Bishop Rob has just published a new meditation and prayer companion for those who struggle with depression, With Sighs Too Deep For Words.
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As the state of New Hampshire announces its “Safer at Home Advisory” and continues on the path of re-opening for business, employment, and services, Bishop Rob shares this “3.0” document to provide continued guidance regarding how we may go about regathering in our churches.
The Episcopal Church asks that parishioners complete a survey regarding sexual misconduct in the church. Data received in the survey will help the church "engage in truth-telling, confession, and reconciliation regarding gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence by those in power in The Episcopal Church."
New England Episcopal bishops respond with one voice to President’s “cynical” photo-op by calling out “the abomination of continued oppression of and violence against people of color in this nation”
What President Trump did in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square on the evening of June 1 was disgraceful and morally repugnant.
On Friday May 29, Governor Chris Sununu shared a document, Stay at Home 2.0: Places of Worship, that ostensibly allows houses of worship to begin re-admitting worshippers to their sacred spaces for religious services only. I am grateful that the Governor takes seriously the particular complexities of risk and demand that we all face as we contemplate gathering again for religious services. The Governor’s order is informed by the advice of health professionals, immunologists, as well as members of various religious communities in New Hampshire.
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.”
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 we mark the death of over 100,000 people in the US from COVID-19, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry along with faith leaders across the country have called for a National Day of Mourning and Lament, Monday, June 1, 2020. Bishop Rob will preside over a Service of Solemn Memorial for those who have died as a result of COVID-19.
While the State of New Hampshire works through its various "re-opening" schedules, an informed decision regarding the operation of our summer chapels must be made. The eight summer chapels, from the Great North Woods and Lakes Region to Monadnock and the Seacoast, are an integral part of the summer traditions and practices of generations of families; treasured rituals that connect local and seasonal residents alike to God and community.
In our busy-ness, are we actually avoiding work? What's the real work we should be accomplishing during this time of pandemic and isolation? Bishop Rob talks about the importance of reconciliation. Click here to watch the video message.
As the state of New Hampshire begins to walk towards a gradual "re-opening" of the state - for business, employment, and services - while maintaining important public health measures to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, Bishop Rob provides guidance about how we might think about "re-opening" our churches.
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.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the People of the First Light, have lived in what is now known as southeastern New England for 12,000 years. 400 years ago they sheltered the pilgrims in need of refuge and care. After giving that precious gift of hospitality, the Mashpee Wampanoag endured and overcame generations of persecution, oppression and marginalization. Today they are threatened with having their reservation lands taken out of trust and being disestablished by the United States government in their own homeland.
With weather forecasts Monday calling for rain, heavy at times, and wind gusts up to 40 mph -- late morning through the afternoon -- Bishop Rob's "Foolish" Ride has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 15, at 1:18 PM.
The Bishop of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire, the Rt. Rev. Robert Hirschfeld, will jump on his unicycle (yes, his unicycle!), don his Bishop’s Mitre — and his coronavirus mask — and complete one circuit around the State House in Concord.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 (NEW DATE)
At 1:18 PM
In front of the State House, Concord, NH
We have just heard from Governor Sununu that the State of New Hampshire will be under a Stay at Home order until Monday May 4th. The purpose of this order is to slow progression of the virus that causes COVID-19. The Governor’s Stay at Home Order gives us some guidance about the timeframe of our fast from in-person public worship.
It is clear now that the congregations in the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire, like many of those throughout the world, will be unable to assemble in person for our usual solemn and joyous celebrations of Holy Week and Easter. Efforts to stem the pandemic of the potentially devastating COVID-19 require each of our households to practice physical distancing, to refrain from gathering in groups of any size and to remain at home. This is a time like no other in our lifetimes. It is also a time that bears close similarities to others in our spiritual heritage.
Today, after consulting with clergy, lay leaders, public health officials and fellow bishops, I ask that each of our congregations set aside this coming Sunday as a Day of Preparation for a Fast from physically gathered, large group worship until April 5, the Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday.
This is an update to the communication that was sent on February 27, 2020, concerning recommended precautions that our parishes should follow to prevent the spread of the coronavirus known as COVID-19. Since that letter, it has become clear that our nation has moved to a new phase in addressing this highly transmissible virus. Above all, I am concerned for the health of our worshippers and to alleviate the increasing anxiety around the practice that is held dearest to us — the ongoing means of participating in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Holy Communion.
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 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.