25 Gather to Discuss Marriage Equality and the Episcopal Church                     by John Bouton 

On Tuesday evening, February 22, twenty-two parishoners and three members of churches in the Central Convocation gathered to discuss marriage equality. Billed as "a conversation among the faithful," the session quickly showed near-unanimous support for NH laws establishing the right of same-sex couples to marry.  In spite of widespread agreement surrounding the principle, the watchword of the conversation was variety of sexual identities and personalities, as when a participant remarked, "We come in all forms."

Kicking off the conversation, Rev. Kate Atkinson sought to convene parishoners and members of the local churches to help people talk with each other about this issue, which highlighted tensions in some parishes following the election of Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003. As she remarked, "Not in the recent past has St. Paul's Church had this conversation that churches in the diocese are encouraged to have." She then opened the floor to varied topics. While some of the conversation at St. Paul's considered the Episcopal Church USA's role in the Anglican Communion, most of the evening's talk focused on matters closest to home. Parishoners discussed coming out of the closet, learning to accept differences in sexual orientation among members of their families, the role of lobbyists in pushing social agendas in the NH Legislature, and how the Bible figures in the conversation.

The timing of the conversation came on the heels of the NH Legislature's hearing testimony earlier in February on four bills in committee that would reverse the 2009 law allowing same-sex couples to marry. A number of participants in Tuesday's conversation reported feeling hopeful following eight and a half hours of testimony in Representatives Hall. Mobilized by the Freedom to Marry Coalition, supporters of the law currently in force wore red. Despite differences in opinion, most reported that the tone was civil and respectful among those supporting the law and those seeking its repeal.

Some of the most moving testimony at the legislative hearing came from NH high school students, who reported concerns about safety and mental health if the law were to be repealed. As one reportedly observed, "Do we want to be known as a state that goes back on its laws?" There was widespread interest among those gathered in ensuring that young people feel safe at St. Paul's surrounding their sexual identity. Kate Atkinson reported that the St. Paul's Youth group has watched the film "For the Bible Tells Me So", a documentary that evaluates the Biblical basis for the conflict between those who believe that homosexuality is a sin and those who do not. There will be another opportunity for youth and adults to see this film in the near future. Responding to reports of LGBT teens not feeling welcome in their schools, a parishoner talked about his experience of teaching in schools that allow adults to identify themselves as allies for teens who wish to talk openly about their sexual identity.  Another congregant mentioned PFlag as a network for families seeking ways to support their gay children and Outright, an organization for gay/lesbian/transgendered youth under 21 and their allies.

Perhaps the most hopeful message of the evening came from several parishioners who described their relationships with conservative priests within the Anglican communion. As those relationships intensify and people on both sides of LGBT rights issues listen to one another, there is a sense that more people recognize, in the words of one priest, that "you never get to heaven on an issue." Ultimately, being "a place to belong, wherever you are, whoever you are" means creating a safe and nurturing place for one another to have frank conversations with dignity, respect, and love. It was clear from this conversation that St. Paul's and other Episcopal churches within the diocese are taking up the issue of marriage equality in this spirit.

Resources for Those Seeking More Information

Freedom to Marry Coalition: www.nhftm.org/ 

For the Bible Tells Me So, a documentary film

Manchester chapter of Outright: www.freewebs.com/manchesteroutright/ 

PFlag NH: www.pflagnh.org/  

   by Michael Atkinson

The Diocesan 2011 Midwinter Retreat for clergy and partners took place in North Conway from the evening of Thursday, February 3rd until lunchtime on Saturday 5th. We were very blessed to spend time in such beautiful surroundings, with a magnificent view of Mt. Washington, and in a comfortable resort with good food, good fellowship and plenty of opportunity for a wide range of activities or for relaxation. There was a light program provided by the Rev. Terry Gallagher, a Catholic priest from Toronto, and we celebrated Eucharist on the Saturday morning with our bishop presiding and delivering the homily.

Bishop Robinson reminded us that, even as we enjoyed a much needed time of rest and relative luxury, we must be a voice for the poor and underprivileged. We must continually push our congregations and our community, including its leaders, to take steps to improve, rather than worsen, the lot of those people. As bills come before Congress which would reduce the benefits and medical care available to those who most need them, we must be prepared to side with those in need. We are to work for and support policies that are consistent with God's love for God's creatures. This will not always be a popular cause; but Jesus does not call us to win popularity contests.

"Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, and one another," followed by "Thanks be to God," are words that frequently end our Sunday worship. Our bishop reminded us all that we are called to make those words good in Jesus' name.

January Vestry Minutes    

The Vestry Meeting was held on January 25th, with almost everyone present.  The Vestry listened to Katie Solter give an update on her journey toward becoming a candidate for ordination, and then approved her for candicacy.  Committee reports were circulated and reviewed ahead of the meeting.

Valerie gave an overview of the new budget format for 2011, and the final figures for 2010.  We ended the year with a loss of $108,135.   

Final plans for the Annual Meeting were discussed.  Kate and Herb both thanked the Vestry members who were finishing their terms.  The Mutual Ministry Review was also discussed and Kate noted that Tim Rich will speak at the Annual Meeting on this process. 

Herb noted that 65 musical instruments as well as music stands, CDs and cash have been donated so far for the Music School in Haiti.  He also updated the Vestry onNew Hampshire's Religious Coalition for Marriage Equality.

Senior Warden, Jerry Tepe thanked current and past vestry members for assisting him as he served his term.  He also announced the receipt of a grant from the Arnold and Margaret Peterson Family Foundation to fund the hospitality position held by Robin Broadbent through 2012. 

An amendment to the proposed by-law change was accepted to take to Annual Meeting.  A group is being formed to study the clergy compensation and benefits mandated by the Diocese and the National Church. 

Casper Kranenburg, Senior Warden                                                Lee Waples, Junior Warden

                            by Br. Charles Edward LeClerc, BSG

     As we have had just about enough snow and cold weather, life seems to be just another day of daily frustrations.  All that is around us seems to be gloom and doom.  Where and how can each of us be nurtured, feed and uplifted? 

     As I journey with you in faith, St. Paul's is that place where you and I can be satisfied.  As life unfolds for each of us, the presence of the Spirit is alive in our lives.  The hustle and bustle of daily life goes on "compassion" is very evident within our faith community.  Life is dynamic not static. In one form or another we live life in the Spirit beyond the boundaries of the parish building.

      Let me share with you one such moment.  It was just before Christmas. A young couple with a newborn baby came into the upper parish foyer.  The couple seemed stressed and asked for help.  The child was 3 days old and they were in need of basics for the child.  The family was homeless and were trying to create a safe environment for the baby.  They were in need of formula and diapers.  As I entered the foyer, I observed a member of the parish reaching out to this young couple.  As  events unfolded the needs of the young couple and newborn were met and further assistance was made available to them.  This is what I mean by living life beyond the boundaries of the parish building.  The young family came to know that St. Paul's is a safe place where  "concerned human presence" is lived out without fuss. Is that not what Mary and Joseph would have wanted for their child also?

     "Compassion" is what Jesus' life was all about as He reached out to those on the fringes of society.  All were included in the eyes of the Father.  Compassion is not taking pity on one another but to enter into the pain of another.  In doing so, we enter into a dynamic relationship with those around us.  We share in the history being made by the human family. We truly are brothers and sisters to one another.  The young couple experienced that compassion and was received as the "Compassionate Christ" when they entered the foyer.

     St. Paul's is a compassionate place.  That is not to say that we are perfect.  What is important is that the "Compassionate Christ"  is very much part of this community.  Often times we fail to see that Compassionate Christ in our midst.  We seem get caught up in the moment.  As our journey takes us into a deeper relationship with Christ, we begin to slow down and savor the present moment.  That is the  beginning of awareness and that is all that matters.  Living in the present moment is truly living life in the Spirit. 

     As we wind down from the activities of Epiphany and begin to enter the season of Lent, I challenge you to take time, be it as short or as long as you want to be present to the Spirit in your life.  Nurture compassion.  And deepen your relationship with the Compassionate Christ in you.

� St. Paul's Church, 2011. Next Newsletter: April 1; deadline for submissions: March 27.  Please do not reprint text or graphics without permission.