the anchor - christ church,...
TRANSCRIPT
the anchor
{dec 2014 • jan 2015}
4
Christmas Liturgy Services
7
Consecration Sunday Results
2Growing Clarity
Listings of the services offered for the Christmas holiday.
10Caroling Night
from the Rector
Join us for a night of singing Christmas carols and hot chocolate at
the church afterwards.
Living joyfully in faith
Connecting with God and one another
Serving the local and global community
Checking out the positive outcome of this year’s stewardship campaign.
Sorting through a foggy state of being in our lives in order
to gain clarity.
A B I M O N T H L Y P U B L I C A T I O N O F C H R I S T C H U R C H , E X E T E R
Submit your articles, stories, observations, or creative work by the 10th of the month to [email protected]
Growing ClarityThe Rev. Mark B. Pendleton
A colleague of mine used the phrase “growing clarity” years ago when he responded to my multiple botched attempts to express what I had learned from a particular challenge, one that I had faced more than once in the parish I was serving. Finally
I was wrapping my mind around what the real issues were and my friend, with a smile as if to say, “What took you so long!” simply thanked me for my “growing clarity.”
Growth is good. Growth implies one is changing, enlarging one’s vision, even moving from a given vantage point to another. The enemy of growth is stagnation, inertia, even retraction. The change of the seasons is God’s creation reminder that life ends with death, which opens to new life. We hear God’s hope for us in 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Clarity is even better. To see something clearly is to cut through the smoke and dense fog of life’s more vexing challenges and harsh realities. To face down what comes our way, whether it be unfore-seen illness, heartbreak and separation, economic insecurity, crushing disappointment, the roller-coaster of addiction, hopelessness and doubt, the throws of mental illness that touches those we love, getting older, the fear of the unknown. Life as we know it, is often unclear and cloudy at best. But with God’s presence and grace we can see a bit more when we try. St. Paul’s poetic words in 1 Corinthians 13:12 capture this reality: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.” The future bends towards seeing and knowing God more clearly.
This cherished time of the year that we will mark and celebrate with the preparation for the arrival of Christ (Advent), our festive celebration of his birth and Incarnation (Christmas), and the sharing of his message of hope and redemption and making it known to the entire word (Epiphany) is all about growth and clarity. God in Jesus Christ desires that we move from old ways to new ones, turning away from what was, coming to terms with what should be, and being open to what is. The great purpose of Jesus being born into this word is to make clear what the people, the kings, and the prophets never fully experienced before then: that God is with us now -- in the flesh -- allowing the fullness of life and love to be known and our joy to be made complete.
To an expectant Advent, and holy Christmas and a joy-filled New Year. Peace.
[ 2 ]
[ 3 ]
One of my fondest recollections of growing up in my parish church involved going to the late service on Christmas Eve. Being able to attend the “late late” service was sort of a rite of passage for me. There was always a special kind of electricity in that darker building, an aura of mystery and joy that “Christ the Saviour Is Born.” That
excitement stayed with me for many years, well into adulthood. Ordination brought with it the privi-lege of leading the worship at the “late late” service and at all other Christmas liturgies as well. That excitement is still there.
There have been a few changes, however, some based on the aging process. This year Mark has again given me the option of opting out of the “late late” service and participating at the services of late afternoon and early evening. Maybe it just means that the late service that I once loved so much is just becoming too late! So I will now have some time to get some rest and then be at St. Thomas’ in Dover (my other part-time gig!) to lead their morning service on Christmas Day. I will be with that minority of folks who may not like driving at night, perhaps enjoy a briefer or quieter service, or sim-ply make other plans on Christmas Eve.
All of which leads some people to ask me which Christmas service is my favorite. Is it the early ser-vice on Christmas Eve with its full contingent of children, parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents -- the service full of excited children who wonder what Santa is going to bring and is often characterized by some chaos? Is it that late service that is still part of my deep memory? Or is it that earlier evening service here that has such beautiful choral and instrumental music? Or is it that Christmas Day service that is usually characterized with little or no music, smaller crowds, and simplicity? Perhaps what I love the most is the variety of options and times that give us opportunity to change as our lives continue to change. It is ironic that the only service I will not attend this year is the one that I once enjoyed the most, probably in part because I am just getting too old!
So what is my favorite? I love them all -- whether they offer noise, chaos, beauty, or simplicity. And I am coming to love more and more the enriching Advent season that precedes Christmas and also the twelve days of Christmas that follow. I love the bright lights, the get-togethers, the hugs, the ex-change of gifts, and the joy of being with family and friends.
I love them all because of what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do. I love them all be-cause each service we celebrate during Advent, Christmas, and post-Christmas has one common thread -- God has entered our world with a Saviour who identifies with us, loves us unconditionally, and wals with us through the joys, sorrows, and challenges of that journey we call life.
I do indeed love ‘em all -- see you in Church!
I Love ‘Em All!The Rev. Dr. David D. Holroyd
[ 4 ]
ANNUAL MEETINGSunday, January 25, 2015 at 11:00 am
Following our only service at 9:30 am
(Please note there will be NO 8:30 or 10:30 am service.)
• Parish breakfast
• Special activities for children during the meeting
• Election of officers & vestry members
• Presentation and table conversation regarding Harris Hall renovation
Please plan to attend! All members of the parish ages 16 and older
are eligible to vote.
A Successful Consecration SundayOn Sunday, October 26th, Christ Church experienced its first Consecration Sunday celebration with a special devotional at the conclusion of our church worship followed by a catered brunch. Turnout was really wonderful – we lost track at about 225 parishioners at the brunch. Compiling the preliminary results from this new pledg-ing process was a bit slower than we had hoped, but we were able to announce a very positive message: 123 pledges received for a total of $280,653.
In the week following Consecration Sunday, we sent out one last letter with a pledge card to members of the parish who were either not at Consecration Sunday or who had not yet pledged. Since that mailing, more pledges have been received. As of the middle of November, here is where we are:
174 pledges totaling $349,218 ($2,007 average pledge)
40 pledges received from new folks or folks who haven’t pledged before
89 families increased their pledge from 2014
41 pledgers from last year have not pledged yet
By comparison, in 2014, we received 186 pledges averaging $1,806. We’re very pleased with our results so far for 2015 and are so grateful that so many of you felt called to continue Christ Church’s mission and ministries in 2015. Let’s keep this going!
- Chris Kramer, Senior Warden
Greening of the Church Join us following the 10:30 liturgy on Sunday, December 21 for the annual Greening of the Church. Wreaths and garland are hung, pew candles installed, and preparations made for the celebration of Christmas.
Memorial Wreaths and PoinsettiasAs in the past, we will place memorial flowers, poinsettias, and wreaths in the church for Christmas. Anyone wishing to provide a poinsettia (or a financial contribution toward a plant or flowers) in memory of a loved one(s) is asked to contact Linda in the church office to give her the names you would like included in the bulletins: [email protected] or call 772-3332, ext. 11.
Holy Baptism in JanuaryHoly Baptism will next be administered on Sunday, January 11th during the 10:30 celebration of the Holy Eu-charist. On this Sunday we will celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. As we remember Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan, we will welcome to the font, those who desire to place their whole trust in Jesus’ grace and love.
If you are interested in baptism for yourself or your child, please contact the Rector at 772-3332, ext. 12 or [email protected].
Living in Faith • Wednesdays • 7-8 pm in the Chapel (Also offered at Riverwoods from 2-3 pm for Tutu book; location TBA)One hour each week for learning, prayer and conversation.
January 7 Epiphany reflectionsJanuary 14 Step 1: The Book of Forgiving January 21 Step 2: Admitting the wrong and acknowledging the harmJanuary 28 Step 3: Telling one’s story and witnessing the anguish
Archbishop Desmond Tutu along with his daughter, the Reverend Mpho Tutu, offer a manual on the art of forgiveness—helping us to realize that we are all capable of healing and transformation.
Each of us has a deep need to forgive and to be forgiven. After much reflec-tion on the process of forgiveness, Tutu has seen that there are four important steps to healing: Admitting the wrong and acknowledging the harm; Telling one’s story and witnessing the anguish; Asking for forgiveness and granting forgiveness; and renewing or releasing the relationship. Forgiveness is hard work. Sometimes it even feels like an impossible task. But it is only through walking this fourfold path that Tutu says we can free ourselves of the endless and unyielding cycle of pain and retribution. The Book of Forgiving is both a touchstone and a tool, offering Tutu’s wise advice and showing the way to experience forgiveness. Ultimately, forgiving is the only means we have to heal ourselves and our aching world.
LIVING joyfully in faith
[ 5 ]
[ 6 ]
CONNECTING with God and one another
Christmas Caroling • Friday, December 12 • 7:00pmAll parishioners are invited for an evening of Christmas caroling and hot chocolate. Meet at Christ Church by 7:00pm on Friday, December 12 and we will carpool out to our locations and return for warm hot chocolate.
Save the Date: Cuban Music, Food and Mission • Saturday, February 7We hope to bring some “Latin Heat” to mid-winter in Exeter on Saturday February 7 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. More information will follow in the church bulletin. The night will allow many to taste Cuban food, learn more about the country and people, gather offerings for the March mission trip and even take a spin dancing Salsa.
Trying something new in 2015…
Beginning in January, Sunday offering envelopes will be mailed directly to every active household via bulk mail four times a year. We encourage you to use these new envelopes every time you come to worship. Cash and checks put inside will be recorded as part of your annual giving for tax purposes. Especially for those who give using ePledge, PayPal or through their bank, there is a section to check so that you too will have a giving envelope to place into the offertory plate when the ushers come by. Epledgers will have a tangible way to make a gift that is then lifted up at the altar as a public action of thanksgiving.
[ 7 ]
{ christmas liturgies }
Christmas Eve • 8:00 pmFestival Eucharist and Service of
Candlelighting
Festival choir, organ and instrumentalists lead the music at this traditional Christmas Eve celebration. Choral and Instrumental
Prelude begins at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, December 24th Christmas Eve • 4:00 pm
Christmas Pageant and Holy Communion Children and youth lead a dramatic
re-telling of the Christmas story.
Christmas Eve • 11:00 pmCandlelight Vespers and
Holy Communion
A solemn Christmas Eve liturgy, held in the warm glow of candlelight, featuring organ,
instrumentalists, and small choral ensemble.
Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day • 10:00 am
Christmas Day Liturgy & Holy Communion with carols and the Christmas Day homily
by the Rector
The Offering on Christmas Eve
and Day will be to support local and
global mission work.
2014 Christmas Pageant We are pleased to announce that we will once again be putting on a Christmas Pageant at the 4:00pm Christmas Eve Service. Below you will find the rehearsal schedule for December! See you all there! If you would like to sign up, participate, or help out in some way, please email Sarah Watts ([email protected]).
December 7 – All Cast Rehearsal • 12-1:30 pm December 14 – All Cast Rehearsal • 12-1:30 pm December 21 – Full Dress Rehearsal • 12-3 pm December 24 – Arrive at 2:30pm
Youth classes begin again on January 11. Don’t miss out on anything!9:15 am-10:15 am – Sunday SchoolPre-K – 5th Grade & Parents are invited to Harris Hall for an Epiphany LessonMiddle School is invited to Room 7 with Pete BaldwinHigh School is invited to Room 16 with Tim Shaw & Joe Fisher
EYC Potluck Dessert • 7:00 pmMiddle school, high school, parents, & volunteers are invited to bring and eat yummy desserts and take a look at the 2015 calendar!
Dates to Remember! Mark your calendars now:
February 17 – Shrove Tuesday Pancake DinnerFebruary 18 – Ash WednesdayMarch 7 – Christ Church Snow Day (Snow Tubing at Pat’s Peak or Ice Skating if it gets “warm” March 15-29 – Seacoast Family Promise Host Weeks (2 consecutive weeks!)April 2 – Maundy Thursday April 3 – Good FridayApril 4 – Holy SaturdayApril 5 – EASTER!May 3 – Diocesan Youth EventMay 17 – Bishop’s Visitation with ConfirmationJune 14-21 – Seacoast Family Promise Host WeekJune 22- 26 – Vacation Bible School
{ formation activities for children & youth }
[ 8 ]
Confirmation for Youth Ages 13 & up • Classes begin January 11, 2015
The Bishop’s visitation next year will take place on May 17, 2015. In preparation we will offering a confirmation class for young people using the Confirm not Conform program. There will be 10 classes from noon to 2:00 p.m. Sundays from January 11 through May 10, with a weekend retreat April 17-19.
We will be using the Confirm not Conform, or “CnC,” program. CnC is a youth confirmation program that takes exposes youth to a wide range of topics, including Scripture, sacraments, creeds, heresy, prayer, other religions, and serving others, and asks them to think through what they believe and why. It emphasizes finding one’s own voice rather than simply conforming to an external standard. It is a program that respects the work youth and adults do as they explore their faith. We trust that when people put in the effort to articulate what they believe and why, they will make good choices about their next step in faith.
If you are interested on having your son or daughter participate, please contact the rector Mark Pend-leton at [email protected] or phone the office.
Steinway Piano Restoriation Project Update
The Buy A Key campaign for the restoration of the Steinway grand piano in the church’s sanctuary is underway. A piano has 88 keys and we will reach our goal of $24,000 if 88 Christ Church families give $275 each. You can buy one key, or two, a triad, or even an oc-tave! Checks can be sent to the church with “Piano Restoration” in
the memo line.
As of today, we have sold 21 keys, nearly one quarter of those available. People have bought individual notes, groups of notes, even a scale spelling out the first name of loved one. Someone even requested that a key be purchased in lieu of a Christmas gift this year!
There is a lot of creativity circulating for this campaign. Thanks to all those who have participated!
{ worship & music }
[ 9 ]
[ 10 ]
Ministry Leaders Summit Meeting • December 9 • 7:00pm
All ministry leaders, representatives, and members are encouraged to join together for this time of collabora-tion and coordination. At this meeting, we’ll discuss the accomplishments and events of this past Fall, ways to improve in the future, and look forward to the calendar and activities of 2015. We hope to see you there.
Seacoast Family Promise Volunteers & Interest Meeting • January 11 • 11:45 am
Following the 10:30 service, all volunteers and team leaders are invited to attend this meeting as we take a look at this year’s calendar, the next hosting week and brainstorm for the future. This meet-ing would be a great opportunity for those who are interested in supporting this program to join in a conversation with existing volunteers to find out more. If you would like to know more about Sea-coast Family Promise and the ways in which you could be involved, please come to the meeting!
SERVING the local and global community
Join Us for a Fun Night of Christmas CarolingFriday, December 12 • 7:00pm
All parishioners are invited for an evening of Christmas caroling and hot chocolate.
Meet at Christ Church by 7:00pm on Friday, December 12 and we will carpool out to
our locations and return for warm hot chocolate.
Seacoast Family Promise Fall Host Week • January 4-11
There are many different ways you can support a SFP Host Week! How can you be involved? Email Sarah Watts ([email protected]) to sign up as a volunteer.
• Providing Food: Volunteers provide food by 6:00pm on one evening during a hosting week.
• Evening Host: Volunteers spend the evening (5:30pm-8:00pm) with the guests, eating dinner with them and being the Christ Church presence to answer questions, open doors, and handle any urgent situations that may arise. Please note, Safe Church Training is required for this position.
• Overnight Host: Volunteers spend the night with guests, arriving for duty by 8:00pm and leaving by 7:30am. Volunteers are responsible for locking and unlocking doors, and being a presence in case of an overnight emergency. Please note, Safe Church Training is required for this position.
• Laundry Volunteers: Volunteers collect and clean dirty laundry at the end of each host week and return it clean before next host week.
Part of the national Family Promise organization (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network), Seacoast Family Promise unites congregations of various faiths to assist families experiencing homelessness due to a crisis. These families are no different from you or me; they just had one too many things go wrong. When they enter the SFP program they are given hope and encouragement.
On a rotating schedule with other local churches, we turn the lower level of Harris House into a tem-porary home for 3 to 5 families for one week. On average, we are the host church for a total of nine weeks out of the year. Volunteers from the church create a welcoming, accepting environment for our guests. Volunteers also set up the bedding, prepare and serve evening meals, visit with the partici-pants and stay overnight with them.
While the program offers the families a safe haven and meals as they work to get back on track, they are also shown how to properly complete resumes, go through the interview process and eventually find employment. Financial advice is available and the final goal is for them to be self-sufficient, find housing and no longer need SFP assistance. Donations of clothes, furniture and household items help them to get a fresh start.
Perhaps the most rewarding part of this program is to see a family accomplish their goals and leave the program, only to return as volunteers themselves to help another family who has fallen on hard times.
[ 11 ]
Church Office
Upper Level, Harris House (603) 772-3332 x11
Linda Carey, Executive Assistant
Office Hours Monday - Friday
8:30 am - Noon,1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
A joyful anddiverse communityanchored in Christ
The AnchorChristine Hodsdon, Design EditorMark Pendleton, Executive Editor
All parishioners are invited to submit articles to The Anchor,
due on the 10th of each month preceding publication.
E-mail articles or questions to [email protected]
CHRIST CHURCh43 Pine StreetExeter NH 03833
Change ServiCe requeSted
NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDRAM
Companies
C H R I S T C H U R C h
43 Pine StreetExeter, New Hampshire
03833
(603) [email protected]
Rector The Rev. Mark B. Pendleton 772-3332 x12 [email protected]
Priest Associate The Rev. Dr. David D. Holroyd 772-3332 x11 [email protected]
Asst for Ministry Develpmt. & Coord. Sarah Watts 772-3332 x13 [email protected]
Executive Assistant Linda Carey 772-3332 x11 [email protected]
Director of Music & Organist Bruce Adami 772-3332 x15 [email protected]
Choir Director Suzanne [email protected]
Child Care Nancy Taylor and Amanda Crowley