From the Rector
The one where I talk about prayer. Again.
Today while sitting for a spell to think and pray in the Memorial Garden, I spied a hawk gliding high in the sky above, circling and probably searching for lunch. It brought to mind a poem by Mary Oliver. As far as poems go, it’s not particularly one of my favorites. Except for its title, which reads: The real prayers are not the words, but the attention that comes first. Oh I feel those words in my soul!
How many of us struggle to find the right words in prayer, worrying that we’re praying the right way, when what God really wants is just our attention in the first place. In a world designed to distract us 24/7, the choice of where we put our attention is sacred. Indeed, the heart of real prayer is the attention we choose to give God – whether it’s a split-moment thought, a daily discipline, or a middle of the night plea.
So yeah, I’m talking about prayer again, but really what I’m talking about is one of the most essential ways we grow in faith. During this summer season of tending gardens and flowers, don’t forget to also cultivate your spiritual life. And here’s the poem that spurred my musings, in case you’re interested –
The little hawk leaned sideways and, tilted,
rode the wind. Its eye at this distance looked
like green glass; its feet were the color
of butter. Speed, obviously, was joy. But
then, so was the sudden, slow circle it carved
into the slightly silvery air, and the
squaring of its shoulders, and the pulling into
itself the sharp-edged wings, and the
falling into the grass where it tussled a moment,
like a bundle of brown leaves, and then, again,
lifted itself into the air, that butter-color
clenched in order to hold a small, still
body, and it flew off as my mind sang out oh
all that loose, blue rink of sky, where does
it go to, and why?
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Sunday Worship Information
IN PERSON WORSHIP
We will gather at 8:30 am outside for Holy Eucharist in the Memorial Garden and field. All attendees must abide by the provisions of the Covenant for Regathering, including:
- wearing a mask
- maintaining physical distancing from those not in your household
- only attending when non-symptomatic for COVID-19 or any other transmittable disease
- abstaining from attending if doing so would put you at greater risk because of your own health status
To attend outside worship please plan to bring your own chairs or blanket. You will be asked to spread out in the field facing the building, keeping at least 8 feet between households – so consider hats or an umbrella for shade. While this will be a service with Holy Communion (wafers only), you are free to choose if you feel comfortable receiving the sacrament.
If outside worship needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather a decision will be made by 4:00 pm the day before when possible, and if it needs to be cancelled, an email will be sent out. In the case of unanticipated bad weather, including rain which would inhibit our ability to use sound amplification, an update will be posted to our Facebook page by 7:30 am the morning of. You can check our Facebook page for updates.
ONLINE WORSHIP
Join us on The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost for the Liturgy of the Word at 10:30 am followed by Zoom Coffee Hour, or watch the service livestreamed on Facebook.
A printable bulletin is available here.
We will “open the doors” beginning at 10:15 am for folks to greet each other and say good morning. Kristin+ will give instructions at 10:25 am and we will begin recording and livestreaming the service promptly at 10:30 am. Don’t worry if you’re late – you can still attend via Zoom if you “get to church” at 10:40!
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 857 7603 8391 Password: 601734
One tap mobile +13017158592,,85776038391# US
Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US
Facebook Livestream
We plan to begin streaming to Facebook at 10:30 am.
If you arrive at Facebook and you don’t see the video, please refresh your screen. There is a delay.
Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 virus, various health issues with committee members, and the difficulty in trying to solicit gift cards from businesses that are suffering because of the pandemic, it was decided that we would not participate in the Mt. Airy Main Street Oktoberfest event currently scheduled for late September. The town has stated they will make their final decision as to whether or not to move forward with Oktoberfest approximately thirty days before the event which is also not nearly enough time for our committee to prepare for the event.
Our committee is as disappointed as you are, therefore, members discussed the possibility of future opportunities to make a basket to raffle at our Holiday Quartermania and/or perhaps making a small quantity of gift baskets to raffle or sell before Christmas in the Church. There may also be an opportunity for Silent Auction Items to be raffled at that time.
We will be accepting donations at the lower level nursery school door by appointment only. Please call Marilyn at 301-788-0136 to schedule a day and time.
Please consider donating any items in good condition that may be suitable for men, women, or children of all ages. Some of our previous basket themes have been for babies, teens, teachers, pets, game/movie night, spa, jewelry, tea time, taco night, crab feast, sports memorabilia, fishing, golf, car wash/auto supplies, cooking, gardening, birding, crafts, tools, healthcare, exercise and inspirational.
Items for the Silent Auction would be those that would generate higher bids by themselves rather than as a part of a basket. Such items could include paintings, quilts, unopened perfume, fine jewelry or high-value gift certificates, and the like.
Please continue to pray that we will be able to return to using our beautiful church for indoor safe gatherings soon. Meanwhile, blessings from the “Basket Brigade” to you and yours!
Marilyn Hancock
Chairperson
14th Annual Basket Raffle and Silent Auction
PS As of publishing the Town of Mt. Airy has decided to cancel the Oktoberfest event.
Thursday Lunchtime Bible Study
Please join us TODAY for Bible study.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 821 2537 0150
Password: 991599
One tap mobile: +13017158592,,82125370150# US
Kristin+ will be away on 7/23/2020 so Bible study will resume on July 30.
Virtual Compline
Virtual Compline services on Facebook are Monday and Wednesday at 8:30 pm. You do not need to have a Facebook account to “attend” – just click here to participate. While your at our Facebook page be sure to “follow” and turn on notifications so you will be alerted when we go live or post updated information. Compline order of service can be found here.
Expansion of Troop 829
It has been one year (okay, 2 days short) that it was announced that St. James’ would be hosting a Boy Scout Troop. As part of early discussions between St. James’ and the Baltimore Area Council of ScoutsBSA, Bill Cunnane, Troop 829’s current Scoutmaster shared his vision that later on additional units could be started. We mentioned in the announcement that down the line there was a possibility we could host a Troop for girls (ages 11-17) and possibly a Cub Scout Pack (boys and girls ages K-5th grade).Starting within the next week or two ScoutsBSA Troop 829G will be formed. Jen Swift, currently an Assistant Scoutmaster in the Boy Troop will add the responsibility of Scoutmaster for Troop 829G.
But wait, there’s more! Wesley Held, another Assistant Scoutmaster in the troop has agreed to lead a Lion’s Den (boys and girls going into Kindergarten) and start the beginnings of Pack 829. He will begin recruiting leaders and cub scouts soon.Interested in learning more or joining the fun?Application forms for both youth and adult leaders are available in the narthex. Also, contact Kristin+ to learn more and get connected to Bill, Jen or Wes.
Braving the Heat
Thank you so much to Scouts BSA Troop 829 for volunteering to weed and beautify our outdoor spaces. The front gardens had become quite wild while we were all away, but they are now tamed and behaving gorgeously!
Lectionary Readings for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost:
Next Week’s Commemorations:
Prayer Rotation Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2020 by taking this notice home and by posting it where it will remind you pray to on a daily basis for the needs and blessing of:
Donna and Lynn Carr
Scott and Christine Carstens (Amanda)
John Cerveyn (Ricky, Matthew)
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.