May 16, 2012




This Sunday, the 7th Sunday after Easter, we will celebrate the election of our next bishop! Services are at 8 and 10 AM, each followed by coffee hour. We hope you will join us for worship and fellowship.

Today is Ascension Day, a principal feast of the church year – right up there with Easter and Christmas – is observed on the 40th Day of Easter, the Thursday after the 6th Sunday of Easter. At one time, in England it was the custom to carry at the head of the procession the banner bearing the device of the lion and at the foot the banner of the dragon, to symbolize the triumph of Christ in his ascension over the evil one.

The Collect for Ascension Day:

Almighty God, whose blessed son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

May our clouds of prayers ascend into heaven in these final two days of preparation for the election of our next bishop. Please remember this diocese, the wider church which our bishop is also called to serve, the delegates from this parish who will be voting: George Rau, Cathie Lewis, Bruce Kennedy, Kaitlyn Marshall, as well as Heidi, our rector, and Peg Custer, retired priest, and, of ocurse, the three nominees: Rob Hirschfeld, Penny Bridges, and Bill Rich.

The Electing Convention takes place this Saturday, May 19th within the context of a eucharist which will begin at 10 AM. Real time updates will be found by going on Facebook and 'liking' the Search Committee Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/nhbpsearch) or going on Twitter and 'following' the Search Committee Twitter handle (https://twitter.com/#!/nhbpsearch). Updates will also be made to the Search Committee website (http://search.nhepiscopal.org) as soon as possible.  We will be using the 'hashtag' #TenthBishopNH.

We are looking for foreign language readers for the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, May 27th. If you are interested, please, call or email the church office. And remember to wear Red!

Our summer altar flowers program is under way. If you wish to provide flowers from your garden please complete an envelope from the Altar Flower Chart in the Parish Hall and turn in to the office. We encourage flowers to be given in memory, in honor, or in thanksgiving.  If you do not have garden flowers and would like flowers to be ordered ($20), please note that accordingly on the flower chart and include your contribution in the envelope. Thank you.

Readings for this Sunday: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, Psalm 1, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19

 Blessings, Heidi+



From the office at St. Andrew’s

UPCOMING WEEK’S CALENDAR:  

Fri  5/18:
            10a-noon  Food Center          

Sat  5/19:       
            Electing Convention
            8pm AA & Al-Anon(PH,PR)

 Sun 5/20:
           8 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite I
           10 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II
           5 PM Dinner Bell (Cook Team: Madison) 

Mon 5/21        Church office closed        

Tue  5/22:      
            10am – noon  Food Center
            8pm AA (PH)
         
Wed 5/23:
            9 AM Service of Morning Prayer

                    
Thu  5/24: 
            5 PM-9 PM Vestry Retreat