New Spirit Update, June 17, 2021
In this issue: A summer sizzler at St. Matt’s – Ozark, a celebration of 12 years’ work at Christ Church – Springfield, LGBT+ Pride Month, Juneteenth and much, much more.
News Update 06-17-2021
Juneteenth to become an official federal holiday
One-minute read. As federal employees are granted a paid holiday to celebrate Juneteenth, learn more about this commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Taking Pride – a personal reflection
Two-minute read. For me, Pride Month is about celebrating the grand diversity that God has created in humanity. Pride is a consciousness of the dignity that each of us possesses as a beloved creation of God. It is this particular sense of the word that is meant when we talk about this month celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Community dinners recommence at St. Matthew’s, Ozark
One-minute read. With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, St. Matthew’s, Ozark are restarting their long-running community dinners on June 23 with an old-fashioned picnic.
There is space for conversation ‘At the Table’ why not come and join us?
One-Minute read. This new resource helps you (re)connect as a family, friends, neighbors, or congregation around a table – be it kitchen, coffee, or picnic!
Purposeful Sabbath
Two-Minute read. Sabbath is important; so important that even God took time off after his creation of all that is. If a sabbath rest is good enough for God, it’s good enough for us, too!
The Way of Love: Rest
Two-minute read. In the Godly Play Creation story, the words go like this: “On the seventh day, God rested and gave us the gift of a day to rest – and to remember the great gifts of all the other days.” What practices restore you and help you to rest in God’s hands? What practices help you celebrate and enjoy the gifts of the other days of creation?
An evening in support of Episcopal Migration Ministries with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Iconographer Mr. Kelly Latimore
On Wednesday, June 23, at 5 pm, join Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and iconographer Mr. Kelly Latimore as they discuss EMM’s ministry to refugees and asylum seekers through the lens of iconography.
Have your say, survey on the impact of COVID-19 on The Episcopal Church
Two-minute read. This new survey is seeking to understand how clergy and churchgoers in the United States have coped with the COVID-19 pandemic and their opinions about how this may affect the Church.
Evangelism Matters Conference sessions are now available for anyone to view
One-minute read. We hope that those who participated felt inspired, encouraged, and challenged, and are now ready to proclaim the Good News of Christ through word and example! Even though the conference is officially over, the learning and gathering doesn’t have to end.
Bishop Marty’s sermon for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, St. Oswald’s in the Fields, Skidmore, June 13, 2021
15-minute recording. Bishop Marty’s sermon for the Third Sunday after Pentecost given at St. Oswald’s in the Fields, Skidmore, is available to listen to online.
Twelve-year labor of love at Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield celebrated with a dedication and blessing
One-minute read. The hard work and patience of a group of needle point enthusiasts at Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield was recognized with a dedication and blessing of the 15 kneelers and banner they have produced.
Explore the possibilities for expanding your Children’s and Family Ministries
One-minute read. On Thursday, June 10, anyone involved in Children and Family Ministry is invited to join us in a virtual gathering to get better acquainted. Join us to explore the possibilities for expanding your Ministries
Bishop Marty’s sermon for the Second Sunday after Pentecost, Church of the Transfiguration, Mountain Grove, June 6, 2021
14-minute recording. Bishop Marty’s sermon for the second Sunday after Pentecost given at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, Mountain Grove, is available to listen to online.
