Conway Village
Congregational Church
July 2025
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We Can Get There from Here!
People will remember the old joke when someone stops by the side of the road to ask a local how to get to a certain location, the response is, “You Can’t Get There from Here!” (The answer is often given with an exaggerated local accent.)
The follow up is the person seeking directions then says, “Are you daft?” to which the local responds, “I may be daft, but I’m not lost!”
Recently, someone from the community asked, “How’s it going?”, inquiring where our church is in our flood recovery. After some reflection my response was, “We put one foot in front of the other. We keep moving forward. We are making progress.”
“Putting one foot in front of the other” is an idiom meaning to take small steps to reach a final goal – – It seems like slow progression – – yet progress it is.
Our upcoming Special Meeting is to vote on contracting to have new waterproof siding for our church. Many were looking forward to reopening our church sanctuary only to have this process seemingly sidelined to repair the outside of the church. It can, at times, appear we are taking a step back from the progress we are hoping to make.
Protecting our outside structure from future water damage is an important step forward, even if it is not the step people were hoping to take. It is another small step to reaching our goal, a new, fully renovated worship space.
While progress seems slow, we need to reassure ourselves, “We Can Get There from Here!” We are not lost – – our vision remains clear.
We have much for which to be thankful as we continue to be blessed by the generosity of our surrounding community as well as by our faithful membership. Our missions, Dinner Bell and the Church Pantry, are open and support those who need help; we continue to support those who need spiritual direction for their lives. As we strive to fully restore our faith community, we thank everyone for their financial support as well as the support given through continuing inquiries, hopes, and prayers.
Rev. John Hughes July 2025
Council Meeting Minutes
Church Council Highlights – June Meeting
Financial Update:
Total deposits from May 12 to June 8 amounted to $10,396.83. So far this year, $11,000 has been drawn from the endowment to support operations.
Due to the ongoing financial strain of flood recovery, the council voted unanimously not to pay UCC NH Conference dues this year. John will send a letter of thanks for past support and explain our current priorities. The council plans to revisit this decision next year.
Fair Preparations:
Fair planning is moving forward. Carl, and Beth, are conducting supplies inventories to provide Melody with the list of what is needed to begin ordering. Carl will provide trailer repair quotes at the next Trustees meeting. Anne will coordinate the orders of the dry goods with Ella and Beth. The online volunteer signup form is ready and will be printed for the July all-church meeting. Key volunteer roles to be filled include baking teams, apple peeler/corer operators, and shift leaders for the fair booth.
Scheduled Vacations:
- John will be on vacation from July 24 to August 12.
- Melody will be on vacation August 5–25.
Worship & Diaconate Updates:
Last Sunday’s service featured live music by Jill R. and Dick V., with congregational singing from hymnals—a well-received change.
Pulpit coverage during John’s vacation is scheduled as follows:
- July 27 – Carl
- August 3 – Charles
- August 10 – Carl
The Diaconate cleaned out the grooms room—thank you to Beth, Charles, and Boz for hauling items away.
A reminder was issued that the Deacon of the Week should arrive by 9 AM to help with setup and stay after worship to assist with coffee hour cleanup.
FEMA & Building Projects Update:
FEMA is expected to reimburse $202,443 (75%) of our eligible flood repair costs to date. Additional FEMA funds will be available for sanctuary heating and carpet replacement once completed.
Three building projects:
- Fellowship Hall A/C – Awaiting a quote from BTS. $6,278 has been raised via the Easter offering.
- Sanctuary Repairs – Includes asbestos removal, floor refinishing, insulation, electrical, HVAC, AV upgrades, and more.
- Church Exterior Siding – Plans include removing the existing siding, making necessary repairs, wrapping the building, and installing new vinyl shake shingles. The lowest quote from a reputable local contractor (NH Aluminum) is $212,000.
Upcoming Fundraisers:
Upcoming Meetings:
As I 
try to wrap my head around all the challenges we have faced or may be facing: illness, money, political differences, loss, fear etc. it can be daunting. Some of these changes may have progressed slowly and some may have caught us completely off guard. We must remember that God has assured us that he will not give us more than we can bear. These are the times when our faith in God will carry us through.
May the month of July bring us all the hope and strength we need.
Beth Cambell
Diaconate: Judy W., Beth C., Jill R., Louise S., Charles M. and Charles B.
Notice of Special Meeting
Dated: May 22, 2025
TO: All Members and Friends of the Conway Village Congregational Church
Please be informed that a Special Meeting of the Membership and friends of the Conway Village Congregational Church will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 11:15 am. The meeting will commence following the church service and will be held both in person and via Zoom.
While all are encouraged to attend and participate in the meeting, kindly note that voting privileges are reserved for members only. To join the meeting and cast your vote via Zoom, please utilize the regular weekly link provided for the church service.
The purpose of this Special Meeting will be:
- Review Year-to-Date financials and the 2025
- Flood Recovery and Building repair
- Fryeburg Fair
- To Conduct any other business that may come to the floor of the meeting
We look forward to your participation in this important gathering.
Dated at: Conway, New Hampshire, on the 22nd of May 2025
Melody Bergman, Administrative Assistant
We encourage all members and friends of the church to attend our semi- annual Special Meeting on July 13th after worship, where we’ll provide important updates. Join us to stay informed about significant church matters. If you have questions beforehand that you would like us to address at the meeting, please email Melody at info@thebrownchurch.org or call 603-447-3851.
During our recent Trustees meeting on June 3rd, we carefully reviewed our cash management report. We assessed upcoming bills against expected deposits for the next 30 days. So far in 2025, we’ve drawn $11,000 from our investment account to cover expenses.
Flood Recovery Update
We’ve completed and submitted the necessary flood recovery work, which FEMA has approved. We anticipate receiving a $202,443 reimbursement, covering 75% of our expenses. Additional FEMA sup- port is expected for the HVAC and carpet replacement in the sanctuary.
Building Repairs Progress: We’re currently focused on three main projects:
- Fellowship Hall HVAC: Thanks to a special collection on Easter, we’ve raised $6,278 towards installing HVAC systems in Fellowship Hall. Bergeron Technical Services (BTS) is preparing an estimate for this essential upgrade.
- Siding Replacement: We received a request from our insurance company last December, that we address the rotted siding and underlayment. Estimated costs for necessary repairs and full siding replacement are approximately $212,000. We’re meeting with the local contractor soon to discuss further.
- Sanctuary Renovation: The sanctuary project includes asbestos removal, wall reconstruction, window replacement, new sheetrock, altar area construction, floor refinishing, new carpet and HVAC upgrades.
Upcoming Events
- Fryeburg Fair Planning: We’re already preparing inventory lists for baking and booth supplies, and starting purchases early to ensure everything is available and ready on Volunteer lists, including shift leaders, will soon be available online and in print. Apple processing and baking will begin on September 23rd. This year’s fair will open on Saturday, September 27th, running for nine days until October 5th.
- Fundraising Events: Mark your calendars for upcoming events:
- Tuckerman Brewery Trivia Night Fundraiser: September Join us for a fun evening; Trivia Night ~ Trivia participation is encouraged but not required.
- Fryeburg Fair: September 27th to October 5th Booth shifts daily 11am to 4 pm and 4 pm to 9
- American Legion Fish Fry: October Volunteers needed for baking desserts and raffle man- agement.
- Holiday Fair: December Save the date for this festive event!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports our church community. Your time and dedication make all the difference.
Outreach – Food Pantry
It’s been challenging getting our pantry open again.
And WE did it!!!
Everyone worked together and our numbers are almost back to where they were. To show our appreciation of all the hard work and dedication our volunteers have given to the pantry, we will be hosting an “Appreciation Luncheon” on Tuesday, July 22 at noon. If you have volunteered in any way for our food pantry, please join us so we can celebrate our accomplishments together!!
Thank you for all you do!!
Donations of all kinds may be made during worship service on Sundays or when the office is open. Call 603-447-3851 to make arrangements. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 333, Conway, NH 03818
Food Pantry Wish List:
Canned fruit
Assorted Canned pasta
Canned baked beans
Tuna Helper
Mayonnaise
Pancake mix
Ramen Noodles
Canned beef stew
Ketchup
Hamburger Helper
Pancake syrup
Canned tuna fish
Rice-a-Roni
Applesauce
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Tomato Sauce
Soup (packaged or canned)
Personal Care Items
(unopened only)
Toilet paper
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Paper towels
Dish detergent
Small laundry detergent
Bar soap
Deodorant
