St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church
May 14, 2020
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Dear Friends in Christ,
Our sojourn in this season of social distancing continues; however, I am amazed at the many ways we are discovering to be Christ's body in the world. This week's Epistle includes familiar ways to connect to the life of St. Mary of the Hills as well as some new offerings and opportunities that begin in the days and weeks ahead. Also included this week is an update from our Outreach Team, active in responding to the needs of our community.
Let us continue to hold one another close in prayer in these days!
Faithfully,
Andrew+
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May 17, 2020
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
Morning Prayer
Online at 10:00AM
To join us on Zoom, simply click the link below.
You will be asked to enter your name and e-mail address.
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Sunday Coffee Minute
Are you missing the opportunity to connect with
St. Mary's friends during Coffee Minute?
So are we!
After worship on Sunday, join us at 10:45AM for an online Coffee Minute on Zoom.
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This will be set-up as a meeting so that we can see and hear one another, and small groups will be created and rotated so that we are able to mingle with different individuals and families.
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Choral Evensong for the Feast of the Ascension
May 21, 2020
5:30 PM
Join our choir for an online Choral Evensong marking the Feast of the Ascension.
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Daily Morning Prayer
Morning Prayer will be offered each weekday morning at 9:00 AM in a Zoom meeting room, allowing us to see and hear one another. Click the button below to join.
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Online Giving to St. Mary of the Hills
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Thank you for your continued generous support of St. Mary of the Hills!
Even as we practice social distancing and refrain from gathering for the health and safety of one another, the mission and ministry of the Church is ongoing - Worship, Christian Formation, and Outreach to our community continue in this season.
Please continue to remember us with your generous financial support.
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Gifts can also be received via mail at P.O. Box 14 Blowing Rock, NC 28605.
Joe Raulerson, Financial Secretary, can speak with you about setting up recurring payments to fulfill your pledge. You may reach him via e-mail at [email protected].
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NEW OPPORTUNITY
Reading Between the Lines
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Reading Between The Lines
(formerly BibleWorkbench) is a lectionary based life-centered biblical resource designed for small group formation in church and home. One of the texts from the Revised Common Lectionary is chosen for the upcoming Sunday and developed into a weekly design, including scripture, life application questions, literature and art.
We are planning to offer the class in a Zoom meeting on
Fridays - 9:30 – 10:30am
from
May 22
nd
– July 17
th
. The program is ongoing since it is based on the Sunday Lectionary, but you do not need to commit forever! Just say 'yes' for one session at a time.
This class is being offered to parishioners at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL and St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock, NC. A limited number of spaces are available. If you are interested in learning more or signing up for the first class, contact Owene Courtney ([email protected]).
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This Sunday in the Rector's Forum we will be talking about reading
the book of Acts together as a parish during the season of Easter. This week, we will be discussing Acts 13:1-16:15. All are welcome!
Join us on Sunday morning at 9:00AM on Zoom.
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I wonder...
For those with children in the home, or the young at heart, click above to watch and engage with a video of the Godly Play story of 'The Great Family.'
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Outreach Update
During these troubled times, the Outreach Committee and many members of St. Mary’s have been busy reaching out to people in our community. Five Bread of Life teams continue to provide meals once a month and arrange for them to be served at the Hospitality House. There has been close communication with the staff and leadership of Hospitality House, who continue to serve three meals a day seven days a week.
So far this year a total of $19,000.00 has been given to the following organizations to assist in giving aid to those in need; Blowing Rock C.A.R.E.S, Casting Bread, F.A.R.M. Café, Habitat for Humanity, Hospitality House, Hunger and Health Coalition and Who Needs a Change. These funds come from pledges to the congregation and designated by the Vestry to be spent as Outreach designates.
These organizations assist people in need in the High Country in a wide variety of ways that include; shelter, food, medications, clothing, counseling, and even such basic needs as diapers for little ones.
We support these efforts because reaching out to those in need is the essence of our faith and following the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. “In as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these you have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25.40)
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Calling All Makers of Face Masks
Have you been making face masks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
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We would love to hear from you as we seek to build a team of face mask makers at St. Mary’s. E-mail Fr. Andrew ([email protected]).
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An Easter Season Message from our Bishop
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Diocese of Western North Carolina
Resource Page
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The Diocese of Western North Carolina has set-up a resource page on their website, including online prayer resources, links to parishes in our diocese offering worship virtually, as well as public health resources.
Check out this excellent resource page by clicking the button below.
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