Summer Fair News; All Saints Church e-News

Hope overcomes despair for God's people: this is the message of the readings for today. The hope of new life is evident in the story of "dry bones" from Ezekiel. The children of Israel declare their hope is lost. The prophet's experience in the valley of dry bones inspires him to preach renewed hope to the people. Psalm 130 sings of hope in God and God's word. The work of God's Spirit gives hope of new life in Paul's letter to the church at Rome. The Gospel of John tells the hope-filled story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. The gospel gives us encouraging words to sustain us through the approaching despair of Christ's passion and brings us to the fulfillment of hope on Easter. Martha's wistful words to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here. . . . But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him" (John 11:21-22), reflect the hope of God's people in the face of despair, even in the face of death.

Each text encourages hearers to hope in God and God's word. How do Christians experience unfulfilled hope? This is the challenge for those who interpret today's texts for hearers. Israel's woes are not at an end; other psalms tell of struggle and pain; the Christ-believers at Rome are persecuted; Jesus who raises Lazarus from the dead soon dies. And yet hope is fulfilled as Paul proclaims "all Israel will be saved" (Rom. 11:26). Psalm 46 sings of God's presence in time of trouble. A preview of the hope of the resurrection will sustain believers in these final days of Lent (John 20:17). The Christian's confidence in the resurrection of the dead epitomizes their hope in Christ. [Sundays and Seasons, 2017]

I am drawn to Vincent Van Gogh's The Raising of Lazarus (above) he based on a painting by Rembrandt. I appreciate how Van Gogh relates to the human suffering in the story, personally identifying with Lazarus (hence a Van Gogh looking face on Lazarus). However he leaves out the main figure: Christ with his arm raised restoring Lazarus. Van Gogh understood human suffering and was staying in a mental hospital in Saint-Rémy when he painted this work. For me he captures how we are dead when we are separated from Christ and community.

We too are like Lazarus and Vincent, gathering in worship each week to hear Christ proclaimed, to splash in the waters of faith and forgiveness, and we are restored and fed with hope and life itself at the table of God's grace.

Journeying together on the way to the Cross,

Bill +

Office Note

Debra will be out of town until Thursday, April 6th. There will be Office Angel volunteers helping with the phones and to keep the office open for the following days and times. Monday 9-12, Tuesday 12-3, Wednesday 9-12. Thank you Angels for your help!

Holy Week

10 o'clock Coffee Hour needs Volunteers

April 16 - EASTER SUNDAY - Sandi Johnson, Anne Hunt, (3)__________

FOOD - Dianne Wasmuth, Carolyn Hoffman, Ritva Torma, _________, _________, ___________

April 23 - Dianne Wasmuth, (2) ___________, (3)___________

April 30 - (1)___________, (2) ___________, (3) ____________

Please contact Anne Hunt at annehuntpt@gmail.com

Summer Fair News

The summer fair planning is well underway. The date for the fair is July15th. Co-chairs are Joanne Crowe and Jay Wyman. Experienced Advisor is Phil Wasmuth. Many of the booth are being chaired by our fellow church members. There is still a need for additional helpers and booth chairs. The following booths need Booth Chairs and/or Helpers: Beverages, Home Furnishings, Jewelry, Sporting Goods and Strong Arms. Of course, if you are interested assisting in any other booths, please speak up. There is always room for more helpers! Many hands make light work! There will be a Summer Fair Meeting on April 30th. Many Booth Chairs will be available between services to answer questions. If you are open to helping with the Summer Fair, please contact Joanne Crowe or Jay Wyman. Let's work together and make this another successful Summer Fair.

Summer Fair Raffle Baskets

Joy Jones and I are co-chairs of the Raffle Basket Booth. We are getting this message out early so that those of you so inclined, will have an opportunity to start thinking about a basket theme and then collecting the items as you go along. We would like to sell tickets on the Sunday before the fair. Thank You!

Carolyn Sundquist

New Floor in Sanctuary

Sanctuary and Stevens Room

Hard at Work

Epischopal Church of NH Lay Leadership Institute 2017

Registration is now open for the 2017 Lay Leadership Institute (LLI). We are offering ten different seminars this year, more than ever before. The LLI will take place in the Rundlett Middle School in Concord on Saturday, May 6. As before, a continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Since each seminar is limited by room size to 30 persons, and seminar leaders may cancel a seminar with fewer than six registrants, it is vital that you signal your intention to attend by registering in advance. Participants are asked to register for their first, second, and third choices. Registrants will receive confirmation of registration and seminar selection by email.
Information on the seminars may be found on our diocesan website: www.nhepiscopal.org/lay-leadership

Easter Flowers

If you would like to dedicate a contribution toward Easter flowers please have your dedications to Deb in the office by April 9th. You can email your request to allsaints@metrocast.net or drop the completed dedication slip, provided in the bulletin, in the plate or in the office.

Worhip Assistants and Coordinators Needed

We schedule worship assistants on a three month cycle. If you would like to serve in any of these areas, please contact the coordinator or church office if there is no coordinator listed. We are in need of a couple of individuals to coordinate training for roles (we have new role descriptions prepared by worship and music ministry team) for ushers and presenters, and lectors (readers) as well as coordinate scheduling with our parish administrator Deb. Please contact the church office to volunteer for any of these roles. Thanks!

Greeters: Sarah Day, coordinator

Ushers and Presenters: needed

Lectors (readers): needed

Eucharistic Ministers: Pat McLaughlin, coordinator

Altar Guild: Sue Harding, co-chair

Flower Guild: Louise Graham, chair

Dream Group

Have you ever had a dream that puzzled you, whose images could not be forgotten. A dream group is a great way to begin to understand how we speak to ourselves in our dreams. I hope you will join us in this sacred journey to the self. "A dream unexamined is like a letter unopened." Facilitation offered by Linda Brown MSW.

WE WILL MEET THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH BEGINNING IN APRIL, AT 11:30- 1:00 OR 1:30.

BRING A LUNCH OR HAVE A SNACK AT COFFEE HOUR.

Lord & Tailor Swithch Into Spring

The Lord & Tailor "Switch into Spring" starts Saturday from 9AM to 2PM. We will also be working on Sunday from 1PM to 3PM and Monday & Tue sday from 9AM to 12PM.

This is a reminder to all of the L& T workers as well as anyone who wants to help.

Wolfeboro Reads - Discover Islam

Tuesdays in Lent 4:00-5:30 pm in the Beck Memorial Library at All Saints we will gather for a series of short documentary films and discussion about our Muslim neighbors. Discover Islam has partnered with several church denominations including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the United Church of Christ (UCC) to provide these award-winning documentaries. Pastors Bill and Gina will provide additional resources throughout the series. Resources, including study guides, are available at: http://www.discoverislam.com/elca

New Directory

The new directory, printed in February, is available in PDF form. Please email your request to Deb at allsaints@metrocast.net. If you would like a paper copy please stop by the office to pick one up.

Yoga with Bree and Amalie

Bree and Amalie in a yoga pose on March 25th

It was such a pleasure to host a small, but dedicated group of yogis on Saturday, March 25th at the Church. Together, we explored different breathing and relaxation techniques and focused on gentle guided stretches to remove tension from some of the areas of the body that many of us are most likely to hold our fears and anxieties. The class provided a great opportunity for both experienced yogis and those who were at their first yoga class. Amalie and I look forward to offering future charitable Bunny'ste Yoga classes at the church.

Last chance! Sunday, April 2nd is the last opportunity to donate socks to 'Can U Spare a Pair?"

Bible Study

Join us as we move more deeply into God's Word. We will walk through Romans to bring contemporary application of Scripture to life. Discover how you can participate more fully in God's kingdom as we read Paul's letter to the Romans. We gather on Thursday afternoons 3:00-4:00 pm followed by a brief Eucharist in the Beck Memorial Library.

Lent Madness

Lent Madness began in 2010 as the brainchild of the Rev. Tim Schenk in seeking a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women comprising the Church's Calendar of Saints.

Want to learn more and join the fun? Go to http://www.lentenmadness.org/about/

End 68 Hours of Hunger

END 68 HOURS OF HUNGER thanks you for your contributions to their box at the entrance of the Sanctuary. Now that school has started the items that are particularly needed are those geared to children like peanut butter and mac n'cheese. Please take a pamphlet which provides helpful suggestions for items to donate.

L.I.F.E. Ministries

HELP NEEDED!!

The food pantry is looking for people with a standard SUV or full size pickup truck with trailer skills to pick up food each week on Tuesday mornings at the NH Food Bank in Manchester. Also, pick up food every other month on Thursday mornings at the Tri-County Facility on Rt. 16 in Tamworth. Mileage reimbursement paid.

Contact VP Dana Robertson at robertson2900@roadrunner.com.

FOOD PANTRY - w elcomes and is extremely thankful for any and all donations. Items that are costly and cannot usually be purchased from the Food Bank are especially needed. These items are: Beef Stew, Soup, Canned Fruit, Hash, Spam, Cereal. Thank you for all your donations!

April Calendar

Lord &Tailor Shop Thurs & Fri 10a-3p ~

Sat 10a-1p

Food Pantry Wed 10a-1p ~ 5p-7p

SUNDAY

02:00 p.m. AA Meeting - PH

06:00 p.m. AA Meeting - PH

2nd - Fifth Sunday in Lent

9th - Palm Sunday

16th - Easter Sunday

23rd - 2nd Sunday of Easter

11:30 - Vestry

30th - 3rd Sunday of Easter

MONDAY

11:00 a.m. Senior Activities & Meal

01:00 p.m. Adult Bridge - Lib

03:00 p.m. ASSTG-Steven's Rm

Groups Scheduled:

3rd - 10 am WFOM-L

7 pm - Photo Club-PH

10th - 12 pm Preschool Board-O

17th - 7 pm Photo Club-PH

TUESDAY

06:30 a.m. Women's Worship -PH

01:30 p.m. Scrabble Club - Lib

04:00p.m. Wolfeboro Reads-Lib

Groups Scheduled:

4th 6:30 pm Lakes Region Convocation-PH

11th - 11 am Garden Club-PH

5:15 pm WACC-PH

WEDNESDAY

11:00 a.m. Senior Activities & Meal

01:30 p.m. Knitting Club -Lib

06:30 p.m. Choir

05:30 p.m. Table Tennis-PH

Groups Scheduled:

5th - 9:30 am Caregivers-L

26th - 1 pm Pastoral Care Team

THURSDAY

07:30 a.m. Men's Bible Study -PH

03:00 p.m. Bible Study - Lib

03:00 p.m. ASSTG-Steven's Rm

05:00 p.m. Dinner Bell

Groups Scheduled:

6th - 6 pm Stamp Club-L

13th - 1:30 pm End 68 Hours of Hunger-L

5-6:30 pm Community Dinner Worship

7 pm Dist 16 AA-L

20th - 5:30 pm AMTP

6:30 - Friends of Libby-L

26th - 12 pm Outreach Luncheon

7 pm - CVTC-L

FRIDAY

08:00 p.m. AA Meeting - PH

11:00 a.m. Senior Activities & Meal

Groups Scheduled:

14th - 12pm Ecumenical Service

SATURDAY

10:00 a.m. AA Meeting - Lib

08:00 p.m. AA Meeting - PH

Groups Scheduled:

1st - 7 pm AMTP-Sanc

15th - 6:30 pm Vigil of Easter

All Saints e-News

We hope you have enjoyed reading our e-News and we encourage your feedback to help us make it even better. We publish an issue weekly on Friday afternoon, to help keep you up to date and in touch with our current news and activities. We think this may be especially helpful to those that are unable to attend our Sunday worship services, are out of town and away for the season. Please let us know if you have some information you would like us to share in future issues of this newsletter.

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Rev. Bill Petersen

Rector, All Saints Church

Phil Wasmuth

Editor, All Saints E-News

Carolyn Sundquist and Ralph Simons

Associate Editors, All Saints E-News

603-569-3453