From the Deacon's Bench
Greetings, from the Deacon's Bench!
I pray this note finds you well and safely making the best of what summer has to offer amid the pandemic. I will be away for three Sundays this month as our family visits what has come to be our favorite summer place in Maine; yet I wanted to let you know of a few things coming our way this fall before I leave--with more details to follow.
First let me share how inspired I am by the late breaking news of a new partnership for St. Matthew's with the ECCT Food Insecurity Network. The Network is an emerging gathering of people, parishes, and partners working to address food insecurity in ECCT regions across Connecticut. With the support of the Mission Team, the first fruit of this new relationship has done two things. It means we will be launching a (pandemic safe) food drive (like the PB&J Drive inspired by the Confirmands) to support The Pantry @ NCC (Norwalk Community College) in a few weeks. Lindsay and the rest of us on the Mission Team will develop a plan and share details soon. The regional partnership also means that $1,000.00 (an ECCT grant of $500.00, matched by a second ECCT grant of $500.00) will be sent directly to The Pantry @ NCC this week. I would welcome one or more individuals willing to serve with me as St. Matthew's takes the lead in planting the seeds for this Network in the Southwest Region. If you have an interest in learning more, please contact me.
These desperately needed funds will help reopen The Pantry after it was closed by COVID-19 in March. The Pantry, founded in 2015, serves 1,000 student visitors each month. There are plans for NCC to host in-person classes this fall and soon students will be back on campus; and with our help (and the help of ECCT) the first pandemic safe food distribution of 100 pre-packed sacks of groceries will be made on August 26.
Second, while we remain on hiatus from [email protected], I wanted to advise you of a book study planned for September. I will host a weekly Zoom gathering on Wednesday evenings as we explore the new book, With Sighs Too Deep for Words, by Bishop Robert Hirschfeld, the Bishop of New Hampshire.
The Episcopal Church in New Hampshire describes Bishop Rob's new book as a meditation and prayer companion for those who struggle with depression in this way:
"The stigma around mental illness in our culture has had a damaging effect on those who suffer from its grip. As a priest and bishop, Bishop Rob has quietly been in treatment for depression for decades. In his book, he now shares his own experience publicly.
Christians often feel that their experience of depression or mental illness is a reflection of a deficit in their faith. As a result of seeing depression as a moral shortcoming or spiritual failure, we risk more damage to ourselves and even hurt those around us by denying what is really going on. This book, with its prayers and practical suggestions for spiritual and creative practices and resilience, can be a companion for those who suffer so that they may know more deeply the resilient love of Jesus."
With Sighs Too Deep For Words is available at Church Publishing (www.churchpublishing.org/withsighstoodeepforwords ), Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. We will gather on Zoom on Wednesdays, September 23 and 30, October 7, 21, and 28 (at 7pm for 60 minutes) for informal conversation as we unpack the questions at the conclusion of each chapter. As I struggled personally over the last few months, I was reminded that I was not alone... and neither are you. All are welcome to be part of this safe conversation. You are welcome.
Whatever you are up to this summer, I pray it feeds your soul and the souls of those you love. See you soon!
Peace,
Don
Tags: Calendar / St. Matt's - Virtually / Adult Formation
