February 2024

Welcome to Lent

A Lenten Message from the Bishop

In his 2024 Lenten message, Bishop Rob suggests that the liturgical season is not about giving up sweets or starting a diet—both of which are focused on the self, but rather "Ash Wednesday and Lent are the turning points of the year when we look out from ourselves and discover who we are in our relationship with others, especially those who do not comfort us because they reflect our own tastes, race, leanings, learnings, or choices."

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Lenten Resources

The Lenten Resources page on our website has been freshly updated for 2024 with meaningful ways for congregations, faith communities, individuals, and households to plan, focus, and guide their journeys through Lent. Learn more here.

Sabbath Walks at Creek Farm

This Lent, all are invited to join the Rev. Aaron Jenkyn, associate rector at St. John's, Portsmouth, for weekly Sabbath Walks on Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m. at Creek Farm in Portsmouth. Each walk includes scripture and poetry readings, and quiet contemplation and solitary walking, followed by a time for gathering and reflection. For more information email Pastor Jenkyn or call (603) 436-8283.

One-on-One

The Rev. Canon Kelly Sundberg Seaman

Dean, New Hampshire School for Ministry

In the first installment in this series of conversations with diocesan leaders about their faith-driven work, Kelly explains the mission and evolution of the School for Ministry, a four-year-old initiative that offers an alternative to the traditional seminary track.

Read the interview here.

Updates & Announcements

GSOP Faith Leader Caucus

Tuesday, Feb. 20

Clergy are invited to join the Granite State Organizing Project's (GSOP) Faith Leader Caucus for its first in-person meeting and training of 2024, on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua, 58 Lowell St.

The day will include a training in relationship building by the Rev. Jonathan Hopkins of Concordia Lutheran Church in Concord, and a "deep dive into power" with Joe Fleming of Faith in Action Leadership Strategies. Lunch is included as is time for fellowship. Register here.

Conversations Across the Pond

Wednesday, Feb. 21

Reflections from Bishop Rob will be part of a Feb. 21 online discussion between the Rt. Rev. Filomena Teta of the Diocese of Bom Pastor, Angola—the first female bishop of IAMA, the Portuguese-speaking Anglican Province in southern Africa—and the Rt. Rev. Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy of Willesden, UK and the London bishop for ALMA, the partnership between Anglican churches of London, Angola, and Mozambique. The webinar will begin at 7 p.m. GMT (2 p.m. EST). Use this Zoom link to log in.

Upcoming Events

Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks

The Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks are presented annually by the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, to "promote awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today." Held on Sundays through Feb. 25, March 10, and April 21, the talks are presented in-person at the Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrot Ave., Portsmouth, and virtually. The subject of the Feb. 18 Tea Talk is "A Question of Access and Quality: Health Care in New Hampshire." Learn more and register here.

Have Your Say Youth Retreat

Friday, March 8 - Sunday, March 10

Current middle and high school youth from the Episcopal dioceses of New Hampshire and Maine are invited to a retreat, March 8-10 (Friday night to Sunday after lunch) at Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in Greenfield.

Participants will engage in prayer, community building, fun, and discernment about how youth experience God at work in the world right now, and what they want their church to do about it. Assistance in finding carpools is available.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

Province I Formation Network Conference and Retreat

Thursday, March 14 - Saturday, March 16

The annual Province I Formation Network Conference and Retreat takes place March 14-16 at the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook. Those involved in formation for any age are invited to attend. Entitled “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Christian Formation in 2024,” the conference will offer time in large and small groups to discuss: What do we need to let go of, what do we need to reuse, what do we need to recycle? There will be time to discuss specific topics, as well as free time built into the schedule for personal retreat. Thanks to a Province I grant, the cost to attend is significantly reduced.