Institutional Life - Setting Expectations and Shaping Behavior
Parishioner Chris Mitchell once said to me that institutions at their best “set expectations and guide behavior.” He went on to say that the Church is the one institution that values the whole person and takes the human condition seriously. I am grateful to belong to the Episcopal Church for holding, as it does, to the belief that God has in mind a better world for all of God's people.
As members of St. Barnabas, I believe that we are called to love and value our fellow human beings and resist sinful patterns of behavior that get in the way of God’s desire for human flourishing. Given that this is Black History Month, I am reminded of The Statement on Racial Justice that the Vestry put together in 2020 as a starting point to redefine our church’s relationship to racism and help our local community do the same. Here is an extract from that statement:
It is in this spirit by which we, as a vestry, pledge to do the work that we need to do to become an anti-racist congregation. We commit to starting this work by:
- Sponsoring the first “Juneteenth” rally in Irvington to promote inclusion and highlight its significance;
- Providing our parishioners with the opportunity to participate in small groups to discuss works by diverse authors and/or dealing with racial justice issues;
- Inviting those of us who are white to examine our privilege and the reality of racism;
- Providing our members with programs about anti-racism, unconscious bias, and cultural awareness;
- Examining the structures, norms, and habits in our parish and community that discourage full participation by all;
- Highlighting and supporting the efforts of Rivertowns Episcopal Parishes Action on Inclusion and Race (REPAIR); and,
- Encouraging all our members to engage more, listen more, share their stories, and become more informed about the experiences of people of all races, and in so doing become better equipped to take action in the face of racial injustice.
We strive to welcome everyone into our community on their own terms, embracing and celebrating our differences. And we commit to becoming a beacon of hope for those in our society who are harmed by racist acts and actions.
This year’s Black History Month is, “Celebrating Black Health and Wellness” as a way of highlighting contributions of Black healthcare professionals to the well-being of our nation, particularly during the pandemic; as well as promoting the physical, emotional, and mental health of Black Americans given the ongoing health care disparities that exist between White and Black people in our country. May we, as Christians, do all that we can to affirm the dignity of every human being made deep in the image of God and be the beacons of hope Christ calls us to be in the world.
Onward in God’s Spirit,
Gareth+
Reminder: Click HERE to purchase the hymnal Lift Every Voice and Sing for use at the church.
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THIS SUNDAY
8:00AM Worship
in the Main Sanctuary
10:00AM Worship
in-person or online
All are welcome though we strongly encourage in-person attendees to be fully vaccinated and boosted. Masks are required. COVID protocols.
For assistance viewing online,
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Sunday School is Back!
Children will meet in the parish hall at 10:00AM worship and then join the service after their lesson. Please wear masks.
10:00AM in Colwell Hall
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Youth Group News
Save the Dates!
Youth and parents of St. Barnabas and the Irvington Presbyterian Church (IPC) are invited to meet our new Youth Director, David Bryan.
Saturday, Feb 19, 10:00-11:00AM
in-person at St.B's Colwell Hall
Sunday, Feb 27, 4:00-5:00PM
Sunday, March 6, 5:00-6:30PM
Youth Group Kick-off Event for both High School and Middle School Youth
IPC, Church Hall.
Weekly youth group meetings will be held on Sundays 5:00-6:30PM alternating between the High Schoolers one week and the Middle Schoolers the next. For the month of March, meetings will be held at St. B’s, and at then held at IPC for the month of April, alternating venues on a monthly basis.
March 13, 5:00-6:30PM
High School Youth Gp at St.B’s, Colwell Hall
March 20, 5:00-6:30PM
Middle School Youth Gp at St.B’s, Colwell Hall
March 27th, 5:00-6:30PM
High School Youth Gp at St.B’s, Colwell Hall
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IPC/STB'S FOR REFUGEES UPDATE |
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Our joint Afghan resettlement ministry has helped the Khpolwak family find and furnish an apartment, navigate public transit, find health services, look for employment, and maneuver through the complex legal process of moving to the U.S. as refugees. Going forward, we are focusing on continued holistic healthcare for the family, helping them find employment, and finding meaningful ways for them to connect in the community.
Currently, we are exploring low-cost or no-cost English as a Second Language (ESL) training options. The Khpolwaks all understand and speak English, some better than others, but they want help to improve their written communication.
We are also interested in hearing about
- specific job-training programs (specifically a certificate program in IT) that are online or accessible via public transportation from the family’s home, and
- companies or organizations interested in hiring Afghan refugees
Thank you for your support until now. Please let us have your questions and suggestions, by email or by speaking with Frances Bean (Evans), Susan Brunenavs or Barbara Wright.
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Diocese of New York plans services honoring black leaders
Two special services are planned for this weekend, February 12 and 13, to celebrate the life and work of Absalom Jones, the first African American ordained in the Episcopal Church, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, respectively. Both events will be accessible by live-stream as well as in-person attendance. Attendance or viewing of these services provides an outstanding way to support the legacy of these two men and to celebrate Black History Month. Here are details:
Blessed Absalom Jones Celebration
This Saturday, February 12, 10:30AM to 12:30PM
St. Philip’s Church, Harlem
The Right Reverend Andrew Dietsche will officiate and The Most Reverend Michael Curry will preach. Please follow this link for Zoom registration. (In-person attendance is now full.)
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Memorial Service for Archbishop Desmond Tutu
This Sunday, February 13, 4:00 to 6:00PM
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
The Most Reverend Michael Curry will deliver the sermon, and both the Bishop of New York, the Right Reverend Andrew ML Dietsche, and the Dean of the Cathedral, the Right Reverend Clifton Daniel, with speak. They will be joined by many global activists and revolutionary thinkers in celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Archbishop Tutu, who preached a Gospel of radical reconciliation and truth-telling. Follow this link to RSVP for in-person or streaming attendance.
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Clothing Sale Grant Form
We are now accepting grant requests for the proceeds from the 2021 Clothing Sale! The St. Barnabas Clothing Sale Outreach program is designed specifically to extend the charitable outreach of our parishioners, so we solicit requests from our faith community for worthy non-profit (501c3) organizations that benefit the local community. In order to be eligible for grant consideration, at least one St. Barnabas parishioner must volunteer or be connected to your organization. Further, the requested grant (most grants are between $500 and $1,500, rarely more than $5,000) must have a meaningful impact on the community your program serves. We believe that God desires and delights in human flourishing, hence our desire to pour the proceeds of our clothing sales back into the community.
Deadline: email completed application no later than Sunday, March 13, 2022 to Hanna Gyory or drop it with Sue at the church office. Sue will keep a binder of all the grant requests.
Decision: Grant application decisions will be made by the Grant Committee on Wednesday, March 16 and disbursed in March. The annual Clothing Sale Dinner is TBD, dependent on the pandemic.
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Honoring the Life and Legacy of Pauli Murray
Pauli Murray was the first African-American woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest (1977). But this doesn't begin to describe her significance as an advocate for human freedom. She was a civil rights activist; the top graduate from her class at Howard University law school (where she was the only female student); author of the book that Thurgood Marshall called the bible of the civil rights movement; a co-founder of the National Organization for Women; and a pioneer of LGBTQ rights.
Join us on Wednesday evening, February 16, when REPAIR explores and honors the story of this remarkable individual. Our panelists will include the Rev Dr Elizabeth Kaeton, Prof Katherine Franke of Columbia Law School, and Dennis Parker, executive director of the National Center for Law and Economic Justice. All three are deeply knowledgeable about Pauli Murray and her impact on our world.
We'll also view an excerpt from the acclaimed documentary film about Pauli Murray recently released on Amazon. It should be a memorable evening!
This Wednesday, February 16
7:30PM - 9:00PM
Advance registration is not required; just click on the Zoom link at the scheduled date and time.
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Food Drive
Irvington Presbyterian Church is the host for our next IPC/St.B's joint food drive.
Please drop your donations at
Irvington Presbyterian Church on
Sunday, February 20
between 9 AM - 12 PM
Volunteers will be available in the parking lot to accept your donations. This is our fifth joint food drive. We are happy to partner with IPC and thank you for your support. Please know how much your gifts are needed and appreciated. It is a way for us to be good neighbors in our community. The people in need and the pantry have felt your love! If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please contact Barbara Mahoney.
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Invitation to Benefit Exhibition
Park Joon’s photography exhibition, "America the Beautiful," is a benefit event to raise funds to help child victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. The money raised will help the "I Am Spring" center in Daejeon, South Korea. Seventeen children live together under the protection and the guidance of the director, the Rev. Dr. Lee Young Ah, who is a psychologist and an Anglican deacon. This benefit will bring them a small gift of hope and love they desperately need and let them know that there are people who care about them. They need to know that their lives are precious and life is worth living. You can find more information HERE. The exhibition ends this coming Saturday, February 12th.
Contact information for Art purchase
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Congratulations, Katie!
We are thrilled to celebrate Katie LeBuhn's 1000th point, along with her whole family!
What a tremendous accomplishment. Your St. Barnabas family is very proud of you.
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She's Here!
Celebrating the arrival of Hanna Brynn Heettner Howard, born February 1, 2022. Her parents Adam Howard and Jenn Heettner are thrilled, as is grandmother Skiles Howard. All are doing fine!
Congratulations from St. Barnabas!
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Connected
Parenting
The next meeting will take place Sunday evening,
February 27, 5:00-6:30PM
This will be an in- person meeting at the rectory with dinner and childcare provided!
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Book Group Announcement
The Saint Barnabas Book Group will meet on Tuesday, March 22nd, by Zoom, at 7:30 pm to discuss "Matrix", by Lauren Groff.
All are welcome, to any meeting. If you would like the Zoom link, would like to be added to the Book Group email list, or have any questions, please contact Lea Carmichael Richardson
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Adult Formation
Reading the New
Testament
Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays
9:30AM - 10:30AM
Online Class -
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686
Passcode: 10533
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Women’s Group
Fran Bean leads this group on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. All welcome! Contact Fran with questions.
Next Meeting is
March 2nd from
10:45AM - 12:00PM
Remote Event -
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686
Passcode: 10533
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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) 922-1921.
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Contact
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 Monday.
For pastoral emergencies, call the Rev. Gareth Evans at (617) 930-3728.
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