Thursday Memo: June 2016

June 30, 2016

The Procession begins

Don’t miss the picnic picture gallery at the end of this MEMO.

This coming Sunday, July 3^rd, and the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, we will have ONE service only at 9 AM. This will be a service of Baptism and Holy Eucharist. I hope you will join us as we receive Peter Priestman into the household of God through water and the Holy Spirit. The coffee hour will be hosted by Stewardship and Finance Committees.

Readings for Sunday: 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30, Galatians 6:1-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Friends, a gentle reminder….Friday evening July 15 is fast approaching! If you plan on attending Heidi and Duane's celebration, you must RSVP by July 6; Call the office at 323-8515, email StAndrewsCelebration@gmail.com or speak directly to Chris Mills, Carol Tubman, Lisa Thompson, Jen Huckman or Sally Degroot.

Many thanks to everyone who made last Sunday’s All-Parish Picnic at White Lake State Park such a success – Carol and Hettie for organizing and purchasing the food, Duane for transporting the grills, David and Deacon Kevin (grill masters), Lisa and Sammie (our altar-guild-on-the-road) for their careful organizing and transporting, Duane for providing keyboard and leading the choir, all of You for your spirited and welcoming presence, participation, and tasty food contributions, and Almighty God and Mother Nature for providing us with such a splendid summer day in which to offer our praise and thanksgivings and delight in community!

Schedule reminders:

Sunday, July 3: ONE service only at 9 AM
Saturday, July 9: Memorial service for Andrea Dassori at 11 AM
Sunday, July 10: Services at 8 and 10 AM
Wednesday, July 13: Women’s Lunch Bunch at Mountain View Station Restaurant at noon
Friday, July 15: Farewell Celebration for Heidi and Duane at 6 pm
Sunday, July 17: Heidi’s last day – ONE service at 10 AM

Food for thought…
As I have been doing the difficult, reflective, and satisfying work of dismantling my office and sorting of my belongings at home, I came across this poem by Mary Oliver. It spoke to me. Perhaps it will to you as well…

Storage

When I moved from one house to another
there were many things I had no room
for. What does one do? I rented a storage
space. And filled it. Years passed.
Occasionally I went there and looked in,
but nothing happened, not a single
twinge of the heart.

As I grew older the things I cared
about grew fewer, but were
more important. So one day I undid the lock
and called the trash man. He took
everything.

I felt like the little donkey when
his burden is finally lifted. Things!
Burn them, burn them! Make a beautiful
fire! More room in your heart for love,
for trees! For the birds who own
nothing––the reason they can fly.

[Although I would note the joy and satisfaction of giving things away, not just burning!]

You are all close in my heart as we go through these closing days together.

Blessings and love,
Heidi+

Picnic pics

June 23, 2016

Join us this Sunday at the Lake!

We will have two services this coming Sunday, June 26th and the 6th Sunday after Pentecost. The regular (quiet) service of Holy Eucharist will be held at the church 8:00 AM. The later service, which will begin at 10:30 AM will take place at our Annual All Parish Picnic at White Lake State Park. We will meet in the pavilion, which is well protected from the sun and fully wheel-chair accessible. Set-up will take place from 9:15 on. Plan to gather well before the liturgy begins to be part of preparations, to greet one another, drop off your food, and enjoy the morning.

Burgers, hotdogs, buns, condiments, and beverages will be provided. But please bring something by way of food to share – salad, chips, fruit, dessert. If you would be more comfortable in a portable chair with a back (plain bench picnic tables are provided), you’re welcome to bring one.

The forecast is for a clear, warm, sunny summer day! The swimming at White Lake is excellent and good for children as well as adults. The lake is already at a comfortable temperature, so bring sunscreen, swimsuits, towels, and beach toys if you want. There are dressing rooms available. Or bring your kayak and enjoy the pleasures of the whole lake! Please note that not pets are allowed.

The official amount that the church will pay for pavilion use is $5 per person, BUT WE DO NOT CHARGE FOR THE EVENT. If you want to come, come! If you would like to help subsidize the cost to the church, we welcome your contribution, large or small. (Checks can be made out to St. Andrew’s with a memo: for parish picnic.)

A service in celebration of the life of Andrea Dassori will be held here at Saint Andrew's at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 9th. Please join us as we remember and give thanks to God for our sister in Christ.

Summer hospitality: welcoming, knowing, and being known… It is particularly important at a time of transition that we all – “old-timers,” “regulars,” and “newcomers” alike – take the time to get acquainted. If you see someone whom you don’t know, don’t be shy! Introduce yourself. Wearing name tags really does make a difference, so please wear yours … and if you don’t have one, leave a note on Deb’s desk in the office and she’ll make one for you. (Many folks find it helpful just to keep your name tag in your Parish Hall mail box.) And once you’ve met someone new to you, why not strengthen the connection and take the initiative to introduce them to someone else?

And if you haven’t picked up your new Parish Directory, please do! They are on the table in front of the parish bulletin board in the Parish Hall. (That will let you “study up” on names and faces.

Announcing St. Andrew’s Summer supply priest: The Rev. Bill Cruse will be covering services here from July 24 through August 28. Bill was ordained to the priesthood last December, having served as a transitional deacon with a close seminary friend of mine, Pam Werntz, in Boston. He was raised up for ordination from Christ Church North Conway, has a summer home in Jackson, and was very pleased to have discovered and attended our Easter Vigil! So he is excited to be coming here to be with you as your priest later this summer after I leave. His responsibilities will be for Sunday services only, with availability for pastoral care if necessary. The Vestry, together with Canon Hannah Anderson from the diocese, will be meeting soon with a potential full-time interim who will begin here in September.

Remembering Walter Fortier…As of today, the Food Pantry has received $720 in special contributions in memory of Walter. His generosity lives on ... in his own desire to support people in need and in the generosity of his friends' responses to his wishes.

Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar:
Friday evening July 15 for the celebration of Heidi and Duane's ministry with music, dinner, and entertainment. Remember: Your RSVP is requested by July 6; Call the office at 323-8515 or email StAndrewsCelebration@gmail.com

Sunday morning July 17th, 10 AM for Heidi's last service (One service only)

DIRECTIONS TO WHITE LAKE STATE PARK
Directions from the south: The White Lake State Park entrance is on the left about a three-minute drive north from the West Ossipee intersection of Route 25 W and Rte 16. (Think McDonald’s, then head north toward Conway.)

Directions from the north: It is on the right about 3.5 miles south from Chocorua Village.

When you come through the “check-in gate” just tell them you are there for Saint Andrew’s Picnic, then proceed to the pavilion. Click here for a map of the park: http://www.nhstateparks.org/uploads/pdf/White-Lake_Campground-Map.pdf

Food for thought…

Brother Mark Brown SSJE writes: How do we know when rivers of Living Water are flowing out from our hearts? Paul gives us the signs: “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faith, humility, self-control.” These things are goodness and love expressed in word and deed, the living water of the Spirit of Love active within us, flowing forth from us.
There are bountiful streams of living water flowing in and through and from this community and we are all part of it. We have only to open our eyes. Streams water the soil, allowing seeds to sprout and take root, so that plants can grow, flower, and bear fruit. As the end of my ministry here with you get closer and closer, I am finding myself deeply touched and aware of that “water” of love, joy, peace, kindness, generosity, faith, and I give thanks to God every day for the gifts we have and continue to share.

In Christ’s love,
Heidi+

June 16, 2016

Services for this coming Sunday, June 19th, The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, will be at 8 and 10 am followed by coffee hour.

Readings for this Sunday: 1 Kings 19:1-15a, Psalm 42, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39.

Heidi will be back in the office on the 21st.

Join us next Sunday, June 26th at 10:30 for our 4th Annual All-Parish Liturgy and Picnic at White Lake State Park. The liturgy will begin AT 10:30, followed by the picnic. The 8 am Service of Holy Eucharist will still take place at the Church. Our event will be held rain or shine since the pavilion is under cover. This has proved to be a fun community event, so feel free to invite friends and family members who might not regularly join you for church. You are free to stay and enjoy the park until park closing time.

When you come through the “check-in gate” just tell them you are there for Saint Andrew’s Picnic, then proceed to the pavilion. Set-up will be taking place from 9:00 on, so feel free to come early to drop off your food and get settled. The site is wheelchair accessible, including the bathrooms. Burgers, hotdogs, buns, and beverages will be provided, but you are invited to bring something for the food table: chips, salads, or dessert. The swimming at White Lake is excellent and good for children as well as adults; the water warms up early. Bring your kayak if you want to enjoy the whole late.

What to bring:
A food table contribution of chips, salad, or dessert, Informal clothing suitable to the weather, including an extra layer in case it gets chilly.

Optional:
A comfortable portable chair (The pavilion has only backless picnic tables.) Swim suit and towel (if you want). Sunscreen, kayak or swim toys.

What not to bring:
Pets, with the exception of licensed service animals.

Directions from the south: The White Lake State Park entrance is on the left about a three-minute drive north from the West Ossipee intersection of Route 25 W and Rte 16. (Think McDonald’s, then head north toward Conway.)

Directions from the north: It is on the right about 3.5 miles south from Chocorua Village.

Click here for a map of the park: http://www.nhstateparks.org/uploads/pdf/White-Lake_Campground-Map.pdf

The Dedication of the Mosaic Murals Celebrating Tamworth's 250th: Tuesday was a gorgeous day for the dedication at the Brett School. These amazing murals are the collaborative work of many in Tamworth, including ALL the students at the Brett Elementary School. Two singing groups provided musical entertainment for the event. The Brett School Chorus (note Melissa, fourth from the left) offered a wonderful song created by many of them touting the riches and joys of Tamworth.

The Silver Lake Singers (including Gabriele, Duane, and Heidi) closed the ceremony with a setting of an e. e. cummings poem "now the mountains are dancing".

The mosaic represents many, many beloved aspects of this town. Perhaps of particular interest to this parish: the church itself (far left of the mosaic that does not include the children), and Gretchen's brother Carl, representing all the farming and gardening of this village, just above and to the right of the church, wearing an orange t-shirt with a tiger on it. Only two of the people in the mosaic are currently living, Carl being one of them. George Smith, broom maker and one-time member of Saint Andrew's died a year ago. some figures are generic and representational. But there are a number of portraits of well-known local figures from times past. Whether you live in Tamworth or another area community, it's worth a visit to the murals. They are on the front of the Brett School, across from Chequers. Just pull into the loop driveway and take a look. What a glimpse into the community Spirit that makes this wonderful town tick!

The New Parish Directory is now available!!! Please help yourself to a copy from the table in the Parish Hall. If the supply runs out, more can be made. Debra has worked hard to incorporate updates, but if some detail is amiss, please drop her a note so that she can make the correction for future runs. Now you can put names together with faces! A number of people have joined us in recent months. Whether you're new or have been here all your life, please reach out and introduce yourself! And consider wearing your name tag for summer!

Heidi and Duane are still giving away books – free for the taking! Check the window ledge in the Parish Hall. A batch of new ones have been added this week.

Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar:
Friday evening July 15 for the celebration of Heidi and Duane's ministry.
Sunday morning July 17th, 10 AM for Heidi's last service (One service only)

And as food for thought

Spirituality is not meant to be an alternative lifestyle, a road of retreat and escape; it needs to be an active leaven of life, feeding the zest and healing the wounds of life. —Teilhard de Chardin.

Blessings.
See you in church!

June 9, 2016

Thursday MEMO

The Rector with our Presiding Bishop in Concord this week
Don't miss the Picture Gallery at the end of this MEMO

Services for this coming Sunday, June 12th and the 4th Sunday after Pentecost will be at 8 and 10 AM, with coffee hour following each service. The Rev. John Allen will be our guest priest. Heidi and Duane will be taking some days off this week. We hope you will join us for worship and fellowship.

Readings for Sunday: 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Psalm 5:1-8, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36-8:3

Dedication of the mosaic mural for the Tamworth 250th! Two mosaics, created by many members of this town, now grace the front wall of the Brett School. Look closely; Saint Andrew's in there in the center left. The dedication ceremony will be on Tuesday, June 14th at 6:30 PM and will include some singing by the Silver Lake Singers. Lower image is an enlargement that shows Saint Andrew's.

Don't forget...Our annual White Lake State Park All-Parish Eucharist and Picnic is coming up! The date: Sunday, June 26th. Burgers, hot-dogs, rolls, and beverages will be provided. Plan to bring chips, a salad, or dessert to share. This always a lot of fun for everyone. We have reserved the pavilion, so we are protected from both sun and rain. It's wheel-chair accessible and both the swimming and the companionship are wonderful...a perfect way to really kick off the summer season!

Many of you have commented on the poignancy of last Sunday's Story Circle liturgy in the Parish Hall. Over a dozen people shared wide-ranging personal two-minute "mini-stories" of glimpses of God's presence in the parish over the past 12+ years. Thank you to each of you who made yourselves vulnerable and in so doing touched all of us with your stories that are now our stories as well. The Spirit is indeed present in this place! Sharing and remembering, and learning from one another is a blessing in the moment that will continue to strengthen this beloved community throughout the transition and into the future! There are lots more pictures below.

Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar:
Friday evening July 15 for the celebration of Heidi and Duane's ministry.
Sunday morning July 17th, 10 AM for Heidi's last service (One service only)

Quite a group of us from Saint Andrew's gathered in Concord this past Monday to hear our Presiding Bishop, the Right Reverend Michael Curry: Cathie Lewis, Betsy Hess, Pat Adams, Midge Pendergast, Alys and Ray Walker, and Heidi. Thanks to Ray and Midge (an affiliate member and a recently appointed postulant to the diaconate in the Diocese of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) for their their brief reflections that follow.

From Ray: "Bishop Curry spoke to us, as a group of his friends, there was no distance from us. He spoke from questions put to him by us. As he answered he found connections to our shared daily life. He gave us a new vision of our Episcopal Church."

Bp. Rob and Presiding Bp. Michael
listen to audience questions

From Midge: I was brought to tears a few times, one of which was in witnessing the warm, easy, and respectful relationship between the Presiding Bishop and Bishop Rob was touching. Bishop Curry is a fantastic 'story teller' - his high-level humor brings lightness to serious topics. He is disarming in his presentation and then quietly and steadily comes to a beautiful wording of what he needs to explain to answer a question.

His suggestions of replacing the word 'Kingdom,' as in the Kingdom of God' with the word 'Movement'seems like the Spirit moving - but with a stronger expectation - that was a powerful moment for me.

I loved the way he talked about mission - in a manner of simplicity in relationships and shared hospitality. I was thrilled to hear about initiatives in this diocese in both Cuba and Angola. It was an amazing experience and a privilege to be with him in person.

If you'd like to get deeper sense of Bp. Curry's powerful and persuasive thinking, those of us who have read it (Midge, Ray, and Heidi) strongly recommend his book Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus.

Food for thought prompted by Bishop Curry's powerful vision of what it means for all of us to be truly follow Jesus...

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen. [BCP p. 101, Service of Morning Prayer]

Story Circle Liturgy

And from the Celebration
of the Life of Walter Fortier this morning

At Chocorua Cemetery

With Military Honors

June 2,2016

Thursday MEMO

Garden lilacs given in memory of Joe Mullen

This coming Sunday, June 5th, we will have ONE service only at 9:00. We will gather for worship in the Parish Hall for a “Story Circle Liturgy.” Holding our liturgy in the Parish Hall will allow us to worship “in the round,” making it a much more effective way for us to see each other as we share our mini-stories. Within the regular structure of our Eucharistic liturgy, at the time of the sermon, we will reflect on our time together as priest and people by sharing stories of moments or events in our life together that have shaped who we are as God’s people and who Saint Andrew’s is as a church. So… between now and Sunday morning, consider what very brief (2 minute max) story might you tell. How have you been touched and changed? What moment(s) have helped you see yourself or others in a transforming way? Our stories will be the sermon. And if you are unable to be with us in person, you are invited to jot down one (or several) of your “moments” and we’ll figure out how to share them. “I remember the time when…..”

We hope you will join us for worship and fellowship. Coffee hour will be hosted by the Vestry.

Readings for this Sunday: 1 Kings 17:8-24, Psalm 146, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17. (In order to maximize our Story Circle time, we will omit the Galatians reading.)

Our brother in Christ Walter Fortier died peacefully early Wednesday morning at the age of 94 at Mineral Springs in North Conway, where he has been living for the past five years. He was a life-long member of St. Andrew's, and is service will be held at Saint Andrew’s next Thursday, June 10, at 11 AM, followed by burial in the Chocorua Cemetery and a reception at Runnell's Hall in Chocorua. There will be calling hours from 6 to 8 the previous evening, Wednesday, June 9th, at Lord's Funeral Home in Center Ossipee.

The Annual Taste of the Valley Dinner to support Bearcamp Valley School & Children’s Center will be held this coming Sunday at Hobbs Tavern!!! More eateries than ever before will be participating. Children and seniors, $10. Table of 10 adults $10. First seating 4:30 - 6:00, Second seating 6:00 to 7:30.

Free BOOKS! The Rector and spouse are thinning out their bookshelves!!! Take a look at the collection on the window ledge in the Parish Hall and help yourself. New possibilities every week! Lots of topics! If you’d like to kick in some change, any money will go to our Dobyns Library account.

Vestry update: At the Vestry’s recent meeting they accepted with regret, but with appreciation for his service, David Manley’s resignation due to constraints of his work. Sammie Wakefield has been appointed to fill the vacancy. Thank you, Sammie! And welcome back to the Vestry! Your experience and gifts will be especially appreciated during this transition period.

The Annual Meeting for Dinner Bell teams will be this Saturdayat 9 AM

in the Parish Hall. It is hoped that representatives of all Dinner Bell teams will be present. to work out scheduling assignments for the coming year. DB is a vital ministry that takes place each Sunday evening at 5 here at St. Andrew’s. It is shared with other area churches, individuals, and organizations. Consider coming to the meeting to find out more about it.

Our Annual All-Parish Eucharist and Picnic at White Lake State Park will be held on Saturday, June 26, beginning at 10:30 AM. Mark your calendar now. Details will be forthcoming. (The regular 8 AM service will take place as usual at the church.)

Sara Trudnack has begun her work as our new cleaning person. If you cross paths with her, be sure to introduce yourself. On Wednesdays she is often accompanied by her ten-year-old daughter, Lilly.

The Rector’s upcoming availability…
With only six weeks remaining until my retirement and two weeks of vacation days available to me -- and knowing that some of you may want to connect individually with me before I leave, I want you to be aware of my schedule. I will be primarily “off” from June 8th through June 21st. The Rev. John Allen will cover the services on June 12th and our Lay Worship Team will officiate for Morning Prayer, with Betsy Hess as preacher, on June 19th.

And I dearly hope that you will be able to be with us the evening of Friday, July 15th for the celebration honoring our time together! A planning committee is already at work and details will be forthcoming. My last Sunday will be July 17th, when we will have a single service at 10 AM. And if you expect to be away then, please be sure to let me know. Hard as it can sometimes be to say good-byes, leaving with them unsaid would be a loss for both of us.

Food for thought as we consider our upcoming sharing of stories…When you touch one thing with deep awareness, you touch everything. —Thich Nhat Hanh

May we listen to each other with ears of our heart.

See you Sunday,
Heidi+