Staying Connected as a Faith Community
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A big thank you to all who participated in last Thursdays e-news poll. Of the 54 responses, 31 responded yes to attending an outside service and 23 said they were not personally ready. The vestry was able to use that information at Tuesday's meeting and decided to begin the planning of an outside service. (See below)
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Click the video link to todays Morning Devotions from St. Mary's.
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Reflections from Ann
As parents, students, teachers and school personnel prepare for the ever-evolving scenarios for the reopening school, we may be feeling anxious. That's understandable! There are many unknowns and risks, and so much information to digest, and our own decisions to make in response to the plans. We all have our various ways of coping, from reading scientific journals to sewing masks. We also have the resource of turning to one another for support, and turning to God in prayer. There are many resources for prayer that are available on line, and in your Book of Common Prayer (that you may have at home or can access at
www.bcponline.org
) There are numerous options for spiritual reading and podcasts, and there is the quiet of your own home or backyard (or wherever you can made it!). It is important for us, as God's people, to "keep the faith" and be optimistic about getting through all of this. It can help us to remember that we have never been through this before! It's a new experience. And while new, we have inner resources, one another, and God to give us strength. This prayer,
A Litany During a Time of Pandemic
(
CLICK HERE
to view) may give you solace and strength. It has me. On Thursday July 22, we will pray this litany together during our Morning Devotions. May God guide us all through these new uncharted waters, and bring us ever closer to one another, and to understanding the needs of others.
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Annual Celebration of St. Mary's Day
Our annual celebration of St. Mary's Day will be held outdoors at on Sunday, August 16th at 4PM on the church lawn. The service will also include a special remembrance for our long time member and friend, Dotti Cannon. More details will be forthcoming in the Happenings and the e-news. If you would like to help in the planning for this event, please call Beth Bickley (860-836-2760) or Joy Dorin (860-614-8183).
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CHAT and SHOP NEXT THURSDAY
Do you miss connecting? Have you run low on Janet's jams, pickles, preserves etc? Don't worry! On Thursday, July 30th from 9:30-11:00 AM join the wardens and Ann in the memorial garden. We will have a table full of goodies! All proceeds will go to the Rector's Discretionary fund which is very low at the current time. This fund is a seperate parish fund that is used by the rector to help when a financial need arises from a parishioner or community member. If you would like to contibute seperatly to the fund please make checks out to St Mary's with Discretionary fund in the memo. We can't wait to see you and don't forget your mask!
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ZOOM COFFEE HOUR
Join Host Mechelle for Coffee this Sunday at 9:30 AM!
Bring your breakfast and come with your best/funniest coffee mug. Hope to see you there.
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Sunday, July 26th at 10AM
New Permanent Meeting Code
Meeting ID: 823 2447 0555
Password: 0000
Join Zoom Meeting:
or
Dial
1 646 876 9923
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Add something to your evening...
SUMMER COMPLINE
Compline/Night Prayer is now offered
FIVE
nights a week at 7:30 pm, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday.
Join this small group prayer service to refocus yourself after a busy day.
Compline is 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
You Can Call
13126266799
enter Meeting ID
856 0827 5573
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Anti-Racism Work
CLICK HERE
to read an article from The Christain Century titled
Why Are So Many White Chrisitans Suddenly Standing Up For Racial Justice?
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Racial justice and healing leaders and practitioners across The Episcopal Church will gather to build community, craft strategy and equip each other for action during a series of “Becoming Beloved Community NOW” online gatherings at 4:00-6:00 p.m. EST on July 28-30.
CLICK HERE
for more infomation and to register.
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Recalling the Episcopal Church is Connecticut's
Season of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation
By
resolution of its Annual Convention
in 2018 the Episcopal Church in Connecticut decided to enter a two-year "Season of Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation." It declared that on the second Sunday in February 2019 all parishes will be asked to begin a conversation with their congregations about the sin of racism in ECCT by hosting a forum on racial reconciliation.
CLICK HERE
to
head to ECCT's website for more information
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CLICK HERE
to visit the The National Episcopal Church's website Responding to Racist Violence page. This site also has Bishop Curry's profound Penetcost sermon.
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CLICK HERE
to read the thank you note from Second Congregational Church for our Drive-Thru Food Drive held in June.
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Taking Care of Yourself & Others
COMMUNITY THREADS, MACC's Thrift Store, is back open following all state protocols! The store has a drop box for donations at 466 Main St. Just pull in the one way driveway and the box is up the ramp. Donations of clean clothing, jewlery, household good are accepted.
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Free Concert TONIGHT at Center Memorial Park (next to Mary Cheney Library) Hosted by Bellars from 6-8pm. Bring a chair and social distance on the vast open space.
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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
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“
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).
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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.
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Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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