First Congregational Church of Pittsfield
NEWSLETTER
The Pittsfield Pilgrim, Volume XXIII, No. 7, July/August 2011
The Rev. David Stasiak, Minister | Jonas and Elaine Glidden, Publishers
Meet Your Church Leadership
Editor: We asked our Music Director and Organist, Linda Bissonnette, to share a little about herself for this month's issue.
LINDA BISSONNETTE | Music Director and Organist
My husband and I were going out on the bike one Sunday morning when we decided to see how far Pittsfield was. It was a very pleasant ride and we got to the church just as the service was getting over. We stepped in and ran into Nella Hobson, who was so warm and welcoming. She introduced us to Pastor Dave, and my first impression was that the folks here are so kind and caring. I decided to apply for the music position, and a year and a half later, here I am. It was evident that the people at FCC really live their faith, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that.
Pittsfield Pilgrim: Tell us a little about yourself.
Linda: I’m a nature lover and enjoy watching and taking pictures of wildlife. Because our house is away from the road, we have a variety of critters that parade through. We have apple trees, and find that we need to get to the apples before the deer if we want to make a pie.
I also enjoy riding my Spyder (motorcycle) and just got my license. My husband and I love to go bass fishing, take long walks with our dog, and get off the beaten path in God’s wonderful world.
PP: What is your current occupation?
Linda: I teach music at the elementary school level, and have been doing so for 31 years. It doesn’t get any better than sharing something I’m passionate about working with children, and watching their faces light up as we sing and dance and make music every day.
I know I have the best job and I can’t imagine retiring as the little ones keep ME young!
PP: Do you have a “funny” story relating to your time with FCC?
Linda: In the choir, the guys in the back row keep us laughing, and I’ve had many a chuckle listening to their bantering. Recently, watching Kevin Kennedy practice the bongos for the concert was a riot. We were finished with the song and he would not give them up. It’s quite a group and a wonderful music ministry team.
PP: Name a book that you’ve read recently that you really enjoyed.
Linda: I just finished reading "One Simple Act: Discovering The Power Of Generosity." This was a wonderful book which showed how random acts of kindness can have a life-changing impact on both the giver and the receiver. I’ve always believed that we can make or break someone’s day just by the way we interact with each other, so this was my kind of book.
PP: Do you have a role model in your life? Why that particular person?
Linda: In my life, my mom was my hero. She was the kindest person I’ve ever known, upbeat and positive, and my best friend. She sang in the church choir, played piano, and line-danced with her friends, and over the years, we were fortunate to have lots of time to spend together. If I can be half the person she was, I’ll be doing well.
PP: What would you like to see accomplished during the next few years at FCC?
Linda: As many have said, I’d like to see more young people involved in the church. Perhaps a committee could be set up to brainstorm activities that would encourage participation by young people in the community. They are our future.
In conclusion, I feel very blessed to be a part of a church family where folks truly care about each other, and live the gospel as Jesus did. Love one another, as I have loved you. John 13:34
On Friday June 3, 2011 over two hundred people gathered in our sanctuary and applauded, cheered and waved American flags as they listened to the “Sounds of Freedom,” a patriotic concert that honored the great nation that we live in. As I talk to people around town I still hear compliments about what a wonderful and powerful concert it was. Many of the people who attended were in our sanctuary for the first time. This is now the second concert that we have held and both have been a great success and there are many people who need to be recognized and thanked for that.
The first person we need to thank was a faithful Christian woman who loved music and knew its benefits for the soul. Before she joined that great cloud of witnesses Dorothy Freese Kristoferson, a very talented musician herself, donated a generous some of money to enrich the quality and quantity of musical performances in our church. I know that she would not want to be recognized for that. That is the kind of person she was. But, because of Dorothy, her husband Ralph and her children, our church and our town is benefiting from her vision and compassion for music.
Once again I want to thank Linda Bissonnette our organist and music director who created and organized another great musical event. Coordination of such an event takes time, patience, communication and understanding, all of which Linda was stellar at.
I want to express words of thanks to the gifted students of the UNH Inextinguishable Brass Quintet led by Adam Gallant, to the faithful and gifted members of our Chancel Choir, to Nella Hobson for creating, organizing and leading JuBellation, the handbell choir of our church—which gets better and better with every performance. Thanks to the bell ringers who freely give of their time and are excited to be part of a wonderful music ministry under Nella’s enthusiastic leadership.
Getting the word out about such an event is an important part of its success and for that I want to thank Nella Hobson for all of her efforts on publicity.
She made fliers, distributed them to businesses, put ads in local papers and the Pittsfield information channel. Thanks to Ross Morse from the Suncook Valley Sun for the great advertisement that was put together for the concert, and to Steve White who faithfully maintains and updates our church sign. Thanks so much to the Dorcas Guild that provided and served the refreshments and ice cream during the intermission. Last but not least, thanks to everyone who attended and invited a friend or two. Hope to see you all at our next concert.
I love being your minister. -- Rev. Dave
If your name or address needs to be changed, please contact the church office (603) 435-7471.
Do you want flowers for the altar?
If you would like to have flowers placed on the altar in honor or in memory of someone, please contact Ruth Strickhart or Nancy White.
A double bouquet will cost between $35 and $40. If you wish to purchase your own flowers, you may do so, but please notify the committee in advance so they can plan accordingly. During the summer you may contribute flowers from your own garden, which will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your support and cooperation.
1. Create an emergency response plan with your family. Designate evacuation routes and a meeting place outside the home. Everyone should be aware of the locations of fire extinguishers and emergency kits.
2. Place a list of important numbers, including the fire department, police, medical assistance and poison control near each phone in your home. Make sure children know to call 911 in an emergency.
3. Keep your first aid kit well-stocked. For information on what to include, visit redcross.org.
4. Install and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. As a minimum, place one of each in the hallways between the bedrooms of your home.
5. Test and replace fire extinguishers. Make sure your entire family knows where to find them and how they are used. Keep one in the kitchen and each floor of your house.
6. Have your chimney inspected once a year and cleaned regularly to reduce creosote.
7. Make sure burning candles are at least 1 foot away from fabrics and other flammable itemd. Extinguish them before leaving the house or going to bed.
8. Protect your home from electrical hazards by not overloading electrical sockets or running electrical wires under carpets.
9. Have your heating and cooling systems serviced regularly.
10. Check for recalls on items such as appliances, electronics, furniture and children’s toys.
11. Securely fasten heavy furniture including bookcases, shelves, artwork and mirrors to the walls.
12. Install sturdy grab bars in showers and railings on stairs to help prevent falls.