Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all! May the Lord's Blessings be upon you and your family this New Year.

New Telephone Lists Now Available

The updated telephone and address listings are available at the back of the sanctuary, so please pick one up one morning as you pass by!

Volunteers Needed for Coffee Hour and Snow Duty

We are looking for volunteers to host our regular Sunday morning coffee hour. If you are interested, please speak to a Deacon.

We are also looking for volunteers to shovel snow this winter. Please call the office at 895-2362 if you can help out, and we will make sure that the shovels and sand buckets are available.

Thanks a lot for your help! You keep us going and strong!

Dove Singers Rehearsals to Begin January 3rd.

The Dove Singers is a Christian ministry, dedicated to presenting the Word of God through music, drama, and dance. This year, they are doing "Forever Triumphant: We Worship the Christ of Calvary", by Randy Cader and Jay Rouse. The scheduled performance dates are March 19th and 20th, and March 26th and 27th.

Rehearsals begin Monday, January 3 through Monday March 21. Rehearsals will be at First Assembly of God Church, Auburn, NH. Times are from 7:00-9:30 PM.

If you are interested, or want more information, please see their website at

http://dovesingers.org/

Penguin Plunge!

The Penguin Plunge is on Super Bowl Sunday! This is a great fund-raiser for Special Olympics of New Hampshire. Our own Bob MacLaren will be taking the plunge again this year, along with Darcy and Andrew. If you would like to make a donation, please write out your checks to SONH (Special Olympics of New Hampshire) and give it to Bob. Help Bob make a successful plunge for SONH!

http://www.sonh.org/

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Come and join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Our service is filled with beautiful music, favorite hymns, glowing candles, and a moving Christmas message that will bring the joy of the season to your heart. Come join us and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus!

Youth Group to Ring the Bells on Christmas Eve

Many thanks to our Youth Group for their beautiful music during our December 19th service! They sounded wonderful, and filled the church with the lovely sounds of Christmas carols and bells. The Youth Group will also be singing and ringing during the Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 24th, 2010. Come and enjoy Christmas with them!

Sunday School Holiday Break

There will be no Sunday School on December 26th and January 2nd. Enjoy the Christmas Season! See you again in the new year on January 9th!

Christmas Memorial Flowers

Thank you to everyone who has placed Christmas Memorial Flowers this year. The vibrant poinsettias are a beautiful memorial to loved ones we will always remember.

Many thanks to Lowe's in Epping, who provided the beautiful poinsettias that decorate our church. They are lovely!

Christmas Baskets!

The Deacons are collecting non-perishables for our Christmas Baskets this year! We will be providing food baskets to 10 families in the area in conjunction with the Rockingham County Community Action. Please donate non-perishables (in the box at the rear of the sanctuary) or a monetary donation for the perishables (to a Deacon). The baskets will be distributed on December 22nd. Thank you for your generosity!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Come and join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Our service is filled with beautiful music, glowing candles, and a moving Christmas message that will bring the joy of the season to your heart. Come join us and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus!

Newsletter Deadline

Newsletter items for January and February 2010 are due by the 29th of December. Please leave items in the secretary's mailbox outside of the church office or email them to Jodi. Thanks!

Youth Group to Ring the Bells on Sunday, December 19th

Our Youth Group will be providing special music during the service on Sunday, December 19th. They will be singing favorite Christmas carols and ringing the beautiful hand bells that we all love. Come and hear them sing and ring!

Christmas Carolling a Big Success!

We went on our annual Christmas Carolling with the Youth Group and members of the congregation on the 5th of December, and it was a big success! We visited eight households of house-bound friends, bringing lovely music and good cheer to all. We also rang the lovely brass bells, which added to the lovely music. After we returned, we had our traditional birthday cake for Jesus. What a great way to share the good cheer and say "Merry Christmas"!

Christmas Basket Collection Going On

We are collecting non-perishable food for the Christmas baskets that will given to those in need in our church family and in our community. Please leave your items in the collection boxes that are located in the back of the sanctuary. The baskets will be put together and distributed by the Deacons on December 22nd. Thank you for your generosity; your gift will enable others to have a Merry Christmas and to feel God's Love on earth.

Thank You for a Wonderful Concert!

Many thanks to Darcy and Andrew MacLaren for their beautiful music in the concert last Friday night, and to the children of the church and the church choir for joining them in song. The concert raised over $650 towards the repair of the organ! Thanks to Barbara and Ginny for their lovely remarks. Many thanks also to all the people who baked goodies for the reception that followed the concert. They were delicious and enjoyed by all! And finally, thanks to everyone who prepared and cleaned up. We appreciate all that you do for our church.

Christmas Memorial Flowers

The deadline to have your name put on the Memorial Flower List is December 15th. This list will be in the December 19th bulletin and also in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Please either let Jodi know or call the church office (895-2362) and leave a message on the answering machine. All poinsettias will need to be taken home with you after the Christmas Eve service. Thanks!

Thank You!

A big "thank you" goes out to Lois and George, Barbara, Elayne, Jodi, Ginny and the special decorator Emberlyn (Ginny's granddaughter) for helping to "Deck the Halls" for the holiday season. We all appreciate your time and effort, and the church looks beautiful!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

We are having our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 24th. Come join us for this beautiful service celebrating the birth of our Lord!

Concert and Carol Sing on Friday, December 3rd

We will be hosting a Concert and Carol Sing in celebration of Christmas featuring Andrew and Darcy MacLaren on Friday, December 3rd at 7:00 pm. Refreshments will be served, and an offering will be taken to help defray the costs of the restoration work on the church's antique pipe organ. Please come and join us for this celebration of Christmas! Call 895-2362 for more information.

Christmas Carolling with the Youth Group

Our annual Christmas Carolling with the Youth Group will be on Sunday, December 5th! We will be visiting eight households this year, and as always, we will be ringing the beautiful set of brass hand bells as we sing our carols, so we will be a bell choir as well as carollers! After we return to the church, we will have refreshments and a birthday cake for Jesus. We are leaving the church at 1:00 p.m., so dress warmly and come carolling with us!

Women's Group Social

While the Men's Group is out on Saturday, the Women's Group is going to have a social event and go to the movies. Call 895-2362 for more information or talk to a member of the Women's Group if you want to join us!

New Bible Study for the Men's Group

The Men's Group has finished their present bible study, and will be starting a new one next Saturday (December 4th). There will be a trip to the bookstore to pick out a book and topic for the bible study, after the usual breakfast in the morning. Come and spend the day with the Men's Group!

Deck the Halls!

On Tuesday, Nov. 30th at 1 PM, the ladies will be "Decking the halls" for
the holiday season. The holiday music will be playing and there will be coffee and refreshments (with the help of Hannaford!) to add to the holiday cheer! We have trees, wreaths and garlands to be hung and decorated. So, come and deck the halls and decorate the church with us!

Youth Group Singing at RCNH on Sunday

Our Youth Group is singing at the Rockingham County Nursing Home's afternoon service at 2:00 p.m. this Sunday, November 28th. All are invited to come and sing with the Youth Group and ring the lovely hand bells that we will be bringing with us. We are leaving the church as a group at 1:30 p.m., so see you there!

New Nursery Available During the Worship Service

We have started up our nursery during the worship service again! Start the first Sunday in December, we will have a nursery available every Sunday morning, complete with toys and Veggie Tales. We are looking for volunteers to staff the nursery, so if you are interested, please speak to Kathy.

Concert and Carol Sing on Friday, December 3rd

We will be hosting a Concert and Carol Sing in celebration of Christmas featuring Andrew and Darcy MacLaren on Friday, December 3rd at 7:00 pm. Refreshments will be served, and an offering will be taken to help defray the costs of the restoration work on the church's antique pipe organ. Please come and join us for this celebration of Christmas! Call 895-2362 for more information.

Come Join the Adult Bible Study on Sunday Morning

Our Adult Bible Study meets every Sunday morning at 9:00 A.M. in the church parlour. The topic of study is currently "Christian Beliefs", with the study led by Rev. Ginny, and the discussion shared by all. Come join us and learn more about your faith!

Ladies Afternoon, November 27th

The ladies of the church will be meeting on the last Saturday of November for coffee, tea, crafts, and fellowship in the social hall. Come share in the company and conversation! For more information, call the church office at 895-2362.

Thanksgiving Baskets

Don't forget! The collection for our annual Thanksgiving baskets is going on right now! Please bring any non-perishable items and put them in the collection box at the rear of the sanctuary. If you would like to make a donation for the perishables for the Thanksgiving baskets, please see one of the Deacons. These baskets will be distributed to those in need in our community on Sunday, November 21st. Thank you for your donation for those in need in our town.

Please Help Us Fill the Box for Haiti!

Please help us to fill the box! Our mission box to the Schmidt family in Haiti still has room in it for more supplies. There is a list on the front of the box with their needs and the needs of their Shiloh Home for orphaned children. Their latest newsletter is available here:

http://harvestinternational.org/tomschmidt.html#101101

Thank you for your donations to this worthy cause to help these children.

Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 14

Don't forget that the Annual Meeting in on Sunday, November 14th! There will be a potluck lunch after the morning church service, and the meeting will follow. The theme of the potluck will be a "Harvest Dinner", so sign up on the sheet at the back of the sanctuary to bring a particular part of this traditional New England Thanksgiving feast to share. All are encouraged to attend and be a part of the governance of our church.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is a program of Samaritan's Purse, the ministry founded by Franklin Graham. Packing a shoebox with items from the gift selection list is a great way to make a difference in a child's life. Watch for instructional leaflets at the back of the church. These cover all the details of how to take part in this project. Go online to www.samaritanspurse.org or call 1-800-353-5949 to find the nearest drop off center, track the destination of your box, and view project videos, photos, stories, and more! The 2010 National Collection Week is November 15-22.

October Newsletter From the Schmidts

The October Newsletter from the Schmidt Family is available here:

http://harvestinternational.org/tomschmidt.html#101001

They have posted photographs of the new buildings and arriving supplies!

Thanksgiving Baskets

Soon we will start collecting non-perishable food for our annual Thanksgiving baskets that we put together for those in need in our community. Our church has worked with Raymond Community Action to reach out to those in need. If you would like to donate food for this cause, please put it into the collection box at the rear of the sanctuary. If you would like to donate money for the perishables that we will buy for the baskets, please write out a check marked with "Thanksgiving Baskets" on it. The baskets will be distributed on Sunday, November 21st. Thank you for your donation to help the people of our town!

Ladies Afternoon

Ladies Afternoon, starting October 30th at noon: all ladies 18 and older are invited to a get-together at the church in the social hall. Many ladies will bring crafts to do, but you are welcome to come and share in the conversation and company of the ladies in our church. You don't have to stay the whole time, come when you can and leave when you want to. For more information, call the church office at 895-2362.

Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 14

The Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 14th. There will be a potluck "Harvest Dinner" to share after the morning service, and then the meeting will commence. If you plan to attend, please bring a dish to share. All are encouraged to attend and be a part of the governance of our church.

Mission Box for the Schmidts Still Has Room!

Please help us fill the box! Our mission box to the Schmidt family in Haiti has room in it for more supplies. You will find a list on the front of the box with their needs and the needs for their "Shiloh Home" for orphaned children. You can also find their latest newsletter hanging on the wall at the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your donations to this worthy cause!

Coffee Hour Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to host our coffee hour after the morning worship service. Please speak to a Deacon about hosting one if you are interested.

September Newsletter from the Schmidts

The September Newsletter from the Schmidt Family is available here:

http://harvestinternational.org/tomschmidt.html#100901

They mention the churches who have donated the quilts, sheets, and pillows! Let's keep up the good work!

Youth Group

The Youth Group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the church. They enjoy all sorts of fun activities together (games, crafts, cooking, bowling, music) while they learn about God's Love. They also reach out to our community assembling Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets for Raymond Community Action and visiting the Rockingham County Nursing Home. Come to a meeting and find out more about us and God's Love for us!

Men's Breakfast and Bible Study

The Men's Group has a breakfast and Bible study every Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m. at the church. This is a great time of fellowship, study, and cooking, so come and be a part of it!

Pastoral Office Hours

The pastor's office has been revitalized, and Ginny is there every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Please feel free to stop on in, or give her a call on her cell phone.

Choir Rehearsal Has Started Up Again!

Now that Fall is here again, choir rehearsal has started up! The choir meets at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays in the sanctuary. If you would like to join the choir, please let Barbara or Geneva know of your interest!

Supplies sent to Haiti; Let's continue our support!

Our church has sent the donated supplies to Tom and Ginger Schmidt, who are serving in Haiti for the ministry of Harvest International. In all, ten pillows, ten cotton twin sheet sets, and ten quilts were sent for their children's home, named Shiloh Children's Home. It is wonderful that we can help them and these children in this way.

We will continue to help them by sending the much needed items listed below. Please look at the list, and if you feel called to donate something, please bring it to the church and leave it in the boxes marked for the Schmidts, located in the parlour. Their newsletter contains updates on how their ministry is going.

Much Needed Items:

• Medical Supplies (betadine, providine, benadryl, triple antibiotic, burn cream, bandages, vitamins, pain relievers, antacid, decongestant, sinus pills, etc.)
• Bibles (in Creole, send money specified for this to Harvest International and they will purchase)
• Clothing
• Food
• School Supplies
  

The Schmidt's Newsletter
http://harvestinternational.org/tomschmidt.html#100801


Harvest International's Third Quarter Newsletter
http://harvestinternational.org/newsletters.html#HI-3Q2010


Many thanks to all who have supported this family in prayer and donations.

Congratulations!

We have had two young couples in our church who have gotten married this month! Congratulations to Cassie and Justin, and to Cari and Nick! Best wishes to you all!

The Nominating Committee is Seeking Volunteers

It's that time of year again! The time when the Nominating Ministry starts looking for people to serve on the various boards and Ministries in the Church. Some people have already been asked, and many others will be asking in the coming weeks.

Recently during the Sunday Morning worship service, we sang the hymn Spirit of the Living God. In this song, which is actually a prayer, we asked for God's Spirit to fall on us, wash over us, lead us, and use us for His service.

We ask that you start praying now that God will show you where He wants you in His Church. Then, when you feel Him calling, speak to the Nominating Ministry about serving where you feel God calling you.

October Newsletter Deadline

Don't forget that the deadline for the October newsletter is Wednesday, September 15th! If you have a news item from your committee or something that you would like to share, please either email your item to Jodi, or leave it in the secretary's mailbox outside the church office.

Cooking to Share Coordinator Needed

Our Cooking to Share ministry is one that been willing and available to cook for families when they are sick, undergoing surgery or treatments, or just need a little extra help. This ministry has provided countless meals and prayer over several years now.

At this time, we need a new coordinator to organize our cooks when needs arise. The list of available cooks and their email addresses is available in the care of our secretary, Jodi. If this sounds like a ministry God is tugging at your heart to be a part of, contact Jodi.

Keep on cookin'!

Adult Bible Study Meets on Sundays at 9:00 A.M.

Our adult bible study meets on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the church parlour. The study topic (or topics) will be determined from what the participants are interested in studying this fall, so let Ginny know if you have something you are particularly interested in focusing on. See you there!

Sunday School Rally Day is September 12th at 9:00 A.M.

The Christian Education Ministry has begun planning the new Sunday School year. As well as many things we have done in the past, we are also planning some new things. If you or someone you know have any questions, you can call the church at 895-2362 or speak to the members of the Christian Education Committee. There are classes for all ages from 4 years old through to an adult class. In addition, there is always room for anyone who feels led to help with the Sunday School program.

Memorial Service by the Raymond School District's Music Department

The Raymond School District's Music Department is having a memorial service on Saturday, September 11 at 7:00 pm at Raymond High School. They would love to have you join them, so mark your calendars!

The Schmidt's Ministry in Haiti

Barbara has this message about the ministry of Tom and Ginger Schmidt in Haiti. Please help out in any way that you can.

Dear Friends and Family,

As you know, Tom and Ginger Schmidt and their children have sold
their home in Florida and moved to Haiti to serve God by building
Shiloh Children's Home, a permanent loving Christian home and
rehabilitative school for orphans who have lost limbs in
the devastation of the recent earthquake. Their needs are many and we
are hoping to be able to collect some much needed items to ship to
Harvest International Inc. in Florida, the Schmidt's sponsor
organization. From there, the goods will be shipped to Haiti.
The needs for right now are school supplies, twin sheet sets and
light-weight quilts. The sheets and quilts should be cotton. I know
there are some good sales on these items if we shop around. Items
should be washed first to soften them.

School supplies needed: Updated world globe and map, pens,
pencils, notebooks, scissors, glue, etc.

If you can help, please bring the item to church on Sunday or drop
off at my house so that we can get a box off by UPS within the next
week.

God bless you as you bless these children,
Barbara

You can read their newsletters here:

http://harvestinternational.org/tomschmidt.html

Morning Worship Service back to Regular Schedule and Sunday School Starts on Sunday, September 12

Sunday School will start again on Sunday, September 12 at 9:00 am. We will hold classes for the children, as well as an adult class led by Ginny. The morning worship service will go back to our usual time, starting at 10:30 am. So, mark your calendars and join us!

Church Council Meeting on August 8th

Our next Church Council Meeting is on Sunday, August 8th. The Deacons will be hosting a potluck luncheon after the worship service, with the meeting beginning directly after the potluck. Please bring a dish to share at the potluck and attend the meeting. See you there!

Thanks to Everyone!

Thanks to everyone who came and helped out at our Chicken Barbecue! We were blessed with perfect weather, great food, and a sold-out crowd. It was a resounding success. Thanks again for your help and support!

Annual Chicken Barbecue This Weekend

Don't forget that our annual Chicken Barbecue is this Saturday! Come and be part of the fun, companionship, and good food!

Volunteers Needed for the Annual Chicken Barbecue

Our 54th Annual Chicken Barbecue is on July 31st, and we are in need of volunteers for before, during, and after the actual serving of the chicken. We are also in need of pies and desserts to be served that day. Here is an excellent opportunity to show off your baking skills! There is a signup sheet at the back of the sanctuary; please sign up!

Ice Cream Social!

Don't forget the ice cream social after the church service on Saturday, July 3rd! The service starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the ice cream social.

Service on Fourth of July Weekend

The Raymond Independence Day Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 4th, with activities to follow on the common, making it difficult for us to have our morning service at the usual time. Instead, we will have our weekly worship service on Saturday, July 3rd at 6:30 p.m., with an ice cream social following the service. Please come and enjoy the service and the ice cream social!

July 4th Celebration

Just a reminder: the Town of Raymond's annual July 4th parade will begin at 9:30 a.m., and will be followed by festivities on the town common.

Annual Chicken Barbecue

Our annual Chicken Barbecue will be on Saturday, July 31st at 5:00 p.m. this year! We are looking for volunteers to help with the day's activities, along with some bakers who can provide us with home-made desserts for that day. If you can bake a dessert for the barbecue or volunteer during the day, please sign up on the sign-up sheet at the back of the sanctuary.

Tickets will be available shortly for purchase! See Tony D'Iorio for more details.

Summer Service Schedule Starts on June 6th!

We will be switching to our summer schedule for the Sunday morning worship service on June 6th this year. Starting that Sunday, the morning service will start at 10:00 a.m. (Sunday School is on summer break until the Fall).

Annual CCCC's Family Conference

The 62nd Annual CCCC's Family Conference is in Springfield, Mass. on July 26 - 29, 2010. Registration information is available to those who are interested at the back of the sanctuary or online at the CCCC's website at http://www.ccccusa.com/.

Service Time Change on Memorial Day

On Sunday, May 30th, the morning worship service will begin at 9:00 a.m., because the Memorial Day Town Parade will be at 10:00 a.m. this year. Please make this in your calendars!

Children's Sunday

Sunday, May 23rd is Children's Sunday. The children of our church will be leading the morning worship service, performing some special music, and receiving their Sunday School awards. Please take some time to let our young members know how much we appreciate them!

Church Council Meeting on May 19th

Our next Church Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the church. There will be a potluck dinner before the meeting starting at 6:00 p.m., so please bring a dish to share at the meeting.

Annual Memorial Service at the Rockingham County Nursing Home

Our pastor, Ginny Slawnwhite, will be holding the Annual Memorial Service at the Rockingham County Nursing Home to remember and honor the residents who have passed on during the past year. This year the service will be held on Saturday, May 15th from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the nursing home. Each year the music has been provided by a different community group, and this year our own church choir will be singing, accompanied by Barbara MacLaren. The service is open to the public, and everyone is invited to attend.

Change to Summer Hours Coming Up Soon!

The change to our summer hours for the Sunday morning worship service is coming up soon! Starting on Sunday, June 6th, the morning worship service will start at 10:00 a.m., so mark your calendars!

National Day of Prayer on May 6th

The National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 6th. There will be a service on the Raymond Town Common at noon, with area pastors participating, including Ginny. Raymond Baptist Church will also be having a prayer service that evening at 7 p.m.; all are invited to attend.

The Church Mourns the Passing of Ruth Griffin

The church mourns the passing of Ruth Griffin, one of our members for many years. She passed away on April 29, 2010, at Windham Terrace at the age of 94 after living a long and full life. To send a condolence message, please visit www.peabodyfuneralhome.com.

Ruth's Obituary in the Union Leader:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/unionleader/obituary.aspx?n=ruth-a-griffin&pid=142391127

Thanks to the Youth Group!

Many thanks to our talented Youth Group for running the Sunday worship service on April 11th and presenting their Easter play. Their hard work paid off in a wonderful performance that enriched the lives of our congregation!

Holy Week Services

Holy Week Services

Sunday, March 28	10:30 a.m.	Palm Sunday	Palms will be distributed to the congregation
Thursday, April 1	7:00 p.m.	Maundy Thursday	The word Maundy comes from the Latin for mandate and refers to our Lord's mandate, or new command, given to the disciples, "Love one another as I have loved you." (John 13:34)
Friday, April 2	noon to 3:00pm	Good Friday	A Vigil for the three hours Jesus hung from the cross on the first Good Friday. The Vigil will include silent prayer and a message from Scripture at half-hour intervals. Those who attend may come and leave as needed during the three hours.
Sunday, April 4	10:30 a.m.	Easter Sunday	"The Lord is risen indeed." Celebration service
Sunday, April 11	10:30 a.m.	Sunday Worship	Our worship service on this Sunday will include a special Easter play presented by the Sunday School.

A Warm Welcome for Ginny!

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Rev. Ginny Slawnwhite, who has become our minister in residence and part of our church family. She is also the chaplain of the All Faith's Chapel at the Rockingham County Nursing Home. We are glad to have you with us, Ginny!

Memorial Flowers for Easter

As is our tradition, the church will have memorial flowers to decorate the sanctuary on Easter morning. If anyone would like their name on the Easter memorial list, they need to call Jodi (895-2362) or e-mail her (cong_church@myfairpoint.net) before Sunday March 28th. The flower committee will be accepting plants on Saturday, April 3rd from 10:00-11:00 AM, or people may bring the flowers on Easter morning early before the service begins.

Thank you for your contribution!

(Image borrowed from the Britannica Online Entry for the Easter Lily.)

Many Thanks!

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the donations for Harvest International in Haiti and the work of the Schmidt family!

James Colby Called Home

We all mourn the passing of Jim Colby, a longtime member of our church family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Colby family.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fosters/obituary.aspx?n=james-colby&pid=140521467

Special Offering on Sunday for Harvest International

A special offering will be taken on Sunday for Harvest International in Haiti and the work of the Schmidt family as they help the nation rebuild.

Lifeline Screening

Lifeline Screening is once again coming to our church on March 29, 2010. This is an ultrasound screening to test for stroke, vascular disease, and heart rhythm. The cost is $139, and for an additional $10, they will also test for osteoporosis. Pre-registration is required; the telephone number is 1-800-636-0418. There are flyers available at the back of the church with more information.

Youth Group Choir at Rockingham County Nursing Home

The Youth Group Choir sang beautifully on Sunday morning, and then sang at the afternoon service at the Rockingham County Nursing Home. They were warmly welcomed by Rev. Ginny Slawnwhite and the residents of the home, who all enjoyed their visit!

Sunday School Children Singing on Sunday

The Sunday School choir will be singing at the morning worship service this Sunday, and at the Rockingham County Nursing Home during Rev. Ginny Slawnwhite's afternoon service at 2:00pm. For those who want to go to the afternoon service, but don't want to drive, people will be meeting at the church at 1:00pm to carpool over. Come support our Sunday School as they rejoice in song!

Council Meeting and Potluck on Sunday, February 14th!

The church council meeting will take place on Sunday after the worship service and after a potluck lunch. Please bring a dish to share at the potluck and be a part of making decisions about the church. It is an excellent opportunity for your cooking skills to be showcased (and we have a lot of good cooks in our congregation) and your voice to be heard!

Visiting Those Who Cannot Get to Church

This past Sunday (February 7th), Sarah and Teri made visits to our elderly members who can no longer get to church easily and to our members recovering from serious illnesses. They brought holy communion, conversation, and spring flowers to each person. The visits were very well-received, and the Deacons encourage all our members to call and visit our members who are shut-in or recovering from surgery so that they know that their church family is thinking of them.

Collection for the People of Haiti

Don't forget about the church's ongoing collection for the people of Haiti! The donations will be sent to Harvest International to help with the relief effort. Please keep Tom Schmidt in your prayers as he works down there with the relief effort.

Penguin Plunge 2010

The Penguin Plunge was a big success! You can see Bob and Darcy MacLaren in this article in Foster's Daily Democrat

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100208/GJNEWS_01/702089937/-1/fosnews1401

and in the Union Leader from Sunday, February 7, 2010 (for those with a subscription). Bob was honored for his 10 years of participation and for being the eldest plunger; Darcy received her 5th year award. In all, the Plunge raised over $571,000 for the Special Olympics of New Hampshire. Congratulations and good work, Bob and Darcy!

Church Council Meeting on February 14

The next church council meeting is on Sunday, February 14th after Coffee Hour. All church members are invited to come and be a part of making decisions for our church's future!

Special Music this Sunday; Bob takes the Penguin Plunge

This Sunday, February 7th, we will be having special guests: the talented trio of Thomas, Anna and Silas Philbrick (The Capstone Trio) will be playing for us during the service, and accompanying the congregation in all the hymns since Barbara will be watching Bob while he does the Penguin Plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics of New Hampshire (http://www.sonh.org/penguinplunge/). Eloise Boss will also be singing for us on Sunday. Please invite your friends and family to this special, music-filled service, and take a moment to think of Bob as he braves the icy water for a great cause!

Welcome!

Welcome to the new webpage and blog of the Congregational Church of Raymond! As with all webpages, it is a work in progress, but we hope that you will enjoy your visit to our website, and will come and visit us in person on Sunday morning!