NEWS & EVENTS

HOLY WEEK AT ST. TIMOTHY'S

Palm Sunday
8 AM: Blessing of Palms & Holy Eucharist (spoken)
10 AM: Palm Procession & Holy Eucharist (sung)

The 10 AM service begins with the Liturgy of the Palms in the Parish Hall, with Palm Procession to the Nave, followed by the Dramatic Reading of the Passion Gospel of St. Matthew and Holy Eucharist. This is a “hybrid” liturgy: both in-person and online.

Monday & Tuesday in Holy Week
7 PM: Ante-communion, followed by confessions

We will not celebrate the Holy Eucharist during the period from Palm Sunday until Maundy Thursday. On these two days the evening service will be the first part of the Eucharist, including the readings for these days, but ending after the Lord’s Prayer.

Wednesday in Holy Week
7 PM: Tenebrae

Tenebrae, a service of shadows and darkness expressive of the gradual desertion of Christ by those around him, marks a decisive turn in Holy Week and serves as a contemplative portal into the mystery of our redemption which will be our focus in the coming days. This is a service unlike any other in the Church Year and forms the entrance into the heart of Holy Week.

THE HOLY TRIDUUM
One Liturgy Spread over Three Days

All Episcopalians are to join together for worship if physically able to do so. (Main services in underlined bold text)

Maundy Thursday

7 PM: The Maundy Thursday Liturgy
Prayer Watch following until Noon Good Friday

The first part of the service, which does not conclude until the end of the Great Vigil of Easter, this service commemorates Christ’s command to love each other as he has loved us, and his commandment to “do this in remembrance of me” by sharing in the Holy Eucharist. The Holy Sacrament is then removed to the Chapel and the altar is stripped in recollection of Christ’s arrest and being mocked. We then leave in silence as the lights are lowered.

The Prayer Watch at the Altar of Repose in the Chapel now begins, lasting until noon Friday, in remembrance of Jesus’s words in the garden of Gethsemane, when he asked his disciples to spend an hour in prayer with him. Parishioners sign up to take an hour in prayer in the chapel before Christ in the Holy Sacrament. A member of the parish will be at the church all night to let people in and walk them to their cars.

Good Friday

Noon: Stations of the Cross
7 PM: Good Friday Liturgy

The Good Friday Liturgy is the most solemn service in the Church Year. Its starkness points to the truth of both human brokenness and God’s complete identification with us in our need. The highlights are the Great Silence at the start, then the reading of the Passion Gospel according to St. John, the Solemn Collects (intercessions for all humanity), the bringing out and veneration of the Good Friday Cross, and the Communion from the Reserved Sacrament, brought from the Altar of Repose in the Chapel. Once more, we leave in silence.

Good Friday is marked by as complete a fast as health allows, from sunrise until at least 3 PM, the traditional hour of Christ’s death upon the cross.

Holy Saturday

10 AM: Little Tomb Service of the Burial of Christ

The morning service is a short, spare gathering at the now-denuded altar where we hear of Christ’s hasty burial and contemplate his lying in the tomb, even as God the Son has descended to Hades, there to liberate those long held by the Evil One. A glorious sermon from the very early Christian period is read and prayers for those who have died are offered.

Easter Eve

Saturday, 9 PM: The Great Vigil of Easter,
followed by the Agape Feast

The Easter Vigil is the heart of our life as a parish and as a people. It is our main Easter service. It must be experienced, not explained, but it consists of the lighting, blessing, and sharing of the New Fire, the great song before the Paschal Candle (The “Exsultet”), the readings of the Old Testament prophesies, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, the Proclamation of the Resurrection, the great Easter Homily of St. John Chrysostom, and the First Eucharist of Easter. This is the high point of the entire Church Year. The Vigil is followed by a grand feast in the Parish Hall, to which all are invited. Come and see!

Easter Day

11 AM: Holy Eucharist (said, with hymns)
A “hybrid” liturgy: both in-person and online.

The Easter Day Eucharist at St. Timothy’s is quite a bit simpler than the Vigil. However, it is a joyous celebration and includes the beautiful, ever-new account of Mary Magdalene meeting the Risen Christ in the garden. With this Eucharist, our celebration of Easter Day concludes…but the Great 50 Days of Eastertide has just begun.

LENT AND HOLY WEEK AT ST. TIMOTHY'S

+ Stations of the Cross are held every Friday evening at 7 PM during Lent. Join us for the Litany of Penitence from Ash Wednesday and short readings from Blessed Julian of Norwich.

HOLY WEEK

+ Palm Sunday: March 24
8 AM: Blessing of Palms & Holy Eucharist (spoken)
10 AM: Palm Procession & Holy Eucharist (sung).

+ Monday, March 25 & Tuesday, March 26
7 PM: Evening Prayer

+ Wednesday, March 27
7 PM: Tenebrae Service

THE HOLY TRIDUUM

One Liturgy Spread over Three Days (Main services in bold text)

+ Maundy Thursday: March 28

7 PM: The Maundy Thursday Liturgy

Prayer Watch following until Noon on Good Friday

+ Good Friday: March 29

Noon: Stations of the Cross

7 PM: Good Friday Liturgy

+ Holy Saturday; Easter Eve: March 30

10 AM: Little Tomb Service of the Burial of Christ

9 PM: The Great Vigil of Easter, followed by the Agape Feast

Easter Day: March 31

11 AM: Holy Eucharist (said, with hymns)

WORSHIP SERVICES AT ST. TIMOTHY'S

+ Holy Eucharist is celebrated each Sunday at 8 AM (said service) and 10 AM (sung service). The 10 AM service is also shared via Zoom for those who are physically unable to attend in person.

+ Wednesdays there is an in-person Holy Eucharist at 10AM, using the traditional-language rite. This service is followed by tea and conversation in the parish library.

+ Current masking policy: All persons may wear a face mask as a health tool. Some persons (especially those in higher-risk groups) should wear a mask. However, no one must wear a mask. The parish provides good quality face masks for those desiring them.

+ We have an upgraded HVAC air handling system to maximize the safety of our indoor environment.

+ We encourage vaccination for all eligible persons to prevent communicable disease at church or elsewhere.

+ Please contact the parish office for more information, and to be added to our Zoom invitation lists.

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Word from the Rector

Labor Day as a Christian Holiday

Labor Day weekend is the modern holiday marking the end of summer. It celebrates the dignity of labor and calls for that dignity to be translated into just laws, safe working conditions, and fair pay. Though it didn't begin as a Christian holiday (did you know Oregon was the first state to recognize it as a public holiday, all the way back in 1887?), it came to be observed as one in many churches, including our own. (See the Collect for Labor Day in the BCP on p. 210/261)

The old Bidding Prayer from earlier prayer books has a particularly insightful line with regard to this subject:

Let us praise God for rain and sunshine; for the fruits of the earth; for the products of all honest industry; and for all his good gifts, temporal and spiritual, to us and to all people.

It is that phrase, "the products of all honest industry" that always sticks in my mouth. Do we desire truly honest industry in our nation, or are we more interested in the bottom line? Do we ourselves practice such honesty in our daily lives and work? Do we look upon the labors of others--seen and unseen--with gratitude? How do we value labor? Is it something to be avoided at all costs (one of the many questions AI brings up) or is it an essential part of what it means to be human? When does "labor-saving" become simple sloth?

The BCP's Collect for Labor Day (below) reminds us that all our lives are linked and that whatever we do affects for good or ill the lives of all others. There is no such thing as "compartmentalized" ethics in work or leisure. When we forget this--as individuals, businesses, governments, or as a society--we degrade our calling as Christians and permit an ever more degraded culture.

Such a focus on de-compartmentalized living is one aspect of being a catholic faith. Catholicity is not only a matter of doctrine; it is also a way of looking at the world where all things are drawn into a wholeness of meaning and truth in accordance with the Gospel. Labor Day gives us a clear opportunity to do this.

As we gather for liturgy ("the labor of the people" would be one way of translating that word) on Sunday and undertake our work of intercession and thanksgiving, and as we observe Labor Day in whatever form on Monday, we can see it very much in spiritual terms. From the divine labor of Creation and the origins of human labor in tending the temple-garden of Eden to the many parables about labor in the Gospels, human labor is meant to have a sacred character and to be respected.

In the Church calendar we show our respect for something by having a feast day for it. Keeping Labor Day as a true Feast Day is one way to connect what we say and do at the altar with how we live the rest of our lives. That, too, is "catholicity" and a mark of a living faith. Let's practice what we preach, day in and day out.

Faithfully in Christ,

Brandon+.

The Collect for Labor Day
Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Note: Today those who gathered for the 10 AM Wednesday Eucharist prayed the Great Litany and offered other prayers for the victims of the Annunciation school shooting in Minneapolis and for victims of prior school mass shootings. We also offered the Mass for peace in our nation and in the hearts of our people, as well as for forgiveness of our enemies. Please make these and related issues a focus of your daily prayers.

The Week Ahead...

Thursday, August 28: Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and Theologian, 430

The Parish Office will be closed this day

Friday, August 29: The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

Fridays are marked by acts of discipline and self-denial. If you wish to know more about the meaning of this practice and its benefits, please enquire with Fr. Brandon.

Saturday, August 30: Margaret Ward, Margaret Clitherow, and Anne Line, Martyrs, 1588, 1586, and 1601

+ Sunday, August 31: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost with Prayers for Labor Day

+ 8 AM: Holy Eucharist (said). In-person.

+ 10 AM: Holy Eucharist (sung).
In-person and online with a Blessing of the Backpacks for students and educators.

+ Coffee Hour following the 10 AM Liturgy.

Monday, September 1: Labor Day

The parish office is closed on Mondays.

Tuesday, September 2: The Martyrs of New Guinea, 1942

The parish office will be closed this day.
10 AM: Crafts and Conversation

Wednesday, September 3: Phoebe, Deacon

10 AM: Rite I Holy Eucharist

The Parish Office has new hours!

With the start of the school year, the Parish Office will now be open:
Tuesdays 8:30 am - 1:45 pm
Wednesdays & Thursdays 8:30 am – 2:30 pm.

The office will continue to be closed on Mondays. On Fridays Emma will continue to be available remotely: either via cell phone (503.899.3053); leaving a message on the Parish Office phone (503.363.0601); or emailing the Parish Office (mail@sainttimothys.org). Emma's days off are Saturday-Monday.

Fr. Brandon's days off will continue to be Friday and Saturday. He is often in the parish office on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Prayer Requests from this Parish: Caroline Gilbert, John Hanson, Howard Klopfenstein, Liz McClure, Becky McCarroll, Juanita Rivera, Scott Kohl, Barbara Knighton, for those who labor on the remodel of our Parish Hall, the communities of Sprague High School and West Salem High School, Annunciation RC Church Community and all victims of mass shootings, Family Promise, Salem for Refugees, Mending Wings Youth Ministries. For peace and for the many innocent souls caught up in armed conflict.

For the Departed: David McDonald

For those who Mourn: Pat Eder

For Those with Birthdays this Week: Stephen Custer

In the Diocese of Oregon: St. John the Baptist, St. Michael & All Angels, St. Philip the Deacon; Portland

In the Anglican Communion: The Church of South India

Zoom Recording of Last Sunday's Sermon

Sunday, August 24th
Passcode: .LaaA7zB

Links will be valid for two weeks

Blessing of the Backpacks
Sunday, August 31st during the 10 AM Liturgy

Next Sunday we will have a Blessing of the Backpacks for both the youth and educators in our parish. Children may bring their backpacks to church and receive a special blessing as we begin this new school year. Educators are also asked to bring an item representative of their work to also receive a blessing as they begin a new year of teaching.

St. Timothy’s Family Promise Update
Fall 2025

Things will be changing for St. Timothy’s participation in Family Promise starting in 2026. Our partnership with Holy Cross Lutheran Church will be ending this December. In fact, our last rotation at Holy Cross will be December 9th and 10th. It is sad to hear that Holy Cross is going through the process of “Holy Closure” and will cease operations at the end of December 2025.

For St. Timothy’s, this means a change for sure, but I foresee this as a change of direction, not purpose. Family Promise Salem is strong, and I foresee our efforts to help will simply have a different address. Doug O’Dell from Holy Cross, and one of the leaders of Family Promise Salem, wants to meet with St. Timothy’s volunteers, and any new volunteers, to discuss options as to where we can best fit in to serve these families (I must always remind, typically over 50% of these guests are kids).

Historically, St. Tim’s has taken three of the seven days. Are we to stay with our current coverage of two days? Or, if interest in helping the homeless remains high, should we consider covering three days? I have spoken with six of our volunteers, and they wish to proceed to serve Family Promise Salem. For the rest of our Family Promise volunteers and anyone interested in helping Salem’s homeless families, stay tuned for dates for a meeting with Doug O’Dell to consider the future of St. Tim’s involvement with Family Promise.

Do spend a couple of minutes on their website for additional information; the opening picture is special.

Family Promise Salem: https://www.familypromisemwv.org

In Christ,

Steve Cowgill

A Note from Salem For Refugees
We are excited to invite you to our Fall Kick- off SFR Connects meeting on Monday, September 8th at Broadway Commons. We're celebrating our 9th birthday and we will highlight all the incredible achievements Salem for Refugees has accomplished over the past year. Whether you're a long-time partner or new to the SFR family, this is a special opportunity to hear inspiring updates, connect with others who share your passion for refugee support, and reflect on the impact we've made together. Come ready to celebrate, share, and look forward to the future as we continue building a welcoming community for all.

Lunch will be provided at 11:45am and the program will begin at 12:00pm.

Date: September 8th
Location: Broadway Commons, 2nd Floor
Time: 12:00 Noon

The Latest from Salem Leadership Foundation

Shalom is Breaking Through

Shalom is breaking through. Last month I attended a gathering of community leaders from law enforcement, local government, nonprofits, schools, healthcare agencies, businesses, and the faith community to talk about the rise in community violence incidents, and what we could do in response. As each person engaged in the conversation and shared their perspective on both the problem and potential solutions, a phrase kept coming to mind: “We don’t all have to do the same thing, but we all have to do something.”

It is not just a catchy turn of phrase; it is also true. We don’t all have to do the same thing – each individual or organization has a specific set of skills and talents that have been formed through a unique process. But we all have to do something – use what you have, where you are. It takes all of us to restore and maintain health.

If Salem/Keizer is going to become the healthiest community in all of Oregon, truly the city of Shalom, it’s going to take all of us. We need educators, direct service providers, pastors, nurses, executives, philanthropists, accountants, restaurant owners, bankers, bakers, counselors, programmers, event planners, and neighbors. The list goes on and on, and includes…YOU!

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul wrote that the Church is like a body, and that a foot shouldn’t say that because it’s not a hand, it doesn’t belong to the body. He said the same thing about eyes comparing themselves to ears, and deciding they weren’t needed. This analogy was meant to help people recognize both their unique contributions and the contributions of others who had different skills. It was meant to help people realize how much they needed each other. They were all part of the same body, and when one part of the body was suffering, the whole body suffered. Granted this was written to a church about a fellowship of Christians, but I believe it can also apply to an entire community pursuing increased health and safety. We don’t all have to do the same thing, but we all have to do something.

What’s your something?

Kyle Dickinson
Executive Director

The St. Stephen's Fund
Available to all

St. Timothy's has a special fund to assist parishioners during times of financial hardship. This fund is overseen by a Board of Stewards, consisting of Fr. Brandon, Michael McFetridge, and David Tatman.

If you have a need, contact one of us. This fund is in a great position to help. It has helped pay bills, make home improvements, fix autos…and many other things.

All requests are handled with great discretion. This fund was established decades ago and has benefited many parishioners over the years.

A Prayer for the Evening
O Lord, accept me in penitence. O Lord, leave me not. O Lord, lead me not into temptation. O Lord, grant me good thoughts. O Lord, grant me tears and remembrance of death and compunction. O Lord, grant me the thought of confessing my sins. O Lord, grant me humility, chastity and obedience. O Lord, grant me patience, courage and meekness. O Lord, plant in me the root of all blessings, the fear of You in my heart. O Lord, grant me to love You with all my mind and soul, and always to do Your will. O Lord, protect me from certain people, and demons, and passions, and from every other harmful thing. O Lord, You know that You act as You will; may Your will be also in me, a sinner, for blessed art You forever. Amen.

St John Chrysostom, 344–407 AD

Mission Statement of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church
We gather to experience the Holy Trinity through Scripture, worship, study, and fellowship. Receiving and reflecting God’s love and grace, we are sent out to love and serve our neighbor, see the Christ in others, and share the Gospel by the example of our everyday lives.

St. Timothy's Website

St. Timothy's Facebook

Father Brandon's Blog

St. Timothy's Parish Office Hours:
Tuesday, 8:30 AM - 1:45 PM
Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday, 9 AM - 3 PM via telephone/email/text
The Parish Office is closed on Mondays

Parish Office Contact Info
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7416; Salem, OR 97303
Email: mail@sainttimothys.org
Phone: 503-363-0601

Rector's Days Off:
Fridays and Saturdays
Please contact Fr. Brandon on his days off if you have an emergency.

St Timothy's Episcopal Church

P.O. Box 7416

Salem, Or 97303

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