November 22, 2023

THE CHURCH


OF THE


HOLY SPIRIT

Episcopal


ORLEANS, MA

Drawing by Dan Joy

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Give thanks to the Lord,

for He is good, his love endures forever.

1Chronicles 16:34

CHS THANKSGIVING SERVICE

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23 - 10:00 am

JOIN US IN PERSON OR VIA YOUTUBE

A MESSAGE FROM PATRICK

Thanks and Praise


Some years ago, an Anglican monk gave me a suggestion for living with grief. "Name, at any moment, five reasons you are thankful!" he said, opening his own fist as he spoke, fully extending four fingers and thumb. I thought in the moment of the countless Thanksgiving turkeys I'd drawn in grade school -- renderings always begun with the tracing of my own splayed left hand. 


I have a weakness for little disciplines such as the one he was offering me. The act of giving thanks, after all, isn't simply one of counting one's own blessings. To give thanks is to acknowledge God as creator of all, and to commit in the moment to the reality of a giver and creator at the heart of a universe that can seem at times to be reeling or disintegrating. That commitment is also a source of hope: if goodness has visited before, it can and will visit again.


So, find a quiet spot this Thanksgiving week and give it a try! Here are five "gratitudes" of my own:


Parish Leadership: While our parish is managed by four officers, a vestry, and me, leadership here is broad, diffuse and generous. So many of you "walk in like you own the place" as someone once observed. The truth under that expression is the idea that we each have a stake in a common life here. And dozens of you care in extraordinary ways for our buildings, our grounds, our liturgy, and our ministries such as Food for Kids and our Free Shop. Faith, experience, creativity, generosity and courage abound here.


Pledging: Your officers have some good news to share with you Sunday, November 26. Pledging to me is secondarily about dollar amounts and meeting a budget projection. It is primarily about our collective faith in a shared future and our commitment to ministering together. I'm so thankful for first-time pledgers. It's about the action taken, not the amount.


Welcoming the Stranger: Having helped to lead three funerals in the past seven days (Joan Gere, Sue Mittelstaedt, Jeff Scott), I'm thankful for the sense of radical welcome experienced by those coming here to celebrate and grieve. Our choir members support with their singing. Our ushers gently guide families through the liturgy. Our kitchen team offers food and drink in the best tradition of Christian hospitality. I can't sufficiently put into words the gratitude I receive on your behalf from visitors.


Newcomers: I'm thankful for all the people who have told me that they are new this year, either new to church generally or, new to our particular community. It's easy to forget that anyone's decision to commit a portion of Sunday morning to worshipping God with strangers is extraordinary and reason to celebrate. Nothing in the wider culture supports such a decision. And yet the wider future of creation depends, I think, upon choices such as these. 


Our home here with you: Roger and I love living here and serving with you. We began our married life together earlier this year, and I can speak for both of us in this instance when I share that we could not have made a better decision than to accept the CHS call

in late 2022.


We give thanks for you. Happy Thanksgiving.


Patrick

WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICES

SUNDAY MORNING EUCHARIST SERVICE

10:00 A.M.

++++++++++++

In-person worship at the church with music

followed by Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall.


Church School starts at 9:45 in the lower level of the Parish Hall.

Visitors are always welcome!


On the fourth Sunday of each month,

children worship in church with their families.


If you are unable to join us in person, you may watch the service on your

Smart TV or another device.

Use this link to reach our YouTube channel:


https://www.youtube.com/@churchoftheholyspiritorleans


Then select the service from Upcoming Live Streams options.

TUESDAY MORNING LECTIO DIVINA AND PRAYERS

(Formerly Healing Service)

Lectio Divina is a monastic mode of prayer, contemplation and bible study

and all are welcome to experience this with us.

 10:00 a.m. via ZOOM

A Zoom Meeting invitation email is sent on Monday mornings.

It includes links to the Zoom service and Service Bulletin and Readings.

HOLY EUCHARIST AND PRAYERS FOR HEALING

Thursdays at 11:00 am in the Church

Join us for a simple service of weekday Holy Eucharist

with a short meditation.

Private prayers for healing available after the service concludes.

WARDENS' REPORT

The Vestry met on November 16, gathering a bit early to celebrate Patrick's 1st Anniversary at The Church of the Holy Spirit. Dianne Fromm led the meditation with a thoughtful and well-crafted prayer from "My Heart in My Mouth" by Ted Loder, who has been called the poet of prayer.


Brian Ridgeway and Dave Blanchet from Buildings and Grounds made a special presentation to the Vestry on the topic of future heating and cooling needs for the Parish Hall. Using diagrams, they helped the Vestry to understand the components (boilers, furnaces, air handlers, condensers) that comprise our heating systems for the church, parish hall, and rectory. They also explained that the HVAC systems in the parish hall have proven useful beyond their expected lifespan. They provided the Vestry with three options for the near future: 1) wait for a major breakdown and address the problem at that time, 2) replace the systems responsible for most of the area on the upper and lower levels of the parish hall, or 3) replace the entire HVAC system in the basement, attic, and outside of the parish hall. A lively discussion ensued, and the Vestry approved the second option. Buildings and Grounds will secure bids from several contractors for this project, hoping to have the work completed in the spring--between the heating and cooling seasons.


Chris Crighton, our treasurer, reported that he and the various departments have begun working on the budget for 2024. At the same time, he is waiting for stewardship figures and a final total from our fabulous Bazaar. A Bazaar wrap up meeting was held on November 14 with all Bazaar departments reporting enthusiastically on this year's many successes and already planning ahead for next year! Thank you to Nancy Boccia for leading this team and to everyone who helped out in some fashion.


Looking ahead, the 45th Annual Antiques Show and Sale is all set for the weekend of November 24 and 25. The Fresh Holiday Arrangements Committee will be in the Parish Hall all week from November 27 through December 2 as they create their beautiful works and sell them. Please refer to articles elsewhere in this newsletter for more information.


The Invite-Welcome-Connect Gatherings concluded on Saturday, November 18--all thirteen of them. A special thank you to all of the hosts who so graciously opened their homes and to Patrick for attending every meeting! We hear that each gathering was a bit different, but that all of the participants enjoyed themselves immensely. The Invite-Welcome-Connect Potluck was held on November 9 with over thirty parishioners attending. After a delicious dinner and introduction by Patrick, we broke into small groups to review the checklists provided in the appendices to the I-W-C book.


We can all agree that we have begun to take steps towards transforming our church, but we have room to grow! A make-up session for this meeting will be held in January, as the second week in November proved just too busy for some of us.


We wish everyone of you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Thank you all for your prayers and support during this season of gratitude for all that we have received.

Brenda and Celia

DIOCESAN CONVENTION REPORT

“In Christ, Called to Collaborate”

Friday/Saturday, October 27/28,

 The Rev. Patrick Ward, Celia Calhoun, and Kate Paradise in attendance.


The Convention started with Friday afternoon’s program on Collaboration, presented through panel presentations with Q&A, followed by small group conversations. Various examples were given of parishes and groups collaborating to share clergy or to share living together in an Episcopalian community. Friday evening’s Keynote Address here

was given by The Reverend Katie Namakura Renger, the Presiding Bishop’s Staff Officer for Church Planting. She gave an amusing story of her experience in planting a church in Birmingham, Alabama, with all the challenges that she and her team faced.


Saturday began with the feeding of the 500 attendees (approximately) through a wonderful Eucharist service, including the last Convention Address by retiring Bishop Alan Gates. His message to us all was moving, inspiring, and hopeful. Please do take the time to listen to/ watch his address here.


The business of the day followed with voting people into positions on various committees, and voting on all the Resolutions link here  scroll down for resolutions) covering Reparations and other matters. This included an amendment to Canon 14 on the Organization of Parishes and Missions, to include “Intentional Episcopal Communities”. These are the new kinds of parishes or communities, collaborating in new ways, as described throughout Friday’s sessions.


Questions? Please contact us!

Celia Calhoun and Kate Paradise, Diocesan Delegates 

THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

45TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY ANTIQUES SHOW & SALE

November 24 & 25th - SAVE THE DATES!

After you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, come to our Parish Hall on Friday, November 24th, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and on Saturday, November 25h, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will be 25 antique dealers from the New England area offering you a wide range of choice antiques to choose from, including......

18th and 19th century furniture, nautical items, quilts, Staffordshire china, ironstone, early American pattern glass, jewelry, Americana, brass candlesticks, vintage post cards, chocolate and ice cream moulds, primitives, textiles, folk and fine art. 


Monies raised at this annual event are used to support our parish programs and local outreach. If you have any questions or wish to volunteer (assist setting up and breaking down or selling admission tickets), please contact Debbie Meguerdichian, Chair 774-722-4739. Thank you for your support.

FRESH HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS SALE

NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 1 & 2

and Sunday, December 3 for parishioners

COME JOIN THE FUN! Beginning Monday, November 27, the Parish Hall will be set up as a holiday workshop for one week.


HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP

Monday 11/27 -9:00 help us bring our supplies from the attic to the Parish Hall - MANY HANDS LIGHTEN THE LOAD!


Bring your fresh evergreen and pine clippings to CHS - place them on the deck on the west side of the Parish Hall (exit by piano).


HAVE GREENS TO DONATE BUT NEED SOMEONE TO CLIP THEM?

call Sue Sasso - 860-614-1341 - she will arrange for someone to come and CAREFULLY CLIP/PRUNE your trees or shrubs...OR...


CHANCE TO VOLUNTEER - MONDAY - SATURDAY - 9:00 - 5:00

Help make arrangements and swags...or with other tasks.

Come for an hour or two... or a day or two... whatever fits your schedule.


  • Don't know how? WE WILL TEACH YOU!!!
  • We have ALL the supplies - just bring your clippers, your hands, and a willingness to learn AND HAVE FUN!!!. Everyone who comes to see what we do ends up having fun! Come as often as you wish... for as long as you are able.
  • If making arrangements is not for you.... THERE ARE MANY OTHER TASKS YOU COULD HELP WITH such as pricing, keeping arrangements watered, organizing our supplies, learning how to make bows...


COME TO THE SALE - Tell your friends and neighbors


OPEN TO PUBLIC NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 2

and for the Parish on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3.

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

The Church School / Youth Group has had a busy October -


We had a wonderful time with Pumpkin Carving and Pizza night!  22 pumpkins were used, many were carved with funny, creepy or traditional faces! Lots of Family Fun!  

On the last Sunday of October, we explored the All Souls Day and also the tradition of

Day of The Dead or Dia de los Muertos. We brought photos of family members that we love and see no more. We visited St. Dunstan's Chapel and had our own service where we shared about our family members as well as learning a special prayer for this time.  

LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS. 

December 3rd the First Day of Advent - Advent Wreath making after Church in the Parish Hall!  

All are welcome and donating greens is encouraged. 

The Church School is gearing up for the Christmas Eve Pageant


The Pageant Rehearsal is on Saturday, December 9th...and.... 

we will also be having our annual Gingerbread House Decorating evening, followed by Pizza in the Parish Hall.


The order of events is as follows: 

4:30 pm  Pageant Rehearsal

5:30 pm  Gingerbread House Decorating

6:00 pm  Pizza


All are welcome, not just pageant participants!!  


We do need you to sign up if you are interested so that we have enough HOUSES for all!  Deadline for sign-ups is November 26th.


A candy donation sign up will also be available. This Deadline is December 3rd

Signups for all are in the Parish Hall!

Monarch Refuge - a story from Ruth Campbell

The Church School children have been learning about our milkweed plants in the parking lot outside the kitchen.


They are creating Christmas gifts from the milkweed pods for their families. These plants are the only food for Monarch Butterflies. They will die if the plants disappear.



Thank you to Donna Tavano who has helped with the creation of the children’s gifts and to Roger Lovejoy for the inspiration from an ornament he made in 2nd grade using a milkweed pod! 


This project has made me think about Joan McFadden, our much beloved and missed Church School Director.


On the morning of Joan McFadden’s funeral, July 17, 2022, a Monarch butterfly was

flying between the plants in the Kitchen parking lot. When I got near, it didn’t leave.

I watched for about 2 minutes ... she didn’t seem to be afraid of me. I hated to leave her.


About an hour later Barbara Knisell brought cookies for the reception into the kitchen and she said to me, “There is the most beautiful Monarch butterfly flying around the milkweed, and she just seemed to stay when I went near her. I took a video!” We felt very close to Joan during that experience, and it has led us to making sure our children know how to care for creation with Joan still guiding us! Fly on Joan.... Fly on!

LADIES' LUNCHEON

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7th AT NOON

Our CHS Ladies Luncheon in November was well attended. We had colorful Turkey centerpieces made by a couple of our Crafty Chicks! 


In a twinkling of an eye, it will be December, and the first Thursday is December 7th. Come join us! 


Bring a sandwich or salad and we’ll meet in the Parish Hall a bit before 12:00, so we’ll have a little while to visit before we sit down. Drinks are provided.


Our volunteers for December are: Dylis Smith, dessert; Ginny Lucil, chips; and I’m on for the rest. Hope to see you then.


Fay Cole, Convener

FREE SHOP

FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED - FREELY GIVE

50 YEARS OF FREE!

1973 - 2023

Celebrate this milestone with us on

Sunday, December 10th at 11:30 in the Parish Hall


Did you know that the CHS Free Shop offering quality, gently used clothing to everyone

is turning 50 this year?


In the book, "The First Fifty Years... the story of The Church of the Holy Spirit" we find this historical entry:

When a slump in the construction industry in 1973 led to a widespread need on the Cape for clothing and home furnishings for many economically depressed families, a member of the congregation brought forward a unique idea - "the Free Shop." Here, for no payment at all, and no questions asked, clothing, linens, blankets, toys, and small household items were to be made available for people without cash enough to go to thrift shops or rummage sales. On the day before the opening, considerable apprehension was felt over the absence of goods, but, miraculously, just as in the early days of the church, the need was met: a huge assortment of goods turned up, given by people spontaneously and with only sparse advance publicity.


Still run by parish volunteers, the Free Shop is open Monday and Wednesday, from 10 - 1 and its shelves and racks are never empty.


Join us in the Parish Hall after church on Sunday, December 10 (Advent II) at 11:30 am to celebrate half a century of ministry. Our time together will feature an early lunch (sign up in the Parish Hall to contribute a salad or see Ruth Campbell) and stay for a fashion show!


If you'd like to share a memory of your own experience in the Free Shop,

contact Patrick Ward, Sharyn Laughton or Suzy Gray. 

The Free Shop is now gladly and gratefully accepting your WINTER clothing donations.


Especially needed are winter coats, jackets, vests, gloves, hats, scarves AND brown paper shopping bags with handles.


Don’t forget Nauset High School for new sox, leggings, underwear, water bottles…please mark HIGH SCHOOL.


Clothing donations can be dropped off in bins located on the first floor of the Parish Hall

by the elevator…Monday - Friday 10 to 3 - always on Sunday before or after the service.


The Free Shop is open every Monday & Wednesday - 10 to 1.


TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF & IF YOU CAN, TAKE CARE OF SOMEONE ELSE TOO!

COME SHOP - COME VISIT - COME SEE


Sharyn Laughton & Suzy Gray - Co Directors

CHS GALLERY

The CHS Gallery is open Monday - Thursday 10 - 3 and Sundays after church.

Bring a friend - sit on the sofas - feel the joy of the art on display.

The CHS Gallery is located on the East side of the church.

During the week, you may enter through the side door from the campus courtyard.

Only one more Sunday to view the art of Janet Winter.

COME TO THE HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE

in the CHS Gallery

FEATURING CHS ARTISTS: Dianne Fromm * Ellen Adamson * Ragnhild Bjerke *

Jean Collins * Cris Harter * Anne Kilguss * Kimball Guild * Sue Sasso *

Brooke Eaton Skea * Gail Binney Sterne * Norm Stubbendick *

Donna Tavano * Janet Winter

 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27 – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Deliver your holiday art/crafts to the gallery.

All work needs a label with your name & price (or NFS - Not For Sale)

(Multiples of the same work with same price need only one label)

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Sharyn Laughton & Gail Binney-Sterne set up the Holiday Marketplace

Initially, we may not be able to display all work received.

We will restock as work sells.

 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 – HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE OPENS

Display is up and running, with JOY, through Sunday, December 31.

 

Envelopes are available for customers to make payment.

Label an envelope with artist's name & work purchased;

Enclose payment (checks/cash) and

deposit individual envelopes in a basket provided in the gallery.

 Sharyn & Gail will collect envelopes & deliver to artists.

 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 (after church service) &

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2 – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

Pick up all remaining art/crafts

 

THANK YOU for your offerings to and supporting this show

Call or email us with any questions

Sharyn – artoff@comcast.net – 508 255 7277

Gail – gbinneysterne@comcast.net – 413 896 3798

Calling all CHS artists to show their “gifts” in 2024 in the CHS gallery. 

We are blessed to have many wonderful members who are artists..... crafters - quilters photographers - potters - woodworkers. Please sign up for one month in 2024 to have a show display or sell your work. 


The 2024 sign up poster is in the gallery window by the door. It’ so much fun - so exciting - so rewarding - so surprising to see and to hear the Parish respond to your “gifts”!

2023 HOLIDAY BAZAAR UPDATE

It was 2:00 on Saturday, November 4. The months of preparation were over and so worth it! The last cookies and pies were sold, the beautiful basket winners were drawn, all the Cabot cheese was sold, the CHS Café served its last sandwich, and just like that… the 2024 Holiday Bazaar came to a close. But that was not the end….


It was just the beginning of our stronger parish journey…. We came to see old friends, make new ones, and experience an extraordinary day at The Church of the Holy Spirit with amazing, vibrant, supportive, energized, caring, loving, open, and welcoming people.


The campus overflowed with hospitality and joy...the spirit of community and fun was contagious. The 25 artists who participated had an amazing day and many have already signed up for 2024!


We estimated more than 400 people visited the bazaar and we raised over $11,000. This could not have been possible without the help of the entire Parish.


A few fun facts:

·     As a parish, you baked and donated over 2,400 cookies! (and we sold them ALL!!)

·     We received 30 pies, countless jars of pickles, jams and jellies, decorated pumpkins, fudge, candy, and so much more. 

·     You donated 22 gift baskets to make our first basket sale a huge success.

·     We had 50 volunteers who donated time for set up, cooking, leading tours of the church’s art, greeting and managing the many roles needed to make the day successful.

·     We also were pleased that Bishop Gates stopped by and enjoyed lunch in the Café!


The Bazaar Team is so grateful for your support and dedication. We are taking a brief rest and will begin planning for 2024 later in the winter! If you would like to be part of the planning team, we would love you to join this joyous, creative, hardworking, and fun team.


Nancy Boccia, Bazaar Chair


The Bazaar Team:

Brian Schnetzer, Brenda Ridgeway, Celia Calhoun, Cris Harter, Cynthia Murray, Diana Crighton, Jack Sasso, Kate Paradise, Meg Nemitz, Melissa Keeffe, Nancy Boccia, Priscilla Isner, Roger Lovejoy, Ruth Campbell, Sue Sasso, Suzy Grey, and the ALWAYS helpful and smiling Wayne Currey.


p.s. Here is the recipe for the Holy Spirit Chicken Salad


Here are some photos from our amazing bazaar! Oh those wonderful smiles!

INVITE ~ WELCOME ~ CONNECT

On November 7, about 24 members of The Church of the Holy Spirit who had expressed an interest in Invite, Welcome, Connect, gathered for a potluck supper/meeting. The combination of our mini-covid shutdown and the demands of hosting the best bazaar ever diminished our numbers somewhat, but we made a good start on examining what we are doing well and what needs some work as we welcome increasing numbers of new parishioners and re-connect with those who have been here with us for years.


For those of you are interested (especially those of you who have received a copy of the book but were unable to join us at that meeting,) you will have that opportunity on Tuesday, January 16 at 5:30 pm when we will have a “make up” potluck/session. Please RSVP to Cynthia Murray.


It is wonderful to see lots of new faces amongst the congregation and the work of this group is so important!


Earle Bailey and Cynthia Murray

THE ART OF CHS - THE CANDLE SCONCES

We all have the tendency of ‘looking but not seeing’ our surroundings. For example, have you noticed the beautiful sconces on the walls of our church sanctuary? Take a few minutes to look at these candle sconces and enjoy their beauty and meaning.   


The 22 Candle Sconces depicting Gospels and other religious symbols are located throughout the Church. They were all designed and made by Vernon Smith and the members of the Kimball Guild, except for the St. Cecilia sconce which was made by Carlton Litchfield. 


The Nave: 2 Plain sconces by the Entrance/Exit doors.

Along both walls: St. Mark, 2 Flower sconces, a Cross, St. Matthew, St. Cecelia, and

2 plain sconces by the Madonna and Child carving.

                                                           

West Transept: A Sailing Schooner, IXOYC (Fish), Mother/Child and 3 Magi, St. John, and St. Luke.


East Transept: 3 Flower sconces


Choir: Susanna and the Elders, Jonah and the Whale, John the Baptist by the River Jordon, A Dove – the symbol of peace, love, hope, and the Holy Spirit.


Jack Sasso

St. John

Susanna and

the Elders  

IXOYC - Fish

NAUSET INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION

The Martin Luther King Action Team of the NIA is sponsoring a

special Children's Book Drive this Christmas.

The Dennis/Yarmouth 3rd grades have the fastest growing number of Black-Indigenous- People of Color (BIPOC) students who would benefit tremendously from receiving books this Christmas.


The flyer attached has the details. Basically, go to one of the participating local book stores listed in the flyer, or go to the online link, purchase one or more books on the list and leave them with the store for delivery to the school, or contact Ken Campbell and he will get books from you. Another option is to make a monetary donation and mail to

Fr. Ken Campbell, PO Box 306, South Orleans, MA 02662

Join a special program on Saturday December 9th at 2:00 at the Federated Church in Orleans. Sponsored by Youth Outreach and Hospitality team of the Nauset Interfaith Association, the program includes a presentation by PATH - People Against Trafficking Humans to make people aware of how to keep kids safe from trafficking.

EQUAL EXCHANGE: FAITH AND FAIR TRADE 

The coffee we use at Church of the Holy Spirit is purchased from Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative company located in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The coffee is organic and purchased from small farmers who are committed to internationally recognized safe farming practices and working conditions.


They, unlike many large corporations in our world, adhere to international principles regarding child and forced labor, collective bargaining rights and the use of dangerous pesticides and herbicides. Our use of Equal Exchange coffee (and other products) is consistent with more than 20 resolutions regarding worker rights, safe production and farm labor policies, and the protection of this fragile earth our island home, by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the last 10 years. It also helps a small company that assists small farmers and caring for the earth.


In addition to coffee, the Exchange sells tea, chocolate bars and cocoa, sugar, bananas, and avocados. We buy two five pound bags of coffee for our home use that last us for almost a year! Both regular and decaffeinated are available. We also buy their chocolate and other products to give as gifts.


You can see what they have available online under “ Equal Exchange,” or you can call them at 774-776-7366. By supporting Equal Exchange, you participate in a movement to reclaim the food system- to make it better for farmers, consumers and this fragile earth our island home.     + Fr. Ken Campbell, ksbcampbell5050@gmail.com 413-478-5719

FOOD FOR KIDS

Thank You! to our 2023 Funding Partners

 

Food 4 Kids is very fortunate to have broad community support as evidenced by the help of more than 130 volunteers each summer and the partnership of 16 community summer programs. But we could not provide more than 43,500 free meals and more than 2,400 free books without community financial support, too. 

 

As a Summer Food Service Program, each summer Food 4 Kids is reimbursed a fixed amount for each meal a child receives.  The reimbursement rate/meal is set by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is the same for all communities across all 50 states, regardless of variations in the cost to prepare and deliver the meals.  And the reimbursement does not cover the third meal, an afternoon snack, that we provide several all-day programs. 

 

All of us at Food 4 Kids and the children and families of the Lower/Outer Cape would like to thank our generous financial supporters! To see a full list of the 18 state and local organizations that supported Food 4 Kids this year, check out the latest F4K newsletter here.

 

Want to know more about Food 4 Kids, check out our updated website at https://www.food4kidscapecod.org/. And even better, join our email list here and see more, learn more! 

PASTORAL CARE

Did you know our pastoral care ministry will coordinate an occasional meal delivery to those in need to make life a little easier. If you would like to volunteer to provide a meal for 1 or 2 people on occasion, or to learn about this ministry, contact Patrick or Priscilla Isner.


If you are in need of a pastoral visit, or....You or a family member has been admitted to a

medical facility (hospital, skilled care, etc.), or ...You want to request prayers for you or a family member or friend...


Please call the church office at (508)-255-0433

or email pastoralcare@chsorleans.org


There is also an Intercessors group that offers confidential prayers. Please email your request to intercessors@chsorleans.org 

CENTERING PRAYER

All are welcome to join us for Centering Prayer during which we sit together in silence for 30 minutes. Our sessions have moved indoors.


We meet on Mondays at 4:30 pm in the sanctuary of the Federated Church on Main Street in Orleans and on Thursdays at 4:30 at CHS in the Reception area/gallery.


Contact Brooke Eaton Skea if you want to learn more about Centering Prayer.

SUNDAY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

We continue our discussions of Why Gather - The Hope and Promise of the Church" by Martha Tatarnic and will finish before Christmas.


After the Holidays, we will begin Stephen Charleston's We Survived the End of the World. 


The discussions are open to everyone (you and your friends); Please order books from your local bookstore or online, start reading, get a snack at coffee hour, and join us in the Fireplace Room after Sunday Service (when there no other scheduled coffee hour events in the Parish Hall.) Come whenever you can make it!


Brooke and Brian Skea

GALLEY WEST ART GALLERY

WINTER SHOW



Make ART your gift of choice this holiday!

The gallery has special works that could be potential gifts for family, friends...or yourself!!


Gallery is Open Wednesday - Saturday

10:00 - 2:00 Through December 16th


Special Event - December 2 - Art on the Green 10-2

Join some Galley West Artists who will have additional art displays

on the lawn in front of the gallery with more beautiful items

to purchase as gifts or for yourself.


The Gallery will close on December 16th for the winter.

Our Spring Show opens May 8, 2024.

Call for Art opens March 8, 2024

2024 Calendar will be posted on our website in January

www.galleywestartgallery.com


Wood Cut by Vernon Smith

Note Cards with this wood cut design and portions of the

Vernon Smith mural can be purchased in the Gallery.

UNITED PEOPLE FOR KIDS/GOOD FRIDAY WALK 

A 6 MONTH PERSPECTIVE:  Rich Weeks

It has been nearly 40 years that my church family at Holy Spirit has supported our Walk on Good Friday and has generously donated to help families with special needs children. 


At Christmas time, I am reminded I could never fully express my gratitude and thankfulness for all those who have come out to walk with us, donated, prayed for us or encouraged us in our Annual Walk to honor Jesus’s sacrifice and to reflect his life of love and service by helping those in need. 


This year, we were able to help 12 local families in a year where high gas prices and inflation have been a burden to us all, but particularly to those with special needs children. These are families in our own community, they live next door, and you pass by them in the supermarket.


Their circumstances make them feel isolated and alone. But, by reaching out, you change that. I wanted to share some words of thanks from the families you have helped: 


“. . . I can’t even begin to express how much UP for Kids has meant to our

family. Having kids who have different needs than most can be very isolating. Being reminded that people care is so important. The money is a huge help. Don’t get me wrong, but it is so much more than that. I’m forever grateful to God and to UP for Kids for the continued support!” 


“UP for Kids has made a huge difference to my family. The prayers and the sense of community are wonderful since being a special needs parent can be a pretty lonely business.” 



“The help that was given from United People for Kids over the years has helped us provide all these needed services for our children (Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Analysis, Leg Braces, Social Skills Classes, Feeding Therapy and more). We cannot be more grateful for the help that has been given

to us. There are no words to express our gratitude. We are forever grateful for your kindness and continued support. Thank you!” 


“The UP for Kids has been a huge blessing for my family over these years. When I first learned about this organization, I was a struggling single Mom trying to raise two medically fragile children. . . and barely making ends meet. We will always be truly grateful for the work they do.” 

 

We are blessed by God for this ministry and grateful for your continued support.

Rich Weeks

BIRTHDAYS ~ ANNIVERSARIES ~ REMEMBRANCES

IF YOU WANT TO BE INCLUDED IN OUR BIRTHDAY OR

ANNIVERARY LIST, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE

BIRTHDAYS

Karen Sweeney 11.23 Suzanna Gray 11.24 Celia Calhoun 11.25

Donna Tavano 11.26 Priscilla Isner 11.29 Robert LaBranche Jr. 11.30

Karen Gardner 11.30 Raymond Thompson 11.30


Jennifer Marlin 12.3 Linda Mason 12.4 Frank Tavano 12.5

Monica Montoya-Quintero 12.8 Johanna Schneider 12.9

Charlotte Ruth LaBranche 12.11 Hanna Sweeney 12.16 Fin LaBranche 12.16

Barbara Koeppen 12.17 Fay Cole 12.19 Donald Bragdon 12.21 Elizabeth Lind 12.23 Joan Payne 12.23 Bruce Lederhouse 12.24 Kathryn Hubby 12.25 Barbara Sousa 12.28 Natalie Sweeney 12.28 Cai McLaughlin 12.29

Peter Blank 12.31 Carolyn Bernhardt 12.31


ANNIVERSARIES

No December Anniversaries


REMEMBRANCES

Elizabeth Mason 11.22.01 William Lester Udall 11.22.98

Keith F. Miller 11.23.14 Christine Miller 11.25.05 John Hallstead 11.26.08

Samuel M. Nickerson, III 11.26.72 Charlie Puzo 11.26.17 Russell Ford 11.27.11

Herbert Fuller 11.27.96 Virginia Thompson 11.27.92 Myrtle Haynie 11.28.07

Robert A. LaBranche, Sr. 11.28.19 Adrienne Smith 11.29.05

Donald Clifton 11.29.08 David Moore 11.29.15


  Gladys Gombos 12.01.11 Florence Adams 12.01.13 Gerald Downs 12.03.03

Jay Duvanier Luci  12.05.00 Douglas N. MacArthur 12.05.10

Pete Miller 12.05.09 August Yearing 12.05.98 Pearle C.S. Richards 12.06.10

Richard C. Wagner 12.06.13 John Brigham 12.07.02 Gustav A. Karlson 12.07.07

Francis Patrick Ames 12.08.11 Eliza Jackson Ewing 12.10.13 Vera Richards 12.10.05

Florence Adams 12.11.13 Laryssa Lambros 12.12.19 George Stierwald 12.12.03

Hedwig K. O’Hara 12.14.10 John Enochs 12.15.02 Stephanie Gray 12.15.18

Elizabeth Hicks 12.18.99 James Woodburn, Sr. 12.18.99 DD Sillcocks 12.19.02

Gerald Gilmore 12.20.14 Elizabeth Clarendon 12.21.78 Wallace Ruckert 12.21.03

Christian Gironda 12.22.92 Selwyn Miles 12.22.93 Elizabeth Ruckert 12.23.88

Betty Yearing 12.23.19 Bev Dreher 12.24.20 Harold Foley 12.25.03

Mac MacDonald 12.25.03 Charles Wood 12.26.19 Norman Adams 12.28.14

Karen Blank 12.29.01 Nat Goddard 12.30.19 Muriel Helen Scully 12.30.11

   

RECENT DEATHS

Jeff Scott 10.23.23

Pat McLeod 11.6.2023

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

To contact Patrick Ward

email him at pward@chsorleans.org

or

Call the parish office and

leave a message with the answering service.

508-255-0433

Make sure your message includes how Patrick can respond to your call.


CENTERING PRAYER: We are meeting in the sanctuary at the Federated Church of Orleans on Mondays, and the Reception Room at CHS on Thursdays. Meet at 4:30 p.m. on both days. We do not meet on holidays.


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. We meet in the Fireplace Room and via Zoom. Please contact Tom Dewing for the Zoom link.


WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER GROUP: The CHS Morning Prayer Group prays on Wednesdays at 9.00 a.m. from the comfort of their own homes. To receive the coming month's scripture readings for Wednesdays, call or text 508-241-0357.


WHEN THE CHS PARISH OFFICE IS CLOSED, please feel free to drop off any items or pledges in the black mailbox outside of the office door in the courtyard. The office is open Monday - Thursday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.


UPDATED PARISH DIRECTORY: We no longer include member's personal contact information in our communications. Stop by the when the parish office is open to pick up a copy of our updated Parish Directory...or call the Parish Office and we will snail-mail you a hard copy of the current Parish Directory so you can "stay in touch."


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”


SPACE USAGE FORMS: PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE by phone or email office@chsorleans.org with respect to scheduling meetings.

 

FEELING PINCHED AND STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET because of the pandemic's impact on your life? Please contact Patrick Ward. Funds are available through the Discretionary Fund.


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 or you can email the group at intercessors@chsorleans.org Someone will contact you. ALL requests will be held in confidence. 

DECEMBER TOGETHER ARTICLE DEADLINE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18 - 6:00 P.M.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!


EDITION WILL BE RELEASED ON DECEMBER 21

SEND YOUR ARTICLES TO SUE SASSO

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS


November 23 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING - Parish Office Closed


11/24 & 25 - Antique Show 10-4 & 10-3 Parish Hall

11/30 - 12/2 - Fresh Holiday Arrangements Sale 10-3 each day in Parish Hall


12/3 ~ Advent Wreath Making - Parish Hall after service.

Holiday Marketplace opens in CHS Gallery

12/7~ Ladies' Lunch - Noon

12/9 ~ starting at 4:30- Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, Gingerbread house decorating and Pizza party - PLEASE SIGN UP BY 11/26

12/10 ~ Free Shop 50th Anniversary Parish Celebration Lunch after service

12/18 ~ December TOGETHER DEADLINE 6:00 p.m.


Looking ahead to Christmas and Epiphany:

Sunday 12/24 ~ 10:00 Advent IV - Morning Prayer with music and sermon

Christmas Eve ~ 12/24

4:30 Pageant and Holy Eucharist

9:00 Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist

Christmas Day ~ 12/25 ~ 10:00 Holy Eucharist

Friday January 5 5:30 ~ Magi story in church with potluck supper in Parish Hall

DIOCESE of MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNICATIONS

Stay informed and connected to the Episcopal Diocese of MA

To receive our diocesan communications,

including the monthly E-news go to: www.diomass.org

Sue Sasso, Together Editor