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Ordination of the Rev. AJ Boots and the Rev. Nicole Benevenia
On Saturday, June 8, the Rev. AJ Boots and the Rev. Nicole Benevenia were ordained to the diaconate by the Rt. Rev. Rob Hirschfeld at St. Paul’s Church in Concord. Congratulations and blessings to the newly minted Episcopal deacons!
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Two “Philadelphia Eleven” Events Offer Reflection and Inspiration
Two-thousand twenty-four is the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in The Episcopal Church. On April 28 ,St. Andrew’s in Hopkinton, and on May 8, St. Thomas’ in Dover joined the celebration of this milestone by hosting public showings of “The Philadelphia Eleven,” which tells the story of the 1974 ordinations and the brave women and men who made it happen. Both events were attended by enthusiastic crowds and included panel discussions following the film. Read more here.
Additonally, Digital Missioner and Director of SpiritBound Digital Mission, the Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen conducted a compelling, in-depth video interview with Beale, Webb, and Bidwell to capture their reflections on being the first generation of women ordained to the priesthood. The video can be viewed here.
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Host a "Philadelphia Eleven" Screening
Parishes across the country are invited to join this year’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination in The Episcopal Church by hosting a screening of “The Philadelphia Eleven.” To encourage New Hampshire churches of all sizes to share the film with their parishioners and communities, filmmaker Margo Guernsey is offering a discount code, which will reduce the price for a public performance license to $75.
Scan the QR code to access the registration form to host a screening, and enter SMALLCHURCHLOVE in the Coupon Code box.
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Deacons Gathering with Bishop Rob: "Discerning the Future of the Diaconate"
On Saturday, June 8, ECNH deacons gathered at Diocesan House for a retreat. From left: the Rev. Chris Potter, the Rev. Paul Higginson, the Rev. Shawn LaFrance, the Rev. Mike Andres, the Rev. Qiana Johnson, the Rev. Nancy Meyer, the Rev. Geof Smith, the Rev. Lisa Beausoleil, the Ven. Derek Scalia, the Rt. Rev. Rob Hirschfeld.
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Reparations Task Force Update
The 221st Convention of the ECNH passed the resolution “Becoming the Beloved Community: A Plan for Reparations.” That resolution set forth $56,000 and called for a Reparations Task Force to develop a strategy and framework for reparations.
Why? Ongoing racial injustice continues to plague New Hampshire with disparities in access to economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and criminal justice continue to disproportionately impact non-white communities. Our baptismal vows call us, with God’s help, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves and to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being knowing that this can be challenging and yet joyful work of the church.
Read more from the update by task force co-chairs Betty Lane and James McKim and learn how you can be involved, here.
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Announcements and Updates | |
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SpiritBound Digital Mission Has a New Website
Visit the brand new spiritbound.faith to learn about SpiritBound, "an approachable, online church community offering worship, conversation forums, and faith exploration to the spiritually curious." The Facebook URL has also changed and updates are in progress. Reach out to SpiritBound pastor, the Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen with questions.
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Wanted: Church Life Photos!
Congregations are invited to share photographs of church life for our photo library and for the capital campaign annual report/storybook. Photos should be suitable for print (high-resolution, at least 3MB jpegs) and in focus; also please provide a brief caption for each one and contact info for the sender. Please send photos to our communications team email.
Note: If your event or activity includes anyone under 18, it’s always a good idea to inform parents ahead of time that you plan to take photos, and ask parents to submit a signed photo use agreement beforehand.
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June is Pride Month
This is a wonderful time to glorify the beauty and diversity of God's creation through celebrations of our LGBTQIA+ community. Many community events are being held around New Hampshire and a comprehensive guide for those events can be found here.
Is your church hosting Pride events? Email us the details to include them in future diocesan communications!
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Beach Cricket Game and Picnic
Sunday, July 14, 2 p.m.
Rye Beach
Don't miss this fun event. Learn to play a simple game of cricket with Bishop Rob and other friends at Rye Beach. Picnic to follow. Email the Rev. Jay McLeod at St. Andrew's New London with questions.
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Formation Conversations
Thursday, June 20, 10-11 a.m. on Zoom
No matter what your connection to forming Christians is, you are welcome at these informal conversations to share ideas and updates, bring questions, and pray for one another. You can come to one, two or all conversations; they are held via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month from 10-11 a.m. Reach out to Emily Keniston with questions.
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SAVE THE DATE! One-Day Workshop with Music That Makes Community
St. Andrew’s Church, New London
Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Offering paperless music, and skills to build congregational singing and community building. Open to all, especially choir directors, music leaders, any lay people who love to sing, and churches who want support in singing. Childcare will be provided.
Registration for this event will be distributed in July by St. Andrew’s Church via diocesan communications.
Contact office@standrewsnl.org with questions.
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General Convention Overview
The 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be held in Louisville, KY June 23-28. This year is especially monumental with the election of a new Presiding Bishop. If you'd like to know more about how General Convention works and what happens there, we are fortunate to have an excellent primer, written by freelance reporter Melodie Woerman and Cynde Bimbi, director of communications and public relations for the Episcopal Church in Delaware. Find it here.
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June
15 Ordination to the priesthood of the Rev. Joe Rose, St. Paul’s Church, Concord
18 Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Jean C. Beniste, St. Paul’s Church, Concord
July
14 Beach Cricket Game and Picnic with Bishop Rob at Rye Beach, 2 p.m.
D House Schedule Through September
The diocesan office will close at noon on Fridays through Aug. 30.
The office will also be closed July 4 and 5, Sept. 2 (Labor Day) and Sept. 4 (staff retreat).
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