Click here to download a printable copy of these readings: Readings for May 20

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May 11, 2012

Letters to the people of the Diocese of New York commending
President Obama’s expression of support for marriage equality
From
The Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk, Bishop of New York (top)
and from
The Rt. Rev. Andrew M.L. Dietsche, Bishop Coadjutor of New York (scroll down.)

May 11, 2012

From Bishop Sisk

Dear People of the Diocese of New York,

I welcome President Obama’s expression of support for marriage equality for gay and lesbian people. Given that equality before the law is a fundamental principle of our republic, it seems to me that our President has reached an eminently appropriate conclusion.

In earlier statements I have made known my support of marriage for gay and lesbian people. I am convinced that this support is entirely in keeping with the familiar call to respect the dignity of every human being. It is, moreover, in accord with our Lord’s promise that we are all, fully and equally, beloved children of God.

Faithfully yours,
+Mark
The Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk
XV Bishop of New York
++++++

From Bishop Dietsche

Brothers and Sisters,

I heartily join Bishop Sisk in commending President Obama for his public statement supporting the legality of marriage for gay and lesbian couples. There is a clear and growing majority in America which believes that marriage equality is fair and just, and that it is a moral imperative for a country founded on principles of the equality of all people. We in New York can justly take pride that our state has been a pioneer in providing this equality under the law, and in the Diocese of New York we rejoice with all those who have found, in these new freedoms, the public validation of loving relationships that in many cases represent decades of shared joys and sacrifices.

At our General Convention this summer our own church will consider new liturgies for the blessing of same sex relationships. Happily, in New York, such blessings have long been part of our common life. We pray for the Episcopal Church as it gathers in Convention that it will hear the courageous declaration of our president, the convictions of our own bishop, and the witness of those who have already found comfort, joy and solace in our marriage equality laws, as we work together toward true equality for all people in a church which follows our Lord Jesus. It was he who taught us that in every person we may find the face of our God, and that in every marriage we may hope to see “a sign of Christ’s love to this sinful and broken world.”

+Andy
The Rt. Rev. Andrew M.L. Dietsche

Bishop Coadjutor of New York

http://www.dioceseny.org/news_items/225-bishops-commend-obama-s-support-for-marriage-equality

We are [...]]]> Outreach is at the heart of everything we do and who we are as Christians. Our practice is always centered in prayer, scripture and our relationship to one another. After a period of discernment, the Outreach Committee has come to the following guiding principles for outreach at the Church of the Messiah:

We are called to be servant hosts to the neediest and forgotten.

We are called to provide the widest possible opportunities for congregation members to create a community of service.

We are called to draw on the breadth of our time, talent and treasure and to freely share them without expectation of recognition or thanks.

We are called to actively seek out new ways God may be calling us, listen for the voices of the forgotten and respond.

We call upon the presence of the Holy Spirit to help us live out these principles and discern where we may go in the future.

The Outreach Committee is accepting applications for requests for money for outreach projects from 2011 Mad Dash funds. The deadline for receipt of applications in the church office is June 25, 2012. Requests for funding must meet the criteria for approval and be in keeping with the guiding principles. Applicants may be asked to meet with the Committee to determine what kind of support is most appropriate for the project and if Messiah is the right place to provide funding. Funding is not available from this source for individuals.

Criteria for Approval:

➢ Is the request for a local project?
➢ Does it address the needs of the forgotten, poorest of the poor, most marginalized?
➢ Is it a project for which the parishioner requesting the support has a demonstrated commitment?
➢ How much of the money goes to direct service?
➢ Does the request duplicate other money or services from Messiah?

If you have any questions please contact either Father Richard or Outreach Committee Chair, Leslie Weichsel.
The application form and guidelines can be downloaded here, or are available in the Narthex.  You may complete an application online here, or mail the completed form to the parish office, PO Box 248, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, fax it to 845 876 3949, or email it to rhinebeck.episcopal@gmail.com.

Outreach Application Form 2012, to print and mail, email, or fax

Submit an online application (please review guidelines, below)

Application Guidelines

Click here to download a printable copy of these readings: Readings for May 13

Lessons and readings from past and future weeks may be found on The Lectionary Page.

Click here to download a printable copy of these readings: Readings for May 6

Lessons and readings from past and future weeks may be found on The Lectionary Page.

Click here to download a printable copy of these readings: Readings for april 29 2012

Lessons and readings from past and future weeks may be found on The Lectionary Page.

Click here to download a printable copy of these readings: Readings for april 22 2012

Lessons and readings from past and future weeks may be found on The Lectionary Page.