NOTES FROM THE MAD HATTER’S TEA
Held at Union Congregational Church, Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Those attending: Linda Carracappa, Joanne Johnson, Edna Drasda, Ruth Bohn, Ginny Chevalier, Chris Falcone, Connie Lebel, Yvonne Murray, Joan Buck. They mentioned that Divine Mercy has responded with the “most enthusiasm” of any of the churches.
In response to an invitation from the ladies at the Union Congregational Church, 8 members of Divine Mercy Parish Guild attended a Mad Hatter’s Tea on March 8. We were warmly greeted at the door by a couple women, were given name tags & a china cup and were told to find the matching saucer and to please sit in the chair at that place setting. We noticed several “other” people cheating on this task, but Divine Mercy representatives were more than willing to meet new people. We chatted for a short time with our tablemates and were then introduced to the guest speaker for the evening – the proprietor of “The Cozy Tea Cart” from Brookline, N. H. We learned about the growing & harvesting of tea – starting with the fact that all types of tea come from the same plant!! After the presentation, including sniffs of many types of tea, we were treated to a cup of tea and assorted delicacies.
The best part of the evening, however, came from our conversations with the ladies of UCC. The president, Carele Mayer, was especially welcoming; and we brainstormed ways that we could share fellowship. We said we would like to return an invitation like tonite’s gathering but that we were hampered by easy access to our hall. They responded quite enthusiastically that we had already extended our hand with the cookie trays we brought to them during the Holiday Stroll. They then suggested that we plan something, invite them and then use their hall. That offer initiated a brainstorming session of how we could work together on community projects and share the resources. Some of those ideas include:
• Working together on a craft project with a particular goal in mind – e.g. hats or quilts for a particular place & bringing them to the recipients. Connie mentioned that she often did these kind of projects when she was teaching school, so that the students would have the complete experience by bringing their items to a nursing home or the Girls Shelter in Antrim, etc. This would be a wonderful extension of the Outreach efforts we are already doing. Linda mentioned that daytime crafts might also connect the daytime group at Divine Mercy to members of both churches.
• Linda mentioned the possibility of sharing our Easter Basket program with the other churches – or some of our other Outreach projects. Starting with our two churches and then extending to other churches.
• Discussion of using their hall for other functions that D. M. might need as it was already used by many groups.
• Ways to engage younger folks in church functions – having members, like Linda, involved in the Guild.
• Offering programs that would include other churches – such as one they had recently on the history of their hall.
• Having some sort of “Advisory Council” – representatives from any of the churches who wanted to participate. This might open up opportunities for members of Divine Mercy to participate in serving community suppers. (Chris & Neil Falcone already do this) Linda & Lauren Martin did involve their CCD students in the past.
We were so excited by this extension of mutual kindness, sense of community, and friendship that all began with those cookies and look forward to our first gathering.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Minutes - 2011/3
Divine Mercy Women’s Guild
Business Meeting
February 14, 2011
6:34pm Opening prayer: led by Yvonne Murray
Presentation: Co-presidents Denise Long and Beth McGurty demonstrated the art of candy making using melted chocolate, strawberries, graham crackers and Ritz crackers/peanut butter. Delicious samples were passed for the guild members to enjoy. And, we all took a chocolate quiz to see just how much we knew about chocolate! Beth also made and served a delicious drink called Kir Royale.
The Guild sang “Happy Birthday” to Vi Depres and Beth McGurty.
Recording Secretary: Janice McKenzie read the January minutes to the members. They were accepted as written and posted on the blog. Janice also outlined the role of the Recording Secretary and encouraged the members to think about the position if they were interested or if asked by the nominating committee.
Corresponding Secretary: Thank you cards were sent from All Saints Parish & Chester Soule. The Union Congregational Church in Peterborough invited us to their “Mad Hatter Tea” on Tuesday March 8th at 7pm. Hats are required. A sign-up sheet was passed around for anyone interested on attending.
Treasurer’s Report: Cheryl Lastrina reported our current financial status: In $61 (dues, crafts and ornament sales) Out: $670.28 (Business expenses, Fair, poinsettias, Christmas potluck, paint and light fixture). Net profit from Holiday Fair: $4,410. It was suggested that a small hand rail is needed at the bottom of the stairs.
Helping Hands: No funeral support needed. Three comfort meals were provided.
Parish Outreach: The Clothing Drive for the City Reach program in Boston was very successful. Thank you to all who contributed or participated in this program. 28 volunteers traveled to Boston to distribute clothing to the homeless. All extra donated clothing was walked to 2 other shelters in Boston.
New Business:
March 14, 2011 is the scheduled date for the Mystery Ride dinner. More information will be posted on our blog.
Birthday cards for Fr. Gerry and Fr Goggin were passed around for the members to sign. A gift of $50 will be sent with each card.
The River Center: Linda Caracappa requested the Guild sponsor a session of the “Farm to Table” program offered at the River Center. At risk mothers and children learn how to cook healthy food often using a crock pot. Linda thought the cost was about $368/session and will follow up with the exact amount. The Guild agreed to donate up to $400 to this worthy program.
Four new offertory baskets are needed: The Knights of Columbus will purchase two and the Guild approved purchase of two. They cost $75 each.
The question arose regarding what percent of money the Guild has in their annual budget to donate to the Church and the community. At this time there is not a specific amount set aside each year. Beth felt this would be a good topic for the Board to discuss this summer at their meeting. Fr. Gerry has requested we maintain enough money in our budget to cover unexpected needs. We are also very generous with gifts to Catholic Charities, St Patrick School, and the Food Bank.
Old Business:
Cash for Gold fund raiser. After some discussion, the Guild members suggested this event take place in the summer. Linda Caracappa will look into available dates. The fund raiser would be open to the Church community and the Guild would receive 15% of the amount of gold turned in for cash.
Follow-up on advertising on the back of the Church bulletin: The back advertisement page is printed every 2 years and the next date of printing will be January 2012.
Joan Buck stated the Ecumenical Service was well attended. The Women’s Guild provided refreshments.
The Community Supper in Hancock has been rescheduled for Thursday February 24th. The original sign-up sheet was passed around to re-confirm what to bring. Helen Limina asked for a back-up member to help coordinate the supper in the event she was unable to be there. Sue Koziell volunteered.
Are you interested in bowling with the Guild? We will meet at the bowling ally on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6pm.
Beverly Schacht invited members to come to the House of Prayer in New Ipswich. It is a facility that has a chapel, offers morning Mass, and has small rooms for retreat purposes. It was suggested we have our April Guild meeting there but Beverly thought our group was too large. She will check into it and get back to us. If you are interested in seeing what The House of Prayer is all about please feel free to contact Beverly.
Meeting adjourned at 8:07pm
Respectfully submitted,
Janice McKenzie
Recording Secretary
Next business meeting April 11, 2011 @ 6:30pm
Business Meeting
February 14, 2011
6:34pm Opening prayer: led by Yvonne Murray
Presentation: Co-presidents Denise Long and Beth McGurty demonstrated the art of candy making using melted chocolate, strawberries, graham crackers and Ritz crackers/peanut butter. Delicious samples were passed for the guild members to enjoy. And, we all took a chocolate quiz to see just how much we knew about chocolate! Beth also made and served a delicious drink called Kir Royale.
The Guild sang “Happy Birthday” to Vi Depres and Beth McGurty.
Recording Secretary: Janice McKenzie read the January minutes to the members. They were accepted as written and posted on the blog. Janice also outlined the role of the Recording Secretary and encouraged the members to think about the position if they were interested or if asked by the nominating committee.
Corresponding Secretary: Thank you cards were sent from All Saints Parish & Chester Soule. The Union Congregational Church in Peterborough invited us to their “Mad Hatter Tea” on Tuesday March 8th at 7pm. Hats are required. A sign-up sheet was passed around for anyone interested on attending.
Treasurer’s Report: Cheryl Lastrina reported our current financial status: In $61 (dues, crafts and ornament sales) Out: $670.28 (Business expenses, Fair, poinsettias, Christmas potluck, paint and light fixture). Net profit from Holiday Fair: $4,410. It was suggested that a small hand rail is needed at the bottom of the stairs.
Helping Hands: No funeral support needed. Three comfort meals were provided.
Parish Outreach: The Clothing Drive for the City Reach program in Boston was very successful. Thank you to all who contributed or participated in this program. 28 volunteers traveled to Boston to distribute clothing to the homeless. All extra donated clothing was walked to 2 other shelters in Boston.
New Business:
March 14, 2011 is the scheduled date for the Mystery Ride dinner. More information will be posted on our blog.
Birthday cards for Fr. Gerry and Fr Goggin were passed around for the members to sign. A gift of $50 will be sent with each card.
The River Center: Linda Caracappa requested the Guild sponsor a session of the “Farm to Table” program offered at the River Center. At risk mothers and children learn how to cook healthy food often using a crock pot. Linda thought the cost was about $368/session and will follow up with the exact amount. The Guild agreed to donate up to $400 to this worthy program.
Four new offertory baskets are needed: The Knights of Columbus will purchase two and the Guild approved purchase of two. They cost $75 each.
The question arose regarding what percent of money the Guild has in their annual budget to donate to the Church and the community. At this time there is not a specific amount set aside each year. Beth felt this would be a good topic for the Board to discuss this summer at their meeting. Fr. Gerry has requested we maintain enough money in our budget to cover unexpected needs. We are also very generous with gifts to Catholic Charities, St Patrick School, and the Food Bank.
Old Business:
Cash for Gold fund raiser. After some discussion, the Guild members suggested this event take place in the summer. Linda Caracappa will look into available dates. The fund raiser would be open to the Church community and the Guild would receive 15% of the amount of gold turned in for cash.
Follow-up on advertising on the back of the Church bulletin: The back advertisement page is printed every 2 years and the next date of printing will be January 2012.
Joan Buck stated the Ecumenical Service was well attended. The Women’s Guild provided refreshments.
The Community Supper in Hancock has been rescheduled for Thursday February 24th. The original sign-up sheet was passed around to re-confirm what to bring. Helen Limina asked for a back-up member to help coordinate the supper in the event she was unable to be there. Sue Koziell volunteered.
Are you interested in bowling with the Guild? We will meet at the bowling ally on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6pm.
Beverly Schacht invited members to come to the House of Prayer in New Ipswich. It is a facility that has a chapel, offers morning Mass, and has small rooms for retreat purposes. It was suggested we have our April Guild meeting there but Beverly thought our group was too large. She will check into it and get back to us. If you are interested in seeing what The House of Prayer is all about please feel free to contact Beverly.
Meeting adjourned at 8:07pm
Respectfully submitted,
Janice McKenzie
Recording Secretary
Next business meeting April 11, 2011 @ 6:30pm
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Mystery Ride 2011
DMP Women’s Guild
Mystery Ride
When: March 14thTime/Meeting Place: 6PM at either the St Patrick’s or St Peter’s parking lot
Menu choices:
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Parmesan
Steak Tips
Lamb Kabobs
Haddock Broiled/Baked or Fried (please specify)
Baked potato/Mashed or Rice (please specify)
Cheesecake-plain/ Cheesecake with strawberries/Chocolate Cake (please specify)
As you can see, the menu has many options, so we will need you to be specific with your choices. Please indicate your choice of entrée, starch and dessert when you contact us.
Denise 878-4247 dereeek@yahoo.com and Beth 588-2076 bgurt@mcttelecom.com are the contact people. If you call either of us and get a family member, please follow up to insure that we got the message.
Please let us know if you are able to drive, how many you can take and which location. We are in need of drivers that can start in the St Patrick’s parking lot.
Please RSVP by 3/11. The cost is $20.00 and you can give it to Cheryl on the night of the dinner. Checks are made out to Divine Mercy Women’s Guild.
Best Regards from your Mystery Ride Coordinators,
Denise and Beth
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