March 26, 2025

This newsletter is sent to churches, clergy, and lay leaders.

Updates and Announcements

An Important Note about Newsletter Links

We have been experiencing some challenges with some of our direct links within Constant Contact to Zoom, YouTube, and Formstack. If you encounter trouble with a Zoom link, please enter the meeting ID and passcode manually in Zoom. If issues persist, please contact Kathy Traynor for assistance. We are in the process of switching to a new newsletter platform to remedy this issue.

Wardens and Treasurers Update

CFO Benge Ambrogi and Director of Finance Lauren Tennett would like to thank all who attended the March Wardens and Treasurers chat on funds, restrictions, and investments. If you would like to review the recording, you can find it here. The presentation slides can be found here. You can find a very helpful guide to funds and restrictions written by Trustee Terry Knowles here. If you would like some sample gift acceptance policies, please email Benge Ambrogi.

The April meeting will cover church governance, looking at the diocesan and TEC constitution and canons, as well as parish bylaws. Benge and Lauren hope to see all interested church leaders on Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. on this Zoom link. Dial in information is below.

Phone: 929 205 6099

Meeting ID: 837 9136 2685

Passcode: 402980

One tap mobile: +19292056099,,83791362685

Save the Date!

Lenten Quiet Day for Clergy, Thursday, April 10

at Holy Cross Church in Weare

Clergy: Watch for your invitation later this week.

Bishop Rob: Artist and Poet

Don't miss these opportunities to experience the artistic gifts of our bishop!

Through April, Bishop Rob is the featured artist at the Crust and Crumb Baking Co. in Concord. His mixed media works (example at left) are meditative, colorful, and evocative.

On Tuesday, April 8, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Bishop Rob will participate in a Poetry Reading with the Yogurt Poets at the Epsom Public Library in Epsom. He is one of 12 current members of the group, which originated from a workshop with Wes McNair in 1993. Wanting to continue working together, the original members began meeting at Concord’s Frozen Yogurt shop (thus the name) and have met monthly ever since, continuing the tradition of providing feedback to each other on poems. In addition to Bishop Rob, those reading on April 8 to create a polyphony of poetic music include David Coursin, Gail DiMaggio, Hope Jordan, Grace Mattern, and Kay Morgan. Seating is limited. Learn more and register here.

A Conversation on Hope with Bishops Budde, Loya, and Hunn

Thursday, April 3, 7 - 8:15 p.m.

Bishops Mariann Budde (Diocese of Washington, DC), Craig Loya (Diocese of Minnesota), and Michael Hunn (Diocese of the Rio Grande) will join facilitator Dr. Catherine Meeks, director of event sponsor Turquoise and Lavender, for what promises to be a "powerful and thought-provoking" virtual conversation. The three bishops have "all courageously embraced truth-telling and continue to affirm that mercy and courage are essential in the face of silence." Learn more and register here.

City Walk Stations of the Cross

Good Friday, April 18, 3 p.m.

St. Andrew's, Manchester

All are invited to City Walk Stations of the Cross walking along the Merrimack River in the center of Manchester. The Stations will prayerfully recall Jesus' ordeal, connecting it to issues of ecological degradation, colonialism, poverty, and signs of hope and justice in today's community. The walk will be about 2 1/4 miles. The group will gather at St. Andrew's, which is co-hosting the walk along with Deacon Chris Potter and SpiritBound digital mission.

Learn more at the Facebook event link.

Important Note Regarding Stock and Mutual Fund Gifts

The diocesan finance office is happy to process stock and mutual fund donations to congregations. If someone in your congregation is interested in donating stock or mutual funds, please contact Director of Finance Lauren Tennett for the latest donation instructions. It is critical that the donor contact Lauren as soon as the transfer is initiated. Stock and mutual fund gifts do not come with any indication of the donor, source account, or any other identifying information. The only way to know that a donation came from you is if you tell the finance office.

The diocesan policy is to liquidate the securities with an identified donor as soon as they are received. The proceeds will be transferred to the recipient congregation as soon as the transaction settles. Securities cannot be liquidated if the donor is unknown.

The diocese currently has several securities that have been donated by unknown donors in our donation account. If you or someone in your congregation has donated a security and you haven’t received the proceeds, please be in touch with Lauren as soon as possible. Thank you for helping to make the donation process work smoothly.

Resources

Holy Week with Jesus Text Messages

The "Holy Week with Jesus" text-message experience is back for 2025. Join in for reflections from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. This text message experience brings the events of Jesus’ final days to your phone—often at surprising hours, making you feel right there in the moment. Participants receive short, powerful Breaking News reflections from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Scan the QR code at HolyWeekWithJesus.com or text “JESUS” to (833) 510-5006. You'll begin receiving messages on Palm Sunday. See all of our Lent and Holy Week resources here .

Resources for Action

The following resources were shared with clergy at the Lenten Clergy Quiet Day earlier this month:

Silent Lenten Prayer Vigils at the State House with Bishop Rob

March 26, 31, and April 7, 14, 1 - 2 p.m.

State House Watch, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

Granite State Organizing Project (GSOP) Prayer Vigils at ICE Headquarters, first Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m., Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut St., Manchester, followed by Immigrant Solidarity Network meetings, Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Elm St., Manchester.

Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations & Episcopal Migration Ministries

Tuesdays at 1 p.m., a 30-minute Zoom update on the changing landscape of U.S. immigration, refugee, and migration policy. Register here.

NH Council of Churches

NH School Funding Fairness Project

An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice 2025

An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice is halfway through its second year. Over the past two years this program has shifted from a small pilot to open enrollment for Province 1. In this time of significant political upheaval and social change, the Path offers a model for grounded community support and activism. Enrollment for the Path is now open for the fall of 2025. If you or your community are looking to deepen your engagement around climate justice, have a committed group of at least three people, and are able to commit to monthly meetings between October 2025 and May 2026, you are invited to explore how the Path may be able to support you. Learn more here.

Diocesan Convention Information for Delegates and Churches

Delegate information for the 223rd Annual Diocesan Convention, including the Delegate Handbook, can be found here. The page will be updated as updated convocation leadership and meeting schedules are shared with the diocese. Please email Kathy Traynor with updates and questions.

Upcoming Events

Spring Religious Observance Safety and Security Webinar

Thursday, March 27, 1 - 2 p.m.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will host this webinar for faith-based

communities. DHS components and offices will share practical tools and resources to help strengthen the safety and security of places of worship. In addition, participants will be provided an updated threat briefing during the period of Spring religious observances. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Register here.

Lent Book Club Focuses on Immigrants’ Stories

Tuesdays at noon, through April 8

On Zoom

All are welcome to join the United Thank Offering and Episcopal Migration Ministries in a five-session Zoom book club this Lent on “The Ungrateful Refugee: What Immigrants Never Tell You” by Dina Nayeri. Participants will explore the experiences of refugees and what can be learned about gratitude through their stories. Register here for one or both remaining sessions.

April 1, Part 4: Assimilation

April 8, Part 5: Cultural Repatriation

A World Unraveling: A Day with Brian McLaren

Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Grand Ballroom, Westin Portland Harborview, Portland

For 25 years, influential author and activist Brian D. McLaren has navigated the complex interplay between religious faith and contemporary culture in our rapidly changing world. His work incorporates valuable insights from philosophers, poets, scientists, and theologians, addressing pressing themes such as hope, the significance of grieving, and the need for fresh perspectives on thinking, becoming, and belonging during difficult times. Join Brian for an inspiring conversation on remaining hopeful and finding purpose amid the environmental, economic, political, military, and social crises unraveling our world. Lunch is included. Learn more and register here. Early Bird registration is discounted for those who register by March 31.

Download a flyer to share with your congregation.

Iona Collaborative Annual Retreat

Monday, June 2 - Wednesday, June 4

Camp Allen, Navasota TX

Bi-vocational, priests, deacons, and lay leaders are invited to gather with other bi-vocational ministry leaders from around the country to hone their skills, reflect on their call, and leave refreshed and inspired to continue caring for their congregations and communities. Available retreat tracks are Pastoral Care and Spiritual Renewal.

Learn more and register here.

The CALL is a biweekly newsletter with timely news and information for clergy and lay leaders to help them fulfill their responsibilities.

Do you have a piece of news, business, or information for The CALL?

Let us know!

Job Openings

Church of Our Saviour is looking for a Children’s Ministry leader--someone to provide education to a small number of 4- to 10-year-old children for the first half hour of worship services each Sunday. This position will have a role in choosing the Episcopal curriculum for each Sunday. Pay is $20 per hour for four hours per week. Candidate must have a life of Christian faith and a love of teaching children. Safe Church training will be necessary. The position will be supported each week by an experienced volunteer. If interested contact our parish administrator, Abbie.

Emmanuel Church in Ashland seeks an organist or pianist to assist with Sunday worship by leading the congregation in hymns and service music. The church has a beautiful organ and a grand piano in a great acoustic space, and is a community that loves to sing. Pay is commensurate with experience. To apply, email your resume to Fr. Steve Rugg. Learn more about the position here.

Emmanuel Church—a seasonal chapel in Dublin—is looking for a priest in charge for the month of August to serve this spiritually vital summer community as priest, pastor, and teacher. A rectory is provided as well as a full array of recreational activities in the Monadnock region. Please see the job description, parish profile, and process for application here.

Is your church hiring? If so, email us with the information and/or a link to the job description on your church’s website.