Network Jan-Feb 2017

ST. ANDREW’S NETWORK NEWS PAGE 1

ST. ANDREW’S January—February 2017

NETWORK NEWS

Birthdays, Register &

More 2-3

Christian Formation

2017 4

Now Everything Makes

Sense 7

The Curate Considers 8

Calendar 9

Parish Directory 12

Voices in Counterpoint &

Outreach 10-11

Wardens’ Words 5

Four Chapters of Ruth 6

Inside this issue:

It’s the Wednesday night before Christmas, the long-est of the year, and I’ve just returned from Newport. At 6 PM about 20 people gathered in the Gazebo on

Newport Common for a vigil to remember by name and light a candle for all the homeless people in New Hampshire who died in 2016. There were way too many names — 45. Many were Veterans. Many over-dosed.

An hour later we gathered at Epiphany Episcopal Church for a Blue Christmas service. People are expected to be joyous, but for many this is a season of sadness and loneliness. The service crafted by Kelly and the Rev’d Johanna Young gave beautiful expression to people’s pain: “As the nights have been growing longer, so has the darkness wrapped it-self around our hearts.” We offered it all to God, “the One who shares our burdens, who shows us the way to the Light, and who journeys with us into all our tomorrows.” As scripture was read, chants sung, prayers offered and candles lit, one could actually feel despair being converted into hope.

Our culture tends to ignore it in favor of “have a holly, jolly Christmas,” but the shadow side of Christmas is embedded in scripture, and many old Carols highlighted human suffering before they were shorn of their uncomfortable lyrics by Victorian sentimentalizers. December 28th is the Feast of the Holy Innocents when the Church remembers the dreadful incident recorded in Matthew’s Gospel of the baby boys slaughtered by Herod in a desperate attempt to destroy Jesus, the new king who threat-ened his power. Matthew’s Christmas pageant ends, not with tinsel-

Jay’s Say:

covered angels proclaiming goodwill, but with horrified parents weeping for their slaughtered children.

Mary and Joseph escaped with Jesus into Egypt. Lucky for them that Egypt was more accepting of refugees than most modern nations. Last Sunday I spent time with our middle schoolers who are not shying away from the shadow side of Christmas. They have joined with their peers from First Baptist Church to reflect on the experiences of contemporary refugees. Under the guidance of Ellen Yenawine and Steve Allenby of FBC, they have undertaken role plays, studied scripture, watched films and sat at the feet of Hardy Hasenfuss as he related his experiences in the wake of the Second World War.

During Christmastide you’ll see over the fireplace in the Parish Hall a print of the Holy Family fleeing persecution at the hands of Roman authorities. Rest on the Flight into Egypt by Luc Olivier (continued on p. 3)


Parish

Birthdays

From the Parish Register

Memorial Service

December 4

Jean Sutherland

December 10

Tom Ferguson

December 30

Sue Clough

Tuesday Morning Crafts

The Crafty Critters of St. Andrew's will begin meeting on February 7 to start working on projects for the Summer Fair to be held in July. We meet on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 in the parish hall.

We welcome all who are interested. If you are unsure if you are interested or not, come check us out. See who you know that is involved, enjoy some coffee and goodies and great fellowship. We are always open to suggestion and ideas for projects to make so please feel free to let us know your ideas. Questions? Contact Rosie Best or Barbara Smith.

Seamen’s Institute—Christmas Report

Our parish knitters made 12 scarves, 10 hats and four neck warmers that were sent to the Seamen's Church Institute for their Christmas at Sea project. Check www.seamenschurch.org for patterns and more information. This is an ongoing project, there's a box for finished items in the church office. — Judy Ackroyd

Janet Jones 3

Jenna Wheeler 4

Margarete Wasilieff 6

James Wassell 7

Deborah Lambert 8

Loa Winter 8

Linda Miller 10

Richard Haines 12

John Jevne 12

Peter Machen 12

Edward Olney 12

Barbara Smith 12

Jane Hedley 13

David Marshall 16

Nancy Rollins 16

Tina Colehower 23

Diane Caldwell 25

Linda Barnes 26

Kathryn MacLeod 26

Natalie Stark 28

Kent Woodger 28

Evelyn Douty 2

Candie Reynolds 3

Sophia Snaith 3

George Jamieson 6

Natalie Davis 8

Bill Helm 10

Jack Liberman 11

Bill Sloan 11

Adele Warner 11

Sondra VanderPloeg 12

Judy Wallace 14

Gardner Yenawine 18

Bruce Avery 20

Lou Sawyer 20

Steven Schweizer 21

Terry Smith 27

Keith Thomas 27


Jay’s Say continued - Merson resides in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, as do many other fine pieces of art that can stimulate our faith.

I’m hoping that we can journey as a church to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston on the morn-ing of Saturday, 18 February. I’ve asked Shelly Boucher and Janet Miller Haines to coordinate the day’s doings. After lunch we’ll head to Wheelock Family Theater for the 3 PM perfor-mance of Billy Elliot. Our own Shane Boucher plays Michael in the acclaimed British musical from 27 January to 26 February, and on 18 February Shane is playing the lead role of Billy!

Set in a northern English mining town, Billy Elliot may seem a long way from Bethlehem. But I’m not so sure. My heart was lifted by the Blue Christmas service in Newport, and I suspect that Shane and his colleagues will also kindle in us that great gift of hope.

Join us on Saturday, 18 February in a pilgrimage to the Museum of Fine Arts and Wheelock Family Theater in Boston’s Fenway District.

A MONTH IN ZIMBABWE

a presentation by Kathleen Rusnak

Sunday, January 22 (after 10 AM service)

Kathleen taught at Trinity College in Harare, Zimbabwe (formally Rhodesia), a Catholic semi-nary for the month of April, 2016. She will share her experience at the college: living with the Catholic Spiritan seminarians at their formation house, and her encounter with the culture and political environment there.

Many thanks to everyone who sent cards and flowers, brought

food and had me in their thoughts and prayer’s during my

health issues since Good Friday past! I am in the final steps to

returning to a normal life. God bless. – Anne Hall

From St. Andrew's Church Mouse: If you're uncomfortable tracking snow and sand through the church, please know that you are welcome to bring a pair of indoor shoes and leave your boots just inside the door. Slippers, anyone?


Christian Formation in 2017

Education for Ministry (see p. 8)

Weekly seminars on Tuesdays from 12 - 2:30 A small group meets over nine months Sessions involve study, prayer and reflection Discover your vocation as a baptized Christian Study the entire sweep of the Christian tradition Year 1: The Hebrew Bible Year 2: The New Testament Year 3: Church History Year 4: Theology, Ethics, and Interfaith Encounter Led by the Rev’d Kelly Sundberg Seaman The Book of Ruth (see p. 6)

A bible study on the four Sundays of February 11:45 - 1 with the Rev’d Dr. Kathleen Rusnak Lenten Bible Study “The Origins of Repentance and Forgiveness: Genesis and the Story of Joseph” Sundays from 11:45 - 1, 5 March - 2 April Led by the Rev’d Dr. Kathleen Rusnak Caring with Confidence Wednesday morning workshops in May Listening and counseling skills Getting alongside those who are suffering Becoming gentle but confident bearers of light Led by the Rev’d Jay MacLeod


The Wardens’ Words

Happy New Year!

Yes, Advent really does begin the new church year. And – in stark contrast to the gaudy neon-lit shopping season -- our tradition calls for a season that is quiet, meditative and expectant. Our “Advent Pause” (a mini-retreat led by Jay in Wilmot on December 15th) helped make this happen. We hope your Advent was calm and expectant!

Growing up, Richard had neighbors (traditional Virginia Episcopalians) who refused to decorate for Christmas until late Christmas Eve. And then their home burst into a glorious scene of light, color and evergreen smells. That was special! (The only flaw in the process was that their dad did not even buy the tree until Christmas Eve, so it was invariably a “Charlie Brown” special!)

And at St. Andrew’s we still sing the proper Advent carols until Christmas – but Christmas lasts! (Please also see p. 11.) Twelfth Night (January 6th, and the last day of the 12 days of Christmas) is a day of great celebration and frivolity! At St. Andrew’s we’ll have a parish carol sing on Epiphany; then our celebration continues on to Candlemas Day, the feast that marks the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, on February 2nd. That day is 40 days after Christmas Day and also marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. So it’s a day rife with all sorts of traditions, both Christian and pagan, including the weather lore that is credited to our groundhog, to the badger in Germany, and is the subject of a Candlemas proverb in Britain. The name Candle-mas comes from an old tradition of blessing all the candles to be used in the church during the year on that day as a symbol of the light of Christ coming into the world—a mass of candles.

As 2016 draws to a close, we look back on an exciting and fulfilling year at St. Andrew’s. Some recent events:

♦ Our fall concert series, “Sundays at Four” was a great success, providing wonderful music for our enjoyment and collecting donations which have aided both our Upbeat Choir program and our medical mission in Haiti. Watch for a Bellehouse CD in January. You will have an oppor-tunity to buy one (or many!). And we hear that a winter series is in the works that you won’t want to miss. Thanks to David Almond and his talented musicians, both far and near!

♦ On St. Andrew’s Day (November 30th) we celebrated the successful conclusion of our pledge campaign for 2017, surpassing our goal of $385,000! . . . and the pledges are still oozing in. Many thanks to Rink and Nonie Reynders and Bruce Avery for their skill and dedication in encouraging joyful giving and tracking our progress!

♦ Our Upbeat Choir of young and enthusiastic singers graced our 10 o’clock service through Advent. What a joy! Thanks to Nicole Densmore for organizing and leading this new youth chorus!

♦ The after-school program at Epiphany, Epiphany Explorers, run in coop-eration with the 4H club in Newport, is off to a huge start, bringing hands-on science and having fun to fifth and sixth graders of the Newport schools. Thanks to Rob Freitas and the Rev’d Kelly for leading this wonderful youth mission.

. . . and to all: a joyful and happy Christmas-tide! — Becky and Richard


THE BOOK OF RUTH

A Four-Chapter Book

on the four Sundays of February

(February 5, 12, 19, 26) 11:45AM -1 PM

with Kathleen Rusnak

The book of Ruth is called the "The Scroll of Ruth" because it was written and preserved on its own separate parchment scroll (as were four other books of the Hebrew Scriptures). Why is this short four-chapter book centered around Ruth, a Moabite widow? Why is this book read in synagogues on Pentecost (it was and still is a Jewish holiday, the same Jewish festival mentioned in the book of Acts, when the Holy Spirit came down to the Jewish followers of Jesus). It's an extraordinary love story too, and a story of chutzpah. We had a short study of this book five years ago. Now we go longer and deeper. Don't miss this unique study with Kathleen.


LUKE 9: 59-60 To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’

It doesn't make sense. Logically, that is. The dead are incapable of burying the dead. Is Jesus being cruel and insensitive to this grieving man who simply asks for a short delay in following Je-sus to bury his father? Or, is Jesus demanding that this man break the Jewish law, the fourth com-mandment to honor one’s parents, which includes giving parents a proper burial? Or should we ask why this man was out in the street talking with Jesus in the first place if his father had just died?

Jewish burial rites then, as it is now, require an immediate burial of the dead: within the day. This is followed by days of mourning at home, called Shiva (the Hebrew word for seven). Jesus knew this, and the would-be-disciple knew Jesus knew it ,too. So, they both knew that the man’s father had not just died, because he would be busy with funeral preparations. So, what is going on here?

The most likely answer has to do with a secondary burial custom observed by Jews. It was a burial ritual of wealthy and elite Romans in Palestine and especially in Jerusalem from 30 B.C.E. to 70 C.E. Romans cremated their dead, and one year after the first burial, placed the ashes in their final resting place, in an urn called a cinerary urn. Wealthy Jews of Jerusalem fully embraced Roman culture in lifestyle and in death; and to maintain their social status and prestige in society,

also reburied their dead, one year later. Because cremation was against Jewish law, the bones of the decomposed body were gathered and placed in a bone box, called an ossuary. It had no religious significance or meaning for Jews. The issue of a second burial did have religious meaning to Jews before and after this period (but that is for another column later).

The point here, is this: Jesus was saying to this man, “Your father has already died and you have properly buried him. Now you want to stay close by to wait for this unnecessary and meaningless second burial. Just so you can maintain your social status and prestige. It’s keeping you from following me. Let the dead bury the dead.”

This story shows that it’s even important to know what’s not Jewish when Jesus is speaking to another Jew, or the text won't make sense.

Now Everything Makes Sense: Let the Dead Bury the Dead

A Column by the Rev. Dr. Kathleen Rusnak


Other places in the world where it is offered, the EfM study program from the Episcopal seminary of the University of the South—“Sewanee”—goes by “Exploring Faith Matters.” That’s a very useful and insightful way of explaining what EfM is about, because you can interpret that phrase in at least two ways. You can take “matters” as a noun—so we study/explore aspects (“matters”) of faith—and also alternatively as a verb, asserting that it matters—it’s valuable, it’s important—to explore faith.

In spite of using text books that wouldn’t be out of place in an academic setting, EfM—which around here stands for “Education for Ministry”—is not a study program where we aim to master facts (although you will learn a lot). And although EfM students read their way through the Bible, EfM is not “Bible Study” in any usual way. And the reason that the original “M” of EfM is “ministry” is because all of this pondering, study and discussing is aimed at discerning how you are being called to live a life as a follower of Jesus: What is your particular call to serve others? And what could matter more than that?

It’s worth noting, too, that Sewanee reminds EfM enrollees that the time spent in seminar group together is not a time for the materials to be “taught”; EfM students are adult learners who study the readings outside of our time together. We then meet in a small group to reflect on matters of faith in a context where wondering out loud and wrestling with question is the norm. We work together to be “formed” into better followers of Jesus.

Is EfM for you? Drop me a note or give me a call, and we can have a no-obligation conversation about joining the group. EfM will meet on Tuesdays, beginning in late January. Our time together will start with midday prayer in the church at noon. We’ll move to our classroom, eat lunch together, and continue through 2:30 PM.

The Diocese of New Hampshire sponsors EfM leaners, essentially giving each enrollee a scholarship that reduces the year’s tuition to $350. (A limited amount of further scholarship support is also available from Sewanee; please have a word with Kelly if you believe the sponsored tuition rate poses a financial barrier for you.) Tuition includes textbooks and study guides, as well as access to subscription-only online resources from Oxford Biblical Studies Online, a resource published by Oxford University Press. Each EfM year includes 36 sessions, roughly equivalent to nine months. Each student commits one year at a time; participants in each of EfM’s four program years (Old Testament; New Testament; Church History; Theology) meet together in a one-room-classroom setting. If you’ve been an EfM student before, you are welcome to return, either to complete an unfinished sequence, or (as a post-grad) to return to a program year of your choice.

One last note: EfM is not just for Episcopalians! In fact, one of my favorite EfM groups had members who identified as Roman Catholic, Congregationalist, and non-denominational Christian as well. Do you have a friend from beyond this parish who might want to join in? Spread the word and share the invitation. Peace, Kelly

The Curate Considers: “Formation,” “Faith” and “For”


Annual Meeting will be held 29 January from 9 to 10 AM (between services). The slate of candidates will be announced soon.

In advance of the meeting the Treasurer will review details of the proposed budget and field questions: 15 January, also between services.

Calendar of Events

January:

6 (Friday) - Epiphany Carol Sing (see p. 5)

8 (Sunday) - Feast of the Epiphany (see p. 11)

15 (Sunday) - Budget Review, 9 AM (between services)

20 (Friday) - Friendly Kitchen (see p. 11)

22 (Sunday) - Zimbabwe by Kathleen Rusnak, 11:45 AM (see p. 3)

29 (Sunday) - Annual Meeting, 9 AM (between services)

February:

5 (Sunday) - Candlemas Celebration (see p. 11)

5, 12, 19, 26 (Sundays) - Book of Ruth with Kathleen Rusnak, 11:45 AM (see p. 6)

12, 19 (Sundays) - Instructed Eucharists (see p. 11)

7 (Tuesday) - Crafty Critters resumes, 9:30 AM (see p. 2)

. . . More Events . . .

Monday to Friday 12 Noon Midday Prayer ▼ Mondays 6 PM Meditation First Tuesdays 8 AM Pastoral Care Coordinating Team ▼

Tuesdays/Thursdays 9 AM Morning Prayer ▼Wednesdays 10 AM Music & Memory Thursdays 10 AM Thursday Tots, 7 PM Choir Rehearsal

Saturdays 3 PM Sacrament at the Summit

Novel & Reel Theology

With a slight change from the last two years, we will get together from 7 - 8:30 PM on the second Wednesday of most months to reflect together on a novel or film. Informal, wide-ranging and fun, our discussions alternate between films and novels and usually touch on our understanding of God and redemption. Everybody is welcome, but please see the film or read the book in advance! Where no discussion leader is named we welcome volunteers!

We Need New Names A novel by NoViolet Bulawayo

Discussion on 8 February 2017

O Brother, Where Art Thou? A film by Joel and Ethan Coen starring George Clooney

Discussion on 8 March 2017

Gray Mountain

A novel by John Grisham

Discussion on 12 April 2017 led by Nat Davis

Of Gods and Men A film by Xavier Beauvois

Discussion on 10 May 2017

Homegoing

A novel by Yaa Giyasi

Discussion on 14 June 2017 led by Dana Dakin


Dear Friends,

I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of the New Year. I have had increasing difficulty trying to organize the many tasks of my life this year. I know some of that is due to the particular political tone that has emerged. But most of my perplexity is caused by indecision and trying to do all too much on my own. I rely on the silly idea that it is up to me to sort things out, and that reliance hinders the very process of sorting and doing.

I was taught long ago that there is a Grace from God that can help when my own powers fail. All too often I fail to rely on that Grace. My father taught me that daily prayer is one of the most powerful tools to help prioritize things; prayer can inspire me to act as well. My Sunday school teachers taught me the same; my sisters at Malling Abbey continue to aid me in this discipline.

Psalm 46 was part of today’s Morning Prayer from the Malling Abbey Daily Office. God is our refuge and strength, / a very present help in trouble. In verses 2 and 3, I sing with the prophet about the forces swirling about me: Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. I hear this roaring, shaking and swelling in the daily news. The political voices roar the loudest. The images on computer and TV are very troubling. The fists of some politicians have been shaking throughout recent months, and their rhetoric continues to swell. And yet, I can sing with the prophet of the promise that where God is, there is Peace: There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved. God shall help her, and that right early. It is in praying and singing this psalm that I am made to see again that God wants me to be an instrument – God’s tool – in proclaiming this message. It is in the last verse of Psalm 46 that God reveals in the words of the prophet our mission for this day: Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. And here is a hymn for this day: O God of Love, O King of Peace, / make wars throughout the world to cease; The wrath of nations now restrain. / Give Peace, O God, give Peace again! Henry Williams Baker (1821-1877) Hymnal 1982, No. 578 Peace, Love, Hope, Joy and Harmony, David

Voices in Counterpoint—A Psalm for the Day


Help Re-Stock the KLS Community Food Pantry

January: Canned fruit

February: Large juice

Paper towels, toilet paper, coffee (regular, decaf and instant), peanut butter and jelly, cake and brownie mixes and monetary donations are always welcome.

Friendly Kitchen is Concord's only soup kitchen serving about 100 guests each night. Our commitment is to prepare and serve dinner on the fourth Friday of every other month. January 20 is our next visit. Watch for the sign up sheet to see how you can help with this outreach ministry.

Outreach Corner

The Christmas season is often celebrated for 12 days, ending with the Epiphany on 6 January. At St. Andrew’s we follow an alternative tradi-tion in which Christmas lasts for a full 40 days, ending with the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas) on 2 February. Each of these Feasts we transfer to a Sunday, so we celebrate Epiphany on Sunday, 8 January and Candlemas on Sunday, 5 February.

On the following two Sundays (12 & 19 February) Jay and Kelly will lead Instructed Eucharists. Instead of a sermon, we take a close look at the Service of Holy Communion itself. We slow the liturgy down and explain why we do what we do. On 12 February we examine the first half of the Eucharist (up to the Peace) and on 19 February the second half.

St. Andrew’s Thrift Shop is pleased to announce another successful year. Thanks to some 25 wonderful, faithful volunteers and substitutes, we have been able to stay open six days a week, four hours a day. We have met our commitment to the church budget and were able to make donations to various local charities.

We are announcing some sales for 2017. In January, everything in the shop will be half-price. If you haven’t stopped by lately, now is the time. And…in February we will have our semi-annual brown bag sale: everything you can fit in a brown grocery bag is just $5.00.

Following these sales, we will begin to change seasons and offer spring clothing. It does sound like a long time away, but spread the word and come in yourself to see what bargains we offer.

Finally, although our volunteer roster is long we welcome new volunteers to ensure all shifts are covered. Please speak to Jackie Thompson if interested.-- Jackie Thompson, Manager


Parish Office Office 603-526-6344

Fax 603-526-8623

Email [email protected]

Rector

The Rev. Jay MacLeod

Curate

The Rev. Kelly Sundberg Seaman

Director of Music

David Almond

Director of Music for Children and

Youth

Nicole Densmore

Verger

Anne Hall

Parish Administrator

Shelly Boucher

Resident Clergy

The Rev. Patricia Harris

The Rev. Canon Jim Ransom

The Rev. Kathleen Rusnak

The Rev. Charlie Tirrell

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New London, NH

P.O. Box 294

52 Gould Road,

New London, NH 03257

The Vestry Wardens

Richard Haines (through 2016)

Becky Rylander (through 2017)

Vestry Members

Term Expires Jan. 2017

Martha Barron

Harvey Best


Marni Eaton, Clerk

Peter Ruth, Treasurer

Judy Wallace

Ellen Yenawine


Bruce Avery

Mark Kellett

Lisa Kelly

Committee Chairpersons Altar Guild Judy Ackroyd Rosie Best

Buildings & Grounds Lyman Smith

Craft Group Rosie Best Barbara Smith

Communications Coordinator

Marni Eaton

Eucharistic Ministers Anne Hall

Finance & Investments Peter Ruth

Newsletter Alice Perry – Editor

Outreach Becky Rylander

Stewardship Rink and Nonie Reynders

Network Jan-Feb 2017

Documents

Transcript of Network Jan-Feb 2017