Outdoor
Eucharist on Sunday at 4:15 pm
What perfect weather for
what is likely to be our last outdoor service of the season! The forecast says
clear with temps in the 60’s. We will gather on the back lawn at 4:15 pm and comply with all the usual guidelines. Please don’t forget to let me
know if you plan to attend. It’s
important for me to know how many are coming ahead of time.
The Eucharist will be a continuation of
the morning Liturgy of the Word, not a full service.
Our morning Zoom service will be the same as usual. The afternoon Eucharist
will have only minimal elements of the Liturgy of the Word (one reading from
Scripture, no sermon, no Prayers of the People), followed by the Eucharistic
Prayer and Communion. Those who plan to attend the Eucharist are encouraged to
attend the Zoom service as well, both for the elements of the service that will
only occur at the morning service and to stand in solidarity with those who do
not feel comfortable gathering in person.
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
I hope to see you there!
Thank you! My foot surgery went well, and I was able to walk without crutches the next day. I continue to feel better every day, and so appreciate your prayers, thoughtfulness and assistance in various ways. I am so grateful for the privilege of serving as your rector!
via Zoom (email RectorSAITV@gmail.com for Zoom information) AND...
on ZOOM
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 27, Year A
Collect of
the Day We center ourselves for worship in prayer
O God, whose
blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil
and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this
hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with
power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious
kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for
ever and ever. Amen.
First Lesson
Joshua
24:1-3a, 14-25
In our Hebrew scripture
lesson, Joshua, like Moses before him, acts as a mediator between the people of
Israel and God at Shechem. He calls them
to reaffirm their covenant with the Lord.
It was at Shechem that God first spoke to Abraham in Canaan, and at
Shechem that Jacob abjured his family to “put away the foreign gods among you.” Joshua recalls the Lord’s faithfulness
through history and his consistent benevolence toward Israel. The choice is stark, for the Lord demands
entire devotion; all other deities must be shunned and put away. In language reminiscent of treaty documents
of the period, the people swear their loyalty to God.
Psalm 78:1-7
The psalm recalls
Israel’s trials and the Lord’s sustaining grace in the wilderness after the
escape from Egypt.
The Second Lesson 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
In this reading Paul offers a vision of how
the dead in Christ will rise and then, together with those who are alive, be
caught up to meet the Lord in the sky.
Apparently some members of the Thessalonian church had died, and there
was this concern: would they miss the Lord’s coming? First, Paul reminds them that the Christian
hope is rooted in the God who raised Jesus.
He then describes the day of the Lord’s appearing and the raising up of
the dead and the living, using highly poetic imagery conditioned by the
worldview of his time. The essential
meaning is clear: we shall be with the Lord.
The
Gospel
Matthew
25:1-13
Our gospel is the parable of the wise and foolish maidens–those
prepared and unprepared for the bridegroom’s coming. In several ways the details of the story may
strike us as odd and even a little unfair, but such a concern misses the main
point, which has much in common with other of Jesus’ parables. One must at all times be ready with repentance
and decision for the kingdom’s coming.
In a later period this story was read with allegorical overtones. Jesus is the bridegroom whose return is
delayed. Some in the church are falling
asleep while others remain expectant.
ALL SAINTS’ DRIVE-BY PARADE RESCHEDULED FOR THIS SUNDAY!
WHEN? Sunday, November 8th from 5pm to 6pm - NEW TIME
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 a beloved HOMEMADE 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 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
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
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.
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.
Next Food Pantry: November 12th
STAY CALM AND JUST BREATHE
For Deliverance from Faithless Fear and Worldly Anxiety
Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
