The Sacred Trust of Citizenship

Transcription

1 November 2018 The Episcopal Church in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Inside this issue: From the Rector 1 Soup Kitchen 2 Toys of Tots 3 Choral Evensong 3 Festival of Lessons and Carols 4 Giving Tree 4 HSM&CS 5 Vestry Elections 5 Ft. Delaware Cornet Band 6 Coming Events 6 Memorial Flowers 7 Round of Prayer 8 Birthdays and Anniversaries 8 Calendar 9 The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace The Sacred Trust of Citizenship The mid-term election on November 6 th has been a focus of national attention for two years. If anything, the anxiety levels and the pitch of political rhetoric may be higher than they were during the presidential election of As you know, Prince of Peace has invested heavily in bringing together those of differing opinions for civil conversation and explorations of common ground. Under the leadership of Kerr T. and Darcy M., the Politics, Facts and Civility discussion group and the new local chapter of Better Angels have been supporting respectful dialog by building skills and providing safe spaces for meaningful conversation. The front page article about these efforts in USA Today and its local affiliates, together with NPR coverage at the national level and most recently on WITF in Harrisburg, have From the Rector The Rev. Dr. Herbert Sprouse generated much response from all over the nation. We have heard from both friends and complete strangers, some of whom are very moved that we are trying to do something positive. Many want access to resources and advice about how they might do something similar. All of this work is completely consistent with the positions of The Episcopal Church on the sacred trust of citizenship. As our church s official guide, Faith and Citizenship: A Guide to Effective Advocacy for Episcopalians, reminds us, In our baptismal covenant, we promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to strive for justice and peace. One critical way in which can seek, serve and strive, on behalf of others, is to participate in the process by which our nation s laws, policies and budget priorities are set. This means that it is a sa- (Continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 News and Notes The Episcopal Epistle From the Rector (continued)) (Continued from page 1) cred duty that we exercise our rights, privileges and responsibilities as citizens. First and foremost, this means informing ourselves about the issues, candidates and ballot measures for which we will cast our votes on the 6 th, and in every election. Then, we must exercise the fundamental franchise in our system of government and enter the voting booth prayerfully and with our faith as our guide in all matters. To support you and the entire community in this effort, we invite everyone to join us for our Pre-Election Choral Evensong at 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 4 th, two days before election day. Please consider your votes as expressions of the way in which you follow Christ in your life. Remember that hope is the vocation of all Christians, while fear is the greatest enemy of faith. Never doubt that God looks with favor on our country and those who serve honestly and with pure heart. Set aside any cynicism or rancor you may feel, then do your homework and go vote. As always, I am yours in Christ, Fr. Herb+ Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen Soup Kitchen Cooks and Servers Needed Greetings, Parish Family! Many thanks to those of you who have so graciously agreed to assist in the Gettysburg Soup Kitchen on first Sundays and Mondays of Your support and dedication means so much to those in need, and our schedule for 2018 has been well covered with so many devoted volunteers. As we look to 2019, transitions among our team members have opened up opportunities for others to join us next year. We have openings for additional team leaders, cooks and volunteers. Current volunteers may be ready to take on roles as team leaders in Please contact me. If you have considered helping out with this noble work, and are interested in leading and/ or joining a soup kitchen team, we would love to have you come on board. The need is great. The work is rewarding. Your team and others will support you. Your guests will be (Continued on page 3)

3 The Episcopal Epistle News and Notes Page 3 (Continued from page 2) fed. And your heart will be full. Also, please know that a soup kitchen volunteer will never be expected to proceed on his/ her own. Once you sign up with me, I will put you in touch with all of the information and people that you will need. Often, the soup kitchen director has food on hand that may be prepared for the meal as well. If you have any questions at all, or wish to speak with a veteran soup kitchen team member, please give me a call or see me at church. You ll find me in a choir robe! Thanks so much for considering this important work! Yours, Chris G. and neighbors to this holiday season kick-off concert to get into the Christmas spirit by hearing beautiful carols for choir and brass within the beauty of the Prince of Peace sanctuary, and while doing so, also supporting a worthy cause in our community. There will be a bin available for the donation of new, unwrapped toys, and cash donations also will be accepted. Other Music Happenings. Toys-for-Tots Christmas Concert Fundraiser Sunday, November 25th 4:00 PM On Sunday afternoon, November 25th at 4:00 PM, the members of the Prince of Peace Choir and the Gettysburg Brass will join together in the church sanctuary to present a Christmas Concert to benefit Toys for Tots. Please come and invite your friends, family Choral Evensong November 4, 5:00 PM Choral Evensong is a 30 to 45-minute long peaceful church service in which the song of voices sounding together in harmony is heard at the even point between the active day and the restful night, allowing listeners time for peaceful and restful contemplation church members, agnostics and atheists alike. Our next service of Choral Evensong is Sunday, November 4th at 5:00 PM. Tuba Carol Fest The annual Holiday Tuba Carol Fest will take place on Friday, December 14th at 7 PM on Lincoln Square in front of the Gettysburg Hotel, led by our own Ben J. Tuba players from around the country will join together to play (Continued on page 4)

4 Page 4 News and Notes The Episcopal Epistle (Continued from page 3) Christmas carols, while everyone sings along. Hot chocolate will be served to warm the soul. The rain site will be Prince of Peace. Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a service of Christian worship celebrating the birth of Jesus, traditionally followed at Christmastime. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir music. This year s Festival will be held on Saturday, December 15th at 5:00 PM. Please mark your calendars! Christmas Rehearsals Additional voices are always welcome to swell the ranks. Rehearsals for the Popsfor-Tots Christmas Concert (November 25th) and Lessons and Carols (date to be determined) will begin on Thursday evening, October 18th at 7:00 PM. Please consider yourself invited to part of one or the other OR BOTH of these festive celebrations of the Christmas season! Daughters of the King Annual Giving Tree Advent begins in early December, and the time for our annual Christmas Giving Tree. Yearly, this parish has supported local charities through purchasing gift cards in the amount of $25.00 through the Giving Tree. Many of us are blessed with good health. Yet, others have been stricken with cancer. Each person's cancer is different and personal. The Peacemakers, your Prince of Peace Chapter of the Daughters of the King, contacted the Adams Cancer Center who so appreciated the gift cards for their clients in need that we provided to them last year. We are again using the Annual Christmas Giving Tree to help provide these gift cards. The tree will contain its festive stars. Each star at the level of $25.00 as a check or cash, will be used to purchase Visa Gift Cards for those patients who have spent so much money on treatment that they have little money for many basic necessities or comfort items. If you are unable to give $25.00, then give what you can, or just pray for hope for all victims of cancer. Please be sure to take a Star, hang it on your own tree as a reminder to pray for those whose lives are affected by cancer, and help those who need through a gift to Prince of Peace for the purchase of the Visa Gift Cards. Lord, Your Word is the true medicine that heals.

5 The Episcopal Epistle News and Notes Page 5 High Street Marching And Chowder Society The date has been set for the annual December gathering of the High Street Marching and Chowder Society (all of the men of the Parish). The festivities will be held on Wednesday, December 5 th, beginning at 6 PM at Gettysburg Eddie s on Steinwehr Avenue. The menu includes Shrimp/Crab Bisque/Chowder, Fish and Chips (steak fries) with coleslaw, and assorted cookies for dessert. Soda, coffee, and gratuity are included in the price of $24. Pay as you go bar service will also be available. See the sign-up sheet in Stahle Parlor; and, please pay Bob Gough in cash prior to the event. Also, if you are in need of a HSMCS t-shirt please see Pete L. no later than Nov 18 th with your size requirement. Cost per shirt is $15. Vestry Elections It is election time, vestry elections, that is. The date for Vestry elections has been set for Sunday, November 18th. Those whose terms are ending in January are Pete L., Chuck N., Michael R. and Dora T.. We thank them for their service during the past three years. Nominees are Joe D., Ben J., Darcy M., Roger P., Mark P., Jean S. and Beth S.. Biographies of the nominees will be included in the Sunday leaflet on November 11th. Thank you to all for your willingness to serve. A Christian Meditation Group Like all forms of worship and prayer, meditation is always enhanced by practice in a group. I am seeking interest in participating in a weekly meditation group that I will lead and teach. We can anticipate that such a group would meet once a week for about 30 minutes, day and time to be determined at the convenience of the participants. A wide range of related practices will be supported, including Contemplative Prayer, Centering Prayer and meditation techniques as practiced by Christian mystics and in other faith traditions. If you have any interest in participating or learning more about the possibilities of such a group, please Fr. Herb at rector@gettysburgepiscopal.org. Fr. Herb+

6 Page 6 News and Notes The Episcopal Epistle Fort Delaware Cornet Band The Fort Delaware Cornet Band will once again join us for our 10:15 worship on Sunday, November 18th. This band, who will be in Gettysburg for Remembrance Day weekend, is a Civil War period brass band of great reputation. They will provide a musical prelude, accompany us in our hymn-singing, and play a 15-minutes concert following the service. Please tell your friends and neighbors to be sure to bring your children (and their friends) to the 10:15 service. All are welcome to attend Stewardship this service in Civil War period dress. Important Parish Dates and Times: November 3rd Time change: time to fall back one hour before retiring November 4th 5PM - Choral Evensong November 6th - Election Day November 18th - Ft. Delaware Cornet Band at the 10:15 service November 18th - Vestry Elections November 25th, 4PM - Toys for Tot Concert at Prince of Peace December 1st, 10 AM - 9PM A Gettysburg Christmas Festival, including a parade at 1PM December 14th, 7PM - Tuba Carol Fest at Lincoln Square, in front of the Gettysburg Hotel December 15th, 5PM - Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

7 The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace Page 7 Flower Dedications If you would like to make an altar flower dedication in loving memory or thanksgiving for loved ones or special events, please fill out the form on the parlor credenza, or call the church office at The cost is $30.00 (or $15.00 if the date is shared with another dedication). We cannot reserve dates for single dedications, so you may have to share a date with another party. Please make your check payable to Prince of Peace and mark it Altar Flowers on the Memo Line. Nov 4 Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 25 In loving memory of Jane G. who passed away on this date four years ago, by Bob G. and family. In thanksgiving for the lives of Brad and Helen G., by Craig and Chris G. In thanksgiving for 66 years together, by Bobbie and Lee H.. In loving memory of Elizabeth M., by Phyllis T.. We are a welcoming family in God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, celebrating the life-giving presence and love of Jesus Christ and sharing his love with our neighbors. Come and join us on our journey. Help us keep our records up to date. Let us know if you have changed your , phone number or mailing address. Also, let us know if we have missed your birthday or anniversary; we may not have the information in our database. Prince of Peace Office secretary@gettysburgepiscopal.org The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace P. O. Box 3005, 20 W. High St. Gettysburg, PA Telephone: The Rev. Dr. Herbert Sprouse Rector rector@gettysburgepiscopal.org The Rev. Richard Randall Priest Associate Cathy Elkiss Organist and Choirmaster Carolyn Fouts Parish Administrator secretary@gettysburgepiscopal.org Chris Abplanalp, Sexton Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Website:

8 Page 8 November 4 November 11 November 18 November 25 The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace Parish Round of Prayer for November 2018 Susan and Howard S.; Barbara S.; Helen and Clarence S.; Laurie and Jeff S. Heather, Dave, Sarah and Rebecca S.; Meredith, Steve, Rachel and Paige S. Ellen, Jim, JT, Sarah, Zach and Catherine T.; Phyllis T.; Susan and Kerr T. Dora T. and David R.; Jim V., Kathleen Z., Erika, Tyler and Ryan V., and Carter T. November Birthdays 1st Phyllis W. 3rd Roger P. 7th Dan S. 10th Jeff B. 11th Sam C. 15th Mike C. Jim F. Phyllis T. 16th Spencer K. 22nd Kendall M., Jr. November 4 24 All Saints Sunday Wisdom 3:1-9 Psalm 24 Revelation 21:1-6a John 11:32-44 November Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 Psalm 127 Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 12:38-44 The Sunday Lectionary George M. 22nd Dave S. 28th Fran P. 29th Carolyn F. November Anniversaries 11th Chris & Craig G. 15th Bobbie & Lee H. November Samuel 1:4-20 The Song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10) Hebrews 10:11-25 Mark 13:1-8 November 25 Last Sunday after 2 Samuel 23:1-7 Psalm 132:1-19 Revelation 1:4b-8 John 18:33-37 Dec. Newsletter Deadline Monday, November 19, Articles to: secretary@gettysburgepiscopal.org or leave on the desk in the office Service Schedule Sunday Holy Eucharist 8:00 a.m. Rite I Holy Eucharist 10:15 a.m. Rite II Holy Eucharist Wednesday Holy Eucharist 12:00 Noon Holy Eucharist

9 Page 9 November 2018 Prince of Peace Episcopal Church Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 7 pm Choir Rehearsal 2 3 Clocks set back 1 hour to EST 4 8am & 10:15am, HE 11:30 am PoP cooks for Soup Kitchen (PH) 5 11:30 am PoP cooks for Soup Kitchen (PH) 6. 5 pm Handbell Rehearsal 7 pm NOVIS (UC) 7 12 noon Holy Eucharist 6 pm EfM (Conference Rm) 8 7 pm Choir Rehearsal th Sunday after 11 8am & 10:15am, HE pm Handbell Rehearsal 7 pm NOVIS (UC) noon Holy Eucharist 6 pm EfM (Conference Rm) 15 7 pm Choir Rehearsal th Sunday after 18 8am & 10:15am, HE 9 am Sunday School 10:15am Ft Delaware Cornet Band 12 pm Vestry Meeting 26th Sunday after 19 3 pm Daughters of the King (Library) 20 5 pm Handbell Rehearsal 7 pm NOVIS (UC) 6 pm EfM (Conference Rm) am Ministries Council 12 noon Holy Eucharist am & 10:15am, HE 9 am Sunday School 4 pm Toys for Tots Concert Last Sunday after pm GCCA Board 5 pm Handbell Rehearsal 7 pm NOVIS (UC) noon Holy Eucharist 6 pm EfM (Conference Rm) 29 7 pm Choir Rehearsal 30