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
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.
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
AND...
JOIN US FOLLOWING THE SERVICE FOR
A VIRTUAL
on ZOOM
The 19th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 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
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.
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
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.
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/
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 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!
Next Food Pantry: September 30th
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~ Henry David Thoreau
