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Weekly News & Notes from Incarnation
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News & Notes - August 30, 2020
The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Service Online at 9:30 a.m. (see below for details)
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From the Rector: Sign up for Holy Eucharist
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 Dear friends,
It has been nearly six months since the last time the Holy Eucharist was celebrated at Incarnation. Now, after a long season of waiting and much planning and preparation, we plan to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at two outdoor services on Sunday, September 6.
Our Task Force on Regathering has been hard at work planning for this event. Because nearly 50 people have already registered for the 9:30 service, we will add a second service at 11:00 a.m. If you have already registered for 9:30 but would like to switch to 11:00, you can do so by revisiting the registration link with the same browser or by calling the church office at 707-579-2604.
Later that day, Communion will be available for those not attending the in-person services. Communion kits can be picked up in the church parking lot from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., or can be delivered between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Once the kits have been distributed, we will hold another prayer gathering on Zoom at 5:00 p.m. to receive Communion together, using the same Zoom link as for Sunday services. (If you're not able to participate in this gathering, you may still receive Communion on your own or with others in your household, using a set of prayers in the booklet that comes with your kit.) More information on the Communion kits is below. In order to allow time for adequate preparation, we ask that everyone register no later than Wednesday, September 2. Here's how to register: In addition, if you can volunteer at an in-person service, please indicate your availability here. We need a number of volunteers to make these services possible, so please consider how you can help. As always, we want to ask everyone to make thoughtful choices about the ways in which you'll participate. The no-risk way to worship is to participate from home on Zoom or Facebook without receiving Communion. Participating online and receiving Communion at home adds some exposure to others--perhaps something like having a take-out meal from a restaurant. Attending an in-person service and receiving Communion there creates more exposure--perhaps something like eating outdoors at a restaurant. Please use good judgment in considering your well-being and that of others. For the most recent statistics on the COVID situation in Sonoma County, please see the county's COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
We have longed to share Communion for many months. It will be so good to celebrate this central act of our worship again. "The Bread which we break is the Communion of the Body of Christ. We, who are many, are one Body; for we all share in the one Bread." (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
In Christ's love, 
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More on the Communion kits:
- Communion kits will include the Eucharistic Bread only. Gluten-free Bread is available.
- Wine is not being distributed in accordance with our Bishop's current guidelines. The Church teaches that Christ's Body and Blood are truly received even when it is only possible to receive one of the two elements.
- The kits are compostable and may be returned to the earth after the service or brought back to the church office.
- All ministers preparing Communion kits and making deliveries will wear masks and practice hand hygiene and physical distancing.
- For Communion deliveries, please plan to be home during the time window. Ministers will not be able to leave Communion kits unattended.
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From the Director of Spiritual Formation...
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Faith Formation 2020 Kick Off
We are so excited to bring you a variety of offerings for Adults,Children, and Youth
 Inwardly Digest Book Study - Join Pastor Stephen on Zoom
Sunday, September 13, 20 (not 27 as originally stated)
Sunday, October 11, 25
11:00-11:50am
Daily spiritual practice takes dedication and discipline, and we often wonder where to start and how to keep it from feeling like yet another task on our to-do list. In this grounded, practical book, author Derek Olsen uses The Book of Common Prayer as a template for a deeper spiritual life. Olsen explains the purpose and intention of the prayer book with fresh insight, offering practical applications for daily living.
You can get a book from Incarnation Book Store.
To order, contact Linda Sevier here.
Lectionary Lunch
Join Pastor Stephen
Tuesdays, starting September 8,
12-12:50 pm on zoom
A time to study and discuss the
readings for the upcoming Sunday.
Incarnation Children's Ministries: Preschool-6th Grade
Celebrate Wonder is the curriculum for this time.
We are excited to share a faith at home practice that is fun, and you can do them whenever it works for you. If your child is between the ages of 3-10, Celebrate Wonder is going to provide some great family fun. Each month your family will be given a Faith Box full of all kinds of stories, activities, and even some surprises.To sign up click here
Incarnation Youth Group: 7th-10th Grade
This year we will be working with Live Curriculum starting with Jesus life, all is not decided you get input as well. We will have a faith Box as well and zoom gatherings. To sign up click here
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During this time of pandemic, our worship continues. Using technology, we can gather from wherever we may be and join together in the Word and in prayer.
Sunday Services:
- To dial in: Call (669) 900-9128. Enter meeting ID code: 997 787 434 #.
We are also livestreaming each Zoom service on our Facebook page, so you can also watch the service on Facebook, and it will be archived there for viewing later in case you're not able to join in live. You don't need to be a Facebook member to see the livestream on the Facebook page by clicking the link above. |
Sunday, August 30
Readings:
7 am - 8:30 am - Open Table's Breakfast
7 am - 8:30 am - Open Table's Breakfast
Monday, August 31
Tuesday, September 1
8:00 - 8:30 am: Outdoor Morning Prayer. We meet in the courtyard, socially distanced, with face coverings. Enter via the 636 Cherry Street parking lot. Prayer Books will be provided or you may bring your own. Hand sanitizer will be available.
5:30 - 6:30 pm: Online Vigil Gathering for Marilyn Payne. Zoom. Dial in: 669-900-9128 , Meeting ID: 827 4233 5335 #.
Wednesday, September 2
6:00 pm - Alleluia Choir: Zoom
Thursday, September 3
6:00 pm - St. Cecilia Choir: Zoom
Friday, September 4
Saturday, September 5
9 am to 11:00 am - Open Table Prep
Sunday, September 6
Readings:
7 am - 8:30 am: Open Table's Breakfast
9:30 am: Sunday Outdoor Service: (see information below)
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Please join us for outdoor worship services (advance registration required):
Outdoor Morning Prayer, Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m.,
in the central courtyard (enter via the parking lot at 636 Cherry Street). Limited to 12 people, with advance registration; face coverings required.
Outdoor Sunday Services, first Sunday of the month at 9:30 a.m., limited to 50 people, with additional services to be held if more than 50 people register. Face coverings required. The service will also be available via Zoom and Facebook (use the directions for online services above). |
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Last Sunday's Town Hall
Thanks to all those who participated in our congregational Town Hall last Sunday. For those who weren't able to be there, a recording is available here. (This is an unlisted recording, available only via this link; for the privacy of those who participated, please don't share it with others outside the congregation.)
It was great to have some open time for conversation and reflection about where we are and how we keep carrying out our mission in the midst of the pandemic. We hope to keep holding these with some regularity in the months ahead. |
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From Connie Sinclair: Work from Home Against
Voter Suppression
 Dear Incarnation friends, I want to invite you to join me in a project I recently discovered. Reclaim our Vote is a nonpartisan campaign created by several organizations to increase turnout among voters of color where there is concern about voter supression,
They are asking for volunteers to address and write postcards to send to voters asking them to check their voting status, to pledge to vote, and to pass on the message. A packet to complete 20 postcards costs $10. If you are interested in doing this work, please email constancesinclair@hotmail.com, and I will order supplies. To participate in a phone bank, go to http://bit.ly/ROVPhonebankHome.
- Connie Sinclair |
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Emergency Preparedness: Make Your Plan
by Elizabeth Wright
For a while now I've been thinking about emergency evacuation and our congregation. Then there was the pandemic. Now that fire season has arrived in full force I've talked to Rev. Stephen and Alison about this. They encouraged me to write. I've been involved in disaster planning and response since my days as a Red Cross volunteer. I worked on a Disaster Action Team as well as a mental health worker. I was in Louisiana through both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I saw how lack of planning led to chaos, loss and sometimes death. I also saw how having a close knit church community often mitigated loss and created community in the midst of chaos.
I'm hoping all of you have a disaster plan. One piece of this is knowing where you might go. With the pandemic it's not possible to gather in large group settings. As much as we might want to come to church for solace or physical support-it's just not safe. What alternatives do we have? I've thought a lot about this. What if those in need of a safe place and those of us who have safe places to offer were able to co-ordinate with one another? For instance, I have a lovely 3 bedroom cottage that is often available. I'd be happy to have a family in need use it. Others may have granny units or rooms they'd be willing to share. Obviously during the pandemic we'd have to work out details for special needs and limitations. I've offered to begin collecting data on individual needs and resources. Nancy Genoa, also interested in this, has generously agreed to work with me. We would do this under the direction of Rev. Stephen and Alison.
I also hope each of you has an emergency pack ready to go. You may not need it for this fire, but it looks like it may be a long hot fall. A simple pack containing medications, electronics and chargers, cash, important papers not already scanned into your computer, a change of clothes, 3 gallons of water, pet food and medications would be a bare minimum. I carry these things in the trunk of my car. Identifying treasured objects you can grab quickly is a second level of planning.
None of this can happen overnight. As soon as I start hearing from those of you who have resources to share and those of you looking for safe havens we'll begin working out the details. You can contact me at ElizabethHallWright@gmail.com. Please feel free to call me with any questions or ideas: 707-481-2130. I look forward to hearing from you. Please stay safe! - Elizabeth Wright
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 Become a disaster shelter worker today! The American Red Cross has an urgent need for shelter workers now that our community faces a unique challenge in preparing for this wildfire season in Northern California. As a shelter worker, you will be supporting the day-to-day activities within a shelter which may include assisting with reception & registration, ensuring meals are set up, helping with dormitory needs, disseminating information, and providing comfort when it is needed most. Safety precautions will be taken at every shelter, including health and temperature checks and social distancing. Must be 18+ and able to work in a shelter for at least 5 consecutive days (shifts 12 hours, available daytime or evening). Start your volunteer experience at www.redcross.org/volunteertoday, or contact Julie.Mucilli@redcross.org. |
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Church Campus Update
In accordance with both state and county orders, our campus remains closed for most activities. At present the only in-person gatherings permitted are the following:
- Minimum church business needed to maintain our basic operations (this includes staff, vestry, and approved office volunteers doing tasks that can't be done from home)
- Sunday Open Table programs and preparation (permitted under the provision for charitable feeding programs)
- Limited in-person worship gatherings (permitted under a special provision for worship services)
We do not currently have permission for any other groups to meet. Please contact Alison Cole or Stephen Shaver with questions about activities on the church campus.
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New Groups at Incarnation
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New Incarnation Community Group
 Announcing a new group for parents and caregivers of a young child. Please join us on Wednesday nights at 8:30 pm for a brief time of check-in and prayer with your fellow Incarnation families. The purpose of this group is to share the joys and challenges of raising our young children in the midst of the pandemic, connect with one another, and to bless the day.
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New Church Book Group starts September 9  A new online book group is forming at Incarnation. The focus of the group will be the works of Nadia Bolz-Weber, and will start with one of her earlier works, Pastrix and will be lead by Paul Mallatt.
New York Times bestseller, Nadia Bolz-Weber takes no prisoners as she reclaims the term "pastrix"(pronounced "pas-triks," a term used by some Christians who refuse to recognize female pastors) in her messy, beautiful, prayer-and-profanity laden narrative about an unconventional life of faith.
Wildly entertaining and deeply resonant, this is the book for people who hunger for a bit of hope that doesn't come from vapid consumerism or navel-gazing; for women who talk too loud, and guys who love chick flicks; for the gay man who loves Jesus, and won't allow himself to be shunned by the church. In short, this book is for every thinking misfit suspicious of institutionalized religion, but who is still seeking transcendence and mystery.
The book group will meet via Zoom starting Wednesday, September 9th, at 6:30 pm. Please contact Paul Mallatt if interested. paulyfa@me.com / 707-312-3870
Pastrix is available on Audible click here.
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Prayer requests will stay on our list for 3 weeks. After that, if you would like long-term which is for 3 months, please notify the office. Prayers for those who have died will remain on for 6 months.
Your prayers are requested...
...for members and friends of the parish who are sick, sorrowful, or in any kind of trouble, including David & Susan, Ricette, Nancy, George, Lauren W., Amy C., Aimee K., Edie, Megan, Monique & Kirk, Dicksie, Alice D. , Carolyn, Mary Jo, Amanda Cortese, and Nancy Hanke.
...for those who have died: Wallace Look, Marilyn Payne, Gary Lindsey, David Ratner, Frank Gavaller, John Ziaja, Hollie Agesen, Tom Beckett, Bill Cordtz, Dan Wagenet, Rebecca Gbasha, James Harrod, Richard McGinniss, Susan Hornung, Dale Siela.
for the victims of COVID-19: especially we pray for those affected by the COVID-19 virus, and for all who are in danger.
for our city, county, and community; the city council, the board of supervisors, for those who serve the common good in law enforcement and the courts.
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Talk with Stephen
Could you use a prayer or a listening ear? Do you have ideas you'd like to share? Although our offices are closed, Pastor Stephen is available to talk by phone or via Zoom. If you'd like to find a time to talk with Stephen, you can call Alison at 707-579-2604 or email Stephen directly at sshaver@incarnationsantarosa.org. |
Need Support?
If you know of anyone, including yourself, who could use a communion visit or a prayer, please call the church office (707-579-2604) or email
If you have a pastoral emergency after hours or on weekends, please call the church office (number above) and follow the prompts for the Priest-on-Call.
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Diocesan Newsletter Signup
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 An easy way to keep abreast of the news around the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, especially during this challenging time, is to subscribe to its newsletter, the Diocesan e-News, which is delivered to your inbox on most Tuesday afternoons. Click here to be directed to their signup page.They take your privacy seriously and do not share their lists with anyone; if you ask to be unsubscribed, by simply clicking on the unsubscribe link that is at the end of each newsletter, you will be taken off the list immediately. If you access your email by phone, you can text EDNC to 28828 and sign up by replying with your email. Subscribe today!
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Church of the Incarnation
550 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-579-2604
Copyright © 2020. All Rights Reserved.
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