Rector's Message: Saturday, 14 August 2021

Sunday, 15 August

The Twelfth 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, Celebration of Life for F. Lee Mangan, Support our Manna on Main St. Ministry Partner, 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,14 August 2021

In addition to the above notice which was announced last week, encouraging the wearing of masks or face coverings once again, the Bishop has published some updated guidelines and suggestions for adoption by the churches of the diocese. His most recent communication begins:

As you know, the Delta variant is surging in most of the country and the CDC is recommending indoor masking for fully-vaccinated individuals in those Substantial and High-risk regions. As of August 9, all of our diocese falls within the “Substantial” risk category.

In accordance with the diocesan guidelines, the following measures will be followed here at Messiah:

• masks are strongly encouraged at all indoor events for everyone, regardless of vaccination status

• social distancing is also encouraged while indoors

• doors will remain open to maximize ventilation

• Communion will continue to be restricted to bread only

• livestreaming and posting of services to the website will continue as an option for those unable or choosing not to attend in-person

• members are encouraged to keep pledges up to date, submitting by mail or dropping off at the church office as necessary

Bishop Gutierrez concludes with these comments:

In many ways, these new cautions simply mean that we must continue the practices that have brought us this far, practices which, to the best of our knowledge, have prevented any cases of church-related transmission of the virus. This is no small achievement and it stands as testament to your faithfulness and commitment to one another and to our Lord Jesus. We will continue to navigate these challenges as we have always done, with competence and confidence, as one diocese, one people and one church.

I hold each one of your in my daily prayers.

A friend sent me the following prayer and I pass it along as a resource for the difficult and trying times we find ourselves navigating . . .

Strength for this Challenging Time

O God: We pray for your love and compassion to abound

as we walk through this challenging season.

We ask for wisdom for those who bear the load

of making decisions with widespread consequences.

We pray for those who are suffering with sickness

and all who are caring for them.

We ask for protection for the elderly, children and vulnerable

to not succumb to the risks of the virus.

We pray for misinformation to be curbed

that fear may take no hold in hearts and minds.

As we exercise the good sense that you in your mercy provide,

may we also approach each day in faith and peace,

trusting in the truth of your goodness towards us. Amen.

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 Psalm 111:1.

Hallelujah!

I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart,

in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.

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.

• Andy Rusnak

• Julia Patterson

• Jean London

• Sawyer Steinbauer

• 'Woody' Woodbury

• Jim Calore

• Perry Selheimer

• Jane Murray

• Lynn Mangan

• Lori Ryan

• John Harrison

• Tiffany Reichley

• Dianne Boldt

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.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

FOR F. LEE MANGAN

SCHEDULED FOR

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th, 11:00AM

Following the service to be held here at Church of the Messiah, all are invited to continue the celebration at a luncheon to be served at the William Penn Inn. In order for adequate preparations to be made for the meal, please RSVP to Lynn Mangan by September 9th: 215-699-8743, lynnmnagan3@gmail.com.

SUPPORT OUR MANNA ON MAIN STREET

MINISTRY PARTNER

Both last summer and this year, throughout the summer months, twice each week, a local farmstand donates their excess fresh vegetables and fruit to those in need. Two of our parishioners – John Sangston and Ulrich Taglieber – transport the donations to Manna, allowing them to distribute fresh produce to their clients. In appreciation for their generosity, Messiah parishioners may wish to consider visiting and supporting the farmstand as a gesture of our gratitude for assisting us in this important ministry. Skippack Pike Farmstand is located is located at 1040 West Skippack Pike, Blue Bell (between Valley Road and Cathcart Road, next to the former Korean restaurant).

And We Continue to Collect & Deliver Non-Perishable Items

As you do your weekly shopping, please pick up some non-perishable food items, toiletries and cleaning supplies. These donations can be left on the back pew of the church or left outside the Rector’s office door. These will then be delivered to Manna to stock their shelves for distribution to meet clients’ needs.

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.

If you’ve ever planted even one zucchini plant – or had a neighbor who planted one! – you’ll understand me when I say that you can never have too many zucchini recipes! Once they begin to flower, they come fast and furious! So, here are two recipes you can add to your collection. Enjoy!

Keith

ZUCCHINI WAFFLES (Green Waffles)

• 3 cups shredded zucchini

• 2 eggs

• 1 TBsp vegetable oil

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• 1 pinch salt

• ½ cup dry potato flakes

• ¼ tsp baking powder

Preheat a waffle iron. Mix zucchini, eggs, vegetable oil, onion powder, and salt together; stir in potato flakes and baking powder. Mix until well combined. Pour ½ cup batter onto the center of the waffle iron; close the lid; cook until iron stops steaming and waffle is crisp, about 5 minutes. Serve with sour cream, ranch dressing, onion dip or applesauce.

ZUCCHINI & POTATO BAKE

• 2 medium zucchini, quartered and cut into large pieces

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

• 1 medium red bell pepper. Seeded and chopped

• 1 clove garlic

• ½ cup dry bread crumbs

• ¼ cup olive oil

• Paprika to taste

• Salt to taste

• Ground black pepper to taste

Preheat one to 400 degrees. In a medium baking pan, toss together the zucchini, potatoes, bell pepper, garlic, bread crumbs and olive oil; season with paprika, salt and pepper. Nake 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and lightly browned.