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Mission Matters
News from the
Episcopal Diocese
of Western Massachusetts
CELEBRANDO LA ABUNDANCIA DE DIÓS
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A Pastoral Word from the
Episcopal Bishops in Massachusetts,
with Updated Pandemic Guidance
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November 19, 2020
"Dear people of the Dioceses of Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts,
Our first word to you is one of deep gratitude. In the past eight months our churches have responded to the challenges of this pandemic with commitment and creativity. You have found new ways to worship, continued to provide life-sustaining ministry in your communities, and remained in supportive fellowship with one another. Despite widely shared anxiety and fatigue, you have nonetheless remained faithful to the core identity of the church. We are grateful beyond measure. God bless you.
Our second word to you is one of grave concern and utmost caution. Over the past several weeks, the spread of the coronavirus has increased dramatically in the Commonwealth. Infection levels have returned to levels not seen since spring. On November 2, Governor Baker issued revised measures, imposing stricter controls on gatherings in both private and public settings. As we move into colder weather and flu season, we believe that clear and present risks in our communities demand a similar response from people of faith to help protect ourselves and one another. Jesus’s Law of Love simply must be our foremost and abiding concern. "
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Online Retreat: Advent Quiet Day
with The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas
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10am, Dec 12, 2020.
In these tumultuous times, what better way to welcome Jesus than to set aside a quiet morning to make room for his birth in our hearts and minds?
During this Advent Quiet Day, we will step away from our daily tasks and concerns so that we can listen with full attention to the Spirit’s movement within us. Our intention will be to awaken to the divine Presence being given to us, moment by moment, breath by breath. Our time together will include presentations and guided meditations, with options for solitary reflection (indoors or out) or small group conversation.
This online retreat is open to all, free of charge.
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Advent Resources
from Virginia Theological Seminary
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#AdventWord is a global, online Advent calendar. An international community joins in prayer to explore the mystery and wonder of Advent through images and meditations shared on social media.
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Waiting with Expectation and Hope is a playlist for Advent curated for you by the Lifelong Learning team. We want to help create space for the Spirit to move in your planning and carrying out of this important season in the church year.
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Help St. George’s Store survive
the cancellation of all Holy Land tours
due to COVID-19
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St. George's Store is a handmade souvenir shop in Jerusalem. Like many other locations that depend on tourism, they are struggling to keep the shop afloat.
Do some of your Christmas shopping here and support artisans and craftspeople in the Holy Land. Their selection includes olive wood carvings, jewelry, icons, and more.
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From The Episcopal Church |
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Tell Me Something Good,
a new web series from The Episcopal Church
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Tell Me Something Good, a new web series from The Episcopal Church, highlights positive stories from around the church through conversations with a variety of guests. New episodes of Tell Me Something Good will be released every two weeks. Episode 1 is available for viewing on The Episcopal Church website here, on Facebook here, and on Instagram TV, @theepiscopalchurch.
Hosted by Jerusalem Greer, Episcopal Church staff officer for evangelism, and the Rev. Marcus Halley, dean of formation of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, Tell Me Something Good seeks, names, and celebrates Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of people from all over the church, and invites everyone to more.
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Building Bridges begins Drive-Thru Lunches for veterans |
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Greenfield: The second Thursday of every month from noon to 1pm at the Greenfield Elks lodge parking lot in Greenfield.
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Northampton: The first Wednesday of every month from noon to 1pm at the Hampshire Gazette parking lot in Northampton.
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Chicopee: The third Friday of every month from noon to 1pm at the Chicopee Elks lodge parking lot in Chicopee.
Veterans may bring one guest.
Veterans/lunch attendees must wear a mask that covers both their nose and mouth before rolling down the car window to accept a lunch.
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Staring down climate despair through kinship |
"Indigenous peoples and many Eastern religious traditions have long understood humanity as kin to all of nature. So did Francis of Assisi and Catholic thinkers, including Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry.
For St. Francis, the oaks and songbirds of the Umbrian countryside were family, in a relational web centered on God — his "Canticle of Creation" praises God through Brother Sun, Sister Moon and Mother Earth.
Yet for industrial peoples, serious embrace of Francis' kinship framework is a major shift in worldview, because it rejects the modern view that nature is merely a supply depot for human projects and a stage for our play. A Franciscan kin-based perspective teaches us to see Creation as God's self-expression and gift. It teaches us to love Creation."
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Get the Creation Care Network newsletter in your inbox every 1st of the month
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Read this month's newsletter
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Missioner for Creation Care
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Social Justice Commission |
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Did you miss the livestream?
Two Virtual Events sponsored by Bishops United Against Gun Violence
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Beloved Community Commission |
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New Podcast: Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community
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"Across our church and our society, we are having profound dialogues about race, truth, justice, and healing. Coming this Advent, Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community explores where that dialogue intersects with our faith.
You'll hear ancient texts interpreted in new ways, find fodder for preaching and teaching, and make present day connections to the prophetic voices of the Bible. This podcast will help us rethink how was hear, see, and interact with the lectionary readings, refocusing from the rush of the Christmas season to the voice crying out in the wilderness."
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Find a Sunday service online |
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Nurturing Clergy Resiliency, Creativity, & Wellness
with Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund
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Jan 26-27, 2021
Zoom
Pastors & Chaplains, when was the last time you found time to take a deep breath and tend to your body and your spirit? With the extra demands of ministering in the midst of a pandemic, many ministers are in need of respite and self-care. Join us for presentations, workshops and conversations around building resiliency, attending to mental wellness, and nourishing the spiritual life of faith leaders.
Registration Deadline: January 19, 2021
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Keep an eye on the calendar here.
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