UPDATES FROM THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS
In their session on March 7th, the House of Bishops accepted statements regarding the topics of gun violence and sexual harassment and gender bias. You can read the statement on gun violence here, and the statement on sexual harassment and gender bias here. The Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate, Michael B. Curry also released a video calling for action to make this country safe. "We must make our country safe because all of us are valuable and we are all children of God." He speaks in response to the recent shooting in Parkland, Florida. You can watch the video
here
.
MARCH FOR OUR LIVES
On March 24th in cities and towns across the country, individuals will be taking to the streets in a demonstration to end gun violence. In their statement on gun violence found above, the House of Bishops pledged their participation in the march, and encouraged the participation of their dioceses across the country. To register for the march, or to find a location near you, visit the March For Our Lives website found here.
The Diocese of Massachusetts has organized a bus to transport church members from New England to the March for Our Lives in Washington, DC.
This bus will be leaving from the Boston area at 9:00 am on Friday, March 23rd, and leaving DC on Saturday at approximately 5:00 pm. March goers will be invited to stay at Episcopal churches in the DC area. Registration is your commitment to participate, and the bus will be filled on a first come, first served basis
.
Click HERE to register for the bus. Bishop Hirschfeld will be attending the March and looks forward to
joining the group in DC.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH SCHOLARSHIPS NOW ACCEPTED
Applications for educational scholarships from the Episcopal Church are now being accepted for the 2018-2019 academic year. The list of scholarships as well as key information can be found
here. Scholarships offered cover a wide range of eligibility, and
mainly assists students enrolled in theological education and training. Applications are filled out online, and the deadline for applications is April 6th.
CHURCH LIFE IN FLU SEASON
We are not out of flu season yet!
To prevent the spread of the flu, churches are invited to consider adapting the following measures during Lent:
- Remind parishioners to wash hands frequently - before worship and before coffee hour and make sure hand sanitizer is readily available in the church and parish hall.
- Encourage parishioners to stay home if they are sick (coughing, sneezing, or congested). Let them know how to ask for prayers or for a visit from a Eucharistic visitor.
- Rather than shaking hands, consider passing the Peace with gestures and nods (fingers in a peace sign or "Namaste" prayer hands) and refrain from holding hands for the Lord's Prayer.
The safest approach to communion is to receive the bread only. Communion in one kind, as it is known, is complete communion.
Intinction may bring fingers into the common cup and may be a more likely way for flu bugs to spread.
Please be good neighbors and help prevent the spread of the flu during Lent.
UPCOMING SAFE CHURCH TRAININGS
Wednesday April 11, 2018 at St. Matthew's in Goffstown
.
REGISTER HERE.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at St. Thomas in Dover. REGISTER HERE.
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