Cathy's Grace Notes

Ash Wednesday

Advent

Amen.

Dog barking during church

During church, I usually sit in the 2nd pew from the front. Unless I crane my head around, I don't know who is at church until we exchange the peace during the middle of the service.  However, I didn't have to turn my head to see if one of the members of the congregation was there.

One of our members lives 2 houses down from the church, and has just had successful surgery for cancer last week. During the sermon I heard a dog barking, at the front entrance of the church and I knew exactly why she was barking. This part lab part bassett hound (which, I might add, is one of the funniest looking black dogs I have seen --- think LOOONNNGGGG squatty lab) was looking for her owner. I knew then that he and his wife were in church. 

Dog barking can be a good thing during the service. Thanks, Lilly.

Why we needed a sidewalk at church

We take some things for granted in our life. We don't even think about some things we have or don't have until we get them.  For some of us, we may not think twice about a sidewalk. And, for the most part, I don't give it much thought. It's functional and in most public places they are there so we take them for granted.  And, at our little church we have a sidewalk which parallels the street, but other than the parking lot, there was no easy way for those using walkers or canes, or for those who simply needed a nice flat surface to walk.

Until this year. We received a gift which enabled us to be able to have a sidewalk installed from our church to our parish hall. It's interesting being on a vestry and seeing what happens behind the scenes - from the meeting discussions to the feedback from members of the church. There was discussion as to how wide it should be, if we should have places where people might be able to congregate, drainage issues, etc. However, in the end, the sidewalk came to fruition and I think this video might show you why sidewalks are important.


Totally unrelated to the purpose of the video, but an aside: It's 90 degrees plus during this dedication, Gnats joined us during our celebration, hence the hand movements and the swallowing of the gnat. Also, enjoy the variety of side chatter of southern accents.

Asking for Access

Right now our church is having a sidewalk built beside the church and leading to the parish hall to allow for greater access and accessibility between the two buildings and the parking lot. Well, one thing leads to another and in the great big discussion of all of this, we have gotten into a study/exploration of how accessible our church is to those who may have some reason where our church is not as easy to access as it could be.

What started off as the accessibility for those who may have some mobility differences (wheelchairs, canes, and walkers come to mind), branched out into other areas to explore: those who may have hearing or vision impairments, appropriate lighting, proxmity of restrooms to the worship space, etc.

My question(s) to you is this:

What accessibility issues do you have at church?
Which accessibility issues have been addressed and implemented?

If you were to give advice to a group of folks working on this project, what would it be?

Any suggestions Welcome!

Resurrection Eggs for Children

I found this video on Youtube which I found interesting. Especially for those who have children or those who might teach Sunday School or want to  share with others. Or for those of you who are children at heart.

Palm Sunday Update - The unexpected

Today as we were beginning to have our Palm Sunday service, which begins outside and we process inside for the beginning of the service, our pastor began with a few announcements, customary for how we begin our service. He mentioned the hymn "All Glory Laud and Honor", but stumbled over the words, unusual for him. He spoke a few more words, and then I saw one of the vestry members walk toward him and take his elbow, and then another walked by his other side. By that time I noticed he was visibly not well. They entered the parish hall and I went to the front of the church to notify the greeter, who is also a registered nurse. She went to the parish hall and I made an announcement there may be a brief delay, as our priest was not feeling well.  I went to the back to check on how things were going, and our pastor was resting on the sofa. After some discussion, he decided to get checked out, as it is better to go and find all is well, than to wish to have gone sooner. At present, he is being checked for the possibility of a mini stroke. He is able to talk but it seems a little slower. 

The church service continued with all being the same until after the offertory as we changed to Morning Prayer.

Asking for prayers for our pastor, especially in light of his health and for him not to worry about Holy Week too much (and he probably will). At this point his health is much more important to us.

O Antiphons - December 22

O King of the Gentiles, yea, and desire thereof! O Corner-stone, that makest of two one, come to save man, whom Thou hast made out of the dust of the earth!

O Antiphons - December 21

O'Dayspring, Brightness of the everlasting light, Son of justice, come to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death!

O Antiphons - December 20