Bridging into the Kingdom of God together
It’s hard to imagine the new normal of post-COVID church. As the devastating impact of the pandemic continues to work its way across the globe, I am certain that places where mutual care, reflection and deep connection happen will matter more. I believe that our church is a place that will matter more not less to those of us who call it our spiritual place.
With this hope in mind, I was truly honored to gather a group of confirmands at church last Sunday to begin a creative spiritual journey with them in our newly renovated McCormack Lounge. With member Janet Arms assisting, we talked about what it means to be found by God, and known and loved as Children of God. We also did a Bible study together on the Gospel set for worship that day, and then gathered for worship at 4PM on the back lawn. Before the service began, Mary Beth Merryman gave the confirmands a lesson on how to set up the beautiful, outdoor altar for worship. How much our young people learned, I cannot say. But I hope they felt like they were in a spiritual place, and that it was their spiritual place; and at the end of the course when they are confirmed, the community of St. Barnabas will matter more to them, not less.
With this hope in mind, I invite you to keep them in your prayers: Caitlin Thomas, Alex Williams, Julia Smith-Marrone, Scarlett Zumbro, Wilson Lark, Drew Krzemienski and Emmaline LeBuhn. I also know there are more young people poised to join the group, as their sports schedules allow. May this small group of learners know that they are part of a network of learners gathering together for mutual care, reflection and deep connection, as program offerings such as Connected Parenting and Women’s Group begin to meet again.
Onward together,
Gareth
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10:00AM Worship
in the Church & Online
Followed by coffee on the front lawn
4:00PM Worship
on the back lawn
No Sunday School this week. Please join us for the Blessing of the Animals.
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Blessing of the Animals
St. Francis' Day Celebration
This Sunday!
During the 4:00PM Outdoor Worship Service
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Christa's Favorite Things & Creations
Christa Fagerberg's children, Jonathan, Heidi and Robin, invite you to her Irvington home on Sunday, October 17, from 11AM to 4PM, to view a gallery of her artwork, the art she collected, and other items she had cherished over the years.
"As we prepare to pack up her things, so many memories and stories are popping into our minds. We want those who knew her similarly to be able to recall her life and art. She was an avid creator and collector of decorative items, both beautiful and whimsical. You are invited to take one or a few of your favorites to remind you of the joys you shared. The family has had a chance to do this, and we know she would have wanted her friends to have the same opportunity.
We look forward to seeing you all. We are at 128 Sycamore Lane, Irvington. Covid protocols will be in place, with social distancing, mask requirements, and hand sanitizers. Light refreshments will be offered."
You can reach the family at (914) 591-6362.
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IPC / St B’s for Refugees is Launched
All are invited to join a new joint ministry between Irvington Presbyterian Church and St. Barnabas Church focused on caring for refugee families arriving in New York from Afghanistan. Together, members of our two churches will join a growing network of community sponsors who seek to serve and welcome newcomers through food drives, transportation assistance, job seeking, educational placement, and housing assistance.
As a member of St. Barnabas and founder of Rivertowns for Refugees, Steve Grieder said in a recent newspaper article that as a refugee, "You need to be in the hands of neighbors, and people who know your name, know your face, know what your family’s like, and know the size of your winter boots, if you need an extra pair.” As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities where the need is great. If you would like to join this new ministry, please sign up!
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In order to join the work of Holy Spirit in a very hands on and practical way, the Westchester Jewish Coalition for Immigration (WJCI) is seeking volunteers (ages 12 and up) to pack up supplies for Afghan refugees at Fort Dix-McGuire army bases. They could really use our help this Monday and Tuesday at the Shames JCC on the Hudson as they are expecting a lot of items. JCC Sign-up Here
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Confirmation Class
This class for 8th/9th/10th graders runs for eight weeks, with confirmation on December 12.
Next meeting:
Sunday, October 17
3:00PM
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Women’s Group
Fran Bean leads this group on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Please join our next meeting.
Wednesday, October 13
10:45AM-12:00PM
This is a hybrid event. The meeting will take place on the rectory front porch and also at this Zoom Link.
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686 Passcode: 10533
Contact Fran with any questions.
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Adult Formation
Reading the New Testament
Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays
9:30AM -10:30AM
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686
Passcode: 10533
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Book Group Meeting
We will be meeting on Zoom to discuss "How to Change Your Mind," by Michael Pollan.
Tuesday, October 26
7:30PM
All are welcome! If you would like to be on the Book Group email list or would like to receive the Zoom link for this month's meeting, please contact Lea Carmichael Richardson
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Giving
Please continue to make your pledges or contributions.
Online payments may be made HERE, or on our website under the "Give" section, or by mail.
If you would like to contribute stock or wire funds, contact Cynthia Ferguson at 914-631-7188.
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Connect
To schedule a meeting with the rector, call the Parish Office at (914) 591-8194 or email Sue Stanley. The rector's Sabbath (day off) is Friday.
For pastoral emergencies, call the Rev. Gareth Evans at (617) 930-3728.
If you have announcements for the weekly eNews, email Hope Durot by Tuesday. |
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