Holy Communion will be observed during the worship service on the First Sunday in Lent, February 21.  We encourage everyone to make this service an important part of their Lenten devotions.

     New officers were elected during the Annual Congre-gational Meeting on January 24:  Elders Paul Kuphal and Virginia Derbyshire and Deacons Eric Cashman and Mary Potter.  Eric Cashman will be ordained to the office of deacon, followed by all four being installed to their respective offices during the morning worship service on February 7.  Please encourage and support them, and all the other officers, as they serve Holland Church in this capacity.

     Treasurer Paul Kuphal gave reports including an explanation of the change in the Benevolence Budget in which the $500 previously designated to NORWESCAP has been realigned to provide $300 to our own Food Pantry and $200 will go the NORWESCAP.  In response to a question, Paul explained the reason for a donation from the Benevolence Budget to the Board of Deacons while the deacons return a donation to the church Operating Budget: the benevolence was set up at a time when the deacons had no money-raising operations for their work for church shut-ins, while the deacons donation is directed toward the church’s operating expenses.  The Operating Budget final balance was reported along with the other treasury accounts held by the church.  The congregation approved both the Benevolence and the Operating budgets for 2010.  It was noted that the stove replacement is being actively researched at this time.  New officers were elected as noted elsewhere in this newsletter.

     As the meeting came to a close, Pastor Potter gave a tribute to the many years and many aspects of service – from the obvious Church Treasurer to the behind-the-scenes printing of the church bulletins and newsletters,   turning on the heat early every Sunday morning snowplowing, etc. – given to Holland Church by Paul Kuphal.  He was honored by the deacons with a money tree and, in addition, with a birthday cake noting his recent 80^th birthday.

     A delightful brunch followed the meeting in the Prayer Room, with an additional feature of a slide show arranged by Pastor Potter of the past year’s activities.

     In sum, Holland Church has a fine, hard-working core of people involved in many aspects of Christian mission and fellowship.  Thanks to each of you who are involved in the Lord’s work in this place.

     Whatever you send me, Lord, I will accept.

     My response may be clumsy, or even inept.

     But I know you want only the best for me, too.

     So with your help,

           I’ll do what you want me to do.