Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Weekly Newsletter
by Rachel Field and Franci Farnsworth July 21, 2020
Jesus throws a barrage of images at us this week as a meditation on the Kingdom of Heaven. It is incredible to me to imagine all of the ways that we can interact with and dwell in the Kingdom, and still be a part of this age. We live in layers of reality through which the Spirit moves and draws us ever closer to God. As you move through your day, where do you see glimpses of God’s Kingdom? How do you imagine, or what images come to you when you wonder what God’s Kingdom looks like? The picture above is from my bee yard, and I imagine that the kingdom of God is like a honeybee colony. Filled with joyful labor that honors the work of every individual in their particular role and celebrates the way individuals can come together to create something bigger than themselves. What does the Kingdom of God look like to you today?
Announcements • Senior Warden Message: I would like to say thank you to everyone for all the hard work and dedication that has been happening over the past four months. I personally did not think we would still be social distancing. Just a reminder that we are still having sunday worship via zoom at 10:00 am. If you are not comfortable with the technology but would like to join us please give me a call and I will help in any way I can. After the service we have coffee hour and we have had some great discussions. Here are a few events that are happening at St. Thomas & Grace. The first sunday in August at 1:00pm
is another silent vigil and the 2nd sunday is a vestry meeting following the service and coffee hour. At the August 9th meeting we will be coming up with a phase 2 plan for reopening for St.Thomas & Grace in regards to Covid 19 pandemic. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. My home phone number is 247-9253 or my cell is 282-5194. Let's all continue to stay safe and healthy during this difficult time in all our lives. God is always with us. Sending prayers to all. Rena McDonough, Senior Warden • Book Group - Stand Your Ground: The next meeting (on Zoom) will be on Thursday, July 23rd at 5 pm - we will discuss Chapter 3. Contact Rachel for more information. • Donating to the Brandon Area Food Shelf: Normally we bring food shelf items to church and faithful parish members deliver our contributions regularly. With no inperson church, you may be wondering how to make donations of food items. Kathy Mathis, the director, says donations can be dropped off any time. Just leave them at the front door. Non-perishable items are always welcome. • Making pledge payments or other cash donations to ST&G: Checks can be mailed to St. Thomas & Grace Church, Attn: Ken Brown/Treasurer, 19 Conant Square, Brandon, VT 05733. The Diocesan website has a link for making credit card payments (that will be directed to ST&G) - note that there is a surcharge for this service (paid by you or by ST&G): (click on GIving on the far right, select Brandon/ST&G in the “Choose” menu).
Prayer and Reflection All of the videos that our own “Reverend Rachel” has made for us can be found on the parish website: If you want to prepare for Sunday’s worship, you can find the lessons for the week on The Lectionary Page (see link below). We’re using Track 2 readings.
News & Views
On Sunday, June 7, 2020, members and friends of St. Thomas & Grace Episcopal Church participated in a silent prayer vigil as a public witness against racism. From 1:00-1:30 pm participants stood quietly in front of the St. Thomas Church building on Route 7 holding signs that proclaimed Racism is Sin and similar messages. This event was part of a statewide effort publicized by the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont and involving many faith communities around the state. Participants included priest -in-partnership, The Rev. Rachel Field.
