The Rev. Julia Messer-Croteau accepts a new call
It is with a heavy heart that I write to tell you that I have received a call from St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach to be their new Rector. While this will be an exciting opportunity to grow in my ministry and to serve God's people, it will also be difficult to leave the loving community that is Eastern Shore Chapel.
We have been through so much together and I love you all dearly. My priesthood will always be shaped by your love for God, your love for one another, and your love for neighbors near and far. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives and trusting me with your stories of faith. Thank you for helping me become the priest I am now.
Please know that I will continue to take pride in your exciting future and cheer you on. You are all a blessing and you are especially fortunate to have a great spiritual leader in your Rector. Father Cameron has been a wonderful mentor to me and he is someone I am blessed to call a friend.
My last Sunday at Eastern Shore Chapel will be Sunday, September 27. I am truly humbled to have known and served with you, and will remain, yours in Christ.
In thanks, faith, and love,
Rev. Julia Messer-Croteau
|
|
PDS Board announces leadership change
When Parish Day School begins its Fall 2020 semester, two Board members in particular will experience the onset of a new season. Linda Todd, who has served as Chair of the PDS Board since 2017, will pass along her gavel to incoming Chair Susan Cormier. Both ESC parishioners have rendered insightful service to this critical branch of our parish ministry. We are especially grateful to Linda for her tireless commitment to the staff and students of our award-winning preschool.
Susan Cormier has been a member of ESC since 2002 and has volunteered in a variety of ways at the Church. Her longest tenure has been as a member of the Peanut Group. Susan has taught Sunday School, served three years as the Registrar for the Vestry and a year on the Finance Committee. For the last three years, Susan has volunteered on the Parish Day School Board and along with her husband, Frank Drumm, co-chaired the Trash and Treasure Sale for WESC for the last two years. Hailing from Massachusetts originally, Susan practiced Appellate Law in Connecticut prior to relocating to Virginia Beach with Frank and their three children.
Linda Todd has been an active member of ESC since 1974. She grew up in Henderson, NC. After college, she moved to Virginia Beach where she taught sixth graders until her retirement. Linda joined her husband Oliver in the Choir in 1975 and later served on various other committees; including: The Music Committee, Chapel Pantry Committee, Vestry, and the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Mission Committee.
After serving as Vestry Liaison to the Parish Day School Board, she went on to serve the PDS Board as member, and then Chair, through May of 2020. Linda is very proud of the work of the PDS Board and the Parish Day School. She continues to serve as the ESC Cemetery Committee Chair and enjoys being a key member of the Acute Pastoral Care Ministry.
Thank you, Linda! Congratulations, Susan!
|
|
Parish Community Groups Are Now Meeting Weekly
By Patti Frankenfield
Are you interested in experiencing a small group to “see” members of our congregation by Zoom, or in person? Our Parish Community Groups are welcoming anyone to join in! Feel free to choose a time and “location" that works best for you. And feel free to visit more than one small group! Groups meeting by Zoom (for the present) are with Lee Davis, Worth Remick and Patti Frankenfield.
- To join Lee's Zoom Meeting, click here. If needed, his Meeting ID: 840 6800 7335 and Passcode: ESC1689
-
To join Worth’s Zoom meeting, click here.
- To join Patti’s Zoom meeting, click here. If needed, her Meeting ID: 894 6820 1711 and Passcode: 812791
Two groups are gathering in person. One is hosted by Ann and Rusty Onhaizer, with Priscilla Jaffee, and the other is hosted by Dave and Allison Ward Johnson. The groups meet at their hosts’ homes. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Ann’s group will meet at 5708 Atlantic Avenue. Feel free to call her mobile at 757-287-8547 with any questions. Allison can be reached at 410-596-0143 for her address and any questions about her group.
Planned meeting times are with the following hosts:
- Lee is hosting 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.
- Worth is hosting 2nd and 4th Sundays, from 6:00 -7:00 p.m.
- Patti, August 31st, then 2nd and 4th Mondays, September thru November at 5:30 p.m.
- Ann and team are hosting the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
- Allison is hosting on 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
We plan to meet twice a month from August thru November, covering eight points of the Episcopal Catechism, and take a break in December. We will then continue in January thru April. It is our hope that these groups will provide an opportunity for Parish community connections during this challenging time. May God Bless our time together!
|
|
By Marty Thumel
There is a pond – Smithers Pond – bordering the Outside Chapel in the Francis Garden. Yes, there really is a pond, and you can now actually see the pond, and the fountain in the pond, and the Smithers marker. I’ll bet you didn’t even know it was there. It was well-hidden, but the mountain of weeds, brush, brambles and briars have been cleaned out and removed from the area around the Cross.
The Outside Chapel is now more beautiful than ever. The benches have been painted a beautiful blue (Thank you, Jim Yourish, for your wonderful work!) The Cross on the tree has never looked more glorious than it does at this moment.
There was a memorial plaque on the back of the Cross around which the tree was growing. It was carefully removed, gently bent back into shape, and now appears on the front of the cross. (Sally Cox – thank you!)
|
|
The lawn extending beyond this and the labyrinth area may be the first place we join together soon to worship outdoors; our first look at ESC’s church campus in these many months.
Can you imagine an outside service in the Francis Garden, with the greenery neatly trimmed, the Cross in the sunlight, with sacred music surrounding us, and the anticipation of a long-awaited Eucharist? Sounds like a plan to me. I hope to see you in the garden soon, safely distanced and with masks.
|
|
Music for Pentecost 13
By Martin Sunderland, Organist & Music Director
In today’s Gospel, Matthew 16: 24, Jesus says if we are to be his followers, we must “take up (our) cross.” We listen to the hymn, # 472, “ Lift high the cross.”
Our Gospel also forecasts Jesus’ passion that will take place in Jerusalem. Our featured anthem is Lord of the Dance by David Wilcox. The text of the last two verses describes actions for Good Friday and the Resurrection.
Again, shadowing the theme of our Gospel, please listen to O Lamm Gottes unshuldig, translated O Lamb of God, innocent. by J. S. Bach. |
|
Virtual Sunday School resumes on September 13
We are excited to get back to Sunday School this fall! Our first day will be September 13 by Zoom. Classes will be organized as follows:
- Godly Play: Ages: 3 years - 1st Grade
- 2nd - 5th Grade
- 6th - 8th Grade
- 9th -12th Grade
If you are interested in helping, attending or if you have any questions please contact: [email protected]
|
|
The story time children enjoyed the story “We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” and talked about being good friends to our classmates as school begins soon! Emerson and Tucker "God Keeps Us Safe" artwork. |
|
First Friday Men’s Breakfast BIG NEWS!
On Friday September 4, the First Friday Men's Breakfast will meet LIVE and IN PERSON in the Parish Hall (or maybe outdoors at the picnic tables). If you are comfortable coming out, we will wear face masks and practice social distancing but we will be LIVE and IN PERSON!
EVEN BIGGER NEWS! Friday September 4 we will have a very special guest! Please join us as we welcome back to our table our buddy Brad Croteau, the newly wed! Join us to hear what has been going on in his life and what the future may hold. Look in next week’s Chimes for the Sunday scripture readings and details about food – or not. Mark your calendar and plan to attend, if you are comfortable.
|
|
Parish Book Store Book Group to meet August 30
The Parish Book Store Book Group will gather this Sunday, August 30 at 9:30 a.m. in the outdoor chapel area to discuss Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. Bring a chair if you don’t want to sit on a bench and wear a mask. If it rains, we will Zoom. Please let Susan Buchanan ([email protected] or 757-481-2595) know if you will be attending.
|
|
Clockwise from top left: Volunteers Charlie and Mercedes ready to work; walk-in fridge filled with food packed and ready to distribute; a massive amount of bread ready to give out - every bit was distributed! |
|
Chapel Pantry Update: Volunteers needed!
By Kay O'Reilly, Chapel Pantry Director
Last Saturday, we reached a sad milestone – in one day, we served a record 300 households for the first time in the 20 weeks we’ve been doing our drive-through distribution. So many families are struggling without the extra unemployment benefits that have lapsed. No one drove away hungry, as we’ve been preparing for this day, knowing we were likely to see increased need.
Since January, the Pantry has helped 5,746 households, or nearly 20,000 individuals experiencing food insecurity. That’s a lot of hungry neighbors!
We can only do this work because of the dedication of our volunteers. Our volunteers come from all over! We have ESC and Galilee volunteers and their friends and neighbors, we have middle and high school kids getting their required community service hours for the IB program, and we have current and former pantry guests who want to give back. But, it takes many hands to prepare multiple bags of food for three hundred families each week, and we need more help.
If you can spare a few hours each week, or you know people looking for volunteer opportunities these are the hours for which we need assistance:
-
Thursdays 11 to 4 for re-packing eggs, sorting food and packing bags
-
Fridays 10 to 5 for packing bags of fruit, veggies, bread and meat
-
Saturdays 11 to 3 for set-up and distribution
Volunteers do NOT need to stay the entire shift. Come for an hour, or stay all day. Our regular volunteers welcome all the help we can get. This is mostly outdoor work, with masks and social distancing rules. We understand that for health reasons, some folks are not able to volunteer, and that’s okay! Maybe you know someone who’s itching for something to do. Send them our way, please.
|
|
By Delaney Brown
Hello Eastern Shore Chapel! My name is Delaney Brown and I am a rising Senior at Cox High School who happens to be a Girl Scout currently working on earning my Gold Award. This is the equivalent of the Eagle Scout Award in Boy Scouts and is the highest honor you can earn in Girl Scouts! Since Eastern Shore Chapel has always been an extremely big part of my life I really wanted to find a way to contribute to the church and give back to my community.
My Gold Award Project is called “Peace for Pets” where I am creating an improved space for the Pet Memorial Garden in the Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery. Above is a picture of what the Garden looks like at present but my project will greatly improve its look. This will become a sacred and peaceful place that members of Eastern Shore Chapel and patrons of the cemetery may have their beloved pet cremains placed. The garden will have a bench as well as a display board with names of the deceased pets. Once the garden is complete I will be placing brochures around the church with information on the project and the process of how to get your pet cremated and placed in the garden.
We are happy to accept any donations which may include anything from money to small pet statues to place in the garden. All the money we receive will go towards the plants and mulch purchased for the garden, as well as its upkeep. Please contact Rev. Julia, Mike Brown (Cemetery Manager), or myself if you would like to donate. I am more than willing to take on a few volunteers that would like to help with the planting process as well! I am so thankful that I get to do this for the church and I can’t wait to send out another update!
Yours in Peace,
Delaney Brown
Contact for donations or volunteering:
|
|
Cemetery Update
By Mike Brown, Cemetery Manager
Our contractor, Premiere Earth Shaping, has finished rough grading the new cemetery roads prior to Hurricane Isaias coming ashore. However, wet site conditions due to torrential rains over the last two weeks has meant there has been no progress since then. The contractor had pulled off our site in order to work another small job, but will be back next week to set stone in place for the roadways.
|
|
Hurricane Isaias also created a problem with one of the large pine trees in the cemetery. One of the biggest trees in our cemetery split in two and came down across a large number of headstones. Fortunately, the Lord was watching over us and kept the tree from hitting the ground, actually suspending the tree OVER the headstone markers. Colonial Tree Care needed to rent a 70 ton crane to remove the tree from the cemetery without creating more damage. We are truly blessed! |
|
Parish Day School is getting ready for back-to-school
Parish Day School is busy getting everything ready for preschool. The classrooms have been newly painted and cleaned to start our year. Teacher training week starts August 31 as we prepare for the new school year.
We are looking forward to having our hallway safely filled with laughter and smiles again!
We do have some spots available in our half day and full day preschool classrooms. If you are interested please email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 757-491-6130.
|
|
Thursday Morning Daily Office in the outdoor chapel
LIVE and the ESC Outdoor Chapel, every Thursday morning at 7:30. Join us won't you for the morning Daily Office. Face masks required, social distancing and no singing - but it's better than nothing. Bring your Prayer Book if you have one, if not follow along on your cell phone. Or, you can join us live on ZOOM meeting number: 562 715 368 Password: John1513. We are on ZOOM every morning but Sunday. Join us won't you?
|
|
Daily Morning Prayer via ZOOM
Join us on ZOOM for the Daily Office every day at 7:30 AM (except Sunday). ZOOM meeting number 562 715 368, password: John1513 (You can also join us live in-person in the outdoor chapel at ESC on Thursdays). Everything you need is provided!
|
|
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. |
|
Parish Prayer List
We are blessed at Eastern Shore Chapel to have a team of Prayer Warriors who have made a vow to pray for those in need each and every day. It is a humbling gift to be able to offer up intercessions for others. If you would like to join the team, or if you or someone you know is indeed of prayer, please contact Amanda McGinty, Assistant for Pastoral Care, ( [email protected]), Laurie Fox, Parish Administrator, ( [email protected]), or one of our clergy. |
|
Community of the Gospel prays for end to racist violence, everyone invited to participate
The Community of the Gospel, an ecumenical non-residential monastic community with standing in The Episcopal Church, announces a 24 hour prayer vigil for the end to racist violence on Holy Cross Day, September 14, 2020. The Community offers this vigil to everyone wishing to participate as a response to this nation's four hundred year history of systemic racism.
In announcing the prayer vigil, Br. Daniel-Chad Hoffman, Guardian, stated: "As monastics, we engage in regular prayer, study, and service aimed at the establishment of a society marked by justice, dignity, and equal opportunity for all. This is grounded in our baptismal vow 'to strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.'"
The vigil will be launched with a thirty minute Zoom prayer service officiated by the Community of the Gospel Chaplain, the Rev. Tyrone Fowlkes, Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Raleigh, N.C. This virtual service is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Participants are invited to sign up for one or more hour-long prayer segments on Holy Cross Day, Monday, September 14, from 12 a.m. throughout the day, with the vigil ending at midnight.
Sign-up for the Zoom prayer launch on Sunday, the 13 as well as the prayer vigil itself on Monday, the 14 is by Doodle Poll. Zoom invitations will be sent to all persons who sign up. Please follow this link to sign up.
The Community of the Gospel was founded in 2007 and currently numbers nearly fifty members and friends across the United States and in the Bahamas. While holding day jobs, members commit to embody Gospel values through disciplined prayer, study, and service.
|
|
Pray for Our Military
From CRU Military Ministry -- Pray for the Military Family to be strong and resilient. Pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual protection. Pray for God to protect their hearts from fear and stress so that they will find joy in the everyday blessings of life. Pray for them to learn how to overcome the challenges that separations can bring and for military families to remain strong in faith and dependence on the Lord.
Prayers & Prayer Cards for deployed 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
with "CHIMES SUBMISSION" in the subject line.
Deadline is every Tuesday at 5 pm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
