The Church Bell
Vol. 6, No. 7
September 2022
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After grueling days of caring for the sick and dying during the deadly 1878 yellow fever outbreak in Memphis, Sister Constance and her fellow co-workers fell ill themselves.
As Constance took her last breath on September 9, 1878, she uttered the words "Alleluia! Osanna!"
Less than a year later, on Whitsunday 1879, Bishop Quintard dedicated the high altar at St. Mary's Cathedral in honor of Constance and Her Companions: Martyrs of Memphis.
You can see in the photo above that the words "Alleluia Osanna" are inscribed in the altar itself while the names of Constance, Thecla, Ruth, Frances, Charles, and Louis were added to the steps below. The name of Sister Hughetta, the only member of the Order of St. Mary to survive the yellow fever illness, was added to the top step following her death in 1926.
There are many ways that we can bless and honor Constance and Her Companions on September 9th, which is the day of the lesser feast dedicated to their memory.
First, take a moment to read and reflect on their powerful story, which you can access on the St. Agnes' website at the link below.
Then, be sure to tell their story to others. Constance and Her Companions were faithful workers in the Kingdom of God and gave an extraordinary witness to the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And, do one more thing: say aloud with thankfulness and joy the words "Alleluia! Osanna!" on September 9th!
Here's the link for further reading:
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September 24th - Work Day at the Church |
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In preparation for the busy fall season and Bishop John's upcoming visit, we will hold a work-day on Saturday morning, September 24th, at 9:00 a.m.
Please note that this will be a general cleaning inside the building and general maintenance on the outside.
With some helping hands we should be finished in about two hours.
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October 4th - Blessing of the Animals |
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Weather permitting, St. Agnes' will hold a Day of St. Francis Blessing of the Animals on Tuesday, October 4th, 4:00 p.m. on the church lawn.
Linda will lead a short prayer liturgy and will share a St. Francis/St. Anthony pendant for each pet owner.
We ask that all pets be on a leash or in a carrier and be under the safe control of their owners at all times.
As part of the gathering we will encourage donations to Franklin County Animal Harbor.
"Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures."
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Bishop John will visit on October 9th |
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The Right Rev'd John C. Bauerschmidt, 11th Bishop of Tennessee, will make his annual trip to Cowan on Sunday, October 9th.
The Bishop will lead the 11:00 service at St. Agnes', which will include the Rite of Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.
We will also ask the Bishop to recognize the retirement of our 1993 Processional Banner and afterward to dedicate our new banner.
We will join the bishop for lunch in the parish hall following the service. We will discuss additional details closer to time.
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"Top Shelf" Food Drive now in motion |
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Our monthly food drive has a name and is officially in motion!
Using the top shelf of the kitchen closet, our Top Shelf Food Drive will help our church family address worries of financial stress and concern over local hunger in our area.
Our goal each month is to bring a selection of non-perishable goods and to quickly distribute them where needed.
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Items you can bring each month to support the Food Drive
- Canned soups (preferably with pull-open tops)
- Boxed soup kits, macaroni & cheese, etc.
- Rice dinners, pasta dinners, meal helpers, etc.
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, etc.)
- Instant oatmeal
- Flavor mixes / Kool aid
- Instant pudding and jello mixes
Besides bringing items to the Top Shelf, please let us know of individuals in need and help us get these items to them.
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Updates from our extended family |
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Please note the following updates and concerns from members of our extended church family:
Nancy and Lee Glenn finished moving into their new home at Fox Run and both of them are feeling much better having recovered from Covid. Our prayers and support were much appreciated!
Carla Money had a few days of downtime due to Covid, but recovered quickly and is feeling better.
Bill Keller had several good days in recent weeks. He hopes to make some additional progress and get to enjoy some beautiful fall weather!
Steve Pearson is feeling a little better each day! His radiation treatments are completed and he is making progress with physical therapy.
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Get Ahead on Recent Sermons |
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Take full advantage of our online presence, especially if you are unable to attend services in person.
Here are some of our recent Video Sermons:
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Each and every Sunday we post the day's sermon on our Facebook page and on our YouTube channel. These posts are followed by an e-mail with video links to everyone in the congregation who was unable to attend on that particular day.
You can show your support by liking and commenting whenever you see a video sermon on YouTube and/or on Facebook. The more likes and comments we receive the more our posts will be visible to the general public.
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Upcoming schedule of services |
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September 4 - Holy Eucharist - Constance and Her Companions
September 11 - Morning Prayer - 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19
September 18 - Holy Eucharist - 15th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 20
September 25 - Holy Eucharist - 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21
October 2 - Holy Eucharist - 17th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 22
October 4 - Day of St. Francis Blessing of the Animals
October 9 - Confirmation - Visitation of the Bishop of Tennessee
October 16 - Holy Eucharist - 19th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24
October 23 - Morning Prayer - 20th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 25
October 30 - Holy Eucharist - 21st Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 26
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Upcoming Commemoration of HRM Queen Elizabeth II |
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As we were getting ready to send out this edition of the Church Bell newsletter, we learned the sad news of Queen Elizabeth's passing.
Mindful of her official role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith, our church family at St. Agnes' will set aside time to commemorate her life, faith and legacy.
We will post the announcement as soon as details are available.
Here is a link to an article about the Queen's personal faith and her role in church and society.
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September 2 - Ben Money
September 2 - Sara Money
September 11 - Joanne Wilkerson
September 21 - Mary Pearson-Smith
September 22 - Linda Overton
September 22 - Mickey Scott
October 2 - Gene Wise
October 15 - Linda Hutton
October 25 - Laura Pearson-McDonald
October 30 - LaNea Cheek
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"Watch over thy children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand, comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and their hearts may thy peace, which passeth understanding abide all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
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Heather Martin, Tim Money, Randy Wildes, Mary Jane Arnold, Nancy and Lee Glenn, Joey Sisk, Tom Knowles, Steve and Rose Pearson, Beth Rhoton, Sandi Gibson, Dave Myers, Harold Black Jr., Scott James, Wynona Gibson, Steve and Rose Pearson, Dick and Mary Ann Austin, Marty Judd, Iris Ellidge, Mary McDonald, Roy Tankersley, Royana Stewart, Bill Keller, and Linda Milligan.
We pray continually for Christians around the world in grave danger.
We pray for those witnessing increasing danger and crime in different areas of the world. We pray especially for God's help and wisdom in the worrisome situation in the The Ukraine.
We pray for those in our armed services, especially Anthony Russell.
We bless and commemorate Jeff White (grandson-in-law of Wynona Gibson) who passed into glory.
We bless and commemorate HRM Queen Elizabeth II at her recent passing.
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"O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayer, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sicknesses may be turned into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
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Sunday Service ....................................11:00 a.m.
Sunday School .....................................10:00 a.m.
Location/Address: 105 England Street E., PO Box 356, Cowan, TN 37318
Telephone: (931) 636-6313
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The Rt. Rev'd John C. Bauerschmidt..................Bishop of Tennessee
The Rev'd Dr. Linda Hutton.................................Supply Priest
L. Jarod Pearson.................................................Lay Reader
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