Reflection December 2019

Reflection December 2019 The Rev. become, the more we ings at St. Edward’s. David benefit from a respite, Advent is the perfect Bateman a refuge, a quiet antidote for holiday space. And I’m not excesses. Christians just talking about a are often saddened by space that is physical- the absence of a truly ly calmer and quieter spiritual core to the and that is deliberate- holidays, but the fact ly set apart. I’m also of the matter is we talking about a space cannot expect the Are you busy yet? that is spiritually fo- world of buying and Most of us soon will selling to give that be! So let me sug- to us. If we want a gest something. It’s spiritual season we a little surprising, I have to go to where know, to think that it starts and we have adding something to gather with the more to our holiday people who care commitments is a about it. We are the good idea. Most of ones from whom the us this time of year season originates. already get busier We are the ones than we would like. with the story to tell We would rather be and the worship to eliminating some- honor that story. If thing from our time cused, a place that in we want a spiritually commitments or just some ways is the op- rich Christmas then simply wishing we posite of more noise, the best way we can A L C H U R C H had more time to more running around ensure that is to make spend. and more spending. sure we are a part of Advent. But the busier, the I’m speaking, of more commercial- course about Advent, David + ized, the more de- and specifically Ad- manding the holidays vent Sunday morn- Inside this issue: Special points of interest: Vestry 3 • • Worship services and Parish hours are on Flower Ministry 6 the back cover of the Scepter Search and Discernment Update 7 • • Staff and Vestry Members are listed on the ST. EDWARD’S EPISCOP back cover of the Scepter Fellowship Dinner 8 Dina Ishler article 9 Christmas Service Schedule 14 Quilts of Valor 18-19 Scepter Sunday at St. Edward’s Pictures by Mary Snyder Having a farmer's field next to our front en- trance allows us to capture all kinds of ele- ments as the seasons change - from leaves, to corn husks, and a wide range of birds! A snowy Sunday at St. Edward’s. November 24th www.sainteds.org Information Parish Office Hours Scepter If you're the last person to leave Monday- Friday: Production Staff: the building following Sunday ser- 10AM – 4:30PM vices or an event, please take the Parish Administrative Assistant: H. J. “Mac” Miller Michelle Bentley time to make sure all the lights are turned off (including the rest rooms) the thermostat is reset and the doors are locked. Page 2 Scepter Vestry By Meredith Aul Westgate rialize those whose ashes are interred est with no fee for withdrawal of funds. Senior Warden there. Also approved was an increase to $20 per entry for Christmas and Easter flowers. Social Outreach – Beth Lynch is stepping down as chair. I thank her for her leader- This fee has not been increased in more ship with projects including Soles 4 than 20 years. Soules, Jesse Tree, and especially, in our Cultural Events – Our program with mezzo work with the Hempfield Area Food Pan- -soprano Amy Yovanovich accompanied try. She will be meeting with David and by organist Donna Brubaker was very well me to explain the status of projects as we received. We were able to cover all ex- seek new leadership for this important penses through the free-will offering. The ministry. Cultural Events committee was invited to Stewardship - A committee was formed in an organizational meeting on November 24 early October to plan the Stewardship so that plans can get underway for spring Campaign. We are grateful to Dick and events. Anyone interested in supporting this effort with finding and arranging en- Gail Irons, Steve and Catherine Donohue, and Jamie Alton for saying “Yes,” to or- tertainment, publicity is invited to join the November letter ganizing this campaign which is so vital to committee. Without leadership and sup- November already! As we begin to look our very existence. The committee has port, this wonderful ministry cannot con- ahead to the holidays, vestry continues to expressed a desire for leadership. David is tinue. keep St. Edward’s moving forward one setting up a planning meeting with the Renovations and Repairs – Projects cur- step at a time. Due to schedule conflicts committee and will offer guidance. rently being addressed include dealing our November meeting was held on the Search – Applications are being accepted with the woodpecker that continues to 19th, a week later than usual. Our agenda until December 2 after which the Search peck holes in the wall outside the parish was quite long with parish affairs as well Committee will begin the interview pro- hall, and repairing or replacing the rusting as renovation projects. I will try to high- cess! We are inching closer to calling a Parish Hall doors. The mold on the Nar- light the most important things: new rector. thex ceiling will be taken care of in mid- Memorial Garden – Vestry will be meeting January and ventilation in the Sanctuary Finance – Our income was down $5200 in with the existing committee on December will be improved to prevent further mold October vs. 2017. We expect an ‘upturn’ in 3 to review the current status of things and damage. December with five Sunday services and, to begin to think about a long-term vision hopefully, a full house on Christmas Eve, Other important issues – The parish office for the space. After this meeting, we hope the annual cookie sale. Vestry voted to needs a new, updated PC and software as to involve others who have a vested inter- transfer a large portion of the Mumma Windows 7 will no longer be supported est in the garden to join the discussion and Fund from a low-interest savings account to work with vestry on how to best memo- (Continued on page 4) to a diocesan account that offers 5% inter- Military News Please keep in your prayers those Andy Lopez close to us who are serving in the Richard Mutari military. David Peck Dustin Burleson Capt. Andrew Pfeiffer Justin Carnahan Rev. David J. Sparks Brandon Fox Mike Spurr Gordon Frankenfield David Sternberg Matt Fuhrman Clayton Tennies Adam and Christina Grim Allison Tomich Evan Westgate Jack Hawk Seamas Whitesel Benjamin Jenkins 1st Lt. Thomas Whitesel Drew Johnson Anthony Koser Patrick IshlerAlex rehearsingKube with the choir. John Lewis Page 3 Vestry Letter cont’d Care Packages We get many “thank you” notes from (Continued from page 3) our college students for our college care packages which are sent to them after January 1, 2020. Our snow plow ser- each fall and spring, typically towards vice has been discontinued and Michelle the end of the semester and before has found a replacement company. In the they approach their finals. Did you spring we will need to replace the coils for know that this outreach initiative is the HVAC system. fully funded by the generous dona- Advent is here! St. Edward’s has many tions from our parishioners as a way to let our St. Edward’s college stu- wonderful events coming up to set the tone dents know that they are in our hearts, for this month of quiet expectation. We minds, and prayers as they tackle this began by making Advent wreaths for our- important phase of their life jour- selves and for shut-ins at a workshop be- ney. We believe it is very important tween services on November 24. The Lan- to stay connected to our young adults, caster Recorder Consort made the crafting and their notes of thanks show that more fun and festive by entertaining us they appreciate our outreach. Please with seasonal and other music. Advent prayerfully consider giving to this continues with a special forum on Prayer worthy outreach twice per year. Our Book Meditations for Advent presented by goal is to raise $250 per year to cover this ministry. Thank you, for your Father David on December 1, and Even- support. song with the Lancaster Chamber Singers also on December 1. Krist Kindling is also underway with its chain of gifts and pray- Dear St. Edward's Church, ers. I recently received a care package filled Moving on into the season, the Cookie/ with several snacks and various items. Craft sale and breakfast takes place on the Thank you so much for thinking of me 7th, followed by a relaxing gathering with and sending me a package. Thanks church friends at the Community Fellow- again! ship Dinner on December 10. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services will be -Rachael Smith here before you know it, followed by a special one service Unity Sunday service on December 29th. I hope to see each of you at as many of these events as you can Community Dinners attend. They have been lovingly planned by many working behind the scenes to make your Advent and Christmas seasons meaningful and memorable. I wish you all a peaceful Advent that opens your heart to the joy of Christmas! I thank you for your prayers and your financial support of St. Edward’s and to each of you for sharing your time and talent in a multi- tude of ways.

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