InCommon eNews
February 19, 2021
 Worship | Interchurch | Community | Adult | Youth  | Black History | Giving Connect
RECTOR'S MESSAGE
                          
One Long Lent and That's Kind of Okay

The "no" list during the pandemic has included: no hugs, no school, no visits, no church, and no choir. For each of us, there's the ongoing pandemic "no list" that feels like a global Lent and a prolonged slowing down of time itself in which we work harder and longer. So, after all the pandemic sacrifices, what does it mean to give up chocolate or coffee for Lent (my usual spiritual speed)? In my mind, giving up chocolate seems trivial. When I ask God in prayer what to do, all I hear back is: "Well, it's a complex situation. Look, even ashes are on the 'no list'." 

If God really wanted to poke holes in my current mind set, why not point out that many of the sacrifices were imposed upon me and did not stem from my desire to become more spiritually in-tune with Christ's dance with the Devil in the Judean Wilderness. Plus, it's been a sacrificial time for everyone, for the good of everyone. 

So, with a long sigh (I literally just sighed), I am wondering if God's grace will cover my complaining heart with forgiveness; and, if so, if it's okay with God to count participation in last Sunday's food drive at IPC and my abstinence from distributing Ashes as part of my Lenten sacrifice this year. In return (and I know I'm not allowed to bargain with God), I pray that I will gracefully accept the sacrifices-yet to be added to my "no list"- as Lenten gifts. After all, the Bible does say something along the lines of "give a little more and more will be given unto you." 

Onward into Lent,
Gareth

WORSHIPWorship

SERVICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST 
Worship Online
Sunday, 10:00AM

Please join us for a virtual service at 

***
Virtual Coffee Hour
Immediately following the service

Meeting ID: 336 690 2686  /  Password: 10533

In-person services continue to be suspended.


UPCOMING VIRTUAL WORSHIP
Lent:  Holy Eucharist at 10AM on Sundays
Palm Sunday:  Holy Eucharist on March 28 at 10AM
Maundy Thursday:  Holy Eucharist on April 1 at 7:30PM (no foot washing)
Good Friday:  The Seven Last Words from the Cross at Noon and 
Holy Eucharist at 7:30PM on April 2
Easter Day:  Holy Eucharist on April 4 at 10AM

INTERCHURCH RELATIONS

Joint Church Drive - A Great Success! 

Barbara Mahoney in her capacity as the Community Food Pantry volunteer coordinator writes:

"We were all really happy that 40 cars came by to donate food for the Valentine's Day Food Drive. All the food was delivered to the food pantry on Valentine's Day and they were thrilled to receive such a large donation!  Also, some community members brought checks or donated on-line. Irvington Presbyterian said they appreciated all the help from St Barnabas and would return the same to us if we hosted it next time!"
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

We are currently living in a period where we can't all be together outside or inside church. In these times, many have experienced a lack of connection among our communities, leaving us to feel alone and separated. A weekly "Community Connections" series is a way to bring our parish together again, connected, and communicating! This series gives everyone in our St. Barnabas community the chance to have a voice. Each week someone will be randomly selected by our Communications Committee and myself. Members will have the opportunity share their experiences at St. Barnabas, talk about their hobbies and their "faves," discuss how they've managed during the pandemic and generally let us all get to know each other better, hopefully opening future dialogues. Highlights of these conversations will be featured on our website, creating a montage of profiles that make up the St. Barnabas community!
 
If you are interested in being featured in our "Community Connections" series, please email me at Hope Durot.

Best,
Hope Durot
St. Barnabas Communications Intern


ADULT FORMATIONAdult

The Bible Project
Morning Bible Study - Gareth leads Bible Study sessions three mornings a week using The Bible Project materials. You're welcome to join the meeting anytime. 
Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays, 9:30AM - 10:00AM

Meeting ID: 336 690 2686  Passcode: 10533 

Book Group
The next meeting of the St. Barnabas Book Group will take place via Zoom at 7:30PM on Tuesday, February 23. We will discuss The Guest List by Lucy Foley.  (Please note the author's name as there are several books with this title.)  

All are welcome! If you would like to be part of the Zoom meeting, and/or would like to be added to the Book Group email list, please contact Lea Carmichael Richardson
YOUTH FORMATIONYouth
Youth Group
The St. Barnabas Youth Group will meet via Zoom next Sunday, February 27, 2021, at 3:00PM. For any questions or to sign up for their newsletter, please contact Kelli Scott. We hope to see you at our next meeting!
Meeting ID: 899 0383 0783, 
Passcode: 1Dx9zG
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In honor of Black History Month, the Irvington Historical Society presents

INSIDE VILLA LEWARO
Sunday, February 28, 2021, 2:00PM

This Zoom Webinar will feature a conversation between St. Barnabas' own Barry Seaman and Ambassador Harold Doley. Ambassador Doley lived in this famous mansion on Broadway for 25 years!

Learn more here
Register here
We hope you will keep St. Barnabas strong and resilient financially, as we navigate the ongoing challenges of the current environment. Please continue to make your pledges or contributions. Online payments may be made by clicking here, on our website under the "Give" section, or by mailing your check to St. Barnabas Church, 15 N Broadway, Irvington, NY 10533.

How to Fulfill Your Pledge with Securities or Wire Transfer
Please contact and email Cynthia Ferguson if you would like to pledge stock as your financial contribution. Cynthia is also able to guide you through the process of wiring funds. 

CONNECTContact
To schedule a meeting with the rector, call the Parish Office at (914) 591-8194.
Office hours are Wednesdays, 1:00pm-3:30pm
The rector's Sabbath (day off) is Friday.

For pastoral emergencies, call Gareth directly, at (617) 930-3728

If you have announcements to include in the InCommon weekly newsletter, please email the information by noon on Tuesdays to Hope Durot.
 


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