An article from the Rowan Thrive newsletter:

Reflection of Resilience in 2020 and Hope for Happiness in 2021

If you would have told me this time last year that I would be living amidst a global pandemic and spending most of my time at home, I would have thought you were crazy. 2020 really wasn’t what anybody expected. One moment, you’re just going about life as a college student and having the college experience and the next thing you know, a deadly virus is discovered, campus gets shut down halfway through the semester, and now you’re doing everything online until further notice. I mean, honestly, no one thought 2020 was going to end up the way it did.

Yet, despite the craziness of it all, 2020 has provided some good along the way – like looking within to find the simple joys and happiness. Things like discovering the convenience of curbside pick-up, or laughing at some funny GroupMe chats and connecting with friends over Netflix Parties and online Bingo nights, or even the ease of not having to go out in the rain to get to class. 2020 has also given us the drive to persevere through the hard times. Personally, I can think about the constant work I put in day in and day out to do well in all of my classes despite most of them being all online.

Though, I’m sure you’re wondering what’s next for 2021. Is it still going to be 2020 again or are we finally going to see that light at the end of the tunnel? While no one can give us the answer, the lessons we’ve learned from this year can help change our narrative and perspective. Together, we can remember the things we’ve learned from 2020 and the Rowan Thrive Model, simple joys and happiness, resilience, and taking care of ourselves, as we face 2021 with open arms. During this month-long break, I challenge everyone to find ways to incorporate self-care and redefine what it means to be resilient and happy for you. You might be surprised at how it changes your perspective into a positive one.

-Rachael Owen (she/her/hers)
Class of 2023
Public Health & Wellness

Join us for Quinlan’s Birthday Parade on Saturday, 16 January. We’ll depart from the parking lot of the Bowe School (7 Ruth H Mancuso Ln) at 2pm. Vehicle decorations are welcome but not necessary. Please don’t bring gifts or cards or things to hand off: just honk and wave as you drive by!

• Saturday, 6.00pm: Holy Eucharist in the Nave (limited capacity: RSVP here)
• Sunday, 8.00am: Holy Eucharist in the Parish Hall and on Zoom (limited capacity: RSVP here)
• Sunday, 9.00am: Online Sunday School for pre-school to pre-teens
• Sunday, 10.30am: Holy Eucharist Outdoors at St. Thomas’
• Sunday, 6.00pm: Online Youth Group for Teens
  Contact Dan O. for connection details
• Sunday, afternoon: Holy Eucharist at St. Thomas’ (recorded)

• Daily Morning Prayer (Monday through Saturday)
• Monday, 4pm: Centering Prayer
• Tuesday, Noon: Coffee Hour
• Tuesday, 6pm: Small Group Bible Study: Hebrews
• Wednesday, 5.30pm: Holy Eucharist (outdoors at Lych Gate, rain or shine)
• Wednesday, 7.00pm: Bible Study with Bishop Stokes

Online events hosted by St. Thomas’ are accessed via Zoom: instructions here.

The state of New Jersey has open a “pre-registration portal” for residents to sign up to receive vaccination against Covid-19. Since the vaccine is being rolled out in phases, registering will help ensure you are notified when your turn comes. Register at: https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/

On Monday, 1 February, the St. Thomas’ Book Group will start a new title, The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone, chosen to compliment our annual celebration of Black History Month. Join us on Zoom on Monday nights at 7pm. You can purchase a copy in your favorite bookstore. (I’m told that “Words Matter” bookstore in Pittman has at least one copy on hand and can quickly obtain more!) Please read the introduction and chapter 1 in advance of our first gathering.