We are called and gathered by God to be and live in community. As Jesus says in Sunday's Gospel, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them" (Matt. 18:20). In the long green season or ordinary time after Pentecost, we hear readings that remind us repeatedly that God has not abandoned us. The Word of God appointed for this time is repetitive because we need reminding that the resurrection and ascension of Jesus are a beginning for us and not an end. This week Matthew focuses on the difficult work of conflict resolution in the Christian community. We want to avoid conflict, but Jesus turns us from sin to repentance, from conflict to reconciliation, even and especially when the work is difficult.

Community and our being gathered together as the church is messy business. We struggle just as the first disciples and followers of Jesus to live, worship and work together as the body of Christ. Thankfully we have been saved by grace and liberated by God's love to love one another as Paul reminds us in Romans this week. But the question we have is this: what does it look like for us and for the community God has gathered as All Saints, to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 13:14) and to clothe ourselves in love?

We need to keep asking this question because our life together is countercultural. We gather as All Saints' not as a social (or social justice) club, because we have shared demographics and interests. We are gathered by God not to avoid conflict, but to tackle uncomfortable issues as Jesus did, reflecting and sharing God's love and light. If we are just a social (or social justice) club, there is no reason to do the hard work of reconciliation and forgiveness.

God calls us into community knowing that being in community is messy but sends the Holy Spirit to be in, through, and among us-gathering and re-gathering us again. We gather and become Christ's body in ways that are impossible for us as individuals to be and share God's love with our neighbor (Rom. 13:9).

In Christ's Love,

+Bill

Help Wanted

We need two parking lot attendants for one of the homes on the ECW Kitchen Tour on September 17. One person per shift, one from 10:00 to 12:30, and the other 12:30 to 3:00.

Please contact John Foster at 569-3079 or leave word with Donna at the office.

Fair Chairs & a Birthday

At the August meeting the vestry approved a recommendation that Peter & Susie Walker lead our 2015 summer fair. Thank you!! (Photo by Phil Wasmuth)

The congregation helped Pastor Bill celebrate his birthday on August 24th. (Photo by Phil Wasmuth)

Community Prayer Service for James Foley -

September 7th

Wolfeboro Area Clergy invite you to an ecumenical prayer service in memory of James Foley. We will gather to pray for his family and all who mourn on Sunday afternoon, September 7th at 2:00 pm at St. Katharine Drexel Church. In the meantime, All Saints is open for prayer days and evenings and Pastor Bill is available to meet and pray with individuals and groups as well.

Merciful Creator, your Holy Spirit intercedes for us even when we do not know how to pray. Send your Spirit now to comfort us in these days of need and loss, and help us to commend James to your merciful care; support us all the day long of this troubled life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

Faith Formation Opportunity

You and your family, friends and neighbors are invited to join us for: "We make the road by walking... a year-long quest for spiritual formation, reorientation, and activation" on Wednesdays at 3:00 pm or 7:00 pm starting September 10th. Bring your bible, materials will be handed-out and readings posted here weekly so you can follow if you miss a week (or go away for a month or more) as we gather in the Library. P.S. Don't forget to share the invitation, all are welcome (that means believers, doubters, questioners, and you)!

ECW Kitchen Tour 9/17

Tickets are available at the church office, Black's, Butternuts, and Varney Kitchens.

Attention Bakers

ECW will be holding a bake sale on election day, Tuesday, September 9th. Soup, sandwiches and goodies are needed for this important fundraiser. Please contact Martha Cross (569-9421) with any questions. You may drop off your goodies on Monday or Tuesday morning.

Susan Fuller Rides to support GALA-Global Awareness Local Action in CLIMATE RIDE, Sept. 20-24

All Saints' Church member, Susan Fuller, plans to participate in the 300 mile long NYC-DC Climate Ride, September 20-24 to raise money for GALA and Interfaith Power and Light. She also plans to visit our congresswomen to voice her concerns about climate change.

Most of you are familiar with GALA (Global Awareness, Local Action), a local organization born in 2006, whose mission is to translate sustainability education into local action that is practical, effective, and FUN! Susan has worked to have GALA named as a beneficiary of the nationally acclaimed Climate Ride. Climate Ride, 501(C)(3) organization based in Montana, was founded in 2008 to raise money and awareness to support organizations focused on sustainable development and environmental protection. It now provides grants to 70+ non-profit organizations selected for their work on environment, conservation, clean energy, sustainability, climate education, or active transportation advocacy. Also known as a green conference on wheels, Climate Ride also features an acclaimed nightly speaker series addressing policy, advocacy, and innovation.

Susan's second beneficiary is Interfaith Power and Light. IPL's mission is to be faithful stewards of Creation by responding to global warming through the promotion of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. This campaign intends to protect the earth's ecosystems, safeguard the health of all Creation, and ensure sufficient, sustainable energy for all.

Susan hopes to raise $4000 through her efforts. For more information, to make a donation, or to follow Susan's training and travels, go to www.climateride.org. Contributions must be made by September 12, if possible.

Bulletin Style Feedback

Pastor Bill is looking for feedback on the new bulletin style. Please email or call with any comments (569-3453).

Fundraiser for Eastern Lakes Region Housing Coalition

The Eastern Lakes Region Housing Coalition is once again selling Mums as a fundraiser. The plants are locally grown and were big and beautiful last year. If you purchase mums for your home and family and friends, please consider supporting this local non-profit organization. Order sheets are on the bulletin board

From the Music Corner

WELCOME BACK to our All Saints choristers after a lovely summer hiatus!

Having their supportive musical voices once again throughout our upcoming services will be treasure indeed to both God and congregation.

The choir just enjoyed a "kick-off" potluck dinner in the undercroft this past Wednesday evening. The food was delicious, the fellowship sweet, the music, prayers, inspirational brainstorming and devotional time (led by Pastor Bill) a tremendous way to begin our new season. Thank you all for this encouraging evening!

As we were leaving the parking lot, this scene captivated me and led to this photograph.... the Scripture that came to my mind was "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it." (John 1:5)

This week, our congregation will be singing a familiar hymn "In Christ There Is No East or West".... if you enjoy a bit of hymn history, read on.

"In Christ there is no east or west, in Him no south or north; But one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.

In Him shall true hearts everywhere their high communion find; His service is the golden cord close binding all mankind.

Join hands, then, brothers of the faith, whate'er your race may be. Who serves my Father as a son is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both east and west, in Him meet south and north; All Christly souls are one in Him throughout the whole wide earth."

JOHN OXENHAM (1852 - 1941)

The composer of this hymn, John Oxenham, had several pseudonyms. His real name was William Arthur Dunkerley. He not only ran a successful wholesale grocery company, but served as a deacon in a Congregational church. He was also a writer, working for newspapers and magazines. Like many journalists, he longed to do more creative work. Perhaps a bit embarrassed about these efforts, he used the name Julian Ross when he wrote some short stories. He borrowed the name John Oxenham from an adventure novel and used it for his poems and hymns. Many of his friends never knew about his triple identity.

Oxenham's writing was very popular. When he couldn't find a publisher for his book "Bees In Amber", which included this hymn, he published it himself -- and sold 286,000 copies! Whatever his name, this author was ahead of his time in presenting these sentiments against racial prejudice.... we will always need this message promoting deep unity.

(taken from "The One Year Book of Hymns", compiled by R.K. Brown, M.R. Norton, W.J.Petersen and R.Petersen)

Soli Deo Gloria!

Holly

Save the Date(s)

Are you ready for your close up? (Don't worry. Not THAT close up!)

Save the Date: All Saints will be producing another photo directory of our parishioners and we would like full participation from everyone. October 16, 17 and 18 will be the dates for picture taking. Please mark these dates on your calendars. You may login and signup for an appt. at: https://www.securedata-trans14.com/ap/allsaintsepiscopal/index.php?page=10. Lifetouch is running a special program for donations of a canned good providing a $5.00 off coupon and if you register online, you receive a $10.00 coupon. Both can be used together.

Church School Resumes 9/14

Sunday, September 14th will be the first day of Church School with the traditional cookout following. Please spread the word to any repeat or new church school students.

Scooter For Sale

All Saints had a scooter donated to the summer fair. It is for sale and in the parish hall. We will be starting the bids at $750.00. The scooter is valued at $1500.00 is in excellent working condition and has new batteries. Please spread the word to anyone interested. If interested, please contact the church office. Thank you.

Blood Drive at All Saints 9/13

Our Red Cross annual Blood Drive will be held here at All Saints on Saturday, September 13th. Please plan on donating or volunteering to staff the drive. Sign up sheets will be up next week. Thank you for your interest.

Caregivers Needs Drivers

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.

Food Pantry Needs

All Saints is going to be featuring a food monthly that is in need for the Life Ministries Food Pantry. We welcome any and all donations of non-perishable items. August's food is canned chicken. Please place donations in the basket in the narthex. Thank you for all donations!

Bereavement Group

Rev. Gina Finnochiaro and James Miller from Central NH VNA & Hospice will be holding a bereavement group starting in late September on Thursday mornings at All Saints. Interested people can contact James Miller (569-2779) for more details. All are welcome, whether your loved one died in Hospice care or not.

Activity Schedule for the Week

Sunday

2:00 p.m. AA Meeting

6:00 p.m. AA Meeting

Mon.- Fri.

7:30 a.m. AA Meeting

Monday

10:00 a.m. Friends of Music

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

8:00 p.m. AA Mtg. - Stevens Room

Tuesday

6:30 a.m. Women's Worship

8:00 a.m. ECW Bake Sale

1:30 p.m. Scrabble Club - Library

5:00 p.m. Weight Watchers - Parish Hall

5:30 p.m. Bereavement Group - Library

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. ECW Corporate Communion

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

Wed./Fri.

10-2 Wolfeboro Senior Center

Thursday

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

5:00 p.m. Dinner Bell

Thur/Fri

10-4 Lord & Tailor

Fri. & Sat.

8:00 p.m. AA

Saturday

10-1 Lord & Tailor

10-4 Red Cross Blood Drive

10:00 a.m. AA Meeting

8:00 p.m AA Meeting

All Saints e-News

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Rev. Bill Petersen

Rector, All Saints Church

Phoebe VanScoy-Giessler

Editor, All Saints E-News