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April 25, 2013
News from the Shared Ministry
of Christ Church Portsmouth & Trinity Church Hampton
In the Episcopal Diocese of NH
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E-News Archives |
Worship Services
The Rev. David "Chip" Robinson
Vicar
All people of faith are welcome to receive Holy Communion at the Lord's Table
Christ Episcopal Church
1035 Lafayette Road
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Rite II at 10:30 am
Coffee Hour follows
200 High St.
Hampton, NH 03842
Rite II at 8:45 am
Coffee Hour after the service
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Linda McVay
603-430-9888 (home) 603-988-9755 (cell) lpreble@comcast.net Jean Shula 603-740-0036 jeanshu@comcast.net |
Support our Parishioners
Support the businesses of self-employed small business owners who are also active members of Trinity and Christ Church
updated: 3/29/12
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Episcopal Churches on the Seacoast
Seacoast Convocation
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Ministry Schedule
Christ Church
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From the Vicar...
Keeping the Easter season fresh
Just after Easter Day, one of our members popped by my office at Trinity for a very brief chat. He shared that he has a hard time with what he called the "liturgical whiplash" that occurs as we transition from Holy Week to Easter.
Moving from the austerity of Lent to the celebration and overflowing joy of Easter is a difficult transition for him to make every year. I love the analogy he used to describe his feelings. He said, "It's like you've been starving for weeks and now there's a smorgasbord laid out before you."
Yes! That is what the sudden move from Lent to Easter is like. We endure a season of discipline and hardship, climaxing with the hardest day of our liturgical calendar, Good Friday -and then jump headlong into the "deep end" of our most joyful season. Just one day separates the hardest day of the year from the happiest one, the one filled with the most blessings and celebration.
We are still in the Easter season and are called by God to be feasting still on the bread that is Christ's risen life. But it's hard to visit the same "grand buffet" daily without growing tired and viewing it as the "same old same old." Our daily lives creep in and Easter becomes nothing more than a memory.
So what do we do? Well, here are some suggestions from a Catholic website that touches on the issue (a couple of them I have modified):
- Use a special candle at family meals to be your personal "Paschal Candle."
- Add an "alleluia" - or three alleluias! - to your grace before meals.
- Visit a lonely neighbor or do some other family act of kindness to express thanks for the resurrection.
- Learn how other cultures celebrate Easter. Try out some of their customs and foods.
- Listen to Handel's Messiah - which contains at least as much Easter music as the Christmas themes it is generally associated with.
- Discuss what it means to be Christ's "witnesses" (Luke 24:48)? Help each family member to see that their witness matters.
- Attend the Ascension Day Eucharist - this is a feast that sometimes gets too little attention. (See below.)
- Add some Pentecost red (for fire) to your home's decorations as that Feast approaches. We decorate for Christmas - perhaps even for Easter - why not Pentecost?
- Speaking of Pentecost, talk about the gifts of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 12).
- Along the same lines, discuss the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Easter blessings - still!
Fr. Chip
Ascension Day Eucharist
Trinity Church, Hampton
Thursday, May 9 at 7 p.m.
Ascension Day stands alongside Christmas, Easter and Pentecost as one of the four "Major Feasts of Our Lord." Following the chronology outlined in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, it commemorates our Lord's Ascension to the Father on the fortieth day after the Resurrection.
We will offer a joint celebration of the Holy Eucharist in honor of this occasion on Thursday, May 9. The 7:00 p.m. service will be held at Trinity Church.
As with Ash Wednesday and the Holy Week Triduum, it is the Church's expectation that all baptized Christians will make the effort to be in attendance. I encourage you to come - you will find it an uplifting (sorry for the pun, it's not entirely unintentional...) experience.
- Fr. Chip
Notes from the April Bishop's Committee meeting
The joint Bishop's Committees had not met since February (March's meeting was snowed out - remember?) so this one was on the long side. As the meeting opened, Fr. Chip welcomed and introduced Diane Lewis, the new Director at Little Blessings. She updated the Bishop's Committee on changes that have occurred since her arrival a month ago. It was voted to authorize revisions to the outdoor play area to create a space for infants. Diane's husband, a fence contractor, is donating fencing. Little Blessings will pay the labor costs.
Craig Davis, Christ Church's Warden, provided an update on repairs to the Holy Roller bus and there was continuing conversation regarding shared use of bus by both churches as well as the Seacoast youth ministries.
Patrice Wood, Trinity's Senior Warden, spoke of John Normand's offer to resign as Junior Warden in light of his unavailability for meetings. The Trinity delegation unanimously rejected his offer, citing his effective work at the day-to-day duties of Junior Warden.
Fr. Chip spoke of the upcoming time and talent drive to be completed in time for summer maintenance. We will also be adding a monthly "ministry minute" speaker year-round in each church.
He also spoke of a possible coordinated "Come and See" evangelism effort among Seacoast Convocation churches this fall. We had been looking into doing this ourselves anyway, so we will contribute to the coordinated effort as planning gets under way.
We reviewed aspects of our "test run" of having a single Shared Ministry office. This arrangement will be evaluated in 60 days. Meanwhile, it was voted that each church provide 6 hours of Nita Niemczyk's weekly time, which will increase her church-related office hours to 12 from the current 10.
In general business:
- The FUNdraising Committee outlined its schedule of coming events. Next up: a plant sale at Christ Church, May 11 and a dinner at Trinity, May 18. There will also be a yard sale in June at Trinity and a joint outing to a Fisher Cats game (including Seacoast youth) on June 28.
- There was a brief update on the joint Pictorial Directory proposal.
- Buildings and Grounds issues: Remaining electrical work in Hobbs House will be done in phases as money becomes available; a dead tree is being removed from the Trinity property.
- The first report from the Shared Ministry Covenant Working Group was received. This project will take several months to complete, with the resulting Covenant being submitted to both congregations for approval.
- We are seeking a more cost-effective vendor for our web-hosting. Our current contracts are nearing expiration, and there are lower-cost options available.
- Both churches have been invited to participate in Hampton's 375th Anniversary celebration, August 9, 10, & 11 at Tuck Field. We will consider doing a strawberry shortcake booth if we can secure enough people to fill all the time slots.
17th Annual Seacoast AIDS Walk - sets goal of $30,000
My colleague Calvin Sanborn, rector of St. George's, York Harbor (where we held our Lenten retreats last month) sent me a note this week reminding me that the 17th annual Seacoast AIDS Walk is coming up on Sunday, May 5, stepping off from Portsmouth City Hall at 2 pm. I'm writing today to encourage our members to participate this year.
Calvin's note continues:
"Raising funds for AIDS Service Organizations (ASO's) continues to be a challenge, but we are so grateful for the support of our local churches and faith communities, which help us provide important services to people living with HIV and AIDS in the greater seacoast region. I hope your faith community will consider walking this year."
Perhaps on this short a notice you are unable to walk. If so, I would urge you to consider making a donation to the walk's website,
http://arswalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1067945
If you do wish to walk, here are some salient points:
- The Walk goes on rain or shine. Assembly area is at Portsmouth City Hall: 7 Junkins Ave, Portsmouth. There is ample public parking around City Hall, watch for signs.
- Bring comfortable shoes and attire.
- Event includes a dog walk - free doggie gift bag to every canine participating.
- Free t-shirt for walkers or canine handlers with $100 or more in donations.
- Restrooms and water stops (for humans and canines) will be available along the walk route. Also free food and entertainment will be provided for all walkers.
- Registering online at the above website qualifies each participant for an online registration drawing in addition to our other incentive prizes.
If you still have questions, please email walk@aidsresponse.orgor visit the above website. Note, too, that volunteers are needed before and after the event. There's a place on the website to register as a volunteer.
-Fr. Chip
Early bulletin deadline at Christ Church
Due to our new office arrangement, all materials for the Christ Church Sunday bulletin now need to be in the office by no later than the close of business Tuesday. Please e-mail your announcements to admin@trinityhampton.org or vicarchip@gmail.com(or both!).
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Events, Meetings & Announcements
Congratulations go to Rusty Bridle! Rusty was voted Hampton Rotary Club 2013 Citizen of the Year! To say that Rusty was surprised Tuesday evening at the celebration held at the Ashworth, would be an understatement! Several people spoke of the many organizations and people that Rusty has served during his lifetime. As was repeated thru-out the evening, the Rotary's 'motto, "Service above self", describes him so well. Congratulations! Now get to work...do something, would you!?! Patrice
Christ Church Plant and Bake Sale Saturday -
May 11th 9 to 2
If you know the difference between a plant and a weed, we need your help and your plants!! Unsure of what's growing in your garden - ask one of our knowledgeable gardeners - Paula Kidder, Tena Wolf, Jim Sparrell, Rickie Marden or Kris Ebbeson.
We need perennials - are you dividing some? Would you share some with us? Hosta. Black-eyed Susan, Lupine, Jacobs Ladder, Day Lilies, Lavender , Lemon Grass, Hollyhock, Bleeding Heart... to name a few.
We'd gladly accept your extra Herbs as well - any that you can divide and care to share! Please remember - no endangered plants!
 Moms love pies, cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats so bring in some lovely items for our Mother's Day Bake Sale! Perhaps she likes coffee cake or muffins for breakfast in bed? Or chocolate cake or fruit pie for that special lunch or dinner? Or a lovely bag of cookies? Bring your contributions to church by Saturday morning so we can begin selling as soon as we open!
- May 18th - Spaghetti -community dinner...details to follow...Patrice
- Annual June YARD SALE - to be organized by Cathy Wahl...details to follow!
New Hampshire Fisher Cats Vs Portland Sea Dogs
at Manchester
 NO-it's not another FUNdraiser... it's JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT!!!
Gary Dozier will drive the Holy Roller bus- leaving Portsmouth at 5:45. Don't want to take the bus??? No problem, we will also car-pool!
We had a lot of fun last year so let's see if we can top our 35 fans of 2012. 20 tickets have been donated for our use and JR is working on recruiting some young-uns from the area youth groups to join us!! Tickets are only $7.00 each - what a deal!
When: Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Where: At Delta Dental Field, Manchester, NH
Sign-up sheets are at both Trinity and Christ Churches - Lets have some fun!
2013 SPCA Paws Walk
 Join the Christ Church team on June 9, 2013 for the SPCA Paws walk. If you and your pet are interested in being part of the team, please see John Wolf. More information next week.
Yoga at Hobbs House
A local yoga instructor has offered to give yoga classes that welcomes all levels, ages, and abilities. Although there will be no charge for this class, the instructor has indicated that he will have a 'free-will' collection that he will donate to Trinity Church.
Before this can happen, we need to know if there is interest. The classes will be open to all with the day & times will be worked out based on the information you provide. If interested, please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex or e-mail Nita (admin@trinityhampton.org). Let her know what works best for you -weekday morning or evenings and your contact information. If there is enough interest, the day and time will be announced. Keep watching for information to be posted!
Yearly Calendars
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Raffle Calendar Joint FUNdraiser!
Calendar Fundraiser drawings continue through the 30th! Winners names will be posted weekly in the e-news.
This weeks winners are...
Thursday 4/18 $25 Philbick' s Fresh Market Rob Kotarba
Friday 4/19 $25 Wal-Mart gift card Betty Lane
$25 Dollar Tree gift card "
Saturday 4/20 Garden Gift Basket Trisha Plante
Sunday 4/21 $25 Hoaty's gift card Alexis Zaricki
Monday 4/22 Necklace and earring set Jennifer Johnson Bean
Tuesday 4/23 $25 Meathouse gift card Ida Morriarty
Wednesday 4/24 Lafayette Beauty Salon -Hair cut Cathy Wahl
next weeks drawings include
Thursday 4/25 $40 '401' gift cards from Rusty Bridle
Friday 4/26 $30 Photo note cards from Carol Dostie
Saturday 4/27 $25 Beach Pea Bakery gift card from Susan Ott
Sunday 4/28 $25 Market Basket gift card from Max + Sam Malone-Swartz
Monday 429 $25 '99' Restaurant gift card from Tena Wolf
and the final drawing...
Tuesday 4/30 -one dozen Nature note cards from Kris Ebbeson AND
a hand crafted bird house from Chuck Ott
Our Thanks to all who donated and to those who sold calendars for making this a very easy and successful 'FUNdraiser'.
Lynda Swartz and Patrice Wood
Christ Church couple to be Received at Regional Service in Manchester
This Sunday, April 28, Paul and Linda Seward, who have been attending Christ Church, will be officially Received into the Episcopal Church at a service to be held in Grace Church, Manchester, at 3:00 p.m.
This is a regional Confirmation/Reception service for the southern third of the diocese, and should prove to be a festive occasion. Those who wish to attend to support Linda and Paul in this step are invited to carpool to the service. We will leave the Christ Church parking lot that afternoon at 1:15 p.m.
EfM: Education for Ministry (Lay Ministry)
Are you wondering what EfM is? Have you considered participating in an Education for Ministry (EfM) group? Here's some information that might help answer your questions.
EfM, is a four-year course of study prepared by the University of the South in Sewanee to assist and prepare lay people, acting in a small group community of faith, to understand and develop their personal ministries in the Church and in the world. The weekly sessions are 3 hours long and continue for 36 weeks out of each year, although you only need commit for one year at a time. Participants explore information from weekly reading assignments and participate in theological reflections designed to help them understand the action of God in their lives. There is a materials fee, but financial assistance is available. A thorough description of the program may be found at
http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM/ Want to know more? Want to finish the program you once started? On Tuesday evening, April 30 at 6:30, Bonnie Chappell, the NH EfM coordinator, will be at the regular class session at Christ Church, Exeter (where Betty Lane attends EfM) to discuss the new curriculum and answer any questions. All are invited who want to know more about the program. We'd love to see you there.
Can't attend but would like to hear more about it? Contact either Betty or Jean Wadman.
When: Tuesday April 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Christ Church, Exeter, NH
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Children and Youth Programs
Gospel for Kids
During the Gospel for Kids we will be looking at how we sometimes reject Jesus from our lives and do things that do not please him. We will look at how when people rejected him in his hometown. We will work on ways that we may welcome him into our lives.
Youth Database
If you have a youth between preschool and High School please consider sending J.R. Bridle your e-mail address, so that he can add you to the youth e-mail list, and get you the most up to date information the fastest.
JR Bridle
j_bridle@hotmail.com
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Sunday Schedule
1st & 3rd Sundays
- At Christ Church: Godly Play (10:30 am)
- At Trinity: Gospel Lessons for Kids (8:45 am)
2nd & 4th Sundays
- At Christ Church: Gospel Lessions for Kids (10:30 am)
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Gospel for Kids
Coordinators
Cindy Taylor (Christ Church Godly Play)
J. R. Bridle (Trinity & Christ Church Sunday School & Youth) | |
Volunteers Needed: J. R. needs a volunteer to help out at each church to run the Gospel for Kids programs. This commitment is for two Sundays. If I could get six volunteers that would mean every volunteer would miss TWO Sundays the whole year to offer our expanded Sunday school offerings.
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Music
Sunday Choir Rehearsals
- Trinity: 8:00 am - 8:30 am
- Christ Church: After the 10:30 am service
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Church Ministries
If your ministry is missing from this list please send an email to porthamp@gmail.com
- Saturdays: Food Pantry at Hobbs House Trinity. 10:00 am - noon (Sandi Nickerson & Gordon Lane)
- Sundays: The Christ Church "Holy Roller" Bus (Chuck Ott)
- 1st Saturday of the month: Portsmouth Salvation Army Suppers, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Jean Wadman)
- 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month: St. Vincent Soup Kitchen, Hampton (Ginny Bridle-Russell & Phoebe Bischoff)
- 1st Sundays of the month: Pastoral Visit to the Oceanside Rehabilitation Center, Hampton (Bob Main & Belinda Wilkes)
- The Canister Ministry at Trinity. Have you ever walked out of Trinity Church, and noticed those random boxes by the exit? Were you curious to what that ministry was all about? Well there are actually several ministries being offered in a one drop stop. Learn more
Hobbs House at Trinity Church
Transportation Assistance for Senior Citizens (TASC)
Providing transportation assistance to eligible seniors and others with medical mobility issues. Currently serving the NH seacoast communities of Exeter, Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, North Hampton, Rye, Stratham and Seabrook.
Contact: 603-926-9026
Dress 4 School Success
Contact Amanda or Aidan for clothing donation drop off or clothing needs 603.918.6816 or email dress4schoolsuccess@comcast.net. All requests are confidential.
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Content Submission Guidelines
The Shared Ministry E-News is an electronic newsletter for members of Trinity Episcopal Church, Hampton and Christ Episcopal Church, Portsmouth. It is published weekly on Thursdays. We welcome submissions that have a connection to the ministry of these churches. Inclusion of submissions is at the discretion of Reverend Robinson.
Please email submissions to porthamp@gmail.com or mail to the office at Trinity Church, 200 High St, Hampton, NH 03842 or Christ Church, 1035 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Entries should follow the Submission Guidelines.
NOTE: The deadline to send a submission is Wednesday at noon.
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Contacts
Christ Episcopal Church, 1035 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801
phone: 603-436-8842 email: christportsnh@comcast.netTuesdays and Fridays from 9:00-Noon
Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 High Street, Hampton, NH 03842
Shared Ministry Administrator: Nita Niemczyk
phone: 603-926-5688 |
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