June 25, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ:

I don't know if you've sensed the obvious, but I've been noticing that we are all struggling right now. Financially in some cases, yes, but perhaps even more broadly, emotionally. I see it in myself, and I see it in others. We say things we don't really mean, we write and post things that aren't helpful, to put it mildly.

I've made a personal decision to try to be more kind, more welcoming, and more understanding . . . with God's help.

But just a few hours after making that promise, I got dragged back into an ongoing conflict with another clergy person who says our parishioners are complaining to her about me. I would ask you in all candor that if you want to complain about me , that you come to me to do the complaining. I can take it (and probably deserve it). But it does not help to tell someone else that you are displeased with me. Especially since, for the sake of peace, I have cut ties online with that clergy person (so now there's no way for the information to get back to me).

If I've snapped at you or offended you somehow in all of this, I am sorry for that. It's been a rough couple of months. I fully admit that I have been vocal about my personal opinions, at least outside the pulpit. As I say, I will try to do better . . . while also continuing to speak out for the downtrodden and neglected, as my ordination vows require me to do.

Together, we are the body of Christ on earth, and for that reason Satan's biggest goal is to divide us, and thus divide the body of Christ. For us to be divided is to give the victory to evil. Let us vow together not to let that happen, and to ask God to give all of us the patience and willingness to always choose kindness. I am always available to hear anything you have to say to me, and I welcome your input.

Now, on to the updates . . . .
WORSHIP
So, these days, we are offering 5 services each week--one, in person, and four streamed online.

Sunday :
8am we will open the doors for Rite I Holy Eucharist (with Spiritual Communion, since the Bishop does not currently allow distribution of the Sacrament). We have 22 "booths" for seating, and members of a household can sit together. So we can accommodate somewhere between 22 and 44 persons at this service. (Last Sunday we had 15.) By way of a reminder, everyone must wear a mask, so please bring your own if possible--we will have a limited supply available if you forget. (The priest is currently mulling over whether to play a piano postlude at this service.)

10am, we will stream Rite II Holy Eucharist (with Spiritual Communion) using Andrew Bolden's "Third Street Mass." (This service will only be available online, due to restrictions against singing together.) Service outline HERE , and hymns HERE .

Tuesday and Thursday : We will continue to stream The Great Litany and sung Compline at 7pm.

Wednesday : at 12:30pm, we feature one of our lovely stained-glass windows with prayers, and musical accompaniment by Choirmaster Andrew Bolden. (Only on our Facebook page.)

More information on all streaming services can be found at the Calendar page of our Website.

WEEKLY PUZZLE
This week's window doesn't really have a name. 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 when you have completed it!

This lovely window was given by Emma Ricks as a memorial to her parents, Mr. & Mrs. David Atwater, and her son, Theodore Ricks. The window contains several symbols of the Passion and Resurrection: palms, Easter lilies, and cross and crown. This window was restored in 2002 by Virginia A. Kerr, Maxine Atwater, Nancy A. Kerr as a family memorial and by Elaine and John Harris as a family memorial.
BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES
This week's only birthday is, Steve Merrill (7/1)--aka good friend of St. Nicholas.
No anniversaries to report.
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Please keep these friends and parishioners in your prayers.
Diana Lawver, David Wigginton, Keith Rowland, Joyce Vitale, Jenny Gump, Brian Dorosch, Don Zimmerman, Rachel Sanchez, Anne Smith, Dave Cottrill, and Carrie.
And do call the office if there's anyone you'd like to have added.

I am sad to have to tell you that Dr. Bob Ripich passed away after a long illness. Please keep Cathy and the family in your prayers.
THE GROUNDS
The weeding and mulching and planting continues. Our new flags finally arrived and are flapping in the breeze in time for July 4th. Buxton Roofing continues to work on the ongoing water intrusion. Jon Silvis has arranged to contribute new (to us) filing cabinets for the the Choir room. Chuck and Cathy Tilley did a fantastic job of cleaning the building to get us ready for last Sunday's service. All that is missing is seeing your smiling faces and hearing updates on your lives and families. We'll have that chance again, eventually, but for now please keep yourself and your family safe, and don't neglect to pray for and check in on one another.
AS A REMINDER
I meant what I said in the opening here. If there's ever anything you feel I should know, good or bad or other, please pick up the phone and call me. Or send me an email or a text. My goal is always to be the priest that St. Timothy's needs, and no one should ever feel left out or left behind.

I leave you with this collect from pg. 824 of the Book of Common Prayer:

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us,
in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront
one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work
together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.  Amen .

Faithfully,

Fr. George