September 2003

Dear Friends,

Peace be with you. The summer was way too short. You probably haven't had enough rest or
relaxation and here we are with another busy fall. Hopefully, you have missed the rhythm of activity and are looking forward to the Welcome Back Brunch on September 14. This will be a great time to reconnect and to register the children for church school. There is a new program in place for those in grades 4, 5, and 6, which will be taught solely by Lisa Kinser.

We also look forward to the All Parish Event, the Bishop's visitation, a new pictorial directory, and a new cookbook. I am very pleased that another M.O.M.'s group will begin and all new moms will be contacted. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the church.

The acolytes will meet on Sunday, September 7 following the 10 AM service. I am happy to
announce that Mrs. Karen Jedfrey will be the new acolyte director. Shawn Regis will continue as head acolyte. We look forward to a fun year working together.

The Altar Guild welcomes two new members, Lucy Ann Young and Jean Ray. We begin a new year with brunch on September 6. On the same day at lunchtime, the choir will meet to begin the Fall music program. If you would like to be a part of the choir, please call Marion Clark.

As we move through the year, we look forward to starting an Alpha program here in January.
More information will follow. This program looks at basic faith questions over a tem week period by listening to videos and then sharing thoughts in a small group setting. The evening begins with dinner. Cindy Hopkins will direct this program. Call Cindy for any questions.

The Thrift shop workers have worked tirelessly to redecorate the Thrift Shop. They need help however. If you have any time between 10 AM to 2 PM on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays, please go over and let them know. You will be enriched by the outreach that they provide.

New windows have been installed in the Nichols room as well as an air conditioner. We are hoping that with good ventilation, we will be able to use that room for more meetings.

As we move through the season of Pentecost, we are aware of the growth and struggles of the early church. We also enjoy growth and God's abundant blessings in so many ways. One of the struggles of the early concerns peoples' feelings about the election of an openly gay bishop in NH. I am enclosing some insightful remarks written in a NH newsletter that you might find helpful.

As always, I look forward to seeing you on Sundays, and hearing from you anytime.

Faithfully,

Peggy