ACTS runs a day camp for children between the ages of 10-14.  This year the weeks of camp are July 29-August 2, and August 5-August 9.  These camps run from 9-3 daily at Dot's farm on Federal Corner Rd in Center Tuftonboro.  We are looking for a few volunteers who would love to learn more about service dogs and help out for one or more days at this day camp.  If you are interested, please contact Dot Hyde-Williams at 569-9991.

Louise Graham and Charlene Anderson organize the group that cares for the gardens and plants on church grounds. They are looking for a few extra hands this spring and summer to help. Please contact either one of them, if interested.

On Mothers' Day a number of parishioners approached Father Rice (Ted) about the sad shape and appearance of the All Saints' memorial garden. They were thanked for their concern and promised that parishioners would be called together to share their concerns and interest in improvements. Conversations were then conducted with Mark McLaughlin, who maintains our lawns and grounds about what he knew of the history of the garden and its maintenance needs. Discussions were also had with Charlene Anderson, head of the Flower Guild, the group that has organized parishioners to assist in the watering and beautification of the memorial garden. Charlene made some phone calls and a preliminary discussion was had between the 8 & 10AM services on May 19th. We all agreed that there would be minimum positive outcome for trees or the garden if the lack of an irrigation system was not addressed. One parishioner offered to contact an arborist with whom she is familiar and get a survey done of all our trees with suggestions as how their care might be improved. It was also agreed to contact a professional landscaper to do an assessment of our soil and suggest what might be sustainable and appropriate for the beautification of the memorial garden and then maintainable by our willing volunteers. John Foster, our junior warden, was one of those present at the meeting and offered to follow through in organizing these efforts and getting information to the Vestry as soon as possible.  

A number of parishioners have remarked about the sad state of the carpet on the floor of our worship space, the number of cuts, tears and places covered with duck tape. Members of both the Flower Guild and Altar Guild have remarked about how warn the paint is on the shelf behind the altar where flowers are placed and, indeed, about the state of the paint job on the walls behind the altar rail. Some have remarked that the poor state of these areas does not adequately express how important worship is to us and our love for this house of God. While many in our congregation might point to the care of the hungry and homeless as a higher priority, this does not mean they wish our worship space to look shabby or neglected. John Foster has promised to explore these concerns and bring recommendations to the Vestry as soon as possible.

During Lent we had several groups who joined together in learning about and practicing a form Christian meditation known as the Breath Prayer. There are many other forms of Christian meditation as well as various forms and styles of meditation used by other religions and non-religious groups.

One of the purposes in conducting the sessions in Lent was to begin an on-going group that reads about prayer, meditation and spirituality, gathers monthly for discussion of these practices and then spends time in quiet practicing whatever form of meditation the participants practice.

The first meeting of this group will be on May 22nd at 7pm in the All Saints library. Participants are encouraged to read the first section of Henri Nouwen's, Reaching Out, in preparation for the discussion. Though this is a book originally published in 1986, it still provides a wonderful invitation to the life or prayer and spirituality: from loneliness to solitude, from hostility to hospitality and, finally, from illusion to prayer.

If you are interested in learning about and discussing these issues and practicing a time of silence, please join us. Reading the book is not a requirement for participation.

The Inquirers Group is beginning.  This was featured some month's back and we took the names of those interested. Here is a description of what it is all about:  An Opportunity to Explore and Deepen Our Faith - an opportunity for adults to learn more about the Christian faith and the Episcopal Church. We use this time, usually six to eight sessions, to invite participants to explore their own faith journey. Some of the participants may want to be involved in preparation for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation of their faith.  Others may simply wish to participate in a series of discussions of our faith which gives them an opportunity to explore all those questions they never had a chance to ask or for which no adequate answer was offered when the question arose during their youth. During the sessions we would engage in a number of exercises that encourage reflection, explore the history of the Church and the Book of Common Prayer, and hear a few brief presentations. There will be discussions on the sacraments, prayer, service, and ministry. There will also be ample time to answer any questions one might have about the faith or the Episcopal Church. Ted would like to begin first session on Tuesday, May 14th at 4 pm in the library. Please contact the church office if interested.

Caregivers of Southern Carroll County is in need of drivers. This group is a non profit in town that provides rides for medical appointments to hospitals and doctors. You can choose how much or how little you wish to participate. You can also choose if you wish to stay local or drive longer distances. If you are interested, please contact Shirley Bentley at 569-3714.

Thank you for remembering Life Ministries Food Pantry. We welcome donations of non-perishable items. Please place them in the basket in the narthex. Other items needed are supplies for babies and mothers (diapers size 3-5, wipes, toothbrushes/paste, personal hygiene items, shampoo and clothing for children).

Sunday

8:00 a.m. Song Group Children's Chapel

2:00 p.m. AA Meeting

6:00 p.m. AA Meeting

Monday

7:00 p.m. Al-Anon - Library

8:00 p.m. AA - Stevens Room

Mon.- Fri.

7:30 a.m. AA Meeting

9-12 Preschool

Mon/Wed/Fri

10-2 Wolfeboro Senior Meals & Activities

Mon. & Thurs.

4:00 p.m. All Saints Strength Training Group

Tues. & Fri.

7:45 a.m. Step Aerobics

Tuesday

6:30 a.m. Women's Worship

1:30 p.m. Scrabble Club

4:00 p.m. Inquirers Group - Library

5:00 p.m. Weight Watchers

6:00 p.m. Preschool Graduation

Wednesday

1:00 p.m. Knitting Club

7:30 p.m. Women's AA Group-Children's Chapel

Thursday

7:30 a.m. Men's Bible Study

10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

10-4 Lord & Tailor

5:00 p.m. Dinner Bell

Friday

10-4 Lord & Tailor

4 p.m. Song Group - Childrens Chapel

Fri. & Sat.

8:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous

Saturday

10-1:00 Lord & Tailor Shop

10:00 a.m. AA Meeting

8:00 p.m. AA Meeting