News, information, messages from Bishop Rob, and more about the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire.
The Rt. Rev. Sean W. Rowe Elected Presiding Bishop
By Susan Sherrill Axelrod
On a day full of prayer and celebration, the Rt. Rev. Sean W. Rowe, bishop of Northwest Pennsylvania and bishop provisional of Western New York, was elected to be the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. The election, which was decided on the first ballot, took place during the 81st General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, where on Wednesday at mid-morning, members of the House of Bishops walked from the Kentucky International Convention Center to nearby Christ Church Cathedral to cast their votes. Their decision was made by noon, with the announcement held until after a lunch break, sparking much excited speculation among members of the House of Deputies (HOD), visitors, and the press.
When it was announced, the news was greeted with elation in the HOD, which confirmed the bishops' vote by a 95-percent majority. Here is what some members of the Maine deputation had to say about the presiding bishop-elect:
"I think a lot of people are excited about Bishop Rowe, his vision, and where he may take us. He clearly has a plan, and that's pretty exciting to see." - Deputy Sarah Ambrogi
"I think he's absolutely amazing. He doesn't do top down; he's a boots on the ground kind of guy; I'm looking forward to it." - Deputy Jane Van Zandt
"One of the things that excites me most about him is that he's our first GenX Presiding Bishop, and while I think every generation brings their gifts to the church, I think as we're asking 'what is God calling us into'—this new chapter in the Jesus movement—I think he's absolutely the right person to lead us into that conversation." - Rev. Kate Harmon Siberine
"The Episcopal Church can rejoice at the prospect of being shepherded by the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe. He possesses a clear understanding of the issues and choices we'll encounter as we continue to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. He is a strategic thinker, and most importantly, he's a person of profound faith and hope." - Deputy Margaret Porter
At 49, Bishop Rowe is the youngest presiding bishop ever elected, he was also the country's youngest Episcopal priest when he was ordained at 24, and became the denomination's youngest bishop at 32. He will begin his nine-year term on Nov. 1. Read more about the presiding bishop-elect and the election process here.
Photo by Randall Gornowich
In his address to the HOD, which you can watch here, Rowe expressed gratitude to his fellow nominees, stressed that a willingness to take risks and embrace change was key to the future of the church, and urged the HOD to "hold our structure lightly," with an eye on providing more church resources for dioceses, "where ministry happens on the ground." He suggested that the time between now and his installation on Nov. 1 be considered as "a kind of relational jubilee," where anger and resentments built up during the pandemic and post-pandemic years be forgiven "for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Rowe finished his speech with a quote from "Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander," by theologian Thomas Merton, who spent much of his life in Kentucky.
“In a time of drastic change one can be too preoccupied with what is ending or too obsessed with what seems to be beginning. In either case one loses touch with the present and with its obscure but dynamic possibilities. What really matters is openness, readiness, attention, courage to face risk. You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope. In such an event, courage is the authentic form taken by love.”
Bishop Rob walks next to Bishop Rowe on the way to Christ Church Cathedral, where the House of Bishops voted to elect the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. Photo by David Paulsen, ENS
Two “Philadelphia Eleven” Events Offer Reflection and Inspiration
Two-thousand twenty-four is the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in The Episcopal Church. On April 28 St. Andrew’s in Hopkinton and May 8 St. Thomas’ in Dover joined the celebration of this milestone by hosting public showings of “The Philadelphia Eleven,” which tells the story of the 1974 ordinations and the brave women and men who made it happen. Both events were attended by enthusiastic crowds and included panel discussions following the film.
At St. Andrew’s, where about 100 guests attended, the Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen of SpiritBound Digital Mission facilitated the discussion. The panel included the Rev. Molly Bidwell and the Rev. Anne Webb, two of the first women to be ordained in the Episcopal Church in New Hampshire, and the Rev. Mary Beale, the first woman to be ordained in the Diocese of Erie (now the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania). “Their stories were full of courage, faith, and also pain,” said the Rev. Louise Howlett, dean of clergy for the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire. “Watching the film and hearing these brave women’s experiences was so inspiring; but it was also hard to hear faith leaders of the time negate the personhood and valid ministry of women—proclaiming that God is Father and they are also called father, so women could not lead in the image of God as men could.”
The Rt. Rev. Rob Hirschfeld, Bishop of New Hampshire, and the Rev. Jennifer Walters, rector of All Saints’ in Peterborough, also reflected on the impact the ordination of women had on the church—widening the circle of who is included and lifted up for ministry, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. Walters shared her experience as the first openly lesbian priest to be ordained in the Diocese of Michigan, for which her bishop was brought up on charges but ultimately prevailed.
The Rev. Sue Poulin, rector of St. Thomas wrote of the event her church hosted: “St. Thomas' Dover was thrilled to hold a showing of “The Philadelphia Eleven” on May 8. We believe there were around 70 people in attendance. Following the film, The Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward [one of the Philadelphia eleven] joined us for questions and conversation via Zoom. It was a grace-filled evening. Many people who have been involved in The Episcopal Church for a long time shared that they just were not aware of the timeline of these specific events. So much was going on in our country at that time and for some this really got lost. This is another powerful example that history is so important, especially in the times we are living. How can we continue to pay attention, share stories of the past and listen as the spirit calls us forward?”
Van Antwerpen conducted a video interview with Beale, Webb, and Bidwell to capture their reflections on being the first generation of women ordained to the priesthood, which can be viewed here.
For more about SpiritBound, visit spiritbound.faith
Reparations in the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire
Written by Betty Lane and James McKim
Over the past few years, the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire (ECNH) has passed resolutions committing the diocese to working toward racial reconciliation, healing and justice guided by the long-term commitment to Becoming Beloved Community. As a church we have affirmed the path of telling the truth about our churches and race, proclaiming the dream of Beloved Community, practicing Jesus’ way of healing love, and repairing the breach in society and institutions.
The 221st Convention of the ECNH passed the resolution “Becoming the Beloved Community: A Plan for Reparations.” That resolution set forth $56,000 and called for a Reparations Task Force to develop a strategy and framework for reparations.
Why? Ongoing racial injustice continues to plague New Hampshire with disparities in access to economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and criminal justice continue to disproportionately impact non-white communities. Our baptismal vows call us, with God’s help, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves and to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being knowing that this can be challenging and yet joyful work of the church.
The Reparations Task Force has been created. Betty Lane from Christ Church, Portsmouth and James McKim from St. Matthew’s, Goffstown are co-chairs. As per the resolution, the Task Force has representation from the Reconciliation Commission (the Ven. Derek Scalia), Diocesan Council (Lauren Tennett), Finance Lauren Tennett), Standing Committee (the Rev. Guy Collins), and the Trustees (Sarah Ambrogi). Other members include youth representative Seth Bonvouloir and the Rev. Zac Harmon, liaison to community partners and Indigenous communities. The Rev. Michele Bonner, who recently returned to New Hampshire from the Diocese of Texas, has been hired as a part-time coordinator for the effort.
The Task Force has been meeting since January. It has developed a definition of reparations for all to use.
“Reparations is the spiritual and material process to remember, restore, reconcile, and make amends for historical and continuing wrongs such as: Peoplehood/Nationhood, Education, Health, Criminal Punishment, Wealth, and Poverty, against African American and Indigenous people that can never be singularly reducible to monetary terms, but must include repentance, a substantial investment and surrender of resources, and a guarantee of non-repeat.”
(Note: The wrongs identified above are known as the Five Injuries; learn more here. )
The Task Force has identified work to be done in the following areas:
Build Relationships
Truth-Finding
Truth-Telling
Repentance
Repairing the Breach/Rehabilitation/Restitution/Compensation
Evaluation/Satisfaction
To gain insights into the brokenness here in New Hampshire and to ensure that the work we do is truly effective, the Task Force has been building relationships with organizations identified as “Accountability Partners,” such as the Black Heritage Trail NH, the Cowasuck Band of the Penacook-Abenaki, BLM NH, the three branches of the NAACP, and others. To gain insights into the thoughts of members of the diocese and provide guidance on what can be done locally, the Task Force is coordinating meetings with each of the seven Convocations. To provide opportunities for truth telling and healing, the Task Force is in the process of scheduling Healing of Memories workshops which will be available for everyone in the diocese.
“This work is long-term work,” says Bishop Hirschfeld. “And we have the best minds in the diocese leading our efforts. However, as followers of Jesus, we should not wait for their plan and framework to take action. We encourage every member of the church to participate in a Sacred Ground program. We encourage every parish to live into our 219th Convention resolution to go through the program “Becoming Beloved Community Where You Are”.
For more information on the work of the Task Force or what you can do now toward reparations and Becoming Beloved Community, contact the Rev. Michele Bonner at reparations@nhepiscopal.org.
General Convention Overview
The 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be held in Louisville, KY June 23-28. This year is especially monumental, with the election of a new Presiding Bishop. If you'd like to know more about how General Convention works and what happens there, we are fortunate to have an excellent primer, written by freelance reporter Melodie Woerman and Cynde Bimbi, director of communications and public relations for the Episcopal Church in Delaware.
Other helpful links:
General Convention resources: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/public-affairs/gc81/.
Governance: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/organizations-affiliations/church-governance/
About us: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/about-us/
The timeline of the church’s history: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/organizations-affiliations/history-episcopal-church/timeline/
Trinity Claremont's Shelter in the News
Trinity Church Claremont’s temporary shelter was featured in a story published by the Valley news and NHNPR, “Upper Valley winter shelters keep dozens warm and dry.” From the story:
“The shelter’s volunteers provided meals and overnight monitoring. Several Claremont churches, including First Congregational Church, St. Joseph and St. Mary’s provided monetary donations or volunteers to support the project.
Elizabeth Moriarty, a pastor at Trinity, said they are currently seeking a new building to house the shelter, as the church is not an adequate space for a seasonal or year-round program. In addition, they hope to partner with an organization that is experienced in staffing and running a shelter.”
A Partnership for Portsmouth
Creative Redevelopment of Episcopal Church Property Will Further Church’s Mission To Serve The Community
On the front steps of Christ Church, Portsmouth, from left: Portland Housing Authority Executive Director Craig Welch, HAVEN Executive Director Kathy Beebe, and Bishop Rob Hirschfeld | Photo by Kathleen Soldati
The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire has announced plans to redevelop its Christ Church property on Lafayette Road in Portsmouth. The Episcopal diocese, which owns the 3.5-acre plot, has partnered with the Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA), HAVEN—the state’s largest organization providing support and prevention services to those impacted by sexual and domestic violence—and Little Blessings Child Care Center, to further the diocese’s mission to serve the community. According to Bishop Rob Hirschfeld, the vision includes building approximately 50 units of affordable, workforce apartment rental units, a new headquarters for HAVEN’s violence prevention services, renovated facilities for Little Blessings Child Care, and a revamped worship space. A draft plan will be presented to the Portsmouth Planning Board in later this month.
“This is what happens when faithful people dare to pray for a vision of God’s purposes," says Bishop Hirschfeld. “This will be a bold project that will further God’s love and care in this community. I’m grateful to all involved for their courageous collaboration.”
Christ Episcopal Church of Portsmouth has been welcoming worshippers since the original stone structure on Madison Street was dedicated in July 1883. After it burned down 80 years later, the church was rebuilt on a three-acre piece of land donated by local benefactor John Elwyn Stone, a descendant of the Langdon family, along what is now Route One. Over time, the number of congregants has dwindled to a small but dedicated group for whom maintenance of the large, red brick church building has become a burden.
Thanks to the creativity of the project’s partners, the church structure will be retained. Plans call for part of the building to be repurposed as the headquarters for HAVEN. The building will also house new space for Little Blessings, and its childcare service will continue to operate uninterrupted throughout construction. A key element of the project is continuity of Episcopal worship services, which will be relocated to the renovated former church rectory. Plans also call for the African Burying Ground at Langdon Farm, located behind the rectory and part of the Black Heritage Trail of NH, to be preserved and highlighted.
HAVEN Executive Director, Kathy Beebe, says the nonprofit has been searching for several years to find a location in Portsmouth that will give the organization more space. Headquartered in Portsmouth for over 45 years, HAVEN has grown to serve more than a third of the state. “This project is beyond exciting, and we are grateful to the Episcopal church for the opportunity,” says Beebe. “It will allow us to expand our client services, counseling, educational outreach, and provide program and office space in a centralized location.” HAVEN will continue to maintain its satellite office in Rochester, Beebe says.
Little Blessings Child Care Center Director Dana St. Jean has served in nearly every position for 30 of the center’s 38 years, and can attest to the excellent care and education she and her staff have offered to Seacoast families. “A renovated or new space will strengthen our ability to continue providing quality services, especially in these challenging times for the early education industry,” says St. Jean. “Bishop Hirschfeld’s commitment to early education is admirable. This is a tremendous opportunity that we are very grateful to be a part of, and we look forward to our partnership with the diocese, Portsmouth Housing Authority, and HAVEN as the project develops and comes to fruition.”
According to Bishop Hirschfeld, the addition of nearly 50 units of workforce housing is meaningful development for Portsmouth, and the diocese has found the ideal partner in the PHA. “As a nonprofit agency, we have been developing and managing housing and rental apartments in Portsmouth for over 70 years,” says PHA Executive Director Craig Welch. “We envision creating well-constructed apartment units that will remain permanently affordable and will be rented at below-market rates. Addressing the housing crisis on the Seacoast has been identified as a top priority for our elected leaders and this is an important opportunity to begin making a dent in building more rental options for the vital workers in our community who can no longer afford to live in Portsmouth.” Welch goes on to say, “The PHA is so touched by the parishioners at Christ Church who are committed to their mission to serve people in our community by taking real action. Lots of people talk about values but Christ Church and its leadership should be commended for their selfless contribution to making this property available for such important work.”
A Word of Thanksgiving—Nevertheless!
Thanksgiving came a few days early for me this year. There was no turkey, rather some cold broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots laid out on a table under a fluorescent lamp. I didn’t know several of the people around the tables. They had gathered on a cold afternoon at the Mission in Franklin on the morning after a troubled man, a friends and parishioner, likely trapped in a downward spiral of anguish, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with the local police. Just days before, a beloved former Franklin Chief of Police was slain by a disturbed and armed gunman at the State Hospital in Concord. As it turned out, even that assailant had a connection to the small group gathered at that table. In recent days Franklin had its share of sadness and grief as it faced these tragedies and the prevalence of addiction, mental illness, poverty. And yet, and yet—
Nevertheless—the church was open, coffee was brewed, and God’s people were already—already!— dreaming and thinking of ways to be even more present. They knew they had no “once and for all” answers, except to simply come alongside, offer a warm place—even for a few more hours a week—to share a cup of coffee, a phone number for help, a good word of companionship, and care as fellow children of God. I could only stay for a brief time around that table, but I experienced in that half hour nothing less than eternity.
Sometimes, probably too much, we rely on the urge of gratitude to rise within us. Waiting for that warm glow of the knowledge of blessing to overtake us may leave us feeling anything but grateful. Maybe cold, or even resentful. I heard once that we live in a “culture of pathology,” meaning that our grievances and struggles tend to dominate our attention, causing us to vent— even in times of relative prosperity. Of course, our news is dominated by graphic reports of violence raging in at least a dozen regions of the world. Civil discourse is more dire than civil. And, yes, our loved ones inevitably disappoint, or grow old, or disappear. I admit it—as a dour teenager, I usually resented my elders’ advice to just “count your blessings." That counsel usually caused me to do just the opposite, and to count my pains (including my elders!). New Hampshire Christians, despite claiming her as the secular patron saint of her hometown of Littleton, are not called to follow Pollyanna, but to follow Jesus who made the way of the Cross the way to Life.
So, having acknowledged all that gloom and grumble, however justified, here we are at Thanksgiving—that day that asks us to carve into not just a warm meal, but space and time and breath. We are invited simply to be and to acknowledge the blessing of our being. We are alive. People love you and me, sometimes even despite ourselves, miraculously! We have hope that we can walk alongside people who are suffering. We have an opportunity to turn toward light, toward community and loved ones, and toward a God whose resurrected Presence and love is stronger than all suffering, humiliation, faith, even death itself.
I am utterly grateful for the Spirit of God’s love that moves so undeniably powerfully and resiliently in the hearts, minds, and bodies of so many of us. As Jesus promised, those presences—your presence—move mountains. And along with the whole world, I have come to rely and depend on such prayers, actions, and love. I thank God for you. It makes this heart, even this one, sing for joy and gratitude.
With every blessing of thanks,
+Rob
Joint Emergency Appeal from the Archbishops of Canterbury and Jerusalem
The Archbishop of Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, have issued a joint emergency appeal for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The two Archbishops’ appeal asks for prayers and peace for all who have been affected by recent events in Israel and Gaza.
The Archbishop of Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, have issued a joint emergency appeal for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The two Archbishops’ appeal asks for prayers and peace for all who have been affected by recent events in Israel and Gaza.
To learn more about how the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ) are involved in the Diocese of Jerusalem, visit the AFEDJ website. If you would like to donate, please visit the donation page.
Read on for the Archbishops’ appeals:
Text of the emergency appeal from Archbishops Naoum and Welby.
2023 Outreach Commission Grant Opportunities & Info Night
The Outreach Commissions of the diocese invite you to apply for grant money to support your community partnership ministries with funds from the Earth Care Commission, Our Kids Commission, Reconciliation Commission, and Sustainability Development Goals funds. Each Commission seeks to help “repair the world” through relationships with community organizations as we seek and serve Christ in all people. Read below for more information, and please note that deadlines vary from October to December.
Interested in learning more? You are invited on Wednesday, October 11th at 7 p.m. by Zoom the Outreach Commissions will join the Wardens & Treasurers Monthly Meeting. Please check the weekly The Call e-newsletter for clergy and lay leaders for the monthly Wardens & Treasurers Zoom Meeting notice.
Commission for Earth Care
This Commission coordinates and leads efforts to care for the Earth, encountering and honoring the face of God in all creation as we follow Jesus in relationship with God, each other, and the whole Earth. The Earth Care Commission was formed to pursue this individually, spiritually, collectively, and systemically. This Commission has supported and financed the “Solar Saints” LED parish light bulb exchange, a grant to fund the documentary “Swimming Up Stream: Indigenous Environmental Justice for our Waterways”, a community garden at Grace Church in East Concord, and some supplies needed to conduct an environmental education program for children. The Earth Care Commission welcomes grant requests up to $1000 for environmental education programs, advocacy efforts for low-income communities being especially impacted by climate change, and opportunities for people of all ages to spiritually renew their relationship with God and the earth.
Grants Available: Up to $1,000 per project
Deadline: No later than December 1st .
Click here for more information and the grant application.
Commission on “Our Kids”
Our mission is to use the vast resources of the church to help bridge the opportunity gap facing youth in New Hampshire. The bishop’s charge to the Commission is: “To find and serve the Child Jesus in our communities by helping congregations move away from asking how can we get more young people from our community in the doors of our church to asking, how can we go out the doors of our church to serve the needs of young people in our communities?” Recent collaborations include field trip support for north country day campers; scholarships for Pine Street Players youth summer camp; Oasis Teen Drop-In Center and an afterschool choir school program with local youth.
Grants Available: Up to $10,000
Deadline: November 10th
Click here for more information and the grant application.
Commission on Reconciliation
The Commission on Reconciliation is guided by the vision of Becoming Beloved Community, our church’s long-term commitment to racial justice, healing, and reconciliation. The Reconciliation Commission upholds the following diocesan priorities to speak to and witness in the public sphere: Immigration and Refugees; Indigenous People Rights and Reconciliation; Mass Incarceration; Racial Reconciliation; as well as Economic Inequity.
Deadline: November 10th
Click here for more information and the grant application.
Sustainability Development Goals (SDG)- With Global impact in mind, the Diocesan Commission of Reconciliation supports the SDGs and has budgeted an annual grant of $10,000 which, is awarded to one or more not-for-profit organizations deemed by our SDG Committee to alleviate poverty and foster sustainable growth. For example, in past years Diocesan SDG awards have gone to a library in Sou. Africa, a Parish Health Clinic in Honduras, The Women’s Trust in Ghana, Native American Outreach in Maine, and an orphanage in Mexico.
Deadline: October 31, 2023
Click here for more information and the grant application.
For further questions or discussion, reach out to the Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen, Officer for Community Engagement.
Reflection from a Small Church Pastor
Tuesday I was alone in the Trinity office working on Sunday’s lectionary when I noticed out the window two cars pulling up and several people walking towards the front door. This is not a common occurrence on a Tuesday morning, I thought aloud. As I greeted the strangers, they each introduced themselves and came in explaining that every week they read the newsletter and knew that we would be open from 10-2. They had come to reminisce.
They explained they were in New Hampshire for only three days from London England. The matriarch of the group turned to me and stated that her grandfather, the Rev. Lansdowne, helped commission the Trinity window behind the altar of the church. I quickly realized that this was a family that felt that they had come home. The matriarch shared with me that they have an ancestor in our memorial garden, and that the chalice and tabernacle we use every Sunday was a gift from her family in memory of the Rev. Burdette Lansdowne.
I know often small churches are discouraged by the number of parishioners attending each Sunday and wonder what effect we are having in our community. It is not the huge number of members but the impact of each heart we have changed for the love of God that matters. The younger three of the seven people in the group had been baptized here as infants. I watched as they looked around in amazement at the church where they had been baptized, I reminded them that their names were in our books as a smile of belonging spread over their faces.
I took a moment to appreciate the importance of our ongoing stewardship of this sacred place. When we remember all the hearts and souls that have passed through Trinity, we can never know the impact that we have on the world. We can be assured that God knows and blesses our efforts. These small blessings help us as we continue our walk with the Spirit of truth.
In loving service,
The Reverend Amanda Sampey
Pastor, Trinity Episcopal Church in Meredith, NH
Bishop Rob Names Trinity Claremont Diocesan Pro-Cathedral
What is a Pro-Cathedral, you might be asking? A Pro-Cathedral is a church named by a diocesan bishop to serve as a cathedral but which remains under local church governance. It is used as a cathedral for diocesan purposes.
Bishop Rob shared these thoughts about this new designation:
"Designating Trinity Claremont as Pro-Cathedral is an experiment, not a permanent designation. It highlights that the diocese is giving special attention to a church where we think that God is up to something important, powerful, and new. With this designation, we signify that we're paying attention to how the Holy Spirit is moving in this vital but sometimes passed-over part of New Hampshire."
Trinity Claremont will be host to the diocesan convention in-person worship service on Saturday, November 4.
Did you know that this is not the first time that Trinity Claremont has served as the diocesan Pro-Cathedral? Click here to read about how Trinity first became a Pro-Cathedral in 1844.
Special Message from The Absalom Jones Center
Below is a special message from Dr. Catherine Meeks, Executive Director of The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing:
Dear Follower of the Good Shepherd,
The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing is a church-wide resource which is primarily supported by the Diocese of Atlanta and The Episcopal Church, charged with providing tools and experiences to engage in racial healing, dismantling racism, and other social injustices in our communities. We need your assistance in supporting the ongoing efforts of the Center’s work and in helping to make it more visible and viable in your parish.
I am asking you to join The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing and its Staff by:
Placing the Center logo with a link to its webpage on your website
Sharing a few words about the Center in your weekly announcements
Encouraging your parishioners to subscribe to the Center’s e-newsletter, which offers engaging information on its various activities including webinars highlighting key cultures, bringing awareness to racial issues and ways to address them, impactful programs, a blog and podcast with Dr. Catherine Meeks, executive director of the Center, and inspirational quotes
Visiting the Center’s website to tap into its many resources
Exploring with us the possibility of becoming a formal partner with the Center.
Additionally, the Center’s website includes a page titled “The Work of the Church” where you can find ideas from parishes that have implemented programs to dismantle racism, and where you can share the work of your parish.
If you have any questions, suggestions or ideas, or would like more information on The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing, feel free to reach out to them directly at www.CenterForRacialHealing.org. I thank you in advance for joining me in supporting the Center and its works as part of our spiritual formation.
Sincerely,
Catherine Meeks, Ph.D.
Executive Director
The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing
Milk With Dignity at St. Andrew’s New London
Church warden Karen Zurheide of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in New London shares this update about a program they are passionate about at their church:
"Did you know that practically all dairy farms of substantial size in the northeast employ migrant workers, mostly from Mexico? These men and women live where they work, and due to their mostly undocumented immigration status, they remain in the shadows, largely invisible to the rest of us who consume the products of their labor. What’s more, in a dirty, dangerous, and demanding environment, they are without the rights and protections afforded other workers.
Last month, for the third time, representatives of Burlington, Vermont-based Migrant Justice made a community presentation at St. Andrew’s in New London on their Milk With Dignity worker-led labor/housing rights program. The first such event was in early March of 2020, just barely before the official start of the pandemic. That interruption called a halt to the first Milk With Dignity tour, which had stops scheduled throughout New England and upstate New York.
Fast forward to 2022, when St. Andrew’s designated the Milk With Dignity program as a recipient of one of its Last Sunday outreach offerings. For a month, parishioners learned about migrant dairy farm workers in our region, including their typically sub-par working and living conditions, and the Milk With Dignity program whose goal is to assure the humane treatment of dairy workers by engaging corporations at the top of the supply chain.
A farm worker from Mexico brought the sermons one Sunday in Spanish, interpreted by a Migrant Justice staffer. Parishioners who were especially interested contributed to Migrant Justice, with all donations matched by an ongoing pot of money funded by anonymous donors, resulting in a substantial gift. The evening before their Sunday with St. Andrew’s parish saw the second community presentation by Migrant Justice guests.
Recently Migrant Justice has shared more than fifty presentations in New England and upstate New York, at universities, community organizations, and faith congregations, including at St. Andrew’s.
Having first secured the participation of Ben & Jerry’s—which covers about 20% of Vermont dairy farms in the Milk With Dignity program—the Migrant Justice effort for three years now has been to persuade Hannaford corporation (headquartered in Maine, owned by Dutch company Ahold Delhaize) to sign on to the program.
Countless peaceful “actions” continue to be carried out at Hannaford stores, including in New London, at which customers and others spread the word about the need and the solution, making their wishes known for Hannaford to join Milk With Dignity, this is in addition to the thousands of postcards, letters and phone calls that have made that plea to Hannaford’s CEO.
To learn more, visit migrantjustice.net. See this Harvard Business Review piece from December 2022, and note this statement from the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont at the start of the Migrant Justice campaign to engage with Hannaford in 2019.”
Warming Center at St. Barnabas in Berlin
The Rev. Dr. Betsy Hess of St. Barnabas in Berlin, NH shares this update about a warming center they opened at the church late last year:
“Last year we got a Reconciliation grant to assist people who were just over the cutoff to receive fuel assistance. This summer I was thinking about applying for that again. Then I realized almost everyone in our whole area will be really challenged this winter for heat, given the rate hikes for fuel oil and electricity. Needless to say, paying for fuel at the church is also a stretch for us. It occurred to me that it would be more effective to get funds for a central location where everyone could come to enjoy 70 degree heat, instead of huddling under blankets at home.
St. Barnabas only has about 20 active members, but we have a great building which is reasonably heat efficient, and has a lovely undercroft complete with a city certified kitchen. Offering our space could be a way we could do outreach, even though we are few in numbers. Initially, most of our members were fearful that it was too much for us to manage. So I preached on it, reminding them that we have "stored up treasure" in our building, our ability to get grants due to a good reputation from our success with former grants, and our reputation in the community as a place that is very kind to everyone. All of us decided to take the leap of faith.
I read an article from a priest in the midwest who set up a community center at his church. His first advice was "Don't try to do this alone." So I called around to local service agencies and clergy to see if they thought our plan was feasible and if they would like to collaborate. Everyone was really enthusiastic. We had our first organizing meeting a week ago, and are planning as quickly as we can. People from about 10 organizations/agencies/churches came, even though they had short notice (I got COVID, which wiped out a week when I should have been setting up the meeting. )
Through informally mentioning the program to people, as well as getting grants from the Reconciliation Committee and the Tillotson fund, we have raised $10,000 to cover costs!
Everyone saw this as a crucial need. Equally important, they appreciated the benefit of collaborating. It turns out the agencies are looking for ways to make contact with people who could use their services, the high school and our local community college have a need for students to have real life experience in various programs (Social Services, Kitchen Science, etc.), the Police are trying to increase their community relations, and the churches really want to help people but, like us, can't swing it by themselves. Everyone has been struggling to fulfill their mission. Too much has been going on in silos! I'm hoping that this project can be the beginning of more collaboration in the future.”
Bishop Rob’s Easter Message
Click on the video link below for an Easter message from Bishop Rob. You can click here for the transcript.
Cuba in 2023: The Same and Different
Traveling to Cuba is always an uplifting and heart-rending experience. The flight from Miami is barely thirty minutes in the air. As a traveler clears customs and exits the airport, it is as if one is transported decades back in time: horse-drawn carriages are a main mean of transportation and not a tourist prop, and the few cars on the road are large American models from the 1950’s and Russian Lada’s being held together by the mastery of Cuban mechanics and spare parts from around the world.
The Cuban people after Pandemic isolation and prolonged hardship, six decades of one-party rule and neglect, trade, and travel embargos from the United States, and increasing migration hollowing out the country, are tired and almost without hope for a better future.
On March 13, four members of Christ Church in Exeter with its Rector, the Rev. Mark Pendleton, visited their companion parish in Cardenas, Cuba for one week. Christ Church has sent seven delegations to Cuba in nine years, with their largest group in 2019 joined by Bishop Rob. On this trip, we carried down needed medicines and spare parts and filters for various water systems throughout the diocese. In January, the Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) sub-committee of the Diocese made a grant of $5000 to Christ Church to be used to transport and install a U.V. water filtration system for the Church of the Annunciation, in the town of Florida, Camaguey Province.
The Cuba of today suffers through rolling blackouts, food shortages, lack of basic medical care and medicines, widespread dengue fever, and simmering civil unrest. Many young people and professionals are fleeing the island for the U.S., causing a familiar “brain drain” of skills and leaving many children to be raised by grandparents as they await family reunification.
The Cuban Episcopal Church remains a source of inspiration and welcome in an otherwise bleak landscape. Reunited with the Episcopal Church in 2018, the Diocese of Cuba is a witness to the power of Christ to be present in times of struggle and exile, and perseverance and hope. To learn more about those working with Cuba, visit https://www.friendsofeccuba.org/
Shared by the Rev. Mark Pendleton, Christ Church Exeter
The priest Aurelio de la Paz blessing baby clothes donated by church members for a newborn in the parish.
This sign is posted in the church showing some love from NH.
World Mission Sunday is Coming Up!
In the Episcopal Church and in the Anglican Communion, the last Sunday in Epiphany each year is designated as World Mission Sunday, a time when the church comes together to focus on the global impact of our call to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” (Baptismal Covenant, Book of Common Prayer, p. 305), and on ways congregations can become involved.
This year, World Mission Sunday falls on February 19, 2023.
In New Hampshire, Bishop Rob asks every congregation to join him in prayer for our global partners in Angola and in the wider Anglican Communion on February 19, incorporating the “Angola Prayer” during worship:
You asked for my hands
that you might use them for your purpose.
I gave them for a moment, then withdrew them
for the work was hard.
You asked for my mouth
to speak out against injustice.
I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.
You asked for my eyes
to see the pain of poverty.
I closed them for I did not want to see.
You asked for my life
that you might work through me.
I gave a small part that I might not get too involved.
Lord, forgive my calculated efforts to serve you
only when it is convenient for me to do so,
only in those places where it is safe to do so,
and only with those who make it easy to do so.
Lord, forgive me (us), renew me (us),
send me (us) out as a usable instrument
that I (we) might take seriously the meaning of your cross. Amen.
―Joe Seremane
To learn more about how our diocesan partnership with Angola, especially with the Mamas in Ondjiva, began with two congregations on opposite sides of the world who shared friendship, dreams and prayers, watch this short video developed by Elizabeth Thomas of the Diocese of London.
For resources from The Episcopal Church, including bulletin inserts, click here.
To learn more about global mission, contact the Rev. Gail Avery, Angola/SDG Committee, or the Rev. Alanna M. Van Antwerpen, our diocesan Officer for Community Engagement!
Presiding Bishop's Visit: Eucharist & Discussion Panel Event
What a day! The beautiful weather in New Hampshire today was welcoming to the many who traveled to the Concord Center for the Arts for the Eucharist Service and Panel Discussion with the Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, New Hampshire Bishop Rob Hirschfeld, and members of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire! The Presiding Bishop gave a rousing sermon which isn’t to be missed – you can find it in the video of the service on our YouTube page.
Thanks to the many who took part, to those who attended, and to those who provided the beautiful music: The St. Paul’s School Chapel Choir and the Portsmouth Brass. (Full details in program.)
These are just a few photos from this wonderful event!
Presiding Bishop's Visit: Hanover
This evening, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry kicked off his visit to New Hampshire with a stop at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hanover for the event “Building an Anti-Racist America: Becoming Beloved Community” hosted by the School House Anti-Racism Coalition of Dartmouth College.
Said Bishop Curry at the event, "All are one in Christ: that is Beloved Community."
