Rector's Message: Saturday, 07 August 2021

Sunday, 08 August

The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

Included in today's update: Updated Mask Advisory, A Message from the Rector, Scripture Verse for the week, Birthdays in the Week Ahead, New Parish Administrator, Prayer Shawls Available, Volunteers Needed for Tea on the Terrace and Altar Flowers Guild, Important Fall Dates, Openings still available for Rector's Pilgrimage to Oberammergau Passion Play, Update on the daycare/preschool/education center, Job opportunities at SMG Clubhouse, Creative Angels Recipe, and Ongoing Updates

UPDATED MASK ADVISORY

In accordance with the latest CDC guidelines

and for the safety of all,

particularly the children in our parish family,

all worshippers are highly encouraged

to wear a mask or face covering,

regardless of vaccination status.

Thank you for prayerfully considering this request

for the health of all members of our faith community.

FROM THE RECTOR

Saturday,7 August 2021

This week, I want to tell you an old Chinese folk tale . . .

At the foot of a great mountain lived a father and his three sons. They were a simple and loving family. The father noticed that many travelers came from far and wide, eager to test their skills by climbing the dangerous mountain. But none of them ever returned! Over the years, the sons heard stories about the mountain, about how it was made all of gold and silver at its peak. Despite their father's warnings and pleading, they could not resist venturing up the mountain.

Along the way, under a large tree, sat a beggar, but the sons passed him by, not bothering to speak to him or give him anything. They ignored him and hurried on their way. One by one, the sons disappeared up the mountain, the first to a house of rich food, the second to a house of fine wine, the youngest to a house of gambling. Each became a slave to his desire and forgot his home. Meanwhile, their father became heartsick. He missed them terribly. "Danger aside," he said, "I must find my sons." So, he set off.

Once he scaled the mountain, the father found that indeed the rocks were gold and precious gems, the streams of flowing silver. But he hardly noticed. He only wanted to reach his sons, to help them remember the life of love they once knew. On the way down, having failed to find them, the father noticed the beggar seated under the tree and asked for his advice.

"The mountain will give your sons back," said the beggar, "only if you bring something from home to cause them to remember to love of their family." The father raced home, brought back a bowl of rice, and gave the beggar some rice as a thank-you for his wisdom. He then searched until he found his sons. One at a time, the father carefully placed a single grain of rice on the tongue of each of his sons. At that moment, the sons recognized their foolhardiness. Their real life was now apparent to them. They returned home with their father, and as one loving family lived happily ever after.

Each Sunday, we gather together as one loving family here at Church of the Messiah to receive a reminder of our true home, a taste of food that will help us remember who we are. It is the eucharistic bread, the bread of life, our Father's gift to us. This is the food of God's Kingdom, and it reminds us that God's eternal Kingdom is our true home. Again and again, each week, gathered before God's holy table, we eat the bread of life, lest our eyes grow dim and we fail to see his splendor, lest our minds grow dark and we forget the joys of home.

I invite you to come home soon . . .

Best wishes and blessings to you and your family as the summer proceeds!

May your summer days be filled with joy, health, and hope!

Blessings! Peace! Grace! And Love!

- Keith

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THE WEEK

Each week, from the lessons and psalm assigned within the lectionary, I select a verse or two that I hope you will find inspirational and helpful in the days ahead. This week's selected verse comes from Ephesians 5:2.

Be imitators of God, as beloved children,

and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,

a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.

BIRTHDAYS IN THE WEEK AHEAD

O God, our times are in your hands: Look with favor, we pray, on these your servants as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• Maggie Dickson-Budd

• Joan Wertz

• Ulrich Taglieber

• Karen Schoelles

• Julie Cooper

• Andi Repine

• Azaria Williams

• Collin Higgins

• Amy Robinson

INTRODUCING OUR NEW PARISH ADMINISTRATOR

Actually, she really needs no introduction since she and her family have been active and faithful members of Messiah for quite some time; she and her husband, Dave, were married here; her two children, Addison and Jameson, were baptized here; and she has served as our Church School Director for the past several years. TIFFANY REICHLEY will assume her new responsibilities on the first of September. She will be in the parish office twenty-five hours each week, Monday-Friday, welcoming visitors, answering phones, supporting the Rector and other staff members, and performing the wide variety and number of administrative tasks required to keep the parish (and Rector!) organized and functioning smoothly and in a timely fashion. Please welcome Tiffany to her new position.

PRAYER SHAWLS

The Prayer Shawl Ministry has an abundant supply of prayer shawls available for distribution. If you or someone you know is ill or hospitalized, shut-in, experiencing the death of a loved one, welcoming a new baby into the family or celebrating another life event, a prayer shawl serves as a reminder that they are being held in others’ thoughts and prayers. Requesting a prayer shawl is easy: simply contact the Rector (rector@messiahgwynedd.org; 215-699-9204) or Nancy Sisson (nlasisson@gmail.com; 215-285-0331).

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED . . .

ALTAR FLOWERS GUILD

Each Sunday, the altar is graced with flowers dedicated to the glory of God, as well as the memory of a loved one or given in thanksgiving by members of the congregation. For the past several years, these weekly arrangements have been lovingly done by Nancy Sisson and Deb Casey, with occasional help from Dale Murphy and Kristin Pickell. Sadly, Deb will soon be relocating to the Delaware beach area - a bit too far to commute for flower arranging! We are now looking for volunteers to assist in this important ministry by taking responsibility of providing floral arrangements for a few weeks each year. If you have experience in this area, or are interested in learning, please contact Nancy Sisson for more information (215-285-0331; nlasisson@gmail.com). Your help will be greatly appreciated.

BELFRY BARGAINS

After being shut for several months due to the pandemic, Belfry Bargains will reopen in September! All proceeds from this important parish ministry, now in its third decade, provides outreach funds to local, national and international social service and justice agencies and organizations. Hours of operation are 10:00am-1:00pm, Monday through Saturday. Volunteers perform a variety of tasks: assisting customers; manning the sales counter; receiving, sorting, pricing and stocking donated clothing, small kitchen items, and other merchandise. Assistance is needed, particularly on Mondays and Thursdays. If you are willing to serve, have questions, or need more information, please contact Diana Mulroy (dimulroy1@gmail.com).

SAVE THE DATES . . .

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th

• OUTDOOR EUCHARIST - celebrate Communion and the splendor of God's Creation on the church lawn in the beauty of autumn

• PARISH BRUNCH PICNIC - gather with your parish family and share a meal and fellowship

• SMG CLUBHOUSE DAYCARE - tour the newly renovated lower level of the Parish Hall, greet the daycare director and teachers

• CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION - register your children (age 4 through 6th grade) for the upcoming church school year

• 'SNEAK PEEK' SHOPPING DAY AT BELFRY BARGAINS - get a first crack at shopping before the official opening to the public on the following day: Monday, September 13th

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th

• 8:00AM EUCHARIST RESUMES - after 18 months hiatus, the early service returns for those who prefer a shorter, more contemplative Sunday worship experience

• CHURCH SCHOOL CLASSES BEGIN - children gather for class upstairs in the Parish Hall by 9:30am, then return to church in time to share in Communion

• NURSERY SERVICE RETURNS - the parish nursery, located on the upper level of the Parish Hall, is staffed by volunteers from 9:15am until the end of the service

OPENINGS STILL AVAILABLE!!!!

RECTOR’S PILGRIMAGE

TO OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY

& EUROPE’S IMPERIAL CITIES

a cultural & spiritual experience of a lifetime

September 10-21, 2022

more info: see flyer & narthex display

The original performance of the world-renowned Oberammergau Passion Play dates back almost four centuries to the year 1634. During the Thirty-Year War, the small Bavarian village of Oberammergau was spared the ravages of the Black Plague. In thanksgiving, the residents vowed that every ten years they would reenact the last days of Christ in a magnificent passion play. All of the performers of this once-each-decade event are required to be native to the village, from babes in arms to village elders. To be chosen for the various roles is a great honor, and to lend authenticity to the performance, the cast starts to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. In addition to visiting the charming Oberammergau village and attending the Passion Play (Category 1 tickets and seating), we will visit a trio of Europe’s most beautiful cities: Budapest, Vienna and Prague; as well as the fairy-tale town of Cesky Krumlov and other sites and experiences throughout the region. And our final night, in Munich, coincides with the opening of Oktoberfest!

Reservations are now being accepted for the limited spots available.

A $500. deposit holds your spot.

From the Rector: “Having escorted a group to the Passion Play in the year 2000, Deb and I can assure you that it is an experience you will never forget, will inform your understanding of Our Lord’s Passion, and deepen your faith!”

UPDATE ON THE NEW DAYCARE/PRESCHOOL/EDUCATION CENTER:

SMG CLUBHOUSE

The deep cleaning has been accomplished! All the spaces have been painted! The new flooring has been laid! And the tables, chairs, cribs, toys and other furnishings and supplies have started to arrive! The lease has been approved by the diocese and signed by both parties! The credentialing applications have all been filed and are waiting for approval!

SMG Clubhouse at Church of the Messiah

is well on its way to becoming a reality!

Be sure to be here on Sunday, September 12th, for the open house and tour of the newly renovated spaces, and an opportunity to meet the Day Care Director and staff.

If you, or someone you know, is in need of day care (3 months to 5 years) and wants to know more about SMG Clubhouse and enrollment opportunities, contact the Director, Syieda Logan, at 215-999-3811 or www.smgclubhouse.com for information.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES - SMG CLUBHOUSE

We are seeking adults that would be responsible for supervising, nurturing, and caring for children ages 3 months to 5 years old, school age children in our before- and after-school program and children utilizing our drop-in childcare option. Staff are responsible for welcoming children & families each day, providing meals, developing crafts and activities, changing diapers, assisting with toileting, and ensuring children behave well when in contact with others.

Primary responsibilities include, but aren't limited to...

• Nurture and care for children

• Supervise older children before and after school.

• Provide nutritious meals.

• Take temperatures and record 3 x's per day.

• Wipe hands and mouth before and after meals.

• Perform good hand-washing techniques for disease and infection control.

• Organize activities and implement curricula that stimulate children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth.

• Prepare bottles/ cups and change diapers.

• Ensure children have adequate supplies from home, such as diaper cream and diapers.

• Provide for a child's basic needs.

• Comfort children when they are crying.

• Determine cause of distress.

• Post updates to parents each day through the use of a parent engagement app.

• Participate in a minimum two evening parent teacher conferences per year to discuss a child's progress & needs.

• Become familiar with a child's IEP and accommodations.

• Make suggestions for things parents can work on at home.

• Recruit parent volunteers to work with the children and participate in administrative decisions and program planning.

• Prepare daily and long-term schedules of activities.

• Supervise children while they are playing outside.

• Supervise children while on field trips.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Substitute Teachers, Cook

Pay: $12.00 - $13.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

• Professional development assistance

Please contact Syieda Logan - 215-999-3811

Resumes can be emailed: smgclubhouse@gmail.com

PARISH OFFICE HOURS & CLOSINGS

The Parish Office will be closed on Thursdays for the remaining of the summer - August 5, 12, 19, 26; September 2 - in order for the Rector to take some vacation days. Hours on Monday through Wednesday are 9:00am-1:00pm.

Beginning after Labor Day, office hours will expand to Monday through Friday, 9:30am-2:30pm.

MULTIPLE WAYS TO JOIN US FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology and the hard work of several parishioners, we are able to offer a variety of ways to participate in Sunday services:

• IN-PERSON – COVID precautions strictly observed

• LIVE-STREAMED - the service will be broadcast on YouTube – follow the link posted on the church website (messiahgwynedd.org)

• BY PHONE – for those without computer access, dial 609-663-5164 to listen to an audio-only option on your phone

• WEBSITE – at the close of the service, a video will be posted to the parish website (messiahgwynedd.org) for viewing at a time convenient for you

ON THE WEBSITE

Check the website each weekend for the video of the Sunday service. And make it interactive by checking out the service bulletin with all the responses, lessons, and weekly updates and information. A copy of the Sunday sermon is also available.

IN CASE OF A PASTORAL EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS

Should you have an urgent need to contact the Rector outside of Church Office hours, please use his cell phone: 215-692-2667.

CREATIVE ANGELS

NOTE: Barbara Stevenson continues to need recipes and craft ideas to pass along to the parish through the weekly email messages. You can send your submissions to Barbara at bebstevenson@yahoo.com.

Many of our church families are taking trips with their families. Such a wonderful treat after the last year. During these family visits, breakfast is a favorite time to be together. Betty Buchecker shared a simple recipe for an easy breakfast that her family enjoys. In addition, I have included a breakfast casserole that I served at the beach to large groups. Both are delicious and are guaranteed to give the cook A+ ratings! Enjoy!

Barbara

Overnight Breakfast in a Jar

• 1/2 cup Quaker Oats

• 1/2 cup low fat milk

• 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt

• 1/4 cup blueberries

• 1 Tablespoon honey

Add oats to a Mason jar. Pour in milk, add blueberries and yogurt. Sweeten by topping with honey before refrigerating. Leave in refrigerator overnight. Serve.

Breakfast Bake

• Butter to grease pan

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound hot Italian sausage

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded, finely chopped

• One 1 pound loaf rustic Italian bread, cut into 1 inch thick cubes

• 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese (8 oz)

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 1/2 Tablespoons sliced fresh chives

• Salt and pepper

Butter 4 qt baking dish. In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage, onions and peppers. Cook while stirring until sausage is cooked., about 6 minutes. Add the bread to the prepared baking dish. Stir the cheese into the sausage mixture, leaving some cheese to sprinkle on top. Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, chives, salt and pepper. Pour mixture over bread evenly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with plastic wrap, let soak for 30 minutes. If refrigerated, let come to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake until top is puffed and golden ( about 1 hour). Garnish with chives. Serve.