NEW THIS WEEK! It’s still a Zoom service, but now with preludial organ music, hymns and anthems recorded specifically this week in the church! Read about how it was done. Plus: the order of service for Sunday’s service, a chance to meet our new seminarian, and further opportunities for fellowship, engagement, and service.
This week: news about the opening of the church (Tuesday and Friday, noon-3pm) for socially distanced meditation and prayer. Plus: the order of service for Sunday’s service, and further opportunities to engage with the parish, the community, and the wider church.
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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.
This week: observing the feast of St. Francis…followed by an online blessing of our favorite parts of God’s creation, our animal friends and companions. Plus: ways to connect and engage with God’s church and people, and the big news: the church will be open for prayer and meditation Tuesdays and Fridays, noon to 3pm!
During this season of Zoom church, a number of cats and a few dogs have made an appearance during services. In honor of St. Francis, on Sunday, October 4, following the 11 a.m. liturgy via Zoom, we’d like to bless them online, and give thanks for their presence in our lives. All animals and their people are welcome!
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
One of our own parishioners, Meredith Ward, is now the Rev. Meredith Ward, following her ordination to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Saturday, September 19. Congratulations to Mother Meredith on her ordination, to Deb on becoming a clergy spouse, and to the Episcopal Church and its Diocese of New York for receiving God’s blessings in ordaining our beloved
Beloved God, all our times are in your hands. And frankly, this is a time that seems too much for us to hold. There is so much loss, so much chaos and confusion, so much distraction, anger and fear. And so we ask you to encircle us in your everlasting arms. Center us in your love, and guide us by your justice. Help us to know what is ours to do, and how to let go into your mercy. Grant us both the deep rest of your peace and the renewing energy of your Spirit. Use us, we pray, for the healing of your suffering, struggling, precious world, that our time here may be a blessing. Amen.
In this week’s newsletter: One of our own is getting ordained to the priesthood Saturday, September 19! Also: the order of service for Sunday’s Zoom service; the schedule for the New York Diocesan Convention (spread out over the course of 7 weeks); and other opportunities for fellowship and service.