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RECTOR'S MESSAGE 
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Welcome to Church
Dear Friends,
This coming Sunday, we are holding an outdoor Holy Eucharist on the front lawn at 4PM, for those who would like to attend. This feels to me like a historic moment, given that we have been denied in-person worship since mid-March, and we are still "mid-pandemic." Furthermore, it might well be the first time in the church's history that our congregation has held an act of public worship for "all the world to see" in this way (Blessing of the Animals, not withstanding!). It's also an important moment for the Vestry's re-opening implementation team, as we welcome our members back to church with safety protocols in place. So, here's how to prepare and what to expect if you plan to attend.
Before attending in-person worship, you will be asked to agree to the following:
- Fill out the online RVSP so that we can "count you in."
- Wear a proper mask, covering nose and mouth at all times.
- Follow all posted guidelines and the instructions of the greeters.
- Keep at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and anyone not in your household.
- Refrain from using the restrooms or other inside spaces unless urgently needed.
- Stay home if you or a member of your household has experienced symptoms of COVID-19 during the past two weeks.
- If you have travelled to a high-risk state, please observe a 14-day quarantine before joining us for in-person worship.
- Be prepared for paperless worship by printing leaflet ahead of time or viewing on mobile device.
As your rector, I appreciate the longing that many of you feel for a return to normal church life and on a profound level, for the consolation and assurance that receiving Holy Communion brings. For those of you who are planning to attend, I am looking forward to welcoming you, and for those of you who are refraining from attending, I appreciate how hard that decision is for many, and I very much look forward to welcoming you back in person eventually. This is an invitation and not a decree! What is decreed (or written in the heavens) is that we all seek the health and wellbeing of one another and limit the inherent risk factors of gathering together at this time.
Onward in Hope,
Gareth
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JOIN US SUNDAY
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Online Worship
SERVICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
Sunday, September 27
10:00AM
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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, In-Person Worship
SERVICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
Sunday, September 27
4:00PM
The front lawn of St. Barnabas Church.
If you are unable to register at the link above, you may call the office at (914) 591-8194 and leave a message.
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Sunday School Starts this Week!
During the 4:00PM Outdoor Service, we will having our first outdoor Sunday School meeting. Contact Gabrielle Boozer at [email protected] for details.
Information for Attending Sunday School:
- class will be in the back yard during the 4pm service;
- masks will be required and children will be socially distanced
- we'll be using the Godly Play curriculum
- we won't offer shared art supplies so children should bring their own - paper and colored pencils/crayons, LEGOs, beads - whatever they might want to use.
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Youth Group Fall Kickoff!
Please join us for a time of food, games, and thought-provoking conversation. Save the date! More details to come!
-Kelli & Gareth
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UPCOMING
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Church at Home - 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.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
(Beginning Thursday, October 1)
9:30AM-10:00AM
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686 Passcode: 10533
One tap mobile +19292056099,,3366902686#,,,,,,0#,,10533# US (NY)
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Church at Home - 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.
Wednesday Evenings
(Beginning October 7)
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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Diocesan Event: St Barnabas Reads Kendi
As you've heard, the Anti-Racism Committee of the Diocese of New York has invited all 200 churches in our communities to join in reading Ibram K. Kendi's current bestseller, How To Be An Antiracist. This shared experience will culminate in an exclusive online event (October 22) featuring the author. St. Barnabas is organizing a group to read the book, discuss it online, and then 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]. You can also learn more about the diocesan-wide program by visiting Episcopal NY Reads 1 Book.
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Diocesan Event: St Barnabas Reads Kendi
As you've heard, the Anti-Racism Committee of the Diocese of New York has invited all 200 churches in our communities to join in reading Ibram K. Kendi's current bestseller, How To Be An Antiracist. This shared experience will culminate in an exclusive online event (October 22) featuring the author.
St. Barnabas is organizing a group to read the book, discuss it online, and then 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]. You can also learn more about the diocesan-wide program by visiting Episcopal NY Reads 1 Book.
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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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