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RECTOR'S MESSAGE
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With Many Thanks
As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you, for all that you have done over the last eight months to stay connected and committed to our beloved community. All that we have done together, large and small, with fanfare and without, has been so appreciated and is the source of heartfelt gratitude on my part for all of you. The term gratitude has its roots in the Latin, "tongere," which roughly means, "a thoughtfulness that will be remembered." In the Great Thanksgiving, also known as the Liturgy of the Sacrament, we recall Jesus' words, "Do this in remembrance of me." In my mind, Thanksgiving and thoughtfulness go together in our spiritual tradition, as we gather to remember Love incarnate and make it our own, whether we are at home or gathered in community. Our shared pledge to stay connected and committed to one another in community will be how we will continue to practice Jesus' Law of Love over the difficult winter months ahead. As infection rates begin to rise in our own neighborhoods, we will once more be challenged to respond with thoughtfulness and deep regard for the safety of one another, which inevitably means that Advent and Christmas will be without many of our cherished traditions this year. However, I am quite sure that we will find comfort and joy as we always do, but in smaller and quieter ways - more akin to the experience of the little family who found refuge in a stable and welcomed the Christ Child into the world under circumstances that were trying and difficult, to say the least. In Japanese, the word for thank you stems from, "arigatashi" which roughly means, "to exist with difficulty." Therefore, to say, "thank you," in this culture recognizes the struggle of existence and the emergence of something precious out of that struggle. So, as we prepare to set the table for Thanksgiving, let us do so as we always do, with thanksgiving for all that we do have and hope for better days to come; and, as we prepare our homes for Advent and Christmas, let us do so as we always do, with great wonder and thoughtfulness about the precious hope that we are invited to make our own.
Onward in Hope,
Gareth
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STEWARDSHIP 2021
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STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN UPDATE - FINAL WEEK!
The pieces are falling into place! But, we're not quite there yet. As of today, we are pleased to report that we have received 64 pledges totaling $307,660 from our members. This means that we are now 77% of the way to our financial goal of $400,000. THANK YOU to everyone who has pledged so far!
WE NEED HELP TO MEET OUR GOALS BY THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22. EVERY PLEDGE COUNTS!
Don't forget that every new pledge, and also pledges that are the same (or greater) than last year, earns an EXTRA $500, thanks to a generous matching gift.
If you have not yet pledged, please consider doing so in the next few days. You can use the link below, or go to our website and select the "Make Your 2021 Pledge" button, or return your pledge card. Please contact either of us if you have questions or need help.
Every pledge, large or small, is vital to sustaining our church and supporting one another, especially in this uncertain time.
Jane and David
Co-Chairs of the Stewardship Campaign
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WORSHIP
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SERVICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
Worship In-Person or Online
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Meeting ID: 336 690 2686 Passcode: 10533
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SERVICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
Outdoor Worship
and then bundle up to join us on the front lawn at 3:00pm!
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CHILDREN'S FORMATION
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Sunday School - 3:00PM
We will be holding outdoor Sunday School in the backyard during the 3:00PM service. We will use the Godly Play curriculum, and, since we cannot share art supplies, consider bringing something that your child might enjoy--paper, colored pencils, crayons, LEGOs, beads, etc. Children will be socially distanced and masks are required. For details, please contact Gabrielle Boozer at [email protected].
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YOUTH FORMATION
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Youth Group - 3:00PM
Join Kelli and Jamer this Sunday, November 22, in front of the Rectory from 3:00-5:00PM.
Last chance to bring items for our Food Drive! Healthy cereal, plain oatmeal, rice, peanut butter, shelf stable milk, tuna, sardines, dried beans, pasta.
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ADULT FORMATION
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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
How to Read the Bible - Gareth leads Wednesday evening meetings about how the Bible's many different literary styles are used to convey the overall story of Scripture.
Wednesday Evenings, 7:30PM - 8:30PM
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686 Passcode: 10533
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St. Barnabas Book Group
The Saint Barnabas Book Group will meet by ZOOM at 7:30 on Tuesday, January 12, to discuss American Pastoral, by Philip Roth. Good to get an early start, as the book has 400+ pages.
All are welcome. If you'd like to get the Zoom link, or if you have any questions, please contact Lea Carmichael Richardson at [email protected].
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NEWS
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San Andres Church Turkey Drive
Please help again this year to purchase Thanksgiving turkeys for the families of the San Andres Food Pantry. A contribution of $25 will buy a turkey for one family. Last year the San Andres drive provided over 200 turkeys!
Checks for contributions may be sent directly to:
San Andres Episcopal Church, 22 Post Street, Yonkers, NY 10705
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2021 Calendars Needed for New Beginnings
St. Barnabas is once again collecting 2021 calendars for New Beginnings of Westchester located in Ossining. There is a plastic bin outside the church (the entrance by the choir room), and you can drop off calendars there. Thank you!
New Beginnings is a non-profit organization that provides basic household essentials to homeless families and individuals making the transition to permanent housing.
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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 Cynthia Ferguson at 914-631-7188 or [email protected] if you would like to pledge stock as your financial contribution to this year's stewardship campaign. Cynthia is also able to guide you through the process of wiring funds.
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CONNECT & COMMUNICATE
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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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