September News 2019
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Service of Peace and Healing
Our annual Service of Peace & Healing will take place on Sunday, September 8. We began the service as a response to the events of September 11, 2001. The service offers a space to lament and grieve the brokenness in our country, the world and our lives. It is a quiet and contemplative service. This year's service will focus on racial reconciliation and immigration. During the service we will hear the perspectives of recent immigrants through excerpts of films they have created.There will be an opportunity in the service to come forward for the laying on of hands and anointing for healing of the body, mind and spirit. Following the service during coffee hour we will screen the full version of "She's an American Child" and have table discussions. Welcome Diana This summer we have been fortunate to have the musical talents of Hongge (Diana) Du for our services. Ariel Mo, who played for us last year has moved farther away and cannot commute in to play for us. Luckily Diana has agreed to stay on. Diana is a graduate of New England Conservatory, where she studied piano and organ.This fall she will be teaching music in Winchester as well as offering piano lessons in her private studio in Allston. If you haven't already, please introduce yourself to her. Prayers of the Peace for Racial Reconciliation and Justice Beginning with the Service of Peace and Healing we will be using a new form of Prayers of the People. Developed by the the Standing Committee on Music and Liturgy of the Episcopal Church, USA it has been commended to congregations for use in the coming year and forms have been designed for Advent and Lent as well. It is a sign of awareness within our denomination of the legacy of racism that has been systemic to our society, and unfortunately, to the church as well. You will find more information on this important ministry in our denomination on the national church's website at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/racial-reconciliation. Exciting Program Change For over ten years we have been collaborating with St. Stephen's Youth Programs to help provide quality afterschool and summer programming for elementary aged children, but things are about to change. Beginning on Monday September 16 we will be hosting the Middle School Program also known as YLC (Youth Leadership Corps). Latasha Scott, has been director of the program for three years. In May the Vestry met with Latasha as well as Kasey Boston, Director of Youth Programs and unanimously approved the change. It allows St. Stephen's to consolidate the elementary school program at their site and give the YLC space to flourish at ours. We will still be offering a hearty snack once a week for the students and will be looking for other ways to engage with the students and their parents. 2nd Annual Apple Picking Trip Fall is a great time to be outside enjoying the beautiful colors and marveling at God's creation and we have the opportunity to do just that. On Sunday September 29 we will be going up to Honey Pot Hill Orchard in Stow, Massachusetts for apple picking. Many of us enjoyed the trip last year as well as enjoying the fruits (literally) of our labors, not to mention the cider donuts! We have invited the rest of the mission hub to go as well. This year we will be carpooling as we found last year that people wanted to leave at different times and the great big bus we rented was way too big. We will plan for a nice lunch after the service and then get on the road at 1:00 p.m. We should be back by 4:30. There will be a sign up sheet. Please indicate on it whether you need a ride or would be willing to drive. Tai Chi for Seniors Still Going Strong Every Tuesday from 2:30-3:30 join a small, but dedicated group of seniors for Tai Chi. Tai Chi involves breath-work, self-massage, gentle movement and moving meditation. Practicing Tai Chi can improve your balance, breath support, blood circulation, stress level and quality of life. Tai Chi is offered through Roxbury-Dorchester Power in Community at no cost to participants. It takes place in our sanctuary. Please wear clothing you can move easily in. The class is adaptive, so you can still participate even if you have mobility issues. Save the Date for Homecoming This year's Homecoming Celebration is scheduled for All Saints' Sunday November 3. Michael Downing will return as our chef and the menu will be a Thanksgiving style feast. Since this is a fundraiser for the church. Adult tickets will be $25 and Children's Tickets $15. Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of October. Stay tuned for more information. Copyright © 2019 Church of Saint Augustine & Saint Martin, All rights reserved. |