Celebration of a New Ministry – Tonight, April 21st, at 7 PM for the Reverend Dr. Rick Bauer and the people of St. Edward’s Episcopal Church

Tonight, April 21st, at 7 PM, please join us, virtually, via our YouTube Channel, in a Celebration of a New Ministry for our rector, the Reverend Dr. Rick Bauer, and the people of St. Edward’s.   All links to the service and the service bulletin are below:

Click here to view St. Edward’s YouTube Channel:  Celebration of a New Ministry service, the Rev. Dr. Rick Bauer – April 21st at 7:00 PM

Click here to download the Celebration of a New Ministry service bulletin

And, wait. . . there is more!  Please join us on Sunday, April 25th as we hold our virtual reception, via Zoom, to honor and celebrate the ministry of Father Rick+.  

A Zoom Reception for Father Rick+ on Sunday, April 25th 
Time: Apr 25, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89525858930?pwd=TUFIUEpCSkxNb3FtREhzNXlyTmlRUT09

Meeting ID: 895 2585 8930
Passcode: 294597
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,89525858930#,,,,*294597# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,89525858930#,,,,*294597# US (New York)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 895 2585 8930
Passcode: 294597
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbRoACr61S

Easter Sunday Worship at St. Edward’s – April 4, 2021

 

Dear parishioners and friends of St. Edward’s,

We welcome you to worship with us as we celebrate this Easter Sunday, with joy, and praises of Alleluia, Christ is risen!  All essential information and links for Easter Sunday services are noted below

I prayerfully request that we continue to refrain from gathering, with other parishioners, in public groups, without masks. In Lancaster County, we continue to move towards wider distribution of vaccines, and within our diocese, we are adhering to the same safety protocols we submitted in 2020 for our in-person worship.  We are all in this together, and honoring our parish community, by continuing to comply 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 three links that may be helpful:


vaccinateLancaster.org
**If you need assistance in registering/navigating this website, please contact me, or the parish office, and we will assist you.

Lancaster County, PA COVID-19 Hub

PA Department of Health

Father Rick+


Tonight, we leave you with the Collect for Holy Saturday from The Book of Common Prayer (pg 221)

O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle

Easter Vigil – Diocesan offering. Visit their website:  https://diocesecpa.org/holy-week-2021/

Easter Sunday Service Information:


6:30 AM Sunrise Service – outdoors, in-person – Please wear your mask, bring your own chair, and dress warmly!

Click here to connect to the Easter Sunday service, April 4th, which will be live streamed at 10:15 AM on Sunday. 

Click here to download our 8:00 AM Rite I service bulletin for Easter Sunday

Click here to download our 10:15 AM Rite II service bulletin for Easter Sunday

A few friendly reminders for those returning to in-person worship and for those new to our in-person worship:

– We will have ushers/greeters inside the narthex and they will have the service bulletins for you.
We will also continue to take your name and contact information.

– Please do not forget to wear your mask.

– Ushers will direct you to pew locations to maintain social distancing and will also guide you during communion.

– As we will not pass the offering plate, it will be located on the pedestal at the back of the church for you to place your Sunday offerings.

– On the shelf in the narthex are materials that you may find of interest to take home with you.

*If you enjoy the St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA YouTube channel, and you have a Gmail or YouTube account, the next time you tune in, please click the red SUBSCRIBE button on the home page to be included as a subscriber to St. Edward’s!  We would welcome the support and we will not generate any unwanted notifications to you.  Become a part of our St. Edward’s community!   Thank you to those who have subscribed! 


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.

We continue to honor the guidance delivered by our bishop, as well as our love for God in Christ, to care for one another, by remaining socially distanced, and refrain from in-person fellowship gathering.  There are many opportunities for us to worship, and perform ministry, in community, in ways that are of comfort to us, 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. We invite you to celebrate with us, as a community of faith!


St. Edward’s is forming a team to “walk our way” in the YWCA 2021 Race Against Racism.  For more information on this event and to learn how to join us, please click the links below.  Our team members must register by THIS WEDNESDAY, April 7th!

St. Edward’s Registration Information Flier

YWCA Race Against Racism brochure

Click here to view our April Scepter online

April grocery cards are in your parish mailboxes.

The parish office will be closed Monday, April 5th – Thursday April 8th.  For pastoral emergencies, please contact Father Rick+, or Michelle Bentley.

Please continue your support of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry. Let us continue our tradition of generosity for those less fortunate than ourselves.

St. Edward’s is offering a full complement of Adult Spiritual Formation which continues through Lent! Please check your weekly emails which will have all the study details & Zoom invitation details.

Bible Study: Wednesday Evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM: For questions, please contact Bob Mosebach at [email protected] or Leslie Arnold at [email protected].

Lunch & Learn: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices: Fridays from 12 Noon – 1 PM led by Bob Mosebach

Friday Evening Prayer: Each Friday at 7:00 PM hosted by Patrick and Dina Ishler
Join us on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86327105082
Join Code:  863 2710 5082

Sunday Evening Prayer: Each Sunday (Except Easter Sunday) at 7:00 PM. Anyone interested can send Br. David Rutledge an email to be put on an email distribution list: [email protected] Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95355083080 Meeting ID: 953 5508 3080

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!

Click here if you would like to donate online through the diocesan portal. You will scroll down to find St. Edward’s under Lancaster. The portal is a secure giving site.

 

 

 

Online Worship at St. Edward’s: Fifth Sunday in Lent – March 21, 2021

Dear parishioners and friends of St. Edward’s,

We welcome you to information regarding the return of our in-person worship, online worship essential links, and ministry offerings for this Sunday, the Fifth Sunday in Lent.  All essential links are noted below. 

I prayerfully request that we continue to refrain from gathering, with other parishioners, in public groups, without masks. In Lancaster County, we continue to move towards wider distribution of vaccines, and within our diocese, we are adhering to the same safety protocols we submitted in 2020 for our in-person worship.  We are all in this together, and honoring our parish community, by continuing to comply 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 three links that may be helpful:


vaccinateLancaster.org
**If you need assistance in registering/navigating this website, please contact me, or the parish office, and we will assist you.

Lancaster County, PA COVID-19 Hub

PA Department of Health

Father Rick+

Happy first day of spring!  Being outside, today, gave us clear evidence of God’s love for all creation.

As we continue our Lenten journey, we are often reminded, that life is filled with hard work and suffering and that God calls us to walk that upward road.  But we also know that, in Him, we have a fellow traveler.  Whatever your journey may be, let us pray, tonight:

For Travelers 
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle

Sunday Service Information:  Please note that our Rite II service is now at our 10:15 AM time.

Click here to connect to the Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 21st, which will be live streamed at 10:15 AM on Sunday. 

Click here to download our 8:00 AM Rite I service bulletin for the Fifth Sunday in Lent.

Click here to download our 10:15 AM Rite II service bulletin for the Fifth Sunday in Lent.

A few friendly reminders for those returning to in-person worship and for those new to our in-person worship:
– We will have ushers/greeters inside the narthex and they will have the service bulletins for you.  We will also continue to take your name and contact information.

– Please do not forget to wear your mask.

– Ushers will direct you to pew locations to maintain social distancing and will also guide you during communion.

– As we will not pass the offering plate, it will be located on the pedestal at the back of the church for you to place your Sunday offerings.

– On the shelf in the narthex are materials that you may find of interest to take home with you, as well as the sign up sheet for Easter flowers with envelopes for your donation.

*If you enjoy the St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA YouTube channel, and you have a Gmail or YouTube account, the next time you tune in, please click the red SUBSCRIBE button on the home page to be included as a subscriber to St. Edward’s!  We would welcome the support and we will not generate any unwanted notifications to you.  Become a part of our St. Edward’s community!   Thank you to those who have subscribed! 


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.

We continue to honor the guidance delivered by our bishop, as well as our love for God in Christ, to care for one another, by remaining socially distanced, and refrain from in-person fellowship gathering.  There are many opportunities for us to worship, and perform ministry, in community, in ways that are of comfort to us, 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. We invite you to celebrate with us, as a community of faith!



Our 6:30 AM Sunrise Service will be weather permitting.  We will also offer in-person worship at 8:00 AM – Rite I and 10:15 AM- Rite II.  The 10:15 AM service will be live streamed.  Our weekly email will detail our Holy Week service offerings.

If you have a submission for the April Scepter, please make sure you get it to Mac Miller by Sunday, March 21st.  [email protected]

Please continue your support of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry. Let us continue our tradition of generosity for those less fortunate than ourselves.  Requested food items for the month of March are:

Large peanut butter
Large jelly
Canned corn
Canned carrots
Canned mixed vegetables
Mac and cheese
2 pound package of dried pinto beans

Soles 4 Souls: St. Edward’s, with Saint John’s of Lancaster will collect shoes through Palm Sunday, March 28th and we invite parishioners to donate used shoes. The shoes can be lightly used to falling apart. Collection boxes will be placed in the sanctuary. Please tie any laced shoes together and rubber band all other shoe types. There is also a need for shipping boxes approximately the size of an office paper box. Any questions can be directed to our outreach ministry members: Lynch’s, Milligan’s, Ishler’s, Peg Reiley, or Leslie Arnold.

St. Edward’s is offering a full complement of Adult Spiritual Formation which continues through Lent! Please check your weekly emails which will have all the study details & Zoom invitation details.

Bible Study: Wednesday Evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM: For questions, please contact Bob Mosebach at [email protected] or Leslie Arnold at [email protected].

Lunch & Learn: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices: Fridays from 12 Noon – 1 PM led by Bob Mosebach

The Way of the Cross: Go to our St. Edward’s YouTube Channel to view our Stations of the Cross, each week, as a Lenten discipline. You will find the pre-recorded offering and a Way of the Cross pdf to download.
The Way of the Cross on the St. Edward’s YouTube Channel, click here.

The Way of the Cross order of service pdf, click here.

Friday Evening Prayer: Each Friday at 7:00 PM hosted by Patrick and Dina Ishler
Join us on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86327105082
Join Code:  863 2710 5082

Sunday Evening Prayer: Each Sunday at 7:00 PM. Anyone interested can send Br. David Rutledge an email to be put on an email distribution list: [email protected] Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95355083080 Meeting ID: 953 5508 3080

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!

Click here if you would like to donate online through the diocesan portal. You will scroll down to find St. Edward’s under Lancaster. The portal is a secure giving site.

St. Edward’s Monday Message – February 22nd

Dear parishioners & friends of St. Edward’s,

Today, as we rest in the gentle hush of a snowy day, we hope all of you are finding your way, and a rhythm, in your private Lenten journeys.  In all we do:  In our private prayer, at-home worship, and in receiving the blessed sacrament; through Jesus Christ our Lord, let us get closer to knowing ourselves so we can be prepared for helping others.  For today, perhaps we can let charity begin at home, in our kindness to our families.  Let us know that God, Creator of all things, has never-ending love for us all, empowering us to show this love to others.

Today we keep in our hearts, minds, and prayers, those who have no one to pray for them (BCP 815).

For the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today is also a day of remembrance. Washington National Cathedral will toll its funeral bell 500 times, once for every 1,000 lives lost to #COVID19, today at 5 pm ET.  The livestream will feature mourner’s prayers from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism. Join online by clicking here.

If you are a soup or stew maker, please consider contacting the parish office to let us know if you would like to make your favorite dish for us to deliver to Rayelenn.  Meat, chicken, spicy, or hearty – whatever your specialty may be.  NO seafood, please.  This is a wonderful ministry that is providing comfort in immeasurable ways.

Sending handwritten cards and notes, with memories, photos, and favorite stories to Rayelenn, Emily, and Elizabeth is another wonderful ministry that is providing great comfort.

Mrs. Rayelenn Sparks Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538

Please email the parish office for the mailing addresses for Emily and Elizabeth.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle


Worship News:

In case you missed it, click to view the Sunday Service for the First Sunday in Lent, February 21st 

We hope you will include, in your weekly Lenten discipline, our Stations of the Cross offering for Lent, via our St. Edward’s YouTube channel – a collaboration of St. Edward’s and St. Luke’s, Mount Joy.  Within the message, we will also offer a pdf of The Way of the Cross.   Click here to connect.

Lenten Meditations 2021 booklets:  Episcopal Relief & Development offers a wonderful booklet of meditations to take you through your Lenten journey.  This year, ER&D is offering this booklet in an online version.  You can click here to download the pdf.  We will also do on-demand printing of the booklet pdf for those who would like a printed copy to take home.  Just let us know if you would like a printed copy!

Looking for an additional Lenten Devotional Resource?  St. Luke’s Mount Joy offers us  “Living Well Through Lent” by clicking here.

Click here to access our Worship page on our sainteds.org web site.

Parish Business News:

There are many important aspects to be tended to leading up to our St. Edward’s Annual Meeting, to be held, via Zoom, on Sunday, March 7th at 11:15 AM.  The Zoom invite will be put forward in next Monday’s email and we will also announce when people can come by to pick up their Annual Report items prior to the meeting.

1.  If you are a ministry leader and have not submitted your report for our Annual Report booklet, to be distributed prior to our March 7th Annual Meeting, please submit your reports no later than this Friday, February 26th.

2.  We have posted our slate of 2021 Vestry candidates for the parish to review.  You can click on this page link to view our candidates’ bios.  Just scroll down past the Vestry page introduction to view our candidates’ information.

3.  If you would like to represent St. Edward’s at our 2021 Diocesan Convention, please contact the parish office, to be a convention delegate, by THIS WEDNESDAY.  We are seeking  4 delegates and would like to have our slate in place prior to our annual meeting.  This is a vital role you can play in representing your St. Edward’s parish. Please show your support for your parish, by prayerfully considering putting your name forward for this important ministry.

We will be renewing the St. Edward’s BJ’s membership by Friday, February 26th.  You can go to the customer service desk, after that date, to renew your individual card.  If you would like to learn more about signing up for a membership, contact the parish office.

Ministry and Outreach Opportunities:

Soles for Souls:  St. Edward’s is participating in a shoe drive with Saint John’s of Lancaster during the Lenten season. Shoes will be collected through Palm Sunday, March 28th.  The shoes can be lightly used to falling apart.   Soles 4 Souls will send the shoes to impoverished countries to give the people an opportunity to provide relief, create jobs, and empower people to break the cycle of poverty.  Collection boxes will be placed in the sanctuary (near the Praise Band instruments). Please tie any laced shoes together and rubber and other types.  There is also a need for shipping boxes approximately the size of an office paper box. Should you have any questions, please contact:  Lynch’s, Milligan’s, Ishler’s, Peg Reiley, or Leslie Arnold.

In this season of almsgiving, let us continue our faithful support of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry for those less fortunate than ourselves, through monetary and food donations.


Altar Flower Ministry –
A huge thank you to all who so generously contributed to this ministry for 2021.  Through your open hearts, we have now filled the yearly flower chart, guaranteeing that each week, we will have beautiful flower arrangements on our altar.  Altar flowers IS a ministry of St. Edward’s and through the receipt of 100% donations our parish budget stays aligned.   

MINISTRY, WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP CALENDAR VIA ZOOM
New and Updated: Adult Spiritual Formation – Winter 2021 Flier – Click here to view/download
Click here to access our Adult Spiritual Formation page on our web site.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study – Wednesday, February 24th – 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM: The focus for this session, led by Bob Mosebach and Leslie Arnold, will be on the Gospel of Mark from an Anglican/Episcopal perspective. Our Study Guide will be: Borg, Marcus (2019), Conversations with Scripture – The Gospel of Mark (Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars Study). For questions, please contact Bob Mosebach at [email protected] or Leslie Arnold at [email protected] with any questions.

ZOOM INVITE DETAILS:
Topic: St. Edward’s Episcopal Church Bible Study
Time: February 24, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86252772937?pwd=RWVWNGVuQWh3NU9keWRXMWxFczg5UT09
Meeting ID: 862 5277 2937
Passcode: 201150

One tap mobile
+19292056099,,86252772937#,,,,*201150# US (New York)
+13017158592,,86252772937#,,,,*201150# US (Washington D.C)

Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 862 5277 2937
Passcode: 201150
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdkn9E94ds

Friday Lunch & Learn:  February 26th 12 Noon – 1 PM via Zoom
We continue our study with Chapter 8 in our text, Walk in Love, For the Benefit of Your Holy Church – Sacramental Rites:  Ordination. We have included a handout (see below) with the Episcopal Church Polity for our Friday session. Perhaps you would feel comfortable in delivering the closing prayer? There are so many wonderful Prayers and Collects to share with the group, from our BCP. Attendance at every session is not required.

Episcopal Church Polity Handout

With peace,
Father Rick, Bob Mosebach, and Wanda Stoltzfus

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84479709447?pwd=OWlobm83TDgwNlVoK3hFbjBlWnZSdz09

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

One tap mobile

+13462487799,,84479709447#,,,,,,0#,,228332# US (Houston)

+16699006833,,84479709447#,,,,,,0#,,228332# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbq2eaazXj


Friday Evening Prayer – February 26th
We invite you to Evening Prayer this Friday evening at 7:00 PM.  This is a wonderful way to peacefully end our week and is led by Patrick Ishler.
Join us on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86327105082
Join Code:  863 2710 5082

St. Edward’s Monday Message – February 15th

Dear parishioners & friends of St. Edward’s,

It was so nice to see people stop by church today!  Many faces we have not seen in a long time.  Thank you for taking the time to visit us –  it makes our day special. We encourage you to stop by anytime, Monday – Friday, 11 AM – 3 PM, but especially in the next 2 days to pick up consecrated wafers, ashes, Ash Wednesday prayer cards, Scepters, Lenten Meditation booklets, and NEW parish directories.  All good things to start you on your Lenten journey and to stay connected with each other.

As we begin our individual and private Lenten journeys, remember, if we persevere, we will thrive, as we always have done.

It seems perfect to start the week with A Collect for the Presence of Christ, from The Book of Common Prayer, page 124.

A Collect for the Presence of Christ
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.

In speaking with Rayelenn today, she expressed such gratitude for the wonderful selection of delicious baked goods.  But, now we would like to “mix it up” a little bit,  and swap out “baked goods” for soups an stews.  So, if you are a soup or stew maker, please consider contacting the parish office to let us know if you would like to make your favorite dish for us to deliver to Rayelenn on our every-other-Thursday schedule.  Meat, chicken, spicy, or hearty – whatever your specialty may be.  NO seafood, please.  As they say, “we are accepting reservations!”  This is a wonderful ministry that is providing comfort in immeasurable ways.

Sending handwritten cards and notes, with memories, photos, and favorite stories to Rayelenn, Emily, and Elizabeth is another wonderful ministry that is providing great comfort.

Mrs. Rayelenn Sparks Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538

Please email the parish office for the mailing addresses for Emily and Elizabeth.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle

Worship News:
In case you missed it, click to view the Sunday Service for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, February 14th 


To begin, click here to download our pdf with details of our Ash Wednesday offerings.
The Ash Wednesday service bulletin and YouTube link information will be in a special Worship email TOMORROW, Tuesday, February 16th

On Thursday, we will offer a special link to a Stations of the Cross offering for Lent, via our St. Edward’s YouTube channel – a collaboration of St. Edward’s and St. Luke’s, Mount Joy.  Within the message, we will also offer a pdf of The Way of the Cross.

Lenten Meditations 2021 booklets:  Episcopal Relief & Development offers a wonderful booklet of meditations to take you through your Lenten journey.  This year, ER&D is offering this booklet in an online version.  You can click here to download the pdf.  We will also do on-demand printing of the booklet pdf for those who would like a printed copy to take home.  Just let us know if you would like a printed copy!

Looking for an additional Lenten Devotional Resource?  St. Luke’s Mount Joy offers us  “Living Well Through Lent” by clicking here.

Click here to access our Worship page on our sainteds.org web site.

Pastoral Lenten Letter from Bishop Scanlan:  Please click here to read Bishop Scanlan’s message to us, the members of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.

Parish Business News:
Tuesday, February 16th: 6 PM – 8 PM
 – Vestry meeting via Zoom

We have posted our slate of 2021 Vestry candidates for the parish to review.  You can click on this page link to view our candidates’ bios.  Just scroll down past the Vestry page introduction to view our candidates’ information.

Annual Meeting:  The St. Edward’s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 7th at 11:15 AM via Zoom.  Invitation details will be forthcoming that will have Zoom link information and a link to the Annual Report pdf.  If you are interested in being a Diocesan Convention Delegate for 2021, please contact the parish office by February 22nd to submit your name.  We are seeking 4 delegates.  If you are a ministry leader, you were sent an email last week with a copy of your 2019 Annual Report for you to update for this year’s submission.  We are seeking the reports to be returned to the parish office by Friday, February 26th.

Scepter articles, photos, announcements are due by Saturday, February 20th for our March issue.  Please submit your items to Mac Miller at:  [email protected]

We will be renewing the St. Edward’s BJ’s membership by next Friday, February 26th.  You can then go to the customer service desk to renew your individual card.  If you would like to learn more about signing up for a membership, contact the parish office.

Ministry and Outreach Opportunities:


Soles for Souls:  St. Edward’s is participating in a shoe drive with Saint John’s of Lancaster during the Lenten season. Starting Ash Wednesday, February 17th, through Palm Sunday, March 28th, parishioners are invited to donate used shoes.  The shoes can be lightly used to falling apart.   Soles 4 Souls will send the shoes to impoverished countries to give the people an opportunity to provide relief, create jobs, and empower people to break the cycle of poverty.  Collection boxes will be placed in the sanctuary (near the Praise Band instruments) and in the Christian Education wing. Please tie any laced shoes together and rubber and other types.  There is also a need for shipping boxes approximately the size of an office paper box. Should you have any questions, please contact:  Lynch’s, Milligan’s, Ishler’s, Peg Reiley, or Leslie Arnold.

Our faithful support of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry is so appreciated.  Let us continue our tradition of generosity for those less fortunate than ourselves, through monetary and food donations.


Altar Flower Ministry – 
Four weeks ago, we were seeking 41 commitments to fill in our annual altar flower chart.  With an outpouring of donations, we are now only in need of 9 to complete our yearly chart.  We hope you will prayerfully consider donating to this ministry in thanksgiving for or in memory of those in your life.


MINISTRY, WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP CALENDAR VIA ZOOM
New and Updated: Adult Spiritual Formation – Winter 2021 Flier – Click here to view/download
Click here to access our Adult Spiritual Formation page on our web site.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study – Wednesday, February 17th – We will not hold the scheduled Bible study session this Ash Wednesday.  Please join us next week when we resume.

For this week, we invite you to join St. Luke’s, Mount Joy for an Ash Wednesday service of Loss and Lament, via Zoom.   The details are below:

Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church is inviting you to an Ash Wednesday service of Loss and Lament
Time: Feb 17, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84148020832

Meeting ID: 841 4802 0832
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,84148020832# US (New York)
+13017158592,,84148020832# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 841 4802 0832
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbjyZaFh8D

Friday Lunch & Learn:  February 19th 12 Noon – 1 PM via Zoom
We continue our study with Chapter 8 in our text, Walk in Love, For the Benefit of Your Holy Church – Sacramental Rites:  Ordination. In preparation for this week’s session, please take a look at ‘The Examination’ for a deacon (BCP pg. 545), a priest (pg. 531), and for a bishop (pg. 517).  Please take note of what is different from one to the other.  Let’s discuss!  Perhaps you would feel comfortable in delivering the closing prayer? There are so many wonderful Prayers and Collects to share with the group, from our BCP. Attendance at every session is not required.

Chapter Eight handout, click here.

With peace,
Father Rick, Bob Mosebach, and Wanda Stoltzfus

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84479709447?pwd=OWlobm83TDgwNlVoK3hFbjBlWnZSdz09

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

One tap mobile

+13462487799,,84479709447#,,,,,,0#,,228332# US (Houston)

+16699006833,,84479709447#,,,,,,0#,,228332# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbq2eaazXj

Friday Evening Prayer – February 19th
We invite you to Evening Prayer this Friday evening at 7:00 PM.  This is a wonderful way to peacefully end our week and is led by Patrick Ishler.
Join us on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86327105082
Join Code:  863 2710 5082

Sunday Online Worship at St. Edward’s – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 7, 2021

Dear parishioners and friends of St. Edward’s,

We welcome you to our online worship and ministry offerings for this Sunday, the Fifth 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, 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

PA Department of Health

Father Rick +


We have posted our special edition of the February Scepter, dedicated to the memory of The Reverend Canon Stephen C. Casey – our beloved Father Stephen+.  Such wonderful memories and photos submitted by so many.  A huge “thank you”  to Mac Miller for creating such a beautiful publication for us to read and share. Please click the link below to view online.  We will also have copies in print for you to pick up next week.

February 2021 Scepter:  Click Here

We continue to offer our love and support to Rayelenn, Emily, and Elizabeth by staying in touch with cards and letters of comfort.

Mrs. Rayelenn Sparks Casey
429 Camp Meeting Road
Landisville, PA 17538

Please contact the parish office for the addresses of Emily Casey and Elizabeth Casey Stauffer. 


As we close our message for tonight, let us take a moment to pray for those in our parish family, and in our greater human family, who are suffering from COVID19, and all manner of illness, loneliness, anxiety, and fear for their general well-being in these stressful times.  Let us remember to be kind to each other and reach out to one another with a phone call, a note, an email and lift each other up as we continue to persevere through these extraordinary times.

In our Friday Lunch & Learn, we have been discovering the Ministration to the Sick portion of The Book of Common Prayer, beginning on page 453.  It is filled with wonderful prayers that can be a comfort to ourselves, and in saying to and for one another.  Tonight, we offer a prayer from Prayers for the Sick, on page 458.

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(s) the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be well.  Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle


Sunday Service Information:

Click here to connect to the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 7th, which will be live streamed at 10:00 AM on Sunday.  

Click here to download our service bulletin for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.

*If you enjoy the St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA YouTube channel, and you have a Gmail or YouTube account, the next time you tune in, please click the red SUBSCRIBE button on the home page to be included as a subscriber to St. Edward’s!  We would welcome the support and we will not generate any unwanted notifications to you.  Become a part of our St. Edward’s community!   Thank you to those who have subscribed! 


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.

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, and perform ministry, in community, 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!

Virtual Coffee Hour this Sunday, February 7th, from 11:00 AM – 11:40 AM, on Zoom. Hosted by Christina McLaughlin. Let us share our fellowship with one another during our extended Covidtide.  The Zoom join code and pass code are in your Saturday email message.

Please remember we offer consecrated communion wafers, available to be picked up Monday – Friday, 11 AM – 3 PM, in the narthex.

Please continue your support of the Hempfield Area Food Pantry. Let us continue our tradition of generosity for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Please prayerfully consider supporting the Altar Flower ministry. We are seeking 21 commitments to complete our 2021 calendar.  We are so appreciative of the robust and generous support to date!  Please contact the parish office with questions on how to donate and submit your remembrance.

Please check your Monday email for times when the Scepter, new directory, and grocery cards will be available.  Our goal is to have things at the ready on Tuesday when the parish office opens at 10 AM.

Also, next week we will be detailing Ash Wednesday and Lenten offerings, so please check your weekly emails and our web site.

Also, next week we will be posting bios for our vestry nominees and disseminating other details surrounding our March 4th Annual Meeting – a very important event in the life of St. Edward’s

St. Edward’s is offering a full complement of Adult Spiritual Formation which continues through Lent! Please check your weekly emails which will have all the study details & Zoom invitation details.

Praying Morning and Evening Prayer using the 1979 Book of Common Prayer: February 11th from 7:00-8:30 PM: Contact Br. David Rutledge for more information & to register, by 01/25: [email protected]

Bible Study: Wednesday Evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM: For questions, please contact Bob Mosebach at [email protected] or Leslie Arnold at [email protected].

Lunch & Learn: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices: Fridays from 12 Noon – 1 PM led by Bob Mosebach

Friday Evening Prayer: Each Friday at 7:00 PM hosted by Patrick and Dina Ishler

NEW OFFERING: Sunday Evening Prayer: Each Sunday at 7:00 PM. Anyone interested can send Br. David Rutledge an email to be put on an email distribution list: [email protected] Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95355083080 Meeting ID: 953 5508 3080

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!

Click here if you would like to donate online through the diocesan portal. You will scroll down to find St. Edward’s under Lancaster. The portal is a secure giving site.

Sunday Online Worship at St. Edward’s – First Sunday after the Epiphany – January 10, 2021

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

PA Department of Health

Father Rick +

Click here to connect to The First Sunday after the Epiphany, January 10th, which will be live streamed at 10:00 AM on Sunday.

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.


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.

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

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!

Click here if you would like to donate online through the diocesan portal. You will scroll down to find St. Edward’s under Lancaster. The portal is a secure giving site.

To learn more about St. Edward’s, please click our website, YouTube, or Facebook icons at the bottom of this email.

St. Edward’s Thursday Message – January 7th

Dear parishioners & friends of St. Edward’s,

As Episcopalians, we are so thankful to have our Book of Common Prayer as a source of comfort, prayers, and thanksgivings.  Today, we offer you this Prayer for National Life

For our Country
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Page 820, The Book of Common Prayer)

We pray for Father Stephen, as he continues his healing from COVID-19, at Lancaster General Hospital.  Please hold Rayelenn, Emily, Elizabeth, Kevin, Sadie, and Emma in your prayers, as well.  Rayelenn and Emily have been so gracious in keeping us updated on Stephen’s condition and they continue to be so thankful for the support our St. Edward’s family has extended to them. To be mindful of their space for health and healing, 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

Be well. Stay safe.  Keep the faith.

Michelle


Reminder:  Look for your Saturday email message which will include all links for our Sunday live stream service at 10:00 AM, our Sunday service bulletin, Virtual Coffee Hour information, as well as giving information.

Well. .  it is the New Year, and believe it or not, we have exciting happenings at St. Edward’s, and it’s only week one!

Today, we had the granite base installed for our Memorial Garden monument.  It is a gorgeous piece of granite.  We are now working with the granite artisan to have the main portion of the monument completed.  We will be delivering the plaques to his workshop next week for installation as he works to finish his inscription and art carvings.


While this may not seem as exciting (!), it is to those of us in the altar guild!  We finally completed some needed fabrication and installation of cabinet doors to enclose the area under the sacristy sink.  We have finally completed the sacristy project!

We have giving envelopes for 2021, as well as your grocery cards available at church.  Please stop by between the hours of 11 AM – 3 PM to pick your items up.  If you would like them mailed to you, please contact the parish office.   Please note:  I will be sending out, by Saturday, packets to parishioners who have contacted me about mailing their giving envelopes and grocery cards.

We will also be offering consecrated wafers for our service of Holy Eucharist this Sunday, safely packaged and available in the narthex, by entering through our front doors.  You can also pick up the latest Scepter copy!


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.

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

MINISTRY, WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP CALENDAR VIA ZOOM
Adult Spiritual Formation – Winter 2021 Flier – Click here to view/download

Wednesday Evening Contemporary Bible Study will resume next Wednesday, January 13th, with a new session.   Details are in the January Scepter as well as in the Winter Adult Spiritual Formation flier (above link).

We will also be offering a 3-part series, commencing January 28th, led by Br. David Rutledge focusing on using the BCP for Morning and Evening Prayer. Resources needed:  1979 Book of Common Prayer and a Bible (your choice of translation). Episcopal Church Calendar  https://www.churchpublishing.org/episcopalchurchyearguidekalendar2021  (contact your parish office).
Contact Br David Rutledge for more information and to register:  [email protected]
Registration deadline is January 25.

Zoom details are below:

Topic: Using the BCP for Morning and Evening Prayer
Time: Jan 28, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Thu, until Feb 11, 2021, 3 occurrence(s)
Jan 28, 2021 07:00 PM
Feb 4, 2021 07:00 PM
Feb 11, 2021 07:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83908180375?pwd=WkZMK3RoczlZc2tRbFB3cktRbXJrUT09
Meeting ID: 839 0818 0375
Passcode: 542551

One tap mobile
+19292056099,,83908180375#,,,,*542551# US (New York)
+13126266799,,83908180375#,,,,*542551# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 839 0818 0375
Passcode: 542551
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcJhyLma0e

Friday, January 8th,  Lunch & Learn Adult Spiritual Formation – 12 Noon – 1 PM
Having taken some time off from our Friday sessions to enjoy the holidays, we are ready to dive into our Book of Common Prayer with renewed vigor.  We will pick up where we left off, amid our conversation on the Sacramental Rite of Matrimony.  All are welcome, even if you haven’t been with us so far.  We are together every Friday, via Zoom, from noon to one pm, taking learning bites out of the BCP with the help of the book ‘Walk in Love’.  Scroll down to note the Zoom meeting join information.

Friday Evening Prayer – January 8th
We invite you to Evening Prayer this Friday evening at 7:00 PM.  This is a wonderful way to peacefully end our week and is led by Patrick Ishler.
Join us on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86327105082
Join Code:  863 2710 5082

Sunday Krist Kindling “Reveal” Event – January 10th 7 PM Join us this Sunday 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 or the parish office so we can email you the Zoom invitation link!

Friday Lunch & Learn:  January 8th 12 Noon – 1 PM via Zoom
Having taken some time off from our Friday sessions to enjoy the holidays, we are ready to dive into our Book of Common Prayer with renewed vigor.  We will pick up where we left off, amid our conversation on the Sacramental Rite of Matrimony.  All are welcome, even if you haven’t been with us so far, as we take learning bites out of the BCP with the help of the book ‘Walk in Love’. Perhaps you would feel comfortable in delivering the closing prayer? There are so many wonderful Prayers and Collects to share with the group, from our BCP.  We would welcome your participation. Attendance at every session is not required.

Chapter Six Handout, click here.

With Peace,
Father Rick, Bob Mosebach, and Wanda Stoltzfus

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84479709447?pwd=OWlobm83TDgwNlVoK3hFbjBlWnZSdz09

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

One tap mobile

+13462487799,,84479709447#,,,,,,0#,,228332# US (Houston)

+16699006833,,84479709447#,,,,,,0#,,228332# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 844 7970 9447

Passcode: 228332

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbq2eaazXj

 

Sunday Online Worship at St. Edward’s – Second Sunday after Christmas – January 3, 2021

Dear friends of St. Edward’s,

We welcome you to our online worship and ministry offerings for this Sunday, the first Sunday of this New Year, and the Second Sunday after Christmas.  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

PA Department of Health

Father Rick +

Click here to connect to The Second Sunday after Christmas Liturgy of the Word, January 3rd, which will go live at 10:00 AM on Sunday.  

Click here to download our service bulletin for the Second Sunday after Christmas.

We are so fortunate to have the music, for this Sunday’s service, provided by the St. Edward’s Band – The Rev. Dr. Rick Bauer, Dr. Randy Westgate, Mike Freshwater, and Jamie Alton.


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 with strong faith, peace, hope, and love, and look forward towards all of the good things to come, we continue to honor the guidance delivered by our Bishop, as well as our love of God in Christ, to care for one another, remain socially distanced, and refrain from in-person worship and gathering.  But, 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 think about the sense of renewal a new year brings, let us read from page 99 of the BCP:

A Collect for the Renewal of Life

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Virtual Coffee Hour this Sunday, January 3rd, 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 communication.

Grocery Cards: Will be available to pick up on January 4th.

Giving Envelopes:  YES!  Our 2021 giving envelopes are in and if you are a household who gets giving envelopes they can be picked up starting January 4th from 11 AM-3 PM.

Please consider donating to the Altar Flowers fund during 2021.  These flowers beautify our services each Sunday and can be given in memory of, or in thanksgiving for, your loved ones or in celebration of an event in your life.  It is a wonderful way to support St. Edward’s, and supports our local business, El Jardin florist, and shows those who view our services online what an outstanding sanctuary we have!

The Scepter is published, online and in print.  To view the January 2021 edition, click here.

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.



Welcome to Congregational Care!  Each Saturday, we will include in our messages any submissions we receive from our parish community, as we invite you to share prayer requests or news about yourselves or your family. We believe this outreach to be incredibly important to keep our spiritual community connected to each other and to Jesus Christ, our Lord, as we walk in love with one another in our daily journeys.  Please submit your “news” to the parish office by Friday of each week and we will feature it in the Saturday email, bringing it to our hearts and minds in our Sunday prayers.

While we may have flipped the calendar just a couple days ago, into a new year, we continue to pray for so many, during this Covidtide.  We also pray for the safe and expedient distribution of the vaccine and all of those who have been tasked with this very important scientific and medical endeavor.

The message this Saturday is quite simple and was shared by a beloved parishioner, Jill Bell, to our vestry junior warden, Julie Hoff, who shared it with me. Please click the link below and enjoy.  It is a wonderful sentiment in every way!

A beautiful rendition of Auld Lang Syne – A poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song, with this version set to the beauty of Norway.

Click here:  Auld Lang Syne by Sissel

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!

Click here if you would like to donate online through the diocesan portal. You will scroll down to find St. Edward’s under Lancaster. The portal is a secure giving site.

To learn more about St. Edward’s, please click our website, YouTube, or Facebook icons at the bottom of this email.

Be well. Stay safe. Keep the faith.

– Michelle

Sunday Online Worship at St. Edward’s – Fourth Advent – December 20, 2020

Dear friends of St. Edward’s,

We welcome you to our online worship this weekend as we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

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

PA Department of Health

Father Rick +


Please note our Sunday Service is at 10 AM, via our YouTube Channel, which will be followed by a virtual coffee hour (detailed below).

Click here to connect to our YouTube Channel to enjoy the Fourth Sunday of Advent Liturgy of the Word service, with a Prayer for Spiritual Communion, live at 10:00 AM, on Sunday, December 20th.

This is a special service this week, filled with a variety of music ministries!

We offer an opportunity for those viewing our online service to Donate to St. Edward’s via our Paypal link directly from our YouTube Channel.  On the St. Edward’s Channel Home Page, in the lower right corner of the image of our church is a “Donate to St. Edward’s” link.  You can also find it in the “About” section, just scroll down to “links” in that section.  We have installed it, tested it, and it works securely and wonderfully!

Click here to download the Fourth Sunday of Advent Liturgy of the Word service bulletin, with a Prayer for Spiritual Communion, for Sunday, December 20th.

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.

The season of Advent is upon us, and while we must stay socially distanced and refrain from in-person worship, in our sanctuary, there are many opportunities for us to worship together during this 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! We are all in this together and we are all connected as we walk in hope, peace, joy, and love, during this season of Advent, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

. . . .It’s almost here!

We hear the Virtual Christmas card is receiving its finishing touches and will go “live” on our YouTube Channel, with a link to access, in a special email that will be sent on Wednesday, December 23rd, with all of our Christmas Eve service information and Christmas greetings.  So, email messages for next week will be Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.


Virtual Coffee Hour after our Sunday service 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 pass code were in your Saturday email message.

Christmas Flowers at St. Edward’s: We will be offering our traditional Christmas Flower sign-up with your “In Memory of” or “In Thanksgiving for” names to be placed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Please prayerfully consider signing up for Christmas flowers this year. Flowers are $20 and can be submitted, via email, with your check mailed into the parish office, made payable to St. Edward’s and marked “Christmas Flowers” in the memo line. Deadline is Monday, December 21st.

Lessons & Carols Virtual Convocation Event – This is a wonderful service with 10 parishes from our Lancaster Convocation, including St. Edward’s, offering readings and wonderful music!
Click here for the service on our YouTube Channel
Click here for the service bulletin. 

At-Home Communion for Christmas Eve at St. Edward’s:  We have put together packets of pre-consecrated communion wafers for our virtual live-streamed Christmas Eve service.  Following all health and safety protocols, and utilizing food-safety envelopes, each packet is ready for you to pick up at St. Edward’s from Monday, December 21st – Wednesday, December 23rd, from 11 AM – 4 PM.  If you cannot get to St. Edward’s and would like communion wafers, PLEASE contact the parish office via email or phone message and let us know.  We will form a list and make sure your packet is delivered to you.  It is important to us, to have all of you have the ability, at your discretion, to participate in communion on Christmas Eve, with us, virtually.

Grocery Cards:  We will be ordering grocery cards for January and you will be able to pick them up on January 4th.
Scepter:  Mac is requesting articles, photos, etc. to her by tomorrow, December 20th for the January Scepter.
Giving Envelopes:  YES!  Our 2021 giving envelopes are in and if you are a household who gets giving envelopes I will make sure they are ready to be picked up when you pick up your communion wafers this Monday – Wednesday.
Office Closed:  December 24th – January 3rd.  BUT, if there is an emergency or a need, you can always reach out to leave a message on the parish office phone, via email, or contact Father Rick, for pastoral needs, or Michelle for church “business.”



Welcome to Congregational Care!  Each Saturday, we will include in our messages any submissions we receive from our parish community, as we invite you to share prayer requests or news about yourselves or your family. We believe this outreach to be incredibly important to keep our spiritual community connected to each other and to Jesus Christ, our Lord, as we walk in love with one another in our daily journeys.  Please submit your “news” to the parish office by Friday of each week and we will feature it in the Saturday email, bringing it to our hearts and minds in our Sunday prayers.

We pray for the family of Harry West,  Harry passed away last Saturday, in Winston-Salem, NC where he lived near his daughter, Wendy Martin.  Harry and Barbara West were long-time members of St. Edward’s and were faithful parishioners attending the Rite II and Contemporary services each Sunday.  Barbara passed away last year and is interred in our Memorial Garden.  Harry will also be interred in our Memorial Garden, next to his beloved Barbara.

We pray for Eric and Jackie Sandblade as they mourn the passing of Eric’s sister, Julie Sandblade.  Please keep the Sandblade family in your prayers, tonight and in the days to follow.

We are praying for so many, as there are just so many to keep in our thoughts and prayers every day.  Those who have been so generous and helpful in every way during this Covidtide that no simple “thank you” can ever be enough to express our immense gratitude.  Whether they be on the front lines, in our schools and essential businesses; in the food pantries, shelters, and services to help those in need; or those keeping their homes and families safe, they all need our prayers.  And, we especially keep all those who are experiencing loneliness and illness, during this holiday season, in our prayers.  There are so many stories of people, who we now know, stricken with COVID19 and struggling, and people who continue to self-isolate to be safe, but are experiencing deep loneliness.  So, let us be gentle and kind, to ourselves, and each other.  Take deep breaths, be safe, and thank God for all of our blessings.

Click here to read Bishop Scanlan’s Christmas Message to the Diocese.

Looking for a way to brighten someone’s day during the holidays? We can all participate in our own personal “social outreach.”  Click on the link below to find a list of Retirement Homes in our area that are accepting cards for their residents.  What a nice way for us to reach out to the wider community to let them know that we care!

Retirement Home List for Christmas Cards


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!

Click here if you would like to donate online through the diocesan portal. You will scroll down to find St. Edward’s under Lancaster. The portal is a secure giving site.

To learn more about St. Edward’s, please click our website, YouTube, or Facebook icons at the bottom of this email.

Be well. Stay safe. Keep the faith.

– Michelle