October 8, 2020
Dear Friends of St. Timothy's:
We are living in some persistently unusual times, aren't we? It seems every day there is some new shocking thing popping up in our news feeds and newspapers. And, on top of that, it seems we can't even agree on what these things mean. It is often tempting to slide down into rabbit holes of "doom scrolling," or to choose not to pay attention to anything, lest we get overwhelmed by everything.
But I want to remind you of Paul's words to the Philippians, which we will hear in the the Epistle reading this Sunday . . .

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

May God lead us to think on those things. On to the updates . . .
WORSHIP
You can find this week's bulletin insert HERE.

Sunday 8am & 10am:
8:00am Holy Eucharist Rite I, including distribution of bread, for those who wish to partake. Please remember: everyone  must  wear a mask, so please bring your own. All must enter through the parking lot doors, and provide contact information (if we don't already have it).

10:00 am, we will stream Morning Prayer, Rite II. The service outline is HERE, and hymns are HERE.
This service will only be available online, due to restrictions against singing together in person.

Tuesday 7pm:
We will stream The Great Litany and sung Compline at 7pm, on Facebook and at our website.

Wednesday 12:30pm:
Our regular mid-week service is back. Though we are unable to offer anointing for healing due to social distance restrictions, we will have distribution of bread for those who wish to partake. (Restrictions and guidelines are the same as Sunday 8am service.)

Thursday 7pm:
We will continue our new weekly Thursday service, based on a Taize' model of singing. You can tune in at 7pm, on Facebook and at our website. You can find an outline of the service HERE.

More information on all our services can be found at the Calendar page of our website, and all streamed services are then uploaded to our youtube  page.
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
Everyone's favorite two words, I know. However, an annual stewardship campaign is a necessary part of keeping St. Tim's healthy and thriving. Our budget for 2021 will be based on pledges from the folks who support the parish. If you haven't received a pledge card by now, it should arrive in the next couple days. The Vestry and I ask that you prayerfully consider your support of St. Timothy's, and to make a "best estimate" of what you expect to give in the coming year.
Also, we have added a tab on our website, which allows you to pledge discretely online, meaning you can opt not to return the pledge card, if that's more convenient. You can find that link HERE.
Thank you in advance for your continued support of our parish.
BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES
Celebrating birthdays this week are Wanda Hann (10/13), Lisa Smith (10/13), and Mary Lou Long (10/15).
No anniversaries this week, as far as I'm aware.
Be sure to send happy thoughts and good wishes to all who celebrate this week!
BUNDLE UP FOR CHURCH
As the weather turns cooler, we've made the switch over from AC to heat throughout the building. Not a dramatic difference so far, of course, but winter is coming--as Jon Snow might say.
The reason I bring this up is because we will still be needing to keep the windows open when we gather together, given the aerosolized danger presented by this virus.
Point being: If you're intending to come to one of our in-person services during the week, you might want to bring along a small blanket and/or keep your jacket on. We will continue to do all we can to keep everyone safe, and that means keeping the windows open whenever we gather together.
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Please keep these friends and parishioners in your prayers.
David Wigginton, Joyce Vitale, Brian Dorosch, Don Zimmerman, Rachel Sanchez, Anne Smith, Bob Meyer, Chris Lane, Chelsey Levin, Judy Wigginton, Don Merrill, Trish Dwigans, Priya Kurian, Sarah, Ben, Chuck Tilley, Mike Requa, Donald Trump, and all those affected by COVID 19.
And do call the office if there's anyone you'd like to have added.
WEEKLY PUZZLE
This week, we feature something you've probably seen so often that you forget it's there. Robert Peet Skinner brought back this Orthodox Cross from Russia in 1933, when he was in the diplomatic service. He donated it in memory of his mother, Cecelia V.R. Skinner. Before being appointed to the post by McKinley--but actually enacted by Theodore Roosevelt after the assassination--Skinner was editor and publisher of The Evening Independent. You can find out more about the Russian Orthodox Cross HERE.
Fun fact: the slanted bar is always supposed to point north, as it does on this cross, displayed on our pulpit.
It's a lovely piece of art, and worthy of it's own puzzle, in my opinion.

You will find the puzzle by clicking  HERE. You can choose your background color, number of puzzle pieces, and even set it to display just the edge pieces. Plus, you get a very affirming crowd reaction once you have completed it!
UPCOMING THINGS TO NOTE
In the month of November, we'll be collecting blankets for our neighbors in need, as we do every year. We're not going to have a specific goal in mind, given the logistical challenges during this pandemic. But I ask that you keep this in mind as we head through October.
Also, we're still not sure about our annual Thanksgiving and Christmas outreach, but I'll keep you updated as those get closer.
Our food pantry could use some topping off; consider adding some canned meats, pasta, cereal, and soups to your next shopping trip. Please do not bring any canned vegetables, as we have plenty.
And, as always, thank you for continued generosity to those in need. St. Timothy's remains a beacon of hope in our community, and a reminder of God's unconditional love for all people.

Faithfully,

Fr. George