What are You Waiting For?

Transcription

1 December 2017 The Episcopal Church in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Inside this issue: From the Rector 1 Advent Program 2 Advent Conspiracy 2 Advent Study Series 2 #Advent Word 3 Vestry News 3 HSM&CS 3 Women s Luncheon 4 Tuba Fest 4 Lessons and Carols 4 Choir 5 Christmas Caroling 5 Christmas Music 5 Pancake Day 6 Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. 6 Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen 7 Giving Tree 7 Christmas Eve Schedule of Services 8 Mark Your Calendar - Upcoming Events 8 Christmas Flower Dedications 9 Flower Dedications 10 Round of Prayer 11 Birthdays and Anniversaries 11 Sunday Readings 11 The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace What are You Waiting For? Advent is the season of the church year when the church tells us we must watch and we must wait. Tradition has us preoccupied with preparations for the coming again of Jesus into the world, as prelude to the realization of God s Kingdom in our midst. Our flawed, all-toohuman nature can make it difficult for us to really comprehend God s desires for us and our world. But, we believe that each year a tiny newborn reenters our world and our lives. We also believe that nothing is ever the same after this happens. And it happens every year! So this year I have been asking parishioners a very basic question on an ad hoc basis. It s certainly not a survey, but I m interested in how we each experience Advent. The question is: this Advent, what are YOU waiting for? I ve gotten more From the Rector The Rev. Dr. Herbert Sprouse From the Rector The Rev. Herbert Sprouse than a few blank looks, to be sure. Most answers have to do with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the arrival (and sometimes the departure) of family. I ve heard a little bit about the end of the calendar year and turning over a new page in Perhaps the most direct answer was, I just want Christmas to be over! Our challenging times, however, should bring the Advent season and the birth of Jesus into sharp focus for us this year. Jesus came to us as an infant to show us God s ways, and God s desires for all of creation. And in that moment, everything was changed, forever. During the Advent Season, we sing each week a marvelous version of The Magnificat, Mary s song of thanksgiving at what was about to happen in her life, and in the world, because she agreed to do as God asked. Our contemporary paraphrase has, as its re- (Continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 From the Rector News and Notes The Episcopal Epistle frain, and the world is about to turn. In fact, it is entitled The Canticle of the Turning. This year, my waiting and my watching form a long vigil for the restoration of God s Kingdom. It s not just a passive watching and waiting, however. My vigil involves trying to come to grips with the events in our world and plotting a course of action that supports the arrival of God s Kingdom in our lives. As we wait for a tiny babe to appear in Bethlehem, and here on Baltimore Street, what could be a better focus, a more important vigil? I bid you to join me! As always, I am yours in Christ, Fr. Herb The Advent Conspiracy 2017: Can Christmas Still Change the World? Each year we remind everyone in the parish about The Advent Conspiracy, an alternative approach to giving during the Christmas season. The key ideas for a more compassionate, less consumption-driven Advent observance are to Spend Less, Give More, Worship Fully and Love All. As a reminder of these powerful ideas and the impact they can have, the founders of The Advent Conspiracy have created a new video for You can watch it here: resources/ and visit their website here: These are wonderful and compelling ideas. Can Christmas Still Change the World? It s up to each one of us to help make it happen! Waiting on The Word: Our Advent Series for Adults Three Tuesday Evenings: December 5, 12 and 19 7:00-8:30 PM Please bring Christmas season goodies to share! This year we will gather to explore Advent through several means. Our primary text will be Malcolm Guite s wonderful annotated collection of poems for the season. Copies are available for purchase at Prince of Peace for $7.50 (approx. ½ price) and are also available to borrow from the parish library. Waiting on the Word is available in electronic versions from Amazon.com for Kindle and all Kindle readers such as ipad and Nook (using the free Kindle reader app). The book offers a poem for each day, with great meditations to accompany them. We also strongly encourage you to subscribe to #AdventWord, at adventword.org/sign-up. #AdventWord is the Anglican Communion s Global Advent Calendar. It begins on Sunday, 3 December, 2017, with images and meditations available via , Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. During the 23 days of Advent, a daily featuring the #AdventWord of the day will go out at 5 a.m. each day, and respondents are encouraged to share their responses to the meditations and (Continued on page 6)

3 The Episcopal Epistle (Continued from page 2) images to the aggregated prayer walls within the Advent calendar. #Advent Word is free of charge. Waiting for the Word will be facilitated by Frs. H, R, G and D (aka Fathers Herb Sprouse, Richard Randall, Richard Ginnever and Doug Smith.) Please join us this will be fun and inspiring! News and Notes Page 3 Regardless of whether you can join us for Waiting for the Word, we strongly suggest that you sign up for #AdventWord for your own use. A Global Advent Calendar, it begins on Sunday, 3 December, 2017, with images and meditations available via , Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. During the 23 days of Advent, a daily featuring the #AdventWord of the day will go out at 5 a.m., and respondents are encouraged to share their responses to the meditations and images to the aggregated prayer walls within the advent calendar. You can read more about #AdventWord in the Waiting for the Word program description and sign up here: adventword.org/signup. #Advent Word is free of charge. Vestry News The newly elected members of our vestry are Sarah B., Trish J-B, Jim F. and Charles S. They will be seated as of our January vestry meeting. We are very pleased that they, and all our vestry members, have chosen to serve the parish in this way. Please be sure to thank them for stepping forward! Fr. Herb #AdventWord High Street Marching and Chowder Society The High Street Marching and Chowder Society (the men of the parish) will hold its annual December gathering at the new Appalachian Brewing Company location on Steinwehr Avenue on Tuesday, December 6, beginning at 6:00 PM. The menu consists of chowder, fish and chip with coleslaw, assorted cookies, soda, coffee and tea, all for $19.00, including tax and gratuity. A sign-up sheet is located in Stahle Parlor. The deadline to sign up is this Sunday, December 3rd. Please see Gordon F. if you have any questions.

4 Page 4 News and Notes The Episcopal Epistle A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Women s Luncheon The annual Christmas gathering of the ladies of the parish will be at 12:00 PM on Friday, December 15th, Hickory Bridge Farm. The cost is $23.00 and includes tax and gratuity. Please bring a check or cash to the event, and Jan Lindquist will collect them and give the payment to the waitress. Please see Jan L. if you have any questions. Stewardship Gettysburg Tuba Fest 2017 Mark your calendars for Friday, December 8 at 7:00 PM for the 22nd annual Gettysburg Tuba Carol Fest. Join the community for 30 minutes of the most beautiful Christmas sounds one might ever hear, tuba players from everywhere playing Christmas Carols on Lincoln Square, directed by our own Ben J. The rain location will be Prince of Peace. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Friday, December 15 th at 7:00 PM St. Andrews in Shippensburg Saturday, December 16 th at 5:00 PM Prince of Peace 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. The Prince of Peace Choir will once again join their voices with those of the Choir of St. Andrews Episcopal (Shippensburg), the Prince of Peace Handbell Choir, and a brass quintet to present the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Friday evening, December 15 th at St. Andrews in Shippensburg at 7:00 PM; and on Saturday, December 16 th at Prince of Peace at 5:00 PM for this seasonal celebration of the coming of our Savior in Scripture and Song.

5 The Episcopal Epistle News and Notes Page 5.Prince of Peace Choir Rehearsals Our Prince of Peace choirs NEED YOU it is never too late to become a part of your church s Music Ministry! All those members and friends of the parish who would like to consider singing or ringing in one or both of the Prince of Peace choirs, please join us as we begin our new choir season! Prince of Peace (Choral) Choir Thursday evenings at 7 PM Prince of Peace Handbell Choir Tuesday afternoons at 4 PM Please come and bring a friend as we celebrate the glorious music of the church together by Singing and (ringing) and making melody unto the Lord, - all are always welcome! there. All you will need is warm clothing, a comfortable pair of shoes and a bit of the Christmas Spirit! Caroling books will be provided. Please speak with Cathy Elkiss (celkiss@pa.net; or ) for additional information. All are welcome! Special Music on Christmas Eve Attention all Prince of Peace musicians: soloists, musical ensembles, and instrumentalists are invited to be a part of the special music prelude for the Christmas Eve services. Those wishing to share their gift of music at one (or both!) of these services, please speak with Cathy (celkiss@pa.net; or ). Baroque Christmas Concert Calling all Christmas Carolers! Carolers are needed to stroll the streets of downtown Gettysburg on Saturday, December 2nd, as part of the Gettysburg Victorian Christmas Festival. Time: 11:00 AM - we ll meet outside the church in the Prince of Peace garden, and make our way from Members and friends of Prince of Peace are invited to a concert of Baroque Christmas Music, presented by Lisa Turchi and Friends from St. Andrews Episcopal Church (Shippensburg) and the Cumberland Valley School of Music on Friday evening, December 29th at 7:00 PM at Prince of Peace. The concert is free and open to the public.

6 Page 6 News and Notes The Episcopal Epistle Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S. Carry each other s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) PANCAKE DAY 2018 is rapidly approaching so please SAVE THE DATE February 13, 2018 on your calendars with the intent to provide a few hours of support to this yearly Shrove Tuesday community fundraising effort. As most of you know, the success of this effort depends on your voluntary support so please consider setting aside some time to help as a server, cook, dishwasher or cashier on that day. Volunteer signup sheets will appear in early As Father Herb indicated in the Gettysburg Times article wrapping up last year s event, We were blessed to have additional sponsors and supporters step up to join in supporting the event with generous contributions, for which we are truly grateful. The organizations and business who provided additional financial support to our 2017 event were Gettysburg American Legion Post 202 (principal sponsor), and the Rice Fruit Company (partner sponsor). Sponsoring individual tables at the event were: the Blue & Gray Bar & Grill, Dr. David & Cathy Kamsler, Carl E. Frantz Inc., Freedom Landscapes, Gettysburg Animal Hospital, Hockley & O Donnell Insurance, Monahan Funeral Home, Renn Kirby Chevrolet Buick and Zimmerman s Azalea Gardens. If the opportunity arises please thank these individuals and businesses for their past support of our Pancake Day. We look forward to their continuing support in 2018! Prince of Peace will once again be hosting Gettysburg C.A.R.E.S., the area s emergency homeless shelter from Monday, January 22, through Monday, February 4. Our responsibility will be to provide folks to help move in the mattresses at 7:45 AM on Monday, January 22, hosts for each of the evenings (8 PM - 9 PM), folks to help move out the mattresses at 7:45 AM on Monday, February 4, and blanket washers on Monday, February 4, 8:30 AM. Any parish members who would be able to stay overnight would be quite welcome also. Orientation/training is required for hosts and overnights. If you have attended this orientation/training in the past, you do not need to attend another. Orientation/Trainings are scheduled for December 18 and January 15 at 6:30 St. James Lutheran. If you want to sign up for an orientation/training or have any questions, please contact Nancy L., or nlilley@ywcagettysburg.org. You can also talk to any of the parish members who have hosted, stayed or helped in the past: Sarah B., John D., Jim F., Richard G., Bob G., Bobbie H., Jr., Peter J., Ben K., Nancy L., Pete L., Chuck N., Scott P., Holly P., Mark P., Kim R., David R., Mike R., Charles S., and Kathleen Z. (and big apologies if I missed your name). A signup sheet is available in the Stahle Parlor.

7 The Episcopal Epistle News and Notes Page 7 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 2017 has been well covered with so many devoted volunteers. As we look to 2018, 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. 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 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, 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! (Chris G.: ). Thanks so much for considering this important work! Yours, Chris Daughters of the King Annual Giving Tree For many years, this parish has supported local charities by the purchase of gift cards through the Giving Tree. Most of us are blessed with good health. However, others have been stricken with cancer. Each person s cancer is different and personal. The Peacemakers, the Prince of Peace Chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King, contacted the Adams County Cancer Center and asked what they truly need for their patients for the holidays. Without hesitation, they hoped that we could collect gift cards for their clients. Therefore, we are using the Christmas Giving Tree to help provide these gift cards. The stars, at a $25.00 each, will be used to purchase Visa Gift Cards for those patients who have spent so much on treatment that they have little left for many basic necessities or comfort items. If you are unable to give the full amount, then we ask you to give what you can, or pray for hope for all victims of cancer. The stars may be taken from the tree beginning today. Gifts should be returned by Sunday, December 17th, so the Daughters of the King can get them out to the Cancer Center. We thank you for participating in our annual Christmas Giving Tree.

8 Page 8 News and Notes Christmas Eve Service Schedule Since the Fourth Sunday of Advent is on Christmas Eve, there will be only ONE Sunday morning service on that date. The schedule of services for Sunday, December 24th is as follows: 9:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II 5:00 PM Music Prelude 5:30 PM Holy Eucharist and Children s Christmas Pageant 7:30 PM Music Prelude 8:00 PM Choral Eucharist There will be no service held on Christmas Day. Christmas Pageant The Youth and Children of the parish will be presenting the Christmas Pageant at the Christmas Eve service at 5:30. We invite any youth or children not already involved in Sunday School to join us. If interested in a speaking part please contact Margaret and attend practices on Sunday mornings. If youngsters would like to be part of our presentation in the parts of Angels, Animals or Shepherds please come to the Sunday School Room just before the start of the 5:30 service. The Episcopal Epistle Mark Your Calendars! Important Parish events to note: Saturday, December 2nd Christmas caroling in downtown Gettysburg. Meet in the Prince of Peace garden at 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 6th High Street Marching and Chowder Society at Appalachian Brewing Company, Steinwehr Ave, 6:00 PM Friday, December 8th Tuba Fest at the Gettysburg Hotel. Bad weather site Prince of Peace 7:00 PM Friday, December 15th Women s Luncheon at Hickory Bridge Farm, 12:00 PM Friday, December 15th A Festival of Lessons and Carols at St. Andrew s, Shippensburg 7:00 PM Saturday, December 16th A Festival of Lessons and Carols at Prince of Peace 5:00 PM Tuesday, February 13, 2018 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Day at the Gettysburg Fire Hall. The staff members of The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace extend to our Parish Family and Friends sincere best wishes for a most blessed Advent and Christmas!

9 The Episcopal Epistle News and Notes Christmas FLOWER DEDICATIONS Page 9 Prince of Peace is now accepting Christmas altar flower dedications, which will appear in the Christmas bulletins. Any amount you wish to contribute will be gratefully received and will go toward our Christmas decorations. Please note: you must turn in your dedication(s) by Sunday, December 18th, to appear in the Christmas bulletins. (Donations can still be turned in after that date, but it may not be possible to include the dedications in the bulletin.). All donations should be dropped off in the offering plate or church office, or mailed to the church office. Thank you! I have enclosed a donation for the Christmas Decoration Fund. By: (please print your name and phone number) Dedication: ( In loving memory of In thanksgiving for etc.)

10 The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace Page 10 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. December 3 December 10 Available Available December 17 In loving memory of Clare L. Purdy by the Purdy Family. December 24 December 31 Available In celebration of the 25th wed ding anniversary of Barbara and Art H., by Art H. Sigh-up sheets for 2018 have been placed in the folder on the credenza. JANUARY NEWSLETTER Tuesday, December 19 Articles to: secretary@gettysburgepiscopal.org or leave on the desk in the office 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. 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:

11 Page 11 December 3 December 10 December 17 December 24 December 31 The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace PARISH ROUND OF PRAYER FOR DECEMBER 2017 Marian and David B.; Andrew B.; Jerry B.; Polly, Mike, Sam and Max C.; Shirlee and Ralph C. Karen C.; Debbie and Jeff C.; Teresa, Paul, Earl and Meagan C.; Linda and David C. David C.; Jacque C.; Bernice C.; Diana, Bill and Calvin C.; Don D A. and Ed S. Marian D.; Mary and Paul D.; Barbara D. G.; Donna, John and Michael D.; Olive, Joe and Stephanie D. Larry D. and Joe H.; Donna and Tom D.; Gwen D.; Debby and Hal E.; Cathy and Dale E. DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1st Bob W. 3rd Duane B. Jean S. 4th Michael R. 8th Evelyn R. 12th Holly P. 14th Susan S. December 3 1 Advent Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 December 10 2 Advent Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 Carter T. 16th Bobbie H. 18th Mike R. 20th Joshua L. 28th Carolyn F. The Sunday Lectionary December 17 3 Advent Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, December 24 4 Advent 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Psalm 89 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 25th Pam and Jan M. 27th Sharon and Mark P. 31st Barbara and Art H. December 31, Christmas Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 147 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 John 1:1-18 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

12 December 2017 Prince of Peace Episcopal Church Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 12 pm Steppin Out (Al-Anon) 2 3 8am & 10:15am, HE 9am Sunday School 11:30 am PoP cooks for Soup Kitchen (PH) 4 11:30 am PoP cooks for Soup Kitchen (PH) 5 4 pm Handbell Choir 7 pm Advent Program (Dining Room) 7 pm NOVIS (UC) 6 12 noon Holy Eucharist 6 pm EfM (Conference Room) 6pm HSM&CS at Appalachian Brewing Company, Steinwehr Avenue 7 7 pm Choir Rehearsal 8 12 pm Steppin Out (Al-Anon) 5 pm Tuba Fest Rehearsal 7 pm Tuba Fest Lincoln Square 9 10 am Lessons and Carols Rehearsal (Shippensburg) 1st Sunday of Advent 10 8am & 10:15am, HE 9am Sunday School 2nd Sunday of Advent 11 4:30 pm Community Concerts Board (Stahle Parlor) 12 4 pm Handbell Choir 7 pm Advent Program (Dining Room) 7 pm NOVIS (UC) noon Holy Eucharist 6 pm EfM (Conference Room) 7 pm Lessons and Carols Rehearsal 14 7 pm Choir Rehearsal pm Steppin Out (Al-Anon) 12 pm Women s Luncheon at Hickory Bridge Farm 7 pm Lessons and Carols, Shippensburg 16 5 pm Lessons and Carols 17 8am & 10:15am, HE 9am Sunday School 12:00 pm Vestry Meeting 18 3 pm Daughters of the King (Stahle Parlor) 19 4 pm Handbell Choir 7 pm Advent Program (Dining Room) 7 pm NOVIS (UC) noon Holy Eucharist 10 am Ministries Council 6 pm EfM (Conference Room) 217 pm Choir Rehearsal pm Steppin Out (Al-Anon) 23 3rd Sunday of Advent 24 9 am HE, Rite II 5:30 PM HE 8:00 PM HE pm NOVIS (UC) noon Holy Eucharist pm Steppin Out (Al-Anon) 7 pm Lisa Turchi & Friends Concert 30 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve CHRISTMAS OFFICE CLOSED 31 8am & 10:15am, HE 9am Sunday School 1st Sunday after Christmas