Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 22

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46

Link to this week's readings

From the Rector

Blessing of the Animals is approaching this Sunday, and since I don't preach a homily for that service, here is the short version. Are there pets in heaven? The short answer is yes! The longer answer has to do with what Paul has to tell us in the Letter to the Romans: that all of creation waits for God's redemption. All of creation will be made new. Christ's remaking the world is not simply about our salvation, but about setting right the brokenness of the entire created order.

So why then do I not baptize cats (other than fear), or give communion to dogs? Animals cannot sin. They cannot be separated from what God has created them to be. Don't get me wrong, my cats can do things I don't like. But an animal is always acting in nature with its creation, and our human rules for it are not some moral command to it. In short, sin requires intention, which the dog cannot give. Human beings, who were created to be good stewards of the world and love one another, regularly act outside of who we are created to be. And we can grow into our new callings. So the grace of God comes to us in the sacraments, helping to restore us to who we truly are. Or where we were meant to be.

Strategic Plan Draft

The Vestry has, with your feedback, produced the first draft of the strategic plan. More will go into it in the future, but the Rector and the Vestry are hoping to receive feedback on the goals that are in the draft. Are they the right goals? Are there things you think we missed? Do you love the goals? Please send feedback to either rector@emmanuelbelair.org, office@emmanuelbelair.org, or talk to one of your friendly vestry members.

Blessing of the Animals

Save the Date! Our second Blessing of the Animals service will take place this Sunday, October 4th at 4 P.M. The service consists of some quick prayers for creation. Bring your pets to receive a blessing and a treat from Father Nathan.

Italian Night

Italian Night is back! On Sunday, October 11th at 5 P.M., we will gather for a pasta and meatball dinner. Tickets are $20 per person or $50 for a family.

We could use help putting on this event. Please let the office know if you can help with preparations on Saturday, October 10th at 10 A.M., cooking on Sunday, the 11th at 3 P.M., serving at the event, or with cleanup. Also, this week's bulletin will have a sign up insert.

Organ Recital

 Join us on Sunday, October 18th, at 3 P.M. for an Organ Recital, featuring organists from around our Episcopal sister parishes in the Northern Deanery showing off their skills! Refreshments will be served!

New Adult Forum Series

Our next adult forum series will be on how to read difficult Scripture. Ever wonder what to do with Jesus more difficult parables? The violence in Scripture? Or the apocalyptic texts? This forum will help you through those texts, as we wrestle with them together. Adult Forum meets in the Parlor starting at 9:15

October 11th: What do we do with the violence in Scripture?

October 25th: How do we work through the difficult parables?

November 8th: Working through apocalyptic imagery (led by Dixon)

If you would like to attend but cannot come in person, please reach out to Fr. Nathan for options to attend online.

Melita Maxwell

The funeral for long-time parishioner Melita Maxwell will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on October 17th at 11 A.M. A reception will follow the service.

All Saints and All Souls Day Services

Since All Saints Day falls on a Sunday this year, we will have our traditional celebration of All Saints Day as part of our normal Sunday Services. It will include the reading of the necrology, the list of those who have died within the last year. If you have a name you would like to add to the list, please email the church office by October 18th.

In addition, we will hold a service for All Souls Day, a more somber and reflective service, on November 1st, at 4 P.M. in All Saints Chapel.

Operation Christmas Child

The youth of our congregation have agreed to sponsor an Operation Christmas Child drive, a Samaritan’s Purse initiative, again this fall. The past two years the youth have set a goal of 50 boxes. We met that goal the first year and last year we were very close. This year they have set a new goal of 60 boxes and will be looking to the congregation to help them meet that goal.

Details will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

Episcopal 101

Episcopal 101 began on September 23rd at 7 P.M. That class introduced the Episcopal Church and what we believe, as well as covering the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Anyone is welcome to any session, but the course is required for adults seeking to be confirmed, received, or reaffirmed within the Episcopal Church.

Class Schedule



October 7th: Christian History and Anglican History

October 21st: What are we doing on Sunday?

What are the sacraments, and what does that word mean anyway?

November 11th: How do we read Holy Scripture?

What do we do when scripture gets challenging?

January 6th: How do we live faithfully in the world?

What is the Baptismal Covenant? What is the ministry of the Church?

If you would like to attend but cannot come in person, please reach out to Fr. Nathan for options to attend online.

This Week at Emmanuel

Sunday:

Holy Eucharist Rite I: 8 A.M.

Breakfast: 9:00 A.M.

Sunday School: 10:00 A.M.

Holy Eucharist Rite II: 10:15 A.M.

Coffee Hour: following the 10:15 service

Holy Eucharist Rite II: Noon

Blessing of the Animals: 4:00 P.M.

Tuesday:

Holy Eucharist Rite II with Healing Prayers: 10:00 A.M.

Wednesday:

Yarn Guild: 1:00 P.M.

Morning Prayer Rite II on Facebook: 8:30 A.M.

Bible Study: 6:00 P.M.

Thursday

Morning Prayer Rite II on Facebook: 8:30 A.M.

Friday

Thrift Shop: 9:00 A.M. to Noon

Bible Study: 9:30 A.M

Saturday

Thrift Shop: 9:00 A.M. to Noon

Rector's Contact Information

Father Nathan is in the office Monday-Thursday, from 8:00-4:00. Friday is Father Nathan's Sabbath day, and so if you send an email on Friday, you might need to wait for a response. To contact Father Nathan, please email rector@emmanuelbelair.org.

If you have a Pastoral emergency, contact Father Nathan at any time at 443-752-0573.

EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH

PO Box 628

(303 NORTH MAIN STREET)

BEL AIR, MARYLAND 21014

(410) 838-7699