SOMETHING EXCITING IS HAPPENING
An exciting announcement about outdoor worship is coming soon! Keep an eye on the Weekly Updates in the next few weeks to find out what’s happening.
REMINDER: WORSHIP SURVEY AVAILABLE
Below are links to a survey about outdoor and indoor worship. Please take the opportunity to pray about your answers then respond so that we can get the best picture of how folks are feeling. The survey is open until Friday, Sept. 4. If you prefer to answer on paper, please print it and then mail to Mother Kathy at Emmanuel’s address: 122 East Court Street, Woodstock, VA, 22664. Another survey regarding online worship is coming in the near future.
IMPORTANT: DIOCESAN SUNDAY SERVICE AND MOTHER KATHY’S VACATION
Next Sunday, Sept. 6, the churches in the Diocese of Virginia are coming together for an online service instead of having our usual individual services. The service is being posted by the Diocese at 8 a.m. that day and they’re holding a Facebook watch party at 10 a.m. Links are coming next week.
Following the pastoral directive that clergy needs to take their vacations, Mother Kathy is going to be taking her annual excursion to the Jersey Shore from Sept. 11 to 19. Sept. 13 our parish is joining the National Cathedral for their online service. Morning and evening prayer and story time is suspended during Mother Kathy’s time away. They will resume when she returns.
KICKING OFF 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. 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.
SEPTEMBER VESTRY MEETINGS
The September vestry meetings are at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21 (Emmanuel) and Tuesday, Sept. 22 (St. Andrew’s) on Zoom.
REMINDER: AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER PLEDGES
For anyone who hasn’t had a chance to send in their August pledge or would like to get ahead for September, you can mail them directly to the church offices. Your pledges are very appreciated as they’re what allow us to keep the churches operating and our community supports going out to those in need.
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
The 4th Tuesday pantry day had 79 families pick up food, for a total of 249 people fed. We had 14 new families so the volunteers were kept on their toes getting everyone set up to get what they need. As usual, the volunteers kept the line moving, food flowing out and made sure they had fun while doing it. The pantry is open again Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
There is the possibility of a new local food donor, so pray for good news! We should find out in a few weeks if we’ll be blessed with this arrangement.
SHRINE MONT DINING
Shrine Mont is open again for dining in or take out. Their usual menu is available. All tables are situated 6 feet apart for proper social distancing or if you prefer, you can get your meal to go and have a picnic on the grounds. Shrine Mont asks that you call ahead to make a reservation. For more info, you can call 540-856-2141.
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.)
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
Due to the need for continued caution, 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.