Category: News

Special Message from the Bishop – the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania

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Dear Members of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania,

As this new day dawned I turned on the news for an update on hurricane Irma and learned of the magnitude 8.1 earthquake off of Mexico’s southern coast that hit last night and has, so far, claimed the lives of at least 29 people and now threatens to bring tsunami waves ashore for further damage.

Category Five/Four Hurricane Irma is, this morning, making her way past Cuba and towards Florida, leaving small islands that she has flattened behind her and dozens dead.

The Eagle Creek Fire and the Indian Creek Fire in Oregon have merged in to a blaze that is now 33,000 acres wide in the Columbia River Gorge. The fire is just 5% contained as of this writing. A haze from the fire has blanketed the Pacific Northwest.

It is a collage of disaster that calls for our fervent prayer and intercession.

The Christian tradition is grounded in Hope. The knowledge of God’s boundless love for us, God’s desire for our wholeness and eternal reconciliation is demonstrated in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This is what allows us to persist in the face of tragedy and loss. When we are overwhelmed, we know that God is near us. When we do not know how to pray, we need only open our hearts, for the Spirit “intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8: 26-27)

It is time to support relief efforts. My earlier appeal for contributions to Episcopal Relief and Development after the recent hurricane in Texas and Louisiana still stands as one of the best ways for us to assist in national and international crises. We will learn in the days and weeks to come about opportunities for service in the torn parts of our country and elsewhere, and it is appropriate to begin discussing the resources that we have in Central Pennsylvania to contribute to the relief effort: housing for those who are suddenly without homes; sanctuary for displaced pets; food, household goods, vehicles. When I return to Pennsylvania early next week, I will learn what our own Disaster Coordinator, Mr. Ed Robertson, has to recommend to us. I would also encourage you to follow his good advice to work as parish communities to update your own disaster plans.

For now, I urge your continued prayers. To remain steadfastly faithful to the God who will not abandon us, and in whom we find our courage. I have been praying this portion of Psalm 46 and invite you to join me:

1 God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,

though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

3 though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;

God will help it when the morning dawns.

6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge

With love in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Audrey C. Scanlan

XI Bishop

 

Social Outreach School Supplies Drive – A Great Success!

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We had a great response to the school supplies drive!  I was wondering if you would please include the following numbers in next Sunday’s announcements:

Church members donated:
25 backpacks
21 3-ring binders
$410 in monetary donations
and a total of 259 (!) pencils, crayons, highlighters, notebooks, folders, scissors, glue sticks, erasers, etc.

These items will be distributed to Hempfield students through the Landisville Food Pantry.

Thank you for helping our local students get off to a great start this school year!

Holy Week 2017 – Services and Worship Opportunities

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PALM SUNDAY – April 9th

8:00 AM – Rite I

10:15 AM – Rite II – Blended worship service – No Contemporary Service this Sunday

** For both services please arrive approximately 10 minutes prior to service time and gather in the parish hall for the blessing of the palms and procession into the sanctuary.

HOLY WEDNESDAY – April 12th

12 Noon – Holy Eucharist Rite II (said) & Sacrament of Helaing

7:00 PM – Tenebrae Service

MAUNDY THURSDAY – April 13th

7:00 PM – Holy Eucharist Rite II & Sacrament of Foot Washing

GOOD FRIDAY – April 14th

Noon – 1:00 PM – Good Friday Meditations

6:00 PM – Stations of the Cross

7:00 PM – Good Friday Liturgy with Holy Eucharist Rite II (from reserved sacrament)

HOLY SATURDAY – April 15th

7:30 PM – The Great Vigil of Easter

EASTER SUNDAY – April 16th

8:00 AM – Rite I

10:15 AM – Festival Holy Eucharist Rite II (Nursery available)

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt following 10:15 service

United Thank Offering- June 4, 2017

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United Thank Offering Ministry

UTO Ingathering will be held June 4, 2017 at all services.   Boxes are in the narthex for those that would like to take one and collect their change over the course of the next few weeks.  Every penny offered in thankfulness is made available as grants.  Those little blue boxes continue to help us to be prayerful, to be thankful for our blessings and to serve as a reminder that God is constantly with us through thick and thin. The steadfast “prayer and thankfulness” of all of us has improved the lives of many women and children throughout the world and in our own backyard (Diocese) through UTO grants, which show the tangible results of our offerings for our many blessings.

Thank you & Blessings,

Amy Swiernik

St. Edward’s 12th Annual Holiday Cookie Sale Saturday, December 3rd, 8 AM

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The 12th Annual St. Edward’s Cookie Sale will take place on Saturday, December 3rd starting at 8 AM until sold out at St. Edward’s Episcopal Church located at 2453 Harrisburg Pike in Lancaster, just ½ mile from Route 741 (Rohrerstown Road).  There will be over 60 varieties of cookies sold deli-style by the pound.  We supply all of the boxes, etc. for everyone to choose their own delicious selection to enjoy and share over this holiday season.

The annual cookie sale benefits ministries that assist those less fortunate such as Crispus Attucks, COBYs, and Anonymous Addiction Groups.

During the holiday season, St. Edward’s participates in our Jesse Tree Project, which provides much needed holiday gifts and spirit to those children that are less fortunate in the Lancaster area so that their holiday may be bright.  We will be delivering gifts and warm clothing to over 50 children this year.  St. Edward’s also participates in a Christmas card mission for those serving in our military and through the skill and devotion of our beloved “Knit Wits,” St. Edward’s lovingly creates blankets, hats and scarves, prayer shawls and pocket prayer squares for so many groups in need.

The cookies and baked goods are ready for your selection!  So, come early on December 3rd and enjoy holiday cheer and good spirit while helping those in need during the holiday season.  Stay for our benefit breakfast, as well!  After getting your cookies, choose from a selection of hot breakfast items and beverages for one price of $6.00/person.  Enjoy your breakfast in our café style setting, with soothing holiday music, this year, at St. Edward’s!

For more information, please contact St. Edward’s at 717-898-6276.

 

 

Ringing in the Season: Free Hershey Handbell Ensemble Concert at St. Edward’s – December 2, 2016

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Holiday bells will ring at St. Edward’s Episcopal Church on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. when the Hershey Handbell Ensemble presents a concert of seasonal music. The church is located at 2453 Harrisburg Pike in Landisville, and, although the event is free, an offering will be taken.

On the program will be well-known Christmas songs, such as “Away in a Manger,” “Dance of the Sugarplum Fair,” “Gesu Bambino,” “Veni, Veni, Emmanuel,” plus special arrangements of other holiday pieces.

Based in south-central Pennsylvania, the Hershey Handbell Ensemble was formed in 2004 and is made up of people able to play advanced literature, interested in advancing the art of handbell ringing through education and performance while uniting people through the musical arts. The 15-member group under the direction of Dr. Shawn Gingrich performs on seven octaves of Malmark Handbells, Handchimes, and other assorted instruments.

The Ensemble will have their selection of popular CD recordings available for purchase at the concert.

The December 2 concert is part of a series of events at St. Edward’s showcasing the church’s fellowship outreach. To get on the church’s email list for events’ notifications, readers should email: StEdsOffice@comcast.net with “Subscribe Events” in the subject line.

St. Edward’s Episcopal Church is a community of faith, giving to God, giving to each other, giving to the world. The Reverend Canon Stephen C. Casey is its rector. On the web at: www.Sainteds.org. For more information, call the church at 717.898.6276.

Simple Gifts is Coming to St. Edwards on Saturday, November 5th!

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Two women plus twelve instruments equal one good time when Simple Gifts takes the stage at St. Edward’s Episcopal Church at 2453 Harrisburg Pike in Landisville on Saturday, November 5, 2016 for a concert at 7:00 p.m. preceded by a workshop from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public, but an offering will be taken at both events. This program is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

This award-winning band performs on an impressive array of instruments, including two violins, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, recorders, and guitar plus some more unusual instruments like the bowed psaltery, baritone fiddle, banjolin, guitjo, and doumbek.

Simple Gifts presents a wide variety of ethnic folk music, including everything from lively Irish jigs and down-home American reels to hard-driving Klezmer freilachs, haunting Gypsy melodies, and exotic Balkan dance tunes. Throughout their performances, they put their own distinctive stamp on traditional tunes, blending styles from diverse cultures with their American roots.

According to the Celtic Classic Festival in Bethlehem, PA, “few musicians can match the warmly personal stage presence Simple Gifts possesses.” It is obvious that these women love the music they play, and they know how to share their talents, their enthusiasm, and their sense of humor with the audience.

Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon have performed as Simple Gifts since 1995. The group was founded by Littleton in 1989 and has performed throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including appearances at the Smithsonian, Brooklyn Museum of Art, National Governors’ Convention, Longwood Gardens, National Theater, Whitaker Center, Hershey Theatre, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Ontario Center for Performing Arts, and dozens of colleges and universities throughout the region. Simple Gifts has opened for Natalie MacMaster, Tom Paxton, John McCutcheon, Robin and Linda Williams, Jay Unger and Molly Mason, and Boys of the Lough.

Simple Gifts has recorded six albums. Their newest, “Crossing Borders: Music of Many Lands,” was recognized by Indie Acoustic as including “one of the best songs of 2005.” Their previous album, “Time and Again,” won a bronze star (third place) in the Crossroads Music Awards. Their recordings include traditional music from Romania, Hungary, Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland, Scotland, France, Sweden, Denmark, and America, plus original compositions by each group member.

“These women share a chemistry that infuses their music with energy, integrity, and joy. Theirs is a special gift.” –David W. Johnson, Boston Globe

“Listening to [Simple Gifts] is like sampling an international buffet … The number of instruments they pick up in a typical concert makes the group anything but simple. … [This is] acoustic music of the highest order.” –Will Lebzelter, Centre Daily Times

      “Simple Gifts wowed our audience with a cultural and educational program that was fun, informative, and energetic.” –Teresia Bush, Smithsonian Institution

This recital is part of a series of events at St. Edward’s showcasing the church’s fellowship outreach. To get on the church’s email list for events’ notifications, readers should email: StEdsOffice@comcast.net with “Subscribe Events” in the subject line.

St. Edward’s Episcopal Church is a community of faith, giving to God, giving to each other, giving to the world. The Reverend Canon Stephen C. Casey is its rector. On the web at: www.sainteds.org. For more information, call the church at 717.898.6276.

St. Edward’s Annual Silent and Basket Auction Fundraiser: September 25 – October 22, 2016 Help Us Reach Our Goal!

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The Annual St. Edward’s Basket Auction and Silent Auction is moving full steam ahead!  Our fundraising goal this year is $5,000 and we are a little over halfway there.  With 1 more Sunday and our Night of Mystery Event on October 22nd, you still have an opportunity to help us reach our goal.  Buy tickets to take a chance to win a basket or get your bidding number to bid on a variety of great trips, entertainment, gifts, and specialty items.

We want to thank all of the individuals, as well as local businesses that have donated to our two auctions this year.  Without your support, we would not have had the beautiful and wide selection of over 35 baskets, Silent Auction items, and Night of Mystery door prizes.

If you have not already purchased your tickets to the Night of Mystery, please do!  It promises to be a great event of fun, frivolity, fellowship and food.  Bring a friend!

Adults:  $10  Kids:  FREE

Dress is “country casual” to go with our mystery theme.

Please consider supporting the local businesses that support us in our annual fundraising efforts – click on their name to get to their website and learn more about the services they offer:

Brubaker

Leisure Lanes

Village Greens Golf

Spooky Nook Sports

Venice Pizza & Pasta

Hot Z Pizza

Kitchen Kettle Village

Royers Flowers

Tangles Salon

The Moveable Feast

Stauffer Kissel Hill

Black Olive Family Diner

Dutch Apple Dinner Theater

Good’s Store of Quarryville

Wiley’s Pharmacy

Moe’s Southwest Grill – Centerville Road

Friendly’s

Salad Works

 

Community Aid Donation Bin Update

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COMMUNITY AID PA – This spring, we installed a donation bin for “Community Aid.”  Why does St. Edward’s have a bin in their lot?  For all clothing and shoes donations that we collect in the bin, we will receive 4 cents/pound. Recently, we received our first collection disbursement check for all of the clothing from the bin for the 2nd quarter.  Believe it or not, we received $203 for those 3 months!  Imagine the funds we could raise if we had more donations to the bin.

This organization, established in 2009 is a faith-based 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization, whose primary focus is to raise funds for distribution to local schools, churches, synagogues, and nonprofit charitable organizations.  By partnering with Community Aid, we are able to help the wider community through our collections in two ways:  By supplying their centers with goods to sell and our partnership enables us to receive “Care Cards” that allow the church to help those in need, with clothing and shoes needs, at the Community Aid stores.  In addition to these features, after one year of partnership, St. Edward’s will be allowed to apply for a grant, up to $5,000 for a service project within our community of faith, the wider community, or for a need we may have.  The Community Aid partnership seems to have successfully found a way to involve the entire community in a full circle approach to making a difference in our community with the bin for donations, collection by their support team of donated goods that go to the centers (there is one on Good Drive/Columbia Avenue), to the re-dispersing of profits back into the community, and the non-profit organizations that partner with them, all in the spirit of community support.

Please consider, when you come to church on Sunday’s, to donate your clothing and shoes to the bin in the St. Edward’s lot.  It will enable us to help the community and it is an excellent way to add to our fundraising each year and it will enable us to consider seeking a grant opportunity for St. Edward’s in the future.