NEWS & EVENTS

HOLY WEEK AT ST. TIMOTHY'S

Palm Sunday
8 AM: Blessing of Palms & Holy Eucharist (spoken)
10 AM: Palm Procession & Holy Eucharist (sung)

The 10 AM service begins with the Liturgy of the Palms in the Parish Hall, with Palm Procession to the Nave, followed by the Dramatic Reading of the Passion Gospel of St. Matthew and Holy Eucharist. This is a “hybrid” liturgy: both in-person and online.

Monday & Tuesday in Holy Week
7 PM: Ante-communion, followed by confessions

We will not celebrate the Holy Eucharist during the period from Palm Sunday until Maundy Thursday. On these two days the evening service will be the first part of the Eucharist, including the readings for these days, but ending after the Lord’s Prayer.

Wednesday in Holy Week
7 PM: Tenebrae

Tenebrae, a service of shadows and darkness expressive of the gradual desertion of Christ by those around him, marks a decisive turn in Holy Week and serves as a contemplative portal into the mystery of our redemption which will be our focus in the coming days. This is a service unlike any other in the Church Year and forms the entrance into the heart of Holy Week.

THE HOLY TRIDUUM
One Liturgy Spread over Three Days

All Episcopalians are to join together for worship if physically able to do so. (Main services in underlined bold text)

Maundy Thursday

7 PM: The Maundy Thursday Liturgy
Prayer Watch following until Noon Good Friday

The first part of the service, which does not conclude until the end of the Great Vigil of Easter, this service commemorates Christ’s command to love each other as he has loved us, and his commandment to “do this in remembrance of me” by sharing in the Holy Eucharist. The Holy Sacrament is then removed to the Chapel and the altar is stripped in recollection of Christ’s arrest and being mocked. We then leave in silence as the lights are lowered.

The Prayer Watch at the Altar of Repose in the Chapel now begins, lasting until noon Friday, in remembrance of Jesus’s words in the garden of Gethsemane, when he asked his disciples to spend an hour in prayer with him. Parishioners sign up to take an hour in prayer in the chapel before Christ in the Holy Sacrament. A member of the parish will be at the church all night to let people in and walk them to their cars.

Good Friday

Noon: Stations of the Cross
7 PM: Good Friday Liturgy

The Good Friday Liturgy is the most solemn service in the Church Year. Its starkness points to the truth of both human brokenness and God’s complete identification with us in our need. The highlights are the Great Silence at the start, then the reading of the Passion Gospel according to St. John, the Solemn Collects (intercessions for all humanity), the bringing out and veneration of the Good Friday Cross, and the Communion from the Reserved Sacrament, brought from the Altar of Repose in the Chapel. Once more, we leave in silence.

Good Friday is marked by as complete a fast as health allows, from sunrise until at least 3 PM, the traditional hour of Christ’s death upon the cross.

Holy Saturday

10 AM: Little Tomb Service of the Burial of Christ

The morning service is a short, spare gathering at the now-denuded altar where we hear of Christ’s hasty burial and contemplate his lying in the tomb, even as God the Son has descended to Hades, there to liberate those long held by the Evil One. A glorious sermon from the very early Christian period is read and prayers for those who have died are offered.

Easter Eve

Saturday, 9 PM: The Great Vigil of Easter,
followed by the Agape Feast

The Easter Vigil is the heart of our life as a parish and as a people. It is our main Easter service. It must be experienced, not explained, but it consists of the lighting, blessing, and sharing of the New Fire, the great song before the Paschal Candle (The “Exsultet”), the readings of the Old Testament prophesies, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, the Proclamation of the Resurrection, the great Easter Homily of St. John Chrysostom, and the First Eucharist of Easter. This is the high point of the entire Church Year. The Vigil is followed by a grand feast in the Parish Hall, to which all are invited. Come and see!

Easter Day

11 AM: Holy Eucharist (said, with hymns)
A “hybrid” liturgy: both in-person and online.

The Easter Day Eucharist at St. Timothy’s is quite a bit simpler than the Vigil. However, it is a joyous celebration and includes the beautiful, ever-new account of Mary Magdalene meeting the Risen Christ in the garden. With this Eucharist, our celebration of Easter Day concludes…but the Great 50 Days of Eastertide has just begun.

LENT AND HOLY WEEK AT ST. TIMOTHY'S

+ Stations of the Cross are held every Friday evening at 7 PM during Lent. Join us for the Litany of Penitence from Ash Wednesday and short readings from Blessed Julian of Norwich.

HOLY WEEK

+ Palm Sunday: March 24
8 AM: Blessing of Palms & Holy Eucharist (spoken)
10 AM: Palm Procession & Holy Eucharist (sung).

+ Monday, March 25 & Tuesday, March 26
7 PM: Evening Prayer

+ Wednesday, March 27
7 PM: Tenebrae Service

THE HOLY TRIDUUM

One Liturgy Spread over Three Days (Main services in bold text)

+ Maundy Thursday: March 28

7 PM: The Maundy Thursday Liturgy

Prayer Watch following until Noon on Good Friday

+ Good Friday: March 29

Noon: Stations of the Cross

7 PM: Good Friday Liturgy

+ Holy Saturday; Easter Eve: March 30

10 AM: Little Tomb Service of the Burial of Christ

9 PM: The Great Vigil of Easter, followed by the Agape Feast

Easter Day: March 31

11 AM: Holy Eucharist (said, with hymns)

WORSHIP SERVICES AT ST. TIMOTHY'S

+ Holy Eucharist is celebrated each Sunday at 8 AM (said service) and 10 AM (sung service). The 10 AM service is also shared via Zoom for those who are physically unable to attend in person.

+ Wednesdays there is an in-person Holy Eucharist at 10AM, using the traditional-language rite. This service is followed by tea and conversation in the parish library.

+ Current masking policy: All persons may wear a face mask as a health tool. Some persons (especially those in higher-risk groups) should wear a mask. However, no one must wear a mask. The parish provides good quality face masks for those desiring them.

+ We have an upgraded HVAC air handling system to maximize the safety of our indoor environment.

+ We encourage vaccination for all eligible persons to prevent communicable disease at church or elsewhere.

+ Please contact the parish office for more information, and to be added to our Zoom invitation lists.

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Word from the Rector

The End of [Ordinary] Time
The season after Pentecost concludes with a series of Sundays focusing on the "final things" in time and faith--a category collectively called eschatology. The sense of an immediate and lively connection between now and eternity is at the heart of biblical Christianity and is the "secret sauce" giving zest to daily Christian life.

This area of our faith has to do with the final reckoning at the end of the ages. It points to the truth that all our actions have consequences, but also to the merciful purposes of God's judgement as found in the teachings and actions of Christ.

Some Christians treat eschatology as a club with which to beat people into a fearful compliance. For us, the concept of the "end times" is primarily about hope: the hope that all things will be brought to a healed unity with God. Our task is to live with that day in mind every day. Indeed, one way to translate the Lord's prayer runs "give us today the bread of that day"--the day of the Lord's final victory. The Day of the Lord is always in mind for the faithful Christian, shaping our actions, choices, and desires.

So, while the scripture readings on Sunday can seem a bit dire, they are speaking to us of the truth: our lives are finite, yet our actions have infinite implications. The end of time for the Christian is but the portal to the beginning of eternity--something available to us in the sacraments and in every action of loving service done in Christ's name. Our daily lives should bear this out. Then, the Last Day will be a homecoming and not a source of anxiety.

The Saga of the Rector's Recovery: Eucharist this Sunday
I went to the physical therapist today and had good news about my sustained recovery. Healing is proceeding well, and I am moving around much more. I still need a bit more time to develop stamina to be on my feet for a long period, so this Sunday the Rev'd Shana McCauley, sub-dean of Trinity Cathedral, will be with us to preach and celebrate the Eucharist. Thank you for your patience over the last weeks.

I plan to be at church Sunday at 10 to join you in worship and then to take the Wednesday morning 10 AM Eucharist next week. I thank you for your prayers--they have been keenly felt. I also thank you for the cards and other well-wishes, as well as some lovely meals. God bless you all. I look forward to resuming activities gradually and wisely--and I miss you all greatly.

In Christ,
Brandon+

The Week Ahead...

Thursday, November 13:

7 PM: Women's Bible Study on Zoom

Friday, November 14: The Consecration of Samuel Seabury, 1784

Fridays outside of Eastertide, Christmas, and Feasts of our Lord are marked by acts of discipline and self-denial. If you wish to know more about the meaning of this practice and its benefits, please enquire with Fr. Brandon.

Saturday, November 15: Herman of Alaska, Missionary, 1837

Quiet Day with the Bishop: 9 AM - 3 PM

+ Sunday, November 16: Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Fr. Brandon continues to suffer from a sever attack of sciatica. This Sunday the Rev'd Shana McCauley, sub-dean of Trinity Cathedral, will preach and celebrate.

+ 8 AM: Holy Eucharist (said). In-person

+ 9:50 AM: Godly Play and Nursery open

+ 10 AM: Holy Eucharist (sung). In-person and online.

+ Coffee Hour and After Ten Forum (more info) following the 10 AM Liturgy

Monday, November 17: Hugh of Lincoln, Bishop, 1200

The Parish Office is closed on this day.

Tuesday, November 18: Hilda of Whitby, Abbess, 680

Crafts and Conversation, 10 AM in the narthex
Vestry, 6 PM

Wednesday, November 19: Elizabeth of Hungary, Princess, 1231

10 AM: Rite I Holy Eucharist (in the Rector's absence, Morning Prayer service may be offered instead--this will be determined closer to the date).
7 PM: Inquirer's Class via Zoom

Prayer Requests from this Parish: Liz McClure, Margaret McMurren+, Melinda Filbert, Juanita Rivera, Scott Kohl, Caroline Gilbert, the Teeters family, Jim Whitney, Rorey DeWitt, Stephen Harrison, Fr. Brandon, Adair Heard, Skip Padrick, Rich Zorko, Family Promise, Salem for Refugees, Mending Wings Youth Ministries. For this Parish’s financial stewardship, for peace and the many innocent souls caught up in armed conflict. For our nation and the cessation of political violence and partisan division.

For the Departed: Barbara Knighton

For Those who Mourn: The Knighton family

For Those with Birthdays Next Week: Nancy Herrin, Kathy Klopfenstein

In the Diocese of Oregon: St James, Tigard

In the Anglican Communion: The Anglican Province of Alexandria

Notice of the Funeral for Barbara Knighton

The Burial Liturgy for Barbara Knighton will be on Saturday, November 22 at 11 AM, with committal of ashes in the Memorial Garden, followed by a reception in the narthex.

Pray for the repose of the soul of this devoted and faithful servant, and for the family and friends who mourn her.

+ Rest eternal grant her, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon her.

Zoom Recording of Last Sunday's Sermon

Sunday, November 9
Passcode: Etpytt0&

Links will be valid for two weeks.
The Lectionary Readings for this past Sunday can be found here (Track 2).

After Ten Forum
This Sunday, November 16
Presenters: Sue Bergquist and Carol Hutchinson

TOPIC: HERESIES

You are invited to join a conversation about heresies, the old ones that are appearing in Christian discourse in our own day. They present an on-going challenge to the historic faith of the Church.

Why this topic?
Heresies once condemned by the early church have subtly influenced the thinking of many Christians today. Come and learn what some of those heresies are and what they look like now.

Who would benefit from this forum?
Anyone interested in examining his or her own beliefs about Christ and the Church, especially those who are new to the faith.

Once you have your coffee, come join us in the Vestry!

Pre-Advent Quiet Day
This Saturday November 15, 9 AM - 3 PM
Led by Bishop Akiyama

St. Timothy’s is honored to have our bishop with us for this Quiet Day in preparation for the Advent & Christmas seasons. A Quiet Day begins with prayer and continues with a series of short addresses on spiritual life with periods of silence for reflection and opportunities for individual conferences. This will be a time to listen deeply and experience a break from the rush of events and many distractions which take us away from God’s loving presence. It is also an excellent way for people new to this tradition to learn about Holy Silence and engage in spiritual contemplation and listening.

Please bring your own lunch. Phones and timepieces are collected at the start of the day to aid in your focus and participation in quiet. You may attend for part of the day if necessary. There is no cost for this event.

Healthy Hoover Kids

Saturday November 22 will be our distribution day for the thanksgiving break food boxes for families in need at Hoover Elementary. We will be looking for volunteers to:
➢Shop ahead of time (you will have a specific list or item)

➢Set up organizing tables the day before (Friday Nov 21)
➢Prepackage produce the evening before (Friday Nov 21)
➢Pack boxes the day of (starting at 1:30 PM on Saturday)
➢Deliver boxes to families (Saturday afternoon)
We will be contacting people who have helped out in the past, but we also welcome new volunteers at any time. See Elizabeth Gaupo, or look for a sign-up in the narthex. If you can’t volunteer but want to help out, we will need donations of:
➢1-dozen size egg cartons (NOT 18-count)
➢Medium size cardboard boxes to pack food
Thank you! Elizabeth Gaupo | gaupos4@comcast.net | 503-798-8411

Salem for Refugees THRIVE 2025 Fundraiser!
Thursday, Nov 20 at 4:30 pm | Friday, Nov 21 at 12 & 6 pm
This is Salem For Refugees biggest event of the year! With live music, delicious international appetizers and desserts prepared by recently arrived families. Pamela Lyons Nelson will be hosting a table, so do connect with her if you’d like to attend.

Family Promise

Our next Family Promise rotation is the second week of December. St. Timothy’s is responsible for providing meals, evening hosts and overnight hosts on Tuesday December 9th and Wednesday December 10th. There will be a signup sheet is in the narthex. Please contact Steve Cowgill if you have any questions or would like to learn more about this ministry.

Men's Group
This group will next week on Thursday, November 20th at 6 PM. We usually share a meal together, followed by a time of discussion led by the host around a particular theme or topic, and ending with Compline. If you would like more information about the group please contact Ron DeWilde, Steve Cowgill or Chuck McFerron.

Poetry Group
The Poetry Group meets next Sunday (Nov. 23) in the Adult Ed room following the 10 AM liturgy. New faces are always welcome! Bring some poetry, or come and listen to what others have to share.

From Your Parish Librarian

In 5th century Ireland, Scotland and Wales, Celtic Christianity developed distinctly from Roman Christianity.

The Celtic Church revered nature as sacred, and the importance of community. “Anam cara” is “soul friend” illustrating a deep friendship that cultivates mentorship and spiritual guidance. Monastic communities were significant and served as centers of worship and also study and retreat. A significant part of Church leadership was led by women.

In the Middle Ages the Roman Church shortened the length of Advent from 40 days to 22-28 days (4 weeks), depending on which day of the week Christmas Day arrived; however, the Celts kept their 40 days. The beginning of Celtic Advent is this Saturday, the 15th.

Forty days of Celtic Advent is seven Wednesdays of Shelf Life. You are invited to pilgrim to this place next Wednesday, and every Wednesday until December 24, to hear about Celtic Saints that the Church still recognizes (no heresy here).

St Patrick, St Columba, St Aidan and St Cuthbert are known to many even if they aren’t aware they are from the Celtic tradition. During Advent the Librarian thought it would be fitting to learn about lesser-known Celtic Saints.

For six more weeks together, we will celebrate Celts to the Creche, because four weeks of Advent is just not enough.

The early Celtic monks would set adrift, out to sea in small, leather boats called “coracles” with no paddles. They would pray “Spirit, blow me to my place of Resurrection.” Wherever they landed would be the place chosen by Spirit where they would live and share the Gospel and build their monasteries.

Come, let us step into our own imaginary coracles and ask Spirit to float us to new places of Christ, born anew in our lives as we learn about the lives of Celtic Saints ….

- - -

“God be with us at each stop and each sea;

“At each lying down and each rising up;

“In the trough of the waves;

“On the crest of the billows;

“Each step of the journey we take.”

This first week in Celtic Advent, we join St Hereswith (c612-c690) on the Celts to the Creche pilgrimage:

These Old English and Anglo-Saxon names are sometimes a guessing game of whether they’re men’s or women’s. Let the Librarian set your mind at ease: St Hereswith is a woman. Her name is compounded from her father’s name, Hereric, and her mother’s name, Beguswith.

St Hilda of Whitby (613-680) is Herewith’s more well-known, younger sister. You will remember that St Hilda presided over the Synod of Whitby (664) that standardized the early Church, making worship in various regions more consistent beginning with the formula for determining when to celebrate Easter.

Hereswith was Queen of East Anglia, one of the seven kingdoms that eventually united into what is today called England. Her husband, King Ethelric, was killed in battle; and, as was the custom for widowed queens, Hereswith was exiled to a monastery to prevent her from remarrying and from influencing the next king. The next king was Hereswith’s son, and the king after him was her grandson; both of whom are remembered as pious and faithful rulers.

Hereswith’s exile was to the monastery at Faremoutiers-en-Brie in France near Paris and EuroDisney (of all things). It was a Celtic-inspired, double monastery— co-ed—both men and women living in opposite wings or sometimes in a collection of houses—men’s houses and women’s houses—inside a walled compound; and led by an Abbess. It was a place foreign to her and the customs were unknown to her. There was no connection for her, except the Celtic Church.

Eventually Hereswith became Abbess of two, double monasteries. Her niece, Ethelburg, became Abbess of Faremoutiers after Hereswith left to found her own monasteries; and her daughter, Sethrid, became Abbess at Hackness, situated on the North Sea coast of England.

::Prayer::

O God three in One, we ask for a trusted guide and friend, like St Hereswith, to walk beside us as we pilgrimage to new places in life that might seem apprehensive and frightening. Amen.

—Bonnie Bonham—Parish Librarian—

+ At the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Timothy our Patron, and all the Holy Saints of God, may you be strengthened for service, showing forth the glory of God in all you do, think, and say. Amen.

Mission Statement of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church
We gather to experience the Holy Trinity through Scripture, worship, study, and fellowship. Receiving and reflecting God’s love and grace, we are sent out to love and serve our neighbor, see Christ in others, and share the Gospel by the example of our everyday lives.

St. Timothy's Website

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Father Brandon's Blog

St. Timothy's Parish Office Hours:
Tuesday, 8:30 AM - 1:45 PM
Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday, 9 AM - 3 PM via telephone/email/text
The Parish Office is closed on Mondays

Parish Office Contact Info
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7416; Salem, OR 97303
Email: mail@sainttimothys.org
Phone: 503-363-0601

Rector's Days Off:
Fridays and Saturdays
Please contact Fr. Brandon on his days off if you have an emergency.

St Timothy's Episcopal Church

P.O. Box 7416

Salem, Or 97303

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