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A Plagued Journey
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
I have entitled this piece, "A Plagued Journey" after a poem by Maya Angelou that was read last week during the Monday night Advent online series, "After Dinner at the Rectory." In this particular poem, the themes of hope and despair ebb and flow together, reflecting the light of Advent and the shadows cast by that same light. Here's an extract from the poem to give you a sense of how Angelou experiences these two contrasting, interlinked realities:
I cling to expectation, until
darkness comes to reclaim me
as its own. Hope fades, day is gone
into its irredeemable place
and I am thrown back into the familiar
bonds of disconsolation.
With the alarming rise in COVID-19 infections in our Rivertown neighborhoods we face a daily calculation on how best to safeguard our own safety and that of others. Hence, we made some hard decisions before Thanksgiving with regard to suspending in-person church services and activities. As the days unfold before us, please keep an eye on your inbox for special notices from church, as further restrictions and last minute changes seem almost inevitable at this point. Although not ideal, we can move most events to remote viewing and online participation as required.
Sincerely and affectionately yours,
Gareth
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STEWARDSHIP 2021
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STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN UPDATE
As of today, there are 82 pledges totaling $380,010 toward our $400,000 goal.
We are especially pleased to report that 68 of the 2021 pledges are new, increased or unchanged from 2020. The result is a $34,000 pledge from one parishioner who agreed to pledge $500 for each of the 68 pledges above. The matching program will end this Sunday, December 13th so there is still time to add to this amount if you have not made your pledge decision for 2021!
You can pledge online at the link below. You may also return your pledge card or contact either of us.
Please remember that, every pledge--large or small--is a vital piece in our overall effort to ensure our church is in good shape for the coming year.
Blessings,
Jane and David
Co-Chairs of the Stewardship Campaign
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WORSHIP
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SERVICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
Worship Online
Please join us for a virtual service at
The in-person service has been suspended for this week.
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Following 10AM worship, we gather by ZOOM for
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686
Passcode: 10533
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SERVICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
Outdoor Worship
This outdoor service has been suspended for this week.
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CHILDREN'S FORMATION
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Christmas Pageant Video Filming - Sunday, 3:00PM
The children of St. Barnabas are invited to participate in a video production of the traditional Christmas story, to be filmed outdoors (with social distancing!) this Sunday at 3pm. Sunday School parents on our list should have received an email from Gabrielle Boozer with the details. Please contact her at ggautrau@hotmail.com if you have questions.
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YOUTH FORMATION
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Youth Group - This Sunday, December 6!
This week, the Youth Group will be decorating the Lychgate! Everyone on Broadway will surely enjoy these lights during the holidays. We will also be continuing our study of Social Justice and the Gospel, through the lens of Advent. Please join Kelli and Jamer at 3:00PM this Sunday.
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ADULT FORMATION
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After-Dinner at the Rectory
Advent Program of Readings and Reflection via ZOOM
For Advent this year, I invite you to join me on Monday evenings to enjoy a little wine or non-alcoholic beverage after dinner . The formal program, starting at 7:30PM, will involve an Advent scripture reading and a poem by Maya Angelou, with reflection time. Here is a link to program materials. Then, for those who would like, we will have time to linger awhile for catch-up and conversation. We will wrap things up at 8:30PM, sharp.
To add to the sense of occasion, church member Judy Brazong (proprietor of My Sherry & More on Main Street in Irvington) helped me pick out a boldly purple red wine called Eruption, harvested from the slopes of an extinct volcano. All proceeds from this purchase will go to the Community Food Pantry in Tarrytown as part of St. B's on-going desire to respond to the huge up-tick in need that people in our Rivertown neighborhoods are experiencing at this time.
-Gareth
Monday, December 7th, 7:30PM-8:30PM
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686 / Passcode: 10533
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The Bible Project
Morning Bible Study - Gareth leads Bible Study sessions three mornings a week using The Bible Project materials. You're welcome to join the meeting anytime.
Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays, 9:30AM - 10:00AM
How to Read the Bible - Gareth leads Wednesday evening meetings about how the Bible's many different literary styles are used to convey the overall story of Scripture.
Wednesday Evenings, 7:30PM - 8:30PM
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686 Passcode: 10533
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St. Barnabas Book Group
The Saint Barnabas Book Group will meet by ZOOM at 7:30 on Tuesday, January 12, to discuss American Pastoral, by Philip Roth. Good to get an early start, as the book has 400+ pages.
All are welcome. If you'd like to get the Zoom link, or if you have any questions, please contact Lea Carmichael Richardson at Paintmoth@gmail.com.
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The Community Food Pantry for Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow
This local food pantry had 250 families coming on a regular basis prior to Covid. Recently, they had 700 families. If you'd like to help, you may make a contribution online here.Or send a check to:
The Community Food Pantry, 43 South Broadway, Tarrytown NY 10591
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Christmas Flowers
If you would like to give flowers at Christmas in memory of loved ones, e-mail SueRStanley@gmail.com the names of your loved ones, then send a check, for whatever amount you wish to give, made out to "St. Barnabas Altar Guild" with "Christmas Flowers" written in the memo section. Please be sure to send names by Tuesday, December 22 in order for them to be reflected on the memorial list.
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We hope you will keep St. Barnabas strong and resilient financially, as we navigate the ongoing challenges of the current environment. Please continue to make your pledges or contributions. Online payments may be made by clicking here, on our website under the "Give" section, or by mailing your check to St. Barnabas Church, 15 N Broadway, Irvington, NY 10533.
How to Fulfill Your Pledge with Securities or Wire Transfer
Please contact Cynthia Ferguson at 914-631-7188 or ferginvestcf@gmail.com if you would like to pledge stock as your financial contribution to this year's stewardship campaign. Cynthia is also able to guide you through the process of wiring funds.
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CONNECT & COMMUNICATE
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To schedule a meeting with the rector, call the Parish Office at (914) 591-8194.
Office hours are Wednesdays, 1:00pm-3:30pm.
The rector's Sabbath (day off) is Friday.
For pastoral emergencies, call Gareth directly, at (617) 930-3728.
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If you have announcements to include in the InCommon weekly newsletter, please email the information by noon on Tuesdays.
Sue Stanley
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