Dear friends of St. Edward’s,
We welcome you to our online worship and ministry offerings for this Sunday, the First Sunday after the Epiphany. All essential links are noted below.
Due to the alarming rise in cases within Lancaster County and here in our own township, as your rector, I prayerfully request that we continue to refrain from gathering with other parishioners in public groups, particularly in restaurants, indoor spaces, or even outdoors without masks. COVID-19 is not a hoax. We are all in this together, and honoring our parish community, by complying with the recommendations set forth during this time, conveys our love for God in Christ, the members of our parish family, and the wider community.
Here are two links that may be helpful:
Lancaster County, PA COVID-19 Hub
Father Rick +
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Click here to download our service bulletin for the First Sunday after the Epiphany.
We also wanted to take this opportunity to share with you important announcements regarding upcoming events, as well as prayer and adult spiritual formation opportunities.
As we enter 2021 we keep our faith strong and our hope eternal. While we continue to honor the guidance delivered by our Bishop, as well as our love of God in Christ, to care for one another, by remaining socially distanced, and refrain from in-person worship and gathering, there are many opportunities for us to worship together, in other ways, during this continued Covidtide. Please see a listing below and stay tuned to our weekly emails, web site posts, and Sunday bulletins for updates on specific details, as we are updated, with times and links. We invite you to celebrate with us, as a community of faith!
As we celebrate, this Sunday, The Baptism of our Lord, and say The Baptismal Covenant, let us remember, from our Book of Common Prayer (p. 819) a prayer For those about to be Baptized or to renew their Baptismal Covenant
O God, you prepared your disciples for the coming of the Spirit through the teaching of your Son Jesus Christ: Make the hearts and minds of your servants ready to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the strength of his presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Virtual Coffee Hour this Sunday, January 10th, from 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM, on Zoom. Hosted by Christina McLaughlin. Let us share our fellowship with one another during this stay-at home holiday season! Your join code and passcode are in your Saturday email message.
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We prayerfully request you consider signing up for the Altar Flowers for a Sunday of your choice in 2021. The Altar Flowers beautify our sanctuary each week and are made possible through the generous donations of parishioners. The cost is $100 and your donation is recognized in our Sunday bulletin in memory of, or in thanksgiving for, your loved ones, a remembrance, or celebratory event in your life.
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Hempfield Area Food Pantry: We continue to request monetary, and food, donations, from our parish family, that are so needed at HAFP. We may be in a “new year” but the need remains strong. The UPDATED HAFP Food Wish List for January: Spaghetti; Spaghetti sauce; Mac and cheese; Jelly; Peanut butter; Canned pears; Canned peaches; Instant oatmeal; Regular oatmeal
Sunday Krist Kindling “Reveal” Event – January 10th 7 PM Join us for our traditional “reveal” of Krist Kindling adventures from December. You do not have to be a Krist Kindling participant to join us in an evening of fellowship. Please contact Meredith Westgate for the Zoom invitation link.
We have exciting Spiritual Formation opportunities to engage in starting in January, 2021. Click here to get an overview, but please pay attention to weekly emails which will provide the Zoom invitation details.
Our fervent prayer is requested, as Father Stephen elongates his stay, for his care for COVID-19, at Lancaster General Hospital. Please hold Rayelenn, Emily, Elizabeth, Kevin, Sadie, and Emma in your deep prayers. Rayelenn is so grateful to the “good, good people at St. Edward’s who are praying for Stephen.” We continue to be mindful of their space for health and healing, and it has been requested that cards and prayers are most in need right now. Please refrain from calls and texts.
Cards can be sent to:
The Rev. Canon and Mrs. Stephen C. Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538
For Recovery from Sickness
O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Stephen the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 458)
Be well. Stay safe. Keep the faith.
Michelle
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Besides prayers, calls, cards and emails, there is one more thing you can do to support St. Edward’s. Please keep up-to-date with your pledge or regular contribution. Pledges/giving can be mailed to the church, and we also have an easy-to-use “Give to St. Edward’s” button on our website that links to our secure Paypal page, as well as a “Donate” button on our YouTube Channel home page.
To assist parishes, 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!
To learn more about St. Edward’s, please click our website, YouTube, or Facebook icons at the bottom of this email.