Life at All Saints'

August 21, 2011 - Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

"As my reward the Almighty has given me the gift of language, and with it will I offer praise to God."
- A Song of Pilgrimage
Ecclesiasticus 51:22

Anne-Marie and Bill Nichols celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary
at the Franconia Inn surrounded by friends and family.

August 7, 2011 - Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

TR Kurt is serving at the summer chapel St. Matthew's in Sugar Hill. It takes Deacon Paul Higginson, TR Bob Pollard, and preacher Mac Brown to fill in for him. Joel Nyberg was the organist

Sunday, June 26 - TR Kurt is telling more of his wonderful "same-same" stories from his trip to Thailand

Pentecost Sunday - June 12, 2011

" ... and all were made to drink of one Spirit." - 1Corinthians 12:12

Services were followed by a Lupine Festival Picnic at Serry's home in Sugar Hill

May 22, 2011 - Fifth Sunday of Easter

Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life . . . AMEN

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, St. Johnsbury, VT, hosted a world class organist from Wiesbaden, Germany who performed on their 1882 E.G&G Hook and Hastings tracker-action pipe organ with 397 pipes.

Saturday, May 14, 2011 - Memorial Service for Bill Swett

Thursday, May 12 - Music of the Spirit: Muslim Middle East

May 8 - Third Sunday of Easter - MOTHER'S DAY

May 1, 2011 - Second Sunday of Easter

EASTERDAY - April 24, 2010
Jesus Christ is Risen today, Alleluia!

Saturday, April 23 - The Great Easter Vigil

"O God. through your Son you have bestowed upon your people the brightness of your light:
Sanctify this new fire, and grant that in this Paschal feast we may so burn with heavenly desires,
that with pure minds we may attain to the festival of everlasting light;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Good Friday

Participants:
Rev. Barry Jacobson, pastor Franconia Community Church of Christ
Rev. Thomas G. Loser, pastor Northminster Community Church
Mrs. Dottie Morton, Music Director, First Congregational Church, UCC
Rev. Robert K. Schneider, pastor First United Methodist Church
Rev. David Weddington, pastor First Congregational Church, UCC
The Rev. Kurt Wiesner, rector All Saints' Episcopal Church, Littleton
Rev. Lyn Winter, pastor Lisbon/Landaff Shared Ministry
Combined Choirs of participating churches

Thursday, April 21 - The Liberation Feast and Pot-Luck Dinner

"In praising God we say that all life is sacred. In kindling festive lights, we preserve life's sanctity .
With every holy light we kindle, the world is brightened to a higher harmony. . . ."

"This is the bread of affliction which the people of Israel ate in the land of Egypt. Let all who are hungry come and eat.
Let all who are in want come and celebrate with us. . . ."

Wednesday, April 20 - Tenebrae - Service of Shadows

Sunday, April 17, 2011 - Palm Sunday

Thursday, April 14 - Lenten Noonday Concert
Joyce Roy and Barbara Serafini

They presented a half-hour concert of Piano, Piano/4 hands, Organ & Piano featuring musical "Greats" such as Rubinstein, J.C. Bach, Handel, Mozart, Mendelssohn and Hayden. Another blessing to us all!

Lenten Noonday Concert - Thursday, April 7
Warren Geissinger delighted all with organ music inspired by hymns

April 3, 2011 - FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

Two students from the White Mountain School read the lessons
Alice Oloo
Daniel Hierro
   - - - "...for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
   - 1Samuel 16:7
   - - - "Once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light."
   - Ephesians 5: 8

Lenten Noonday Concert - Thursday, March 31, 2011

Amy Mitz, Soprano
Anita Bonnevie, Piano
Judy Abbott, flute

A special spirit-filled treat that warmed
our hearts.

March 13, 2011 - First Sunday in Lent - - - ERD Sunday

Five Choirs participated: All Saints' Episcopal, Littleton
   Durrell United Methodist, Bethlehem
   First Congregation, Littleton
   First United Methodist, Littleton
   St. Rose of Lima Catholic, Littleton
Plus the Heartsong Singers and the Brass Ensemble

What a joy to come together and praise our Lord in song and music!

March 6, 2011 - Last Sunday after Epiphany

..."Get up and
do not be afraid."
- Matt.17:7

Alice Oloo, a WMS student from Kenya, read the lesson,
Joyce ran the choir through a dress-rehearsal for the Choir Festival,
Nancy sparkled the Coffee Hour with a Mardi Gras "King's Cake"

February 20 - Seventh Sunday after Epiphany

Our beloved Choir Director has a birthday

A community reception to honor The Rev. Carl Schaller, Jr.
A new Carl Schaller Trail announced by Rebecca Brown on behalf of The Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust

February 13, 2011 - Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany - February 6

A new lightbulb,
Anna's flowers,
and cookies
chased away
the winter's
gloom.

And, of course,
Kurt's stirring
sermon . . .

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany - January 30, 2011

The Children's Sermon was about the "Four Greatest Stories Ever Told."

Thursday, January 27 - Dark Night Special by the Higginson's

They spoke about their fascinating experiences and showed their entrancing photos and videos taken while visiting the Meisori School in Kenya.

Thank you for a
very interesting and
enlightening program
along with your
excellent photographs.

January 23 - Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

January 9, 2011 - Third Sunday after Epiphany

Penelope,
a student at the
White Mountain School,
participates in our
church service.

January 2, 2011 - Second Sunday after Christmas/Epiphany

" . . . I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe."
- Ephesians 1: 17-19

Laurie's granddaughter is Baptized and marked as Christ's own forever.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE - 4 p.m.

"The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. . . . "

- John:1:9

December 19 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

This was a very busy day at All Saints'

Before the 10 a.m. service TR Kurt
held a meeting with the parents of
the Sunday School children

After the 10 a.m. service everyone
enjoyed the Coffee Hour
but couldn't linger too long.

There was an extra Choir rehearsal

The Sunday School was practicing
for the Pageant on Christmas Eve

The very heavy figures for the Creche
were carefully carried out to their
places on the straw in the cold.

The Hanging of the Greens got people
on ladders and the happy teams once
again adorned the windows and ends
of the pews with greenery tied with
bright red bows.

December 12, 2010 - Third Sunday of Advent

The sermon was focused on a "Coffee Hour Question" -

Why is there a pink candle in the Advent Wreath?

During this time of
reflection, repentance and anticipation the candles are given names:
- Hope (royal purple)
- Peace (royal purple)
- Joy (pink)
- Love (royal purple)

December 5 - Second Sunday of Advent

The Giving Tree is fast becoming a Christmas Tree

November 28 - First Sunday of Advent

". . . In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
- The Song of Zechariah, Canticle 16

The Senior Giving Tree helps provide gifts for people in need.

The Sunday School made Advent wreaths
(of sorts)

Happy Birthday, Don

The Paper Doll Pledges are still coming in.

November 21 - Last Sunday after Pentecost

A celebration of Time, Talent and Treasure represented by our indicators of Stewardship to All Saints'

November 14, 2010 - Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson comes for his annual visit and a Baptism

+ + + + +

Mel gives the Ministry Minute talk about why he likes coming to All Saints'

October 31 - Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Preaching to the choir

Connie gives a Ministry Minute talk

The choir sings especially well for Joyce's family and the glory of God

The pledges are coming in . . .

Roxy shows the children the pumpkins in the church windows

October 30, 2010 - A Celebration of the Life of Frank G. Harkelrode

. . . Love doesn't die, people do
So when all that's left of me is love
Give me away.
- Anonymous

October 24 - Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Kevin and Barbara witnessed to the friendly hospitality of All Saints'
The Sunday School went shopping for Christmas gifts for the CHIP program
The first responders for the Stewardship Campaign testified to their commitment by dressing up their paper dolls

October 10, 2010 - Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday sermon

Eternal God, we thank you for these creatures who live alongside us as companions and friends; for their loyalty, love, and trust which enrich our lives and give us joy. Teach us the value of kindness, the power of mercy, the strength of gentleness; and create in us a new spirit of humility in the face of all your creatures within whose covenant they live and die. We ask these prayers through Jesus Christ, whose new covenant of love gives life to us all. AMEN

I just LLLOOOVE coming to All Saints' with Pat

)ctober 3, 2010 - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Dick Alberini served as our guest Organist and Choir Director

During the leaf season we have many visitors.

An alum of the White Mountain School (St. Mary's- in-the-Mountains) came for reunion and brought her mom.

Is this your idea of a way to express God?

Sept. 19, 2010 - 17th Sunday after Pentecost

+ + + MINISTRY FAIR + + +

Sept. 12 - Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Sunday School, with all involved, came forward for a special prayer and blessing on its first Sunday.

Saturday, September 11, 2010 - A Simultaneous Supper at my house

Don Butson took this photo. There were eleven of us happily squeezed around the table.

A message from TR Kurt was read:
   I hope all of you are having a wonderful evening. Darlene and I will have by now, hoefully, attended the Sept. 11th Vigil held at noon today at Washington National Cathedral.
   In the spirit of remembrance, let us pray:
   O God,
   Nine years ago today, this country were we live suffered a horrible tragedy.
   Many lives were lost in one tragic moment, and many more lives were forever changed.
   You wept with us that day.
   We will never forget; we can never forget.
   However, we are called to reclaim this day.
   Our humanity demands that we not lose our ability to laugh and be joyful, even as we shed a few tears.
   Our collective soul yearns for wholeness and healing; and is marked by graciousness to others, especially the stranger.
   We will not give into fear, and will never lose the hope of your promise of new life.
   Tonight we celebrate because we know You yearn for us to do so . . .
   Bless this food to our use, and us to your service
   and keep us ever mindful of the needs of others.
   In Jesus' name we pray.
   AMEN

12th Sunday after Pentecost - August 15, 2010

Joel Nyberg - guest organist while Joyce has a well deserved vacation - played "Air" from Suite No. 3 in D by J. S. Bach and ended with the universal bridal favorite, "Trumpet Voluntary in D Major" by Jeremiah Clark

The Food Pantry gets restocked

Bill and Wayne get to do the heavy work

11th Sunday after Pentecost - August 8

Sue Openhowski treated us to Franck"s "Panis Angelicus" and the Allegro of Handel's
Sonata IV in D Major on her violin.

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost - August 1, 2010

Our beloved featured singer was Ralph Aldrich

The Memorial Service for Frances F. Chase - Saturday, July 31st

Frances was a longtime and faithful member of All Saints.'

The Remembrance was held at the Maple Street Cemetery,
Bethlehem.

Reception followed at the White Mountain School.

Many members of her family attended worship on Sunday
at All Saints' coming from as far away as Bermuda.

Frances and her quiet, gentle smile will be greatly missed.

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost - July 18, 2010

Our lovely soprano soloist was Victoria Cole

July 11 - Seventh Sunday after Pentecost/Baptism

Boston Jeremiah Booker, son of Tina and Sean Booker, was sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own for ever. AMEN.

Special music for the clarinet was played by Marge Tassey, accompanied by Joyce Roy

June 27 - 5th Sunday after Pentecost

A special addition to the service was the Renewal of Vows for David and Fran Plank from Maine celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary accompanied by over 20 members of their family.

June 20 - 4th Sun. after Pentecost

TR Bob Pollard,III served as our priest.

The family of Deb and Rick Stinehour
came for their granddaughter's
Baptism.

Serry invited us all to her home for carrot cake and a hay ride

This was part of the annual Lupine Festival
It rained but no one cared.

Thursday, June 9 - Choir Party Pot-Luck at Joyce Roy's

Thanks, Joyce, for having us at your charming home
and thanks for putting up with us with good humor
when we're late, don't pay attention, sing a little off -
or too much ON

but we all think you are the BEST in every way.
You take care of our music folders,
select what we sing with great care,
tell us your funny stories,
keep us on pitch
and treat us with the greatest respect and love.

We love you, too

The summer will fly by
and we'll all be back in our robes come September.

P.S. and Thanks to your friend who made
the baked beans.

May 30 - Trinity Sunday

Some came all the way from the Czech Republic to see their daughter win the Bishop's Prize at the 2010 Graduation ceremonies at The White Mountain School.

Pentecost Sunday - May 23, 2010

White Mountain School students joined other members
of the congregation
to read the Lesson
from the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-21
in their familiar languages all at the same time.
   The languages spoken:
   - Spanish
   - Hungarian
   - French
   - Latin
   - Arabic
   - Russian
   - Hindi
   - German
   - Japanese
   - Dutch
   - Czech
   - Chinese
   - Italian
   - Swahili
   - Ukrainian

It was a wonderful spirit-filled babel of sound!

Sunday, May 16 - Mutual Ministry Review Celebration

". . . Let everyone who is thirsty
come, let anyone who wishes
take the water of life as a gift."
- Rev.22:17

The Ministry Review was celebrated
with a pot-luck lunch after services.
Goals identified in the Parish Profile
were discussed along with their gaps
- Spiritual Leadership
- Financial Leadership
- Communication & P.R.
- Growth
- In-reach
- Ecumenical Ties
- Outreach (local, national, global)

There is much to celebrate with
many heartfelt thanks to the vestry
and to TR Kurt

Thursday, May 13 - "Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance" film

Presented by Nancy Hubley and Woody Dedham

"Koyaanisqatsi" is from the Hopi language and has several meanings:
   1. Crazy life
   2. Life in turmoil
   3. Life out of balance
   4. Life disintegrating
   5. A state of life that calls for another way of living.

Thursday, May 6 - Journeys of Religious Understanding: Film Series

Presented by Woody Dedham and Nancy Hubley

This first program featured the film, "Amazing Grace" moderated by Bill Moyer

This familiar and touching song was written by a British ex-slave trader John Newton, published in 1779.

There are over 3,000 recordings on file at the Library of Congress. The song has its own web site.

The film showed various wonderful singers from all backgrounds singing this uplifting and timeless song, at work, at worship, among families, or to throngs gathered for entertainment. Children even write and sing their own verses.

Saturday, May 1, 2010 - Northern Convocation Spring Event at All Saints'

The Rev. Fran Gardner,
North Country Missioner and Rector
of St. Barnabas' Church in Berlin, NH
gave a presentation of her recent stay
in the Holy Land and her experience at
the St. George's School in East Jerusalem.

Her slides gave insight to the many holy sites
in and near Jerusalem. There were always long lines and waits to get inside the churches and shrines.
But a sense of holiness was nevertheless strong.

Today's political complications create tremendous tensions. The Settlements
made by the Israelis have greatly diminished the lands previously inhabited by the Palestinians.

Prayer and support was asked for the American
Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
http://www.americanfriends-Jerusalem.org/

The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson celebrated the Holy Eucharist

An order of service used at the Cathedral of St. George the Martyr in Jerusalem.

The Cathedral asks that we pray for the work, worship and witness of the Holy Land;
for Suheil their Bishop, the clergy and people and for a just peace for all the people of the Land of the Holy One.

The Cathedral Prayer
   Gracious Father,
   your love knows no limits
   Fill our hearts with your compassion,
   open our eyes to your presence in the world,
   enlarge our minds to understand your will.
   Take our hands and minister through them.

   Speak through our words
   and direct our feet in the path of peace
   that Christ may be revealed in us
   and the world may believe.
   Amen.

All Saints' lived up to its good food reputation

The event was enjoyed by all who came from the Northern Convocation.

The parishes are:
   St. Barnabas - Berlin
   St. Stephen's - Colebrook
   St. Mark's - Groveton
   St. Paul's - Lancaster
   Church of the Epiphany - Lisbon
   All Saints' - Littleton
   St. Luke's - Woodsville
   Church of the Messiah - North Woodstock

Spring is the time for renewal - Tuesday, April 27

. . . and change!

Yesterday the sun was shining

Today it's raining

Tonight there is snow

The Grounds Committee
and Peter Overbaugh
have worked hard to
make a big difference
after a long winter!

Fourth Sunday of Easter - April 25

"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them
to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
   - Revelation 7:17

"My sheep hear my voice.
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.
No one will snatch them out of my hand."
   - John 10:27-28

"The Father and I are One."
   - John 10:30

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The flowers are given in loving memory of
Ann Tucker Belcher

The cookies at Coffee Hour were a big hit!

Dave Stoddard takes away the remnants from the spring clean-up of the church grounds lovingly done by Audrey Richard.

Third Sunday of Easter - April 18, 2010

"You have turned my wailing into dancing . . ."
   - Psalm 30:12

"Feed my lambs" . . .
   Tend my sheep . . .
   Feed my sheep . . ."
   - John 21

Thursday evenings in April - 7 p.m. "Teach Me to Pray"

Evening Prayer Service at 6:15 p.m.

Three different prayer/meditation techniques -

April 8 - "Prayer Wisdom"
(from The Word is Very Near You by Martin L. Smith)
   Prayer is a conversation with God
   Prayer is a response to God; to join Him
   God is the Conversation

April 15 - "God Touching Us Through the Scriptures"
   (from The Word is Very Near You by M.L. Smith)
   We can experience new conversation, encounters
   of faith, struggles of life, God's disclosure in new ways
   Ask God to touch you as you read Holy Scripture

   April 29 -

Easter Day - Sunday, April 4, 2010

". . . Why do you seek the living among the dead?" - Luke 24:5

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Holy Week - Good Friday, April 2

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray you to set your passion, cross, and death between your judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and grace to the living; pardon and rest to the dead; to your holy Church peace and concord; and to us sinners everlasting life and glory; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
- BCP

Holy Week - Maundy Thursday, April 1 - Liberation Feast

The Lighting of the Candles

The Blessing

Dividing the Bread

Blessing of the Bread

The Passover Story

The story of the Exodus is remembered

The Hand Washing

The Lord's Supper

+ + + Strive for peace with all people + + +

The Agape Meal

In keeping with the meaning of the Holy Eucharist, we are reminded that God loves us and that we all are God's people; that we need God and God needs us; and that with faith in God all things are possible.

Holy Week - Wednesday, March 31 - Tenebrae (Service of Shadows)

"Save me, O God, for the waters have risen up to my neck."
   - Psalm 69:1

"Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to another."
   - Psalm 90: 1
"So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom."
   - Psalm 90: 12

"God be praised in your holy temple: be praised in the firmament of your power."
   - Psalm 150: 1
"Let everything that has breath praise our God."
   - Psalm 150: 6

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness;
   in your great compassion blot out my offenses."
   - Psalm 51: 1

Palm Sunday - March 28, 2010

". . . Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial."
- Luke 22:46

Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 20th Ecumenical Choir Festival

Started 20 years ago by Warren and Barbara Geissinger

Held at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Littleton

Included a Remembrance Ceremony presented by the American Legion Post 68, VFW Post 816 and the White Mountain Regional High School JROTC

The All Saints' Choir members are wearing the blue robes with white cottas

Thursday, March 18 - Eighteen gathered to celebrate TR Kurt's Birthday

Thursdays in March - 7 p.m. Adult Formation Sessions

Session 1 looks at the two modern Christian paradigms: Earlier Christianity and Emerging Christianity with regard to the Bible's Origin, Biblical Interpretation, the Bible's Function and Christian Life Emphasis

Session 2 looks at "Faith" as "Assensus", as "Fiducia", as "Fidelitas", and as "Visio"
   Credo: "I Believe" means "I Give my Heart to."

Session 3 looks at the "Heart of the Tradition" - "Believe whatever you want about whether the story happened this way; but now let's talk about what the story really means."
   Emerging Paradigm: Historical, metaphorical, and sacramental understanding of the Bible.
   - - "Listen to your life. Listen to what happens to you because it is through what happens to you that God speaks.
   It's in language that's not easy to decipher, but it's there powerfully, memorably, unforgettably." (Frederick Buchner)

Thursday, March 25 - Warren Geissinger, organist

His program of six selections included the Te Deum Prelude by Charpentier, a prelude and fugue by J.S. Bach, the definately not boring Canon in D by Pachelbel, variations of the Chorale in E by Cesar Franck, Rondeau by Mouret and the brilliant Toccata in F (abridged) by Charles M. Widor. The church was full of his appreciative fans.

Thursday, Mar. 18 - Barbara Serafini, piano/Joyce Roy, organ & piano

The excellent concert of music by Handel, Mozart and Gounod was dedicated to TR Kurt Wiesner who is celebrating his birthday today.

Thursday, Mar. 11 - The Pine Hill Singers

Director - Judy Abbott
Accompanist - Anita Bonnevie

A group of 25 women singers from NH and VT
Founded 13 years ago by Barbara Geissinger

Thursday, Feb. 25 - Marge Tassey, Clarinet/Joyce Roy, Piano

Marge Tassey is from Littleton, NH, and plays in numerous musical groups in the area. Currently she is playing with the Upper Valley Community Band, The North Country Community Band, the North Country Clarinet Ensemble, the Green Mountain Mahler Festival Orchestra, and the Connecticut River Valley Symphony Orchestra. When not playing the clarinet, Marge teaches French at Profile School in Bethlehem, NH.

Joyce Roy is a graduate in music from Oberlin College. She has been an accompanist for many groups in the area including the Jefferson Chorus, Littleton High School and The Pine Hill Singers. Joyce is Organist and Choir Director for All Saints' Episcopal Church.

Thursday Nights 7-8:30 p.m. during February, 2010:
"Totally TV - The Intersection of Popular Culture, Ethics & Religion"

Feb. 4 - M*A*S*H
Feb. 11 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Feb. 18 - The Simpsons
Feb. 25 - Glee

Sunday, February 7, 2010
We love it when old friends come back for a visit

Warren and Barbara Geissinger maintain loving friendships at All Saints' and come back occasionally from Concord for a visit.
Warren is scheduled to play the organ during our Lenten Musical Series.

Gwen Howe is 90

Her family surprised her with a big party on Saturday, Feb. 6th in the Fellowship Hall. An article with her photo was also placed in the Littleton Courier.

The Annual Meeting was well attended and, of course, had good food!

Thank you, Mary-Lu, for taking these photos.

Quoting from TR Kurt's sermon:
..."All Saints' is a place of questions and finding meaning in our shared experiences. All Saints' is a place where people with different understandings of who God is and what it means to be a follower of Jesus come together in common prayer, around a common table. ... "

New Year's Eve was celebrated with Holy Communion in the cold

TR Kurt and TR Carl Schaller shared in the duties in the gazebo at Remick Park.
Mary-Lu took the photos.

The Winter Choir Party - Wed., Dec. 30th

Nancy and Woody hosted the choir members and their spouses at their home in Franconia with a pot-luck dinner. First, there was a brief Choir Practice conducted by Roxy and accompanied by Serry. Unfortunately, our Choir Director was unable to attend even though she so kindly, and with some effort, earlier brought her promised food!
TR Kurt came to thank the Choir for all the fine work they are doing. It is especially appreciated by him.
Of course, we in the choir know that all his sermons are directed to us!

Charlie Brown couldn't have had a better tree!

Thanks, Woody and Nancy, for having such a nice party for the Choir in your lovely and interesting home.

First Sunday After Christmas - Dec.27, 2009 - Holy Baptism for Four

Close to 100 gathered with great excitement to participate in the special Holy Communion and Baptism of four new members of Christ's church. One was a bit unsure about getting a wet head but after seeing that the others didn't mind so much he relented.
Afterwards, in the Fellowship Hall, Dennis and Beryl Little, from York, England, and founders of the Friends of Melsori School - one of our three MDG project recipients - gave a presentation about their project of raising funds to provide direct practical help for education in a small, rural area in Kenya. More can be learned at: www.friendsofmeisorischool.org.uk

CHRISTMAS EVE - Thurs., Dec. 24, 2009

At 4:00 p.m. - The Family Service attracted over ninety people. Deb Stinehour led the Sunday School in their pageant and incorporated the theme of GIFTS. Actually WE are the gifts. God's gifts. This was beautifully illustrated by showing a large box all gaily wrapped in holiday paper and ribbon. Inside, cleverly, was a large mirror which reflected the smiling faces of all who passed by it.

At 9:30 p.m. - Joyce Roy on the organ, Barbara Serafini on the piano and Nancy Hubley with her flute, played lovely Christmas music until the Traditional Christmas Eve Service began at 10:00 p.m. It is a "Joy to the World" to come together in this way. One feels the flowering of the Holy Spirit as the congregation sings "Silent Night" softly by candlelight . . .
Merry Christmas to us all!

The Hanging of the Greens

After services on Sunday, December 20th, the work gloves were put on. Bows, boughs, ribbon and wire were the supplies and in no time the willing helpers dressed up our place of worship in readiness for the grand celebration of our Lord's birth!

Dec. 16, 2009 - The Vestry and Search Committee celebrated TR Kurt's first year with us

A pot-luck dinner was served at Hemmie Gilmore's. Mel Brooks delighted the gathering with a clever poem with lots of laughter that followed. TR Kurt agrees it was a great first year. He and Darlene are enjoying life in the North Country.

Almighty God, creator and author of our salvation, Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we thank you for so many blessings! We have boldly worked and prayed together and been guided by You to choose our new rector at All Saints', The Rev. Kurt Wiesner. He and Darlene will indeed help us care for your people and lead us into further spirit-filled ministries: all in your Holy Name. We joyfully give thanks for what we now have and for what is to come. AMEN

Nov. 29, 2009 - First Sunday of Advent

The flowers are given to the glory of God by Bee and Brad Thayer in thanksgiving for their newest grandchild,
Riley Hollis Thayer.

Nov. 22, 2009 - Last Sunday after Pentecost - Stewardship Sunday at All Saints'

A Collect for Stewardship - Gracious God, giver of all we have and hold as stewards; grant the people of this church a deep and abiding awareness that all things come from you - including our time, our talent, and our treasure. Send your Holy Spirit to help us as we swim against the rising tides of materialism, envy, individualism, and greed in our culture. Remind us that you have asked for part of what we are given, to be returned to you as a symbol of our awareness that you give all we have. And further, help us to help each other in this grace of giving, for you are the lover of our souls and call us to nothing less than transformation in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

While singing "We are Marching in the Light of God" and "This Little Light of Mine" the congregation lit their own little candles to "let it shine, let it shine!"