October 2021: "Monday Medley"

I occasionally receive the email entitled “Monday Medley.” This email contains is a calendar of events /news about the New England Synod, and sometimes a short informal video from Bishop Hazelwood. The heading for his September video was, “Can we be kind during these challenging times?” He recorded the video while in Syracuse, NY for the installation of a NY bishop. He mentioned that when attends these events, he has the opportunity to meet Bishops from around the country. In talking about some areas of the country, congregations are going through very challenging times due to the harsh, cruel, and mean encounters between church attendees. I think the depth and sustained hardship related to COVID has certainly tested my patience to appreciate what I have, ability to be flexible, respond empathetically to others, and breathe through my frustrations.

Bishop Hazelwood continued in the video to say that New England is doing a good job and thanked us for being helpful for showing love and caring for others. He wants us “to learn to engage one another in helpful, constructive ways” in ways that show “decorum, Christian Love, and care.” The angst, uncertainty, extra work, and fears, can sure make everything more difficult, yet he enthusiastically encourages us to take on this challenge.

Showing kindness means considering the perspectives of others before forming an opinion, nurturing patience for things we cannot rush, holding close God’s love as we are guided in different ways, and reaching out to others to engage for support, laughter, and fellowship.

September 2021: “Faith frees us up to take in new information about who I am, who God is, and my place in the World.”

In last Sunday’s gospel on St. Mark (Chapter 7:24-37), a woman asks Jesus, “to cast the demon out of her daughter.” In Pastor Tim’s sermon, he talked about his understanding of how Jesus grew in his wisdom after his interaction with the women. Jesus seems to begin his interactions with one understanding and then shifts to another. Why did this shift happen? Did he listen more carefully? Was he beginning to form a better understanding of the heartbreaking situation of her daughter? Did he simply realize his mistake of disrespecting the women after her initial request? Hypothesizing these “whys” of Jesus’s actions could make an interesting discussion, yet Pastor’s interpretation of Jesus’s responses was the focus of not just doing what was right, but to get to what was right. The “getting to” part is the process we go through to understand what is behind a response or action. I know I sometimes don’t take the time or gather this energy to “get to what was right.”

Pastor also mentioned that, “Faith frees us up to take in new information about who I am, who God is, and my place in the World.” I couldn’t help but think about all the new information I have gained during these last 18 months of COVID. And I can’t imagine anyone not having to change their life in even a small way given new information. I know I have never experienced a sustaining worry about my health before and this is without a significant threat to my family. I can’t also help but think of the different ways we have helped others which has also helped us get through this difficult time. So many of you contribute to others at Holy Trinity and in our community... through your time, energy, baking, offerings, creativity, conversations, questions, kind words, prayers, church maintenance, communion visits, and quick smiles and hellos. We have also taken time to gain knowledge, hold discussions, acknowledge errors or misunderstandings, adapt as needed, and do what we can to enrich our lives through Jesus’ examples.

July 2021: Supporting our community, near and far.

I was in a small city on the northwest this summer for a family vacation. It’s a lovely place that seems to be family friendly, offer many outdoor activities, receives one snowfall a winter, and supports public education. I think it’s hard to accurately get the pulse of a city when you are staying for a short time, yet I think there is something to be said about ones initial “take” of a place. In this small city there is a significant population who are housing insecure (for individuals and families who are homeless.) There are probably many reasons why this problem exists, but I am guessing the lack of harsh, wintery weather is probably one significant reason. As I was driving through downtown one early evening, I saw a barefoot, unkempt young man looking through trash bins on the sidewalk. He appeared to be disorientated and was talking to himself. I wondered if he had a family? Did they know about his situation? If so, I thought how hard it must be for them to know this? What will he be doing in a year?

The city is actively working on this problem but as we all know, house insecurity involves more than just not having a bed. We know this problem carries wide ranging issues like mental illness, substance use, disease, trauma, domestic violence, and lack of affordable housing. It’s really hard to see people in difficult situations because it makes me uncomfortable and guilty that I’m not helping in some way. Fortunately at Holy Trinity we have many different ways to support our community near and far. One of the local organizations that will be starting up again in September is 68 Hours of Hunger. This organization began in Dover by Claire Bloom. She saw a need in a Dover public school to provide meals to children between Friday school lunch and Monday school breakfast. Since 2011, this program has spread into over 7 other states and is 100% volunteer run. A bag of food, averaging $10, is given to children K-12 on Friday. Holy Trinity’s Social Ministry Fund supports the purchasing of food along with the monthly packing of bags in less than an hour by Holy Trinity. As you may have read in a recent Tidings, the 68 Hours of Hunger program provided 3,400 meals to Portsmouth children during the 2020-2021 school year. It’s hard to imagine that some children worry about food or worse yet, are hungry over the weekend as parents work, juggle responsibilities, and prioritize financial necessities. What great work is being done and as we approach the start of another school year maybe you’ll feel the call to pack bags with food. Shortly after seeing this young man on the street, we left to return home. I was unable to directly help him. I hope and pray he can eventually find his way to mental and physical stability.

May 2021: Returning Home

Growing up as the oldest of five children, I was eager to leave home when it was time to go to college. While college was only 45 minutes away from home, I remember the first time I returned after about a month of being away. My father picked me up and I started thinking about the things I missed about home. Interactions with my siblings, our yard, my mother’s food, my high school friends, my bed... I was looking forward to the things I missed while at college. As we got closer to my hometown, I thought about the things I would do. This return home was enjoyable, but my experiences didn’t happen the ways I envisioned. I won’t say it was disappointing or insignificant, just different from what I remembered and had created in my heart and mind while driving home.

“Returning home” in my early 20’s feels a little like returning back inside Holy Trinity for service. I have attended two in person services. It was wonderful to hear music, enjoy the light shining through the stained glass, see familiar faces, join in to laugh with others, and reflect upon the sermons. Sure, there were things that felt a little different than a year ago, yet I felt enriched, comforted, and lifted up. I may not be alone in the way I anticipate how I will encounter my memories and experiences. As I maneuver through recent and ongoing shifts related to COVID and other guidelines, I am trying to keep in mind that my memories are just that, memories. I appreciate and value them for the purpose they service. What I know may not fit into my small slice of the world right now given all the changes and unknown outcomes. In time, and after some perspective, I believe these experiences and memories will gain their own significance.

April 2021: “Last Sunday, I discovered a bouquet of daffodils tucked inside my gardening shoes”

I would first like to say thank you to all the individuals who contributed to meaningful Lent, Holy Week, and Easter activities and services. Pastor Tim’s diverse and reflective services along with Mark Donahue’s capable media production were appreciated by parishioners who attended Holy Trinity in person and online. The musicians (both instruments and vocals) complemented the peaceful and beautifully decorated sanctuary and the glass-still water set the tone for a memorable sunrise Easter service.

Last Sunday, I discovered a bouquet of daffodils tucked inside my gardening shoes that live on my doorstep as soon as the snow melts. It was a lovely gift that reminded me of the beautiful Easter we had the previous weekend. The inklings of new beginnings and life grew out of Lent’s time of questions and reflection. During Pastor’s sermon on March 21st, he mentioned one of his favorite movies, Amazing Grace. The protagonist of this movie is the historical figure, William Wilberforce, who was the driving force in the English parliament to pass the Abolition Bill in 1789. Pastor made connections between Wilberforce’s quote, “You can choose to look the other way, but can never say again you did not know” and the charge Jesus asks of us to do messy, challenging, and uncomfortable work. Pastor also mentioned that Jesus’s rebirth breaks through the sadness of life to encourage hope, goodness, and compassion. I can remember past opportunities when I looked “the other way” from my neighbors because that was the easier, more convenient, or less scary. We are reminded that taking opportunities that could increase someone’s feeling of hope, goodness, or compassion is what Jesus asks us to do. Making shifts in my life to try and “live” the church out in the world can feel uncomfortable and overwhelming. Those daffodils emerged through the last inches of snow, matted leaves, and cold soil. Their determination to bloom year after year may encourage you to open up to new ways of “looking” toward our neighbors. Opportunities exist at Holy Trinity for serving others by using your phone or computer, supporting neighbors with food insecurity, and meeting with new neighbors who face immigration challenges. Please contact Mark in the Church office myself or should you be curious about learning about these ministries.

March 2021: New England Synod meeting of Council Presidents

Two weeks ago, I attended a Zoom meeting for Church Council presidents in the New England Synod with Bishop Hazelwood. The Synod Council has begun to hold discussions about the future of ministries in our Synod. Mr. Bill Parchen (St. Matthew, Avon, CT) and Pr. Erica Kennedy (Trinity, Chelmsford, MA) are moving forward in supporting churches to connect and learn from one another. It was decided to begin with a Zoom meeting with the Council Presidents. The purpose of this evening was to have a “conversation around the future of the church,” to connect with one another, learn some best practices, and share resources. As you can imagine, I considered this a meeting not to be missed. Approximately 100 council presidents attended.

Bishop Hazelwood spoke about the importance of Councils making decisions based on the unique characteristics of each church. He mentioned the value of providing opportunities to engage, make connections, and serve our church members and community in safe ways. A significant amount of time was spent in small breakout rooms. We discussed our experiences over the last year as well as, our struggles, successes, and concerns as we shift to warmer weather, vaccinations, celebration of life services, youth programming, and community outreach ministries. Many council presidents spoke about both successes and failures in how their churches are able to access the Internet, use technology, and find individuals with the skills necessary to support churches’ increased online presence.

A significant number of service offerings were discussed ranging from shared recorded services between churches to in-person services that began at the end of last year. The methods that members stayed connected within congregations seemed to be more challenging based on the small variety of opportunities mentioned. I explained our different service formats, music, ongoing ministries, and faith formation initiatives available to parishioners for use in their homes. When I speak to people outside of Holy Trinity, I share my gratitude for the creativity, capabilities, and commitment of Pastor, Mark D, musicians/singers, ministry leaders, and the numerous congregational members who have supported ideas and initiatives that continue to sustain us as a Church and strengthened our community.

Lent is an opportunity to weed out habits or distractions, allowing time and space for reflection, service, everyday prayer, meditation, journaling, movement, etc. I initially yearn for my usual activities, but soon I find this shift brings a renewed reminder of balance and intention. What I then find challenging is maintaining this practice or commitment for longer than the days of Lent.

February 2021: Feeling lighter

While driving in Dover doing errands last Saturday, I sensed a shift in the air. It was a day much warmer than our cold weather of late. The sun was shining and there were many people zipping around on the roads. I heard music coming from cars as I stopped at a light and saw people walking with to-go coffees tucked under their masks. My interaction with a person in a store was pleasant and engaging, maybe even more cordial and chatty than typical purchase exchanges. I wondered if people were feeling “lighter” because of access to vaccinations, longer days, or the need to wear fewer layers of clothing.

Another errand was to go and buy a gift card at one of my favorite local coffee shops. I hadn’t been inside this coffee shop for a year and I arrived there just before they closed. It was still nice to see the same employees working and the charm of the space could still be felt.

As I drove home I realized I also felt lighter. We each have favorite places we like to visit for different reasons. These places are special simply because they’re beautiful, hold meaningful memories, invite fun, coax us into relaxation, or bring important people together. We can probably all say we have put visiting these places on hold but we are beginning to see some light closer to our new normal.

As we move into the season of Lent we are asked to reflect and follow practices that renew our faith. I think we began this church renewal in January at our annual meeting when we approved our Reconciling in Christ Welcome Statement. We spent six-months educating ourselves through discussion, speakers, readings, podcasts, books, and conversations. We asked questions, listened, shared our beliefs, told personal stories, and worked to honor the safe space we created for those who entered. Our work continues as we open more doors of opportunities to welcome and affirm the uniqueness and diversity that makes the world. A world that God created with people who bring interest, growth, and significance to our lives.

January 2021: I feel lighter.

While driving in Dover doing errands last Saturday, I sensed a shift in the air. It was a day much warmer than our cold weather of late. The sun was shining and there were many people zipping around on the roads. I heard music coming from cars as I stopped at a light and saw people walking with to-go coffees tucked under their masks. My interaction with a person in a store was pleasant and engaging, maybe even more cordial and chatty than typical purchase exchanges. I wondered if people were feeling “lighter” because of access to vaccinations, longer days, or the need to wear fewer layers of clothing.

Another errand was to go and buy a gift card at one of my favorite local coffee shops. I hadn’t been inside this coffee shop for a year and I arrived there just before they closed. It was still nice to see the same employees working and the charm of the space could still be felt.

As I drove home I realized I also felt lighter. We each have favorite places we like to visit for different reasons. These places are special simply because they’re beautiful, hold meaningful memories, invite fun, coax us into relaxation, or bring important people together. We can probably all say we have put visiting these places on hold but we are beginning to see some light closer to our new normal.

As we move into the season of Lent we are asked to reflect and follow practices that renew our faith. I think we began this church renewal in January at our annual meeting when we approved our Reconciling in Christ Welcome Statement. We spent six-months educating ourselves through discussion, speakers, readings, podcasts, books, and conversations. We asked questions, listened, shared our beliefs, told personal stories, and worked to honor the safe space we created for those who entered. Our work continues as we open more doors of opportunities to welcome and affirm the uniqueness and diversity that makes the world. A world that God created with people who bring interest, growth, and significance to our lives.

December 2020: “I seldom go through a week when I am not amazed at the things I see and hear from my 1st graders.”

I seldom go through a week when I am not amazed at the things I see and hear from my 1st graders. They have their moments, but by far they surprise me with their determination, perception beyond their years, empathy, and curiosity. In November and December, I share the traditions of other holidays celebrated around the world. This year it was: Diwali, St. Nicolas, Hanukkah, St. Lucia, Christmas in Germany, and Kwanzaa. We learn about how children and their families celebrate each holiday. and inevitably someone mentions how they all have customs that involve music, food, gifts, and lights.

I share these stories because lately I’ve had to remind myself to not miss these special “classroom happenings.” Growing COVID demands and challenges have contributed to the usual holiday frenzy typical of this time of year. The other day I put up some white lights as a reminder. A reminder to keep my eyes open and ears ready to catch the “light” my students unsuspectingly share on a regular basis. A reminder to take time to appreciate the “little light” that’s around me but sometimes I don’t take the time to notice. A reminder to look for the “light” in novel or unfamiliar places. Places that may give me a better understanding of another perspective or opportunity to learn.

Pastor Tim wrote in the December 20th Tidings, about starting a new tradition of our own “Brenna Bonfire” on the Winter Solstice. Here he invites members to say good-bye to the “old,” make space for breaths of new beginnings, and Jesus’s birth. Many members contribute to our ministries through their planning, participation, or prayers. Our contribution to Toys for Tots will soon send-off shouts of glee just as the guests at the Dover Friendly Kitchen enjoy another homecooked meal from this ministry of many years! Faith Formation presents meaningful experiences for families and the Pop-Up Pantry is filled and busy. We look forward to our last Holden Prayer Service, an upcoming Christmas Eve service (recorded), and Christmas Eve Everywhere (six locations in the Seacoast)! Where will you find your next new light?

November 2020: “My Mother’s advent wreath...”

The end of November marks the beginning of advent, the Latin word for “coming” and the anticipation of Christ. As a child I remember my mother going to great efforts to make a “living” advent wreath. She would go into the woods to collect just the right evergreens and winterberries and then arrange them in a round tray that held water to keep them fresh. She then would go into town to find pink and purple candles. I remember the ritual of lighting the candle each evening with the wreath centered on our kitchen table. My four siblings and I eagerly watched as the circle of lit candles increase in number as Christmas approached. In my very young years, this was the strongest “decoration” of Christmas since our tree didn’t “appear” until Christmas morning.

I have always liked circles. I find them calming, continuous, strong, collaborative, and easy on the eyes. Right now, I am trying to keep this symbolism of circles in my mind. We are going through many transitions with uncertain outcomes. This may include things in our lives and communities. This can be unsettling and uncomfortable because I feel like I can’t really prepare, yet I also know I can’t add more things to my “worry list!” As I sit with my uncomfortable anticipation I try to find ways to connect to God’s guidance. This has led me to stretch and try new things to grow as an elementary teacher and as a Church Council member.

I continue to see Holy Trinity move through its own state of uncomfortable anticipation with success. Over these months, members have served through online and in-person church services, supported local neighbors in need, met the challenge of continuing to grow in faith, and continue to “come together” even though we are told to be safe and stay apart. We have also maintained strong offerings that allow us to support our Church and its ministries.

It is here that I find myself thinking about the importance of my Mother’s advent wreath and the power portrayed by the circle of candles lit together. As a Church, we have “lit many candles” over these past eight months. These candles are centering us to change in the ways that Christ asks us to live. I believe we will continue to do so with the leadership of Pastor Tim and the ongoing commitment and involvement of members who contribute in many ways.