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Spiritus february 2018
COHS Youth Group and Chaperones at Huckelberry Cabin, Spruce Lake Retreat Center
Monthly news magazine of Church of the Holy Spirit, Harleysville, Pa
CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT STAFF WORSHIP
Regular Sunday Worship Hours
The Rev. Kathryn Andonian, Rector
September 10, 2017 - June 10, 2018
The Rev. Johnine Byrer, Deacon Holy Eucharist at 8:00 AM (with music)
Ms. Sue Ellen Echard, Director of Music Holy Eucharist at 10:15 AM (with choir and music)
Ms. Dawn Hunsdorfer, Communications Coordinator Child Care is available in the Nursery.
Ms. Karen Work, Administrative Coordinator
Mrs. Angela Shelly, Coordinator of Children's, Youth,
and Family Ministries and Choral Assistant OFFICE HOURS
Seth Trumbore, Assistant Musician Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Mr. Barry Norris, Verger Wednesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Mr. Ken Patrick and Ms. Tina Andrews, Vergers Friday and Sunday - by appointment only
Ms. Megan Sloss, Nursery Staff
Mr. Steve Thacker, Sexton
WELCOME TO SPIRITUS!
Spiritus is an online magazine in glorious technicolor and with interactive elements! Wherever you see blue text
that is underlined, simply click on the text and it will either open up an email so you can send an email to that
person, or take you to the website that is mentioned.
Spiritus is an extension of the material found on the COHS website, but contains longer stories and articles to
enhance your understanding of life at Church of the Holy Spirit, Harleysville. For anyone viewing this as a print
magazine, please go to www.churchoftheholyspirit.us/spiritus/ to view the interactive edition.
Spiritus is the monthly magazine of Church of the Holy Spirit, Harleysville, PA. If you wish to reproduce an article,
please first email Dawn Hunsdorfer. All content © 2018 Church of the Holy Spirit.
Please submit Spiritus articles via this link: https://goo.gl/forms/bsAfz8rjwFotTbdj2
CONTENTS
RECTOR'S CORNER MUSIC
3. Rector's Corner 14. Concert - Broadway By Request, Concert - Keven O'Malia,
4. Deacon's Voice Dobson Pipe Organ
WORSHIP PARISH NURSE'S CORNER
4. Special Worship in February 15-16. Diocesan Recovery Day, Complimentary Health
5-7. Invitation to a Holy Lent Approchaes for Seasonal Affective Disorder
VESTRY 18. Poster - Family Night Out: How to Help Your Youth
Succeed During the Teen Years
7. Annual Parish Meeting Invitation
ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION AROUND THE CHURCH
16. Al-Anon meetings on Fridays, Thank You!, Wedding
8. Adult Forums, Programs/Events/Groups, On-Line Bible Anniversaries,
Study, Men's Spiritual Growth Group, First Friday Adult Faith 17. In Case of Emergency
Forum 19. Photo Round-up with VIDEO
9.Spiritual Friends Meditation Group, Brown Bag Bible Study,
New Testament Study Group, Celebrating the Life of Absalom
Jones
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
17. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Interfaith Hospitality Network
10. Music with Ana Hernandez, Lenten Series - Practices of
Love, ENCORE- Bucks County Symphony Orchestra
11-13. Advance Care Planning Workshop, Book EVENTS & LINKS
Recommendations for Your Lenten Spiritual Journey 20. Links for COHS information & Weekly Events
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
13. Winter Youth Retreat
14. Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
2
RECTOR’S CORNER tion that herald the promise of renewal and growth
are the perfect companions for Lent!
During Lent, daylight lengthens, and temperatures
begin to warm. As Spring draws near, it feels good to
open the windows to air out the house. We’ve been
closed-up for too many months, and now it’s time
to let the fresh air and sunshine dissipate the stale-
ness. It is the same with our souls. Lent begins on
Ash Wednesday, when the psalmist implores: “Create
a clean heart in me, O God” (Psalm 51:10). Lent is a
time of spiritual spring-cleaning!
In her book Soul Feast1, Marjorie Thompson writes
that Lent is our “spiritual spring, a time of light and
joy in the renewal of the soul’s life.” Lent offers the
time to pause, consider, and renew our relationship
with God. But, as with cleaning out our over-full
and disorganized drawers, closets, basements, and
garages, spiritual spring cleaning takes some elbow
grease, perseverance, and the willingness to separate
the junk from what is important and meaningful, the
confidence to throw away things that are broken or
not useful, and the readiness to leave space for the
Holy Spirit to move and breathe in our lives.
Lent: From Middle English meaning “Spring” or Lent invites us to clear out some of the things
“Lengthening of Days.” that hold us back and take a step toward our bet-
Spring: From Middle English meaning “to come into ter selves, which also brings us closer to God and
being by growth.” closer to others. Lent beckons us to join Jesus
Christ on a spiritual pilgrimage. Lent is a time to
challenge ourselves to choose better things—for
our bodies, our souls, and our spirits.
Joan Chittister, author of The Liturgical Year 2,
says, “Lent enables us to face ourselves, to see
the weak places, to touch the wounds in our
own soul, and to determine to try once more to
live beyond our lowest aspirations.” It reorients,
re-grounds, and re-centers us, empowering us to
live as beloved and loving children of God. Lent
is a sacred season that allows us to more fully
“come into being” through spiritual growth. It
offers us….Spring.
The season of Lent almost always arrives in Febru- Blessings to you for a meaningful, renewing sea-
ary. February is a gray, cold, unpredictable month son of Lent. I look forward to sharing this sacred
that leaves most of us begging for even the smallest journey with you.
hints of Spring. Strange as this may sound, however, Faithfully Yours,
February is one of my favorite times of the year! The
main reason is that February is the month in which Rev. Kathy Andonian
my daughter was born, heralding the promise of Soul Feast, Margorie J. Thompson, Westminster John
1
Spring in the most remarkable way. Another is that it Knox Press, 1995.
is truly the time of the year that invites introspection 2
The Liturgical Year: The Spiraling Adventure of the
and contemplation. Introspection and contempla- Spiritual Life, Joan Chittister OSB, Harper Collins, 2009.
3
DEACON’S VOICE tor, and it has everything to teach us about the path
that lies ahead, beyond the transition. In fact, we will
Happy, Happy New Year!
learn much more on that bridge, about ourselves,
I am writing this note
about life, and about God, in our transitions than on
on January 1st of our
all the smoother pathways that we journey.”
new year. Happy, hap-
py New Year to each Excerpts from The Other Side of Chaos: Breaking
and every one; may Through When Life Is Breaking Down by Margaret Silf
your year ahead bring “From satisfying work to sudden unemployment.
you great joys, good From a happy marriage to a hurtful divorce. From
health, and some caring for the kids to caring for an aging parent. These
exciting new adven- are just a few of the countless ways that life hurls
tures. us into the chaos of change, where our certainties
In some ways, it is are shaken and our faith may even begin to falter.
electrifying to start But what if we saw the chaos - the “mess” - of our
over and begin a new lives not as something to fear or eschew, but as
year with all undiscov- something to be embraced?... Ultimately, The Other
ered possibilities. Last Side of Chaos gives us the courage to trust God when
night at the Bucks County Jail, I encouraged the men life is breaking down and to see our messes not as
and women to make it simple with their thoughts something to be rescued from, but as something
of what they might want to change or begin in this that will help us break through to a place where God
New Year. This way it makes the changes more makes all things new.” (Borrowed from Amazon.)
achievable and possible.
Submitted by Deacon Johnine Byrer
I look forward to the ways that God will be using
each of us this year to be His shining light in the WORSHIP
world. Like me, all we can do is stay tuned and be SPECIAL WORSHIP IN FEBRUARY
open to all possibilities. There will be many opportu- LAST SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY
nities for Outreach, month by month. Please know Sunday, February 11
that I love hearing about new opportunities that 8 and 10:15 AM
our community might engage in. Do not hesitate in We will celebrate the end of Epiphany with a cele-
contacting me either by phone (908-399-4170) or by bratory service filled with “Alleluia’s” before we begin
email (deaconjb@gmail.com) if you have any ideas. the season of Lent.
Thank you. A special “Ash Sunday” service for Sunday School
I remain thankfully, students and their parents (including the burning
Your Deacon, Johnine of the palms from last year to make ashes for Ash
Wednesday) will be held at 9 AM.
OTHER SUNDRIES – CHAOS AND TRANSITION
Sacred Space is a website that I ready very often ASH WEDNESDAY
(http://www.sacredspace.ie/content/about-sacred- Wednesday, February 14
space ). I thought you may enjoy the wisdom of this Services at Noon and 7:30 PM
quote that appeared from The Other Side of Chaos: Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and derives its
Breaking Through When Life Is Breaking Down by name, not surprisingly, from the tradition of putting
Margaret Silf. “Transition is the bridge that leads ashes on our foreheads as a sign of penitence. On
from the no longer to the not yet. Nobody can pre- this day, we come before God to confess our sins and
dict what that bridge is going to look like. It may be face our mortality. However, we also know ourselves
obvious and sturdy, and we may find it easily through to be people who live in the Resurrection of Jesus
the fogs of our bewilderment. Or it may be rickety Christ. During the service we are also told to wash
and clearly unsafe, and we hardly dare entrust our our faces as a reminder that the death and resurrec-
weight to it. The point is, however, that we have to tion of Jesus Christ has washed us clean of our sins
cross the bridge, and as we risk that crossing, we will and we are promised eternal life. Please join us as we
discover that the bridge itself is our guide and men- begin this Lenten season of reflection and renewal!
4
THURSDAY EVENINGS IN LENT: INVITATION TO A HOLY LENT: TOO MUCH OR
Dinner, Discussion, Devotions NOT ENOUGH?
6 - 8:30 PM Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14; this is
February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22 the time of year when Christians contemplate Jesus’
Child care provided 40 days of fasting and temptation in the wilderness
Join us for a potluck Soup and Salad Supper at 6 PM as we approach the cross, the empty tomb, and the
followed by a “Practices of Love: Spiritual Disciplines joy of resurrection - new life! The Lenten season is
for the Life of the World.” We will end the evening marked by prayer and examination of our lives with
with Compline. humility as we take a close look at those places in
We will explore how our lives that are out of balance and not centered on
spiritual disciplines, God.
such as those we often However, the journey of Lent need not be a soli-
undertake during Lent, tary journey; rather we may look to one another for
have the power to reori- strength through mutual prayer and presence. Con-
ent and renew our lives. sider joining with your family or friends to participate
While these practices in a regular Lenten practice tied to a weekly theme
help to deepen our “ver- which will help explore those places in our lives
tical” relationship with where there is “too much or too little” - too much
God, they also positively distraction, too much busyness, too much consump-
impact our “horizontal” tion and not enough commitment to relationships,
relationships with neigh- not enough generosity of spirit, not enough focus on
bors, strangers, family, those things that really matter.
friends, enemies, cre-
ation, etc. in ways that The small things that we surrender or undertake for
orient our spiritual lives outward. Rooted in ancient Lent are but daily reminders that this sacred sea-
practices and scripture, we will explore how spiritual son of fasting, prayer and reflection has the power
disciplines transform our mundane daily activities to change us. Lent calls us to surrender our false
into transformative experiences that deepen our own illusions of what is real and important, and to fo-
faith, and create meaningful change in the world cus, instead, on the importance of God. If we open
around us. ourselves to the struggle and hungry wilderness of
Lent, we may find that the season graces us with a
Adapted from “Practices of Love: Spiritual Disciplines renewed appreciation of what it means to surrender
for the Life of the World” by Kyle David Bennett, we ourselves to God. Lent calls us to repentance, to
will explore topics including: “turn around” and face God. Lent leads us to Easter,
• Possessiveness and Possessions: Simplicity where we are met and welcomed by the God who
and Renewed Owning turns to face us with love, hope, renewal and re-
• “You’re in My Thoughts and Prayers”: demption.
Meditation and Renewed Thinking Week 1: February 14 - February 24
• Food for the Tummy and Food for the Soul: Theme: Too familiar - Odd as it may sound, some-
Fasting and Feasting and Renewed Eating times we become so familiar with the Jesus story
• Time-Out for Adults: Solitude and Renewed we lose the impact of God living—and dying—in the
Socializing midst of the human experience.
• Chatter and Cacophony: Silence and
Renewed Talking Practice: Read all or part of one of the Gospels with
• How to Friends and Empower People: Service renewed attention and the intention to set aside
and Renewed Working time and space to pray and be thankful.
• Working Hard and Hardly Not Working: Week 2: February 25 - March 3
Sabbath Keeping and Renewed Resting Theme: Too full - This week and the week that
Join us! follows it, we’ll focus on our comfort. While comfort
isn’t inherently bad, it does tend to disconnect us
from a suffering world. Time and again the gospel’s
report that “Jesus had compassion on them.” Com-
5 fort crowds out compassion.
Practice: Almost half the planet lives on less than ter, to feel better about ourselves. This week, consid-
$2 a day, consider what your life would be like if you er all the false idols we are sold because we are told
lived in such poverty. What are the small luxuries they will make us much happier than we are right
that you take for granted that cost more than $2/ now but that we know are never enough to truly
day? Eating at a restaurant? A good cup of coffee? satisfy our deepest needs.
A spur-of-the-moment purchase when shopping. Practice: Avoid unnecessary purchases. Rather than
During this week, can you donate $2 a day per family consuming, practice giving without the possibility of
member to help people who are not “too full,” but receiving in return, except from God.
“too empty?”
Week 6: March 25-April 1
Week 3: March 4 - March 10 Theme: Towards the cross – This week, let’s consider
Theme: Too Entertained – Who doesn’t enjoy be- what Christ has redeemed us from and for. Let’s pon-
ing entertained? Again, there is nothing wrong with der into whom the Holy Spirit is transforming us.
entertainment, but much of our contemporary en-
tertainment is a solitary pursuit that disconnects us Practice: Write out your personal redemption story.
from real, live interactions with other human beings. Share it in anticipation of Easter. Meditate on the
This week we’ll examine ourselves to see if enter- things you have learned over the last 5 weeks of
tainment keeps us from (1) connecting with God, prayer and devotion.
(2) connecting with our family and friends, and (3) Other Ideas for a Holy Lent…
connecting with the world. Here are some ways in which we may deepen our
Practice: Live this week without the TV or computer experience of Lent, seek renewal and join together to
games or your I-Phone (outside of work or educa- welcome the risen Christ on Easter:
tion). See if unplugging creates a new awareness in • Commit to attending church regularly during
your life and opens up more time to spend with the Lent - including the services of Holy Week.
people whom you love and with God in prayer and • Attend the weekly Adult Forums (Sunday morn-
contemplation. ings at 9 AM which will consider themes of spiri-
Week 4: March 11 - March 17 tuality from new and interesting perspectives.
Theme: Too busy – Many Christians slow-down their • Undertake a discipline of daily prayer by using
pace of life for the whole season of Lent. But, it is one of the many recommended books (see list on
just so hard to do so. How many devices and cords page 12).
do you bring home to continue working? How many • Attend the weekly “Dinner, Discussion, and De-
hours are students expected to spend on homework votions” on Thursday evenings.
or extra-curricular activities? Work is great; it was • Participate in an Outreach ministry during Lent.
and is part of creation. However, in our culture of • Commit to a Lenten discipline.
never-ending and never-enough production, how Why do we say “good-bye” to the Alleluia during
many opportunities for sharing God’s love do we Lent?
bypass in order to increase our work-related or aca- On the Sunday of the Transfiguration (the last Sun-
demic output? Here’s an idea to consider: God loves day of Epiphany), February 10, we say “good-bye”
you the same even when you are not producing. to “Alleluia” until Easter. The omission of “Alleluia”
Practice: Stop, put down your mouse or pen or cell during Lent goes back at least to the fifth century
phone, at sundown or at specific time each day. in the western church. The association of “Alleluia”
Make a commitment to reserving, preserving a chunk with Easter led to the custom of intentionally omit-
of time each day to devote to family, friends and ting it from the liturgy during the season of Lent, a
neighbors. And, yes, to God. kind of verbal fast which has the effect of creating a
sense of anticipation and even greater joy when the
Week 5: March 18 - March 24 familiar word of praise returns. We do not use it at
Theme: Too consumed – Even as people in many church. We do not use it at home. We let it rest, as it
parts of our country and the world go hungry, our were, during Lent, so that when it reappears on Eas-
culture promotes the virtue of unbridled consump- ter, we may hear it anew. In fact, once it returns on
tion (albeit at sale prices). Everywhere we look, we Easter, we give it no rest at all, repeating it again and
are encouraged to buy, to consume, to use resources again, in celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus.
that promise to make us better people, to look bet-
6
About the Lenten Wreath
The Lenten Wreath, made of bare thorny branches, represents a num-
ber of metaphors: the Crown of Thorns placed upon Jesus’ head by a
mocking Pontius Pilate, the barrenness of the Winter season matched
by the hope of Spring, and the journey through darkness into light.
There are seven candles - one for each Sunday in Lent plus one for
Good Friday. As opposed to the Advent Wreath, where the candles
are lit progressively through the season to represent the coming light
that is the birth of Christ, we begin Lent with all of the candles lit and
snuff one candle each Sunday. This represents the Lenten journey to
Jesus Christ’s passion and crucifixion. We will leave one candle burning
at the conclusion of the Good Friday service as a sign of God’s promise
that the light of Jesus Christ will be fully revealed with his Resurrection,
which ushers in new hope and life for all. Even as we move through the
season of Lent, we always live as Resurrection people.
Submitted by Rev. Kathy Andonian
VESTRY YOU’RE INVITED!!
Please join us for our Annual Parish Meeting
Date: Sunday, February 25
Time: Following the 10:15 AM Service
Where: Sanctuary
All members of the congregation are invited to attend the Annual Parish Meeting on 2/25/18 following the
10:15 AM service. At this time, we will elect Vestry members to fill expiring terms as well as Deanery and
Diocesan delegates and alternates for 2018. At this time, we will also hear reports from Rev. Kathy and other
ministry leaders.
1. Requirements for voting and running for office are contained in our By-laws* as follows:
The Members of the Corporation (COHS) who wish to run for office, and/or vote to elect Vestry mem-
bers and Diocesan Representatives, as well as any questions which may come before any meeting of
the Corporation shall be baptized persons of the age of eighteen (18) or upward who shall have been
regular worshippers in the Church of the Holy Spirit as their place of public worship for at least one year
(12 months) and who appear by the books of the Corporation to have contributed (pledged) toward the
current expenses of the Corporation during the year immediately preceding such election or meeting.
2. Nominating Procedure
As required in Article 3, Section 2 of the By-laws, the following Nominating Committee has been
appointed:
Linda Hill, 610-287-4652, lindah202@verizon.net
Chris Detweiler, 610-960-1497, chris@DetweilerConstruction.com
Eric Hunt, 215-519-6939, Erick@behunt.net
Please contact Linda, Chris, or Eric if you are interested in running for Vestry or Deanery Representative, or
would like more information. Applications will be accepted through 2/09/18.
Any member who wishes to serve on the Vestry or Deanery, but whose name is not presented for election
by the Nominating Committee as noted above, may stand for election by circulating a nominating petition
among the members and obtaining 35 signatures. Petition should be presented to Linda, Chris, or Eric prior to
the meeting to be included in the vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Hill, Rector’s Warden
*The full By-Laws are posted on the bulletin board near the back hallway entrance.
7
ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION and what it means for our lives now.”
ADULT FORUMS Submitted by Rev. Kathryn Andonian
When: Sunday mornings See the link (https://www.trinitywallstreet.org/education/
Time: 9 - 10 AM heaven-on-earth) to download the curriculum guide, glossary,
Where: Parish Hall and videos (click the icon in the upper-right of each video).
(Summary quotes borrowed from https://www.
FEBRUARY trinitywallstreet.org/education/heaven-on-earth
04, 11, 18, 25 Religion, Spirituality, and Meaning in Also see Episcopal News Service, http://mailchi.mp/
the Second Half of Life - Rev. Kathy Andonian episcopalchurch/revelation-end-of-the-world-or-heaven-on-
earth-sponsored?e=05cfa87d21, The Book of Revelation)
Our lives begin and end in mystery. That mystery has
spawned questions that religions and philosophers, MEN’S SPIRITUAL GROWTH GROUP
poets and dreamers through human history have Date: Thursday, February 1
addressed. Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Eric Frankhouser’s Home
Growing older brings with it many changes and, yes,
Once a month, men of all ages gather to share our
losses; but it also offers the opportunity to increase
journey and explore ways to grow ever deeper in
and re-energize spiritual capabilities. Spiritual seeking
our relationship with God as found in community,
keeps us connected to our loved ones while animat-
personally, and through any aspect of our lives. We
ing our lives with continued purpose and affirming
do this by reflecting on and sharing any part of our
us as people of beauty and worth.” Join Rev. Kathy as
lives that has our attention, from the sorrowful to
she guides us through this mystery and wonderment
the joyful, the exciting to the peaceful, the simple to
of spirituality and meaning in the second half of life.
the magnificent. This sharing is often done through
So, we can grow and evolve fully into ourselves.
story-telling of our journey, as well as through book
Submitted by Tori Greenover and article study and how the topics are pertinent to
our life, and therefore to our relationship with God.
PROGRAMS/EVENTS/GROUPS Our next gathering is Thursday, February 1 at 7:00
INDEPENDENT, FREE ONLINE COURSE PM at the home of Eric Frankhouser, where we will
- STUDY AT YOUR OWN PACE continue our discussion of Cynthia Bourgeault’s The
THE BOOK OF REVELATION: THE END OF THE Wisdom Jesus, Part One (thanks to the cancellation
WORLD OR HEAVEN ON EARTH? of January’s meeting due to snow, we will continue
Do you find the Book of Revelation confusing and with Part One). Come join us! Contact Eric Frank-
even disturbing? Would you like to understand it houser (frankgen6@gmail.com, 267-261-3512) for
better? “The Book of Revelation raises questions that more information or to RSVP.
many of us would rather not think about: Does hell Submitted by Eric Frankhouser
exist? Will we be separated from the people we know
and love when we die? What does the end of the FIRST FRIDAY ADULT FAITH FORUM
world look like? What if Revelation is not about end INTERVIEW WITH DAVID BROOKS
times, but rather a guide to how we create heaven When: Friday, February 2, 2018
on earth, right now?” Time: 6:00 PM Pot luck dinner
6:30 PM Topic
Trinity Church Wall Street, an Episcopal Parish in Where: COHS Parish Hall
New York City, offers an online class “with priest, At the one anniversary of the presidential election,
theologian, and seminary professor Michael Battle… David Brooks
see Revelation like you’ve never seen it before: as provides analysis
a source of hope and inspiration. Over the course and commentary
of five videos, Dr. Battle will guide participants on the current
through the Book of Revelation and illuminate how political and
it reveals God’s dream for humanity. Based on his cultural divide
groundbreaking book, Heaven on Earth: God’s Call to in the U.S. In an
Community in the Book of Revelation, this curriculum interview with
is offered to all free of charge. Use it as your Advent Charlie Rose,
Sunday School curriculum, in a small group, or on David Brooks
your own to gain a new perspective on Revelation deconstructs and
8
analyzes the deep and frightening divide we have NEW TESTAMENT STUDY TO RESUME
so painfully become aware since the presidential IN FEBRUARY
election last year. Join us to hear the inspiring analysis Date: Thursday mornings, beginning February 1
of David Brooks. through March 22
Submitted by Hobie Simms Time: 10:00 AM to 12 Noon
Where: COHS Parish Hall
SPIRITUAL FRIENDS MEDITATION
GROUP Bible scholars!! The Study of the New Testament
Date: Monday, February 5 will resume on February 1. You do not have to have
Time: 7:00 PM - please enter in silence attended the first series to jump into this one.
Where: Hobie Simms’ Cottage Our study will focus on the Gospels – all at the
All our welcome to attend! No previous experience is same time! We will be using a comparative process
necessary. Leave refreshed and relaxed. in which we will look at the events in the Gospels –
We generally meet on the first Monday of the month through the eyes of each of the writers.
to practice and learn about contemplative prayer. How did Mark see Jesus’ time on earth? Matthew?
Our meetings begin with listening to Gregorian Luke? John? Did they agree? Or not? Why did each
chants as we center on our intentions and become writer approach the story from a particular perspec-
aware of God’s presence. After a period of silence, tive? To whom was each Gospel written? Why did it
we view a brief tutorial from a prominent clergy matter?
about the practice of contemplative or centering Join us at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 1, for
prayer. Finally, we share our experience as God’s the first session. The series will last for eight weeks,
Spirit leads. If you are interested in learning about or concluding on March 22. And ... if there is enough
experiencing contemplative prayer, please contact demand, consideration will be given to offering a
Hobie Simms (office 610-858-0125, hobartsimms@ concurring evening series.
hotmail.com) or Eric Frankhouser (267-261-3512,
frankgen6@gmailcom). If you are interested, contact Rev. Marge Dean at
revexmarge@gmail.com.
Submitted by Eric Frankhouser.
Submitted by Rev. Marge Dean
BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY SAVE THE DATE
Date: Tuesdays
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
BLESSED ABSALOM JONES
Where: Parish Hall
Are you unable to When: Saturday, February 10
attend an evening Time: 9:30 AM
Bible study? Consider Where: Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral
attending the Brown (free parking)
Bag Bible Study. Bring 23 South 38th Street, Philadelphia, PA
a bag lunch and join
us for a wide-ranging,
and sometimes
unpredictable,
conversation about the Scripture readings for the
upcoming Sunday. This is an easy way to delve
into the Bible, share different perspectives and
discover how these ancient writings of the Word
of God have meaning and relevance in our lives
today. Contact Jan Boggess by email or phone
(215-679-6806) for information.
Participate in the celebration to honor the memory
a spiritual leader who is an historical figure from our
city and Diocese. A reception to follows the service.
9
See further details at the Diocese website: http:// ENCORE – BUCKS COUNTY
myemail.constantcontact.com/A-Diocesan-Ser- SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
vice-Celebrating-the-Life-and-Ministry-of-Bless- WINTER CONCERT FEATURING TOMAN
ed-Absalom-Jones.html?soid=1112711261842&aid=K- GEWIRTZMAN, PIANO
WCASUJgc_g
Date: Sunday, February 25
Submitted by Rev. Kathryn Andonian Time: 3:00 PM
MUSIC WITH ANA HERNANDEZ Where: Bucks County Symphony Orchestra at
Date: February 17, 2018 Central Bucks East High School
Time: 9:30 AM to 12 Noon 2804 Holicong Road, Doylestown, PA
Where: St. Martin’s in the Field, Chestnut Hill, PA Cost: $15.00
Preceded by lunch at 12:30 PM, Roman Delight
Come, meet and enjoy Ana Hernandez, a gifted com-
Restaurant, Ferry Road, Fountainville, PA
poser, arranger, multi-in-
strumentalist and work-
shop facilitator, especially
in the arenas of sacred
music, chant and liturgy.
The program for this
meeting is about diversity
and cultural competence
in her experiences of
group singing and deep
listening.
It is open to absolutely any woman of any age.
Come, join us! This will be deep and fun. COHS ENCORE will be gathering at Central Bucks
All are welcome at this monthly, floating chapter East High School for a winter concert of the Bucks
meeting of the Society of the Companions of the County Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, February
Holy Cross (SCHC). The Companions are a great 25 at 3:00 PM. A Dutch treat lunch will precede
organization of about 800 women from Episcopal, the concert at Roman Delight Restaurant, Ferry
Anglican, and even a few Lutheran churches. Road, Fountainville, PA at 12:30 PM. The program
includes: Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1
Thanksgiving, Intercession, Social Justice, Simplici-
in D minor (Tomer Gewirtzman, piano soloist) and
ty of Life, and, of course, being companionable are
Maurice Ravel: Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2. Israeli
what we’re all about.
pianist Tomar Gewirtzman has been “hailed by The
Check out her web site at anahernandez.org. If you Washington Post as an artist of ‘formidable virtuosity
have questions or would like to car pool, please con- and stylistic sensitivity’ … He has performed recitals
tact Lynn Bingaman by phone 610-287-8623 or e-mail in London in Steinway Hall and in Paris in the Salle
elynnbi@aol.com. Cortot of the École Normale. He has appeared as
Submitted by Lynn Bingaman soloist with orchestras throughout Israel - including
the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Israel Symphony
LENTEN SERIES: PRACTICES OF
Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, and the
LOVE: SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES FOR Israeli Chamber Orchestra - as well as numerous
THE LIFE OF THE WORLD, DINNER, regional orchestras in the United States. Mr.
DISCUSSION, DEVOTIONS Gewirtzman made his New York recital debut on the
When: Thursday Evenings, Feb 22, Mar 1, 8, 15, 22 Young Concert Artists Series and performed a DC
Time: 6 - 8:30 PM recital on the YCA and Washington Performing Arts
Where: Parish Hall, Child care will be provided Series. He also appeared at the Buffalo Chamber
Join us for a potluck Soup and Salad Supper at 6 PM Music Society, Harvard Musical Association, and as
followed by a presentation and discussion about soloist with the Charlottesville Symphony. He has
“Practices of Love: Spiritual Disciplines for the Life of performed at music festivals throughout the United
the World.” We will end the evening with Compline. States and in Europe.”
See page 5 for more details Tickets for the event are $15.00 and are non-refund-
10able. Please call Jack Anderson at 215-412-7863 or BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
e-mail jdacb@verizon.net to confirm ticket availabili- YOUR LENTEN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
ty before making payment.
Living Well Through Lent 2018 by Living Compass
http://www.buckscountysymphony.org/concerts/ (Living Compass [December
winter-concert-featuring-tomer-gewirtzman-piano/ 14, 2017])
Submitted by Jack Anderson jdacb@verizon.net “Lent is a time for introspec-
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING FOR tion and self-reflection, a
ADULTS OF ALL AGES! WHAT time to reflect on the core
MATTERS MOST TO YOU IN THE END? of what it means to live a
When: Sunday, March 11 Christian life. And there is
Time: After fellowship. (approx. 12: 30 - 3:00 pm) nothing more central to that
Potluck Lunch life than loving - loving with
Where: Parish Hall all our heart, soul, strength,
and mind. For people of
Join us for this all-important, in-depth complement faith, love is not an abstract
to the Adult Forum on the same topic held in Jan- or feel-good concept, but
uary. Advance Care Planning is an ongoing process an urgent call to radically incarnate love in how we
to decide future preferences in the event of becom- relate to God, our neighbor, and ourselves.”
ing incapacitated or unable to communicate. This
workshop will provide and encourage adults of every Designed for use as an individual reflection or for
age to truly consider their desires, and to take the group study, this 76-page guide provides a foun-
concrete steps to formalize and communicate these dation for seeking a deeper experience of love
wishes. Guest speakers will present information and and Lent, an experience that will help prepare
answer your questions on the legal forms everyone us for the true meaning of Easter. (Description bor-
rowed from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Liv-
should have in place which includes a: (1) Will, (2) Liv- ing-Well-Through-Lent-2018-ebook/dp/B078B5HW9C/
ing Will, (3) Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, and (4) ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516040623&sr=8-1&keywords=liv-
Power of Attorney (POA). A 5th form will be reviewed ing+well+through+lent.)
known as the Physician's Order of Life-Sustaining Fifty copies have been ordered and will be available
Treatment (POLST). It describes what kind of med- starting February 11. This booklet is also available free
ical care an individual wants/does not want under for download to your Kindle.
certain conditions and is considered to be a “medi-
cally actionable order” by the healthcare community. City of God Faith in the Streets by Sara Miles (Jericho
Books; Reprint edition [February 3, 2015])
Did you know that the hospital only considers the
stipulations listed on a Living Will actionable for two “From the acclaimed author
years from its effective date? So even if you already of Take This Bread and Jesus
have this and the other documents in place, you Freak comes a powerful new
should plan to attend these sessions. This will give account of venturing be-
you the time to revisit your decisions and/or be of yond the borders of religion
support to others who have not yet undertaken mak- into the unpredictable terri-
ing these decisions. tory of faith.
Other topics to be addressed include: Selecting a On Ash Wednesday, 2012,
POA (to make health and/or financial decisions), how Sara Miles and her friends
to begin the discussion with your family, what infor- left their church buildings
mation your POA(s) need to know. Materials will be and carried ashes to the
provided. buzzing city streets: the
crowded dollar stores, beauty shops, hospital wait-
Submitted by Tori Greenover ing rooms, street corners and fast-food joints of her
neighborhood. They marked the foreheads of neigh-
bors and strangers, sharing blessings with waitresses
and drunks, believers and doubters alike.
11City of God narrates the events of the day in vivid detail, exploring the profound implications of touching
strangers with a reminder of common mortality. As the story unfolds, Sara Miles also reflects on life in her
city over the last two decades, where the people of God suffer and rejoice, building community amid the grit
and beauty of this urban landscape.
City of God is a beautifully written personal narrative, rich in complex, real-life characters, and full of the
‘wild, funny, joyful, raucous, reverent’ moments of struggle and faith that have made Miles one of the most
enthralling Christian writers of our time.” (Description borrowed from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/City-God-
Streets-Sara-Miles/dp/1455547301/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516040695&sr=8-1&keywords=city+of+god+faith+in+the+streets.)
Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor (HarperOne; Reprint edition [March 24, 2015])
“From the New York Times bestselling author of An Altar in the World, Barbara Brown
Taylor’s Learning to Walk in the Dark provides a way to find spirituality in those times
when we don’t have all the answers.
Taylor has become increasingly uncomfortable with our tendency to associate all
that is good with lightness and all that is evil and dangerous with darkness. Doesn’t
God work in the nighttime as well? In Learning to Walk in the Dark, Taylor asks us to
put aside our fears and anxieties and to explore all that God has to teach us ‘in the
dark’. She argues that we need to move away from our ‘solar spirituality’ and ease our
way into appreciating ‘lunar spirituality’ (since, like the moon, our experience of the
light waxes and wanes). Through darkness we find courage, we understand the world
in new ways, and we feel God’s presence around us, guiding us through things seen
and unseen. Often, it is while we are in the dark that we grow the most.
With her characteristic charm and literary wisdom, Taylor is our guide through a spirituality of the night-
time, teaching us how to find our footing in times of uncertainty and giving us strength and hope to face all
of life’s challenging moments.” (Description borrowed from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Walk-Barba-
ra-Brown-Taylor/dp/0062024345/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516040924&sr=1-1&keywords=learning+to+walk+in+the+d
ark.)
The Book of Forgiving, The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and the World by Desmond Tutu and Mpho
Tutu (HarperOne; Reprint edition [April 7, 2015])
“Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chair of The Elders, and
Chair of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, along with his
daughter, the Reverend Mpho Tutu, offer a manual on the art of forgiveness—
helping us to realize that we are all capable of healing and transformation.” …
“Each of us has a deep need to forgive and to be forgiven. After much reflection
on the process of forgiveness, Tutu has seen that there are four important steps
to healing: Admitting the wrong and acknowledging the harm; Telling one’s story
and witnessing the anguish; Asking for forgiveness and granting forgiveness;
and renewing or releasing the relationship. Forgiveness is hard work. Sometimes
it even feels like an impossible task. But it is only through walking this fourfold
path that Tutu says we can free ourselves of the endless and unyielding cycle
of pain and retribution. The Book of Forgiving is both a touchstone and a tool,
offering Tutu’s wise advice and showing the way to experience forgiveness. Ulti-
mately, forgiving is the only means we have to heal ourselves and our aching world.” (Description borrowed from
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Book-Forgiving-Fourfold-Healing-Ourselves/dp/0062203576/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UT-
F8&qid=1516040994&sr=1-1&keywords=The+book+of+forgiving.)
The Four Vision Quests of Jesus by Steven Charleston (Morehouse Publishing; large type edition edition [May
1, 2015])
“A unique look at Christian biblical interpretation and theology from the perspective of Native American tra-
dition, this book focuses on four specific experiences of Jesus as portrayed in the synoptic gospels. It exam-
ines each story as a ‘vision quest’, a universal spiritual phenomenon, but one of particular importance within
North American indigenous communities.
12Jesus’ experience in the wilderness is the first quest. It speaks to a foundation-
al Native American value: the need to enter into the ‘we’ rather than the ‘I’. The
Transfiguration is the second quest, describing the Native theology of transcendent
spirituality that impacts reality and shapes mission. Gethsemane is the third quest.
It embodies the Native tradition of the holy men or women, who find their freedom
through discipline and concerns for justice, compassion, and human dignity. Gol-
gotha is the final quest. It represents the Native sacrament of sacrifice (e.g., the Sun
Dance). The chapter on Golgotha is a discussion of kinship, balance, and harmony:
all primary to Native tradition and integral to Christian thought.” (Description bor-
rowed from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Four-Vision-Quests-Jesus/dp/0819231738/ref=s-
r_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516041038&sr=1-1&keywords=the+four+vision+quests+of+jesus.)
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
WINTER YOUTH RETREAT
AT SPRUCE LAKE: CREATING
INTERGENERATIONAL BONDS
It was a privilege to share the weekend at Spruce
Lake with the youth in grades 6-college and adult
chaperones who attended. It was a privilege to once
again be a part of the holy encounter of different
generations spending time in conversations, prayer,
worship, and recreation. We enjoyed highly competi-
tive games of Backgammon, Dominos, Bananagrams,
the shared fun of snow tubing and ice-skating, as
well as quiet moments of reflection and prayer. And,
the singing was awesome accompanied by guitar and
ukulele.
Thank you to our adult chaperones who so willingly gave of their time, experience, and energy to nurture
these young people in faith and Christian community: Rick Alderfer, Tina Andrews, Chris Detweiler, Nick
Duesberry, Fran Gautreau, Julie Glass, Kim Iacovella, Brenda Shea, Angela and Maili Shelly. Chaperoning is
much more than simply ensuring that the youth adhere to rules or “stay out of trouble.” It is a time of sharing
faith stories, listening with a compassionate ear to the hurts and hopes of young people who are transition-
ing from childhood to adulthood, and developing lasting relationships of support and Christian witness.
The presence of adult chaperones who mentor our youth is essential to what is referred to as “sticky faith”
- a faith that “sticks” with youth into their adulthood. While is it essential that young people (and people of
all ages!) develop strong peer relationships in the church, it is equally as important that youth know they are
beloved members of an intergenerational faith community.
Studies show that one of the main predictors of ongoing involvement in a church community is the develop-
ment of intergenerational relationships between youth and adults in their churches. Youth that have one or
more adults in their church that they admire, trust, and talk to are much more likely to continue to be part of
a church community as they mature into adulthood. And, in turn, they are more likely to be mentors to the
young people in their lives! In fact, five of our chaperones were under the age of 30 and four of them were
previous campers! Mentoring has a positive impact in all aspects of the lives of our young people.
Thank you to our teachers, leaders, chaperones, staff, and every member of COHS for nurturing faith in
young generations.
Submitted by Rev. Kathy Andonian
13SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER
Date: February 13
Time: 5 - 6:30 PM
Where: Parish Hall
Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Tuesday) is
the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of
Lent. As the name implies, the day is known for the
eating of pancakes. Pancakes became the food of
choice so that rich ingredients such as eggs, milk,
and sugar could be used up before the start of the
Lenten fast. Pancake Suppers on Shrove Tuesday are
a beloved tradition in Episcopal Churches. Bring your
families and friends to enjoy a supper of pancakes,
sausage/bacon, juice, and coffee/tea. All proceeds
will benefit the Youth/Christian Education fund and, all of the fun and celebration will be of benefit to the
COHS community! Tickets are available on Sunday mornings or at the door: $7/person; $25 for families of 4
or more; children under 3 are free!
Submitted by Karin Schwabe
MUSIC Pipe organ and friend of our parish, Kevin O’Malia.
We met Kevin at the Royal School of Church Music
BROADWAY BY REQUEST CONCERT
in Wilkes-Barre. He had been a student of our dear
When: Saturday, February 10 friend and colleague Mark Laubach. Kevin and I also
Time: 7:00 PM share Westminster Choir College as our alma mater
Where: COHS and he now lives in our “back yard” right in Lans-
dale! Kevin is one of our two guest organists for our
Lincoln Cathedral trip so you may have already heard
a sample of his brilliant playing at one of our Even-
songs!
Kevin J. O’Malia, a native of northeastern Pennsylva-
nia, holds a Bachelor Degree, summa cum laude, and
a Master’s Degree, with distinction, from Westmin-
ster Choir College, the school of music of Rider Uni-
versity. His concentrations of study were in organ,
choral conducting and church music history; his prin-
cipal teachers were Mark Laubach, Mark Anderson,
Diane Meredith Belcher and Tom Whittemore.
Mr. O’Malia is the Director of Music at First United
This concert will feature YOUR favorite Broadway
Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG) in
songs. Come and hear some of your favorite Broad-
northwest Philadelphia. In this capacity, he oversees
way tunes sung as solos, duets, and by the choir.
the choral program, boasting a mixed adult chancel
The set list is being sponsored by patrons and their
choir and a children’s choir, he accompanies Sunday
request donations will benefit the Holy Spirit Lin-
services, and he manages a concert series. These
coln Trip fund. The concert itself will have a free will
concerts feature monthly musical offerings ranging
offering and reception to follow.
from FUMCOG’s own choirs to visiting ensembles
CONCERT - KEVIN O’MALIA, from Philadelphia and beyond. In addition to his du-
DOBSON PIPE ORGAN ties at FUMCOG, Kevin serves as organist at Temple
Date: Saturday, April 14 B’nai Shalom in East Brunswick, NJ, where he accom-
Time: 7:00 PM panies services and assists in directing the temple
Where: COHS choirs.
For our April Concert series, we feature our Dobson Mr. O’Malia is also extremely active as an instructor.
14 He is an adjunct professor, serving on the faculty ofChestnut Hill
College in Phil-
adelphia, where
he directs the
campus choir,
the Hill Singers.
He also serves
as frequent
clinician for the
American Guild
of Organists, the
Royal School of
Church Music in Susan has worked side by side with her mother on
America and the projects at the Center and has focused her person-
American Choral al efforts on the impact of addiction on the family.
Director’s Associ- Susan is particularly active with several programs
ation. Kevin has also holds a private organ and piano at the Center, including medical student training,
studio. A winner of multiple organ competitions, the Center’s unique children’s program, and special
Kevin has concertized in the United States, the Unit- programs for women with addictive disease. Susan
ed Kingdom and France. Many of his performances was elected to the Board of Directors of the Betty
have been featured on regional radio broadcasts. Ford Center in 1992 and succeeded her mother as
More prominently, Mr. O’Malia has appeared on the Chairman of the Board from 2005 – 2010.” (Source:
National Public Radio production Pipedreams several https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recovery-day-tick-
times. ets-41020337935)
For the 2017-2018 concert season, appearances Submitted by Marge Hanna Zeig
include concerts in Johannesburg and Cape Town, COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH
South Africa, with the choir of the First United APPROACHES FOR SEASONAL
Methodist Church of Germantown, service and AFFECTIVE DISORDER
recital appearances in Lincoln, United Kingdom, and (Excerpts are quoted from the December, 2017 issue
more locally, recitals at several venues, including the of NCCIH Clinical Digest.)
Kimmel Center.
“Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depres-
An avid follower of American History and the Phila- sion that comes and goes with the seasons, typically
delphia Phillies, Kevin finds himself at home in Lans- starts in the late fall and early winter and goes away
dale, PA, where he lives with his spouse, Tom. during the spring and summer…Some of the symp-
Submitted by Sue Ellen Echard, Music Director toms of the winter pattern of SAD include having
low energy, overeating, craving carbohydrates, and
PARISH NURSE’S CORNER social withdrawal. Light therapy has become a stan-
DIOCESAN RECOVERY DAY dard treatment of SAD, and antidepressants have
Date: Saturday, March 3 also been shown to improve SAD symptoms. Some
Time: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM people turn to complementary health approaches
Where: All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Torresdale to prevent SAD, including St. John’s wort, and mela-
9601 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA tonin.”1
Register online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ What the Science says about these complementary
recovery-day-tickets-41020337935 health approaches - Light Therapy, Cognitive Behav-
Plan to attend this inspiration day celebrating recov- ioral Therapy (CBT-SAD), St. John’s Wort, and Mela-
ery from addiction and featuring Susan Ford Bales, tonin:
the daughter of President Gerald and Betty Ford. Light Therapy2
Look for further details as the full day’s agenda is “There is some evidence that light therapy may be
decided. useful as a preventive treatment for people with a
Since the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, history of season affect disorder. The idea behind
15light therapy is to replace the diminished sunshine complementary health approaches, including scien-
of the fall and winter months using daily exposure to tific literature searches, summaries of NCCIH-funded
a light box. Most typically, light boxes filter out the research, fact sheets for patients, and more.
ultraviolet rays and require 20-60 minutes of expo- Copyright: Content is in the public domain and
sure to 10,000 lux of cool-white fluorescent light, an may be reprinted, except if marked as copyrighted
amount that is about 20 times greater than ordinary (©). Please credit the National Center for Comple-
indoor lighting.” mentary and Integrative Health as the source. All
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-SAD)2 copyrighted material is the property of its respective
“There is some evidence that cognitive behavioral owners and may not be reprinted without their per-
therapy - SAD can be effective in reducing the recur- mission.
rence and remissions of SAD and has been shown
to be sustained at least between a first and second AROUND THE CHURCH
winter season…Traditional cognitive behavioral ther- AL-ANON MEETINGS
apy has been adapted for use with SAD (CBT-SAD). When: Fridays
CBT-SAD relies on basic techniques of CBT such as Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
identifying negative thoughts and replacing them Where: COHS Meeting Room
with more positive thoughts along with a technique If you have, or have had, a family member, friend,
called behavioral activation. Behavioral activation
seeks to help the person identify activities that are
engaging and pleasurable, whether indoors or out-
doors, to improve coping with winter.”
St. John’s Wort2
A few small studies suggest that “St. John’s Wort may
improve some symptoms of SAD”2; however, there fellow workers, or anyone close to you whose
are risks associated with taking St. John’s wort. (Be drinking or drug use is affecting or troubling you, Al-
sure to discuss these with your health care provider Anon Family Group, Path to Peace, began meeting
before taking it.) every Friday, 10 - 11 AM starting on Friday, October
6. Come in the front door. Al-Anon is a 12-step
Melatonin2
program for people affected by someone else's
“There is some limited evidence (small trials involving
drinking or drug use and gives hope even if the
few patients) that suggests melatonin improves sleep
drinker still drinks or the addict still uses. We find
in some patients with SAD…Melatonin appears to be
we are not alone. As we work the steps together,
safe when used short-term, but the lack of long-term
our focus on the addiction loses its power to take
studies means we don’t know if it’s safe for extended
over our minds and our lives. We learn how to
use.”
regain a healthier, wiser, more serene life. Al-Anon
Take charge of your health — talk with your health shows us a Path to Peace.
care providers if you think you may have SAD, and
Your questions are welcome. Contact: Judy Morice,
about any complementary health approaches you
jemorice@gmail.com, call or text 267-733-7431.
use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed
decisions. Submitted by Judy Morice
Submitted by Maureen Higgins, MSN, RN, THANK YOU!
Parish Nurse Thank you to the Christmas Santa who donated
Sources: financially to the jail ministry at Bucks County Cor-
1
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/ rectional Facility. I will see what can be done to help
Seasonal-Affective-Disorder those incarcerated at the jail at this time. Thank you
for your generosity and thoughtful words.
2
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/
Seasonal-Affective-Disorder-science#heading1 Submitted by Deacon Johnine Byrer
NCCIH Clinical Digest is a service of the National WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, One of God’s major blessings is a long, happy and
NIH, DHHS. NCCIH Clinical Digest, a monthly fruitful marriage. We would like to recognize wed-
e-newsletter, offers evidence-based information on ding anniversaries for those couples married 25 years
16or more. Please contact Karen Work to let her know - men women, and youth. We can teach you to
what your wedding date is. crochet or knit, so don’t be shy if you don’t know
Submitted by Louise Beebe how to, but would love to learn. This ministry can
be completed in the comfort of your own home as
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY… well as in community with other crafters, sitting
With a congregation as large as ours, we can expect and praying and chatting with open hearts.
that some medical emergency might take place
during a service. Did you know that we have an How can you request a shawl? It’s easy. All you
emergency protocol should this occur? It is posted on need do is contact our Coordinator, Naomi Griffiths
the vestry bulletin board at the end of the hall. The or Deacon Johnine Byrer and ask if there is a prayer
important thing to remember – our vergers will take shawl ready to give to someone you might know
the lead in making sure the emergency is taken care who needs comfort or is experiencing joy. The shawl
of without too much interruption of the service. This will be blessed during the Sunday service and then
will include directing utilization of our AED (Auto- handed to you so that you can give this garment of
mated external defibrillator) located on the wall by love to the recipient. In addition, there are shawls
our front entrance, should this become necessary. that have already been blessed located in the wood-
When you have a chance, take a moment to read en chest that are suitable for giving out now.
these procedures. Verger Barry Norris can answer Please contact Naomi Griffiths at 215-237-7943 or
any question you might have. n_griff@verizon.net or Deacon Johnine at 908-399-
Submitted by Karen Work, 4170 or deaconjb@gmail.com if you are interested in
Administrative Coordinator learning more about this ministry.
Submitted by Deacon Johnine Byrer
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS IN THE
COMMUNITY
Date: 2nd Saturday of each month INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK
Time: 10:30 AM until noon FEBRUARY 15 - 28, 2018
Where: COHS Meeting Room
Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) is a collabo-
ration of 32 local faith communities and Keystone
Opportunity Center (KOC) which provides shelter
and social services each year to 16 or more homeless
families in Montgomery and Upper Bucks Counties.
As one of our largest ministries at COHS, it takes 81
scheduled tasks; approximately 369 hours to serve
this ministry February 15 to 28. We’re requesting
volunteers (all ages) to provide transportation, meals,
overnights, and childcare at a buddy church, Grace
Methodist in Telford. These families have experi-
enced horrific misfortune - job loss, disability, fire,
domestic violence and more – and are so apprecia-
tive of the support.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry at Holy Spirit has been Look for a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Contact
in existence since 2005 and created over 500 prayer Jacque Wolfgang or Lynn Bingaman with questions
shawls! Shawls can be used for those undergoing or for more information.
medical procedures, illness, and recovery, for those Submitted by Jacque Wolfgang and Lynn Bingaman
experiencing bereavement, a loss, stress – or for any
reason. They are also beneficial for those experienc-
ing joy-filled moments such as a wedding, a birth, a
graduation or a new job. The possibilities are endless!
We would like to invite you to join our group and
expand it to include ALL generations and people
17You can also read
