Teachers for December 22, 2002
Nursery: Jennifer Comeau, Maridely Lopez, Monica Lopez, Amanda Sprow
Chalice Children: David Buffum, Sally Buffum
Feeling At Home: Alicia Lenahan, TBA
Stories About God: Leah Hrozenchik, Kelley Guilfoil
Adventures: Diane Mandile, Danna Peterson
Holidays & Holy Days: Eduardo Morales, Jennifer Dolbashian
Stepping Stone: Kim George, Julianne deRivera
Timeless Themes: Jean Theurkauf, Maria Acosta Cruz
Life and Teachings: Rebecca Spanagel, Henry Keyes
Neighboring Faiths: Bob Ritchie, Diane Mirick
Senior High: No Class

Teachers for December 29, 2002
Nursery: Jennifer Comeau, Maridely Lopez, Monica Lopez, Amanda Sprow
Chalice Children: David Buffum, Sally Buffum - Children in grades K - 6 will attend the first part of the service and then go with Diane Mirick and teachers to the Landers Room for special Kwanzaa Activities.
Feeling at Home: Bill or Karen Hoke
Stories About God: Bonnie Harmon
Adventures: Diane Mandile
Holidays & Holy Days: Jennifer Dolbashian
Stepping Stone: Bernadette Nelson
Timeless Themes: Sarah Friedman
Life and Teachings: John Bianchi
Junior High and Senior High: No Class

Christmas Pageant Thanks: Last Sunday's Christmas Pageant ranks right up there with the "classics." It brought laughter, tears, and sweet memories to everyone in the congregation. Our readers each did an excellent job in the pulpit. All our actors were poised, beautifully costumed, and right on the mark. Our little Growing Times Choir did a great job, too, under the gracious direction of Madeline Browning. Thanks go to David Blodgett, Director, and to Gwen Gustavson and Rachel Sherman, Assistant Directors, for shaping such a beautiful pageant. The Children's Choir, under the direction of Nathaniel Needle, was truly magnificent. We are grateful to Cindy Bizzarro for accompanying the Children's Choir on the piano and to David Blodgett and Kathleen Corcoran for their guitar accompaniment. ¾Diane Mirick

As 2002 draws to a close, it has become apparent that we will have a budget shortfall of approximately $9,000. Unfortunately this shortfall will occur even if we receive 100% of the $314,000 pledged for 2002. This is NOT because we have overspent. (In fact, the professional staff has succeeded in keeping our expenditures for 2002 under the originally budgeted amounts.) Just one of the items that has caused our shortfall, is that we were confident last January that we would be able to generate $35,000 in building use rentals. Delayed construction translated into our rental money only bringing in $26,000.

2002 Budget "snapshot"

2002 Budget: $ 598,910 2002
Actual Expenses: $ 579,950 2002
Actual Income (to date): $ 570,910
Anticipated shortfall: $ 9,040

If you have not yet fulfilled your 2002 pledge, it is critical to the financial well-being of our church community that you make every effort to do so before the end of December. If at all possible, please consider increasing your pledge donation. If you have already fulfilled your 2002 pledge, but could make a year-end contribution to help us defray this shortfall, it would be greatly appreciated. As we bring the 2002 fiscal year to a close and as we budget for 2003, we will continue to keep you apprised of the state of finances at First Unitarian. As a congregation we have generated a tremendous outpouring of generosity in the past two years for both the annual pledge campaigns and the Phoenix Fund. This generosity, concern, and engagement is a great blessing to us all.

The Committee met on Sunday, December 15, 2002. Three items were voted upon and passed at the monthly meeting: · Accepted one new member. · Set the Annual Meeting date at January 26, 2003. · Voted to continue the display of the American flag by placing it in the narthex. The Committee heard member Joseph Baratta's request to display both the American and UN flags.

Financial issues were covered next. Justine Beaudoin, Head Assessor, presented an update on the pledge drive. She stressed two areas: encouraging members to fulfill their 2002 pledges, and the need to finalize 2003 pledges in order to facilitate the Finance Committee's work on the 2003 budget.

The Committee reviewed 2002 financial operations through November. At this time it appears there will be a deficit (approximately $9K). The Finance Committee reported that the 2003 budget process is a challenge. The state of financial markets has affected the church's finances, and pledges are projected to be down from 2002 levels. The Finance Committee will continue their work as 2003 pledges come in. Progress and results will be communicated to the congregation prior to the Annual Meeting.

The Committee discussed the display of the American flag: the more recent history of that display before and after the fire, and the need to move the flag from its previous location due to the repositioning of the organ console and choir. A motion to place the American flag in the narthex was passed.

The next meeting date is January 19, 2003.

--Frances Morrier, Clerk

For the first time since the rising of the Phoenix, First Unitarian is hosting First Night performances in Unity Hall. We need 35 volunteers to ensure a fun and successful evening. All you need to do is sign-up for a two hour shift, presenting our beautiful church to the public. In return you will receive a Free First Night Button, a Commemorative Hat, Free Beverages and Goodies and most of all, a Good Time with Good Friends. Duties will include selling buttons, welcoming visitors and enjoying a wonderful evening. There will be a sign-up board at the church. For information, please call Jeff Bailey by contacting the church office.

We have three special collections for Christmas: (1) The Mitten Tree will be for mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves; (2) the Stocking, for warm socks and thermal underwear (especially size L and XL); and (3) The Giving Tree to provide asked-for presents for children in DSS foster homes. Enjoy the gift of helping those in need, by donating to our Outreach program this holiday season. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Nishan by calling the church office.

Faces lit up in Mr. Mahoney's fifth grade class at Elm Park Community School when each child received a new book, donated by members of this church. The books are all different (including many Encyclopedia Browns) and there are extras in the teacher's keeping, so that the children can swap. They are thrilled and I feel privileged to have been on the scene for the excitement! Merry Christmas, and thank you all.