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November 20, 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE
Dear Family,
On Wednesday, November 18th the Diocese sent out a letter from the Reentering Reopening Reimagining Task Force recommending congregations give serious consideration to suspending in-person service due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.
After receiving the letter, I carefully examined the data provided for Cape May
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County and prayed, I attended a Clergy conference call with the Bishop and Committe, prayed some more and spoke with our Warden, Jack.
After prayerful consideration we have decided to continue in-person worship at this time; however, depending on the daily data, our decision may reverse course at any given moment.
At the current time Cape May County has a population of 92,000 with a current case rate of 26.9%. The marker from the RRR commitee for suspending in person worship is 25%. Given that we are uniquely placed in the county and Stone Harbor has only 3 Active Cases at last count, I'm confident that our current standards and procedures are adequate to continue on, but given that many of us live off the island or do the bulk of our shopping, etc off the island, I am paying close attention to the infection rate. Should our infection rate continue to climb, I will have no choice but to close the buildings for our safety for a period of time.
In making this decision to remain open for now, I have considered all the feedback I received from each of you over the last few weeks regarding the importance of in-person service to your well-being during these unprecedented times. Attendance at Saturday Service has an average of 13, while Sunday tends to run a little bit higher at about 18, well within a manageble safe limit.
I also hear the fears, worries and concerns for all of you who have not been able to attend. We will continue to livestream our Sunday Service and Special Events via Facebook and post the recordings directly to our website for viewing at any time. PLEASE, if you are in need of pastoral care or wish to touch base and chat do not hesitate to call me on my cell (551) 697-6133.
I hear too the fears and concerns of those of you who have been attending and participating in ministries. Please, if you are in any way uncomfortable in fulfilling those ministries or wish to stay away for some time as to when it is more safe, I urge you to do so. We will adjust as necessary.
In order to provide adequate safety for Julie in our office, I am asking you to refrain from coming into the office for any reason. Please call for any assistance you may need. I am also asking the Counters to suspend the counting ministry at this time in order to reduce contact with office surfaces.
May I remind you that reservations are extremely important and need to be updated week by week for our saftey records. Also if you are traveling for the Holidays, PLEASE adhere to the State's required quarantine time of 14 days before attending service.
Even in these times there is much to look forward to and we are finding ways to bring a more joyous Advent/Christmas season to all. We will be decorating for the season much earlier this year than in years past, inside and out. It is important for our spirit both within the church and within our community to project the Love and Hope we have in Christ. If you are comfortable and wish to participate, please contact Jack or myself to take part as soon as possible.
I am also exploring the best way of how to safely open the church doors for private prayer during the day and one evening per week. My goal is to provide a safe space where you may enjoy the wonder and ambiance of the season in prayer away from a group gathering such as Weekend Service. I will also make myself available during those times to distribute Holy Communion from the reserve should you wish to receive.
Many of you have inquired about Christmas. We have a plan and there will be plenty of opportunity to worship in various ways. More to come in the weeks ahead. For now I wish not to overload you with information.
Please keep those in your prayers who have been homebound this entire time, pray also for those who minister at The Branches who continue to provide food and services to those in need, pray also for our Thrift Shop employees and their families, and always for those who are sacrificing their safety and security for us, working diligently for our health and well being.
We are United in Love and I am grateful to each of you!
Please stay Healthy, have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving and know that you are Loved!
May God's Peace be with You+
Blessings,
Mo. Allison+
551-697-6133
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Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service Nov. 22
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The Annual 7 Mile Island Thanksgiving Service will be held this year at Maris Stella Church, 5012 Dune Drive, Avalon on Sunday, November 22 at 7 pm. Clergy from St. Mary's, Our Saviour Lutheran, Avalon Methodist, and St. Brendan the Navigator Parish will offer prayers of thanksgiving. Masks and social distancing will be observed.
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Stewardship "United in Love"
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We give Thanks for you and your Love!
Thank you ALL for the financial commitments that you made for 2021. Your commitment will further God’s work in our church. The generosity of so many people supports our ministries and mission.
The stewardship emphasis, United in Love, helps us understand that God calls and equips us to be his stewards through God's Love for us. God uses and works through us to accomplish God's work for which we give God praise and thanks.
It is truly an honor and privilege to be God’s stewards through whom God accomplishes God's purposes. The Holy Spirit, working through God’s Holy Word, transforms us to be His faithful stewards. Through faith, we know all of our gifts are from God, the motivation to serve and to give is from God, the cause to support is God's and the promise to bless the gifts and the givers is God's as well.
We give Thanks to and for you!
We will keep you informed on the work of our ministries throughout the year so you can see your contributions in action. We pray for your ongoing involvement, also, in the ministry and mission of our church.
Thank you again for sharing your blessings and being a partner in this journey of faith.
May God’s blessings be with you as you faithfully manage all that God has entrusted to you.
We are United in Love!
God Bless.
2021 Stewardship packets have been mailed.
Please prayerfully consider your pledge to the mission and ministry of
St. Mary's and return your Pledge Certificate to the church office or place it in the offering plate as soon as possible. If you did not receive a packet and would like one, please let the church office know. Thank you!
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Get Their NAME
A Leadership Retreat
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Calling all Leaders...
Want-to-be Leaders...
Curious seekers and more!
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NOV. 21
11:00 am - 2:00pm
Based on the book Get Their Name by Farr, Kotan and Anderson together we will explore in practical terms how to change the habits of leaders and entire congregations, so that invitation is natural, constant, systemic, genuine, and easy.
Get Their Name equips us to share our faith in a way that is effective, biblical, and transformational.
Purchasing the Book is not required but recommended and can be found HERE.
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After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
PS. Don't forget to invite a friend!!!
ALL WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE!!!
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THANKSGIVING FOOD BASKETS
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The Branches is hoping to supply as many families as possible with a Thanksgiving meal. If you receive a free turkey, we would love to pass it on to one of our families. Other needed items are turkey gravy,
Stove Top Stuffing and pies of any kind.
Items may be left on the table outside The Branches Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 to 1 pm. Or, you may drop off your donations at St. Mary's. The Chapel is open 24 / 7 and we are in the office if you need to call for a pick up. We will be happy to take your items to The Branches for you. 609-368-5922
Thank you for helping us serve those without.
We are blessed beyond measure. Sandra & Terri
To keep up with news from The Branches, hours for donation drop off, or to make a donation, see their website: www.thebranchesoutreach.org
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Advent Study: The Incarnation, Dec. 2
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His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh.
In "Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas", author Adam Hamilton examines the names of Christ used by the gospel writers, exploring the historical and personal significance of his birth.
Mo. Allison will facilitate our study for Advent based on Adam Hamilton's new book beginning Wednesday, December 2nd, and continuing on the Wednesdays of Advent via Zoom at 6 pm.
You may purchase a copy of Incarnation on Amazon HERE.
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Dear Friends,
For our prelude this weekend, I will play Rigaudon from Idoménée, by French composer André Campra (1660 – 1744).
Campra was born to a prestigious family in Aix-en-Provence, France. His first music teacher was his father, who himself was an accomplished violinist. Campra received further training at the choir school of Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, and later went on to become a priest.
Campra served as music director at numerous cathedrals, perhaps most notably Notre-Dame de Paris. His work there was innovative, and somewhat controversial. He had a secret love of theatrical music, and frequently published his theatrical compositions under his brother’s name, in order to avoid the church’s scrutiny. In 1700, he resigned his position at the cathedral and dedicated himself to composing theatrical music.
Campra was successful in his new career. He enjoyed the admiration of audiences and critics alike, but the press was often unkind to him. Many of his operas, including Idoménée, remain popular to this day.
Enjoy the music this weekend - and until we meet again, take care and stay well!
David
A special Thanksgiving Eve program will be presented by David and Cheryl on Wednesday afternoon at 3 pm on Facebook Live. Join us!
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We need a little Christmas
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This year, people are skipping ahead to Christmas earlier than usual, and it seems to be less about commercialization and more about wanting as much joy and light as possible after such a stressful and lonely time this year has been.
The song "We Need a Little Christmas" seems particularly appropriate this year! So, with that thought in mind, we are planning to green the church a little sooner than usual - by Dec. 6th.
Mother Allison also would like to open the church one day a week during Advent for anyone in the community to stop in for a time of prayer or reflection, and to enjoy the comfort and peace our beautiful sanctuary may bring them.
Please let Mother Allison know if you can help with the greening.
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Congratulations to Bill & Janice Haines celebrating their 67th Wedding Anniversary on November 26th!
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Large and small print issues of the Forward Day by Day for November, December and January are in the church narthex and chapel. You may pick up a copy or we will be happy to mail one to you. Call or email the church office.
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Please Help the Altar Guild
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If you are feeling called to this important ministry, please contact Janice Haines, [email protected]
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Lectionary Text this Week
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Saturday 5:30 PM in the Sanctuary
Sunday 9:00 AM in the Sanctuary
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