Litchfield Presbyterian

A Lenten and Easter Message from Pastor Stephen Quinlan

Dear Members and Friends,

At the heart of the Christian religion are two great events: the death of Jesus of Nazareth on a Roman cross and the resurrection of Jesus the Christ three days later. The first of these events is an event of history in the usual sense. It was an event that is verifiable and repeatable; an event of the kind that could be photographed if cameras had existed at the time. The second event, the resurrection of Jesus the Christ, while no less real, is an event of another kind. This event is unique. It is neither verifiable nor repeatable, and occurred beyond the scope of ordinary human vision. Both events are real, which is to say that they actually occurred, however, the death of Jesus of Nazareth occurred in history, while the resurrection of Jesus the Christ occurred outside or “above” history, as we commonly understand it.

It is the historical “aboveness” or transcendence of the resurrection that give the event its transformational quality. It is not merely an event among others, a part of history, but is over and above history and so can change the way we view history. For those who embrace the actuality of the resurrection, this event sits in judgment over history. It is, so to speak, God’s verdict on human history, and gives meaning to all other historical events, including the historical event of the death of Jesus of Nazareth. The resurrection of Jesus the Christ, provides a perspective. It is like a soaring mountain peak that rises above all the ordinary events of time. Rising to this peak with Christ allows believers to view those other events as meaningful. In short, the resurrection of Jesus the Christ provides the interpretive lens through which all other human events, including the events of the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth, and including the events of our own personal histories, can be properly seen. Jesus’ life and death took on their truest meaning only after his resurrection. In the same way, seen through the lens of the resurrection, the events of our lives, occurring as they do in the stream of all historical events, take on their truest meaning. This, of course, is the message of the “stranger” on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-35)

In this Lenten and Easter season, many in our church will be exploring what and how the resurrection of Jesus the Christ means for us. In study and conversation and worship we will consider what this grand event signifies for our lives and for the world in which we live. For instance, if death does not have the last word, what does that mean for the ways in which we live our lives and interact with each other? How does the “aboveness” or transcendence of the resurrection condition or relativize our values? What, for example, does the apostle mean when he writes, “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.”?

I wish you a Lenten and Easter season rich with meaning in the risen Christ.

Pastor Stephen Quinlan

Church Cookbook

The Bicentennial cookbook is finally finished and has been sent to the printers. I want to thank everyone who contributed all those mouth-watering recipes for the cookbook. There is a wide variety of recipes that I’m looking forward to making and taste-testing on my family and friends. In addition to the 158 recipes submitted, we were able to include all 107 recipes of the church cookbook first published in 1953, thanks to the late Erdine MacDougal Kelley, who shared her copy with us so that it could be included in this Bicentennial edition. You will find some unusual recipes from the past, as well as many, many recipes you will want to make for your family and friends. We have Esther Edward’s delicious Whoopie pie recipe, Peter Dobratz’s winning recipe from this year’s “Chili Cook-Off”, my turkey stuffing recipe, Gail Barringer’s world-class fudge recipe and so many, many more. There is something in this cookbook for everyone, not just the delicious recipes, but there are some handy kitchen and household tips as well. I believe that we will have a “best-seller” on our hands, as it will make an excellent gift for family and friends. The cookbook is at the printers at the time of this writing and will be available in church shortly. The cost is $20, which is a bargain if you consider that you’re really getting two cookbooks for the price of one. If you have any questions, please contact me at: 424-9616.

In His Service,
Marge Dabrowski

Congregational Meeting Follow-Up

In response to a number of questions posed at the annual meeting of the congregation on January 25, 2009, the Session has undertaken a review of the church’s budget and invested funds. The Session has approved a revised and re-formatted budget, which is now available at the church or by request from the church office. At its stated meeting on March 4, the Session also met with a financial adviser from Ameriprise Financial, the church’s investment firm. A statement of the church’s current assets is included with the revised budget.

The re-formatted budget includes explanatory notes, and makes clear the sources of anticipated income as well as expected expenses for 2009. The bottom line shows a very slight ($227) anticipated year-end balance of income over expenses. This was achieved by taking several cost-cutting measures.

The church’s account representative from Ameriprise Financial informed the Session that while the market has declined some 55% from its highs in early 2008, the conservative investment strategy employed by the church has helped limit our losses to approximately 29%. Such losses can’t be seen as good news, but our losses could be much worse. Nobody knows how or when the economy is going to recover, but the church’s adviser assures us that our portfolio is structured to take full advantage of a recovery when it comes.

If, after looking at the revised financials, there are remaining questions, please speak to the pastor or any member of the Session.

Deacons’ Report

The Board of Deacons met in Riverside Cottage on February 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM. Present were Deacons Jim Marsden, Matt McQuesten, Phil Durand, and Linda Peeples. Pastor Steve Quinlan opened the meeting with prayer.

After the minutes were accepted, the Treasurer reported a balance of $2725.62 in the Deacon’s account.
A number of prayer and visitation needs were discussed and it was reported that 40 people were served communion in January.

Jim Marsden reported that 32 families received Christmas baskets and gift during the holiday season. It was also reported that 1075 meals were provided through the Food Pantry in December.

Under new business it was noted that preparations are underway for the distribution of Easter food baskets. It was agreed: to stock the food pantry freezer with frozen hotdog packages; to post a new signup sheet for volunteers for Greeters and Ushers for Sunday services; to get the cake for Bicentennial opening services Luncheon Feb 15th; and to move Scouting trophies from church narthex to downstairs. The Deacons also elected officers as follows: Chairperson: Linda Peeples, Secretary: Jim Marsden, Treasurer: Phil Durand.

The next Deacons’ meeting was scheduled for March 2nd at 7:00 PM. Pastor Quinlan closed the meeting with prayer.

Food Pantry

The food pantry continues its service to Litchfield families in need.  We rely on donations from the community to stock our shelves.  We always have a strong need for the following items:

• Pasta sauce
• Kleenex facial tissue
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Canned meat such as chicken or Spam

Items may be dropped off in the box as you walk into church or at the Riverside Cottage during pastor’s office hours (Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. – noon)

New Committees

Over the next few weeks our session will be deliberating on how to setup a committee structure to best serve the needs of the church and community. If you have any suggestions for a committee or if you would like to serve the church in some capacity, please speak to any member of session.

Lenten Bible Study

From 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 each Sunday during Lent, we will be having a special Bible study at the Riverside Cottage across the street from the main church building. We will be discussing the resurrection of Jesus and what that means for us in our daily lives.

Dove Singers

The non-denominational Christian singing group is back for another year of celebration. Join the Dove Singers at one of the following performances:

Saturday, March 14
First Assembly of God
45 Myles Drive, Auburn
483-2272

Sunday, March 15
St. Joseph the Worker
777 W. Hollis St., Nashua
883-0757

Saturday, March 21
Trinity Baptist Church
3 Lund Road, Nashua
883-5764

Sunday, March 22
St. Anthony of Padua
172 Belmont St., Manchester
625-6409

Look for some familiar faces in the choir. For more information, call 603-472-2075 or visit www.dovesingers.org

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Join us on Saturday, March 14 for our annual Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy corned beef and all the fixings. Vegetable peeling starts at noon, so if you’re available to help out, come with a sharp knife and vegetable peeler. Donations will not be turned away.

Take a Hike for Humanity

Area chapters of Habitat for Humanity are getting ready for their annual hike-a-thon fundraiser. Individuals or teams hike up Mt. Monadnock to raise funds to support the dream of homeownership for area families in need. The hike takes place on May 30 and 31, 2009. For more information, see the website www.takeahikeforhumanity.org or email Peter Dobratz at peter.dobratz@nashabitat.org.

Birthdays

Know a friend of the church whose birthday is not listed here?  Let Peter Dobratz know.

March 13: Don Edwards
March 13: Chris Pelonzi
March 22: Mike Couture
April 3: Travis Durand
April 3: Kristel Dobratz
April 5: Peter Dobratz
April 8: Jean Allen
April 15: Christine Marsden
April 17: Mary Ellen Brown
April 17: Sue Harman
April 19: Daphné Valentino
April 27: Maria Dojny
May 6: Wayne Hilson
May 11: Joan Hall
May 13: Lynda Sommer
May 21: Nadine Collins