NH Council of Churches - Policy Alert: Extreme Death Penalty Expansion Vote January 4 2011

HB 162 a bill "relative to capital murder for purposely causing the death of another," will come up for a vote in the New Hampshire House of Representatives on January 4, 2012. If the bill is passed by the House, it will proceed to the Senate, which will assign it to a committee and schedule a public hearing later in the year.

Adoption of this bill will lead to a dramatic expansion in the use of the death penalty in New Hampshire.

Action Needed by January 4: Contact your State Representatives to urge them to vote "NO" on HB 162.

Background 

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Phil Greazzo (R-Manchester). It was considered at a Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee public hearing on February 1, 2011. It followed a hearing on another bill (HB 147 - expanding the death penalty to include homicides committed in the course of "home invasions"), which received far more attention and was signed into law earlier this year. HB 162 was "retained" in the committee for further study instead of being acted upon during the regular session.

The subcommittee that considered the bill in September recommended it be defeated. But when the full committee took it up, they voted 11 to 6 to recommend its passage.

What This Bill Would Do

Under current law, only specific categories of homicide can be prosecuted as capital murder. A guilty verdict for a crime committed from one of these categories can result in a sentence of execution by the state. The current law is narrow in scope and its use is relatively rare. The intent of HB 162 is to make the death penalty applicable to anyone who commits "purposeful" murder.

 

According to the NH Department of Justice, eight murders in 2008, ten murders in 2009, and five murders in 2010 would have likely been charged as capital murders had this law been in effect. 

New Hampshire currently has one person in prison with a death sentence. His case, still on appeal, has already cost NH taxpayers over $5 million, more than it would cost to jail him for 100 years.

CONTACT YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES 

Tell them:

* Passage of HB 162 will make NH's death penalty the most expansive in the US and cost NH taxpayers millions of dollars per year. At a time when funds for services such as education and health are being cut, the State cannot afford this measure.
* Expanding the death penalty will expand all its problems, including the conviction of innocent people, prosecutorial misconduct and discriminatory treatment.
* If you agree with Rep. Greazzo that the death penalty should apply to all homicides or to none, then join us in calling for its total repeal.  

Click here to find out how to contact your State Representatives.

Now is not the time to expand 

the Death Penalty.

NH can't afford it.

For more information on the death penalty go to The NH Coalition to End the Death Penalty's website at www.nodeathpenalty.org

NH Council of Churches - Policy Alert: Death Penalty Hearing Wednesday

REMINDER: 

Public Hearing Wednesday

Death Penalty Expansion

Wed., May 18 1:30 PM

Senate Judiciary Committee

Room 305-307 

Legislative Office Building

---------------------------------

HB 147 would expand New Hampshire's death penalty to include murders committed during a home invasion. The Senate Judiciary Committee (click for members) will hear this bill WEDNESDAY, May 18 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 305-307 of the LOB. 

Your Action Needed:

·      Get the word out. Get the word out asap to anyone who can attend to oppose this bill. Share this email. 

·      Attend the hearing this Wednesday.  It is important for people to show up and sign in to show opposition.

·      If you can't attend the hearing, call your Senator (click here to find your Senator's contact). Tell him or her that this bill is overly broad and unnecessary. The Attorney General says this bill will add to the number of Capital Murder cases brought in NH at a time when law enforcement resources are scarce. Funding for police and prosecution are being cut. The Courts are suffering.  Now is not the time to expand the Death Penalty, an expensive, ineffective government program.  NH can't afford it.

·      Central messages should be about the fiscal irresponsibility of this bill,

·      the harm the DP causes to victim family members and other co-victims, and

·      the fact that the Study Commission agreed expansion is not in NH's best interests.

--

For more info, contact Katherine Cooper, Executive Director, NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty at kcooper@nodeathpenaltynh.org, 603-674-4885 or see www.nodeathpenaltynh.org

Author of "Dead Man Walking" Visits NH 

This Week

Two Events Open to the Public

Public Lecture

Date: May 18, 2011

Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Place: NH Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Manchester

Keynote NHCADP Annual Meeting

Date: May 19, 2011

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Red River Theater, Concord

Sr. Helen Prejean, C.S.J.,author of Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States, will visit New Hampshire for a series of presentations. Sr. Helen will give the keynote address at the annual NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty dinner.

Sponsored by New Hampshire Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (NHCADP). For info or to reserve tickets for NHCADP Annual Meeting, contact Katherine Cooper.

NH Council of Churches - Policy Alert: Death Penalty Hearing May 18

Action Alert: 

Death Penalty Expansion

Senate Hearing

Wed. May 18 1:30 PM

Senate Judiciary Committee

Room 305-307 

Legislative Office Building

HB 147 would expand New Hampshire's death penalty to include murders committed during a home invasion.

HB 147 has been scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee (click for members) on WEDNESDAY, May 18 beginning at 1:30 p.m. in Room 305-307 of the LOB. 

Your Action Needed:

·      Get the word out. Get the word out asap to anyone who can attend to oppose this bill. Share this email. 

·      Attend the hearing May 18.  It is important for people to just show up and sign in to show opposition. 

·      Testify. If you are willing to testify, or know of someone else who would be willing to testify, please contact Katherine Cooper, NHCADP executive director.

·      Call your Senator (see below for contacts). Tell him or her that this bill is overly broad and unnecessary. The Attorney General says this bill will add to the number of Capital Murder cases brought in NH at a time when law enforcement resources are scarce. Funding for police and prosecution are being cut. The Courts are suffering.  Now is not the time to expand the Death Penalty, an expensive, ineffective government program.  NH can't afford it.

·      Central messages should be about the fiscal irresponsibility of this bill,

·      the harm the DP causes to victim family members and other co-victims, and

·      the fact that the Study Commission agreed expansion is not in NH's best interests.

--

For more info, contact Katherine Cooper, Executive Director, NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty at kcooper@nodeathpenaltynh.org, 603-674-4885 or see www.nodeathpenaltynh.org

Now is not the time to expand 

the Death Penalty.

NH can't afford it.

NH State Senators

Who is your senator?  Find out here: 

District	Name and Address	Contact Information
01	John Gallus 292 Prospect Street Berlin, NH  03570	(H) (603)752-1066 (O) (603)271-3077
02	Jeanie Forrester State House 107 North Main Street, Room 105-A Concord, NH  03301	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-2104
03	Jeb Bradley 630 South Main St. Wolfeboro, NH  03894	(H) (603)387-2365 (O) (603)271-2106
04	James Forsythe Legislative Office Building 33 North State Street, Room 5 Concord, NH  03301	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-3096
05	Matthew Houde PO Box 66 Meriden, NH  03770	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-2118
06	Fenton Groen State House 107 North Main Street, Room 107 Concord, NH  03301	(H) (603)817-9352 (O) (603)271-3045
07	Andy Sanborn Legislative Office Building 33 North State Street, Room 5 Concord, NH  03301	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-3073
08	Bob Odell PO Box 23 Lempster, NH  03605-0023	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-6733
09	Raymond White PO Box 10487 Bedford, NH  03110-0487	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-3569
10	Molly Kelly 89 Colonial Drive Keene, NH  03431	(H) (603)357-5118 (O) (603)271-2166
11	Peter Bragdon PO Box 488 Milford, NH  03055	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-8472
12	Jim Luther State House 107 North Main Street, Room 105-A Concord, NH  03301	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-2246
13	Gary Lambert State House 107 North Main Street, Room 107 Concord, NH  03301	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-2735
14	Sharon Carson 19 Tokanel Road Londonderry, NH  03053	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-2674
15	Sylvia Larsen State House 107 North Main Street, Room 120 Concord, NH  03301-2528	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-2675
16	David Boutin 1465 Hooksett Road #80 Hooksett, NH  03106	(H) (603)203-5391 (O) (603)271-2709
17	John Barnes, Jr. PO Box 362 Raymond, NH  03077	(H) (603)895-9352 (O) (603)271-6931
18	Tom De Blois State House 107 North Main Street, Room 105-A Concord, NH  03301	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-7803
19	Jim Rausch 65 Gulf Road Derry, NH  03038	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-8630
20	Lou D'Allesandro 332 St. James Avenue Manchester, NH  03102	(H) (603)669-3494 (O) (603)271-2600
21	Amanda Merrill 8 Meadow Road Durham, NH  03824	(H) (603)868-2491 (O) (603)271-8567
22	Chuck Morse State House 107 North Main Street, Room 105 Concord, NH  03301	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-4980
23	Russell Prescott 8 Farm Road Kingston, NH  03848	(H) (603)642-4243 (O) (603)271-3074
24	Nancy Stiles 1 Hayden Circle Hampton, NH  03842-1165	(H) None Specified (O) (603)271-6933



NH Religious News April 25, 2011

Immoral State Budget Cuts Addressed  Rev. David Yasenka, pastor of Triumphant Cross ELCA recently hosted a community conversation between concerned clergy leaders and legislators to discuss how the NH state budget cuts effect the most vulnerable citizens of the state.    According to Doug Ireland reporter for Eagletribune.com, "There was no name-calling, accusations or even a single argument. Only a week after church leaders were among the thousands who gathered on the Statehouse lawn to oppose lawmakers' budget cuts, there were no clashes between clergy and legislators at a public forum last night. As a matter of fact, it was quite calm as the two groups faced off over the controversial $10.2 billion budget and the millions of dollars in cuts proposed for 2011-13."    Read more about it here. Bring this Workshop to you.  "State Budgets as Moral Statements - What's Jesus Got to Do with It? Teaching & Preaching the Message of Micah 6 & Matthew 25" Religious leaders can inspire reflection, action and advocacy on behalf of NH's most vulnerable people. The workshop "State Budgets & Values" will be offered by the NHCC throughout May upon request by hosting clergy groups & ecumenical/interreligious councils.   First presentation to take place first week in May. Knowledge of the budget process, Human toll the House Budget creates, Senate's role in May, Grounding of budgets as moral documents in biblical and theological convictions of faith, Resources for teaching & preaching before this spiritual tsunami places all of NH at spiritual risk. This 3 hour workshop for religious leaders fosters civil dialogue, knowledge of the process and what's at stake, resources for teaching and preaching in local parish/congregation settings.    Fore information or to host the workshop, contact Mr. David Lamarre-Vincent, Ex. Dir., NHCC, David@NHchurches.org or 603 496-6989. Immigration Rights Rally   IT IS TIME TO STOP THE DEPORTATIONS Support Immigrant Families of NH that have been destroyed by deportation When:  May 2, 2011 Where:  City Hall Plaza Time:  4:00 PM Join the AFSC-NH and the NH Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees for the NH Annual Rights Rally.  Twenty immigration detentions in the last two months in the city of Nashua, some immigrants documented, some not.     People who are suspected of being undocumented are detained by police for traffic violations and other minor civil violations and then are placed in the system so that deportation proceedings begin.    "These people have committed no crime," said Eva Castillo of the New Hampshire Alliance of Immigrants and Refugees. "Being here without a permit is a civil violation, not a crime." "For a civil violation, everybody gets to pay a fine but for illegal immigrants, there's no way to undo what they did," said Castillo. For more information:  contact Eva Castillo (603) 661-2872  Ministry to NH Military Families - Workshop For Religious Leaders  Welcome them home and help them heal!   The NH National Guard currently has the largest deployment to the Middle East in NH NG history. Before and during deployment, community and church help is needed. After deployment, church outreach could save lives and marriages of our citizen soldiers. Our soldiers will return in the next weeks and months.   Be prepared to adjust your ministry and the faith community's life to the "new normal" of constant readiness and periodic deployments.  Come and learn how you and your faith community can help. Learn about the unique challenges military families face during deployment. Learn about military culture so you can better assist military families. Learn about existing support programs that need volunteers.    Tuesday May 3, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Bring your own lunch) Greater Laconia Ministerial Association Laconia Public Library - Rotary Room 695 North Main St. Laconia, NH   Wednesday May 4, 9:00 am - 12:00 PM Newfound Area Churches Bristol Location TBA Wednesday May 19, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM The Monadnock Clergy Association The Cathedral of the Pines 10 Hale Hill Road Rindge, NH If you are interested in attending any of these events or hosting a workshop in your area, email us at info@nhchurches.org.   An Opportunity to Learn About The Women's Prison Ministry   The Women's Fellowship of the Congregational Church of North Barnstead, UCC invites you to come spend the evening with Rev. Beth Richeson, prison chaplain for Goffstown prison and Shea Farm Transitional Living House in Concord.  She will speak about the circumstances of these women, her ministry amongst them and the many opportunities for our churches and our denominations to be involved in this important ministry. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 50 Main St. Pittsfield Monday May 2, 2011 7 PM to 8:30 PM If you have any questions please contact Ethel McConaghy at  545-5425 or emc@metrocast.net.   How to do Ecumenical and Interreligious Worship Well - Save the Date  Think MLK Day, Thanksgiving, Holocaust Remembrance Day, local celebrations and public memorials- how do you craft a worship service that includes a diversity of faith traditions in your celebration?  The New Hampshire Council of Churches will offer: Doing Ecumenical & Interreligious Worship Well A workshop on Community Liturgies November 4th, 2011, location TBA This workshop will be led by the world-renowned Rev. Dr. Christopher Duraisingh, Otis Charles Visiting Professor in Applied Theology and Faculty Emeritus of the Episcopal Divinity School.  Rev. Duraisingh has served with the World Council of Churches for many years and has published essays in the Dictionary of Third World Theologies and the International Review of Mission. Author of Dead Man Walking to Visit the Granite State Wed May 18 - Thurs 19 Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, to Speak at Saint Anselm College on May 18 On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, Sr. Helen Prejean, C.S.J., will visit New Hampshire for a series of presentations. During her visit, Sr. Prejean will be speaking to local high school students; moderating a panel of New Hampshire religious leaders speaking on the death penalty; and will give the keynote address at the annual NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty dinner.Sister Helen Prejean, the author of Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States, has been instrumental in sparking national dialogue on the death penalty and travels around the world giving talks about her ministry. Since its publication, Dead Man Walking has become a movie, an opera, and a play for high schools and colleges. Sr. Helen also is the author of The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions, and is presently at work on another book - River of Fire: My Spiritual Journey The New Hampshire Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (NHCADP) is sponsoring two speaking engagements that are free of charge and open to the public. For the General Public Date: May 18, 2011 Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM Place: NH Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH NHCADP Annual Meeting - General Public Date: Thur. May 19, 2011 7:00 PM Time:  7:00 - 9:00 PM Place: Red River Theater, Main St., Concord NH.  Prejean will be the keynote speaker at the NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty dinner. There are 150 seats for this free event.  RSVP by sending email to kcooper@nodeathpenaltynh.org.

Death Penalty Films - Family Members and Forgiveness - Jacqui Lofaro Event  April 26th, 7:00 at Dartmouth College Campus Filene Auditorium, Moore Hall Admission Free...Donations Accepted    Documentary filmmakers Jacqui Lofaro and Victor Teich address the the death penalty and murder victim family members. The Empty Chair, Death Penalty---Yes or No This film explores the impact of murder on four families.   70 X 7 The Forgiveness Equation  The sequel to The Empty Chair.  This film features two families impacted by murder and explores the topics of revenge and forgiveness. Discussions to follow the films with: Director Jacqui Lofaro, Murder Victim Family Members: Renny Cushing & Bess Klaussen-Landis, Moderator Selina Taylor.  For more information email:  mahunt@tds.net. Governor's Conference on Volunteerism    "UP, UP AND AWAY" Pursue A Fresh Perspective in Volunteer Excellence! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!  When: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 Where:  NHTI, Concord's Community College 31 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301   Conference Fee  $70.00 View Event Schedule and other links  RSVP Saturday, April 30, 2011 The Annual Governor's Conference on Volunteerism is a service that is critical to the health and vibrancy of New Hampshire's non-profit community. Every year the conference provides relevant training to approximately 300 volunteer managers, nonprofit staff, and volunteers who serve hundreds of communities and thousands of New Hampshire citizens. Nursing Rounds Presentation  "Military Culture - Community Health Care" Ministers and Chaplains Welcome Thursday April 28, 2011 1-2:30 PM   NH State Hospital, Clinton St., Concord, NH Presented by Brigadier General Debora Carter USAF This presentation will address the culture of the military and the core values shared by the different military services and how those values can affect reaching out for medical and mental health support. The presenter will share some of her transitional issues she experienced returning from Afghanistan and will provide an overview of mental health strategies for the military returning from war in NH since 2003; what works and what doesn't?    To bring this presentation to your area contact the NHCC at Info@NHchurches.org    Slots are limited - To preregister contact Gisela:  PDER-NHH@dhhs.state.nh.us    Seacoast Veterans Conference   Saturday April 30, 2011.  8:30 PM - 4:00 PM   Pease Air National Guard Base - Building 149 Portsmouth, NH Clergy and churches please join us in reaching out to older era veterans and their families - especially those who may have fallen through the cracks.  A special welcome is also extended to all agencies and provider groups that provide services and care for NH's older era veterans. Keynote presentations from General William Reddel, Dr. Dan Potenza (Nationally Recognized Expert on PTSD Among Older Veterans) and  Dr. Marc Levenson.  Dr. Levenson will be joined by a panel of VA Experts who will be available for questions and additional information. 3 Round Table Presentations on: Independence, Health and Money.  The afternoon will also include Interactive Stations on:   VA Enrollment, Benefits & Claims Process, Vet Center, NH State Veterans Cemetery, NH Veterans Home, Suicide Prevention, ServiceLink and AARP. The Mobile Vet Center will be on site for both a tour and outreach. Registration and lunch are free.  To register, click here.  Please provide  contact information and veteran status. Any questions, please call Sue at 800-852-3345 x 4301 or 271-4301 (NH Relay) 711  Transportation is available upon request. Funding Available for Military Youth Projects    Would you like to find ways to support military children in New Hampshire? If so, consider applying for "partner project" funding sponsored by the NH Operation: Military Kids program (OMK).   Organizations such as Scout groups, Boys and Girls clubs, after-school programs, YMCA/YWCA, school groups, military organizations, 4-H Clubs, County Extension offices, spiritual community groups and others can access up to $400 in funds. Read more about it here.

Check Out Our Website    www.nhchurches.org If you have ideas or events to share, send your information to info@nhchurches.org or call Jean at 603-224-1352.  Thanks!   New Hampshire Council of Churches 140 Sheep Davis Rd. Suite 1  Pembroke, NH 03275  603-224-1352  *   603-224-9161 (FAX)    Office hours: Mon-Thurs, 9 to 2 NH Council of Churches Needs You! The New Hampshire Council of Churches as the states ecumenical vehicle for unity and inter-religious actions needs your support: Prayers Sharing our concerns and your concerns with each other. Funds to continue incarnating God's annunciation of the Good News. Donate now by clicking the donation button below or you can mail your tax exempt donation to: New Hampshire Council of Churches PO Box 1087 Concord, NH  03302-1087



NH Religious News April 14, 2011

Ministry to NH Military Families - Workshop For Religious Leaders  Welcome them home and help them heal!   The NH National Guard currently has the largest deployment to the Middle East in NH NG history. Before and during deployment, community and church help is needed. After deployment, church outreach could save lives and marriages of our citizen soldiers. Our soldiers will return in the next weeks and months.   Be prepared to adjust your ministry and the faith community's life to the "new normal" of constant readiness and periodic deployments.  Come and learn how you and your faith community can help. Learn about the unique challenges military families face during deployment. Learn about military culture so you can better assist military families. Learn about existing support programs that need volunteers.    Tuesday May 3, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Bring your own lunch) Greater Laconia Ministerial Association Laconia Public Library - Rotary Room 695 North Main St. Laconia, NH   Wednesday May 4, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Newfound Area Churches Bristol Location TBA Wednesday May 19, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm The Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge and United Church of Jaffrey Location TBA If you are interested in attending any of these events or hosting a workshop in your area, email us at info@nhchurches.org.   An Opportunity to Learn About The Women's Prison Ministry   The Women's Fellowship of the Congregational Church of North Barnstead, UCC invites you to come spend the evening with Rev. Beth Richeson, prison chaplain for Goffstown prison and Shea Farm Transitional Living House in Concord.  She will speak about the circumstances of these women, her ministry amongst them and the many opportunities for our churches and our denominations to be involved in this important ministry. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 50 Main St. Pittsfield Monday May 2, 2011 7 PM to 8:30 PM If you have any questions please contact Ethel McConaghy at  545-5425 or emc@metrocast.net.   How to do Ecumenical and Interreligious Worship Well - Save the Date  Think MLK Day, Thanksgiving, Holocaust Remembrance Day, local celebrations and public memorials- how do you craft a worship service that includes a diversity of faith traditions in your celebration?  The New Hampshire Council of Churches will be sponsoring the following workshop: Doing Ecumenical & Interreligious Worship Well A workshop on Community Liturgies November 4th, 2011, location TBA This workshop will be led by the world-renowned Rev. Dr. Christopher Duraisingh, Otis Charles Visiting Professor in Applied Theology and Faculty Emeritus of the Episcopal Divinity School.  Rev. Duraisingh has served with the World Council of Churches for many years and has published essays in the Dictionary of Third World Theologies and the International Review of Mission. Public Hearings on HB1 - HB2 Human Services Bills April 21 The Senate Finance Committee will conduct its public hearing on HB 1 and HB 2 (the budget and the budget "trailer" bill) on Thursday, April 21 from 2 PM - 4 PM and 6 PM - 8 PM in Representatives Hall in the State House.  The budget that passed the House includes drastic cuts to programs serving people with mental illness, the homeless, people with disabilities, at-risk children, legal services for the poor, consumer protection and the Court system, while cutting existing taxes such as the cigarette tax, thus forcing even deeper cuts to programs and services to make up for lost revenue. There are several ways communities of faith can help make a difference:  Testify at the upcoming Senate Public Hearing -organize carpools and offer rides to members of your church Contact members of the Senate Finance Committee, particularly if your Senator is on that committee.  http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/senate/members/sencom.asp   Contact your own Senator.  http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ns/whosmyleg/   Raise awareness of the impact of the budget in your own church and community Legislative Advocacy Day at State House Tuesday-April 19, 2011  8:30 AM - 2:30 PM  The Commission for Witness and Action of the NH Conference of the UCC and Economic Justice Ministry Team invites all brothers and sisters of faith to join them in an advocacy day at the State House, for persons of faith to meet their legislators and attend/or speak at hearings on upcoming bills. Meet at South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 27 Pleasant St. in Concord at 8:30 a.m. For more information click here Advocacy Day at State House An invitation from Interfaith Voices for a Humane Budget    On March 30 a small group of faithful New Hampshire citizens began a prayer vigil at the State House seeking a humane outcome to the state budget process.  At the time, the NH House of Representatives was considering a budget that leaves the State's social service safety net in shreds jeopardizing the very lives of some of our most vulnerable residents, and undermines the collective rights of our first responders and other public servants. Your Invitation:  Because the House has passed its inhumane budget, we need your voice added to this growing chorus.  Whenever possible we will maintain a presence at the chambers where and when the budget is being considered.  Vigil members will, at times, pray and meditate in silence.  We hold only placards that indicate the name of our group, Interfaith Voices for a Humane Budget.  Without being physically disruptive, we wish to make our presence felt while upholding the precepts of nonviolence.   If this witness remains small, it will remain powerful and have an effect beyond its numbers.  But if this witness becomes an outpouring of the faithful that fills the public spaces of the people's house, the State House, we can have a transformative effect.  Help spread this invitation. How to Connect:  For more information regarding these vigils and a a schedule of Senate Finance Committee meetings email interfaithvoices@gmail.com.  Participants are asked to show up 15 minutes before the  scheduled meeting of the Senate Finance Committee in Room 103 at the State House.  You can also connect by friending Interfaith Voices for a Humane Budget on Facebook. Author of Dead Man Walking to Visit the Granite State Wed May 18 - Thurs 19 Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, to Speak at Saint Anselm College on May 18  On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, Sr. Helen Prejean, C.S.J., will visit New Hampshire for a series of presentations. During her visit, Sr. Prejean will be speaking to local high school students; moderating a panel of New Hampshire religious leaders speaking on the death penalty; and will give the keynote address at the annual NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty dinner.Sister Helen Prejean, the author of Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States, has been instrumental in sparking national dialogue on the death penalty and travels around the world giving talks about her ministry. Since its publication, Dead Man Walking has become a movie, an opera, and a play for high schools and colleges. Sr. Helen also is the author of The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions, and is presently at work on another book - River of Fire: My Spiritual Journey The New Hampshire Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (NHCADP) is sponsoring two speaking engagements that are free of charge and open to the public. For High School Students Only Date: May 18, 2011 Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM Place: NH Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College For the General Public Date: May 18, 2011 Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM Place: NH Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH NHCADP Annual Meeting - General Public Date: Thur. May 19, 2011 7:00 PM Time:  7:00 - 9:00 PM Place: Red River Theater, Main St., Concord NH.  Prejean will be the keynote speaker at the NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty dinner. There are 150 seats for this free event.  RSVP by sending email to kcooper@nodeathpenaltynh.org.

Death Penalty Films - Family Members and Forgiveness - Jacqui Lofaro Event  April 26th, 7:00 at Dartmouth College Campus Filene Auditorium, Monroe Hall Admission Free...Donations Accepted    Documentary filmmakers Jacqui Lofaro and Victor Teich address the the death penalty and murder victim family members. The Empty Chair, Death Penalty---Yes or No and 70 X 7 The Forgiveness Equation.  Discussions to follow the films with: Director Jacqui Lofaro, Family Members: Renny Cushing & Bess Klaussen-Landis, Moderator Selina Taylor.  For more information email:  mahunt@tds.net. No Labels - Civility in NH Politics You are invited to a moderated discussion on how to approach the politics of problem solving featuring John Avlon, founding leader of the group No Labels, CNN contributor and Senior Political columnist for the Daily Beast.   Join your elected officials,and party leaders for a moderated discussion on   Civility in NH politics   New Hampshire Institute of Politics   Saint Anselm College NHIOP Auditorium 100 St. Anselm Dr., Manchester,   Tuesday, April 19, 7 PM   The conversation will be moderated by Neil Levesque, Executive Director of the Institute.  Sponsors hope a series of forums will create a less contentious atmosphere in the NH Statehouse, eliminate hyper-partisanship,reward constructive efforts by the legislature's members and achieve solutions to problems their constituents sent them to Concord to deal with. RSVP by sending email to Adele Wick: awetwo@comcast.net   Governor's Conference on Volunteerism    "UP, UP AND AWAY" Pursue A Fresh Perspective in Volunteer Excellence! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!  When: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 Where:  NHTI, Concord's Community College 31 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301   Conference Fee  $70.00 View Event Schedule and other links  RSVP Saturday, April 30, 2011 The Annual Governor's Conference on Volunteerism is a service that is critical to the health and vibrancy of New Hampshire's non-profit community. Every year the conference provides relevant training to approximately 300 volunteer managers, nonprofit staff, and volunteers who serve hundreds of communities and thousands of New Hampshire citizens. Seacoast Veterans Conference   Saturday April 30, 2011.  8:8 am - 4:00 PM   Pease Air National Guard Base - Building 149 Portsmouth, NH Clergy and churches please join us in reaching out to older era veterans and their families - especially those who may have fallen through the cracks.  A special welcome is also extended to all agencies and provider groups that provide services and care for NH's older era veterans. Keynote presentations from General William Reddel, Dr. Dan Potenza (Nationally Recognized Expert on PTSD Among Older Veterans) and  Dr. Marc Levenson.  Dr. Levenson will be joined by a panel of VA Experts who will be available for questions and additional information. 3 Round Table Presentations on: Independence, Health and Money.  The afternoon will also include Interactive Stations on:   VA Enrollment, Benefits & Claims Process, Vet Center, NH State Veterans Cemetery, NH Veterans Home, Suicide Prevention, ServiceLink and AARP. The Mobile Vet Center will be on site for both a tour and outreach. Registration and lunch are free.  To register, click here.  Please provide  contact information and veteran status. Any questions, please call Sue at 800-852-3345 x 4301 or 271-4301 (NH Relay) 711  Transportation is available upon request. The Month of the Military Child     April marks the nation's "Month of the Military Child," a month long celebration to honor youth impacted by the deployment of a family member. In celebration, New Hampshire Operation Military Kids will be partnering with multiple groups across the state to hold special events during the months of April, May, and June. Our most widespread event will be "Purple Up! For Military Kids" on April 15th. This will be a day we can publicly recognize military children for their sacrifices as we encourage all to wear purple in order to spread awareness and show support of these amazing youth. Additional programs and events for military youth and families: May 14th, 1-4 pm on the UNH Campus in Durham, join us for fun on the Indoor Climbing Wall.  April 29th, 7-10 pm at the Laconia Middle School, bring the family to a Military Family Dance. Memorial Day Weekend, visit the Children's Museum in Dover and enjoy free admission.  June 21st, 6:30 pm, come to the Beech Hill Farm in Hopkinton for a fun ice-cream social! June 26th-29th is the annual 4-H Teen Conference, located on the UNH Campus in Durham. For more details and registration info, check out nhomk.com or call Operation Military Kids at (603)862-2297.

Check Out Our Website    www.nhchurches.org If you have ideas or events to share with us, please send your information to info@nhchurches.org or call Jean at 603-224-1352.  Thanks!   New Hampshire Council of Churches 140 Sheep Davis Rd. Suite 1  Pembroke, NH 03275  603-224-1352  *   603-224-9161 (FAX)    Office hours: Mon-Thurs, 9 to 2 NH Council of Churches Needs You! The New Hampshire Council of Churches as the states ecumenical vehicle for unity and inter-religious actions needs your support: Prayers Sharing our concerns and your concerns with each other. Funds to continue incarnating God's annunciation of the Good News. Donate now by clicking the donation button below or you can mail your tax exempt donation to: New Hampshire Council of Churches PO Box 1087 Concord, NH  03302-1087