Parish Happenings & Updates (Page 18)

“On Friday of this week, October 1, Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins. Also on Friday of this week, I celebrate one year since I completed active cancer treatment of surgeries, chemo and radiation. As these two moments converge, I share one of the Psalms from the Wilderness that I wrote during and after treatment, one that speaks not only of the disruption of cancer treatment, but the disruption of this continuing time of pandemic. As I share it, I urge all of my…

“We never know what can happen when we feel called to follow Jesus’ gospel witness of welcome. Heeding such a call can require incredible courage. Sometimes this gospel way of welcome can lead us to put our very lives on the line. But Jesus’ way of welcome can inspire us to keep working to do what is right in a world where too often too much is wrong.” ~ Presiding Bishop Michael Curry OCTOBER SERVICE AT SHRINE MONT Sunday, Oct.…

The reader schedule for October through January is now available! If you’re not able to read as listed, please find a replacement and let Mother Kathy and Melissa know of the change. 

Saturday, Oct. 2, Mother Kathy is offering pet blessings at Emmanuel from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and at St. Andrew’s from 1 to 1:30 p.m. She’ll be out in the parking lot for you to do a drive up or stand-next-to-your-car blessing of all your furry, feathered or scaled friends. Please be sure your animal buds are secured in a carrier or on a leash. If you’d prefer, you’re welcome to bring a photo instead. 

“Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks [with] Compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.3 Discipleship is about focusing on Jesus, following in the footsteps of Jesus, becoming his hands and feet in the world. Discipleship is about loving as Jesus loves, giving as Jesus gives,…

“Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live, a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive; built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace; here the love of Christ shall end divisions: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.” ~ Presiding Bishop Michael Curry 9/11 20 YEARS LATER Though 20 years have passed this Saturday, we have not forgotten.…

The Bible study group with the Episcopal churches in our region resumes next Wed, Sept. 8. It is from 7 to 8 p.m. online via Zoom. every Wednesday. You’re welcome to attend even if you haven’t before or if you miss a few weeks. You can jump in any Wednesday without any problem. If you have any questions, please let Mother Kathy know.

OFFICES CLOSED The parish offices are closed Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day. MOTHER KATHY IS AWAY Mother Kathy is away from Sept. 10 through Sept. 17. With that in mind, the Sept. 12 Sunday services are Morning Prayer. If you have a pastoral emergency while she is away, please contact your senior warden (Neil Fadely at St. Andrew’s, Kirk Denkler at Emmanuel). You may also email Melissa as usual for help with other issues or concerns. 2021 Parish Directory The 2021 Historic Beckford…

“There’s power in love. Don’t underestimate it.” ~ Presiding Bishop Michael Curry NEW SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASK POLICY Given the trends in the county infection rate, the Delta variant, CDC guidance and other pertinent information, everyone is required to wear masks at services, no matter vaccination status. We are also asking folks to maintain 6 feet of social distancing at all times, including skipping every other pew. Our goal is to keep one another as safe as we possibly can.…

Tillie Kaufmann from Emmanuel would like to reminder everyone of the upcoming Shenandoah County Relay for Life event on Sept. 10 at the County Park in Maurertown from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Teams are wearing crazy hats this year and the schedule of events includes Opening Ceremony at 6 p.m., Survivor/Caregiver Walk at 6:30 p.m., Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m., along with music and food. Everyone is invited to attend. The Shenandoah County RfL teams have a new fundraiser this…

Join Mother Kathy for a healing Eucharist every Wednesday at 12 p.m. at Emmanuel. Please check The Beckford Connection and Facebook in case of cancellation.