The A-Blast of News and Events from the
Church of the Annunciation
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost:
July 25, 2021
-and-
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 1, 2021
|
|
Cartoon by Dave Walker. Used with permission. |
|
From the Rector:
An Update on our Protocols
|
|
Dear People of Annunciation,
Like many of you, I continue to remain informed about the ongoing developments regarding COVID-19, including the rise of the Delta and Lambda variants in our community. Some of you have expressed concern and inquired if this will change our protocols at the Church of the Annunciation.
We are currently following the protocols set forth by Bishop Smith: The use of face coverings is optional for vaccinated individuals and highly encouraged for unvaccinated individuals. Room for physical distancing continues to be recommended in our liturgical spaces, and Communion continues to be limited to one kind only. These protocols are in accordance with CDC guidelines and current laws in force in the State of Florida.
As rector, I have the authority to increase restrictions beyond those set by the bishop. On Monday evening I had a discussion on this issue with our vestry. Based on their feedback, I have decided not to alter our practice at the current time. We agree that the benefits of parish life outweigh the current risks presented by the coronavirus. That said, we request that everyone act with responsibility toward their own health and in Christian charity to protect the health of others. If you believe that you are ill or have been in contact with someone infected with the coronavirus, please refrain from in-person participation in church activities.
There are a few conditions under which I may reimpose restrictions: Bishop Smith may announce a change to his guidance, which I am obligated to follow. The CDC may announce a new protocol. The courts may invalidate certain pandemic-related laws enacted by the Florida legislature which are currently the subject of ongoing litigation.
As we learn more about the new COVID variants, it is clear that the most effective way to stay healthy and to promote public health is to choose to be vaccinated. While we are hearing more about breakthrough infections with the newer variants, those who do are exhibiting mild symptoms. It is clear that the vaccines continue to prevent severe illness and death. They are now readily available at pharmacies across the United States. Continue to encourage your hesitant friends and family members to choose to be vaccinated. It is important for these talks to be loving and not confrontational. Back in May, the New York Times created a tool to help make these conversations more productive. It is similar to the pastoral care training most clergy receive, except in electronic form. You can find it by clicking here.
While I am aware that nearly everyone in our parish is vaccinated, we are located in a tourist-oriented community. The Church is not a private club, and we will continue to welcome the public through our doors to hear the Gospel message and to celebrate the sacraments. We hope that those who visit us (as well as our regular membership) will do the right thing toward following Jesus’ call to love one’s neighbor by being vaccinated or wearing a face covering. It is beyond our authority and ability to force this to happen. As Bishop Smith has said, we can only encourage.
As a reminder there are a few options available to those who are concerned about COVID:
· As always, if you wish to continue to wear a face covering, you are welcome to do so. This includes those who find themselves conducting official roles in the liturgy.
· We have continued to offer both the 8 o’clock liturgy on Sundays and the 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning liturgy throughout the summer. These services may be preferable to what one may encounter at the 9:45 service. Neither of these services have public singing. Attendance is lower, and visitors are less frequent.
· We continue to live-stream the liturgy for viewing at home.
Let us pray that everyone will do what is in their power to constrain the spread of the virus and for all of those who continue to labor in the healthcare professions.
Christ’s peace,
Matthew+
|
|
Molly Bengtson's Funeral
The funeral for Molly Bengtson will be held on Friday, July 23 at 4 pm. A reception will be held immediately following the service and interment in Lowe Hall.
|
|
|
I publish the Banns of Marriage between Cynthia Charney of Bradenton Beach, FL, and Craig Meeker of Bradenton Beach, FL. If any of you know just cause why they may not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are bidden to declare it. This is the third time of asking.
The Reverend Matthew T. Grunfeld
Rector
|
|
ECW (Episcopal Church Women)
July 18, 2021
Dear Ladies of Annunciation,
As we return to activities at Church of the Annunciation, we are taking stock of our resources to fulfill our mission and ministry. Sadly, we have lost many members who have moved away to be closer to family or passed away and are now closer to the Lord.
The work that needs to be done is falling on those of us who are still here.
I have taken on the role of ECW Coordinator for Annunciation to get us back in touch with the Deanery and to help get our church family back together. Here are some topics to ponder and respond as the Spirit moves you:
1. Parish ECW organizations, called Branches, can be organized formally, informally, or casually. We are in the casual format since we are so few and we do not seem to need or want a formal or informal organization with elected officers, etc. We can affirm the “casual format” when we meet on August 4.
2. You may have seen in the Annunciator that the church is planning several events over the coming months. Mark your calendars!
September 5 Jazz Brunch with music by pianist Tom Benjamin (and maybe a drummer)
October 9 Potluck Dinner
November Our Little Roses Fundraiser
December 4 Holly Berry Bazaar
If the spirit moves you, and I hope it does, the activities and events will need volunteers to help it succeed. Please consider how you can be involved.
3. Since the August calendar looks empty, I thought it would be nice for ECW to sponsor an Ice Cream Social on August 8 to round out the last 6 months of the year. I would like your feedback on that so we can plan for it and make sure the word gets out. I would really hate to have to eat all the leftover ice cream 😊
4. Of course, the Holly Berry Bazaar is the BIG event for the church, and it will need everyone to help in some way. The bazaar is being “sponsored” by the church, but we all know it is the women of the church that make things happen. As you saw, two of our church leaders, Regina Percy and Ann Lewis are Co-Chairs and they have a huge head start on planning for a successful event.
5. I had an idea for the Bazaar that I need your approval on – we have a lot of mason jars from our pickle years. I am thinking of creating Dog Treat Gifts with small dog treats and a dog bandana to match the cover. I can also offer to personalize dog bandanas with the dog’s name embroidered, of course for an additional fee. (I have an embroidery machine). I need your approval because the mason jars belong to ECW!
6. Finally, I received a call from Debbie Hennebert of St. Bernard’s Women’s Guild inviting us to join them for a luncheon. Would you prefer this fall or next spring? I need your input on that so I can respond to Debbie.
I am looking forward to getting back together with you on August 4 at 10:00 am. We have a video to share and lots to discuss. We can also plan to offer ZOOM as well as in person meeting to include those of you who are still away for the summer.
Yours in Service to Christ,
Judy Bennett
Text or call: 207-408-8261
Email: Jabennett16@gmail.com
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS
It's been a long road but we are very optimistic for what the future holds. We have all missed our gatherings at special events and believe it's time to remedy that!
We are so EXCITED to announce we have several events that are in the planning stage, to be held in Lowe Hall, before the end of the year (if all goes to plan). Look out for more details as they become available...
Jazz Brunch - September 5
Welcome to Fall Pot Luck - October 9
Our Little Roses Fund Raiser - November
Holly Berry Bazaar - December 4
|
|
|
Holly Berry Bazaar Update
Dear Parishioners and Friends:
Re: Holly Berry Bazaar
As one of the Chairpersons, I thought, since this is our first EVENT since CoVid, I would keep you abreast as to where we are at this point. Of course, most importantly, we will need all the support we can gather to bring everyone together for this, one of our biggest Events!
Of course, first and foremost, Fr. Matthew will - with a little help from his friends 😇 - set up our Christmas Tree in Lowe Hall. Surrounding the Christmas Tree will be our "Basket Raffle" which is one of our biggest profits for Annunciation. I know I can count on many of you, as in the past, to offer and donate a large, interesting and undeniable, eye catching, ticket selling, Christmas Raffle Basket. Please touch base with me if you are willing to donate a "Raffle Basket."
Next - we will set up a few tables that so many of you work so hard to donate to, or work at, or just help set up. So far, they include, but not limited to our:
- Cookie Walk - Chair: Nancy Dowty
- Handmade Items table - Chair: Fran Miller/Judy Bennett
- Plant Table - Chair: Carol Garrison
- Jewelry Table - Chair: Ann Fletcher
-
Christmas Gift Table - Chair: ?
-
Baked Sale - Chair: ?
-
Did I forget a table??
Needed - volunteers to man a table???
We will make our "Frozen Meals" for sale and have 6 volunteers ready to bake a recipe to sell. Please let me know if you are willing to make frozen meals. They sell out very fast! The more to offer - the merrier!!!
No date scheduled as yet - however, we are planning to make our "Chicken Pot Pies" to sell. Of course - your help will be much appreciated in the kitchen at the time of putting them together.
Joan Oster has volunteered to make her "beautiful white" throw to add to our Christmas Basket Raffle. It is so appreciated and beautiful - in fact, one year I won
her "beautiful white throw!" 😊
I'm hoping to have a friend make her "wonderful homemade soaps" that we can sell at our bazaar.
I have another person offering a "Silent Auction" item. If you are interested and willing to offer a "silent auction" item, e.g.; homemade dinner; wine tasting; etc - please let me know as soon as possible, if you can offer a "Silent Auction".
There's more updates to come that I'm working on -- so STAY TUNNED!!! 😊
Lastly, any way that you can contribute, whether "silent auction", craft items, donations to our Christmas Table, help with making Pot Pies etc, will help us come together once again as we have in the past. Many a time - we end up having lots of fun!!!
P.S. If you have ceramic planter pots that you no longer need or use and willing to donate them, please bring them to church - our plant table would welcome them!!
Your Chairpersons: Regina Percy 941-730-2391 and
Ann Lewis 301-758-2513
|
|
|
Sunday Summer Service Times
Rite I service, without music,
will be held at 8:00 AM.
Rite II service, with music,
will be held at 9:45 AM.
|
|
|
Updated Prayer List
We have refreshed our prayer list and started anew. Please contact the church office, by email, phone or just a note and let us know who you would like to be placed on the prayer list, including those who might currently be on it. We are simplifying how we list our intercessions at the Thursday prayer service. In this new format, we are classifying prayer requests as being for "long-term" or "short-term" needs.
|
|
|
In-Person Coffee Hour
Oh, how wonderful
to have resumed our
in-person Coffee Hour!
We have coffee and refreshments following the 8 & 9:45 a.m. services.
|
|
|
|
|
THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST |
Sunday, July 25, 2021
Connect at:
or
PDF Copy of the bulletin for Sunday, July 25, click here.
Note: We will publish a copy of the PDF bulletin to our Facebook Page for August 1.
Holy Eucharist for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost in the Nave at 8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Sunday from the Nave (live-streamed) at 9:45 a.m.
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Midweek Eucharist from the Nave (live-streamed) at 9:30 a.m.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
