Blog

Dear parishioners,

Happy Spring!  I was saying to Father David today, that this seems like the longest week, in terms of time passing, than we have experienced in months!  But we are grateful for longer days and moderate temperatures to be able to go outside and take in the unfolding of spring and all of the buds and birds that seem to be oblivious to what us humans are experiencing.  A good time for bike rides and long walks to bask in the wonder of our natural world and take some much-needed “deep breaths.”

Today’s message focuses on outreach ministry to our local community, our parish community, and to children.

We start with 2 free online resources, from Church Publishing Group, made available through April 15^th.

This first link is to Living in Lent – Meditations for Forty Days by Barbara Cawthorne Crafton It is a wonderful collection of hymn texts from our Hymnal 1982 matched with reflections for each day of Lent. Very reflective in digital book form that you can view on your computer or tablet, and a nice complement to the daily Lenten meditation that we include at the bottom of each Daily Message from the Episcopal Relief & Development 2020 booklet.

https://issuu.com/churchpublishing/docs/livinglent2?fr=sNDNhMTY3MDM3Mg&utm_campaign=test&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_medium=email&utm_content=https%3a%2f%2fissuu.com%2fchurchpublishing%2fdocs%2flivinglent2%3ffr%3dsNDNhMTY3MDM3Mg&utm_term=Free+Resources+-+COVID+19

This second link is to a wonderful children’s book entitled, Candle Walk – A Bedtime Prayer to God by Karin Holsinger Sherman, which is a wonderful bedtime story to share with your children to lull them into peaceful sleep.

https://issuu.com/churchpublishing/docs/candlewalk5?fr=sNmZhNjY3MDM3Mg&utm_campaign=test&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_medium=email&utm_content=https%3a%2f%2fissuu.com%2fchurchpublishing%2fdocs%2fcandlewalk5%3ffr%3dsNmZhNjY3MDM3Mg&utm_term=Free+Resources+-+COVID+19

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We are fortunate, at St. Edward’s, to have the ability to share our generosity and ministry with the local Hempfield Area Food Pantry.  As some of you may recall, Diane Gerlach from the Food Pantry came to St. Edward’s back in January to share with us the extraordinary work they do for our local community (Hempfield area) and how integral St. Edward’s ministry is in making their efforts successful.  With our monthly food and monetary donations, as well as the freezer dedicated to the Food Pantry in the name of Stephen & Rayelenn Casey, upon Father Stephen’s retirement, St. Edward’s has become one of their larger food donors.  BUT, in these new times, the food pantry cannot accept food donations from outside groups, including churches.  And, in this time when families that cannot get out or are suffering from lack of a paycheck and school meals, it would be wonderful if we could continue our ministry to the Food Pantry by donating over the next 3 weeks, monetarily, in order to provide them with funds that they can then take to the Food Bank and purchase the food products they so desperately need.  So, how about it?!?  The amount does not matter and it can involve the entire family.  Create your own household challenge to raise money and either send it via mail to St. Edward’s over the next 2 weeks or go online to the diocesan website and make your donation through our St. Edward’s portal, the same place you can make your weekly giving https://diocesecpa.org/stewardship/ and in the memo line mark it “Hempfield Area Food Pantry.”  Let’s show the Food Pantry our love for our neighborhood community, and in doing so fill us with the grace of God’s love.

For those in need:  The Food Pantry is open Mondays & Wednesdays from 10 AM – 1 PM.  Please bring your ID to document you are a Hempfield resident.  You can get food the same day and if you are NOT a Hempfield resident, but attend St. Edward’s, you are eligible to receive food.  The entrance is in the rear of the building.  85 E Brandt Blvd., Landisville, Pennsylvania 17538

The guiding principle of St. Edward’s community outreach activities is found in Matthew 25:37-40. ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

If there are any questions, please email or contact the parish office or Beth Lynch.

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Reaching out to each other:  Remember there was a game show on TV a while back and one of the options to get help with answering the questions was to “Phone a Friend”?  Well, in these new times we are experiencing, we ask that you open up your St. Edward’s directory and “Phone a Friend.”  Maybe it is someone you already know from your ministry work or from the worship service you attend, or, maybe, you could reach out to someone that you may not know and introduce yourself and just take a few minutes of your day to say hello and have a chat!  Even though we are “social distancing” we can still be together as a community of faith and reaching out to those you know, and especially to those you do not know, is the kind of ministry that we are called to do.  If you do not have a directory or need a phone number or email, please contact the parish office or Meredith Westgate.  It is best to send the office an email and I will reply in a timely manner.

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LENTEN MEDITATION, MARCH 19, 2020

You shall not defraud your neighbor; you shall not steal; and you shall not keep for yourself the wages of a laborer until morning. You shall not revile the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind; you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.

• Leviticus 19:13-14

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This passage is stunning in its specificity. It could simply command us to not take advantage of the poor, but instead it specifically addresses employer abuse, the act of withholding wages from people who are hungry now. It could simply say to not take advantage of others’ vulnerabilities, but instead it says to not make fun of those who can’t hear what you’re saying or trip up those who will never see it coming. Through this specificity, we meet a God who is watchful of how powerful people treat the powerless.  As Americans, we are immersed in a hyper-competitive culture that encourages—even exults in—capitalizing on others’ desperation and vulnerability. Yesterday’s headlines included a story about drug companies taking advantage of people with rare but fatal diseases. Their individual needs are so great while the population with this disease is so small that companies take advantage and charge exorbitant amounts.  This is not the way of God. I believe we are called to join with God in being watchful of how powerful people treat the powerless.

• Miguel Escobar is the Director of Anglican Studies at Episcopal Divinity School at Union.

Dear parishioners,

We hope our St. Edwardians are doing well and we want you to know we are here for you!  We will be sending an email message every day that will include ways that we can serve in ministry to each other and to our community as a community of faith.  So. . . STAY TUNED!  We will end each email with a Lenten meditation from the Episcopal Relief & Development booklet and hope you find these reflective.  In this email today, we have included the introduction to the booklet so that parishioners understand the daily format which is a scripture quotation followed by a reflection from one of this year’s contributors, who encompass rectors, development directors, children and youth ministry leaders in our Episcopal community.

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We have recently learned of the death of Joyce Shank, mother of Michael Shank. We ask you to hold Joyce and her family in your prayers.

May her soul, and souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

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Besides prayers, calls, cards and emails, there is one more thing you can do to support St. Edward’s during this time. Please keep up-to-date with your pledge or regular contribution. Even though we must keep our doors closed for a period of time, we also must continue to pay our fixed expenses such as electricity, insurance, and salaries. We will continue to pick up our mail, so you can easily mail your contributions to the office and we will see that they are properly credited.  We have also been blessed to discover that the diocese has set up online giving for each parish.  If you feel comfortable making your weekly giving or pledge donation in this manner (it is a secure giving tool), simply go to the diocesan web site, click on the tab up top and it will take you to a page where you can scroll down, find St. Edward’s, and continue with making your contribution!  Thank you for maintaining your faithfulness through your financial stewardship!

David +

Here is the direct link to that diocesan web page:  https://diocesecpa.org/stewardship/

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As of this week’s update from the diocese, the parish will be closed through April 4^th, but should resume services for Palm Sunday, April 5^th.  Please stay in touch to get further updates, as situations may change.

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LENTEN MEDITATION

Thank you for joining Episcopal Relief & Development for this holy season of Lent. Our Lenten meditations this year focus on the spiritual lives of children and how children inspire the spiritual lives of adults.

Why children? In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Children show us the face of God and help us to know the heart of God.

Around the world, 155 million children under the age of six are not reaching their full potential because of inadequate nutrition and health care. We know that the first years of life form a foundation for future learning, good health and well-being. Episcopal Relief & Development works with communities to ensure children have access to food, clean water and quality health care. When these basic needs are met, the lives of all people in the community improve.

Episcopal Relief & Development is committed to helping those whom Christ calls the greatest among us, so they can better reach their God-given potential to learn, grow and thrive.

As you pray and reflect upon the meditations in this booklet, I invite you to remember the children in your family, faith community and life-and the lessons they might teach you. I invite you to learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development’s work with children and how you can help us expand that work through our ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE campaign. We ask you to pray for the children in our programs and those who care for them. Please also pray for our partners and staff as they strive to help communities thrive. Thank you for partnering with us as we work together for lasting change.

LENTEN MEDITATION FOR MARCH 17^th

If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.

• Isaiah 58:10-11

As I spend time with my children, I often think about how amazing it is that their births and lives have affected my being so acutely. Much like with my ordination, I can very clearly feel and see a “before” and an “after.” I often wonder if that change was an uncovering of something that was within me all along or if it’s something that was given to me from outside.

In speaking about service, Isaiah offers a type of answer: YES. Acts of service reveal an internal light, but that’s not all. Service allows us to see God’s grace funneled toward us.

• Patrick Funston, Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Manhattan, Kansas

Dear People of God at St. Edward’s,

It is still hard for us to adjust to the strange and uncomfortable circumstance of having to temporarily close our church. I doubt that many of us have seen something like this happen in our lifetimes, though I have read that some churches in the U.S. closed during the worst of the polio scare in the 1940s and 50s.

But this closure strikes at the heart of our spiritual lives because gathering for worship is so central to our experience of the Christian faith. No handshaking, no saying “Amen” together, no passing of the peace, no Eucharist. We are even deprived of our beloved coffee hour where we check in with each other and connect to people we know and who know us. It is indeed hard.

But this sacrifice is necessary. In part it is for our own good and our own health. It is also, though, for the good of others, for the common good. And that is something we can get behind and appreciate as a spiritual matter. By staying away from St. Edward’s, we are making our own small contribution to the welfare of everyone around us.

As a parish we will do our best to stay connected and spiritually focused while we must remain physically apart. Our parish website will be the main place for new information, and for resources we can use to supplement our prayers and interrupted worship. Even though the office will be closed, we will monitor phone and email messages and relay them to the Senior Warden or to me as needed. Though I can’t make routine pastoral visits, I am still available to come to the hospital or visit anyone who has a serious pastoral need. And I am available by phone as well.

I also encourage you to use the telephone and the internet to stay close to others during this time. We can minister to others — and receive their ministry as well — via electronic communication. And the sound of a human voice is a powerful thing.

If we are fortunate, this interruption will last only a few weeks. Only time will tell. Difficult circumstances are a normal part of life and living as Christians. We have our faith to sustain us, and we have our community to keep in contact. May God bless us while we wait.

David +

6 March 2020

Dear Clergy and People of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania,

With two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Pennsylvania in Delaware and Wayne Counties (as of Friday, March 6), I wanted to check in to offer continued support and recommendations for best practices as we gather together this weekend and in the future for worship.

As of today, there are no restrictions issued by the county, state or national government about gathering in groups. Common sense and best practices encourage continued good hygiene and, for those who are of a vulnerable population- the aged and those already living with chronic respiratory illness- personal discernment is urged about whether or not to participate in large group activities. For those congregations who have people in these vulnerable categories, it is encouraged that a plan be developed in each congregation to check in on members who choose to separate themselves. A phone call to members who have been out of community and an offer to assist with shopping and other errands would be most appreciated.

I expect that church in our diocese will continue on apace, and I would encourage these practices:

• Place hand sanitizer in several locations throughout the church. Offer Kleenex in the pews and places to discard used Kleenex. (Coughing into one’s elbow is no longer considered a safe practice. Coughing into a tissue and immediately discarding it is regarded as a best practice.)
• The Peace and greetings following service are to be conducted with a gentle bow, or an elbow “bump.” Please avoid shaking hands to prevent the spread of illness.
• Clergy and eucharistic ministers, acolytes and others handling communion elements should use hand sanitizer before the service begins, at the Offertory and after communion has been distributed.
• Intinction (dipping the host) by congregational members is not safe. If intinction is preferred, the clergy person will instinct for the person and place the host in their mouth. The safest way to receive communion is by receiving the bread in one kind only. This is theologically sound. Communion is considered efficacious in “one kind.” (bread or wine alone). If the communicant chooses to receive bread alone, they can gently raise their hand to the chalice without touching it (like a “stop” signal) to indicate to the chalice minister that they are only receiving bread. If the common cup is used, silver rather than ceramic chalices are encouraged as they allow for greater sanitary practice.
• Coffee hours can and should continue. Please follow good safety and hygiene practices in the kitchen and in food preparation.
• Congregations should consider alternate methods for pledge collection, especially for those whom, because of vulnerability, choose to stay away. Online giving is an option for ensuring ongoing continuity of operations. Canon Alexis Guszick ([email protected]) or Canon Chad Linder ([email protected]) can offer assistance in getting these practices set up.
• Regular hand washing performed several times per day with hot, soapy water is the best way to prevent the spread of illness. At least 20 seconds is recommended for this to be effective. It is a wonderful time to take a moment to breathe, to offer prayers for the sick, to offer prayers of thanksgiving, and to center ourselves.

Please keep the faith, friends. We have a mighty God who has imbued us with “memory, reason and skill,” (BCP pg. 370) and these gifts will help to see us through. A public health situation raises the anxiety in our households, our schools, our congregations and our communities. God desires our wholeness, God calls on us to use our gifts to make sensible choices and to problem solve, but let us not forget, “God is a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). Keep saying your prayers, reach out to your neighbors to check in and know that “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19)

I will be in touch again if greater measures for our safety are required.

Here’s a prayer for peace of mind:

Merciful Jesus, you are my guide, the joy of my heart, the author of my hope, and the object of my love. I come seeking refreshment and peace. Show me your mercy, relieve my fears and anxieties, and grant me a quiet mind and an expectant heart, that by the assurance of your presence I may learn to abide in you, who is my Lord and my God. Amen. (www.gracecathedral.org)

For more information, please visit the following recommended websites:

https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

Faith-Based Response to Epidemics + Pandemics

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

In the Way of Love,

The Rt. Rev. Audrey C. Scanlan

XI Bishop

JOIN US WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, starting Wednesday, March 4th at 6:30 pm in the Christian Education Wing Lounge.

The Bible study will be led by Bill and Yvonne Gasperetti and is a wonderful way to journey through Lent.

Mark your calendars for the next five Wednesdays:  March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1 and be a part of this group.

Our study will be the Blackaby study of the book of James.

We have ordered the books to be available for the first study session

Dear St. Edward’s family,

While the Search Committee looked far and wide for a new rector, they found the person who fit our profile almost in our own back yard.  It is an honor to introduce to you the next rector of St. Edwards:   The Reverend Richard C. Bauer.

Father Rick has been serving as Associate Rector at St. James in Lancaster since June of 2018. As part of his ministry there, he has worked hard to lift up ministries in our community that promote the dignity of all people and has developed strong relationships with clergy women and men in our convocation and diocese.

Rick will soon finish course work for a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Leadership from Duke Divinity School.  As a student there, he has honed the craft of ministry with work in parish administration, strategic planning, multi-media practices, preaching in politically diverse contexts and outreach ministries.  In addition to his nearly completed doctorate, Rick holds a Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary; a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from Florida International University; and a B.S. in Legal Studies from Nova Southeastern University.

An accomplished musician (vocalist, guitarist, bassist, and keyboardist) Father Rick self-recorded and produced 9 full-length C.D.’s. and maintained a full-time performance schedule with “the Rick Bauer Band.”  Through his Roads to Rome Productions in Hollywood, Florida, he served for 15 years as an ordained non-denominational minister, proprietor, performer, booking agent, and producer.

Father Rick’s many academic awards during his years at Virginia Theological Seminary include an award for Christian Leadership, a Biblical Language Prize, an Award and Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Theology, a Scholarship for Academic Excellence and another for Theological Reflection, and a Doctoral Fellowship for Study: Catholic University, PhD. Religion and Culture.  Rick was a Florida Academic Scholar, 1993-1997 and completed his undergraduate education on a full academic scholarship.

In his free time, Rick engages his passions for study, travel, music, and family.  As an extension of his graduate work in Religious Studies, he seeks opportunities to engage different cultures, and, in fifteen trips abroad has explored many of the top world UNESCO sites,   Stonehenge including the Pyramids at Giza, the Vatican, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, the Temple complexes at Angkor, and Chichen Itza.

Rick and his wife Katrina live right here in East Hempfield and are the proud parents of two sons, Richard and Christian, who attend Centerville Elementary School.

In his cover letter to the Search Committee, Rick wrote this:  “While I humbly aspire to faithfully approach Christ with a commitment to life-long learning, I feel called to do so in a context that allows for the cultivation of deep interpersonal relationships.  I believe that the Spirit is calling me to a vocation that allows for a greater degree of pastoral focus in ministry, where walking together in Christian community, where growing in faith and numbers, is rooted in knowing one another.”

I firmly believe that Father Rick is God’s answer to our prayer for new leadership at St. Edward’s.

Before closing, I want to acknowledge and thank the search committee;   Matthew Sternberg, Dottie Gschwend, Bill Swiernik, Peter Weber, Susan Landin, Seth Hake, and Beth Lynch for their tireless work in this 15 month process.  I am also deeply grateful to the vestry:  Julie Hoff, Junior Warden; Bill Swiernik, Mike Freshwater, Mark Jakiel, Ellen Milligan, Dina Ishler, Ginny Kloepping, and Herb Johnston for their time and energy and for making themselves available for countless planned and impromptu meetings.  Thanks also to Kevin Milligan for his financial expertise during our contract negotiations. Thank you to Father David for his experienced pastoral ministry during our transition.  Last, but not least, the wise and experienced counsel of Bishop Audrey Scanlan and The Rev. Canon Dan Morrow is greatly appreciated.

Father Rick’s first official Sunday at St. Edward’s will be on April 26.  I know you’ll join me in extending a warm and gracious St. Edward’s welcome to Father Rick, Katrina, Richard, and Christian.

Sincerely,

Meredith Westgate

Senior Warden

27 February 2020

Dear Clergy and Members of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania,

The arrival of the Coronavirus in the United States has prompted several of you to inquire about implications for our common life and worship in the Church.   I have consulted with our Diocesan Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Mr. Ed Robertson, and also with our Canon for Communications, Mrs. Alexis Guszick, who is in regular contact with her colleagues across the wider Church on this matter.

Here are facts about the Coronavirus (Covid-19):

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. In recent weeks, the virus has spread from China to other countries.

• Symptoms of the disease are fever, cough, shortness of breath. If you are experiencing these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Symptoms may appear between two to 14 days after exposure to the disease. It is spreading rapidly with cases     developing in many countries around the world.
• The disease is new so there is no vaccine at this time. Health professionals are still learning all of the ways that the disease is transmitted and who is most susceptible.
• There is little information about how the disease impacts pregnant women or the child in their womb.
• It is best to take precautions, especially if you have a weaker immune system, a history of respiratory issues or are over 70 years old. If identified early, the survival rate for this virus is high.

(from episcopalrelief.org)

At this time, common sense precautions are recommended- the same precautions that are in place during the cold and flu season:

• If you are sick, please stay home and take care of yourself. Call your church to let them know that you are ill and if you need any assistance during this time.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Episcopal Relief & Development (episcopalrelief.org) offers these additional guidelines for church communities and when we gather together for worship:

1. Encourage clergy to wash hands with soap and water before services and use hand sanitizer before distributing communion; also provide hand sanitizer for congregational use: a.) Communion: those who are ill should stay home; those who are concerned may abstain from communion or receive “in one kind” (host only); use of the common cup with proper purificator procedure presents relatively low risk; intinction should be avoided (see this document from the Diocese of New York during the SARS epidemic for more information on intinction and other liturgical practices) b.) Sharing of the Peace: waving is perfectly acceptable in place of shaking hands or hugging.
2. If desired by the congregation, adapt rituals to minimize personal contact.
3. Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use.
4. Say a prayer during service for people who are ill and mail prayer cards to their homes.
5. Perform routine environmental cleaning in the sanctuary, kitchen hall, and other spaces where people gather.
6. Bolster outreach ministries to prepare to help low-income hourly workers who must call out of work. Encourage those     who may consider going to work for the sake of income to stay home because you can offer assistance.

If the virus becomes more widespread in our area, we will offer recommendations for alterations to our common practices that include gathering for worship and meetings, care of the vulnerable among us, and sacramental nurture during isolation. We will also address the role of the Church in society during a pandemic and best practices for serving as a community resource. Please know that our Diocesan Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Ed Robertson, is in regular contact with officials at Disaster Information Management Research Center at the National Institutes of Health and the National Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster (VOAD) and he is prepared with plans for Continuing of Operations and procedures in the event of a large scale quarantine.

Please keep those who are sick across our world in your prayers, and those who care for them:

For the Sick

O God of heavenly powers,

by the might of your command

you drive away from our bodies

all sickness and all infirmity:

Be present in your goodness with

your servants that their weakness may

be banished and their strength restored; and that, their health being renewed,

they may bless your holy Name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen. (BCP pg. 458, adapted)

For Doctors and Nurses

Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them by

your life-giving Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the community

may be promoted and your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen. (BCP pg. 460)

In the Way of Love,

The Rt. Rev. Audrey C. Scanlan

XI Bishop