October 29, 2020

 

Photo courtesy of Lisa Thompson

FROM THE RECTOR

Interior Painting Begins on Monday!

On Wednesday a Mi-Box container was delivered to the church parking lot. This is in preparation for the movers who are coming on Saturday to move the contents of the Parish Hall and the Prince Room into the container. And that is in preparation for the painter we’ve hired, John Thompson of JLT Painting in Alexandria New Hampshire. We then hope to schedule installation of new carpeting soon after the painting has been completed.

Thanks are in order to so many people for getting us to this point:

·    Lin Frank, who has worked tirelessly on getting bids and finalizing contracts, and will be the primary contact for the painter.

·    Sally DeGroot and Lisa Thompson, for choosing beautiful paint and carpet colors.

·    Tina Quinn, Patti Rau and Sammie Wakefield, for cleaning out the Prince Room and packing up all the books for storage.

·    Lisa Thompson and Sammie Wakefield for cleaning out the sacristy

·    George Rau for taking everything off the walls in preparation for painting, taking numerous loads to the dump, and for supervising the movers on Saturday.

We could never have gotten to this point without everyone’s help. Many thanks to everyone who has been involved in this process!

All Saints' Day is this Sunday, and is  the day when we traditionally read the names of our loved ones who have died. If you haven’t already sent the names you wish to be read, please send them to me at RectorSAITV@gmail.com by Friday evening. AND, if you would like to have a picture of a loved one shown during the reading of names, please send it to Lois Brady ASAP at lois1020@gmail.com.

All Saints’ Day is also our traditional Stewardship Ingathering Day. See below for our plans, and if you haven’t already turned in your pledge card you can bring it with you to the Sunday evening drive-by parade. Unfortunately, I will miss this because I’m having minor foot surgery on Monday. I had a Covid test yesterday, and am now in quarantine until the surgery. I’m so sorry to miss this – I was really looking forward to it! I hope all of you will go to view the candlelit church windows and pick up a gift from the Stewardship Committee. 

                 Presiding Bishop's National Service of Prayer                        


I was originally considering having a prayer service for St. Andrew’s on either Sunday or Monday evening before the election. But Sunday has turned into a busy day, and Monday won’t work because of my surgery. I wonder if you’d be interested in a service on Wednesday evening instead (we've already ruled out Tuesday evening). I’ll conduct a poll after our Zoom service on Sunday to find out if you’re interested.

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

This Sunday-November 1, 2020
at 9:00 a.m.
ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY

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

READINGS FOR SUNDAY

ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY

Proper 26, Year A

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

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

First Lesson                              Revelation 7:9-17

This lesson. presents a vision of those who have survived great tribulation and now worship before the throne of God and the Lamb.  These myriad saints come from all over the world and have been purified through their own sufferings in association with the sacrifice of the Lamb.  But now the Lamb (which is the figure for Jesus) will be their shepherd, and they will suffer no longer. Such a vision would be a great consolation to those undergoing persecution.

Psalm 34:1-10, 22  

A hymn of blessing and praise to the Lord for deliverance.

The Second Lesson          1 John 3:1-3

In this lesson we learn that through God’s love, disciples are now children of God; their destiny is to be like Christ.  Those who did not recognize Jesus will not recognize his disciples either.  Though the mystery of what those disciples are to become has not been fully revealed, Christians know that a dramatic change has taken place in their lives; an earnest of the transformation underway.  Those who stand in this hope will purify themselves as Christ is pure.

The Gospel     Matthew 5:1-12  

The gospel is the opening sayings of the Sermon on the Mount, words of both comfort and challenge.  The values of the kingdom are quite different from worldly standards.  Those who are to find blessing will know want and thirst, if not because of their own circumstances, then for the sake of others.  Those who hunger for righteousness will find fulfillment, but first they must suffer persecution.


Click below to see the readings: 

STEWARDSHIP


The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it- John 1:5

ALL SAINTS’ DAY DRIVE-BY PARADE

WHEN? Sunday, November 1st from 6pm to 7pm

WHERE? AT THE CHURCH. (Yes, you read correctly!)

WHAT: HONOR THE SAINTS, PAST AND PRESENT.

HOW? DRIVE BY THE CHURCH. SEE the CANDLES OF HOPE IN EVERY WINDOW.                                             

RECEIVE a CANDLE and Sammie’s beloved HOMEMADE CHEESE GRITS RECIPE. 

Enter the church parking lot via the entrance closest to Tamworth, and exit via the driveway closest to Ossipee. Stewardship Committee members will be there to greet you!

WHAT NEXT? Drive home (past the church again?), warmed by the memory and encouragement of all our saints, at Saint Andrew’s and across the world.

In lieu of our usual In-gathering brunch, The Stewardship Committee invites you to this Celebration of Saints. Not only will you have an authentic Southern Cheese Grits recipe to enjoy throughout the year; you will “find rest for your souls” and joy in seeing each other safely.     

May God’s abundant blessings be with you this day, and always.

The Stewardship Committee

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 the 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/

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: Jean DeThomas, Terri Hooper, Donna Jones, Martin, John McGowan, Sue Huckman, Steve Thompson, Joan Marshall, Marilyn Cloran, Kitty Lou Booty, Gabriele and Bob Wallace, Dave Appleton, Carolyn Boldt, Angela B., Tom, Carolyn Jarvis, Doug Crapser, Peg Patenaude, Joyce Humphrey, 

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.

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS                                                                                                                         

From Ann Cady: An ecumenical memorial service for those who have died of COVID and for victims of violence is being held outside at the First Congregational Church of North Conway, Friday (tomorrow) at noon, weather permitting.  It will be rescheduled if necessary because of inclement weather.

From the Diocese: ChIPS and UTO

Due to the pandemic, the prison system is not allowing many visitors into the prison. This will make it impossible for us to offer the ChIPS program this year. I'm afraid we won't be taking donations of money or gifts for the children of prisoners this year.

 Please send your United Thank Offering (UTO) donations through your church so each church sends one check, made out to the Episcopal Church of NH with UTO in the memo line. We look forward to honoring these donations during our worship. Thank you for your support of this important program.

Volunteer Shoppers Needed for the Tamworth Christmas Project

As most of you know, the Tamworth Community Christmas Project distributes gifts to local children at St. Andrew’s in December each year. This is also one of the projects our outreach program supports. This year, due to the pandemic, some of their volunteer shoppers will not be shopping. Cathy Baybutt, director of the project, is looking for new volunteers

Volunteers shop for a family (from 1 to 4 children). The parents fill out a form with sizes and needs. We ask shoppers to purchase items on the list and then tally them up, then we send them a reimbursement check for the amount. I have very specific directions which seem to work very well. If you enjoy shopping and might lend a hand, please contact Cathy Baybutt at tamworthchristmasproject@gmail.com.

 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: November 12th
Any questions call 603-960-4067



 FROM Deb IN THE OFFICE



FOOD FOR THOUGHT





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   Ray Walker
9   Joan Wright, 
11   Rob Walty
20  Lois Brady
22  Sally DeGroot, John McGowan
27   Larry Grace
28  Dick Wakefield, Dwight Baldwin

Anniversaries
8     Judy and Larry Grace


October 22, 2020

 


FROM THE RECTOR

I will be on vacation October 19-25. If it seems that I’m taking more time off than usual it’s because I am. The pandemic has taken a toll on me, as it has on everyone, and the vestry and I have agreed on a plan that gives me more time for self-care.

 From the Diocese: ChIPS and UTO

Due to the pandemic, the prison system is not allowing many visitors into the prison. This will make it impossible for us to offer the ChIPS program this year. I'm afraid we won't be taking donations of money or gifts for the children of prisoners this year.

 Please send your United Thank Offering (UTO) donations through your church so each church sends one check, made out to the Episcopal Church of NH with UTO in the memo line. We look forward to honoring these donations during our worship. Thank you for your support of this important program.

Volunteer Shoppers Needed for the Tamworth Christmas Project

As most of you know, the Tamworth Community Christmas Project distributes gifts to local children at St. Andrew’s in December each year. This is also one of the projects our outreach program supports. This year, due to the pandemic, some of their volunteer shoppers will not be shopping. Cathy Baybutt, director of the project, is looking for new volunteers

Volunteers shop for a family (from 1 to 4 children). The parents fill out a form with sizes and needs. We ask shoppers to purchase items on the list and then tally them up, then we send them a reimbursement check for the amount. I have very specific directions which seem to work very well. If you enjoy shopping and might lend a hand, please contact Cathy Baybutt at tamworthchristmasproject@gmail.com.

 With gratitude and blessings,

Caroline

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

This Sunday-October 25, 2020
join the Diocesan worship

Morning Prayer with Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen via Zoom webinar. Order of Worship can be found here (or follow BCP beginning at page 78) and Zoom link here

By phone (audio only) call +1 929 205 6099/Webinar ID: 970 5549 6969.

AND...

JOIN US FOLLOWING THE SERVICE FOR 
A VIRTUAL 
on ZOOM
READINGS FOR SUNDAY

The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost 

Proper 25, Year A

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

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Lesson                                     Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Our Hebrew scripture lection recounts the death of Moses on the very edge of the promised land.  Moses has fulfilled his purpose as God's faithrul servant, the onw who led the people form their bondage with many signs, received the law, traversed the wilderness, and knew God intimately.  From Mounta Nebo, Moses surveys the promised land, and then he dies and is buried in Moab.  Joshua, upon whom Moses had laid hands, succeeds him.

Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17

The psalmist reflects on the passing character of human life in the face of the Lord's wrath, and asks the everlasting God for wisdom to make use of the time.

The Second Lesson                         1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

In this reading Paul recalls his first visit to the Thessalonians, the troubles he endured, and the straightforward and gentle way in which he presented the gospel. The opposition that Paul had earlier experienced in Philippi continued in Thessalonica, but, with God’s help, Paul preached fearlessly. Unlike certain of the insincere traveling missionaries of the pagan world, Paul acted with integrity and sought in no way to take advantage of his new friends. He and his companions shared not only the gospel but their own selves.

The Gospel                                                  Matthew 22:34-46

In the gospel Jesus presents the double commandment of love for God and neighbor, and then asks a question concerning whose son the Christ is.  The context of this passage is the effort by certain Jewish officials to test Jesus, hoping to force him to make an unwise or unpopular comment.  Jesus first responds by teaching that all the law and the prophetic words depend for their understanding on commandments of love.  He then asks his own question.  Using an argumentative style of the time, Jesus shows how King David (considered to be the author of the Psalms) called the Christ his Lord.   Thus, at the very least, the Christ must be more than the son of David.  Christians believe this Christ to be Jesus and trust that through him disciples may learn to love both God and neighbor.



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/

STEWARDSHIP


The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it- John 1:5
Stewardship Ingathering November 1, 9:00 a.m.

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, Jean DeThomas.

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.


 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: October 28th
Any questions call 603-960-4067



 FROM Deb IN THE OFFICE



FOOD FOR THOUGHT
“Not Everything is Cancelled”

Not everything is cancelled…
Sun is not cancelled
Spring is not cancelled
Relationships are not cancelled
Love is not cancelled
Reading is not cancelled
Devotion is not cancelled
Music is not cancelled
Imagination is not cancelled
Kindness is not cancelled
Conversations are not cancelled
Hope is not cancelled
And God’s love for HIS people is never cancelled.


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   Ray Walker
9   Joan Wright, Rob Walty
20  Lois Brady
22  Sally DeGroot, John McGowan
27   Larry Grace
28  Dick Wakefield, Dwight Baldwin

Anniversaries
8     Judy and Larry Grace

REMEMBRANCE by Cathie Lewis
Remembering David Manley

       
DAVID MANLEY – A Remembrance by Cathie Lewis
 Read at David’s Memorial Service, October 13, 2020, via Zoom.

It has been widely and wisely said that IT TAKES A VILLAGE, usually followed by an implicit . . . (dot, dot, dot).

And I believe that it DOES take a village -- in our situation, it takes a village to remember and reflect, to appreciate and honor the life of David.

 And we are gathered (here and there) as David's village -- a village of family and friends: family who are friends and friends who have become family.

I refer us all to the remembrance Patti Rau wrote for the Thursday Memo, a telling of the remarkable impact that David had on the life of the parish of St. Andrew.

On reflection, the word that strikes me most about David is FIERCE. Patti's litany of David's accomplishments certainly underscores that point.

David had a fierce love for his country, and his life in military service had a profound effect on his life as a vet.

 David had a fierce love for his "at home" family: Joe, of course, and his home in Effingham showed that Joe's memory was still a large part of David's life.

 David had a fierce love for his kids, his beautiful long haired kids, his beautiful, long haired dachshund kids who provided camaraderie and stability for him

 And who could be more fierce than David about his love for his parish family? Rhetorical, of course! Patti was spot-on in giving David Kudos for his attention to the kitchen, and his was a fiercely held opinion that he was the ONLY person who could operate the coffee machine!

 How many times, I have wondered, did I say to him (gently, of course, but fiercely): David. It is my turn to do coffee hour, and I really DO KNOW HOW TO MAKE   COFFEE! (I don't think he ever believed that I could!)

And later on those Sundays, we would talk and talk on the phone, tell each other how fiercely silly we were, and ALWAYS ended with me saying "I love you, David". Invariably he would respond by saying "I love you, too, Sweetie".

 Amen. 


October 8, 2020

 

This is a two week Thursday Memo

FROM THE RECTOR


Forward Movement and The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations are calling Episcopalians and all others to join in A Season of Prayer: For an Election.

We come together, asking God for courage and wisdom, thanking God for love and joy. As we move toward the election of leaders for the United States, may we all join in a season of prayer, committing to offer to God our fears and frustrations, our hopes and dreams.

 Join us October 27-November 4. Follow this link to sign up for email updates and for more information:

https://www.forwardmovement.org/Pages/Item/15381/Season-of-Prayer.aspx

 Our next outdoor service 

is this Sunday at 4:30 pm, 30 minutes earlier than previous services. Please don’t forget to let me know if you plan to attend.

This is important information for me to have ahead of the service. As before, please

plan to bring the following:

·         Bread for Communion

·         Lawn chair

·         Face mask

·         Hand sanitizer

·         Water

·         Jacket, etc. as weather dictates

 We ask that everyone follow these safety requirements:

·         Stay at home if you 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:

o   Singing

o   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

  David Manley’s Memorial Service 

will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 pm. Note that the Zoom link will not be our normal worship link, but a new one. I will send it to the local parish list when I send the bulletin for his service on Monday or Tuesday.  If you do not receive my usual Saturday emails with the bulletin and Zoom link for the Sunday service and would like to attend David’s service, please email me at RectorSAITV@gmail.com.

 Vacation schedules

Deb will be on vacation next week, October 12-18. If you need something form the office that can’t wait until her return, contact me.

 I will be on vacation October 19-25. If it seems that I’m taking more time off than usual it’s because I am. The pandemic has taken a toll on me, as it has on everyone, and the vestry and I have agreed on a plan that gives me more time for self-care.

 Our worship on Sunday, October 25 

will be with the Bishop. Details and a link will be in the October 22 edition of the Thursday Memo

Volunteer Shoppers Needed for the Tamworth Christmas Project

As most of you know, the Tamworth Community Christmas Project distributes gifts to local children at St. Andrew’s in December each year. This is also one of the projects our outreach program supports. This year, due to the pandemic, some of their volunteer shoppers will not be shopping. Cathy Baybutt, director of the project, is looking for new volunteers

Volunteers shop for a family (from 1 to 4 children). The parents fill out a form with sizes and needs. We ask shoppers to purchase items on the list and then tally them up, then we send them a reimbursement check for the amount. I have very specific directions which seem to work very well. If you enjoy shopping and might lend a hand, please contact Cathy Baybutt at tamworthchristmasproject@gmail.com.
Caroline
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-October 11, 2020
The 19th Sunday after Pentecost
and 
Next Sunday- October 18, 2020
at 10:00 a.m.
The 20th Sunday after Pentecost

via Zoom (email RectorSAITV@gmail.com for Zoom information) 
or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/standrewsinthevalleytamworth/

AND...
JOIN US FOLLOWING THE SERVICE FOR
A VIRTUAL

on ZOOM

READINGS FOR SUNDAY

The 19th Sunday after PentecostProper 23, Year A

Collect of the Day                     We center ourselves for worship in prayer

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Lesson                              Exodus 32:1-14

In our story from the Hebrew Bible the people worship an idol, but Moses’ prayer saves them from the Lord’s punishment. In one way or another this pattern is repeated throughout Israel’s history.  The people have just made a solemn covenant with God, but quickly they lose faith and want to put their trust in some more tangible and useful religion.  In this case the object of their worship is a bull-calf, a divinity among the Canaanites and a symbol of strength and virility.  Moses intercedes against God’s wrath and reminds the Lord of past help and commitment to the people.

Psalm 1906:1-6, 19-23

An affirmation of God’s righteousness and favor toward those who love the Lord, and a confession of sins present and sins past.

The Second Lesson          Philippians 4:1-9

In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul invites the new disciples to exult in joy in the Lord who is near at hand, and he thanks them for their most recent gift. They need have no anxiety because God’s peace, which is beyond human understanding, will keep their hearts and thoughts in Jesus. They should fill their minds with all that is noble and loving, putting these things into practice as Paul has taught them to.

The Gospel     Matthew 22:1-14  

Our gospel reading presents a parable about those who declined invitations to a marriage feast and others who were invited, followed by the story of a guest who came without wedding clothes.  As the evangelist presents the parable of the feast, it is an allegory about the rejection of the Jews and the acceptance of Gentiles into the kingdom.  At another level, the story suggests that God’s kingdom will become known whether people are prepared for it or not.  It is a divine gift. Included will be all kinds of people, many of them not considered worthy by worldly standards.  The second parable, originally a separate story, makes the point that one must be ready for the kingdom at all times; the invitation comes unexpectedly.





The 20th Sunday after PentecostProper 24, Year A

Collect of the Day                     We center ourselves for worship in prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; 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 33:12-23

In this lesson Moses seeks reassurance and to see God’s glory.  God promises the divine presence and favor.  Although no mortal may see God’s face, God’s name will be made known through graciousness and mercy.

Psalm 99

The holy and mighty Lord reigns on hight.  God has spoken to Israel’s leaders from a pillar of cloud and has forgiven their misdeeds.

The Second Lesson          1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

In company with Silvanus and Timothy, Paul greets the new Christians of Thessalonica, giving thanks for their faith and their conversion from idols to the worship of the true and living God. This letter was written not long after Paul’s first missionary visit to this city in the country we know today as Greece. Evidently the converts were all former pagans. The apostle refers to the troubles and persecution that are also reported in the Acts of the Apostles. But the gospel, empowered by the activity of the Holy Spirit, has inspired a faith which has become widely known.

The Gospel     Matthew 22:15-22  

In our gospel lesson Jesus answers a question about taxation by teaching that people should pay what belongs to the emperor to the emperor and the things of God to God.  The question was meant as a trap.  If Jesus advised the paying of taxes to the occupying Roman powers, many Jews would have considered him a collaborator.  Had he counseled nonpayment, the Herodian servants of the Romans could accuse him of sedition.  On one level Jesus’ answer is a masterstroke of clever ambiguity, but is also causes his hearers to reflect more deeply on their responsibility to God and the state.  Perhaps the saying suggests that government has its legitimate yet limited claims.  It must not be given the highest allegiance.



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/

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. Robert Bailey, father of Lois Brady.


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!



More to come later in the month from Deb


 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
I will be on vacation October 12- October 16



FOOD FOR THOUGHT


From the SALT Project:

Shortly before his death, Henry David Thoreau finished an extraordinary ode to autumn in his essay, “Autumnal Tints.” Enjoy the entire essay here - and read on for a few of its highlights, with Thoreau’s lovely prose laid out as poems for your reading pleasure.

+++++

October is the month of painted leaves.
Their rich glow now flashes round the world.
As fruits and leaves and the day itself
acquire a bright tint just before they fall, 
so the year near its setting. 
October is its sunset sky; 
November the later twilight.

+++++

It is pleasant to walk over the beds 
of these fresh, crisp, and rustling leaves. 
How beautifully they go to their graves! 
How gently lay themselves down 
and turn to mould!
Painted of a thousand hues, and fit 
to make the beds of us living. 
So they troop to their last resting place, 
light and frisky. They put on no weeds, 
but merrily they go scampering over the earth, 
selecting the spot, 
choosing a lot, 
ordering no iron fence…
How many flutterings 
before they rest quietly in their graves! 
They that soared so loftily, how contentedly 
they return to dust again, and are laid low, 
resigned to lie and decay at the foot of the tree, 
and afford nourishment to new generations of their kind, 
as well as to flutter on high! 
They teach us how to die.

+++++

Let your walks now be a little more adventurous; 
ascend the hills. If, about the last of October, 
you ascend any hill in the outskirts of our town, 
and probably of yours, and look over the forest, 
you may see well, what I have endeavored to describe. 
All this you surely will see, and much more, 
if you are prepared to see it,—if you look for it...
Objects are concealed from our view, 
not so much because they are out of the course 
of our visual ray as because we do not bring 
our minds and eyes to bear on them; 
for there is no power to see in the eye itself, 
any more than in any other jelly. 
We do not realize how far and widely, 
or how near and narrowly, we are to look. 
The greater part of the phenomena of Nature 
are for this reason concealed from us all our lives. 
The gardener sees only the gardener's garden…
There is just as much beauty 
visible to us in the landscape 
as we are prepared to appreciate,
—not a grain more.

~ Henry David Thoreau


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   Ray Walker
9   Joan Wright, Rob Walty
20  Lois Brady
22  Sally DeGroot, John McGowan
27   Larry Grace
28  Dick Wakefield, Dwight Baldwin

Anniversaries
8     Judy and Larry Grace