Trinity Tidings
November 2011
Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 635, Meredith, NH 03253, 603-279-6689
Web page – www.trinitymeredith.org
The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, Bishop
The Rev. Robin Thomas Soller, Rector, E-mail: robin.soller@trinitymeredith.org
Carol Twomey, Organist Ron Ummel, Choir Director Steve Johnson, Sexton
Church Office E-mail: churchoffice@trinitymeredith.org
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.
1st and 3rd Sundays – Christian Education at 9:30 for 6 years through teens, Nursery care for younger children
2nd and 4th Sundays – Choir rehearsal at 8:30 a.m. Choir sings
Rector’s Office Hours – Tuesday 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and by appointment
Christian Education: 5:00 p.m. Wednesday Pot luck supper 6:00 p.m. Wednesday
Holy Eucharist with Unction: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday
NOVEMBER
1, Tue 10-12 Robin’s office hours
12 p.m. Holy Eucharist – All Saints Day
6:15 p.m. Education for Ministry
2, Wed 5 Wednesday School Education program
6 pot luck supper
7 p.m. Holy Eucharist with prayers for healing
4, Fri 7 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous
6, Sun 8:30 a.m. Choir rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist and Holy Baptism
All Saints Sunday/ Choir sings
Nursery Care/Sunday School
7, Mon 3:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry
8, Tue 10-12 Robin’s office hours
6:15 p.m. Education for Ministry
9, Wed 3:30 p.m. Prayer Group meeting
5-7 p.m. Wednesday program (see above)
10, Thu 11 a.m. Golden View Holy Eucharist
11, Fri 7:30 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous
13, Sun 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
14, Mon 3:30 p.m. Stewardship Ministry
15, Tue 10-12 Robin’s office hours
6:15 p.m. Education for Ministry
16, Wed 5-7 p.m. Wednesday program (see above)
18, Fri 7:30 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous
20, Sun 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist/Sunday School/Nursery Care
21, Mon 6:30 p.m. Vestry Meeting
22, Tue 10-12 Robin’s office hours
6:15 p.m. Education for Ministry
23, Wed 7 p.m. Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at St. Charles
24, Thu 9:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day – Holy Eucharist
25, Fri 7:30 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous
27, Sun 8:30 a.m. Choir rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist – Advent begins/Choir sings
29, Tue 10-12 Robin’s office hours
6:15 p.m. Education for Ministry
30, Wed 5-7 p.m. Wednesday program (see above)
DECEMBER
2, Fri 7:30 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous
4, Sun 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist/Nursery Care/Sunday School
Alternative Christmas Fair after church
5, Mon 3:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl knitting
6, Tue 10-12 Robin’s office hours
6:15 p.m. Education for Ministry
7, Wed 5-7 p.m. Wednesday program (see above)
8, Thu 11 a.m. Golden View – Holy Eucharist with residents
9, Fri 7:30 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous
11, Sun 8:30 a.m. Choir rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist/choir sings
11 a.m. Worship Ministry
Quiet Afternoon at Trinity, led by Charles LaFond
24, Sat Christmas Eve -4:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Blessing of Creche, service especially for children
9 p.m. Holy Eucharist with choir
25, Sun Christmas Day – 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Brooklyn Elizabeth Griffin who was baptized on October 2
Nick Spicuzza, our newest acolyte
Danielle DiRosa and Charles Gallagher who were married at Trinity on October 22
The Rev. Grace Burson, new Rector of Church of the Holy Spirit, Plymouth
The Rev. James Ransom, new priest in charge of St. Mark’s, Ashland
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. The Rector normally takes Friday as her day off.
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 998-9660. 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 in the undercroft. Please come and browse, and borrow books at any time.
Gluten free wafers are available for communion. Please alert the usher or priest before the service.
Thanks to:
Directory UPDATES
Welcome to those attending Trinity recently: Mark and Linda Wright, Diane Ramsdell, Emily Webb and Rory Brookmeyer, Mike, Kenzie and Savannah Neuman, John and Sue Walsh, Grace and Peter Burson, Peg and Lee Custer, Carolyn Long
An official welcome to Pat L’Abbe who has transferred her membership to Trinity.
PRAYER LIST (10/24/11)
Lisa Mathews Jan Frank Fancher
Kathryn Read Tina Simpson Kathleen
Charlie Chatterton Donna Brookings April Thomas
John Gartland Patty McFarland Jackie Kiesel
Joe LaFrance Rondi Stevenson Tom Rich
Brett Follett Werner Wagner Marilyn
Kara LaFrance Denise Evelyn Hassell
Bob Jack Newton Theo
Charles Matthew Fielding Devon Scriven
Those serving in the military overseas, especially Brian Ferguson, and all who strive for peace.
Visits to our Members
Jackie Kiesel is on the second floor at Golden View, while Frank Fancher is in the brand new rehabilitation section, The Retreat, Room 204. Both would welcome visits and cards from you. (19 NH Route 104, Meredith, 03253) Joe LaFrance has just moved to the Veterans Home in Tilton (139 Winter St, Tilton, NH 03276)
Vestry Highlights.
The Vestry met on Monday, Oct 17.
* Endowment Fund Committee Presentation: Three members of the Endowment Fund Committee, Tom Kelsey, Bev Lapham, and Gertie McGlinchey, gave a presentation on setting up an Endowment fund here at Trinity. The Vestry will review the documents provided by the committee members and will vote on this at a later meeting, possibly at the November meeting.
*As a follow up to the Vestry planning day in August committees have been set up in the following areas:
Grow the Church - committee has begun and has been happy to see so many new faces in church lately.
Sabbatical Committee - preparing for Robin's sabbatical next spring.
Capital Campaign Committee - planning for Trinity's future.
Anyone who would like to serve on these committees please contact any Vestry member.
*Convocation/ Convention - the Annual Convention will take place later this month. There are nine resolutions to be considered. These were reviewed by the Vestry. The Resolutions are available for all to view on the Internet, go to nhepiscopal.org and then click on 'resolutions' to read them,
*The Nominating Committee will be meeting soon to make nominations for vacancies on the Vestry and delegates for Convocation and Convention for next year.
* Work will begin soon on repairs to the steeple. When completed our bell will once again be ringing!!!
*Pledge Campaign is winding down. So far 31 pledges have been made. If you have not yet sent in your pledge, please do so. Thank you.
*The next Vestry meeting is scheduled for November 21 at 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Jackie Roy
A Note from Jane Webb
Just writing to say that we got down here okay and are mostly settled in. I’m in Heaven and loving being so close and seeing the kids all of the time. I feel at home – good move. I’m working part-time at Cranberry Country Child Care, and I watch my two grandchildren, Naomi and Caleb on Tuesday and Thursday – an answer to a prayer!
I think of you all often and I miss you. You’re all in my prayers. Love, Jane and Rob
Cookie Swap
Church of the Holy Spirit ECW will have its annual cookie swap on Thursday, November 10th at noon at Griswold Hall, located on Highland Street in Plymouth and would like to invite Trinity Church women and their friends to join the fun. Lunch will be provided. Anyone wishing to swap is asked to bring about two and a half dozen cookies to swap and sample for dessert. For more information please call Pat L'Abbe @ 279-4076 or Shirley Stockwell @ 556-9251.
Coffee Mugs
Our supply of coffee cups and saucers seems to have been depleted in recent weeks. If you have a spare coffee mug at home that you would like to donate to the church, we will be able to offer a variety of mugs for coffee and tea drinkers each Sunday. Having an eclectic collection will be another sign of all the ways that we come together from our different lives and join to become a community of faith and fellowship. Plus you get the benefit of making a little more space in your cabinet.
Food Pantry
Thanksgiving Day is an excellent occasion on which to share our blessings with those who are less fortunate. Please consider a donation of food to help those in dire need!
Stewardship
At coffee hour on Sunday, October 23, our stewardship theme of hands, which have freely received, being moved to freely give, was symbolized by plastic gloves with fingernails made of candy corn, and then filled with popcorn. It was a fun way to remember God’s bounty, and generosity to us. We are so grateful for the 36 pledge cards which we have currently received, with a total commitment to date of $87, 948 to support our ministry in 2012. These are signs of open hands, reaching out to do God’s work in the world, and building on our theme of joining together as the family of God. For those who have not yet pledged, and feel moved to respond to God’s invitation to share in ministry, we invite you to pray the following prayer with us, and also to fill out a pledge card (available at the church, or by request, we will happily mail one).
Hands for giving,
hands for sharing,
hands to hold and join in love,
hands that offer,
gentle touch or prayerful power.
In God’s hands we all are held,
given strength and comfort,
hope and blessing.
May we reach our hands to find
that we are filled and
offered more than life,
as has been so freely given,
may we turn and give and share,
stretching forth in love our hands,
giving of our bounty.
In the giving we find joy,
as we build God’s kingdom now,
hope for each found in the whole,
joined and strengthened,
as we clasp our holy hands,
we become God’s own body,
broken and made new.
God is in these hands,
blessing molding, co-creating.
May we come with open hands
to receive God’s endless love.
May we freely give of all our blessings
to the ones who wait in hope.
Alternative Christmas Fair
Mark your calendars for December 4, as this is the date for Trinity's Alternative Fair. The basic idea is to encourage people to cut back on conventional Christmas presents, and purchase gifts that help many different charities, like Heifer International, Nets for life, Save the Children, Episcopal Relief and Development, Mercy Ships as well as Community Caregivers, The Meredith Food Pantry and many others. Again we are asking EVERYONE to bake something for the Bake Sale and those with talents such as jewelry making and original art works to participate also. Contacts are: Sue Schmidt, Ursula Allen and Gertie McGlinchey. Let's all pitch in and HELP!!
Lakes Region Convocation
The Lakes Region met in October to look at the resolutions which will be brought to Diocesan Convention on October 29. These include several financial resolutions – one to pass the Diocesan Budget, another to set the rate for clergy compensation for the upcoming year (recommended to stay at the same rate), as well as several resolutions dealing with health insurance and lay employee benefits. Additionally, rules for the May 19 special convention which will be electing the 10th Bishop of New Hampshire need to be approved. One resolution deals with terrorism and the request that terrorists be brought to justice. There is also a resolution that will revise the canons, and another that joyfully requests us to readmit St. Peter’s, Londonderry into the Diocese as a parish, not a mission church.
Worship Ministry
On Sunday, October 2, a group of those involved with liturgy met to discuss various aspects of our worship, and how it is going. We will meet again on Dec. 11. If you have comments on aspects of our worship, please share them, or attend the next meeting. We would like our service to be welcoming to all, and a gift we offer to God and one another.
All Saints Day
One of the major holy days of the church year, All Saints Day always falls on November 1. This year, that is a Tuesday and you are invited to come and worship as we celebrate Holy Eucharist at noon. We will also celebrate the Sunday following All Saints Day, as All Saints Sunday, with a special service and the joy of welcoming Ella Sullivan into the family of Christ, through her baptism. If you have names of those who have died, whom you would like to have read at the service, please add them legibly to the list which is posted on the bulletin board or e mail or call the office with the information.
All Saints’ Sunday at Trinity 2011
As
we have for the past few years, on November 6th we will once again
hold our special coffee hour to honor and give thanks for some of the Saints we
have known and loved. On this occasion, members of our parish family have
prepared and shared a favorite recipe of a loved-one or someone who had
inspired them.
Many who have been a part of this have shared that it is a fulfilling experience to invest a bit of time preparing a dish that tangibly reminds us of that person. In addition to traditional family favorites, there are many recipes in our little yellow parish cookbook that were specialties of our own Trinity Saints gone on before us. What a fine way to make some of them a special part of our All Saints’ celebration! Please consider being a part of this by preparing a dish to share. A photo or personal memory would be a great addition to our table, as well. We are blessed by the spirit of these saints becoming present to us in this humble and enjoyable way!
As we get closer to Nov. 6th, I will remind you of this again, and will have a sign-up sheet in church.
With thanks in advance, Sue Nicholls
Prayer Shawls/Knitting Ministry
A group of knitters gathers monthly to work on making prayer shawls. Trinity has a great supply of yarn that can be used for these projects. They can also be crocheted, or quilted, or if you like to do fringe, you can help finish a shawl. This month we distributed one prayer shawl and had another one completed. Our next meeting will be Monday, November 7 at 3:30 p.m. and all are welcome to attend. If you know of someone who would benefit from a prayer shawl (this is not only for people who are sick or dying), please speak with Robin.
Sabbatical
A Sabbatical group has been formed to help plan for the three months that Robin will be away, beginning in late April. This group will have its first meeting in the next few weeks. It is not too late to join, if you are interested. This is a chance for new adventures both for Robin and for the congregation. There are specific details that need to be arranged, and also the opportunity to dream and try new things. If you have some good ideas, would like to be involved, or just want to know more, please be in touch with Jackie Roy or with Robin Soller. Robin has submitted a proposal to the Louisville Seminary Sabbatical Grant proposal, with the theme of Building Community, and will hear of the decision by Dec. 15. Trinity might choose to work on a parallel theme, or there may be the desire to pursue some other interest or area. Each month we will try to offer an update.
Wednesday Program
Our Wednesday program begins a new series this week, using a new DVD by Phyllis Tickle, called Embracing Emergence Christianity: The Church’s Next Rummage Sale. The topics will relate to both church and culture and how these changes are impacting us. Each session will have a short presentation, followed by discussion. It will be an interesting journey. We meet at 5 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, and follow up our time with a pot luck supper at 6. We celebrate Eucharist at 7 p.m. using the saint of the day. You are welcome to any or all parts of the evening.
Chips Shopping Trip
Many thanks to all who contributed to the Chips program. We spent $515 at Bayswater Books (and due to a generous 20% discount, our money went much further). Six of us had a great time buying books and toys, then going for pizza afterwards. A man we met in the restaurant even made a donation.
Altrusa Festival of Trees
Each year, Trinity has been decorating and donating a tree to the Festival which then is given to a local family. Sue Spicuzza will be coordinating this event, and all ages are invited to help. Our young people are especially excited to decorate, so please check for a decorating party, to be scheduled before Thanksgiving.
Bishop Search
Beginning on October 1, the profile will be available for you to read/watch. You can follow the progress of the Bishop Search Committee or check on the profile on the web site at search.nhepiscopal.org. If you would like to submit a name to be considered, please do so before November 5.
Holy God, we pray that you help us in our search for a new bishop. Guide the members of our Diocese charged with overseeing and implementing the search with skill and open hearts, and of managing the transition to a new bishop with sensitivity and grace. Inspire worthy servants of your church to stand bravely for election. Send your Holy Spirit upon the delegates who will vote for our next bishop. Support our new bishop every step of the way, and give peace and knowledge of service well done to our retiring bishop, Gene. Give us all patience, wisdom, and that gracious hospitality of soul that allows us to hear your voice and see your face in each other, even when we differ. Through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Thanksgiving
There will be two Thanksgiving worship opportunities this year (in addition to each Sunday where we celebrate the Eucharist, a Greek word meaning Thanksgiving). On Wednesday evening, Nov. 23, at St. Charles Church, there will be an ecumenical service, which will have participants from several Meredith churches. On Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. please come and share in a celebration of communion at Trinity.
A Miraculous Recovery
In this picture is my cousin's daughter-in-law Patty, (and her husband and daughter). Patty has been on our prayer list for 2 and a half months. She suffered a massive brain aneurysm and was given a slight chance to even survive, at best. 10 days ago she went home and last weekend she had a big "Thank God I Survived" party.
Although Patty has much work to continue to do, her recovery thus far has been miraculous - thanks be to God! She and all of her loved ones are so very thankful for the prayer support she has received.
With a grateful heart,
Sue Nicholls
Hospice Interfaith Memorial Service
This service celebrates and remembers those who have died this past year, and all are invited. The service will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 6 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2238 Parade Road, Laconia. A reception will follow the service.
Nominating Committee
Trinity’s nominating committee will again be meeting to discern those who are called to serve on the vestry and as our Convocation delegates. This year we have two openings on the vestry and 4 openings for Convention delegates. If you have names to suggest for any of these positions, please give them to any member of the committee – Andre Garcia, Betsy Thayer, Sue Nicholls, Ron Ummel or Robin Soller.
Advent Quiet Day
Advent Wildernesses, an Advent Quiet Day will be held at Trinity on Sunday, December 11 from 1 – 3:30 p.m. Led by Canon Charles LaFond, this is a retreat for laity and clergy. The afternoon will begin with a simple meal as the community gathers. Reservations are required – please call the church at 279-6689 to sign up. The retreat will also be offered on Sat. Dec. 3 from 10-12:30 at St. Paul’s, Concord, Sun. Dec. 4 from 1-3:30 at St. Barnabas, Berlin, and Sat. Dec. 10 from 10-12:30 at Christ Church, Exeter.
The retreat will look at the following:
Because there was no punctuation in the original Hebrew, Isaiah’s advent reference to John the Baptist’s work of prophetic calling is unclear about where the people were to whom he was preaching! Who is in the wilderness? Was it John the Baptist? Was it the people to whom he was preaching? We do not know. But we do have our own wildernesses and advent is a time of connecting our memories and our pain with our healing and our hopes. This retreat will look at longing, wilderness, healing and hope as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah. Part teaching and part silent lifeprocessing, the retreat will consider various types of life management and spiritual wellness which can assist us with the modeling we seek to do as Christians in living
balanced, centered lives. Bring nothing. Read nothing. Pay nothing but DO make a reservation! Take two hours off from the busy-ness. Just come, enjoy and be fed by hot bread, creamy butter, hot soup and God-dwelling community.
Robin’s Reflections
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Our vestry is exploring the ways in which we would like Trinity to grow. There is always the desire (at least among clergy), for growth in the depth of our faith, and for visible signs that we are living out the Gospel good news. There is often the perception of growth in numbers as being a good sign of health. Or there can be growth in our outreach and mission involvement. Growth covers lots of territory, and comes always with the help and support of our prayers and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Clearly the Spirit has been at work in the lives of those who have joined us in these last months for worship. The prayers for growth have borne fruit in new members, those who are seeking, and lots of new nametags that have been made. Some are for people who have come once or twice and not returned, others are for folks who have found a home in our midst. We are delighted to offer a welcome and companionship along the journey deeper into God’s heart.
Along with that welcome, I hope that each of us will take the opportunity to look around and take time each week to greet someone you don’t know well, to have conversation, or share time at coffee hour. It might be a chance to ask if there are any questions about Trinity, or what their hopes are for this community, or is there an area where they might like to participate.
In Jesus, God meets us where we are, as human beings on earth. At Trinity, we can also strive to meet others where they are, finding ways to listen to their experience, hear of their needs, share in being present. This past Sunday we heard Jesus says that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. Think back to ways that you have felt welcomed, and see if you can offer that same welcome to another, whether it be someone who is new to Trinity, or perhaps someone you haven’t seen in awhile, or the person you sit next to every week. How do we share God’s love with each other, how do we let God’s presence in us grow, how to we want our church to grow?
Faithfully,
The Rev. Robin Thomas Soller, Rector