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Weekly News & Notes from Incarnation
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News & Notes - July 19, 2020
The Seventh Sunday After Pentecost
Services Online at
10:00 a.m.
(see below for details)
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From the Rector: Outdoor Services
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 Dear friends,
For the past seven weeks, our Task Force on Regathering has been working to discern whether, when, and how we might begin to hold in-person services again. We began with a congregational survey-and a remarkable number of you participated, more than 170. You can read a summary of the survey responses
here.
Meanwhile, we've also been working on the practical logistics of what in-person gatherings might look like. Since we began our work, the climate has shifted. The flattened infection curve of May has shifted in June and July to a renewed increase in the spread of COVID-19. It's clear that we need to proceed with great caution. It's also clear that we will be living with this pandemic for a long haul, and we need to pattern our congregational life accordingly.
We are committed to maintaining our online worship life, no matter what. Online worship can be delightful, frustrating, and everything else in between-but it's clearly the safest option, and the only option for many of our parishioners who are at elevated levels of risk. Yet there are reasons to want to add some in-person gatherings back into our common life. One is the sheer power of being together in the flesh. We are an incarnational people, and being in the same place is a unique expression of our unity. Another is the value of our physical presence as a beacon of God's love in our downtown neighborhood. And a third-maybe the most compelling - is the possibility of celebrating the Eucharist once again. Although we can worship in spirit and truth without it when we have to, the Eucharist is our central act of worship.
It became clear to us early on that we did not feel ready to hold any indoor worship gatherings. The science is increasingly clear that having groups of people spend time in enclosed spaces is one of the highest risk factors. So, well before Governor Newsom's health order of this week prohibited indoor worship services, we had decided to focus on outdoor options only for the time being.
Right now we think we can responsibly begin two things:
(1) an outdoor service of Morning Prayer once a week, Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m., limited to 12 people, with advance registration.
And (2) an outdoor Sunday morning service once a month, limited to 50 people, with multiple services to be held if more than 50 people register.
For now, the Sunday in-person services will still be Liturgies of the Word, without the Eucharist. But after the first month or two, when we feel confident that we can do them safely, we'll plan to begin Eucharistic celebrations, including a plan for bringing Communion to those who are at home and unable to attend the in-person services.
The outdoor Sunday services will be livestreamed so those at home can still pray along, and the other Sundays of the month will remain all-online as we have been doing. By holding in-person services just once a month, we will reduce opportunities for viral spread, and we will create a "mixed economy" that keeps our Zoom worship, where everyone can participate, in an important role while also offering a regular rhythm of in-person worship to supplement it.
These will not be "ordinary" services the way we're used to them. Participants will need to register in advance. Everyone will need to wear a mask and practice physical distancing. There will be no singing or chanting. We will keep the services simple and relatively short. We won't be able to gather for food or social time afterward. These things may not be what we would wish, but they're necessary. They'll be necessary for some time ... but not forever. And no matter what, God will be present.
Our first outdoor service of Morning Prayer is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, July 21, at 8:00 a.m. Our first outdoor Sunday Liturgy of the Word is scheduled for Sunday, August 2, at 9:30 a.m. A second service at 11:00 will be added if the first service fills up. Of course, since circumstances are changing rapidly, we'll need to stay flexible and hold our plans lightly. Any changes or cancellations will be announced by email and on Facebook.
You can register to participate in our in-person services here:
You can also call Alison in the church office to register at (707) 579-2604. Please remember to register by 48 hours before the service, as we may not be able to accommodate people who arrive without registering.
May God bless us as we move into this new phase. Whether we gather in person or not, we are always together in the Spirit as one body of the risen Jesus Christ.
In Christ's peace,
Stephen+
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Sunday, July 19
Readings:
7 am - 8:30 am - Open Table's Breakfast
Monday, July 20
Living Compass eRetreat: Contemplative Practices and Well-Being
Tuesday, July 21
Wednesday, July 22
6:00 pm - Alleluia Choir: Zoom
Thursday, July 23
6:00 pm - St. Cecilia Choir:
Zoom
Friday, July 24
Saturday, July 25
9 am to 11:00 am - Open Table Prep
Sunday, July 26
Readings:
7 am - 8:30 am - Open Table's Breakfast
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Although our church building is closed, our worship continues. Using technology, we can gather from wherever we may be and join together in the Word and in prayer.
Sunday Services, 10:00 a.m.
- To dial in: Call (669) 900-9128. Enter meeting ID code: 997 787 434 #.
Tuesday and Thursday Evening Prayer, 5:30 p.m.
- To dial in: Call (669) 900-9128 and enter the meeting ID code: 978 442 160 #.
We are also livestreaming each Zoom service on our
Facebook page, so as long as the technology cooperates, 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.
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Our Financial Health
at Halftime 2020
Thoughts of our physical and mental health tend to occupy our minds during these days of virus. Here is an update regarding our parish financial health.
We're doing okay for now, thank you. A simplified table of our financial activities is shown below.
Considering the uncertain state of our economy, the fact that our Total Income from all sources is down by only 8.4% isn't too bad. 58 pledges which are underpaid by $15,788, are offset by non-pledge offerings, leaving our Total Offerings under-budget by $14,675. Those who pre-paid their pledges in full have helped our cash flow greatly (thank you!). We've not yet needed to withdraw additional money from the Green Fund, in spite of our deficit.
With our buildings and grounds closed due to the pandemic, our Facilities Usage income is down significantly, by 25%.
On the flip side, the shut down of activities also means that our Operating Expenses are reduced. So far this year, by 11%.
Staff salaries, the largest portion of our operating expenses, have remained stable. We were among the 35 parishes in our Diocese that received a Federal Payroll Protection Program loan. Hence, everyone on staff was fully paid through the last paycheck in June. Our savings in payroll are primarily due to reduced use of Supply Clergy, and a corrective adjustment to payroll taxes.
Bottom line, our year-to-date deficit is not as significant as budgeted, and we've not yet needed to draw additional money from the Green Fund. Thank you all for your support.
CLICK ON TABLE TO ENLARGE
Please stay healthy, stay safe, and stay together in our hearts.
David Jasper
treasurer@IncarnationSantaRosa.org
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Sunday Open Table Update July 2020
Sunday Open Table celebrated its 10th year of service to our community this year. Since early in 2010 we have served over 100 people each Sunday with a meal and a smile. This mission has been possible due to continuing support from this congregation in terms of cash donations, in-kind donations and so very many volunteer hours.
We have adjusted our service in the times of Covid to include a bag lunch with two sandwiches and hard boiled eggs and snack bar along with a hot cup of coffee. We have strict safety protocols in place during the time we hand out these bags on Sundays between 7:00-8:30 am. It takes a lot of people to make this program work. During the week our shoppers pick up the needed supplies of food and accessories.
On Saturday our prep crew of 4-6 people makes over 100 sandwiches and boils a lot of eggs. On Sunday a crew of 8 puts on the finishing touches and then serves with a smile (hidden behind masks, of course.) We are always looking for a few extra volunteers on Sunday. It is a rewarding task and you will know how appreciated this program is for the unsheltered and needy in our community. If you would like to volunteer for one Sunday or more (right now looking for people under age 65), please go to incarnation.ivolunteer.com. In addition to serving food, we could really use someone(s) to help distribute clothing during the same time a few Sundays per month.
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Through the Ear to the Heart
Sing the Music of St. Hildegard of Bingen
 A contemplative practice in the medieval oral tradition, o
pen to everyone who enjoys singing.
St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a Benedictine Abbess, visionary, healer, naturalist, poet, playwright, and counselor. She was also a brilliant composer. Her songs are beautiful, inspiring, and encoded with mystical wisdom and insight. Experience Hildegard's music the way she shared it with the women and men who sang with her, in a restful, nourishing process of listening and singing together 'through the ear to the heart.'
Second and Fourth Tuesday evenings 7:00-8:00 pm
via Zoom.
For information or to request a Zoom invitation contact Devi,
info@singhildegard.com
, or 707-829-0815.
No experience or musical training required.
D
rop-ins & newcomers are always welcome.
Donations gratefully accepted.
Devi Mathieu has been singing and teaching the music of St. Hildegard for more than 20 years. A singer of western medieval and contemporary music in the US and Europe, she has a lifelong love of sacred music from around the world.
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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.
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Forward Day by Day
 The August, September & October daily readings have arrived. This Episcopal daily devotional is in two handy sizes - large print and pocket size.
You can pick one up outside the Bookstore in Farlander Hall Saturday Mornings 9 - 12 (wear a mask) or we can mail.
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The Last Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Gail Cafferata
, that's Church of Incarnation's Gail Cafferata, has written The Last Pastor. And she was.
As such, her disagreeable task involved disbanding her worshiping
congregation. She writes frankly about this and the experiences of many other clergy who have done the same and shared with her their challenges and anguish. The author uses the analogy of small sailboat sailing, the pastor at the tiller, thereby skillfully carrying us as readers into the minds and hearts of almost all those who might be on similar difficult courses. No dull sailing this.
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 Frank Baumgardner
has been fascinated with the California Gold Rush and the expansion West ever since learning about it in the fourth grade. He explores why people moved thousands of miles to an unknown place in
Golden Dreams.
Amazon prices plus $3 for Church of the Incarnation. Support our church and please order from our bookstore!
Free Front Porch Delivery
too!! Contact Linda at,
sevierlinda@gmail.com
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New Group at Incarnation
(Watch this space for additional groups forming later this summer.)
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LGBTQ+ Group Forming at Incarnation
A safe and inclusive LGBTQ+ group is forming for Incarnation members. This group is open to LGBTQ+ people and allies and will include email communication and Zoom gatherings.
The focus of the group is:
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Social
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LGBTQ+ issues in the Episcopal Church
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LGBTQ+ worship at Incarnation
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Visibility within the Church and Santa Rosa
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Peer support
If you are interested in the group, please email or call Allan Bolchazy at
allanbengr@gmail.com or 707-312-3778.
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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 Dicksie, Alice Dingwall, Carolyn, Sally G., Peter, Kitty H., Chris M., Marie, Nolan, Michael, Sonja, Jeanette, Mary Jo,
David Ratner, Mary & Julie Matteucci,
Elizabeth Galvin-Little,
Janet Christie,
Ben K., Susan Shumaker, Marilyn Payne, Amanda Cortese, Charles French, Charles Bobbitt, Keith Keller, Nancy Hanke, and Wallace Look.
...for those who have died: David Ratner, Frank Gavaller, John Ziaja, John Gregson, 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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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 alison@incarnationsantarosa.org. 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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