Sanctuary cross
GOOD NEWS!    
St. Paul's Church Newsletter
A Newsletter of St. Paul's Church, Concord, NH
"A place to belong . . . Whoever you are . . . Just as you are."
December/January 2014
In This Issue
December Calendar Highlights
Milestones
Shorts
Clergy Corner
Ministries and Missions
Poll of the Month
Formation
Photo Feature
Behind the Scenes
From the Vestry
Youth Happenings
Vocation
Personal Reflection
December/January Calendar Highlights  
 

Dec. 2   Men's Just Supper - 6:00 PM

Dec. 3   Advent Quiet Hour & Morning                   Prayer - 7:15 AM (continues on               Dec. 10, 17,  & 24)

Dec. 4   Advent Eucharist - 5:30 PM

              Simple Supper & "So Says the

              Lord" Isaiah Series - 6:00 PM 

                (continues on Dec. 11 & 18)

Dec. 8  "Watch for the Light" Advent                   Series - 9:00 AM (continues

                on Dec.15 & 22)

              Budget Presentation - 9:00 AM                 & 11:30 AM

Dec. 10  Forever Young Christmas                          Party  - 11:15 AM

Dec. 14  Youth Group Activity -                              3:00 PM

Dec. 15  Christmas Pageant Rehearsal -                11:30 AM

Dec. 17  Parish Potluck - 5:30 PM

              Vestry Meeting - 6:30 PM

Dec. 18  Friendly Kitchen - 4:30 PM

Dec. 21  Blue Christmas - 5:30 PM

Dec. 24  Christmas Eve Services -

               5:00 PM - Children's Pageant                      & Eucharist         

               7:30 PM - Christmas Eve                            Service

               9:30 PM - Choral Prelude

               10:00 PM - Choral Eucharist                      with Bishop Hirschfeld

Dec. 25  Christmas Eucharist - 10:00 AM

  OFFICE & OUTREACH CENTER CLOSED 

     Dec. 25 & 26, and Jan. 1, 2014

Jan. 5     "Epiphanies... or Who in the

      World" Formation Series       

      - 9:00 AM (continues on  

      Jan.12 & 19)

      Board of Support &

       Encouragement - 11:30 AM

Jan. 6     Men's Just Supper - 6:00 PM

Jan. 7     Executive Committee

Jan. 15   Friendly Kitchen - 4:30 PM

Jan. 20   OFFICE & OUTREACH CENTER                  CLOSED

Jan. 21   Fellowship Pot Luck - 5:30 PM

               Vestry Meeting - 6:30 PM

Jan. 26   Annual Meeting & Lunch,                          Vestry Elections - 11:30 AM

                 

See entire calendar               

 

For details of these and other parish events, check the monthly
Milestones 
the tortoise and the hare
 
Baptisms - 11/3/2013

 

Violet Vera Crumrine

Natalie Catherine Daly

Clara Jane Dodson

Anna Marie Evans

Eloise Swan Linnemann

Madeline Snow Linnemann

Caroline Jo McCrum

Daniel Robert Newbery

 

  
Memorial Services
 

Linda Flynn - 11/3/2013

The Rt. Rev. Douglas E. Theuner -
11/11/13
Pearl Totten - 11/29/2013
Shorts

  

Festival Choir for Christmas

Sopranos and Tenors rehearse Thursday, December 5, 7:00-9:00.
All voices rehearse Thursday,

December 12 and 19. Singers should attend all rehearsals if they choose to sing on Christmas Eve.  

 

Christmas Instrumentalists
Please consider giving a gift to help support our three Christmas Eve services with the addition of professional instrumentalist.  These instrumentalists help support and strengthen our "home grown" ones.

Your donations are graciously appreciated. 

  
Our Pyramid is Filling Up!
We are delighted to announce that, thanks to several generous pledgers, we are filling the top tiers of our pyramid. This is very exciting progress but we still need over 100 more people to fill up the rest of the pyramid at its various levels. Your financial support is vital in its own right and it demonstrates to other parishioners that everyone is doing their part. 

 

Remember, EVERY pledge matters; every dollar makes a difference to the ministry and mission of our parish.  Please bring or send your pledge certificate today and help us to fill our pyramid from top to bottom!  You can also watch Geoff Forester's new video and pledge online. THANK YOU.

 

Give warmth and comfort

to those in need

St. Paul's youth are collecting items for the clients of the Concord Cold Weather Shelter. Collection boxes can be found in rear of the church, and the parish hall, for gifts of: deodorant, foot powder, warm socks, gloves, mittens, hand warmer packets, adult-size sweatshirts and long sleeve t-shirts, and paperback books. Thank you for your support!

 

Preparing for Advent

Quiet Hour with Morning Prayer

Advent is the season of waiting for the Word of God to come to earth in the flesh, but we usually spend it more in busyness than in stillness and waiting. You are invited to join Rev. Steve Blackmer for an alternative way of preparing for the birth of Christ.  On Tuesday Mornings, December 3, 10, 17 & 24, we gather in the Chapel in silence from 7:15 to 7:35, followed by Morning Prayer, then silence again till 8:15. You are welcome to come and go (quietly) as you need to.

 

Watch for the Light

 Grab your coffee and join Rev. Dr. Darrell Huddleston in the library on the four Sundays of Advent, December 1, 8, 15 & 22, 9:00 - 9:50 A.M., for discussion inspired by 

essays by different authors, on the following topics: Annunciation, Waiting, Light, and Stable.  The essay for each week will be handed out on the prior Sunday and is also available at the front desk. Each session stands on its own, feel free to come to one or all of them.   

 

Advent Eucharist and Study Series 
On three Wednesdays in Advent, December 4, 11 & 18, we gather in the chapel at 5:30 P.M. for a simple, spoken service of Holy Eucharist.  After the service, you are invited to share a simple supper and explore some of the Advent texts from the Book of Isaiah.  God spoke through Isaiah and is still speaking to us today.  "So Says the Lord," a discussion and meditation series led by Rev. Kate Atkinson and Shawn LaFrance, meets in the Upper Parish Hall, from 6:00 - 7:30 P.M.  Please sign up at the front desk, or by calling 224-2523, so that we can have enough food for all.
 

Having a Blue Christmas?

What if you just don't feel in a holiday mood? Maybe you lost a loved one recently, or experienced a relationship breakdown or lost a job. Or maybe you just feel as though you can't meet the expectations others, when there is so much pressure to have "the perfect Christmas". Our Blue Christmas service, Saturday, December 21 at 5:30 PM, will feature stories, prayers candle-lighting, and uplifting music, to remind us that God is with us in the midst of sorrows as well as joys.

 

Epiphanies...

or Who in the World

Our Sunday morning formation series continue in the season of Epiphany, with discussion and meditation on the theme of "being available for encounters with the Creator."  At 9:00 AM on January 5, 12 and 19, in the Conference Room, Kathryn Wallenstein will facilitate inspiring and affirming 

conversations as we enter a new year of discovery.

 
Quick Links...
Come Worship With Us

Saturdays:

4:30 PM Our Simple Saturday Service of Holy Eucharist.

 

Sundays:                          

8:00 AM This celebration of  Holy Eucharist is quiet and reflective. Occasional music, but no choir.

10:00 AM This is a traditional service of  Holy Eucharist. Music includes traditional and contemporary hymns and choir anthems. All ages welcome.

 

Tuesdays and Thursdays:  12:10 PM  Holy Eucharist in the chapel.

The Episcopal Church Welcomes You

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
21 Centre Street
Concord, NH 03301
Tel: 603-224-2523
Fax: 603-224-
2524
[email protected]

            Clergy and Staff 

Rev. Kate B. Atkinson,
Rector

(Rest Day: Friday)
Rev. Darrell Huddleston,
Priest Associate 

Rev. Steve Blackmer,  

Priest Associate

Rev. Charles Edward LeClerc, BSG,
Deacon
Rev. Will Ottery,
Deacon  

Mark Pace,

Director of Music Ministries

(Rest Day: Friday)  
Kristin Dunklee,
Parish Administrator
Sarah Nyhan,
Minister for Youth, Children and Families

Andrew Brundrett,
Sexton
 

Join Our Mailing List
Welcome to the "Advent to Epiphany" edition of Good News! This is a special double issue for December and January. Unlike double issues from print magazines, however, it's not actually twice as thick. It will contain articles of about the usual length, in the usual quantity. But its calendar will include events happening in both months. 
 
For Advent, Jean Gillespie gives us a look at the new Giving Tree, now a family business. A probable future priest reflects on his "day job," and we get to know the face behind Forever Young. 
 
Have a merry Christmas, everyone. See you again in February.

Clergy Corner 

Kate Passport  
 by Rev. Kate Atkinson
 
Dear Friends,
  
Advent is a time of introspection and exploration, a season when we review our life of faith, take our "spiritual temperature" and work out what adjustments may  need to be made.
  
At St. Paul's, we are offering a range of opportunities for parishioners of all ages to make the most of this time of focus and spiritual assessment.  I hope you will consider some of these possibilities: supporting the service projects being organized by our youth, for example, taking part in one or more of our Advent series, perhaps seeking healing and renewal at our Blue Christmas service.
  
If you are in need of guidance as you undertake your Advent journey, or just want to bounce around a few thoughts or ideas, I encourage you to make an appointment to come and talk to me.  Often it just takes a conversation and some intentional prayer for exciting new discoveries to be made and for new awareness to be revealed.
  
For me, this Advent season has an extra dimension of prayerful exploration, as I focus my mind on the search and discernment process for our next assistant priest.  
  
As one of the largest parishes in the diocese, St. Paul's is in a position to take on a "curate" as we did with Herb Sprouse.  This means we would commit to providing a continuation of a newly ordained deacon's education.  For a two-year period (which can be extended to three or four years) we provide the parish experience that person needs as they complete their time as a transitional deacon, are ordained to the priesthood, and prepare to take their next step into ministry elsewhere - often as rector of their own parish (as was the happy outcome in Herb's case).
  
It might also be possible for us to take on an experienced priest - someone who has already gone through the process of deacon, curate, and ordination to the priesthood, and who may even have served as rector, vicar, or priest-in-charge of a parish.
  
In either of these cases, there is the option of either a full-time or a part-time position - and this particular decision is largely affected by the financial state of the parish. The deficit that we have carried for the past several years - and which is budgeted to recur in 2014 - will have a major influence on how we choose to go forward, and yet, our parish is growing week by week and would benefit hugely by the presence of another full-time clergy person.  
  
Over the next three months or so, with the support of Bishop Rob and diocesan staff, and the help of my wonderful colleagues - the staff of St. Paul's and the local clergy who have generously offered their time and assistance - I will undertake a process of discerning what St. Paul's needs from an assistant priest, how best to address those needs, and how to make the most of the available resources in order to make a call in time for Easter next year.  
  
You can contribute to this process in important ways and I encourage you to do so. 
  
First, and most crucial, I invite your prayers - for the strength, energy, and good health your staff and clergy need to keep things going over the next few months, and for wisdom as we undertake the process of discernment.
  
Second, I urge you to make full use of this Advent season, allowing God to guide you into new areas of ministry in our parish as you recognize and discover gifts, talents and skills that you may have never known you had!
  
I encourage you to make a financial commitment to St. Paul's as well.  If you have not yet made your pledge for 2014, please take time to prayerfully consider how you can make a real difference to the resources of our parish.  If you have never pledged before, now is the time to take that leap of faith and help strengthen our foundation for the future - and the present!
  
Finally, I ask for your patience.  You, beloved members and friends of our parish, are the reason why it is so important that I make the right decisions as we go forward into a new year and a new phase of our ministry together.  But until we are as fully staffed as we can be, there will be increased demands on my time.  Please don't feel neglected if you find that I am juggling appointments, or showing other signs of an overly full plate.  
  
And know that I will always welcome the reminder to "Slow Down. It's Advent!"  May you find the time and the holy space to do the same.
  
Blessings to you, this Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, and always.
  
Yours faithfully,
  
Kate+
Ministries and Missions:                    
The Giving Tree and Honor Cards
 by Jean Gillespie 

Jean Gillespie    

St. Paul's two Missions of the Month for December are the Giving Tree and Honor Cards.

 

Families in need can use our Food Pantry to help feed their families, and those with children aged 16 and younger are offered the chance to participate in our annual Giving Tree program. Parents are asked to complete a short form providing their children's age, gender, clothing size and a list of desired gifts. It is a telling statement that many requests are for clothes, shoes and boots. Toys are almost always requested, and the list is a clear reminder that the main difference between these families and many of our own families is only financial and circumstantial. "The Tree" then coordinates parishioners "adopting" these children and committing to provide wrapped presents that will be distributed prior to Christmas Day. The intent is to have the gift values per child not exceed $30-35.

 

Already this year parishioners have volunteered to provide Christmas gifts for 81 children from 40 families. Monetary donations are also needed, because the Giving Tree provides grocery shopping cards to help the families have a holiday meal or at least eat a little more over the holiday. Last year's total value for the gift cards was almost $1300, and we are aiming to exceed that value if possible this year. (The gift cards will be marked "Not for alcohol or tobacco" and that request has been historically honored by the cashiers at Market Basket.) We look forward to helping make this holiday at least a little better for these children and their families.  

 

Remember, if you took names from the Tree, all gifts need to be returned on either Sunday, Dec. 8 or Dec. 15.

 

The Giving Tree Ministry was taken on by the Wenzel Family last December. Peg, Michael and David feel that they have been very blessed in their lives and are grateful

that, through the Giving Tree, they can help us all share our blessings with others.

 

As we turn our minds to Christmas shopping and gift-giving, St. Paul's Honor Cards offer a meaningful alternative. You can support the mission and outreach of St. Paul's and honor a loved one at the same time.

 

There is a St. Paul's Honor Card for each of these missions and ministries: Chapter Two Thrift Shop, Children's Ministry, Food Pantry, Ministry of Presence, Mission with Haiti, Mission with Jamaica, Music Ministry, St. Paul's Refugee Partnership, Ministry of Presence, SPY (St. Paul's Youth), plus two interfaith ministries that St. Paul's is part of: Kids4Peace and Family Promise.  

 

Make a donation of $10 or more to any of these ministries and receive a beautifully illustrated card to give to the person you choose to honor with your gift. The money goes directly to the ministry or mission you specify.

 

Through the various ministries and missions of St. Paul's we are able to reach out to people within our parish, in our local community, and all over the world, offering education, spiritual formation, pastoral care, food, clothing and other forms of practical assistance. When you make a donation in honor of someone who is important to you, you are touching lives in a wonderful way.

 

St. Paul's Honor Cards are available in the Parish Hall after services during the season of Advent, and all through the year.

 

Poll of the Month

 

Last month's poll question was:  
Which of these best describes how you believe your passion addresses a need in the world?

  

Here are the results:

-My paid career is about helping people or serving society: 29%

-I volunteer my spare time in service to others: 36%

-I donate to a worthy cause from the money I earn in my regular job: 7%

-I try to treat my co-workers/clients as Christ would treat them: 21%

-I'm not sure how or whether my passion addresses any need: 7%

 

Note: this is a fun, unscientific poll based on relatively few respondents. Margin of error is anybody's guess.


This month's question is:

What is your usual method of shopping for Christmas gifts?

  • I go to the big stores to take advantage of "Black Friday" and other promotions.
  • I like to browse local shops in my hometown.
  • I prefer alternative giving such as Honor Cards; we have too much stuff already.
  • Why fight the crowds? I shop online.
  • By December it's all done; I've been collecting items for loved ones all year.
 To vote, click  here. 
 
Formation: The Spirituality Group 
Tim Frazer 2

by Tim Frazer

 

The Spirituality Group, led by the Rev. Dr. Darrell Huddleston, met Sunday mornings between services during October and November. We continued to explore the challenge we've encountered in Jerry Aaker's book, "A Spirituality of Service." Aaker has spent most of his life working for Heifer International, Lutheran World Relief, Argos and other service organization.

 

Living among some of the world's most poverty stricken people all over the globe, he realized over the years that the energy and emotional strength for this kind of work needed to come from a life of prayer and meditation as well as one of active engagement. Therefore, Aaker's book features chapters such as "Discernment," "Silence," "Pray Without Ceasing," and "Self-Examination." Beginning in the Spring, the group examined these topics, along with Aaker's experience of them in places as diverse as Albania, Peru, Guatemala, the Congo and Vietnam.

 

After a summer hiatus, we began with an examination of the values underlying the concept of "service" in Christian scripture. We find Jesus' core values in the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7), values which are reflected in Paul's writing as well, especially First Corinthians 13. The "suffering servant" passages of Isaiah are particularly apropos because Jesus modeled his ministry and purpose on earth around such servanthood. Jesus' life embodied what it means to be a servant and how we are called to serve one another.

 

We observed All Saint's Sunday with a discussion on Sainthood. The process for being included in the calendar of saints for The Episcopal Church, Holy Women, Holy Men, was also discussed.

 

The final session before Advent examined the meaning of words pertaining to service and the ideas behind them. Our English word steward comes from the Anglo-Saxon word stigweard which can be translated as "manager of the estate." In Greek, the language of the New Testament, words that share a common root with the word servant include ecology, economy, ecumenical, and of course, stewardship. Being a faithful servant of God has implications for how we live our lives in all these areas. 

 

Photo Feature:  A Bevy of Baptisms

On All Saint's Sunday this year, St. Paul's baptized at record-setting total of eight children at the 10:00 Eucharist. Here are some pictures of the festive morning.
 
  All Saints' 2013
All Saints' 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 All Saints' 2013 
All Saints' 2013 All Saints' 2013  
All Saints' 2013  All Saints' 2013
Behind the Scenes: 
June Novo
Forever Young: Chairperson to Mindset

  

by Gail Thorell Schilling  

 

June Novo may be stepping down as chair of Forever Young, St. Paul's group of active seniors, but don't worry.  She'll be back for their Yankee Swap and Christmas party December 10. Count on it.

 

To hear June tell it, "Nancy Wood came up with the idea of having something for seniors, especially those new to our church. I agreed that we needed a ministry for bringing people together in a friendly, nurturing group."  The relaxed gathering dubbed Forever Young meets the second Tuesday of the month and is open to all. Over the years, programs have ranged from brown bag lunches with speakers on topics as varied as travel, legal advice and advance directives, fitness, and volunteer opportunities, including the Jamaica Mission. The group has made several day trips to June's summer  house on Winnipesaukee and the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum.

 

Kathleen Belleveau became the second leader.  Then after five years, June became chair. That was six years ago and now, June says, "It's time for a change, for new blood." She is quick to point out that the group will continue under new leadership.

 

Though June says she's "slacking off," her ongoing ministries at St. Paul's refute her claim: She works weekly at Chapter Two, serves as a Eucharistic Minister, and serves and in the Ministry of Presence. Not to mention the jewelry table at the Fall Fair and helping with dinners, "the regular thing s." Since joining St. Paul's nearly 60 years ago, she also served on the rebuilding committee after the fire. Additionally,  June trained as a Stephen Minister -- Not surprising as this comforting woman is a trained nurse  who worked with Dr. Anna Philbrick and volunteered for 15 years with hospice. Did we mention her driving clients to appointments for Interfaith Caregivers?

 

Now that her husband has passed away and her two sons have grown, June is already considering yet another volunteer gig -- reading with elementary school children. She insists, "There are so many ways to volunteer, so many opportunities."  So many ways to stay forever young. 
  
From the Vestry 

2013 Vestry
November Vestry Notes
 

  Summarized by Marcia Harrison

prior to vestry approval of the minutes 

  

St. Paul's Vestry met on November 19, 2013 with sixteen members present, plus Rector, Rev. Kate Atkinson, Rev. Herb Sprouse and Staff Member Kristin Dunklee. After a warm and sentimental potluck gathering in honor of Herb, we convened what would be our last vestry meeting with him present. Many a lump in the throats of vestry members marked the occaision. 

 

An opening devotion was provided by Mike LaFond. The minutes of the October vestry meeting were then reviewed and approved. We noted upcoming events: Bishop Hirschfeld's attendance at our next meeting, St. Paul's Annual Meeting and Lunch in January and our Vestry Retreat in March. 

 

Valerie Blake, Treasurer, led a discussion regarding the Finance Committee's recommendation that our investment trading account be closed at Wells Fargo Bank and a new one be opened at Massachusetts Mutual. The Vestry approved the decision. Valerie then presented the Profit & Loss Budget Report for October. The report noted that we are on track with our budget to date, however, it is still a deficit budget, and this remains a tremendous concern. In an effort to improve accounting, some funds in the  church's investment portfolio will be consolidated. 

 

We next discussed the Draft Operating Budget for 2014. It includes a proposed "Mission Budget" which outlines budgeted income and expenses for several specific ministries of St. Paul's, such as the Food Pantry, Prescription Drug Assistance Program, Jamaica Medical Mission and more. It is a lean budget. Pledges are forecast to increase by 9% but even if this significant increase materializes, additional revenues will be needed in order to achieve a balanced budget. An open meeting to discuss the budget is scheduled for Dec. 8th. Copies of the proposed budget will be made available for parishioners before that date. Please attend and bring your questions! 

 

The Vestry approved the renewal of Lay Eucharistic Ministry Licenses for the following: John Cabibi, Cherie Greene, Terry Irwin and Sarah Nyhan. We discussed other business such as church safety, the very successful Church Fair, progress and parishioners' responses to the Pledge Campaign, and efforts to identify prospective Vestry candidates. 

 

Then, Herb spake! (Spake, from Old Norse: "wise, gentle, quiet") Observing the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, he read it aloud to us. We reflected on Lincoln's inclusion of faith in political speech. How we will miss Herb's love of justice, and his particular way of calling us to be aware, to be mindful of others, to be mindful of the world.

 

Each of us spoke in turn expressing thanks to Herb and recollecting times he'd ministered to us personally, moved us, taught us and helped us grow in faith. Much love was expressed. 

 

The Closing Prayer was provided by Ray Fournier. 

  

 

Casper Kranenburg, Senior Warden             

 

Youth Happenings
Sarah Nyhan               by Sarah Nyhan   

 

Happy New Year to you! The new church year has arrived with the First Sunday in Advent, which has fallen on the very first day of December this year. We bring out the blue stoles, hangings and candles and we begin to light the Advent wreath. We pause to remember the words of the prophets from the past, and the anxiety of a teenage girl chosen to take on a monumental task - to become the mother of God. We remember the journey of Mary and Joseph, and the seemingly endless walk to Bethlehem with just a donkey to help. We take in the amazement of the shepherds, and begin to follow the star with the Magi, though we know that they will arrive late - taking us right into the season of Epiphany with their journey.

Our children and youth will help us to remember the stories of the season when they share the Nativity play at our 5pm service on Christmas Eve. Our middle and high school youth will remember others on a difficult journey as they collect materials for the Concord Cold Weather Shelter (see our collection boxes in the Upper Parish Hall and at the back of the church), and bake, sort and package up cookies for the Friendly Kitchen.  We will pause to remember, to reflect, and to prepare ourselves for the mystery of Christmas not only with the old stories, but also by sharing ourselves with those who need us.

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of the season, we forget what we are really waiting for, and so we come here, hoping that by worshiping together we can reclaim the mystery for ourselves. Let us begin our New Year's resolutions with this new church year - and let us put GOD and LOVE for one another at the heart of all of them. 

 

 

Vocation: A Passion for the Community
Shawn Lafrance
by Shawn LaFrance

"Where does my passion intersect with the world's needs?" The prompt for writing this column was initially a challenge, but it led me to reflect on why and how my career has been entwined with interesting work that has offered me opportunities to learn and address health and social needs. Working within or for a community has been a key element of my work throughout most of my career.

 

I think this focus was instilled in me as a kid by my parents' example and by my teachers, especially in grades 6 through 8, when we made regular visits to the elderly at the Belknap County Nursing Home and went to the Laconia State School to read to the residents. Another important influence on my career was the Catholic Campus Ministry while I was a graduate student at Columbia University in the 1980s. We were challenged weekly in church and in a neighborhood service program to think about how we would integrate the Gospel "good news" with our academic pursuits in service to the world.   

 

My early professional career in New York included several diverse jobs--working as a neighborhood community organizer, advocating for children with pediatric AIDS, and developing a place for pregnant, crack-addicted women and their children to receive health care, addiction treatment and parenting support. Each position provided me an opportunity to learn new skills and to try to address some of the world's needs.

 

In 1998, I returned to New Hampshire to work for the newly formed Foundation for Healthy Communities, an organization whose mission is to improve health and health care in the state. While our state is fortunate that the magnitude of problems among its needy is not as great as what I observed in NYC, there are many people in New Hampshire who lack a livable wage, a secure place to live or enough food for the week. Engaging individuals, families and communities in developing partnerships to improve health requires that we tackle these needs. Ensuring access to affordable medical care has become my passion and that of my Foundation colleagues.

 

Writing this column makes me think everyone has opportunities to connect an interest to needs in the world through work or civic service. The topic is one each person can reflect upon in terms of where they've been and where they might go in the future.

 

Shawn LaFrance is now in the discernment process for ordination.

 

Personal Reflection 

 

by Theresa Neves

  

This was my first year of helping to organize the Church Fair. Together with Harriet Degreenia, Davis Richmond and Rector Kate Atkinson, I helped line up volunteers, set up and break down tables and spent many hours of that past week and weekend at St. Paul's talking with other parishioners and community members.

 

On Saturday, November 9, we had Chapter Two fashions modeled throughout the day, sold beautiful hand-made scarves, hats, wooden trivets, sweaters, even hand-made clothing and treats for pets. We also had a super lunch! It was a great chance to get to know folks that I have seen for several years at services, shared pleasantries and the occasional coffee or donut with, but never really had time to really talk to.

 

This year's Fair featured an entire room full of books and media, including hard cover and paperback books, movies (both VHS and DVD), and music, along with children's games and puzzles. Our homemade food table was filled with cookies, breads, pies (they went VERY quickly), brownies, awesome fudge, and gift jars with layered ingredients ready to be assembled into tantalizing treats. As always, we had one extended table full of Christmas decorations, platters, wreaths, knick-knacks, bows, candle holders and more, surrounded by holiday music. Our Chapter Two folks sold shoes and handbags - even several Vera Bradley sets. We had a table full of hats and scarves, some of which were hand-crafted.

 

The Fair raised over $4,000 for St. Paul''s ministry and missions but, even more than that, it was a great chance to develop community spirit and get many hands involved in the planning, preparation, cooking, selling and cleaning up after the event. What a wonderful opportunity to learn about others' skills, interests and lives in general!

 

I hope to be able to help out again next year and to have even more parishioners spend a little of their time with us. Thank you to all who helped with the event by donating items, purchasing items, manning tables - and particularly to those parents peacefully waiting for their kids to finish youth group and who were corralled into carrying boxes of donations to the cars headed for Goodwill. We couldn't have done it without each of you.

 

I truly appreciated this opportunity to try something new and I look forward to future fairs!    

� St. Paul's Church, 2013. Next Newsletter: February 1; deadline for submissions: January 26.  Please do not reprint text or graphics without permission.