January Newsletter from the Schmidt Family

The January newsletter from the Schmidt family in Haiti can be found here:

http://harvestinternational.org/tomschmidt.html#110101

The newsletter has news on how things are going with the building of the temporary structures for the Shiloh Children's Home.

Don't Forget Bob's Penguin Plunge!

Bob is taking part in the 12th Annual Penguin Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics of New Hampshire. On February 6th, 2011, Bob will be making his 11th Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics of New Hampshire!

This year, he is dedicating his plunge to the memory of his son, Jim MacLaren, who overcame countless obstacles as a severely challenged athlete before his passing in August of 2010.

If you are able, please make a donation by visiting his FirstGiving page:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/robert-maclaren/12th-annual-penguin-plunge

You can donate online with a credit card. All donations are secure and sent directly to Special Olympics of New Hampshire by FirstGiving, who will email you a printable record of your donation.

Prayers are also greatly appreciated!

Special Music on Sunday, February 6th

On Sunday, February 6th, while our organist is at Hampton Beach watching Bob take the Penguin Plunge, we will be having special guests doing the music for the morning worship service: the talented trio of Thomas, Anna and Silas Philbrick (The Capstone Trio) will be playing for us during the service. 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!

Women's Group Meeting

The Women's Group is meeting on Saturday, January 29th, from noon to 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall. All ladies are invited! 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. For more information, call the church office at 895-2362.

The Church Mourns the Passing of Sylvia Saunders

The church mourns the passing of Sylvia Saunders, a longtime member of our church family. She passed away on January 13, 2011 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, MA. She was a wonderful lady, and a beloved member of our church family. We will miss her terribly.

Please keep her sons, Miles, David and Steven in your prayers , as well as Ed and Ellen Moulton, and all her extended family.

Visiting hours will be Saturday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Brewitt Funeral Home in Raymond, NH. A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 1 p.m. at our church.

To view Sylvia's obituary in the Union Leader:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/unionleader/obituary.aspx?n=sylvia-f-saunders&pid=147787777&fhid=4798

To sign the online guest book, please go to
http://obit.brewittfuneralhome.com/obit_display.cgi?id=882806.

Congratulations to Jessalyn McCosh!

Congratulations to Jessalyn McCosh, who received the Sacrament of Baptism this morning. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Kristen McCosh, and a cherished member of our congregation, where she attends our Sunday School, serves as an Acolyte, and is a member of our Youth Group. Rev. Ginny baptized Jessalyn this morning with the waters of the Jordan River, which were brought back from the Holy Land by Dee and Michael Katz from their recent trip there, and given to the church for Jessalyn's baptism. Many thanks to them for their gracious gift, and congratulations to Jessalyn on this special day!

Bob's Penguin Plunge

Bob is taking part in the 12th Annual Penguin Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics of New Hampshire. On February 6th, 2011, Bob will be making his 11th Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics of New Hampshire!

This year, he is dedicating his plunge to the memory of his son, Jim MacLaren, who overcame countless obstacles as a severely challenged athlete before his passing in August of 2010.

If you are able, please make a donation by visiting his FirstGiving page:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/robert-maclaren/12th-annual-penguin-plunge

You can donate online with a credit card. All donations are secure and sent directly to Special Olympics of New Hampshire by FirstGiving, who will email you a printable record of your donation.

Prayers are also greatly appreciated!

The Dove Singers

The Dove Singers will begin rehearsals for their Spring 2011 production of "Forever Triumphant" on Monday, January 3rd. Rehearsals will be held at the First Assembly of God, 45 Myles Drive, Auburn, NH. Rehearsals begin promptly at 7:00 p.m., and end at 9:30 p.m., and will continue every Monday night through March 21st.

Performances will be held on March 19th and 20th and on March 26th and 27th. The Dove Singers is a non-denominational Christian ministry, dedicated to presenting the Word of God through music, drama, and dance. Last year, approximately 130 people were involved in the group, from more than 50 different churches, and you are invited to join them for this year's presentation. We are particularly looking for additional singers (especially first sopranos and men), orchestra members, and/or actors, but we encourage any interested Christian to come and learn more about the group.

If you are interested, speak to Kathy, or go to the website at www.DoveSingers.org for information.

Announcements for our Church Family

Sylvia Saunders has been moved to a hospice facility. She is not able to receive visitors, but would be happy to hear from her church family. If you would like to have her address at the hospice facility, please contact the church secretary. Please keep Sylvia and her family in your prayers during this difficult time.

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Long time member Ruth Gerth has now moved to Florida to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. She would love to hear from her church family. If you would like to have her new address, please contact the church secretary.

Church Council Meeting on February 13th

The next church council meeting is on Sunday, February 13th after the morning Worship Service and coffee hour. All church members are invited to come and be a part of the governance of our church!

Membership Classes to be Held in January

Starting at the end of January, we will be holding Church Membership Classes for those who are interested in joining our church as full voting members. If you are interested in becoming a member, or are just interested in learning about Congregationalism and the history of Congregationalism in New England and Raymond, please speak to one of our Deacons.

Winter Snow Duties

Now that winter is here in full swing, we have placed shovels and sand by most doors of the church. Feel free to use them to help keep our church safe for all those who come to the building.