Bidding Welcome & Farewell
by The Rev. Cameron Randle, Rector

“Show me your ways, O Lord,
and teach me your paths.”
 --- Psalm 25:3
 
After an unprecedented time apart, members of Eastern Shore Chapel will regather this Sunday morning to reclaim aspects of corporate worship sorely missing from our lives as a parish, interrupted. Physical proximity will be re-established, albeit subject to safety directives. Sacred music will be shared, but absent the invitation to (literally) sing God’s praises. The sacraments of Holy Communion will be received into our hearts and bodies, but via an avenue unfamiliar to most Episcopalians. We will worship God in the arresting beauty of the out-of-doors, although comfort may take a back seat to compliance. Still, we will be together after a prolonged absence. That, in itself, is cause for rejoicing.
 
During the Liturgy of the Word, we will hear Scripture read aloud. We will offer prayers of thanksgiving and intercession. But when the homily is shared, we will be reminded of the role played in our lives by change and transition. The Rev. Julia Messer-Croteau will preach for the final time at ESC before assuming her new position as Rector of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church here in Virginia Beach. Even as we welcome one another, we are called upon to wish well one who has served this parish for five years as Associate Rector. Rev. Julia is called to a new chapter in ordained ministry. Her unique talents and perspective will serve her, and her new parishioners, faithfully during their time together. We are excited at the prospect of supporting her new ministry in prayer and in creative partnering. At the same time, we look with anticipation toward the future of this dynamic parish.
 
As we regather under the umbrella of God’s generous grace, we would do well to solicit insight and sensitivity to the Divine’s plans for our renewed spiritual growth and service to others in need. We are well advised to study the ways and identify the paths of the Holy One. Reaching across the divide between mortal and immortal is no small task. It requires us to circulate beyond our comfort zone. It necessitates our allegiance to entities and ideas beyond our comprehension. It makes faith mandatory. Yet, doing so makes life worth living. Even when we are compelled to say goodbye in between every hello. 
Preview: Outdoor Worship Service this Sunday, September 27

We are looking forward to re-gathering for our first worship service since the unwelcome arrival of COVID-19. Thanks to all who have responded to our survey, and for those who have RSVP’d to attend this Sunday. The following issues are relevant to our outdoor re-gathering:
 
  • SAFETY: In order to keep everyone as safe as possible during our worship service(s), we will adhere to all recommendations for COVID-19 mitigation as recommended by the CDC, Virginia Department of Health and our Diocesan Office. Following are a few friendly reminders:
  • LOCATION: Everyone will be seated in the lawn area adjacent to the Francis Garden.
  • TIME: 10:30 a.m.
  • SEATING: Please bring your own lawn chairs. The seating spots for lawn chairs will be clearly marked on the lawn. Ushers will escort you to a seating area. We will be adhering to the mandated social distancing guidelines; chairs will be placed six feet apart. Couples and family groups sitting together will be placed with six feet between them and next person or family. Assistance will be available for anyone needing help with carrying their chair.
  • BULLETINS: We will provide a service bulletin that will cover the order of the service; prayer books and hymnals will not be used. PLEASE DO NOT BRING PRAYER BOOKS OR HYMNALS.
  • MUSIC: Dr. Martin Sunderland and music guests will provide music without choral or congregational singing.
  • COMMUNION: Individual Communion kits will be available to all in attendance who wish to receive the Holy Sacraments. 
  • MASKS: Masks are required. If you don’t have one, one will be provided to you. 
 
SCREENING QUESTIONS
 
Because you will be asked the following health screening questions as you arrive, please review these before you leave home. IF YOU ANSWER YES TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND!
 
1. Have you traveled internationally or knowingly been exposed to anyone with COVID-19
    in the past two weeks?
 
2. Do you have any flu-like symptoms such as ____ (see below)?
  • Fever (100.4 or above)
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Recent loss of smell or taste
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea    
 
Thanks to all for helping us stay as safe as possible during these challenging times.
 
Faithfully,
Dan McCready, M.D. co-chair
Fiona Hawley, R.N. co-chair
All members of the ESC Health Equity Team   
Drive-by Bye this Friday!
Friday, September 25, at 6 pm

Please join us for a Drive By-Bye for Reverend Julia this Friday, the 25th, starting at 6 pm. OPEN TO ALL - drive into the cemetery parking lot, starting at 5:30, and decorate your car, then join the line up to cruise past the front of the church and send Reverend Julia off with your best wishes for her recent marriage, and call to be the new Rector at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church! Any questions can be directed to Ellen Gallup at 757-650-9655. We hope to see you there, for this Socially Distanced Party!
Educating the Saints: Convocation II Bible Study
by The Rev. Bob Randall, Rector, Old Donation Episcopal Church
Dear friends and neighbors,

The Episcopal churches of Virginia Beach are at it again… working together to help us all grow in Spirit and Truth as we grow in knowledge of God’s Word. For seven weeks starting the week of September 21, we are offering weekly teachings and discussion on “Tough Passages in the Bible.” Each Tuesday one of our clergy will release a 15 minute teaching video on YouTube. Every Thursday that same person will hold two open ZOOM discussions, one at 11:00am and one at 7:00pm, each is planned for 45-60 minutes. This will give time for people who watch the videos on Tuesday or Wednesday to ask questions, offer other perspectives, and for everyone to grow closer to God with deeper knowledge and stronger community.

We used this same format with great response in the Spring focused on the Psalms. Each parish will have the information available for the week by Tuesday morning, including the links for the YouTube and ZOOM sessions. If you have trouble finding the ZOOM link go to that week’s video on the YouTube page and we will have it posted there. All videos will be available on a new YouTube page “Episcopal Churches of Virginia Beach” which you can bookmark today.

  • Join the Zoom meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 11am HERE. Meeting ID: 813 1432 4914; Passcode: 663518.
  • Join the Zoom meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7pm HERE. Meeting ID: 833 0753 4761; Passcode: 884621.

This series is open to anyone and we hope you will participate and invite others. The schedule and passages being discussed are as follows.
Time, talent and treasure: Senior Warden Sally Cox

We've all heard that stewardship includes time, talent and treasure. In the video interview below, Senior Warden Sally Cox offers an update on church finances, Stewardship, and other pertinent information!

The Stewardship Committee
A Call for Leadership – Vestry Class of 2021

As we near the end of a year that defies all description, we at Eastern Shore Chapel have much to celebrate. We are a vibrant church, growing in spiritual maturity and financial health. Through our many important ministries, we are serving the needs of our community. And we are taking the first careful steps toward a joyful time when we can physically reunite with one another for worship.
 
Because of the impact of Covid-19 on our congregation, our ministries, and our finances, we may face new challenges and uncertainties that require difficult decisions in future months and years. Despite these challenges, we will always be committed to our call to be “conduits of God’s healing and restoration” in a broken world. 
 
Do you feel called to help lead ESC through the excitement and uncertainty of the next three years? Do you know someone else whose skills, perspective or leadership could help us in our journey? The Vestry Elections and Nominating Committee (Sally Cox, Senior Warden; Deb Painter, Junior Warden; Patti Frankenfield, and Dan McCready) wants to hear from you! We are searching for a diverse slate of candidates to stand for election to the Vestry Class of 2021.
 
Who Can Serve?
  • A Vestry member must be:
  • at least 16 years of age
  • a confirmed communicant of the parish in good standing
  • “known to the Treasurer” (through pledging)
  • a regular participant in the church’s corporate worship
 
What Commitment Is Required?
  • Active participation in Vestry meetings on the 4th Tuesday evening of each month
  • Service as Vestry liaison to at least one other church committee or ministry
  • When it is safe, visible presence at worship services and at other parish events
  • Commitment to Eastern Shore Chapel’s Mission, Values and Vision, and to the norms agreed to by Vestry each year.
 
Yes, I believe I am called to serve! What do I do now?
Let the Nominating Committee or any member of Vestry know of your interest. We will ask you to complete a Vestry Commitment Statement and to plan to participate in an orientation with Father Cameron and Vestry leadership on Sunday, October 18. There, you will learn more about the election process itself and the expectations of Vestry membership. Thank you!
First Friday Men’s Breakfast with Facilitator Lee Davis
By Marty Thumel

We posed a few questions about this recurring event at Eastern Shore Chapel. These are the responses:

What is FFMB about – and what do you do at the gatherings?
Good Morning Marty. Thank you for your interest in First Friday Men’s Breakfast. I love to talk about it! FFMB is First Friday Men’s Breakfast. We meet regularly, guess which day, at 7:30 AM. In normal times we have rotating cook teams who provide a delightful hot breakfast for all. We ZOOMED April through August and now, thanks be to God, are meeting back at the church. Oh, what do we do ... right … We gather for fellowship mostly, truth-be-told. We talk about goings on at the church and with each other. There is plenty of good natured kidding and an occasional serious moment of sharing, prayer and a look at the Scriptures appointed for the coming week. We always end at 8:30 AM sharp so the younger guys can go to work and the older can go home and go back to bed.
 
When did it start?
WE had an ESC Men’s Retreat at the Virginia Beach Conference Center in April of 2005. We had such a good time we decided to meet more often. Our first FFMB at church was in May 2005.

Who started the group?
Our Rector at the time was Fr. Chris Thompson. He had only been at ESC a few months and he hosted the weekend. You are really shaking the cobwebs here Marty!
 
What is the spiritual side to the Group?
Again, thanks for asking Marty; good question. This is a very important part of the synergy of the group. We always discuss the readings for the following Sunday. We do this for a couple of reasons. First, it’s fun to feel like you know what the preacher is talking about for a change and also, to see if the preacher knows what he/she is talking about! Ha, ha, ha … laughter!!!! The beauty of these discussions is that we all have license to say what we really feel. It is so interesting to hear how a verse of scripture strikes each of us in different ways. It is a real learning experience!

Are there “dues” and if so, what do you do with the “dues”?
This is an Episcopal Church, right? Of course there are dues. The first thing you have to give is an hour of your precious time. It’s a really good investment! We do “pass the hat” after meals to cover the cooks’ expenses. First time visitors eat for free. If a member brings a first time guest they eat for free too! If you forgot your wallet or have other issues you also eat for free. No questions and no worries. If there are funds left over – and there always are – they go into the FFMB account at the church. Over the years we have donated to many of the needs of the church, from Eastern Shore mission trips to the food pantry (and surely once or twice to prison ministry).
 
How do I join – who do I contact?
Well Marty, I’m sorry but you can’t join. This is FFMB after all. You are welcome to drop in for a visit though. You may be surprised to know we have regular attendees who don’t attend ESC! They come for the amazing fellowship … and maybe for the food. No reservations or long term commitments are required. Everyone is welcome. We are just thrilled with your presence!
 
What do I bring to the group?
Nothing is required. We invite you to relax, listen and share. That’s all there is to it.
Join us for First Friday Men’s Breakfast on Oct. 2

First Friday In October is already upon us! Our next gathering is Friday October 2. We will meet outdoors, weather permitting and food will be provided. Plan B is the Parish Hall so don’t let the weather be off putting. Click here for the readings – this will give you plenty of time to study! Extra credit question: To whom will the Kingdom of God be given?
September Report from one of our Community Groups

From Steve Shirley: After 3 meetings at the Onhaizer's residence on 58th Street, our small prayer group changed it up, moving 20 blocks north to 78th Street to the home of Priscilla Jaffee and her husband Gary. Our group consisted of the Onhaizers, Neffs Shirleys and the Hagues. We continued with our third in the series of the catechism. Our group has truly started to jell, with everyone involved and the general feeling that our group has bonded, is committed and looking forward to our next session. Special thanks to Gary for his wonderful appetizers! Our group meets every other Wednesday, in person, at 5:30 pm, open to all who might like to join this group! 
From Lee Davis

I was and remain overwhelmed for the love and appreciation shown to me following my reception as a novice to the Community of the Gospel. Fr. Cameron, Rev. Julia, Heidi, Mary Grace and the whole worship team made the service so very special and meaningful. Each of you deserve to be called out by name but space and time limit – you know who you are. Thank you. The phone calls, cards, emails and text messages following were and remain amazing. Thank you to my beloved parish family. And the journey continues...
Grounds team needs helping hands on October 10

Grab your gardening gloves, your favorite rake or clippers, and your ESC team spirit! Join our grounds team on Saturday, October 10 for important safety work to our grounds. We received our safety evaluation from the Virginia Beach Police Department and now need to join together to clean up or clean out large shrubs, low hanging limbs, and other overgrowth. We will gather at 8:30 AM and will have volunteers here to direct our work until noon. Come for an hour or come for the morning. Come share your enthusiasm for our community. Note: rain date is Saturday October 17.
Chapel Pantry sets another record
By Kay O'Reilly, Chapel Pantry Coordinator

The Pantry served 317 families on Saturday, another record. We have several new Saturday volunteers, for which we are very grateful and we had a big crew of helpers on Thursday and Friday which made everything easier on everyone! Please join us if you are able. We are also still looking for some strong help on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Call or email Kay O’Reilly at 757-323-7495 (cell) or [email protected]. Thanks!
Sunday school - virtually! 

Join friends and teachers, by Zoom, as they meet and discuss lessons from this year’s curriculum – Feasting on the Word . When we able to do so, service projects will be organized to include grades 2-12.

Classes are organized as follows:

Anyone wishing to receive a link to these Zoom classes may email the teachers listed above.
Sunday school was a hit! Confirmands enjoyed a discussion about Our baptismal covenant and Godly Play enjoyed learning together! Emerson and Tucker share their Sunday School art.
Parish Day School having fun learning important lessons
 
We have had a wonderful start to our school year. Our students are learning their new routines and enjoying our purposeful play activities throughout the day. All of our classes have been teaching the students about keeping our friends and teachers healthy and safe. Students in the Pre-K Fours participated in a germ experiment with glitter to understand the importance of washing their hands throughout the day. This week the experiments continue as we learn about color and what happens when colors mix. It is so much fun to be in Preschool!
 
Parish Day School was established in 1962 and exists to promote the spiritual, social, physical, emotional and cognitive growth of the children in our care. We strive to build a strong foundation of learning and character development by calling forth the image of God in each child. We do this through play, the arts, and other developmentally appropriate experiences that allow children to explore the world around them and discover the world within. We build a learning community within our school through our accreditation with the National Association of the Young Child, our Level 5 Virginia Quality rating, being a licensed childcare provider and a member of the National Association of the Episcopal Schools. If you are interested in having a child join our preschool family, please give us a call at 757-491-6130 or email us at [email protected].
 
Blessings,
Kristen and Jeanie
Parish Book Store: Help us fill our virtual shelves!

Help the Parish Book Store fill its “virtual shelves” by sending us your favorite title. Categories are children ages 0 to 3 years, children 4 to 8 years, children 8 to 12, teens, books to entertain, books to inspire, books to engage. The titles you suggest do not need to be ones that we currently have in stock nor do they need to be religious, but may be fiction or nonfiction. To get an idea of what we have listed, go to bookshop.org, click on “find a bookstore,” type in “Virginia Beach,” and click on our website. Send your book suggestions to [email protected].

Gift wrap and gift certificate coming in time for holiday shopping!
Exciting news from out online book shop at bookshop.org: Gift wrap and gift certificates are available, and beginning in November, bookshop.org will have affiliate bookstores in the U.K. from which you may order. For the Parish Book Store to receive a portion of your sale, be sure to go to our website at bookshop.org by clicking on “find a bookstore,” typing in “Virginia Beach” and clicking on our website.

Make an appointment to shop!
We are also open by appointment if you have the urge to browse. Give us a call (757-425-0114) or email us, [email protected], to make that appointment.
New Prison Ministry at Galilee: Books Through Bars

Galilee's new prison ministry, Books Through Bars (BTB) would love to have your paperbacks that are on your ‘to go’ list. Finding a place to dispose of old paperbacks can be difficult. Now, you can donate those paperbacks to support the new ministry. BTB will send paperbacks into the state prisons in Southern Virginia and the federal prison at Petersburg. Once the prison grapevine passes the word, most chapters are inundated with requests. There are many chapters in the U.S. under that or similar names. The closest one in Virginia is in Charlottesville.

This ministry has become even more important of late as visits stopped with the pandemic. Many facilities have been on lock down for months. Most BTB units work through the prison chaplain to get the “grapevine” going. Although not affiliated with Kairos (state) or PVS (federal), we stand ready to fulfill a need whenever an inmate says s/he needs something to read. Books are free to inmates. When we help in a small way, we fulfill our Lord’s admonition from Mt. 25:36, “…I was in prison and you visited me.”

Contact Dave Wynne for more information, [email protected].
Pastoral care ministries invites your participation

There are four “behind the scenes” ministries that are still alive and well and we encourage your participation in them to further our Pastoral Care Outreach. The Prayer Shawl Ministry is in Partnership with Sentara Hospice. If you are interested in knitting or crocheting a shawl, know someone you would like to be on our Prayer Chain, or have cards and emails sent to someone who is a Deployed Military Personnel, and finally if you know an Expecting or a New Mom, please call Amanda McGinty, Pastoral Care Assistant at 428-6763 or email her at [email protected].
ESC Prayer Chain

Would you be interested in joining the ESC Prayer Chain? We are a small group of parishioner’s who have made a commitment to pray for the needs of others intentionally each day. You will be provided a list with regular updates. All you need to do is set aside some quiet time to spend with your Creator. Contact one of our clergy or our Assistant for Pastoral Care Amanda McGinty. Remember, in praying we are aware of Gods’ presence. In loving we are Gods’ presence.
The Daily Office - Morning Prayer

You have read here often that we practice the Daily Office – Morning Prayer at 7:30 every day live via ZOOM (Click here to join). If you wonder what that is all about, this is from the Episcopal Church USA web site:

Use of daily prayers to mark the times of the day and to express the traditions of the praying community is traditional in Judaism and in Christianity. The third, sixth, and ninth hours (9 a.m., 12 noon, and 3 p.m.) were times of private prayer in Judaism. The congregational or cathedral form of office developed in Christianity under Constantine (274 or 288-337) with the principal morning and evening services of lauds and vespers. The people participated in the cathedral form of office. The monastic form of office also developed at this time. In addition to lauds and vespers, the monastic form included matins (at midnight or cockcrow), prime (the first hour), terce (the third hour), sext (the sixth hour), none (the ninth hour), and compline (at bedtime). By the late middle ages, the Daily Office was seen as the responsibility of the monks and clergy rather than an occasion for participation by all in the prayers of the community throughout the day. (Read more)
Evening Prayer via ZOOM

Join us each evening for Evening Prayer every Monday through Friday at 7:30 PM via ZOOM. Just go to www.zoom.us and enter meeting number 869 9363 5805, and password: Ex1414. Hosted by David Wynne.
Pray for Our Military

If you would like a prayer card sent to your deployed service member please contact Bill Hunter at [email protected] or 757-402-6384. I would also be happy to place the service member on the prayer list at church for inclusion in the weekly Prayers of the People.
The Chapel Chimes is distributed every Wednesday.
If you would like to submit an article to the Chapel Chimes email
please send an email to Ann Turner, [email protected],
with "CHIMES SUBMISSION" in the subject line.
Deadline is every Tuesday at 5 pm.