Updated 10-21-08

KVCC WEBSITE NEWS

$$$ WOES, LOT’S OF COMPANY!

It is clear that most organizations, businesses and families have taken a hit financially in the past couple of months. Everyone is cutting back and cutting out. We need to be aware of who around is hurting… those who must cut from the basics of food, shelter, clothing, medical care, fuel and those who have mortgage or rent problems. Our Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, Mission Budget, or Fuel Fund may be able to help.

Your church is not immune. Over 82% of our budget for 2008 cannot be cut without significant impact on our church staff and programming. With the remaining 18%, the Finance Committee and Church Council are working diligently to reduce and delay expenditures this year.

We are blessed to have a very giving Congregation and have an endowment that provides us with some of our operating budget. However, pledge and plate giving are down. This is not a surprise in this financial climate. Of course, so is the income from our endowment. We hope that as you consider your giving for the remainder of 2008 and into 2009, you will find that the church is a vital instrument in your life and the lives of this community and beyond.

Churches Join Talents

KVCC is joining with St. Brendan’s this year to put on the annual Election Day Dinner. This year the dinner will be prepared and served at Keene Central School. A committee of representatives of both churches is handling all the needs. If would like to volunteer or need more information contact Ethel Webb at 576-4684.

Dinner will be served from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Take outs available beginning at 4:30 pm. The cost of the meal is $10 adults and $5 for children under 12. Proceeds from the dinner will go to a local charity.

Family Choir Sunday

Julie Robinson, who was with us once this summer, will return on Sunday, November 9, to lead us in a Family Choir. Practice will begin at 10:00 am and we will sing at the end of the worship service. All people of all ages are invited to come and share the joy that music brings.

Mission and Social Action

Mission and Social Action met on Sunday, October 19. There is great concern for the impact on local families that the economic downturn is bringing. To that end, MSA has decided to hold back $2,000 from its budget of $6,550 to meet and local emergent need this winter. This sum will be deposited in the MSA Discretionary Account. All allocations will be voted upon by those attending the MSA meeting when called.

$1,000 was voted to fund a project doing simple home repairs and weather proofing. This would include caulking, sealing, weather stripping and other simple remedies. This program is designed for those who cannot afford to hire it done, or those who are unable to do the physical labor. Bernie Webb and Jim Marlatt will be coming up with a plan to move forward.

On November 9, following coffee hour, MSA will meet to make decisions on allocating the remaining $4,550. If you have an agency, organization or cause you would like us to consider, please email kvcc@kvvi.net or call the office 576-4525.

MSA is also gearing up for our annual Advent Appeal. Each year we choose 3-4 causes that we provide seed money to and encourage our congregation to contribute to in Advent. One of the organizations will be Heifer International, a wonderful program we have supported in the past. There is more information on them at www.heifer.org.

One more mission related item. WINTER FUEL FUND… this year we allocated $4,000 in the fuel fund. This fund assists individuals and families that do not have enough money to heat their homes. Last year we partnered with the Town of Keene and Gordon Fuel and hope to do the same this year. If you know of someone who is without sufficient heat, please contact Milton at kvcc@kvvi.net or 576-4525.

Other Highlights from the MSA Meeting:

ü To team up a Neighbor House resident with one of our members so that they will have a way to get to church and back to KVNH. This will also allow people to get to know the residents better.

ü To look into the NY-UCC and National UCC mission efforts in an attempt to join other UCC churches in mission.

ü To hold quarterly fundraising dinners or lunches done in our new kitchen. The first one will be Sunday, November 9, following worship. Karen Glass, Judy Caner and Charity Marlatt will facilitate this effort.

ü Revive the Mission Moments at least once each month; possibly the third Sunday of the month. In addition to add a short “Mission Thought” in our bulletin each week and include the church that all NY UCC churches are asked to pray for each week. Also, that the Mission Boards in the VS Room are coordinated with the Mission Moment.

ü To integrate the Peace Candle into our worship

Music News

The KVCC and Friends Orchestra/Ensemble has begun practicing again. Practices are at the church on Thursday afternoon at 5:00 pm. If you can questions please call Jim Huneycutt at 891-3135.

The Grounds

We have come to the end of a long season caring for our grounds. First and foremost a hearty thanks to Ingrid Carman who facilitated our efforts and all those who volunteered their time and talent. We made major advances in cutting back the area between the garage and the parking lot, having a feast of flowers in our gardens, and removing stumps, rocks and trees where needed. In addition, the project is in the planning stage to put a memorial garden on our property in a place where one can go for meditation, prayer or rest.

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