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TONIGHT!!!

Christmas Open House

Thursday, Dec. 19, 3 - 5 p.m.

Diocesan House, Concord 

The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire is hosting a Christmas open house for all friends and family who would like to celebrate the season with Bishop Rob and the diocesan staff. Festive food and drink will be served. All are welcome!

New Hampshire Episcopalians Featured in National Podcast

"Becoming an Episcopal Outdoorswoman," held at Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center (BCH) in October, was featured on The Episcopal Church's "SpadeSpoonSoul" podcast. The event was led by the diocese's Canon to the Ordinary Tina Pickering, and Dean of Clergy, the Rev. Louise Howlett, BCH Executive Director Spencer Hatcher, the Rev. Kate Harmon-Siberine, and outdoor educator and St. Andrew's Hopkinton parishioner, Linden Rayton. Listen to the podcast here. 

Trinity Warming Shelter Needs Funding to Stay Open Past January

Trinity Claremont's warming shelter will open for the second winter season on Jan 1. This year, the shelter will operate some weeks at Trinity and some weeks at First Congregational Church, and with the intention of remaining open overnight, every night, through the end of March 2025. A partnership with Southwestern Community Services will provide training for four-to-six paid employees in addition to volunteers. However, more funding is needed to keep the shelter open beyond the end of January. According to a recent story in "the Valley News," Zadiah Eisenberg, Trinity's pastoral community connections coordinator, said that "the shelter still needs $32,000 and is seeking community donations to meet that goal." The remaining need was $25,000 as of this writing. Read more here. 

Bishop Rob's Court of Review Contribution Highlighted in ENS Story

A member of the church-wide Court of Review, Bishop Rob appeared in a Episcopal News Service piece that recounts the court's Nov. 25 meeting to hear the appeal of the Rev. Cayce Ramey, a Virginia priest who has refused to distribute or receive communion for more than three years. In May, a disciplinary hearing panel agreed with Virginia's diocesan leaders that Ramey should be removed from the priesthood for neglecting one of his primary priestly duties by continuing what he claims is a "Eucharistic fast" in protest of systemic racism by The Episcopal Church. "New Hampshire Bishop Robert Hirschfeld ... asked whether another priest, using Ramey’s logic, could refuse to distribute Communion as a fast over The Episcopal Church’s use of fossil fuels, its investments in weapons manufacturers or any similar protest in the name of seeking justice," wrote reporter David Paulsen. Read the full story here.  

From left: Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington, Dick Lewis (LCHIP), Gale Delaney (Trinity), the Rev. Canon Kelly Sundberg Seaman (Trinity), Gov. Chris Sununu, Paula Bellemore (LCHIP) Photo by Joe Klementovich

Trinity Claremont Receives State Investment Grant

Trinity Church, Claremont, is one of 26 recipients of a 2024 NH Land & Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) grant, announced on Dec. 9 by Gov. Chris Sununu at the State House in Concord. Trinity was awarded $10,000, which, like all LCHIP grants, must be matched dollar for dollar by other funds. The funds will be used to rehabilitate Trinity’s iconic 1853 stick-style building, designed by Gothic Revival architects Wills & Dudley, who worked almost exclusively in brick and stone. The church is part of Claremont’s National Register District. 

“The people of Trinity Claremont have dreamed of having the resources to invest in the care of this historic building for years,” says priest in charge, the Rev. Canon Kelly Sundberg Seaman, who was joined at the awards ceremony by Senior Warden Gale Delaney. “With LCHIP's grant matched, Trinity will repair our chimneys, have an engineering analysis of the roof timber framing done, and look for any remaining evidence of former exterior paint colors. This work is about stewarding our building so that it can be a place of welcome and inspiration, love and care, faith and hope, for generations to come.” Read more here.

International Nativity Sets on Display at St. Paul's, Concord



Nativities from around the world are on display at St. Paul’s Church in Concord. They all are part of the collection of Jillian Spring, daughter of St. Paul's music director, John Spring. All are welcome to stop in and see them! 

St. Thomas' Dover Delights Memory Care Residents With Pastoral Outreach

A year ago, the rector of St. Thomas', Dover, the Rev. Sue Poulin, shared with the Pastoral Care Committee a call she had received from Spring Village at Dover, a memory care facility: Could St. Thomas’ possibly provide a monthly worship service for the residents? The response was an immediate, unequivocal "yes." 

What was started by four members of St. Thomas' and a congregation of a half-dozen residents has now grown to nearly 30. The residents' memory for their favorite hymns, psalms and prayers were well preserved as they were embraced with warmth and affection from St. Thomas’.

Since then, one Sunday a month following church and coffee hour about 10 church members head out to Spring Village to provide a worship service with a Gospel reading, psalm, prayers and singing favorite hymns. A highlight of this Advent season was the return of St. Thomas' choristers for Christmas caroling. To the delight of the residents, St. Thomas’ children also made Christmas cards for each of them. Spring Village is a place where, as St. Benedict wrote, we are called, and “reach out to others as would Christ, with honor, kindness, mercy, and charity.”



— Submitted by St. Thomas' parishioner Catherine Judd

St. Christopher's Hampstead Collecting Coats for Shelters

St. Christopher's, Hampstead recently wrapped up a coat drive to collect new coats for residents of Emmaus House, an emergency shelter for families and individuals in Haverhill, MA. This past Sunday, the parish launched another winter coat and boot drive to benefit Lazarus House, a shelter in Lawrence, MA. Donations of new or gently used coats and boots can be made at St. Christopher's or at Epiphany Church, Newport. Learn more here.

From Deep Roots, New Life Campaign Already Making a Difference

We invite you to watch the From Deep Roots, New Life campaign celebration video. The enthusiasm and financial support of many made it possible for us to raise $2.5 million over our goal of $2 million. 

In this short video, you’ll hear heart-warming stories of impact and words of gratitude from our bishop, CFO, campaign co-chairs, School for Ministry dean, and members of our clergy and lay ministry. 



The From Deep Roots, New Life endowed fund is already making a significant difference by helping to train, place, and support our church leaders—lay and ordained. Enjoy! 

Epiphany Spirit Chats Begin Jan. 13

Spirit Chats are an opportunity for small group faith sharing. Have you ever experienced a “God incident” in your life and wanted to share it but weren’t sure where or with whom? Perhaps this has so spilled over into your daily life, you want to talk about it with others but find it difficult to find the setting. If you feel God has been moving in your life, and you want to hear from others how God is moving in theirs, the Evangelism Task Force—a joint project of the Episcopal dioceses of Maine and New Hampshire—has an opportunity and an invitation for you to share your story as you journey with others during Spirit Chats. 

Gatherings: Pick one day of the week to attend for all five sessions, which are held 7 – 8 p.m.

Mondays – Jan. 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10

Tuesdays – Jan. 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11

Wednesdays – Jan. 15, 22, 29; Feb. 5, 12

Thursdays – Jan. 16, 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13

Zoom link will be emailed following registration. If you have questions, please contact the Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen or the Rev. Tim Higgins.

Episcopal Migration Ministries, United Thank Offering Team Up for Donations

Year-end donations made to the United Thank Offering—and marked for Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM)—will go 100 percent toward the work of the church’s refugee resettlement and migration ministry. In 2024, EMM and its network of local affiliates welcomed 5,396 refugees and 1,137 individuals with Special Immigrant Visas from 48 countries.



“Each December, our thoughts turn toward the experience of the Holy Family, first as migrants to be counted in the census, and then as refugees fleeing to Egypt,” Karin Elsen, United Thank Offering board president, said in a press release. “As we consider and give thanks for our blessings this year, we are especially aware of the plight of forced migrants and refugees around the world.”

Update The Asset Map To Help Visitors Find Your Christmas Services



Created by Episcopal Relief and Development, the AssetMap is an important tool to help people find your church, learn about the services and programs you offer, and perhaps most importantly, to monitor and track disasters. During the holiday season, it is a great resource for visitors to find special events and Christmas services. To check the listing for your parish, find the map here. If you would like to suggest an update, you can find directions here.

Catechesis Of The Good Shepherd Course Offered at St. Andrew's, Hopkinton

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children, three-to-12 years old, based on the conviction that God and the child are in relationship. Inspired by Montessori methodology, it was started in 1954 in Rome and was first introduced at St. Andrew's in 2013. The Level I course, which focuses on the three-to-six year old child and is the foundation for all three levels of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, will be offered at St. Andrew's on 12 Saturdays between Feb. 22, 2025 and May 2, 2026, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information, download the brochure here. 

Service of the Longest Night

All Saints', Peterborough

Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.

A Service of the Longest Night, also known in some places as “Blue Christmas,” recognizes that the Advent season can be a difficult time. If you’re experiencing loss, a sense of disconnection from God or other people, or if you just need some quiet space on a dark night—you are welcome. We hope that you will find some balm for your soul in the darkness. 

Restoration Laos: Restoring Hope, Restoring Safety

A Night of Conversation with the Rev. Canon Michael Ambler

Thursday, Jan. 23

7 - 8 p.m. on Zoom

Listen to how a small group of people are making a transformative difference in partnership for peace and restoration

On Thursday, Jan. 23, join a conversation to learn how a community of people in Maine has partnered with the Mines Advisory Group, Mine Action Team 53 in Laos to accelerate the mission to find and destroy lethal bombs in the most remote and poorest areas of Laos still devastated fifty years after the conclusion of the Vietnam War. This team of courageous women execute their work so that villagers can once again grow rice, go to school, and live with safety and dignity. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and leave with ideas of how to share this important work with your local community.

Hosted by SpiritBound Faith, a Digital Mission in the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire.  For more on Restoration Laos click here. Register on Zoom.

Have Your Say: Teen / Tween Forum and Retreat

Feb. 7 - 9 

Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, Greenfield

Youth Formation leaders are hosting a two-night retreat for young people to reflect on and share about themselves, their journey with God and their relationships in and with church. This retreat is open to current middle and high school youth from the Episcopal dioceses of Maine and New Hampshire. This year's retreat will explore the theme "Who Do You Say That I Am?"—unpacking some of Jesus' ministry, saints among us, and our unique identities as beloveds of God.

Cost: There is an invitation to make a contribution that works for your household budget and no one will know what you contribute. The true cost per youth is $200.

Registration deadline is Jan. 15, or sooner if full. There is a limited capacity. Register here!

City Reach Program for Teens

Feb. 14 - 15

Common Cathedral, Boston



The Diocese of New Hampshire is planning an overnight service trip for 8th to 12th graders Friday, Feb. 14 to Saturday, Feb. 15 to participate in the City Reach program in Boston. Youth will have the opportunity to spend Friday night at the Common Cathedral in Boston and work beside groups from all over as they come together to worship and learn about homelessness. Bishop Rob will be joining in on Saturday as they prepare meals and go out to serve people who are unhoused in the Boston Commons area. Space is limited to 10 participants and the cost of participation is $75. However, we do not want cost to be a limiting factor for anyone so please reach out if that is a concern. More information about City Reach can be found here. Contact George Swenson to learn more or to register.

St. Andrew’s in New London is looking for a full-time curate to begin work between May and September 2025. The “Curate of Kearsarge” will “support, deepen, and extend our witness and benefit from a supportive but stretching context for his or her diaconal and priestly formation. The curate will share in the leadership of liturgy, pastoral care, Christian formation, community engagement, and parish administration.” Please read the full position description here. To be considered for the position, please send a cover letter addressed to the Rector of St. Andrew’s New London, a resume, and an OTM profile to Canon Tina Pickering.

For more information about openings and ministry opportunities in the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire, please go to our Transitions Ministry page on the website.

Is your church hiring? If so, send us a link to the job description on your church’s website.

DECEMBER

22 Bishop's Visitation, Trinity Church, Meredith

24 Chapel service with the Bishop at the NH State Prison  

24 Christmas Eve with the Bishop, St. Andrew’s, Hopkinton

24 - Jan. 1, 2025 Diocesan offices closed for the holidays

JANUARY

5 Bishop's Visitation, St. Paul’s, Concord

8 Wardens and Treasurers meeting

12 Bishop's Visitation, St. Barnabas, Berlin

16 Clergy Call with the Bishop on Zoom

15 Ordination of the Rev. AJ Boots to the priesthood, Sewanee, Tennessee

20 Bishop’s annual visit to the Society of St. John the Evangelist, Cambridge, MA

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