|
Draw us in the Spirit’s tether; For when humbly, in thy name,
Two or three are met together, Thou art in the midst of them.
- Percy Deamer
Of the many terms and phrases I have heard people - both youth and adult - use to describe their pandemic experience over the last year and a half, there is one word in particular that has struck me as it has come up over and over again: isolation. It makes sense. Who hasn't felt a little more removed, a little less connected to their community, loved ones, and the world around them recently? The church has many callings and many roles, and foremost among those is to serve as an antidote to isolation, to remind people clearly and repeatedly that you are not alone.
To that end, our Youth and Family Ministries will be doing everything we can to continue to deepen folks' connection to their community at The Chapel of the Cross and to foster systems of support and fellowship. We invite you to join us in this endeavor by joining one of our small groups for youth and parents of all ages. This year, we are forming small groups for three major phases of life: adolescent and teens, parents of adolescents and teens, and parents of adults. We encourage you to sign up for one and bring some friends with you! While you are welcome to join our small groups at any time, we ask that you make every effort to sign up by October 3rd.
Youth Small Groups
We introduced Youth Small Groups last year and we are seeking to expand and build upon their initial successes this year. Youth Small Groups are divided mostly by age, are led by other youth, and are a great way for 6th-12th grade youth to get to know people their age in a relaxed and intimate setting. For the fall season, small groups will meet once a month on the back terrace of the church to have dinner (provided) together and enjoy fun, casual conversation. As the year progresses, the youth small groups will transition to planning their own gatherings in whatever (safe) ways work best for them! Hikes, games, meals, ice cream, or just hanging out together; the options are numerous! This will be similar to last year’s Youth Small Group arrangement, but with a stronger foundation of community formed before self-led events start up. If you are interested in participating in a youth small group, please register at this link.
Small Group for Parents of Adolescents And Teens
Even in the best of circumstances, raising a teen to adulthood is no easy task. During these unique and, no doubt, trying times, we need as many communities of support as we can find. At The Chapel of the Cross, one of the ways in which we seek to offer such support is through organizing small groups for parents of 6th - 12th graders to enjoy each other's company, share their celebrations and concerns, get to know each other better, and support each other.
The number of people who sign up will determine the number and size of the small group(s). Each small group will have a convener responsible for spearheading gatherings, and once small groups are arranged, each group can decide among its own members what times and formats for gathering will be most helpful for everyone. With support from our Youth and Family Minister, we want these groups to feel organic, laid back, and self-sustaining. If you are interested in participating in a small group with other parents, please register at this link as soon as possible.
The Next Chapter: A Small Group for Parents of Adults and those Approaching that Stage
As any parent knows, we never stop being parents. From the moment your child comes into the world, you are bound to them for better and worse for the rest of your days. While graduation is nowhere near the end of the parent journey, there is often little support for parents--in the church or elsewhere--once they pass this threshold. The Next Chapter seeks to fill that gap by encouraging parents of graduates to connect, get to know each other, share their celebrations and concerns, and support each other through the many incredible stages of parenthood that are yet to come. The aim is for this group to be laidback, organic, and self-sustaining. If you are interested in being a part of this group, please register at this link as soon as you are able.
As Christians, we are assured that where two or three are gathered together, God is in their midst. Come gather with us, make some new friends, strengthen your existing friendships, and deepen your connection to your parish community. Please contact Mike Peterson, our Youth and Family Minister, for further information.
|
|
Holy Listening: Community Conversations
 We are excited to hear what is on your heart and trust that in listening deeply to one another, God’s vision for The Chapel of the Cross will come more sharply into focus, and that we will be drawn by the Spirit to live boldly into that vision. Make it a point to register so we can hear from you. Your voice is a vital strand in the Spirit’s tether. Community-wide sessions (in-person and on Zoom) are happening on Sunday the 19th at 10:15 a.m. during the Formation hour.
|
|
Weekdays
The Chapel is open for prayer from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please enter through the parish house.
Virtual Offering Plate
To support the mission and ministry of the Chapel of the Cross, click here.
|
|
|
Your Prayers are Asked:
- For Alan MacIntyre, Margo MacIntyre's father, on his 100th birthday, September 23.
- For Peter DeSaix, hospitalized.
- For those for whom the altar flowers are given: In thanksgiving for Robert Jacob Koomen and Juniper Anne Campbell.
- For those who have requested prayers: Alan, Ashley, Barbara, Bob, Brett, Charlene, Dana, Dave, Diane, Emily and Ozzie, Fortuné, Gail, Henri, Hodding, Jessica, Jim, Jimmy, John and Kathy, Kathy and George, Kay, Kellie, Lauren and Joe, Lee, Lila, Linda, Lise Marie, Mary, Molly, Morgan, Peter, Phil, Philip, Rebecca, Richard, Robert, Roslyn, Ryan, Sandy, Shirley, Susan, and Tom.
- For those celebrating birthdays this week: Jess, Corey, Annie, Virginia, Mary Elizabeth, Rachel, Sam, Elliott, Kristina, Leesie, Brody, John, Jim, Kara, Emerson, Jeff, Carelyn, Candace, Sally, Sabrina, Bob, Erik, Samuel, Britt, James, Emily, Jenner, Susan, Jim, Logan, Dee Ann, Henry, Nick, Roberta, Dorothy Sue.
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.
|
|
September 19 | Vestry Person of the Week
This week’s VPOW (Vestry Person of the Week) is Meg Flournoy. Meg is part of the vestry class of 2023 and serves as the liaison to our Faith in Action committees and on the Stewardship Committee. Please feel free to reach out to Meg during the upcoming week at VPOW@thechapelofthecross.org with your questions or any updates on our church life!
|
|
|
|
|
