From the Rector – The Blessing of the Beasts
As the expression goes, better late than never. While the first Sunday in October is the traditional time to bless pets, as it is closest to the Feast of St. Francis, this year we transferred the blessing to this Sunday – so get ready to bring your animals to church!
You read that right, bring them with you to church (either service) this Sunday. Last year we had a separate service in the afternoon, but this time around we’re going to enjoy the joy and holy chaos that happens when all creation praises God together.
Sit where you want, though we’ll likely set up a de facto cat side and dog side. Those of us with other types of pets can find a spot that works for our critters. For the safety and comfort of all attending, animals should be leashed or contained in a safe carrier. Farm animals are welcome, find a place to park out front and I’ll meet them outside for a blessing! Favorite stuffed animals are also welcome to receive a blessing.
It’s a big weekend at St. James’, with the Basket Raffle all day Saturday at the Carnival Grounds, and then wrapping up Sunday at church. But I hope you will embrace the whimsy and grace of our pet blessing service and participate by bringing your beloved animal companions to worship with you this Sunday.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Outreach
This year we have prepared eight care packages for our college students which will be blessed during the 10:30 Service on October 14 and mailed on October 15. These packages give our kids a much needed touch of home and a reminder that we are praying for them. Thank you so much for your generous donations!
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and we will be supporting three families from Mt. Airy net by providing them with thanksgiving dinners. We are seeking the following items: turkeys, potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, sauerkraut, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls, butter, pies, and napkins. Please give some thought to how you can help! Sign up sheets will be in the narthex in the near future.
On Sunday, December 9, after the the 10:30 Service, Carrie Vincent from Carroll County Social Services will be here to talk to us about the Foster Care Program. We hope you will join us in welcoming her that Sunday. We will be supporting 10 foster children again this year with our angel tree.
For those of you who were unable to join us on September 16 for the recap of our 2018 Appalachia Service Trip, you can go to our Outreach page and see the slideshow.
Blessings,
The Outreach Committee
Daughters of the King
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.
The Daughters of the King continue to pray for parish members on a rotating schedule. We have had many positive responses to our prayer ministry and, please know, you may call upon us at any time for a prayer request.
We welcome two new parish members to our prayer meetings: Carolyn Etzler, an interested member; and Peg Pelch, a Daughter of the King from her former parish in Illinois. We meet the first Tuesday of every month in the parish sitting area. Please check the bulletin for times.
Motto of the Order
For His Sake…
I am but one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
What I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do.
Lord, what will you have me do?
~Karen Dulany, Joan Fader, Margaret Neff
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office Hours Week of October 14
Monday – Thursday 10-4
Kristin+ Away at Clergy Conference October 14 afternoon to 16
During this time if you have pastoral needs that cannot wait please contact Senior Warden, Cheri McClanahan.
Annual Basket Raffle and Silent Auction
MINI-BASKET RAFFLE—A GREAT START!!
Thank you so much to all who volunteered to help for our Mini-Basket Raffle at the Thrift Shop during Oktoberfest on September 29th. We couldn’t have done it without you!
We had a beautiful sunny day with lots of customers who were amazed at our “Basket Brigade’s” creations. Though we only took a sampling of twenty-two baskets to display plus a poster listing the other forty-three baskets’ contents, many people bid on the majority of our 65 baskets earning a profit of $1,272 for the day!!
Let’s all please pray for another beautiful day this Saturday for our BIG Basket Raffle during the Fall Fest at the Carnival Grounds from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop by to see us!
Also, as parishioners, you will have one last opportunity to bid on your favorite Baskets and Silent Auction items on Sunday—don’t miss out! The drawings for the winners will begin at 9 a.m. Monday morning. It only takes one ticket to WIN!!!
Folk Group Wherligig
The New York City-based Folk group Wherligig will perform a concert of traditional music from the Celtic lands and from Scandinavia on Sunday, October 21, at 3:00 PM in The Church of the Transfiguration, 6909 Maryland Avenue in Braddock Heights.
Since 1985, Wherligig has delighted and educated audiences with the earthy sounds of acoustic Celtic and Nordic traditional music. This family music ensemble combines repertoire from Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, and Sweden in performances ranging from the concert stage to classrooms, restaurants to churches, festivals, weddings, and private gatherings. They have also recorded three CD albums to enthusiastic reviews.
The concert is free and open to the public, although a free will offering will be welcomed. For more information and directions, please contact the Transfiguration church office at 301-371-7505 or visit the website.
Murder Mystery Dinner
Don’t miss our own Kali Nanavaty as “Celine Gomez” in Players On Air production of “Murder & Mayhem at the Idol Awards”. November 3, 2018 at the Mt. Airy Fire Reception Hall. Click here for tickets.
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:
Joe Marick
Phillip Massay and Jie Yang (Ethan)
James and Simone Mauro (Cameron, Michael)
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.
