Reflections from your Co-Pastors
May 17, 2021
Following in the steps of the Disciples!
This past Sunday, each reading had a relevant thought that could affect the functioning of our community. From the 1st reading, Acts says: “Teacher, is this the time when you will restore the reign of Israel” (Acts 1:6)? From the 2nd reading, Paul says: “All of these gifts knit God’s holy people together for the work of building up the Body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). From the 3rd reading, Mark says “After he had spoken to them, Jesus, the Christ, was taken up into the cosmos, to be with God. Jesus’ followers went forth and preached everywhere. God was with them, and through them, worked accompanying signs” (Mark 16: 19-20).
The Torah and New Testament are timeless revelations of our humanity, and our relationship with God and all of creation. In Acts we are told something of the relationship of the disciples and Jesus. After what seems years of concentrated, focused time with Jesus, their question still revolves around what he would do for them that echoes the past: Restore Israel?
They had yet to see their part in God’s moving plan to radically change God’s relationship with them. It is hard to see what has not existed before, to be awake and alert to what is coming…a God of love, freedom and peace; a peace not of this world. It’s hard sometimes to see beyond the experience of yesterday to anticipate a new experience coming today. As we move out of Covid, can you imagine a new experience of relationship with yourself, all of us, and God? Can you imagine a new way of seeing everyday life and continuing to develop your own gifts?
In Paul, Jesus was asking that they bring forth their own gits of the Spirit,
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gifts they are not yet aware they even have. God’s Love energy continues to expand within us, calling us to work for the ‘building up of the Body of Christ.’ We are free to co-create each day, each minute. What gifts of the Spirit lay deep within you that only wait for you to have the courage to bring them forth for the ‘building up of the Body of Christ?’
In Mark, they followed Jesus’ directive and went out to preach. I suspect preaching was not in the repertoire of a fishermen or a tax collector, yet out they went trusting in God. And “God was with them…” Where is the opportunity for you to trust that you are more gifts of the Holy Spirit then you believe?
Yesterday’s announcements included a call for additional volunteers to help with a few and some unseen work that keeps our community vibrant and relevant. We propose that many hands make lite work, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are waiting to come forth from you. Can you offer yourself for the building of the Body of Christ in our community even where you think you are not experienced or qualified? Here are some options: liturgical assistance, AV technologist, liturgy planner, long-term financial planning, communication assistant, lectors, and Eucharistic ministers. For more information, check the bulletin from Friday or reach out to either Co-Pastor (see our webpage) or Yvonne. Thank you.
May the Peace of Christ be present in you during each moment of this day. Amen.
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Bishop Francis Invites you to hear more about the Mary Magdalene Society |
Join with Bishop Francis Krebs and other ECC members from across the US to hear an update on the Mary Magdalene Society. This will be held Tuesday, May 25th at 7:00 pm.
To register for this Zoom session click here. Registration will close 24 hours prior to the call.
If there are questions, or a need for assistance, email Erin at the Office of Presiding Bishop.
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Schedule of Upcoming Services |
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Sunday May 23 - Outdoor mass at **11:00 am ** and via Zoom
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The Hospitality Ministry Invites You to Stay
If you can stay afterwards, you are invited to bring a sack lunch and drink to enjoy after Mass. It should be a beautiful day. ( But in case of inclement weather, an email will go out the night before to advise everyone.)
Protocol
Masks are mandatory and social distancing observed. So please join us! Bring a mask, a chair (chairs will be provided for those who cannot carry one in) and a sack lunch if you wish for after Mass.
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May 30 - 5:00 pm via Zoom - Most Holy Trinity 'I am—I am with you Always. Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier' - Presider: Mother Kae Madden.
**We are extraordinarily happy to announce the return to the sanctuary beginning in June.**
**Be sure to check back weekly on Friday's to see updates to schedules and special services**
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June 6 - 5:00 pm Father Teri will preside at Mass in the sanctuary and the service will be open to all friends and members. (Up to 50) It will also be broadcasted live via Zoom.
June 13 - 5:00 pm Father Michael Nicosia will preside at Mass in the sanctuary and will be broadcasted live via Zoom
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View the recording celebrating The Ascension of the Christ, May 16 here. For the homily of Father Michael Nicosia, click here. Here is a printed version of the liturgy to assist with prayer.
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Sunday we honored singer and activist Nina Simone
I was first introduced to Nina Simone through one of my granddaughter’s children’s books featuring 23 iconic women who have changed the world.
Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, she became known professionally as Nina Simone, an American singer, songwriter, musician, arranger, and civil rights activist.
She initially aspired to be a concert pianist and during her first classical recital at the age of 12, her parents were forced from seats in the front row to the back of the hall in order to make room for white patrons. Confused and enraged, Simone repeatedly refused to play until her parents were moved back to the front row.
Some of Simone’s most powerful and notable songs were recorded during
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the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s such as I Put a Spell on You (1964) and To Be Young, Gifted and Black (1966). She performed and spoke at many historic civil rights events.
A couple of Nina Simone quotes: "I had spent many years pursuing excellence, because that is what classical music is all about. Now it [is] dedicated to freedom, and that [is] far more important.“ And, from my granddaughter’s book, "I'll tell you what freedom is to me: no fear. I mean, really, no fear!“ Let us pray for the courage and the freedom to speak the truth without fear.
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For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during, visit our webpage. Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com
Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal
What are our partners in ministry up to? Go here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin
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