May 7, 2020

SEE PHOTO GALLERY BELOW FOR MORE
ON "BREATHING OUTSIDE"

FROM THE RECTOR

Earlier this week the Bishop sent a new template for moving ahead in the days of the pandemic, called "Following the Good Shepherd on the Path Ahead." It can be found here: https://files.constantcontact.com/97815e8b001/12001b8e-c479-49eb-9864-11fd858b33e1.pdf

It is a long document, 16 pages in length. Here is a Table of Contents to help you navigate it:
Page 2 – From Bishop Rob
Page 3 – Guiding Principles
Page 4 – New Hampshire Under the Stay At Home Order
Page 5 – What Does “Stay At Home” Mean for Our Church?
Page 7 – Criteria for Lifting the Stay at Home Order
Page 8 – Phase One Reopening
Page 9 – What Does Phase One Look Like for Our Church?
Page 11 – Phase Two Reopening
Page 12 – What Does Phase Two Mean for Our Church?
Page 14 – Offering Holy Eucharist During Phase Two
Page 15 – Building Use Considerations During Phase Two
Page 16 – Contemplating Church During This Time of Unexpected Quiet

“The principles and recommendations in this document are guided by the expertise of medical and civil authorities as well as by the theological foundation of the Way of Love.” 

What is made very clear in the document is that we will not be physically gathering for church any time soon, or able to participate in the Eucharist immediately upon return.

So over the next several weeks I will ask for your input to help me craft our online worship experience. There are a number of options before us.

1.    Our current Sunday service format is a form of “Ante-Communion,” made up of the Liturgy of the Word from the Service of Holy Eucharist, which includes everything through the Prayers of the People, and closing prayers including the Lord’s Prayer and various prayers from the Prayer Book and other sources.

2.    Another option available to us is Morning Prayer.

3.    And yet another option is for me to preside over the Eucharist as usual, but without anyone receiving Communion. This is what the Washington National Cathedral is doing as I understand it. The bread and wine are consecrated, but not consumed by anyone. The idea of this has felt very odd to me, and until very recently our Bishop hasn’t encouraged it. He isn’t “encouraging” it now, but is allowing it.

Another area to consider is whether we have our own St. Andrew’s service every week or if on occasion we “attend” the diocesan service offered by Bishop Rob. This could be once a month or less frequently.

A separate but related question is whether to join the diocesan service on Pentecost Sunday on May 31.

All of these options are now on the table. I ask you to consider them, email me if you’d like to give me your opinion in writing, and plan to discuss the options after church on the next several Sundays. We’ll see where that takes us!

The one thing that has been decided is that we will continue to worship together at 10:00 every Sunday but the first of the month. On the first Sunday our service will be at 9:00.

Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of the week, and share your “Breathing Outside” pictures for the Thursday Memo – what a great idea, Deb! And Bruce, is that bear in your yard?!!

I look forward to seeing you Sunday morning!
Blessings,
Caroline         
  
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP 

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP AT 10:00 AM 
via Zoom (see email for Zoom information) 
or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/standrewsinthevalleytamworth/

5/10/2020 BULLETIN LINK

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


READINGS FOR SUNDAY
Sunday, May 10th
The Fifth Sunday 
of Easter
Year A

COLLECT
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
READINGS
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14



Click below to see the readings: 

PLEDGE PAYMENT REMINDER



Thank you for continuing to honor your pledges during this time. While we cannot gather in the church, our usual practices for counting, recording and depositing your pledge payments continue. You may mail your checks to the office or set up a direct payment through the bill pay feature of your bank. Our expenses continue as usual, even though we are not able to gather in person.



BOOK GROUP

Join our Book Group 

on Wednesdays at 12:30 during the Easter Season


The Gospel Of Matthew 

We will join the Good Book Club for a study of the Gospel of Matthew. 
Daily readings began on Easter Sunday 
and continue through the Day of Pentecost, May 31.  
For the daily reading schedule go to 
https://www.goodbookclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Readings_Matthew.pdf  

For more information and to sign up for weekly emails go to https://www.goodbookclub.org/

Contact Caroline at rectorSAITV@gmail.com for the Zoom link for our weekly meetings.

MIDWEEK WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Each of these weekday services will be live streamed on Facebook and available on Zoom.
Please email Caroline for the Zoom link
rectorsaitv@gmail.com

COMPLINE
Monday-Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

MORNING PRAYER
Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m.


WE HOPE YOU WILL Continue to JOIN US FOR WORSHIP and FELLOWSHIP in our online presence.


OUTSIDE CHURCH - Walking the Labyrinth

People have been building and walking labyrinths since ancient times. As with all powerful symbols, labyrinths have been adapted across the centuries to become, for us, a prayerful pathway to God.

The “oldest positively dated”(1) labyrinth in King Nestor’s Palace, Phylos, Greece dates from 1230 BC. Yet, connected with Earth Mother, labyrinths are thought to have existed as spiritual guides much further back in prehistory. Medieval Europe saw stone labyrinths built into the floors of many cathedrals. In a time when penitential pilgrimages to Jerusalem were quite dangerous (harsh weather, thieves, and murders being part of the landscape), the labyrinth was designated as an official substitute. A penitent made his or her journey to the center, often crawling on hands and knees, as part of their restitution for sins “known and unknown”. 

The 11-circuit labyrinth (1221 AD) at Chartres Cathedral in France is best known to us through The Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress. Meeting with the cathedral staff in 1991, she was instrumental in persuading them to open the labyrinth to small meditation groups, and later to the public. A priest in the Episcopal Church, Lauren served as Canon for Special Ministries at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco during which time she not only “introduced walking meditation back into the Christian tradition but also introduced the labyrinth back into Western culture.”(2)

In 2008, while in France, I went to Chartres to walk the labyrinth on the June solstice. I learned that there are mathematical truths in the setting of the labyrinth: if, for example, you were to bring down the great Rose Window out of the western façade and lay it over the labyrinth, you would find that they are identical in circumference. This is not an accident. It is based on the art, science, and alchemy of proportion. (3)

But my journey that day took my thoughts in a different direction. As my feet felt the stone beneath them worn away by centuries of pilgrims, some on their knees, others walking; my ears heard the clink of centimes slipping into the Gift Shop tills, the organ drowning out the reedy voices of local mourners at a funeral in the nave; and my eyes closed while all of us stopped our walk to let the coffin and the funeral procession pass across the labyrinth, out under the Rose Window, I thought: When I open my eyes, I will see the cathedral filled with medieval families, their cattle and sheep, hunkering down here as a place of refuge against foreign soldiers, political unrest, or disease. For a long moment, time became fluid, untamable, eternal.

Labyrinths can change our sense of time. They have been with us since pre-history, re-purposed as succeeding generations deepen their understanding of God and Christ, the Word, who was with God in the beginning of time. 

(1) R. Richardson, web article. (2) www.laurenartress.com (3)Lonegren, Sig, LABYRINTHS Ancient Myths and Modern Uses, Gothic Image Publications 7 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9DP England, 1991 ISBN 0-906362-16-4 SEE ALSO: Artress, Lauren, WALKING THE SACRED PATH, Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool, Riverhead Books, New York, 1995 ISBN 1-57322-007-8 This book is a clear, informative modern classic for all seekers and students of the labyrinth. 

Next week: Walking the Labyrinth: Threshold, Journey, Rest, and Return 
Lisa Thompson  

OFFICE HOURS AND HOW TO REACH US

The Office is closed, but Deb continues to respond to email, phone messages and fulfill her other responsibilities.
If you need access to the building, please call the office first to see if the building will be open.
Please contact Caroline during regular "office" hours.  I am available 9:00 – 5:00 Sunday – Thursday via email (RectorSAITV@gmail.com) or cell phone (603-553-9254). Please limit your calls to me to these times, except in the case of a true emergency. Of course you may also email me at any time, but I will answer email during my regular hours. Many thanks! 

If you are sick PLEASE let Caroline know!

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: Dave Appleton, Hettie Buck, Courtney and her baby, Christian, Tiffany, Kyren, Dorothy O'Donnell, Lisa Lemire, Donn Carty, Bob & Sue Huckman, Kenneth LaForge, Jennifer M, David Manley, Robin Martelle, John McGowan, Gabriele Wallace, Carolyn Jarvis, Tamara, Milan McNall, Jerry Williams, Marilyn Cloran, Joan Marshall, Rick, John, Carolyn Boldt, the Huckman family, as they grieve the death of Tom's uncle, Norm.


For those who are homebound: Joyce Gendron, Marge Hagerup, Elizabeth Pease, Susannah Keith, Alida, Dylan, Brian & Sara Kelley, Bob Wallace, Carl Mamigonian, 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.

How to Protect Yourself & Others

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19 illness. More information on Are you at higher risk for serious illness?
Know how it spreads
·         There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
·         The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
·         The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
o    Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
o    Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
o    These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
o    Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Everyone Should
            Wash your hands often
·         Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
·         If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
            Avoid close contact
·         Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
·         Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
o    Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
o    Do not gather in groups.
o    Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
o    Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
          Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
·         You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
·         Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
o    Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
·         The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
·         Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
·         Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
            Cover coughs and sneezes
·         If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
·         Throw used tissues in the trash.
·         Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
            Clean and disinfect
·         Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
·         If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
·         Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectantsexternal icon will work.

DINNER BELL


No DINNER BELL until further notice.


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

SAFE CHURCH

If you are up for Safe Church Renewal
you must do your renewal modules on Armatus
then sign up for meetings online.

The next Safe Church Zoom calls are scheduled for

May 18, 2020: 10:00 am
June 10, 2020 - 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Click on one of the dates to register.

If you have questions, please contact Safe Church Minister, Marty Cloran.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

We cannot meet at this time, but KNIT ON!

If you have any questions, please call Lin Frank at 323-0402.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A Prayer of St. Columba

Be O Lord,
a guiding star above me,
a smooth path below me,
a kindly shepherd behind me,
and a bright flame before me,
today, tonight and forever. Amen

St. Columba founded the monastery on the island of Iona, Scotland in the 7th century.

COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER
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
3-7 pm
May 13, 27
Any questions call 603-960-4067

FROM Deb IN THE OFFICE


MAY  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                       
1   John Marshall
7   Elaine South
15  Kitty Lou Booty
15  Betty Faella
17  Kit Morgan
18  Tim Huckman
20  Tom Forbes
28  Bob Luz
28  David Gatrell

Anniversaries                       
13  Tom & Jen Huckman
20  Jonathan & Lois Brady
26  Grete & George Plender
28  Bruce & Denise Foreman
30  Bob & Gabriele Wallace

PHOTO GALLERY- Breathing "Outside"

Share your "BREATHING OUTSIDE" 
photos and I will post each week!
send to office@standrewsinthevalley.org

Now that the weather is getting better and we are finding time outside
please share your pictures of what you are doing...
Getting your gardens ready? Going for a hike?
Planting flowers? Taking in a picnic? Wildlife encounters?

FROM CAROLINE HINES
"Here are some pics from my walk today. The white flowers are Bloodroot, located in the woods beside the church, and the yellow ones are Trout Lilies growing along Whittier Rd.




FROM DEB HOYT
"It was just wonderful sharing
sunshine and fresh air for a few minutes
this weekend with Shelby".

FROM BRUCE KENNEDY
"Take your bird feeders down. Please"


LINKS