MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Trinity Episcopal Church, Meredith is to worship God and strengthen our spiritual life through prayer, education and outreach. Working together as the family of Christ, we seek to share God’s love, throughout our church, the community, and the world.
CALENDAR
WEEKLY EVENTS
Holy Eucharist: Sunday: 9:30 a.m. (Nursery care is available)
Church Office – Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rector’s Office Hours – Tuesday 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and by appointment
Christian Education: 5:00 p.m. Wednesday (Holy Eucharist on first Wednesday of the month)
Pot luck supper 6:00 p.m. Wednesday
Holy Eucharist with Unction: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (Evening prayer on first Wednesday)
April, 2008
10, Thurs 11 a.m. Golden View Eucharist
12:30 p.m. Newsletter collation
12, Sat 9-3 p.m. Safe Church Training, Claremont
13, Sun 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
2 p.m. Confirmation class
4 p.m. Kid’s Night Out
14, Mon 5 p.m. Stewardship Ministry
7 p.m. Knitting for Peace
16, Wed 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday Program (see schedule above)
18, Fri 5:30 pm. Supper Prep
19, Sat 5 – 7 p.m. Roast Beef Supper
20, Sun 8:45 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
21, Mon 3 p.m. Study Group
6:30 Vestry meeting
23, Wed 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday Program (see schedule above)
26, Sat 9 – 3 p.m. Vestry Planning Day, Geneva Point
27, Sun 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
30, Wed 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday Program (see schedule above)
May, 2008
3, Sat 8 a.m. Habitat for Humanity Walk-A-Thon
8 a.m. Parish Workday
4, Sun 8:45 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
4 p.m. Kid’s Night Out
5, Mon 3:30 p.m. Study Group
7, Wed 5 – 7 Wednesday Program (see schedule above)
8, Thurs 11 a.m. Golden View Eucharist
11, Sun 8:45 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Bishop Robinson’s visitation
12, Mon 5 p.m. Stewardship Ministry
14, Wed 3:30 p.m. Prayer Group
17, Sat 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Town-Wide Yard Sale
18, Sun 8:45 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
19, Mon 6:30 p.m. Vestry meeting
25, Sun 8 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (two services through August 31)
June, 2008
14, Sat 5 – 7 p.m. Church Supper
Standing Notices
All are welcome to share in communion at Trinity, including children.
The Rector has office hours on Tuesday mornings from 10 – 12, for those who want to drop in or call. She is also available at other times, by making an appointment, or calling ahead. The office hours are meant to be one set regular time that is consistent, but not the only availability.
In case of hospitalization or a death in the family or other pastoral needs, please notify the Rector.
In case of emergency, please leave a message at the church, and also call 707-0458.
For non emergencies, please leave a message at the church, where messages are checked regularly.
Prayer list names may be given at any time. To include the last name on the written form, we request you have permission of the person being prayed for.
The alcohol policy of the church is that with the exception of wine used for communion, there will be no alcohol use on the property.
Vestry meetings are open to any member of the congregation who might like to listen in. If you have an item for the agenda, please let the Rector know by the week before the meeting.
Meetings should be scheduled through the church office, as we have a number of groups now using the building.
Scheduling of baptisms and weddings require instruction and contact with the Rector.
The Church library is located through the door to the left of the altar. Please come and browse, and borrow books at any time.
Each Sunday we make several cassette copies of the audio portion of the service. Cassette tape copies of the weekly service are available at the greeters table, or can be mailed by request. If you would be interested in receiving one of these, please call the office – 279-6689.
PRAYER LIST (4/9/08)
Sue Ann Castellano joan Jones Azia Brown
Margaret Crowe Jennifer Drake Mildred Ricker
Roger Ballantyne Margaret Ann Gerken
Bob Andrews Josie Viger Skipper Stone
Clinton Follett Sheila Mackie Carol Thompson
Bob Pat Fitzgerald Agi
Sam Brody Marjorie Ober Joanne Farnham
Those serving in the military especially Harry Hicock Jr., Matthew and Stephen Thomas, Emmanuel Garcia, Hunter Hill, Sean Fitzgerald, Adam Burnett, Jason, and all who strive for peace.
Rest in Peace:
Marilyn Pattenaude
Helen Gail Snook (Corey’s sister)
The Rev. Deacon Bob Morin (North Country)
Frank Sinsigalli (Lucy Gustafson’s uncle)
CONGRATULATIONS
Anna Snook, who celebrated her 16th birthday
John and Holly Deery who celebrated their 2nd wedding anniversary
Laura Whitworth who celebrated her 90th birthday
Patte Fancher who celebrated her 80th birthday
Thanks To:
- Pat Rosha, Priscilla Fletcher, for newsletter collation
- March Golden View helpers – Carol and John Twomey, Charlie Chatterton
- Corey Snook, Andre and Lisa Garcia for help with Kid’s Night Out
- Roger Nicholls for becoming our new United Thank Offering coordinator
- Ursula Allen for the donation of soup bowls to the kitchen
- Corey Snook, Priscilla Fletcher and Peter Russell, for completing the Safe Church Training, as well as hospitality offered on our behalf for those attending.
- The Altar Guild, Carol Twomey with music, Kathryn Read with flowers and all who helped in so many ways during Holy Week and Easter.
- John Allen and Goldy Sherrill for priestly service while Robin was on vacation
Education for Ministry
Please speak with Robin by April 13 if you are interested in this four year program developed by the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. It is a program of study for lay people that focuses on the spiritual journey of each person, as well as offering the opportunity to integrate studies of church history, Scripture, liturgy and theology.
We are planning to start a group in our Convocation as soon as possible. One needs only to commit for one year at a time, with the knowledge that it is a significant commitment of time. If you would like more information, please speak with Robin, or pick up one of the flyers in the tract rack. Time and place will be determined by who is in the group.
Directory UPDATES
Roger and Sue Nicholls have a new E-mail address! It is suenrog@gmail.com
Knitting for Peace
A time to share stories, reflective knitting, and ministry. The next gathering will be on Monday, April 14 at 7 p.m. All are welcome to bring knitting or other handwork, or just to share in some prayerful time of fellowship and conversation.
Kid’s Night Out
Come join other 6-12th graders on April 13 and May 4, at 4 p.m. for making and eating supper, brownie soup, and other fun activities. Friends are welcome. Please let Robin know how many will be attending by the end of church that morning.
Parish Supper
Our next roast beef supper is approaching fast, the date is April 19. If you have not yet secured your early sale tickets please do so quickly. As always we will need desserts and many willing hands, you will find the sign-up sheets in the vestibule. This is always a fun event and 10% if the profits will go to Baby Threads, a wonderful affiliate of the United Way. The dedicated volunteers put together layette bags to help care for newborn babies. Baby Threads also coordinates many other projects for needy children, homeless families and families in need of a helping hand. Baby Threads operates out of a thrift shop in downtown Laconia named Out of Your Attic. Great place to drop off the items that keep escaping your closet.
Trinity quartet travels to MA!
The second weekend in March, four of us from Trinity attended the Province 1 Conference on Stewardship, Evangelism & Congregational Development in Westborough, MA. Ursula Allan, Carol Twomey, Roger and I were pleased to represent Trinity, along with many others from parishes all over New England. The annual conference fell during Lent this year and the theme, “Toward Resurrection” certainly was appropriate and very meaningful!
The inspiring keynote speaker was our own Canon for Stewardship from New Hampshire, the Rev. Charles LaFond whom many of your remember from his visit with us last year.
We were also blessed to have presentations by a renowned story teller, Valerie Tutson, and the wonderfully gifted musician Fran McKendree, whose music we enjoyed throughout the weekend.
We were inspired by the three main presentations entitled Resurrection, Resistance and Renewal. In addition there were a variety of workshops from which to choose, as well as ample time set aside for table discussion. Our shared dialogue together was often vibrant and insightful, and helped to enlighten and expand our own experiences and ideas. There was also time for personal meditation and glorious shared worship services.
We came away feeling thankful for what we already share together here at Trinity, inspired to continue to grow in our faith journeys, and excited to share with you all some of our personal experiences from the weekend. So… with Robin’s approval, we will be doing just that - at sermon-time on Sunday April 27th. Stay tuned! Sue Nicholls
Seed Money
It is almost that time of the year when we again turn our thoughts to the SEED MONEY project. All members and interested persons supporting Trinity hopefully will become involved this year.
On Sunday, May 11, Bishop Robinson will be here to get us started on our endeaver. As most of you will remember, each person wishing to be involved will be given ten dollars and be asked to invest this doing God's work, making it grow monetarily or spiritually. Some Sundays possible items will be offered for sale during coffee hour, as in the past. In the Fall we will all share ideas.
Be creative! Join us please in following God's will to do good work and help others. Priscilla Fletcher
Thank You from Maria Street
Robin,
I just wanted to thank you so very much for supporting Ozanam Place. My mother and I enjoyed ourselves and it was nice to meet so many lovely people.
As I mentioned, we don’t take fees for our services nor are we state or federally funded. We survive on the generosity of our community. I cannot thank you enough for choosing to support Ozanam Place.
All of my best, Maria Street
Thank You from Susan Garcia
Hi Robin:
My family and I had a great time at the Roast Beef dinner. The environment was extremely welcoming and everyone was so warm and friendly. It was great to chat with you if only for a few minutes.
Thank you and the Trinity parish for the gracious hospitality we all experienced on Saturday night. Stay well! Peace, Susan Garcia
When asked whether it was ok to share this in our newsletter, this comment was added:
“That would be great - - an honor to share my thanks with the parish. I'm very "proud" of Trinity's ministry and mission work, especially within the local community.” Kudos!
Workday
Let's spruce up our church home in time for Spring and the Bishop's visit. We will gather on Saturday, May 3 as early as 8 a.m. If you come earlier you may be alone. We will wash windows, vacuum, clean the kitchen and, weather permitting, get some outside chores done as well. If you cannot come May 3 maybe you are willing to take on a project at a time which suits you better. If that is the case please talk to Ursula Allen about it after she returns from a vacation on April 22.
Are you in gardening mode yet?
Trinity, GMP and Local Farmers Partner
This summer thanks to the efforts of Trinity, the Greater Meredith Program and local farmers, residents and visitors in the Meredith area will have the chance to buy produce while supporting local farmers.
Earlier this year it seemed as if the Greater Meredith Program (GMP) would discontinue the Farmers’ Market. Besides limiting the outlets for area farmers to sell their produce, this would have affected low-income families in our community. Some of these families receive vouchers that enable them to purchase nutritious fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, but the benefits of these vouchers would have been outweighed by the cost of having to drive to the Laconia or Plymouth farmers’ markets.
Upon learning that a less than ideal location was causing GMP to discontinue the market, Trinity approached the organization with the idea of holding the market in the lower level of the church parking lot. The idea was to work towards one of the Millennium Development Goals - MDG # 7 ensuring environmental sustainability – by supporting local production of food and maintaining a location for the families receiving the farmers’ market vouchers. GMP has gratefully accepted our offer.
GMP will be managing the market and dealing with the farmers directly. A GMP representative will be onsite during each market day to ensure that farmers follow the market rules including set up times, breakdown and clean up. They will also be handling the publicity and coordinating with the town police for an officer to help with traffic coordination.
The market will be held on Thursdays from July 10 thru August 28. It will be open from 2:30 to 5:30.
During each market, Trinity would like to have one or two members of the congregation on hand as hosts. If you are interested in helping out for one or more sessions, please be sure to check the appropriate line on the time and talent survey that will be distributed in May.
Bishop’s Visitation
Bishop Robinson is coming on Pentecost, Sunday, May 11, when we will be having a wonderful celebration of the Holy Spirit, the beginning of our time and talent pledging, confirmation and receptions into the Episcopal Church, and a great chance to worship together. Please join us for worship at 9:30 and a special coffee hour following!
CASA of New Hampshire
April is National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire is a state-wide non-profit organization that recruits and trains volunteers to advocate as guardians ad litem (GAL) for abused and neglected children in the courts. There are children waiting for someone to speak on their behalf.
Your common sense, commitment to children, and a contribution of 15 hours a month will help to ensure that a child grows up in a safe, permanent home. To become a CASA/GAL volunteer and help the children in your community, please call (800) 626-0622, or log onto www.casanh.org for more information.
Yard Sale
On Saturday, May 17 Trinity Church will once again be part of the Town-wide Yard Sale. If you wish to rent a table for yourself you may do so for $30, or you may want to donate a few smallish items in good condition to the Trinity sale table. Please, please make a little room in your house by donating your excess books and taking some fascinating volumes home with you. Think of it as taking part in a vast circulating library. We also encourage you to show off your fabulous baked goods, homemade preserves, baked beans, or whatever delicious surprise you have up your sleeves.
Carol Twomey will be in charge of books, Leslie Lavallee and Connie Snook of the food table.
Time and Talent Stewardship News
The Stewardship Ministry Team appreciates the great response to the Time and Talent part of our year-round stewardship program last year. Many people came forward to fill various ministries on our list of opportunities. The Stewardship Ministry Team has reviewed and modified our list of ministries for 2008. This part of the stewardship program will start with the distribution of the Time and Talent Worksheet this May 11. We are pleased that Bishop Gene Robinson will be visiting us that Sunday and has graciously agreed to preside over the “kick off” of our Time and Talent Campaign.
What we are doing here can best be described by an excerpt from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans starting at 12:4. “Just as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them”. At this point, Paul provides a list of gifts for his time and we have made a list for our time. We are asking that once again you pray for discernment of what talents you may bring to a ministry. The ones that are right for you will be those that bring you joyful service to God and the Trinity, local, and world communities. Responses will be offered at an “in-gathering” during the June 1st Sunday service.
Bill Read for the Stewardship Ministry
Habitat for Humanity Walk-A-Thon
On Saturday, May 3rd, the 16th annual will be held, between 8:00 AM and Noon. The starting and finishing point will be the First United Methodist Church on Route 11A in Gilford. Register beginning at 8:00 AM and walk any time between 8 AM and Noon. The course is 5 miles (8 kilometers) in length. Refreshments will be provided after the walk at the church. Raise $100 or more and receive a free event T-shirt!
Lakes Region Habitat for Humanity’s goal is to eliminate poverty housing by building adequate housing for those who need it. A Habitat for Humanity house costs approximately $70 per square foot, compared to $140 per square foot for a house in town or $210 per square foot on the waterfront!
Please say YES to helping to provide simple, decent and affordable homes for families in need in the Lakes Region!
Robin’s Reflections
Dear Easter People,
When I was in college, I had a poster on my wall that said, “We are an Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song.” As we celebrate the 50 days of Easter, we certainly sing and rejoice in all the extra alleluias in our service. They decorate our walls, alleluia is the first and last word spoken in our liturgy, and they signify our joy and gladness at all that Jesus has done on our behalf.
Living as an Easter people is a little bit more challenging than singing out our Alleluias. Just think about what it would mean to live as an Easter people – to believe in the power of Christ to bring new life out of death, to offer hope in place of despair, to recognize God at work in our world, even when the signs may be hidden or misunderstood. I invite us, as individuals, and as members of Trinity, and the body of Christ, to truly celebrate this Easter. We take Lent as a time to be intentional about self reflection and coming to terms with ourselves and God. How about if we take this 50 day Easter season (notice that it is longer than Lent) and choose to be intentional about celebrating life, about being an Easter people? Maybe that means we take time to live in the power of resurrection, and learn what that means for us or for a situation in our lives. Perhaps we take time to share good news with others who don’t have a relationship with Christ. For each of us it will be different, and it will also be something that we do together, because one of the important realities of Easter is that it happens in the midst of community. Together, we experience the Risen Christ, and tell the astonishing and even fearful news to others. Look at what people did on that first Easter day. We may be afraid or confused, or amazed, and we also have a need to be with others who believe. Let us begin to take in the immensity of what this means for our lives and for our world.
May we claim the power of Resurrection, and live as an Easter people, knowing that God is at work, even when we think that Jesus is the gardener, or hear good news and go home without telling anyone. The Gospels show us that the response of the disciples (men and women) to the empty tomb is familiar to us. We can see ourselves in those places, making those same responses. Yet God calls us to continue on, just as the disciples took the next steps. The Spirit is truly at work in our midst, and we will celebrate that power on Pentecost, May 11, with the presence of our Bishop, the affirmation that several of our members will make to their faith and the Church as they are confirmed, and with the invitation to consider the gifts and talents that each of us has been given, and the encouragement to make a commitment to live that out as an Easter People.
Let us celebrate and sing and live our Alleluias, as Easter People, who believe in the power of the Risen Christ to make all things new. Alleluia. Christ is RISEN!!!
Faithfully in Christ,
The Rev. Robin Thomas Soller, Rector