Blessing of the Animals This Sunday!
This Sunday, October 4 at 10:30 AM we will celebrate the life and ministry of St. Francis of Assisi with a festive outdoor Eucharist and Blessing of the Animals at Eastern Shore Chapel. All are truly welcome!
If you are NOT a pet guardian, please enter the outdoor worship space through the breezeway, just as you did at last Sunday’s Regathering Eucharist. Please bring lawn chairs, wear masks and observe 6’ physical distancing. You will be invited to place your chairs on the lawn area adjacent to the St. Francis garden, similar to last Sunday.
If you ARE a pet guardian, please enter and exit (this Sunday only) through the back lawn area, next to the permanent outdoor seating, altar and labyrinth. All pets and pet guardians will be asked to gather and be seated in that distanced section. All pets must be leashed or crated. They need not remain silent. Pet snacks and water will be provided.
Fr. Cameron and Fr. John Baldwin will bless the animals collectively, as one lively group, during the service. At the conclusion of the service, both priests will meet with all pet guardians who would like to have their pet or pets receive an individual blessing.
Don’t miss this unique, joyous and occasionally unpredictable worship opportunity!
Let all things their Creator bless
And worship him in humbleness
O praise him, alleluia!
(All Creatures of Our God and King)
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SCHEDULE FOR OUTDOOR SERVICES AT ESC
Sunday, October 4 (St. Francis) at 10:30 AM
Sunday, October 18 at 10:30 AM
Sunday, November 1 (All Saints) at 10:30 AM
RSVP for each outdoor Sunday Eucharist by calling the ESC office
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Family Formation Director comes on board
We are pleased to announce that Patti Glowatsky has joined our ESC staff as Director of Family Formation. She begins on October 5. Patti served in a similar capacity at Ascension Episcopal Church in Norfolk for the past two and a half years. In that time, she directed two large scale in-person Vacation Bible Schools as well as co-wrote and directed a Virtual Vacation Bible school that was provided to the churches in the Diocese as a cost-free option in 2020. She created and hosted two inter-generational and interactive Christmas pageants as well as family Lenten and Advent programs. She is a Certified Godly Play storyteller and doorkeeper as well as a Trainer for Safe Church universal training. She is a member of FORMA: The Network for Christian Formation for the Episcopal Church and an active participant in CE-Net (the Christian Education Network) for The Diocese of Southern Virginia. Patti is a lifelong learner and continues to pursue professional development opportunities to better equip her to the work of Children and Youth Ministry.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Patti was baptized and confirmed at the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint Phillip. She attended The Hyde School in Bath, ME, a character first boarding school and went on to Guilford College in Greensboro, NC for her first year of college. Some time off from school turned into a long personal journey for faith and self which led her to Norfolk, where she met her husband Dennis and then completed their family with the birth of their son, Emerson. In her spare time, Patti has a passion for cooking, hosting and sharing her home with friends. She and her husband are self-proclaimed "Bird Nerds" and enjoy hiking and family bike rides. She is also steward to a Little Free Library in their yard and finds joy in providing literacy advocacy for their neighborhood.
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Chimes: What is your first impression of Eastern Shore Chapel?
There have been several occasions over the past few years that I have found myself at Eastern Shore Chapel. I have always been met with hospitality and graciousness no matter the reason for my interaction. Whether it was a trip to the book store and the welcoming helpfulness of Susan Buchanan or to drop off sullen boys at Music Camp on day one only to return for pick up and find joy and excitement in those same boys, Eastern Shore Chapel has always far exceeded any expectations I may have had upon arrival.
This “first impression” was solidified by the regathering worship service last Sunday. My family and I were met by a community that clearly is an old hat at making people feel wholly seen and loved. Everywhere I turned there were leaders and helpers all working for the common goal of worship and welcome. The smiles were genuine and the earnestness of those who wished to know me and be known were like being offered a hot cup of tea on a blustery cold day, so appreciated and heartfelt. I am thrilled and blessed to have an opportunity to be enfolded by this parish and to share in the tragedies and triumphs we will face together in the coming days, weeks, months, seasons and years!
Chimes: What are your first priorities for Christian Formation?
I have already begun the list of priorities as your new Director of Family Formation. I was privileged to join the Sunday school committee meeting last month and could not have been more overjoyed with the abundant proof of the parish’s commitment to the ongoing formation of its children, youth and their families! This is the foundation of any ministry-- support and an understanding of its importance in the life and growth of the church. We cannot create disciples through worship alone.
The Episcopal Church is beloved to me through its constant encouragement to question and embrace lifelong learning and exploration. In order to help maintain and encourage this ministry, my first priority is to meet, listen to and cultivate a love and understanding of each family and the unique gifts they offer to Eastern Shore Chapel, the greater community and most importantly God’s glory. The Sunday school leaders have clearly thought out and executed the start to the fall season and I will support them in every way possible. Advent is right around the corner and I will be developing innovative new ways for us to find peace and perspective as well as a fun spirited and celebratory heart in this most sacred season.
Please know that I am available as a resource to any formation needs that may arise and I will be working diligently the next couple weeks to turn my office into a welcoming space for listening, collaborating and inspiration in order to provide faithful experiences to the families at Eastern Shore Chapel. And don't rule out some holiday surprises!
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Bible Study Resumes with Letter From A Birmingham Jail
Our Lenten Bible Study comparison of Colossians and Martin Luther King Jr’s Letter From A Birmingham Jail will reconvene beginning on Thursday, October 8 at 10 AM in the parish hall. Those who are comfortable meeting in person, properly distanced and masked, will meet weekly through early November for a one-hour discussion facilitated by Fr. Cameron.
The first session will recap Colossians with a look at Chapter 4 of the New Testament Epistle. Please bring Bibles to the first meeting.
Each Thursday morning session will be followed by a Thursday evening Zoom discussion at 7 PM for those who are unable to attend on Thursday mornings or are uncomfortable meeting in person. A link to the Zoom video session will be sent via email.
Please RSVP to the in-person sessions by contacting the parish office or emailing [email protected]. It is not necessary to RSVP for the Zoom discussions. |
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In an effort to accommodate the administrative needs of the Parish during this global pandemic, we have established open office hours in the Front Office and in our Finance office. In addition to being available through email and through our answering service, we will be available:
Open Office Hours for Laurie Fox
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Thursday: by appointment
Open Office Hours for Roxie Wright
Monday – Thursday: 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. & Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday – Thursday: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. by appointment
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Hard Passages of the Bible - Week 2 discussions tomorrow
The Episcopal churches of Virginia Beach are back for week 2 of our Bible Study - working together to help us all grow in Spirit and Truth as we grow in knowledge of God’s Word.
For seven weeks, we are offering weekly teachings and discussion on Hard Passages in the Bible. Each Tuesday you will receive a teaching video on YouTube. Every Thursday we will have two open ZOOM discussions, one at 11:00am and one at 7:00pm, for questions, other perspectives, and for everyone to grow closer to God with deeper knowledge and stronger community.
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 the YouTube channel Episcopal Churches of Virginia Beach.
Click on the screenshot below to watch this week's video from the Rev. Fred Poteet!
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Meeting ID: 859 4530 9158
Passcode: Poteet
Meeting ID: 825 2776 3792
Passcode: Poteet
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By Marty Thumel
Saying Good-bye to Rev. Julia:
What a Friday night – cars lined up with balloons, signs and decorations from the front of the church down the drive-way to the Chapel Pantry and past H.D. Oliver’s!
Our wonderful Vestry members were there, assisting with decorations, directing traffic (all with masks, of course).
I was about the 10th car from the front of the line. Rev. Julia looked happy, was waiving and laughing. Brad was smiling and waving also. Fr. Cameron and several Vestry members were at the front of the church supporting the gala event. Plus, Ellen Gallup was handing out homemade chocolate goodies with very long tongs.
A van, three vehicles ahead of me, was filled with a family. Two children gave Rev. Julia cards they made themselves. Those two little cards touched Rev. Julia to her very heart and soul.
Saying good-bye is difficult, but knowing she is taking the next step in her journey of faith is bittersweet. It hurts and is wonderful at the same time.
We are all excited about the start of her next journey, Rector of St. Aidan’s. Rev. Julia has remained strong and dedicated to Eastern Shore Chapel through some really unusual times over the past five years.
Last Sunday at ESC:
Services outside in the Francis Garden; spaced responsibly; wearing masks; smiling and waving to our friends and family behind those masks-- folks we haven’t seen since March.
It was wonderful. Rev. Julia gave an amazing sermon, and how she made it through without tearing up shows her strength.
Then the gifts and the “purse” were presented. She handled the goodbyes with the grace that has always been her very strong suit.
We may have said good-bye on Sunday, but we know we’ll be seeing her around the Diocese. Rev. Julia will always be with us in our hearts, prayers and on our minds.
We wish Rev. Julia and Brad (Mr. Rev.) the very best, with a long, successful marriage and a long, successful faith journey together.
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Time, talent and treasure: Parish Day School
This video highlights this great ministry at Eastern Shore Chapel. Did you know that it is in its 58th year? A lot of hard work by a lot of folks has allowed it to open this Fall. Get an update from the the two co-directors! Click on the screenshot below to watch.
The Stewardship Committee
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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
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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!
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Sound and Audio Programmers Needed
ESC has a new sound system! Once we resume our Sunday services in the Sanctuary, we will welcome you back with a new sound system! We are looking for volunteers to assist us during the services by joining the audio/visual team. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Laurie Fox at [email protected]. Training will be provided.
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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?
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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.
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Confirmation Classes Begin
Join friends and teachers, by Zoom, as they meet and discuss lessons from this year’s curriculum – Feasting on the Word. Confirmation classes for students in the Senior High Class meet on the first and third Sundays of the month during the regular Sunday School hour. Classes on the second and fourth Sundays include Lectionary based topics.
Classes are organized as follows:
Anyone wishing to receive a link to these Zoom classes may email the teachers listed above.
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Gospel artwork by Emerson and Tucker. |
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Chapel Pantry update
By Kay O'Reilly, Chapel Pantry Coordinator
Steady, hard rain was our companion at Saturday’s Pantry distribution. That didn’t keep any of the 319 families from getting the food they needed. May God bless our dedicated, but soggy, volunteers.
Did you know that the Chapel Pantry is giving out 20-25,000 lbs. of food every Saturday?! We do get plenty of exercise unloading, moving, and bagging all that food, then giving it out to our neighbors in need.
Our non-perishable food order from the Foodbank each week is too big to fit in the pantry van now, so Rich Hildreth helps out with his pickup truck. Thanks, Rich!
We also rescued a truck full of milk from the Amazon warehouse on London Bridge Road today – at least 200 gallons!
Please continue to bring in eggs, egg cartons and paper grocery bags. We have enough plastic bags for now.
Thanks for your continued support of our neighbors!
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Parish Day School students get creative with art
Our Parish Day School students are having fun learning about shapes and colors. The children are practicing how to glue and create patterns with shapes. Students are exploring what happens when they mix paint colors and how the paint feels on their hands and fingers. We love their creativity and exploration through process art.
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Autumn has arrived at Parish Book Store
Autumn has arrived at the Parish Book Store! Our autumn children’s books are out, along with our pumpkins and blackbirds. If you would like to personally check things out, make an appointment by calling 757-425-0114 or emailing us at [email protected]. And don’t forget you can order ANY book via our website on bookshop.org.
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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].
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"Alexa, open Episcopal Church prayers"
Did you know .... If you have an Alexa device that you can say, "Alexa, Open Episcopal Church prayers." The next thing you'll hear is the familiar "The Lord be with you". That is followed by the Daily Office, complete with proper Lectionary readings and appropriate prayers for that hour of the day. Pretty neat, eh?
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The Daily Office - Morning Prayer
Join us for the Daily Office – Morning Prayer at 7:30 every day live via ZOOM (Click here to join).
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Evening Prayer via ZOOM moves to 5:30 PM
Join us each evening for Evening Prayer every Monday through Friday at 5:30 PM via ZOOM. Just go to www.zoom.us and enter meeting number 869 9363 5805, and password: Ex1414. Hosted by David Wynne. |
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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. |
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The Chapel Chimes is distributed every Wednesday.
If you would like to submit an article to the Chapel Chimes email
with "CHIMES SUBMISSION" in the subject line.
Deadline is every Tuesday at 5 pm.
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