Dear beloved parishioners,
Week 18. It is difficult to comprehend that it has been since March that we last had an-in person gathering in either one of our historic churches for worship and that it will be a time longer before we can safely gather.
Even though we are not gathering in our churches physically, worship continues, and much is going on. There are a variety of worship opportunities almost daily.
The question of how and when we might share Eucharist is close to the hearts of many of us. Bishop Goff has advised the clergy of the Diocese that the House of Bishops meets virtually later this month and will have deep discussions about our Eucharistic theology and practice. She anticipates that a written word to the entire Episcopal church will come out of that meeting and that soon after a written word will come to the people and churches of the Diocese. Please keep the Bishops in prayer as they undertake these deliberations, which includes thousands of years of church history and practice.
One thing that will be new this fall – the Southern Shenandoah Region (Episcopal churches in Stanley, Harrisonburg, Mt. Jackson, Woodstock and Luray) will be having an online bible study on Wednesday evenings, starting September 9, from 7 – 8 p.m. We’ll send out more information as the time nears. It will give us an opportunity to continue our bible study and be with others. I’ll be leading the first session. For now, we’re keeping it relatively simple – we’re going to consider the lectionary passages for the upcoming Sunday.
There are so many things I want to do and all I can do is continue to work and pray (and get to know the British series, Father Brown.) I love it and highly recommend it.
Yours faithfully,
Mother Kathy+
As summer sets in and folks get busy, we are experiencing a reduction in the number of pledges coming in. It’s easy to forget to mail them in with all that is going on. We’re very appreciative of all pledges, as without them we wouldn’t be able to keep the churches running or support our communities.
Checks can be mailed directly to the church offices. (We’re no longer using the Diocese electronic giving, but are looking into other possible electronic options. If one becomes available, we’ll let everyone know.)
Emmanuel Episcopal 122 E. Court Woodstock VA 22664
St. Andrew’s Episcopal P.O. Box 117 Mt. Jackson, VA 22842
SEARCH HOUSE, MT. JACKSON
SEARCH is a group home located in Mt. Jackson known to many parishioners at Saint Andrew’s and likely to others as well. Changes in Virginia law requires them to upgrade the generator – the project cost is estimated at $30,000 and the generator must be operational by December 1, 2020 to be in compliance with licensing regulations. At the Vestry meeting on July 14, Saint Andrew’s committed $400 in church funding for the project. Additional commitments from the Rector and Vestry make the current contribution from Saint Andrew’s $1,150.00. If you would like to give a donation to increase Saint Andrew’s commitment, please make a check out to Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church and note in the memo line that it is a donation for the SEARCH outreach project.
EMMANUEL’S TABLE FOOD PANTRY
This week, 220 people/72 families were served by the pantry.
I invite everyone to consider how you might be able to support this vitally important ministry. Alice Findler has done an incredible job of coordinating Emmanuel’s Table. She will continue to place food orders, prepare bagging lists and inventory shelves.
We have a flow chart developed by Alice with all the important tasks. We need assistance with pickups, unloading, packing, picking up locally donated produce, sending out texts, entering clients in the system, updating sign in sheets to name just a few tasks. Some tasks can be done right from home – it doesn’t require you to be physically present at the church or unloading. Keep an eye on your email with information on the pantry coming soon.
ST. ANDREW’S RUMMAGE SALE
Given the current situation with COVID 19, it has been decided that the 2020 Rummage Sale won’t take place. However, we’re hoping to hold it in spring 2021 instead. So if you’re able, please hold onto any items until then.
FACE MASKS AVAILABLE
Barbara Kirkland has generously donated masks she’s made for anyone who may need them. There are even children’s masks available. If you’re in need of masks and would like to arrange a pickup, please email Mother Kathy or Melissa. Thank you, Barbara!
DROP-IN OFFICE HOURS
Virtual drop in office hours with Mother Kathy are Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Zoom. (If for some reason you aren’t able to get into the Zoom meeting, please send her an email.)
There’s no need to worry about privacy — Zoom has a waiting room to allow folks to enter one at a time so that you can meet with Mother Kathy privately. Or, if folks would like to meet as a group, that can be done as well.
226th ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION MOVES ONLINE
Our Annual Diocesan Convention, originally scheduled for November 12-14 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, is moving online. Anticipating that it will not be safe or wise to gather more than 600 people in a hotel ballroom across three days this fall, there will be a one-day virtual convention instead on Saturday, November 14.
CONTACTING MOTHER KATHY AND MELISSA
For continued safety, we both continue to work from home. If you have a question, concerns or would like to check in with them, please email. Also, please do call Mother Kathy on her cell (we know it says for emergencies, but during this time it’s the best way to reach her. The number is in the directory).
Mother Kathy generally observes the Sabbath on Friday and Saturday while Melissa is off Thursday after 1:30 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday. While we may not reply immediately, we absolutely will get back to you.
PRAYER LIST
For now, the prayer list can be found online (scroll to the bottom of the page). Melissa is updating it as names are added or removed so it stays current.
WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday service is online at 10:15 a.m. on Zoom and Facebook Live followed by a Coffee Hour on Zoom. Next Sunday is a Spiritual Communion service.
To join the service, click the Zoom link to join, the password is embedded. For Facebook Live, click the link to be taken to our Facebook page to view the live stream. A Zoom usher is allowing people into the service from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m. when the service begins. If you try to join after that, you won’t be able to enter and will need to watch on Facebook Live.
The Sunday bulletin is available here and on our website.
WEEKDAY SERVICES
Mondays, 9 a.m. Morning prayer on Facebook Live and Zoom
Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. Evening prayer on Facebook Live and Zoom
Fridays, 8 p.m. Bedtime story with Mother Kathy, followed by Compline Facebook Live
Sunday through Thursday, 9 p.m. Compline on Facebook Live and Zoom
All of the weekly and Sunday services are available to view on Facebook and our website after the services.