The power of Easter is embedded in a story: a story of a community in crisis, a community seeking peace, a community of friends finding joy in service. Join us this Holy Week, as we lean into that story, and explore its meaning in our own time and place. As we walk this path together, the dynamic hope of Easter takes root in us, and in our many hearts!

There's a lot here--and you'll want to pick and choose what's most meaningful for you. You'll find a comprehensive "day by day" listing of events at the bottom of this newsletter. May God's deep blessing accompany us all on this week's journey!

April 14 to 20
On Exhibit in the Chapel

All are welcome to explore, experience, weep and reflect. SEE OUR FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND HOURS.
We’re honored to be hosting this moving collection of quilts—recalling the last words of George Floyd in 2020, and calling the church to solidarity in dismantling racism. You’ll be invited to spend time in reflection among the quilts, and to join us for two community gatherings. What a powerful opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor to join you for a time of reflection and conversation.

On Thursday, April 14 at 5 pm, a community panel will include the Revs. Nathan Bourne (St. George’s Episcopal), Alexis Simpson (Waysmeet Center/UNH) and Dave Grishaw-Jones with Kevin Pajaro-Marinez (Black Lives Matter).

On Friday, April 15 at 7 pm, we’ll gather with project curators Dr. Harriet Ward and the Rev. Mark Koyama to watch a documentary about their project and explore the role of the arts in social justice and anti-racism work.

With the Black Heritage Trail of NH

On Wednesday, April 13, at 10:30 am, we’re invited to join the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire and St. John’s Episcopal Church for a powerful walk that explores 14 sites in Portsmouth, pairing the story of an African American with the 14 stations of the cross. Our guide is Angela Matthews, Sankofa Scholar and Trail Guide for BHTNH. Join Pastor Dave and others for this communal experience and collective journey. We meet at Prescott Park at the Liberty Pole, and finish at the African Burying Ground at noon. REGISTER HERE.

If you prefer, an online version of this same event will be offered on Good Friday, April 15, at 2 pm. Friends from across the state will join us, on Zoom, for a powerful journey into the stories of African Americans in our midst, shedding new and poignant light on the Stations of the Cross themselves. Pastor Dave will be among the readers and leaders for this online Holy Week event. REGISTER HERE.

MAUNDY THURSDAY: AT THE TABLE

Join us on Maundy Thursday (April 14) for a simple service of communion and footwashing (or handwashing) in the Parlor at 7 pm. We'll recall that last night of Jesus' life, and the joy and persevering spirit he brought to his friends and commitments. Pastor Dave invites those who might choose--to participate in a simple ritual of foot- or hand-washing.

BAPTISM IN THE RIVER

Once again Pastor Dave is planning a special celebration at Jackson's Landing on Saturday, April 16 at 2 pm--with baptism and the renewal of baptism in the Oyster River. It's a Holy Saturday gathering of spirit, prayer and blessing--as we lean into the joys and possibilities of Easter. Those planning to be baptized (for the first time) or to renew their baptismal vows can SIGN UP HERE.

EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP

Jesus Christ is Risen! All are invited to our joyous celebration of resurrection and God's peace--in a single service Easter morning at 10 am in the Sanctuary. Along with stirring music and a gathering from all walks, we'll celebrate Confirmation, as five our our young people make a generous step into the community of perseverance and faith. Join us!

EASTER FLOWERS

If you wish to order an Easter lily or pot of tulips ($10 each) for our 10 am Easter Sunday worship service, please click HERE to fill out the order form or fill out the form on the table outside the church office and leave in the wooden message box. Sunday, April 10 will be last day to place an order.

No Coward Soul is Mine

No coward soul is mine
No trembler in the world’s storm-troubled sphere
I see Heaven’s glories shine
And Faith shines equal arming me from Fear

O God within my breast
Almighty ever-present Deity
Life, that in me hath rest
As I Undying Life, have power in thee

Vain are the thousand creeds
That move men’s hearts, unutterably vain,
Worthless as withered weeds
Or idlest froth amid the boundless main

To waken doubt in one
Holding so fast by thy infinity
So surely anchored on
The steadfast rock of Immortality

With wide-embracing love
Thy spirit animates eternal years
Pervades and broods above
Changes, sustains, dissolves, creates and rears

Though Earth and moon were gone
And suns and universes ceased to be
And though wert left alone
Every Existence would exist in thee

There is not room for Death
Nor atom that his might could render void
Since thou art Being and Breath
And what thou art may never be destroyed

Emily Bronte