Serving Our Retirement Communities!
In March of 2020, as stay at home orders were issued in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we were required to suspend services at the local retirement communities we serve--Carol Woods, Galloway Ridge, and Carolina Meadows. In the months that followed, these communities fostered their Christian connection through lay-leadership and virtual worship and formation opportunities offered online by the Chapel of the Cross.
Phil Rees reflecting on this time, “Carol Woods setup a tent in the outdoor space on the campus. At that time, Francis Newton and I started hosting Evening Prayer services under the tent, twice a month.” These services continued for months and became a needed channel for worship and connection at Carol Woods. The desire for shared Christian community was in such demand that the services were attended by worshippers across a variety of denominations.
In the past few weeks, the Chapel of the Cross has resumed hosting services in these retirement communities. Karen Vernon, worship coordinator at Galloway Ridge shares, “In May, we began to investigate the possibility of resuming the monthly Episcopal service here. After discussion with Elizabeth Marie, it was agreed that we would resume our monthly service on the third Thursday in July and continue monthly after that. I sent a notice to all the Episcopalians that we know of living at Galloway Ridge (a few of which are COTC parishioners) and have had a favorable response.”
The retirement community service schedule is:
- First Sunday of the Month | Holy Eucharist | Carolina Meadows | 2 p.m.
- Second Sunday of the Month | Holy Eucharist | Carol Woods | 2 p.m.
- Third Thursday of the Month | Holy Eucharist | Galloway Ridge | 2 p.m.
- Fourth Sunday of the Month | Evening Prayer | Carol Woods | 4 p.m.
Looking to the future, Karen Vernon shares her hope of being able to host the annual Episcopal potluck at Galloway Ridge again this fall. Phil Rees shares, “we’re very happy to welcome people back to services at Carol Woods and I’m looking forward to being able pass the peace the usual way…by sharing a hug or shaking hands!" We look forward to continuing to worship with these communities!
*photo provided by Pete Andrews
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Worship Schedule Update
It’s been such a joy worshiping in person with so many of you over the past few months, we have certainly made the best of our beautiful campus...indoors, outdoors and everywhere in-between!
For the remainder of the Summer, we will worship in the Nave for both the 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday services, no registration required. The 9 a.m. service will also be livestreamed on the parish YouTube channel. Bulletins will be posted within the livestream and on our website by 8 a.m. on the day of the service. Children's Chapel continues with registration outdoors at 10 a.m. Masking is required at all services and in the parish house.
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Your Prayers are Asked:
- For those for whom the altar flowers are given: In memory of William Durwood Bruce; and, in memory of Diane Eckloe Lea.
- For Jessica, daughter of John and Judyth Branson, recovering from Guillain Barre Syndrome; and, for Karen, Betsy Champion's sister-in-law, recovering from a broken leg and infection.
- For the repose of the soul of Charlie Browning.
- For those who have requested prayers: Aaron, Al, Alan, Allen, Barbara, Carolyn, Charlene, Dana, Dave, Deedee, Diane, Drew, Emily and Ozzie, Fortuné, Henri, Hodding, Jimmy, John, John and Kathy, Kay, Kimberly, Lauren and Joe, Lee, Linda, Lise Marie, Peter, Phil, Philip, Rebecca, Richard, Robert, Roslyn, Ryan, Sandy, Shirley and Susan.
- For those celebrating birthdays this week: Katie, Walter, Philip, Mark, Elin, Eva, Morgan, Ann, Jim, Rowell, Lucy, Molly, John, Terry, Taylor, Margaret, Cole, Sadie, Charles, Mary, Suzanne, Simon, Mary, Frank, Alan, Baird, Will, Hughes, Jane, Stacey, Cora, Lee, Sam and Patrick.
- Almighty and Eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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 VESTRY PERSON OF THE DAY for August 15th
This week’s VPOD (Vestry Person of the Day) is Harriet Pegram. Harriet is a part of the 2024 vestry class and serves on the Buildings and Grounds as Chair and the Stewardship committee. Please feel free to reach out to Harriet during the services this Sunday or the following week at VPOW@thechapelofthecross.org with your questions or any updates on our church life!
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