The Clarion (OnLine):

December 2007

“The United Church of Christ is a teller of the Christian story . . .

but we have to get it straight before we can get it out.”

Gabriel Fackre

Pastor's Message

If there’s one thing Hillary Clinton and I have in common, it’s that our favorite TV show is Grey’s Anatomy. Some of you may know that I spent my entire vacation week in October catching up on 2.5 seasons of the show! That done, I now fully appreciate the anticipation of a television “season premier.” You haven’t seen your favorite characters in a while and there’s always some cliffhanger in the plot to resolve. That first episode is a delicious foretaste of all the unfolding weekly dramas yet to come. Of course we know that Meredith will reunite and separate with Derek another five times, that Christina will continue to drive herself competitively for that elusive cardiac specialty, that George and Izzy will fumble along, that Alex will forever be the “good” bad boy. It’s the unfolding of both the new and the familiar that has us hooked, and isn’t this just what Advent is all about?

The first week of Advent is unquestionably my favorite time of year, probably for the same reason the Christmas-lovers in your home adore it! You see, it’s the “season premier” of our faith story, that inaugural episode in a familiar plot featuring all of our favorite characters whom we haven’t seen in a while. Will Elizabeth’s late-life pregnancy come to fruition? Will Zechariah’s mysterious affliction disappear? Will Joseph take Mary back after her alleged infidelity? Will they find room at the inn just in time for the baby’s arrival? “Days of Our Lives” move over!

Advent is a “season premier” in our families as well, an annual reminder that even though the plot shifts, even though change happens over the course of a year (sometimes of the wrenching variety), the basic story never changes - God is born among us, calling us to love one another, walk in hope with one another, practice justice and peace and compassion with one another in our homes and throughout the world.

This Advent, my family will pick out its Christmas tree at Rossview Farm in Concord. We’ll arrange our Teazle crèche in a spot where Casey the cat won’t eat it, stick up twenty three years worth of kid-made stars on the windows, and ceremonially top the tree with a blue ball in honor of the three dozen blue balls I hung on my first Christmas tree! We’ll decorate gingerbread cookies, set out The First Christmas for our annual Christmas Eve reading, and draw names to see who’ll fill which person’s stocking.

My family’s life, like yours, has changed over the year, some of the actors have come and gone, but we’ll make adjustments and tweak the plot and welcome the Holy Family into the comfort of our living rooms once again, glued to the unfolding events in the one story that never lets us down. This Christmas season, I hope you will make a genuine effort to celebrate with your family the most central Advent tradition of all - worship. Your presence on Sunday mornings makes a difference to others. Remember, every character in Christ’s story matters, then and now.

Let us watch, wait, weep, wish and wonder together, for Christ will be born again!

May the Peace of the Season be Yours,

Pastor Cindy

Please be sure to join us on Sunday, December 23rd at 10:30 for our Children’s Pageant.

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Board of Trustees

Fund Raising Reminders

Remember our ongoing budget preparation. All committees should be submitting their final budget proposals. Please contact any trustee for more information.

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Christian Education

How Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?

By Laura Tucker, Superintendent

During the stewardship unit, I was privileged to share my family’s story with the church school kids. In preparing for the visit I learned more about my parent’s and grandparent’s experience in the church and in the process more about myself. I want to thank the church school for the great job that they did. And I’d like to thank the leaders of the stewardship unit: Judy Tardif, Becca Ray, Hank Holmes, Bill Wetzel, and Margaret Venator.
            I’d also like to thank the mission team for their great job: Tracy Strombom, Patty Shearin, AnnMarie Tessier, & Heather Radl.

“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
            One of my favorite Carols during the Christmas season is ’I Heard Bells on Christmas Day’ written by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. For some reason I’ve been humming its tune during this past week. Years ago I was curious about the origin of the song and looked it up. This is what I discovered.
            Longfellow (1807-1882) composed the words to "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" on Dec. 25, 1864 based on Luke 2:14, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.’’ The carol was originally a poem, "Christmas Bells," containing 7 stanzas. The poem gave birth to the carol, two stanzas which contained references to the Civil War were dropped, and in 1872 John Baptiste Calkin put it to music. When Longfellow penned the words to his poem, America was still months away from Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox on April 9,1865; and, his poem reflected the prior years of the war's despair, while ending with a confident hope of triumphant peace.

            As with any composition that touches the heart of the hearer, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" flowed from the experience of Longfellow-- involving the tragic death of his wife Fanny and the crippling injury of his son.
            Longfellow married Frances Appleton on July 13, 1843, and they settled down in Cambridge, MA. They were blessed with the birth of their first child, Charles, on June 9th 1844, and eventually, had 5 children-- Charles, Ernest, Alice, Edith, and Anne Allegra.
            Tragedy struck both the nation and the Longfellow family in 1861. Three months after the opening salvos of the American Civil War, Fanny was fatally burned in an accident. It happened after Fanny had decided to preserve some of 7-year-old Edith's beautiful curls in sealing wax. Melting a bar of sealing wax with a candle, a few drops fell unnoticed upon her dress. The light material of Fanny's dress ignited, immediately
wrapping her in flames. In her attempt to protect Edith and Allegra, she ran to her husband's study, where he frantically attempted to extinguish the flames with a rug. Failing to stop the fire, he tried to smother the flames by throwing his arms around Frances-- severely burning his face, arms, and hands. Fanny died the next morning. Too ill from his burns and grief, Henry did not attend her funeral.
            The first Christmas after Fanny's death, Longfellow wrote, "How inexpressibly sad are all holidays." A year after the incident, he wrote, "I can make no record of these days. Better leave them wrapped in silence. Perhaps someday God will give me peace." Longfellow's journal entry for December 25th 1862 reads: "'A merry Christmas' say the
children, but that is no more for me.’ Almost a year later, Longfellow received word that his oldest son Charles, a lieutenant in the Army of the Potomac, had been severely wounded with a bullet passing under his shoulder blades. The Christmas of 1863 was silent in Longfellow's journal. Finally, on Christmas Day of 1864, he wrote the words of the poem, "Christmas Bells." The reelection of Abraham Lincoln or the possible end of the terrible war may have been the occasion for the poem. Lt. Charles Longfellow survived.
            Longfellow's Christmas bells loudly proclaimed, "God is not dead." "The LORD liveth, in Truth, in Judgment, and in Righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him shall they glory" (Jeremiah 4:2). The message that the Living God is a God of Peace is proclaimed in the close of the carol: "Of peace on Earth, good will to men."
            And, may the Prince of Peace grant you His peace!

"Christmas Bells" (The original poem, complete with all 7 stanzas)
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Historical Note. Stanzas 4-5 speak of the battle, and are usually
omitted from hymnals:
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound the carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn, the households born
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

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Board of Deacons

In the Christmas Spirit…

By Jen Oliver

We need your help! Dunbarton has families with children who struggle
with the choice between paying bills and giving their children gifts for Christmas. Our church community has been extremely generous in the past so we could help these families through the Deacons' Fund. Please find it in your heart to contribute this year so we can make children and parents smile. You can make your donation to the Deacons' Fund by dropping a check (marked “Deacons’ Fund”) into the offering plate on any Sunday or mail it directly to the church to the attention of the Deacons. Thank you!

Prayer Shawl Group

By Susan Johonnett

We have fabulous news! Our prayer shawl group has been asked by Concord Hospital to knit approximately 12 shawls a year for critically ill patients! That’s a lot of shawls, so if you’ve wanted to learn to knit or are interested in getting back to an old hobby, now’s the time to join us! The group meets at Susan Johonnet's house (across from the Elementary School) on Friday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Refreshments are served and, remember, no experience is necessary! For information about needles and yarn, call Susan at 774-4294.

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Stewardship Team

The Stewardship Team would like to again thank everyone who was so helpful with the creation of our DVD, including Margaret Venator for sharing her wonderful photos with us; Wendy Jensen, Nancy Sherman and James Davenport for their musical ability; all our “commentators” who so enthusiastically shared their thoughts on video; and to producer and videographer Sam Venator for his hours of work creating and editing our production. This was truly a group effort!

We hope that our DVD has inspired you to support our Small and Sensational church, either through a pledge or donation. Everyone’s support matters! Now, please be sure to return your pledge cards as soon as possible so that we can prepare our 2008 budget Thank you!

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MISSION ACTIVITIES

Doing Justice – One Cup at a Time! The Coffee Project!

By Patty Shearin

Got a coffee lover on your holiday gift list this year? We have just the solution! A bag of our Café Monte Alto coffee makes a great stocking stuffer! Only $9.00 a pound, Café Monte Alto coffee is produced in harmony with the environment. Both varieties are shade-grown and come in Organic Decaf (Swiss water processed) and Regular Roast in both whole bean and ground.

It is rare to find a company that “gets it right” in all areas. Buy purchasing coffee from Café Monte Alto, you are supporting fair trade, a local New Hampshire-based business (located in Plymouth, NH) who in turn donates 10% of sales to COOPERU: a non-profit to help coffee farmers, their families and communities and practices environmentally sound farming. Their coffee beans are roasted fresh right here in New Hampshire giving them their smooth rich flavor.

Let us help you with your holiday shopping. Buy local, support global, and enjoy a great cup of coffee!

Food Pantry Update

By Patty Shearin

A sincere thank you to all who helped with the Thanksgiving Baskets this year, either with food donations or packing boxes, enabling us to provide 12 families with a complete Thanksgiving dinner.

Our food pantry is well stocked at the moment. Thank you to all who have been making nonperishable donations. As the winter weather fast approaches, the Food Pantry Fund always welcomes monetary donations.

Used not only for perishable food items, the Food Pantry Fund is also used for heating assistance. As heating oil has surpassed $3.00/gallon, we anticipate this to be a hardship for local families this winter. If you have further questions or know of someone that needs assistance, please contact Patty Shearin @ 774-3208.

Food Pantry Sunday

Food Pantry Sunday will take place on January 20th this month. The items needed for the food pantry are: flour, sugar, & canned fruit. Please leave your items in the basket in the narthex of the church. The food pantry is open on an “as needed” basis. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call Patty Shearin @ 774-3208.

Heifer Project International

By Patty Shearin

“Give the gift that keeps on giving!!” Sound like a cliché? Well, it’s not. Heifer International is working with families and communities in the Untied States and around the globe to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. They provide long-term solutions to these issues by helping families move toward greater self-reliance through the gift of livestock and training in environmentally sound agriculture. The impact of each gift is multiplied as recipients agree to “pass on the gift” by giving one or more of their animal’s offspring, or the equivalent of, to another in need. Last year, Heifer International assisted more than 140,000 families with their values-based community development model that includes gifts of animals and training and passing on the gift. Members from an additional 200,000 families received special training in sustainable farming techniques. Make your gift count this year! Purchasing a gift for a loved one is easy. Visit the Heifer Table in the back of the sanctuary on any Sunday in December and learn more. If you have further questions, please contact Patty Shearin @ 774-3208.

Merrimack Association Fall MeetingReport, October 28, 2007 Center Harbor Congregational Church

By Nancy Lang
            Following a time of fellowship over cookies, coffee, and cider, the delegates gathered for a brief worship service. The singing of the Center Harbor Choir was contagious, and the delegates and clergy were lead in two three-part chorales by the Rev. Carol Snow Asher, Interim Pastor of the Center Harbor Church. An offering was taken to support the "In-Care" scholarships. Most seminary students leave school with debts of $35,000 or more.
            Two workshops were offered after the service. I attended the "Introduction to Boundary Awareness Training" along with Pastor Cindy. This proved to be a very interesting workshop. (More on this follows.) Dean Bacon attended the Report from General Synod 2007 where 17 resolutions regarding specific subjects were presented. The resolutions can be found on the United Church of Christ’s website, www.ucc.org.

Boundary Awareness Training
The New Hampshire Conference has purchased materials for boundary awareness
training, and held a "train the trainers" workshop in September for members of the Associations' Committees on Church and Ministry. Both clergy and lay members attended the day long event. So what is boundary awareness? This training answers questions like “When is it appropriate to accept a gift from a parishioner, and when might it be inappropriate?”

Each Association within the Conference will determine its own requirements regarding boundary awareness training. The Hillsborough Association has already decided to require the training as part of maintaining ministerial standing. The Merrimack Association's Committee on Church and Ministry will be making a decision soon.
Whether it is required or merely recommended, training will be offered in each Association over the next year. Clergy and lay people will be invited to participate. Those attending the September workshop agreed that the training is too intense to effectively complete in a single day. The program selected by the Conference consists of several video segments introducing topics and offering examples of boundaries clergy and their congregations need to be aware of. It offers opportunities to discuss each segment. The boundaries discussed include not only physical/sexual relations and misconduct, but extend to all types of relationships.

April Roadside Cleanup

By Patty Shearin

Mark you calendars for the first roadside cleanup of the season. The cleanup will take place on Saturday, April 12th at 8:30 a.m. All volunteers will meet in front of the Vestry to sign the necessary paperwork and get your safety vest and trash bags. Children 11 yrs. old and older are welcome with an adult. The first cleanup is always the most work because of all the trash that has collected on the roadside since last October. Many hands make for light work! If you have any questions, please call Patty Shearin @ 774-3208. Hope to see you by the roadside!

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Youth Group Happenings

Please come join the Youth Group.

Please call the church if you are interested in more information or attending any of these activities.

Camp Opportunities

Registration for camp is now open. Exciting camp programs are available at the Horton Center at Pine Mountain in Gorham, N.H. and Geneva Point Center in Center Harbor N.H. Programs run from June to Sept. Special activities for all age groups are available. You can register as a single, family or group.

Special events this year include mountain climbing, rock climbing, a N.E. Missions trip, mountain biking, canoeing, sailing on a schooner and a Plus 50 hike. There are adventures available for all! Scholarships are available. Don’t miss out on an adventure of a lifetime!

Contact Becca Ray for more information.

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Music Committee

Music Notes

Hidden in our congregation is a wealth of musical talent! In an effort to enhance the role of music in worship, we have added a line on our Worship Schedule for anyone of any age who would like to play, sing or perform a dance during the Offertory. Please consider sharing your talents so that we might bring God’s spirit closer through the gift of song and movement. We are a judgment-free zone! Questions? Contact Lizz Ferdina (lizzardsings@aol.com) or James Davenport (jamesd@gsinet.net).

Communications

Let’s Keep the Presses Running!

By Linda Morse

Would you like to adopt a piece of the Clarion production costs for this winter? Because we have so many activities and much news to report, we are planning on producing the Clarion all year. We are looking for people to “adopt” a portion of the costs. Printing will run about $38 each month, and mailing runs about $33 per month, or $71 total each month, and any and all contributions will be greatly appreciated! Please see me or Pastor Cindy if you would like to help.

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Community News

Library Links

by Andrea Douglas and Nancy Lang
            The Dunbarton Public Library is offering some entertaining programs in December that you won't want to miss!
            On Dec. 11 at 6:30 pm, we invite folks who need an extra burst of energy to attend a Concord Hospital workshop at the library, entitled Energy for Everyone. Amy Gebo, a healing arts master, will lead a hands-on workshop designed to leave you energized and ready for the holidays. Please call to register at 774-3546.
            If your children need to be charged up during vacation, young people aged 8-13 are invited to an electricity workshop on Thursday, Dec. 27 at 4 pm., given by scientist Chris Chagaris. Please call in December to sign up.
            Story times continue on Thursdays at 4 p.m. for ages 4 to 7 through December 20. Pajama Tales for ages 2 to 4 will be held Thursday evenings December 13 & 20 at 6:30 p.m. (No group on 12/6 because of the harp concert.)
            We will show movies during Christmas vacation. Please call the library or check our website for more information later in the month.
            The Library's website is undergoing some renovations. Check out our new look and let us know what you think: www.dunbartonlibrary.org. Details on library programs can be found on our Calendar, pictures from library events appear throughout the site, and we now even have a podcast on our blog!

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Dunbarton Garden Club

By Judy Petersen

The Garden Club wishes to thank everyone for their support of another wonderful year of Daffodils for Dunbarton. We also wish to extend our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all.

Thank You,

Judy Petersen, President

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Tired of Your Same Old Cookbooks?

Well, we’ve got just what you need! Our church’s cookbook, titled “Family Favorites”., is 152 pages of recipes collected from church members and friends. It even has tips on canning vegetables, baking, using herbs and a calorie counter. Best of all, there’s a dedication to Mom in for Mother’s Day in the front! All of this for a mere $5.00. Pick up your copy in the church at the welcome table, call 774-7811 or email lmorse@gsinet.net.

We’re Going Electronic!

Since we began producing the Clarion, printing costs have doubled and the U.S. Post Office is taking longer and longer to deliver it to your mailboxes because the bulk mailing rate gives it bottom priority. At a recent Church Council meeting, a decision was made to move to deliver the majority of issues electronically, in a PDF format. There are significant advantages of the PDF version, including the ability to deliver it in a timely fashion; a graphically clearer, better product, and – best of all – color.

We will still print a small number of Clarions, and that’s where you, all of our readers, become involved. We need each of you to provide us with your email address for the electronic version, or let us know if you would like to continue to get the printed version. (Those of you on our church email list need not reply unless you’d like to request a printed version.)

So…please…hop onto your computer and send an email to dccwebmaster@gsinet.net

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