Conway Village
Congregational Church
June 2026
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Celebrating Father’s Day as Children of God
“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:26 NLT
As I remember my childhood growing up on a dairy farm in Indiana, I have many fond memories of my father: sitting on my dad’s lap while he told us funny stories, rhymes and poems, listening to him harmonize with the local dentist singing old hymns, 1940 favorites and “Back Home Again in Indiana”. In the summers after supper, he would play softball with us 4 girls in the front yard and take us to our H.S. basketball team’s home games in the winter. On Saturday nights, we would watch IU basketball on TV with popcorn and Coke floats–a real special treat. On Sunday mornings, his oldest brother and his wife would pick us up to go to Sunday School while dad would finish the milking. When finished, he would meet us for church. In the spring, we would head to the woods to search for morel mushrooms, an Indiana delicacy.
Dad was one of 14 children and many of the aunts and uncles lived nearby. They would return to the family home just up the road from our house each Thanksgiving, Christmas and most 4th of Julys. With all the children included, it would not be unusual for there to be +/- 50 people. We had great fun playing with all the cousins, even if most of them were boys. As teenagers, our driving lessons included learning to use the clutch by driving the tractor, the pickup and finally the station wagon. Dad was very patient with my poor shifting efforts as I learned. He also, instilled a good work ethic in us. At a young age, summer evenings would find us pulling weeds by hand from ¼ mile rows of corn. The number of rows we were assigned was determined by our age.
Singing, telling jokes and sharing riddles as we went helped the time go faster. When we reached junior high, we were given the choice of helping make dinner or working in the barn. I much preferred being outside, so I chose to help in the barn feeding the cattle silage shoveled from the silo to the trough below, bucket feeding the calves and cleaning the floor of the milking parlor. We also started the washing machines for both the milking machines and the stainless-steel refrigerated tank. This job paid 50 cents per shift until I was a senior when I was paid $1.00 per shift. There are many memories of my father’s quiet, supportive kindness. He also taught us about being a helpful, good neighbor and spreading sunshine and joy as he lived his faith in God every day.
I was very blessed to have been raised by wonderful parents. I know that many people have fathers that were not supportive and loving or perhaps not there at all for one reason or another. That makes understanding or being open to our loving God very difficult. He is “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, this is God in his holy dwelling.” Psalm 68:5 We pray that all hurting people can find the path to know God and receive the love and comfort of our Father God. Let us daily be Christ’s hands and feet to serve the hungry, lonely and broken people in our community as we share his loving kindness with smiling faces. Amen.
“Always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.” Colossians 1:20-21 NLT
“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1 NLT
Blessings,
Your Deacons, Boz, Beth, Jill and Judy
Trustees Tidings
As we enter the summer months, the Trustees want to share several important updates about church finances, building needs, Apple Crisp preparations, and future fundraising.
Our ongoing financial situation remains a serious concern. Church offerings and other limited income continue to fall short of covering regular operating costs, leaving us with an annual deficit of approximately $50,000. This is not a new issue, but we cannot continue to rely on drawing $3,000 per month from the Dahl endowment investment fund. That fund has already fallen below the threshold we had hoped to maintain, which also limits its ability to generate income.
At the same time, necessary building work continues. Funds currently available through the Building Fund and capital campaign should be sufficient to cover the siding project. This project is essential to preserving the building and protecting its long-term insurability.
We are also working with Bergeron Technical Services on plans to improve the rear entrance and provide an ADA-compliant entrance to the lower level, making the offices, conference room, and Food Pantry more accessible to the congregation and wider community.
The Trustees are also looking ahead to Fryeburg Fair Apple Crisp season. The apple peeler/corer we have used for more than twenty years is showing its age, and replacement parts are no longer readily available. We are researching a commercial electric apple-processing machine that would peel, core, and slice the apples. The slicing capability is especially important, since apple preparation has required many volunteer hours over many days. A machine that can complete all three steps would greatly reduce the workload and help make our largest annual fundraiser more sustainable.
This would be a significant investment, and if we are able to locate the right machine, we may need to make a special appeal for support. In addition to helping with Apple Crisp preparation, the machine could possibly be used for seasonal Apple Processing Days before Thanksgiving and Christmas, allowing community members to bring apples to be peeled, cored, and sliced for a small fee or donation.
Looking ahead, we also need to consider new fundraising ideas that fit who we are as a church community. Many traditional fundraisers require a large number of volunteers and significant physical labor. As our volunteer base changes, we need to explore practical, sustainable opportunities that support our operating needs without placing too heavy a burden on the same faithful volunteers.
The Trustees are grateful for the continued dedication of this congregation and the many friends of the church who support our mission. Conway Village Church remains a resilient and faithful community, but careful planning, honest conversation, and shared commitment are essential as we care for both the ministry and the building entrusted to us.
With gratitude for your continued support, and wishing you a blessed summer,
Board of Trustees: Anne Getchell, John Edgerton, Duddie Andrews and Nancy Irving
Spring Marketplace Wrap-Up
Thank you to everyone who helped make our newly reformatted Spring Marketplace a success. This year’s event took a different shape, partly because we no longer have the storage space needed for large yard sale donations, and partly because the traditional yard sale required a tremendous amount of volunteer labor.
Our church family responded with generosity and teamwork. Members donated gift baskets and raffle prizes, bake sale items, and plants for the sale. Others helped by sharing our social media posts, spreading the word to friends and family, volunteering during the event, preparing and serving lunch, setting up beforehand, and cleaning up afterward so the building was ready again for Sunday worship.
We were grateful to welcome many visitors to our church throughout the day. Beautiful weather allowed us to open the doors and enjoy a refreshing spring breeze throughout the building. The event was not only a fundraiser, but also a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and share the spirit of Conway Village Church.
Thank you to all who contributed in any way — through donations, volunteer time, attendance, purchases, encouragement, and support. Your generosity and participation made a real difference.
Some articles and images in this newsletter were created or edited with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools.
June Worship Schedule
Sunday, June 7th: ~ Communion
Psalm 33:1-12
Genisis 12:1-9
Matthew 9:18-26
Sermon: “The Call to Move On”
Sunday, June 14th
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Genesis 18:1-15
Romans 8:1-8
Sermon: “How Humor Moves Us Forward”
Sunday, June 21st ~ Father’s Day
Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17
Genesis 21:8-21
Matthew 10:34-39
Sermon: “Welcome to the Confusion”
Sunday, June 28th
Psalm 13
Genesis 22:6-11
Matthew 10:40-42
Sermon: “On Being Welcomed”
Church Council Meeting Highlights
The Church Council met on May 13, 2026, with members of the Council and Rev. John Hughes in attendance. The minutes from the April 15 meeting were approved.
Council reviewed the church’s current financial position and recognized that the church continues to face an ongoing operational budget shortfall. While our food ministries remain strong and often receive designated support, the general operating budget has continued to fall short of what is needed to meet day-to-day expenses. Council acknowledged that this is not a new concern, but an ongoing challenge that must be addressed thoughtfully and proactively so the church can continue to support worship, administration, building operations, and the ministries that serve our congregation and community.
Fundraising plans were discussed, including final preparations for the Spring Marketplace and Craft Fair, possible participation connected with the July 4th parade depending on the parade timing, and continued planning for the Fryeburg Fair. With other area churches stepping away from the fair and replacement parts for the current apple peeler no longer available, Council discussed researching electric apple peeler/corer/slicer options. Purchasing this type of equipment could help reduce the volunteer labor needed and make the Apple Crisp fundraiser more sustainable in future years.
The Diaconate reported that the recently tuned piano sounded good during worship, though it seemed louder than necessary. After the service, the piano was moved back against the wall under the higher ceiling, where the sound seemed better balanced. A humidifier is also needed to help protect the piano.
A clean-up and organizing day for the Diaconate storage room, as well as miscellaneous supplies that have accumulated in the sanctuary, is scheduled for May 27 at 9:00 AM.
Several building and property items were also reviewed. Exterior clean-up and siding preparation work will include attention to the old Food Pantry ramp roof, old wires, and related items.
Dinner Bell numbers are going back up to serve well over 100 people each week, reflecting the ongoing importance of this ministry in the community.
The Capital Campaign team is preparing for visits, with Rev. John Hughes, John Edgerton, and Brian Wiggin planning to meet before visits begin.
The July 12 congregational meeting was announced in the May newsletter and is included in weekly eblasts.
Council also discussed church technology support. Steve will continue as lead tech for Sunday worship, while Nancy will take over general tech support needs, with Computer Port available for issues requiring outside assistance.
Upcoming meetings include Trustees on Tuesday, May 26 at 3:30 PM and Council on Wednesday, June 17 at 4:30 PM.
Moderator’s Moment
Our semi-annual meeting will be coming in July. At that meeting we will be taking a vote on an issue that is challenging to say the least. That issue is whether or not the church should accept money from the casino. In this month’s writing I will try to address the pros and cons of accepting money from the casino, so to help you formulate your questions and concerns at the meeting before voting.
Here goes.
In recent years, churches have faced increasing financial pressures due to declining attendance, rising operational costs, and growing community needs. Against this backdrop, offers of financial support from unconventional sources- such as casinos – can appear both tempting and troubling. While such donations could provide much-needed resources for ministry and outreach, they also raise ethical, theological, and reputational questions. I will try to explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of a church accepting money from a casino, aiming to equip leaders and congregations to make informed decisions.
I will start with the potential advantages:
- Immediate Financial Relief:
Casinos often have substantial profits and in our case are required by law to give 10% of those profits back to the community each year. For a church struggling to pay staff, maintain facilities, or fund community programs, such a gift could provide immediate relief. This influx of funds might allow the church to expand ministries, support missions, or pay our flood insurance.
- Expanded Community Outreach:
With increased resources, our church could enhance its charitable work- feeding the hungry, supporting addiction recovery programs, or providing shelter for the homeless. In some cases, the donation could be earmarked for specific projects, like access ramps or an elevator or lift to make our building more accessible to more people.
- Potential Bridge Building:
Accepting a donation from a casino could open doors for dialogue between the church and individuals who might not otherwise engage with religious institutions. This could be seen as an opportunity for outreach, relationship building, and demonstrating the church’s willingness to work with diverse community stakeholders.
Now for the potential disadvantages:
- Ethical & Theological Concerns:
Many Christian traditions view gambling as morally problematic, citing Biblical principles about stewardship, covetousness, and the exploitation of the vulnerable. Accepting money from a casino could been seen as indirectly endorsing or benefitting from an industry that profits from addictive behavior and financial loss.
- Damage to Reputation:
Even if the funds are used for noble purposes, members of the congregation or the wider community may perceive the church as compromising its values. This could lead to distrust, loss of credibility, or even a decline in membership and donations from those who object to the source of the money.
- Dependency & Influence:
A large donation from a casino could create a sense of reliance or financial dependence. The church might feel pressured to avoid speaking out against gambling, or to soften its moral stance to maintain the relationship. This could erode the church’s prophetic voice and independence.
- Mixed Messaging:
If a church accepts funds from a casino while simultaneously counseling against gambling, it risks sending a contradictory message. This inconsistency could confuse members and weaken the church’s moral authority.
The decision to accept or reject such a donation requires careful discernment. In next month’s newsletter I will explore these next steps.
- Scriptural Reflection: Examine relevant biblical passages and theological teaching on money, stewardship, and moral compromise.
- Congregational Dialogue: Involve members in open discussions to gauge consensus and address concerns.
- Transparency: Clearly communicate the source of the funds and how they will be used.
- Designated Use: If accepted, earmark the money for purposes that directly address the church’s most urgent needs.
- Alternative Funding: Explore whether the same goals could be achieved through other less ethically fraught sources.
In conclusion, accepting money from a casino presents both tangible benefits and significant risks for a church. While the financial boost could empower ministry and community service, the ethical implications and potential damage to the church’s witness cannot be ignored. Ultimately, the decision should be guided by prayer, scripture, congregational unity, and a commitment to integrity. In the same case, the short-term gain may not be worth the long-term cost to the church’s mission and moral standing.
Please prayerfully consider these pros and cons and begin to develop questions or concerns that you may have so that we can have a positive discussion at the semi-annual meeting. Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Carl F. Vitters- Moderator
250 Years Ago, This Month ~
Liberty Takes Root: In Taverns, Churches, and Town Meetings
By June of 1776, more than a year had passed since the battles at Lexington and Concord first ignited open conflict between the colonies and Great Britain. The “shot heard round the world” had transformed everyday life throughout the colonies. In taverns, churches, homes, and town meetings, ordinary colonists debated whether reconciliation with Britain was still possible — or whether independence had become inevitable.
In Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress met amid uncertainty, tension, and growing determination. Delegates argued passionately over the future of the colonies and whether the time had come to formally separate from British rule. On June 11, Congress appointed what became known as the “Committee of Five” — Thomas Jefferson (VA), John Adams (MA), Benjamin Franklin (PA), Roger Sherman (CT), and Robert R. Livingston (NY) — to draft what would soon become the Declaration of Independence.
Yet the movement toward independence was not taking shape only in Philadelphia. Across New England and throughout the colonies, local communities were already wrestling with the meaning of liberty and self-government. Town meetings passed “Resolves” declaring support for independence and resistance to royal authority. In many towns, citizens publicly pledged their “lives and fortunes” to the cause of liberty, echoing sentiments that would soon appear in the Declaration itself.
Here in New Hampshire, the spirit of independence had already taken deep root. January 5, 1776, New Hampshire became the first former colony to establish its own independent government and constitution apart from British rule. Then on June 15, 1776, New Hampshire formally declared itself free and independent from the British Crown. Communities throughout the colony were supporting militias, debating independence, and preparing for what many sensed would be a long and difficult struggle.
Churches also played an important role during this time. In many Congregational churches throughout New England, ministers preached sermons about liberty, sacrifice, moral responsibility, and the uncertain future facing the colonies. Days of prayer and fasting were frequently observed as communities sought both courage and guidance in a time of upheaval. For many colonists, questions of freedom and self-government were discussed not only in legislative halls, but also from pulpits and around family tables.
For ordinary people, daily life in June 1776 remained filled with uncertainty. Farmers still tended their fields while war disrupted trade and travel. News moved slowly by horseback, newspaper, and word of mouth. Families worried about shortages, British troop movements, and what independence might ultimately cost. Some strongly supported revolution, while others feared the dangers and hardships that could follow.
Yet throughout the colonies, a shared belief was steadily growing — that ordinary people had both the right and the responsibility to help shape their own future.
Within only a few weeks, those hopes, fears, and convictions would soon be expressed in one of the most consequential documents in history: the Declaration of Independence.
