Parish Family Updates & Announcements

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER  |  MAY 24, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENTS  |  SERVICES CANCELLED WEEK 11

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

We are now able to review the process for reopening required by Bishop Budde for all 88 churches of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. In addition to the checklist for our preparation work, she has included guidelines and parameters as well as a Covenant for Regathering in Worship. She asks that we distribute this Covenant to our membership. 

Here are the promises to consider in fulfillment of our Covenant:

Love my neighbor as myself – Wear a mask or scarf over my nose and mouth at all times in church. Only attend worship if I am healthy and non-symptomatic with the novel coronavirus or other disease;  

Respect the dignity of every human being – Make no physical contact with people beyond the members of own household. Maintain a six foot or more distance from others in the congregation. Respect any requests for distance, masking and cleaning to ensure the safety of others; 

Seek and serve Christ in all people – Trust and support the decisions of our congregational leaders. Stay connected with others in my community.

Many of you have written to me to share concern about reopening.  Since we have a high percentage of members over 65, the “safer at home” personal policy certainly can be understood.  The main topic at this Sunday’s vestry meeting will be how to manage a safe regathering considering all the restrictions?  Then, on May 28, the clergy of the region meet to discuss the county wide plans for regathering. 

We will certainly report the results of these meetings and be in touch with you as soon as possible.  In this in-between time, we keep the faith that God will unite us in bonds of love and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish God’s purposes on earth.  The time is coming for our reunion.

Faithfully, Beverly+

PARISH PRAYER LIST   Please hold the following people in prayer:

Ryker Hurst, Vera Standing,  Dan Donnelly, Bernice Nunes, William, Chase Phifer,  Eleanor Young,  Davi Elizabeth Reznik, Phyllis Doughty, Elaine Austin, Donald Benson, Patrick Afoakwah, Phyllis Johnston, Easton Wilkinson, Bob Rotzinger, Angelica Wilkinson, Jan Barnes, Patti Johnston, Lu Emerson, Jonathan Tanner, Judy LaMarque, Stuart A. Wood, Aida Ledesma, Eunice Benson, Brad Gehrig, Robert Bennett, Buddy Brown, Emily, Judy Cavin, Marian Underwood, Gene LeTendre, Kyle Patrick, John, Tegan, Greta, Joan Schleicher, Billy Doughty, Linda Simpson, David Larson, Artie Miller, Amos Warren, Donna Sue Bradford and Chris Ferraro and all of those serving in the military and families.

Memorial Day originally honored military personnel who died in the Civil War (1861-1865). The holiday now honors those who died in any war while serving with the United States. It is also called Decoration Day. 

PRAYER FOR MEMORIAL DAY

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful

hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of

decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant

that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the

benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This

we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. (BCP p. 839).

PRAYER AT THIS TIME OF PANDEMIC

May you remember that God is above you, watching over you as a good shepherd, that God is below you, ready to lift you up in your weakest moments, that God is behind you to give you encouragement when you want to give up and turn back. God is in front of you, calling you forward in faith even when you can’t see how it’s going to work out. God is beside you holding your hand no matter what you are going through. But most of all, God is within you, as close as every breath you take. And that’s what makes all the difference. Amen.  (The Rev. Malcolm Marler, UAB Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama).

PRAYER FOR OUR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

In every beginning is an ending, O Lord, and in every end something begins.  Our graduating seniors are ready now for new learning and experiences.  Grant that innocence and hope may remain alive in them, bringing joy as they mature.  Grant that they may hear you still small voice in their heart saying, “Thins is the way; walk in it.”  Help them preserve old friendships while creating new ones.  Grant that we who love them may help them find their own voice, their own words and their own work in Christ’s true way, who knows the person they were created to be; we pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Confirmation Collaborative, ECUSA).

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

Parents:  If you have a graduating High School Senior, please send me an email message so we can properly recognize him or her. We always honor their achievement and pray in thanksgiving for their presence among us. rector@standrewsleonardtown.org

Students:  

Please write a brief article for the June Newsletter that names your High School, describes how this health emergency has affected you, any message for your parish family and any future plans.  You can send it to rector@standrewsleonardtown.org and deemcrae@mac.com

You can also record a video message to share with your parish family. Please send it to Mary Maker at mlmaker@abm-md.com