August 6, 2020
InCommon E-News

In This Issue
  • Parish Voices
  • Sunday Morning Service 
  • Virtual Coffee Hour
  • Announcements and Events
  • Racial Justice
  • Responding from the Heart
  • Resources
  • Giving
Parish Voices
When One Door Closes, Another One Opens
by H. Jellinghaus

Five years ago, a health challenge took me away from attending St. Barnabas Sunday Church services. I missed the lesson readings and sermons, children running in before communion with their Sunday school creations, celebrating the Eucharist, music from the choir, and Donald Butt's post-service performances that always spurred applause. 

The absence of experiencing my Sunday worship left a void. Like Goldilocks, I tried a few different remote church services delivered by radio or internet. None were just right.  Eventually, I found a live video webcast from a church in New York City. It wasn't "just right," partially because I was a guest in this parish, but it nevertheless was comforting to watch a live, non-commercial service.

Sadly, the COVID19 crisis crashed down upon us and turned everyone's lives upside down. The church doors closed for health and safety reasons. An entire St. Barnabas parish lost its Sunday church service routine when it was needed the most. Then a note arrived that a St. Barnabas Church YouTube channel had been created to broadcast Sunday Services online. 

The physical church doors are closed, but a new door had been opened.  The St. B YouTube channel makes it possible to see inside the church again; a familiar space with a few familiar faces. For me, it is the first time in five years that I have seen the inside of St. Barnabas Church. It also provides a sense of connection when imagining other St. Barnabas parishioners watching the same webcast. Many of the past services are archived, so if you have missed one, you can go back and watch them at your leisure.

An added benefit of the St. Barnabas YouTube channel is a casual, short, weekly video message from Gareth, called "The Son of Encouragement" (a tip of the hat to our patron saint, Barnabas).  One never knows what Gareth might want to share with us in those little unscripted moments. Although, don't be surprised if the Liverpool Football Club (soccer) weaves its way into his message, just once in a while.  

When one door closes, another one opens...metaphorically and literally. Go to stbarnabaschurch.org/youtube then scroll down and click subscribe. Or on the YouTube website, search for St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Irvington, NY and then click subscribe. The St. Barnabas YouTube Channel is a touch point to remind us we are still part of a community, even if we cannot visit the church in-person.


  • Parish Office, (914) 591-8194.
  • The rector is on vacation this month. For pastoral emergencies, please call Rose Lawson (347) 920-1544 or Jody Hansen (914) 844-0601. 
SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE ONLINE
Morning Prayer
Sunday, August 9, 10:00AM

Join the Online Service HERE
Service Bulletin HERE

If the service does not appear at the link above, please go to our YouTube page, which is also located on our website homepage. Just click on the box labeled, Join Us

Our worship services will continue online through the summer and are pre-recorded. A new streaming service will be launched in the Fall to improve the viewing and listening experience for everyone. 

VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR
Join us for Coffee Hour, immediately following Sunday worship service.


Meeting ID: 336 690 2686   / Password: 10533

One tap mobile:   +19292056099,,3366902686#,,#,10533# (NY)
Dial by your location:  +1 929 205 6099 (NY)
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
If you have announcements for this weekly newsletter, please email Kelli Scott at kellisherelle@gmail.com. Information is due by Tuesday mornings at 8:00AM. Thank you!

RACIAL JUSTICE
Diocesan Event: Reading Kendi
 
In a year when books by African-American thought leaders are dominating the national bestseller lists, one author is enjoying particular acclaim: Ibram X. Kendi, winner of the National Book Award for his first book, Stamped from the Beginning. 
 
The Anti-Racism Committee of the Diocese of New York is inviting all 200 churches in our communities to join in reading Ibram X. Kendi's current bestseller, How To Be An Antiracist. This shared experience will include the opportunity to buy books at a special discount, to join inter-parish discussion groups (during September), and to participate in an online event (October 22) featuring the author.

Bishop Andrew Dietsche says, "Ibram X. Kendi offers an invitation to all of us and each of us to be transformed, to be enlarged, to be enriched, and to become better and more complete human beings, and more just communities." 

Learn more about this program and how you can participate by visiting Episcopal NY Reads 1 Book.

RESPONDING FROM THE HEART TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS

This list of local agencies supports those in need during this critical time. Food pantries are stretched and in need of monetary donations, as many seek help due to the devastating economic effects of COVID-19. For more information, contact Barbara Mahoney at swimmerxyz@aol.com. 

RESOURCES FOR THE MIND, HEART AND SOUL

The Bishops of the Diocese of New York offer regular inspirational messages 
here.

The National Church also has useful resources related to the pandemic and racial reconciliation on their website here.

A NOTE ABOUT GIVING
Even though we remain physically separated, we strive to pull together as a faithful community. We hope you will keep St. Barnabas strong and resilient financially, as we navigate the ongoing challenges of this environment. Please continue to make your pledges or contributions, even as we worship remotely.
  
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.
 


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