Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I have noticed as COVID-19 restrictions go on and on, are lifted and then replaced and then changed again, our fatigue is causing us all to be a bit more "punchy." I write today in the hope of changing that. As I watch the University of South Carolina struggle with re-opening, as an outsider looking in, I find myself reflecting on my ordination vows. I took those vows because I love Jesus and the people of the Church. I suspect many of our members who teach or work in a school do so for very similar reasons. Reasons such as "I love my subject and love sharing it," or "I love working with kids," or "young people keep me young."
COVID has rocked us to our very core, and this has left our core values fragile and in need of care. We care for these core values best through the power of love. Try taking some time as you start each day to ask yourself what you love, and how you can hold onto that. After listing a few things in your mind or on paper, I pray that you will ask God to bless what you have listed.
As we see kids holding giant pool parties and others continually ignoring social distancing guidelines, and as we hear politicians ramp up their attacks, and as we deal with increasingly frustrating posts on social media, let's remember to focus on love and not on what makes us angry. This is increasingly important -- as we continue in the midst of our fatigue, and, particularly, as November nears. Remember, as Christians we are called to be a people of love. We are also called to preach the gospel at all times, and, if necessary, to use words.
In Christ,
Mitch+
|
|
IN-PERSON WORSHIP SCHEDULE
|
|
Following is the schedule for our in-person, weekday worship on the sidewalk in front of the church:
-
Monday: 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
-
Wednesday: 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday services are adult-only.
-
Friday: 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
-
Sunday: 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Masks and social distancing are required at all services. In the event of heavy rain and/or lightning, services will be canceled. There is no indoor worship alternative.
You are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, Book of Common Prayer and Bible, though all will be available if needed.
|
|
ADD A NAME TO THE PRAYER LIST
|
|
|
If you would like to submit a name for our ongoing prayer list, please use this form. Names will be shared weekly prior to worship and will be removed after three weeks, as in the past.
|
|
PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE TEACHERS, PROFESSORS AND INSTRUCTORS AMONG US
|
|
Angela Adams
Dottie Adams
Allison Askins
Frank Avignone
Bill Bacon
Ginger Barfield
Michael Bellon
Elizabeth Bentrup
Debbie Billings
Drew Bozard
Bill Canaday
Gwen Geidel
Pam Hair
|
|
Christine Harding
Tayloe Harding
Amy Hayden
Elizabeth Hayden
Amanda Hines
Randy James
Elizabeth Jennings
Jody Lumpkin
David Jones
Kate Jones
Mike Meadows
Carol McGinnis-Kay
Martin McWilliams
|
|
Caroline Nagel
Scotty Peek
Valerie Pruett
Allison Rashley
Kelly Renko-Clarkson
Kyle Sanders
Amy Shuler
Denise Smith
Amanda Stockard
Slayden Thomas
Sara Thornton
Jim Thrasher
Anne Vickers
|
|
If we have missed someone, please let us know so we can add them to the list. Email the name to [email protected].
|
|
Our Harvest Hope wagons will be waiting for your contributions outside at our Sunday services, which are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the sidewalk in front of the church.
|
|
“It is a Christian obligation to vote, and more than that, it is the church’s responsibility to help get souls to the polls.”
--Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
As Episcopalians, we commit to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of all. One of the many important ways we go about this is voting faithfully in our local and national elections. As you look toward the Nov. 3 election, be sure to check your voter registration information! If you qualify to vote absentee, you can go ahead and apply for your ballot today. Go to scvotes.gov. Absentee ballots will be mailed after Oct. 5. When you vote this November, be sure to stop by the office for your #votefaithfully sticker!
|
|
While scrolling Instagram, be sure to follow @smifsc for the Three-Word Gospel on Tuesdays, a brief summary of the upcoming Gospel, and ComplinefromHome postings, short evening prayers or thoughts, Monday through Friday.
|
|
Should you be in need of pastoral care, please use the dedicated extension,(Ext. 201) when you call the parish office, 803.787.0392.
|
|
Thank you in advance for keeping your pledge current during this time of uncertainty. You may pay your pledge in these ways:
-
Use this link to keep your pledge up-to-date by going online. You will need your bank routing number, which is the first set of numbers printed on the bottom of your checks, on the left side. You will also need your account number, which is the next set of numbers beside the routing number at the bottom of your check. This online link is safe and secure.
-
You may also mail your checks to the Parish Office at 5220 Clemson Ave., Columbia, SC 29206.
|
|
|
5220 Clemson Avenue
Columbia, SC 29206
803.787.0392 | www.stmartinsinthefields.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|