The Clarion (OnLine):

February 2005

“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

There is a strange misconception going about these days that it doesn’t make much difference what a person believes as long as he or she is a “good person.” Unfortunately, without a solid foundation upon which to rest one’s values, “good” becomes a relative term, subject to personal preference and cultural whimsy. In the absence of a transcendent authority, politicians, rock stars, talk show hosts, and the neighbor next door become our mentors, defining our ethics and shaping our lives.

The truth, of course, is that it matters very much what we believe. It matters whether the sacred or the secular informs our lives. It matters what our faith teaches us and to what extent we live out those values. Everything we do or leave undone depends upon how we understand our world and what our purpose, or God’s purpose, has to do with our time here.

Admit it. Each of us could rest our values on the opinions of The Daily Show’s John Stewart, or Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vetter, or President George W. Bush. Somehow, however, I am more secure knowing that my marching orders come from God and a two thousand year old faith revealed through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. My faith protects me from the fallibilities of humankind and provides me with a world vision so radical even the disciples themselves had difficulty grasping it.

We are indeed tellers of the Christian story, but as the UCC’s Gabriel Fackre says, we have to get it straight before we can get it out. On Wednesday, February 9th, all of Christendom began its holiest season---Lent. For the next forty days we will walk with Jesus to the cross and share the astounding surprise of the empty tomb. Do we have things straight enough to appreciate how unique and precious this faith of ours is?

As the weeks unfold, you will be invited to explore what it means to be a Christian and why it matters what we believe, especially in today’s world. Does it make a difference if I believe in God? What do other religions have to say? Who was Jesus Christ and how is it that he can change my life? Why is the Bible so important? Can scripture really speak to me? What is the meaning and significance of the sacrament of communion? Why does church matter?

What does it mean to be a member of the United Church of Christ? Is evil real? What does the “Kingdom of God” have to do with me? Am I praying “right?” Does prayer really work? Is the resurrection real? What is it about Easter that inspires so many people?

In addition to a special sermon series titled, “What’s All the Fuss About . . .?” we have partnered with the Dunbarton Town Library for a new Adult Education series called “Conversations for Life: Science and Religion.” Tracy Strombom and I will be offering three Monday night workshops: “God, Darwin, and the Evolution of Humankind”; “Freud, Marx and Psychology of Religion”; and “Let There be Light! God and the Cosmos.”

In the early church, Easter Sunday was the day when new catechumens would stand before the altar and speak their baptismal vows. They did this because they made a conscious choice to continue their faith journey in the context of the Christian church. What better place than a local church to test, affirm, question, and engage God as we make our way through life!

Make no mistake about it, my friends; faith is a journey. My hope is this: that whoever you are and wherever you are on this journey, you will make a commitment to place God and church at the center of your lives this Lenten season. I firmly believe that if you do, you might get your faith a little “straighter” and understand a little better that what we believe makes all the difference, not in the world, but to the world.

Blessings,

Pastor Cindy

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Board of Trustees

The Trustees are excited to announce their second Community Breakfast on Sunday, February 13th from 7:30 am to 10:00 am. This breakfast theme will be a “Thank You to All New Hampshire Servicemen and Servicewomen.” If you wish, you will have the opportunity to make a special thank you card for any military personnel from New Hampshire. All cards will be distributed through the appropriate agencies.

Stay tuned for information about another community breakfast with a yard sale in late May or early June.

Fund Raising Reminders

Remember our ongoing recycling effort! Save your old printer toner, ink cartridges and old cell phones. There’s a box at the Dunbarton Transfer Station for you to turn them in, or you can bring them to church. But don’t stop there! Consider asking local businesses, especially those that provide office services, to collect cartridges on our behalf. Bill Wetzel is already lugging home boxes from the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business! Please contact any trustee for more information.

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Bylaws Committee

By Dean Bacon

The church bylaws were successfully revised. See the Bylaws

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Christian Education

A New Lenten Adult Education Series!

By Pastor Cindy

“Conversations for Life: Science and Religion”

(Co-sponsored by the Dunbarton Congregational Church and the Dunbarton Town Library)

“If we accept that knowledge is a finite island in a sea of inexhaustible mystery, then two corollaries follow: (1) The growth of the island does not diminish the sea’s infinitude, and (2) the growth of the island increases the length of the shore along which we encounter mystery. It is this last aspect of the metaphor that is most important.” (Chet Raymo, Skeptics and True Believers, NY: Walker and Co. 1998)

In a series of three evening workshops to be held at the Dunbarton Town Library, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., teens and adults are invited to grow the shorelines of their scientific knowledge and explore the mysteries that remain the domain of God and faith. Our aim is to unveil current areas of debate and even reconciliation between today’s scientific and religious communities.

Please plan to join us for a lively combination of lecture, film and discussion. Resources will include Chet Raymo’s book as quoted above. The Library has extra copies or you may purchase the book for a thoughtful and balanced view of the issues.

Session I: Monday, February 21st

“God, Darwin and the Evolution of Humankind.”

Led by The Rev. Cindy Bagley, this session explores God, Darwinian theory and the creation and life of humankind.

Session II: Monday, February 28th

“Freud, Marx and the Psychology of Religion.”

Led by Dunbarton resident and psychologist Dr. Tracy Strombom, this session asks, “Is God real or simply a psychological invention? Does prayer really work? Where does psychology leave off and God enter in?”

Session III: Monday, March 14th

“Let There Be Light! God and the Cosmos.”

Led by The Rev. Cindy Bagley, this session explores the existence of God in the creation and structure of the universe.

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Church School News

By Laura Tucker, Superintendent

The holy season of Lent, which begins on February 9th, Ash Wednesday, and ends on March 27th, Easter, is traditionally a time of preparation for the renewal of our baptismal covenants. Lent is a time of stripping down to essentials as each Christian focuses on his or her individual relationship with God. It is a time when we as Christians remember our baptisms, Jesus washing away our sins, giving us a newness of life to celebrate in the triumph of Palm Sunday and the glory of Easter.

In February, our Church School children will be learning more about this Lenten journey. Our teachers for the month will be Patty Shearin and Judy Tardif.

~God is Like~

God is a little like General Electric
He lights your path.

God is a little like Bayer Aspirin
He works wonders.

God is a little like Hallmark Cards
He cared enough to send the very best.

God is a little like Tide
He gets out the stains that others leave behind.

God is a little like Alberto VO-5 Hair Spray
He holds through all kinds of weather.

He works wonders.

God is a little like Dial Soap
Aren't you glad you know Him?
Don't you wish everyone did?

God is a little like Sears
He has everything.

God is a little like Alka Seltzer
Oh, what a relief He is!

God is a little like Scotch Tape
You can't see Him but you know He's there!

God is a little like The Copper Top Battery
Nothing can outlast Him.

God is a little like American Express
Don't leave home without Him

Author Unknown. From “The F.U.N. Place”

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Board of Deacons

A Word About Weddings

By Nick Holmes

Since its inception, our historic meetinghouse has been a popular spot for couples preparing to unite in holy matrimony. Given the increasing attractiveness of our church for this purpose, the Board of Deacons has developed a written policy that summarizes the policies and practices we feel best represent the interests and values of the congregation. This new document is intended to serve as a guide so wedding ceremonies will be celebrated with both reverence and joy. A copy of the policy is provided to each couple when they first express interest in holding their wedding in the church. By simply and succinctly addressing such issues as retaining an organist, taking photographs, and paying fees, the wedding policy allows all concerned to focus on the joy of the wedding day! If you are interested in viewing a copy of the Deacon’s Policy, please see Pastor Cindy.

WANTED: A Few Great Acolytes! Click the link for details

Spiritual Spa

By Heather Radl

Women, have the dark and gloom of winter gotten you down? Do you crave light in its many forms - sunlight, candlelight, firelight? Well, we have two Spiritual Spas coming up designed to lift your spirits!

Come out of hibernation and join us at the vestry on February 13th from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. for our second Spiritual Spa. Midwinter is a time for introspection and to nurture the Light within us. We will gather together to celebrate light in this month of darkness by making aromatherapy candles, meditating, and focusing on new beginnings as the darkness begins to abate, making way for the Light.

Then, on March 13th, we’ll hold a Spring Spiritual Spa, also from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the vestry. This one will be led by Pastor Cindy who will do a presentation on Celtic Knotwork, recreating the ancient designs the Celtic monks used as a form of decoration and meditation. Join us!

Please contact Heather at 774-7128 for more information.

Blessing of the Shawls

By Joyce Ray

This ministry has offered double blessings. The knitting and the prayers with each stitch have blessed the knitters as well as the shawl receivers. The group meets bi-weekly on every other Monday and is open to anyone interested in encircling those who are ill with love and prayers. Contact Joyce Ray for information at 774-5105.

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Youth Group Happenings

By Diana Jenkins

Sunday, February 13th- 12 noon. Food & Fellowship at the vestry. Middle and Senior High will meet together. Please bring a lunch.

Sunday, March 13th - 12 noon. Food & Fellowship at the vestry. We will meet to plan for the Easter Sunrise Service. Please bring a lunch.

Sunday, March 27th - 6:00 AM.

Please come join the Youth Group on March 27th as we celebrate Easter Sunday. Our service will begin at 6:00 am in front of the vestry. Following the service we will gather in the vestry for a fellowship breakfast

It Is Enough

During the Passover celebration, as Jews recall all that God did for the Israelites, there's a beautiful reading titled "Dayeinu", Hebrew for "It is enough," which conveys the ideas that even though God has given us abundant blessings, he gives us another. Help celebrate the blessing in your family with these activities adapted from Games for the Soul by Drew Leder (Hyperion).

* Encourage family members to proclaim "Dayeinu" (pronounced die-ay-noo) whenever they're blessed throughout the day.

* During difficult times, use Dayeinu to keep each other focused on God's blessings. If you don't feel blessed right at that moment, think about how God is blessing others.

* Make your Dayeinu a more formal celebration. Gather as a family and sit comfortably together, and then light the room with candles. As each family member offers a blessing of the day, everyone can respond with "Dayeinu".

(Printed with permission from Group Magazine, Nov/Dec 2001)

Please call Diana at 774-7240 if you are interested in more information or attending any of these activities.

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Missions

By Nancy Lang

There are several important upcoming opportunities for us all to continue to answer the Call to Care”.

Welcome the Stranger: One Great Hour of Sharing Offering – March 6th

The Internet has created a virtual global community. Many of us “speak” to strangers every day through online forums and blogs on all sorts of subjects. By responding to an unseen stranger's request for a recipe or a political opinion, we offer a kind of welcome and hospitality.

But what about those strangers who are in need because of war, poverty or natural disasters? How can we offer them hospitality and welcome? How can we “care” for them? The One Great Hour of Sharing offering provides one very significant way.

Matthew 25:38 asks, "When did we see you [as] a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?” Through OGHS, we respond faithfully to strangers with hospitality and welcome. We create a community of generosity and caring when we give to support the many compassionate ministries of this offering. Jesus said, "Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."

Following worship on March 6th , you will have an opportunity to learn more about the ministries supported by the OGHS offering. We will be holding a mini walk-a-thon in the sanctuary, with 'checkpoints' describing how your offering helps others. Please plan to join us. If you'd like to get others to sponsor your walk, pledges can be based on the 100 steps it takes to walk to walk around the sanctuary.

St. Patrick's Day Senior Supper – March 17th

The Mission Board and the Dunbarton Police Association will co-sponsor an evening of Irish food and fellowship for the seniors citizens of Dunbarton! Join us in the vestry on Thursday, March 17th for a bit of blarney and a ton of fun! Contact Heather Radl at 774-7128 if you plan to attend, need a ride or want to help.

Save the Date, Save a Child –April 19th

On April 19th , the Mission Board will sponsor a “mentoring” fair. April happens to be National Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Month, and we'd like to draw your attention to ways you can help children in need. Representatives from several organizations that work with children will be on hand to answer questions about how you can get involved. More details will be published in the April Clarion.

By Patty Shearin

Food Pantry Sunday

If you would like to contribute to our Food Pantry, Bring your item with you to church and deposit it in the basket as you enter. Our Food Pantry supports many community members in need of assistance, and your donations are greatly appreciated!

Roadside Clean Up

We are currently in our sixth year as a participant in the New Hampshire’s ”Adopt–a-Highway” program. For the past six years, we have taken ownership of a two-mile stretch of Rt. 13 and have agreed to keep it free of trash. Our participation has a two-fold impact. First, the green and white “Adopt-a-Highway” signs posted at the north and south borders of our designated highway help make visible our church’s commitment to and caring of the Dunbarton community. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, our participation in this worthwhile program helps take care of our precious environment.

The First roadside cleanup of the year will take place on Saturday, April ??^th at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers will meet in front of the vestry to sign the necessary paperwork, gather supplies and be assigned a section of Rt. 13 for clean-up. Children 11 yrs. old and older are welcome when accompanied by an adult. The cleanup generally takes less than an hour and is a great way to show your community spirit, get some exercise and take care of our environment. If you need further information, please contact Patty Shearin at 774-3208.

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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 20^th to Sept. 7^th. 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 Tammie Sullivan at 4sullz@bit-net.com or 774-3818 for more information.

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Stewardship Team

We Are ALMOST There!

By Linda Morse

In November, the Stewardship Committee put out a Call to Care, and care our church family did! We received a 50% increase in pledges and a 25% increase in funding over last year. Thank you, everyone, for your generosity!

But wait, we’re not done yet! As things stand now, we will still need to withdraw $7,500 from our investment fund to balance our 2005 budget.

Here is the good news. If each of our existing donors increased their weekly amount by $3.56, we would not have to withdraw ANY money from our investment fund this year!

With that in mind, the stewardship committee will be contacting each of you who have pledged to ask if you would be willing to help us balance this budget. And, if you haven’t filled out your pledge card yet, here’s a fantastic opportunity for your pledge money to really count! Remember, one-time donations are welcome, too. Let’s make this a banner year for our church’s budget! Thank you all again for supporting the growth of our church.

Corporate Partnership Program is Born!

The Stewardship Committee will be coordinating a new fundraising idea that may give the Speedway a run for its money as the most productive fundraiser! Many corporations and businesses reward volunteerism through giving programs to encourage the support of not-for-profit organizations. These programs take many shapes and forms, including matching gift programs and grants. It’s quite possible that the company you work for has a program that would recognize your commitment of time, talent and resources to our church. If you work for company or corporation that might have such a program, please check with your Human Resource personnel for details. Documenting volunteer hours or filling out a form or two may be all that is necessary to increase our church’s income! Please contact a member of the Stewardship Committee if you think your employer may have such a program.

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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).

Spiritual Drumming Resumes

Back by popular demand, James Davenport will lead church members in another session of our Spiritual Drumming Group at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April ??^th. No talent or instruments are required, just an openness to receive the Holy Spirit as we meet in the vestry to collectively create rhythms and explore world music on percussion instruments of every kind. All ages are welcome! Questions can be directed to James Davenport at 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 summer? Because we have so many activities and much news to report, we are planning on producing the Clarion through the summer this year, although it will be a smaller issue.

Since the cost of printing and mailing for July and August was not budgeted, 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 Notes

By Donna Dunn

Hearse Restoration Committee

Research into the 1870 horse-drawn Town Hearse continues. It is not known when this hearse was last used in an official capacity, nor specifically what Dunbarton residents partook of its services although Burial Records may be of some assistance. The Committee is asking long-term residents in town to check their own family records (photographs, letters, family member diary, cards, etc.) for any reference to the Hearse. Verbal recollections are also being sought. Please call 774-4567 or contact dunncottage@aol.com

Garden Club News

By Judy Petersen

Dunbarton Garden Club

We know when Spring is in the air when Jo Hendry has her annual seed party on Feb 13th. The Garden Club list of meetings will be available at our first meeting of 2005 on the 2nd Tuesday of April.

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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.

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