Newsbytes

All Saints’ Episcopal Church
We welcome, serve and love all unconditionally
through Jesus Christ
 
THIS WEEK AT ALL SAINTS:
 
From the Rector:
 
Good Morning!  I hope everyone had a safe and happy Independence Day.  Our last Newsbytes edition was about three weeks ago.  In it I indicated we are continuing to withhold in-person worship until at least July 31st.  Until we see a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases, that date may be pushed out even farther.   As of that day, SC had close to 19,000 cases.  Now that number has more than doubled to almost 45,000 and almost 600 cases in Laurens County alone.  I pray you are being safe; staying at home when you can, keeping away from large gatherings, washing your hands, and wearing a face covering whenever you are out.  We want to be part of the solution stop the spread.
 
I want to highlight a few pieces of information from the diocese.  We're once again receiving reports about suspicious emails appearing to come from Bishop Waldo.  These sometimes arrive as fraudulent emails or texts that ask for money, gift cards, or other favors posing as Bishop Waldo, or other clergy leaders. Please know that Bishop Waldo has not sent these messages.  I have also received text messages from myself asking for the same favors.  Please NEVER respond to any text or email from either me or Bishop Waldo or any other clergy member that seems suspicious.
 
Also, we have recently added the ability to make online donations through our website.  The donation platform is called Tithe.ly and accepts credit and debit donations.  It also allows you to set up deductions from your checking or savings account.  There is now a button on the home page of the website called GIVE which will take you to the page to set up your choice of giving.  Please consider this option if you would like.
 
Lastly, two outreach opportunities are taking place this summer. 
The United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of The Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through UTO, individuals are invited to embrace and deepen a personal daily spiritual discipline of gratitude. UTO encourages people to notice the good things that happen each day, give thanks to God for those blessings and make an offering for those blessings.  UTO is entrusted to receive the offerings, and to distribute 100% of what is collected to support innovative mission and ministry throughout The Episcopal Church and Provinces of the Anglican Communion.  This year all contributions are being collected by doing an episGOpal walk, run or ride.  The funds will be given away to support Episcopal/Anglican ministries directly responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn.  More information can be found at https://www.unitedthankoffering.com/race/   #episGOpalrace.   When registering, join the team of Upper South Carolina using the password, EDUSC.  All Saints’ plans to do a 14-mile bike ride on Sunday, July 26th beginning at 3:00 pm.  We will limit the number to 10 to ride together, so please let me know if you’d like to participate.  You are also welcome to do a walk, run or ride on your own. 
 
Secondly, the Flight of the Dove bicycle ride to raise money for Hospice of Laurens County will take place virtually August 1st – 8th.  You sign up and complete the ride of your choice on your own during those 7 days.  All Saints’ will have a small group to join in this ride as well.
 
Finally, please keep our nation, our state and county in your prayers.  Also keep All Saints’ in your prayers.  I hope you will use the parish prayer list as a way to pray.  Please call and take care of one another.
 
C+
 
July 12th, the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
 Proper 10
 
Isaiah 55:10-13
Psalm 65: (1-8), 9-14
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9,18-23
 
http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Pentecost/AProp10_RCL.html#gsp1
 
 
These links will provide you with the text for our online worship this Sunday by clicking on them directly.
ALL SAINTS’ NEWS:
 
The First Sunday Outreach Offering went to support the ministry of the Laurens County Memorial Home for July.  August’s offering is to the Laurens County Humane Society.   
 
Birthdays and Anniversaries
July 6 – Michael Beaty
July 10 – Rita Stewart
July 15 – Judi & Danny Bishop
July 17 – Bo Baker
July 17 – Oliver Roosevelt III
July 17 – Jane Addison Morris
July 18 – Greg Jackson
 
The flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God.
 
Parish Prayer List   
To add or remove names, contact one of the following
Neal Prater at 833-1545 or nbprater@charter.net
Alicia Davis at 803-360-5247 or apdavis1285@gmail.com
Please pray for: +Mikell & Hal Stribling; Devon Stewart; +LeAnn Watson; Ted Watson;  Virginia Sides; Whitney McDuffie; Bo White; Ian Pearson;  Nicole McAlister;  Pam Davis; +Leslie Anne Jackson; Walter Appleby; Bill Barrus; Phillip Clark; Jean Hess; Murray Handback; Pamela Waite; +Lois Wilson; Faye Bennett; +Mac Howe; Tom Gallagher; Haddon Norris; Toni Sharle Bates; Dana Harwell; Jimmy Sullivan; Linda Caplan; Donna Rinehart; Marcia Bronson; Beverly Keen; Diane Gouge; Andrew Pearson; +Jane Crawford; Billy Loflin; Hilda Goodman; Julie James; Norma Tucker; +Jessica Parris.
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