Rector’s Messages

7 – 9 of 25 items

To Everything There is a Season

Dear Friends,
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven”
– Ecclesiastes 3:1

With the nourishing rains come the change in seasons and cooler weather. Fall is finally arriving and with it many exciting activities in our church.

As we continue to grow in this liturgical season of Pentecost, I pray that we will hear and follow our “purpose under heaven” as individuals and as a community. I look forward to hearing about how God is speaking to you.

I am excited about our EYC (Episcopal Youth Commission) activities that are lining up for the year. Each will have a biblical basis, in reach, outreach and fun. I am thankful for Nicole Goots and Richard Sherman’s leadership and the gifts that they will be sharing with us.

On our Commissioning Sunday in September, we recognized our worship ministry leaders and teams. I am thankful for all those who stood during the services to be commissioned. As we know, the work of the church in the world cannot be done without the many who offer their time and gifts. At Manakin Church the numbers are plentiful, and we appreciate them very much!

I am thrilled to welcome back the choir and their musical gifts that enhance our worship. Although their contributions over the summer were great, there is nothing like having the full group together each Sunday. Their time and commitment under Rita’s direction are extraordinary.

Beautification efforts are being made to the grounds and we give thanks to Jean Hillsman and the Salisbury Garden Club for their work on our entrance beds and planted pots.

Under the great leadership of Kristen Hebert, our parking lot project and Denny Hall entrance are underway. We appreciate all that Kristen, Halsey Dillard, Angela Park, Gunnar Kohlbeck, Michael Walker and Jeff Lighthiser have done to bring forth these improvements. All this could not have been done without their efforts and the generous gifts of the financial donors.

Yes, we have exciting offerings coming up this fall. I hope that you will keep apprised of these through the Messenger newsletter, weekly eBlasts and bulletin notices. If you are not receiving all of these forms of communication, please let us know. This is our time and season!

Blessings,
Gini+

Making Participation in Church a Habit

Dear Friends,

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”  (Heb. 10:24-25)

A habit is a routine that begins with an intentional choice that results in a lifestyle change. Church attendance is a habit, either to participate or to withdraw from. Over the summer church attendance typically drops as family activities draw folks away. I look forward to our full engagement as we turn to the new program year in September.

One way that I can see us stirring up one another to love and good works is through encouraging one another. We can do this by expressing our enthusiasm (from the Greek – God filled) in our church and community. Just a few of the September opportunities:

Labor Day Sunday will be Aidan’s last official Sunday with us. Aidan will lead the services and preach.

Monday, September 2, Labor Day will be another Day of Mission as we labor with our friends at St Luke’s at Shalom Farms.

First Fridays will kick off again with a fellowship gathering in Denny Hall on September 6 from 5:30—7 PM.

The Men of the Church will reconvene with breakfast on September 14.

On September 15, we will commission our many ministry leaders including members of our acolyte team, altar guild, choir, lay readers, streaming team, teachers and nursery providers and ushers. All those who help to bring our Sunday worship services together.

On September 22, we will have Forum at 9 AM and following the service our middle school and high school youth will gather with their parents to plan our activities for the coming year.

We have an exciting month ahead with many opportunities to stir up one another to love and good works!

I look forward to the routine of seeing you often.

Blessings,
Gini+

What does it mean to be a member of Manakin Church?

Dear Friends,

I am often asked about membership in Manakin Church. With Bishop Haynes visiting us on September 8, this is a good opportunity for us to address this question and to discuss what it means to be a member. Please note that whether or not you are an official member of the Church, you belong by worshiping and participating in the life of the congregation with us.

Here is some general information about membership in the Church:

  • Baptism makes us members of the Universal Church. The Episcopal Church recognizes all persons who have been baptized with water in the name of the Holy Trinity. We then live into the meaning of our baptism within specific congregations. I
  • If you were baptized in the Episcopal Church and have been a member of another congregation, you can become a member of Manakin Church by having a letter of transfer sent to the church office. Wendy, our parish administrator, can take care of facilitating this.
  • Those who were baptized and confirmed in another denomination can become a member by being received by the Bishop.
  • All baptized members are encouraged to receive the sacrament of confirmation. In confirmation ‘we express a mature commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.’ After confirmation, the person is a member of the congregation.
  • A communicant in good standing is one who for the previous year has been faithful in corporate worship, unless for good cause prevented, and has been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God. Communicants over the age of 16 years who are members of the church may serve on the vestry and vote in elections.

Now is the perfect time to explore being a member of the Church. The youth are completing their confirmation preparation. Several adults are finishing up the Inquirer’s Class and will be confirmed or received as well. Please keep them all in your prayers as they journey through this important time.

Lenora Goodwyn
Martha Grace Harrison
Sally and Jim Dunn
Emily Ellinghausen
Margaret and Bobby King
Valarie and Jacques Riviere
Kathy and John Watkins

If you have any questions about membership, confirmation or being received in the Episcopal Church, please let me know so that we can discuss your specific situation. In general, membership in Manakin Church is a sign of commitment to the community that is dedicated to serving God and you.

Blessings,
Gini+

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