Report of the Church Clerk

             At long last, we have wonderful news!  On November 11, 2007 our congregational membership voted unanimously to call the Rev. Dr. C. Michael Caldwell, better known as Rev. Michael, as our settled pastor!!  We are overjoyed!  During the past 2 years our hardworking pastoral search committee has been working diligently to find the perfect candidate for our beloved church.  After countless interviews with prospective candidates, the committee was becoming frustrated that no one seemed to be the “the suitable fit” that they sought.   At this point in time, Pam Lucas, from the Vermont Conference, suggested that in light of these difficulties, the conference could in fact seek an exemption to the ruling that prevented us from considering our own interim pastor.  Consequently, the search committee interviewed Rev. Michael under the same criteria that had been used for other candidates.  The request for the exemption sailed through the regulatory and approval processes and the rest is history.  We were delighted to welcome Rev. Michael as our new settled pastor and were anxious to once again refocus our efforts on strengthening our congregation under his able leadership.  Many, many thanks go to our search committee for their dedication and perseverance.  At some point in the near future, our search committee will transition to different responsibilities to form a pastoral relations committee.

             Even though we have been a church in transition during most of the past year, we have continued to serve and function as an active and vital part of our community.  Under Nancy Frost’s and Barbara Clark’s direction, the East Corinth Church’s food pantry is thriving and operating in the manner in which it was intended.  We have been able to supply emergency provisions to many individuals within the community who are particularly in need or are experiencing a short term crisis.  As has been mentioned in previous reports, this food pantry was never intended to replace the larger West Topsham Food Shelf, but rather to supplement it.  In explanation, in many instances people are reluctant to apply for assistance at the larger food shelf as they have to meet certain requirements and qualifications in order to partake of what is offered.  Therefore, Nancy and Barb established our food pantry for those with short term needs who might require emergency assistance.  It has been our tradition that members typically bring supplies for our food pantry on the second Sunday of each month (Communion Sunday).  However, donations are gratefully accepted at any time.

             Also during the past year, Rev. Michael, in collaboration with Nancy Frost, has been scheduling monthly “intergenerational outings”, typically held following Sunday worship.  These outings are often designed for the youth of our church, but adults are also welcomed as well.  Some of these activities have included a skating event at the village rink, hiking, visits to our members residing in nursing homes, skiing at Northeast Slopes, snowshoeing expeditions, caroling etc.  On one occasion a cider press was brought to the church so that individuals could see first hand how cider was made and processed.  Many of these events are followed by refreshments in our vestry.  On September 23^rd, there was an outing to a Dartmouth Soccer game when they played St. Francis University.  Our own Rev. Michael is a former member of the varsity soccer team at Dartmouth.

             The Deacons and Trustees continue to meet simultaneously on the third Thursday of every month (in most instances) and these meetings are preceded by a pot luck dinner to which “everyone”, in addition to those on the church boards,  is invited.  It is always a wonderful opportunity for fellowship when we encourage members of the congregation, other than those on the church boards, to join us.    Also, the Deacons have continued their breakfasts that are held on the first Sunday of each month at 9am and everyone is encouraged to attend these as well.

             There were four (4) specially called meetings this year as follows:  On June 3^rd, we voted on the recommendations of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons to accept (6) new members.  Specifics of this particular meeting are detailed more fully later in this report.  On June 17^th we voted to accept the Safe Church Policy that had been drafted and compiled by the Boards of Deacons and Trustees, in accordance with the requirements of our liability insurance carriers and providers.  On November 4^th, the members of the church voted to accept, with regret, the resignation of Wells Smith from the Board of Trustees and to approve the nomination of Warren Burmeister to complete Wells’ term.  On November 11, 2007, the members unanimously voted to call the Rev. Dr. C. Michael Caldwell as our settled Pastor.

             The prayer chain continues to be a viable tool in spreading the word regarding those who should be placed on our prayer list, phone list and e-mail list.  Anyone having prayer concerns is encouraged to contact Sarah Polli so that she can e-mail these requests to other members of the congregation.  Additionally, Sarah enlists the help of Marlene Richards to phone those individuals who do not have access to e-mail.  Barbara Clark requests that as much information as possible be made available, such as the addresses of those on the prayer list, so that she may send out a card of encouragement, informing them that they are in our thoughts and prayers.

             Mention must be made of our church organists and our choir who each Sunday contribute so much in insuring that our Sunday services are enriched by their dedicated music ministry.  We are so fortunate to have our choir and three organists – Wanda Kivela, Patty Giavara and Judy Barton who are willing to share their time and talents.

             Additionally, we wish to acknowledge the generous donations from Sheila at the East Corinth General Store.  For many years Sheila has donated a portion of the proceeds from Sunday’s coffee sales to area churches.  We are particularly grateful for her continued support.

 On February 10, 2007, under the direction of Hal Drury, our church held its 5th Annual Chili Contest/Supper which is becoming a favorite event for all those involved.  Warren and Meg Burmeister walked away with the “coveted beige apron”, having garnered the most votes for their entry.  This was quite a feat as this contest offered the largest number of dishes to date!  This is always a fun event whose popularity seems to grow with each passing year.  As Hal always advertises, “it’s the most fun that you can have in church on a Saturday”.

             There have been several improvements incorporated into our midst in the past year.  Head phones are now available to those whose hearing is impaired and there have been upgrades to our sound system.  Also, we have a new garden!  For many years now we have been planning for improvements to the front of the church.  With funds from the Guy Waterman Fund and an anonymous donation, the Trustees sought proposals for the design and installation of a one foot wall in front of the existing garden.  This fall, J & M Nursery completed the installation of this granite wall (it is beautiful), and Claire Porter and Laura Waterman have been working on a garden design.  The wall is a grand improvement and there are plans for new railings on either side of the entry steps.  In an attempt to contain energy costs, new windows were installed in the vestry, funded by an anonymous donation.  John Heidenreich installed them for us at no charge and we appreciate his generosity in doing so.

             The Women’s Fellowship remains a very active entity within our church family.  Their programs are often open to the public and continue to be diverse and informational.  Some of the programs offered this year included a presentation in January by Louisa Sandberg called “Breath, Stretch and Relax to Better Health”, a talk by Mary Hays, entitled “Oral Histories- Friends and Family”, and a  program was presented by Claire Porter, Laura Waterman, and Lisa Locke – “Walking Hadrian’s Wall” which detailed their walking tour in Scotland.  For their fall foliage outing, a tour of the Barre Granite Quarries was arranged with everyone meeting at the new LACE market for lunch.

 March and April

            In March, we were busy preparing for Holy Week.  During Lent, Rev. Michael led a Bible Study every Wednesday evening in the vestry, covering the first five books of the Bible.  On April 1^st, we celebrated Palm Sunday.  In a new presentation, the children entered the sanctuary waving palms and distributing them to the congregation at the beginning of the service.  Our Maundy Thursday service was held on April 5^th and at 6:30 pm the youth group led the “Lakota Stations of the Cross” followed by our 7pm Tennebrae service.  On Good Friday there was a ½ hour service of scripture and prayer in our sanctuary from 12:15pm to 12:45 pm led by Rev. Michael.  As has been our tradition, Marge Geer welcomed us to her home for a 6 am Sunrise Service which was followed by our Easter breakfast at 7 am, served by Nancy Frost and all her helpers.  Following breakfast, our traditional Easter service was held in the sanctuary at 10 am.  Additionally, Hal Drury compiled a new updated church directory that was made available to the congregation on Easter Sunday.

 On April 15^th, we all rejoiced in the baptism of Aivree Elizabeth Bruce, daughter of Christopher and Alison Bruce, “little sister” of 5 yr. old Chase, and granddaughter of Keith and Alice Thompson.  Aivree was born on August 5, 2006 at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, NH.

 May and June

             On May 19^th, the Women’s Fellowship held their semi-annual bake sale, which as usual, was a grand success.  This event is always held in conjunction with the library’s plant and book sale.

             On Sunday, May 20^th, Rev. Michael led us in our second annual “Holy Humor Sunday”, where members of the congregation were encouraged to relate humorous faith-based stories.  Needless to say, there were many laughs throughout the service.  Pentecost Sunday was celebrated on May 27^th and the sanctuary was once again decorated with red balloons, red flowers and everyone was encouraged to come dressed in “red” signifying the fire of the spirit and spiritual renewal.

             Children’s Sunday was held on June 3^rd, with the Sunday School presenting a scripture drama as well as receiving their awards.  Many heartfelt thanks go to Nancy Frost, and all the young mothers who volunteer their time to teach the children of our congregation the curriculum of the United Church of Christ!  Also on June 3^rd, a special meeting was convened directly following the service to act and vote on the recommendations of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons to receive “6” new members into our church family.  They were – Kristan Ball, Linda Burgess, Warren and Margaret Burmeister, Beth Kendall and Shari Tkac.  On June 10^th these individuals were formally received into our membership with a reception held in their honor in the vestry directly following the service.  Since Beth Kendall could not attend the service on the 10^th, she formally joined our church on June 17^th.   Receiving new members is always a joyous occasion.

             During the service on June 24^th, a commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the founding of the United Church of Christ was incorporated into our Sunday morning worship.

 July and August

             As usual, a great deal of planning and preparation went into our annual 4^th of July Parade, Barbecue and Silent Auction.  The parade theme for this year was “Let the Games Begin”.  Even though the 4^th fell mid-week on a Wednesday this year, we were blessed with wonderful weather and a great turn-out.  This is a major fund raiser for the church and profits from the previous 4^th were “up” 38%! This was wonderful news as often attendance tends to be down when the 4^th falls that far from a weekend.  A new addition introduced by Blakeney Bartlett was the 50¢ Table which proved to be a great success.  Members were encouraged to donate small items for children to purchase (at a price that children could afford) for themselves or as gifts to friends or family members.  It was a big hit that is sure to be continued next year!  As always, this event requires the participation of many people, and we are so grateful to everyone for their contributions.

             On July 22^nd, members of our church were invited to join the East Topsham Presbyterian Church for a time of fun and fellowship at a picnic barbecue at Boulder Beach.  A day filled with games, swimming, food and fellowship was enjoyed by all who attended.

             During the weekend of August 10-12, a Civil War Encampment and Re-enactment was held at the East Corinth Fairgrounds.  This event was jointly sponsored by our church and the Topsham Historical Society.  A committee headed by Bill Parmenter was formed, and those involved spent a tremendous amount of time and energy planning for this occasion.  Judy Drury devoted a great deal of time researching the former homes of the village’s civil war veterans, placing placards on the lawns of the homes where civil war participants once lived.  Our August 12^th church service was held at the Fairgrounds.  The service was an Episcopalian service from the 1860’s, led by a 3-Star Confederate General.

 September and October

            On September 23^rd, we observed Membership Sunday at which time we honor and acknowledge with a carnation, the 5 yr. anniversaries of each of our members.  Those acknowledged were:  5 years – Penny Carrier, Blanche Cooper, Burton Cooper, Carole Freeman, Ann Frost and Jennifer Montana;  10 years – Josie Chelton, Hal Drury, Judy Drury, Pam Latimer, Susan Spoonire, Terry Spoonire, and Janice Thompson;   15 years – Carol Bergholm, Don Bergholm and Ed Sherwood;  20 yrs. – Mary Brockardt;  25 yrs. – Barbara Clark, Gil Meyer, Lucille Meyer and Sarah Polli.

             On the weekend of September 28^th, 29^th and 30^th, John Buik hosted his annual trail ride and we are so thankful to him for continuing this tradition.  It adds a very festive atmosphere to the village and affords the library and the church the opportunity to benefit from this event.  Many thanks go to Nancy and her workers for once again feeding the trail riders on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  This is a huge undertaking and a major fundraiser for the church.  Additionally, the Women’s Fellowship holds their fall food sale (pies are a big seller) and the library holds their plant and book sale.  It was reported that the Women’s Fellowship had one of their most profitable sales ever!  Additionally, the foliage was more colorful this year which added to everyone’s enjoyment!

             On October 7^th, the children were welcomed back for the new season of Sunday School.  During the worship service, Ann Peck, of the East Topsham church spoke about her “Creche” ministry in India and following the service our monthly intergenerational outing was a trip to Windy Ridge Orchard for an afternoon of apple picking.  In past years, the Sunday School has always selected a mission objective by asking that all “loose change” donations in the offering plate should go to the Heifer Project.  However, the children have now chosen to have these donations go to Ann’s Creche project.

             Also in October, Hal Drury announced that the East Corinth Congregational Church will be going “hi-tech” with its own website.  The site address is www.eastcorinthcongregationalchurch.org and Hal has been working diligently constructing the site.  We can now even access our bi-monthly newsletter, “The Echo”, by logging on to this site.

             Another favorite fundraiser is our “Spooky Spaghetti Supper” which was headed up by Barbara Clark and Judy Ales on October 27^th.  Servers are always dressed in Halloween garb and attendees are encouraged to do so as well.  It is always a fun time for everyone.

 November and December

             Of course, November was a most joyous time for our congregation when we formally voted to call Rev. Michael as our settled pastor.  Also on November 11^th we rejoiced in the baptism of Henry Joseph Sahyoun (translated from his father’s name of Sawyer).  Henry was born on July 8, 2006 and is the son of Susan Schrader and Joseph Sawyer who reside in Boston but also have a home on Colby Road in Topsham and join us for Sunday worship as often as possible.

             In preparation for Advent, the Deacons purchased a booklet entitled “Whose Birthday Is It Anyway?” which was made available to anyone interested in taking a copy.  This booklet offered suggestions on how to keep Christmas “truer, simpler and less chaotic” as we entered the holiday season.

             As in the past, members met after church on December 16^th to go caroling through the village. Because of the extremely cold weather on that date, this outing was unfortunately more “abbreviated” than in past years.

 To make for a more meaningful service, Rev. Michael and Nancy Frost altered the traditional Christmas pageant to make it not just a segment of the December 23^rd worship service, but to make it the actual service itself.  The drama pageant was entitled “Why Do You Cry, Baby Jesus?”  Beth Kendall assisted with many new costumes for this pageant which made it even more special and many thanks go to her and the Sunday School teachers for their contributions as well as to others in the congregation who helped with this  presentation.  On Christmas Eve, we celebrated with our traditional service of candles and carols.  Many thanks go to Judy Barton for her extensive repertoire of Christmas music and to our choir, as their participation immeasurably adds to the spirit of this service.

 In January, 2008, we bid farewell to Hal Drury who, for the third year in a row, joined the Glastonbury, CT UCC group on their annual trip to the Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi to help rebuild area homes after the devastating destruction left by Hurricane Katrina.  The Back Bay Mission is the only UCC presence in this storm ravaged area and we are grateful to Hal and very proud of his accomplishments in this worthwhile goal.  Upon his return, Hal reported that this year the Back Bay Mission had actually completed dormitories where volunteers could be housed while working in teams on various rebuilding projects.  Undoubtedly a great deal of organization goes into scheduling the wide variety of work necessary to complete some of these projects and we commend Hal on his selfless dedication to this important mission.

 Church Statistics

-           94 members at the beginning of 2007

-           6 new members:  Kristen Ball, Warren
                         Burmeister,    Margaret Burmeister,

            Linda Burgess, Beth Kendall and Shari Tkac

-           2 Baptisms – Aivree Elizabeth Bruce on April 15^th and

            Henry Joseph Sahyoun on November 11^th

-           100 members at the end of 2007

  Respectfully submitted,

  Sarah Williams Polli,                                                                                      Church Clerk