Notes on the August Bishop's Committee meeting

The August meeting, held at Trinity Church, was the first since June - and covered a lot of ground. After some opening thoughts from Wes Rowe on prayer and the use of the Prayer Book in our public and private devotions, we moved into our individual groups to consider congregation-specific matters.

Christ Church - Details of the sale of the Holy Roller bus were discussed, including how best to deal with the remainder of the "bus fund." It was agreed to add Christ Church to Trinity's existing "Prayer Chain," making that a shared ministry of both congregations. Ruth Power has offered to take on the currently vacant greeting card ministry.

Trinity Church - Patrice outlined the recent repairs to the fire alarm, the cost of which is estimated to be $1,250. A letter will go out to the Trinity congregation concerning that and our hopes to raise pledges for the purchase of a new "zero-turn" mower. We may be able to take advantage of a "season-end" sale that would reduce the price.

On returning to joint session, the group heard a report on the recent goals team meeting of Aug. 12. Upcoming plans include a forum at Christ Church on the three Abrahamic traditions and how we can together be a voice for peace in the Middle East and elsewhere. Preliminary plans included a possible joint Vacation Bible School and continuing evangelism efforts. Both churches, meanwhile, are pursuing partnerships with community organizations that can more fully utilize facilities the often remain idle through the week.

The Shared Ministry photo directory is back on target, with data entry nearly complete. Make-up photography sessions were set for Sept. 14 in Portsmouth and Sept. 28 in Hampton. The directory, with sections for each congregation and some material on our shared ministry, should be ready for distribution by All Saints' Day.

The Seacoast Convocation is sponsoring a seminar on end-of-life issues to be hosted by Christ Church on Saturday, Sept. 27. Peter Monte of Christ Church is spearheading this, with assistance from medical, legal, and clergy panelists. Be watching the E-News in coming weeks for further details.

Financial reports from both congregations look positive. Trinity Church pledge and plate receipts are ahead of schedule, resulting in a positive balance despite the fact that the Village Pre-School remains behind in its building usage payments. This time a year ago, Trinity was in deficit, so this is welcome news. Christ Church is also "in the black," though not by quite as much. Plate income is about on target, and pledges are slightly ahead of schedule. This compares with a $6,000 deficit this time a year ago, so this, too, is encouraging news.

In other business:

• Both churches are still seeking out individuals to assist in editing and producing the E-News. We need someone who has word-processing skills who can use a simple web-based program.
• Several people from both churches will be taking Safe Church training at Christ Church, Exeter, on Saturday, Sept. 20. Under the new diocesan guidelines, retraining is required for all in affected ministries once every three years.
• Plans are underway for a fall stewardship campaign. Preliminary thought is being given to an "Anchored in Christ" theme that would build on the nautical themes of the two most recent campaigns.
• It was reported that the Rev. Canon Hannah Anderson will be our facilitator for a "Mutual Ministry Review" to be conducted starting in Advent and culminating in our Bishop's Committee retreat in February. This review was anticipated in the Covenant we signed last year and will give us an opportunity to reflect on a variety of aspects of the ministry we share.
• In a review of upcoming "FUN"draisers, Patrice noted that this year's Soup and Chowder Challenge is being moved to January, as its previous December date is seen as being too close on the heels of the Holly Berry Fair and other Christmas-related efforts.

Full minutes will be posted at each church as soon as they are available. The Sept. meeting will be at Christ Church on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.

Bishop to visit St. Andrew's Aug. 31

Bishop Rob Hirschfeld will be at St. Andrew's Chapel in Rye on Sunday, Aug. 31st at 8:00 (Rite I) and 10:00 (Rite II with music).  It is a great way to meet and talk with him. His next visit to the Shared Ministry of Trinity and Christ Church will be on Sunday, Nov. 16, when Christ Church will serve as host.

Inquirers' classes begin Sept. 11

Weekly at 7 p.m. at Christ Church

Becoming a part of a church community means more than belonging to a particular set of persons meeting in a particular building on Sunday. Long-time members and newcomers alike are invited to join our Inquirers' Class, which will help participants become more aware of our place as Episcopalians in the broader church, learning about our distinctive practices and history and exploring the Book of Common Prayer.

Inquirers' classes are designed to include both direct instruction and open conversation, led by Fr. Chip. Discussion will be guided to cover a variety of aspects of the church and participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions. The nine-week series begins Thursday evening, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. and continues through early Nov. Hour-long classes will be held in Christ Church's education room.

For those seeking to be confirmed or received when Bishop Rob visits this Nov., these classes offer preparation - but we encourage "veteran" Episcopalians to come as well, not only to refresh their understanding but to provide insights from which our newer members might gain.

Upcoming dates 

Photo Directory - Save the date for one more photography day!

Our Directory is in the last stages of completion. We have so many new parishioners who need to be included, we've decided to have one more picture day at each church.

The picture days will be:

• September 14 at Christ Church
• September 28 at Trinity Church

Anyone who has not had their picture taken may do so.  Even if you are not having your picture taken for the Directory, we still need you to fill a form out, as it covers permission for publishing your photo in the Newsletter, Web Pages and other media.

Ringing bells for peace

Each year on Sept. 5, churches throughout Portsmouth ring their bells for three minutes at 3:47 p.m. to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty, which was ratified on that date in 1905 at Christ Church (the original building on Monroe St.). Christ Church has faithfully participated over the years - and this year will be no exception. If you happen to be at Christ Church or in the vicinity that day, listen for the tolling of the bell at 3:47. Christ Church will also be represented at the Governor's Proclamation and reception at Strawbery Banke later that day.

Our Shared Ministry Cycle of Prayer

Each week, in both of our churches, we pray for one ministry we share and one or two households in each church. About once every six weeks, we will instead using the Shared Ministry Collect we prayed throughout the opening months of our Shared Ministry.

In our prayers the next two weeks, we give God thanks for...

Christ Church to be added to prayer chain

For several years, Trinity Church has had a "prayer chain" ministry in which people can request the prayers of congregation members and friends. This ministry has also been a means for sharing with the congregation important news updates.

At the August Bishop's Committee meeting, Christ Church's committee voted to join the chain, making it a "Shared Ministry" effort. Those desiring the prayers of members of both churches (say, at a time of hospitalization, a death in the family, or any other pastoral need) can access the chain by emailing trinityhamptonnews13@gmail.com. State what you wish the prayers of the community for and news of your prayer request will be shared by email with the mailing lists of our two congregations.

Initially, our full Christ Church email list will be added to the chain's mailing list - but there is always a notation at the bottom of each prayer chain email to opt out of future notifications. You will always remain in control of whether or not to share a concern with the congregations - as a matter of privacy, only direct requests are accepted.

 Just a reminder from Susan Sinnott
 

We have a great core group of volunteers and are always looking for more.  Thanks to Peter Monte, Melanie Harden, Jeff Heinz, Lynda Swartz,  Betty Lane, Suzanne George, Allyson Young, Tena Wolfe, Alexandra Rourke, and Chuck Ott--all of whom have served this year. 

 If you'd like to be added to our e-mail list, please contact Susan Sinnott at shsinnott@gmail.com.  

Bible Study group to reconvene for fall at Trinity

Trinity Church, Hampton, has always had a Bible Study group, with the emphasis on study.  This is not a group that sits and reads the Bible, but a group that actively studies to learn the Bible.

Why? The Bible is the most important book in a Christian's life. It is a life extender for eternity! It is truly the guide book to Eternal Life, salvation.  As Jesus so succinctly pointed out on many occasions, our lives cannot relate to others on Earth simply by our emotions.

An example is how he pointed out in Matthew chapter 5: verses 43-48 words to the effect that we are not here to just love our friends, as God allows the Sun to fall on the good and the evil and rain to enrich the righteous and the unrighteous.  We must strive to be perfect as God the Father is perfect. God cares not of East, West, South or North. He wants us to love everyone! For if you love only those who love you, what reward do you have?  Even criminals and the wicked love their friends.

We invite all to join our growing group which digs into the Bible, and utilizes the very best commentaries and tools available to reach the full meaning of the great words within the Bible. Jesus is walking wisdom and we all want to grasp and own it.  BIBLE truly means: Basic Information Before Leaving Earth!

WHEN:   We begin the Fall Season on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.

WHERE:  We meet in the Narthex of Trinity Church, Hampton.

Come join us. You will be glad you did!

Mike Spinelli

Facilitator