Redevelopment of Christ Church, Portsmouth property announced
A press release announcing plans to redevelop the property in Portsmouth currently occupied by Christ Church, drew significant interest from the media this week, including the Portsmouth Herald and the Episcopal News Service.
The diocese has partnered with the Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA), HAVEN—the state’s largest organization providing support and prevention services to those impacted by sexual and domestic violence—and Little Blessings Child Care Center, which has operated in the basement of the church building for 38 years, on a creative repurposing of the property to serve the community. The vision includes building approximately 50 units of affordable, workforce apartment rental units, a new headquarters for HAVEN’s violence prevention services, renovated facilities for Little Blessings, and a revamped worship space. A draft plan will be presented to the Portsmouth Planning Board later this month. Read the full press release here.
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One-on-One: Dean of Clergy Louise Howlett
"Because I'm a licensed therapist and a longtime priest, I brought a skill set that could be helpful in pastoral care, or giving advice around conflict in a parish, or with concerns about clergy who may be hitting challenging times in their lives. ...I have my practice half-time, and I'm here half-time, and it really is an opportunity to support Bishop Rob in pastoral care of clergy—helping the helpers—and supporting collegiality, strengthening ministries, strengthening relationships around the diocese. " Read the full interview here.
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Youth Music Teacher is a 'Hometown Hero'
Nicole Densmore, the force behind the youth community music program at St. Andrew’s, New London, is the subject of a "hometown hero" profile in the Concord Monitor. Nicole's "presence floats through the area like a melody," writes Ray Druckler of the beloved local musician who has taught in the Kearsarge Regional School District for 25 years, and makes sure music made by young people shows up everywhere in New London—including town meeting and Veteran's Day. “You’re in tears after 30 seconds because they sing it with such conviction," she says. Read the story here.
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Scholar Jared Goldfarb at St. Andrew's, New London
Sunday, April 14, 4-6 p.m.
New Hampshire native Jared Goldfarb, a scholar, educator, and activist now living in Israel, will deliver a talk entitled "Rabbinic Judaism: From Romans to Rebels to Rabbis—The transformation from Temple to Synagogue in the Rabbinic revolution at the time of Jesus." The event on Sunday, April 14 at 4 p.m. at St. Andrew's, 52 Gould Rd., New London is free and open to all. After a break for Middle Eastern treats, Jared will lead a conversation on current events in the Holy Land and the war in Gaza.
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"The Philadelphia 11" at St. Andrew's, Hopkinton
Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m.
The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire (ECNH) is celebrating 50 years of women’s ordination and the many ways the brave women and men who made this happen have continued to bless the church. Join us to watch the powerful and inspirational documentary, "The Philadelphia 11," and then share in the panel discussion following.
Panelists will include: The Revs. Molly Bidwell and Anne Webb, two of the first women to be ordained in NH, and the Rev. Mary Beale, the first woman ordained in the diocese of Erie, PA. The Rev. Jennifer Walters, one of the first openly lesbian women to be ordained in the church (Diocese of Michigan), and Bishop Rob Hirschfeld will also reflect on the ripple effects of women’s ordination in opening up the church and the priesthood in many other ways. The panel will be facilitated by the Rev. Alanna van Antwerpen of SpiritBound Digital Mission.
The documentary will be shown on April 28 at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew’s, 354 Main St. in Hopkinton. The ECNH Reconciliation Committee is sponsoring this event. St. Thomas in Dover will host a second showing of the film on May 8 at 7 p.m., more details coming soon.
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The Nissitissit String Quartet at Church of the Good Shepherd, Nashua
Sunday, April 28 4-5 p.m.
The Nissitissit String Quartet returns to Church of the Good Shepherd, 214 Main St., Nashua, for a fresh performance experience featuring musical treasures for string quartet that stretches across musical genres. Admission is free; donations will support Nashua Soup Kitchen. Read more here.
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Adelynrood Retreat & Conference Center Announces Summer Programming
Adelynrood, the Newbury, MA, retreat center operated by the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross, has announced open registration for its summer programs. These include permaculture gardening and spirituality, knitting, spiritual direction, writing, and social justice. For more information and to register, click here.
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Bishop's Visitations and Diocesan Events | |
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APRIL 2024
14 St. John’s Church, Portsmouth
14 St. Paul’s School, Concord (confirmation)
21 St. Christopher’s Church, Hampstead
28 Holy Cross Church, Weare
MAY 2024
5 St. Thomas Church, Hanover
12 Holderness School, Holderness (confirmation)
19 Episcopal Mission of Franklin, Franklin
26 Trinity Church, Claremont
** Please visit church websites for worship times and other details.
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