The Quarterly meeting

On Sunday we had our Quarterly meeting and discussed a few things that will impact our congregation in subtle ways over the next few years. After it was determined that we had a quorum, we approved the minutes of the Annual Meeting. Moderator Curt Brockway announced that any written reports would be posted on the bulletin board at church next week.

As we moved into old business Ray Deptulski, Property Committee Chairman, talked about the two furnaces at church. He shared the fact that both of them were on their way out. The furnace that supplies heat to the sanctuary is about fifty years old and not very efficient. The boiler that services the rest of the building, including Fellowship Hall, the Chapel and office area is about thirty years old but in even worse shape. He suggested that act proactively and replace both furnaces.

Ray is soliciting prices right now. He has even talked to the folks at Norwich Tech about doing the project as part of their training program. This would save us a good deal of money. He will come back to us with prices and a recommendation from the Property Committee and Board of Trustees at our next meeting. But first Ray proposed removing the asbestos on the pipes in the basement. This has to be done before we do any work. It is a health hazard and he has a bid to do the work.

We voted to approve the expenditure of $5200 to remove the asbestos. We also affirmed his efforts to get prices on replacing the heating system. If you have thoughts on whether we should go with oil or gas or anything else, talk to Ray or a member of the Property Committee about it.

Ray also mentioned the possibility of the school doing the work in the kitchen. Which brings me to the second big discussion. Last summer we made plans to renovate the kitchen. We had every intention of doing it over the winter months but then the economy went south. At the Annual meeting we decided to put it off to this summer but we had trouble bringing together a Capital Campaign Committee.

After a discussion we decided to investigate the costs of having the tech school do the work and also asked for volunteers to serve on the Capital Campaign Committee. This committee would develop the plan to raise the money for both of these projects. Volunteers included June Deptulski, Sue Ferguson, Amanda Duntz and Fred Green. So stay tuned for more news on all these things.

We also voted to approve the expenditure of $500 for the Appalachian Mission Trip from the Biennial Trip category in the budget. I told the group that I was not planning on attending the ABCUSA Biennial in Pasadena, California this summer for a few reasons. The motion was made and approved.

Finally, Mary Brockway asked for approval to hold a tag sale on the last Saturday of May. She said the Tag Sale would not be done as we have in the past. We would sell tables and allow members and friends of the church to price and bring in their stuff to sell. They would pay us $25 for the space and then keep whatever they made. We would sell for or have our own fundraising efforts as well. At the end of the day everyone would be responsible for their own clean up.

We adjourned the meeting at 12:50 p.m.

Cal

Celebrating our victories on and off the court.

We had a great day in church as we celebrated the conclusion of our Winter Basketball season. We welcomed those kids and their parents who were able to be with us. They came up front and Fred Green presented them a trophy for winning the Varsity Division. I gave them certificates and team photos to take home with them.

Our praise team sang and got everyone up on their feet. Newcomer Taylor Chaffee (One of our basketball players) made her debut with the group and she did very well. Cliff Vanase came back to do a guest performance with the group too and it featured a guitar solo. They sang the song "Promises" which was written by Steve Contois.

I picked up on that and rolled it into my sermon. I talked about how important game plans are. Citing the excitement around March Madness, I reminded everyone that team success doesn't just happen. It takes planning and cooperation. Then I talked about God's plan to send Jesus into the world, a plan that was hinted at by the prophet Jeremiah in our text. Then I pointed out that once we have been forgiven, God's plan is for us to go out into the world to share that news. In effect, God's game plan to save the world includes us.

Michelle Chaffee captured the praise team singing on video and so here it is for you to enjoy again, or if you missed it, to see what you missed.

Cal

Saturday activities

Today should be an interesting day. I am heading up to Sterling for the Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scout Pack 23. Jacob Kreger will be one of the Cub Scouts in attendance. I have been one of the guests asked to speak a little bit about what I do.

This afternoon I will be preparing for our Basketball Recognition Worship service tomorrow morning. I've already made up the certificates and now have to print some photos. Of course, I also have to finish up the sermon.

Later this evening I will be heading over to the Quaker Hill Baptist Church to watch attend a movie and discussion on the book "Lord Save Us From Your Followers" by Dan Merchant. Right now Muriel Roderick and Amanda Duntz are going with me. Meet us at the church at 6:20 p.m. if you want to come.

Cal

Using what we have for God

Buenas Nuevas held a youth concert at church tonight. They invited several other congregations to join them. The thought hit me that this young church feels at home in our building. We have done a good job in showing them our hospitality.

Now I know that we bear the brunt of expenses for keeping the building up and running. But I like to think that we have this building to worship in because others have paid the price for us. We didn't build it. We didn't do anything to deserve it. We inherited it from those who went before us. So now we can take this resources and use it for God's glory.

When 150 Hispanic kids are praising God on a Friday night, I think we have done a great thing. All we did was open the door and let God into the house. The truth is that ministry happens whenever we take what God has given us and let him use the way he sees fit. We get blessed because we get a front row seat.

Cal

Looking ahead

On Wednesday night we gathered at United Congregational Church for our weekly get together on the Road to Jerusalem. Rev. John Lancz gave the message and talked about the spirit of God walking with us on the road. He actually began with the scripture that told of Mary's visit by the angel to proclaim that she was going to be the mother of the Lord.

After the service we went down stairs for coffee and fellowship. I think that is the best part of these services. You get to say hello to everyone and catch up with old friends. Next week we finish up the series at Central Baptist. I hope you will join us if you are free.

I just want to give you a quick update on our upcoming services as we head into Holy Week. First off this week we will celebrate with our Basketball team and recognize their great season in the Church League. Coaches Len Miller and Thom Outlow will be present with the kids and their families. The message will be "Invited to be are part of God's Game Plan."

On Sunday, April 5th we will kick off Holy with the annual Men's Communion Service at Central Baptist Church. At 7:00 a.m. we will gather to hear Frank Burchell and then share the bread and cup together. Following the service we will head upstairs for a breakfast cooked by Mark Hopkins and the men of Central Baptist.

At our church we will remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and then celebrate the blessings of family with Mark and Fran Rogers as they bring Julia forward in a service of family dedication. We will close our service around the communion table.

On Thursday we will relive the last supper and hear Jesus words to his disciples in a special dramatic service. Come be a part of it at 7:00 p.m.

On Good Friday we will participate in the Annual Way of the Cross walk starting at 6:00 p.m. at Chelsea Parade. It is a very moving procession that allows us to remember Jesus and his great love for us on that fateful day.

On Easter Sunday morning we will gather at 6:30 a..m at Howard Brown Park for the annual Sunrise Service. We will raise our voices in praise and celebration. It is the best service of the year. Rev. Jeff Sharp of the Norwich Worship Center will share the message and I will be leading the singing again.

At 10:30 a.m. we will pack the church and sing the great songs of faith. Our choir will sing. We will have special music and I hope to share a message that will inspire you. It will be a great way to end a spirit filled week.

So there you have it. Now mark your calendars and make it a point to join us.

Cal

A celebration of our trip to Mexico

One month ago today we left for Mexico on our Mission adventure and last night we wrapped up the experience by hosting dessert and tales from the Mission Field at church. Several of the participants were present and after we enjoyed a bevy of low calorie desserts and a music video filled with slides and songs from our trip, a few of us shared what the experience meant to us.

George Rezendes talked about the way working with his hands was a blessing compared to the mental work he does every day. Knowing that you were working with people who really appreciated what you were doing was a gift. He also said that he came back with a sense that he was blessed. Michelle Chaffee shared the fact that she came back with more patience than she had when she left. The things she thought were so important before, that got her going, all fell into perspective. Stacy Sedotti said that she had a really good time and was glad she was able to help while getting to know new people. Erica Corbett said that it changed her life. She never really wanted to go to church before the trip and now she is going and she enjoys it and it has changed her life. Nancy Allen said she was moved by how so many people could get along even though they were thrown together in less than ideal circumstances. You could feel something special was happening. Rob Wagner spoke for both he and Julie when he said that they felt blessed to be part of such a group. Julie's prayer was that these people they were going with wouldn't be "wierd" and that both of them came away blessed to know so many wonderful new friends. Mark Kane talked about feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit all week long. June Deptulski shared that she was moved to realize that people they met last year remembered us and that even though we didn't think we were doing much, we made a big impression on them.

Doreen Mainville went on the first mission trip in 2007 and she said that she was ready to go again. After watching the slide presentation, I think many in the room felt the same way. I shared the fact that we were very appreciative of all the prayers, encouragement and financial resources that the churches and many individuals shared to make the trip possible. The truth is that this was an effort made possible by our congregations. Those who went to Mexico were very much aware that they were bringing the love and support of all of the people back home.

Michelle Madsen Bibeau reminded all of us that Rick and Mercy really need our prayers and financial support going forward. International Ministries cannot continue to support them in the same way so they have to ask us for funds to undergird the work they are doing. If you want to help, you can speak to Michelle or me about making a gift directly to their ministry. Right now any gift of $200 or more will be matched with an equal gift by a benefactor through June 1, 2009.

Melanie Scheuermann took a few photos from last night. Enjoy them.

Cal

P.S. If you missed the slide show last night, we will be playing it in its entirety on Palm Sunday during the Sunday School hour in the sanctuary. Come and be inspired.

A Sunday reunion

Sundays are always special at church. It is like a family reunion. After a busy week out in the world, we get together again to renew our acquaintances while our faith is informed. I know everyone doesn't know everyone. But I know my heart leaps when I see the people I have gotten close to over the years and I have heard several people say the same thing.

If you don't feel this way yet, then you need to find a way to get involved in one of our ministries so you can get to know some people. For example yesterday afternoon Amanda Duntz and I went over to St, Mark's for the volunteer appreciation luncheon. As I was there I thought about all the folks who have volunteered at least once to serve the hungry in this special ministry. Just spending a few hours setting the tables, pouring the punch, waiting tables and vacuuming and cleaning up with others brings you closer. You talk, you share a little bit of yourself and before you know it you have a new friend. The great part about these type of events is that you are also doing something meaningful.

Anyway back at church we celebrated the beginning of Spring with a service that highlighted the verse where Jesus talks about being "born again" or the need to experience a new birth. I went on to say that once we realize it isn't what we know but who we know, our life starts over.

Joshua Ziemski finished up his second week filling in for Adele at the organ, We brought him out and showed our appreciation for his service. Lori Lord accompanied the choir on the anthem and we finished the service just after 11:30 a.m.

We've been having coffee and punch after worship each week since the beginning of the year and it gave us one last chance to greet each other before parting. I can't wait til next week now.

Cal

Last night a group of us met for pizza and a movie at Steve and Patricia Ohlund's home in Lebanon. It was a lot of fun and we saw a great movie. The pizza was from The Log Cabin Restaurant. The movie was "Fireproof" starring Kirk Cameron. The movie dealt with a couple going through marital problems and showed how faith can make a difference.

We've been doing these movie nights since last fall. They give us a venue to get together with our friends from church to watch good movies. Stay tuned for our next one in late April or early May.

Cal

Appalachian Mission is being considered.

I met with Pastor Michelle Madsen -Bibeau and Melanie Scheuermann yesterday afternoon to discuss the possibility of second mission trip this year. The idea of a homeland trip has been floating in the air for more than a year and was actually mentioned by a couple of people after a recent television expose on the problems in Appalachia.

The idea is appealing for a couple of reasons. First, this trip would take place during one of the last two weeks of July when some of our young people and those who teach them could be available. Second, it offers a venue for those who wanted to go to Mexico but were a little nervous about crossing the border for a variety of reasons. If this trip comes about we would be partnering with the Mustard Seeds and Mountains ministry to provide home repair services for poor families in Southern West Virginia. They are in partnership with our National Ministries of the ABCUSA. This is an area of the country that experiences between 30 - 50 % unemployment.

If there is an adequate response between Central and First Baptist Churches, those interested in going would need to provide a $100 deposit between April 16^th and 23^rd to hold a space. the total cost could be up to $300 total (though we would hope to defray that with support from the churches and fundraising). The maximum number our transportation arrangements could accommodate is 18. If you would like more information, please speak with me and let me know. We would need a minimum of ten people to go forward with the trip.

Cal

Coming together during Lent

We hosted the Community Lenten Service tonight and over 115 people came out to worship from the six churches. This was the fourth service in the series. We began at Lee Memorial United Methodist on Ash Wednesday and have met each week since. The format has been simple. The host pastor preaches and designs the service to reflect what might happen on a typical Sunday there. Each of the other Pastors takes one of the roles in leading the worship.

Since we began this series in 1999 or 2000 the participants have changed but the spirit has remained the same. It was Rev. Sidat Balgobin's idea to come together during Lent. This year Rev. John Lancz was our newest member of the clergy to join us. Last year we welcomed Pastor Michelle Madsen-Bibeau. Rev. Bill Dunlap came on board three years ago. Rev. Ho-Soon Han was the newcomer in 2003. The truth is that it has been fun getting to know the new Pastors and the services have provided a great way to meet for our congregations. (Pictured to the right are Sidat Balgobin, David Stickney, Bill Dunlap, Sheldon Keller, Cal Lord and Ho-Soon Han from the Spring of 2006.)

At tonight's service our Praise Team offered the special music in lieu of our choir. With Adele out due to medical reasons, we gave the choir a break and took advantage of the fact that our Praise Team had a few songs ready to go. I preached on john 17:6 ff and talked about Jesus' prayer for us as we walk the road to Jerusalem and beyond.

After each of the services folks get together for coffee, punch and snacks. The best part is catching with old and new friends. Sidat originally suggested the services last about 40 minutes and then we have cookies and fellowship for 20 minutes and are out of there in an hour. Well we got the first part right but the fellowship often lasts much longer. It is great fun though.

Next week we head down to United Congregational Church. Rev. John Lancz will be the preacher and we will all get to check him out. I hope you will join us for the worship and the fellowship.

Cal

What is a missional church?

Last night our Missional Church team met to talk about ways that we could reach out to our community with the love of Christ in tangible ways. Several ideas were put on the table. They ranged from a neighborhood cleanup to distributing tomato plants or potted plants to the residents. We talked about a car wash or giving away hot dogs and soda on July 4th for the fireworks show as as a way to show our hospitality.

The idea is to come up with either one or two large events or several small things that we can do over time to make our presence known in the community. We talked about the fact that the goal of our missional team wasn't straightforward evangelism as we know it. We weren't going out to get people to join the church. Our goal is to get out into the neighborhood to develop relationships with our neighbors and to let them know that we care about our neighborhood and the people who live next door to our church.

The truth is that many people have a different idea about church and religion than we do. They look at us as either judgmental, hypocritical or just plain weird. We want to change the stereotype and let them see that we are just like them. The only difference between us is that we know and love Jesus.

When we gave away the Winter Survival Kits in January we took our first step. Now we want to build on that. If you have any ideas, please share them with us. Our next meeting will be on Monday, March 30th at 7:00 p.m.

Cal

A day of worship, service and praise

Sunday proved to be another great day for our church. Last week we welcomed back our mission team and heard from several of them as they shared a word or two about their experience. The praise team accompanied the choir and sang "Here I am to Worship."

I thought that was a special service but this week was just as nice. I guess it really comes down to the fact that it is good to be in worship with people you know and love. This week the choir sang "Prayer" and my message was about the meaning of the cross. Joshua Zimieski was filling in on the organ for Adele and we had 113 people in worship.

After Church Amanda Duntz and I went over to St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church to help out with the Interfaith Luncheon. Mark Hopkins and a crew from Central Baptist cooked up a batch of hot dogs, beans and assorted goodies for the folks. We had about sixty people for lunch. Patrice Bernier, Mark Salomon, Amanda and I waited tables while Mark, Roger Mainville, Ellie Eccleston and her grandson, Cody, worked in the kitchen. As always, Shirley was in the kitchen helping with the salad and anything else that needed to be done.

It is always very satisfying to know that you are making a small difference by doing something as simple as serving lunch to the hungry.

Later that day Christ Episcopal Church hosted an Open Mic. Steve Contois, Cheryl Dutrumble and Paul Johnson represented our church and got into the fun. Our church is one of three that has hosted the event over the last couple of years. Anyone who sings or plays and instrument can come and share their talents. The rest of us can come and blessed. Stay tuned for the next Open Mic. I'll let you know when and where it will be.


Enjoy these pictures from yesterday's work at the luncheon.

Cal

A New Look in the Nursery

Well I guess I have been AWOL since returning from Mexico. There is no excuse other than I've been running to catch up with a number of things. It was also newsletter week. So I am back and I'll try to be more regular as we head down the stretch through Easter.

I want to update you on one exciting thing that happened today. The gang was at church finishing up the nursery project. The walls have been painted, the room cleaned, the new ceiling and lighting installed and a brand new flat screen tv and VHS/DVD player set up. It looks great.

Thanks to all who helped. The list includes Mark Rogers, Randy Sargent, Nancy Allen, Pete Adams, Steve Contois, Dave Poore and Ray Deptulski. I'll have pictures in the next couple of days.

Recapping the week in Mexico

Now that we are in San Diego, we can begin to look back on our week and reflect on what God was doing. We left for Mexicali last Tuesday. We had our largest group yet as twenty of us made our way to Hartford to catch our plane. The group included Nancy Allen, Patty and Sarah Bober, Michelle Chaffee, Erica Corbet, June Deptulski, Amanda Duntz, Sue Fage, Mark Kane, Ann Kecskes, Lisa Lapointe, Michelle Madsen-Bibeau, Amber Manning, Chad Pfieffer, George Rezendes, Mark Salomon, Stacy Sedotti, Julie and Rob Wagner and me.

We flew through Minneapolis and then on to San Diego. Unbeknownst to Mark Salomon, his son Matt had arranged to join the team and meet us on the west coast. What a surprise! It was especially amusing to see Mark's face because he had just hung up with Matt. He had checked in with him to tell him he had made it to San Diego.

We were shuttled over to the rental car place and after a forty minute wait were told that they didn't have the three vans and the mid-size car that we had reserved. They made some calls and hooked us up with a company that rented 15 passenger vans. So after a little finagling, we picked up two vans and saved about $180. Of course this whole episode put us behind by over two hours. Thankfully everyone was very patient and the ride over the mountains turned out to be very fun. We were all together in two vans and excited about what was ahead.

Rick and Mercy Barnes, our missionary partners, met us at the Carl Jrs restaurant in Calexico and drove us across the border and on to the seminary. We drove through the city in the darkness like we did back in 2007 and this was a little intimidating for the fourteen first time missionaries. Classes were still in session when we arrived at the seminary and the compound was full of life. The program has grown since last year. A few of our old friends were there, Jacob and Israel, as well as Rev. Gregorio Gamboa, the director of the seminary and pastor of the very first church we worked at two years ago. After our orientation with Rick and Mercy, we headed to bed prepared to get up and start our work in Mexicali.

On Wednesday morning we split up the group and half went to Primera Iglesia de Mexicali and half stayed at the seminary. The group that went to Primera worked on some electrical problems, did some landscaping and put together the duct work for the air conditioning system. Mark Kane and Mark Salomon also began putting up the channel for a suspended ceiling.

At the seminary Rob Wagner and George Rezendes worked on some electrical problems and helped get the ladies set up to do some insulation and sheet rock work in the bathrooms. They also painted Carol W's outer wall again.

After a yummy lunch cooked by the chef, Verna, we took a break and rested up before heading off to a church mission site called Felipe Angeles. Some of the members of Primera had opened up their homes for prayer and Bible study in the neighborhood. This was a new ministry. Our job was to assist them in a Vacation Bible School outreach ministry to the neighborhood. We arrived and after a few words of instruction, we went out with members of the church and Sunday School to deliver flyers and invite people to come.

On Thursday morning we decided to take the whole group to Primera. The group went to work and continued the tilling of the ground for a lawn and the preparation of an area that will one day become a room that will serve as nursery for the church. The two Mark's went back to work installing the channel for the ceiling. The concrete walls really proved to be very difficult and it took a lot longer than anticipated.

After another sumptuous lunch, a group headed into downtown Mexicali to buy souvenirs. The big winner was Michelle Chaffee. She came away with some real bargains. I also tested the local food an tried some fried rice at a Chinese restaurant.

That evening we hosted the first night of Bible school and it was a rousing success. Everyone had a good time, including the members of our group. The kids worked on as banner with the theme, Jesus said you are my friends. All the kids put their handprints on it and signed their "nombres." After their Bible study, the kids made badges with their names on them. It was so enjoyable to watch the teachers work with the kids and then see how our group interacted with them. After we got home almost every person commented on how much they loved to see the expressions of joy on the kid's faces.

There was also a significant moment for our group on Thursday. We happened to go by Buen Samaritano, the church we served last year, and ran into Ramon. Since we were there last, the church had added a second story and laid a foundation for a bathroom. Ramon was so pleased to show it to us. A few of the men were sheet rocking the walls upstairs and trying to fix some damages to the ceiling of the sanctuary.

At VBS on Thursday, Michelle and I talked to Rick about the possibility of a few of our folks working with Ramon on Friday and Saturday. We offered them some more money, the money we saved on the rental vans to buy supplies for the work if that would help them.

On Friday morning Rick announced that he had spoken with Alma and Ramon and we could send a group to work with them. So we sent one group there, one to Primera and left a few back at the seminary to finish up. George Rezendes and five ladies went to Buen Samaritano to do sheet rocking, Mark Kane and Mark Salomon took a group to Primera where they mixed cement and laid the concrete slab. Rob Wagner and his girls, Patty, Michelle and Ann, finished up the sheetrocking in the bathrooms, replaced all the showerheads and reframed a few doors.

After lunch on Friday a group went with Rick up the mountain. They stopped in to see a new church planted by a retired minister who had moved to the area. Soon after he arrived, he felt called to begin a church and he did. It was a great experience for all our folks who went up for the ride.

On Saturday we headed off in three directions for our last day of work. Our hope was to see some of the projects finished before we left. One group went to Buen Samaritano, one to Primera and a third group went to the home of the family hosting the VBS. That group was charged with painting the house. We did pretty well. One group even decided to skip the afternoon break and go back to work at Primera to help them finish up and get the church ready for worship on Sunday.

On Saturday night we made or way to Felipe Angeles to close out our three nights of VBS. It was an emotional time for all of us as we watched the kids faces light up. A friend of Michelle Chaffee's, Chris Colter, sent along a ton of stickers and goodies from his "Mad Science" company and they were a big hit. You should have seen the excitement. Even the adults were having fun.

On Sunday morning we dressed up and went to Church at Primera Iglesia. What a difference we saw in the church. The men of the church had worked late in the evening to finish the ceiling and to clean everything up. We went to Sunday School and then stayed for worship. The time flew by. Then we went out to lunch with Pastor Jorge and his family to an authentic Mexican Restaurant. It was great and there was so much food we were bursting at the seems.

On Sunday night we went back for evening worship and they celebrated our ministry with them with a slide show and by including several very familiar songs in English and Spanish. After church there was a banquet in our honor. It was a very special day.

Back at the seminary we met with Rick and Mercy and expressed our appreciation to them for their help in connecting us with these churches in our short term mission trips. There weren't too many dry eyes as we said our good byes. We were blessed even further when Ramon and Alma stopped by to say good bye too. It was like a scene out of an old movie.

And that brings us to today. We left the seminary at 8:45 am and went to the border. It only took about an hour and fifteen minutes to make it across. Then we headed west and came into San Diego. Our group split up with one group going to LA, another going to the Zoo, a few going to see the Midway aircraft carrier, and the last group going to Old Town to shop. We closed out the night by going to Mission Bay where five of us rode the roller coaster and then stepped foot in the Pacific ocean.

Now I haven't even mentioned some of the other special moments like...
a) breakfast by Mark and George
b) prayers offered by different members each day
c) the kitty
d) Patty's birthday
e) ice cream at Dairy Queen
f) power walks and bike rides
g) naranja, platano and donas every day
h) hot showers
i) Cal's taxi
j) Por tu Amor in church
k) Amber and Sarah's service as translators
l) the sharing of the gifts
m) playing "One" with the seminary students
n) Rob's Australian accent
o) "Can you hear me now?" service
p) Altos everywhere
q) New friends and smiles
r) Walmart
s) memories that will last forever.

Tomorrow morning we head home. I can tell you that we will never be the same. Our thanks go to those who supported us with prayer and financial resources. Your efforts made a difference and will be felt in our continuing ministry in Mexicali and at home.

Cal