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GOOD NEWS!
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A Newsletter of St. Paul's Church, Concord, NH
"A place to belong . . . Whoever you are . . . Just as you are." | October 2010
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October Calendar Highlights
3 Blessing of the Animals Service
A special service where we bring our pets (or photographs or stuffed animals if we prefer) for a blessing. See the feature below for the winners of our photo competition - Kate Johnson and Echo - who will help us promote the service on our banner and flyers.
13, 20, 27, Nov 3 Adult Education
Frank Spinella will lead a four-session discussion of his novel The Cloak and the Parchments - see below.
16 Saturday Night Alive!
Once a month we offer an evening service of Holy Eucharist, with contemporary praise music and innovative liturgy. The service is suitable for all ages and is followed by "Dinner and a Movie."
16 Dinner and a Movie
Saturday Night Alive! is followed by a pizza meal and Up - a PG-rated movie suitable for all ages.
17 Ministry Celebration Breakfast
Every person at St. Paul's is involved in some kind of ministry - from hospitality, to praying for each other, to offering a helping hand. Come and celebrate these and many more ministries at a delicious continental breakfast in Ordway Hall. EVERYONE is invited.
17 Flu Shot Clinic
Flu season is upon us! Come and get the shot that will help keep you healthy this winter.
23 Safer Church Refresher Training
This additional training is required for all people who are involved in pastoral care or any activity involving children -- and who were last trained 5 or more years ago. See all of this month's Calendar
For details of these and other parish events, check the weekly CentrePoint
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BRING YOUR BEST FRIEND TO CHURCH
ST. PAUL'S ANIMAL BLESSING SERVICE
SUNDAY, OCT 3, 10AM
EVERYONE IS WELCOME  | |
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Adult Education
On Wednesday evenings in October, Frank Spinella will lead a four-session discussion of his novel The Cloak and the Parchments, an entertaining story of how Mark's Gospel came to be written. Topics will include the early Church's efforts to gauge the true nature of Jesus; its divisions over the continuing validity of Jewish law; and its evolving understanding of God's plan of salvation. Focus will be on the historical setting and doctrinal tensions in which and for which the gospel was written, as well as of the influence of Paul on the development of Christianity.
Expect to read about a third of the book before each of the first three sessions. The series takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 on Oct. 13, 20, 27, and Nov. 3. Sign up at the church office, and get ready to think about the roots of Christianity in a different way!
You can buy the book on line at either amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com, or directly from the publisher through a link on Frank's website. Bring a copy of the book, and your Bible! For more info,
email Frank.
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Milestones
Received into the Episcopal Church -
Linda Spinella 9/2/2010
Memorial Services -
Betsy Perkins 9/11/2010
Charlie Hargrove 9/30/2010
Marriage -
Daniel D'Ambrouso and Catherine Broadbent 9/25/2010
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Come Worship With Us
Sundays:
8:00 AM This celebration of Holy Eucharist is quiet and reflective. Occasional music, but no choir.
10:00 AM This is an informal service of Holy Eucharist. Music includes traditional and contemporary hymns and choir anthems. All ages welcome.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:10 PM
Holy Eucharist in the chapel. Third Saturday of the Month: 5:30 PM Saturday Night Alive! A relaxed and informal service with non-traditional music. Followed by "Dinner and a Movie."
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church
21 Centre Street
Concord, NH 03301
Tel: 603-224-2523
Fax: 603-224-2524
rector@stpaulsconcord.org
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Clergy and Staff
Rev. Kate B. Atkinson,
Rector
Rev. Herb Sprouse,
Assistant Priest
Charles Edward LeClerc,
Deacon
Will Ottery,
Deacon
Mark Pace,
Director of Music
Kristin Dunklee,
Parish Administrator
Sarah Nyhan,
Minister for Families, Youth and Children
Kellie Denoncourt,
Minister to High School Youth
Andrew Brundrett,
Sexton
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Thanks for your feedback! Our September issue brought a number of positive comments from parishioners -- but that won't make us complacent! We need your help in order to improve. Aside from your contributions to future issues, any suggestions you have for improvement would be welcome. Contact us at communications@stpaulsconcord.org
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Clergy Corner
Last month's launch issue of GOOD NEWS! was received enthusiastically by St. Paul's members and friends - with our list of recipients growing daily as more and more people subscribe. We don't want to keep our GOOD NEWS! to ourselves so I encourage you to forward it to your family and friends and invite them to add their names to our email circulation. We have so much to be thankful for at St. Paul's, and there is plenty to go around!
As we begin to look towards 2011 I have a deep feeling of gratitude for the many ways the people of our parish support the work that we do. Through your gifts of time, we ensure that events are well-planned, well-attended and well-run. Through your gifts of talent, we ensure that all of our endeavors - from worship services through to potluck meals - are undertaken with creativity, dedication and skill. Through your gifts of treasure, we ensure that we have the resources to employ our extraordinary staff, to maintain our building and grounds, and to equip the many wonderful people we rely on as ministers to one another, to our local community, and to the world.
Without these gifts, St. Paul's would be lifeless and ineffective. Because of them, we are just the opposite! October is traditionally the month when we launch our pledge campaign - and the theme of this year's campaign is thankfulness. As the vestry, staff and clergy give thanks for you, the friends and members of St. Paul's, I ask that you give thanks in return for all that this parish means to you. "Give thanks with a grateful heart" is the catchphrase for the campaign - and already we have received some generous gifts.
You will discover the first gift when you open your envelope from our Stewardship Committee. A parish family has given us a specially-made present for every family or individual on our mailing list - and you can collect yours on Sunday, October 17.
Another four gifts, from the woodworking group at Havenwood Heritage Heights, are amazing examples of skilled craftsmanship. They will be on display throughout our pledge campaign, as a reminder of the many different ways we give thanks to God.
As you enjoy these gifts, and all the other ways God blesses us through St. Paul's, I pray that you too will be inspired to give thanks with a grateful heart.
May God bless you, surprise you, and delight you!
Kate+
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Ministries and Missions
 by Rev. Herb Sprouse
Haiti
Immediately following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, St. Paul's began to lay the groundwork for a long-term commitment to helping the country rebuild. Just a few weeks after the earthquake, we welcomed Sister Sarah Randall, SSM to the parish. The Sisters of St. Margaret, an Episcopal women's religious order, has been working in Haiti for decades, helping to build and operate vital educational, medical and orphanage facilities. Their convent in Port-au-Prince was destroyed in the earthquake, as were many of their other facilities around the country. Sister Sarah spoke eloquently during the Sunday services, providing a first- hand impression of the work the Sisters had accomplished in Haiti and the challenges faced by her Order and the people of Haiti in a recovery that will take decades. St. Paul's responded immediately and generously with a monetary gift to the Sisters of St. Margaret to assist their work in the near-term.
Shortly thereafter, parishioner and physical therapist Donna Lannon traveled to Haiti as a member of a medical team from "Helping Hands in Haiti." She returned to us with photographs and stories of her experiences. Because of the extent of the ongoing humanitarian and security issues in the country, it is still too early for our parishioners to travel to Haiti unless they possess specialized skills needed in the relief effort. Until we can send more people to help directly, we continue to find other ways to assist the country and its people.
In October, our commitment to the people of Haiti will be showcased as the "Mission of the Month." We will launch a new project to provide musical instruments, equipment and funding to the Holy Trinity Music School. A beacon of pride and hope known and treasured throughout Haiti, the music school was completely destroyed in the collapse of the Episcopal Cathedral complex in Port-au-Prince. Yet, even in the midst of these worst of times, survivors in ensembles from the school toured the camps for the displaced, performing frequently in support of the nation's healing and recovery. Throughout the month we will be telling the story of this unique institution and other projects in the devastated country. We will be joined on Sunday, October 24th by Jeanne Pocius, an American musician and educator who is spearheading efforts to rebuild the school.
St. Paul's relationships with people and institutions in Haiti are young, but our desire to help is great. We recognize that the Episcopal Church's long commitment to the country is our commitment as well, and we will honor that commitment with joy and devotion. Please be in touch with me if you would like to become more involved: hsprouse@stpaulsconcord.org |
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Formation at St. Paul's
by Kathy Bush
Kate misplaced her collar -- so Herb gladly dispensed with his. |
Looking for something to do together on Saturday, September 18, my husband Ed and I attended Saturday Night Alive! -- an informal community celebration of the Eucharist -- with over 40 other worshipers in Ordway Hall. This is now a monthly event, followed by dinner and a movie for those who want to make an evening of it.
The gospel text was John 12:44-50, a reading for Holy Cross Day. Both it and the homily centered on "Walking in the Light," and about things that may put out the light and keep us in darkness. During Kate's homily she tried to turn on a large flashlight. When there was no light, she checked inside for batteries, but instead found 15 items that were blocking the light: things like money, a band aid (health), a basketball (sports), a fancy matchbox car, a watch, a paper umbrella (leisure), a cookie (food), and various nasty habits. When these items were removed and the ever-present Holy Spirit was inserted (an ever-ready battery!), the light overcame the darkness!
Mark Pace rehearses the evening's songs
with a six-piece ensemble
 | The service's alternative prayers, supplied in a handout, caused us to pay closer attention and appreciate them more. The Prayers of the People were written by the SPY (St. Paul's Youth) members and their leaders. The Peace was warm and friendly. During the comfortable, community Eucharist we personally passed the bread and wine to one another. And the contemporary music invited our partici-pation and enlivened our souls.
Carved wood holder, wine and water cruets. |
After delicious thin-crust pizza and popcorn, we watched "Pay it Forward," the story of a Las Vegas 7th grader's social studies project -- doing random acts of kindness for 3 people and asking only that they pay it forward -- and the LA journalist who followed the pyramid of good deeds. The star, Haley Joel Osment, truly walked as a child of the light and showed us all how we can make a difference in the world by choosing to walk in the light ourselves.
We're so looking forward to next month's Saturday Night Alive! Please consider joining us for October's installment, and beyond.
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Photo Feature: Jesus on the Road
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From the Vestry
by Tamar Roberts
August Vestry Notes
The August Vestry Meeting was held on August 17, 2010, with two members absent. As usual, there was a lot of interesting information discussed at this meeting. The Stewardship Committee is hard at work on this year's stewardship campaign which will kick off in October.
Our endowment and invested funds are in good shape, and after a lot of hard work, our treasurer, Valerie Blake announced that the history and principal balances of the numerous endowments have been researched and documented. Dave Howard has resigned from the Finance Committee and a search is underway for a replacement for Dave's position.
Kate marked her first anniversary with us on August 17th. She has been working on the newsletter and will be starting staff evaluations in September. Herb noted that with the level of interest shown, there will be two Education for Ministry (EfM) classes taking place at St. Paul's this year, which are beginning in September on Friday mornings and Sunday evenings. The once a month, Saturday evening services will begin on August 21st, followed by "Dinner and a Movie" in Ordway Hall.
The Senior Warden reminded the Vestry that a nominating committee will be needed shortly to accept nominations for the January election.
Kristin Dunklee gave a report on a homeless project that has been discussed by the Greater Concord Interfaith Council, and the Vestry expressed several reservations that Kristin will relay to the Council.
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Youth Happenings
 by Kellie DenoncourtSPY Lives!As we begin an exciting new year of St. Paul's Youth (SPY), we welcome our 2010/2011 SPY Board: Charlie Arsenault, Max Broadbent, Philip Denoncourt IV, Matte Lindsay, Sara MacDougal and Emily Spring. The Board met recently with the SPY Leaders (Denyse Totten-Greenwood, Rick Greenwood and yours truly) and we discussed our plans and ethos for the coming year. Out of those discussions came the following statement of our purpose and mission:
"The purpose of this group is to bring ALL high school students of ANY faith background together in a life of faith, action and fellowship, and address spiritual, emotional, and social needs unique to youth. To attain this we shall provide a safe and nurturing environment, meet regularly to develop a network of Christian relationships, and provide opportunities to serve God through mission work and service projects inside and outside the church to better understand our roles as members of the body of Christ. Through worship, discussion and actions we will explore our faith and equip the youth and their leaders with the tools and support needed to flourish in a Christian life."
Food, Faith and Fellowship are essential (and probably primary!) to this group of AWESOME teens from the Concord area. In line with the three F's, they will be acting out their FAITH this year in many ways. We meet most Sundays from 6-8pm in the new youth room off of Ordway Hall. We enjoy dinner (FOOD!) together and catch up (FELLOWSHIP!) on the week's happenings. This year we will be talking about Ministry of Presence and how we can be a part of that; taking part in the Saturday Night Alive! services every third Saturday; making dinner for the Friendly Kitchen; participating in the CROP walk, Downtown Concord Community events, Common Cathedral in Boston, Mission Trips, Diocesan-wide Youth Events, and Community Service; fund raising; and possibility of hosting a Vacation Bible School next summer in Chantilly, Jamaica! Here is our schedule for October:
3 St. Francis Day @ St. Andrews, Hopkinton, for a contemplative srevice at 6:00 and 'Rule of Life' from Charles LaFond
10 Scavenger hunt on video 6-8 pm
17 Scavenger Hunt Comp. with SAY 6-8 pm
23 Safer Church Bagged Lunch Sale
24 Movie night or no SPY?
29 Halloween Howl downtown?
Keep your eyes open for SPY! We are saving the world one project at a time! For more information about SPY, contact Kellie Denoncourt |
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Personal Reflections
by Tamar Roberts
 When I was a child, I thought like a child . . . I had been baptized in this parish, grown up here, and always felt like this was my home. In fact, growing up, we always sat in the same pew (the Pierce pew) in the same order (Kathy, Betsey, Martha, Mom, me, Dad and Bill). I grew used to the sameness and the routine of being a part of St. Paul's. The services were always predictable (1928 Prayer Book, Communion on the first and third Sundays, Morning Prayer on the others), and from a very early age I just always knew what to expect on Sunday mornings. We were dismissed after the Gospel for Sunday School, as in those days, no one took communion unless they were confirmed so children were not generally in the church for the last half of the service.
I think even at a young age, I was happy without a lot of change, and I loved coming to church. However, change cannot be avoided and a series of events caused me to gradually fall away from the church. I think it started with the death of Mr. Morrill in 1969 while I was away at summer camp. He had always been the rector here, and I missed him terribly. Then came the liturgical changes with the new prayer book, which to my 13 year old mind, Mr. Morrill would never have allowed. I wanted the old language and the old comfort of what I had always found here. So gradually, my attendance began to drop off until, by the time I was 17 or 18, I became one of those Christmas and Easter worshipers.
The fire of 1984 brought me back for good. I was devastated at the loss of our beautiful and historic building that I had spent so much time in during my childhood. But as an adult, I realized that St. Paul's was not the beautiful building or the priest or the liturgy, but the people. Many of the people that I had grown up thinking of as fixtures were still here and welcomed me home with open arms. And of course, there were many great people who had joined in the decade or so that I had not been around frequently. So now as an adult, I can say that St. Paul's truly is my home, and the people here are my extended family.
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History and Artifacts
 by Frank Spinella
Ever wonder what was going on at St. Paul's a hundred years ago? A contemporaneous account of those activities can be found in the records of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, in the case of St. Paul's Church v. City of Concord, 75 N.H. 420 (1910).
The Wardens filed a lawsuit in the Merrimack County Superior Court to abate property taxes being assessed by the City. On appeal, the City argued that because there were some secular activities going on at St. Paul's, it should lose its tax exempt status which, according to the City, the Legislature intended only for property devoted solely to religious worship. Here is the Court's description of those activities.
"The premises in question were conveyed to the Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Paul's Church, in trust for the use and benefit of St. Paul's Church. They consist of a lot of land and a brick building of two stories and a basement. The basement contains a dining-room, kitchen, and serving-room. The first floor contains a coat-room, a hall fitted with benches seating about 250 persons, with kneeling-boards, a rack containing hymnals and prayer-books, a stage equipped with lectern, kneeling-stool, and other ecclesiastical furniture, and also having a drop-curtain, and a room beside the stage used as a vesting-room for the clergy, or as a dressing-room for persons taking part in entertainments. The second story contains rooms used for meetings of various parochial organizations and for Sunday school class rooms, and a large choir room, used for choir practice. There are also toilet rooms on the second floor and in the basement, and furnace and fuel rooms in the basement.
"It is agreed that so far as the taxability of the property depends upon the use made of the premises, the question shall be determined by its use in the year preceding April 1, 1908. During that year there were held in the hall on the first floor about forty services on Friday evenings, conducted by a clergyman and consisting of the regular service of evening prayer of the Episcopal Church, sometimes with and sometimes without a sermon or address. On about forty Sunday mornings, the Sunday school of St. Paul's parish was held in the hall, its sessions being preceded by a children's service of prayer and praise, conducted generally by one of the parish clergy, and in his absence by a layman. After the opening of Sunday school, some of the classes regularly retired to rooms on the second floor, where their sessions were held. Various organizations connected with the church hold their meetings in the Parish House. It is also used for the business and social purposes of the parish. When not otherwise engaged, the hall was to let for hire to reputable parties for such purposes as meetings of societies, lectures, musical recitals, and private dancing parties. The premises are almost immediately in the rear of, but not directly adjoining, the lot on which stands the parish church. Arrangements have been made for connecting the Parish House with the church by a covered walk of awning cloth, which is used on special occasions, when more room is required for the vesting of those who take part in the service than is furnished by the vesting-room connected with the church building."
Happily, the Supreme Court ruled that "a house of public worship is not taxable merely because it is used sometimes for secular purposes when not needed for the religious exercises to which it is primarily devoted, nor because it is occasionally and temporarily occupied for entertainments by parties who pay for the privilege." |
© St. Paul's Church, 2010. Next Newsletter: November 1;
deadline for submissions: October 21. Please do
not reprint text or graphics without permission.
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