Community updates (9/7/22)
After the 7:30am service on Sunday, Sep 5th, the congregation gathered to discuss whether or not the early service was able to be sustained. Usually, there are only between 2 and 4 congregants attending, and there are 3 volunteer ministries that are needed each week. We decided, collectively, that it was not feasible to continue. So, as of now, there will be no more 7:30am services of Holy Eucharist.
Maryke Williams has been the volunteer who since March emailed all possible attendees each week, tried to fill the 3 volunteer slots, and let me, Ruthanne, and all the attendees know if we would have a service that week. I want to express my deep appreciation for her faithfulness and devotion in this work. And many thanks to all who have filled the volunteer slots each week, and to the attendees. It is my hope that they will all find fellowship and spiritual nourishment in the 10:45am service.
Maryke sent this email to all the attendees last Sunday:
“We've just had our last 7:30am service at ECA this morning. Yet another part of our church as we have known it for over 50 years that is unsustainable. I appreciate and thank all of you who have supported the 7:30 Service since we opened up after Covid. Several parishioners who used to attend moved away, several died, several could not make the early service because it was too difficult to make the early time slot, and some of us are traveling again since Covid infections have decreased. It can't be helped. That's change. We appreciate Shelley's willingness and perseverance to keep the 7:30 service alive. So, THANK YOU, Shelley for leading the service when there were only two or three of us there.”
- Maryke
THERE WILL BE NO MEDITATION GROUP September 14, 21, 28 and October 5. Mediation Group will resume on Oct 12.
Here is a direct link to our weekly “An Episcopal Sermon” podcast.
Each weekly podcast episode is a live recording of the Gospel reading followed by the sermon based on that reading from our Sunday services. A new episode is posted on our website every Monday. This podcast provides thought provoking messages that can be listened to anywhere at anytime.
Enjoy!
https://anchor.fm/eca-almaden/embed/episodes/An-Episcopal-Sermon-September-4--2022-e1ne2g2
Wednesday Night Discussion Class returns on Zoom as a book study on September 28th and will run for 6 weeks. Our book for this discussion is “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, et al. This is available on Amazon – be sure to use Smile Amazon and give the credit to ECA – as book, Kindle, or audio book.
“No dark fate determines the future. We do. Each day and each moment, we are able to create and re-create our lives and the very quality of human life on our planet. This is the power we wield. Lasting happiness cannot be found in pursuit of any goal or achievement. It does not reside in fortune or fame. It resides only in the human mind and heart, and it is here that we hope you will find it… Every day is a new opportunity to begin again. Every day is your birthday. May this book be a blessing for all sentient beings, and for all of God’s children—including you.”
This lovely and inspiring book will lift your heart and soul. We will watch two great spiritual leaders of our time: one Anglican and one Buddhist, spend time together teaching and showing us what joy is and how it is cultivated, and we will be touched by their stories, deep friendship, good humor, and humble humanity. Open to all.
You can find the Zoom Link in the Wednesday Message.
Thanks be to God, AAi volunteers have distributed over half a million pounds of food to hungry neighbors in need!
Help us feed more hungry neighbors suffering economic hardship by collaborating in compassion with Jews, Christians, and Muslims by packing farm boxes full of fresh fruit and vegetables:
Date: Thur. Sept. 29
Time: 8:15 AM–11:00 AM
Location: Farm Box Warehouse
20 S. Barack Obama Blvd., San Jose
The deacons of Santa Clara Valley Deanery have put together a training for Lay Eucharistic Ministers (those who serve at the altar) and Lay Eucharistic Visitors (those who take communion to others); if you want to be trained and licensed in these ministries, please speak to me. The training will be offered on Saturday, October 1st, 9am to 3pm, at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Cupertino (20920 McClellen Road). There is a registration form to fill out.
-Shelley
An invitation from St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church:
We would love to invite you to our October 9th Harvest Festival Dinner, 5-8:30pm. We'll have BBQ, fruits and preserves from our community garden, live music, a silent auction and a pie auction.
Tickets are $5/child and $25/adult and can be purchased on our website or at the door. St Stephen's in-the-Field is located at 7269 Santa Teresa Blvd, San José, CA 9513.
Please direct any questions about the harvest dinner or community garden to St Stephen's Junior Warden, Jessica Dickinson Goodman
Please save the DATES for the next TWO Parish Transition Meetings with the Bishop
Please save the date for the 3rd Parish Meeting with the Bishop. This Parish meeting will be reviewing roles and responsibilities of ECA through the Transition
Event: Transition Parish Meeting #3 and Lunch Potluck
Date: Saturday October 1st
Time: Lunch Potluck (12-2pm)
4th Parish Meeting with the BIshop. This Parish meeting will focus on a discussion on "Who We Are" as part of the Transition Process.
Event: Transition Parish Meeting #4 and Lunch Potluck
Date: Saturday November 19th
Time: Lunch Potluck (12-2pm)
Stay tuned for sign ups for both potluck lunches!
Your attendance at both of these Parish Meetings is critical to the success of the transition! We need your inputs and participation as we walk together in our new path for the future
Any questions, please contact Sharon Hall through our Contact Us Portal