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Page 4 February 2008
TOWER CHIMES
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MODERATOR’S REPORT
It’s already February and by the time this is being printed we have
approved the operating budget for 2008. All the Boards have their budgets
and are making plans on how their funds will be used. Sharyl has had a
week of planning to organize and outline sermon topics and themes for the
remainder of the year. From the looks of things we are going to have
another great year here at First Congregational UCC. Surely warm weather
will be headed this way soon.
As the warm weather comes, so does the promise of springtime, a time for
new beginnings...or blooming flowers, song birds, births of many new
babies of all sorts of animals. Along with all of these wonderful things
comes the opportunity for us to renew our beliefs.
I always look forward to the coming of new life to the earth, because to
me at least it helps remind me of God’s promises to us. He tells us that
He is our provider, nurturer and guide if we but believe. What better way
to show to us than with the coming of spring and all that comes with it! I
am so glad to be part of this congregation, and am hopeful that everyone
here feels the same way. The weather is getting better, renewal is upon
us, and the time for rejoicing is here!
In Christ, Randy Smith |
TRUSTEES’ Report
Four Trustees were out of town so we did not have a quorum at the January
meeting and no official action was taken.
Our financial status is good. $28,000 in pledged giving was received in
December. The amount pledged for 2008 is now approximately $186,000. We
discussed the proposed 2008 budget, which will be presented to the Council
at their next meeting.
It was brought to our attention that the office ceiling leaks, and
apparently has done so for some years. We cannot repair this leak until
the roof is dry and warm.
Chuck thanked everyone associated with the stewardship season for their
good work.
We discussed a possible Comprehensive Giving Policy which would address a
few awkward issues related to giving and accounting. The Trustees expect
to receive further information on this policy at their next meeting.
Chuck Burch |
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Women’s Fellowship
We will meet at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 21st in
Pilgrim Hall. Our speaker will be Grace Powders from Latimer House
Counseling and Advocacy Center. Latimer House offers counseling for
victims of domestic violence and operates a safe house for women and
children who are in danger. Latimer House can always use bed linens and
towels so any donations can be brought to the meeting.
Equal Exchange Fairly Traded ground coffee, coffee beans, tea and
chocolate bars (and they all are delicious!) will be on sale following
worship February 10th and on the second Sunday of every month in Pilgrim
Hall. Equal Exchange pays a fair price to the farmer, offers affordable
credit, and supports sustainable agriculture, helping small farmers build
better lives for themselves. The sale of Equal Exchange products is a
Women’s Fellowship mission project, and we will be serving Equal Exchange
coffee and tea for coffee fellowship during the whole month of February. |
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