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RECTOR'S MESSAGE 
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"Purrfectly" Poised
This Sunday, we will celebrate the blessing of pet ownership, as we hold our annual Blessing of the Animals at the 4pm outdoor service. When our household went into lockdown, Fran and I "gave in" to the children's request for lizards. It's been brilliant for Charlie, in particular, to have an in-home focus for his natural fascination with animals (including bugs, frogs, toads and salamanders). Perhaps you can relate, especially if you're the owner of a pet with a limbic system that responds emotionally to your love and care (our lizards don't "do" emotions!). Having a pet during COVID has to be one of the saving graces of the times we live in. Staying connected to the ones we love has been a challenge, in terms of human-to-human interaction. Pets have helped to foster connections that, for some people, have proved vital to mental and emotional health. May God bless all our pets during these difficult days of social isolation and heightened anxiety.
I would also like to extend an invitation to those of you who feel ready, to attend the first of our "in-person" indoor services this Sunday at 10AM. You will find the registration link and safety guidelines below. That said, I appreciate that many of our members have a deep longing in their hearts to return to in-person worship and for very good reasons are not planning to return to church at this time.
Onward in hope,
Gareth
Note: If you plan to attend the 4PM outdoor service, an RSVP is required. Dogs need to be on leashes, and cats and other creatures in containers. Please remember to wear a mask and maintain a safe social distance while at this service, including waving to the pets instead of petting them. I will be blessing the animals with a sprinkling of holy water in order to maintain social distancing.
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JOIN US SUNDAY
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Worship In-Person or Online
SERVICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
Sunday, October 4
10:00AM
Please RSVP early, by Friday evening, if possible.
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Following 10AM virtual worship, we gather by Zoom for
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686 / Password: 10533
Dial by your location: +1 929 205 6099 (NY)
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Outdoor Worship
SERVICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST &
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Sunday, October 4
4:00PM
To attend this service in person, on the front lawn, please Register Here
Please RSVP early, by Friday evening, if possible.
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Sunday School
No Sunday School this week as the children will surely want to join the service of the Blessing of the Animals at the 4:00pm outdoor worship. Please remember to register for the service, as noted above! And, if you have questions about Sunday School, contact Gabrielle Boozer at [email protected].
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Youth Group Fall Kickoff
Save the date to join us for a time of food, games, and thought-provoking conversation on Sunday, October 11. More details to come!
-Kelli & Gareth
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UPCOMING
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The Bible Project
Morning Bible Study
Gareth will be leading Bible Study sessions three mornings a week using The Bible Project materials. You're welcome to join the meeting anytime; you don't have to commit to every day. Begins October 1.
Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays, 9:30AM - 10:00AM
How to Read the Bible
Gareth will also lead Wednesday evening meetings to help you learn how the Bible is put together--the many different literary styles used to convey the overall story of Scripture. Begins October 7.
Wednesday Evenings, 7:30PM - 8:30PM
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686 Passcode: 10533
One tap mobile +19292056099,,3366902686#,,,,,,0#,,10533# US (NY)
Dial by your location: +1 929 205 6099 US (NY)
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Altar Guild Reminder
Members of the Altar Guild will be having a Zoom meeting this Saturday at 10:00AM. Please contact Sarah Gardner at [email protected] if you need the link or have any questions.
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Diocesan Event: St Barnabas Reads Kendi
The Anti-Racism Committee of the Diocese of New York has invited all 200 churches in our communities to read Ibram K. Kendi's bestseller, How To Be An Antiracist. This shared experience will culminate in an online event with the author on October 22.
St. Barnabas is organizing a group to read the book, discuss it online, and take part in the diocesan author event. The group will be led by Mary-Jo Weber and Karl Weber. If you're interested or want more information, email Karl at [email protected].
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RESOURCES
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The Bishops of the Diocese of New York offer regular inspirational messages here.
- The Episcopal Church also has useful resources related to the pandemic and racial reconciliation on their website here.
- The Episcopal Church Foundation has created a curated collection of resources for engagement and learning on the themes of racial justice, healing and reconciliation here.
- Local agencies and food pantries continue to need support--a list is attached here. You may contact Barbara Mahoney at [email protected] for more information and ways to help.
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GIVING
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We hope you will keep St. Barnabas strong and resilient financially, as we navigate the ongoing challenges of this 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.
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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 Monday.
For pastoral emergencies, call Gareth directly, at (617) 930-3728.
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If you have announcements to include in the InCommon weekly newsletter, please email the information by noon on Tuesdays.
Sue Stanley
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