Staying Connected: November 27, 2020

Rector's Corner

November 27, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE and Advent

Dear Family,

Good News, while peaking at 32.6% infection rate, Cape May County is (as of writing this email) now remaining at a 25% infection rate per 92,000. Let us continue to be vigiliant and pray this rate continues to decline. Let us also continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones to the virus, suffer with the virus, and those who are sacrificing their own safety and security for the needs and care of all of us.

While I will continue to follow the infection rate closely in our area, we will be celebrating the First Sunday in Advent inside the Church with those who are comfortable in attending. We will remain online for all to participate. Whether you join us live on FaceBook or watch later on our website, I am grateful for your spiritual presence and continued prayer and worship.

Remember, if you are traveling for the Holidays we do ask that you adhere to the State's guidelines and quarantine before attending service. I also would like to kindly remind you that due to our small space you are required to make a reservation either on our website or via phone call. Our max capacity, including all servers is 28.

Advent is a hopeful and holy season in which we are called to be alert and watchful. This season anticipates the great celebration of Jesus’ birth and his Incarnation in human history. While Advent prepares our hearts for Christmas, we are also called in a special way during Advent and throughout our lives not only to “anticipate” something that already happened – Jesus’ birth – but to be alert for signs of God’s presence in our lives.

One way to train ourselves in becoming alert to God's presence is to adopt, at least during Advent, the nightly practice of the Examen. This reflection, from Saint Ignatius Loyola, involves reviewing the past day – not only remembering times when we might have displeased God or missed out on his message to us, but perhaps especially to remember times that God might have been gifting us with a grace. Did a child or a colleague pay us a compliment? Did we gain a sudden insight when dealing with a challenging problem? Were we impressed by the sunrise or by the call or sight of a bird? These can be seen as gifts from God, signs of God’s love. Participating in a practice such as this could help us be more alert and watchful throughout the day of the many ways God is present to us.

May the Love and Peace of God be with You+

Blessings,

Mo. Allison+

551-697-6133

FALL CONVOCATION MEETING

In order to comply with the canons, we will need to hold a Fall Convocation Meeting which is scheduled for Monday, December 7th at 7 PM. It will be a very brief meeting - a time for check in, sharing and questions.

Topic: Atlantic Convocation Fall Meeting

Time: Dec 7, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://dioceseofnj.zoom.us/j/91078997012?pwd=d0kzRDJMMnRtdElxTDB0K1MwanVRQT09

Meeting ID: 910 7899 7012

Passcode: 670541

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,91078997012# US (New York)

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE DONATION HERE

Advent Study: The Incarnation, Dec. 2

His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh.

In "Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas", author Adam Hamilton examines the names of Christ used by the gospel writers, exploring the historical and personal significance of his birth.

Mo. Allison will facilitate our study for Advent based on Adam Hamilton's new book beginning Wednesday, December 2nd, and continuing on the Wednesdays of Advent via Zoom at 6 pm.

You may purchase a copy of Incarnation on Amazon HERE.

Advent Giving Tree

St. Mary's has supported Caring for Kids for many years by having church members help to fulfill the wishes of local families on our Advent Giving Tree. This year, the need is greater than ever, so we have committed

St. Mary's to help 10 families.

Due to the virus, we will not be purchasing gifts but are asking for financial donations which we will give to Caring for Kids to use for the families.

If you would like to make a contribution, please send your check to the church office with "Giving Tree" on the memo line. Thank you for your help with this caring ministry of St. Mary's.

Advent-at-Home Wreath Liturgy

Music with David

Dear Friends,

This week, despite all the hardships we are experiencing, our country paused for a moment to celebrate Thanksgiving. My hope is that the holiday brought you some cherished time with your loved ones, and that you were able to share that time safely, amidst a bountiful table.

Many years ago, I learned that an “attitude of gratitude” was essential, especially when times were tough. I think we can all agree that these are difficult times. I hope that you are able to see how much there is to be grateful for, even when things are as bad as they are now. I hope that gratitude will sustain you, as it has sustained me.

I realize again this holiday that God has been very gracious to me, in more ways than I can really count. I think if you take a moment to count your blessings, you’ll probably feel the same way too.

I’m hoping that you all are well, and I look forward to seeing you both in church and online again soon!

David

A special Thanksgiving Eve program was given by David and Cheryl on Facebook Live. If you missed it, you can watch it here.

We need a little Christmas

This year, we plan to green the church earlier than usual - by December 6th. After such a stressful and lonely year, we all need the joy that Christmas brings. The song "We Need a Little Christmas" seems particularly appropriate this year! Please let Mother Allison know if you can help with the greening.

The church will be open and Mother Allison will be available on Thursdays during Advent for anyone in the community to stop in for a time of prayer or reflection. This will also give those who are hesitant about coming on Sundays an opportunity to commune.

Happy Anniversary

Janet and Norman Proulx

and Dean & Beth Blair

Birthday Blessings

Karen Murnaghan on December 4th!

Forward Day by Day

Large and small print issues of the Forward Day by Day for November, December and January are in the church narthex and chapel. You may pick up a copy or we will be happy to mail one to you. Call or email the church office.