grace may 2015 - manchester,...
TRANSCRIPT
Grace Notes
May 2015
Grace Episcopal Church 106 Lowell St.
Manchester, NH
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FAITH IN THE THIRD SPACE Two years ago I received a gift certificate from a parishioner for services at a local spa. After much procrastination (a spiritual gift I embrace and possess fully!) I decided to use the certificate on my birthday this past March. I made a late afternoon appointment. Then went straight from office to spa, dressed in a “God collar.” When I arrived at the spa the professional assigned to me that day immediately inquired about the God collar. Not a sur-prise, as when you wear clericals out and about in the world at large it’s as if you are wearing a sign that says, “I’m an eager listen-er. Talk to me.” The woman was kind enough to ask first (many people don’t) if it was OK that she took this time I had scheduled for myself to relax to instead engage in theological dialogue. I told her I was happy to converse and so we ended up, over the course of an hour, talking about the Bible, our faith in Jesus, and how we ap-plied our faith to our roles as mothers of young children. After leaving the spa I realized I had engaged in something I had learned about in London, an experience called “Faith in the Third Space.” “Faith in the Third Space” basically means finding God, in conversation or otherwise, in a place other than home or church. All of us have found faith in a third space—in bars, coffee shops, restaurants, museums, work environments, or the theater. Our savior Jesus Christ used “third spaces all the time.” Whether he was at the beach, walking on a road, or hanging out a the local well he struck up conversations with others that intrigued, en-gaged, and stirred up people’s faith. Jesus, when you think about it, spent more time out and about looking for people to engage with him than waiting at the temple for people to come and find him. Jesus had a knack for going to people where they were and making others feel safe. Anywhere he went he invited people to feel com-fortable owning what they thought about life, faith, and God. We are blessed to have a beautiful space called Grace Epis-copal to come to and find friendship, faith, rest, and spiritual ener-gy. But after coming here to church to find solace and rejuvenate our souls we then need to ask, where is God calling us to go? What third spaces in our lives, in our city, in the world need our energy, our vision, our love? Let’s get out there into third spaces, own our faith, and look Jesus. My bet is if we engage faith in third spaces we’ll see him everywhere we go. And others will see Christ in us. Marjorie xo+
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UPCOMING EVENTS
FELLOWSHIP POT LUCK SUPPER Thursday, May 7, 2015 5:30 – evening service
6 PM - dinner Entertainment to follow
PLEASE SIGN UP (on kiosk in Great Hall) Or email [email protected]
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME! the Fisher Cats game that is. A block of 25 tickets have been purchased for the game on Saturday, June 20th at 7:05 PM. Star Wars is the theme for the night with the team wearing special jerseys and ball caps. Fireworks will follow the game. We would love for you to join Grace Church for an evening of fun. Tickets for this event are $11 for each person. To get your tickets, please see Rich and Teddi McIntosh or email us at [email protected]
LAY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AT RUNDLETT MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCORD, NH
MAY 9TH, 2015 FROM 8:30 am to 4:30 PM
This day long event is especially designed for the Lay Leadership in our Diocese. Seminars ranging from an introduction to the structure and canons of the Episcopal Church, A Warden's Round Table, discussions around Clergy Compensation and Benefits to an opportunity to meet Dwight Zscheile, author of the book The Agile Church are being of-fered. Further details and a link for registration can be found under Congrega-tions/Lay Leadership on this website. For questions, contact either Can-on Judith Esmay at [email protected] or Lynn Eaton at [email protected]. SHAWL KNITTERS TAKE NOTE— Our final gathering for the year before summer hits will be on Monday, June 1st at 7 PM. We are gathering on this day rather than the week before so that all can enjoy Memorial Day weekend. We welcome new members and invite any and all interested in learning to knit or crochet to join us for our gathering in the Parish Library on that day.
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Faithful ,
Malachi reminds us to bring our first fruits to the house of God so that there will be food there. This scripture defines the mission of the church, serve others and bring the Lord to them. Through our clergy, our building, fellowship, outreach, and advertising, Grace Church does just that.
We, your Vestry, are writing to you share our concerns regarding the funding of parish budget. In total our pledges, loose and special offerings (i.e. those gathered on Easter), and other income (i.e. rental of space for various events) will not cover the 2015 budget or unexpected expenses that might occur. Your Vestry, in good faith, approved additional funds to pay for the costs of those who serve the congregation in worship, most especially our Associate Rector and our marvelous organist, Ken Grin-nell. At our most recent meeting one Vestry member observed that if each pledging member increasing their offering by $18 a week we would be in much better shape. Also because of the harsh winter not all pledges have been paid up to date. So if everyone gave a bit more and/or caught up on their promised pledges we would be on more solid financial ground.
What is this wider mission to serve God in the world calling us towards? Under Marjorie's leadership, the Vestry has been learning, sharing, and exploring ways for Grace to go even further in our service to others out-side our four walls (“faith in the third space”). Marjorie's trip to London has encouraged us to reflect and pray what God is calling us to do within our city and the world at large. Additionally Bishop Rob has challenged our Vestry to focus more time on the mission of our church. You will be hearing more about our ideas for mission and we encourage all to explore how they can join in this exploration through committee service.
Please reflect and pray over this letter and consider if you are able to fur-ther support the work of Grace Church in our community by increasing your financial support. Sincerely, Mary Sargent, Linda Heath, Nancy Johnson, Ed High, Richard Feren, William Bochinski, Jason Carignan, Lauren Cline, Barbara Hermann, Ann Hewins, James Higgins, Miclena Linares, Jill Porter Kevin von Braun
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GRACE CHURCH NOON DAY BOOK GROUP
Join the book group for study, enlightenment, discussion, food, and an expe-rience to be community as we explore our faith through books. We gather at noon in the Parish Library to enjoy a potluck meal and an hour or two of conversation and discussion. On May 19, 2015 we will be discussing two books: the Misremembered Man by Christina McKenna and Songs of Wil-low Frost by Jamie Ford. We will finish out the current season on June 16 with Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter. Questions? Email [email protected].
To all parishioners:
The Grace Church Prayer Ministry will now carry each name on its
Prayer List for a 2 month limited time period unless the person
requesting the prayers renews their request.
Did you know that local fresh foods are grown and sold by farm-
ers through Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success
(ORIS)?
The four farm stands run during June through the Fall. Also, ORIS
farmers sell at the Manchester Farmer's Market on Thursdays that
is in the parking lot right outside our church! We pass this on to
all so we can support both our hardworking refugees and immi-
grants as well as fresh produce.
Take note of the following farm stands which will run June through
September (with a possible extension into October, weather per-
mitting)
Mondays 2 – 5 PM: Manchester Community Health Center (145
Hollis Street)
Tuesdays 3 – 6 PM: Kalivas Park (Lake Avenue/Spruce Street/
Chestnut Street) featuring Common Earth Farms
Wednesdays 3 – 6:30 PM: Lafayette Park (92 Amory Street)
Saturdays 9 AM – Noon: JFK Coliseum parking lot (303 Beech
Street)
OUR OWN NANCY JOHNSON will have over 20 of her original
pastel art work on display at Manchester City Hall Gallery starting
April 30 and running through to the end of June. It will be on dis-
play at City Hall during business hours. Please come and view
Nancy’s beautiful art work.
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.MILESTONES Happy Birthday to the following April and May birthdays celebrants!
APRIL MAY 3 Jok Leek 2 Madlyn Gregoire Richard Matthews 4 Owen St. Onge 4 Bob Bell 5 Linn Krikorian 8 Mallory McQuade 6 Lyn Marino 10 Donna McQuade Louis Hudon Edward High 9 Carter Beck 11 Jason Carignan 10 Tim Lassonde 12 Mark Thomas Rilla Cartier 13 Yan Leek 12 Sally Addison Linda Garrish Thomas 14 Dwight Simmons Janet Mills 17 David Roy 16 Samuel Thomas 18 Edie Cummings Sam Rousseau Megan McIver 17 Jane Van Zandt 19 Dottie Koch Anay Leek 20 Yar Leek 18 Tom Suckley 23 Ian Blenkinsop 21 Barbara Ware Fiona Stagnaro 27 Tom Nagle Michael Duffy Karen Furtado Holden Kreiger 26 Brianna Harvey 27 Bob Swanson 28 Janet Keegan 29 Leighton Ricker 30 Robert Garneau Quinn Turner 31 Matthew Costley Other Milestones: Baptisms: Sebastian Ellsworth Cline (April 5)
Marriage Blessing: Renny Gabriel Widrew and Martha Lindley Davies
Widrew (April 19th)
Confirmations and Receptions: Allyson Marie Lavoie,
Kristen Stacey Lavoie, Matthew Jacob Richards, Steven Botana, Paul
Walter Gumbs, Jason R. Carignan, Miclena Bonner Linares, Edward
Sisson (April 5)
Burials: Houghton Carr, (March 28)
Joan Barr Smith (April 11) Robert Michael (April 18)
Watch over thy children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them
wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when
discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their hearts may
thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of their lives;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Book of Common Prayer, page 830
If you don’t see your birthday listed that means that we do not have it. Please call the office so that your special day can be acknowledged – or if we have it wrong, please let us know that also.
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Vestry Notes—April 2015
The Vestry gathered on Wednesday, April 15th at 7 PM in the Parish Library. We began with a prayer by Marjorie and the reading of the Norms. The Clergy Report, which covered Marjorie’s service for both March and April, was reviewed and accepted by the Vestry. The Treasurer’s Reports for February will be e-mailed to the Vestry for an electronic discussion and vote of acceptance. The Vestry discussed the need for the Planning and Finance Committee and Personnel Committee to meet to jointly devel-op and recommend a plan and procedure for a performance review process for our employees. Cost estimates for the Kitchen Renovation were presented to the Vestry by Brent Stagnaro. The next step for the project is to have plans and permit sets specified that will be reviewed and accepted by the Property Committee. $2000 was allocated for this next step. A lengthy discussion about when and how the project would be conducted followed. It was decided that the renovation would begin after the money needed was available. A fund raising project will begin in the early fall. The project, which will take roughly 60 to 90 days to install, would hopefully begin in the early winter. The Vestry would like to have some discussions about mission to center around our Kitchen Renovation. We discussed how a commercial kitchen would allow us to be able to welcome and serve people in any number of ways. The Vestry reviewed the Committee reports. The meeting was adjourned after a closing prayer at 8:20 PM. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Johnson, Clerk
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Trash to Treasure -- Part I
When we prepare meals at home, we prefer fresh and non-processed food that we can process ourselves. It gives us more variety. And it gives us the added benefit of compost. We have a bin in our back-yard where we put the fruit and vegetable peels, seeds, etc. to let it compost, and then use the resulting soil to nourish our lawn and gar-dens.
I also can do one more thing with our compost. Sometimes, before I dump it, I will add water to the bucket and squish it to make juice from the scraps. I then pour the juice through a strainer and save the liquid in a large jug. Every couple of weeks I will dilute some of the liquid and water our house plants. Ever since I started doing that, the leaves have become greener, the foliage is thicker, and the flowers have become more colorful and more numerous.
One last thing I’m guessing is that most people don’t think about what happens to the residue that results after our bodies have pro-cessed what we ate. In a city like Manchester, it’s just “flush” and it’s gone, heading to the sewage treatment plant. But what if some place doesn’t have the sophisticated technology that we do?
One town I learned about (I think it was in South America) also had a two-step process, but recruited help from Mother Nature for the sec-ond part. They had a preliminary filtering plant that removed the lumpy stuff, and then sent the remaining liquid into a nearby wetland. The plants took the “nutrients” out of the water and the growth was lush. Plants, bugs, and animals are plentiful.
Sometimes nature is a good partner to help us turn trash to treasure.
Dick Feren
AND THOUGHTS
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10th Annual Dr. Seuss Breakfast The Outreach Committee sends a huge thank you to all of you who of-fered your time, talent, and treasure to make the 10th Annual Dr. Seuss Breakfast a success. We could not do this project without your help. The Cat in the Hat (a.k.a our own Lau-ren Cline) mingled with all the children and read stories. Nancy Frankel enter-tained as Corky the Clown and a guest storyteller, Larry Frates, entertained us with stories and caricatures. The many artistic endeavors included face paint-ing, murals, Dr. Seuss hats, and a varie-ty of other crafts. Students from the Central High Art Department joined Grace Church parishioners in helping with the art projects. More parishioners signed families in, cooked and served breakfast, and cleaned up.
Thanks to all of you.
On Sunday, May 3 at 3 p.m., at Concord’s South Congregational Church, the 18-member Tall Granite Big Band will perform a fund-raiser Swing jazz concert benefiting New Hampshire Kids For Peace. This is a local inter-faith organization, with roots in Jerusa-lem, that last year brought 18 sixth-grade NH kids -- Jews, Chris-tians, and Muslims -- to a summer camp for 10 days along with 18 kids from NH/VT to learn to respect each other's religion, culture, background. The NH organization is co-led by the Rev. Richard Dutton and Rabbi Robin Nafshi of Concord’s Temple Beth Jacob. There is a $ 15.00 donation for the concert. Contact Robin Nafshi ([email protected] or 228-8581) or Dick Dutton ([email protected] or 526-4541) for more information.
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Dinner with "The Agile Church" Author Dwight Zscheile
We are excited to offer an evening with best-selling author Dwight J. Zscheile (People of the Way and, most recently, The Agile Church). Mr. Zscheile will be presenting a seminar at the 2015 Lay Leadership Institute but registration space is limited. In order to share his wisdom with a larger audience, Dwight has graciously accepted our invitation to be the Keynote Speaker at our first Pre
-Lay Leadership Institute Dinner on Friday evening, May 8.
This evening, to be held at NH Audubon's lovely McLane Center, includes a dinner buffet, beverages and dessert. Gluten-free and vegetarian options will be available. We'll have an opportunity to hear Dwight's thoughts on the chal-lenges we face as a Church, focusing on ways to participate in God's mission through innovation and experimentation. Cost for this event is $28.00 per per-son. Checks may be made out to the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire and sent to: Lynn Eaton, 63 Green Street, Concord, NH 03301. Seating for the event is limited to 100. Register early!
Call Lynn Eaton at 224-1914 or by email at [email protected] with any questions or for more information. Space is limited and on a first come, first serve basis. There will not be assigned seating. Payment is due upon registra-
tion.
When Friday May 8, 2015 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM EDT
Where NH Audubon's McLane Center 84 Silk Farm Road Concord,
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Grace Episcopal Church 106 Lowell Street
Manchester, NH 03101 Tel (603) 622-9813 Fax (603) 669-6044
[email protected] www.gracechurchmanchester.org
Clergy
The Rev. Dr. Marjorie Gerbracht-Stagnaro, Rector The Rev. Richard Matthews, Associate Rector
Vestry
Linda Heath, Warden Mary Sargent, Warden Nancy Johnson, Clerk Ed High, Treasurer
Richard Feren, Assistant Treasurer
William Bochinski, Jason Carignan, Lauren Cline, Barbara Her-mann, Ann Hewins, James Higgins, Miclena Linares, Jill Porter,
Kevin von Braun
Staff Mark Cleveland, Director of Music
Ken Grinnell, Organist Carter Beck. Organist
Justin & Nicole Otto, Church School Coordinators Marlene Thompson, Parish Administrator
Jill Porter, Bookkeeper Emery Freethey, Sexton
Susan Senneville, Nursery Care Giver
Newsletter Lauren Cline
Next Newsletter Deadline May 15, 2015
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