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THIS SUNDAY
The Seventh Sunday of Easter
Sunday Worship & Coffee Hour
10:00 am on-line only
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| Announcement from the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher |
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Bishops Issue Guidelines for Resuming In-Person Worship:
A Journey By Stages
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May 18, 2020 guidelines for returning to in-person worship. I have worked with Bishop Alan Gates and Bishop Gayle Harris of the Diocese of Massachusetts so that the Episcopal Church in the Commonwealth can walk together in these days. The canons and deans of both dioceses have been an integral part of this work, and I am particularly grateful for the leadership of Canon Bill Parnell of the Diocese of Massachusetts and our own Canon to the Ordinary, Rich Simpson, throughout this process.While the Governor’s plan goes into effect, I remind you all that no congregation may return to in-person worship before July 1, and only when the criteria for readiness have been met, affirmed by the deans and approved by diocesan leadership.
Following the Governor’s announcement this morning, the Boston Globe reports
that several epidemiologists have said that “a second wave of infection is possible, likely even. They noted that a return to church and worship services could be especially problematic.” It is reported that several large outbreaks in other states have originated in churches. Gathering is still not safe. Our first priority remains the health and well-being of our communities. We must be deliberate and comprehensive in our preparations. Our deans are developing a checklist specific to our congregations that will be part of preparing for Stage 2. This checklist will be sent to rectors and wardens as soon as it is complete.
I continue to be grateful for your faith in this time of pandemic. We have continued to be the Church in new and hopeful ways. I bid your prayers for those who have died from this virus and for all who grieve them. Doctors, nurses, essential workers are living icons of God’s love for us, and they need our prayers especially. Jesus’ mission of mercy, compassion and hope continues with passion and creativity. It is good for us to imagine gathering again as God’s people. We will undertake this journey in stages trusting that God goes before us and beside us.
To: All Clergy and Wardens
This evening we are sharing |
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The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher
Bishop of Western Massachusetts |
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A Journey By Stages:
Gathering, Serving and Growing
as The Episcopal Church in Massachusetts
During and Beyond a Time of Pandemic |
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Hello Everyone,
The Take & Eat coordinators would like to thank you for continuing to volunteer for our Saturday service. We (and our clients) really do appreciate your help. Our next service will be THIS Saturday, May 23rd. We will (hopefully) be serving a chicken and noodle dish.
As with the last two months, we will continue to operate with a smaller crew to reduce exposure. If you feel ill in anyway, please stay home. Contact Jon and he will let the kitchen coordinators know. Please only come to a service if you have signed up, as we need to keep the number of folks in the kitchen low. Due to the risk, we ask that children stay home. You can sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4CAEAA2EAAFB6-take
Cooks and Packers, we ask that you wash hands on entry, wear gloves, and clean surfaces after every use . Please come with clean hat and clothes, and wear a clean apron and mask provided by T & E.
Drivers, before you arrive, please sanitize the bags and coolers you use to transport food. Pickup will take place at the picnic tables outside the kitchen. During delivery, handle the food with gloves or use hand sanitizer, and when you drop off the food, please leave it outside and call the recipient to let them know.
NEW Backups list!
If you find that the signup is full, but are still interested in volunteering, please email Jon at jcartledge404@gmail.com, and he will put you on the backup list. We have had folks who need to drop out for everyone’s safety. Should that happen, Jon will email you the night before to see if you are still available.
Thanks again for all your help. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility during this challenge to our ministry.
All the Best,
Jon & the Take & Eat Team
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Hello Friends,
Our Virtual Compline continues every evening at 8 pm. Use the link below to get to Jason’s YouTube channel which is where you will find the videos both there and on our Facebook page.
Jason’s YouTube Channel. |
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THANK YOU for Maintaining Our Financial Health
During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Please continue to honor and maintain your financial pledge, while we are not able to be in church together. You can mail your weekly pledge directly to St. Philip’s at 128 Main Street, Easthampton, MA 01027, attention Joe Bianca, OR you can now pay your pledge or other donations securely online here: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1332157.
Thank you again and God bless you all,
The Finance Committee
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Support of the Easthampton Community Center
During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Over the last two months the ECC has signed up 200 new families for food aid. These families are victims of the economic fallout associated with the pandemic and the closure or curtailment of other services in the area. This has placed a strain on volunteers and staff as well as funding. The center continues to provide food aid to each family, as well as distributing a “Kids Bag” to every child every week. Most of these children participate in the school free lunch program.There are several ways for us to continue our support of the Centers efforts. Donations of food items can be made directly to the center, located at 12 Clark Street. Monetary donations can be made directly to the center, via their Face Book page, or through St. Philip’s by sending a check to 128 Main Street, Easthampton. If you send a check to the Community Center please put St. Philip’s in the “For” line. If you send a check to St. Philip’s please put EHCC in the “For” line.Thank You for continuing to support this ministry.
DURING MARCH & APRIL ST. PHILIP’S CONTRIBUTED $330 TO THE ECC.
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| Announcement from the Communications Office |
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Come, Holy Spirit!
Diocesan Pentecost Liturgy
Sunday, May 31st |10:00 AM |
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- Bishop Fisher is presiding and preaching at 10:00 AM
- Have a candle ready to light as we renew our Baptismal Promises
- Over 40 participants from around our diocese
- Virtual Choir
- Each congregation might consider hosting a virtual Coffee Hour after
- Wear red!
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| Service To Be Broadcast on Two Platforms |
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- Watch on our diocesan Facebook Page or on our Youtube Channel
- Specific links will be provided when post-production is complete
- “Like” and “Subscribe” for now
- The liturgy will be available for download in the next communication
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| Click the logo and “like” us! |
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| Click the logo and “subscribe” |
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| The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts | 413-737-4786 |diocesewma.org |
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| Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts | 37 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01103 |
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The church office and our buildings are closed until further notice
due to the directive of Bishop Fisher.
However, Laura IS
working remotely.
Email is best to reach her.
office@stphilipseasthampton.org
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