New Hampshire Bible Society E-Newsletter January 2012

NH Bible Society E -Newsletter

January 2012

NHBS/NHCC Executive Director Resigns

David Lamarre-Vincent The Boards of Directors of the NH Council of Churches (NHCC) and the NH Bible Society (NHBS) have announced that David Lamarre-Vincent, Executive Director for both organizations, resigned from his position in late November after twenty-one years of service. Since 1990 Mr. Lamarre-Vincent has served jointly as the Council of Churches' and the Bible Society's Executive Director, continuing a custom of shared staffing by the two organizations that began in the mid-1950s. The NHCC member denominations, Orthodox, Protestant and Roman Catholic, rooted in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, strive to inspire congregations and people of faith to unite in good works that build a culture of justice, compassion and peace. The NHBS has since 1812 provided scripture resources in a language, translation and edition that can be understood at the most affordable cost so that people have faith strengthened for service. As Executive Director of the NH Bible Society, Mr. Lamarre-Vincent has been responsible for expanding the distribution of scripture resources throughout New Hampshire.  Under his leadership, the NHBS has focused on meeting new needs: providing study and recovery Bibles for inmates in jails and prisons, making biblically based resources available for deployed soldiers and their families. Mr. Lamarre-Vincent also spearheaded efforts to serve the many recent immigrants to New Hampshire with scriptures in their native languages. The President of the NH Bible Society, the Rev. Charles Kennedy, noted that "In all these endeavors, David worked diligently to further the interests and mission of the New Hampshire Bible Society and did it very well." As Executive Director of the NH Council of Churches, Mr. Lamarre-Vincent has been a highly visible presence in the state, especially in representing the Council's public policy positions in the legislature and the media.  Lamarre-Vincent has also been active in the creation of programs and organizations at the state, regional and national levels that bring the faith-based sector together with private and nonprofit sectors to act for peace, justice and care of creation.  The boards of both the NH Council of Churches and the NH Bible Society appreciate David Lamarre-Vincent's twenty-one years of faithful service to both organizations and wish him well on his future endeavors.

NH Bible Society 200th Anniversary

Since 1812, The New Hampshire Bible Society has actively distributed the Bible in New Hampshire.  For almost 200 years we have been offering God's word into the hands, heads and hearts of the people of New Hampshire.  In honor of our anniversary NH Bible Society has donated our archives of to the UNH Dimond Library's Milne collection.  Jessica McClain and Bill Ross have catalogued and placed online 200 years of NHBS records.  You can check it out at http://www.library.unh.edu/special/index.php/new-hampshire-bible-society

Daily Bible Reading Guides Online

The American Bible Society (ABS) has published the Daily Bible Reading Guide (DBRG) which we have distributed to churches, ministries and individuals for many years.  So many individuals and churches have used these to enhance personal and corporate Bible study and devotions.  Many who have received these reading guides have completed and returned the surveys included in the Guides for 2010 and 2011.  We are grateful for the feedback we received from you, and sent the comments back to ABS. This year due to unexpected changes in programs and funding ABS recently informed us that they will not be printing the Daily Bible Reading Guide this year however they did make the PDF of the DBRG available on line.  Click here to download the 2012 DBRG.   If you cannot access the guide by the internet, please contact us at 603-224-1352 and we will make available a single copy that you can duplicate and share.

FREE Gospel of John Portions Available

As part of its national scripture campaign to serve churches with Bible resources, the American Bible Society (ABS) has partnered with the NH Bible Society to distribute the Gospel of John in the Good News translation in quantity to churches and ministries at no cost.  This portion of the Bible is the most frequently used outreach tool to the unchurched among us. If your church or ministry would like to obtain these scripture portions, please give us a call at 224-1352. The NHBS will be happy to fulfill your need.   .

Contact Information

NH Bible Society  PO Box 1087 Concord, NH 033025-1087 603-224-1352 Physical Location: 125 Airport Road Concord, NH 03301   Email:  info@biblenh.org

NH Council of Churches - NH Religious News January 12, 2012

David Lamarre-Vincent David Lamarre-Vincent, Executive Director for both then NH Council of Churches and the NH Bible Society resigned from his position in late November after twenty-one years of service. Since 1990 Mr. Lamarre-Vincent has served jointly as the Council of Churches' and the Bible Society's Executive Director, continuing a custom of shared staffing by the two organizations that began in the mid-1950s.  As Executive Director of the NH Council of Churches, Mr. Lamarre-Vincent has been a highly visible presence in the state, especially in representing the Council's public policy positions in the legislature and the media. A former President of the Council, the Rev. Louis George, Interim Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire, said recently that "David has demonstrated an outstanding knowledge of and passion for peace and justice issues in both the ecumenical and public sectors." As Executive Director of the NH Bible Society, Mr. Lamarre-Vincent has been responsible for expanding the distribution of scripture resources throughout New Hampshire. The President of the NH Bible Society, the Rev. Charles Kennedy, noted that "In all these endeavors, David worked diligently to further the interests and mission of the New Hampshire Bible Society and did it very well." Lamarre-Vincent has also been active in the creation of programs and organizations at the state, regional and national levels that bring the faith-based sector together with private and nonprofit sectors to act for peace, justice and care of creation. The boards of both the NH Council of Churches and the NH Bible Society appreciate David Lamarre-Vincent's twenty-one years of faithful service to both organizations and wish him well on his future endeavors.   >From the Women's Prison Ministry A Time to Sew by Rev. Beth Richeson and Janice  There are many moments in the midst of this ministry with women in prison when I know that God is at work.  Too often it is in times of tears.  Lately, it is being in the women's presence when they sew. Change is constant in a prison, where time has it's own meaning.  And for this season of change, what was once a program meeting room has become for many of the women and much of the day, a sewing room and sanctuary.  The space that God has created when the women gather for a time to sew is most amazing.  There is silence and peace, occasional laughter and helpful conversation and positive 'building up' of one another as those who are expert sewers teach and guide those who are just beginning. The women seem to congregate here, drawn to what this space offers.  I am forever amazed how these women can turn and create and mend the smallest and largest pieces of fabric, most of it donated from good church women's closets and attics, into beautiful quilts and quilted bags, place mats and wall hangings.  Some of what is created in the space is given to their family members; some is donated in the circle of receiving and giving back out to the needs of the community.  All is precious and carefully made in this community of women in prison. What I could only hope to describe of God's work in this space is more aptly shared from Janice's words: "Some people have a comfortable chair where they can curl up and read, while others kick their feet up on a worn, comfy sofa to watch a great movie.  For the group of creative sewers at NHSP-W, however, our sanctuary is our meeting room. It's not because of the beautiful view, because the only view to the outside is of the dilapidated basketball court, and the other windows only view the dismal hallways.  It's more about the "feel" of the room--the calm, the creativity, the sense of everyone working together toward a common goal.  There is nowhere else in this building that makes me feel this way.  Although it's not always quiet, and can get quite hectic at times, it is my little piece of meditation among a building of chaos." NHCC Receives Two Matching Grant Challenges  Two denominational partners of the NH Council of Churches have recently made matching grants challenges to further the Council's work in prison ministry and social justice. In October the Office of the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester announced that the Bishop's Charitable Assistance Fund was providing an outright grant of $2000 to assist with the spiritual needs of women who are incarcerated at the New Hampshire Women's State Prison in Goffstown. The Fund's Board also offered a challenge grant for up to $2000 to match new contributions for the NH Women's Prison Ministry and Ecumenical Chaplaincy between October 17th, 2011, and April 30th, 2012. The Women's Prison Ministry, with the Rev. Beth Richeson serving as chaplain in an active program of spiritual support for the incarcerated women of New Hampshire, is a primary ministry of the NH Council of Churches. In November, the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire offered the Council a challenge grant of $4000 to support the hiring of a part-time, year-round public policy expert to increase the Council's efficacy in advocating for justice issues in the state. With the legislature already active preparing bills for the next session, we need to move quickly to put a person in place. Please help us meet these challenges! Send your donations to the NH Council of Churches, PO Box 1087, Concord NH 03302-1087. Thank you! Public Policy Update  Death Penalty Expansion - Discussion Tabled  January 4, 2012- HB 162-Extreme Death Penalty Bill to make all "purposeful" murders death penalty eligible was to be voted on by the New Hampshire House of Representatives. There was a motion to table the bill. They took a vote to table HB 162 and it passed. The NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty will closely monitor the status of this bill until it is brought back to the floor for a vote.   Click here to read more about HB 162 Click here to view NHCC's statement opposing the Death Penalty. Expanded Gambling The Wednesday lunch for legislators hosted by the Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling was a smashing success. More than 150 House members heard the several major reasons why HB-593, the casino monopoly bill, should be defeated. Almost every Rep came away convinced that this terribly flawed, one-sided, bad deal of bill is beyond repair and should be swiftly defeated. Back To Committee ... Do Not Resuscitate Your calls and our messages have been working, so much so that HB-593 backers have been forced to schedule a special multi-committee work session (Thurs, Jan 12, 3:00 pm, LOB 210) to see if they can save the bill from defeat.  HB 593 is a casino bill that would allow construction and operation of two casinos to be built in New Hampshire and establishes a permit process for table gaming and video lottery.   Click here to read more about HB 593 Click here to read NHCC's statement on expanded gambling

Greater Concord Interfaith Council MLK Day of Service  January 16th, 2011 9:00 am Service Rally at St. John's (72 South Main St.) 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Service projects 7:00 PM movie and discussion "At The River I Stand" Red River Theater Call: (603) 224-4600 for reservations Come out and give of yourself for others. Show our pride in Concord. "Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." Week of Prayer for Christian Unity    January 18-25, 2012 is the annual observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme chosen for 2012 is "We Will All Be Changed by the Victory of Our Lord Jesus Christ." (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58). Throughout 2012, join Christians everywhere in praying "that they may all be one" joining our prayer with that the Lord Jesus Christ. For more information go to: www.geii.org   A Day With Paul Sherry - February 2  Rev. Dr. Paul Sherry, currently the Director of Public Policy at the DC Office of INTERFAITH WORKER JUSTICE, is one of our nation's and the UCC's most distinguished theologians. Since his "retirement" from UCC national leadership in 1999, Rev. Sherry has been involved in several key national campaigns calling for economic justice for working men and women through access to decent jobs, family-sustaining wages and benefits, and dignity and respect on the job. THREE OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET AND CONVERSE WITH REV. PAUL SHERRY!    LUNCHTIME DIALOGUE WITH CLERGY AND LAY PEOPLE 12 Noon-2:00 p.m. NHC-UCC Conference Office 140 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke Rev. Sherry will talk about one of his key initiatives as Director of Public Policy for Interfaith Worker Justice: Faith Advocates for Jobs, an effort that includes a call for faith-based advocacy for job creation and a restored economy and for the creation of congregational-based support efforts for unemployed workers. Rev. Sherry will also share his perspective on why NH faith leaders should care about NH legislative initiatives that attack worker rights, family-sustaining jobs, and more. Please bring a brown bag lunch. The Economic Justice Ministry Team will provide a beverage, light snacks, and dessert. INTERFAITH SERVICE 4:00 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 21 Centre Street, Concord In an interfaith service open to people of all faiths (or no specific faith tradition), Rev. Paul Sherry will deliver a message about how the moral teachings of multiple faith traditions impel us to be instruments of economic justice in our own communities and beyond. NH FAITH-LABOR DIALOGUE and BRAINSTORMING 5:30 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 21 Centre Street, Concord This will be a follow-up to the initial NH Faith-Labor Dialogue Session held in October. We will receive inspiration from Rev. Sherry about working and witnessing together to achieve economically just public policy in NH. Light supper will be provided. *Sponsored by THE NH CONFERENCE - UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST ECONOMIC JUSTICE MINISTRY TEAM (in collaboration with an evolving NH Faith-Labor Coalition) ___________________________________________ Please RSVP if you plan to attend the NOON or 5:30 p.m. events,  Email:   economicjustice.nhcucc @gmail.com Learner's Service at Temple Beth Jacob  On Friday, January 27, at 7pm, Rabbi Robin Nafshi will be leading a "learners service" at Temple Beth Jacob. This service will provide an excellent opportunity for those -- adults and youth -- who are interested in learning about Jewish worship and Jewish traditions. Last year, several area churches brought confirmation students and adult Bible students to the service. All are welcome to attend. If you plan on attending with a group, such as a class, please email Rabbi Nafshi at ravnafshi@gmail.com with the approximate number so that they can be sure to have sufficient seats set out (and snacks for the post service coffee hour-equivalent). You can also email her with any questions.   Temple Beth Jacob 67 Broadway Concord, NH 03301 603-228-8581

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! NH Council of Churches Needs You! The New Hampshire Council of Churches as the state's 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. Please send checks made out to the New Hampshire Council of Churches.  Send donations to:  NHCC, PO Box 1087, Concord NH 03301 New Hampshire Council of Churches 125 Airport Road Concord, NH  03301 603-224-1352 info@nhchurches.org Office hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm

NewtHampshire - "Rediscovering God in America" Screening

Join Us Tomorrow

Tomorrow, the NewtHampshire team, along with former Congressman and US Senator from NH Bob Smith will be hosting a screening of Rediscovering God in America. This film follows Speaker and Mrs. Gingrich on their "walking tour" through Washington, D.C. At each stop of the walking tour we'll see evidence of God in America. From the National Archives and Capitol Building to Arlington National Cemetery and Library of Congress, the role of religion in our nation's founding is examined and explained. Please join us at: Read River Theater 11 South Main Street, #L1 Concord, NH 03301 8:30-10:30 am For other events with Newt and volunteers: the NewtHampshire calendar See you soon, NewtHampshire

Key Iowa Evangelical Leader Endorses Santorum-Bachmann Team

Sioux City pastor, leader in defeat of three Iowa Supreme Court justices a year ago, Rejects Gingrich and Romney

- Endorsement Video (3 min.) http://vimeo.com/32933133

- Explanatory Endorsement Interview Video (20 min.): http://vimeo.com/32927260

Sioux City, IA (MMD Newswire) December 2, 2011 -- Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum, Republican candidate for President, will today receive the Iowa Caucuses endorsement of a Sioux City evangelical leader who was prominent in the defeat of three Iowa Supreme Court justices in statewide retention elections one year ago. Rev. Cary K. Gordon, President of PeaceMakers Institute and pastor of Sioux City's Cornerstone Church will make his endorsement by online video, via text messaging starting Friday morning, to 788,000 cell phones owned by registered Iowa voters or by residents of Iowa's 5th Congressional District where Gordon lives.

In his endorsement video, expected to pop-up on I-Phones, Droids and other such "smart phones" this weekend, Gordon emphatically rejects frontrunners Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, while urging Iowans to support Santorum - in part because Santorum has declared he would include fellow GOP Presidential contender, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, at the top of his administrative team. U.S. Rep. Steve King, Congressman for the 5th District, has yet to make his own Presidential endorsement.

Rev. Gordon received national attention last year for "Project Jeremiah," a statewide campaign involving a controversial letter he sent to over 1,000 Iowa churches. It called for the removal of the three Iowa State Supreme Court Justices for their abuse of judicial authority in imposing same-sex marriage upon Iowans, while promising pro-bono legal defense for any Iowa church harassed by the I.R.S. for exercising their rights to free speech in the pulpit. The Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State in Washington, D.C., called Gordon's actions one of the most outrageous attempts to politicize a church that he has ever seen.

Off-camera, Gordon said Santorum and Bachmann's swift July responses to the Iowa Family Leader's Marriage Vow - a sweeping political pledge document that addresses issues ranging from adultery and marital fidelity, homosexual unions and gay health issues, U.S. monogamy and Islamist polygamy, fatherless children and U.S. military policy - has been extremely important to his decision. Gordon noted that only Santorum, Bachmann and Texas Gov. Rick Perry have signed the document, while frontrunner Gingrich, the former U.S. House Speaker, has rejected both the Iowa vow and the National Organization for Marriage pledge against same-sex unions. The Iowa Caucuses endorsement of the Family Leader and its president, 2010 GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats, a crucial ally of Gordon's in the defeat of the justices, isstill pending.

In his text-messaged endorsement, also viewable today online in 3-minute (http://vimeo.com/32933133) and 20-minute versions (http://vimeo.com/32927260), Gordon said, "I have thoroughly vetted every candidate that is currently running for president, and I have come to a conclusion that there are only two people currently in this race that have faithfully championed the legitimate solutions necessary to get this country back on course. With only a month until the Iowa Caucuses, "it is abundantly necessary that the conservative community coalesce behind only one of ... two great candidates," Santorum and Bachmann. Santorum's recent declaration of his aim to make Bachmann a vital part of a Santorum administration made Gordon's decision much easier, he said. "I want them both in the White House!"

Santorum and Bachmann, Gordon says, have both pledged to reinstate the military's longstanding "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy against open homosexuality, reversed earlier this year by President Obama. "Rick and Michele would make a great GOP match, and would defend Judeo-Christian monogamy, while I think it's increasingly clear Gingrich simply cannot be trusted with the institution of marriage in any sense," Gordon said. "I think the 2010 Esquire interview with Newt's second ex-wife and former mistress was very troubling," he said. During his recorded interview, Gordon also praised Santorum for championing a Personhood Amendment to the Constitution, something the pastor said was necessary if Americans wished to "stop the barbaric evil of abortion once and for all." Gordon also stated, "Rick Santorum is committed to rescuing this nation from economic disaster, and that's good news for everyone concerned about their families."

Perry Campaign Releases New Ad: "Faith"

AUSTIN - The Perry campaign today released a 30-second television advertisement entitled "Faith," airing in Iowa. 

To view the ad, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6tmsxdSUkY.

"Rick Perry's Christian faith has played a key role in his life and leadership, just as it has in the founding and life of the United States of America," said Perry campaign communications director Ray Sullivan. "Gov. Perry is guided by faith every day as he travels our great country discussing his strong social and fiscal conservative values, record and vision with voters in Iowa and across the nation."

"Faith" Script:

Gov. Perry: "When you run for president, you get a bunch of questions about your faith."

Text: Rick Perry

"People want to know what drives you, how you make decisions."

"Now some liberals say that faith is a sign of weakness. Well they're wrong. I think we all need God's help."

"America's greatest leaders have been people of strong faith, strong values. That makes for a strong America."

"I'm Rick Perry, I'm not ashamed to talk about my faith, and I approve this message." 

Text: Approved by Rick Perry and paid for by RickPerry.org, Inc.