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Washington National Cathedral

Old Donation Episcopal Church
Weekly Chimes E-News

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

8 February 2026

Super Bowl Sunday is often about community. Families and friends gather, share meals, laugh together, and celebrate. These moments of connectedness and belonging are good things. They reflect God’s desire for human flourishing. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In cooking, salt brings out flavor and helps preserve what is good. Light helps us see things more clearly. Even something as simple as gathering around food and shared joy can become a quiet witness to love, generosity, and welcome.


Jesus also reminds us that faith is not meant to be hidden away or saved only for special occasions. It shows up in ordinary moments, in how we treat one another, and in how we choose joy, kindness, and generosity even when life feels competitive or divided. Whether we are cheering for a team, sharing a meal, or laughing at commercials, these everyday gatherings can become places where grace is felt and community is strengthened.


After Paws, Prayers & Praise at 5:00pm this week, we invite you to carry that spirit to our Souper Bowl gathering that kicks off right after at 6:00pm! Bring a crock pot of soup or any game day food or beverages you enjoy. Come ready to support your team, watch the commercials, and enjoy one another’s company. We will also have fun and friendly betting opportunities to support our Youth ministries and Outreach. It is a chance to be salt and light together through hospitality, laughter, and shared purpose.


Even if your favorite team did not make it to this year's ultimate sports showdown, we hope you will join us.


~Nelson+

Vestry Commission Meetings

TONIGHT! 6:00pm supper, 6:30pm meetings

Come, see how you can be involved.

Thursday

  • Healing Worship 10:00am in the Church
  • Bible Study 11:00am in Salisbury
  • Knit Wits 1:30pm Alfriend House - bring your project & join in!
  • SCOPE 5:30pm Alfriend House
  • St. Cecilia Choir Practice 7:00pm

Starting THIS Saturday!

Historic Traditions Meeting

THIS Saturday, 7 February 9:30am Salisbury

Ready for football, food and fellowship? THIS Sunday!

EYC “For the Love of God:” Serving God’s Children.

THIS Sunday, 8 February, after 10:30am worship Canterbury

Youth 6th-12th grade are invited to serve our Lord and our community through our “For the Love of God” service event. We will be assembling ‘Welcome Home’ bags for the URC. These bags will be given to individuals who are transitioning into their new living spaces after facing housing insecurities/ homelessness. To ensure we have enough lunch for all, please RSVP here!

JOY Dinner Group

Tuesday, 10 February, 6:00pm at YNot Pizza

Contact Sue Wilson for info!

Helping with Meals

Elizabeth Malcom recently took a bad fall. A friend set-up a meal train if you are interested in helping them out! Click HERE for information.

Midday Munchers

Thursday, 19 February 12:30pm at Park Lane Tavern

RSVP NLT 18 February to CJ Godoy.

Day School Doings!

2026

REALM!

All active members have received an email to REALM, our new platform for parishioners. The email address from which it came is : and will look like the graphic below.


You will need to download the app and choose your preferences of what to show to others. At that point, you will be part of the directory. Exciting, but there may be growing pains. Please be patient!

Click below to download the app to your phone:

Items for Sale

Fuzzy Eldred will be moving soon and has a Sonos Sound Bar, and Samsung washer & dryer for sale. The washer & dryer can be sold separately ($200 each), but won't be available until about 1 April. Text Fuzzy for info! 757-635-1506

Condolence Note

If you'd like to send a condolence note to Sharon Need after Jim's death, here is her address:

222 Acorn Trail

Fleetwood, NC 28626

Chanco is situated on 125 acres of woods surrounded by natural wildlife along the James River, located in Surry County.


It's not too early to start thinking about camp! Click the graphic to see what all is offered!

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.

Please be sure 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.

Stewardship
WE are ODEC 2024/2025.png

Year to Date December 2025:

Pledge and Plate: $651,453

 Pledge and Plate Budget: $705,000

Budget Received Difference: ($53,547)

Pledges to General Fund 2025: 185

2026 Pledge Update, as of 19 January 2026

Pledges to General Fund: 134

Total $508,113

4449 N. Witchduck Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Director of Admin & Comms: Gretchen Hood

Parish Secretary: Janet Castro

Rector: The Rev. Nelson Mendoza

Priest Associate: The Rev. Fred Poteet

Youth Minister: Bethanny Sammons

Do you have a prayer request? Please contact Father Nelson.

Flickr Photos
Check out our Flickr page to see thousands of photos of happenings here at ODEC. You might even see yourself!
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