1. Art and Diseño

A
the anchor
BIMONTHLY
PUBLICATION
OF
CHRIST
CHURCH,
EXETER
from the Rector
2
Tending the Vine
A continuation of signs of our
Baptism.
4
Prelude
Settling in to services each week
with a calmer and open mind.
5
Kisses for Kindness
Support this FUNdraiser for the
summer mission trip to Maine
6
Pancake Supper
Don’t miss the annual Shrove
Tuesday pancake supper!
{february • march 2015}
Living
joyfully in faith
Connecting
with God and one another
Serving
the local and global community
Submit your articles, stories, observations, or creative work by the 10th of the month to
[email protected]
The Rev. Mark B. Pendleton
Tending the Vine at Christ Church
Bishop Rob Hirschfield has presented “Tending the Vine” as the organizing theme and work
for the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire at this moment of our journey. Tending the
Vine implies 5 practices:

We show up

We tell the story

We splash water

We share food
 God surprises
The ancient meaning of Lent was a time to prepare new believers for baptism before the Easter feast. What
we mean by splashing water is reminding ourselves that baptism immerses us in the same water God created
and chose to enter in Jesus Christ. “The font does not hide us from the pain of the world, but expels us into the
world to listen, love, and serve, knowing we are being raised from sin and death.” (from the Five Practices).
At the last diocesan convention, the Bishop commented that as he travels throughout the state visiting churches, many have ornate baptismal fonts–some tucked into corners–with heavy ornate lids covering them. It was
as if this life-giving sign of God’s acceptance was under lock and key or hidden for safekeeping. He wondered:
what would it be like to take off the lids and leave water in the fonts as a continuing sign of our baptism?
On the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, our font was moved to the head of the main aisle of our worship space,
the cover removed, and water poured in. Baptismal water. Water, if not to physically splash, but to see and
touch and we move from font to altar. Some may touch the water with their fingers and make the sing of the
cross: it can also be used to bless homes.
Let us try this new repositioned un-covered font for the seasons leading to Easter and allow the line from the
main point of entry to the sacred space trace for us the movement from the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. We are formed as Christians by passing through water and we are nurtured in the Real Presence of Christ
in the bread and wine.
Praying for a meaningful Lent leading to a joy-filled Easter. Peace! 
The Rev. Dr. David D. Holroyd
It’s All God’s Work!
As we move beyond the post-Christmas and early celebration of Epiphany and into the
Epiphany season that will take us all the way to Lent, we are reminded to take the light of
God in Jesus Christ out into the world. When we reach the Second Sunday after the Epiphany (which also falls this year on the Sunday of Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend), the altar
color changes from the white of celebration to the green of “ordinary time.” It is time to integrate into our own
lives what God has done on our behalf, to share the Light of the World with the very world that God created.
[2]
It’s All God’s Work continued...
I love the collect for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany: “Almighty God, whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the
radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”
As I reflect upon this collect and its challenge to me, I ask myself what I am doing in the world to demonstrate
that I am actually being illumined by God’s Word and Sacraments. Compared to a Martin Luther King, Jr. or a
Francis of Assisi, it would be easy to consider myself a bit inferior or to even believe that I am actually transforming the world or making a difference when it comes to being God’s light in the world. And I know that
many who live in the world might not even consider the possibility that their lives do make a difference. When
it comes to a wonderful life, our world is full of George Baileys! Those of us who live in ordinary time are prone
to believing that our lives are pretty ordinary.
In further reflection, however, I have come to realize how blessed I am. Not only has God sent the Light of the
World to me; God has presented me countless ways to be that Light to those who live in the world and are
hungry and thirsty for that very Light. As a retired Priest Associate in two parishes, I am privileged to come into
contact with many special people, some of whom are unaware as to how special they are. My job as a worker
at UNH athletic events exposes me to many more special people: my co-workers, UNH students, and fans. My
substitute teaching in SAD 35 in Maine exposes me to special co-teachers, staff, and children. My decision to
serve on the board of my condominium association as treasurer affords a special opportunity to be in relationship with many neighbors, some of whom are starving for some light in their lives. Some of my life is in the
Church and much of it is outside the Church. It just may be that I can be the Light of the World in the lives of
others just by showing up and being present in all those places where God is sending me.
All of which leads me to one indisputable conclusion: it is God’s world wherever I go and IT’S ALL GOD’S
WORK! 
Everyone is invited to…
A Lent Sunday School Lesson & Alleluia Making
February 15, 2015 • 9:15am-10:15am • Harris Hall
We’ll “bury” the Alleluias made during Sunday School
on Shrove Tuesday.
[3]
Interpreting Art’s Meaning
I’m not a big fan of having every detail spelled out for art of any kind. Whether it’s poetry, music,
theater, and especially the visual arts. But it is valuable to have at least a foundation of history and
allegorical intent to appreciate art in any form. So allow me to provide some basics on the planter. I’ll
give you just enough so that you can interpret meaning (or not) to your own experience.
The historical imagery of the main panel is obvious in the five loaves and two fish. But there is a common theme of a table in all three panels as well. The trinity is also woven in, as with all of the children’s
murals produced every springtime. The strawberry is a representation of good works through pure
faith. The pear is simply Jesus’ love for man. Note that the strawberry touches the table; the pear is
risen above it.
In the main panel there is an open-palmed left hand. Keep in mind that Jesus sits at the right hand of
the father. This would be his closest hand to God. Blue represents hope, healing, grace and freedom.
And the deep red is the presence of God. And yes there is a field of many reaching blue hands within
the red field behind the table presenting the gifts from Jesus’ miracle.
I will stop there. The rest is up to you to interpret meaning from your own experience. But I hope it
establishes a worthy conversation.
Enjoy in peace, Pete Baldwin
LIVING
joyfully in faith
PRELUDE
It’s 10:25 a.m. and you’re a little out of breath from the walk up to the
church entrance. Just inside the front door, how nice to see your good
friend taking off her coat. This calls for a hug and congratulations that her
picture was in the newspaper recently. And there’s that cheerful usher with
his big smile. You thank him for the bulletin and compliment him on how
he makes everyone feel welcome. A bit less winded, you scan the pews.
Where is someone with a friendly face…aha! There’s your neighbor’s husband by himself (she’s away visiting --her mother? Aunt?). You slide in and
ask how he’s managing by himself. It’s hard to hear him because of that
organ music. He speaks up and so do you but then (already?) it’s suddenly
quiet. You sit back for the announcements and notice the flowers up front.
You remember that you need to pick up some tulips on the way home
for the party tomorrow. Better put that on the shopping list on your cell
phone. There’s a text and two new emails waiting but before you can check
them out, everybody’s standing up and the service is starting…
Does this sound like your typical start to the service on Sunday morning? It could be better! Why not try a new
approach? Instead of feeling rushed and finding your head full of competing thoughts as the service begins,
wouldn’t you rather feel calm and open to hearing God’s word? The prelude starts the service. It helps us prepare for the liturgy by giving us time to organize what we mentally carry in through the front door and separate out the things we want to bring before God from those that should be put aside for now. Suspending the
[4]
Prelude continued...
chatting -- however heartfelt and well-intentioned -- and texting and mental list-making and instead, listening
to the music, draws us into God’s embrace and helps us make a transition to the special time we are about to
have with Him.
Next Sunday, come a bit earlier. You can greet everyone on the way in and still have time to find your seat and
catch your breath. Sitting about half way back in the middle section of pews is the best spot for hearing the
organ music in ideal balance from the ranks of pipes before you (though any location works fine). The bulletin
tells you what the organist has prepared: the title might hint at how the prelude relates to something you will
hear or sing a little later. Or maybe the music is a piece that was chosen because it’s soothing or uplifting or
able in some other way to help you reflect and center yourself. The more you listen this way the better your ear
will get! People might notice you paying attention to what you’re hearing and not disturb you: maybe they’ll
try listening too. It’s amazing the difference you’ll notice when the prelude comes to a close. Now you’re really
ready for worship.
Written by a Member of the Worship & Music Ministry Team
CONNECTING
with God and one another
Save the Date: Cuban Music, Food and Mission • Saturday, February 7
We hope to bring some “Latin Heat” to mid-winter in Exeter on Saturday February 7 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
More information will follow in the church bulletin. The night will allow many to taste Cuban food, learn more
about the country and people, gather offerings for the March mission trip and even take a spin dancing Salsa.
**Christ Church will be sending 10 people to Cuba on March 14 for one
week to help transport and install needed water filtration systems for
the impoverished island. The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire, the
Diocese, contributed $7200 for this mission project. Five others from
New Hampshire will be traveling with us. Please remember us in your
prayers.
Valentine’s Day Fundraiser Kisses for Kindness
February 1, 8, & February 15
By participating in the Kisses for Kindness Fundraiser, you will be helping support the summer mission trip to
the Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston, ME. Recognize a parishioner’s kindness, energy, passion, and presence by
sending them a bag of Hershey’s Kisses on February 15th.
1. Pick a parishioner you would like to recognize.
2. Visit the Kisses for Kindness table run by the youth on February 1st, 8th or 15th and sign up to have a bag of Hershey’s Kisses delivered to them.
3. Write them a little note to be attached to the bag.
4. The youth will deliver their bag of Hershey’s Kisses to them on February 15th, 17th (Shrove Tuesday Supper)
or 22nd.
[5]
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper • Tuesday, February 17 at 6:00pm
You are invited to an evening of food, fun and fellowship on Tuesday, February 17,
beginning at 6:00pm. Originally served in order to use the extra fat in the kitchen beforeLent, pancake suppers are now linked with Shrove Tuesday, the evening before Lent
begins. Using up the “fat” is where the term Mardi Gras comes from – “Fat Tuesday.”
Bring a fruit salad, side dish, or juice and join us for this evening of fun! People of all ages are welcome to this
pancake supper and to participate in the liturgy of the burning of the palms and the burying of the Alleluias.
Hope to see you there!!!
Parish Snow Day • March 7 at Pat’s Peak
All parishioners are invited to come together for a Parish Snow Tubing Day at Pat’s Peak! We’ll meet at the
church at 9am, drive up at Pat’s Peak to go tubing until about 1pm, and then head back between 2-3pm.
The registration deadline is February 21 (email Sarah Watts – [email protected]). The cost is $14
if we get a total of 15 people.
{ music }
Congratulations to Suzanne Jalbert!
Christ Church’s Choir Director, Suzanne Jalbert, was married on Saturday, November 22 to Taylor Jones.The couple lives in Derry.
Steinway Piano Restoration Project Update
The Buy-A-Key campaign for the restoration of the Steinway grand piano in
the church’s sanctuary is continuing. A piano has 88 keys and we will reach our
goal of $24,000 if 88 Christ Church families give $275 each. You can buy one
key, or two, a triad, or even an octave! Checks can be sent to the church with
“Piano Restoration” in the memo line.
As of today, we have sold 27 keys, nearly one third of those available. People
have bought individual keys, groups of keys, even a scale spelling out the first
name of a loved one. Check the keyboard diagram in Harris Hall for an update of our progress!
There is a lot of creativity going on with this campaign. Thanks to all those who have participated!
Good Friday Evening Liturgy Will Feature the Gabriel Fauré Requiem
This year’s Good Friday Liturgy at 7:00 will feature the Requiem by Gabriel Fauré sung by the Parish Choir and
singers from the University of New Hampshire Chamber Choir. The choir will be accompanied by organ and
orchestra. Fauré’s masterpiece is a moving and hauntingly beautiful setting of the requiem mass. It is an ideal
piece of music to include in our service; remembering events of the end of Jesus’ life that first Good Friday.
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{ formation activities for children & youth }
We the Youth Event - Hunger: Here & There • February 6-7
All 6th-12th graders are invited to come together for a lock-in & day of service. We’ll hear from local leaders
working to raise hunger awareness, learn about Molly, a little girl living in Africa, and play games. On Saturday,
we’ll be working at Operation Blessing and will end with a closing worship service. The lock-in will take place in
Eliot, ME at the United Methodist Church.
Registration deadline is January 25th. Email Sarah Watts ([email protected]) to sign up.
SERVING
the local and global community
The Return of the Blue “Mite” Box for Lent
These Lent blue boxes will be available soon. United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of
The Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through United Thank Offering,
men, women, and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God. These prayers
of thanksgiving start when we recognize and name our many daily blessings. Those who
participate in UTO discover that thankfulness leads to generosity. United Thank Offering is
entrusted to promote thank offerings, to receive the offerings, and to distribute the UTO
monies to support mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church and the Anglican
Communion in the developing world.
Boxes can be returned Easter Day and throughout the Easter Season.
Seacoast Family Promise Host Week
March 15 – 29 (Two consecutive weeks)
There are many different ways you can support a SFP Host Week! How
can you be involved? Email Sarah Watts (swatts@christchurchexeter.
org) to sign up as a volunteer.
• Providing Food: Volunteers provide food by 6:00pm on one evening during a hosting week.
• Evening Host: Volunteers spend the evening (5:30pm-8:00pm) with
the guests, eating dinner.
• Overnight Host: Volunteers spend the night with guests, from 8:00pm to 7:30am.
• Laundry Volunteers: Volunteers collect and clean dirty laundry at the end of each host week.
On a rotating schedule with other local churches, we turn the lower level of Harris House into a temporary
home for 3 to 5 families for one week. On average, we are the host church for a total of nine weeks out of the
year. Volunteers from the church create a welcoming, accepting environment for our guests. Volunteers also set
up the bedding, prepare and serve evening meals, visit with the participants and stay overnight with them.
Seacoast Family Promise - Volunteer Meeting
March 29, following the 10:30 service
All volunteers and team leaders are invited to attend this meeting as we discuss the Jan 4-11 host week, take
a look at next year’s calendar, the next hosting week, and brainstorm for the future. This meeting would be a
great opportunity for those who are interested in supporting this program to join in a conversation with existing volunteers to find out more. If you would like to know more about Seacoast Family Promise and the ways in
which you could be involved, please come to the meeting!
[7]
CHRIST CHURCh
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
43 Pine Street
Exeter NH 03833
PAID
RAM
Companies
Change Service Requested
CHRIST CHURCh
A joyful and
diverse community
anchored in Christ
Rector The Rev. Mark B. Pendleton
772-3332 x12 [email protected]
Priest Associate The Rev. Dr. David D. Holroyd
772-3332 x11 [email protected]
Church Office
Upper Level, Harris House
(603) 772-3332 x11
Linda Carey, Executive Assistant
[email protected]
Office Hours
M o n d ay - F r i d ay
8:30 am - Noon,
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Asst for Ministry Develpmt. & Coord. Sarah Watts
772-3332 x13 [email protected]
The Anchor
Christine Hodsdon, Design Editor
Mark Pendleton, Executive Editor
Executive Assistant Linda Carey
772-3332 x11 [email protected]
Director of Music & Organist Bruce Adami
772-3332 x15 [email protected]
All parishioners are invited to
submit articles to The Anchor,
Choir Director Suzanne Jalbert
due on the 10th of each month
[email protected]
preceding publication.
E-mail articles or questions to
Child Care Nancy Taylor and Allissa Younan
[email protected]
43 Pine Street
Exeter, New Hampshire
03833
(603) 772-3332
[email protected]