What does it mean to be a disciple? S�ren Kierkegaard said Jesus wants followers not admirers. How do we make that leap? Sunday's texts answer these questions in various ways.

Elisha was given the burdensome mantle of Elijah. Up until this point he'd simply been a student of the great prophet. Then, without much warning, Elijah passed the leadership responsibility onto him and transitioned dramatically from this life into the next. Because it was an immense responsibility, Elisha asked his master for a double portion of his spirit and was given it. God generously provided for Elisha so that he could faithfully continue Elijah's work.

Paul spells out the mission before us. Last week, he pointed out the power we've been given through our baptism. Now he explains that with the Spirit of God within, our lives should be different. He contrasts the work of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. We are called to use our freedom in Christ for good, so that God can transform our lives and empower us for ministry.

In the gospel, Jesus faces more resistance from those he's called. People conjure up all sorts of excuses why they can't start right away, but Jesus will have none of it. He's calling and he wants a straight answer now. You're in or you're out. He makes it clear that answering his call and living the life of discipleship requires no less than everything. [Sundays and Seasons, 2016]

Sunday's questions and readings point to how much God is demanding of those who wish to actively participate in the Kingdom (AKA: Jesus Movement). How do we live the commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" and give our all when we often do so kicking and screaming? But pondering Sunday's questions and scripture reminds us that the Spirit will support our work and, in turn, freely give us everything to enable us to answer the call (and that's grace).

Blessings+

Bill

Office Hours

Mon, Wed, Thur: 9am - Noon

Tue: 1pm-5pm

Fri: Closed

Sam Matson

In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother Sam Matson who died Sunday night. We will gather for a memorial service with Eucharist followed by a reception on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 1:00 pm. May God comfort all who mourn.

Final Day of Church School

Pastor Bill and Nancy Thomas presented the Church School children with certificates on Sunday in recognition of their participation in the 2015-16 program. Phil Wasmuth captured the moment from the balcony.

Pastor Bill's Message 6/19/16

Listen to learn why Pastor Bill wore his Love Thy Neighbor T-shirt and orange stole on Sunday on our You Tube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7NoOo8tFY8

"Love is tough. But love incarnate came so that we might live, and have life abundantly. Love is tough. But Jesus calls us to life beyond sharing thoughts and prayers to living that verb love in our words and deeds--because we are more than our demons."

#EpiscopaliansAgainstGunViolence #PrayForOrlando

ASSTG Summer Break

All Saints Strength Training Group (ASSTG) will not meet for the remainder of the summer. The group will resume in September.

From the Music Corner

Our guest soloist on Sunday is, Stacey Kelleher of Ossipee, NH. She has just completed her freshman year at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. A 2015 graduate of Kingswood High School, Stacey is well-known locally for her tremendous talents, both vocally, on piano and guitar, and as a songwriter. At Berklee, Stacey was chosen for an elite vocal group, Crepusculum, and sang at numerous Boston venues with this group. She is also very active in recording various songs in her own style and arrangements.

This summer, Stacey was honored to be asked to be the music director of "Elf" for the Kingswood Summer Theater. She is also singing for local restaurants and helping an Ossipee church with their Sunday music.

Athletically, Stacey is an avid cross country runner, and ran with Emerson College's cross country program this past year. She participated in her first half marathon this past spring, and continues to astound all who know her with the strong character and excellence she brings to whatever she does. Welcome, Stacey!

Last Sunday's guest soloist, Charlotte Noble, singing the Offertory Anthem, Amazing Grace.

Eucharistic Ministers Needed

Sunday, June 19th we will gather existing and new Eucharistic Minister for an overview of expectations and question and answer time between services on Sunday, June 19th at 9:00 am. If you have any questions, please contact Pat McLaughlin or Pastor Bill.

Education for Ministry

Education For Ministry (EFM) is a 4 year program of theological study for lay people, which requires a commitment a year at a time. The group meets for a 3 hour session each week, and there is a bit of reading between each session. EFM gives people a solid grounding in the Bible and Church History, and also the ability to make connections between your faith and what you do in the world.

The core of the program is doing theological reflection, which integrates tradition (scripture, hymnody, church writings), culture (movies, issues, news) belief/position (what we understand to be true in our lives) and action/experience - how is our behavior impacted by all of this.

There is an Open House at Trinity, Meredith on Tuesday, June 28 at 6 p.m. for anyone who would like to know more. If you are interested, please contact the Rev. Robin Soller at: robin.soller@trinitymeredith.org

Fair News

Charlie Kellogg and Lynne Moughty, Summer Fair Co-chairs, meet with Kevin and Dorothy Maus and Sue Adams.

Raffle Baskets will again be a part of All Saints Summer Fair. Joy Jones and I will be co-chairing this year and, as you might expect, we will need raffle baskets. Anyone who would like to donate a basket should contact either myself or Joy by June 30th. Need a basket? We just happened to have a nice wicker basket for you to fill with lots of good stuff. Don't know what to do? We can help with suggestions. This is always a popular part of the Fair so we hope you can help us again this year. Thanks!

- Joy Jones and Carolyn Sundquist

Restaurant Gift Certificates

This year we are offering to restaurants the opportunity to donate Gift Certificates for bidding in the silent auction. There is a list of restaurants and a copy of the letter to whom we would like to be personally contacted posted on the bulletin board in the undercroft. We are asking parishioners to present this letter to these establishments. Please see Charlie Kellogg or Lynne Moughty if you can help.

Life Ministries

We welcome any and all donations of non-perishable items. June's item is canned chicken. Please place donations in the basket in the narthex. Thank you for all donations!

Activity Schedule for the Week

Sunday

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

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

Monday

8:00 a.m. Vestry

10:00 a.m. Friends of Music - Library

1:00 p.m. Adult Bridge - Library

7:00 p.m. Photo Club

Tuesday

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

1:30 p.m. Scrabble Club - Library

Wednesday

1:30 p.m. Knitting Club

Thursday

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

10-3 Lord & Tailor Shop

3:00 p.m. ASSTG - Stevens Room

3:00 p.m. Bible Study - Library

6:00 p.m. Stamp Club

6:30 p.m. AMTP

7:00 p.m. TRACS-Library

Friday

10-4 Lord & Tailor Shop

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

Saturday

10-1 Lord & Tailor Shop

10:00 a.m. AA Meeting - Library (Breakfast)

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

603-569-3453