Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 23

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings: Exodus 32:1:14, Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23, Philipians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14

Link to this week's readings

From the Rector

"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name." Psalm 86:11

Some of our planned goals as a church relate to what has long been a strength of this church: Christian formation. All of us, regardless of our age, have room to grow in the knowledge and love of God. And that learning and growing is best done alongside others, who can share our struggles, reflect on the difficulties, and celebrate new knowledge with us.

For Children and Youth, we already have a strong Sunday School program, and wonderful youth in our congregation. The goals in our proposed strategic plan are not primarily about the numbers in our programs, but about making room for us to learn from them. We want to make space for them to lead the church through issues they find important. We have already done this in the past as a church, with the addition of the accessible swing. Our new Youth Representative is now on the vestry, advocating for them. We want to lean into it further, because we trust them.

As for adults, we have many formation programs already. Episcopal 101, Adult Forum, Wednesday and Friday Bible Studies, and the Lenten Series. But one thing your leadership has heard from you is that you want an opportunity to deepen your prayer life. That is one of our goals moving forward as well. Over the next few weeks, I will be going in depth in these rector's messages into our proposed goals for a parish. Let me know if these visions work for you! Or let me know if you see another direction God could be calling us.

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.

Operation Christmas Child

The youth of Emmanuel are now collecting donations for Operation Christmas Child. Lists of suggested donation items are posted in both the church sanctuary and the Maryan Room.

Please remember that donated items must fit into a standard-size shoebox (@4 ½” deep, 7” wide, and 12” long).

Also, please note that there are items that cannot be packed into boxes due to international shipping rules. Do not donate: soap, candy, toothpaste, gum, used items, scary or war-related items such as toy guns and knives and military figures, breakable items, lotions or liquids or drinks of any kind (including powdered), food of any kind, aerosol cans, or alcohol wipes.

Donated items can be placed in the box on the courtyard side of the church. Our youth have set a goal of 60 boxes (10 more than in the previous two years) and are excited to be working with this ministry again. The deadline for all donations to be delivered to church is Saturday, November 14, 2026, as the children will be packing the boxes during their Sunday School class time on November 15th. While the boxes filled with gifts is wonderful for the children in impoverished areas around the world, each box also receives a book which tells them about Jesus, in their own language, combining evangelism with outreach. Thanks to the congregation for their support of this wonderful outreach effort.

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.

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 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.

Adult Fourm: 9:15 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

Italian Night: 5:00 P.M.

Tuesday:

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

Wednesday:

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

Melita Maxwell Funeral: 11:00 A.M.

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