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Hues of Hope and Expectation
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This coming Sunday, the third of Advent, is celebrated with a splash of pink! Hence, it is referred to as Rose Sunday or Gaudete Sunday (from the Latin, "Rejoice"). We will rejoice this Sunday in humble confidence that God is good, and the light of Christ continues to overcome the darkness.
In the words of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in his Christmas Message this year, "Like much in our lives, proclaiming joy is difficult work - also good and essential work - especially now. Though we mourn that which is lost in our lives, our families, and our communities - Joy to the world!"
As we prepare to proclaim, "Joy to the world" this Christmas and worship in innovative ways that we have not experienced before, I invite you to enjoy a pre-recorded Nativity Pageant Service with Carols on Christmas Eve at 3:00PM, and also a celebration of Holy Eucharist with sermon and traditional music at 5:30PM.
Affectionately yours,
Gareth
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STEWARDSHIP 2021
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"Every Piece Counts" Stewardship Campaign Update
So far in our campaign, we have received 90 pledges totaling $461,010, meaning we have pushed beyond our original goal of $400,000. This truly is great and joyful news!
We are especially pleased to report that 71 of the 2021 pledges have held steady or increased from 2020, or represent brand new pledges. Special thanks to one church family that has generously matching these 71 pledges at $500 each, adding $35,500 in pledge income for 2021. This matching program will end on Sunday, December 13th, though there is still time to participate! Mail your pledge card before Sunday, or go to our online portal at the link below.
Please remember that, every pledge--large or small--is a vital piece in our overall effort to ensure our church is in good financial shape for the coming year.
Blessings,
Jane and David
Co-Chairs of the Stewardship Campaign
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WORSHIP
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SERVICE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST
Worship Online
Please join us for a virtual service at
In-person services are suspended.
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Following 10AM worship, we gather by ZOOM for
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686
Passcode: 10533
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CHILDREN'S FORMATION
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Christmas Pageant Video Filming - Sunday, 3:00PM
The children of St. Barnabas are invited to participate in a video production of the traditional Christmas story to be filmed outdoors (with social distancing!) this Sunday at 3:00PM. Sunday School parents on our list should have received an email from Gabrielle Boozer with the details. Please contact her at [email protected] if you have questions.
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YOUTH FORMATION
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Youth Group
The next meeting with Kelli and Jamer will be on Sunday, December 20, at 3:00PM.
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ADULT FORMATION
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After-Dinner at the Rectory
Advent Program of Readings and Reflection via ZOOM
For Advent this year, I invite you to join me on Monday evenings to enjoy a little wine or non-alcoholic beverage after dinner . The formal program, starting at 7:30PM, will involve an Advent scripture reading and a poem by Maya Angelou, with reflection time. Here is a link to program materials. Then, for those who would like, we will have time to linger awhile for catch-up and conversation. We will wrap things up at 8:30PM, sharp.
To add to the sense of occasion, church member Judy Brazong (proprietor of My Sherry &more on Main Street in Irvington) helped me pick out a boldly purple red wine called Eruption, harvested from the slopes of an extinct volcano. All proceeds from this purchase will go to the Community Food Pantry in Tarrytown as part of St. B's on-going desire to respond to the huge up-tick in need that people in our Rivertown neighborhoods are experiencing at this time.
-Gareth
Monday, December 14, 7:30PM-8:30PM
Meeting ID: 336 690 2686 / Passcode: 10533
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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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The Community Food Pantry for Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow
This local food pantry had 250 families coming on a regular basis prior to Covid. Recently, they had 700 families. If you'd like to help, you may make a contribution online here.Or send a check to:
The Community Food Pantry, 43 South Broadway, Tarrytown NY 10591
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Staff Christmas Gift
If you would like to give a Christmas gift to our staff members, who helped carry us through this year, please write a check to St. Barnabas and note "staff gift" in the memo line. Thank you!
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Christmas Flowers
If you would like to give flowers at Christmas in memory of loved ones, e-mail [email protected] the names of your loved ones, then send a check, for whatever amount you wish to give, made out to "St. Barnabas Altar Guild" with "Christmas Flowers" written in the memo section. Please be sure to send names by Tuesday, December 22 in order for them to be reflected on the memorial list.
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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 Friday.
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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