact Susan Lillis for Log submission deadlines. Appropriateness of publishing minutes prior to committee approval was discussed.
Treasurers Report: The Comparative Operating Income & Expenses vs. Previous Year report for February was presented by Bruce. The report was approved.
Monthly Review of Bank Statement: Jack delivered the February statements to Bob. Old Business:
Capital Campaign – The congregation approved a vote to proceed with the capital campaign at a special meeting on Sunday March 2, 2015. A training session for the 7 identified “visitors” who will solicit advance contributions will be held on Saturday March 14, 2015. Geof Lyon is coordinating marketing for the campaign. Upstairs Bathroom Repairs in Parsonage – Work is in progress. Viridian Green Energy – Tabled until Jeff is present. Energy Audit Results – National Grid spent 3 days installing energy efficient equipment. An issue has been identified with a steeple light shining on a neighbor’s house. Bill and Walter will explore possible resolutions. New Steeple Discussion – A presentation will be made on March 26, 2015 to the Historical Commission for approval of an aluminum steeple. Aluminum steeples have been approved in other area towns (Wenham and Marblehead). Cappuccino Machine – the machine has been removed.
New Business Library Emergency Evacuation Plan – Cindy Grove, Director of the Rockport Public Library
has asked the church to be a designated meeting location in the event of a library evacuation. It was agreed that more information was needed before a decision could be made. Bill will meet with Cindy and get additional information from Police Lt. Mark Schmink.
Emergency Generators – The item above prompted a discussion on the need for emergency generators to power the 3 furnaces and the air compressor that charges the fire protection system in the sanctuary and fellowship hall. Bill will research with Spittle Electric.
A copy of this report will be forwarded to the editor of the Old Sloop Log. There being no further business, the Board of Trustees adjourned at 8:42PM. Next meeting will be Monday, April 13, 2015.
Jack Reed Mark Jurewicz Chair, Board of Trustees Secretary of Trustees
APRIL 2015 THE OLD SLOOP’S LOG 5
April, 2015
Introducing Amazon Smile Here is an easy way of having part of your purchases on Amazon go to the Old Sloop! Amazon.com has a program where 0.5% of your purchase goes to the charity of your choice that is on their list of registered charities. The First Congregational Church of Rockport is now on that list. Benefits: -You use your credit card, so you get your miles. -You get the same savings you always get on Amazon. -The donation happens (almost) automatically whenever you buy on Amazon. -You don’t have me (Sigi) bugging you to buy grocery gift cards! Here’s what you do: -Log in to smile.amazon.com -Pick First Congregational Church of Rockport as the charity you wish to benefit. You may change your selected charity at any time.
-Whenever you want to purchase anything on Amazon, go to smile.amazon.com to sign in. It will connect you to your Amazon account, and will allocate the 0.5% of your purchase to the church.
If you have any problems: I found it a little confusing when I was shopping the web. I found that I could copy an Amazon item I wanted from the search and paste it into the Amazon Smile site. That way I am sure it was purchased via Amazon Smile. Perhaps some of our tech geeks in the congregation can help clarify and simplify this procedure! Tech geeks please sing out!
One half of one percent isn’t much, but if all of us who buy things on Amazon use Amazon Smile every time, it can add up quickly. Let’s give it a try! Sigi Lindo for the Stewardship Committee
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Minutes February 24, 2015
Attended: Liz Rice-Smith, Jack Reed, Karen & Paul Hurst, Wendy Woodbury Guest: Geof Lyon, to discuss publicity and shared logo/“branding” to represent the congregation in the community and beyond. The Membership Committee held its first meeting since it was newly constituted by unanimous vote at Annual Meeting in January, 2015. This committee meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:00PM - 7:00PM. Liz opened the meeting with a prayer at 6:05 p.m. We reviewed the Agenda which also summarized the past two year’s work of the team helping to explore and shape both the goals and the work of this committee in the life of the congregation. Amongst the themes and topics which we discussed: What is our goal?
To grow church membership in numbers, vitality, and depth of understanding/participation. To welcome visitors and newcomers as friends of the congregation, for a day or for a lifetime.
How can we learn more about how to do this? Choose a book from the resources of UCC for members of the committee to read re: effective ways to grow church membership in numbers, vitality, and depth.
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Identify examples from our life together in this congregation of welcoming, vitality, and participation which we describe as meaningful expressions of friendship and membership. Make use of online (macucc.org and other denominational) resources which tell the stories of successes in other congregations. Hear stories from those who have experience in these efforts in other congregations. Take part in UCC trainings to assist in efforts to increase vitality and growth in congregations. Talk and listen with every committee and constituency in the life of the congregation regarding many approaches, ideas, and events to increase vitality and growth.
What are some possible ways to accomplish these goals? Make use of publicity, including articles in the Gloucester Daily Times and The Beacon. Promote a shared Church Logo to present a recognizable image for church events. Continue to prepare/disburse leaflets, photographs, and signage in the church narthex, foyer, and fellowship hall and around town to show evidence of vitality in church activities and ministries. Launch our new "Good to Know!” program, a series of Sunday-after-church (or sometimes Sunday mornings-before-church) classes/meetings that this committee will offer for people to discuss and learn more as they are considering/discerning what it would mean or has meant in the past to join in the covenant of membership with this church as well as exploring how the church functions and what is involved in sustaining its vitality. Consider and establish a schedule with more times and places to join this congregation. in addition to Sunday morning worship. Meet people prospective members where they are comfortable: in the church, at Wednesday Evening Potluck or at Easter Sunrise Service. Promote church programs by posting/displaying what's going on so people coming in can see what's happening in the church every week. Understand and actively affirm that after-Sunday-worship Coffee Hour offers a ministry of hospitality, a time to meet and warmly welcome new people to the church. Actively use the new Welcome Pads for people to write their names (to learn the names of others sharing the same pew), e-mail contact, and any special needs/requests they may have. Continue to encourage the use of wearing Name Badges. Coordinate with Music Committee to produce, and promote more music concerts, organ concerts, intergenerational events, Open Sanctuary recitals, and youth jamming sessions. Find ways that every committee and constituency (Choir, Church School, Youth Group, etc.) can participate in this process of growing the church in numbers, vitality, and depth of membership. Encourage opportunities for prospective members to learn and discern what membership means to them with support from the Pastor and Diaconate.
How does the Team for Welcoming Ministry of Hospitality fit in here? The TfWMH will become a part of the work of this committee. The work of the TfWMH will be reported to Cabinet and the congregation through the reports of this committee. Having launched a new ministry for hosting Coffee Hour each Sunday over the past three years (which involves 110 people in the life of this congregation), one of our next projects (as the snow melts and the weather warms) will be to establish a crew of Welcomers who will welcome people arriving at church on Sunday mornings at the 12 School Street foyer and on the sidewalk in front of the church on Main Street. The TfWMH will also be hosting its 8th Film Series during Eastertide, with a Pot Luck Supper and 5:30PM showing of films during the eight Thursdays after Easter.
We began to discuss who would be willing to serve as - Chairperson: Liz Rice-Smith Liaison with the Diaconate: David Emerson Liaison with the Trustees: Jack Reed and Paul Hurst
APRIL 2015 THE OLD SLOOP’S LOG 7
Liaison with the Cabinet: TBD Liaison with Music Committee: Karen Hurst Recording Secretary: Wendy Woodbury Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 24th. This meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Wendy Woodbury
Minutes March 24, 2015 Attending: Rev. Derek, Liz Rice Smith, Karen Hurst, Wendy Woodbury The meeting began at 6:05PM. 1) Having talked at our Feb. meeting about reading a book about "How to Grow a Church," to follow up, Liz ordered 6 copies of 2 books for committee members to read. She conferred with several clergy and lay people about well-regarded books on themes of church vitality and growth, and selected these two for us at this time: -- "Liberating Hope!: Daring to Renew the Mainline Church," by Michael S. Piazza and Cameron B. Trimble, who are the founders of the Center for Progressive Renewal, a non-profit organization dedicated to starting and renewing congregations in mainline congregations. -- "Real Good Church. How our church came back from the dead, and yours can, too," by Rev. Molly Baskette, who is the Senior Pastor at a UCC congregation in Somerville, MA and a colleague/friend of Pastor Derek. Rev. Baskette is also a recent cancer survivor who writes with considerable vision. --We will also use the Massachusetts Conference, UCC website: macucc.org 2.) We set preliminary dates for prospective members to join our church: a.) Pentecost Sunday, May 24th. We will offer 2 Sunday morning discernment meetings for prospective members to gather to prepare to join, on Sunday April 26th and May 3rd. from 8:30-9:30. We will ask the Deacons to join us for these meetings. Publicity to be arranged. b.) To hold a worship service this summer on the front lawn with prospective members to join our church some Sunday in July, date TBA. c.) To invite prospective members to join our church at a community/potluck supper in the fall, date TBA. 3). Update on Team for Welcoming Ministry of Hospitality Events: This summer: Ron Buford, originator of the national UCC God is Still Speaking Campaign. He has agreed to come to Rockport for a forum and discussion about church vitality and growth with our congregation. Date and time TBA. This fall: Visit by the Reverend James Crawford, retired UCC minister who chaired the national UCC committee to create the New Century Hymnal. This will be coordinated with the Music Committee, chaired by Karen Hurst. Rev. Crawford will give a presentation and discussion about the hymnal. Maybe we will even have a Hymn Sing! Jim is Pastor Emeritus of Old South Church in Boston - UCC. He is a Great Uncle of the Palmers (of this congregation), and a friend over many years of Cam Borton and Liz Rice-Smith. Date and time TBA. Events in the works to discuss next meeting on April 28th. Saturday June 20. Our 2nd year to participate in the Salem Gay Pride March. Sunday June 21. ONA Moment of Mission during Worship, light lunch and Forum event with John Duncan and Tim Schaeffer, topic: "What Does Welcome Look Like? Visions of the Now and Future Church." Meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Wendy Woodbury
Minutes Sunday, February 8, 2015 – 11:45 A.M. PRESENT: Jay Reed, Wendy Woodbury, Louisa Casadei-Johnson and Rev. Derek van Gulden o Meeting began with prayer; Committee welcomed Louisa as new member o Discussed who would serve as Chair, Recording Secretary, Nominating rep, Cabinet rep. Decided that Jay
would contact entire committee including those absent by email to see if anyone wanted to volunteer to serve
o Treasurer’s report Balance as of January 31, 2015 was $4562.84 Total receipts from pledges, potluck donations and Christmas Fund were $1772.62 Disbursements went to Mass. Conference UCC; Action, Inc; potluck; and $4000 to the Family
Promise account o Pastor’s Fund
Two requests were granted to an individual for partial rent and a Market Basket gift card Balance at end of January is about $300 Decided it was time to make an appeal to the congregation
o Open Door Census has been down possibly due to severe winter weather On Feb 7, many casseroles were left over and left at Open Door; rolls went to Action, Inc. The Newman’s, Jay Reed, Sarah Mowitt helped serve Next dinners for FCR are first Saturday in May, August and November
o Coffee House February 7 event was sold out Two are scheduled for February, one for March
o Family Promise February 15 we expect 2 families: 2 single mothers, 3 children March 1 Jay will attend Family Homelessness Forum, which will address the homelessness
challenge from the legislative level o High School Scholarships
The church grants 3 scholarships to local graduating seniors Two are granted from the McLean –Hooper restricted fund. An heir of the fund will be invited by
Jay to attend an Outreach meeting to confirm the parameters of their scholarship o Guest Preacher
On March 15,Rev. Matuvhunye, a minister from Zimbabwe currently studying at Andover-Newton Theological School, will join Rev. Derek in preaching at the worship service. He will also speak at a 2:00 presentation and local churches will be invited by Rev Derek via email. Rev Derek will contact him to discuss his topic. The Outreach Committee is requested to join Rev Matuvhunye for lunch.
We discussed whether to take a basket offering for his use and what/whether to pay him; no decision was reached at the meeting.
o Other
APRIL 2015 THE OLD SLOOP’S LOG 9
Rev Derek discussed the UN Millennium Development Goals and plans to share them with the
Congregation during Lent. 2015 is the completion year of the goals o One Great Hour One Great Hour of Sharing will take place on Sundays between February 15 and March 15. Louisa will
speak during the Mission Moment on Sunday, February 15, about those served through One Great Hour. Others from Outreach will speak on following Sundays.
MEETING ADJOURNED: 1:40 NEXT MEETING – Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 11:30 A.M. Respectfully submitted, Louisa Casadei-Johnson
Minutes Sunday, March 8, 2015
Attending: Joe Chambers, Marge Schell, Wendy Woodbury, Louisa Casadei-Johnson, Nan Blue, Jay Reed Meeting began at 11:25 with a reading from Isaiah 58:6(“Is this the yoke that I choose?”) Geof Lyon requested approval for two coffee house proposals: (1) Using a $1000 donation from a church family to lower ticket prices for a January 2016 performance (2) enlisting corporate underwriting of coffee house performances in the future. Both proposals were approved after discussion. Jay will ask for cabinet approval of the second proposal. We discussed Pastor’s Fund. There is as yet no account statement available, but there is less than the $500 in the account at the end of January. It may be time to ask for donations, both from the pulpit and in the Log. Rev Derek passed on a note from a recipient with her thanks. The Outreach treasury has about $3700.00. The current Outreach treasurer’s report is preliminary until reconciled with the February account transaction report from the church treasurer. Nan asked whether there are enough funds to pay our charities what we budgeted for them this year. Since it seems there will not be sufficient funds, Joe suggested we determine how we will allocate mission funds for the charities we have not yet funded in 2015, and that we convey that anticipated funding shortfall to the congregation at worship within the next few months. That proposal was approved by consensus. So far we have disbursed to Andover-Newton Theological School and Action, Inc, their full budgeted outlays for the year. We have started a report for receipts, disbursements, and current balance in the Family Promise sub account. Our One Great Hour of Sharing campaign has been shortened by one week because church was cancelled on February 15. Next Sunday, March 15, we conclude our campaign for OGHS. On the following week, March 22, we begin our campaign for the Easter Offering for the Youth Group mission trip, to run 3 Sundays ending on Easter. Cabinet has approved that the Easter offering envelope from the pledge envelopes and the loose offering on Easter Sunday be committed to the Youth Group. Wendy will make Easter offering envelopes for those who don’t use pledge envelopes, and we will encourage those who wish to donate to the mission trip to write a check to the church with “mission trip” in the memo. Former UCC Zimbabwe President Edward Matuvhunye will preach to the congregation at worship next Sunday, March 15. The Outreach Committee is invited to lunch at Barbara and Jay’s house afterward, and at 2 pm, Rev Matuvhunye will address the community in the church sanctuary. The public and area clergy are invited. We discussed our last Family Promise host week and the logistics of planning and monitoring for host weeks. At our last host week, 2/15-22, initial guest arrival was delayed for a day by bad weather. Nan asked about anticipated Family Promise expenses other than groceries, and Jay thought the volunteers’ air mattresses may need replacement. Lisa and Walter Vining donated an air mattress to replace one that failed. We host again starting May 10. At a March 1 Bedford family homelessness workshop Barbara and Jay Reed attended, state legislators remarked that the current family homelessness situation will be alleviated by wage increases, state tax reform, and town zoning reform that allows construction of multiple unit housing.
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We discussed church scholarships at length, anticipating April review of applications. Sue Herron representing the MacLean-Hooper heirs was unable to attend today’s meeting. Jay spoke about church scholarships for non-RHS grads at worship today. There is a notice about same in the church bulletins. We should be receiving applications by email from the RHS Scholarship Committee sometime after April 1. Pot luck suppers have been rather sparsely attended lately, perhaps due to bad weather. Coffee House on Feb 28 was well attended, perhaps 25 patrons shy of a sell-out. The next show takes place on March 21, with Fly Amero/John Hall. We briefly shared approval of Joe as cabinet rep, Marge as nominations rep., Sarah Mowitt as rec. secretary, and Jay as chair, which we had discussed by email since our last meeting, ill-attended due to bad weather. We ended the meeting with thanks at 1:10 pm. Respectfully submitted, James Reed, chair __________________________________________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT DATES FOR APRIL 2015 Wednesday, April 1 Craft Club 2:30-5:30 Sunday, April 5 Happy Easter!
No Sunday school or Youth Group Monday, April 6 Build a Bridge 2:30-5:30 Wednesday, April 8 No Craft Club Friday, April 10 Friendship Club 6:00-7:30 Sunday, April 12 Christian Education Committee 9:00- 10:00
Sunday School 10:00-11:00 Book and Clothing Swap 4:00 Youth Group 5:00-7:00
Monday, April 13 Build A Bridge 2:30-5:30 Wednesday, April 15 Craft Club 2:30-5:30 Saturday, April 18 ROCKATHON (Rescheduled) Sunday, April 19 Sunday School 10:00-11:00
Youth Group 5:00-7:00 Monday, April 20 No Build a Bridge Wednesday, April 22 No Craft Club Sunday, April 26 Sunday School 10:00-11:00
Youth Group 5:00-7:00 Monday, April 27 Build a Bridge 2:30-5:30 Wednesday, April 29 Craft Club 2:30-5:30 <>< Mindy and Katie
APRIL 2015 THE OLD SLOOP’S LOG 11
Beloved, I would like to remind you all that as your pastor I am always here to listen. If you would like to talk about your faith journey, comment or discuss something I preached about or just want to chat I am available for you. My office door is always open. My office hours are Tuesdays – Wednesdays from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Thursdays from 8:30 -11:30. You might want to call first to ensure that I am in as there are times when I need to be away from the office during those hours. I am at the Wednesday night community meal most weeks and we can speak then if you
like. You can also call me and make an appointment for another time. I do not meet people at church when the office is closed but we can meet at one of our local coffee houses or any other public place in the area. I am also more than willing to come to your home or place of work. And yes I can be reached via e-mail or text messages but prefer to talk in person if possible. My contact information; [email protected]; Cell Phone: 508-818-0616
Easter Offering This year’s Easter Offering supports the Youth Group mission trip to Mifflenburg, PA. That offering includes the pledge envelope marked “Easter,” the special offering envelopes in the bulletin for those who don’t use pledge envelopes, any check in the offering plates with Easter offering in the memo, and the loose offering on Easter Sunday. Thanks for supporting the mission trip.
Thanks for Contributing to One Great Hour
This year’s offering to One Great Hour of Sharing was nearly $1400. Thanks to all who helped this UCC Special Offering.
Open Door May 2 Our next Open Door dinner will be May 2. Look for our volunteer signup in Fellowship Hall starting in April.
Pastor’s Fund Our Pastor’s Fund to help community residents in financial distress is depleted. If you can help, please see Pastor Derek.
$350,000 Capital Campaign for the Old Sloop Church
On March 1, 2015, the Congregation voted unanimously to engage in a Capital Campaign to raise $350,000 from church family and friends for badly needed repairs and restoration to the church building and sanctuary. The campaign’s theme, Anchored in Faith, Navigating New Horizons, suggests the abundant opportunities that lie ahead when the necessary repairs are completed.
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The Trustees have identified several key areas of improvement that must be addressed in order for the church facilities to be fully functional, accessible, and safe. Projects include repair and electrical service upgrades to the clock tower and cupola, de-leading and improved storage in Fellowship Hall, and a complete repainting of the sanctuary. The estimated cost will be $550,000. In addition to the $350,000 to be raised by the congregations and money available in the Major Maintenance Fund, the church has applied for a Community Preservation Act grant in the amount of $132,000. The Campaign has begun to take shape under the leadership team of Paul Hurst, Louisa Casadei-Johnson, Geof Lyon and Jack Reed with guidance from Peter Heinrichs of Full Harvest Fundraising. The fundraising will take place in two phases. The first phase of visits and pledging began the last week of March with seven visitors from the congregation visiting approximately 30 church families. First round visitors were Paul Hurst, Louisa Casadei-Johnson, Susan Herron, Jack Reed, Guy Micalizzi, Kevin Love, and Fred Witte. These visits provided an opportunity for families to discuss the campaign and their commitment to the church and its work, and to consider a pledge or donation. Pledges may be paid over a three-year period. From these initial pledges, the Campaign hopes to gain momentum and reach its goal when a second phase of visits takes place later in April. On April 26, the Campaign officially begins with a Kick-Off party in Fellowship Hall following Sunday worship from 11:30-1:00. The celebration will include light fare, music, and information about the campaign. In addition to church friends and family, invited guests include several community leaders who participated in the feasibility study which took place prior to the Campaign. Their input was key to the church feasibility team as it sought to gain a deeper understanding of the role the church plays in our community and the community’s willingness to support the campaign. From April 26 through June 15, the second phase of visits and mailings to our church friends and family will take place. The goal is to encourage participation from everyone who values the opportunity to worship in our beautiful sanctuary and who appreciates the many programs and events that the church offers for outreach and hospitality. The Campaign will remain active throughout the summer as visitors pass through Rockport and attend The Old Sloop Fair and Sunday worship. A closing celebration is planned for the fall of 2015.
OLD SLOOP COFFEEHOUSE UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 PM – The Honey Dewdrops and Low Lily
Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish are The Honey Dewdrops: an award winning, internationally touring husband and wife folk duo who perform fresh, original songs focusing on vocal harmonies and tight instrumentation. Influenced by traditional Appalachian music as well as contemporary singer-songwriters, the Honey Dewdrops blend old styles with new, creating music that is powerful and heartfelt. The Honey Dewdrops won A Prairie Home Companion’s 2008 talent
show, and were finalists in the 2009 Mountain Stage NewSong competition. Their latest studio CD, Silver Lining, reached number 1 on the Folk DJ charts in June 2012 and was the number 4 album of the year. Anne Williams, host of WNRN's Acoustic Sunrise Sunrise in Charlottesville, VA, says "I have admired the work of the Honey Dewdrops from the first notes I heard. They capture what is best of old time Appalachian music including the tight harmonies and beautiful melancholy tunes.”
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Low Lily (the band formerly known as Annalivia) is an American 'roots and branches' string-band which draws from tradition and today to create its own brand of new acoustic folk music. The members of Annalivia – Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Lissa Schneckenburger – are all masterful players and have long histories with traditional music, ranging from bluegrass to Irish, Scottish, New England and Old Time Appalachian music. This background, combined with each
member's stellar compositional skills and cutting edge arranging chops, makes for music which sounds rooted yet contemporary. As a special treat, Lissa's husband, Corey DiMario of Crooked Still will join Low Lily on double bass for this performance. Tickets for this concert can be purchased in advance for $10 from the coffeehouse web site at oldsloopcoffeehouse.org, at Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport, at The Bookstore in Gloucester, and at coffee hour following worship on March 29 and April 5. The suggested donation at the door is $12 for adults, $7 for those 65 and older, $5 for those younger than 18, and $24 for a family ______________________________________________________________________________________
8th Annual Women’s Retreat “Living into Relationship”
Saturday April 18, 2015 10:30AM to 4:00PM
Emerson Inn By The Sea Registration 10:00AM
What does it mean to be in relationship? With family? With friends? With a partner? With colleagues? With a faith community? With the other?
With the environment? With the Divine? Together we will ponder these questions, drawing from the wisdom of two great biblical sources, the Book of
Ruth and the story of the Prodigal Son. The Rev. Alice W. Erickson will facilitate our retreat; ”Living into Relationship.”
Alice serves as a Supply Minister for the Essex Association of the UCC, and is a founding member of the Grace Center. She lives in Gloucester on Folly Cove.
Muffins, fruit, tea, coffee and hot buffet lunch included. Cost $20 per person. Scholarship assistance available.
April 5 – Barbara and Jay Reed April 12 – Guy Micalizzi and Betsy Levick April 19 – Mark and Wendy Woodbury April 26 – Rick Kasten and Kathleen Morgan If there are any questions or concerns or if you would like to be a part of our fellowship hour by baking or hosting please contact Liz-Rice Smith or Wendy Woodbury.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ WITH GRATITUDE OUR CHURCH SERVANTS
For February were: Greeters
Ernie and Sharon Chace The Kasten and McKenna Family Barbara and Jay Reed
Readers Kate Desmond Hope Norton Jill Carter Ruth Janet Tylor
THURSDAY MORNING BOOK GROUP
MORGAN CONFERENCE ROOM
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
WEDNESDAY NIGHT POTLUCK
6 PM FELLOWSHIP HALL
ALL ARE WELCOME
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OLD SLOOP FILM SERIES Easter Tide into Pentecost
First Congregational Church 0f Rockport, UCC 12 School Street, Rockport, MA
You are invited, and bring a friend for a night of food, film, and conversation.
Thursday Evenings from April 9 – June 4 Potluck Supper 5 PM
Movie 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM followed by discussion. Sponsored by: The Old Sloop Team of Welcoming Ministry of Hospitality.
