The Church Bell
Vol. 6, No. 6
August 2022
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Monthly food drive begins this month |
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In preparation for the Feast of Constance and Her Companions, and mindful of the financial stress during these rough economic times, the time is right to bring an old idea back to life!
Back in the late 1990's we held a monthly collection and distribution of non-perishable groceries. As other food drives and food banks came along, we replaced our monthly collection with a Thanksgiving/Christmas collection. Now we're ready to go back to our old practice and meet local need in changing times.
Some of our local food distribution centers have disbanded. We have also learned that the high cost of gasoline is making trips to food banks and to grocery stores less and less feasible. Mindful of these conditions, we believe that our own monthly food drive in partnership with other Cowan congregations can meet the needs of our neighbors where they are.
With your prayers and participation we can make this monthly outreach project work efficiently and effectively. In the space below we will list items we would like to collect each month. Going forward, let us know your thoughts on ways we can proceed with the greatest care and best results.
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Items you can bring each month to support the Food Drive
- Canned soups (preferably with pull-open tops)
- Boxed soup kits, macaroni & cheese, etc.
- Rice dinners, pasta dinners, meal helpers, etc.
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, etc.)
- Instant oatmeal
- Flavor mixes / Kool aid
- Instant pudding and jello mixes
Another way that you can support the food drive is to let us know of individuals in need and help us get items to them!
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Seasonal class on the Catechism |
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Our Sunday school class for the late-summer season will be an intensive course on An Outline of the Faith: Commonly called the Catechism.
The course is especially helpful to those who would like to receive baptism or confirmation; however, the course is also an excellent review and refresh for anyone in the congregation.
We will have lively discussion with our Bibles and prayer books open while also looking at various handouts and take-home materials.
We are meeting during the 10 o'clock Sunday school hour in the parish hall. It's always a good time to join us.
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September 4th - Martyrs of Memphis Sunday |
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As Tennesseans and as Episcopalians we take time in September to look back at the brave example of Constance and Her Companions: The Martyrs at Memphis.
The Yellow Fever Outbreak of 1878 put the entire city of Memphis under horrific duress with as many as 200 people dying each day.
Some 15,000 residents fled the city to avoid exposure while the city's government ceased to operate. The Tennessee General Assembly, in fact, pulled the city's charter.
A group of Episcopal nuns, the Community of St. Mary, based out of St. Mary's Cathedral in downtown Memphis, devoted themselves to caring for the sick and dying during the outbreak. In doing so, four of the nuns and two priests died after exposure to the very disease they were trying to protect others from. (Only two of the nuns survived.)
On September 9, 1878, Sister Constance, Superior of the Order, was the first to succumb to complications from Yellow Fever. For that reason, the Episcopal Church dedicates September 9th as The Feast of Constance and Her Companions: The Martyrs of Memphis.
This year, St. Agnes' will celebrate Constance and Her Companions on Sunday, September 4th. The Rev'd Dr. Linda Hutton will lead the service at the usual 11:00 a.m.
We typically try to coordinate an outreach project that honors the legacy of Constance and Her Companions. This year, we are going to emphasize our Monthly Food Drive mentioned above.
To read more about Constance and Her Companions, take a look at our dedicated page on the St. Agnes' Church website:
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A big "welcome home" for Wes |
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Wes Nevels got a "Welcome Home" applause when he walked in the door at St. Agnes' on Sunday, July 31st.
His four-year term of service with the U.S. Marines is finally completed and Wes is back home among friends and family!
However, Wes got an even bigger welcome the very next day when he moved into his new apartment.
Soon after he opened the door, Wes found the box of household items and staple groceries that his church family put together for him.
He is grateful to have plates, cups, glasses, towels, potholders, flatware, supplies, and non-perishables to help him get started. This large gift of small items is making his transition into civilian life easier and more enjoyable!
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Updates from our extended family |
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Please note the following updates and concerns from members of our extended church family:
Nancy and Lee Glenn had to handle two enormous challenges in late July - a Covid19 diagnosis while trying to move into their new home! Fortunately they are making a nice recovery and getting re-situated in their new home with help from their children and grandchildren.
Steve Pearson is making some headway on the road to recovery! Steve is now undergoing physical therapy at home and has restarted chemotherapy. We are hopeful that he will start driving again by early fall and return to church in the very near future.
The family of Royana Stewart reached to let us know that her condition is in decline and that she is now under hospice care. All of our continuing prayers for Royana's comfort and peace are greatly appreciated.
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Get Ahead on Recent Sermons |
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Take full advantage of our online presence, especially if you are unable to attend services in person.
Here are some of our recent Video Sermons:
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Each and every Sunday we post the day's sermon on our Facebook page and on our YouTube channel. These posts are followed by an e-mail with video links to everyone in the congregation who was unable to attend on that particular day.
You can show your support by liking and commenting whenever you see a video sermon on YouTube and/or on Facebook. The more likes and comments we receive the more our posts will be visible to the general public.
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Upcoming schedule of services |
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August 7 - Holy Eucharist - 9th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14
August 14 - Morning Prayer - 10th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15
August 21 - Holy Eucharist - 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16
August 28 - Holy Eucharist - 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17
September 4 - Holy Eucharist - Constance and Her Companions
September 11 - Morning Prayer - 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19
September 18 - Holy Eucharist - 15th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 20
September 25 - Holy Eucharist - 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21
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August 7 - Liam Dervin
August 9 - Rose Pearson
August 29 - Duncan Weddington
August 31 - Pat Underwood
September 2 - Ben Money
September 2 - Sara Money
September 11 - Joanne Wilkerson
September 21 - Mary Pearson-Smith
September 22 - Linda Overton
September 22 - Mickey Scott
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"Watch over thy children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand, comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and their hearts may thy peace, which passeth understanding abide all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
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Nancy and Lee Glenn, Joey Sisk, Tom Knowles, Steve and Rose Pearson, Beth Rhoton, Sandi Gibson, Kathy Owens, Peyton McLaughlin, Dave Myers, Harold Black Jr., Scott James, Wynona Gibson, Steve and Rose Pearson, Dick and Mary Ann Austin, Marty Judd, Iris Ellidge, Mary McDonald, Roy Tankersley, Royana Stewart, Bill Keller, and Linda Milligan.
We pray continually for Christians around the world in grave danger.
We pray for those witnessing increasing danger and crime in different areas of the world. We pray especially for God's help and wisdom in the very troublesome situation in the The Ukraine.
We pray for those in our armed services, especially Anthony Russell.
We bless and commemorate Eric Wilkerson who has passed into glory.
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"O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayer, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sicknesses may be turned into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
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Sunday Service ....................................11:00 a.m.
Sunday School .....................................10:00 a.m.
Location/Address: 105 England Street E., PO Box 356, Cowan, TN 37318
Telephone: (931) 636-6313
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The Rt. Rev'd John C. Bauerschmidt..................Bishop of Tennessee
The Rev'd Dr. Linda Hutton.................................Supply Priest
L. Jarod Pearson.................................................Lay Reader
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