September 24, 2020

 


FROM THE RECTOR

First of all, my thanks to our worship leaders and Zoom hosts who carried on with all of our worship services while I was on vacation! We are so fortunate to have such great leaders in our parish! Thanks to Cathie and Lisa for leading Morning Prayer on Sunday, and to Pat and Sammie for hosting Compline, Morning Prayer and Coffee Hour.

 I had a great two weeks off. All I did was rest, read, walk and play a little golf. I’ve improved enough that I’m not too embarrassed to be on the course! It was just what I needed, and allowed me to come back feeling refreshed and renewed. I’m looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

 Book Study: Our next book group will discuss How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. From the inside book jacket: “Kendi weaves an electrifying combination of ethics, history, law, and science with his own personal story of awakening to antiracism. This is an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond the awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a just and equitable society.”

 Our first meeting was postponed from yesterday to next Wednesday, September 30.

We will meet each Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. for six weeks.

Please let me know if you plan to attend so I can send you the Zoom link. The reading assignment for the first meeting is the Introduction and Chapters 1-3. All are welcome!

Remembering David: Thank you, Patti for your beautiful reflection on David’s life (see below).

We will hold a Memorial Service for David on Zoom on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00. Pm. This will be a celebration of his life, especially here at St. Andrew’s. If you have pictures of him in happier times, please send them to Carol Tubman at cctubman@msn.com. Lois Brady has agreed to share some of them during his service in the same way she does on Sunday mornings.

If you would like to make a donation in David’s memory please consider Two Paws Up Boarding and Grooming, where David’s dogs were boarded during the time he was in the hospital. The owner, Kim Seibel, is graciously absorbing much of the expense of boarding his dogs, so this would be a way to both honor David and help Kim. The address is Two Paws Up, 101 Ossipee Lake Rd, Tamworth, 03886. Or, of course, a donation to St. Andrew’s is another way to honor him.

Please visit the bottom of the page for a

Remembrance of David Manley

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP               
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP 
The 1st Sunday of the month at 9:00 AM 
The remaining Sundays at 10:00 AM

This Sunday-September 27, 2020
at 10:00 a.m.
The 17th Sunday after Pentecost

via Zoom (email RectorSAITV@gmail.com for Zoom information) 
AND...
JOIN US FOLLOWING THE SERVICE FOR 
A VIRTUAL 
on ZOOM

Outdoor Eucharist – September 27th at 5:00 pm

Reminders for the service:

As at our first outdoor Eucharist, this will be a continuation of the morning Liturgy of the Word, not a full service. Those who plan to attend the Eucharist are encouraged to attend the morning Zoom service as well.

Please let me know if you plan to attend at rectorsaitv@gmail.com. We need to know in advance so we can plan seating appropriately spaced for individuals, couples and family groups.

 Please plan to bring the following:

  • Bread for Communion  
  • Lawn chair 
  • Face mask 
  • Hand sanitizer 
  • Water
  • Hat, sunglasses, umbrella, warm clothing (according to personal preference/need/ weather)

 We ask that everyone follow these safety requirements:

  • Stay at home if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or do not feel well  
  • Wear a face mask 
  • Maintain 6 ft. distancing at all times. 
  • We will exchange the Peace while remaining in our places. 
  • Because we know that the virus is spread through respiratory droplets caused by singing and speaking loudly we agree to refrain from: 
    • Singing
    • Congregational responses, unison prayers and exchanging the Peace in normal volume. Instead we will make non-verbal responses or use very quiet voices
  • Keep social gathering after the service to a minimum and maintain 6 ft. distancing.

READINGS FOR SUNDAY

The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost 

September 27, Proper 21, Year A

Collect of the Day                         We center ourselves for worship in prayer.

God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Lesson                                     Exodus 17:1-7

In our Hebrew Bible story the people are at the point of rebellion because they are without water in the wilderness.  Moses decries their readiness to challenge the Lord through their lack of trust, and he asks God what is to be done.  The Lord instructs Moses to strike a rock with his staff so that water will pour from it.  This place he named Massah (meaning Challenge) and Meribah (meaning Dispute).

Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16

The psalm recalls Israel's trials and the Lord's sustaining grace in the wilderness after the escape from Egypt.

The Second Lesson                                              Philippians 2:1-13

In this reading Paul bids the new disciples to be of one mind in love, knowing how Christ Jesus accepted the condition of a servant and was obedient to the point of death.  we now confess him as Lord and are called to an obedient working out of our faith.  Central to this passage is a poem which may have been adapted from the hopes for a savior of a people who did not yet know Jesus.  He has fulfilled humanity's dream of one who will share fully in the mortal condition.  Now the Lord is known personally--Jesus.  His followers must work out their salvation while discovering that God is active in them for his loving purpose.

The Gospel                                                  Matthew 21:23-32

In a response to a question about authority, Jesus tells a parable of two sons who obeyed their father differently, and he indicates that it is the same with those who are apparently obedient and disobedient in this age.  Both John the Baptist and Jesus offered their message of repentance and the hope of the kingdom to all.  It was the seeming outcasts who most genuinely responded.  Then and now it is not a popular idea to suggest that such persons have priority over those who are established in their religion.  Action is the test of obedience.



Click below to see the readings: 

WEEKLY CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE

For God alone my soul in silence waits;  from God comes my salvation.

God alone is my rock and my salvation,  my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.

                                                                Psalm 62:1-2


Throughout th
e ages, humans from all faith traditions have sat in stillness and silence to return to their heart in support of their spirit. There is an inner healing presence available to us when we stop, notice, and allow.

If you are interested in strengthening or building a contemplative practice or seek silence within community, please plan to join others, each Tuesday, beginning September 15th, at 9:00am. Newcomers are welcome at any gathering. No previous meditation experience needed.

Our time begins with a brief sitting practice, facilitated by Christi Humphrey.  Christi has lead other groups which gather to explore contemplative practices through meditation, teachings, and discussion. Guided meditations and teachings draw upon the Christian contemplative tradition, monastic spirituality, Buddhist meditation, and self-compassion practices.

If you would like to learn more or have questions, contact Christi Humphrey at cchumphrey@comcast.net. If you would like to sample Christi leading a guided meditation visit her blog https://watchingforgrace.wordpress.com/2020/03/21/bringing-compassion-to-these-anxious-times/

PAINTING CREW VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

Oh when the SAINTS begin to PAINT

The OUTSIDE of our PARISH HALL,

Oh we WANT to be IN THAT NUMBER

When the CHIPS begin to FALL!



 

Do you want a project with a beginning, middle, and end?

Do you like the “tssst-tst” sound of sandpaper clearing chips of paint off a wall and the swoosh of a brush as new protective paint is applied?

Do you like to see immediate results and rejoice when your job’s well done?

If you answered YES to any or all of the above, then YOU are WELCOME to JOIN THE TEAM to repair and repaint the outside wall of the Parish Hall. 

Please phone 323-8245 if you are interested in helping out. (We will begin after the heat waves have passed.)

 Lisa Thompson for Buildings and Grounds Committee 


PRAYERS FOR EACH OTHER
One thing we can always do while we stay at home is to pray for each other! We would like to keep our prayer list up to date and publish it each week in the Thursday Memo. Please email Deb at office@standrewsinthevalley.org with any updates.



This Week We Pray for

Health and Wholeness for: Joan Marshall, Marilyn Cloran, Carolyn Jarvis, Gabriele and Bob Wallace, John McGowan, Sue Huckman, Dave Appleton, Angela B, Carolyn Boldt, Tom, Kitty Lou Booty, Doug Crapser, Steve Thompson, Peg Patenaude, Joyce Humphrey, Marge Hagerup, Elizabeth Wiesner, .

For those who are homebound: Joyce Gendron, Marge Hagerup, Elizabeth Pease, Brian & Sara Kelley, Elizabeth Wiesner, Judy Grace, Audrey Berry.

For our First Nation people and those in this country who are living in impoverished areas of the Ninth Ward of New Orleans and the inner city areas populated by some of our poorest citizens.

For all those who are on the front lines serving communities during these difficult times.

For those who have died: David Manley, beloved member of St. Andrew's.

Updating the Prayer List

Please let Deb know if you want to put someone back on the prayer list going forward. Thank you for helping us keep our prayer list up to date.


HISTORICAL MARKER CHALLENGE
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO 

How often have you just driven by one of these and wondered what it said.  Let me encourage you to stop. You can find a list of markers  along with a location map if you click on the link above.

TAKE A PHOTO WITH YOURSELF, PET, WHOEVER IS WITH YOU,

LET ME KNOW THE DATE. Have FUN and enjoy the ride!




From Deb Hoyt: #9 - Marker 0039
Last one from our 8/28 road trip
which took us to Chutters "The Longest Candy Counter in NH"


 DINNER BELL

No DINNER BELL until further notice.

Thank you for your volunteer
work in this special Outreach program!


COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER

The Food Pantry thanks you for your contributions throughout the year.

Food pantry continues to serve the communities needs
New Hours
Alternating Wednesdays
12-6 pm
Next Food Pantry: September 30th
Any questions call 603-960-4067



 FROM Deb IN THE OFFICE



FOOD FOR THOUGHT


The Collect for Proper 20                                          BCP, p. 234

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
If you do not see your birthday or anniversary listed, please make sure Deb in the office has an information sheet on file for you.
  

Birthdays
5   Laurie LaBrecque
5   Antonio Faella
8   Bruce Kennedy
14 Preston Mills
21  Pat Scarborough
24  Sammie Wakefield
25  Sue Huckman
28   Jane Horn
29  Valerie May

Anniversaries
20     Kathy & Alan Bunker

REMEMBRANCE by Patti Rau
Remembering David Manley

            On a recent Saturday morning, a motley crew of parishioners gathered at church to begin scraping and sanding the outside back wall in preparation for a much-needed paint job. Before beginning, Lisa Thompson led us in prayer and we all took a moment to remember David Manley, who had passed away the week before.   We all agreed, David was looking down and wishing he could be part of the group. He loved getting involved in St. Andrew’s projects.

            David came to St. Andrew’s with his partner, Joe Mullen, in December of 2008.  They soon became active members of the congregation. Rev. Heidi Franz Dale blessed their union, which was a very special celebration for them as well as their families and friends. Sadly, we lost Joe in March of 2012.

            Through the years, David gave much time and energy to so many ministries in the church. He was an acolyte and a lay reader and a faithful parishioner who could be found most Sundays sitting in his accustomed spot in the second or third pew on the left!

            For several years, David was in charge or organizing the kitchen and making sure supplies were available for coffee hour and other occasions. He took responsibility for ordering Fair Trade coffee products, both for the church and for parishioners who wanted to purchase them. David also headed the backpack project, collecting money to purchase backpacks and supplies for kids going back to school. He was very committed to this ministry.

            David loved events at St. Andrew’s from the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, to the summer Lobster feast, to the Pie Auction in November. Getting tickets printed and sold, providing advertising posters, counting the profits – he was involved wholeheartedly and was always happy to be in the midst of things.

            St. Andrew’s was David’s family. He knew everyone and was so grateful for the many friendships he shared over the years.  And let us not forget his two most beloved friends- his two dachshund dogs, Coco, and Vanna - who provided David with such love and companionship. They were one of the joys of his life

            It is always so hard to lose one of our own and we mourn his passing from our family. Let our fond memories of David bring us comfort, and the knowledge that he is with the Lord bring us peace.