I have always chafed at the Mary and Martha story—it seems as though women in traditional roles can’t get a break. It takes so much skill and subtlety to host people, especially groups of people, in a way that is unobtrusive and hospitable, and preparation and execution take a lot more work and planning than many people know. [I think there are several people in our congregation who know this in their very bones…] And for women in Jesus’ time, I’m pretty sure that there weren’t a lot of males in the household who had had made the leap to kitchen work and what we might see today as egalitarian enlightenment in housework.

But then if I am honest, I am a person who likes to both be in charge and get things done. I’ve noticed over the years that family members may not ask me if I need help because I typically have said no, or given them the work, maybe like cleaning out the garlic press, I really don’t want to do that doesn’t have the deep satisfaction of completion attached to it.

Of course I don’t know Martha’s whole situation, but I will say that she apparently is not feeling gracious in her hospitality, nor is she able to let her guests feel well served. She is complaining and angry that her sister won’t help. If I were in her place, Chris might suggest that I cut back on the foods that I had planned to offer…which would not solve the problem, because the problem is elsewhere, in my own heart, self identity, and misplaced busy-ness.

I think that this wonderful observation by Thomas Merton gives a healing perspective for those of us who like to conquer the mountain of tasks we take on. I can see that there is violence in my intensity and focus to conquer tasks that can be dampening to the spirits of those who wish to serve with me. Merton says:

To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything is itself to succumb to the violence of our times.

And this line from Psalm 127:2-3 is a blessing and insight. In the past few years I have been practicing getting enough sleep (gasp!) and leaving things undone when I’ve put too much on my plate (don’t tell anyone!).

It is but lost labor that we haste to rise up early and so late take rest, and eat the bread of anxiety. For those beloved of God are given gifts even while they sleep.

Finally, this will be my prayer for the coming week as I lay myself down and get ready to turn out the light:

Lord,
it is night.

The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is night after a long day.
What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been done;
let it be.

The night is dark.
Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives
rest in you.

The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
all dear to us,
and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.

In your name we pray.
Amen.

–Rev. John Williamson (in the Book of Common Prayer of New Zealand)

Rev. Jen has set her office drop-in day as Wednesday of each week from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. for anyone who would like to stop in and visit. NOTE: Rev. Jen will be out of the office July 18 – July 31.

Sunday Morning In-Person Morning Prayer Service, July 24 led by Tim Good, 10:15 a.m.

You can connect to the service via Zoom. Click on this link to connect. If you have not used Zoom before, you will be prompted to download Zoom, go ahead and do that. When you enter the meeting you should be able to see and hear others and others can see and hear you. If you come in a little late, please listen for a moment before speaking. In order to see everyone, go to Gallery view (upper right on PCs and upper left for Macintosh). When we get started everyone except the speaker will be muted. If you are reading or playing music, please be sure to unmute yourself.

If you are connecting via telephone dial 301-715-8592 and when prompted enter the Meeting ID: 858 0497 0006 and press #, then enter the password: pray and press # again. NOTE: This is a new ID number as of April 4, 2022 so be sure to enter the new information!

Click here for the service booklet for July 24.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR BOB HAYMAKER SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2:00 – 5:00 P.M.

Robert “Bob” Haymaker peacefully passed away after a short illness on July 3, 2022 at home in his beloved woods surrounded by family and cats. So closes a chapter on a life filled with joy, playfulness, curiosity, service, and a generous love for others and God’s creation.

For many years, Bob was especially active at St. Andrew’s where he served as an acolyte and eucharistic minister—and on Sundays enthusiastically rang the bell to start the service. He loved his church family and the hymns that lifted his spirits (and often inspired post-service whistling). You are all treasured in his heart.

An open-house style celebration of Bob’s life is planned at St. Andrew’s in the Parish Hall on Saturday, July 23 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. A short Military Honors Ceremony will occur here at 2:00 p.m. Please come at any time between 2 and 5 to greet the Haymaker family, share stories about Bob, and celebrate his life.

To honor Bob’s legacy, plant a native tree or some wildflowers, read a book to a child, pick up some trash on the side of the road, and wonder at the beauty of God’s creation all around us. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name can be made to the the Oubache Land Conservancy, St. Andrew’s Church, or the Putnam County Library, all of which Bob was proud to contribute to throughout his life.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY AT 4:30 P.M. IN HAMILTON HALL

We will continue our Bible study on Tuesdays, reading and discussing the Gospel passage that is assigned for the following Sunday. The Gospel passage for Sunday, August 7 is Luke 12:32-40; it will be our text for the August 2 Bible study. You can always find the week’s Bible readings at lectionarypage.net/YearC_RCL. For the Season Pentecost 2022, we are in Year C, and we will use Track One readings. Hope to see you there! NOTE: There will be no bible studies on July 19 and July 26.

We have heard that the daily reflections and scripture readings provided during Lent were appreciated. The meditations are written by persons from Saint Andrew’s, Gobin UMC and Beech Grove UMC. They will be in the newsletter each week and go from Wednesday to Tuesday, except for Sunday. Whether you enjoy these every day or as the Spirit moves you, may this resource continue to bring you spiritual food for the journey. Blessings!

Click here to view the readings and accompanying links.

Your prayers are asked for:

I would like to discuss our returning to communion by wine via the common cup.

Background: The Diocese of Indianapolis has stated that we may return to full communion (both bread and wine), but that receiving the wine can be by common cup only. Several parishioners have had questions about this. Here’s what I’d like you to know at this point.

• The Vestry voted and approved our new COVID guidelines recommended by the Regathering Committee.
• We might use the words “full communion” to indicate that we are finally back to both bread and wine, but it has ALWAYS been true that taking either one is a complete communion. You do not need both to fully commune.
• The choice is yours, Eucharist by Eucharist. You can decide to let the cup pass because you have a cold; if you are worried about others you can pass; you can wait until we return to intinction. Just cross your arms over your chest—or just shake your head and quietly demur.

Yours in health, restoration, liturgical engagement, and literature review,

Rev. Jen