NEWS & EVENTS

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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+ Alleluia. Christ is Risen, Ascended, & Glorified!

Notice: We are still experiencing difficulties with the Parish Office phone line. Apologies! We are hoping to have this remedied ASAP. In the meantime, please call our Parish Administrator, Emma Glennen, direct on her cell phone (503-899-3053) or email the Parish Office at mail@sainttimothys.org.

Word from the Rector

Ascension: Not Blasting Off in a Spiritual Spaceship
When we come to the feast of the Ascension of Christ I frequently hear people online or elsewhere speak about how impossible it is to believe in something so childish--Jesus "rocketing up into heaven." Yet, people frequently look up into the sky when speaking about God or where they (hope?) they are going upon their death. Perhaps we should all take a step back from the literalism.

Christ's Ascension is not simply blasting off in some sort of spiritual spaceship. If it were just that, it would have been more of an embarrassment than a feast day. Simply escaping the world cannot be called the work of a Savior. Rather, the descriptions of Jesus's ascent to the Father are shorthand for what we believe has happened in Christ--something so important that it is in all the creeds. His resurrection led to his direct entrance into the completed journey of the Creation--that place where God is "all in all" (1 Cor. 15:28). Such a reality is beyond our perception now, but is our destiny by sharing in his life through baptism.

The Ascension gives us the moment when Christ's risen body moves over the 'event horizon' of this world into that of the next. He leads where we are to follow. This is both an upwards movement (directed to "higher things") and also a movement inwards--into the hidden truth of life in Christ. It is because of this that the disciples are told to return to Jerusalem and pray. Just as when Jesus meets the disciples on the road to Emmaus, understanding the truth about the gospel and the messiah can only happen in the context of prayer and deep listening.

Let's come to Ascension on tomorrow evening with a desire for encounter with the mystery of our humanity being brought to completion in heaven by our Savior Christ, leaving behind the dull literalism of spiritual escape pods and metaphysical bungee cords. What we are dealing with in this Principal Feast is far more powerful and beautiful than that--and it has been given to us freely by our risen, ascended, and glorified Lord.

Diocesan Renewal Gathering: Help Needed
Later in this issue you will see a request for help with the upcoming Diocesan Renewal Gathering (Saturday, June 6) at St. Timothy's. This is the first time we will host such an event, and we need help to set up chairs and table, guide people around the property, and in general be hospitable. Please consider being part of this event--the introduction for so many in our diocese to this parish and our way of being Christ's body in this place.

Our Trees Need Diapers...
I bet that got your attention.
You may notice when next at church that the newly-planted trees have special green bags around them. These are watering bags. When filled, they gradually release water to provide our young trees enough moisture to get through the long, hot summers we now have. Sometimes people call these bags tree diapers. Others refer to them as bladders. We will probably just call them bags.

Ron and Penny DeWilde are the people who have not only obtained, installed, and learned how these bags work, but have also volunteered to take the lead on watering the trees this summer (the first of at least two summers of watering required to get the newly-planted trees to manage on their own).

Please thank them for their generosity in doing this--and consider helping them in this task (it is quite rewarding). The result will be a lovely mini-grove of fine trees on our property, helping with the City's plan to replace shade and greenery destroyed in the disastrous ice storm of February, 2021. It will also contribute to the sanctuary feeling we aim to have on the holy ground we call our parish home.

In the ascended Christ,

Brandon+

The Week Ahead...

Thursday, May 14
Feast of the Ascension
7 PM Liturgy
The Rev'd Dr. Robert Williams, Preaching

Due to unforeseen technology issues we are unfortunately unable to offer Zoom for this service.

We will have a dessert reception following the 7 PM Holy Eucharist service. You’re invited to bring a ready-to-serve dessert to share if you wish.

Friday, May 15: Pachomius, Abbot & Confessor

No fasting during Eastertide
Here is a blog posting from Fr. Brandon about Fridays in Eastertide

Saturday, May 16: Brendan of Ireland, Abbot & Confessor

9 AM: Parish Work Party (more info)
Prayers for the the Departed in Christ, traditionally said on this day

+ Sunday, May 17:
Seventh Sunday in Easter | The Sunday after Ascension Day

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

+ 9 AM: Catechumenate final in-person meeting of the year, in the Adult Ed room.

+ 9:50 AM: Godly Play and nursery open.

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

+ Coffee Hour following the 10 AM Liturgy.

Monday, May 18: Ferial day in Eastertide

The parish office is closed on Monday.
7 PM: Taize (more info)

Tuesday, May 19: St. Dunstan, Archbishop & Confessor

10 AM: Crafts and Conversation
7 PM: Vestry

Wednesday, May 20: Alcuin of York, Deacon

10 AM: Rite I Holy Eucharist

Prayer Requests from this Parish: Martina Sierra, Anita McIntire, Liz McClure, Dale & Jeanné Cannon, John & Judy Sullivan, Juanita Rivera, Br. Matthew Tenney nOGS, Scott Kohl, Robert Barbor Jr, Rorey DeWitt, Rich Zorko, Mike Martin, Julia Smith, Kerrie Harwood, Family Promise, Salem for Refugees, Mending Wings Youth Ministries. For the diocese of Iran and the people of the Middle East. For those who serve in the armed forces and for their families. For the maintenance of our civil liberties and all who labor to protect them.

For Those with Birthdays Next Week: Ann Carpenter, Shep Earl

In the Diocese of Oregon: St. Luke, Holy Cross / Santa Cruz; Gresham

In the Anglican Communion: The Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea

Zoom Recording of Last Week's Sermon

Sunday, May 10
Passcode: r#j1hb$P

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

Parish Grounds Work Party
Saturday May 16, starting at 9 AM

After a successful work-day in April, another has been planned for this Saturday. If you have hand tools (weeding forks, pruning shears, loppers, rakes, push brooms, wheelbarrows, weed-eaters) please consider bringing them. Coffee and refreshments will be provided! Talk with Jim Apollonio, Junior Warden, if you have questions, suggestions or concerns: 405-501-5018. Many thanks!

Diocesan Renewal Gathering

Saturday, June 6
Hosted at St Timothy's!

All are invited to this year’s Renewal Gathering on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Timothy’s, Salem. This annual event brings together Episcopalians from across the diocese for a day of learning, conversation, and fellowship.

Ways to Help
Many have already reached out to ask how they can be of help as we host this event - thank you! The Diocese will be overseeing the key details, but we have a few areas where help would be greatly appreciated:

1. Setup prior to the event - Thursday June 4
We will need to set up tables and chairs throughout the Parish Hall, as well as check in and refreshment areas in the narthex. (Note - this will require lifting and quite a bit of physical activity!)

2. Morning setup
A few volunteers available as extra helping hands for morning setup. We will meet at approx 7:30 AM. As well as setting things up, you can help greet and direct people as they arrive.

3. General help during the event
It would be nice to have a few people specially appointed to help with hospitality tasks as they come up through the day (e.g. directing people over to the Parish Hall, pointing out restrooms, helping move items from morning check-in over to the parish hall)

4. Lunch help
We need 2-3 volunteers to help set up lunch when it arrives (the event is catered by Baja Fresh) . This will be during the morning presentation.

5. Clean-up
The main task will be to pack up chairs and tables in the Parish Hall as well as general clean-up in all areas.

Diocesan staff will be overseeing and helping with all these tasks, but it would be lovely to have a handful of St Tim's folks on-hand throughout the day! If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Emma Glennen at mail@sainttimothys.org or 503-899-3053.

Event Details

Our featured preacher and speaker will be the Rev. David “Kawika” Jackson of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi, who will lead reflections on the theme E Komo Mai: The Role of Hospitality from a Judeo-Christian Perspective. Through scripture and conversation, participants will explore the biblical call to welcome the stranger and how that call shapes our life together as Christians today.

The gathering will also feature the annual diocesan basket raffle, with parishes invited to contribute themed baskets.

Registration is $20, and you can learn more and register on the Diocesan website HERE. Please do register ASAP if you are planning to attend! Space is limited.

Taize Services
Third Mondays of every month
7 PM in the Chapel

Our next Taize service is Monday, May 18. This is an ecumenical service of prayer, chanting and singing, led by the participants. It originated in France in a religious community. Some come for the prayer and silence, others to sing. Contact Pamela Lyons Nelson if you have any questions, or just plan to show up!

Men's Group
Third Thursday of every month, 6 PM

The next Men’s Group will meet Thursday, May 21st 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 please contact Ron DeWilde, Steve Cowgill or Chuck McFerron. Newcomers are always welcome!

Salem Youth Collective

Scavenger Hunt!
Come out for the LAST SYC of the school year! Meet at St. Paul’s on Sunday May 17th from 12:30-2:30pm. We’ll have lunch and head over to Bush Park for an epic scavenger hunt!

The Day of Pentecost
Sunday, May 24

Wear red on this day at church to celebrate this Feast

One of the 7 Principal Feasts of the Church Year, this day concludes the Great 50 Days of Easter and celebrates the giving of the Holy Spirit to the Church. This Feast is one of the traditional times for baptism - it is often referred to as Whitsun after the white garments worn by those newly baptized.

The Gospel passage is read in as many languages as possible. Please tell the parish office, or sign up in the narthex, if you are willing to read the passage (John 20:19-23) at either of the day’s Eucharists.

There will be a special Whitsunday Cheese Reception in the narthex following the 10 AM liturgy. You are invited to bring interesting / exotic cheeses, breads, and crackers with cheese boards, utensils, &c. Please also bring labels so that we can know all the different cheeses we are trying!

Following the reception (and, weather permitting) we will go on a “Whit-walk,” to nearby points in our neighborhood in order to pray for our neighbors and the well-being of the community in which we minister.

+ Observing Ascension and Pentecost

Take an Ascension Day hike to a high place. This is an old custom from Europe, in imitation of Christ leading his apostles to the Mount of Olives.
Say the novena to the Holy Spirit in the days between Ascension and Pentecost. A version is available on page 322 of the St Augustine's Prayer Book, online here, or printed copies are available on the table in the narthex.
Wear red to Church on Pentecost.
In addition to the Cheese reception, make and decorate cookies in the shape of doves or flames (caraway is a traditional flavor for Whitsun!).

A Collect for Ascensiontide

Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. 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 the Christ in others, and share the Gospel by the example of our everyday lives.

St. Timothy's Website

St. Timothy's Facebook

Father Brandon's Blog

St. Timothy's Parish Office Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday, 9 AM - 3 PM
Wednesday, 9:30 AM - 3 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 on Saturday mornings
Please contact Fr. Brandon on his days off if you have an emergency.

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Salem, Or 97303

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Lent at St. Timothy's

Ash Wednesday | March 18th

+ 10 AM: Holy Eucharist (said)

+ 7 PM: Holy Eucharist (sung)
with Bishop Akiyama preaching and presiding

Thursdays during Lent

6:30 AM: Holy Eucharist (said)
In a revival of classic Lenten practice, this simple Holy Eucharist service is an opportunity for those seeking a heightened observance during Lent or an additional time for quiet, contemplative, yet communal, worship. Following the service, those who wish can join together for a simple breakfast nearby.

Fridays during Lent

7 PM: Stations of the Cross
We will once again be using the form of the Way of the Cross and employing short readings from Blessed Julian of Norwich. Parishioners are encouraged to attend at least one of these services in Lent. It is one of the best ways to come to a deeper understanding of the Love of God found in the Passion

HOLY WEEK AT ST. TIMOTHY'S

PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 29

8 AM: Blessing of Palms & Holy Eucharist (said)
10 AM: Palm Procession & Holy Eucharist (sung)
The 10 AM service will be available via Zoom

MONDAY & TUESDAY IN HOLY WEEK, MARCH 30 & 31

7 PM: Antecommunion
Confessions following

WEDNESDAY IN HOLY WEEK, APRIL 1

7 PM: Tenebrae

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, APRIL 2

7 PM: The Maundy Thursday Liturgy
Prayer Watch following until Noon Good Friday
The first part of the Holy Triduum, 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, APRIL 3

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, APRIL 4

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 prophecies, 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, to which all are invited. Come and see!

EASTER DAY, APRIL 5

11 AM: Holy Eucharist (said, with hymns) in person & 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.