EPIPHANY HOPE. From the Rector The Rev. Dr. Herbert Sprouse. From the Rector The Rev. Dr. Herbert Sprouse. The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace

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1 January 2018 The Episcopal Church in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Inside this issue: From the Rector 1 Habitat 2 Pancake Day 2 Organ Project 3 Pysanky Art Class 4 Giving Tree 4 Music Thanks 5 Join The Choirs 6 6 Annual Meeting 7 Christmas Thank You Notes 7 Upcoming 8 Flower Dedications 9 Round of Prayer 10 Birthdays and Anniversaries 10 The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace EPIPHANY HOPE they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. (Matthew 2:9-11) It always seems as if Christmas ends almost before it begins. Although we observe the full twelve days of Christmastide, the main event can begin to fade in our memory after just a brief few days. Still, those wise travelers from the East have yet to arrive, and with them the full comprehension of what has happened for us in Bethlehem. The story of the birth of the Messiah and the response of strangers From the Rector The Rev. Dr. Herbert Sprouse From the Rector The Rev. Dr. Herbert Sprouse from a very different culture cannot fail to inspire in us overwhelming joy in the miracle of God become incarnate: Emmanuel. God with Us. And with that joy arrives hope, the true vocation of all followers of Christ. A central act of those Magi from afar was the presentation of gifts to the infant King, gifts given out of wonder, thanksgiving and awe. For they saw this newborn as the true harbinger of the Kingdom of God, arrived in the midst of the chaos and vio- (Continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 From the Rector lence of their own time. Our journey of faith is very similar, which may be why the story of the Magi journeying from far away has resonated so powerfully with us over the centuries. However arduous our own journey, no matter how distressing and challenging our own times, we are invited to respond to their joy and their generosity. What gifts do we bring to set before the newborn king? What gifts will we make of ourselves? What gifts will we give of our talents and experience? What gifts will we give of our time, and our caring, and our presence? Will our gifts be the wealth of gold? Will they be the faithful self-sacrifice of purifying frankincense? Will they be the caring and healing power of myrrh? Whatever we have to give, of ourselves and of our material abundance, we know that our gifts are given in hope. Each way that we serve, every gift we present, everything that we are becoming through our journey of faith, we dedicate in joyful response to the hope born again in our own hearts each Christmas. And so as 2018 gets under way, we should always remember the words of the great prophet Isaiah appointed for the celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany. They are as powerful for the challenges of the coming year as they were at the moment of the birth of Jesus. And they, too, sustain our hope in the Kingdom of God: Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. News and Notes The Episcopal Epistle Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.. Wishing you much faith, hope and love for the coming year, I remain yours in Christ, - Fr. Herb+ UPDATE The Habitat for Humanity folks report that cement work has started on the lot on East Middle Street in Gettysburg. However, they plan on waiting until April 2018 before starting the framing. (Hopefully by that time the cold weather will be past.) The volunteer coordinators will be meeting in the Feb./Mar. timeframe to go over blitz build preparations. I ll have more to report after this meeting. Please see Pete L. with any questions. - Pete L. ANNUAL SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE DAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018 Our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Day breakfast/lunch is just over the horizon on February 13 th at the Gettysburg Fire Hall from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Event tickets and a volunteer signup sheet will be available in the Parlor during the second week of January. This year s (Continued on page 6)

3 The Episcopal Epistle (Continued from page 2) event will again honor the late John Buck Stahle, long-time parishioner who was a great supporter of Pancake Day. Net proceeds from this effort will benefit the Gettysburg Soup Kitchen, the Gettysburg shelter program and Ruth s Harvest, program providing food to needy children. Volunteer support is critical to the success of this endeavor so please plan to purchase tickets and help, as you are able. - Pete L. ORGAN EXPANSION PROJECT Parish Meeting on the Organ Expansion Project: January 16 th, 7:00 PM Please save the date for an informational meeting about our long-anticipated project to expand our sanctuary organ. As the parish rebuilt after our fire in 1971, our Moller Double Artiste organ was acquired on very short notice. It has served us faithfully since but it is a rudimentary instrument, far from News and Notes Page 3 adequate for our rapidly developing music program. We have sufficient dedicated funds already in hand to accomplish a major digital expansion of our instrument. This expansion will provide us with a much finer organ that can carry us musically well into the future. The technology that blends pipe and digital sounds is truly remarkable, providing a very musical, capable and flexible instrument that will far exceed anything we could possibly install with additional pipes alone. The cost of the project represents excellent stewardship of our resources and the ongoing maintenance costs are also much lower than for a larger pipe organ. This past fall, a committee was assembled to solicit proposals for the project and they eventually visited installations from the two major companies that design and install this type of organ expansion in our region. The committee unanimously agreed on a recommendation which the vestry has approved pending development of a final contract. We have every reason to hope that our new instrument will be in place by Easter! Come hear about the plans for this exciting project and bring your questions. We look forward to an opportunity to hear from the owner of our selected organ company and to reveal just what kinds of glorious musical sounds (those joyful noises!) we can anticipate soon at Prince of Peace. Any questions, just ask Fr. Herb or Cathy Elkiss.

4 Page 4 News and Notes The Episcopal Epistle THE ART OF PYSANKY A class will be offered in the art of pysanky (Ukranian egg dyeing) at Prince of Peace on Saturday, February 24 th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pysanka (which comes from the Ukrainian word for to write ) are not painted; instead, designs are traced out in beeswax and the egg is then dipped into dye. The dye colors the egg where it is bare but leaves it white where the wax protects it. The process is then repeated as many times as desired (working Stewardship from the lightest dye to the darkest) to create an intricate, many-layered pattern. This class will be presented by Marc Hamel and Edward LeSage of Barre, Massachusetts. They have been teaching classes in the traditions of Ukranian Pysanky egg dyeing for over 25 years. You need not be an artist to learn this art form. The class is open to people of all ages (It is recommended that young children be accompanied by an adult). A break will be allotted for lunch (brown bag). Watch this space for further information on how to register. THANK YOU! The DAUGHTERS OF THE KING would like to thank all in the Parish who contributed so generously toward the annual Giving Tree. The funds raised totaled $1,375 in cash, checks and gift cards. A presentation was made at the Cancer Center of fifty-five $25.00 VISA gift cards, for use by their patients who are financially compromised because of the expense of their treatments. Sandra Taylor, Utilization Management Specialist at the Cancer Center sent the following words: Thanks again for the gift cards. These will help so many patients who just need a little to get thru the treatments. Thank you so very much!

5 The Episcopal Epistle News and Notes Page 5 MORE THANKS! There are so many people to thank for making our recent Advent/Christmas season so wonderfully joyful, it would be almost impossible to mention them all, but here follows a humble attempt to do so: To those involved with the Pops for Tots Concert, a benefit for Toys for Tots on November 26 th, which filled two large boxes of toys to overflowing(!); to those who went Christmas caroling with us on December 2 nd ; to the members of the Prince of Peace Singing Choir for their enthusiasm, dedication and hard work in bringing the music of the season to us each and every Sunday morning at worship, as well as for their beautiful singing along with members of St. Andrews Episcopal for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on December 15 th and 16 th ; to the members of the Prince of Peace Handbell Choir for their hard work and dedication in preparing and playing for all the special seasonal concerts and services this past year; To all those responsible for the beautifully decorated candlelit sanctuary; and to those who provide all the yummy goodies and snacks for Hospitality Hour each week after worship providing us a wonderful opportunity for fellowship; A BIG THANK YOU to all the singers and instrumentalists who offered their unique musical gifts for the special musical preludes at the 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM Christmas Eve Services: Karen B., Dale E., Julee H., Trish J. B., Savannah S., the Sunday School Choirchimers, and the members of the Prince of Peace Singing and Handbell Choirs: To all the participants for the Christmas Eve Christmas Pageant for bringing the Christmas Story to us in word, action and song; To our Office Administrator, Carolyn Fouts, for going above and beyond in helping to put together the many bulletins needed for our Advent, Christmas Eve and the Sundays following Christmas worship bulletins; to our sexton, Chris Abplanalp for making sure the church is kept clean and tidy;... And to Father Herb, who joyfully gives of himself in caring for and ministering to the members of The Prince of Peace congregation, and for bringing the Word of God to all of us at our worship throughout the year. Prince of Peace is truly blessed to have the gifts of so many people who minister to the community and to one-another. God is with us - Emmanuel! -Cathy Elkiss

6 Page 6 News and Notes The Episcopal Epistle Gettysburg Carry each other s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) Raise Your Voice - Join the Choir If you are not yet a member of Prince of Peace s singing and/or ringing choirs, please consider yourself warmly invited to become a part of this very important ministry in the life of our church. No previous musical skills or background are needed: only a desire to have a wonderful time and enjoying the fun and fellowship of others as we sing and make a melody in our hearts to the Lord with Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. All are welcome! Rehearsals are scheduled as follows: Prince of Peace (Choral) Choir: Thursday Evenings, 7:00 PM Prince of Peace Handbell Choir: Tuesday Afternoons, 4:00 PM Prince of Peace will once again be hosting Gettysburg, 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 5. 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. 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 Annual Parish Meeting The Prince of Peace Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 28th, with one service only at 10:15 AM, followed by the Annual Meeting. At the meeting the annual reports of the various ministries within the parish will be presented, and the delegates and alternates to the Diocesan Convention will be elected. Those who are responsible for Annual Reports are reminded to have them in to the Parish Office no later than Monday, January 15th. Thank you. Door Operations We are beginning to experience some problems with the locks on doors into the building from the garden, both by the fountain (single door) and the double doors most of us use on Sunday mornings when coming in from the parking lot. We ask that, if you are holding an event in the building and wish to keep the door unlocked, to please use the special dogdown key to unlock the door, and not the regular door key. The special key is flat, and you use it by holding down on the crash bar, and pushing up and twisting the screw which is located underneath the door handle. Please remember to undo it when you leave the building. Christmas Thanks We offer grateful appreciation to everyone who made our Christmas celebrations so very special. Thank you to the musicians, choirs and directors Cathy Elkiss and Jerry Weale for another wonderful presentation of A Festival of Lessons and Carols, both here and at St. Andrew s, Shippensburg. Those who were able to attend enjoyed a marvelous evening of beautiful music and the traditional readings. Here at Prince of Peace, representatives of our community partners read some of the readings. We also thank our generous Hospitality Committee for providing a beautiful table after the service, and for all of the additional work they did throughout the season, beginning with the Pops for Tots Concert held on November 26th. Thank you to all who were involved in the decorating of the church for Lessons and Carols and for our Christmas celebrations. The creche is in place, and the Magi are gradually finding their way to the creche. Everything was beautiful and added to our services. Thank you to all who were involved in our Christmas services: members of the Altar Guild who worked quietly behind the scenes to prepare the altar for the services and made swift changes between services; to all of the Sunday School children, guests, and staff (Continued on page 8)

8 Page 8 News and Notes The Episcopal Epistle (Continued from page 7) who prepared and presented the Christmas story at the early Christmas Eve Service; to all of the musicians who presented their offerings of music before and during the services; to the acolytes, ushers, Eucharistic ministers, choir, clergy, and especially the congregations for participating in and making our celebrations joyous. We also offer thanks to Cathy Elkiss for all of the work which she did to organize all of the special music throughout the month. We are grateful to all - thank you very much! Christmas Pageant Mark Your Calendars! Important Parish events to note: Friday, December 29th Baroque Christmas Concert, 7:00 PM at Prince of Peace, presented by Lisa Turchi and Friends. A voluntary offering will be received. Tuesday, January 16th Parish Meeting for the Organ Expansion Project, 7:00 PM Monday, January 22nd Gettysburg begins its two-week stay at Prince of Peace. Sunday, January 28th Annual Parish Meeting, following 10:15 AM service Tuesday, February 13th Shrove Tuesday Pancake Day at the Gettysburg Fire Hall. Wednesday, February 14th Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM Saturday, February 24th Pysanky Egg Coloring class, beginning at 9:00 AM.

9 The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace Page 9 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. January 7 January 14 January 21 January 28 In thanksgiving for the birth of Victor Benjamin O., by the P. Family In loving memory of Magdalena S. by Ed S. Available Available Sigh-up sheets for 2018 have been placed in the folder on the credenza. FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER Monday, January 22, 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:

10 Page 10 January 7 January 14 January 21 January 28 The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace PARISH ROUND OF PRAYER FOR JANUARY 2018 Alison E.; Margaret, Jaymes, Abigail and Carolyn F.; Amy, Matthew, Nathaniel and Thomas F.; Carolyn and Jim F. Gail and Gordon F.; Dot G.; Cindy and John G.; Carolyn and Fr. Richard G.; Bob G. Beth and Bill G. and Miles C.; Jamie H.; Jeanne and Jim H.; Michele, Jim, Alex and Aimee H. Bobbie and Lee H.; Bobbie H., Jr.; Barbara and Art H.; Jill, Tim, Brandon and Michael I.; Terri and Peter J. JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 4th Sonya D. T. 6th Donna D. 7th Graham L. 8th Nathaniel F. 9th Hal E. Helen L. Kim R. January 7 1 Epiphany Genesis 1: 1-5 Psalm 29 Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11 January 14 2 Epiphany 1 Samuel 3: 1-20 Psalm 139: 1-5, I Corinthians 6:12-20 John 1: th Martha S. 17th Ellen B. 20th Cathy E. Lee H. 21st Mark P. 23rd Ralph C. 26th Stephanie D. 27th Barbara DiG. 30th Marian D. Jan L. The Sunday Lectionary January 21 3 Epiphany Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 62:6-14 I Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20 January 28 4 Epiphany Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Psalm 111 I Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1: st Jim T. Have we missed your birthday or anniversary? We may not have it in our records. Please contact the office with the date. 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

11 January 2018 Prince of Peace Episcopal Church Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 11:30 am PoP cooks for Soup Kitchen (PH) 2 7 pm NOVIS (UC) 3 12 noon Holy Eucharist 4 7 pm Choir Rehearsal 5 12 pm Steppin Out (Al-Anon) 6 NEW YEARS OFFICE CLOSED 6 pm EfM (Conference Room) 7 8am & 10:15am, HE 9 am Sunday School 11:30 am PoP cooks for Soup Kitchen (PH) pm Handbell Rehearsal 7 pm NOVIS (UC) noon Holy Eucharist 6 pm EfM (Conference Room) 11 7 pm Choir Rehearsal pm Steppin Out (Al-Anon) 13 1st Sunday after Epiphany 14 8am & 10:15am, HE 9 am Sunday School 15 3 pm Daughters of the King (library) 16 4 pm Handbell Rehearsal noon Holy Eucharist 18 7 pm Choir Rehearsal pm Steppin Out (Al-Anon) 20 2nd Sunday after Epiphany 7 pm NOVIS (UC) 7 pm Parish Meeting re: organ project 6 pm EfM (Conference Room) 21 8am & 10:15am, HE 9 am Sunday School 12 pm Vestry Meeting 22 4:30 pm Community Concerts Board 23 4 pm Handbell Rehearsal 7 pm NOVIS (UC) am Ministries Council 12 noon Holy Eucharist 25 7 pm Choir Rehearsal pm Steppin Out (Al-Anon) 27 3rd Sunday after Epiphany 6 pm EfM (Conference Room) 28 10:5am, HE, followed by Annual Meeting 9 am Sunday School pm Handbell Rehearsal noon Holy Eucharist 4th Sunday after Epiphany 7 pm NOVIS (UC) C..A.R.E.S. 6 pm EfM (Conference Room)