From the Rector

ALL PARISH WEEKEND MAY 27-29

Please join us on Friday-Sunday, May 27-29, when our parish moves to the Bishop Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in Greenfield, New Hampshire. This will be a wonderful time for all ages as we gather for relaxation, worship, and fun activities. Thank you to Stefani Schatz and her talented committee that are coordinating the weekend. I hope that you can join us for this get-away weekend. Please register by May 16.

THANK YOU, SUE

Sue Singer, who has served our parish as Priest Associate these past three years, will be moving back to California at the end of May. Sue has completed her course work for a Doctorate in Religious Education at Boston College and will be joining the faculty of Church Divinity School of the Pacific in the fall. We will miss her inspired preaching, creative teaching, and compassionate pastoral care. I will miss her presence as a trusted colleague and friend. Please join me on May 22 after the 10:30 am service in thanking Sue for dedicated ministry at All Saints.

SPIRITUALITY AND JUSTICE AWARD

At a special Holy Eucharist at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 14, we will present the eighth annual Spirituality and Justice Award to the Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson. Bishop Robinson was elected Bishop Coadjutor (a bishop who will succeed the current bishop upon his retirement) of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire on June 7, 2003, having served as Canon to the Ordinary (Assistant to the Bishop) for nearly 18 years. He was consecrated a Bishop on All Saints Sunday, November 2, 2003, and was invested as the Ninth Bishop of New Hampshire on March 7, 2004.

From 1978 to 1985, Bishop Robinson was Youth Ministries Coordinator for the seven dioceses of New England, serving two years on the National Youth Ministries Development Team, where he helped originate the national Episcopal Youth Event. From 1983 until his election as bishop, he served as Executive Secretary of Province I, coordinating all cooperative programs of the seven dioceses of New England. He has led conferences on clergy wellness in over 20 dioceses in the U.S. and Canada. He initiated "A Fresh Start," a two-year mentoring program for all clergy in new positions in New Hampshire, and co-authored the Fresh Start curriculum, now in use in nearly half of the dioceses of the Episcopal Church. Much of his ministry has focused on helping congregations and clergy, especially in times of conflict, utilizing his skills in congregational dynamics, conflict resolution and mediation. Co-author of three AIDS education curricula for youth and adults, he has done AIDS work in the United States and in Africa (Uganda and South Africa). He has been an advocate for anti-racism training in the diocese and wider Church.

He is the father of two grown daughters and the proud, new grandfather of little Morgan Isabella. He lives with his partner, Mark Andrew, who is employed by the State of New Hampshire Department of Safety. All Saints is honored to present this award to Bishop Robinson in recognition of his deep personal faith that is expressed in his work for justice for all of God's children. Please join us for the Holy Eucharist on May 14, when Bishop Robinson will be the preacher and celebrant, and for the reception that will follow.

Photo Credit: Geoff Forester, Forester Photography, Concord NH.

All Saints Spirituality and Justice Award to Bishop V. Gene Robinson on May 14

The eighth annual All Saints Spirituality and Justice Award will be presented to the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, during a Holy Eucharist on Saturday, May 14 at 11:00 am. Bishop Robinson will be the celebrant and preacher. Reception will follow. The award will be presented to Bishop Robinson in recognition of his deep spiritual faith which is manifested in his respect for all of God's children and for his courage in the face of opposition as the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church. All are invited.

THANK YOU, JENNIFER

Thank you to Jennifer Allred, seminarian from Harvard Divinity School, who is completing her field education work at our parish. We will thank Jennifer and say farewell to her at the 10:30 am service on May 1.

ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES

Spring is the time when Leslie and I were ordained to the priesthood. Please keep Leslie in your prayers as she celebrates the third anniversary of her ordination on June 8. I will celebrate my 38th anniversary on May 1. Sue Singer celebrates her ordination anniversary in December and Stefani Schatz's anniversary is in January.