When clay becomes a pot, it must first have a center. As a potter spins, pushes, and pulls the clay into its final form, it can easily lose its center and become misshapen. Having lost its center, it fails to fully be what it is being created to be-a pot, a pitcher, a plate, a thing of beauty, a vessel for others.

Faith and religious practice have lost their center in Sunday's readings. Quoting Isaiah, Jesus calls into question "This people" that "honors me with their lips" but whose "hearts are far from me" (Mark 7:6). Some in the religious community have begun focusing on surface matters (the washing of hands, what one eats, the traditions of the elders) and have forgotten the core. What really matters is how one's faith is expressed in mercy, in words and actions that build up rather than tear down the neighbor.

In the second reading James wonders about those who look at themselves in a mirror and upon walking away forget who they are (James 1:23-24). For James, they are simply hearers of the word and not doers. Their lives do not reflect the love and mercy that has claimed them.

And so it is with us. We do not live as the people God has claimed us to be. Our lives lose their center. Our faith practices focus on surface things rather than the core. We fail to be what God has created and is creating us to be-vessels poured out for others. We look at ourselves in the mirror and upon walking away forget who and whose we are.

At the heart of the Christian assembly is Jesus-in word, in song, in prayer, in the neighbor, in water, bread, and wine. Jesus, who embodies forgiveness and mercy, is the heart. Again and again, life becomes misshapen. Again and again, the potter reshapes the clay. The splash of a watery cross, the taste of bread and wine: these things center life in Christ. God's mercy washes over us. God's mercy is implanted in us. God creates life anew; deformed hearts are reformed for works of mercy and love.

New Bible Study Day and Times

NOOMA is a series of short films that explore our world from a perspective of Jesus. NOOMA is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion. We will meet starting this week on Thursdays at 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm in the Library to explore God's word and share conversation and Holy Communion.

Blessings+

Bill

Sunday Service

8 AM - Holy Eucharist

10AM - Holy Eucharist with Choir

All Saints Preschool needs Directors

The Board of Directors for our preschool is in need of two directors. If you have an interest in serving on this board, please contact Linda Pacheco at 515-1088.

ECW Corporate Communion

Wednesday, September 9th at 9 am will be the first meeting of the fall for the Episcopal Church Women group and all ladies are invited to attend. This day there will be communion and the meeting to follow. If you have any questions, please contact Sandi Johnson at 569-3337. Thank you.

Reminder to Bible Study Attendees

Beginning in September, the class will switch from Wednesdays to Thursdays.

Sharing God's Blessings:

Is Generosity the Heart of God?

When we have more, and give less, than ever before, something is amiss in our hearts, and in the vision of gospel living that animates our churches. We view tithing as a dusty old rule, a two-thousand-year-long guilt trip to nowhere. We view generosity as a luxury of the rich, like sailing and wearing plaid shorts at the country club. And we view stewardship as primarily a matter of financial management. What if generosity is something much more than that? What if generosity is at the heart of God?

Save the Date: Dinner & Live Auction

DINNER AT THE LODGE is the name of the All Saints ECW Dinner and Auction being held at Camp William Lawrence on Friday, September 18th at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will consist of German fare - "Brats to Strudel" and it is a BYOB event. Cost is $35 per person. Parishioners are encouraged to invite family and friends. The event will not be advertised to the general public. Reservations needed by September 7th. A sign-up sheet will be on the board in the undercroft on Sunday or you may call Carolyn Sundquist at 544-2389 or (csundquist@roadrunner.com).

Thank You!

Sandi Johnson and Sue Harding, Co-chairs

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED AUCTION ITEMS

Two chances to win a boat ride on Lake Winnipesaukee
Four gift certificates for a European Facial
Trio of home made pies
Trio of homemade cakes
Case of Wine
Aldina's Delights - scones, soda bread, Portuguese sweet bread
Wooden Chair Repair
Portrait Photography
Seven Sweets and Sours Dinner
Under the Tuscan Fun Dinner for 8

Reminder: Payment for 'Dinner at the Lodge' is requested by September 11th. Please make checks out to: All Saint's ECW and leave in the office for Carolyn Sundquist or give to Sue Harding or Sandi Johnson. Thank to all who have signed up for this fun event.

Blood Drive 9/12

All Saints' sponsors and hosts an American Red Cross blood drive annually. Saturday, September 12th is our date and volunteers are needed to greet donors, register donors, escort them to stations and staff the goodie table. The two shifts are 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and 1 greeter for each shift is needed, 1 escort is needed for each shift, 1 register volunteer is needed for 12:30-3:30 shift and 1 food table volunteer for each shift is needed. Please contact the church office at 569-3453 or allsaints@metrocast.net. Thank you, Donna

Antique Barn Volunteers Needed

Connie O'Brien is looking for someone to staff the antique barn on Thursday, 9/17 from 10-5, Friday 9/18 from 10-5, Saturday 9/19 from 10-5 and Sunday 9/20 from 12-5 and Monday 9/21 from 10-5. Thanks. Donna

Life Ministries

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 soup. Please place donations in the basket in the narthex. Thank you for all donations!

Caregivers of Southern Carroll County

Drivers needed. 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.

Activity Schedule for the Week

Sunday

2:00 p.m. AA Meeting - Parish Hall

6:00 p.m. AA Meeting - Parish Hall

Monday

1:00 p.m. Adult Bridge - Library

3:00 p.m. All Saints Strength Training Group - Stevens Room

Tuesday

6:30 a.m. Women's Worship - Sanctuary

1:30 p.m. Scrabble Club - Library

7:00 p.m. Lakes Region Convocation at Church of the Holy Spirit

Wednesday

1:00 p.m. Wolfeboro Senior Club Meeting - Parish Hall

1:30 p.m. Knitting Group - Stevens Room

Thursday

7:30 a.m. Men's Bible Study - Parish Hall

10-4 Lord & Tailor Shop - Outreach Center

3:00 p.m. All Saints Strength Training Group - Stevens Room

3:00 p.m. Bible Study - Library

6:00 p.m. Wolfeboro Stamp Club - Library

7:00 p.m. Bible Study - Chapel

7:00 p.m. Dist. 16 AA Meeting - Library

Friday

10-4 Lord & Tailor Shop - Outreach Center

8:00 p.m. AA Meeting - Parish Hall

Saturday

10-1 Lord & Tailor - Outreach Center

10:00 a.m. AA Meeting - Library

8:00 p.m. AA Meeting - Parish Hall

All Saints e-News

We hope you have enjoyed reading our e-News and we encourage your feedback to help us make it even better. We publish an issue weekly on Friday afternoon, to help keep you up to date and in touch with our current news and activities. We think this may be especially helpful to those that are unable to attend our Sunday worship services, are out of town and away for the season. Please let us know if you have some information you would like us to share in future issues of this newsletter.

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Rev. Bill Petersen

Rector, All Saints Church

Phoebe VanScoy-Giessler

Editor, All Saints E-News