January 28, 2021

 



FROM THE RECTOR

NEXT SUNDAY- FEBRUARY 7TH- ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY

(See link to the Annual Report below in "From the office")

Preparations for our Annual Meeting on February 7 are nearly complete. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for getting their reports in, and Deb who has compiled the final copy of the Annual Report. Printed copies will be available for anyone who would like to pick one up at the office, but can also be downloaded (see link elsewhere in today’s Thursday Memo). If you would like to pick up a printed copy, please contact Deb at 603-553-9254 or office@standrewsinthevalley.org. If you would like a printed copy but cannot pick it up please contact Caroline at rectorsaitv@gmail.com.

The Annual Meeting is the one time a year that we all gather to look over the previous year, hear where our finances and ministries stand, acknowledge highlights and elect representatives to our Vestry and Diocesan Convention. Ours is a representative form of governing, and those you elect will handle the month-to-month business of the parish, and represent us at the Diocese Convention and Lakes Region Convocation.

Please plan to attend, vote and learn more about the business and ministries of St. Andrew’s.  All members in good standing who are at least 16 years old are eligible to vote.

The parish bylaws define voting member qualifications as: Every adult member of the congregation who has been faithful in corporate worship, unless for good cause prevented, and who has for the past six (6) months regularly contributed to the support of the congregation, whether personally or as family member, shall have the right to vote.

If you’re not sure if you are a voting member of St. Andrew’s please contact me and I will let you know. There is a simple form you may fill out to request membership before the Annual Meeting.

Please join us on February 7! And remember to review the proposed Bylaws sent earlier this week.


Blessings,
Caroline

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP
The 1st Sunday of the month at 9:00 AM
The remaining Sundays at 10:00 AM

This Sunday-January 31
at 10:00 a.m.
The Fourth Sunday after The Epiphany

via Zoom (email RectorSAITV@gmail.com for Zoom information)
or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/standrewsinthevalleytamworth/

AND...
JOIN US FOLLOWING THE SERVICE FOR
A VIRTUAL


on ZOOM


READINGS FOR SUNDAY
The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Lesson                              Deuteronomy 18:15-20

In our opening reading Moses promises the people that, after his death, God will raise up another prophet for them.  The people cannot face God directly but need an intermediary to speak God’s words.  To him they must listen, for the false prophet who presumes to speak in the Lord’s name will die.  In later centuries this oracle was interpreted to mean that God would raise up one final prophet to succeed Moses.  Some early Christians believed Jesus to be this new Moses.

Psalm 111

A song of praise to the mighty and awesome Lord, who is steadfast and full of compassion.

The Second Lesson                    1 Corinthians 8:1-13

In this lesson Paul gives counsel to the Corinthians who are unsure whether it is permissible to eat the meat of animals that have been sacrificed in pagan temples.  Since there is only one true God, such sacrifices are really meaningless, and the meat can be eaten in good conscience.  Yet this understanding of the issue must not be treated as superior knowledge with respect to those whose consciences are still troubled.  Out of love it is better for those who believe themselves enlightened to avoid eating such meat than to encourage weaker members to do what they regard as sinful and so perhaps to be led back into paganism.

 The Gospel                      Mark 1:21-28

In our gospel Jesus both teaches and acts with authority.  His teaching was more than interpretation of the law.  It was a proclamation of the new possibilities of God’s kingdom.  He backed his words with his actions.  Unclean spirits recognized him and submitted to his power to deliver a man from his disorder.


Click below to see the readings: 

PRAYERS FOR EACH OTHER
One thing we can always do while we stay at home is to pray for each other! We would like to keep our prayer list up to date and publish it each week in the Thursday Memo. Please email Deb at office@standrewsinthevalley.org with any updates.



This Week We Pray for

Health and Wholeness for:  Judy Grace, Jeannette Mead, Margaret, Mary Ireland, Jean DeThomas, Terri Hooper,  Martin, John McGowan, Sue Huckman, Steve Thompson, Joan Marshall, Marilyn Cloran, Kitty Lou Booty, Gabriele and Bob Wallace, Dave Appleton, Carolyn Boldt, Angela B., Tom, Carolyn Jarvis, Doug Crapser, Peg Patenaude, Joyce Humphrey, 

For those who are homebound: Joyce Gendron, Marge Hagerup, Elizabeth Pease, Brian & Sara Kelley, Elizabeth Wiesner,  Audrey Berry.

For those who have died: 

For our First Nation people and those in this country who are living in impoverished areas of the Ninth Ward of New Orleans and the inner city areas populated by some of our poorest citizens.

For all those who are on the front lines serving communities during these difficult times.

Updating the Prayer List

Please let Deb know if you want to put someone back on the prayer list going forward. Thank you for helping us keep our prayer list up to date.

      
SIX REASONS 

SIX REASONS to BE a CONVOCATION DELEGATE or ALTERNATE

YOU will learn first-hand of our Episcopal Church’s work-in-progress all across New Hampshire

YOU will share ideas for new and vital ministries with other parishes in the Lakes region

YOU will meet with Bishop Rob for conversation and inspiration

YOU will engage in reviewing the Diocesan budget and Resolutions for Convention

YOU will represent Saint Andrew’s as a Delegate to our Diocesan Convention in November

YOU will make new connections and friendships in parishes across the Diocese

If most of these reasons appeal to you, it is likely that you are ready to give your perspective and participation to six monthly meetings a year. If you would like to become a Delegate or Alternate, please contact members of the 2021 Nominating Committee, Sally DeGroot and Lisa Thompson by Sunday, January 24. Thank You! 
THINK SPRING, PLANT A SEED
EFM, or Education for Ministry, currently has a combined New Hampshire/New York group that meets online weekly. This group was started by Rev. Bill Cruse, and was initially a New Hampshire group, but due to graduation, the group became too small for sharing and discussion, thus combining with the New York group this year.  It has been a wonderful process, learning and sharing with new friends from an area totally different from rural NH. We would love to keep this group viable looking forward to next Fall. 

If you like meeting new people, sharing your story and your faith with others, lively discussion about scripture and other authors, praying together, all from the comfort of your living room, EFM may be for you! If you need more information, Jen, Carol, Sammie, or Pat would be happy to answer any questions.

 On another note, if you enjoy Compline, and miss it on Friday evening, please join Carolyn Black, one of our New York friends, who does Compline every Friday evening at 7:00PM.  Here is linkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktLGR7kHffE 

SAFE CHURCH TRAINING

Safe Church In-Person Zoom Trainings 2021

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 6:00 pm - Click HERE to register

Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 6:00 pm - Click HERE to register

DINNER BELL


No DINNER BELL until further notice.

Thank you for your volunteer
work in this special Outreach program!


COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER

The Food Pantry thanks you for your contributions throughout the year.

Food pantry continues to serve the communities needs
New Hours
Alternating Wednesdays
12-4 pm
Next Food Pantry: February 3
Any questions call 603-960-4067


Photo: Artworks Community presents  $600 check to CFC
      
FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In the silence of our hearts we listen for wisdom, O God,

that we may learn again that we are born of you

and that all people are bearers of your everlasting image.

In the silence of our hearts we listen

that we may know once more that the earth and all its creatures

are sacred and that within us and among us is your wisdom and your delight.

From Celtic Treasure: Daily Scriptures and Prayer, J. Philip Newell


      
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
If you do not see your birthday or anniversary listed, please make sure Deb in the office has an information sheet on file for you.
Birthdays
3        Donna Jones
4        Ellie McLaughlin, Jen Huckman
9        Pat Adams
19      Ginger Heard, Jonathan Brady
25      Connor Bunker, Ann Cady
27      Carol Tubman

FROM THE OFFICE
Click for


PHOTO GALLERY

January 21, 2021

 

Bells tolling 4 minutes for 400,000 Covid Souls
January 19, 2021 (more photos in the gallery below)


FROM THE RECTOR

Vaccinations and the Moral Dilemma

Should I get the COVID vaccine now that I’m eligible, or should I give my place to someone who needs it more than I do? This is a timely and valid question if you are 65 or older. I’ll tell you what I did.

 As clergy, I was eligible to receive the vaccine in Phase 1a. Our Bishop encouraged us to sign up when we were eligible, in part to do our part toward gaining herd immunity, and in part so we could visit our homebound parishioners who are at high risk if they contract COVID. I followed his advice and signed up. Every slot at the Tamworth DMV was open, so I signed up for the following day. When I got to the DMV there were two other people there receiving theirs – the DMV site can handle three people at a time, as you are required to wait 15 minutes after receiving the shot to be sure you don’t have a severe reaction.  (They hold your Driver’s License so you don’t have a choice!) While I waited one more person arrived, but she was the only person there when I left.

 When I signed up for my second dose, the schedule was wide open again and I suspect there were many slots that went unfilled during Phase 1a, at least at the Tamworth DMV. That probably won’t be true tomorrow, the first day people 65 or older can sign up, as there are some 300,000 people in the state in that age group. But we in Tamworth are fortunate, in that that we live in a low population area. It won’t be as difficult to sign up here as it will be in a city.

 I read an opinion piece this morning in the NY Times on this subject. The title was “If You’re Offered a Vaccine, Take It”. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/21/opinion/covid-vaccine-ethics.html?smid=em-share

 The points made were:

 ·         If you give up your place so someone who needs it more can take your place, you’re probably not helping the overall situation, because you don’t know who (if anyone) will take your place. It may be someone who is at lower risk than you. Or the slot may go untaken.

·         The more people who receive the vaccine, the better for the community, both local and beyond.

·         We tend to think that we are at lower risk than we are. It’s called an “optimistic bias”. We think that the public health campaign is more relevant to others than to ourselves because we may have an unrealistically optimistic view of how healthy we are.

·         Finally, the system for administering the vaccine has problems. Rollout is slower than anticipated. But we aren’t going to fix the problems with the system by opting out.

When I received my first shot I asked when the vaccine becomes fully effective. I was told the first dose of the Moderna vaccine is 50-60 % effective after four weeks, and the second dose, received four weeks later, is 90-95% effective four weeks after receiving it. So it takes at least eight weeks after the first dose to reach maximum effectiveness.

These are just things to consider as you ponder signing up for the vaccine. You must make your own decision, and some may have personal reasons for not being vaccinated. What was right for me may not be right for you; please prayerfully consider the best path for you.

 P.S.   We are likely still months away from gathering in person at St. Andrew’s. I expect that when we do get the green light to gather many will not be ready to meet in person, and we will move to a hybrid model of some in person and some on Zoom or Facebook. Meanwhile, thank you all for your faithful attendance at our Zoom and Facebook worship!

COVID VACCINE

NOTICE:

Registration for the COVID vaccine begins on Friday, January 22 for everyone 65 or older; inoculation begins 1/26. 

To register for your vaccine go to the state’s vaccine website, www.vaccines.nh.gov. You will then receive an email with a link. Follow that link to choose your location and schedule an appointment. You will need to take your Driver's Licence or another form of ID showing you are 65 or older.


Blessings,
Caroline

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP 
The 1st Sunday of the month at 9:00 AM 
The remaining Sundays at 10:00 AM

This Sunday-January 24

at 10:00 a.m.
The Third Sunday after The Epiphany

via Zoom (email RectorSAITV@gmail.com for Zoom information) 
or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/standrewsinthevalleytamworth/

AND...
JOIN US FOLLOWING THE SERVICE FOR 
A VIRTUAL 

on ZOOM

READINGS FOR SUNDAY
The Third Sunday after Epiphany

Collect of the Day

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Lesson                              Jonah 3:1-5, 10

In our Hebrew scripture lesson the prophet Jonah, following his ordeal in the belly of a great fish, receives a second summons to prophesy to the heathen city of Ninevah.  Jonah preaches as he passed into the city, proclaiming repentance and predicting forty days before the city’s overthrow.  The people of Ninevah believe God and respond to the prophet’s message, proclaiming a fast and putting on the sackcloth and ashes that signify mourning and repentance.  IN response to Ninevah’s turn of heart, God determines not to destroy the city.

Psalm 62:6-14

God is a rock and shelter.  The people are to trust in God alone.

The Second Lesson      1 Corinthians 7:29-31 

In our epistle lesson Paul encourages the Corinthians to manage their temporal affairs in light of eternal realities.  It was thought by Paul and the early Christian communities that the time of the Lord’s return was near.  The urgency was all the greater, therefore, to keep priorities in order and to be cautious about attachments to this present world which  may distract.  The time to labor for God’s kingdom is now.

 

The Gospel     Mark 1:14-20   

Our gospel records the beginning of Jesus’ ministry: his proclamation of the coming kingdom and the calling of his first disciples.  After the arrest of John the Baptist, Jesus returns to Galilee preaching the nearness of God’s rule and the need for a change of heart.  Two sets of brothers are bidden to leave their nets and become fishers for people.


Click below to see the readings: 

PRAYERS FOR EACH OTHER
One thing we can always do while we stay at home is to pray for each other! We would like to keep our prayer list up to date and publish it each week in the Thursday Memo. Please email Deb at office@standrewsinthevalley.org with any updates.



This Week We Pray for

Health and Wholeness for:  Judy Grace, Jeannette Mead, Margaret, Mary Ireland, Jean DeThomas, Terri Hooper,  Martin, John McGowan, Sue Huckman, Steve Thompson, Joan Marshall, Marilyn Cloran, Kitty Lou Booty, Gabriele and Bob Wallace, Dave Appleton, Carolyn Boldt, Angela B., Tom, Carolyn Jarvis, Doug Crapser, Peg Patenaude, Joyce Humphrey, 

For those who are homebound: Joyce Gendron, Marge Hagerup, Elizabeth Pease, Brian & Sara Kelley, Elizabeth Wiesner,  Audrey Berry.

For those who have died: 

For our First Nation people and those in this country who are living in impoverished areas of the Ninth Ward of New Orleans and the inner city areas populated by some of our poorest citizens.

For all those who are on the front lines serving communities during these difficult times.

Updating the Prayer List

Please let Deb know if you want to put someone back on the prayer list going forward. Thank you for helping us keep our prayer list up to date.

      
SIX REASONS 

SIX REASONS to BE a CONVOCATION DELEGATE or ALTERNATE

YOU will learn first-hand of our Episcopal Church’s work-in-progress all across New Hampshire

YOU will share ideas for new and vital ministries with other parishes in the Lakes region

YOU will meet with Bishop Rob for conversation and inspiration

YOU will engage in reviewing the Diocesan budget and Resolutions for Convention

YOU will represent Saint Andrew’s as a Delegate to our Diocesan Convention in November

YOU will make new connections and friendships in parishes across the Diocese

If most of these reasons appeal to you, it is likely that you are ready to give your perspective and participation to six monthly meetings a year. If you would like to become a Delegate or Alternate, please contact members of the 2021 Nominating Committee, Sally DeGroot and Lisa Thompson by Sunday, January 24. Thank You! 
THINK SPRING, PLANT A SEED
EFM, or Education for Ministry, currently has a combined New Hampshire/New York group that meets online weekly. This group was started by Rev. Bill Cruse, and was initially a New Hampshire group, but due to graduation, the group became too small for sharing and discussion, thus combining with the New York group this year.  It has been a wonderful process, learning and sharing with new friends from an area totally different from rural NH. We would love to keep this group viable looking forward to next Fall. 

If you like meeting new people, sharing your story and your faith with others, lively discussion about scripture and other authors, praying together, all from the comfort of your living room, EFM may be for you! If you need more information, Jen, Carol, Sammie, or Pat would be happy to answer any questions.

 On another note, if you enjoy Compline, and miss it on Friday evening, please join Carolyn Black, one of our New York friends, who does Compline every Friday evening at 7:00PM.  Here is linkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktLGR7kHffE 

SAFE CHURCH TRAINING

Safe Church In-Person Zoom Trainings 2021

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 6:00 pm - Click HERE to register

Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 6:00 pm - Click HERE to register

DINNER BELL


No DINNER BELL until further notice.

Thank you for your volunteer
work in this special Outreach program!


COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER

The Food Pantry thanks you for your contributions throughout the year.

Food pantry continues to serve the communities needs
New Hours
Alternating Wednesdays
12-4 pm
Next Food Pantry: February 3
Any questions call 603-960-4067


Photo: Artworks Community presents  $600 check to CFC
      
FOOD FOR THOUGHT

      
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
If you do not see your birthday or anniversary listed, please make sure Deb in the office has an information sheet on file for you.
Birthdays
3        Donna Jones
4        Ellie McLaughlin, Jen Huckman
9        Pat Adams
19      Ginger Heard, Jonathan Brady
25      Connor Bunker, Ann Cady
27      Carol Tubman

FROM THE OFFICE



PHOTO GALLERY
From Pat Adams "This is my sister Tracy wearing her shawl from the St Andrews prayer shawl ministry. Due to COVID and her cancer treatment I had been unable to see her until recently to give it to her.  She is very grateful and loves it!" 

Painting progress in the Parish Hall and Prince Room





Bell Ringers 




LINKS




January 14, 2021

 




FROM THE RECTOR

This prayer was shared by Bishop Hirschfeld at the clergy gathering this week. It comes from https://sacredordinarydays.com/


Mark your calendars for a grounding meditation offered by Christi Humphrey at 4:30 on Sunday, January 17. I will send more information tomorrow with the bulletin and Zoom link.

Blessings,
Caroline

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP 
The 1st Sunday of the month at 9:00 AM 
The remaining Sundays at 10:00 AM

This Sunday-January 17

at 10:00 a.m.
The First Sunday after The Epiphany

via Zoom (email RectorSAITV@gmail.com for Zoom information) 
or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/standrewsinthevalleytamworth/

AND...
JOIN US FOLLOWING THE SERVICE FOR 
A VIRTUAL 

on ZOOM

READINGS FOR SUNDAY
The Second Sunday after Epiphany

Collect of the Day
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Lesson:  1 Samuel 3:1-20
In our opening lesson we hear how Samuel learns that it is the Lord who is calling him to make him God's prophet. Three times the boy Samuel misunderstands and thinks that it is his mentor Eli summoning him during the night. Finally Eli realizes it must be the Lord, and tells Samuel to be ready. In the morning Samuel informs Eli of the punishment that is about to come upon his house. As Samuel grows, all Israel recognizes that he has been chosen by God to prophesy to the people.

Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17
With marvelous wisdom God alone perceives the heights and depths of life.

The Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
In this lesson Paul is required to criticize a misguided understanding of Christian freedom that has been adopted by some of the Corinthians. "All things are permitted me," is what some are saying, and evidently then interpreting their freedom in Christ to mean that they are so "spiritual" they can join with a prostitute without doing any harm. But our bodies, Paul contends, like all the rest of us, have now been dedicated to Christ. They are temples of the Holy Spirit through which we may glorify God.

The Gospel John: 1:43-51
Our gospel is the story of Philip and Nathaniel becoming disciples of Jesus. Nathaniel first doubts that the one whom Moses foretold could come from the virtually unknown town of Nazareth. But Jesus astounds Nathaniel by telling him what normal sight could not have disclosed. He then promises Nathaniel that he will have his own still greater vision, a heavenly revelation of the Son of Man as an intermediary between heaven and earth.

Click below to see the readings: 

PRAYERS FOR EACH OTHER
One thing we can always do while we stay at home is to pray for each other! We would like to keep our prayer list up to date and publish it each week in the Thursday Memo. Please email Deb at office@standrewsinthevalley.org with any updates.



This Week We Pray for

Health and Wholeness for:  Jeannette Mead, Margaret, Mary Ireland, Jean DeThomas, Terri Hooper,  Martin, John McGowan, Sue Huckman, Steve Thompson, Joan Marshall, Marilyn Cloran, Kitty Lou Booty, Gabriele and Bob Wallace, Dave Appleton, Carolyn Boldt, Angela B., Tom, Carolyn Jarvis, Doug Crapser, Peg Patenaude, Joyce Humphrey, 

For those who are homebound: Joyce Gendron, Marge Hagerup, Elizabeth Pease, Brian & Sara Kelley, Elizabeth Wiesner, Judy Grace, Audrey Berry.

For those who have died: 

For our First Nation people and those in this country who are living in impoverished areas of the Ninth Ward of New Orleans and the inner city areas populated by some of our poorest citizens.

For all those who are on the front lines serving communities during these difficult times.

Updating the Prayer List

Please let Deb know if you want to put someone back on the prayer list going forward. Thank you for helping us keep our prayer list up to date.


THINK SPRING, PLANT A SEED
EFM, or Education for Ministry, currently has a combined New Hampshire/New York group that meets online weekly. This group was started by Rev. Bill Cruse, and was initially a New Hampshire group, but due to graduation, the group became too small for sharing and discussion, thus combining with the New York group this year.  It has been a wonderful process, learning and sharing with new friends from an area totally different from rural NH. We would love to keep this group viable looking forward to next Fall. 

If you like meeting new people, sharing your story and your faith with others, lively discussion about scripture and other authors, praying together, all from the comfort of your living room, EFM may be for you! If you need more information, Jen, Carol, Sammie, or Pat would be happy to answer any questions.

 On another note, if you enjoy Compline, and miss it on Friday evening, please join Carolyn Black, one of our New York friends, who does Compline every Friday evening at 7:00PM.  Here is linkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktLGR7kHffE 

SAFE CHURCH TRAINING

Safe Church In-Person Zoom Trainings 2021

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 6:00 pm - Click HERE to register

Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 6:00 pm - Click HERE to register

DINNER BELL


No DINNER BELL until further notice.

Thank you for your volunteer
work in this special Outreach program!


COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER

The Food Pantry thanks you for your contributions throughout the year.

Food pantry continues to serve the communities needs
New Hours
Alternating Wednesdays
12-4 pm
Next Food Pantry: January 20
Any questions call 603-960-4067





      
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
If you do not see your birthday or anniversary listed, please make sure Deb in the office has an information sheet on file for you.
Birthdays
3        Donna Jones
4        Ellie McLaughlin, Jen Huckman
9        Pat Adams
19      Ginger Heard, Jonathan Brady
25      Connor Bunker, Ann Cady
27      Carol Tubman

FROM THE OFFICE

Annual Reports 
due January 13th.  Thank you.

PHOTO GALLERY


LINKS