Dear Friends in Christ,
Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Psalm 43:3 ~ Opening Sentence for Morning Prayer
Here are this week’s announcements, especially:

• Choir Sunday (Worship)
• Bible Study (Christian Formation)
• Lay Conversation with Bishop Hughes (Diocesan News)
• Worship Survey Reminder (What's Next?)
• Diocesan Guidelines for Resuming In-Person Worship & Meetings (What’s Next?)

WORSHIP
This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost and our traditional Choir Sunday. In honor of that, our Sunday worship will be a pre-recorded video which includes a choir anthem, two sung hymns (and the music for you to sing along), an organ prelude, and surprise postlude. Several different parishioners have recorded the readings, Mother Vicki is the officiant, and Father Shawn is the preacher. The service will be available on our You Tube channel at 10 am, but you can watch it any time after that. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/x5wZ36YX23I. The service leaflet to review or print is on the home page of the website. You can also just print the service leaflet and read it on your own. Thank you to All Saints’ Choir, all the readers, and Alison Siener Brown for making this happen.

Daily Compline at 9:30 pm. You don’t need a Facebook account (“Be on Facebook”) to participate; just follow this link: fb.me/allsaintsmillington. This community of daily prayer and worship includes people from our parish, from other places in New Jersey, and even from other parts of the globe! All Saints’ parishioners and clergy take turns leading the service. Compline is offered every evening and is a wonderful way to pray for your own concerns and for the well-being of the world. Come join us.

PARISH LIFE
Virtual Coffee Hour via Zoom on Sunday at 11:00 am. How does this work? It’s just a nice social time with others from church. It’s an opportunity to see one another, check-in, share news and fellowship. The link for this was e-mailed to the parish. If you didn’t get the link and would like to join us, e-mail allstsmill@hotmail.com. Come and spend time with your fellow Saints!

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 10:15 am. This week, July 1, we’ll discuss the Letter of James, chapter 4. This is a short book of the Bible – five chapters. James focuses on practical aspects of Christian living. If you haven’t been part of Bible study before, this is a good way to start, and we’ve recently added some new folks, so the group is always evolving. We meet via Zoom. If you would like to participate or want more information, please e-mail Mother Vicki at allsaints_rector@hotmail.com.

WHAT COMES NEXT?
Parish Worship & Fellowship Survey – thank to those who have sent in responses to the survey to help the Vestry and clergy evaluate and make decisions about when All Saints’ can hold in-person worship. If you have not already filled out the survey, please do so by June 30: https://forms.gle/Tdsn4w8v5gBS9zvU8. There is no need to print it or e-mail it back to us; the information will be conveyed automatically. Thank you for your very important response.

Diocesan Guidelines for Returning to In-Person Worship can be found here on the diocesan website:  https://dioceseofnewark.org/resource-general/journey-forward-guidelines-person-worship-diocese-newark After the Journey Forward team concluded its work, Bishop Hughes’ office reviewed the document and made some edits to it. These guidelines are very similar to those for the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, with whom our own diocese is working closely. They are also quite close to the guidelines for other Episcopal dioceses in other parts of the country. The process from here is that the Vestry will take the guidelines and implement them in a way that is sensible for our own parish of All Saints’. We will be taking the necessary time to do this thoughtfully and safely. We will also need to take into consideration parish staff and clergy vacation time. Please also read Bishop Hughes’ pastoral letter to the diocese which gives some greater context for these guidelines: https://dioceseofnewark.org/bishops-vlog/pastoral-letter-guidelines-person-worship-diocese-newark  And please keep the Vestry in your prayers as they make a plan to move forward – safely, with gratitude to God, and full of faith.

DIOCESAN NEWS
Checking-in: A Lay Conversation with the Bishop – Bishp Carlye Hughes is eager to once again spend time in conversation with the members of the diocese, to reflect and consider what we, our churches, and our communities have learned and experienced as we have adjusted to the changes this time has demanded of us. On Tuesday, June 30 at 6 PM the diocese will hold the second monthly Lay Conversation with Bishop Hughes. Scheduled for 90 minutes, this Zoom conversation is open to all members of the diocese. An email invitation will be sent Monday, June 29 to recipients of The Voice Online with sign-in instructions for this Zoom meeting. Anyone who does not receive The Voice Online and wants to participate can e-mail Mother Vicki for the Zoom link.

The Voice On-line - our diocesan newsletter can be found here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-VOICE-Online--The-journey-forward---guidelines-for-in-person-worship.html?soid=1102692382496&aid=5hGdgHjcLJc 

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
Prayers for Pandemic – several weeks ago the diocese invited parishioners and clergy to write prayers that reflected the yearnings of their heart and soul in this time of COVID-19. The prayers that have been submitted can be found on the diocesan website here: https://dioceseofnewark.org/covid-19/prayers.

One of the prayers was written by our own Sister Monica Clare, csjb. Here it is:
Oh God of love and peace, help us to survive each day,
in the midst of things we cannot understand,
To those of us who are afraid, give us courage
To those of us who are exhausted, give us strength
To those of us in despair, give us hope.
Comfort us in our struggle, O Loving God,
Walk with us through this time of crisis,
Grant us and our loved ones’ safety, security and stability,
and help us to learn the lessons you are giving us at this time, so that we may all work together to rebuild our lives, and make the world a better place.
In the name of our loving Creator we pray, Amen.
– Sr. Monica Clare, Community of St. John the Baptist, Mendham

Blessings, Vicki+

Dear Friends in Christ,
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 ~ Opening Sentence for Morning Prayer
Here are this week’s announcements, especially:

• Choir Sunday/Hymn Choir (Worship)
• Bible Study; Narnia Book Club (Christian Formation)
• Lay Conversation with Bishop Hughes (Diocesan News)
• Worship Survey (What Next?)

WORSHIP
This Sunday is the Third Sunday after Pentecost. Our service of Morning Prayer will be at 10 am via Facebook Live. The link is here: fb.me/allsaintsmillington. This is a public link. You don’t have to be on Facebook to view it. And our prayer requests during the service are inter-active. The service leaflet to review or print is on the home page of the website.

Choir Sunday/Hymn Choir – On June 28 our service will be a pre-recorded video service We are looking for singers who would like to participate in a Hymn Choir. Alison will send a recording of the hymn or hymns for the day with an organ accompaniment and a voice to sing along with. Singers will make a recording of themselves singing along and send it back. We'll mix all the voices together to create a slideshow to use during the video worship service. 
At home you will need a device to record onto (phone, computer, or tablet) and a second device with headphones to play the accompaniment track. It will be audio only, so you don't need to worry about recording any video. It is a lot easier than it sounds, so don't let worries about technology hold you back! Please email Alison at: asienerbrown@gmail.com if you would like to sing along.

All Sunday worship livestreams are available as a video to watch any time after 2:00 pm on Sunday on the home page of the website. The music links to the prelude and other musical offerings will also be posted there.

Daily Compline at 9:30 pm. This community of daily prayer and worship includes people from our parish, from other places in New Jersey, and even from other parts of the globe! All Saints’ parishioners and clergy take turns leading the service. Compline is offered every evening at 9:30 pm on the parish Facebook page: fb.me/allsaintsmillington. This service lasts about 15 minutes and is a wonderful way to pray for your own concerns and for the well-being of the world. Come join us.

PARISH LIFE
Virtual Coffee Hour via Zoom on Sunday at 11:00 am. How does this work? It’s just a nice social time with others from church. It’s an opportunity to see one another, check-in, share news and fellowship. The link for this was e-mailed to the parish. If you didn’t get the link and would like to join us, e-mail allstsmill@hotmail.com. Come and spend time with your fellow Saints!

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Narnia Book Club – Sundays at 4:00 pm. We are finishing up our read of “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” (Chronicles of Narnia) by CS Lewis. This week, June 21, we’ll discuss chapters 14 & 15. If you need the Zoom link for this, please e-mail allsaints_rector@hotmail.com and we’ll be glad to include you.

Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 10:15 am. This week, June 24, we’ll discuss the Letter of James, chapter 3. This is a short book of the Bible – five chapters. James focuses on practical aspects of Christian living. If you haven’t been part of Bible study before, this is a good way to start, and we’ve recently added some new folks, so the group is always evolving. We meet via Zoom. If you would like to participate or want more information, please e-mail Mother Vicki at allsaints_rector@hotmail.com.

OUTREACH
Twelve Baskets Food Pantry continues to serve residents in the Valley View apartments at the V.A. Hospital in Lyons, as well as families in our community. If you know someone who is in need of food, please have them call the Parish Office 908-647-0067 ext. 4. We can supply them with emergency food in a contact-free manner.

WHAT COMES NEXT?
Parish Worship & Fellowship Survey – in order to help the Vestry and clergy evaluate and make decisions about when All Saints’ can hold in-person worship we ask you to fill out the on-line survey that will be sent home via e-mail. Please be sure to fill it out by June 25. There is no need to print it or e-mail it back to us; the information will be conveyed automatically. If you don’t receive the e-mail with the survey link, please send an e-mail to allstsmill@hotmail.com. And if you know someone who needs a print copy, please phone the office 908-647-0067 and we will mail you one. Thank you for your very important response.

DIOCESAN NEWS
Checking-in: A Lay Conversation with the Bishop – Bishp Carlye Hughes is eager to once again spend time in conversation with the members of the diocese, to reflect and consider what we, our churches, and our communities have learned and experienced as we have adjusted to the changes this time has demanded of us.
On Tuesday, June 30 at 6 PM we will hold the second monthly Lay Conversation with Bishop Hughes. Scheduled for 90 minutes, this Zoom conversation is open to all members of the diocese. An email invitation will be sent Monday, June 29 to recipients of The Voice Online with sign-in instructions for this Zoom meeting. Anyone who does not receive The Voice Online and wants to participate can e-mail Mother Vicki for the Zoom link.

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
Prayer for the End of this School Year – we know that this academic year has been a strange and difficult one, for students and teachers, children and parents, at every age and stage of education. And as we come to the end of the year we do so with relief, but with prayers for hope and purpose in the lives of all our students:
Prayers for Hope and Purpose
'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hop and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Dear God, we thank you that you have indeed given our children great hope and a future. We pray for the days you have purposed for them to walk in, every single one, and ask you to fill them with your spirit and power as they live out their destiny. We ask that you inspire them to never be afraid to dream big, run strong, and soar high.
We pray that nothing be allowed to hold them back in this life. May they fulfill every calling you have on their lives. Would you strengthen them to live a life of so much love, passion, influence, hope, and determination that this world is changed for the better. May they always know that anything is possible for him who believes, for our God is always greater.  May they have a deep desire to serve faithfully and a heart to work hard. Shine over them. Fill them with your spirit. Bless them with your favor and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ~ by Debbie McDaniel

Blessings, Vicki+

Dear Friends in Christ,
Send out your light and your truth, that they may lead me, and bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Psalm 43:3 ~ Opening Sentence for Morning Prayer

Here are the week's announcements, including the information for Sunday’s worship below. The Parish Cycle of Prayer and Parish Prayer List will be sent on Monday. Please take a look.

• Compline Ministry (Worship)
• Choir Sunday/Hymn Choir (Worship)
• Bible Study; Narnia Book Club (Christian Formation)
• Parish E-Giving (Stewardship)
• Diocesan Memorial Service – June 13 (Diocesan News)
• Guidelines for In-Person Worship (What Next?)

WORSHIP
Compline Ministry has been expanded! This community of daily prayer and worship includes people from our parish, from other places in New Jersey, and even from other parts of the globe! Four new people have been trained to serve as Compline Ministers and will take turns sharing the leadership of these services: Alison Siener Brown, Suzanne Kosempel, Lisa Webb, and Waring Webb. This is exciting to have others take part in this ministry. Compline is offered every evening at 9:30 pm on the parish Facebook page: fb.me/allsaintsmillington. This service lasts about 15 minutes and is a wonderful way to prayer for your own concerns and for the well-being of the world. Come join us.

This Sunday is the Secondary Sunday after Pentecost. our service of Morning Prayer will be at 10 am via Facebook Live. The link is here: fb.me/allsaintsmillington. This is a public link. You don’t have to be on Facebook to view it. And our prayer requests during the service are inter-active. The service leaflet to review or print is on the home page of the website.

Choir Sunday/Hymn Choir – On June 28 our service will be a pre-recorded video service We are looking for singers who would like to participate in a Hymn Choir. Alison will send a recording of the hymn or hymns for the day with an organ accompaniment and a voice to sing along with. Singers will make a recording of themselves singing along and send it back. We'll mix all the voices together to create a slideshow to use during the video worship service. 

At home you will need a device to record onto (phone, computer, or tablet) and a second device with headphones to play the accompaniment track. It will be audio only, so you don't need to worry about recording any video. It is a lot easier than it sounds, so don't let worries about technology hold you back! Please email Alison at: asienerbrown@gmail.com if you would like to sing along.

All Sunday worship livestreams are available as a video to watch any time after 2:00 pm on Sunday on the home page of the website. The music links to the prelude and other musical offerings will also be posted there.

PARISH LIFE
Virtual Coffee Hour via Zoom on Sunday at 11:00 am. The link for this was e-mailed to the parish. If you didn’t get the link and would like to join us, e-mail allstsmill@hotmail.com. Come and spend time with your fellow Saints!

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Narnia Book Club – Sundays at 4:00 pm. We are reading through “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” (Chronicles of Narnia) by CS Lewis. This week, June 14, we’ll discuss chapters 12 & 13. If you need the Zoom link for this, please e-mail allsaints_rector@hotmail.com and we’ll be glad to include you.

Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 10:15 am. This week, June 17, we’ll discuss James, chapter 2. This is a short book of the Bible – five chapters. James focuses on practical aspects of Christian living. If you haven’t been part of Bible study before, this is a good way to start, and we’ve recently added some new folks, so the group is always evolving. We meet via Zoom. If you would like to participate or want more information, please e-mail Mother Vicki at allsaints_rector@hotmail.com.

OUTREACH
Twelve Baskets Food Pantry continues to serve residents in the Valley View apartments at the V.A. Hospital in Lyons, as well as families in our community. If you know someone who is in need of food, please have them call the Parish Office 908-647-0067 ext. 4. We can supply them with emergency food in a contact-free manner.

STEWARDSHIP
Consider Parish E-Giving – Thank you to everyone who has continued to send in their pledges and contributions! This is vital to the financial health of our parish, and we depend on you. What can you do? Please stay up-to-date on your pledge! And now you have the ability to make a direct donation or pledge payment on our website via e-giving; see the green “Donate” button on the home page. This can be a one-time payment or it can be a recurring contribution on a weekly or monthly basis. And, of course, if you are able to make an extra donation during this time, that would be very welcome. It is a stressful time for all of us, but All Saints’ is always here for you, and together we will come through these difficult days. Thank you.

WHAT COMES NEXT?
This week Governor Murphy loosened restrictions on indoor, in-person worship. The state guidelines limit any single indoor service to 50 people or 25% of the church seating capacity – whichever is less. For All Saints’ that means 44 people – including clergy, organist, readers, etc.

The diocesan guidelines from the Journey Forward team have just been completed and Bishop Hughes needs to approve them before they can be distributed to the churches. Individual parishes will then apply the guidelines to their own local circumstances and create a written plan to submit to the Bishop’s office. Here are some of the areas that will be incorporated in the plan:  
Determining whether parishioners feel safe and comfortable returning to in-person worship.
Masks will need to be worn; if you don’t feel well, please stay home.
Sign-up System of who will come to which service so we don’t over our 44 person limit.
Singing (even with a mask) is a “super-spreader” activity and will not be possible.
Distance (much more than 6 ft) between worship leaders and congregation as public speaking is also a super spreader of micro-particles.
Cleaning and sanitizing of Church, bathrooms, etc. after every service.
Timing of re-introducing Communion.
Seating in Church with appropriate distance and limited capacity.
Attendance taken at each service so that worshippers can be notified if someone present at that service later becomes sick with the virus.
Continuing to livestream worship for those who can’t or don’t feel ready to come to worship in person, including those in high-risk categories.

This will take some time, and we will continue to keep you updated. Our concern continues to be for the health and well-being our parishioners, their families, and our wider community, even as we have been missing worshipping in person and gathering with one another.

DIOCESAN NEWS
Diocese of Newark Memorial Service for all who have died during restricted distancing protocols – The last three months have been filled with all kinds of sacrifice, probably none greater than the death of loved ones in our communities. These losses were made harder by families unable to grieve with the family of faith. While this service, led by Bishop Hughes, will not replace what has been missed, it will be a time for us to gather as the diocese in memory of those who have died. This service will be held Saturday, June 13, 10 AM on YouTube Live: https://www.youtube.com/user/DioNewark  

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
Words of Faith: Sin
Sin has to do with separation from God, from others, and from our true selves (as God intended us to be). It is a quality of mind and heart that is alienated from God, sometimes in rebellion against God’s will and purpose for us. Sin is the large-scale human predilection to want our own way, rather than God’s way, to put ourselves at the center of the universe. It is also the words and actions we take that have real-world consequences of pain, harm, and degradation. There is no one without sin in their life in some way.

Sometimes sin is a clear and deliberate choice. Much more frequently, sin is the atmosphere or milieu all around us that seems almost invisible yet influences what we do and what we say. It only can be addressed when we can see another’s hurt and pain and ask “Why is this happening? What is causing it?” and not accept a simplistic answer.

That is why our service of baptism asks the baptismal candidate (or the parents and godparents) to renounce evil on several different levels: cosmic/spiritual, systems of human society, personal (BCP, page 302). The remedy for sin is to turn to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; to put one’s whole trust in his grace and love; and to follow and obey him as Lord. This is a life-long project, call, and vocation – to follow Christ, and to grow in Christ-likness.

Blessings, Vicki+

Dear Friends in Christ,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God: Come let us adore him. ~ antiphon for Trinity Sunday
Welcome back to our regular parish e-letter! We are resuming our regular parish communications schedule with an e-letter on Thursdays, and the Parish Cycle of Prayer and Prayer List on Mondays. There are several announcements, including the information for Sunday’s worship below. Please take a look.

Here are this week’s announcements, especially:

• Trinity Sunday & 100th Anniversary of our Altar Window (Worship)
• Bible Study; Narnia Book Club (Christian Formation)
• Coffee Hour (Parish Life)
• Virtual Choir (Worship)
• Twelve Baskets Food Pantry (Outreach)
• Parish E-Giving (Stewardship)
• Diocesan Memorial Service (Diocesan News)

WORSHIP
This Sunday is Trinity Sunday. It is also the 100th anniversary of the dedication of Resurrection altar window. We’ll have a special prayer to mark that event as part of our regular service. As a reminder, our service of Morning Prayer will be at 10 am via Facebook Live. The link is here: fb.me/allsaintsmillington. This is a public link. You don’t have to be on Facebook to view it. And our prayer requests during the service are inter-active. The service leaflet is on the home page of the website.

All Sunday worship livestreams will be available as a video to watch any time after 2:00 pm on Sunday on the home page of the website. The music links to the prelude and other musical offerings will also be posted there.

Compline is offered every evening at 9:30 pm on the parish Facebook page: fb.me/allsaintsmillington. What is Compline? It is the service of “bed time prayers” of the Church, found on page 127 of the Prayer Book. This service lasts about 15 minutes and is a wonderful way to wind down from the day before sleep. Try it out!

Virtual Choir – thanks to Alison Siener Brown we are now able to offer videos of our choir singing – each from their own homes! (see the Pentecost anthem on the home page.) The way this works is that Alison sends an audio recording of the parts each singer needs to learn, with ample time to practice. Then they record themselves singing with a taped accompaniment on their phone. Alison collects all the individual videos and edits them into one blended whole. If you would like to be part of this and lend your voice – even if you haven’t been able to be a part of choir before – we would love to have you join in! It will enhance our worship – and is a lot of fun. For more information, please contact Alison at asienerbrown@gmail.com.

PARISH LIFE
Virtual Coffee Hour via Zoom on Sunday at 11:00 am. The link for this was e-mailed to the parish. If you didn’t get the link and would like to join us, e-mail allstsmill@hotmail.com. Come and spend time with your fellow Saints!

Other Zoom Groups have been meeting for fellowship and conversation: Adult Choir, Junior Choir (who have been continuing to learn more about music all through this time), Office Angels (the group that volunteers to help in the Parish Office). If you have an idea for another fellowship/social gathering using this platform, please let us know! Even if you don’t have Zoom on your phone or computer, you can always call in via a landline and be part of the conversation.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Narnia Book Club – Sundays at 4:00 pm. We are reading through “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” (Chronicles of Narnia) by CS Lewis. This week, June 7, we’ll discuss chapters 9, 10 & 11. If you need the Zoom link for this, please e-mail allsaints_rector@hotmail.com and we’ll be glad to include you.

Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 10:15 am. This week, June 10, we’ll start the Letter of James from the New Testament. This is a short book of the Bible – five chapters. James focuses on practical aspects of Christian living. If you haven’t been part of Bible study before, this is a good way to start, and we’ve recently added some new folks, so the group is always evolving. We meet via Zoom. If you would like to participate or want more information, please e-mail Mother Vicki at allsaints_rector@hotmail.com.

OUTREACH
Twelve Baskets Food Pantry continues to serve residents in the Valley View apartments at the V.A. Hospital in Lyons, as well as families in our community. If you know someone who is in need of food, please have them call the Parish Office 908-647-0067 ext. 4. We can supply them with emergency food in a contact-free manner.

STEWARDSHIP
Parish E-Giving – Thank you to everyone who has continued to send in their pledges and contributions! This is vital to the financial health of our parish, and we depend on you. We have recently learned that one of our summer tenants will not be returning this summer – the Little Explorers Camp run by Long Hill Township. That was about $2300 worth of income, and we still have not made a decision about September’s Rummage Sale, which brings in about $10,000. We also have been able to have any other building rental income. We did receive a PPP federal loan that covers eight weeks of payroll and becomes forgivable after we submit further paperwork. What can you do? Please stay up-to-date on your pledge! And now you have the ability to make a direct donation or pledge payment on our website via e-giving; see the green “Donate” button on the home page. This can be a one-time payment or it can be a recurring contribution on a weekly or monthly basis. And, of course, if you are able to make an extra donation during this time, that would be very welcome. It is a stressful time for all of us, but All Saints’ is always here for you, and together we will come through these difficult days. Thank you.

WHAT COMES NEXT?
As we think about the weeks ahead and how and when we can safely return to worshipping in person, there are a variety of concerns and factors to be taken into account. Of course, Governor Murphy will need to further loosen restrictions and Bishop Hughes will need to approve the guidelines the diocesan Journey Forward team are creating before we can apply them to our own parish and have a good, safe plan. Here are some of the areas that need to be incorporated for all churches in our diocese:
Masks will need to be worn.
Singing (even with a mask) is a “super-spreader” activity and will not be possible.
Distance (much more than 6 ft) between worship leaders and congregation as public speaking is also a super spreader of micro-particles.
Cleaning and sanitizing of Church, bathrooms, etc. after every service.
Timing of re-introducing Communion.
Seating in Church with appropriate distance and limited capacity.
Attendance taken at each service so that worshippers can be notified if someone present at that service later becomes sick with the virus.
Continuing to livestream worship for those who can’t or don’t feel ready to come to worship in person, including those in high-risk categories.
Our concern continues to be for the health and well-being our parishioners, their families, and our wider community.

DIOCESAN NEWS
Diocese of Newark Memorial Service for all who have died during restricted distancing protocols – The last three months have been filled with all kinds of sacrifice, probably none greater than the death of loved ones in our communities. These losses were made harder by families unable to grieve with the family of faith. While this service, led by Bishop Hughes, will not replace what has been missed, it will be a time for us to gather as the diocese in memory of those who have died. This service will be held Saturday, June 13, 10 AM on YouTube Live. Please use this form to submit the names of loved ones to be included in the Memorial Service: https://dioceseofnewark.org/form/submit-names-diocesan-memorial-service

Prayers and Reflections on Pandemic, Racism, and Protest – Join online with Bishop Hughes and fellow members of the Diocese of Newark as we respond to the disturbing deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. This will be a time to share our hopes, worries, and fears in an uncertain time. We will begin and end the evening with prayers of lament and petition. This ancient practice of lament, reflection, petition, and praise is well-documented in the Psalms. It will uphold us as we gather with each other and before God to pray and reflect. We will meet via Zoom at 6:30 PM on both Monday, June 8 and Thursday, June 11. If you would like the Zoom link for this event, please e-mail allstsmill@hotmail.com.

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
The Communion of Saints includes all those who have gone before us in the faith – those named saints like St. Paul, St. Francis, St. Mary Magdalene, and the small “s” saints known to our local communities and families.

One of the local saints is Edith Seamon Clynes, the woman for whom our altar window was given. Edith was a parishioner, married to Thomas Godfrey Clynes. Shortly after the birth of their second child Richard, she died of septicemia on February 25, 1917. Richard was named for Edith’s father, Dr. Richard Seamon. She was 31 years old at the time of her death. The Clynes lived on Long Hill Road in Stirling, opposite what is now the Shrine of St. Joseph. Edith was buried in Locust Valley, Long Island near her family. The window was dedicated on Pentecost 1920 – June 6 – by the Rt. Rev. Edwin S. Lines, Bishop of the Diocese of Newark, along with the new chancel that had been built at the end of the church to house the altar and choir.

We give thank to God for Edith’s life, and for Thomas’ generosity in offering such an inspiring, comforting, and faithful gift for generations to come. May they rest in the Peace of Christ and rise in the Glory of God.

Blessings, Vicki+