Coronavirus Guidelines

Bishop Jeff Lee and his staff have put together some guidelines for limiting the spread of the coronavirus and acting for the good of all, particularly the most vulnerable.

• Frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer is one of the best ways to keep from spreading the virus.
• Congregations should avoid intinction (the dipping of the host or bread into the chalice).
• It is perfectly OK to receive the host only and bypass the cup. We receive the fullness of communion by receiving only the bread.
• Hugging and handshaking are best avoided at the moment. Instead, worshipers can greet one another during the peace with waves, bows, or other signs that don't involve physical contact.
• People who are ill are encouraged to stay home and assured they will be included in the congregation's prayers.
• Coffee hour and meal program volunteers are reminded to wash their hands and handle food with plastic gloves or utensils. 
• Finally, I ask you to pray. Among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, please pray for those in greatest need, for wisdom for our civic leaders, for guidance for all of us who have responsibility for our congregations, and for those who are afraid and alone.  Along with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, I offer to you this prayer for our time from Episcopal Relief & Development:

God of the present moment,

God who in Jesus stills the storm 

and soothes the frantic heart;  bring hope 

and courage to all who wait or work in uncertainty.

Bring hope that you will make them the equal

 of whatever lies ahead.

Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,

for your will is health and wholeness; you are God, 

and we need you.

- Adapted from New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765

 

What is a Deacon?

On Sunday, March 22 , during Coffee Hour following the 10:00 service, please join Mike Choquette , our deacon postulant, as we discuss "What Is a Deacon?"

Mike will discuss the role of servant leadership in the Church and how the deacon symbolizes the Church's call to ministry beyond its four walls. He will touch upon the history of the diaconate in the Episcopal Church, the emerging role of the deacon to speak truth to power, and a deacon's journey from discernment with family, friends, and the wider church, to ordination.  Please  join us for coffee and refreshments after the 10:00 service for what we are sure will be a great conversation.

   

Lenten Soup Supper & Study Series Underway

Every Thursday, March 5 - April 2 (6:30-8:15 pm)

Our annual Lenten Soup Supper & Study is in full swing.  Every Thursday during Lent we will meet for a light meal and study of the book/DVD, Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week.

In this study, author, professor, and biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine explores the biblical texts surrounding the Passion story.   She shows us how the text raises ethical and spiritual questions, and how we all face risk in our Christian experience.

We begin the evening with a simple supper, followed by a short DVD presentation, which will introduce our study for the evening.  We will follow up with a group discussion.

If you wish to participate, books (both hard copy and Kindle formats) are available on  Amazon.  You may attend as many evening as you are able.

If you wish, please sign up to bring soup, salad, or bread to one or more of our evenings .   Invite a friend! All sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board in the Great Hall. Questions? Speak with Rev. Fran.  

 

The 2020 Census

April 1st is Census Day. Let's make everyone knows how important it is to be counted.

*  The Census will shape how political power and federal tax dollars are shared in the U.S over the next 10 years.
* The number of congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state gets are determined by census numbers.

*  The census results guide how an estimated $880 billion a year in federal funding is distributed for schools, roads and other public services in local communities.
*  The results also aid businesses in determining where to build new supermarkets and other businesses important to your community.

No question about citizenship or immigration status will appear on the census.

Between March 12-20, 95% of homes in America will receive a postcard inviting them to fill out the census online. The card will have a 12 digit code to verify your address. There are only 9 questions that need to be answered for each person in your household.

Should you not respond with in 7 days, you will receive a reminder. This process is simple, but very important. Make sure you get counted in the census, and wash your hands often.

You can find more information about the census here. 

 

Easter Flowers

The Easter Flower Chart is now posted in the Narthex. If  you would like to help underwrite the flowers used for the Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday and the lilies for Easter Sunday, please sign your name, and the intention of your gift (in thanksgiving, honor, or memory of someone). The requested donation is $20, and checks may be made payable to St. Mary's (note "Easter Flowers" on the memo line).   You may also send a check to the parish office with the donation information.