July 30, 2020
InCommon E-News

In This Issue
  • Rector's Message
  • Sunday Service & Coffee Hour
  • Weekly Video Log
  • Parish Survey
  • Racial Justice
  • St. Barnabas Book Group
  • Resources
  • Giving
A MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR
Vacation and Vision

As I look forward to starting my vacation on Saturday, I am also looking forward to church in the Fall. The coincidence of these two thought streams reflects my desire for rest and recovery, as well as the vitality and well-being of our parish (the two are inextricably linked). As far as vacation is concerned, my family will be doing just that: vacating the rectory 'til the day after Labor Day. We will be on holiday in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, then W. Harwich, Cape Cod and finally, Point o' Woods, Fire Island. The children have already packed their wheelie bags and are asking, "How many days 'til vacation?" to which I reply, "Minus ten minutes, since your last inquiry."
 
As far as parish life in the Fall is concerned, well, it is still being pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle. The beauty of it is that as the pieces fall into place, the whole picture is easier to see; and, connectedly, the mystery of it is that the whole picture can only emerge as the various pieces fit together. So, here are the pieces that I see:
  1. We will create a hybrid worshipping environment involving outdoor gatherings, indoor gatherings and a streaming service for those who cannot be present in person. 
  2. Church school will pursue an imaginative and interactive way to explore the Bible called, Building Faith Brick by Brick using Legos. 
  3. The whole parish will be invited into a deeper exploration of Scripture as a way to deepen our collective understanding of the Bible and faith, drawing upon the amazing resources that the BibleProject.org offers for connected and social distance learning.
  4. As a parish, we will join the Diocesan-wide initiative to read and discuss How To Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. (This title is available in print, as an e-book and as an audiobook.) 
  5. Our Stewardship Drive for 2021 will start early in the Fall season and is entitled, "Every Piece Counts," because every person, every family and everyone who is part of our parish life counts as we piece together the resources we need to strengthen and amplify our ministry and mission. 
While I am away, you can rest assured that the Wardens and Vestry will continue to prepare for a phased re-opening of church, and that pastoral emergencies will be taken care of thanks to the Rev. Susan Copley, rector of Christ Church in Tarrytown and the Rev. Kevin Veitinger, rector of All Saints' Briarcliff Manor. 
 
Onward in Hope,
Gareth

  • To schedule a meeting with the rector, call the Parish Office, (914) 591-8194.
  • Office Hours are Wednesday, 1:00PM-3:30PM. No appointment necessary.
  • The rector's Sabbath (day off) is Monday.
  • For pastoral emergencies, call Gareth directly, (617) 930-3728.
SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE ONLINE
Morning Prayer
Sunday, August 2, 10:00AM

Join the Online Service   HERE
Service Bulletin  HERE

If the service does not appear at the link above, please go to our  YouTube page, which is al so located on our website homepage. Just click on the box labeled, Join Us. 

Our worship services will continue online through the summer and are pre-recorded. A new streaming service will be launched in the Fall to improve the viewing and listening experience for everyone. 

VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR
Join us for Coffee Hour, immediately following Sunday worship service.


Meeting ID:  336 690 2686   /  Password: 10533

One tap mobile:    +19292056099,,3366902686#,,#,10533#  (NY)
Dial by your location:   +1 929 205 6099 (NY)
WEEKLY VIDEO LOG
Barnabas, S on of Encouragement

Saint Barnabas was known for his kindness and openness and has been called the "son of encouragement."  Each week our rector posts a brief message to lift spirits.
 
REOPENING SURVEY
Thank you all for taking the survey about the reopening of the church. We've had a terrific response!  If you missed it, this is your last chance! The  Parish Survey  will close July 30.  
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
If you have announcements for this weekly newsletter, please  email K elli Scott at kellisherelle@gmail.com.  Information is due by Tuesday mornings at 8:00AM. Thank you!

CHRIST CHURCH RECTOR RETIRING
The Rev. Susan Copley, Rector of Christ Church, Tarrytown announces her Retirement

This past week, Susan announced her plans to retire in October after 13 years serving as the rector of Christ Church and San Marcos Mission in Tarrytown. Warden Jody Hansen reflects our collective gratitude for her in an email he wrote on hearing the news:  " Susan supported St. Barnabas during our Interim and Search period and was wonderful to Steve Grieder and me during periods when the two of us were on pastoral call and had questions. More currently, St. Barnabas parishioners experienced Susan's clerical support in her Morning Prayer while Gareth was disabled with the Coronavirus. Susan was an enormous support to me (and I suspect Rose) during those confusing first weeks..."

I will miss Susan as a colleague, particularly her capacity to convey the sense that God's embrace is unconditional and available to all. She and her husband David will be moving to Newburgh where new adventures await!
-Gareth

RACIAL JUSTICE
Diocesan Event: Reading Kendi
 
In a year when books by African-American thought leaders are dominating the national bestseller lists, one author is enjoying particular acclaim: Ibram X. Kendi, winner of the National Book Award for his first book,  Stamped from the Beginning. 
 
The Anti-Racism Committee of the Diocese of New York is inviting all 200 churches in our communities to join in reading Ibram X. Kendi's current bestseller,  How To Be An Antiracist. This shared experience will include the opportunity to buy books at a special discount, to join inter-parish discussion groups (during September), and to participate in an online event (October 22) featuring the author.

Bishop Andrew Dietsche says, "Ibram X. Kendi offers an invitation to all of us and each of us to be transformed, to be enlarged, to be enriched, and to become better and more complete human beings, and more just communities." 

Learn more about this program and how you can participate by visiting  Episcopal NY Reads 1 Book.

GREAT READS!
The next meeting of the St. Barnabas Book Group will take place on Zoom to discuss  Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo.

Wednesday, August 5 at 7:30PM

To learn more, contact Lea Carmichael Richardson at Paintmoth@gmail.com.
RESPONDING FROM THE HEART TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS

This list of local age ncies  supports those in need during this critical time. Food pantries are stretched and in need of monetary donations, as many seek help due to the devastating economic effects of COVID-19. For more information, contact Barbara Mahoney at swimmerxyz@aol.com. 

RESOURCES FOR THE MIND, HEART AND SOUL

The Bishops of the Diocese of New York offer regular inspirational messages  here .

The National Church also has useful resources related to the pandemic and racial reconciliation on their website here .

A NOTE ABOUT GIVING
Even though we remain physically separated, we strive to pull together as a faithful community. We hope you will keep St. Barnabas strong and resilient financially, as we navigate the ongoing challenges of this environment. Please continue to make your pledges or contributions, even as we worship remotely.
   
Online payments may be made by  clicking here, on our website under the "Give" section, or by mailing your check to St. Barnabas Church, 15 N Broadway, Irvington, NY 10533.
 


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