Remain Joyful and Carry On
By The Rev. Cameron Randle, Rector
Today’s decision to close Parish Day School and ESC’s staff offices for the next fourteen and seven days, respectively, due to the presence of COVID-19, is a sobering reminder of the pervasiveness of this pandemic. It would be difficult to imagine a more herculean effort to prevent the intrusion of the virus into our workplace than the regimen implemented by our church and school. For the past seven months, our administrators, teachers, staff and sextons have worked tirelessly to sanitize, secure and seal off the premises from any potential health risk. Yet, we find ourselves reminded of the insidious persistence of this virus.
As these words are typed, the ESC campus is eerily quiet. No children, no parents, no music rehearsals, no traffic by foot or otherwise. The temptation to feel depressed or defeated is lingering just around the corner. But before I allow myself to explore that possibility, I remember the words of our Priest Affiliate, Fr. John Baldwin. In the sermon for this Sunday, October 11, Fr. Baldwin says of St. Paul’s epistle to the Philippians, “One of the most remarkable things about this short epistle is how much ‘joy’ is woven into the very fabric of the letter.”
In many respects, one could speak similarly of Eastern Shore Chapel and Parish Day School. Much joy is inherent in this faith community. We are acutely aware of the challenges and obstacles in our path, particularly since last March’s (permanent?) Lenten season. Still, our belief in the mission and ministry entrusted to us will see us through these times.
Fr. Baldwin’s sermon offers this insight into the author of Philippians: “Paul’s joy is deep, absolutely sincere and foundational.” So, too, is the nature of our joy at Eastern Shore Chapel. The reunions enjoyed in our recent outdoor regathering Eucharist on the back lawn, coupled with the canine cacophony highlighting last Sunday’s Blessing of the Animals service, both point to the deep well of peace, gratitude and confidence in the Divine at the core of our spiritual lives. We may encounter difficult days, but our resolve is relentless and our hope is eternal.
We pray for the full and swift recovery of those affected by the virus. We remain diligent in our duty to safeguard. We recognize and trust the source of our deep, sincere, and foundational joy.
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Bible Study Resumes tomorrow on Zoom 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 tomorrow, October 8 via Zoom only for the time being. Join the discussion on Thursday evenings at 7 pm, facilitated by Fr. Cameron. The first session will recap Colossians with a look at Chapter 4 of the New Testament Epistle. Please have your Bibles handy as you log in to first meeting.
Meeting ID: 851 1196 4910
Passcode: 19Lpcj
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Hard Passages of the Bible - Week 3 discussions tomorrow
The Episcopal churches of Virginia Beach are back for week 3 of our Bible Study - working together to help us all grow in Spirit and Truth as we grow in knowledge of God’s Word. This week the Rev. Bob Randall of Old Donation leads a discussion of Genesis 22. Watch this week's teaching video and then join us at one of the Zoom discussions on Thursday, October 8 - 11 a.m. or 7 p.m. The log in information for those gatherings is below. The Zoom link for each week will also be posted with the weekly video on our YouTube page, Episcopal Churches of Virginia Beach. Click on the screenshot below to watch this week's video from the Rev. Bob Randall.
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Meeting ID: 846 5688 0912
Passcode: JH1BGV
Meeting ID: 816 0306 0651
Passcode: S61rjG
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Make an appointment now to donate blood tomorrow!
The American Red Cross is counting on us to give blood this Thursday, Oct. 8! Patients in the hospital rely on this blood, and will celebrate many birthdays thanks to our blood donations. In order to practice safe social distancing, the Red Cross needs everyone to make an appointment to donate so you won't be turned away at the door. Please schedule online at redcrossblood.org (Enter Sponsor Code: ESC). Call 1-800-RED CROSS for more information.
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Lawn Teams on the Cutting Edge
By Jim Robinson
While the pandemic has changed how and where we go in our daily lives, the one thing that has not changed is the grass growing on ESC grounds.
The lawn teams are comprised of ESC members that dedicate several hours once every three weeks to ride or push a mower and edge our grassy areas. These teams alternate weekends from May through November to keep our grounds trimmed and presentable.
Rod Gilmour (on the Building and Grounds committee) organizes the teams and the cutting/trimming schedule. Jim Yourish keeps the equipment in top shape and Steve Shirley ensures that there are cans of gasoline ready to fill up the equipment.
This past summer, a new lawn equipment building was erected behind the food pantry to house and secure the equipment. The double door and ramp to the driveway allows easy access to the riding mowers and other equipment. This new building also allows the food pantry to have an additional area for food storage and organization in the bay previously used to house ESC’s lawn equipment.
In addition to a new building for the lawn equipment, and in order to meet Fire Marshal regulations for the amount of gasoline and propane stored prior to use by the Lawn Team, a flammable gas storage locker has been purchased and is located in The Lawn Center building.
The grass is still growing and the need for keeping it cut is a ministry for everyone. All are welcome.
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Lawn Team members Michael Camp and Lyle Foell |
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Time, talent and treasure: Dr. Martin Sunderland
Stewardship interviews Dr. Martin Sunderland, and we start with a quote from Ephesians, "speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Martin leads our wonderful Music Ministry and take a look at why this is so much a part of our Church! 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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WESC Harvest Soup & Quiche Sale
WESC gives out each year about $6,000 to ministries at our church, in our community, in the Diocese and in the world. This year, thanks to the pandemic, our biggest fundraiser, the Spring Thyme Herb Sale and Junque Shoppe did not happen, and we have only the money made at the February Soup Sale. What to do? Our answer is a Harvest Soup and Quiche Sale because we know the people of Eastern Shore Chapel love our soups and quiche. So here are your choices:
Soups are $9 per quart and come in these flavors:
- Brunswick Stew (gluten free)
- Chicken Tortilla (gluten free)
- Chicken Corn Chowder
- Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice (no salt added)
- Tuscan Bean (vegetarian)
- Butternut Squash (vegetarian)
- Vegetable Beef (gluten free)
- Beef Chili (gluten free)
Quiches are $10 and come in these flavors:
- Quiche Noel (with ham)
- Quiche with spinach (vegetarian)
- Quiche with broccoli (vegetarian)
- Quiche Lorraine (with bacon)
ORDERS ARE DUE BY NOVEMBER 1. BUT ORDER NOW—DON’T WAIT!
Drive-by pick-up is Sunday, Nov. 15 from noon to 2. (Delivery available if needed)
Payment is by check ONLY
To order call or email one of these people:
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Peanut Group not headed back to the kitchen yet
The Peanut Group is not planning to start cooking peanuts until it is safe to do so. Our kitchen at ESC is wonderful for many things but is not large enough for any kind of distancing. We cannot plan to cook until there is some kind of control over the COVID-19 virus. Thanks for understanding.
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KAIROS Prison Ministry Update
By Lee Davis
It’s hard being in prison... it is especially hard now. Can you imagine?
Here is a little good news from an old friend. I first met Bob (not his real name) in the spring of 2006 in Nottoway Correctional Center. He was a young Episcopalian who had made a bad decision. He had very young twin sons and was just beginning to serve his sentence. He was scared to death. Since then we have communicated regularly. Following is an update he provided on his twins ...
So Billy (not his real name) is at UVA majoring in civil engineering. Not sure why he wants to drive a train. But hey, if that's what he wants to do who am I to stand in his way! He graduated high school with a 4.67 G.P.A. which got him accepted into several colleges (William & Mary, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech., UNC and several others). Ultimately he selected UVA. Which is no easy task unto itself.
Robert (not his real name) is attending Emory & Henry down in Washington County, Virginia majoring in equine studies with a minor in business (stable) management. Given his love of all things related to horses he's having the time of his life. Not to mention that the female to male ratio is something like 10:1. In fact for two of his classes he's the only guy in a class of about a dozen students. Oh how the poor boy must be suffering.
Both boys are currently housed on campus and seem to be safe [from COVID-19] so far.
Bob has finally passed the midway point in his sentence. He has moved to a lower level institution and works as a tutor to other residents. One of the big joys of his life was the visit each month from a local Episcopal priest. It is my prayer that those visits can resume in the not-to-distant future. Pray for Bob – God knows who you are talking about.
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Saying Farewell to Reverend Julia
The Drive By-Bye last Friday for Reverend Julia and Brad was well attended and much
appreciated by the happy couple, who had an opportunity to say hello and good-bye for now, to so many parishioners. It was a festive time, and thankfully, the rain held off!
One of the gifts presented to Reverend Julia at the Regathering Service on Sunday was a book of memories of her time at Eastern Shore Chapel. If you would like to see that, click here and enjoy a trip down memory lane over the last five years. There has been much accomplished by our parish with our Associate Rector, and we send her off with love and prayers for continued success!
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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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Zoom with your Sunday school class!
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, 9:10 a.m. 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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Chapel Pantry update
By Kay O'Reilly, Chapel Pantry Coordinator
The Pantry had another record day, with 333 families served. The need is greater every week. Please keep these families in your prayers, as well as the many volunteers who help each week. As always, thank you for your wonderful support!
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Pick up Michael Curry's new book at Parish Book Store
Bishop Curry’s latest book, Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times, undertakes “the daunting task of instructing those who strive for social change during polarized political times.” The Parish Book Store has copies of the book along with Curry’s The Power of Love: Sermons, Reflections, and Wisdom to Uplift and Inspire. Call us (757-425-0114) to make an appointment to buy the books, place an order for the books by replying to this message with “order” in the subject line OR order from our website on bookshop.org.
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Morning Daily Office
Join us every morning but Sunday at 7:30 on ZOOM to celebrate the Morning Daily Office.
Click here or go to ZOOM Meeting ID: 562 715 368 Passcode: John1513. On Thursdays join us live in the narthex - just like we did pre-pandemic! Everything is provided, all you need to do is show up. All are invited, all are welcomed.
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Evening Daily Office
Evening Daily Office is now available on ZOOM at 5:30 Monday through Friday. Meeting ID: 896 1777 7644 Passcode: Ex1414. Join us once, join us occasionally, or join us regularly; we are made richer by your presence.
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A Prayer As I Put On My Mask
Creator, as I prepare to go out into the world, help me to see the sacrament in the wearing of this cloth. Let it be "an outward sign of an inward grace" - a tangible and visible way of living love for my neighbors, as I love myself.
Christ, since my lips will be covered, uncover my heart that people would see my smile in the crinkles around my eyes. Since my voice may be muffled, help me to speak clearly, not only with words but with my actions.
Holy Spirit, as the elastic touches my ears, remind me to listen carefully - and full of care - to all those I meet. May this simple piece of cloth be a shield and a banner, and each breath that it holds be filled with your love.
In your name, and in that love I pray, may it be so. Amen.
(Prayer by the Rt. Rev. Richard Bott, Moderator of the United Church of Canada)
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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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