|
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body - whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:13
I have heard directly and indirectly that some members of our church are very concerned that others in this church are attending BLM (Black Lives Matter) vigils and that information is regarding the vigils is included in the church’s communications. I hear two reasons for these concerns. First, some concerned members think that we should stay out of any controversial policies or issues, perhaps to reduce conflict within our church. In a time where we see and hear conflict daily across our country, I understand the desire for peaceful and friendly fellowship at church. I believe our church celebrates diversity in thought, background, and beliefs as well as that our church is calling us into the work of racial reconciliation. So, I think we need a “both-and” where we both come together in services as a caring community, and we seek to be with our differences gently, while at the same time, standing firm with justice. Second, some concerned members think that the support for the BLM vigils indicates that we want to defund the police, are anti-police, and/or we advocate for special treatment of Blacks over whites. A few clarifications: - The MORR group does not have a platform or a set of advocacy objectives. We have diversity within our group about what we can and should do. Attending BLM vigils is one advocacy activity some of us support. - The BLM vigils are organized by the West County Action Network (WE CAN - https://www.facebook.com/wecanstl) which is not affiliated with the national BLM organization. This organization has been active since 2014 in the St. Louis area and has good relationships with several police organizations with on-going dialog about safer policing practices. - At the vigils, someone will occasionally shout from a car that “All Lives Matter”. The response from the long-term vigil members is “We agree which is why we are trying to make Black lives matter”. This aligns with their vision to create an equitable, supportive community. I have attended vigils and find them both disheartening and uplifting. While a very small number of drivers react negatively, some react with extreme anger at those holding signs and waving. At the same time, the vigils are uplifting because the majority respond favorably with smiles, honks, and waves. By holding a sign, I believe I’m showing support for all those striving for criminal justice reform, improved education and healthcare, and the many other needs of our neighbors to live full and happy lives. If you have these concerns or others, I’d like to have a conversation. Not so I can convince you to change your mind, but so I can understand your concerns. Please contact me- Amy Conard (atconard@gmail.com) or reach out to Tony Corey or Lance Kramer who both attend the BLM vigils when possible but also offer up conversation as well. Bishop Johnson released a statement this week that started with these words:
"Dear Siblings in Christ: We are all tired. We are all weary. We are all worn. This has been a difficult journey...." Yes, sir, we are -- and thanks for recognizing that. These are difficult times. We are exhausted and we long for a return to "normal." We may even wonder what God wants from us in all of this uncertainty. It isn't just the pandemic. It's a divided nation. It's a new rector search. It's grief. It's the underlying fear of the unknown. What we must remember is this: God is very near to us and that God will never leave or forsake us. Due to a December 27th directive from Bishop Johnson's office, we must make some changes to our protocols at St. Timothy's, effective immediately. Some of the changes include, but are not limited to the following: + Masks that cover both the nose and mouth must be worn in the building at all times, not just during worship services. + Contact tracing is required for all church events, including meetings and worship. + Communal meals and coffee hours are suspended. + Parish meetings must allow for social distancing or be held by videoconference. + Worship services will be limited to under an hour. The staff is working hard to implement these changes and we ask for your patience (and for a little bit of extra grace) as we follow Diocesan guidelines. Please do not be offended if we ask you to put on a mask or to adjust yours. Please do not get angry if we have to cancel a meeting or limit attendance or ask you for your contact information. Please check your emails from St. Timothy's, frequently, because we will use email to notify the parish of any changes to upcoming events. We are called to love one another, and that, itself, is an act of Christian charity and faith. The entirety of Bishop Johnson's letter can be read HERE. God bless each and every one of you as we pass through these waters. Thank you for being kind. Thank you for being patient. God is very near to you. Liz+ December 9, 2021
Dear friends – I send you tidings of comfort and joy as we anticipate the coming of our Lord Jesus into our hearts this Christmas. After a meeting last week with our bishop and members of the Bishop’s Task Force on the Pandemic, the following changes have been made to the Christmastide schedule that was mailed to you earlier this month. First, we will now offer two (2) Christmas Eve Services: 4:30 PM & 7:00 PM to promote safer social distancing than could be achieved with one service.(The later service of Holy Eucharist service actually begins at 7:30, following a half-hour of seasonal music.) At Bishop Johnson's direction, all people aged 3 and above will be required to wear masks while on campus. Some of you may be wondering about whether there will be a pageant this year. The answer is YES, but it will occur on the Sunday when we observe the Feast of the Epiphany: January 9th at 10:00 AM. This will be a "one service Sunday" and the pageant will occur during the service, replacing the homily. There are two reasons for this. The first is theological: The Wise Men were not at the manger on Christmas Eve. (That happened on The Epiphany.) Secondly, we did not want to overburden families with rehearsals before Christmas and we hope that by January 9th, more of our young people will have been vaccinated and able to participate. Please refer to your Tim’s Times for any updates to our service schedules. We appreciate your patience and ask for a bit of extra grace as we continue to navigate these unpredictable times and try to keep each other safe. Warmest Christmas greetings to you and those you love, Liz+ The Rev. Elizabeth Gordon Meade, Interim Rector 12/24 - Christmas Eve: 4:30 & 7:00 PM Holy Eucharist 12/25- Christmas Day: 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist 12/26 - Christmas 1: 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist 1/2 - Christmas II: 9:00 AM Holy Eucharist (Contemporary) & 10:45 AM Holy Eucharist (Traditional) 1/9 - The Feast of the Epiphany: 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist and Epiphany Pageant St. Timothy's, in compliance with the CDC recommendations for indoor spaces, and to keep each other safe, we require masks to be worn in all parts of the building during church gatherings and worship services regardless of your vaccination status.
As we seek to act for the common good, we set aside our personal preferences and/or convictions about our "rights to personal expression" by masking up while in the building. Beginning Sunday, December 5th coffee hour will be held in the Gathering Space with disposable cups and limited snacks. Love God. Love your neighbor. Stay safe. Thank you. Liz+ My friends,
I have two things on my mind today that I want to share with you. The first is how I’m responding to all that happened in the Capitol and in Washington, DC, last Wednesday. I know I’m not alone in feeling overwhelmed and upset; my heart is heavy and my mind is full. Part of my response has been and still is to turn to God. Getting to sleep at night has been a challenge—my mind is buzzing. I have gotten help through the service of Compline. These night prayers appear in the Book of Common Prayer beginning on page 127. The first line of Compline is “The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen.” What I love about Compline is that we can hear it spoken by Mother Liz in a brief 8 minutes by going to the St. Timothy’s website (saint-tims.org). Scroll almost to the end of the home page to the Latest News section following the statement of the parish Vision, then click on Compline. This is a very comforting, soothing presentation of the service: you hear Mother Liz praying, and on the screen you see the words of the prayers and one lit candle. I urge you to add this to your nighttime routine, especially on nights that you feel upset or worried. My second note has to do with your role in the latest business of St. Timothy’s parish. Each January we hold the Annual Meeting, which is everyone’s opportunity to learn about the highlights in all areas of parish functioning and to participate in setting the course for the future. On Sunday, January 24 at 9:00 a.m. we will elect four new members to the vestry, a delegate and alternate to the Diocesan Convention, and a member to the endowment committee. We need you to vote! You can get to know the outstanding candidates at the Adult Forum this Sunday, January 17, at 9:45 a.m. The vestry candidate bios also appear on the website in the Vestry section under the Information tab. So how do we do this when Covid-19 keeps the church building closed to meetings? Zoom is the answer—you link to these online meetings on the Zoom app on your computer or smart cell phone. Call the church to have the link emailed to you (314-434-5906). The Zoom application is free. If you need help accessing the application, call Mother Camie at church. Mark your calendar now: Adult Forum January 17, 9:45 a.m. Annual Meeting January 24, 9:00 a.m. Contact the church at sttimothysvolunteer@gmail.com for zoom info. We need your voice! See you then! In love and peace, Joy Rouse January 12, 2021 A greeting from the Sr. Warden…
“Oh, Holy Night.” Waiting. “Oh, Holy Night.” Waiting is difficult! Preparing is important, but this year preparing is difficult! “Oh, Holy Night” and all it really means after the waiting and preparing—beautiful! How can it be that I approach this Christmas with such mixed feelings? I’ve had a lot of conversations with myself (maybe you have, too). I love Christmas. I like decorating. I enjoy shopping in stores with the decorations, music, and the bustle of other shoppers, some with children full of anticipation. I like sending greeting cards. It’s an opportunity to focus on one special family each time I address a card. I love going to church with the Advent lessons and music, and especially on Christmas Eve, which is glorious in celebrating the birth of Jesus. This year, however, these are mostly memories and the promise of next year minus Covid-19. But what about now? How can I talk myself into feeling genuinely happy? Shopping online is more comfortable than in stores. Ok, but it can be tedious and somewhat boring. But even online, when I find just the right gift and it’s still available, it’s a good feeling. Decorating in my house is minimal this year—I don’t like to admit that. But having a festive-looking house goes with joyous gatherings of family and friends celebrating together. But we can’t have those. What I’m beginning to realize, though, is that home decorations also remind ME that Christmas is coming, and to look at my house differently and smile! So now I have to go back down to the basement and bring out more happy reminders that Christmas is almost here! And yes, we can still share church, though differently, on line. It may not feel like a merry Christmas without festive gatherings and hugs, but it can still be a happy Christmas. “Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright.” (Silent Night). “Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light” (O Little Town of Bethlehem). “Peace on earth, good will to men” (It Came Upon a Midnight Clear). That is a happy Christmas, a very happy Christmas, loving the story and celebrating the birth of Jesus. With love and peace, Joy Rouse Dear Friends,
Wondering what the vestry has been up to lately? Are you ready to consider joining this important group? I can assure you it is a busy and interesting time for all of us as we support the life and ministries of St. Timothy’s Church. The biggest and happiest accomplishment to date is calling Liz Meade to be our priest in the interim period between Marvin Foltz’s retirement and the calling of a new rector. What a find! The property committee, headed by Jr. Warden Steve Crock and Rick Sharp have managed major projects, especially getting rid of the mold and putting preventive measures in place for the future. Re-roofing the sanctuary was covered by insurance, and included handling problems of leaking around the steeple. But now the sanctuary is dry, and the leaking and puddling in the elevator shaft was also resolved. All three of these projects involved some serious “detective work” seeking causes of the problems. Oh, the things I’m learning in this role of Sr. Warden! We are so fortunate to have a committee of knowledgeable and willing parishioners to manage our property, with the support of Tess Jones, our parish administrator. The list of facility accomplishments in 2020 is quite long beyond the three that I’ve highlighted. We have submitted multiple plans to the diocese in hopes of regathering in person for worship, learning, and fellowship inside our church. But these high COVID-19 numbers keep pushing the reality of coming inside further and further away. Our clergy, staff and volunteers have been amazing in coming up with ideas to help us be engaged through online and outdoor offerings. I hope you’ve noticed the latest development in the Sunday service: new equipment for livestreaming and recording has made this viewing even better. Rick and Karen Sharp have been the leaders in this effort—hats off to them! As the calendar pages continue to turn, we are already approaching the beginning of a new year. At the annual meeting in January we will thank four retiring vestry members and elect four new members to join the remaining eight in serving as the lay governing board of our church. But now it’s “nominating season”. Do you have a friend in the church who would be good in this role? Or how about you? Are you ready to have something new and important to do to fill your COVID gap time, and to fill your mind with new and important thoughts and prayers? Hmm. But what’s really involved, Joy? This year the vestry spent time developing documents that lay that out pretty clearly. Below is a link to a page where you will find the responsibilities for vestry members, the norms we follow in and between meetings, and a covenant that addresses how we are as Episcopalians working in service to God. Please read these documents, think about them, and give me a call. Or call Mother Liz, or call the office and get the names and numbers of those on our nominating committee. Please step up or ask a friend you recommend to let you be a nominator. We all need to be involved in naming willing and qualified parishioners to serve St. Timothy’s in this very fulfilling way. Let’s all pray about it. With love and peace, Joy Rouse Vestry Information and Documents Friends –
In-Gathering Sunday for our 2021 Stewardship Campaign is Sunday, October 25th. That day, we will bless the pledges we have already received at our 10:45 AM online service. If you would prefer a personal blessing for your pledge, you may also come to a “drive-by ingathering” that day from 12:00 – 12: 30 PM. This year more than ever, your pledge to St. Tim’s is a pledge of faith. The future is bright for St. Tim’s. We continue to make an impact on the world and we are still making excellent disciples; I see proof of that every day. In the next 18 months, you will choose a new rector to assist you in shaping the future of St. Timothy’s. What will your legacy be? Your next Rector will bring new energy, new ministries, and new opportunities to change the world! You can watch each week's stewardship testimonials on the church's youtube channel. Remember, In-gathering Sunday is October 25th. Watch online at 10:45 as we bless your pledges or drive-by St. Tim’s from 12:00 – 12: 30 if you’d like your pledge blessed in person. Your pledge is a promise that will continue to bear fruit; a pledge that will ensure a vital and faith-filled future. When we respond with hope and gratitude, good stewardship becomes our attitude. Please think about these things, and let your pledge reflect your faith. Faithfully, Liz+ The Rev. Elizabeth Gordon Meade Interim Rector September 25, 2020
Dear Beloved in Christ, With the cold weather approaching and COVID-19 infections on the rise in the St. Louis region and across the nation, the clergy of St. Timothy's have come to the realization that resuming In-person worship services at this time is neither safe nor prudent. We will continue to watch the numbers diligently and will strive to make the safest and most informed choices for the St. Timothy's community. We understand that for many of you, it has been six long months without the sacrament of Holy Eucharist. However, the table still stands, still invites, and still calls us to be the Body of Christ. As you continue to pray the prayer of spiritual communion with us each Sunday, know that Christ's body is still broken, and Christ's blood is still shed for you. To quote Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: "The Church is not closed. Our buildings are not the Church; the people are the Church." In making this difficult decision, your clergy and staff are committed to offering plenty of opportunities to be a part of the life and ministry of St. Timothy's. Come on a prayer pilgrimage, walk the labyrinth, attend a Bible study, join a MORR gathering, and worship with us. God will be glorified. It is our job, as Paul says in his letter to the Hebrews, to "run with endurance the race that is set before us." The race set before us is one that includes loving our neighbors enough to be diligent in our safe practices and grieving well the things we dearly miss. Our prayers are with each of you as we continue to strive toward that heavenly Kingdom that Christ has promised to us, especially in these uncertain times. Grace and peace - The Rev. Elizabeth G. Meade The Rev. Camie M. Dewey  Greetings, friends in Christ –
I cannot tell you how happy I am to be here in St. Louis and I am looking forward to our two years together as we do the work of discerning what St. Tim’s might be seeking in a new rector. This pandemic has changed the way we meet and greet one another, but that will not prevent us from doing the work of the church. Bishop Deon and I have talked about how he introduced himself to the Diocese of Missouri during a quarantine, and how that might translate into the work an Interim Priest must do. Together we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. My first few days at St. Tim’s will be spent in diocesan clergy meetings and just getting to know the comings and goings of the staff and the physical plant. After the initial few days, there will be meetings set up for various parish committees and groups via Zoom. These will be open-ended conversations that will give you an opportunity to educate me about your areas of expertise and me an opportunity to get to know you. If you are not on a committee and wondering when we will connect, do expect to hear from me at some point in the near future, either by phone or by email inviting you to a small group discussion. As most of you are aware, the work of the Interim is to “poke around” and make observations and ask questions about how a parish operates, what its priorities are and where its growing edges are. Ultimately, my work among you will bring us all to a better understanding of what St. Tim’s hopes to become and what type of leadership you will need to dream big in the coming decade. Please feel free to reach out to me via email at REVLIZMEADE@gmail.com at any time or call the office to leave me a message. I look forward to our work together and for a time that we can all process together into your beautiful sanctuary to praise and worship God together. Grace and peace – Liz+ |
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church
Address: 808 North Mason Rd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Phone: (314) 434-5906
Email: saint.tims.office@gmail.com
Follow us on Social Media: