Finding Solid Rock in a Time of Shifting Sands: Insights from the Spring House of Bishops Meeting

by Susan Sherrill Axelrod
Director of Communications

To reflect on the recent House of Bishops (HOB) meeting last month at Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama, New Hampshire Bishop Rob Hirschfeld and Maine Bishop Thomas Brown joined me on Zoom for a Q+A. Our conversation has been edited for clarity and length.

Susan Axelrod: Before the HOB meeting, you gathered with other bishops from Province 1 for a retreat. Is that something you usually do?

Bishop Rob: Normally, Province 1 bishops meet during Advent for the greater part of a week. In Advent of ’24, we had to reschedule because we were called to Minneapolis for a day-long HOB meeting with the new presiding bishop. So, we thought, since we’re all going to be in Alabama anyway, why don’t we just show up a little earlier for that? Thomas arranged for the executive director of Camp McDowell to lead us on a quiet day—a nice container to reflect on our rule of life. As always, the highlight for me is just getting together outside of our usual context, exploring how God is speaking to us, comforting us, holding us, challenging us, and it’s a great time to share our fellowship in this ministry.

Bishop Brown: A big highlight of the retreat for me was that both Julia Whitworth, the new Bishop of Massachusetts, and Nathan Pipho, the new Bishop of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America were there. While we’re a tightly knit group, we are also always changing. Most of the times the bishops in New England gather, we have been a different group from the group we were the previous time.

SA: What was the biggest takeaway for each of you from the HOB meeting?

BR: I’ve been ruminating on this. What is that hymn? All else is shifting sand …

BB: My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and his righteousness. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.

BR: There you go. That brain of his is just amazing. There’s a lot of sinking sand. We are living in a world with a whole new level of chaos and change that is making us uneasy. The church is shifting with the new presiding bishop who has initiated a lot of structural reforms. Even though he promised these things, it still comes as a shock for many, and it’s disruptive. We’re trying to find our footing. Even though this was a meeting, it wasn’t a retreat, and we were dealing with topics that have to do with the institution—Title IV, how the church has partnered with other agencies, both in and outside the government to address the immigration crisis and ministry to our new Americans and refugees—we did not come out with any programmatic statement or a declaration about where the church stands on any one or all of these issues.

It feels that like many nonprofits and political parties—one in particular—we’re in a retreat mode before we make an advance, like we’re taking stock deliberately. There was an insertion of a quiet centering prayer every day that was new. I think there’s a sense of pressure and urgency; how long are you going to be taking stock? But there’s also a sense that we need to find out where is the solid rock that we’re standing on amid the sinking sand.

BB: I think that’s right, Bishop Rob. It’s a risky time to be a follower of Jesus right now. I think that risk is good, and I think the church is made for this moment. If we could get ourselves clear about the fact that for some of us, this is the first time we’ve had to do really hard things. In the Bishops Beyond Borders video, I quoted the Black theologian in Georgia who said, “The problem with a lot of you white people is that you’ve just been entertained for 70 years and now you actually have to do some work.” I think that we need to roll up our sleeves and declare and proclaim to our churches, especially in Maine and New Hampshire, that God has already given us everything we need to be faithful in this moment.

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe preaching at the Spring 2025 House of Bishops meeting. Photo courtesy of the Bishop of Georgia, Frank Logue

Yes, there is some risk, and the stakes are higher for some of us now than they have been, but that’s okay. One of the things that I hope for the presiding bishop is that as necessary and as much as I support all of the structural work that he’s doing, it coincides with the things that are happening in our nation’s government, and if we continue to only speak about structural reform in our church, it may sound as if we are not responding to the urgent needs of our society. I don’t think we are there right now, but I will want to work with everybody to make sure that we are also addressing issues that impact people’s lives on a day-to-day basis.

I also want to say something about a specific part of the meeting and the presiding bishop’s focus on Title IV disciplinary matters, particularly as they pertain to bishops. When the presiding bishop took office in November, there were over 30 cases pending, and now that’s down to fewer than seven. He is really committed to attending to these issues. In disciplinary work, very often our lack of keeping the process going creates more harm than whatever the alleged behavior is. That’s especially true with disciplinary matters against bishops. Previously it was like molasses to get stuff done, but this presiding bishop doesn’t act at that pace, he acts with alacrity. So, things are getting done and that’s good for the church, that’s good for bishops, that’s good for people who feel wronged. It’s just good all the way around.

But he’s also doing something else. He’s working with people who have expertise in conflict that isn’t about behavioral misconduct. So, I applaud both his getting stuff done and his recognition that when someone has a concern about a bishop, it’s not always a disciplinary matter, it could be a conflict matter, and those can be solved and discussed in different ways.

BR: With this presiding bishop, there seems to be a real commitment to speak directly to issues that we’re facing. I’ve been a bishop for almost 13 years, and I’ve heard after every general convention or HOB meeting, “But we’re not really talking about the things that we need to be talking about, one of which is numerical decline, some of the demographic shifts that are happening in the church in the wider culture.” And the presiding bishop seems to say, “Let’s uncover those rocks and look at those.” So, we spent a morning looking at statistics; they’re sobering and hopeful at the same time. They’re hopeful because we’re dealing with the truth.

There was a lot of truth telling at this HOB about the state of the church, both the bad news and the good news, the challenging news and the promising news. Title IV as Bishop Brown was talking about. Also, our facing or our being caught surprised around the rise of Christian nationalism. Atlanta Bishop Rob Wright gave a presentation on that like the one he gave last year in Maine. It was a dense meeting.

Maine Bishop Thomas Brown, second from left, with other LGB bishops at the Spring 2025 House of Bishops meeting. Photo courtesy of the Bishop of Georgia, Frank Logue.

BB: Bishop Rob, I think you’re absolutely right about the truth being told. And also I heard some senior bishops who felt that trust among us is getting deeper and wider and therefore things felt real. One of the things that I think you know more about than I do, Rob, is that because the presiding bishop has been a bishop for a long time, he knows everybody very well. That matters doesn’t it?  The HOB is also more diverse. Frank Logue, the Bishop of Georgia, always takes group photographs, and they reveal a changing community. We’re now nearly 50 percent women. There’s a photograph of the EBAD—Episcopal Bishops of African Descent–as well as one with those of us who are LGB—there’s no T or Q yet.  For the first time there’s a Latina bishop. Every time we gather, and we get those group photographs, what I notice is that some of those communities are getting larger, and that is just a beautiful thing to see.

BR: Underscoring that was during the big day of all the graphs and the statistics around the life of the church from the statisticians, the factoid that among those who are priests, deacons and bishops, the HOB is the most diverse in terms of gender, race, and sexual orientation. That’s been the work of deliberate recruiting and supporting those who may feel called to the Episcopate.

SA: I think you’ve just answered my next question, which was, “This was the new presiding Bishop’s first time leading the HOB. What about his message and leadership resonates the most with you?”

BR: I think he’s convinced as I am—and I think Thomas is—that this church is built for times such as these. It’s a church that grounds itself in a sense of community, but not necessarily a community of like-minded or like-looking people. And it’s currently involved in a project of building and strengthening that sense of community for right action, which is going to come. What that looks like, how that might express itself is in God’s mind right now, and we’re discerning it. I remember some years ago, one of Bishop Wright’s first addresses to the HOB. He referred to the crozier as a lever and suggested that we use it wisely. Also, that we need to find out where exactly the fulcrum is for a movement, where the pressure point is that’s going to be most effective.

I’ve carried that with me. I feel like right now we are in a moment where we can’t just stick the crozier in everywhere. I think the evil one is asking us to just diffuse our power and our efficacy by addressing everything that’s happening with such ferocity and frequency that it’ll weaken us. I think we’re in a place of wise discernment of finding out where is our lever that…as Archimedes said, “Give me a lever and a fulcrum and I can move the world.” That’s what we’re about right now. It’s going to be frustrating because I feel the pressure every day. “How come you’re not here, there, everywhere?” God is here, there and everywhere and God is clearly directing us in God’s inscrutable ways.

SA: Was there anything about this HOB meeting that surprised you, that you didn’t expect, either good or bad?

BB: I don’t usually go to the evening social at seven o’clock. But I did go once and there were a lot of bishops there, a lot of fun being had. When I joined the HOB, there was a small group of poker playing bishops, maybe 10 of them. Last year there was a bishop who said, “I’m more of a wine and Uno girl.” So, she started an Uno table. The night that I went this year, there were seven tables of Uno being played, with people of all ages, races, and languages, some people learning to play Uno for the first time, and some playing Uno for the first time in 20 years. A delightful surprise was seeing how much fun they had with each other. And because I’m still relatively new, I’ve of course heard stories of when there were bishops who wouldn’t even speak to each other, going back as recently as the early 1990s, particularly around human sexuality. I just don’t think that’s at all true now. I don’t know what you would say Rob, but there’s not a single bishop that I would not gladly sit down and have a cup of coffee with.

BR: I totally agree. I’ve been part of this little group of self-identified contemplative bishops, and over the past five years, it’s grown from maybe five or six to 35, 40 people. And there’s no mysterious technique. It’s not a gimmick. It’s just like we need to just sit in the presence of God. And that’s been something to witness. I think it has an effect on the whole body, a ripple effect. Early on in this gathering, somebody cited Evelyn Underhill, the great twentieth century mystic and British spiritual writer, who apparently wrote a little note to the gathering of the bishops in Great Britain sometime during World War II, “My lords, I urge you to remember that the most interesting thing about the church is God.” I feel like that’s resonating among us.

BB: That’s so beautifully said. The more that we can make God the subject of our sentences, the more we’ll be able to speak to this moment and live in this moment.

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Bishops Without Borders: A Video Conversation

A time of conversation, fellowship, and prayer among the Anglican/Episcopal Bishops of Maine, Montreal, New Hampshire, Quebec, and Vermont, recorded on Friday, March 21, during the spring meeting of the House of Bishops.

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An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice 2025 Update

From the Rev. Rachel Field, project manager and Deb Baker, project coordinator 

An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice is halfway through its second year. Over the past two years this program has shifted from a small pilot to open enrollment for Province 1. In this time of significant political upheaval and social change, the Path offers a model for grounded community support and activism. Changes within The Episcopal Church and across the United States have created a landscape of uncertainty for many of our environmental ministries. Initiatives protecting wilderness and biodiversity, as well as programs to achieve zero carbon emissions are all threatened. As a friend of mine recently stated, "The work hasn't changed; it's just gotten harder." Through the generosity of the Dioceses of Massachusetts, Western Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and additional support from Province 1, the Path continues to hold space in our parishes—laying the groundwork in prayer for nurturing lay leadership, building community, and effecting impactful action. In times of uncertainty, these models of connection feel even more essential.

This year, our Companions have been witnessing and supporting goals for ecological justice, deepening commitment within parishes, and helping connect parishes to existing resources and other communities. In Brattleboro Vermont, St Michael's continues to move toward its goal of zero emissions and is incorporating adult education programming around composting, green burials, and divestment from fossil fuels. In Massachusetts, Good Shepherd Acton is using the "Love God, Love God's World" curriculum and incorporating music from the Missa Gaia (Earth Mass) into their worship life.  Earlier this year, all our Path parishes received materials from the organization Beyond Plastics, and some are incorporating these into a "plastic free" Lenten practice. In New Hampshire and Maine, we have three parishes working to discern their own unique Paths to creation justice, St. James in Keene is working to write a land acknowledgement that takes into consideration not only whose land the church is on but also the relationship the original inhabitants had with the land. 

Enrollment for the Path is now open for the fall of 2025. If you or your community are looking to deepen your engagement around climate justice, have a committed group of at least three people, and are able to commit to monthly meetings between October 2025 and May 2026, then we invite you to reach out and explore how the Path may be able to support you. The program is open to all Episcopal communities in Province 1 (CT, MA, ME, VT, NH, RI). Or if you are eager to offer support to other communities and would like to join our cohort of Companions we also invite you to contact Rachel and Deb at episcopalcreationpath@gmail.com.

An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice is a four-level initiative now available in Province 1 to encourage and support our congregations to deepen and grow in a holistic response to the climate emergency. The Path develops and equips church communities to grow in knowledge and skills as they progress along the four-fold path toward Creation Justice, which includes: Prayer, Learning, Action, and Advocacy. It provides consultation, support, community, and recognition for participating churches through its trained Companions and share their work so that others will be inspired.

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New Micah 6 Commission Will Work for Justice, Mercy, and Humility in New Hampshire and Beyond

A new diocesan committee, the Micah 6 Commission, was launched at an organizational meeting on Monday, Feb. 17. Conceived by Bishop Rob in recognition of the fact that so many of the issues we face in the world—racism, environmental degradation, educational, health care and economic inequities—are interwoven, the new commission replaces the former separate commissions dedicated to Reconciliation, Earth Care, and Our Kids.

The Micah 6 Commission prayerfully seeks to discern how the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire can follow the words of Micah 6:8, to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God,” as we witness Christ’s love to a world continually in need. “The requirement of God that we work towards justice, mercy, and humility is the aim of lifelong Christian discipleship,” said Bishop Rob. The Micah 6 commission will work ‘at the speed of relationship’ so that spiritual discernment of our role in repair and reconciliation comes through a sense of community call.” The commission will strive to partner wherever it can with agencies, both religious and secular, that are already effectively carrying out God’s mission.

At the meeting, members reflected on Micah 6:8 together and learned more from the Bishop about the “charge” to the commission. They also heard from Chair, the Rev. Derek Scalia of St. James’, Keene, about the background work that led to the commission and from Canon to the Ordinary Tina Pickering, diocesan staff liaison, about organizational logistics, beginning with 1:1 meetings to build common ground and deep relationship. April 11-12, members will go on retreat together at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, during which the commission will set group norms, roles and responsibilities, and talk about community partners and congregational relationships. Members will also begin to develop a map of the work, including looking at the efforts of the Reparations Task Force, budgeting, grant work, and more. The commission will meet monthly on the first Tuesday of the month.

In addition to Scalia and Pickering, the Micah 6 Commission is comprised of: Rev. Jean Beniste, St. Paul’s, Concord; Seth Bonvouloir, Grace Church, Manchester; Kristen Gowdy, St. Thomas’, Dover; Rev. Shawn LaFrance, Grace Church, Concord; Rev. Susan Langle, Epiphany Church, Newport; Rev. William Petersen, All Saints,’ Wolfeboro; John Rowntree, Good Shepherd, Nashua; Robert Siewierski, St. Stephen’s, Colebrook; Deborah Szauter, St. Paul’s Lancaster; and Ashley Wade, St. John’s, Portsmouth.

“At the core of the Christian faith is a commitment to love God and to love neighbor,” said Bishop Rob.  “We seek to reflect as best as we can the compassion that Jesus felt to the lost, the least, and the last among us. I am so grateful that the inaugural members of the Micah 6 commission are so eager to discern in deep prayer and courage how we can most effectively share the love of Christ in our communities.” 

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A Sabbatical Note from Canon for Formation and Vocation, the Rev. Kelly Sundberg Seaman

With gratitude to the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire and the people of Trinity Claremont, I am on sabbatical from Feb. 1 through April 30, 2025. During that time, please connect with the following colleagues:

• For the ordination process, vocational discernment, and matters related to the Commission on Ministry, the lead contact is Dean of Clergy, the Rev. Louise Howlett.

• Registration and logistics for the March COM retreat are being handled by Operations and Event Administrator Kathy Traynor.

• Safe Church, background checks, and youth formation remain in the hands of my associate, Youth Formation and Safe Church Coordinator George Swenson.

• For matters where formation meets congregational development, including the diocese’s relationship with the Iona Collaborative, connect with Canon to the Ordinary Tina Pickering.
  
  For the School for Ministry:

• Currently enrolled students, please contact SFM faculty member and interim SFM lead the Rev. Steve Rugg, or your instructor.

• SFM Wednesday community time will be student-led.

• For questions about tuition invoices or other financial matters, please connect with Director of Finance and Benefits Lauren Tennett.
  
  For Trinity Claremont:

• Trinity’s general email is welcome@trinityclaremont.org. The parish administrator will forward your message to the appropriate person at Trinity. For pastoral emergencies, please consult your directory and contact Deacon Geof.
  
  Please note that my kss@nhepiscopal.org email inbox will not be monitored until May 1.

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Northern New England Clergy Gather For First-Ever Tri-Dio Conference

Episcopal clergy from New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont gathered at Geneva Point Center in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, Oct. 6-8 to join in worship and fellowship for a first-of-its-kind meeting of church leaders from the three dioceses.

Organized by the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire’s Dean of Clergy, the Rev. Louise Howlett and Events Administrator Kathy Traynor, supported by the Clergy Formation Committee of ECNH, in consultation with the Rev. Canon Susan Ohlidal and the Rev. Rachel Field from the diocese of Vermont and the Rev. Peter Swarr from the diocese of Maine, the clergy retreat focused on communal song sharing inspired by the Brooklyn, New York-based nonprofit, Music That Makes Community (MMC).  Clergy were invited by MMC worship leaders, Nancy Willbanks and Jorge Lockward, to sing, compose, and lead others in song sharing by using accessible and easy methods to embrace songs and leadership skills. Experiencing this type of song sharing was a way both to tap the spiritual root of God’s presence in community and to uncover the musical connectivity and capability that is already present in each person through God’s gift of loving creativity. 

From left: Vermont bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown, Bishop Rob, Maine Bishop Thomas J. Brown

While taking breaks from singing, the 90-plus participants had the opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new colleagues for the first time. The rainy, yet beautiful fall days at Geneva Point Center also afforded those interest in physical activities the chance to hike, kayak, play soccer, and take in the photogenic beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee. The center’s bucolic setting and long ecumenical history of serving as a meeting place for the National Council of Churches was not lost on this group.

Bishops Robert Hirschfeld, Shannon MacVean-Brown (Vermont), and Thomas Brown (Maine) also gathered with the group to discuss future collaboration possibilities, reflect on various challenges facing The Episcopal Church, and the importance of clergy leadership. Before departing, the group shared in the celebration of the Eucharist filled with music we had learned throughout the conference. Participants left fulfilled, inspired, and looking forward to more opportunities to get together.

The clergy conference was supported financially by a generous grant from Province I and the Schofield Fund from ECNH. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New London, New Hampshire also hosted an MMC all-day workshop for lay people and other religious and music leaders.

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Vote Faithfully This Election Day

 Voting is a powerful way to make a positive impact on your community and fulfill the Gospel call to care for one another. It's not just about choosing a president—it’s about deciding on local races like city council, mayor, and school boards, which directly affect daily life. Here’s how you can help get souls to the polls!

Parish Election Challenge: Building Community with Election Engagement

Vote Faithfully Election Engagement

Make Me an Instrument of Peace, A Guide to Civil Discourse

“It is a Christian obligation to vote, and more than that, it is the church’s responsibility to help get souls to the polls. ”

— Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

Voting in New Hampshire

• 2024 Election Details

• Sample Ballot

• New Hampshire Pocket Voter Guide

Are you registered to vote? Do you need to update your address? Go to vote.gov/register.

Absentee ballots are now available, but you must meet certain criteria to vote absentee. Learn more and request one here no later than noon on Monday, Nov. 4. Ballots must be received in person no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 4 and by mail no later than 5 p.m. on Election Day.

Pray for Our Nation: Oct. 29 – Nov. 5

Let's come together across the church to offer prayers for discernment in voting and for the well-being of our nation. Starting Oct. 29 and continuing through the day after the election, you are invited to pray for the election of leaders in the U.S. Download the guide for use at home or to share with your congregation. The prayers will also be posted daily on Facebook and Instagram. To download the bulletin insert to share with your congregation, visit Forward Movement.

Election Night Virtual Prayers

Everyone is invited to join Election Night Virtual Prayers hosted by The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations from 8 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 5. Bishop Sean Rowe, who will become presiding bishop on Nov. 1, will offer an opening reflection and prayer.

Episcopalians from around the church will hold silence and lead participants in prayers together for peace, the nation, and all people and countries. Join the event via Zoom by registering here, or watch a livestream on The Episcopal Public Policy Network’s Facebook page.

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New Book Document's St. James Keene's Historic Needlepoint Collection

Similar to today, the early 1970s were times of great societal and religious change. The Anglican religious needlework tradition, which at this period turned to collections of needlepoint kneelers and cushions, produced numerous collections in Britain and the U.S. that reflect their societies' struggle to honor the old while embracing the new. The collection at St. James Episcopal Church in Keene rivals the best of these collections. In over 400 separate needlepoint canvases, requiring 60 volunteers and a decade of work, it explores the ancient symbolism of the church, the stories of the Bible, favorite hymns and prayers, church history, local history and events, and the individual interests and devotions of the needlepoint stitchers. All these diverse subjects of the collection come together in a comprehensive design that continues to inspire hearts and minds of St. James' parishioners. Yet, as the church has continued to change and modernize, parts of the collection have gone out of use and are being elsewhere. More changes will surely follow.

 The inevitable dispersal of the St. James needlepoint collection inspired St. James parishioner Ann Carlson to write “The Needlepoint of St. James: Fifty Years of Greater Glory” (ABCarlson Publishing, July 2024, $36.99). With a foreword by the Rev. Elsa F. Worth, rector of St. James, the book provides a complete history and photographic inventory of the project; connects the individual pieces with the record of their makers and of the hundreds of memorial dedications that were given to make the project possible, and tells the story of how this collection has contributed to the life of the community, then and in the ensuing 50 years.  It also serves as a companion to a book written by the projects' original director, Mrs. Mary P. Olsen. Mrs. Olsen's book, “For the Greater Glory: A Church Needlepoint Handbook” (Seabury Press, 1980), is a reference book of how this project was completed, with detailed instructions for planning, organizing and directing other large needlepoint projects.

Through the end of 2024, Carlson is offering a special discount for readers of The Vine at her print cost ($22/copy), which can be accessed by ordering the book here or via the QR code.

 Dr. Ann Carlson, is a retired aerospace scientist who spent her primary career working for the federal government, mostly at NASA. In retirement, her new career has become that of publishing artists, poets, historians and writers in niche markets, or for local audiences. Occasionally, she publishes a similar project of her own.

“The Needlepoint of St. James” by Ann Carlson

ABCarlson Publishing

Hardcover, July 2024

ISBN 978-0-9962883-4-7

$36.00; 6 x 9, 134 pages

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Resources for the Season of Creation Sept. 1 - Oct. 4

Bishop Rob is one of 42 diocesan bishops to authorize the use of the 2024 edition of "Season of Creation: A Celebration Guide for Episcopal Parishes," during this year's Season of Creation, Sept. 1 - Oct. 4.   

According to the Episcopal News Service, "developing this resource has been a grassroots effort inspired by the ecumenical Season of Creation movement, a desire for authentic Episcopal liturgical expression, and the awareness that parish leaders often have limited time and energy to prepare and plan services for every season." The guide includes prayers, readings, and hymns dedicated to honoring the sacredness of God’s Creation.

Season of Creation Celebration Guide (PDF)

Season of Creation Worship Guide

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The Rt. Rev. Sean W. Rowe Elected Presiding Bishop

By Susan Sherrill Axelrod

On a day full of prayer and celebration, the Rt. Rev. Sean W. Rowe, bishop of Northwest Pennsylvania and bishop provisional of Western New York, was elected to be the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. The election, which was decided on the first ballot, took place during the 81st General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, where on Wednesday at mid-morning, members of the House of Bishops walked from the Kentucky International Convention Center to nearby Christ Church Cathedral to cast their votes. Their decision was made by noon, with the announcement held until after a lunch break, sparking much excited speculation among members of the House of Deputies (HOD), visitors, and the press.

When it was announced, the news was greeted with elation in the HOD, which confirmed the bishops' vote by a 95-percent majority. Here is what some members of the Maine deputation had to say about the presiding bishop-elect:

"I think a lot of people are excited about Bishop Rowe, his vision, and where he may take us. He clearly has a plan, and that's pretty exciting to see." - Deputy Sarah Ambrogi

"I think he's absolutely amazing. He doesn't do top down; he's a boots on the ground kind of guy; I'm looking forward to it." - Deputy Jane Van Zandt

"One of the things that excites me most about him is that he's our first GenX Presiding Bishop, and while I think every generation brings their gifts to the church, I think as we're asking 'what is God calling us into'—this new chapter in the Jesus movement—I think he's absolutely the right person to lead us into that conversation." - Rev. Kate Harmon Siberine

"The Episcopal Church can rejoice at the prospect of being shepherded by the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe. He possesses a clear understanding of the issues and choices we'll encounter as we continue to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. He is a strategic thinker, and most importantly, he's a person of profound faith and hope." - Deputy Margaret Porter

At 49, Bishop Rowe is the youngest presiding bishop ever elected, he was also the country's youngest Episcopal priest when he was ordained at 24, and became the denomination's youngest bishop at 32. He will begin his nine-year term on Nov. 1. Read more about the presiding bishop-elect and the election process here.

Photo by Randall Gornowich

In his address to the HOD, which you can watch here, Rowe expressed gratitude to his fellow nominees, stressed that a willingness to take risks and embrace change was key to the future of the church, and urged the HOD to "hold our structure lightly," with an eye on providing more church resources for dioceses, "where ministry happens on the ground." He suggested that the time between now and his installation on Nov. 1 be considered as "a kind of relational jubilee," where anger and resentments built up during the pandemic and post-pandemic years be forgiven "for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Rowe finished his speech with a quote from "Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander," by theologian Thomas Merton, who spent much of his life in Kentucky.

“In a time of drastic change one can be too preoccupied with what is ending or too obsessed with what seems to be beginning. In either case one loses touch with the present and with its obscure but dynamic possibilities. What really matters is openness, readiness, attention, courage to face risk. You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope. In such an event, courage is the authentic form taken by love.”

Bishop Rob walks next to Bishop Rowe on the way to Christ Church Cathedral, where the House of Bishops voted to elect the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. Photo by David Paulsen, ENS

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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 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.

At St. Andrew’s, where about 100 guests attended, the Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen of SpiritBound Digital Mission facilitated the discussion. The panel included the Rev. Molly Bidwell and the Rev. Anne Webb, two of the first women to be ordained in the Episcopal Church in New Hampshire, and the Rev. Mary Beale, the first woman to be ordained in the Diocese of Erie (now the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania). “Their stories were full of courage, faith, and also pain,” said the Rev. Louise Howlett, dean of clergy for the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire. “Watching the film and hearing these brave women’s experiences was so inspiring; but it was also hard to hear faith leaders of the time negate the personhood and valid ministry of women—proclaiming that God is Father and they are also called father, so women could not lead in the image of God as men could.”

The Rt. Rev. Rob Hirschfeld, Bishop of New Hampshire, and the Rev. Jennifer Walters, rector of All Saints’ in Peterborough, also reflected on the impact the ordination of women had on the church—widening the circle of who is included and lifted up for ministry, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. Walters shared her experience as the first openly lesbian priest to be ordained in the Diocese of Michigan, for which her bishop was brought up on charges but ultimately prevailed.

The Rev. Sue Poulin, rector of St. Thomas wrote of the event her church hosted: “St. Thomas' Dover was thrilled to hold a showing of “The Philadelphia Eleven” on May 8.  We believe there were around 70 people in attendance. Following the film, The Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward [one of the Philadelphia eleven] joined us for questions and conversation via Zoom. It was a grace-filled evening. Many people who have been involved in The Episcopal Church for a long time shared that they just were not aware of the timeline of these specific events. So much was going on in our country at that time and for some this really got lost. This is another powerful example that history is so important, especially in the times we are living. How can we continue to pay attention, share stories of the past and listen as the spirit calls us forward?”

Van Antwerpen conducted a video interview with Beale, Webb, and Bidwell to capture their reflections on being the first generation of women ordained to the priesthood, which can be viewed here.

For more about SpiritBound, visit spiritbound.faith

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Reparations in the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire

Written by Betty Lane and James McKim

Over the past few years, the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire (ECNH) has passed resolutions committing the diocese to working toward racial reconciliation, healing and justice guided by the long-term commitment to Becoming Beloved Community. As a church we have affirmed the path of telling the truth about our churches and race, proclaiming the dream of Beloved Community, practicing Jesus’ way of healing love, and repairing the breach in society and institutions.

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.

The Reparations Task Force has been created. Betty Lane from Christ Church, Portsmouth and James McKim from St. Matthew’s, Goffstown are co-chairs. As per the resolution, the Task Force has representation from the Reconciliation Commission (the Ven. Derek Scalia), Diocesan Council (Lauren Tennett), Finance Lauren Tennett), Standing Committee (the Rev. Guy Collins), and the Trustees (Sarah Ambrogi). Other members include youth representative Seth Bonvouloir and the Rev. Zac Harmon, liaison to community partners and Indigenous communities. The Rev. Michele Bonner, who recently returned to New Hampshire from the Diocese of Texas, has been hired as a part-time coordinator for the effort.

The Task Force has been meeting since January. It has developed a definition of reparations for all to use. 

“Reparations is the spiritual and material process to remember, restore, reconcile, and make amends for historical and continuing wrongs such as: Peoplehood/Nationhood, Education, Health, Criminal Punishment, Wealth, and Poverty, against African American and Indigenous people that can never be singularly reducible to monetary terms, but must include repentance, a substantial investment and surrender of resources, and a guarantee of non-repeat.” 

(Note: The wrongs identified above are known as the Five Injuries; learn more here. )

The Task Force has identified work to be done in the following areas:

• Build Relationships

• Truth-Finding

• Truth-Telling 

• Repentance 

• Repairing the Breach/Rehabilitation/Restitution/Compensation 

• Evaluation/Satisfaction

To gain insights into the brokenness here in New Hampshire and to ensure that the work we do is truly effective, the Task Force has been building relationships with organizations identified as “Accountability Partners,” such as the Black Heritage Trail NH, the Cowasuck Band of the Penacook-Abenaki, BLM NH, the three branches of the NAACP, and others. To gain insights into the thoughts of members of the diocese and provide guidance on what can be done locally, the Task Force is coordinating meetings with each of the seven Convocations. To provide opportunities for truth telling and healing, the Task Force is in the process of scheduling Healing of Memories workshops which will be available for everyone in the diocese.

“This work is long-term work,” says Bishop Hirschfeld. “And we have the best minds in the diocese leading our efforts. However, as followers of Jesus, we should not wait for their plan and framework to take action. We encourage every member of the church to participate in a Sacred Ground program. We encourage every parish to live into our 219th Convention resolution to go through the program “Becoming Beloved Community Where You Are”.

For more information on the work of the Task Force or what you can do now toward reparations and Becoming Beloved Community, contact the Rev. Michele Bonner at reparations@nhepiscopal.org.

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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.

Other helpful links:

General Convention resources: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/public-affairs/gc81/.

Governance: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/organizations-affiliations/church-governance/

About us: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/about-us/

 The timeline of the church’s history:  https://www.episcopalchurch.org/organizations-affiliations/history-episcopal-church/timeline/

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Trinity Claremont's Shelter in the News

Trinity Church Claremont’s temporary shelter was featured in a story published by the Valley news and NHNPR, “Upper Valley winter shelters keep dozens warm and dry.” From the story:

“The shelter’s volunteers provided meals and overnight monitoring. Several Claremont churches, including First Congregational Church, St. Joseph and St. Mary’s provided monetary donations or volunteers to support the project.

Elizabeth Moriarty, a pastor at Trinity, said they are currently seeking a new building to house the shelter, as the church is not an adequate space for a seasonal or year-round program. In addition, they hope to partner with an organization that is experienced in staffing and running a shelter.”

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A Partnership for Portsmouth

Creative Redevelopment of Episcopal Church Property Will Further Church’s Mission To Serve The Community

On the front steps of Christ Church, Portsmouth, from left: Portland Housing Authority Executive Director Craig Welch, HAVEN Executive Director Kathy Beebe, and Bishop Rob Hirschfeld | Photo by Kathleen Soldati

The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire has announced plans to redevelop its Christ Church property on Lafayette Road in Portsmouth. The Episcopal diocese, which owns the 3.5-acre plot, has partnered with the Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA), HAVEN—the state’s largest organization providing support and prevention services to those impacted by sexual and domestic violence—and Little Blessings Child Care Center, to further the diocese’s mission to serve the community. According to Bishop Rob Hirschfeld, the vision includes building approximately 50 units of affordable, workforce apartment rental units, a new headquarters for HAVEN’s violence prevention services, renovated facilities for Little Blessings Child Care, and a revamped worship space. A draft plan will be presented to the Portsmouth Planning Board in later this month.

“This is what happens when faithful people dare to pray for a vision of God’s purposes," says Bishop Hirschfeld. “This will be a bold project that will further God’s love and care in this community. I’m grateful to all involved for their courageous collaboration.”

Christ Episcopal Church of Portsmouth has been welcoming worshippers since the original stone structure on Madison Street was dedicated in July 1883. After it burned down 80 years later, the church was rebuilt on a three-acre piece of land donated by local benefactor John Elwyn Stone, a descendant of the Langdon family, along what is now Route One. Over time, the number of congregants has dwindled to a small but dedicated group for whom maintenance of the large, red brick church building has become a burden.

Thanks to the creativity of the project’s partners, the church structure will be retained. Plans call for part of the building to be repurposed as the headquarters for HAVEN. The building will also house new space for Little Blessings, and its childcare service will continue to operate uninterrupted throughout construction. A key element of the project is continuity of Episcopal worship services, which will be relocated to the renovated former church rectory. Plans also call for the African Burying Ground at Langdon Farm, located behind the rectory and part of the Black Heritage Trail of NH, to be preserved and highlighted.

HAVEN Executive Director, Kathy Beebe, says the nonprofit has been searching for several years to find a location in Portsmouth that will give the organization more space. Headquartered in Portsmouth for over 45 years, HAVEN has grown to serve more than a third of the state. “This project is beyond exciting, and we are grateful to the Episcopal church for the opportunity,” says Beebe. “It will allow us to expand our client services, counseling, educational outreach, and provide program and office space in a centralized location.” HAVEN will continue to maintain its satellite  office in Rochester, Beebe says.

Little Blessings Child Care Center Director Dana St. Jean has served in nearly every position for 30 of the center’s 38 years, and can attest to the excellent care and education she and her staff have offered to Seacoast families. “A renovated or new space will strengthen our ability to continue providing quality services, especially in these challenging times for the early education industry,” says St. Jean. “Bishop Hirschfeld’s commitment to early education is admirable. This is a tremendous opportunity that we are very grateful to be a part of, and we look forward to our partnership with the diocese, Portsmouth Housing Authority, and HAVEN as the project develops and comes to fruition.”

According to Bishop Hirschfeld, the addition of nearly 50 units of workforce housing is meaningful development for Portsmouth, and the diocese has found the ideal partner in the PHA. “As a nonprofit agency, we have been developing and managing housing and rental apartments in Portsmouth for over 70 years,” says PHA Executive Director Craig Welch. “We envision creating well-constructed apartment units that will remain permanently affordable and will be rented at below-market rates. Addressing the housing crisis on the Seacoast has been identified as a top priority for our elected leaders and this is an important opportunity to begin making a dent in building more rental options for the vital workers in our community who can no longer afford to live in Portsmouth.” Welch goes on to say, “The PHA is so touched by the parishioners at Christ Church who are committed to their mission to serve people in our community by taking real action. Lots of people talk about values but Christ Church and its leadership should be commended for their selfless contribution to making this property available for such important work.”

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A Word of Thanksgiving—Nevertheless!

Thanksgiving came a few days early for me this year. There was no turkey, rather some cold broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots laid out on a table under a fluorescent lamp. I didn’t know several of the people around the tables. They had gathered on a cold afternoon at the Mission in Franklin on the morning after a troubled man, a friends and parishioner, likely trapped in a downward spiral of anguish, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with the local police. Just days before, a beloved former Franklin Chief of Police was slain by a disturbed and armed gunman at the State Hospital in Concord. As it turned out, even that assailant had a connection to the small group gathered at that table. In recent days Franklin had its share of sadness and grief as it faced these tragedies and the prevalence of addiction, mental illness, poverty. And yet, and yet—

Nevertheless—the church was open, coffee was brewed, and God’s people were already—already!— dreaming and thinking of ways to be even more present. They knew they had no “once and for all” answers, except to simply come alongside, offer a warm place—even for a few more hours a week—to share a cup of coffee, a phone number for help, a good word of companionship, and care as fellow children of God. I could only stay for a brief time around that table, but I experienced in that half hour nothing less than eternity.

Sometimes, probably too much, we rely on the urge of gratitude to rise within us. Waiting for that warm glow of the knowledge of blessing to overtake us may leave us feeling anything but grateful. Maybe cold, or even resentful. I heard once that we live in a “culture of pathology,” meaning that our grievances and struggles tend to dominate our attention, causing us to vent— even in times of relative prosperity. Of course, our news is dominated by graphic reports of violence raging in at least a dozen regions of the world. Civil discourse is more dire than civil. And, yes, our loved ones inevitably disappoint, or grow old, or disappear. I admit it—as a dour teenager, I usually resented my elders’ advice to just “count your blessings." That counsel usually caused me to do just the opposite, and to count my pains (including my elders!). New Hampshire Christians, despite claiming her as the secular patron saint of her hometown of Littleton, are not called to follow Pollyanna, but to follow Jesus who made the way of the Cross the way to Life.

So, having acknowledged all that gloom and grumble, however justified, here we are at Thanksgiving—that day that asks us to carve into not just a warm meal, but space and time and breath. We are invited simply to be and to acknowledge the blessing of our being. We are alive. People love you and me, sometimes even despite ourselves, miraculously! We have hope that we can walk alongside people who are suffering. We have an opportunity to turn toward light, toward community and loved ones, and toward a God whose resurrected Presence and love is stronger than all suffering, humiliation, faith, even death itself.

I am utterly grateful for the Spirit of God’s love that moves so undeniably powerfully and resiliently in the hearts, minds, and bodies of so many of us. As Jesus promised, those presences—your presence—move mountains. And along with the whole world, I have come to rely and depend on such prayers, actions, and love. I thank God for you. It makes this heart, even this one, sing for joy and gratitude.

With every blessing of thanks,

+Rob

2023 Outreach Commission Grant Opportunities & Info Night

 The Outreach Commissions of the diocese invite you to apply for grant money to support your community partnership ministries with funds from the Earth Care Commission, Our Kids Commission, Reconciliation Commission, and Sustainability Development Goals funds. Each Commission seeks to help “repair the world” through relationships with community organizations as we seek and serve Christ in all people. Read below for more information, and please note that deadlines vary from October to December.   

Interested in learning more?  You are invited on Wednesday, October 11th at 7 p.m. by Zoom the Outreach Commissions will join the Wardens & Treasurers Monthly Meeting.  Please check the weekly The Call e-newsletter for clergy and lay leaders for the monthly Wardens & Treasurers Zoom Meeting notice.   

 Commission for Earth Care 

This Commission coordinates and leads efforts to care for the Earth, encountering and honoring the face of God in all creation as we follow Jesus in relationship with God, each other, and the whole Earth. The Earth Care Commission was formed to pursue this individually, spiritually, collectively, and systemically. This Commission has supported and financed the “Solar Saints” LED parish light bulb exchange, a grant to fund the documentary “Swimming Up Stream: Indigenous Environmental Justice for our Waterways”, a community garden at Grace Church in East Concord, and some supplies needed to conduct an environmental education program for children. The Earth Care Commission welcomes grant requests up to $1000 for environmental education programs, advocacy efforts for low-income communities being especially impacted by climate change, and opportunities for people of all ages to spiritually renew their relationship with God and the earth. 

Grants Available: Up to $1,000 per project 

Deadline: No later than December 1st . 

Click here for more information and the grant application.  

Commission on “Our Kids” 

Our mission is to use the vast resources of the church to help bridge the opportunity gap facing youth in New Hampshire. The bishop’s charge to the Commission is: “To find and serve the Child Jesus in our communities by helping congregations move away from asking how can we get more young people from our community in the doors of our church to asking, how can we go out the doors of our church to serve the needs of young people in our communities?” Recent collaborations include field trip support for north country day campers; scholarships for Pine Street Players youth summer camp; Oasis Teen Drop-In Center and an afterschool choir school program with local youth.  

Grants Available: Up to $10,000 

Deadline: November 10th 

Click here for more information and the grant application. 

Commission on Reconciliation 

The Commission on Reconciliation is guided by the vision of Becoming Beloved Community, our church’s long-term commitment to racial justice, healing, and reconciliation. The Reconciliation Commission upholds the following diocesan priorities to speak to and witness in the public sphere: Immigration and Refugees; Indigenous People Rights and Reconciliation; Mass Incarceration; Racial Reconciliation; as well as Economic Inequity.  

Deadline: November 10th 

Click here for more information and the grant application. 

Sustainability Development Goals (SDG)- With Global impact in mind, the Diocesan Commission of Reconciliation supports the SDGs and has budgeted an annual grant of $10,000 which, is awarded to one or more not-for-profit organizations deemed by our SDG Committee to alleviate poverty and foster sustainable growth. For example, in past years Diocesan SDG awards have gone to a library in Sou. Africa, a Parish Health Clinic in Honduras, The Women’s Trust in Ghana, Native American Outreach in Maine, and an orphanage in Mexico.  

Deadline: October 31, 2023 

Click here for more information and the grant application. 

For further questions or discussion, reach out to the Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen, Officer for Community Engagement.  

Reflection from a Small Church Pastor

Tuesday I was alone in the Trinity office working on Sunday’s lectionary when I noticed out the window two cars pulling up and several people walking towards the front door. This is not a common occurrence on a Tuesday morning, I thought aloud. As I greeted the strangers, they each introduced themselves and came in explaining that every week they read the newsletter and knew that we would be open from 10-2. They had come to reminisce.

They explained they were in New Hampshire for only three days from London England. The matriarch of the group turned to me and stated that her grandfather, the Rev. Lansdowne, helped commission the Trinity window behind the altar of the church. I quickly realized that this was a family that felt that they had come home. The matriarch shared with me that they have an ancestor in our memorial garden, and that the chalice and tabernacle we use every Sunday was a gift from her family in memory of the Rev. Burdette Lansdowne.

I know often small churches are discouraged by the number of parishioners attending each Sunday and wonder what effect we are having in our community. It is not the huge number of members but the impact of each heart we have changed for the love of God that matters. The younger three of the seven people in the group had been baptized here as infants. I watched as they looked around in amazement at the church where they had been baptized, I reminded them that their names were in our books as a smile of belonging spread over their faces.

I took a moment to appreciate the importance of our ongoing stewardship of this sacred place. When we remember all the hearts and souls that have passed through Trinity, we can never know the impact that we have on the world.  We can be assured that God knows and blesses our efforts. These small blessings help us as we continue our walk with the Spirit of truth.

In loving service,

The Reverend Amanda Sampey

Pastor, Trinity Episcopal Church in Meredith, NH