HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY - SUNDAY 2/14
Photo from Steve Koehler, December 2019 "On the way to choir practice one icy winter night."
|
|
A Message from Joe Robinson+ |
|
This year, I have found it hard to grasp the flavor of Epiphany, what with all the weirdness of our isolation and being brand new among you. I am happy to be here and look forward to getting to know you all better in the coming months.
Somehow, it feels just now as if I am standing at the doorway of Lent without having done my Epiphany homework. So, I have these next two Sundays to round out this season of bright white light before we move into the desert of Lent to confront and measure our inward selves.
During the season of Epiphany, we move from one great light to another. The bookends of this season are Bethlehem’s Star on the one hand and the blinding light of Transfiguration on the other. Between these great lights, we learn of Jesus’ Baptism at the Jordan, we hear about the Calling of the Fisherfolk, casting out demons, healing Peter’s mother-in-law, and the Transfiguration of Christ. No small lessons in themselves, and each one leads us to what comes next.
And, then Ash Wednesday, and Jesus is led by the Spirit into solitude, into the wilderness, not to escape the trials of life, but to face them head on. So it is with our experience. We finish off the season of light, with one final fling of a feast called Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and then we settle in for 40 days of self-examination.
Lent is a remarkable and important time of year for the growing Christian; not to prove how much chocolate we can live without so much as to discover, or at least uncover who we are in our relationship with God. Lent is less about deprivation than it is about destination. Lent looks forward to a week in Jerusalem that makes all the difference in our lives. In Lent, we strip away all that does not matter in our lives, so that we can focus on that which does matter. Like the peeling of an onion, Lent invites us to get to the “quick” of things, to get under our own skin, no longer content to have an “almost” experience with an “almost” Savior, but to prepare ourselves to rub up against the reality of a Risen Savior come Easter.
The key to devotion during Lent is not “want” but “discipline.” Lent helps us set some boundaries on our lives that seem to run out of control at times. Lent exerts a pattern, a structure to follow. So, by all means, give something up for lent if that helps you get a realistic look at your life. Or better, take something on.
Make a difference in the life of someone else for 40 days. Lighten someone else’s load for a season. This is the discipline that tunes our hearts to understand this God who confronts, consoles, and in the end, gives a divine life for us.
You will notice a few liturgical changes in this season;
- The flowers on our altar will be replaced by dry and desert things;
- Our services will begin with a penitential rite, which begins our time together with litany, confession and absolution;
- Our responses will be of a subdued and sometimes penitential nature;
- We will miss singing and saying alleluias for a time;
- Services might lack a bit of the “Spark” that often marks Christian celebration at other times of the year.
But these services will be here, if we take advantage of them,
- to help make our way through the desert more discerning, more successful in bringing to mind our need to change direction;
- more focused on others than on ourselves;
- and more prepared to understand the dear cost of the sacrifice and the cause of the resurrection that follow in Holy Week
In the end, it is all about love, the incredible love God has for humanity, all humanity, and how we respond to such love in our own lives.
This particular Lent offers possibilities that will be different from other years. That is why I am writing to you about Lenten things so early. We are still two weeks from Ash Wednesday, but I find that everything I do now requires more planning and lead time than before. So, start to dream now about what Lent can be for you this year.
- Pick a few people who are going to be your targets for Lent. People you know, or people you don’t, or maybe some of both.
- Think of an art project, a card, a favorite food, a memory you would like to remind them of;
- While we are not able to gather with others to share a meal or conversation in person, the CDC says there is no evidence of spreading the virus through food. So you can make a cake or a dish that let’s someone else know you are thinking of them. Read up on precautions you should take;
-
Take on a discipline of making a phone call or writing a note every day to someone who does not expect to hear from you. (Yes, emails and text messaging counts too.)
These are all actions based on the outward perspective of Lent.
Next time, I’ll write about some practices for the inward journey, which require less lead time.
Blessings,
Joe Robinson+
|
|
The Church of the Holy Spirit
Annual Parish Meeting
Sunday February 21, 2021
|
|
WARRANT
That the Annual Meeting of The Church of the Holy Spirit, in the County of Barnstable, Town of Orleans, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, will be held virtually at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 21, 2021, to act on the following:
1) To receive and approve the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of The Church of the Holy Spirit on Sunday, February 9, 2020.
2) The Nominating Committee respectfully offers the following slate of candidates:
Warden 2-year term OPEN (Melissa Keeffe is retiring)
Treasurer 1-year term Chris Crighton eligible for re-election to 2nd term
Clerk 1-year term Jack Gentile eligible for re-election to 4th term
Vestry 2-year term Tom Dewing eligible for re-election to 2nd term
Vestry 2-year term Kathy Goddard eligible for re-election to 2nd term
Vestry 2-year term OPEN (Meredith Perkins is retiring)
Vestry 2-year term OPEN (Kate Paradise has completed her 4-year term)
Vestry 1-year term OPEN (to fill the 2nd year of Brenda Ridgeway’s 2nd term)
Alt Delegate to Convention & Deanery 2-year term OPEN
Delegate to Convention & Deanery 2-year term OPEN
Delegate to Convention & Deanery Celia Calhoun is continuing her first two-year term, but included in vote to correct error at last Annual Meeting
Continuing in Office: The following Officers, Vestrypersons, and Delegates are continuing their terms in office:
Warden Steve Koehler first term
Vestry Doug Fromm second term
Vestry John Harter first term
Vestry Priscilla Isner first term
Delegates to Cape Cod Council of Churches
The Rev. Bill Heuss second term
Margaret Anne Heuss second term
3) To receive the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget adopted by the Vestry.
4) To receive all Reports that are presented.
5) Because this Annual Meeting will be held virtually, there is no alternate date scheduled due to inclement weather.
In Witness Whereof this 21st day of January 2021,
I do hereby set my signature this 21st day of December 2021.
John H. Gentile
John Gentile, Parish Clerk
|
|
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT |
|
The members of the 2020 Nominating Committee were Mary Anne Bragdon, Judy Gardiner, Cynthia Murray, Rick Paris, and retiring vestry member Kate Paradise (Chair). The Committee unanimously offers the following slate of candidates to serve as Vestry officers, Vestry members, and Delegates for consideration at the Annual Meeting to be held February 21, 2021: ( Click here to read member bio's)
Continuing in office:
Vestry
Steven Koehler Warden 1 year remaining
Douglas (Doug) Fromm Vestry member 1 year remaining
John Harter Vestry member 1 year remaining
Priscilla Isner Vestry member 1 year remaining
Diocesan Convention and Deanery
Celia Calhoun* Delegate 1 year remaining
Cape Cod Council of Churches
The Rev. Bill Heuss* Delegate 1 year remaining
Margaret Anne Heuss* Delegate 1 year remaining
(*placed in nomination below to correct prior year errors)
Placed in Nomination:
Vestry
Brenda Ridgeway Warden 1st 2-year term
Gordon (Chris) Crighton Treasurer 2nd 1-year term
John (Jack) Gentile Clerk 4th 1-year term
Nancy Boccia Vestry member 1 year (completing unexpired term)
Katherine (Kathy) Goddard Vestry member 2nd 2-year term
J. Thompson (Tom) Dewing Vestry member 2nd 2-year term
Ann Pike-Paris Vestry member 1st 2-year term
Johanna (Hanna) Schneider Vestry member 1st 2-year term
Diocesan Convention and Deanery
Katherine (Kate) Paradise Delegate 1st 2-year term
Cynthia Murray Alternate Delegate 1st 2-year term
|
|
ZOOM WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT CHS |
|
SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE
at 10:00 a.m.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A Zoom Meeting invitation email is sent
Fridays at Noon.
It includes links to the Zoom service,
Sunday Bulletin, and CHS Announcements.
These services will continue to be a Eucharist through the
Season of Epiphany including Sunday, February 14th.
If you don't use Zoom, you can now join us via live stream or, later,
watch the recorded services using the CHS YouTube Channel. Click Here
|
|
TUESDAY HEALING SERVICE
10:00 A.M.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Please join Gail Smith+ for our
powerful healing service.
A Zoom Meeting invitation email is
sent Mondays at Noon.
|
|
|
COVID 19 Vaccinations
From the Orleans Health Department:
Released: January 27, 2021
An important message regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and
how to sign up for CODE RED NOTIFICATIONS.
The Town of Orleans would like to share some important information with you regarding COVID 19 vaccinations. Governor Baker announced this week that Phase 2 of the vaccination rollout plan begins on February 1. The Orleans Health Department is committed to vaccinating all of our residents who are eligible for Phase 2, and will do so as soon as we are able.
When clinics for Orleans residents are planned, information about when, where and how to sign up will be distributed using CODE RED calls and Town websites.
Members who live in other towns, please check with your local Police
for similar communication programs to keep you informed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here again are key other links to information about vaccinations.
"Who": If you have questions about who should receive vaccinations, check out this CDC page on vaccination schedules:
"When”: This is being updated almost daily by the Governor of Massachusetts. Go to this page for the most current updates:
“Where”: If you are in Phase 1, you would have this information. Per the state Covid19 web site, no specific locations for those in Phase 2 & 3 have been given. The web page for “when” should provide this information at a later date.
And please always keep in mind, this information changes so rapidly, you want to be sure you have the most recent posting.
___________________________________________
Other Healthcare links that might be helpful:
_________________________________________________________
"COVID ARM" is an angry red harmless rash but annoying response in some people who get the Moderna vaccine. Aside from sometimes being itchy, it doesn't appear to be dangerous, and people who get it should not hesitate to get their second dose of the vaccine. Dr. Esther Freeman, director of global health dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital says, "There is no indication the reaction is anything but a topical – and brief – response as the body’s immune system goes to work. We want to reassure people that this is a known phenomenon. Having a big red splotch on your arm for a couple of days may not be fun but the reality is there's no need to panic and no reason not to get your second shot."
|
|
BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES |
|
There are useful resources at the county level including a newsletter from the Barnstable County Department of Human Services. This bi-weekly newsletter is designed to provide timely information on health and human service topics of interest for people living and working in Barnstable County.
This newsletter includes information about local vaccine distribution and testing sites as well as links to many organizations available to you. Click here to subscribe.
|
|
FOOD 4 KIDS
Nauset Schools Needs Volunteers
To Help Prepare Grab-And-Go Meals
NOW!!
We know it's not summer yet, but Nauset Schools is experiencing
very high demand for their grab-and-go meals and would like help preparing them.
While students attending in person receive meals in their classrooms, many children
are still learning remotely. And the economic pressure on families is not going away -
food insecurity is higher than ever. Food 4 Kids has offered to help find volunteers.
Want to jump right in and sign up? Go to our SignUpGenius page here:
And if you would like to keep up-to-date on volunteer opportunities with Food 4 Kids, let Brenda and Anne know at info@food4kidscapecod.org.
|
|
Valentine's Day - Sunday February 14th
Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14th. It originated as a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and is recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. While typically we remember and honor the significant love in our life. This year might also be the year where sharing your love with your friends and other family members may be just the "pick me up" that will make a difference in their life. Spread love!
|
|
 |
Super Bowl Sunday - February 7th. A strange day to see Tom Brady #12 not in a Patriot's uniform.
Thought this song was apropos...
"Drop Kick Me Jesus Through the Goal Post of Life"
Sung by Bobby Bare.
|
|
|
|
If this dog does not make you smile,
I give up! I could hear it say
"Make sure you get this recorded!"
|
|
|
|
Find Some
Silver Linings
Shared insights from each other.
|
|
The first recorded case of Corona virus in the USA was reported in Washington State on January 22, 2020.... seems like a lifetime ago. Little did we know how it would be the harbinger to this crazy awful pandemic and changes to everything we took for granted.
At times, it felt like our whole world has been living under a black cloud for the past year.
In the recent edition of Good Housekeeping, Editor Jane Francisco shared she had received a card from a friend with a holiday note; "What a year it's been! The global pandemic has challenged us beyond our wildest dreams, and although some days we are not at our finest, we did learn to dig deeper, try harder and love more."
Jane went on to ask her staff, "As we take on 2021, it would be nice to focus on some of the bright spots and life lessons of the past 12 months." She asked her staff to share insights from their personal experiences during the pandemic. I thought this was a great idea for us to do as well.
So, I've created a new section of Being Together-Apart called Silver Linings and invite everyone to send me insights from your personal experiences during the past year that I will include in each edition. Think of it as a chance to share what you might say at a coffee hour. Please indicate if you want your contribution to be published anonymously.
As Gail+ shared in her sermon on Sunday, "We have found our way forward; we need to let God come spiritually into our heart because we never know when you'll encounter God while on the road.... Say Yes!"
Happy Valentines Day!
Sue
|
|
When in-person worship stopped last year, I felt out of kilter. Attending the 8:00 Sunday service was how I "started my week" on the correct foot. When Gail+ started the Sunday Zoom service at 10:00, I realized how much I missed our parish family. This has become an intimate worship experience each week with some of the "regular 8:00 gang" but I also have the joy of worshiping with so many of you I usually did not see each week before the pandemic...it has been my silver lining and blessing. Sue Sasso
|
|
THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS -
I want to share a story with you and thank you all for your prayers. I found myself in the ED at Brigham & Women’s last Saturday morning, after a trip and fall on my way to work (just a wrist sprain!) The attending physician was David Meguerdichian; I recognized his name from our prayer list. We each smiled as we made the CHS connection, along with his brother Michael. It was a bright moment for us. We thank you for your ongoing prayers for frontline workers during the COVID pandemic! Blessings, Meg Nemitz
|
|
|
JOE ROBINSON+ CONTACT INFORMATION:
Please add this to your contacts and use it for communications directly with our new Transitional Priest In Charge, Joe Robinson.
joer@chsorleans.org
You can also call the parish office and
leave a message for Joe with the answering service.
508-255-0433
Make sure your message includes how Joe can respond to your call.
|
|
ASH WEDNESDAY is February 17th - Stay tuned for information about a Zoom Service.
CHS WEB SITE UPDATE: To live stream or watch recorded services later, please go to our web site holyspiritorleans.org and click on “VIEW ONLINE”. To download the Sunday Service Bulletin, select “CLICK HERE FOR SUNDAY SERVICE BULLETIN”
IN PERSON-MEETINGS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have suspended in-person meetings on our church campus. If you need access, please call the office and someone will call you back. If you need to drop something off, please use the black mailbox that is outside the office door. To reach the clergy for emergencies or other church related business please call the church office and press 0 or email Gail+ gsmith at chsorleans.org
PLEDGE ENVELOPES: 2021 offertory envelopes were mailed to those who requested either weekly or monthly pledge envelopes. If you are expecting envelopes and did not receive them, please let the church office know.
SUNDAY'S GLIMPSE OF THE GOSPEL: The Gospel speaks to us today personally and as a community. Join us Sundays at 8:45 a.m. to delve into the Gospel and pray for one another. Contact Gail Smith+ for the Zoom link.
CENTERING PRAYER: Until CHS can resume hosting, the Monday and Thursday Centering Prayer gatherings will be held at 4:30 at the Orleans Federated Church. Wearing a mask, ring the bell and enter through the door on the East side of the building. Sign in, and look for us at the end of the hall to your right. Sometimes we meet in the Sanctuary upstairs.
WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER GROUP: The CHS Morning Prayer Group prays on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. from the comfort of their own homes. Contact Richard O'Hara and he will send you the coming month's scripture readings for Wednesdays. His email and phone numbers are in the Parish Directory.
FEELING PINCHED AND STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET because of the pandemic's impact on your life? Please contact Gail Smith+. Funds are available through the Discretionary Fund.
FORWARD DAY BY DAY: Copies of the November, December and January book are now available. Contact Debbi in the Parish Office. She will mail it to you.
PRAYER REQUEST: Please call the office with your prayer requests at 508-255-0433 and leave a message. They will remain on the CHS Public Prayer List for 4 weeks. If you need them to be on the list for a longer period, please let us know.
PRIVATE INTERCESSORY PRAYER: The CHS Intercessors is a small group of CHS members who are committed to pray regularly for your concerns. If you need private prayer for any reason, please call the Parish Office. Someone will contact you. ALL requests will be held in confidence.
PARISH DIRECTORY: We no longer include member's personal contact information in our communications. Call the Parish Office and we will email you an electronic copy or snail-mail you a hard copy of the current Parish Directory so you can "stay in touch."
|
|
Celebrations, Remembrances and Prayers
Upcoming dates to give you time to send a note, card, or call.
BIRTHDAYS
William Wahlquist 2.1 David Smith 2.2 Patricia Carroll 2.5
Deborah Kimball 2.5 Chase Thomas Tavano 2. 5
Dana L Hammatt 2.6 Elizabeth P. Daiute 2.8
Brooke Eaton-Skea 2.8 Jaden Ellison 2.8 Benjamin Chung 2.9
Philip Sousa 2.10 Jack Sasso 2.13 Hannah Chung 2.15
David Gass 2.15 Davis Keeffe-Jones 2.15
Joan Kirkby 2.16 Rebecca Ash 2.19 Nigel Diamond 2.21
Martha Armstrong 2.22 Joseph W. Gramer 2.23
Edward Mason 2.28
ANNIVERSARIES
Bob and Kathy Hubby 2.01.86
Arthur and Ellen Snyder 2.05.44
Dick and Ann Anderson 2.07.60
Bill and Judy Gardiner 2.14.70
ORDINATIONS
REMEMBRANCES
Elizabeth C. Houghton 2.01.08 Sara Joy 2.01.09
Helene Barrington 2.02.15 Charles Boulton 2.02.89
Muriel Maguire 2.03.06 James Boyd 2.04.15 Edward Gombos 2.04.91
Florence E. Idman 2.04.15 Richard H. Jones 2.04.08
Helen Enochs 2.09.01 Shirley Felsenthal 2.09.98 Ruth Fish 2.09.05
Gladys Pearston 2.09.07 Robert Affleck 2.10.81 Philip Drew 2.10.98
John Seale 2.10.86 Alfred Chandler 2.11.80 Edrie Dalton 2.11.97
Fay Olwig 2.11.02 Gertrude Cuthbert 2.14.99 Anne Hagenbuckle 2.15.75
Mary Varga 2.16.92 Libby Anderson 2.17.07 Helen Riedl 2.21.97
Christopher H. Lovelock 2.21.08 Margery Mead 2.22.93
Tommy Thompson 2.24.01 Ellie Brainard 2.25.15
John I. Lough 2.28.08
RECENT DEATHS
Joan Gould 1.10.2021
John (Jack) Nixon 1.18.2021
June Glover 1.27/2021
THOSE REQUESTING OUR PRAYERS
Milt Barnes Jr., Elizabeth Beattie, Robert Blanchet, Kate Carroll, Beverly Chace,
Dorothy Cross, Betty Daiute, Noah Evans, Cassie Fariello, Ali Funnell, Ernest Gordon, Mary Beth Guiliano, Adelaide Hubler, Ruth Evans Jones, Bill Kirkby, Joe Manson,
Ed Mason, Bill Nemitz, Dianna Oliveira, Jennifer Peters, Joan Proctor, The Bayuk Family, Linda Stabb, Jared, Mike, Bill Wahlquist For all our service women and men.
PRAYING FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY COVID 19
Those on the front lines Dr. Susan Cornell, Kristin Crighton, Dr. Donald Dupuis,
Liberty Jane Dupuis, Steven Isner, Carol LaBranche, Kristian Kurtzke, Jenn Marlin,
Dr. David Meguerdichian, Dr. Michael Meguerdichian, Dr. Nadia Huancuhuari,
Joy, Danielle Pensa, Meg Nemitz, Kelly Crossland, Justin Tavano, Holly Tavano,
Kimberly Topping, Mike Topping, Peter Vogt
.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Watch over thy children, O'Lord, as their days increase.
Bless and guide them wherever they may be, keeping them unspotted
from the world. Strengthen them when they stand;
comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall;
And in their hearts, may thy peace, which passes all understanding,
Abide all the days of their lives; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
|
|
DIOCESE of MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNICATIONS
Stay informed and connected to the Episcopal Diocese of MA
Sign up to receive our diocesan communications,
|
|
The next edition of Being Together-Apart is Wednesday February 17, 2021.
Send items to be included to Sue Sasso by
Monday end of day February 16th.
newsletters@chsorleans.org
|
|
THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Stay current on happenings at CHS.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
