We are now into the fall of the year, even though temperatures sometimes feel more like sum- mer. The nice weather we had all summer was a treat, but at the expense of water levels in the rivers and wells. The Fryeburg Fair was no exception. Sunny, warm to hot every day.Even with an extra day this year the fair did not produce a great year. Sales were down as well as income. We had our share of challenges with the booth this year.

A section of the sub-floor was found to be rotten and had to be replaced. A new vinyl plank floor was installed. The metal legged stand that the oven rests on broke and nearly caused the oven to fall to the floor. New cabinets had to be built for the booth, along with all new piping of water lines. Once the fair started, we had one thing after another each day. Hot water heater didn’t work the first day but then decided to work. The cash register lost its battery power and then had a spaz attack and decided to print out a 5-year journal of every transaction for the past five years. The freezer somewhat died but made it through the fair. The oven power button died, but I was able to keep it running. One of the roof mounts, supporting the apple crisp sign’s super structure, broke causing the trailer to flood just before the fair.

All in all, we managed to get over all the hurdles. Thanks to everyone who helped with the fair, from peeling apples, to preparing the crisp, selling the crisp at the booth, the set-up and tearing down of the booth, and cleaning up and ordering. It takes a lot of work to participate in the fair, and grate- fully, we raised just over $30,000.00.
Work on the church continues, the new carpet and vinyl flooring will be installed on the stairs and hallway at the end of October. The parsonage has a new driveway and thanks to your generous response to the trustee’s parsonage appeal we raised more than the driveway cost. The extra will most likely go to other needs at the parsonage.
The heat for the sanctuary is being worked out, and estimates should be available soon. The new siding for the entire church is planned for next spring.

With fall present, it is that time of the year for our annual stewardship drive. This is an im- portant process, as this determines how much of our planned budget can be supported and what might need to be raised to balance the budget. As that time of giving approaches, it is essential for you to assess what you are capable of giving to support the yearly workings of the church. There are still hurdles in our path and it will take the continued work and support of all our members and the community that we serve to be able to clear those hurdles and make it to the finish line.

Sincerely yours,

Carl F. Vitters – Moderator