Conway Village
Congregational Church
March 2026
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Biblical Principles in Action at Isiah 61 Café
Recently, I visited Isaiah 61 Café in Laconia, NH looking for a couple absent from our Dinner Bell food program. Conway has no homeless shelters, so when someone needs emergency sheltering, they are sent to Laconia or Berlin. Isaiah 61 Café is a shelter which conducts religious services, with live music for its clients; it is one of 5 homeless shelters in Laconia.
The Biblical passage, Isaiah 61, reads, “The Lord has sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, open the prison of those who are bound.” Entering the Shelter and Café, you are struck by how the shelter is set up. One section has 31 beds set up dormitory-style. There are showers, 8 commercial washers and dryers, computers and mailboxes. Another section is the Café which offers hot food to order (options on an overhead sign as you would see at any Café), with tables and chairs for eating. The main area features couches and chairs arranged for comfortable listening to the band.
The Isaiah 61 Café complex is warm and inviting. Everyone is known by name as the mission of this project emphasizes acceptance and restoration. Clients during the colder months (the beds are only offered for the 4 coldest months) must leave at 2 p.m. each day and journey to a “warming shelter” several city blocks away. This keeps people active and moving. Residents and guests at Isaiah 61 Café represent a small fraction of the 6,806 documented homeless in the state of New Hampshire – a number larger than 80% of N.H.’s towns and cities, according to the Homeless Management Information System.
David, (who manages the shelter) noted an urgent need for socks, gloves, and mittens. Working with International Mountain Equipment of North Conway we were able to provide 20 pairs of socks and 7 pairs of gloves. These were distributed while David’s wife played the guitar and sang to the guests as she regularly does. Isaiah’s themes of comfort for the oppressed and broken-hearted are being realized at Isaiah 61 Café. This small community takes its mission of healing and restoration seriously, bringing joy to those who need it most.
Pastor John Hughes March 2026
Lenten Grace
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus it, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be
The season of Lent is the six weeks or 40 days leading up to Easter in which Christian believers focus on deepening their faith and relationship with God as they prepare for Easter. Developing a deeper prayer life by spending more time in prayer and/or quiet reflection in the Bible are ways used to strengthen one’s spiritual connection to God. Another practice is to reflect on what things in your life act to separate you from developing a closer relationship with God – time spent on social media or technology use, spending too much time watching TV, complaining, etc. – give those things up for the Lenten season. Instead of time used on worldly things, use your time on the giving of yourself in acts of kindness to others or volunteering to help a community charity.
By concentrating on these three traditional practices which encourage not only self-discipline, but also spiritual disciplines rooted in Jesus’ teachings, we are able to show and share Christ’s love in our hearts to others as we approach His resurrection on Easter morning.
“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 ESV
Lenten Blessings,
Your Deacons, Boz, Beth, Jill and Judy
Opportunity to Support Worship at the Brown Church
What Do the following Words have In Common? Music, Easter Flowers for shut-ins, Christmas Trees and wreaths, Palm branches, the Sanctuary-Worship, Bibles, Hymnals, and furnishings, Cleaning of Altar clothes, Technology equipment, Communion, Guest Musicians, Copyright Licenses for written and online Music, Coffee Fellowship, Birthday and Cards of Concern Ministry
I know, the first word to pop into your head was Diaconate! Not only do the deacons plan, organize and serve to provide all of these facets of ministry, but we are also financially responsible for all these various aspects of the worship ministry. Many of these items are provided for by the Memorial Fund, others by financial gifts by members and friends of the Brown Church. However, much of the operating budget is not. This has resulted in a deficit budget for several years.
This topic was discussed at January’s Diaconate meeting and brought to the Council’s January meeting for approval. It was decided that in the absence of offering envelopes with designated Diaconate envelopes, beginning on Easter Sunday and each communion Sunday that follows, we will collect a designated offering for worship expenses. Designated Diaconate envelopes will be available with the bulletins.
Thank you in advance for your decision to be a supporter of Worship at our church.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Lenten Blessings,
Your Deacons, Boz, Beth, Jill and Judy
March Worship Schedule
Sunday, March 1st – Communion
Psalm 121
Genesis 12:1-4a
John 3:1-17
Sermon: “Let’s Finish the Job”
Mountain View Worship – 2:00 p.m.
93 Water Village Rd. Ossipee, N.H.
Sunday, March 8th
Psalm 95
Exodus 17:1-7
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42
Sermon: “Well, Well, It’s a Scandal”
Sunday, March 15th – Rose Sunday
Psalm 23
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41
Sermon: “Let Him Speak for Himself”
Sunday, March 22nd
Psalm 130
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Romans 8:6-11
John 11:1-45
Sermon: “It’s Beyond Belief”
Sunday, March 29th – Palm Sunday
March 28 -April 4 – Passion Week
April 5th – Easter Sunday – (Ressurection Sunday)
Daylights Savings begins on March 8th.
We had a wonderful Pasta Dinner fundraiser at the church on the 20th. Thank you Wally and Beth Campbell and Valley Originals for putting on and supporting this meal. We served 58 meals and the church raised $1,113. A big thank you to all the volunteers for setting up, serving, bussing tables and cleaning up. We also want to thank the community for coming out on a snowy evening to support the church.
Due to all the snow so far this winter and having a roof that gets ice build up, we had a roof leak in the hallway. Burnham came out to clear 8-10 inches off the roof to stop the leak.
The Masons began work in the Henderson Room downstairs. They are converting this space for their Lodge. The work being done is very professional and we welcome them to the church.
The annual premium for the Flood Insurance in the amount of $13,784 is due on March 13th. In order to pay that on time, we had to take funds from the Raymond James investment account. Additionally, we have seen an increase in our heating and plowing bills.
We have talked about having a Spring Event again in May. We did not have one last year due to not having have room to store yard sale items. Funds raised at this event do help with the church budget. We are looking for ideas for this event. We do well with the plant sale, raffle with gift baskets (which could be Spring themes this year), lunch/BBQ, crafts and bake sale.
Last month I talked about the building projects and goals we have for this year. The real elephant in the room is finances. Because the flood insurance that we are required to carry comes due in March, we have had to dive in to the endowment fund for $20,000.00 to pay the insurance and help cover some of the deficit in the budget because we still are in our high cost part of the year, with snow removal, heating and all the things that go with winter, like the removal of the ice dam that built up on the roof in the usual spot and started leaking through the ceiling costing us $1,600.00 in unbudgeted expense.
All of this brings me to the point that needs to be addressed. Cash flow. At this time, the only big fundraiser that the church does is the Fryeburg Fair. The two other fundraisers that can raise $3,000 to $5,000 is the spring event and the holiday fair. Dinners are no longer a profitable way to raise money, unless the food gets donated like our February dinner was, thanks to Valley Originals and Wally & Beth Campbell.
At the semi-annual meeting, July 12th, the council will be making a proposal about signing up for the casino distribution that they are required to make by state law to local non-profits. The only problem with this, is that there is a conflict of interest, mostly moral, about taking money from gambling. Other forms of gambling are bingo, raffles, pick a prize and lotteries. These other forms are considered more games of chance rather than gambling, but you still pay for a chance at winning something. The church will not enter into this venture without a majority vote of the congregation. Up until the meeting, I urge everyone to prayerfully consider what your personal feelings are about this, and whether you will support the idea or reject it. There is no wrong decision, and all concerns will be addressed and all voices heard before calling for the vote.
As the winter begins to wind down, and the clocks spring ahead, let us take the time to enjoy the extra day light. Let’s marvel at the crocuses that break through the snow and begin to reveal that spring is near. Our Lenten journey up to Easter is a time of reflection. Are we happy with where we are? Or do we need to lean on the strength of Jesus to carry us through.
Try to be positive, look for the bright side of things, reject hate and harmful thoughts. God’s love surrounds you all of the time. All you have to do is be open to it.
God’s Blessings always,
Carl F Vitters, moderator
February 17, 2026 Council Meeting Recap
Financial Update
Four weeks of deposits totaled $15,696.81, including pledges, worship income, reimbursements, building use, and designated gifts.
To cover the annual flood insurance premium, Council approved a transfer from the Endowment.
Building & Property
- The Masons are making good progress on their room renovations and are working with proper permits and contractor guidance.
- Council will explore including Sanctuary window replacement as part of the upcoming siding
Semi-Annual Meeting – July 12
Council selected July 12 for the Semi-Annual Meeting. At that meeting, we plan to readdress the Revo Ca-sino Charitable Giving Program. Council discussed possible guidelines for restricted use of funds (such as flood insurance and utilities). More information, newsletter articles, and possibly a member survey will be shared in advance of the meeting.
Worship & Diaconate
The Diaconate noted increasing difficulty obtaining legal-size bulletin stock and discussed broader ques-tions about bulletin use. Easter plans (whether to hold Sunrise Service and breakfast) are also under con-sideration, and member feedback may be sought.
Website Review
Council is exploring updating or rebuilding the church website. Members are encouraged to review sample sites and share input — especially younger generations and those less familiar with our church. Anyone who wishes to participate in the website survey may do so by following this link:
https://forms.gle/ AG9PRhMFWmar997e9
Christmas & Community Events
Early discussions included:
- Participation in a possible Town Christmas Parade (including a potential live nativity).
- Whether to continue hosting our own Tree Lighting if the town holds one in the
- Considering the timing of the Holiday/Christmas Fair (before Thanksgiving or December).
John will be out of town April 9–17
Next Meetings:
Trustees: March 3rd 4:30
Diaconate:
Council: March 18th 4:30
Shrove Sunday Pancake Brunch
The season of Lent is a time of finding ways to draw closer to God. In the past, many people would Fast during Lent. The Fast often included forsaking treats, meat, butter, cream, eggs, chocolate. People would start the Fast on Ash Wednesday, the first of 40 days of Lent. Being practical, people did not want to waste food, so the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday became a day that one consumed all of the foods one was giving up for Lent. The French called that day Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), and the English called it Shrove Tuesday (Shrove being the past tense of “to shrive”, or to listen to ones sins and forgive them.) To use up the fatty meats, cream, butter and eggs, many people would make the treat of pancakes. The women of the churches would have races where they ran flipping pancakes in their frying pans! The tradition of Pancake Tuesday survives, so the church served pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, butter and real Maple Syrup for Coffee Hour on Sunday, February 15th. Many thanks to the Deacons, and Charlyne, Mike, and Marilyn (YUM blueberries in mid winter!) for the tasty fun Coffee Hour.
