Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 21

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Readings: Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32

Link to this week's readings

From the Rector

The Vestry has continued to work on Strategic Planning since its previous vestry meeting, and my goal is for the Vestry to have a strategic plan to present to the congregation at the next Annual Meeting. Suggested goals include creating spaces for the community on our campus, expanding our relationship with the surrounding community, lifting up our children and youth and listening to their ideas for the future of this church, and continuing to improve how we welcome and incorporate visitors. The draft strategic plan can be found here. If you have feedback and suggestions, please let me or one of your vestry members know.

Also notable at the last Vestry meeting, we welcomed a new member, a Youth Representative, to the vestry. The Middle and High School Sunday School class elected Natalie Barton as Youth Representative. She will be responsible for representing the interests of the children and youth of the parish to the church's leadership. We appreciate her willingness to serve in this new role, which will ensure that the congregation has the opportunity to hear the perspectives and concerns of all its members.

Blessing of the Animals

Save the Date! Our second Blessing of the Animals service will take place on October 4th at 4 P.M. The service consists of some quick prayers for creation. Bring your pets to receive a blessing and a treat from Father Nathan.

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!

Funeral Planning Workshop

September 27th at 9:15 in the Parlor: Funeral Planning Workshop

Regardless of age, one day we will all make the transition to greater glory. We will talk a little bit about advance funeral planning and other issues around death and dying. Father Nathan will bring donuts to this one.

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 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.

Operation Christmas Child

The youth of our congregation have agreed to sponsor an Operation Christmas Child drive, a Samaritan’s Purse initiative, again this fall. The past two years the youth have set a goal of 50 boxes. We met that goal the first year and last year we were very close. This year they have set a new goal of 60 boxes and will be looking to the congregation to help them meet that goal.

Details will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

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 7th: Christian History and Anglican History

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.

Coffee Hour: 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

Monday:

Regional Council Meeting at Holy Trinity: 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.

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