FROM MOTHER KATHY
In this week’s emailed Weekly Update, you will find links to a survey about outdoor and indoor worship. I hope you will take the opportunity to respond – it will help us so much if you are able to take the time to pray about these questions and respond. We will also follow up with brief surveys regarding online worship in the coming weeks. Please print and return to me – it is easiest if you use Emmanuel’s address: 122 East Court Street, Woodstock, VA, 22664, use the Survey Monkey link to complete the survey electronically, or, if needed, email me and I’ll be glad to send you a hard copy.
I was buoyed by this week’s online meeting with our Bishops. The House of Bishops met online with Dr. Fauci yesterday – he reassured them that this pandemic will end. In the meantime, she encourages us to be messengers of hope.
I will be away from September 11 through September 19 as the Bishop was very directive today to clergy who have not yet taken a vacation. In short, “take a vacation.” Thus, I am taking my yearly trek to the New Jersey shore.
On a related note, Marty and I usually go to New England for a family reunion the second Sunday in August. Nobody wanted to miss the 75th reunion this year, so it was held on Zoom. Who says you can’t enjoy Zoom? We spent four and a half hours catching up with her cousins from across the globe. Scotland and England were in the room and they are hardly ever able to be present. So, let’s enjoy our families and technologies in new ways!
DIOCESAN SUNDAY SERVICE
The Sunday before Labor Day (Sept. 6) the churches in the Diocese of Virginia are coming together for an online service instead of having our usual individual services. More information is coming soon.
Southern Shenandoah Wednesday Bible Study
Starting September 9, the Southern Shenandoah Region (Episcopal churches in Stanley, Harrisonburg, Mt. Jackson, Woodstock and Luray) is having an online bible study each Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. The first session is being led by Mother Kathy. You can join online via Zoom (contact Melissa or Mother Kathy for the link). This new group allows us to get together with others in our own parish and ones nearby so we can build community while continuing our study. If you have any question, please let Mother Kathy know.
HAVE YOU MAILED YOUR PLEDGE?
With the busy summer and all that is going on right now, mailing pledges is easy to forget. Unfortunately, we are experiencing a reduction in the number we’re receiving. Without pledges, we wouldn’t be able to keep the churches running or community supporting going. We appreciate each and every one that comes in! If you’ve forgotten to send in a few, it’s not a problem at all. You can mail them in at any time 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
EMMANUEL’S TABLE FOOD PANTRY
With our new schedule of every second and fourth Tuesday, the pantry is open again August 25.
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. Melissa is updating it as names are added or removed so it stays current.
WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SUNDAY SPIRITUAL COMMUNION SERVICE
Sunday service is online at 10:15 a.m. on Zoom and Facebook Live followed by a Coffee Hour on Zoom. Next Sunday is Morning Prayer.
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.
You can find Sunday’s bulletin 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.