Staying Connected as a Faith Community |
|
|
Look for the St. Mary’s CAT!
In a few days, you will receive the Church Assessment Tool (CAT), a questionnaire that will help leaders gauge the strength, vitality, and trends in our church. The information gained from the assessment will be valuable for the leadership as they set priorities in the months ahead and develop a strategic plan for the future.
If you receive the email version of the Weekly Newsletter, you will receive an email with a link to complete the CAT on-line. If you receive the Weekly Newsletter by mail, a paper copy of the questionnaire will be mailed to you along with a pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelope to return the completed CAT.
We urge everyone to complete the questionnaire—our future together depends on your participation and honest answers.
Thank you!
The CAT Team
Jo-Ann Swanson, Joy Dorin, Andrea Burr
|
|
|
|
Today's Morning Devotions from the chapel
|
|
Contemplative Prayer Service
Sundays @ 4 pm
Church Street lawn
|
Don't forget to bring your chair and maintain social distance as we come together for a time of prayer and fellowship.
**************
For those interested in deeping their practice of contemplative prayer, CLICK HERE to download the App that Rev. Ann uses to guide the service.
|
|
|
The 'Doors Project'
A group of 15 parishioners enjoyed fellowship and painting fun last Saturday! All 7 doors were painted with our base colors and groups began brainstorming on lettering and installation. We were also able to paint small plywood boards that made personal signs for either homes or to be placed on the church grounds. (below is a sign created by youth group member Jessica and her mom, Maria) We will gather on Saturday at 9:30am to work on small lawn signs and start the installation process (which will be completed during the week).
|
|
Virtual COFFEE HOUR begins at 9:30AM- join with the regular worship Zoom link below.
|
|
 |
Sunday, September 20th at 10AM
Permanent Meeting Code
Meeting ID: 823 2447 0555
Password: 0000
Join Zoom Meeting:
or
Dial
1 646 876 9923
|
|
|
|
WEEK NIGHT COMPLINE continues this Fall....
Join fellow parishioners:
Monday: Karen A
Tuesday: Andrea
Wednesday: Deacon Karen
Friday: Sharon
This short service from The Book of Common Prayer can be found in the BCP on page 127 or you may access the prayer book online at www.bcponline.org.
To Join Compline Zoom Meeting
or
By phone call +13126266799
enter Meeting ID
856 0827 5573
|
|
|
|
The Finance Committee presented to the Vestry on Tuesday evening that there has been a steady decline of pledge income from March through August. This decline and the lack of rental income from the church building has caused the monthly deficits to grow. Both leadership groups understand that parishioners' personal finances may be under stress and unpredictable at this time. We are hopeful that we can continue to cover our payroll, building utilities and other required expenses that occur while we are not in our building, but out in the world living into God's mission. Please feel free to communicate privately to Rev. Ann if you are in a difficult place financially. Pledge envelopes can continued to be mailed to the church office or dropped in the mailbox each week. |
|
ANTI RACISM WORK
PRAYER: WAKE US, O GOD
Wake us, O God, so that the sin of racism is purged from this land; break down the barriers that oppress all people of color; strengthen our resolve to work personally for justice; deliver us from complacency, indifference, and a return to the status quo; protect all who protest and all who are commissioned to protect and to serve; heal our addiction to privilege and power; and lead us, by your grace, to build your new community of love; we ask this in the name of Jesus, our brother. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Race vs Religion - Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man Episode 7 with Carl Lentz, Hillsong Church
|
|
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2
|
|
The early Christians did not conform to the world’s standards, and they were known for their love, care, and genuine open community. Let us work to make sure that the future church is not conformed to the culture but rather is faithful to the radical upside-down-inside-out way of Christ.
Steward our future church
For clarifying our thoughts and helping us to reset priorities, there’s nothing like a crisis – whether it’s a job layoff, a death in the family, social upheaval or a health emergency.
With Covid-19 we’ve witnessed plenty of all of these, and more! Despite our natural resistance to change, we’re learning new ways to live. As a disciple of Christ, what thoughts have clarified for you? As a follower of Jesus what personal priorities have you reset?
The questions arise because you are the church, we are the church together and stewards of the church. We will pray the Holy Spirit will guide us to a “new normal” of holy living as both disciples and community that will be different – and better – than what we’ve known.
Here are some questions to pray over and discuss:
- When your church suspended in-person worship, what ways did you find to stay connected to God? To one another? What did this teach you about holy living? About being church together?
- Covid-19 forced us to “be church” without buildings. What has this revealed about the nature of community? About the value of buildings? As we go back into our buildings, how can things be different? Why must they be?
- In light of what we’ve learned, what values, ideas, traditions, habits should we let go of? Which should we keep? What really matters? Why?
- How can your insights, strengths and gifts help to shape the future of your life as a disciple and follower of Jesus? Of your congregation? What can you give to the future church in time, talent and treasure?
Covid-19’s crises are still teaching us. As stewards of God’s church, we can renew and restructure our church to fulfill God’s mission. With God’s guidance, we will.
--Rob Blezard
Copyright © 2020, Rev. Robert Blezard. Pastor Blezard serves as an assistant to the bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA, and works as content editor for www.stewardshipoflife.org. He blogs at www.thestewardshipguy.com
|
|
If you are interested in reading more CLICK HERE for an article entitled How and Why the Future Church Can Thrive
|
|
Taking Care of Yourself & Others
FREE JOB training and FREE Financial Coaching
Lost your job due to the COVID-19 Pandemic? Collecting Unemployment? You can Start a New Career!
To learn more CLICK HERE to visit the town's webiste
Free concert: Three Women and Nine Centuries of Music.
Charter Oak Park, Sunday, September 20 at 4:00 pm. Eclectica Chamber Trio. Music spanning centuries, hammered dulcimer, viola da gamba, violin, accordion, recorders and more. Info: Jody, 860-280-5596.
Fall Movie Series
The Mighty Ducks at Market Field, 153 Spruce Street on Friday, 09/18/20.
All Ages, No Fee. Come and enjoy our fall outdoor movie series at dusk. New movies with viewings at multiple locations for your convenience. Social distancing protocols enforced.
Sponsored by the office of Neighborhoods and Families.
|
|
Connecting with Coffee
Ann's Zoom Coffee Shop on Fridays at 1pm
Join Zoom Meeting
or Dial +1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 873 0224 9184
Password: 958202
****************************
“Coffee On The Curb”
This way of connecting has been fun and you don't even have to tidy the house! Feel free to call Rev Ann at 304-951-7122 or email her at revalovejoy@gmail.com and she will swing by your home and chat outside (at a safe distance).
|
|
Virtual Prayers of the People
CLICK HERE to view the list and to take a moment to lift these names up in your prayers. If you have people you wish to add please contact Rev. Ann.
******************
Calling all Letter Writers
A request from parishioner Lanie Turner whose son Dave Dickson in Georgia has an employee who has just been deployed. His Army Reserve unit has been called up and sent to Kuwait. Dave reached out to Lanie asking if we - the church folks - could send him letters and cards. (It’s an American address taking regular postage). Imagine being away from home right now and all the uncertainties of serving overseas. When writing, reference who you are, so you won’t be a stranger. There are no strangers in God’s eyes. May we see like God... and write a letter!
SPC Darriun Bedell
168th ECC
APO, AE 09330
******************
Our Prayer for St Mary’s
Ever-present God, we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit as it moves and guides us here at St. Mary’s. We pray that you will reveal and help us to understand your mission. Inspire us in our love for each other and direct our actions as we move into relationships within our community. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
