August 12, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ:

And, we're back . . . and so is the virus, unfortunately. While we hope to kick things off in mid-September with the return of our Choir and full processions, we're back to taking a wait-and-see approach at this point.

Researchers have now confirmed that vaccinated people can still carry and transmit significant loads of the COVID-19 virus: meaning even though I am vaccinated and don't feel sick, I can still pass it along to others. Of particular concern are children under the age of 12, who are still unable to be vaccinated. No matter where you stand on masks and vaccinations, I would hope you understand that children have no choice in the matter at this time. For this reason, we will still require masks at our 10am Sunday service, and will continue to stream that service online each week.

In addition, Stark County has now crossed the threshold of community spread where the CDC recommends masking indoors, even among the vaccinated. While we will not currently require masks at our 8am Sunday and 12:10pm Wednesday services, CDC guidance recommends them, based on the numbers. I'll leave it at that.

Furthermore, though I was hoping to cut these weekly emails back to every other week or perhaps monthly, things are changing so fast that I'm going to stick with weekly emails for the foreseeable future. Apologies in advance for the seemingly never-ending updates.

Speaking of updates . . .

Sunday 8/15, Pentecost 12

8:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite I. In person only. Face coverings are recommended, though not required at this service.

10:00 am Rite II Holy Eucharist. In person and streamed at our website and on our Facebook page.

All COVID protocols including social distancing and face coverings are in place. We ask that you please comply with this requirement for the sake of families with children, who cannot yet be vaccinated. Masks are available inside the parking lot doors.

This week's bulletin is HERE, and the hymns are HERE.

Wednesday 8/18 12:10pm

Our mid-week in-person service of Holy Eucharist. Face coverings are recommended, though not required at this service.

WINE "TEST RUN"

At our July Vestry meeting, we decided to reintroduce wine on a trial basis starting this Sunday. We will have the reader act as Chalice Bearer, and will have a small bowl with consecrated wine for intinction (dipping the Host). This reintroduction is going to feel a little clunky at first, I'm afraid, so please do be patient.

More importantly, this is a good time to remind everyone of the doctrine of concomitance. (To which you say, "Oh, that familiar doctrine!") Concomitance is the technical term for the idea that Jesus is equally present in both the bread and the wine--meaning, you're not getting "half the Jesus" by only taking the bread during Communion.

So please remember: receiving the wine is absolutely optional, and you should feel in no way obligated to drink or intinct, thanks to our old friend, the doctrine of concomitance.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

While all of these are subject to changes based on local COVID metrics, here are some dates to get on your calendar:

Sept. 9 -- Choir Rehearsals start (7pm Thursdays)

Sept. 12 -- Choir returns to 10am service

Sept. 14 -- Tuesday Taize' returns (online and in person 7pm)

Sept. 23 -- Spaghetti Dinner (5:30-7pm)

Oct. 23 -- Rivalry Game (and Prayer Service)

Nov. 12-13 -- Diocesan Convention (need delegates)

Dec. 5 -- Candlelight Walk (5-7:30pm)

As I say, these are all "COVID willing," but hopefully these things will all actually happen as planned.

LABOR DAY BLESSING OF HANDS

I recently spoke with a colleague who does an annual litany on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend for the blessing of people's hands. This struck me as a wonderful idea, and I've decided to try it out this year. So, on Sunday, September 5th, after the 8am and 10am service, anyone wishing to participate is encouraged to remain after the dismissal for this brief litany.

PRAYERS REQUESTED

Please continue to pray for all those affected by COVID-19, and please keep these friends and parishioners in your prayers:

✥Bob Meyer ✥Judy Wigginton  ✥David Wigginton  ✥Chris Lane ✥Priya Kurian

✥Chuck Tilley ✥Michael Flamm  ✥Liz Frank ✥Bobbie Muhlbach ✥John Muhlbach  

✥Isaac Leggett ✥Mike Requa  ✥Toni Contini ✥Brian Dorosch ✥Beth Conley

✥Bob Daane ✥Chuck Coleman ✥Patty Ann ✥Paul Kaboth ✥Steve Deuble

✥Noble Carpenter ✥Roger Walters ✥Tim & Sharon Gerber ✥Colleen Major 

✥Brian & Jay Moock ✥Chuck Scheurer ✥Pete Welch ✥Linda June ✥Gail Moss

✥Marilyn Williams ✥Mike and April Henry ✥Marty Wolcott

And for the repose of the soul of Ann Spencer, and of Jeff Frank.

BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES

Celebrating birthdays this week are Michael Streb (8/17), John Muhlbach (8/18), and Larry Mizer (8/20).

No anniversaries of which I am aware.

Be sure to send good wishes and thoughts to all those who celebrate this week!

WEEKLY PUZZLE

Last week, my brother gave us an old print of an Orthodox rendering of the Madonna and Child. (We have quite a collection of such things around our house.) Since Sunday is technically the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary (which gets transferred to Monday), I hoped you might enjoy spending some time with this image.

You will find the puzzle by clicking HERE. You can choose your background color, number of puzzle pieces, and even set it to display just the edge pieces. Plus, you get a very affirming crowd reaction once you have completed it!

And speaking of feasts, today, August 12th, is the Feast Day of Florence Nightingale. It seems a fitting time to remember her contributions to the health and healing of her neighbors.

Here's the Collect for this day: O God, who gave grace to your servant Florence Nightingale to bear your healing love into the shadow of death: Grant to all who heal the same virtues of patience, mercy, and steadfast love, that your saving health may be revealed to all; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Patience, mercy, and steadfast love. Those are the virtues we need from those who heal, but they are also the virtues we need in those who are being healed. May God grant us all an overabundance of patience, mercy, and steadfast love.

Faithfully,

Fr. George