The Board of Diaconate

From the September 2007 Newsletter

Rally Day!
Come join us on September 9th following Worship, for a fantastic, exciting, fun, a day full of surprises and lunch event!  The time together promises to be a time of fun preparation for the 2007 - 2008 church year and an event of connectedness with fellow First Parish friends.

An Exciting Worship Experience!
Beginning September 16th, two worship services will be offered each Sunday; 8:00 am and 10:00 am.  The 8:00 am service will provide an alternative for those who would like a more low-key service, as well as an alternative time for church school teachers who would like the opportunity to attend worship.  It will also provide another option for families with children involved in activities that are scheduled on Sunday.  The service will evolve and develop based upon parishioner feedback.

Diaconate Retreat:
The Diaconate held a retreat on August 2nd, with a theme of “Worship”.  Out of our retreat, a need for intentional, quiet, centering in our worship service was recognized.  Alice and Lucy have offered a time of quiet individual refection and prayer:  after announcements, before the Prelude and at the end of the Pastoral Prayer.  For those of you who have experienced this subtle change in our worship service, we would invite and encourage your feedback.  A quote from Mother Teresa summarized our retreat for one of our members:  “There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.”  Our aim is to provide nourishment for that hunger through a meaningful spiritual worship experience.  

Prayer concerns
Each week in the worship bulletin, there is a listing of friends and extended church family in need of prayer.  Please take these names with you as you leave worship and hold each person in prayer throughout the week.  Please keep the office and/or a Diaconate member updated on the progress of those whose names are on the prayer list.  Often a prayer request is unintentionally left on the list well beyond the intended time. It is important for all of us to realize that the names on the list are indeed in need of our prayers. As a courtesy to our members and friends who may be more private in their physical or emotional journeys, please ask the person to be listed, for their permission to include their name in our prayer concerns.

From the August 2007 Newsletter

Two Worship Services beginning September 16
Beginning September 16, two worship services will be offered each Sunday:  at 8:00AM and 10:00AM.  We are hoping that the 8:00 service will provide an alternative for those who would like a more low-keyed service, as well as an alternative time for church school teachers who would like the opportunity to attend worship.  It will also provide another option for families with active children involved in activities that are scheduled on Sunday.

Board and Committee Members Needed
There are currently three openings on the Diaconate Board.  If you are interested in being a member, please speak to any Diaconate member to talk about your interest and the responsibilities and rewards that come with being part of this board.  There are also openings on other boards and committees.  Please think about how you would like to be involved in the life of First Parish Church … and speak to Pastors Alice or Lucy, or any member of the Nominating Committee.

Diaconate Retreat  
The Diaconate will be holding a retreat on August 2 with a theme of "Worship".  In preparation for the day, the Diaconate will be reading "Beyond the Worship Wars" by Thomas G. Long.  We look forward to sharing our experiences with you.

From the July 2007 Newsletter

It’s hard to believe that we are approaching summer.  Where did spring go?  However, lots of things are still happening …

Summer worship services – TIME CHANGE beginning July 1 
Beginning July 1, our worship service will begin at 9:00 AM.  This allows great flexibility to attend worship and still enjoy a relaxing Sunday, with the opportunity to do other things.

There will also be two outdoor worship services during the summer.  Stay tuned for dates and details!

Communion:   
Allergies and intolerance to various food items are very common.  If you are experiencing any difficulties with respect to the bread and juice we serve, please speak to Alice, Lucy, or any member of the Diaconate.  We currently are prepared to offer gluten free bread and would like to offer any other alternative bread or juice to allow everyone to experience Communion.

Two Worship Services beginning September 16
Beginning September 16, two worship services will be offered each Sunday:  at 8:00AM and 10:00AM.  The 10:00 service will remain as it is.  The 8:00 service will be similar, but will offer an alternative time and a quieter service.  It will provide an alternative for those who would like a more low-keyed service, as well as an alternative time for church school teachers who would like the opportunity to attend worship.  It will also provide another option for families with active children involved in activities that are scheduled on Sunday.

Board and Committee Members Needed
There are currently three openings on the Diaconate Board.  If you are interested in being a member, please speak to any Diaconate member to talk about your interest and the responsibilities and rewards that come with being part of this board.  There are also openings on other boards and committees.  Please think about how you would like to be involved in the life of First Parish Church … and speak to Pastors Alice or Lucy, or any member of the Nominating Committee.

Diaconate Retreat   
The Diaconate will be holding a retreat on August 2 with a theme of "Worship".  In preparation for the day, the Diaconate will be reading "Beyond the Worship Wars" by Thomas G. Long.  Please ask us about our feelings after the retreat.

Troop Support: 
We are in the process of developing a support program for those who are serving overseas, particularly those serving in areas of conflict.  If you have a family member or friend serving in an area of conflict and would like him/her to be included in our program of support, please give an address to one of our Pastors, any Diaconate member, or Shea in the church office.

From the June 2007 Newsletter      

I am supposed to report to you all on Diaconate news.  There is much to report, including the fact that several members whose terms have expired have left us recently, including Heidi Webster, who served as our leader.  Thanks to Heidi, Bill Burke, Sue Kachuck, and Katherine Cummings for their service and friendship.  Beyond that, however, I will not be reporting any Diaconate news.  Instead, I will be telling a story ostensibly about a camera. 

My brother Cian recently reenlisted in the Marines and moved his family to the Palm Springs, California area, where he is stationed until he is sent back to the Middle East.  He already completed a first tour during some heavy fighting two years ago.  My wife and daughters and I decided to spend April school vacation in that area (Palm Springs, not the Middle East) so we could visit him and his family.  We watched Cheetahs run at the San Diego Zoo’s wild animal park, lounged around the pool at the hotel, and ate too much food.  We took lots of photos of the animals going about their business, the sun bleeding into the Pacific at dusk, the strikingly beautiful desert mountains that envelop Palm Springs, the kids splashing and smiling, and my brother in a safe place.

I have been in the habit the past couple of years of maintaining organized files of digital photos from our vacations.  My wife and I have long since given up the video camera that once tracked every mundane thing the kids did.  Now, the photos are what we will have when the kids are grown.  The camera on this trip was even more precious because it held photos of my brother relaxing by a pool with his son draped in his arms, which with God’s blessing he will see when he returns from a place where too much hatred lurks.

After leaving my brother and his family, we made our way past the 4000 windmills that supply all of Palm Springs’ power; past the pollution haze of the San Bernadino valley and on to Hollywood.  With arms outstretched above their heads and hips splayed for effect, the girls posed for photos with the famous sign in the background.  They posed in front of the Kodak theatre, where American Idols are worshipped.  We went into a small t-shirt shop on the Hollywood strip for a few minutes before leaving for Santa Monica and later San Diego.  At some point when it was too late to do anything about it, we noticed that the camera was missing.  We’d left it at the t-shirt shop where dozens of people come and go every minute.  There was no finger pointing or blaming, just collective sadness that our photos were lost.

The next morning, I woke up early in San Diego and, using the hotel’s computer, found the t-shirt shop on the Internet.  Later, when the rest of the State was awake, I called the store.  The person who answered did not speak English very well, and I couldn’t understand him.  He tried his best to understand me, and I him, but in the end all I caught was that it was best to call back in the afternoon when someone who spoke better English would be there.  After speaking to a couple more people that afternoon who did their best to communicate with me, I was directed to an older man who spoke broken, but better English.  I told him about the camera, the photos, and my brother.  He put the phone down, and then returned after a minute or two to tell me he had the camera.  He then said, “we find people’s things, we return people’s things.”  Sweet simplicity.

I arranged with him to charge my credit card for shipment of the camera to New Hampshire.  He insisted the amount I thought fair was too much, and he suggested a modest amount.  I thanked him profusely.  I told my family the good news, and then we returned home the next day.  For days the camera didn’t arrive.  Some people I told the story to thought the camera would never arrive and thought I was crazy to give the old man my credit card number over the phone.  A couple days later we got a UPS package, and the camera and photos were home.  I knew they would arrive.

Some time later, it occurred to me that this story really isn’t about the camera or the photos.  It is about him and Him, and all of us as one.  God Bless,  Dave McGrath

From the April 2007 Newsletter

REFLECTION

Founders’ Day
Last May we celebrated Founders Day to celebrate those who have gone before us and 4 members at that time with 40+ years of membership who were still with us and who were at or near 90 years.

Don Houston
On March 18, Don Houston, age 91, died at home. He joined First Parish April 21, 1946, celebrating 60+ years as a member.  Don and his wife Marion participated in many groups within the church.  Don was the Church Moderator for 25 years, chaired the Harvest Supper for 25 years, was Superintendent of Sunday School for 7 years, and served as a Deacon for several years. He compiled a special booklet on our stained glass windows when they were restored to the sanctuary in 1995. We all remember the beautiful flowers from his garden which decorated the altar during the summer services. His contributions outside of the church included Director of the Marion Gerrish Community Center, President of the Derry Historical Society, and with Ralph Bonner compiled a historical map guide of Derry commemorating the bicentennial of the American Revolution.

Don served as a Marine in WW II in the Pacific. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and beloved member of our church community.   Let us all take a moment to give thanks and to reflect on his service to our church and community, his warmth, firm handshake, leadership and willingness to “Tell a story.” God bless his family.  AMEN.

From the March 2007 Newsletter

Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It was off to Heidi’s house we did go!
Friends, food, laughter, stories, prayer, and togetherness . . . WOW!
A time for gathering and sharing with each other. Who we are. What we need. How we feel. Where we want to go on this journey. . . . and, yes, How we get there.

Where Are You on Your Faith Journey?

So, where are you on your faith journey? This question struck me, as did some of the other questions posed:

• Are you afraid of the deep water?
• Will you cast out your nets one more time to see grace or abundance in your life or in someone else's?

The great writer and pastor Frederick Buechner wrote, "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."
How do we let God use us as a vessel to reach way down deep to meet and help someone else?
How are we a part of someone being touched by God without their knowing about our participation?
Some other questions we might ask ourselves:

• Have I ever been afraid of a blessing?
• Have I ever been afraid of how good it can get . . . ?
• Have I ever looked the other way?
• Am I willing to leave everything for God?
• Am I willing to live on the extra mile?
• Would I go to any length for my God, my church, and my deepest challenge?

Some thoughts for the journey. . . . Some seeds for prayer and contemplation.
Peace and Joy, Bill Burke, Diaconate, February 13, 2007

From the February 2007 Newsletter

Prepared To Serve 2007 – Saturday, February 17           
“Prepared to Serve” is designed for all persons, ordained and lay, who share leadership in the congregations and associations of the NH Conference of the United Church of Christ. This year, “Prepared to Serve” will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2007 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at Pembroke Academy in Pembroke, NH. Please visit the NH UCC Website at http://www.eventkeeper.com for more specific information.
Contact: Jean Clarke   1-888-642-8229 x108   jmclarke@nhcucc.org

Second Service Dialogue
The Sub-Committee met on January 7 and again on January 18 to evaluate and discuss the issues surrounding the second service. The initial meeting was held to discuss the purpose, established specifics, concerns and recommendations surrounding the logistics of second service.  If you have any ideas or concerns, please see a member of the Diaconate and we will be more than happy to present your input to the sub-committee.

 GREETERS WANTED!
The Diaconate is currently searching for members of the congregation to help with greeting on Sunday mornings.  This is an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow parishioners and new-comers and to spread some of that “feel-good” energy you may have on any given Sunday morning.  If you are interested, please see a member of the Diaconate. 

Future Project In The Works

• I can be seen in an event that takes place in Derry, NH toward the end of the year.
• It has been years since I have made an appearance at this event.
• Many of the people that I represent attend this event.
• I am the result of lot’s of gifted creators (all ages and stages), dedication and most of all TLC…  Can you guess who I am?

Stay Tuned…….
        
Other Dates to Note:

• New Orleans Service Trip – February 11–17, 2007

Lucy Alexander, Bill Burke, Katherine Cummings, Lee DeBell, Ken Gould, Margie Ives, Sue Kachuck, Alice Ling, Dave McGrath, Pat Plouff, Tom Sipe, Diana Sweeney, Heidi Webster, Marcie Zingo

From the January 2007 Newsletter

A while ago, a kids’ back-lot baseball movie came out where the coach says to a rag tag group of wannabe baseball players, “most of what it takes to be winners is to just show up."  Remembering that line, and thinking of First Parish Church, you can’t help but see what that line really means.

Think of that line, and think of our church and the ministers, (you), and you can see the best in our church.   You all show up every day. Not just for meetings, but as deep souls with so much to give.  You show up to serve each other.  Not just food at Best Breakfast and Harvest Supper, but with love and kindness, sharing and understanding. It seems as though an innate understanding of what volunteers do runs in the blood of First Parish.
 
As volunteers, we come together with a multitude of ideas and attitudes allowing for the possibility of argumentative and difficult workings, but through it all you seem to always remember that in the end, we are all volunteers with love in our hearts and a mission to accomplish. That mission is first and foremost, to love God with all our hearts and our minds and our souls, and we show that love by loving each other and others really well. We see everyday in different and wonderful ways, that mission is being accomplished.

This is a new year with new challenges and great expectations for and from us all. It is wonderful to be able to face them together.

From the December 2006 Newsletter

I am the UCC.

My roots go back 2000 years,
but I am very much now and today.

I embrace modern intelligent thinking:
Acceptance.....Inclusiveness.....Justice.

I can even be lighthearted.
My open-armed approach is appealing
to people of all races and lifestyles,
which might explain why my congregations are diverse and unique.

A funny thing happens when you're less judgmental.
You allow people to search, discover and flourish.
My friends come to me to
seek their own answers, look inside themselves,
and explore their spiritual lives.

In the end, my personality is reflective of Christ's:
    Open.....
              Embracing.....
                      Nurturing.....
                                Eternally relevant.

      I am the UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.

Your Diaconate invites you to enjoy the Advent season starting with the Advent Workshop for all ages on December 3rd, and pick your favorite Christmas Eve service on December 24th:  4:30, 7:30 or 11:00 pm.             

From the November 2006 Newsletter

Second Worship Service:
A second worship will be held on Sunday mornings at 8:00 beginning in January and continuing through June.  Many parishioners enjoy the quietness of this service. There will be more information in the next Newsletter.

New Members Class:
If you are interested in becoming a member of First Parish Church, we encourage you to contact the church office or one of our Pastors. 

Prayer concerns:
Each week in the worship bulletin there is a listing of friends and extended church family in need of prayers.  Please take those names with you as you leave worship and hold each person in prayer throughout the week.  The power of prayer doesn’t have any boundaries!

In the coming weeks you will notice a change of format in the listing of prayer concerns.  The prayer list will have those with current acute needs and another list will contain those members and friends in need of continuing prayers.  It is important for all of us to realize that the names on either list are indeed in need of our prayers.

As a matter of courtesy to our members and friends who may be more private in their physical or emotional journeys, please be sure to ask the person to be listed for their permission to include them in our prayer concerns.

WELCOME HOME LANCE CORP KYLE ZINGO:  It is a joy to know that Kyle is now on American soil and we look forward to having him join us in worship when he is able to arrive in Derry.  Our prayers continue for all those serving in areas of conflict.

From the October 2006 Newsletter

As I sit at my computer I wonder what do I have to say that anyone would want to read. Quite frankly I am at a loss, but will try my best and even if I reach just one person wanting to hear what I have to say, then I consider this newsletter a success.

I spent Labor Day up at Horton Center. This was my 2nd year attending. It’s a wonderful place to go and spend time. You can go hiking, if you choose, read, play games and really get to know some of the families that go.

I was more comfortable this year than last, other than the mouse in my yurt, because I had the opportunity talk to more people. I felt that I gotten to know some of these people very well. We cooked meals together, sat by the campfire, sang songs, roasted marshmallows, went to Sunday service together, prayed together and just had a wonderful time. Other than being a bit cold the weather was pretty good. We had a little rain on Sunday but all in all it was great.

I felt that I got closer to God while I was up there. I had a lot of time to think about what First Parish meant to me. What I found was a place I could call home. A place I could be who I am without being judged, a place that truly cares about me and a place that worries about my problems as much as their own. I found that I too learned a lot from the others as well. I felt closer to many people there and would even go as far as to say that I made some wonderful friends. People I had been reluctant to talk to in the past, for fear of being judged or ignored, I found the courage to put myself out there and talk with them. I realized they weren’t so different from myself. They were looking for the same things I was looking for. I can say I finally found peace while on the Horton Center campsite. A feeling I haven’t felt in a long time.

I am proud to be a member of the First Parish Church Family, proud to call it home. I only wish I had found it sooner.

Blessings,
Marcie Zingo

From the September 2006 Newsletter

“Who are we???”

This is a question that we members of the Diaconate asked ourselves at our retreat in July. We asked not only who we are, but also what our role is at First Parish Church. According to the church bylaws, our purpose is “To care for the spiritual life of the Church and community in cooperation with the Pastors.”

Issues that were raised at the retreat included membership outreach, our ability to grow and challenge ourselves, and how to best spiritually care for each other. A repeating theme was the consideration of how everything we do ties together. Ironically the Church Council recently set their goals for the coming year, which included a desire to “Develop a sense of the congregation combining to work together as a whole.” 

Do you have opinions on how to develop a process so that we all might work together more smoothly? Do you have strong feelings about any aspect of worship? Are you concerned about diversity? Are there issues that you would like to see raised at our church? Do you miss the second service? Is there something more we at First Parish Church could do to meet your spiritual needs? Are there questions you would like answered? Would you like to share your feelings with a Deacon?

Your Board of Diaconate wants you to know that we are available, and we are very interested in hearing from you at any time about the above issues and more. Please tear off the names and telephone numbers below and save them. If you don’t see us at church, give one of us a call. We look forward to listening to you!

From the August 2006 Newsletter

It seems like summer just began, yet August is already upon us.  We hope you are all enjoying some free time and are finding appropriate ways to refresh and rejuvenate your spirit.

On July 20th, the Diaconate held a retreat at the home of Pat Plouff in Rye, N.H.  Our theme was “How to be a Spiritual Leader in our Congregation”.  It was a day of sharing and discussion that was very meaningful to each of us.  Ask us about it when you see us!

The Diaconate is coordinating a FPC fellowship night at a Fisher Cats game vs. the Binghamton Mets on August 18.  Game time is 6:35 pm and it is “Fireworks Night”.  We would like to all be able to sit as a group, so we plan to coordinate getting tickets.  Please stop by the church office to confirm and pay for your tickets ($7.50 each) by August 4 … or see a member of the Diaconate.

Don’t forget that Sunday worship continues to begin at 9:00 AM through Labor Day Weekend.  Also, please keep the following events and dates in mind for the month of August and as you look ahead to September:

August 20:  Outdoor worship at 9:00 AM.  Weather permitting, worship will be outdoors.  This will be the last time this summer.

September 10:  Rally Sunday and Worship time returns to 10:00 AM.  Don’t miss this time to get together, hear about programs planned for the coming year, and to sign up for activities.

Pastors’ vacation schedules:              

Alice – July 31 thru August 13
Lucy – August 21 thru 25

Please keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers as they have some time to refresh their spirits.