St. Matthew’s Church, Episcopal

Parish Notes –March 4, 2010

www.stmattsepiscopal.org

May God continue to bless you as we continue through Lenten season. Historic St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is known for great liturgical music and progressive preaching in an inviting, traditional setting. Since 1867 souls have given thanks through prayer, fellowship and sharing. The 8am Sunday Service is simple and spoken. Coffee hour and fellowship time follows the 10am service which has hymns and choirs. The Nursery is staffed on Sundays during the 10am service.

This House of Prayer welcomes all people of faith on their spiritual journey. St. Matthew’s Church 7 North Mast Street, Goffstown, across from Sully’s. St Matt’s phone # 497-2003. Check us out on our website www.stmattsepiscopal.org. The website has our weekly notes, a current copy of The Matthean, and important dates listed. Just click on Publications.

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord…“Plans to give you hope and a future”

Jeremiah 29

A note from your Jr. Warden:

Thoughts on a Sabbatical, or “Are you enjoying Rev. Exner's absence?”

I ask the title question, tongue planted firmly in cheek, to provoke some thought on Bill's absence.

Of course we all miss Bill's loving and guiding presence in our lives, and look forward to his return. For many of us, he is the reason we first came to St. Matthew's. But there is a reason I ask the question that way. First, a quick discussion on sabbaticals, and why they are an important part of church life.

Diocesan policy asks each Rector to take a three month leave every five years. There are several reasons for these leaves, some are pretty straightforward in nature. One of the biggest is to facilitate continuing education. We all believe, I think, that Bill is very good at what he does. Part of that is surely do to who he is; his personality. But make no mistake, he works very hard at this. His duties conducting mass on Sunday mornings barely scratch the surface of what his position entails. Leader, counselor, spiritual advisor, community organizor, consensul builder, manager; these are just some of the job descriptions that apply. To do all this, and to do it well, requires the right person receiving a good basic education, plus continual refreshing of things learned, as well as updates on new areas of thought and new techniques. In this example, Bill is using his time to do some refreshing, to complete some non-violence training he has been working on, as well as to get updated on new ideas for dealing with teen drug and alcohol issues.

It is important, as well, for the Rector to have a chance to “unplug” from the Parish and get a bit of a breather. Like most Parish Priests, Bill loves what he does. He doesn't like being away. But it is still beneficial to him personally to have some time away, even if it is just focusing on other things for a while. Anyone who has been around him upon his return from an absence can testify to that. His normally charged, positive attitude is in turbocharged mode. He returns March 18th, be forewarned!

The last issue,and the one for which I asked the title question, has to do with all of us. Strange as it may seem, sometimes the Parish can use time away from the Rector! The following is a direct quote from Bishop Robinson in a letter to our Vestry: “The parish benefits from a "leave" as well -- reminding itself that it is not the RECTOR who makes a parish, but ALL the people.” We rely heavily on Bill, as well we should. But perhaps now might be a good time to stop and think anew about our own relationship with God. It is the Lenten Season- what does that mean? And what does that mean to me? Sometimes we can learn a little more when we don't have someone else to do our thinking for us!

Bill will be back before we know it (and fully charged!). In the meantime our Parish continues to thrive under the spiritual guidance and loving hand of Rev. Kathleen Cullen, and with the help of so many great people from our Parish who contribute so much to our church each and every week. Enjoy!

Dave Greiner

Jr. Warden

A few items:

March 7 – St. Matthew’s welcomes Rev. Pierce, a minister from Food For The Poor.

A VERY SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF THE REVEREND JAY PIERCE

Jay’s diverse education, training and experience (investment banker, trust officer, development officer, hospice chaplain) provide him with a unique prospective for his ministry with Food For The Poor. He joined the interdenominational Christian organization serving the destitute of the Caribbean, Central and South America 12 years ago. Jay’s theological education and ordination process began in his late thirties. During clinical training his concern for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the terminally ill quickly evolved into a life-changing experience as chaplain and first executive director of the Hospice of the Bluegrass (Lexington, Kentucky). He was a founding member of the board of St. Agnes’ House, a ministry of hospitality begun by the Sisters of St. Margaret that provides low-cost housing for cancer patients who must live in Lexington during periods of radiation and chemotherapy. St. Agnes House has operated for more than 30 years, serving thousands.

He is scheduled to visit churches 36+ weekends each year throughout the US, and Jay often serves as Spiritual Director for pilgrimages to Haiti and other countries served by Food For The Poor. He also works with foundations, Episcopal Dioceses and serves as liaison to the ECUSA House of Bishops.

Canonically resident in the Diocese of Lexington, Jay’s nonstipendary ministry (one who earns his living outside the church but serves the church in ordained capacities) has taken many forms: supply priest, interim, stewardship consultant, and member of the Executive Council.

Patti and Jay live in beautiful Bluegrass Kentucky country amid its rolling hills and famous horse farms and equally famous bourbon distilleries. They’re known to tell stories of their four children and thirteen grandchildren. Jay loves his Quarter Horses and delights in caring for and training them, and is shadowed constantly by Eli, his Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler).

March 11 – Vestry Meeting, Parish House 7pm

March 21 – Warden’s Breakfast 8:45-9:30am

March 28 – Teen Shop Talk 11:30-1pm

Helpful Links:

2010 Lenten Meditations: www.er-d.org/Lent then click on the photo image to sign up for Daily Meditations.

Episcopal Café – www.episcopalcafe.com

Thank you to all for the care and support- it has been overwhelming and much appreciated.

Emily has come through the surgery with flying colors and it looks like we should be able to come home today (Feb. 13). Unfortunately, the pathology on the tumor did not come back as we hoped - so Emily has a long road to recovery ahead of her. To help us share information about her treatment and progress, we have created a website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/emilydesrochers

Please visit often for updates - you can also view photos and leave messages in our guestbook.

Thank you for your continued care and support as we help Emily through this.

Josh and Jill Desrochers

“I no longer call you servants, now I call you friends” Jesus Christ

In our prayers for comfort and support

“I will refresh you” Jesus Christ

Get Well & God Bless: Emily, Josh & Jill, Andrew, Alice, Joy, Kevin, Florence, Sam, Heather, Judy, Bob, Steve, Kameron, Linda and Tom, Pete, Bob, Jen, Lydia, Bria, Shaun, Marilyn, Millie, Elaine, Laura, Lynda, Carolyn, Nancy, Nicole, Mel, Debbie, Glenn, Alice, Randy, Liam, Jude, Alice, Moira & Rick

Prayers of Thanks –

Birthdays known to us: Kellie Daneau, Amy Meyers, Fred Paquette, Meredith Wheeler, Jamie Boissonnault, Medline Cole, Jimmy Waller, Lee Simons, Bobcat Grant, Corbin Paradis, James Levesque, Kathleen Cullen, Amy Poisson and Rosemarie Fry.

Anniversaries known to us:

Be It Resolved: A General Convention Resolution asks Episcopalians to volunteer 40 hours a year to a local public school. Imagine the support we could lend our local public schools by simply asking, “How can I help?”… Just ask a local principal or teacher or coach.

Ø Sunday School is always open for all kids 10am

Ø Play Group – plays every Wednesday 10-11am

Ø Food Pantry and Clothing Center – Wednesday 6-8pm and Saturdays 10am-noon.

Ø SHINE. Sr. Citizens are welcome Wednesdays in the Parish House from 10:30-11:45 for activity, exercise and snacks.

Ø Parish Nurse –hours are 10-noon Wednesdays for anyone who would like their blood pressure checked or have general health questions.

Ø Bible Chat –Wednesdays from noon-1pm.

+ Senior Citizens and Families – Check out the 2010 Seniors Count Resource Guide for the Manchester Area. www.seniorscountnh.org or call 644-2240.

Community Spiritual Life Center

www.cslcgoffstown.org

The Community Spiritual Life Center invites you to let us know if you would like to receive an e-mail reminder of each Tuesday evening's program. Please let us know if you would like to be included at info@cslcgoffstown.org Programs run from 7 - 8:30 pm in either the Parish House or the undercroft of the Church. Please feel free to invite friends to attend.

March 2010

9^th: Faithfully Fit: Yoga: 3^rd in series – Jill Desrochers/Joan Stevens

16^th: Health/Environment: Exploring the R.E.C.I.P.E.S. for Wellness in Your Life – Joan Stevens

23^rd: Spiritual: Millennium Development Goals – Johanna Young

30^th: Book Group: The Last Week by Marcus Borg – Rev. William Exner and Jill Desrochers

April 2010

6^th: Spiritual: Journaling to Achieve Balance in Your Life – Joan Stevens

13^th: Faithfully Fit: Yoga: 4^th in series – Jill Desrochers/Joan Stevens

20^th: Book Group: - Women the Untapped Resource by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn – Jill Desrochers – this article is from Heifer International World Ark magazine

27^th: Spiritual: Jonathan Daniels film and discussion – Rev. William Exner

All programs meet at 7pm in the Parish House.

“Pray your child’s name with love in your heart. Say your child’s name with love in your voice.”

+ The Treasurer has received a number of 2010 pledge estimates back. We need to raise $146,000.00 to keep our parish going strong for 2010. St. Matt’s needs your offering to God. Thank you & Bless you. If you have pledged and requested envelopes they are available on the entry table.

2010 Pledge Drive for St. Matthew’s – Progress toward our goal of 100 pledges and $146,000.00 in estimated pledges to date. We need to make our goal by Annual Meeting January 31, 2010.

Pledges in hand- 87

Total estimated pledges $130,717. St. Matt’s needs your help.

OUTREACH

· Fuel assistance – contact 647-4470 or 1-800-322-1073 or www.snhs.org

· ‘A Safe Place’ for women in need 1-800-854-3552

· Women’s Crisis Center, Manchester 668-2299

· Apply for food stamps by phone 1-800-852-3345 ext. 4238

· The Network Food Pantry hours are Wednesdays 6pm - 8pm & Saturdays 10am – noon

· Community Clothing Center at 9 North Mast – Same hours as Network Food Pantry

· Parish Nurse, Wednesday Mornings during SHINE

· St Matt’s Play Group/Undercroft Wednesdays 10 – 11am

· The Sr. Citizen SHINE Wednesdays at 10:30-11:45am

· Weekly Bible Chats Wednesdays resumes Sept. 9 at noon

+ Winter Parish Office Hours: Tuesdays 9-noon, Wednesday 8:30-1, and Thursday 8:30-10:30. The clergy are available by appointment, call 497-2003. The Rector’s day off is Monday. For more information please see our web page www.stmattsepiscopal.org St. Matthew’s wants to be a part of your spiritual path. Remember, the only error you can make on the road to meaning and joy is not going on the trip.

Does the Church Office have your current e-mail & contact Information???

Drop us a line to keep us in the loop. Our e-mail is office@stmattsepiscopal.org .

The Network Food Pantry needs a boost in food offerings. There has been a large increase in local need. Feel free to drop food off anytime at the Parish House door. Here is a list of items that really help: pasta, sauce, TP, soups , tuna, baby food, diapers, canned veggies and fruits, rice, M+C, juices, cereals, soap, toothpaste, detergent, tea, coffee. Someone will always benefit from your generosity.

You can also help the Network Food Pantry at St. Matt’s by donating your weekly coupon fliers from the Sunday newspapers. Please donate the following: Smart Source, Red Plum and P&G. Place the coupons in the basket by the main church door.

“Christ is the Worlds True Light”

St. Matt’s needs your help – STEWARDSHIP

+ Parish Pledge Drive– Every friend and member has something to offer God. Our skills, time and money enables St. Matt’s to strengthen the spirits of our members and to serve the needs of our neighbors. Over the past several months St. Matthew’s Vestry, Rector and Treasurer have done their best to trim the 2010 budget while upholding our faithful mission and ministries. The pledge goal for 2010 is $146,000, about a 1% increase from 2009. When the Mission Budget Draft is presented at the Annual Parish Meeting in January it is my prayer that you and at least 100 other households will have indicated pledge support to meet our needs over the course of 2010. Questions? Feel free to contact Parish treasurer Linda Clark at hfmoon@comcast.net or contact the rector at 497-2003.

“Lord help us to be grateful for your whole creation, that we may honor thee with our substance and be faithful stewards of thy bounty.” (BCP pg. 329)

E-Giving

St Matthew’s now has the ability to accept donations electronically through an application called E-Giving. It is a product offered through Morehouse Publishing (a church supply company we have done business with for many years.) Through this site, you can choose to make a single contribution for a current or future date or a regular, recurring contribution. You can have the contribution come directly from your bank account or charge to a credit card and you can choose what type of contribution you wish to make. A payment toward your pledge, a donation for flowers, a special gift, ect.

There is a link on St Matthew’s website (www.stmattsepiscopal.org ) that will take you directly to the St Matthew’s E-Giving window. The very first you visit, you will be asked to enroll as a member – set up a user name and password and, if you wish, accept the ACH authorization to create bank account transactions. Once you are a member, you only need to log in using your user name and password. (Note: If you specify a regular ongoing offering for a particular time frame, please consider renewing it when the time runs out. Thanks!)

If you are interested in finding more about the application’s security, the policy can be found at the following link: http://e-giving.org/security.htm

“The Earth is the Lord’s and all that dwells therein.” (1 Corinthinian)

Anniversary? Birthday? Thanksgiving? Offerings for special occasions may be made by providing for worship in the following manner:

Candles $20.00

Sanctuary Lamp $20.00

Weekly Wafers/Host $10.00

Flower Offering $30.00

Please make checks payable to St. Matthew’s Church and either put it in the Sunday Offering plate or mail it to the church office: Office, 7 No. Mast St., Goffstown, NH 03045

Recycling: Don’t forget to bring in your print cartridges to be recycled. Just bring them in or drop off at the office.

Family Squares for the Church Quilt - Muslin squares with instructions, for the Church Quilt are available in the undercroft. If you have any questions about the quilt or how to use the squares, please contact Margie Battey at 497-2107.

+ Support for Your Business: Do you own your own business? Are you self employed? Are you an active, supportive part of St. Matthew’s programs or worshipping community? If so, you are welcome to send your business card/contact information to St. Matt’s office for inclusion on our Parish Business web page. Our goal is to help people in the parish be aware of the various talents and services available by way of others associated with the parish.

Self – Employed Small Business owners who are active, supportive members

of St. Matthew’s

Computer Assistance – Doug Doster 497-5372 He keeps St. Matthew’s humming along.

Food, Spirits & Live Blues – The Village Trestle 25 Main Street, Goffstown 497-8230 Steve and Lorraine Pascucci, owners. Adult fun, good folks.

French & Rising Funeral Home – 497-4711 Tim and Gail Kenney, owners. Long time members and good friends. Excellent and compassionate.

Jewelry – Jonathan’s Jeweler’s 460 Rt. 101, Bedford 471-2828 Jonathan Crary NH Jeweler of the Year and long time friend.

Landscaping/Yard Work – John Erlman 625-4145 Solid, friendly and knowledgeable – one of the good guys.

Market America – Leighann Shriver leighannshriver@yahoo.com. Attentive to your needs, faithful to her duties.

Martial Arts, Tai Chi –MLK Self Defense Academy 323 South Willow St., Manchester 625-4655 or www.mlksda.com Joe & Denise Sherwood From Tiny Tigers to Black Belts – a warm, supportive atmosphere.

Massage – Pat Soule 785-5306 Long time practitioner, gentle and effective.

Organization – Finely Organized 497-8203 or finelyorganized@msn.com Angie Battey Reliable and delightful.

Painting Interior/Exterior – American Beauty Painting 533-1117 Ted Harlow A true artist and hard worker.

Pampered Chef – Karyn Battey 497-3365 The very best!

Photography – George Welch 545-5335 or www.georgewelchphotography.com He’s our man! Weddings, celebrations, beauty.

Piano & Voice Lessons, Beginners to Adults welcome! – Judy Pancoast 264-9618 Experience, warmth and a love for kids!

Restaurant – Vic’s Brunch Place The Meeting Place Plaza 199 Rt. 101, Amherst 249-5822 Vic & Sarah Cotugno Excellent Food from good people.

Transitions Lifestyle System – A low glycemic, body fat burning, muscle saving, eat as much as you want of the right foods kind of food plan.  Denise Sherwood, Certified Transitions Lifestyle Coach.  603-493-3713.  Denise@SherwoodAssoc.net

Website design – Joe Sherwood email him at Joe@SherwoodWebDesigns.com

Wood crafts and Furniture – WhippleWill Woodsmith 497-3291 Jean Leduc Skill with a smile.

Friends of St. Matthew’s We Recommend

Ace Goffstown Hardware, 5 Depot Street Goffstown

Building/Home Inspections and Engineered Energy Consults - Criterium-Turner Engineers 497-3137 or www.EngineerNH.com

Catering, Breakfast – The Happy Tomato Café 4 Main Street, Goffstown 497-4072 or www.happytomatocafe.com

Crispin’s House After School Program at Mountain View Middle School www.crispinshouse.org

Electrician – Norton Phelps 973-1469 or email to nortonphelps@comcast.net

Electrician – Ian Cote 623-3535

Fine Dining – Patrick’s Country Restaurant 9 High Street, Goffstown 497-4800

Florists – Apotheca Flower Shoppe & Tea Chest Goffstown 497-4940 www.apothecaflowershoppe.com

Goffstown Public Library – resources and welcome for all ages

Groceries – Sully’s right across from St. Matthew’s

Snow Removal – Brian Untiet 497-2776

Please Note: This listing is a work in progress. It’s purpose is to support active members of St. Matthew’s and to give a friendly “shout out” to local businesses who constantly go beyond the call of duty to work with us.

Give Thanks To God Always

IN GOD’S PRESENCE IS JOY.

IN GOD’S SERVICE IS PERFECT FREEDOM.