Smith Memorial Congregational Church UCC

Month: August 2020

Heating System Replacement and Capital Campaign Underway

The replacement of the old steam heating system with a modern, efficient, seven-zone, hot water system is nearing completion. The new radiators look good and do not compromise the historic appearance of the church’s interior.

Following the vote at the quarterly meeting on June 28th, a Capital Campaign Committee was formed and has started its work. The committee consists of Pam Cornwell, Barbara Daley, Joan DeBrine, Larry DeLacy, Doug Hatfield, and Pastor Donna Vuilleumier.

The committee has a goal of raising at least $125,000 toward the estimated cost of $200,000. The initial funding for the project is coming from our endowment funds. Recognizing that the endowment funds are currently paying a substantial part of the church’s annual budget, the Capital Campaign funds raised will reimburse the endowment principal. After much discussion, the committee voted unanimously not to consider selling the Dubben House at this time. The committee plans to reach out to local businesses, the groups and the many individuals who use and benefit from our church, Smith Church members and friends, as well as youth group members over the years.

We will keep you up-dated on the progress and look forward to enjoying a toasty warm church this winter.

September Family Promise Week

Our next Family Promise week is September 13- September 20. As of right now, there are two families in the program. Both families are being housed in cabins at a campground in Henniker. The cabins have kitchens. Therefore, we are thinking gift cards which allow them to buy food to prepare are a good idea. However, because Henniker is close, there might be people who would like to prepare a meal and deliver it to the campground. One of the families is a Hillsboro family of a mom and 3 children.

We will be putting out an email encouraging you to either give a gift certificate or a meal. We will also accept checks and we will use the money to buy gift cards. Once again, we will not need any other help.

Growth & Evangelism

RALLY DAY, Sunday, September 13th following church
While socializing at this year’s Rally Day will be a bit different, the sense of the church year getting underway will definitely be felt. Do plan to gather with us at Manahan Park Beach, bringing food for your family to enjoy, and “relishing” the chance to chat with one another while socially distanced. There will be no Coffee Hour that Sunday.

PJs and PIZZA group for children, ages 3 ~ 7 resuming
Plans are underway for the fun activity/ religious/ supper format for our younger friends. Tentatively, the group will reconvene in mid- October.

BOOK OF THE MONTH (not club) or WHAT IS SMITH CHURCH READING
We are in the process of putting together a new format for a book study, minus the constraints of book clubs. Each month, a title will be suggested. Those who wish to read that particular selection would do so, sourcing the book individually. Then, on the designated “Book of the Month” day, a group would convene, in person and via Zoom, for those who wish to discuss the book. If you have a favorite book (best seller, religious, any genre) please call or e-mail Donna to suggest your ideas by Sept 15.

Church Building Reopening Task Team

Our committee to reopen our sanctuary has met twice. One of our first solutions to our present situation, is to have hymnals available for people to have during our services outside. Linda plays the hymns, but since the hymns are chosen especially for the scriptures, it would be nice to have the words in front of us, so we could sing along in our head. People will be given a hymnal such as signing a book out of the library, take the hymnals home with them and bring them to Sunday services. This will also be your hymnal when we again are worshipping in the sanctuary. We started this July 26. If you are worshipping at home, and would like one, stop in and sign it out, or call the church office and one can be brought to you.

When we return to upstairs worship, people will enter the narthex, and one set of stairs will be for going up, the other for coming down. People will be expected to wear masks and stay socially distanced from each other.

Realizing that our sanctuary is fairly large, we have spoken about how to space people. People in the same family can sit together. All others need to sit 6 feet from others. We are considering assigning pews, keeping some for one-time visitors. Every week you would be expected to sit in the same pew.

Planning for a wedding in October, with many visitors, is still being worked on. Meanwhile, let’s hope for sunny Sunday’s until after Labor Day, and enjoy worshiping out in the splendor of our back lawn.

Members of this team are Fran Charron Harry Morehouse, Nancy Niven and Debbie Gray.

Music News

Heather Daley and family/friends have submitted several musical selections for us to use in our worship services. Mike Bradley is going to play guitar for the offertory at our August 16 service.

Sandra Mullaney, the arranger of the handbell piece that we have recorded Be Now my Vision, has granted us permission to use that recording in our worship service, and thanked us for reaching out. We’ll use the handbell piece later in August.

Gary Lanier, the arranger of several of our flute/piano duets that John Brinton and Linda Bissonnette have done and recorded has granted permission to share the recordings of those duets which folks have enjoyed We are very blessed!

Senior Living Exercise

Our exercise program for seniors has resumed. We meet Monday’s and Thursdays at 10 AM. Weights are provided, although during the pandemic, we are asking you to bring a bag to put them in.

When possible, we will meet out in back of the church in the shade. Outside, we can spread out and exercise without our masks on.

Depending on weather conditions, we sometimes will be spread out in the vestry. Inside, we need to wear masks, have our temperatures taken and answer questions about our health.

Exercises were developed by Tufts University, especially for seniors. Everyone starts at their own level. All are welcome!