The Shell Newsletter – June 14, 2018

Rector – The Summer Day

I’m away at the College for Congregational Development this week, and so instead of an article I offer you a poem for prayer and reflection.

Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+

 

“The Summer Day” by Mary Oliver

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?


Outreach

Would you consider giving $25 in honor of our 25th?

The Mt. Airy Net is celebrating its 25th year of serving the 4 counties area! As a not-for-profit Crisis Intervention Center and Food Pantry, Net relies exclusively on the support of the community and has been blessed for 25 years by the generosity of the people and organizations in this area.

However, the need is greater than ever. To ensure that Mt. Airy Net can continue to be a safety net for the most vulnerable in our community, please consider a monetary donation of $25 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Your faithful support will ensure that Mt. Airy Net can continue to be a blessing to the Mt. Airy community.

Monetary donations can be made via the website at mountairynet.weebly.com, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MountAiryNet/), or mailed to Mt. Airy Net, 403 South Main St., Mount Airy, MD  21771.

Pleasant View Nursing Home

The Activities Director, Donna Andrew, is looking for articulate, self-motivated and responsible people to help the residents with Bible study, gospel music, assistance with activities, transport residents to and from programs, lead a group activity and room visits.  Could you spare an hour two times per week or weekends?  They are willing to work with your schedule.  If interested please contact Donna Andrew at 301-829-0800 ext. 224 or Activities@PVNH.com.


Daughters of the King

Daughters of the King
St. James’ Chapter

 An Order for laywomen of the Episcopal Church
who undertake a Rule of Prayer and Rule of Service
by reaffirmation of promises made at Confirmation.

It was with great joy that Rebecca Herbert was received as a member of the St. James’ Chapter of the Daughters of the King at a Service of Admission on June the 3rd.  We give thanks for her faithful service and prayers.

The chapter will continue to pray for you, our parish, over the summer months.  May you have time for relaxation and enjoyment, whether you are traveling or staying close to home.

Karen Dulany, Joan Fader, Rebecca Herbert, Margaret Neff

 A Prayer for the Day

Take my hand, Lord, and lead me through the day,
step by step.  Remind me that I cannot do everything
I wish, nor any of it perfectly  Only You are perfect,
and only with your help can I do my best.  Help me to
remember to ask for that help.  Amen.


WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dear Parish Family,

Thank you all so very much for your support, prayers and friendship during the past year, and especially during the past few weeks.  Your visits, cards and meals meant so much to me and Jon.  Your attendance and participation in Jon’s memorial service and the lovely abundant reception you provided were so appreciated by our entire family.  Thank you!

Jon is on a peaceful journey now and I am filled with wonderful memories.

Sincerely,
Joan

Quartermania Thanks You!

Thank you very much to each of you who helped me so much with preparations before and during the event to make our Quartermania fundraiser a success.  This season we earned a profit of $1,012.60 for our church.

I am so appreciative for the wonderful St. James’ family we have that steps forward when there is a need—as you can see it definitely takes more than one person!

Marilyn Hancock
Quartermania Chairperson

LARGE TRAILER STILL NEEDED!!
The Basket Raffle Committee learned that the large trailer we have used in the past to transport our 60+ baskets and tables has been sold, therefore, we are greatly in need of an enclosed trailer approximately 28 feet long for Friday evening, October 12, through Saturday evening, October 13, 2018.  Please contact Don or Cheryl Windsor at (c)301-642-8487, (h)301-865-3195 or dcwindsor@comcast.net if you or someone you know may be able to help us with the use of a large trailer or two smaller enclosed ones.

Take Flat St. James with you wherever you go this summer!
Flat St. James is on the move.  Checkout our Facebook page to see a pic of him with Kristin and Heather at the College for Congregational Development.  Will Flat St. James make it further than Seattle this year?

Our little guy’s first stop this year was at Rocky Gap State Park with his friends Max, Sharon and Ernie.

Pick up supplies to make your own Flat St. James, and instruction sheets for taking and sharing summer pictures with him.  We can’t wait to see what our St. James’ community is up to over the summer!

Here’s our map so far.  It’s interactive so click on the markers.


Prayer Rotation
Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2018 by taking this notice home and by posting it where it will remind you to pray on a daily basis for the needs and blessings of:

Brian and Jessica Bahorich (Isabella, Ryker)
Robert and Kathleen Barazotto (Patrick, Phillip, Daniel)
Jane Barger

A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.