This Sunday is Pentecost! In the New Testament, Pentecost was the occasion of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the Acts of the Apostles 2:1–31. To celebrate this occasion, we ask for parishioners to wear red!
Bible Study
We plan to start a Lectionary Bible Study program again in the near future. This small group will meet in the Conference Room of the Parish House and will be held during the time between services. We will supply Bibles if needed and the Quarterly Study Material for use. A lectionary is a list of scriptural texts (called “lections”) recommended for daily use in worship or study, in our case on each Sunday. The format of The Revised Common Lectionary Bible Study is designed so that people with very little teaching or Bible study experience can lead a group through the weekly lessons. If you would like to participate either as a study leader or be in the Group, please see Fr. John or call the Church Office.
Adult Education Postponed for this Sunday
Due to our Pentecost services, Baptism and afternoon music program with Steve McBride, our Director of Music, we will postpone our Episcopal/Anglican 101 series for this week. This series will begin on June 5 at 9:15 in the Parish House.
Relief in Ecuador
[Episcopal News Service] Saturday, May 14 marks four weeks since the 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador causing the death of more than 650 people, injuring more than 4,600 and displacing some 30,000. Recovery from the loss of life and the estimated $2 to $3 billion in damages will take years.
Over the past month, the Episcopal Diocese of Litoral, which serves the coastal area hardest hit, conducted a survey of the communities surrounding its churches in the hardest hit area, and has developed a comprehensive plan to care for the short- and long-term needs of people living in those communities; appointing parishioners to liaise with local government officials.
The diocese is preparing to provide “effective and efficient support” to victims based on the results of the survey, said Litoral Bishop Alfredo Morante-España, in an email message. Support, he added, that will require significant financial resources over the next two to three years.
The diocese’s plan covers four courses of action: providing food; health and medical care; spiritual care; and reconstruction and housing improvement. This disaster has a direct link to some in our parish community. Donors can direct support Episcopal Relief & Development’s disaster fund: http://www.episcopalrelief.org/disasterresponsefund-1
Garden Market Success!
The first day of Garden Market was a little damp and cold but crowds of people still entered our gates and kicked off our 2016 Garden Market! Saturday’s weather was more pleasant so even more visitors purchased flowers and plants for their gardens. The vendors, volunteers, and the 4,000+ visitors all appeared to be quite pleased with this year’s Garden Market. A BIG THANK YOU to all who made it successful, and a special “Thank you” to Dru for her leadership! Check out some Garden Market photos: http://stmaryanne.org/garden-market-photos/
