Some time ago, I shared information about the "Ways and Teachings of the Church" and said that from time to time we would delve a bit deeper into the how and why of our lives together. Our topic for today is the service for which we gather for worship Sunday by Sunday.
This service goes by a variety of names: Eucharist, Communion, or Holy Eucharist and Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, or even the Mass. While Communion points clearly to coming together in union, the name Eucharist comes with a meaning of the word itself, thanksgiving.
What you or I call the worship at God's Table where we come together and offer bread and wine and ourselves to God, is less important than the act itself. We come together to be in the presence of God, to offer our prayers, to confess our shortcomings, and receive God's forgiveness.
The Book of Common Prayer contains the following words:
Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
Acknowledging our membership in the Body of Christ, we leave God's Table empowered for ministry and ready to participate in God's Mission of reconciliation in the world.
Our postcommunion prayer ends with these words:
Send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
In the words of our Church, "this is the family meal for Christians and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. As such, all persons who have been baptized, and are therefore part of the extended family that is the Church, are welcome to receive the bread and wine, and be in communion with God and each other."
Full participation in the Eucharist is a blessing and a privilege. If you have not been baptized and would like to join this gathering of God's people and share this meal, please do not hesitate to start a conversation with me.
It will be a blessing for you, for me, and for God's Church.
The Rev. Sandra L. Cosman, Rector
ECCT CONVENTION NEWS
It's always spirit-filled and moving when we gather to worship God together. Join us for Convention worship on Sunday, Oct. 27, with the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris preaching.
Registration is free & space is limited. episcopalct.org
MAGIC SHOW St. John's Episcopal Church in New Hartford Invites You to Marvel At Charlie the Magician Charlie Phillips is a senior at Avon High School. His close-up magic and kids' shows are sure to astound! www.charliepmagic.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 2- 4 p.m.
Kids Free - Kids at Heart $5 Refreshments will be served Reservations: (860) 379-3062
UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS TO NOTE:
Dates to Note
Back to School Scrip Orders - If you are interested, all orders need to be in to the office by August 18th, and the Scrip cards will be in by August 22nd. Copies of ordering sheets are in the narthex.
A Note for Parents of Young Children: God put the wiggle in children.....Relax, don't feel you have to suppress it in God's house. During worship all are invited to: sing the hymns, pray together, and voice the responses. If your child becomes restless...there are coloring papers & crayons along with fidgets and activities booklets in the back of the Church. We welcome your children to use these items with your supervision.
Open Door Soup Kitchen - Next date: September 21st at St. James in Winsted. (9:00am-1:00pm)
Peach Festival - August 24th -Peach Festival volunteers needed. Please contact the office for more information. There is a sign up sheet in the narthex.
Godly Play - Welcome Back Date - September 8th.
Dwelling In The Word will resume September 12th at 10:30am.
Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus -Nov. 17, 2 pm
CAMP WASHINGTON YOUTH FESTIVAL -WANTED: Young People (grades 8-12) and their friends who want to come together for an awesome weekend of fun, music, games, great food, worship, and friendship. We're hosting the 4th annual Camp Washington YOUTH FESTIVAL on September 7th- 8th, 2019! Thanks to the wonderful generosity of The Bishops' Fund for Children, the cost of this weekend is only $30.00 Register now to reserve your space and t-shirt!
August Collection - Hygiene, Snacks and Coffee Items Distibuted The Gathering Place, Torrington, CT.
Lay Weeders - Do you love gardening and getting your hands in the dirt? Sign up in the narthex or see Norma Pappalardo to volunteer in the Gill Memorial Garden.
Volunteer Opportunities - Third Saturday morning every month - Work with members of the Open Door Soup Kitchen Team to provide lunch for up to 40 members of our community who need food assistance.
Volunteer Opportunities - Thursday Mornings - Work with members of the St. John's Cleaning Crew to help keep our buildings beautiful and in good repair. See Ron Caine or Tom Chappell for more information.
Camp Washington If you have kids or grandkids, please consider this summer activity. See Mother Cosman for scholarship information
Care Givers Gatherings - beginning in September, we will be hosting a gathering for those who are giving care to loved ones for support and encouragement. Please call the parish office if you would like to be included.
Christ Church Cathedral - Hip Hop Mass, an offering to our ECCT youth (all ages are welcome), September 15th 3pm, 45 Church Street, Hartford, CT. For more information, please contact office@ccathedral.org
Coffee Hour at The Commons - An ECCT podcast Please subscribe to Coffee Hour at The Commons, where faith meets daily life in conversation, stories, and even some sermons. Available now on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Google Play, or listen on the ECCT website at www.coffeehour.org.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers Needed - Valley Thrift Shop is in need of volunteers as little as 3 hours. Please see Diane Hayes if interested.
Coffee Drinkers and Morning Snack Lovers Needed - If morning noshes are part of your way of being in the world, please consider signing up to host coffee hour!
GARDEN SCHOLARSHIP - Accepting candidates for the 2020 St. John's Garden Scholarship, see detailed info regarding the scholarship posted on the bulletin boards and call Norma Pappalardo 860-944-5541 or e-mail nbpapp@aol.com to sign-up to become eligible.
TREASURER'S NOTE:
Treasurer's Note - Summer Financial Support - St. John's expenses do not decrease during the summer months. Please help us maintain our financial health by staying current with your pledged support during the summer months. Thanks!
Participants for August 11, 2019:
Please let the office know of substitutions. Thanks.
9:00 AM Chalice - Kevin Case
9:00AM Lector - Larry Espinet 9:00AM Intercessor - Volunteer Needed
9:00 AM Greeters - Nancy & Jeff Linton
Vestry Greeters - Diane Hayes
Coffee Hour Hosts: Nancy & Jeff Linton
Altar Guild (August) - Donna Colavecchio, Joan Peresada & Leah Alibozek
Counters - Chris Osborne, Norma Pappalardo & Betty Castonguay