Pentecost I 2020 Celebrate the Possible with God: Love Your Neighbor How do we show our love best as we move to gather cautiously?
Table of Contents 03
WISDOM & INSPIRATION ...
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MEETING NEW FRIENDS Mtr. Michele says hello for the first time in The Staff and invites you to meet with her.
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CARING FOR THE LEAST
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A SEASON OF QUIET
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WATER OF BAPTISM ...
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MINDFULNESS OPPORTUNITIES
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Fr. Robert shares wisdom & inspiration he’s found through two Christian martyrs.
Deacon Janice shares ways we can continue to care for the least of these at this time.
Matt Harbison and the Youth slow down this summer for a time.
Kathleen Crevasse shares about this summer’s Godly Play focus for children.
Kathleen Crevasse tells us about two opportunities to practice mindfulness this summer.
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LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR We share our covenant and safety protocols for Good Shepherd as we move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 for CoVid19.
MUSIC & LITURGY John Wigal goes through the changes to our music in liturgy in a time of pandemic.
BACK TO SCHOOL Sandy Skorput fills us in on what Good Shepherd School is up to this summer.
On the cover & above: Good Shepherd’s logo as live together as the Body of Christ in a time of pandemic.
Wisdom and Inspiration from St. Alban, First Martyr of Britain, and St. Moses the Ethiopian, Desert Father and Martyr Robert Childers, Rector In these strange and different times we are now in, I have often had to struggle and dig deep to be hopeful and maintain a sense of peace both in the moment as well as when I think about the future. The discipline and practice of celebrating the Feast Days of our Liturgical Calendar and remembering the witness and example of Holy Women and Holy Men, has been a great comfort and inspiration to me over the last four months, helping me as I struggle to remain hopeful. The stories of two saints in particular, Alban and Moses the Ethiopian, have been especially strengthening to me and I want to share a bit about them. Alban, the first martyr of Britain (c.304), was a pagan Roman soldier. In a time when Rome was persecuting Christians, a priest fleeing from the authorities found refuge with Alban. In their short time together, Alban was converted to Christianity. When officials came to Alban’s home searching for the priest, Alban, wearing the priest’s garments, turned himself in and was subsequently tortured and martyred. His executioner heard the story of Christ from Alban and refused to execute him. He became the second British martyr. When the priest who converted Alban heard of his arrest, he hurriedly went to turn himself in and then became the third martyr of Britain. Moses, the Ethiopian, was a slave who was dismissed by his master for theft and murder. He then joined a criminal gang of thieves and bandits who terrorized the area in and around the Nile Valley. When he was fleeing from the local authorities, he found refuge with a monastic community in the desert
near Alexandria. He was so moved by their hospitality and love that he converted to Christianity and became a member of the community. Later, he, like Alban, was martyred for his faith. So, what do these two ancient figures from long ago have to say to us in the year of our Lord, 2020? Both lived in a time of fear, anxiety and uncertainly, in many ways like our own times. How they responded and lived into their circumstances provides us an important life lesson. More and more, it seems we are viewing those not like ourselves as threats and enemies, people whom we should fear rather than welcome. And, more often than not, we are acting and reacting toward them out of our fear. Alban and Moses offer us “a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31). The priest seeking refuge with Alban was a stranger, unknown and different from him. Moses, a bandit and murderer, was unlike anyone in the monastic community which welcomed him. And yet, hospitality and love were extended, risks were taken, in both instances. As strangers were welcomed, lives were changed and transformed. Had Alban not welcomed the priest, he would not have been converted. Had the monks not welcomed Moses, he likely would have remained a criminal. In these uncertain and divisive times, what risks of love and hospitality are we being called to take? How might we welcome someone different from ourselves? How might we make room in our hearts for someone we disagree with? How do we need to be transformed? How might our 3
acts of love and hospitality transform a stranger into a friend? How can we be the light of Christ to another? How can we more faithfully seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves? “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God.” 1 John 4:6 Blessings, grace and peace, Robert +
Meeting new friends in Lookout Mountain Michele Simmons, Assistant to the Rector Good People of Good Shepherd, As I write this, it has been just over a month since my family make the trek down from Sewanee and hauled way too many boxes into the beautiful rectory here in Lookout Mountain. I confess there are still boxes to be unpacked, but it is a fraction of what we started with and settling in has been a joy. For one thing, John and I have pledged never to get jaded by fireflies, which fill the yard with sparkling delight each evening. Until Sewanee, I had never seen fireflies. Heartfelt thanks to the many Good Shepherd parishioners, staff, and vestry members who have made us feel very, very welcomed. You brought dinners, helped settle us into the house and my office, and have already begun sharing yourselves and your stories with me. I am humbled and thrilled to be here among you! Safety precautions related to Covid-19 have, so far, put a damper on our ability to gather to get to meet each other. However, as we are beginning to take the first steps towards coming together again, and establishing our new normal, I would like to extend an invitation for a get-to-know-you chat with me during the weeks ahead. This can take place by phone, by video conference, or in-person at the church in a safe “Love Your Neighbor” manner. If the weather’s good we can meet outside, keeping the recommended six-foot distance. If the weather’s unfavorable, we can meet inside the church, maintaining social distance and wearing masks. To set up a time to meet with me, you can either give me a call directly to check my schedule (423-821-1583 and ask for Michele) or email me at michele@gslookout.com . I am very excited to get to know you all in person. Thank you so much for inviting me to join you all here at Good Shepherd! Yours in Christ, The Reverend Michele Simmons 4
Caring for the least of these Janice Robbins, Deacon
As frustrating and dismal as the present time feels, sadly we could also be in a situation of anticipating the end to our unemployment checks, barely keeping food on the table and a roof over our heads, finding good healthcare, and all the while, trying not to despair. We are young or elderly, any and all races, possibly foreign, with all levels of education, homeless or soon-to-be-evicted, scared, and fearful. For most of us, we are not living on the edge of survival. Perhaps because we know that God expects us to love our neighbors as ourselves, there is always something we can do to improve other people’s lives. Monetary donations are gratefully received by Episcopal Relief and Development, Red Cross, United Way, Chambliss Home and all non-profits. Food*, water, and household and personal items are also always needed at the Food Bank, Community Kitchen, and Metropolitan Ministry. Because we’re apart from each other, we must be more thoughtful and imaginative in how we help. We must exert a little more effort to carry out our caring. In Matthew 25, the disciples ask, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” And Jesus replies “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Apart or together, we are called to love God AND to love our neighbors AND to see Jesus in all humanity ... the time is now. Let us see Jesus in those who need and offer help. *Food and items left in the narthex will be delivered to the Food Bank, Kitchen or MetMin.
A season of quiet
Matt Harbison, Director of Youth Ministry Parents & Students, As we enter July, we’ll be taking a small break from our regular Wednesday night Evening Prayer, but don’t worry, I’ll be around online and via text, phone, or email should you need me. I’ll also plan to be around the online whereby Youth Room if you just want to say, “hello” on Wednesday Nights. There is a small group of students interested in doing a more in depth online Bible Study, so please let me know if that interests you! As we begin Phase 2, in an effort to safely streamline our services, acolytes will not be used at this time. Please stay tuned should this change in the upcoming weeks. Enjoy these wonderful Summer days! Peace, Matt
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Water of Baptism, Water for Life
Kathleen Crevasse, Director of Christian Education Parents of 3-11 year-olds, do your kids have their gold boxes yet? If not contact Kathleen or swing by the narthex to pick one up. We all missed having vacation bible school and wish we could gather for family movie nights and pizza, but we can’t let summer go by without a little summer fun (and learning). Our summer church-to-go program includes: • A weekly Godly Play water story. Watch at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday morning on Facebook or any time after in the GS FB archived videos. Kathleen can also send you a link. • See friends and Miss Kathleen at 10 in our Whereby room. Contact Kathleen or Sandra for the link. • A weekly yoga session to go with each story will be posted to Good Shepherd’s Facebook page by Sunday evening each week. Miss Grace will lead. • A golden box full of craft ideas, craft materials, learning materials and devotional materials to learn about the great water stories of the bible, water justice and the promises we make with our baptism. Please share your wonderings, your craft projects and questions – like the Oehmigs have here.
I wonder what’s in the box
A sneak peek.
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Watching Godly Play
Light & waterscape/altar
Mindfulness Opportunities for All We are living in challenging times. Between COVID-19, political divides, unrest about racial injustice, and lack of in-person connection with our fellow human beings, no one can be blamed for feeling scattered, unsure, unmoored, and at sea. These are times that call for spiritual exercises and mental practices to center ourselves and connect with God and with each other. The Diocese of East Tennessee Formation Task Force recently developed and tested a program to shore ourselves up, keep ourselves upright, to take ourselves to safe shores, using a simple mnemonic device and practice: The 4 Ms. The idea is that if each day you can try to do something involving MINDFULNESS, MOVEMENT, MASTERY and MEANINGFUL CONNECTION you will increase your mental and spiritual wellbeing and develop more and more resilience as you engage with the practices. I urge you to go to www.dioet.org/4ms and check out the offering. There are ideas and examples for each of the four categories, downloads, links to great resources, and even (scroll all the way down the page) a kit you can have sent to you, gratis! The 4 M’s are appropriate for all ages and all circumstances. I hope you will give it a try. For rising 3rd-7th Graders at Good Shepherd, we are hosting a Mindfulness Camp, in partnership with the Center for Mindful Living. Playful activities we will explore include: • • • • • • • •
Basics of attention Mindful listening, seeing, tasting, smell and touch Mindful movement Creative crafts Active listening Kindness to self and others Opportunities for quiet reflection Value of practice
Go to the Center for Mindful Living website (centermindfulliving.org/events) or contact Kathleen Crevasse for more information. Kathleen will be present at the camp session. Give your child the gift of some solid tools to deal with living in these challenging times. There is limited enrollment to assure social-distancing, so sign up soon! The cost is $145 per child.
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Music & Liturgy during a pandemic John Wigal, Director of Music
Music this Past Spring Thank you to the expanded staff singers of our Adult Choir who formed the “Corona Choir” for our online worship services. We are thankful for the gift of their skills and patience to work through the new challenges of fast rehearsal and recording in a socially distant space. Our appreciation goes out to Delores Beery, Rachael Henderson, Cathy and EJ Laird, Hal Miller, Janelle and Trevor Wagoner, and Cecelia Wigal. A special word of thanks to Janelle Wagoner for merging, editing and preparing our music videos over the past several weeks. We will get the opportunity to experience these voices over the next several weeks as we move through the summer using a soloist at the 10 am service. Congregational Song this Summer There is significant concern about the transmission of CoVid19 as an aerosol created when singing. Although several studies have begun to deal with this issue, a clear answer has yet to be found. Consequently, it has been suggested that group singing be strictly curtailed at this time. We will be observing this as we begin our in-person worship. Singing will be limited to a soloist or duet offered from the balcony and the singer(s) will wear a mask when performing. The normal parts of the Ordinary that we sing (namely the “Gloria” and the “Sanctus”) will be spoken at all services. As we move toward the fall, I am confident we will have better defined ideas about how this virus is spread and what role corporate song does or does not play in that spread. Our Liturgy this Summer In order to be as efficient as possible with our resources, all three of the Sunday worship offerings will use the same liturgy and format. The services will all use the text taken from the Book of Common Prayer, Rite II. Bulletins, therefore, will be the same for all three services and for one-time use only. Prayer books and hymnals as well as other items have been removed from the pew racks for sanitary reasons. Several steps have been taken to be sure that the service length is kept briefer than usual as lengthened exposure increases the CoVid19 risk. Only one of the offered lectionary lessons will be used in addition to the Gospel lesson for that Sunday. Since congregational song is not being used, hymnody by the soloist only will be brief or non-existent. The anthem offered by the soloist will occur before the Gospel, rather than at its normal place during the offering. Offering plates will be made available at the entry and exit and will not be passed person-to-person. The distribution of Holy Communion, bread only, will occur as the last element in the liturgy and worshippers will exit immediately following reception of the bread through the doors at the front of the Nave near the pulpit.
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Back to school
Sandy Skorput, Director of Good Shepherd School After a 3-month hiatus, Good Shepherd School celebrated the graduation of the Pre K class of 2020. It was a joyous occasion held in the circular driveway in front of our building. The teachers planned for music, balloons, diplomas, special T-shirts and caps for each graduate. As many other schools have done, we had a drive-through graduation. Many of the cars and golf carts arrived fully decorated with graduates and family members in tow. It was a picture-perfect day and the celebration closed the Good Shepherd School experience for 20 rising Kindergarteners. We will miss them all and wish them the best as their adventure continues in Kindergarten! On June 15th, Good Shepherd School opened for the second half of the first Summer Session. We had been closed since March 13th and, with some added new protocols to help protect the children and staff from the COVID-19 virus, we welcomed the children back Pre-K graduation to school! We have now been open 3 weeks and have begun Session 2. We started with low numbers which helped the staff to practice and get used to the new protocols. As is usually the case, the children don’t seem to even notice we are doing things differently. They are happy to be back at school, to see their friends again and to enjoy summer fun both inside and on the playground. With the beginning of Session 2, the enrollment has increased significantly and our numbers for August look even larger. We intentionally kept them low during Summer Enrollment not knowing what to expect with the virus. That has allowed us to maintain numbers at or below 10 in each classroom. I am encouraged with how smoothly things have gone and more confident each day; these protocols are not only helping us stay safe but also very manageable for the staff. We will continue taking temperatures, wearing masks, washing our hands and cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day. But most importantly, we will continue to form the minds and hearts of our youngest children as we educate and entertain them each day at Good Shepherd School.
Staying safe & having fun
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Love Your Neighbor
Covenant & Safety Protocols
Our Covenant
Phase 1 Safer at Home
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Phase 2 Gathering Cautiously
Phase 3 Learning from Recent Lessons
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The Church of the Good Shepherd 211 Franklin Road Lookout Mountain, Tennessee 37350
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