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. Blessings to you at this holi- day season and always.

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, December 11th at 6:00 PM BRING: Your own table setting and a hot and cold dish (enough for 4 people) to share. Use your best judgment and make what you feel comfortable with!

Page 4 Scepter Rachel Smith Kid’s Corner

Rachel was featured on the poster that advertised her Fall Dance program. Very Nice! Ethan Kline

Kim Kline with Ethan for a ceremony to honor Hempfield Scholar athletes. Ethan participates in Cross Country. Bible Quiz

Where did the child Jesus and his parents flee for Blessing Food safety?

A. Ethiopia B. Syria C. Rome D. Egypt

Answer: D (See Matthew 2:13.) 2:13.) Matthew (See D Answer:

Page 5 We Episcopalians Welcoming!! Flower Ministry As we approach the Christmas season, as We Episcopalians believe in a loving, well as the end of 2019 (already!), we are liberating, and life-giving God: Father, reminded that St. Edward’s puts up 2 charts Son, and Holy Spirit. As constituent in the narthex for flower donations. The members of the Anglican Communion yearly chart for weekly altar flowers gives in the United States, we are descend- parishioners and family members the op- ants of and partners with the Church of portunity to sign up to give weekly flowers England and the Scottish Episcopal in memory of or in thanksgiving for loved Church, and are part of the third largest ones, anniversaries, birthdays, or special group of Christians in the world. remembrances in one’s life. Our altar flow- ers are $100 per week and we have extend- We believe in following the teachings ed the ability for up to 2 people to sign up of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and By Mike Patrone on a Sunday, which will allow the flowers resurrection saved the world. Co-chair to be cost-shared at $50/each donor for that We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring ASK NOT WHAT YOUR CHURCH week. During Christmas (and Easter) we to tell and exemplify God’s love for CAN DO FOR YOU offer parishioners an opportunity to re- every human being; women and men member loved ones in the bulletin by serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in BUT ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO “purchasing” flowers of the season at a our church. Laypeople and clergy coop- FOR YOUR CHURCH new cost, starting this season, of $20 per name entry. We hope all will prayerfully erate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, consider contributing to this ministry dur- and can be expressed by all people in Here at St. Edward’s, I am constantly ing the Christmas season so that our church our church, regardless of sexual identity amazed at those who multi-task. can enjoy the beauty of the season. or orientation. Whether it’s pulling weeds, supplying coffee hour, being a LEM or the many We believe that God loves you – no Another important aspect of the flower other chores done. For those, thank exceptions. ministry is having a group come together to you. Maybe for those who have- share in the beautifying of the sanctuary n’t become involved, it’s not easy. We and front door urns with flowers. We have all at sometime in the past were fearful a florist who delivers our weekly flowers of not doing something correctly and and the altar guild places those flowers in were afraid of becoming involved. I the polished altar urns each week. Howev- was there as were most of the parish er, after many, many years, our chief family. “master floral designer,” Nancy Oliver, is You are now needed more than any set to turn in her clippers and provide the other time. If everyone in this parish opportunity for others to serve St. Ed- family said yes to one thing they would ward’s in this beautiful ministry. To start do, the intro phrase above could then with this transformation, we are looking for be completed with AND IT WAS a small group of volunteers who can come DONE. together to work together to create the flo- ral decorating of the sanctuary for Christ- mas. Please contact the parish office if you are able to help us with this immediate re- quest and perhaps it will pique your interest to be more involved with this ministry in 2020. It is a wonderful way to express your creativity and to joyfully enhance the “Once in our spirituality of St. Edward’s for all to enjoy! world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.” —C.S. Lewis

Altar flowers November 24th. Donated by Liz and Buddy Yeager

Page 6 Scepter Discernment Committee Update Coffee Hour

St. Edward’s Search Committee Prayer “Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (BCP 818) By Dottie Gschwend This prayer from our Book of Common Brief update from the Discernment Com- Prayer is full of grace and beauty. mittee “Almighty God, giver of every good gift.” We begin with an acknowledgment You have probably already heard that our that God is in charge and that one of documents have been posted by the Dio- God’s good gifts will be a successful cese and will continue on line until early search process. December. The posting is to a nation- wide audience of Episcopal priests who “Look graciously on your Church” re- Many thanks to the parishioners who may be considering a move to a new par- minds us that the Church is the people, faithfully provide hosting and fantastic ish. You can also find our profile on our not the building. We are praying for eve- food for our fellowship coffee hours. website. You provided great input, and ry person at St. Edward’s – Vestry mem- Both coffee hours are so well attended we hope we have used it well. We have ber, Rector Search Committee member, and that is a testament to our hosts and received response and remain confident and all parishioners. fellow parishioners to show our welcom- ing nature, not just as we walk through that there may be more candidates for us “Guide the minds” reminds us that this the front red doors each Sunday, but to to consider. is a discernment process, seeking to de- extend the offer of: "Will you join us at termine who God would have serve as At this time, the committee is preparing coffee hour?" to those in church. It is so the next rector of St. Edward’s: a for interviews that will be the next step. important in our outreach and welcom- “faithful pastor who will care for your We have been well supported by our Dio- ing efforts. As always, we are always people and equip them for their minis- cese in the person of Canon Dan Morrow looking for more hosts! For the 10:15 tries.” This is a brief but powerful sum- whose responsibilities are with transition service we have a sign up sheet on a mary of a rector’s responsibilities. ministries in our Diocese. Given this time clipboard on the coffee/food table and of year, with Advent and Christmas fast As we continue our journey of discern- for the 8 AM service please contact Bev approaching, our work will soon be inter- ment for our new rector, let us remember Hess or the parish office if you would rupted until the new year. We will con- that we are united by our faith and love like to be added to the schedule as we tinue to keep you posted in general terms in community as we look forward to the enter a new year (and new decade!) as we are able. As you can imagine, our bright future of our parish. work must remain confidential in the in- terest of any candidate. Feel free to con- Thank you to: tact any one of us if you have questions or Your St. Edward’s Search Committee, concerns about this process. Dottie Gschwend, Matthew Sternberg, Dottie Gschwend Bill Swiernik, Bev Lynch, Peter Weber, Susan Landin, and Seth Hake Joe and Donna Holwager Bob Young Ethel Lawrence Liz and Buddy Yeager Seth and Beth Hake The Milligan Family Roger and Ginny Kloepping Mark and Barb Jakiel Hank and Linda Spire Tony and Sue Bianco

Page 7 Community Fellowship Dinner

By Meredith Westgate

Beth Lynch and Libby Sternberg

Ethel Lawrence and Mike Freshwater

The St. Edward's Community Fellow- ship Dinners have faithfully been held the second Wednesday of each month Dottie Gschwend and Michelle Bentley since the spring. These dinners are a great time to come and enjoy each other's company over a meal and get to know one another. We always have Ethel Lawrence and Randy Westgate plenty of food and plenty to talk about! Books, movies, travel, family. . . it is a wonderful time of fellowship.

Join us December 11th at 6 PM for our next dinner. If you enjoy cooking, please bring a dish or dessert to share! You can also pick a prepared item up along the way! Or. . . just bring your- self. There is always plenty of food and we supply the beverages. Please bring a place setting, but, again, if you are coming from work and do not have that, we have that as well. We look Happy birthday Liz! forward to seeing you.

Matthew Sternberg presents Liz Yeager with a birthday cake

Julie Hoff, Liz Yeager, and Barbara Schultz

Page 8 Scepter Shaped to Endure By Dina Carter Ishler ers- God’s faithful earnestly believed not know what to expect or when, as we that God’s Presence was abiding within sense that the familiar “shape” we used them. to count on is not quite the same. This was true for Jesus’ disciples as well, who These stories describe upheaval for left everything to be shaped by Jesus as God’s people on a scale we can hardly we too are shaped through loving and imagine- homecoming after decades of serving God in our own time. We all exile, great sacred buildings destroyed want to be part of the shaping, even as amidst death and chaos, foreboding de- our faithfulness demands we accept that scriptions of “last times”- but we can we believe what we build, we can con- relate. When humans are frightened and trol. And yet, in Duo’s wise words: “the unsure of what the future may hold, our unending truth of God in our lives is fear and anxiety can easily overcome us. nothing we ourselves can construct.” We desperately need words of both cour- age and hope, promises that we can and Last spring, we watched in grief and will persevere through the weariness of horror as the Cathedral of Notre Dame the struggle to gain the reward. This is burned in Paris, France and in the after- most true in our spiritual lives, where the math the world tried to process what it reward promised is the everlasting one could mean to go forward with both en- that by this endurance we will gain our durance and hope. Some longed for im- Based on the readings Isaiah 65:17-25; very souls- as Paul says, if we do not mediate rebuilding, some wanted the Canticle 9; become weary of doing what is right. money gifted for rebuilding to go to- wards mission instead, some wondered if 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19 At our diocesan convention this October, institutional Christianity might somehow (November 17, 2019) when we launched our Shaped by Faith be there in the ashes- and whether, like initiative through which we hope to dis- the phoenix, it would rise from them and cover what is “right-shaped” for our dio- transform itself with new fervor and On November 17th, the Old Testament cese, our key note speaker was a brilliant meaning. To ask these questions with reading from Isaiah and Luke’s Gospel man by the name of Duo Dickinson. Duo honesty and Gospel-directed vision is to offered us radically different images of remember with great clarity Jesus’ pro- our future as God’s faithful people. Isai- phetic words that not one stone will be ah paints a picture of endless gladness left upon another, that all will be thrown and rejoicing, a time when weeping has down. Jesus, who taught us that the ended and peace and prosperity belong stones can fall and we will still find God, to all God’s beloved. On the other hand, is all the hope and encouragement we the Gospel story is a frightening narra- could ever need to persevere and endure. tive of all manner of trials- wars, famine and disease, persecution and betrayal to Whether they are enormous temples or the point of death- but through endur- breathtaking cathedrals or lovely church- ance we will “gain our souls.” es like St. Edward’s, sacred buildings are profoundly meaningful to us and we do It's important to know that despite their indeed find God there. But we also know differences, these two stories actually is both an acclaimed architect and a man that God’s redeeming work given to us speak to two very similar situations. In of deep faith who acknowledges that in the person of Jesus and the continued our reading from Isaiah, God’s people God is the true Architect of all things; he guidance of the Spirit can be found else- have returned from their long season of believes that “Beauty is God’s handwrit- where as well, most often in the gift we captivity in Babylon, a frightening and ing.” When Duo discusses a sacred space are to each other as we share encourage- uncertain time that centered around the and tells people every care must be taken ment and love. We did not make this destruction of the First Temple and most in the building to the glory of God, peo- world, nor can we alone preserve it, but of the city of Jerusalem around 586 ple nod their heads- yet if he says that we can choose to seek and serve God BCE. Upon returning home, they under- these buildings could be gone tomorrow always as we live in hope for the One to took not only the task of building a re- and God is what lives- it is disturbing to come. Amen. stored community but began construc- all. Duo’s true gift is the understanding tion on the Second Temple, which would that what he- and indeed all of us- help Include your news and announce- then be destroyed, along with Jerusalem, to shape is completely shaped by God in ments in the next Scepter. in 70 CE. It is this second massive de- the first place, despite our deep desire, Due date for January will be: struction that Jesus is prophesying about like St. Peter, to build tabernacles to the December 20th. in today’s Gospel- and by the time this glory of God. Send articles and announcements to: Gospel was widely circulated and known [email protected] this event would already have happened. Our current generation of faith commu- These were beautiful places of sincere nities is shifting to a place where, like worship in the lives of countless believ- the disciples in our Gospel story, we do

Page 9 Evensong

Page 10 Scepter Advent Calendar

ADVENT CALENDAR

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Worship 2 Go 3 Learn 4 Pray 5 Bless 6 Turn 7 Rest Advent 1 Take time to Read Luke 1:30. Set a timer for The angel In giving From what generously, St. What word or listen closely What are you three minutes. blessed Mary could you rest in to someone afraid of that Silently repeat with the gift of Nicholas turned order to receive words from from a sense worship today you may not keeps you from this prayer: presence. renewed life? ordinarily take saying “yes” “Here I am, God.” To whom can of scarcity to Take as long as have found a a posture of home in your seriously, or who to God? you give the gift you are able to has a different of presence abundance. find that rest heart? Share What do you these words perspective than this week? today. you. Pray to hear need to turn with a friend or from in order family member. them as God hears them. to be generous of heart? 8 Worship 9 Go 10 Learn 11 Pray 12 Bless 13 Turn 14 Rest Advent 2 Read or watch Read Luke 1:45. Offer a prayer Call or write a Reflect:Where Set aside 30 What part of your local Consider how of thanks for family member have I fallen minutes to gathering for news.Where is your faith is a each person with whom you short this week? rest, pause, and worship fills your reconciliation blessing. Share you encounter desire a closer How can I make breathe deeply heart with hope? needed? Pray your faith story – both stranger relationship. amends? Give with a friend or for healing. with a friend. and friend – Share with them thanks for the family member. silently or aloud. how they are gift of fresh Give thanks for a blessing. starts that we the restorative have through power of love in God’s grace. relationship.

15 Worship 16 Go 17 Learn 18 Pray 19 Bless 20 Turn 21 Rest Turn away from Advent 3 Choose to Read Luke 1:64. Keep a lookout Identify a blessing In Genesis 1-2, the busyness of Pray for each take a different When Zechariah for anyone who you have that God calls the the week and person as route to work, could finally might seem you could give creation “good” turn toward they receive to school, or to speak, he began lonely, stressed, away. Share this and rests.What someone who communion. play today.Who by praising God. or sad. Offer this blessing with can you proclaim gives you life or Imagine who or what did For what can simple invitation: your church, a to be “good” to whom you you would like you encounter you praise God? “May I pray for local ministry, or instead of “not give life. to see at church differently? Share on social you?” Then offer your community. enough” as a Give thanks. next week. Invite media or with prayers – silently witness to God’s them to join you. a friend. or aloud – on love for the their behalf world today? as you move through your day.

22 Worship 23 Go 24 Learn 25 Pray Advent 4 Go out into your Read Luke 2:8- Christmas Linger before neighborhood 10.When has Day leaving worship today.Where God surprised Read Luke 1-2. today.Ask God do you see God you? Share with Give thanks to prepare and at work? What a friend. for the birth send you on a attributes of of the Christ- journey into the God’s love are child. Pray that world to witness visible? Ask God you may follow to God’s love to show you Christ Jesus on how you can his Way of Love celebrate and with your whole join that love. heart, mind, body, and spirit.

Page 11 Cultural Events

Patrick Ishler, Cultural Events Ministry Leader In case people are not familiar with this Upon Father Stephen Casey’s retirement in We are looking to gather folks together very important ministry, here is a brief November of last year, the committee vot- who are interested in continuing the won- history: ed to rename the series the Reverend Can- derful Cultural Events Ministry that has on Stephen C. Casey Cultural Events Se- been established at St. Edward’s. We need ries. those who were part of this ministry in the past as well as those who may be called to In April 2013, a committee formed to ex- serve in this capacity now and into the plore starting a concert series at St. Ed- future. If you would like to serve our par- ward’s to draw outsiders into the church. Concerts typically attract on average about ish and this worthwhile outreach ministry, The committee drafted the following mis- 100 people to the church for each program, I ask you to join me as we consider future sion statement: most of whom are not St. Edward’s mem- bers. The concerts also result in good pub- artists for our Cultural Events series and wonder what the series could be like going licity and a growing email list of attendees. forward. The St. Edward's Church events committee The church uses this email list to notify will support the mission of the church by recipients of upcoming concerts and Ad- identifying, scheduling and supporting a vent/Christmas and Lent/Holy Week ser- vices. I invite you to please join me and others series of cultural events designed to draw following the 10:15 am service on Decem- attendees to the church and to alert these ber 15th to discuss, consider and wonder attendees to other opportunities for fellow- about the future of this ministry. ship at the St. Edward's community of We look forward to seeing you on Decem- faith. ber 15th!

Simple Gifts Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon Trio Clavino

Xinyue Zhang Rizzetta’s Tones 2019

Page 12 Scepter Annual Cookie Sale

15th ANNUAL ST. EDWARD'S COOKIE SALE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 8 AM until we're sold out

Over 60 varieties served deli style by the pound.

This annual fundraiser is a St. Edward's tradition and helps further the ministry of St. Edward's.

NEW THIS YEAR: Christmas Crafts for sale. A great way to shop early!

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST served: $5.00/all inclusive (coffee/tea, orange juice, muffins and bagels with jam, butter, cream cheese, fresh fruit)

**We are looking for bakers and volunteers as well! Please sign up in the parish hall. Cookies should be dropped off on Friday, December 6th between 12 Noon - 6 PM

Page 13 Christmas Services

Page 14 Scepter The Crown- Season Three

finding her place but a settled matron com- Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor) is now a By Glen Bentley fortable with her role. Tobias Menzies young man, and The Crown is super sym-

takes over as Prince Philip, and it is a tes- pathetic to him, for how misunderstood he tament to Menzies that Philip is so watcha- is within his family—where only his sister ble even as he is saddled with a largely Anne (Erin Doherty, excellent and crimi-

uninteresting—and fabricated—story. nally underused) is a real ally—and for his uncomfortable position, waiting for his mother to die to start living his life.

But The Crown gives very little time to his My parents were born in England and relationship with Camilla Shand (Emerald came to America in 1946. My father was Fennell), leaning too heavily on assumed an R.A.F pilot during the war and my audience knowledge of The Gossip. If mother worked for the American Red you're going to tell a story, TELL A STO- Cross. They lived in London during the RY. This barely explored story of Charles “German Blitz.” Their house was blown and Camilla, feels like a rushed prologue up with everything in it lost. for The Arrival of Diana. When you have nothing to lose, you come Helena Bonham Carter steps in as Princess The Crown season three has a lot to rec- to America. Margaret, dissipated and dissatisfied and ommend it—though it completely skips I was born in 1949 in NYC. The only his- stuck in an unhappy marriage. Bonham over Princess Anne foiling her own kid- tory lessons I received from my parents Carter is great, but she is largely shunted napping. about England were that Winston Church- to the side, one of the worst cases of The When it works, The Crown WORKS, such ill “was the right man at the right time.” Crown losing its balance this season. The as “Aberfan”, and we’re definitely going They never mentioned the monarchy ever. relationship between Elizabeth and Marga- ret drives the first segment of The Crown, to come back to Josh O’Connor and Erin So, I have always had a strong curiosity but this time there is no such narrative Doherty, who are just spectacular as Charles and Anne—they’re so good they with English history. Including the monar- engine, and one result is that Elizabeth and chy. Margaret barely interact. The loss of ten- might retroactively gain sympathy for the sion in the story is palpable. eldest children of QEII. But this is also the When The Crown on Netflix came along I first time it feels like The watched it with riveting eyes and loved it. When The Crown works at its highest lev- Crown flounders, unable to balance its In this third season now, The el, though, it works incredibly well. The various plots and characters as well as it Crown experiences a reset, with a new cast standout episode in this season is did in the first two season. coming in to play the royal family at a “Aberfan”, which deals with a terrible later stage in life. The Queen, now played tragedy in a Welsh mining town. The epi- by Olivia Colman, is in her middle life, sode also finds Elizabeth struggling with a older and no wiser as she navigates a changing public's expectations of her. changing world. The transition to the new “Aberfan” feels like a different show, in cast is seamless, though the transition to a part because every element functions to- more recent period in history is not as gether in a way they don't through the rest smooth. of the season, but also because “Aberfan” really explores the tension of Changing Times and an institution that is meant to be unchanging. It's also an extremely effec- tive disaster story. Unfortunately, the rest of season three is not as considered or deeply felt as “Aberfan”.

The Crown struggles to effectively service its ensemble, sidelining characters and short-changing stories. This show looks as This isn’t a documentary, The Crown can good as ever but the overall impression make some narrative leaps, as it did with of The Crown in season three is uneven Princess Margaret in the first two seasons. and meandering. But that is exactly what The Crown won’t But even when The Crown wanders a bit do this time, and, as stunning as it is visu- aimlessly through the sixties and seventies, ally, it is less engaging and interesting for the cast remains phenomenal. Colman it. plays Queen Elizabeth with calm assur- ance; she is no longer a young woman

Page 15 Financial Report

From the Finance Committee

Adult Forum

David Manuel, a member of the Susque- hanna Speakers Association, spoke at the St. Edward's Adult Forum on Nov. 17 at 9:10 AM about the Navajo Code Talkers of WW II. He explored the Navajo na- tion's interactions with the US Govern- ment from their mistreatment in the late 1800's to their creation of a code that was never broken and was instrumental in helping to win the war in the Pacific. He says that his talk is the perfect blending of historical facts and human interest stories. .

Code Talkers Adult forum Sunday, David Manual. speaking about Navajo Code Talkers of WW 2 It was well attended and a very informative talk

Scepter Page 16 Advent Wreath Construction

Pictures by Mary Snyder

Jackie Sandblade and Michelle Bentley making Advent wreaths for homebound friends and fami- ly.

Jackie Sandblade, Carol Cotnoir, and Randy Westgate crafting their Advent wreaths.

We were so grateful to The Lancaster Recorder Consort for providing such wonderful seasonal music while we made our wreaths. They were so good, that the firs snow of the season happened right on cue!

Page 17 Quilts of Valor Sunday

Pictures by Mary Snyder

The choir processes in for the start of the Tony Cerase 10:15 service with altar servers and our church members who are veterans.

Buddy Yeager Father David blesses the quilt during the Donna Holwager presents the Quilt of Valor service

Page 18 Scepter Quilts of Valor Sunday

Buddy Yeager presents this years Quilt of Valor to our parishioner, Richard Lawrence.

Richard Lawrence displays his Quilt of Valor Ethel Lawrence, Richard Lawrence, Arch and Dolly Cross when he was post- and Buddy Yeager ed overseas.

Page 19 St. Edward’s Episcopal Church

2453 Harrisburg Pike

Phone 717-898-6276 Email: [email protected] www.sainteds.org

Staff Worship Services

The Reverend David Vestry Sunday Services Bateman, Interim Rector (year term ends) 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (said) Michelle Bentley, Parish 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II Administrative Assistant  Michael Freshwater Patrick Ishler, Choir Direc- (2021)Secretary Contemporary Service (2nd Sunday, Sept – May). tor  Julie Hoff (2022) Jr. Wednesday Karen E. Waddill, Organist Warden 12:00 Noon – Holy Eucharist with healing Elizabeth Yeager, Nursery  Dina Ishler (2020)  Mark Jakiel (2021) Parish Office Hours  Herb Johnston(2021) Monday-Friday:  Ginny Kloepping 10 AM – 4:30PM (2020)  Ellen Milligan (2022)  Bill Swiernik (2020)

 Meredith Westgate (2020) Sr. Warden