Gura Humorului - Humor Monestary

Bucovina, Romania

Dear Old Donation friends and family,

How ‘bout that Pumpkin Palooza and chili contest last Sunday!! I am still trying to understand the younger folks’ fascination with the 67 pumpkins “nothing” meme...

Standing solidly yet quietly amidst the pumpkin patches and fall splashes of yellows, reds, auburns, and golds, I imagine is a little, ephemeral sign. Maybe hand-painted in clouds of white and off-white: All Saints. This Sunday, November 2nd, our cloud of witnesses rise from within our earthly calendars reminding us that it’s time. Time to celebrate those who have gone before us, not as ghosts, mixed up with Halloween celebrations, but stand-alone souls. Souls whose memories are our spiritual legacies are real, tangible, powerful. 

As author, Mara, writes, “All Saints' Day is about this frightening experience in it the church affirms that not only the somewhat distant halo-bearing statues and stained-glass image, but also the living and breathing people we knew and loved for years, are still real.*

A powerful tradition here at ODEC honors this, as I understand. We gather up pictures of our loved ones who have passed before, and bring them to the church. Images of their faces, set in the glory of time, even time immemorial, are then placed around in both the Great Hall and in the church. This way, we can remember together those who mean so much to us, within this church community. Will you bring in your pictures with you on Sunday? As we celebrate All Saints' Day this weekend, let’s bring in the visual, so we can all see what the eyes of your hearts hold dear.

We will also - joy upon joy - welcome a 1-year-old boy into the Body of Christ in Holy Baptism at the 10:30 worship service in the church. The cycle of Christian life will be celebrated all in one service…from New Birth in Christ to the fullness of life in Christ to death in Christ, we come full circle. Amen to that!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. ~Hebrews 12:1

See you soon!

~Jean+

* https://mysteriesandmanners.wordpress.com/2013/11/02/all-saints-day/

Tonight! Wednesday Evening Program

6:00pm supper, 6:30-7:30pm

book discussion led by Karen Meridith.

Click the graphic for full information ➡️

Thursday:

Healing Worship with Holy Eucharist 10:00am in the Church

Bible Study 11:00am in Salisbury

Choir Practice

7:00pm in the Church. Contact Zach Moats if you need info!

Saturday:

Beach Bags Prep

THIS Saturday, 1 November 9:00am Canterbury. Old Donation partners with Pembroke Elementary on the Beach Bags program. This program prepares food items for children for their weekend meals. We prepare for several weeks at one time thus not requiring much of your time. It generally takes about an hour to prep. Questions? Call, text 757-802-1671 or email Maureen Jacques.

Historic Traditions Meeting

This Saturday, 1 November 9:30am Salisbury

Outing! Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe –

36th Annual “Corn Harvest” Powwow

Saturday, 1 November

• OLDDO Bus leaves 9:30am - returns 3:30pm
• $10 entry fee (cash only)
• Tribe recognized by Virginia (2010); pursuing federal recognition
• Visit the Tribal Grounds near Courtland, VA and enjoy dancing, drumming, ceremonies, food trucks, crafts, clothing, jewelry
• If you wish to drive separately, there is plenty of parking

Questions? Plan to ride the bus? Please contact Mal Higgins.

Pledge In-gathering / All Saints’

All Saints is one of the four biggest days in the Church year. We give thanks for all the faithful who have blazed a trail. On this day we thank God for the saints who have taught us how to live faithfully, and following their example, we rededicate ourselves to God’s mission and ministry.

On this day each year we make our own commitments of financial stewardship to support ODEC in its mission and ministry. Come celebrate our parish, its saints, and make a pledge that will bless God’s work in the coming year. 

Remember to Fall Back Saturday Night! You get an extra hour to prayerfully consider your 2026 pledge.

As always, we invite you to bring photos of your loved ones who have gone before. You can place these on the table in the Great Hall, or in the windows in the Church. We will be surrounded by our great cloud of witnesses.

Oyster Roast Pre-Sale!

THIS Sunday, 2 November after each service. Don't miss your chance to purchase our famous Brunswick Stew and BBQ in advance.

Norfolk State University Concert Choir

Mark your calendar, and invite your neighbors!

Saturday, 8 November 6:00pm in our Great Hall, reception to follow.

You are in for a treat!

Oyster Roast Info!

It's right around the corner, on 22 November. We need volunteers ☩ baked goods ☩ books ☩ silent auction items ☩ white elephant items. Click on the graphic ➡️for ALL info and points of contact! The POD arrives Thursday, so clean out your closets!

Next meeting will be Sunday, 9 November after 10:30am worship.

Click HERE to sign up where you'd like to help before, day-of, and after!

New to ODEC?

Are you new(ish) to ODEC, and have not been welcomed by email? If so, please email Gretchen so we can officially welcome you to our ODEC family.

CHANCO on the James

EYC Weekend

7-9 November

Fall Work Weekend

7-9 November

Open House

9 November

Please remember to wear your name tag!

Altar Flower Dedications

Would you like to dedicate flowers in loving memory of or thanksgiving for someone dear to you? Email Janet, and we will let the Flower Guild know. The dedication is included in the Sunday bulletin. The cost is $75.

Loose offerings this week go to the Discretionary Fund.

Please be generous.

Director of Admin & Comms: Gretchen Hood

Parish Secretary: Janet Castro

Ecclesiastical Officer: Mike Ginder

Interim Associate Rector: The Rev. Jean Mackay Vinson

Priest Associate: The Rev. Fred Poteet

Youth Minister: Bethanny Sammons