Staying Connected as a Faith Community |
Thursday, November 19, 2020 |
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Above is the thank you that was posted on Manchester Public Schools' Facebook page in gratitude for their community partners. If you look right in the middle you can find St. Mary's! For Thanksgiving Seasonal Sharing we delivered to Bennet, 51 Gift Cards totalling $1,270! Brittany Hall from the Family Resource Center was so overwhelmed with our donation and said "to pass along a great big virtual hug to each and every member of St. Mary's"
We will be delivering all non-perishable food items to MACC today.
Our Christmas Seasonal Sharing plans are to continue to collect $25 gift cards for Bennet Academy. Along with small gifts for seniors/shut-ins (sugar-free candies, lotions, tea or coffee gifts, cozy socks, etc) that MACC will deliver with their weekly meals. As always we will accept non-perishable food items for the Community Pantry. More details to follow after Thanksgiving.
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Inside Worship Opportunity
Morning Devotions on Thursdays @ 9:30am
***Thanksgiving week we will record on Wednesday***
If you are interested in joining Morning Devotions next Wednesday, Nov. 25th at 9:30AM please RSVP by calling Sandy in the office 860-649-4583. Reservations will be limited to the first 4 people who contact the office. We have yet to host a full group- so feel free to sign up!
-Tech Team-
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Click the link to today's Morning Devotions with a small congregation!
Morning Devotions will also livestream on Facebook at 9:30AM
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“And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’”– Matthew 25:40
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When our thankfulness translates into action and service to “the least of these,” we may never fully realize the ripple effects. How might you show gratitude to God in tangible ways that lift up your neighbor in need?
Where all are queens and kings
The Church designates the final Sunday of the Church year as the Feast of Christ the King, a day in which the united rule of Christ over all of the universe is celebrated. In many communities, it is a high feast, with altar guilds preparing white vestments, flower guilds celebrating God’s glory in elaborate displays, and hymns filled with alleluias. What a way to end the year, to celebrate stewardship, and to prepare for Advent!
But before we get too carried away with the grandeur of it all, today’s Gospel tells a different story about kingship and leadership: It tells of service. Typical of Jesus, he begins with what we expect — in this case power and triumph – and turns it upside down and in doing so, reminds us that it is through our ministry that we increase the role of the Church in our community. True power doesn’t come through force or wealth or conquest, it is derived from generosity, charity, and love. We change the hearts and minds of our neighbors by loving them and serving them.
Throughout this stewardship season we have heard about the mission of our own churches. You have learned about the ways that your gifts impact the life of your church and your neighbors. Perhaps this year you met the challenges of a global pandemic by adapting your worship. Maybe you responded to the needs of your community by increasing your outreach or your ministry to serve our neighbors.
What is certain is that you had the opportunity to express your love and your hope for the world through your annual gift to your church.
We seek and serve Christ in all people by serving our neighbors. This is the great commandment of Jesus to his followers and it is one of the promises we make at our Baptism. When we are asked by those we meet on the street or those to whom we minister in our communities if we will offer them drink when they thirst, or visit them when they are lonely, or give them food when they hunger, our answer will be yes! Through our generosity and our faith, we are called to that same royal line as Jesus, leaders in our communities. Now that is a feast worth celebrating!
J. Davey Gerhard is the Executive Director of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship, and lives and teaches his faith in San Francisco, California.
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Stewardship Reflections & Tips
How is humility a sign of leadership?
• How did your stewardship campaign inspire you to learn more about your neighbors and their needs?
• How has God revived your soul?
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THANK YOU to those who have returned their pledge certificates. For all others who plan to support St. Mary’s with or without a certificate, please inform Sandy of your intentions or return your completed pledge form by December 1st
Consider Online Giving through your Bank
Make your life easy and checkless – consider setting up recurring auto payments online through your bank. Set up St. Mary’s like you would any other bill. You can send your payments weekly, monthly, or one time. If you have questions, reach out to Mechelle for instruction on how she sets up giving to St. Mary's with her bank.
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CLICK HERE to see some pictures from the Thanksgiving/Stewarship Service last Sunday.
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The outside Sunday contemplative prayer service has concluded as we prepare for an Advent vitual afternoon service. Thanks to all who participated in this meditative service. It was so wonderful to see you in person! |
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Sunday, November 22nd 10AM
Permanent Meeting Code
Meeting ID: 823 2447 0555
Password: 0000
Join Zoom Meeting:
or
Dial
1 646 876 9923
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WEEK NIGHT COMPLINE
Join fellow parishioners:
Monday: Karen A
Tuesday: Andrea
Wednesday: Deacon Karen
Friday: Sharon
This short service from The Book of Common Prayer can be found in the BCP on page 127 or you may access the prayer book online at www.bcponline.org.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 856 0827 5573
Passcode: 41Park
To dial by telephone call +1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 856 0827 5573
Passcode: 555650
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Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance
Click the link to watch GHIAA's
Virtual Night of Action from Nov 12th. St. Mary's takes part in the vitual roll call at minute 15:10. Check out those doors!
CLICK HERE to view yesterday's press conference that was shared on Facebook Live. The Center for Leadership and Justice and tenant leaders from the No More Slumlords Campaign announced they will be filing a lawsuit against HUD and local housing authorities in their failure to further fair housing in the relocation process with tenants.
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Two of America’s best-known faith leaders Bishop Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church and Dr. Russell Moore, Executive Director of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention will engage in a conversation moderated by broadcaster Krista Tippett this Friday, November 20, 2020, at 11:00 AM (Eastern).
Two top Christian leaders, who represent denominations with different theological and cultural perspectives, will share their personal views, examine areas of common ground and explore how their faith leads them to treat others with dignity and respect. As part of the discussion, they will also explore some of the key ethical teachings of their faith (i.e. the Golden Rule, forgiveness, humility) and look at ways these teachings are relevant to the task of creating understanding and reconciliation between Americans of different political views.
CLICK HERE to register for the event. We will plan on sharing any recordings that are posted after the event for those unable to participate on Friday.
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Manchester Interfaith Thanksgiving Zoom Service THIS SUNDAY!
Sunday November 22nd @4pm
Everyone from all the congregations who would like to attend by zoom will need to register to get the link. This will make sure that the program is not interrupted.
Here is the registration link: https://www.myshul.org/event/interfaith-service-2.html
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Support St. Mary's while you Shop
We are a registered charity on Amazon Smile. A portion of your purchases made through Amazon Smile (not regular Amazon) will go directly to our online fundrasier line item in the budget! So far we have recieved $330 through parishioner's purchases.
CLICK HERE to learn how to support St Mary's in this unique way!
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Northeast Region Advent Opportunity
St. Paul’s, Willimantic, is offering a unique Advent class this year based on the book A Weary World – Reflections for a Blue Christmas and it’s open to anyone in the Region who would like to attend. It will be a zoom class, and reading the book is not required. However, St. Paul’s does have a limited amount of books available. CLICK HERE to register (scroll to the bottom of the page)
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Taking Care of Yourself & Others
Free COVID Testing Nov. 23 and 30.
The Manchester Health Department, in partnership with First Choice Health Centers, will be offering a series of free mobile COVID testing events. For full details, please CLICK HERE
MACC's Bistro on Main Goes from French to Comfort!
The new menu offers classic comfort foods, prepared fresh for your families. The mission remains the same: To care for our neighbors and neighborhood through service to others. CLICK HERE for the menu which includes burgers, chicken sandwiches, wraps, entrees, and kid’s options. "As a social enterprise of MACC Charities (Manchester Area Conference of Churches), we have a deep tie to our community and the neighbors we serve. Our culinary program is centered on low-income wage earners, providing them the skills needed to pursue a career in hospitality and food service." Let's support this small buisness right down the street from St. Mary's!
21 OAK is asking for help!
This plant-based resturant is stuggling to keep it's doors open. They are averaging only 2-3 customers a day. 21 OAK loacted at that address right off Main St uses only the finest and freshest ingredients to create plant-based vegetarian delights that will fill your belly and warm your heart. CLICK HERE for their website.
Ray Crothers Blood Drive
On Friday, November 27th from 8:30-4:30 at Manchester High School.The road race committee began conducting a blood drive as part of its race week activities in 1986 and continues this year as the need for blood is so great.
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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
“Coffee On The Curb” Continues
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
CLCK 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. NOTE: THE PRAYER LIST WILL BE REFRESHED FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
We have a NEW address for SPC Darrium Bedell, a parishonier's co-worker who is currently deployed, He has given word that he is receiving them and is so appreciative!
Darrium Bedell
168th ECC
Unit 61371
APO AE 09877
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Rev. Ann's birthday is this coming Tuesday, November 24th! We all wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and thank you for your guidance and leadership especially over these last 9 months! Feel free to send along your own birthday wishes to Ann at revalovejoy@gmail.com
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