Dear Friends,

Yesterday at Clericus (the gathering of Episcopal clergy on the North Shore), we had a presentation from an organization whose focus is reaching out to women experiencing postpartum depression. One brave soul came and told us her story.

In the conversation after, I asked her if she had heard from one such as herself while she was struggling, would it have made a difference. She said that it absolutely would have made her feel less alone and numb.

Anyone who has ever been part of a twelve-step program will tell you about the power of the story; for both the story-teller and the receiver of this gift.

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost, the sending of the Holy Spirit to stir up the story of God's loving purpose within us and to equip us with the tools to tell this story. Always remember that your own experiences of struggle and love have to power to heal, comfort, and reconcile. All you have to do is tell it.

In the Way of Love,

Debbie

This Sunday

Parish Prayer List

Please keep the following in your prayers:

For the Diocese of Massachusetts and our Bishop-Elect, for those battling cancer, especially Faith’s friend and the Princess of Wales, Heather and Prescott,, Ariana, Sheridan, Faith Aroko and Family, Jesse Hurst and Family, Angela Williams, Neal and Maureen Joyce, Arthur, Jane Thompson, Deb Young, Cindy Rhodes, Ron, Gerald Tucker, Allison Mascolo, Melissa Glassman, Max Joyce, Inga, Henry, and Lucas, Mel, Corey MacNeil, Dianne, Michael Towey, Jenny, Loretta and Kris, Deb Papps, Derek Fuller and Family, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and their ministries, for Ukraine and Haiti; the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem, the Salem Public Schools and for an end to racism, war, anti-Semitism, gun violence and oppression. In thanksgiving for our Stewardship Committee. If you have prayer requests, please email prayerlist@gracechurchsalem.org by Tuesday at noon for publication in that week's e-news.

Upcoming Events in June

June 2: Young and the Restless at 9:00 am

Come join us as we sing the story of the man who searched for the Pearl of Great Price and share the Holy meal together.

June 15: Retreat—”Joy” from 9:00 am—11:00 am

During this time we will study the joy of those liberated from slavery by the Egyptians, consider how joy can be a form of protest and resistance, listen to and participate in the joy of music, and prepare joy prayer ribbons to be tied to our tree. This retreat is sponsored by our Anti-Racism Team. Light refreshments will be provided.

June 16: Vespers for Juneteenth at 4:00 pm

The service commemorates the emancipation law becoming enacted in the last outpost of slavery in America. During this time, we will hear readings from Scripture and from Black poets and other writers. We will have an opportunity to renew our commitment to dismantling racism in whatever way we are called. And we will sing; sing wonderful music from the African American experience. (This service is in place of the Celtic Evensong on this day)

June 30: A Service Celebrating Pride Month at 10:00 am

During our morning Eucharist, we will hear stories and have readings that celebrate the great diversity in our community. We will consider ways we can commit to equal access, especially to health care. We will also remember the Stonewall Rebellion of 1969 on the Sunday closest to this historic event.

All of these events are free and we invite all to come