News, information, messages from Bishop Rob, and more about the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire.
Micah 6 Commission: A Year of Building Relationships for Local Justice
When the Most Reverend Michael Curry, 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, travelled to Portsmouth, New Hampshire last February to speak along with Bishop Rob at the Black Heritage Trail of NH’s celebrated “Tea Talk,” it was a perfect example of the power of the Micah 6 initiative and how it brings people and organizations together in the name of social justice. The event was held in a synagogue, was open to all, and drew a large audience who were thirsty for wisdom and encouragement. The Bishops didn’t disappoint. Their vastly different experiences growing up, their bond of friendship, and their shared faith made for interesting conversation, storytelling and ways to further racial justice. The crowd was mesmerized. This is one example of how the Micah 6 Commission – just one year into its existence – is shaping how the Episcopal Church of NH is taking action with partner organizations.
Now just one year since its formation in April 2025, the Micah 6 Commission is making strides. The Commission was formed as a way to streamline and empower parishes to take action against racism, economic inequity, and environmental degradation. The work is guided by the principles of Micah 6:8, which emphasizes the importance of doing justice, being kind, and walking humbly with God.
“Micah 6 is a guiding call for how we live our faith and baptismal covenant,” says Commission Chair Derek Scalia. “Our world is hurting, and people are yearning for points of light and relief. Through this work, we seek to embody the call to do justice.”
Created to combine our local efforts around reconciliation, earth care, educational equity, and reparations, Micah 6 has found a sibling in the Global Missions Committee, which focuses on international social justice work, while Micah 6 focuses on New Hampshire organizations already doing critical justice work.Rather than creating new programs, Micah 6 focuses on building relationships with these current initiatives. These partnerships reflect shared learning, mutual respect, and a commitment to long-term impact. Among its early collaborations:
Supporting Black Heritage Trail of NH “Tea Talks,” fostering dialogue on race and history
Partnering with the NH Fair Funding Project to advocate for equitable education
Advancing environmental stewardship through the New England Episcopal Path to Creation Justice initiative
John Rowntree, parish treasurer at Good Shepherd Church in Nashua, urges Episcopalians to consider joining churches in Claremont, Keene and Londonderry that are currently participating in the New England Episcopal Path to Creation Justice , a program which provides support and tools to parishes committed to addressing the climate crisis. Rowntree says the Micah 6 Commission contributed a three-year grant to support them. Says Rowntree, “We have done multiple projects to reduce our 148-year-old church’s carbon footprint, including insulation, improving our historic church windows, changing lightbulbs and implementing 35 solar panels. It feels really good to make a difference and helps us be strong financial stewards because we have reduced our energy costs.”
The Commission is made up of 12 members in addition to Bishop Rob. The Commission meets monthly and has held two major planning sessions over the last year.
It has also helped distribute $85,000 in Coit House funds, administered through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, to support a wide range of community organizations – from childcare centers and summer camps to youth programs and family services.
At its core, the Micah 6 Commission is grounded in the belief that justice work begins in relationships.
“We are not here to solve every problem,” Commission leaders note. “We are here to listen, to accompany, and to support the work already unfolding in our communities.”
This relational approach is already strengthening parish life across the Diocese. By sharing stories, connecting congregations to opportunities, and deepening engagement, the Commission is helping Episcopalians live out their call to justice in tangible ways.
As the Commission enters its second year, it is building a more intentional structure to sustain and grow this work: strengthening communication, aligning resources, and supporting parishioners in integrating justice, mercy, and humility into every aspect of ministry.
Ultimately, the Micah 6 Commission is an invitation: to listen more deeply, to partner more intentionally, and to participate more fully in the work of healing and justice across New Hampshire. Commission members believe that justice takes root most fully when nurtured in parish communities that pray, learn, and serve together. They are committed to ensuring that the wisdom gained becomes a resource for congregations seeking to deepen their own ministries of justice. These faithful committee members believe that sharing stories and opportunities strengthens parish life and inspires local action rooted in the Gospel.
To share your stories of social justice work at your church or to find out more about Micah 6 please email Derek Scalia at dnascalia@gmail.com.
Top - Micah 6 Committee members at a planning meeting; bottom left - solar panels on the roof of the Good Shepherd complex in Nashua; bottom right - Tea Talk with Most Rev. Michael Curry, in Portsmouth.
In the News: Beyond acedia and wrath: life during the climate apocalypse
Published in the may issue of Anglican Theological Review, “Beyond acedia and wrath: life during the climate apocalypse,” is co-authored by Bishop Rob and the Rev. Stephen Blackmer, founding priest and chaplain at Church of the Woods in Canterbury.
Published in the may issue of Anglican Theological Review, “Beyond acedia and wrath: life during the climate apocalypse,” is co-authored by Bishop Rob and the Rev. Stephen Blackmer, founding priest and chaplain at Church of the Woods in Canterbury. “In a time when climate change and other ecological disturbances wreak havoc upon both human and natural ‘households,’ how can the people of God respond beyond anger and acedia, or sloth?…” Read the full article HERE.
In the News: A Call to Serve: New Episcopal Priest Presides Over the Eucharist on Easter
In the News: In an Easter Sunday story, Union Leader reporter Shawne Wickham writes about newly ordained Rev. Kathy Boss, All Saints’ Littleton and White Mountain School. “She first heard the call when she was a young girl. It whispered to her over the years as she studied, worked and raised three sons. The call grew more persistent, and at last she responded as the ancient prophet once did: Here I am, Lord. The Rev. Kathy Boss was ordained as an Episcopal priest last month. She will serve communion for the first time this Easter Sunday to her parishioners at All Saints’ Church in Littleton.”
In the News: In an Easter Sunday story, Union Leader reporter Shawne Wickham writes about newly ordained Rev. Kathy Boss, All Saints’ Littleton and White Mountain School. “She first heard the call when she was a young girl. It whispered to her over the years as she studied, worked and raised three sons. The call grew more persistent, and at last she responded as the ancient prophet once did: Here I am, Lord. The Rev. Kathy Boss was ordained as an Episcopal priest last month. She will serve communion for the first time this Easter Sunday to her parishioners at All Saints’ Church in Littleton.” CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY.
National Parochial Report Numbers for NH Inaccurate
The Episcopal News Service recently published a story titled, “2019 parochial reports show continued decline and a ‘dire’ future for The Episcopal Church.” The Church of New Hampshire has reviewed the report and found it is based on inaccurate numbers embedded in the parochial reports. In reality, Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) in New Hampshire was statistically flat between 2018 and 2019.
The Episcopal News Service recently published a story titled, “2019 parochial reports show continued decline and a ‘dire’ future for The Episcopal Church.” In its assessment, the article describes a steep decline in attendance in the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire.
The Church of New Hampshire has reviewed the report and found it is based on inaccurate numbers embedded in the parochial reports. In reality, Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) in New Hampshire was statistically flat between 2018 and 2019. In fact, ASA numbers modestly increased by 3 persons.
For the past few years — through 2018 — the Diocese of New Hampshire’s ASA totals included chapel services held at two Episcopal-affiliated schools in the state. In 2019, these schools did not submit their parochial report numbers: an oversight resulting in an apparent precipitous drop in ASA.
According to Benge Ambrogi, COO and Canon for Mission Resources, “Without school attendance included, New Hampshire’s ASA in 2018 was 3,020 and 3,023 in 2019, indicating not decline, but growth by 3 people. In the context of decline across the church nationally, attendance levels in the New Hampshire church is positive.” Ambrogi noted that chapel attendance at the two NH schools in question was unchanged between 2018 and 2019.
The Rt. Rev. Robert Hirschfeld, Bishop of New Hampshire announced that, “Moving forward, we will be more careful about how to integrate chapel attendance at our church-affiliated schools in the parochial report to the wider church. In this way, future reports will consistently reflect a more accurate picture of the church’s reach in New Hampshire."
“As we all know, for many decades now, the Church has employed this metric to try to determine the state of our health and holiness as a community in Christ, even as a greater portion of the US work force must work on Sunday mornings,” added Bishop Hirschfeld. “We have always sought to use the same measurements as the rest of the Church, however, our attention has been on other signs of our resilience, vibrancy, and joy in bearing witness to the Resurrection. Having a positive ASA number by three persons does not obviously make a trend. That said, I hope it is a sign that our three-fold efforts to renew the faithful in their knowledge and love of Jesus, to reconcile the world to God in Christ, and to revive the Church are worth committing to with increased boldness, especially in these demanding times. We will continue to turn our attention to how God is doing a new thing among us.”
Notes: Dr. Anthony Fauci Speaks with Bishops and Canons — Important “Best Practices” Reminders
Canon Gail Avery reported on the following discussion with the churches that Dr. Anthony Fauci had at a recent Bishops and Canons conference call. In light of the fact that 40-50% of those infected by COVID-19 are asymptomatic, and the United States has not flattened the curve as was hoped would happen by now, Dr. Fauci strongly advocates the following:
Canon Gail Avery reported on the following discussion with the churches that Dr. Anthony Fauci had at a recent Bishops and Canons conference call. In light of the fact that 40-50% of those infected by COVID-19 are asymptomatic, and the United States has not flattened the curve as was hoped would happen by now, Dr. Fauci strongly advocates the following:
Three things are most effective: (1) universal wearing of masks; (2) physical distancing; (3) wash your hands regularly.
Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings — avoid bars, concert halls, and arenas.
When experts say, “crowds,” it means congregating close together. Larger groups outdoors and spaced out properly are safer than small groups in close quarters. (10 foot spacing is better than 6 feet).
Singing is worse than speaking. Singing sprays out more particles — it has been tested by scientists. If you can, try not to sing.
Face shields: aerosolized particles can come underneath. A mask is preferable.
There is a misperception in the public sphere of “all or nothing,” of total shut-down or a total ignoring of precautions. But this is not an accurate perception of what is possible.
There is still a lot that can be done in a safe manner. Public health recommendations (and the science behind them) should be seen as a gateway for accomplishing a task and not an obstacle that locks us in.
Winter will be problematic. If you must gather indoors, do so with windows open and temperatures and humidity levels turned up higher (heat and humidity cause particles in the air to fall to the ground faster).
For dioceses that are in colder climates, begin having conversations now before it gets too cold to worship and meet together outdoors. What changes might need to be made to allow for any safe use of indoor space in the winter? Or, will you need to plan to go fully remote again?
Finally, Dr. Fauci commented that this will end. We won’t be like this forever. A vaccine will help. Don’t lose hope. The virus will determine the timeline and we must follow where the science leads us.
Presiding Bishop Curry’s Word to the Church: When the Cameras are Gone, We Will Still Be Here
May 30, 2020
A word to the Church from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: “Our long-term commitment to racial justice and reconciliation is embedded in our identity as baptized followers of Jesus. We will still be doing it when the news cameras are long gone.”
In the News. Gathering the flock: Services to return, with restrictions
As reported in the Union Leader. “No handshakes or embraces, no passing of the collection plate, no sharing of the Communion cup, no gathering before or after services. It surely will look different, but houses of worship in New Hampshire can reopen, after Gov. Chris Sununu on Friday released his much-anticipated guidelines for public religious services, effective immediately.”
As reported in the Union Leader. “No handshakes or embraces, no passing of the collection plate, no sharing of the Communion cup, no gathering before or after services. It surely will look different, but houses of worship in New Hampshire can reopen, after Gov. Chris Sununu on Friday released his much-anticipated guidelines for public religious services, effective immediately.”
Bishop's "Foolish" Ride Raises Awareness for Wearing Masks and NHCF Community Crisis Action Fund
Bishop Rob completed one circuit around the State House in Concord, NH. on Wednesday, April, 15, 2020. The Bishop did his “foolish” ride for Jesus to convey the importance of wearing your mask in public during these critical next few weeks, and to encourage those who can to donate to the NH Charitable Foundation’s Community Crisis Action Fund.
Bishop Rob completed one circuit around the State House in Concord, NH. on Wednesday, April, 15, 2020. The Bishop did his “foolish” ride for Jesus to convey the importance of wearing your mask in public during these critical next few weeks, and to encourage those who can to donate to the NH Charitable Foundation’s Community Crisis Action Fund: nhcf.org/about-us/community-crisis-action-action-fund/.
1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Bishop Rob chose this light-hearted, “foolish” ride to illustrate the power of faith in the resurrection of Jesus and the power in us all to come together to aid and assist each other in a time of urgent need. Bishop Rob began his ride at precisely 1:18 PM!
In the News: Series on ‘The Stories We Tell’ begins March 1
As reported in SeacoastOnline.com: St. John’s Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, will be hosting six Sunday evening programs during Lent. “The Stories We Tell” will feature a different presentation each evening, followed by discussion, dinner and compline in the church sung by the Compline Choir. The series will begin Sunday, March 1 at 5 p.m. with “Why Our Stories Matter” with Rev. Nathaniel Bourne…
As reported in SeacoastOnline.com: St. John’s Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, will be hosting six Sunday evening programs during Lent. “The Stories We Tell” will feature a different presentation each evening, followed by discussion, dinner and compline in the church sung by the Compline Choir. The series will begin Sunday, March 1 at 5 p.m. with “Why Our Stories Matter” with Rev. Nathaniel Bourne…
In the News: “Episcopal church transforms sanctuary into immigrant-focused art gallery.”
As reported in the Union Leader: A new art exhibit showcasing the immigrant experience goes on display at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Londonderry tonight. “We’re turning the church into an art gallery,” said the Rev. Colin Chapman.
As reported in the Union Leader: A new art exhibit showcasing the immigrant experience goes on display at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Londonderry tonight. “We’re turning the church into an art gallery,” said the Rev. Colin Chapman.
The exhibit, entitled “Our Neighbors, Ourselves,” is part of a string of programs designed to draw attention to the state of immigration in New Hampshire and nationwide, Chapman said. The spark for the idea came last summer from Chapman and seminarian Kathy Boss, who were inspired in part by some of the news stories about family separation at the southern border the year prior…
In the News: "Episcopal Mission of Franklin enjoying a rebirth"
As reported in the Union Leader: Standing in the sanctuary at the Episcopal Mission of Franklin, the Rev. Kate Harmon Siberine recounts how a few months ago the building had been closed — doors locked, the structure empty. But like the city it calls home, the church is enjoying a rebirth and has again become a place for people to gather, worship and foster a Christian community.
As reported in the Union Leader: Standing in the sanctuary at the Episcopal Mission of Franklin, the Rev. Kate Harmon Siberine recounts how a few months ago the building had been closed — doors locked, the structure empty. But like the city it calls home, the church is enjoying a rebirth and has again become a place for people to gather, worship and foster a Christian community. “This building has always been about feeding people — body and spirit,” Harmon Siberine said…
In the News: "Preserving Saint Matthew’s Chapel: Community comes together to preserve a chapel filled with memories"
As reported in the Union Leader: If you’ve ever driven Route 117 up and over and through Sugar Hill — to see the lupines in June, perhaps, or the bright colors of fall — you’ve passed St. Matthew’s Chapel…
As reported in the Union Leader: If you’ve ever driven Route 117 up and over and through Sugar Hill — to see the lupines in June, perhaps, or the bright colors of fall — you’ve passed St. Matthew’s Chapel. Maybe you pulled to the side of the road to snap a picture of the lovely white chapel with the yellow door and pretty stained glass windows, the mountains rising in the distant background…
In the News: "God Knows We’re Messy, and That’s OK"
As reported by The Living Church: Something extraordinary is happening at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Newport, N.H. (pop. 6,500). Once a month like clockwork, since early this year, worship attendance jumps from 20 to nearly 40.
As reported by The Living Church: Something extraordinary is happening at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Newport, N.H. (pop. 6,500). Once a month like clockwork, since early this year, worship attendance jumps from 20 to nearly 40. Swelling the crowd are people who have no church background. They sidle up next to folks who quit going to church long ago. Approximately half of these once-a-month worshippers are children.
In the News: “New Hampshire prison softball league connects Episcopalians and inmates in ministry of presence”
As reported by the Episcopal News Service: Episcopalians may be familiar with Jesus’ assurance that “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Members of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Goffstown, New Hampshire, also know this: Two or three, however devout, are not enough to field a softball team.
As reported by the Episcopal News Service: Episcopalians may be familiar with Jesus’ assurance that “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Members of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Goffstown, New Hampshire, also know this: Two or three, however devout, are not enough to field a softball team. Whether they bring two, three or a full squad of nine or more players, the Episcopal softball team led by St. Matthew’s parishioner Benge Ambrogi gathers several times each summer in Jesus’ name to play against inmates at the state’s prison for women in Concord.
In the News: “Closed for 17 years, St. Jude’s in Franklin opens for prayer”
As reported in the Concord Monitor: When Barbara Burns plays the organ at St. Jude’s Church in Franklin, she thinks about her mother singing with the church’s choir 60 years ago.
As reported in the Concord Monitor: When Barbara Burns plays the organ at St. Jude’s Church in Franklin, she thinks about her mother singing with the church’s choir 60 years ago.
“You can almost see your family up here, in the choir, teaching Sunday school,” said Burns, 81, sitting near the pulpit on her familiar cushioned seat at the organ during a recent Thursday service.
In the News: The Rev. Stephen Blackmer and Church of the Woods
Please check out these wonderful articles featuring the Rev. Stephen Blackmer and Church of the Woods. The Dartmouth cover story details Steve's spiritual journey and the creation of the Church of the Woods and Kairos Earth
Please check out these wonderful articles featuring the Rev. Stephen Blackmer and Church of the Woods. The Dartmouth cover story details Steve's spiritual journey and the creation of the Church of the Woods and Kairos Earth. In addition, Steve has also written a marvelous, thoughtful piece in Yale Divinity School's Reflections Magazine: "A Sacred Assembly of Pines, Plants, and People Too."
"Every time we interact
with the creation
is a sacred act.”