Fourth Sunday in Lent


 
              March 9, 2018- Vol 11, Issue 10
Sunday Ministry Assignments
Altar Guild
Connie Mitchell
Pauline de Ramer

Ushers 
Need Volunteers

Lectors
8 AM  Volunteer
10 AM  Connie Mitchell
       
Presenters
Bob & Danielle Pierpont
         
Eucharistic  Mini sters
8 AM    Christy Parker
10 AM Bill Lander
           Cate McMahon

Greeters                
Bob & Ann Champagne                          
Flower Guild
No flowers in Lent

Flower Delivery
No flowers in Lent

Coffee     
8 AM    Christy Parker
10 AM Anne H., Joy Jones

Birthdays - March
12  John Sandeen
12 Andy Milligan
12 Karen Hayman
13 Carolyn Day
14 Gail Dutt
14 Mallory Stephens
14 Statton Rice
15 David Barnes
16 Phoebe Giessler
16 Nia Jones
17 Lincoln Annas
17 Patrick Morris
17 Joanne Crowe
Anniversaries March
17 Brock & Joy Jones
Links to Sunday Services
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Rector's Reflections
The Cosmic Love of God
 
The beginning of John's gospel begins with the story of creation, connecting the Word that became flesh in Jesus with the bringing forth of life and all things. Then, as the gospel continues, the testimony of John the Baptist is shared, which continues to point the reader to Jesus' significance for the whole world, not only one group or people. John, upon seeing Jesus approach him in the wilderness, declares "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). The Gospel of John highlights the cosmic reach of Jesus and the purpose for which Jesus was sent. God loves the whole world, not just part of it. And God loves us, all of us. God's purpose in sending Jesus is "that the world might be saved through him" (John 3:17).
 
Our world and our lives include darkness and sin, evil and brokenness. But God's love for us and for the world is complete, passionate, and sacrificial. God is not willing to settle for part of the world, or for some of us. Instead of condemning all that is not pleasing, God gave God's own son, lifted up on the cross, so that all might have the possibility of eternal life. The light of God's love shining down from the cross demonstrates the totality of God's love and proclaims God's desire to transform the dark places in this world into places of light, healing, and salvation. [Sundays and Seasons, 2018]
 
Ephesians 2:4 begins with the powerful words, "But God, who is rich in mercy. . . ." This holy reminder is a call and comfort that when we speak of God, we think of God's great mercy, grace, forgiveness, and compassion. May you know this great unconditional cosmic love and mercy of God this Lent.
 
Walking together,
Bill+
 
P.S. I took the image above during our November trip to the Holy Land. The serpentine cross sculpture stands starkly on top of Mount Nebo in Jordan. It was created by Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni and represents the bronze serpent created by Moses in the wilderness mentioned in our Hebrew Scripture reading for Sunday (Numbers 21:4-9) and the cross Jesus was to be lifted n in our Gospel reading (John 3:14-21). Mount Nebo is 2,330 feet tall and is the place where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. Our view from the summit was a panorama that looked north to the Jordan River valley, out to the West Bank and the City of Jericho and a hazy view of Jerusalem.  

Note: Audio recordings of the current sermons are now available on our website under the "Worship" tab, or by clicking here . Current sermon/services are not available on YouTube at this time.
Addiction & Recovery
Did you know there is a prayerful effort to address the drug crisis in our greater community? Please hold the White Horse Addiction Center, those in our area with the brain disease of addiction, and all who accompany and care for them in prayer. As St. Paul writes: "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me." Romans 7:15-20 (NRSV)
 
Substance misuse, abuse and addiction impacts individuals, families, and churches in both powerful and subtle ways. Recovery is possible. In the Episcopal Church we are called to:
  • Help the addicted and those who love them connect with spiritual resources and find lasting recovery.
  • Witness to Christ's unfailing mercy by welcoming unchurched members of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-Step programs into an Episcopal faith community.
  • Raise awareness about the disease of addiction and the redemption and grace found in recovery.
  • Strengthen recovering Episcopalians in the work of their recovery and help proclaim the Gospel in the world and carry their recovery into the Church.
  • Resources, information and support are available: https://www.nhepiscopal.org/recovery-issue/?rq=12%20step%20eucharist
 
O blessed Jesus, you ministered to all who came to you. Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove the fears that attack them; strengthen those who are engaged in the work of recovery; and to those who care for them, give honesty, understanding, and persevering love; for your mercy's sake. Amen.

Wolfeboro Reads Bishop Rob's Book for Lent

Shame severs our relationship from God. It is so powerful that it often results in denial, apathy, and even a self-defensive wrath toward neighbor. At the same time, shame may drive us to discover the true source of our dignity beyond our isolated and broken self. The arc of the biblical narrative takes us from the fig leaves of Adam and Eve, who desire to hide from God and each other, to the liberation from self-consciousness that Jesus displays at the Last Supper, which can be seen as undoing the shame of Adam and Eve. Shame is the experience that can bring us close to the experience of the Cross, the place of simultaneous condemnation and liberation. By examining the biblical stories of shame and some personal and public stories of shame and of being shamed, Hirschfeld delves into this emotional and spiritual phenomenon to mine what shame has to teach. Shame cannot be erased, but God does not want us to be stuck in it. Working through our shame can lead us to a deeper sense of joy and freedom so we can, as the Proper Preface for Advent says, without shame or fear rejoice to behold [Christs] appearing?

We meet Tuesdays, 4:00-5:30 March 6th, 13th and 20th in the Gathering Space at First Congregational Church Wolfeboro. Bishop Rob will be with us for the March 20th session. Books are available in the church office for $14.

Episcopalians Against Gun Violence
 
This ad-hoc group of bishops, clergy and lay people disseminating information about Episcopalians who are working, collectively and individually, to curb gun violence, believes in a God of life in the face of death who calls our church to speak and act decisively against the unholy trinity of poverty, racism and violence. You can  connect to the group via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpiscopaliansAgainstGunViolence/
 
Bishops United Against Gun Violence (of which Bishop +Rob is a part) has issued the following call to action in the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida: http://bishopsagainstgunviolence.org/bishops-united-urges-assault-weapons-ban-prayers-of-lamentation/

Families In Transition


Construction on Hope House, in Wolfeboro, NH, is in full swing and our mission to provide short-term emergency housing to local families in need will soon be a reality. As many of you know, the  Hope House will be the only short-term family housing in the southern Lakes Region of Carroll County. The Hope House will provide up to seven families experiencing homelessness temporary, safe and secure short-term housing, in addition to social services that will help them get back on their feet. 

We are proud of the progress being made thanks to the community and hope you are too. Click here to take a look at some photos, taken by Thomas Dougherty or watch a video of our recent visit by   clicking here.
Please help us share this information with your networks by sharing this email and encourage people to sign up to receive more updates by   clicking here.
Becoming Beloved Community
The Diocesan Reconciliation Commission invites parishes across NH to enter into the Holy Season of Lent with an openness to listen, to wait, to pray and to open our ears so our eyes can fulfill our baptismal vow by promoting justice, peace and love.
 
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire   is honored to partner with the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire to offer a collection of short readings on little known historic figures from New Hampshire's African American community for the Episcopalians' 2018 Lenten Program, beginning Ash Wednesday, February 14.  In this way, we will join with them to celebrate and honor New Hampshire's inclusive history.  To read the first story and to subscribe to the email list for the rest of the stories, one each day, click  HERE .   You'll find a button at the top of the page to subscribe.
Lenten Study - Meeting Jesus

Have you ever wished to deepen your relationship with God? Wished to experience a warm friendship with God? Or, maybe even fall in love with God - again - or for the very first time? 
 
This Lent (starting February 15th) we will gather Thursday afternoons at 3:00 pm in the Beck Memorial Library for Meeting Jesus, a resource  from the monks of Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE) to journey and reflect on the Gospel According to John. For those unable to join us in person, please share your e-mail for our Weekly Bible Study e-blast (if you haven't already) and you can participate in the journey on your own.

Watch Presiding Bishop Curry introduce this study:
Bishop Curry 

Dinner Bell Volunteers Needed
Dinner Bell is looking for volunteers for March 15th and 22nd. If you are able to volunteer 3 hours of your time on a Thursday from 3-6 pm, please contact Donna Young at 729-7700 or 4youngs03855@gmail.com.
Responsibilities include setting tables, assisting cook with serving dinner, plating soup table by table, clean up and washing dishes. You also have dinner with us. Training can be done if this is your first time.  Thank you.
Office Hours
Monday - 9 AM - 5 PM           
Tuesday -  1 PM - 5 PM
Wednesday - 9 AM- Noon
Thursday -    9 AM - Noon
Friday -        Closed
L.I.F.E.  Ministries 
 

L.I.F.E. Ministries 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!
 March - 2018   Calendar
            Schedule for Lord & Tailor; Food Pantry
 Lord & Tailor  Thursday & Friday   10 AM - 3 PM;  Saturday 10 AM - 1 PM                     
 Food Pantry  
Wednesday         
    10 AM - 1 PM;  5 PM - 7 PM

SUNDAY March 11
8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist
6 PM AA Meeting (PH)

MONDAY March 12
10-2:00 PM Senior Meals & Activities
1 PM Bridge (L)

TUESDAY March 13
7 AM Women's  Worship (PH)
11 AM-3 PM Garden Club (PH)
1:30 PM-4 PM Scrabble Club (L)
4 PM Wolfeboro Reads @First Congregational Church

WEDNESDAY March 14
10 AM - 2 PM  Senior Meals & Activities
1-3:30 PM  Knitting Club (L)
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM  Table Tennis (PH)
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM  Choir Rehearsal

 
THURSDAY March 15
7:30 AM - Men's Bible Study (PH)
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Bible Study & Holy Eucharist (L)
5-7:00 PM - Dinner Bell (PH)

FRIDAY March 16
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM  Senior Meals & Activities
8-9:30 PM  AA Meeting (PH)

SATURDAY March 16
10-11:30 AM AA Meeting (L)
8-9:30 PM AA (PH)
All Saints e-News

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Rev.  Bill Petersen
Rector, All Saints Church

Editor, All Saints E-News 

Carolyn Sundquist, Christy Parker, and Ralph Simons
Associate Editors, All Saints e-News

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