I couldn’t do what I do if I didn’t have hope.
Jane Goodall
Dear Friends in Christ,
Our faith has rhythms, rhymes, seasons, and (ahem) commandments. They all exist to invite dedication, devotion, delight, and abundant life. And to bring hope. Really.
In much of New England October invites the rhythm of return to worship, since September is still almost summer, and school start-up is busy for many of us. So in October we have the birthday of Protestantism (Reformation Sunday, the 26th), we have World Communion Sunday, when we remember our global connections and call to peace (10/5), some people celebrate Saint Francis, the globalist, environmentalist, spiritualist, God-infused, non-materialist guy from Assisi (10/4), and then of course we find the balance between being thankful that we live in America (Columbus Day), and being mindful that folks lived here already when we set our plot plans (Indigenous People’s Day). Plus I have a birthday this month, but that is hardly newsworthy.
Amidst all this I hope you make time to celebrate communion and the Protestant church we inhabit, because this October there is so much going on culturally and globally that having a place to think, serve, pray, and sing is highly important. Having a place with great musicians, great sandwiches to share with hungry neighbors, and ideally great insights into scripture helps with the culture and globe of any moment. And notice the phrasing: make time. Only God can do that on one level, but we can, too, when something is meaningful. I hope you’ll make time for NHCC.
For example, starting this October our Deacons hope to ask a few questions of every member and friend at NHCC. It’s not a fundraiser, a drive, or a campaign. It’s a season to check in. Which we think is meaningful. We’ll ask such questions as…
- What is the most important ministry of our parish?
- If you could choose the topic, what would it be for a sermon or a worship service?
- What is something you wish our church would do in the next few years?
- And then, Would you like a visit from the pastor? Do you have an annual report and photo directory?
We will ask big questions and basic ones, and (if we do it right) the last question will be, What else should we have asked, or what would you would like to add?
Please welcome a deacon or member, and please be honest — remember, that’s the ninth commandment.
But there’s still more: continuing in October we intend to re-energize our mission to Konbit Santé, the hospital in Haiti that lost its USAID funding for maternal and infant care. They lost nine community workers, and NHCC has the ability and the vision to re-hire at least five of them. Peter Russell and Ingrid Rudié are guiding this project, along with Holly Grieb and Kitty Rieske, co-chairs of the Mission Committee. We’ll all hear more soon, when the director (from Maine) visits to share news and inspiration.
Just so you know, in mid-November the Rev. June Cooper will come to our pulpit, along with other special events, so we have an active fall.
A few of us took a challenge on September 28th to read a Psalm a day until we are done. At one-a-day we’ll finish on February 25th, and of course on January 25th we’ll hit Ps. 119, which is really, really long, so don’t lose hope. But join in, even here and there, to get to know the Psalms.
There is lots more, but these are the rhythms, rhymes, seasons, and even commandments of our community. Love God. Sing, pray, think, act, and gather for worship. Plus, welcome the stranger who brings a survey to each of us. For, perhaps we are not strangers at all.
Peace to you,
