Common Grounds: Communities in peril

By The Rev. Cameron Randle, Rector

Having lived in Los Angeles for twelve years before relocating to Virginia, I am sickened by the visual imagery of raging fires intent on consuming everything in their paths. The vulnerable regions around the sprawling behemoth that is greater LA are comprised of familiar streets and former haunts. Many friends, along with some family members, have been distressingly close to potential destruction in recent days. This is true in northern California, as well. Social media updates and underscores their proximity to the various fires, marking some safe and affording others the opportunity to describe harrowing evacuations and too-close calls. These first-hand accounts, along with television coverage, can contribute to heightened anxiety and increased concern about our incapacity to intercede.

 

Communities in peril often cause the compassionate to empathize on overtime. The directive to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) comes at a cost. If we are truly invested in the lives of those around us, it is a safe bet that we will eventually find ourselves suffering from what some analysts describe as ‘compassion fatigue.’ Social workers, first responders, law enforcement and clergy persons are all especially susceptible. Bearing the burden of others’ misfortune can be overwhelming. It is particularly so, given the myriad of ways communities can find themselves in peril, from immediate and literal to figurative but foreboding.

 

Most of us are members of multiple communities. We identify with a variety of groups, sometimes adding and dropping affiliations as we age or experience key changes during our life journey. But most of us appreciate the value of community, of belonging to a broader network of connectivity than our nuclear family. When we celebrate our first full Misa en Espanol this Friday at 5:30 PM, we will hear the familiar rendered unfamiliar. We will experience the sometimes disorienting result of being removed from our comfort zone, even while remaining in a physical space we’ve come to identity as overwhelmingly comforting to us.

 

Our Spanish Eucharist for English speakers on Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is designed to give us a taste of what it feels like to be hindered by linguistic limitations; to struggle with cultural and linguistic barriers. Most Americans benefit from travel abroad and exposure to other cultures, especially when we are required to spend time in the shoes of displaced minorities and those constrained by the inability to speak a foreign language. This is all the more valuable to Americans who truly seek to serve others while following the Way of the Christ. As we hear the liturgy with different ears and consume the sacraments in a more challenging context than usual, it will behoove us to remember the importance of community. We will be well-served to fully grasp the unfortunate irony that one of the communities most subject to peril in our Commonwealth is the very source of the rich, beautiful, mournful and joyful observance we know as Dia De Los Muertos.

Misa en Espanol for Day of the Dead celebration

Join us for a unique and festive celebration of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on Friday, November 1. 

We begin with a Misa en Espanol (Spanish Eucharist for English speakers, with full English translation) at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please bring framed or unframed photos of departed loved ones for display on the altar.

At 6:45 p.m., we'll move outdoors to the Chapel Pantry patio for a concert by Spacebomb/Glassnote recording artist Angelica Garcia. Mexican hot chocolate, pan dulce and other goodies will be served. This event is free and a great night out for the whole family!

Our youth enjoyed a scavenger hunt on Sunday after completing their service project for the Winter Shelter.

Vestry nominations being received

Serving on the vestry is one of the most significant ways you can serve at ESC. We are a parish dedicated to service, worship and education, celebrating God’s love at work in our lives and in the world , and the vestry has the responsibility of advancing that mission. The vestry welcomes and thrives on diversity in background, skills and experience and many different qualifications may make a person an excellent candidate. If you feel you are being called to this important ministry, we invite you to speak with Senior Warden Hank Marriott, or other vestry member ( click here for names and contact info). Vestry service is a three-year commitment. Four positions are open for election.

Have you submitted your pledge yet?

Our Ingathering Sunday, October 20, was a day of incredible music, words and fellowship. We thank those of you who submitted your pledge cards - 132 received so far, totaling $533,440. If you haven't turned in your pledge yet, please prayerfully consider your commitment and submit it as soon as possible. The mission and ministry of ESC can't happen without your participation - your time AND your gifts and talents AND your money. Just a glance through each week's Chapel Chimes tells you that ESC is a vibrant and active place, and an important part of the wider community. None of this can happen without your full support. Please make a pledge to financially support the ministries of ESC.

KAIROS update: We're back!

Your KAIROS team returned Sunday night, fresh witnesses of the power of the Holy Spirit. Craig Fenton stepped into a leadership role and served as Observing Leader for the weekend. He will be our Team Leader for KAIROS 18 next spring. Roger Weeden, Bob Balcom and Lee Davis served at table with "table families", Roger as a Table Leader! There were plenty of cookies to go around thanks to your wonderful support. The prayer chain was so long that we were wrapped in prayer for the whole weekend. And oh the stories… Have we ever got stories. How about Christopher who stepped up at “Open Mic” and said, “At 5’1” I’ve never been chosen for a football team or picked to play on a basketball team. But now I feel like I have been chosen to play on the very best team in the world - Jesus’ Team!” More stories to follow. Thank you all for all of your support.

Parish Book Store: Christmas Book Drive; holiday gifts

November means pumpkins, falling leaves and Thanksgiving. Come browse the Parish Book Store for decorations for your table as well as books for the young at heart. Among our titles are A Turkey for Thanksgiving,God Blesses Us with Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving Graces. 

Just in time for the gift-giving season, The Parish Book Store has a new selection of Allie Blue necklaces and earrings. Each is a unique work of art. Come see for yourself!

While you are here, select a gingerbread boy or girl from our tree, purchase an age-appropriate book, and leave it in our basket for a child at the Mission of the Holy Spirit. The book drive continues until Dec. 5.

PBS Book Group meets Nov. 17

It is not too late to join the Parish Book Store Book Group! Our next meeting is November 17 at 11:30 in the Parlor. We will be discussing Rachel Held Evan’s book, Searching for Sunday. All are welcome!

Nursery workers needed

Childcare workers are needed for ESC's nursery. Hours are 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. Salary is $10 per hour. Additional hours for special events may be available. Safe Church training is required. Contact the church office to apply, 428-6763 or [email protected].

Parish Day School: October is Fire Safety Month

The month of October is National Fire Prevention Month. In the classrooms, our students have been learning about our community helpers and how the firefighters keep us safe. We have practiced our school fire drills. We even had a special visit from Firefighter Mosely. He meet with our students and talked about fire safety. We are so thankful for our Virginia Beach Fire and Rescue Stations!

Support PDS when you shop!

We continue to participate linking purchases to Kroger and Harris Teeter cards to earn funds for the school and Shoparoo app where you can scan receipts to earn funds for PDS. Additionally, if you purchase any food with Box Tops for Education labels on them, we collect the label to earn funds for PDS. Just put them in our Pink Mailbox in the PDS hallway. We are so thankful for the church families support!

Join the Choir!

Welcome four new members to our Parish Choir: Marsali Mullens; Eleanor Mullens; Elvis Buckman; and Victor McDaniel. New singers are always welcome - join us! Choir rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 7:15 pm, and Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. Contact Music Director Martin Sunderland for more information, [email protected] .

Schola Cantorum concert features classic hits from the '60s

Come see Schola Cantorum in their 24th season at 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 24th! This fall, we are excited to bring you the music of the '60s. Set in a psychedelic rock style, we open our program with Bobrowitz’s The Creation with music reminiscent of the musical Hair . From there, we spend time with the music of the Beatles, Willie Nelson, The Mamas and the Papas, the hits of Woodstock, and we close with the Fifth Dimension’s classic, Aquarius. Join us as we let the sunshine in! Admission is free - donations gladly accepted.!

Following the performance, there will be a reception and silent auction fundraising event to benefit Schola Cantorum. Browse a great selection of gift baskets and other items to help with your holiday shopping!

Wednesday Dinner menus

Made with love and from scratch, join us for Wednesday Dinner 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday in the parish hall. You’ll enjoy an entrée, sides, soup, salad, bread, and fruit, all for only $6.00, or $3 for children. No reservations needed.

Christian Formation Schedule

Adult Forum

Sunday School

Pray for Our Military

Suicide continues to be prevalent among our military, veterans, and their family members. The numbers of suicides have been increasing in Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard members. Praying the Word is a powerful tool to use as you pray and speak life over those who find themselves in hopelessness and despair. Along with others you may find, please use these strategic scriptures to war on behalf of these brave warriors!

For more information, contact ESC's military ministry liaison Bill Hunter, [email protected] .

Upcoming at ESC

For the full calendar of events, visit our website .

Peanut Group - Meets every Monday at 8 a.m. in the Parish Hall

Day of the Dead Celebration - Nov. 1. Come out for a unique and festive celebration of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on Friday, November 1. We begin with a Misa en Espanol (Spanish Eucharist for English speakers, with full English translation) at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please bring framed or unframed photos of departed loved ones for display on the altar. At 6:45 p.m., we'll move outdoors to the Chapel Pantry patio for a concert by Spacebomb/Glassnote recording artist Angelica Garcia. Mexican hot chocolate, pan dulce and other goodies will be served.

Flower Guild Demonstration - Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m. in the Flower Room. Please join us and learn tips on how to arrange altar flowers for Eastern Shore Chapel. We welcome both men and women who see a demonstration and learn more about serving in the Flower Guild. We appreciate your interest in continuing this beautiful flower tradition for our church. Please RSVP to: Charlotte Marriott, 757-481-3756 or [email protected] ; or Boyd MacIver, 757-481-9234 or [email protected].

Historical Tour of Eastern Shore Chapel - Nov. 3, immediately following the 10:15 am service. This will be the debut of The Cemetery Tour. Please join us in the Narthex, immediately following the 10:15 service for the history of the cemetery, with Mike Brown's interesting collection of images and maps. We will then take a walking tour through the cemetery, highlighting some of the interesting tombstones and the people they memorialize.  

Rutter's Requiem - Nov. 3, 5:30 p.m., at Christ & St. Luke's in Norfolk. The Choirs of Christ & St. Luke's and Eastern Shore Chapel, together with chamber orchestra, will present John Rutter's sublime Requiem, his first composition written without being commissioned. Taking his model after Fauré and Duruflé, he has crafted together texts that are comforting and uplifting, like his setting of Psalm 23, "The Lord is my Shepherd." The performance will be held at Christ and St. Luke's, 560 West Olney Road, Norfolk.

Schola Cantorum in Concert - Nov. 24, 5 p.m. Come see Schola Cantorum in their 24th season at 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 24th! This fall, we are excited to bring you the music of the '60s. Set in a psychedelic rock style, we open our program with Bobrowitz’s The Creation with music reminiscent of the musical Hair . From there, we spend time with the music of the Beatles, Willie Nelson, The Mamas and the Papas, the hits of Woodstock, and we close with the Fifth Dimension’s classic, Aquarius. Join us as we let the sunshine in! Following the performance, there will be a reception and silent auction fundraising event to benefit Schola Cantorum. Browse a great selection of gift baskets and other items to help with your holiday shopping!

Parish Book Store Christmas Book Drive - Going on now through Dec. 5. Once again The Parish Book Store is sponsoring a Christmas Book Drive for the children at Mission of the Holy Spirit in Norfolk. We have had the great pleasure to send over 100 age-related books to the Mission each December thanks to this parish and the community at large. Come by the Parish Book Store and purchase a book or two and match it with a gingerbread Christmas ornament that is age and gender appropriate. We encourage you to be a part of this outreach as many of the children receive very little this time of the year. The drive ends December 5.

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