Dear Members and Friends,

Our Boards and Committees are the engines that keep us going and they have, again in 2009, served us with exceptional dedication, vigilance to important details, and fresh and creative thinking. We are all grateful for the combined imaginations, wisdom, and leadership represented within these groups and for their recounted in the reports that follow.

All the reports of Boards and Committees are here. Financial reports for 2009 are here. Everything that should be in a church’s annual report is here. Yet there is still something missing . . .

You will not find a report that summarizes the eight concerts, seven church fundraisers, six mission projects, and twelve events and opportunities for fellowship and fun. Over this past year, so much of the vitality and spirit that we have experienced had its origins and was brought to life in the enthusiasm and generosity of the congregation as a whole — volunteers who are and are not on boards and committees; young people and adults; singers and sellers, builders

and servers, knitters and sewers, cooks and bakers . . . and so much more.

All you have accomplished together has a significance that goes beyond the success of any single event or the dollars raised. You have combined a rich variety of gifts, shown great unity of purpose, and have built up the church that seeks to be Body of Christ in this world.

With gratitude for each of you and all we can be together,

Peter

Active Members Year 2008: 257

Confirmations 5/3/09: 13

Alfred Anson

Maryia Anson

Michael Anson

Kate Barlow

Matthew Carlson

Jenni Isaac

Justin Isaac

Lindsay Isaac

Katie McGrath

Zoë Miller

Andrew Stern

Kelly Sullivan

Haley Woodard

New Members by Affirmation of Faith (12/20/09): 11

Greg Bollard

Joy Bollard

Alan Brown

Michele Brown

Diana Kelly

Jan Lewyn

Diana McDowell

Earl Stumpf

Susan Stumpf

Curt Verdi

Heidi Verdi

By Request of Transfer 2

Jenna Bollard by transfer

Rob Bollard by transfer

Deaths (1)

Nancy Moore

Transfers (4)

Barbara MacMillan

Charles MacMillan

Cathy McMullin

Tim McMullin

Request Removal (8)

John Benoit

Lisa Benoit

Bill Jayne

Jack (John) McMullin

Keely McMullin

Patrick McMullin

Lynn Stiles

Jared Synestvedt

Active members: 124

Local inactive members: 81

Out-of-area inactive members: 61

TOTAL MEMBERS 2009: 266

Note: The list of inactive members has been vigorously updated by the

Head of Deacons and the Clerk. This category was not shown in previous years.

Baptisms: 0

Marriages: 3

6/13/09: Dawn MacNutt and Jean Robinson

6/20/09: Denise Ramey and Howard Hantsch

7/25/09: Jessica G Dill and Marc Beauvois

Respectfully Submitted,

Josephine Dill, Clerk

The deacons started the year without their trusted leader, Chris Smith, as her term came to an end. For many years, we appreciated her confident leadership and we thank her for helping us grow not only as deacons but also as a church.

We kicked off the New Year by celebrating Epiphany with a bonfire of Christmas trees, a traditional King’s cake, the selection of the kings and the story of La Befana. Every family left with a piece of chalk and a prayer to bless their homes.

At the Annual meeting, we were thrilled to have Jeanne Paparazzo voted in as a new deacon.

In February, we hosted a Fat Sunday Celebration. What a joyful, noisy and delicious time we had. Over 60 bowls of chili were served and $826 was collected for New Milford Social Services.

During the Season of Lent, the deacons helped Peter prepare for Holy Week and two Easter Services. On the evening of the Maundy Thursday, the deacons made and served a simple soup supper to recreate the supper that Jesus and the disciples had together before his arrest and crucifixion. The Service of Tenebrae followed in the church after dinner. The Good Friday Service was an extremely meaningful and beautiful service that included the singing of the Stabat Mater by Linda Burton and Valerie Sorel. The Easter Sunrise service was joyous, filled with readings from scripture, a bonfire, delicious scones and warm coffee. The 10:00 service was a wonderful celebration of music and inspiring words from our pastor.

The first Sunday in May was Confirmation Sunday in which 13 young adults were confirmed.

Before our May meeting, the Trustees and Deacons met with Mika Ciba, our Regional Conference Minister. Mike discussed the deficits faced by the Connecticut conference and the steps taken to address the problem.

June 19^th was a deeply moving day as 5,015 American flags were placed on the church’s lawn as a poignant and powerful tribute to the fallen soldiers from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with each flag representing one fallen soldier. As casualty lists were updated, we added flags. Sadly, the number of flags had reached 5,056 when we packed them up on July 12^th to send them on to their next destination. Click here for the full story of the origin of the Field of Flags and our experience while they were here.

After returning from their mission trip to Philly, the youth led us in Sunday Worship held in the parish house. It was symbolic of the fact that God can be worshipped anywhere. This was a lesson learned from the people they met living on the street and from those they served in the soup kitchen.

The Thanksgiving Eve Service was not well attended this year and the Deacons discussed making a change for next year. Possibilities include a special Thanksgiving Service the Sunday before followed by a brunch after worship.

On the fourth Sunday in Advent 13 new members joined our church. This was a special service ending with a very simple, innocent yet moving Christmas message by our Sunday school students.

Christmas Eve services had a time change this year. There was a 4:00 service and a musical prelude at 8:00 leading into our 8:30 service. It was discussed that next year we will change the prelude to start at 8:30 with the Service following at 9:00.

Throughout the year, the Deacons have been getting down to the real nuts and bolts on how to be a deacon. After reviewing our Duties and Responsibilities, we spelled out how to achieve each of those responsibilities with a step-by-step guideline. We have included written directions and color glossy photos in some cases. It has become known as our “Deacons for Dummies” book.

By this year’s (2010) Annual Meeting, the membership list will have been reviewed by the deacons with the clerk and brought up to date.

It’s been a great year, filled with many blessings. One such blessing is the talented and dedicated members of the Board of deacons, for which I give my thanks.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Carlson

Financial

The budget established for 2009 anticipated a deficit of approximately $14,000. Over the course of the year expenses were monitored closely and unexpected income streams were realized, although Worship income was slightly short of Budget. Fundraisers contributed 22.5% of total revenue (budgeted at 20%), and a savings of 10% in expenses came from Utilities, Music and General Operating costs.

The actual Profit and Loss spreadsheets are elsewhere in the annual report, but the good news is we concluded the year with a positive financial outcome.

Facilities

Acting on a list that began in 2008, work parties, individual efforts and hired & volunteer tradesmen completed a number of projects throughout the year in each of our buildings. Safety issues where given highest priority along with repairs that would have long-term consequences if not addressed promptly. Church members were advised as projects were completed and at years end a full list was published in Good News and on display in the Parish House.

2009 Focus

As stated at last year’s annual meeting the Trustees planned to focus on 3 primary objectives in 2009 in addition to our normal duties.

Support of Fundraising Efforts: We have been diligent in the support of our old and new fundraising activities throughout the year. Facility improvements completed in 2009 and planned for 2010 will further enhance the Entertainment, Professional, and Business nature of these efforts. A standardized method of reporting revenue and tracking expenses has been established. Our expanded database of guests attending our events increases our ability to reach our to the community and promote the Church mission.

Facility Usage and Fee Schedule: By the end of the first quarter we established a fair and equitable policy for the facility rental. Unfortunately, we have not made progress to increase income to date, however, growth in this area was conservatively budgeted and will remain so for 2010. Capital improvements to the Parish House began in 2009 and will continue as a priority in 2010. Not only will these enhancements provide a better facility for our own enjoyment, but we hope will elevate the building to a better and more marketable asset for a variety of rental uses.

Repair of Parsonage: The plan is to focus on one building a year to repair, maintain and upgrade. When appropriate, Capital Funds would be tapped. This first year we focused on the Parsonage. A long list of items is now completed. The largest item is the installation of new windows, which is now specified, and in progress. This would complete all the parsonage projects that were identified in 2009.

Capital Reserve

Over the course of several years contributions have been made annually to the capital reserve fund. Projects that are material, long term and/or permanent in nature were financed from this fund in 2009 and planned in 2010. The Trustees have determined that a minimum balance of $12,000 be maintained in this account for unforeseen emergency use.

Additional contributions were made this year from a transfer from the Memorial Fund. The Memorial Fund contributions are earmarked for a specific project in 2010.

The Trustees have and will continue to solicit input from any church member as it relates to our duties and responsibilities.

Regards,

Dennis MacDonald and fellow 2009 Trustees

January–June 2009: Approximately 20 children participated in our Sunday School program. On May 3^rd we celebrated the Rite of Confirmation with 13 youth confirming their commitment to God and the church. On June 14th we had our end of year Youth Sunday service and annual picnic. Bibles were presented to the children entering 3^rd and 6^th grade. The youth participated through music and readings with the younger children participating as greeters, ushers and bell-ringers.

The Mission Trip to Philadelphia - July 19 through 26: thirteen youth and eight adults made the journey to Philadelphia. They worked at children’s summer camp, soup kitchens and a rehabilitation center. The congregation overwhelmed the volunteers with contributions of food, funds and supplies for the camp.

The 2009/2010 year started with Sunday School registration and an ice cream social event on September 13th. Our Sunday School program began on September 20th with 15 children registered. We are happy to welcome back so many of our youth and are pleased to have many new faces in our classes. We continue to welcome new students to our Sunday School classes and are very excited to have such a wonderful group of students that are eager to learn.

Our Sunday School teachers are Matthew Carlson, Sharon Carlson, Artricia Gordon, Andrew Stern, Barbara Stern, Haley Woodard and Joanne Woodard. The High School youth started a High School Youth Group which is led by Sharon Carlson. This group has led a Coat Drive and sponsored fifty children through the Santa Fund. The congregation showed their support for these service projects by their outpouring of coats and gifts. Some of the children assisted in delivering these items to New Milford Social Services.

Halloween Trunk-or-Treat night was a huge success, with a group of dedicated members of the congregation participating in the event. We served approximately 125 dinners, had several amazing trunks and collected over $650 in donations for the New Milford Food Bank. Many other organizations participated to make it a town-wide event. We expect this to be an annual event for our church as well as the community. Thanks to everyone who participated in making this event such a success.

The Sunday School students and members of our High School Youth Group eagerly participated in the service on the 4th Sunday of Advent. Anyone who was able to attend surely saw the miracle of Christmas during the singing of This Little Light of Mine, the lighting of the Advent Candle and the telling of the Christmas story accompanied by music provided by the choir. We appreciate the support of the parents and choir in making this such an inspiring event.

This year the Christian Education board was thrilled to have Haley Woodard join the committee.

The Christian Education Committee will be scheduling a committee meeting in February to plan for the coming year.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Stern

Board of Christian Education

This year was a very special year in that several people had helped with Loaves and Fishes that were not on the committee: Janice Gill, Courtney Hora, and Candee Kilian, who is coming back on the committee in 2010.

We have had a full and busy year. We donated our monies as follows:

January: Loaves and Fishes Hospitality House, New Milford $300

February: Shelter of the Cross $300

March: Silver Lake $300

April: ARC (Association of Religious Communities) $300

May: Habitat for Humanity $300

June: Save the Children $300

July: Danbury Hispanic UCC $300

August: WestConn Campus Ministry $300

September: $300

October: Amos House $300

November: Healing the Children $300

December: A local family in need $700

Our Palm Sunday breakfast made monies to provide food and essentials for the meal we make at Loaves and Fishes and half of it went to the Madagascar school.

Respectfully submitted,

Fran Kelly

Two Memorial Sundays were held this year in May and November, resulting in $1,555.00 being given. We gave the church $15,000 to be used for church projects. The Board of Memorials’ balance is $3,088.28.

Respectfully submitted,

Helen Jackson

Marjorie Rapp

Barbara Tanguay

During this year, the Personnel Committee focused our efforts on the boards and committees of the church and their respective duties and responsibilities. A request was made of each group to send our committee a succinct description of their duties and responsibilities, as they viewed them to be. The Personnel Committee then reviewed these documents. We tried to modify each board or committee report into a similar format.

Once this was accomplished, the documents were given to Reverend Hammond for his review and input. During 2010 the Personnel Committee will meet with Reverend Hammond to create final "proofs," which then will return to the boards and committees. The Personnel Committee will then meet with each of these groups to finalize the documents which will then serve as a basis for review of the effective functioning of each board or committee. During this process, we expect to come up with several "housekeeping" issues (such as board/committee titles, etc.) that will be addressed.

The Church Council will receive the final reports and then the Personnel Committee will work with each board or committee to assess how well they are addressing their varied responsibilities, as well as their coordination with all the other church groups.

These board/committee descriptions are not meant to replace the official bylaws of the church, but to be more of a concise "job description" that can be used, for example, by the Nominating Committee when recruiting new board or committee members, and they ask "What exactly do the Deacons, Trustees, etc. do?" A church member with a question often doesn't know which board or committee to go to for information, and these descriptions will be available to congregants to clarify responsibilities.

Respectfully submitted,

Personnel Committee

Jamie Pfeiffer

Stuart Rapp

Jane Storrs, Chair

The following chart is for the pledge year 2009. We, of course, always hope for an increase year after year.

26 pledges give less than $1000/year for a total of $12,040

14 give from $1,000 to $1,999/year for a total of $18,850

12 give from $2,000 to $2,999/year for a total of $28,114

7 give from $3,000 to $3,999/year for a total of $22,460

4 give more $4,000 or more/year for a total of $34,600

63 pledges in 2009

As of January 5, 2010, we have 39 pledges in for $88,968. Last year our pledges totaled $116,064. So please get your pledges in!

Respectfully submitted,

Pledge Committee

Larry Neary

Larry Miller

Dan Storrs

MU-SIC [myoozik]

noun

1. The art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce beauty of form, harmony and expression of emotion.

Yes, you guessed it, the Bridgewater Congregational Church has once again literally defined the term music in 2009! We not only continued our great tradition of worshiping God through the Ministry of Music, but also made great strides in establishing ourselves as an important area cultural venue. I mean, with “high brow” events featuring the likes of Linda Burton, Eric Trudel and Zoe Miller, cool events like the Roots Rock Revue, joyful events like the Rovics’ Singing for Joy, seasonal events like the Brookfield HS Elite Chorus Holiday Concert, who can argue with that?

We continued to maintain, no to exceed, the unbelievably high musical standards we had previously set. As I stated in last year’s report, it is truly amazing to me that we have been able to “raise the bar” year over year, in the absence of a settled Director of Music. In addition to being amazing, it is indeed a tribute to all those dedicated professionals involved:

Our Music Committee: Jessica Stewart, Chris Smith and Alan Smith, with the assistance of Pastor Hammond and Linda Burton.

Our Choir Director: Linda Burton. Thanks Linda, we couldn’t do it without you.

Our Organists: Larisa Podoprigora and Howard Rovics. Thanks to you both, you’re the best.

Our Pianist/Choir Member/Committee Member/etc.: Chris Smith. Geez, maybe you can do a couple of more things this year?

Our Choir: Heather Detrick, Jessica Stewart, Diane Wilson, Linda Burton, Peggy Anson, Jean Kavanek, Jamie Pfeiffer, Donna Hawks, Larry Miller, Sharon Harvey, Stu Rapp, Bill Harvey, Jan Lewyn, Jeff Kelly. Fran Kelly, Franz Ryerson, Ben Dautremay and Larry Neary have joined the choir – welcome and thanks for stepping up.

Our Bell Choir: Ed Terry, Kevin Hobbs, Bill Harvey, Linda Burton, Chris Smith, Marge Rapp, Jessica Stewart, Jamie Pfeiffer, Peggy Anson, Maryia Anson and Sharon Harvey. Sharon Harvey organizes the group and Amy Cox directs the group. Thanks to you all.

I feel it only appropriate to close with a tribute to John Seeger. He will truly be missed.

Respectfully Submitted,

Alan Smith, Chair

Committee Members 2009

Candee Kilian, Jon Dill (Deacon), Carl Dill (Trustee), Fran Kelly (Ben & Stew), Kim Gellatly (Christian Ed), Ted Anson (Moderator), Peter Hammond (Minister)

Potential board and committee members listed below in bold type are nominated to be voted in at this January meeting. Remaining vacancies will hopefully be filled soon and voted on by the Church Council. If anyone is interested in filling any vacancy, please speak to someone on the Nominating Committee.

Financial Secretary

Peggy Anson – 1^st term, 1^st year

Nominations for Committees

Pledge Committee

Larry Miller – 2^nd term, 1^st year

Fellowship/Sanctuary Committee

Jean Jusko – 2^nd term, 1^st year

Kim Gellatly –1^st term, 1^st year

Joy Bollard – Filling vacancy, 3^rd year of term

Nominating Committee

Non-board/committee Member at Large: Candee Kilian

Nominations for Boards

Board of Deacons

Linda Burton –2^nd term, 1^st year

Sharon Harvey – 2^nd term, 1^st year

Chris Smith – Filling vacancy, 2^nd year of term

Board of Trustees

Dennis MacDonald –3^rd term, 1^st year

Kevin Hobbs – 2^nd term, 1^st year

Alan Brown – 1^st term, 1^st year

Sandy Neary – Filling vacancy, 3^rd year of term

Board of Christian Education

Barbara Stern – 2^nd term, 1^st year

Joanne Woodard –1^st term, 1^st year (filled vacancy in 2008)

Joy Bollard – Filling vacancy, 2^nd year of term

Michelle Brown – Filling vacancy, 2^nd yr. of term

Haley Woodard – Additional Youth Member

Board of Benevolence & Stewardship

Candee Kilian – 1^st term, 1^st year

Fran Kelly – 3^rd term, 1^st year

Board of Memorials

Caren Vickery – 1^st term, 1^st year

VACANCY – 3^rd year of term

Board of Music

Chris Smith – 2^nd term, 1^st year

Litchfield South Association Representative

Stu Rapp

VACANCY

CT Conference Delegate

Ann Pratt

Peggy Anson

A special thank you to those going off our boards and committees - details in the Good News.

Respectfully submitted,

Candee Kilian

The Ministry of the Connecticut Conference, UCC, in 2009

As the year began, the metaphoric skies overhead were gray and stormy. The international economy was in full crisis, and the value of the Conference’s Consolidated Trust Fund had fallen by nearly 25%. As the nation inaugurated a new President, the Conference reported a 17% increase in the free breakfasts served by volunteers at the First Congregational Church UCC in New London. Though investments would recover some of their value by the end of the year, unemployment continued to rise, reaching 10.2% nationally and 8.8% in the state by October. Connecticut’s cities suffered disproportionately: unemployment in Bridgeport, East Hartford, Hartford, Killingly, Meriden, New Britain, New Haven, Plainfield, Torrington, Waterbury, and Windham exceeded the national rate.

The Connecticut Conference and its churches labored to meet the developing needs. Pastors and lay leaders shared and inquired of each other as they created programs and ministries, which were offered to the Conference as a whole through the These Times series of stories in ConnTact and on ctucc.org/thesetimes. The Spring Session of the Annual Meeting included a conversation opportunity on responses to the recession, led by Conference Minister the Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree and Moderator the Rev. Mark Abernethy.

Though some local churches reported no reduction in giving from their members (and a few reported gains), others found the anxieties of the time and the reduced circumstances of their members reflected in the offering plate. The Conference saw corresponding shortfalls in Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support. In September, Dr. Crabtree informed the churches through ConnTact that giving was down 14%. As year-end contributions come in, Conference leaders believe that OCWM income will be down between 9 and 10% for 2009.

The crisis forced difficult decisions in April. The Conference cut over $55,000 from program and administrative budgets, closed the office for an unpaid furlough for all staff in August, and required senior staff to take a second week’s furlough. At the Fall Session of the Annual Meeting in October, delegates authorized a Special Commission on Conference Sustainability to study current and alternative models for funding the Conference’s ministry. The Commission will first meet in January.

The Conference bid farewell to two Regional Ministers in the summer of 2009: the Rev. Lois Happe of the Eastern Region retired, and the Rev. Susan Townsley of the Fairfield County Region accompanied her husband to his assignment in Japan. In the fall, the Rev. Susan Tarolli and the Rev. Sarah Verasco joined the staff as half-time Eastern and Fairfield Country Transitional Regional Ministers respectively.

Patricia R. Bjorling began her work as Associate Conference Minister for Generosity Ministries on April first, embarking on a whirlwind series of workshops, addresses, and meetings with local church leaders. Archivist the Rev. Evans Sealand retired in October, and was succeeded by the Rev. John Van Epps. Campaign Coordinator Beverly Hughes also retired in October.

Silver Lake welcomed 1,120 conferees from 167 churches to 38 conferences this summer, and 3,497 guests during the 2008-2009 retreat season. The new Hillside Commons and two cabins were dedicated in September, and a new Commons building for Cabin Circle began to rise in the fall. Partners in Service Volunteers Mary and Bill Ruth brought abundant energy to their work with alumni/ae lists and database integration. Acting Registrar Diane Ciba brought her welcome experience to the camp office throughout the year.

The Rev. Da Vita “Day” McCallister continued building youth and young adult ministries, with the first gatherings of Young Adults for service and conversation, and foundation of several Give2 chapters for youth. At Silver Lake during the summer she urged conferees to consider the call of God, and whether they might want to “work for God for a living.”

United Church News, the national newspaper of the UCC, ceased print publication in September, and in November the Conference published its first independent edition of ConnTact since 1986. The Conference plans four issues of ConnTact in 2010, supplemented by coverage at ctucc.org, as it completes a media research project to guide future decisions.

The Spring Session of the Annual Meeting drew over 400 people to Asylum Hill Congregational Church UCC in Hartford to explore the Church’s role in Health and Healing: blessing prayer shawls, seeking healing prayers, and hearing the challenge to bring universal health care to Connecticut from Juan Figueroa. He returned to the fall meeting, to congratulate the Conference and celebrate the passage of Connecticut’s SustiNet law. Delegates had voted a resolution seeking universal coverage at the fall 2007 Annual Meeting. Their long-established opposition to the death penalty had some fruit, with the first passage of a capital punishment abolition bill in the state’s General Assembly, regrettably vetoed by the governor.

The Fall Session turned the over 500 attendees’ attention to the Sacred Conversations on Race. Delegates engaged in facilitated discussions during the gathering; those facilitators are now the core of the Conference’s Sacred Conversations Team which will develop further programming in the coming year. “I am leaving a little less cynical,” reported one. Said another, “Conversations must go on.”

The 2009 General Association celebrated the 300^th anniversary of that regular gathering of clergy, the oldest in the nation, with addresses from outgoing UCC President the Rev. John Thomas and Conference Minister Crabtree. The latter used her research into the Association’s history of concern for the welfare of the state’s people to encourage the Conference in considering challenging ministries in the future.

As the Conference’s delegation prepared for June’s General Synod XXVII in Grand Rapids, Michigan, they received word that Dr. Crabtree would not be accompanying them. Though she had recovered well from her treatment for breast cancer earlier in the year, her husband David Hindinger had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Staff, leaders, and church members around the Conference and the UCC raised new prayers for their household, including a rapped greeting from the floor of Synod by Board of Directors Chair the Rev. Sandy Koenig and youth delegate Mark Stevenson.

General Synod elected the Rev. Geoffrey Black as the new General Minister and President of the denomination, and the Rev. Steve Sterner as executive of Local Church Ministries. Black keynoted the Fall Session of the Annual Meeting, and Sterner is one of the two keynoters for the Spring Session of the 2010 meeting. And in a great honor, Watertown’s Jim Robertson, Moderator of the Conference, was elected Moderator of the 2011 General Synod in Tampa, Florida.

In 2010, the Conference brings its attention to the vitality of the local congregation – the basic unit of the Church’s life – with new programs being developed and the Spring Session of the Annual Meeting. Work on generosity education, communication, Sacred Conversations, youth and young adult ministries, resource collection, Christian Education support, and care for authorized ministries of the UCC will continue. In the midst of it all, the Conference looks to the guidance of a gracious and Still Speaking God, to bring light and warmth to Christ’s people beneath the clouds and storm.