Pastor’s Message

“A Crowded Calendar”

When we look at the October Calendar in this month’s news letter – – it’s crowded! Thank God! Our self-help and recov- ery groups are returning, our Bible Study groups are in full swing, and our food programs (Pantry + Dinner Bell) are in regular operation (though still on a take-out basis only). It is clear we are still in a “betwixt-and -between-time”, yet there is definite movement toward a return to the full operation of our Church community.

We can see the “blue” bands across the Calendar for Fryeburg Fair Preparations  and for the Fryeburg Fair . Volunteer  lists  are being placed  out for sign-up after worship  and online, and there is the hope that good souls will rally, creating the environment we need to successfully accomplish our fundraising and culinary tasks.   While the Pandemic has increased the costs of producing Apple Crisp (causing an increase in what we must charge at the Fair ), there is an excitement about providing a quality product that so many people enthusiastically return year after year to savor.

The next two months are key moments in the life of The Brown Church.  Our Steward- ship Program will be launched on Sunday, October 24^th. We will need everyone’s prayer and participation!   We look forward to receiving  “the numbers” for our Capital Campaign which will allow us to realistically plan and execute that process. The Trustees and the Capital Cam- paign committees have been working and planning for funding our ongoing programs and for retooling our Church facilities to make them accomplish our future mission and service vision. These are huge tasks and responsibilities – – the Church has been unwavering in its commitment!

Psalm 26 has the Psalmist asking God to “Prove and try me … test my heart and mind.” It is the conviction and integrity that whatever God asks, the Psalmist humbly will accomplish, because he/she knows God will provide the faith needed to meet any challenge.  It is a fearful and fearless commitment!

We have experienced this committed faith this past year and a half. The challenges we have faced have been met with determination, enthusiasm, and creative adaptation. Our hearts, minds, and faith have been tested and continue to be tried, yet there is an enthusiasm that we are being strategically called by God. We have often felt as if we couldn ’t catch our breath, but at the same time, we have felt our hearts running over with gratitude.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. John Hughes
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From the Trustees

The fair and the apple crisp are back! The apples arrive soon and the peeler is oiled and ready to go. The church has been involved with the fair for decades. The booth sold many food items in the early days, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, pies, chili and more.  The early booth had a dirt floor,  the second booth was built on a trailer.

It was about 30 years ago that the church decided to sell apple crisp only. Twenty years ago the current trailer was purchased and has served us well. In the very early days, the church grossed about $3,000 for the whole week, and now can gross up to $23,000. This income is a major part of the annual budget. In order to have a successful week, we need volunteers to prep and cook the crisp and work the shifts at the booth.

The fair is part of the church’s history. Currently, there are a lot of openings for both the prep work and the booth. The prep work begins on September 29th and the fair runs October 3 -10. WE NEED YOUR HELP. You do not have to be a church member, any one can help out. Free fair parking & entry pass on the day you volunteer at the booth. If we are unable to make enough crisp or man the booth, then we will be unable to participate at the fair and lose our spot

Trustees:
Chair: Anne Getchell
Duddie Andrews,  John Edgerton,  Nancy Irving,  Paul Weld,  Tom Workman
Ex-officio member Carl Vitters – Church Treasurer