december, 2016 room to grow, room to serve, room for...
TRANSCRIPT
Brookside Congregational Church, United Church of Christ 2013 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03104-2528
Tel. (603) 669-2807 • Fax (603) 668-9041 Visit Our Web Site: www.brooksidecc.org
December, 2016
Room to Grow, Room to Serve, Room for You An Open and Affirming Congregation
WHAT’S INSIDE
Advent & Christmas, at a Glance
A seasonal summary. page 2
Brookside Runs on Sunday Volunteers
Check the schedules here. page 13
Christmas at the Brook Wrap-up
A resounding success it was! page 9
Church School News ‘n’ Stuff
Keep it all straight! page 4
Deck the Church with Poinsettias
Please order by Dec. 13. page 7
Due Dates, Please Note
12/15 Chron.; 1/4 Ann. Reports page 12
Marlayna’s Musings
Advent: read, prepare, pray. page 3
Read and Prepare for Worship
Worship outline for December. page 12
Rise Up Shepherd and Follow!
Music to enhance the season. page 5
Sharing Our Vitality
Reach out, invite, connect! page ?
‘Tis the Season for Giving
Reach out: ways to help others. page 6
Women’s Union, Thrift Shop
Fun, fellowship, service – do it! page 8
CCAALLLL TTOO SSPPEECCIIAALL MMEEEETTIINNGG Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of the Brookside Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, of Manchester, New Hampshire, will be held in the Sanctuary on Sunday, Decem-ber 11 at 11:30 a.m. The Meeting is called for the Pastoral Search Committee to present a candidate to be Senior Pastor and for a vote of the congrega-tional membership. Debi Rapson, Clerk
…more info, page 3
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December, 2016 2
Advent and Christmas at Brookside
Sunday, Dec. 4 – Advent 2 (Communion Sunday; Loaves & Fishes)
10:00 am – Worship, Advent Candlelighting, Church School
11:30 am – Advent Workshop and Lunch
Friday, Dec. 9
5:30 pm – Tree Decorating in Sanctuary
6:00 pm – Pot Luck Dinner to meet Pastor Candidate (Fellowship Hall)
Saturday, Dec. 10
11:00 am – Women’s Union Christmas Meeting (come decorate at 9:30, if you wish)
2:30-3:30 – Meet and Greet Pastor Candidate, Manning House
Sunday, Dec. 11 – Advent 3
10:00 am – Candidating Sunday; Advent Candlelighting; All ages worship
Saturday, Dec. 17
3:30 pm – Living Nativity: dramatic presentation with live animals, at Stark Park
4:00 pm – Public Caroling with Friends of Stark Park
Sunday, Dec. 18 – Advent 4
10:00 am – Cantata: Shout the Good News!; Advent Candlelighting; Church School
1:15 pm – Carillon (Bells) Prelude & hot cocoa, Outdoors (dress warmly)
2:00 pm – Christmas Concert, “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow”
Saturday, Dec. 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE
4:30 pm – Children’s Christmas Eve Service with pageant, The Christmas Journey;
this service is especially planned with children in mind.
7:00 pm – Traditional Candlelight Service
Sunday, Dec. 25 No worship service at Brookside; you are invited to attend 10 am worship
at First Congregational Church, 508 Union Street, Manchester
Monday, Dec. 26 Building Closed for Christmas Holiday
Sunday, Jan. 1 New Year’s Day 10:00 am – Worship (Communion, Loaves & Fishes)
NO Church School (child care for 5 & under)
Monday, Jan. 2 Building Closed for New Year’s Holiday
~ See page 7 to order Poinsettias for Christmas. ~
December, 2016 3
Marlayna’s Musings
Dear Members and Friends of Brookside—
As I write these words, Advent is fast approaching. (As you read them, Advent
will already be here!) Each year, I swear, it comes faster! And, each year I vow to
be more prepared next year, but that hasn’t happened yet. Oh well. (Those home-
made Advent wreaths I think I’m going to make every year will have to wait – again.)
But one thing I have managed to do – with the support of the Christian Formation Ministry – is order
some beautiful Advent Devotional booklets written by our denomination’s “Still Speaking Writers
Group.” I know some of you have been reading their work for years. If you haven’t read them before –
or even if you have, I invite you to pick up one of these books for the Advent season. There is a one-
page reading and prayer for each day of the Advent Season. The writers offer poignant—and sometimes
humorous – commentary on both Scripture and world events, and clearly show how faith is relevant to
everyday life. I hope you will give them a try! Even if you already have a devotional/prayer resource
you generally use, you might want to “change it up a bit” and try this booklet for a month just to get a
different perspective. (I will put them in the narthex. They have a wolf and a lamb on the cover. You
can’t miss them. Or, if you prefer to receive your devotionals via email, you can sign up to receive simi-
lar year-round devotionals by email on ucc.org.) [Note: The paper copies went fast, and I am trying to
find some more… BUT, for a small fee, you can purchase the "Wolves and Lambs" devotional in "pdf"
form by clicking on this link: www.uccresources.com/products/pdf-wolves-and-lambs-advent-
devotional-2016-pdf-the-stillspeaking-writers-group. If the cost is more than you are able to spend, let
me know, and I can buy it for you. And, if you are not familiar enough with computers to download one
for yourself, let me know, and I can print one off for you!]
And speaking of devotional/prayer time, I also encourage you to continue to keep Brookside – and
the pastoral candidate – in your daily prayers as the church embarks on calling a new pastor. We rejoice
that the Search Committee has been led by God to find a candidate whose gifts and calling match
Brookside’s vision for ministry and growth!
May God be with us all in this Advent/Christmas season as God prepares the way for Brookside to
continue to follow Christ with a new, settled pastor!
Blessings,
Pastor Marlayna
Exciting News: Save the Weekend of December 9-10-11
Our Search Committee has recommended a candidate to be Brookside’s next Pastor!
A letter has been sent to covenant members describing the candidate. The committee will
host a pot luck dinner in Fellowship Hall on Friday, December 9 at 6 pm to meet our
candidate, and a Saturday “meet and greet” in Manning House on December 10 from
2:30-3:30 pm. The service on Sunday, December 11 will be led by the candidate after
which we will take a vote to extend a call. The committee is very, very excited about our
candidate and the future ministry and growth of Brookside! All are encouraged to join us
on these dates.
December, 2016 4
Here’s December’s Church School Lowdown from Fran Hakenson
By now, most of you must know that we have a candidate for our new minister who will be here on
the weekend of December 11th. This has changed some things that we had planned for church school and
intergenerational activities. Let’s take things in order of happening!
December 4:
Church School Workshop on the 4th will be led by Bob Boisvert. We will be focusing on the
Spark Bible version of the Christmas Story with the children reading the story and listening to
the music of the pageant and walking through the pageant that will be presented December 24 at
the 4:30 Service. There will also be a craft and activity sheets for the children. There will be a
rehearsal for all the children in the pageant right after worship in the Sanctuary.
After Worship: Advent Workshop we will be making ornaments for our Christmas tree.
Lunch of soup, hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches will be served right after worship and we
will be making ornaments after lunch. The workshop will go to about 1.
December 9:
5:30 pm Decorating the Christmas Tree, Sanctuary. Having the candidating worship on the
11th means we will not be decorating the tree that morning. So we have moved it to just prior to
the pot luck supper that will introduce the candidate to the congregation. This will be a short ser-
vice where we will talk about the symbols and sing some carols while we place the ornaments on
the tree. This way our tree will be decorated for the Manchester Choral Society’s concerts that
take place at the church that weekend and our Church’s Advent and Christmas services.
6:00 pm Pot Luck Supper, Fellowship Hall, Come meet the candidate for our new minister.
December 10: 2:30 pm “Meet and Greet” with our candidate.
December 11:
10:00 Worship: Candidate Preaching. There will be child care for children 5 and under. We
are hiring people to cover the Nursery for this morning. Children in Grades 1 & 2 that parents
feel could not sit through a whole service will also be welcome in the nursery after the “Time
with God’s Children.” We will have a video for the young children as well as other activities.
Older children are encouraged to remain in worship to hear the candidate, and witness the vote.
There will be no workshop or pageant rehearsal this Sunday.
December 18
Workshop: Preparation for the pageant. Craft and activity sheets for those not in pageant.
After Worship: Dress rehearsal for the pageant.
December 24
Pageant at 4:30 Worship Service. Time for participants to arrive at church will be announced.
December 25: Merry Christmas; no Worship Service
January 1: 10:00 am Worship Service There will no Workshops this Sunday, just Nursery care
for children 5 and under.
Advent Workshop
We will be having an Advent Workshop on December 4 after worship. The youth will
be serving a lunch of soup, hotdogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches. We will be making
ornaments for the sanctuary tree – symbols that represent the four candles on the Advent
Wreath: hope, peace, joy and love. The ornaments will be white and gold and most will be simple
cutting and gluing ornaments. I [Fran] have several models in my office, stop by and see them. This
is a time for the whole church to gather and have some fun making ornaments and eating.
December, 2016 5
Let the Music Lead Us to Christmas
Come one, come all to our annual Christmas concert on Sunday, December 18 at a NEW TIME,
2:00 pm.* This year’s concert is titled “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow” and will feature our beloved
Brookside Choirs as well as special guest the newly formed New Hampshire Brass. We invite you to
travel with us on a musical journey to Bethlehem to see the newborn Christ. As always, the concert is
free and we hope you will bring family and friends with you as we are always pleasantly surprised by
the amount of people who attend that are not from the Brookside family. We also ask you to share the
news of our wonderful concert because a full house is a true blessing to choirs that have worked so hard
to prepare the music for you!! The afternoon’s free-will offering will be earmarked for the purchase of
our beautiful handbells and any donations of non-perishable items will go directly to New Horizons of
Manchester.
*As in recent years, Heath Auger will play a seasonal prelude on the Carillon from 1:15-1:45 pm.
Dress warmly for this outside listening experience (we are told that hot chocolate will be available!).
Save Our Handbells – Hope You Can Help!
We have been given the opportunity to purchase the handbells that we have been
borrowing for the last 3 years!!! The first occasion to contribute will be at our annual
Christmas concert on Dec. 18 at 2:00 pm but donations may be made at any time! We
are looking to raise approximately $10,000 to cover the cost of the bells and new tables
(those have been on loan as well). There will be more info at the concert, so we hope you’ll be there!
Follow-up on Youth Group’s Mission Trip this Summer
Youth Coordinator Ellen Tourigny tells us: “I would like to share with you a letter I received from
Pastor Faye at the Amherst-Aurora Congregational Church, UCC.”
Dear Ellen, Heath and Youth Group,
When you came to visit on Columbus day weekend I was so excited that I forgot to give you this set
of photos from the Work Camp. Geneva the preacher made duplicate sets so that you and the church
could all have them.
Some people who were away during the summer have returned and just marvel at your handiwork at
AAUCC. As you can see from the photos, Paula did a fine job of rehabbing the display box. Work is
scheduled to begin on the roof this week. How cool is that?
Hope all is well with all of you at school and at church. I hope you will share with your congrega-
tion what a credit your teenagers are to Jesus, your church and their families. On All Saints Sundays to
come, all of you will be numbered among the living saints by us at AAUCC; not goody-goodies, but
Christians who walk the walk.
Wishing you an amazing church fair, Advent and Christmas seasons,
Love, Preacher Faye
An Invitation to Youth Group Members, Current and Former
Alumni of the Brookside Youth Groups are invited to join current members for
a New Year's Eve party December 31 starting at 6 o'clock. Snacks will be served,
laughs will be laughed and old connections renewed. RSVP to Ellen Tourigny at
December, 2016 6
Christmas Project – Please Donate Baby Supplies
For Christmas again this year, we are having a church-wide baby shower to help
out Families in Transition and New Horizons for New Hampshire. We are collecting
diapers (size 3 and up) and wipes. Collection spots are in the Narthex and the back
hallway (near the office) – you may place your donations there anytime through
December 18! Monetary donations are also welcomed; Mission will purchase
diapers/wipes with any monetary donations earmarked for the drive. Thank you.
Loaves and Fishes
On the first Sunday of each month Brookside gathers a Loaves and Fishes food
offering to support the work of New Horizons for New Hampshire through their food
distribution center and soup kitchen. Items can be dropped off in the designated boxes
near the church office during the week, or inside the front door on any Sunday morn-
ing. Our next “official” date to receive this monthly offering is December 4.
Head to Heifer Farm for Holiday Happenings
Heifer Farm Holiday Open House and Living Gift Market will take place in Rutland, MA from 10
am to 4 pm the weekends of December 3-4 and 10-11. For more information, visit the Heifer website at
www.heifer.org/farm.
Please Help If You Are Able
For 115 years, the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the
Emergency Fund has been a tangible expression of God’s love. One of the four
Special Mission Offerings of the United Church of Christ, the Christmas Fund
provides UCC congregations and members an opportunity to reach out in lov-
ing compassion, providing assistance to those who have so faithfully served
our Church and who now find themselves facing unexpected financial needs.
In 2015, UCC congregations and members generously contributed $1,528,481 to the Offering. This
enabled the Pension Boards’ Ministerial Assistance program to provide, on behalf of the whole Church,
Pension Supplementation, Health Premium Supplementation, Emergency Grants, and Christmas “Thank
You” Gift Checks to individuals and families in need.
The theme of the 2016 Christmas Fund Offering is “God’s Love Colors Everything,” and our goal is
to raise $1.7 million [all the UCC, not Brookside alone!] to help support these ministries of love and
care. In the spirit of love, we invite and encourage you to prayerfully consider and support this year’s
appeal, and to spread the word so that others will also join in this vital ministry. Special collection enve-
lopes will be in the pews during December; your donations will be very much appreciated. A portion of
the Christmas Eve collection will be going to this charity.
December, 2016 7
Holy Communion
The sacrament of Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, December 4, served by: Scott Milne,
Brian Brady, Kira Morehouse, and Doug Dixon. Assisting will be Denise Forest.
Please note, we use gluten-free bread for Communion, so that those who have a gluten intolerance
may participate fully in the sacrament.
We’re Grateful for these Additions to Our Church Family
Welcome to Joe Nenni, who became a Covenant Member on October 30. We also welcome Con-
firmands Sarah Stantial, Isabelle Strandson, and Laura Tourigny, who joined BCC on November 20.
Baptized on November 13 was Olivia Anne Dellas, daughter of Kierstin Jenkins and Christopher
Dellas.
If you would like to become a covenant member of Brookside Congregational Church (or if you
have questions about what it means to become a member), please speak with Pastor Marlayna (669-
2807, ext. 101 or [email protected]). She will schedule an informational gathering to talk about
what membership means once she hears from folks who might be interested.
Pastor Marlayna is also the person to contact to make arrangements for baptism.
Living Nativity Will Be at Stark Park this Year!
Our "Living Nativity” will be held at Stark Park on Saturday, December 17 at
3:30 pm. Community Christmas caroling at the bandstand follows with the Friends of
Stark Park at 4:00 pm. The location and timing of the event with the community
Christmas caroling will allow us to reach more people with the story of Jesus and
share His love with our community and neighbors. In case you haven’t been able to
attend in previous years, a Living Nativity is the telling of the Christmas story with actors and real ani-
mals recreating the scene in Bethlehem those many years ago. Ancient scriptures will be read and songs
will be sung to bring the story to life. The animals participating in the living nativity are from Miles
Smith Farm in Loudon, NH. The event is free and open to the public. We hope you will come and bring
your friends, neighbors, and family! (Or, if you want to be an actor in the Nativity, sign up in church on
Sunday morning, December 4 or 11!)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Order Poinsettias by December 13, Please The Sanctuary will be decorated with poinsettias on Christmas Eve, December 24. If you
would like to donate a poinsettia, please fill out this form and return it to the church office
by Tuesday, December 13. The cost is $14 each.
I/We _________________________________________________________ wish to donate
______ poinsettia(s) in memory of ____________________________________________
Enclosed is my check for $ ________ (made payable to Brookside Congregational Church).
~ Plants may be taken home after the Christmas Eve 7 pm candlelight service ~
December, 2016 8
Women’s Union to Deck the Halls, Provide Warm Apparel
Women's Union Holiday Luncheon will take place
on Saturday, December 10, 11:00-2:00 in the
Manning House Parlor. Please bring a new, unwrapped adult size gift for us to wrap, to give to
someone less fortunate to stay warm this winter.
Lunch will be prepared by the Women’s Union Executive Committee. We are hoping to be joined
for lunch with Brookside's Pastor Candidate and the Pastoral Search Committee.
Cost: $7.00; please RSVP to Donna Moody, 695-4128.
If you are able, arrive beforehand, 9:30 am, to help decorate the Manning House for the Holidays.
Questions? Call Carole Whitcher at 660-7863.
Brookside Thrift Shop News
NOTE: We will be CLOSED on Saturdays, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.
Deck the halls, we're off the walls... and Brookside Thrift Shop is mighty jolly!
With the coming of Christmas at the Brook, we jumped straight from Halloween
to a festive holiday scene in Brookside Thrift Shop this month. As a result, on fair
day alone, we realized over $1,300 in sales – exceeding our weekly average in one day! We truly were
"off the walls" with the holiday craze. Thankfully our generous volunteers prepared well with replen-
ishment stock and we were staffed to support the lines of people loading our store. It was an incredible
day that brought in many new customers – who discovered us only because they were attending the fair.
We were happy to ride on the coat-tails of that fantastic event!
In addition to the change of seasonal decor, we also introduced a new register this month. It's official
– we are now accepting credit cards at the Brookside Thrift Shop. This decision has been very positively
received by customers. With the introduction of the new register, we expect to realize more higher vol-
ume sales and large item purchases. We currently have some good quality furnishings that are worth
browsing. Come visit the shop and see what's new.
‘Tis the season to donate scarves, gloves, hats, mittens, boots, and coats. This merchandise is cur-
rently flying off the racks. If you've got any of these items looking lonely and hardly touched in your
closets, consider donating them out. We are sure to find them a happy home. With Christmas in our
midst there are a lot toys, games and puzzles being sold – and no matter the season, the inventory that
always moves the fastest is jewelry.
On the Mission front, Brookside Thrift Shop outreach donated over 500 lbs. of goods that were too
worn or damaged for sale. These goods were recycled and turned into cash for a good cause. We earned
$105 that will be donated to a local charitable purpose. We also provided household items, a crib, car
seat and clothing to a local refugee family recently resettled in Manchester. Many people continue to
give through Brookside on behalf of that effort. It is nice to be a channel for giving – and to be recog-
nized as an organization that works to support our local community. Our good prices are not the only
reason people frequent Brookside Thrift Shop. Many of our customers are also donors who believe in
our cause and appreciate our outreach.
That said, our biggest donors are right here at Brookside. In the spirit of Thanksgiving – I am most
thankful for our church community and our incredible group of volunteers. Keep up the good work
Brookside!
Looking forward to seeing you in the store!
Respectfully Submitted Calley Milne, TSOC Chair
December, 2016 9
Men Are Invited to “No Green Bananas”
This group of retired Brookside men meets on the 1st and 3rd
Tuesdays of the month at 9 am at Blake’s Restaurant (Maple &
Webster Streets) to enjoy breakfast and discussion. Join them on
Tuesdays, December 6 & 20 for good food and company. For
more info, call Herb Pence, 624-1287.
2016 Christmas at the Brook
Christmas at the Brook is all wrapped up! Brookside
Congregational Church's own traditional New England
Craft Fair was a success again this year. More than 1,000
people attended the fair, held Saturday, November 12, and
we had nearly 50 vendors participate. The church's thrift
shop also had a great day, making more than what they
normally make in a week – in just one day! With the added
vendors, increased activities and offerings, and tremendous
volunteer support, the event raised somewhere between
$9,000 and $10,000 for the church.
A big thank you to all the volunteers and those that
cooked and baked to donate food for the fair. Special thanks
also go to this year's sponsors of Christmas at the Brook:
Angela's Pasta and Cheese Shop
Bank of New Hampshire
Central Paper
FW Webb
G2P Giuliano Pro Performance
Kanteres Real Estate
MASI Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Pastoral Counseling Services
Pinnacle Mortgage Corp
The Puritan Backroom
Rapson Real Estate
Sir Speedy Printing and Marketing
Jim Trombly Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Thanks also to those organizations that made donations: 26th on Hanover, Abigail's Bakery, A&E
Roastery, Custom Dry Cleaners, Granite State Candy Shoppe, Ignite Bar & Grille, Jacques Flower Shop,
The Kitchen, Michelle's Pastries & Deli.
Need Crutches or a Cane? Keep This in Mind
Brookside’s Medical Equipment Closet is chock full of crutches, canes,
shower chairs, and more, available for use by anyone who needs them. Borrow
for short-term or long-term use, keep as long as you need. The one item we
would like to have returned is the wheel chairs. Stop by or call the office
(669-2807) for more information.
December, 2016 10
Nurse Will Not Be Here on December 8
The Parish Nurse has hours here most Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:30 am in
Room D (but please note the heading above so you don’t waste a trip on that
date). Avail yourself of free nurse consultation, blood pressure checks, and
more. Learn more at www.catholicmedicalcenter.org/community-health/parish-nurse.aspx.
Weather Policy: when Manchester Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Parish Nurse Office
will be closed – and the nurse will not be here.
If You’re Hospitalized…
Remember to call the church office (669-2807) if you want the pastor to know that you’re in the
hospital. Due to federal law, hospitals are not permitted to provide us with this information.
News From the Brookside Workbench
The following projects were completed or in process during the 4th quarter of
2016:
Walk off carpets have been installed in the entryway and central hall in
Manning House. Chair mats have been installed under walk off carpets to
control the movements of the carpets.
Carriage House/Thrift Shop south and east windows were primed and painted by Joe Forest, Bill
Hoysradt and Bob Merrill to help maintain them until professional work can be done on them.
Trees have been planted in playground by Oscar Coronado and staked to provide future shade for
the south side of the carriage house.
Heath removed tree growth in the garden next to the grape vine.
Heath painted the parking lot lines and the window well shields.
Old fence along east side of playground and shed was removed and American Fence Company in-
stalled new fence and gate.
Projects in process – we have contracts and scheduling is in progress for the following, with work to
begin in mid to late November:
Repair the sunroom roof and ceiling in the Manning House.
The work room roof and ceiling in the Manning House.
A new bulkhead for Manning House.
The east entrance to the cottage.
Two windows in Manning House cellar.
New door closers have been purchased for the doors in Fellowship Hall and installation is pending
scheduling with stewardship committee and Heath.
The wall along Elm Street is on hold pending culvert work in the future by the city.
A new dumpster enclosure is being planned.
December, 2016 11
Brian Brady Shares Vitality Team’s Thoughts and “Doings”
We are well into the Holiday season and things are getting busy. While we are trying to manage the
stress on our time we should always keep Christ in our hearts and try our best to bring peace and com-
fort to those around us.
The Brookside vitality team has been busy working to bring our church out into our community so
that we can get to know the people around us. We had a great fall season and I want to share some of the
events we had and share a personal story.
On October 30 the Church had a blessing of the animals in Stark Park. The event was well attended
and had a great response from pet owners. Kim along with the children’s choir provided music and Pas-
tor Marlayna prepared a brief service. We look forward to holding this event again in the future.
On October 31 we set up a table to hand out Halloween candy at the end of the parking lot. The idea
was well received by families. Mike Beaule, Mary Pratt and Kristen Thayer decorated and worked the
candy table, which sparked some enjoyable conversation. The response was great and we look to expand
on this idea next year.
On Tuesday November 8th Pastor Marlayna led a silent prayer walk through our neighborhood. This
is a very important part of a vitality team plan and we hope to have more prayer walks in the future.
Please join us for the next one (December 13th, 4:45 pm – gather in church office). Whether a prayer
walk, social event or a formal event we are all called to help bring our ministry to our mission field.
Please consider your part.
So shortly after school started for the kids, Loretta mentioned to me that she wanted to schedule a
social night with the boys and planned to have them invite a friend and their mothers. She also men-
tioned that she would also schedule a similar event for the girls. I never really gave it more thought at
the time. Since the event with the girls happened with participation across a few different groups I woke
up the next morning with an aha realization that Loretta had successfully planned a couple of great
member-guest events. What made it work is these events all included members of Brookside alongside
friends from school, dance, music, the neighborhood, and work. The events were social and welcoming
and held no expectation than that everyone had a great time. The takeaway here is that planning a mem-
ber-guest event is easy and we should all be having one soon.
Today I want you to think about how you can bring the grace and joy of Brookside vitality to your
life. Is it with prayer? Is it with offering an invite to a formal event or can you organize a member-guest
event of your own? Every bit helps and we appreciate it all.
We are actively seeking new vitality team members. If you are interested in supporting our mission,
please let us know. We meet once a month and come up with ideas that help Brookside grow.
Thank you, Brian Brady
Another Word from Our Vitality Team
We hope that you will consider our Advent/Christmas activities as potential ways to introduce
friends and neighbors to Brookside. Do you have children or grandchildren who like to go Christmas
caroling outside? Bring them with you to our Living Nativity at 3:30 pm. in Stark Park on Saturday, De-
cember 17, which will be followed by Friends of Stark Park Community Christmas Caroling at 4 pm.
Do you have friends who enjoy music? Invite them out to attend our Christmas Concert with you on
Sunday afternoon, December 18, at 2 pm (carillon plays beforehand, 1:15-1:45). Do you have neighbors
who aren’t connected with a church? Invite them to come with you to Christmas Eve services at
Brookside. May this Advent/Christmas season be a time when we deepen our connections with God and
our neighbors.
December, 2016 12
15 15 15 15 Chronicle Deadline 15 15 15 15
Please submit all items for the January (yikes!) Chronicle by Thursday, December 15. You can
deliver them in person, send them by mail, or e-mail them to: [email protected]. Thank you.
Due Date for Annual Reports Covering 2016
Please submit all Annual Reports by January 4 at the latest (if via email, send as a
Word document to [email protected]) – but, the sooner, the better! Financial
reports should be submitted as soon as the data is available. This timeframe is neces-
sary to have the booklet ready by January 13. The Annual Meeting is scheduled for
Sunday, January 22, immediately following worship.
Help Celebrate a Milestone
Please join us to celebrate Fran Hakenson's 80th birthday after worship on Sunday,
January 1, in the Manning House. No presents, please. A light lunch will be served. If you
are able to join us, please RSVP to Sarah Duffley in person or at [email protected]
by December 27.
Sunday Scripture and Worship Themes
Each issue of the Chronicle features monthly Bible readings. Here is what
is planned for December; read passages ahead of time if you wish to have a
head start on that Sunday’s theme!
December 4 – ADVENT 2; COMMUNION – Isaiah 40:1-5; Mark 1:1-8. ~ “Preparing the Way”
Sermon will be based on the Gospel reading and explore the question of how do we “prepare the
way of the Lord” in our lives. December 11 – ADVENT 3; PASTORAL CANDIDATE PREACHES – Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 1:26-38.
~ “Pregnant with Possibilities.”
A special meeting will be held after worship to vote on the Search Committee’s recommendation. December 18 – ADVENT 4 – Isaiah 7:10-16; Matthew 1:18-25.
~ Cantata presented by the Chancel Choir: Shout the Good News! December 25 – CHRISTMAS DAY – Lectionary Readings are: Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-14 (15-20).
As we will have worshipped the night before, we will not hold a worship service at Brookside on
Christmas Day. You are invited to join worshippers at First Congregational Church, 508 Union
Street in Manchester, at 10 am.
December, 2016 13
USHERS
December 4 December 11 Bob Merrill Bruce Richards Sarah Merrill Joe Nenni Richard Rodman Sally Sederquist David Gates Virginia Mabie December 18 December 24, Xmas Eve Herb Pence Deacons Usher Tricia Lucas for both Services, Jeff Rapson 4:30 and 7:00 pm Don Waldrupe
NURSERY/CRIB ROOM
December 4 December 11 Abby & Katy Easterly Laura Schneider
December 18 December 25 Sandy Mun — —
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The objective of The Brookside Chronicle
is to disperse church news; inspire people to
a new awareness; and interpret the ministry
of our church. We will be faithful to the truth,
honest and caring, and strive for accuracy.
The Chronicle staff appreciates and wel-
comes input from all organizations, ministry
groups, officers, members and friends of
Brookside Congregational Church. We re-
serve the right to edit, cut or leave out articles
according to available space, timeliness and
priority.
DEACONS OF THE WEEK
December 4 December 11 Scott Milne Denise Forest Brian Brady Scott Milne
December 18 December 25 Scott Milne (No Worship Service)
Kira Morehouse
ACOLYTES
December 4 December 11 Julia Falco Abel Firman
December 18 December 24, Xmas Eve
Jeremiah Medina Sienna Milne
READERS
December 4 December 11 Denise Forest
December 18 December 25 — —
Fellowship Hour Clean-up
Thank you to the following, who will clean
up after Fellowship Hour this month:
12/4: Bruce Richards
12/11: Peter Garrell
12/18: Sue Sipsey
Thanks, Volunteers!!!
December, 2016 14
Monthly Financial Check-up
Any questions regarding the detail of the
treasurer's report below may be directed to
Dale Trombley at 491-3491, or e-mail her at
TREASURER'S REPORT
For the period ending October 31, 2016
Actual vs. Budget
Month Actual Budget Var.
Total Income 27,773 23,378 4,395
Total Expenses 20,446 24,755 4,309
Net Gain (Loss) 7,327 1,377 8,704
Year-to-date Actual Budget Var.
Total Income 252,533 255,645 (3,112)
Total Expenses 278,730 289,011 10,281
Net Gain (Loss) (26,197) (33,366) (7,169)
Actual Budget Var.
Total YTD Pledges
118,464 119,900 (1,436)
Brookside Congregational Church United Church of Christ
2013 Elm Street Manchester, NH 03104
Telephone (603) 669-2807 Fax (603) 668-9041
Web Site: www.brooksidecc.org
Sunday Worship & Church School: 10 am
Church Office Hours: Monday – Thursday,
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Rev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt, Interim Pastor
Office Hours: Wed., 10:30-Noon, in Office
Thurs., 3:30-5:00 at Bridge Café
(Monday is the Pastor’s Day Off)
Office tel. 669-2807 x 101;
Emergency tel. 978-807-8310
email: [email protected]
Note: Pastor Marlayna is in Manchester each
week Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday; she is
available by appointment if above office hours
do not fit with your schedule.
Help Keep Brookside in Good Financial Health
If you have not yet made a 2017 pledge to Brookside, please consider doing so. Pledge certificates
are available in the Narthex, the church office, or online at the Giving tab at www.brooksidecc.org.
Thanks to all who have pledged and we hope YOU are – or will be – among that group.
Faithful Stewards Corner
Our thanks to:
Tom Wright and Michael Beaule, for helping Heath install the sanctuary and chapel
storm windows.
Michael Beaule, Mary Pratt, and Kristen Thayer, for handing out treats at Brookside’s
first-ever Halloween Trick-or-Treat table.
Becky Boisvert and Lisa Brock (as co-chairs of Christmas at the Brook), along with the
many people who helped in so many ways, for a fantastic fair!
The Deacons, for decorating the Sanctuary.
If any ministry member has someone to mention for the “Faithful Stewards Corner,” send their
names to the church office by the 15th of each month for the Chronicle.
BROOKSIDE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (Dec. 2016) 2013 ELM STREET, MANCHESTER, NH 03104-2528 ~ (603) 669-2807
FAX: (603) 668-9041; WEB SITE: WWW.BROOKSIDECC.ORG OFFICERS, MINISTRY GROUPS AND STAFF MEMBERS (Chairs bold underlined; CM denotes Council Members)
Moderator
Sarah Duffley CM Treasurer
Dale Trombley CM Clerk
Debi Rapson CM
Members at Large
Anne Lachance CM Calley Milne CM
Pastoral Search Committee
Loretta Brady Doug Dixon Sis Dunn Bob Merrill Scott Milne Claire Tourigny Dale Trombley Mark Watts, Chaplain Church Delegates
Jean Dickson Doug Dixon Susan Walker
Stewardship
Oscar Coronado Bob Falco Bill Hoysradt CM
Tricia Lucas Bob Merrill CM Jeff Rapson Christian Formation
George Abbott Brian Brady CM Doug Dixon Denise Forest Scott Milne Kira Morehouse Mary Pratt Ellen Tourigny CM Mission
Gail Goodman CM Elaine Knight Jennifer Trecartin CM Susan Walker Cindy Watts
Calley Milne, Thrift Shop Rep.
Jean Dickson, Women’s Union Rep.
Called to Care Coordinator
Sarah Duffley
Human Resources
Dave Migliori Calley Milne
Historian/Librarian
Sarah Merrill
Trustee to Elliot
Joseph Lachance
Ambassador for Horton Center
Doug Dixon
GSOP Rep.
Elaine Knight Susan Walker
Prayer Shawl Ministry Coordinator
Fran Hakenson
Thrift Shop Operating
Paula Curry Sis Dunn Gail Goodman Bill Hoysradt Calley Milne Sally Sederquist
Women’s Union Executive Committee
Jean Dickson, Treasurer/Secretary Sis Dunn, Assistant Treasurer
Sally Sederquist Carole Whitcher
Sexton
Heath Auger voice mail #105
Interim Pastor
Rev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt CM voice mail #101
Minister of Music
Kim Whitehead voice mail #108
Church School Coordinator
Rev. Fran Hakenson voice mail #104
Youth Coordinator Ellen Tourigny
Parish Administrator
Vicky Wisner voice mail #100
Admin. Assistant
Nicole Grinnell voice mail #103
~ ~ Thank you for serving your church! ~ ~
December, 2016 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Note: Generally, only church-related activities are listed here; however, be aware that many outside groups use space in our facility on a regular basis, as well. Be sure to check the full calendar online before assuming a space is free.
1 2 3 9 am – 1 pm 9 am – 1 pm 9 am – 1 pm
Thrift Shop Thrift Shop Thrift Shop
10:00 am
Parish Nurse
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9:00 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal Pastor’s Day Off 9:00 am No Green 9 am – 1 pm 9 am – 1 pm 9 am – 1 pm
10:00 am Worship – Advent 2 (PDO) Bananas Group Noon-4 pm Thrift Shop Thrift Shop Thrift Shop
(Communion; Loaves & Fishes) Thrift Shop NO Nurse Today
11:15 am Visitation Ministry 5:30 pm Decorate 11-2 Women’s
11:15 am Advent Workshop & Lunch 6:00 pm Sanctuary Tree Union
11:30 am Junior Choir Rehearsal 6:45 pm Interfaith Handbell Choir 6:00 pm Pot Luck 2:30-3:30 Meet &
11:30 am Stewardship Ministry Women of NH at 7:30 pm Dinner with Pastoral Greet Pastoral
First Cong. Church Chancel Choir Candidate Candidate
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9:00 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal (PDO) 9-1 Thrift Shop 9 am – 1 pm 9 am – 1 pm
10:00 am Worship – Advent 3 Noon-4 pm 10:00 Parish Nurse Thrift Shop Thrift Shop
Pastoral Candidate Preaches Thrift Shop
11:30 am Special Meeting re: New Pastor 4:45 pm Prayer Walk CHRONICLE 3:30 pm Living
6:00 pm 6:00 pm DEADLINE Nativity, Stark Park
Mission Ministry Handbell Choir 4:00 Public Caroling
6:30 pm 7:30 pm at Stark Park
Christian Formation Chancel Choir
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 9:00 am Chancel Choir Rehearsal (PDO) 9:00 am No Green 9 am – 1 pm 9 am – 1 pm
10:00 am Worship – Advent 4; Cantata Bananas Group Noon-4 pm Thrift Shop Thrift Shop Thrift Shop Closed
11:30 am Junior Choir Rehearsal Thrift Shop 10:00 am Today
1:15 pm Carillon Prelude Parish Nurse
2:00 pm Christmas Concert 6:00 pm 4:30 pm Children’s
Handbell Choir Xmas Eve service
6:30 pm Council 7:30 pm 7:00 pm Candlelight
of Ministries Chancel Choir Xmas Eve Service
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 (No worship today; attend First Cong. (Building Closed) 9 am – 1 pm 9 am – 1 pm
Church, 508 Union St.) Noon-4 pm Thrift Shop Thrift Shop Thrift Shop Closed
Thrift Shop 10:00 am Today
Parish Nurse
6:00 pm Youth
Group Alumni
Party