Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 24

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings: Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 99, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22

Link to this week's readings

From the Rector

This week I want to talk about the church's outreach planning for the next year. Last week the church used some of its outreach budget to pay off about 570 dollars of student lunch debt. The Thrift Shop will also provide the school with extra clothes that can be given to students who have a need for them. This expenditure was made after consultation with our local elementary school and was approved by both the Outreach Committee and the Vestry.

In the next four years we would like to continue to develop relationships around the community, to learn the needs, and to help in supporting them. The Strategic Plan's goal for the next year is to build durable relationships with two community groups, so that we can provide what people actually need. The goal here is not evangelism, but rather it is service to all people in our community.

We already have many outreach programs, primarily the Thrift Shop and the Food Pantry. The goal for the Food Pantry is to be able to stock the food pantry with donations and to have volunteers help keep the pantry stocked when needed. Our goal for the Thrift Shop is to recruit volunteers to keep the Thrift Shop serving the community in the future.

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 fill out this two minute survey.

Budget Update

 Church income as of the Third Quarter stands at 162,473.36, about 12,000 less than expected. Year-to-date expenses stand at 215,914.38, about 4,000 more than expected. The current deficit is 52,721.02, or about 17,000 more than budgeted for. You can see the Treasurer's report by clicking the button below.

Organ Recital

 Join us this Sunday, October 18th, at 3 P.M. for an organ recital featuring organists from our Episcopal sister parishes in the Northern Deanery, showcasing their skills! Refreshments will be served!

Help Needed! Social Media Team

We need someone to help manage the Church Facebook and Instagram pages while Father Nathan is on paternity leave this November. If you are intrested, please contact Father Nathan at rector@emmanuelbelair.org.

Instructed Eucharist

We will have an Instructed Eucharist this Wednesday, October 21st, at 7 P.M. in the Church. In this Father Nathan will go over the parts of the service, why there there, and what the Priest is doing at the Altar.

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 Maryann 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.

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 Sundays in the Parlor starting at 9:15.

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.

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 usual 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 Sunday, 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 13th: 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.

Breakfast: 9:00 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

Organ Recital: 3:00 P.M.

Monday:

Vestry Meeting: 7:00 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.

Yarn Guild: 1:00 P.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

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