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"The Winter of '26"
In "The Streets of Minneapolis" -- his enraged lament for the murders of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti -- Bruce Springsteen makes reference to "the winter of '26." Listening, it felt for a moment to me as if I was hearing an old man recount a tragedy from long ago. And yet "Streets" was written, recorded and released within days of these deaths -- and long weeks before this current winter will see its end.
This has been a winter that will always stand apart for me in memory, as it may for you too. Last week's blizzard and ensuing four-day Cape Cod blackout gave way in the news cycle to combined American and Israeli bombing of Iran. "Operation Epic Fury" follows US Military incursion into Venezuela and the extradition of that country's head of state. Continuing coverage of the Epstein files fallout reminds me daily of the harm we humans are capable of inflicting upon each other, and how power and wealth so often confer upon some the prerogative to treat others as disposable.
I suppose all of this is why I'm so thankful this week for a pastoral letter from Archbishop Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem and Primate of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East.
Grounded in scripture, Naoum's words are a needed Lenten reminder to me of the everlasting.
"When the 'spirit of fear' threatens to consume our hearts, we must anchor ourselves in the 'spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind' (2 Tim 1:7). In a time of 'regime change' rhetoric and military ultimatums, let our message be the unchanging promise of Christ’s peace: to build each other up (1 Cor 8:1), for our hope is not in the strength of armadas or missile shields, but in the Prince of Peace. Finally, we must remain 'Bridge Builders.' Even as diplomatic windows seem to slam shut, the Church must keep the doors of reconciliation open. We refuse to see our neighbors as enemies, whether they be in Tehran, Tel Aviv, or the military bases of the Gulf."
Power. Love. Soundness of mind. When a faraway friend wrote to ask "how I was doing" a few weeks ago, my answer came quickly and without thought. "I've never been more grateful to belong to a church." I didn't mean "being a priest" or "working in a church." I meant simply being in the continuing company of people who embody God's love without any apparent self-serving reason and without any trace of superiority and sanctimony.
It's only through such love that God's world and God's peace is ever reclaimed and revived. This work is always ongoing.
So keep showing up, dear friends. Keep your hope alive. Spring is coming.
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Lenten Soup Suppers:
For Such a Time as This
- “A guide for Christians trying to live faithfully in extraordinary times.”
- Wednesdays March 4, 11, 18 & 25
- 5:30 - 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
- Supper, presentations and small group conversation
- All welcome!
- Register via email to office@chsorleans.org
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Sunday Morning Eucharist Service
10:00 a.m.
In-person worship at the church with music
followed by Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall.
If you are unable to join us in person, you may watch the service on YouTube using
your Smart TV or another device.
Use this link to reach our YouTube channel:
Then select the service from Upcoming Live Streams option.
You can also view past services.
Weekly Church School:
Join us in the Parish Hall
Arrive by 9:45 a.m.
Children will join parents in church
for Communion.
Fourth Sunday of the month -- Children attend and take part in the
entire church service
https://www.youtube.com/@churchoftheholyspiritorleans
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Tuesday Morning Lectio Divina & Prayers
Lectio Divina is a monastic mode of prayer, contemplation,
and Bible study.
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.
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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.
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Glimpse of the Gospel
‘Glimpse’ meets in the Fireplace Room on Sunday mornings at 8:45. Participants are sent a copy of the readings from scripture for the Sunday service earlier in the week to give opportunity for reading, reflecting, and inwardly digesting beforehand.
Contact Tom Dewing, email st.dewing@verizon.net or
508-255-2656.
All Welcome!
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On a frigid, snowy Sunday, February 8, many intrepid parishioners braved the weather, and were joined by Zoom participants. A quorum was reached for the Annual Meeting. Warden Celia Calhoun called the meeting to order, and Patrick gave the Invocation, opening the meeting with prayer. The 2025 minutes were approved, and reports were delivered by Treasurer John Harter, Wardens Celia Calhoun and Priscilla Isner, and Rector Patrick Ward. (All reports are available in the Annual Report, available in print and on the website.) Patrick illustrated his report with wonderful photos of the past year's activities in our busy parish.
Ike Cole, Co-Chair of the Nominating Committee, thanked his committee and placed a slate of names in nomination for the 2026 Vestry. They included Dianne Fromm, Warden; Sarah Gregory, Clerk; Earle Bailey, a second term on Vestry; Fay Cole, Karen Sweeney and Dan Lowry as new Vestry members; and Cris Harter for a second term as delegate to the Diocesan Convention and Deanery. The candidates were elected and welcomed. We look forward to working together!
The outgoing members of Vestry were recognized for their good work over the last several years. Michele Puzo and Jack Sasso were given gifts and thanked, having successfully completed their terms. Special thanks was given to outgoing Warden Celia Calhoun by Patrick. He addressed her tireless and excellent leadership. She will be deeply missed. Patrick presented her with a gift, and she responded with her own remarks and thanks. Patrick closed the meeting with prayer.
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Another, very enjoyable event in February was the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner held in Parish Hall on Tuesday evening, February 17. The dinner was completely provided and hosted by the Thompson family. What a gift to all 60+ who attended! Whimsical crowns were created and delicious food enjoyed. Crown, apron and pancake flipping contests followed. It was a warm and laugh-filled parish event! Thank you Matt, Jamie, Ray and Raven!
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So much is going on, including the excitement surrounding the arrival of our new Associate Rector, The Reverend Nancy Hagner. We have purchased a lovely second rectory in
The Oaks of Orleans to be her home. Make a note to be in the congregation on March 8 for Rev. Nancy Hagner's first Sunday. The service will be followed with a luncheon reception. It will be a very special day! You won’t want to miss it!
Thank you for your continued support and prayers,
Dianne Fromm and Priscilla Isner, Wardens
Above left: Celia Calhoun opens her gifts at the Annual Meeting, surrounded by Priscilla Isner, John Harter, and Rev. Patrick Ward.
Above right: Nancy Miller arranges the flowers on Valentine's Day weekend!
Above Left: The Reverend Nancy Hagner
Photos by Cynthia Murray
| | Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper | | |
Top left: Mary Anne and Don Bragdon sporting crowns and colorful apron
Top center: Laura Baksa, Norm Stubbendick, Bob Collins, Jean Collins, and Andi Stubbendick share a table.
Top right: Ruth Campbell, Robin McLaughlin, and Ragnhild Bjerke enjoy a chat before dinner.
Center: Gray, Georgia Schneider, and Hanna Schneider celebrate!
Bottom left: Joan Kirchner, Patrick, and others construct crowns.
Bottom center: Robin McLaughlin and friend Steve dressed for dinner!
Bottom right: Our pancake chef, Matt Thompson!
Shrove Tuesday photos by Hanna Schneider and Suzy Gray
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Deanery Assembly
Thursday, March 26, 6:30 pm
Zoom only!
Zoom Info:
Time: March 26, 2024 6:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89926297780
Meeting ID: 899 2629 7780
Program: Program: The Rev. Chris Wendell, Canon to the Ordinary, to talk about the new Diocesan Mission Strategy
Upcoming Deanery assembly meetings
Thursday May 28, 2026, will be a Hybrid meeting here at Holy Spirit in Orleans
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The Middle/High School Retreat at the Barbara Harris camp was a big success. Matt Thompson led the group with Monica Montoya, and four youths attended.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper was well attended and folks enjoyed pancakes--both plain and chocolate chip. Fresh oranges and sausages rounded out the menu. The pancake flip off was good fun, and the winners accepted their gifts graciously! The best crowns had both an adult winner and a youth winner. The best apron was awarded as well.
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Holy Eucharist class begins this Sunday, March 1, led by Ruth Campbell. We sent out many Valentines to parishioners both near and far! Linda Mason has brought her guitar and ukulele to sing with us for a second time, and we are grateful!
More to come before Easter!
| | Sunday Book Discussion Group | | |
The Book Discussion group is currently reading Stolen Pride by Arlie Russell Hochschild . We hope it will be a good complement to The Project.
There will be a reception for our new Assistant Rector, The Rev. Nancy Hagner, after the service on Sunday, March 8. If you can stay for a while after this, we will meet in the Fireplace Room to discuss Chapters 3 and 4 of Stolen Pride. If you aren't able to be there in person, please use the link https://zoom.us/j/96298672706 to join us on Zoom. The passcode
is 913 954.
"Arlie Hochshcild reveals what liberals miss - -that the moral emotions of pride and shame animate the resentment that roils our politics. This is the best book yet on the moral and political psychology of the new right, a masterclass in the art of listening across our cultural and political divides." - Michael J. Sandel, author of The Tyranny of Merit: Can We Find the Common Good?
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"Stolen Pride is a masterpiece of epic proportions. Her account of a small, struggling Appalachian community's response to a parade of out-of-state-white nationalists provides a glimmer of hope for our fragile democracy, even in the face of political polarization, economic inequality, racism, and the nonrational, emotional dimension of political identity and mobilization. My advice to everyone is: read this book." - Shaunna L. Scott, Associate Professor Emerita of Sociology, University of Kentucky and Former President of the Appalachian Studies Association
Please join us!
Brian and Brooke
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February has been a tough month at CHS due to several snow storms. I would like to congratulate our “snow” team of Wayne Curry, Matthew Harmon, Russ Karber, Peter Jensen, plus other volunteers for stepping up with our snow removal contractor to keep our walkways , steps and parking lot clear of snow and ice. Thank you!
Additionally behind the scenes, Dave Blanchet and Roger Lovejoy have answered the call when we lost power to our boilers and risked losing heat in the parish hall. Along with our HVAC, electrical, and plumbing contractors, we avoided a major problem during the coldest winter weather to date. Thank you!
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While the weather outside was frightful, we had our walls, doors, and woodwork renewed by the painting artist known as Russell Karber. We have brighter colors and renewed sparkle with colors selected by Priscilla Isner and her committee.
We now have a second rectory at The Oaks of Orleans. On Friday, February 20, we had our team of Butler HVAC, Monomoy Plumbing, and Karber Construction repairing, renewing or replacing items noted on the required inspection report completed in the pre-purchase phase of acquiring our church-owned residence for our assistant rector. The final analysis is that the residence is in great shape and ready for its new occupant--The Rev. Nancy Hagner.
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Finally, we are upgrading our lighting in the Fireplace Room for a brighter and adjustable experience.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brian Ridgeway - Chair
Ann Pike-Paris - Grounds Co-chair
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Above right: Russ Karber snowblowing the edges of the parking lot.
Above: View of the Parish Hall when the power first came back on Tuesday night, and B & G members breathed a little easier-- our pipes would not freeze overnight!!
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SINGING, DANCING AND JUMPING IN TANZANIA
As a Maasai elder, Rev. Stephens is showing his prowess as he jumps for joy during the welcoming ceremony to Osajilo Nursery School.
He is the pastor of St. James Anglican church located in a small village in the Maasai Steppe of Tanzania. Together with the villagers, he is building St. James burned brick by burned brick. They have half the metal roof on ,and the sanctuary walls are almost finished, but they still have a long way to go. No matter, the villagers are filled with pride of their accomplishments and gather every Sunday to worship.
Rev. Stephen speaks good English, Maa, and Swahili and is a graduate of the Mount Kilimanjaro Diocese’s Bible College.
Two years ago, we had been asked by the village to renovate two classrooms for Maasai girls and boys, ages 4, 5, and 6 years old because they were too young to cross the river and walk at least five miles to Endupoto Primary School. We are now part of the village and have built a teachers’ house. God has plans for us every year. Brick by brick, together we are building God’s kingdom in Tanzania.
Thank you to CHS for their continued support to bring education to the Maasai.
Cheryl Kyle
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F4K Update:
We are busy gearing up for the 14th season of Food 4 Kids. A few highlights:
Funding: As of now, we expect to receive our typical federal funding, and we are in full swing of our grant request season. We just got word that our MA Summer EATS grant was awarded for $15,500.
Operations: Operations were at or over maximum capacity last season, resulting in overworked staff and volunteers and risk to the quality of meals served. The team has been working hard to identify ways to relieve pressure in the system.
- Reducing the # of fresh lunches made each day will help. We will implement a new data-driven meal count approach we will use with community leaders to reduce leftovers. Separating cookies and free book tickets from lunches will reduce the # of lunches taken by kids only for this reason.
- Working with a satellite kitchen is one way we can handle increasing demand from our existing meal sites and cover any new requests for children we are missing. We are in conversations with St. Christopher's in Chatham as a potential satellite F4K site in 2027. The plan is to have a few volunteers from their parish with us this summer as we explore this approach.
Support from CHS: We have several ways you can get involved. If you are interested in helping us get ready for the season, being more involved during the season, or helping with fundraising, please reach out. Volunteer sign-ups will go live in mid-May as usual.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support,
Jenn Gale, Executive Director F4K
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The Federated Church of Orleans is hosting Church Women United's "World Day of Prayer", an annual, worldwide ecumenical movement, held on the first Friday in March, that unites women of many traditions in a common day of prayer and action for peace and justice. The movement involves people from over 170 countries.
This year’s theme is “I Will Give You Rest: Come” based on Matthew 11:28-30. The service, written by a committee in Nigeria, highlights finding divine solace amid life’s burdens, such as poverty, systemic oppression, and shame.
Join us: 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6th in the sanctuary.
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The Refugee Support Team is planning a Fundraiser for the Brazilian Resource Center on Monday, April 20 evening (School vacation week), Church of the Holy Spirit Parish Hall. Donation: $20 (children free) - more, happily received. Plans for refreshments and publicity are in the works!
Please mark your calendars.
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MIRA Immigrants Day at the State House - Wednesday, March 18, 9:30. A day of inspiration from immigrant leaders and advocacy with our legislators. There is both ongoing and new proposed legislation on behalf of immigrants.
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In June, 2025 The NIA created The Rev. Ken Campbell Scholarship for Peace and Social Justice. The scholarship committee met yesterday to make preliminary plans to award the first scholarship to a student from the Lower or Outer Cape in May of this year. The application is available here.
| | | Our March 5th, Ladies Luncheon returns to the traditional first Thursday of the month. Andi Stubbendick will lead the meeting. Come about 11:45 to grab your drink, find a seat, and join in conversation with friends, old and new. Bring a sandwich or salad, and the rest will be provided. At some point, we pass the basket to collect funds for A Baby Center in Hyannis, one of the Outreach centers that CHS supports.
Many thanks to Gail Binney Sterne for leading the February meeting and setting us up for March. Volunteers are: Chips, Liz Tunney; Paper Goods, Joannie Barnes; Table Decorations, Georgia Schneider; Juice/Tea, Sarah Barkhuff; and because it is Lent, no dessert.
Come join us on March 5th and share in a little part of “Beloved Community”.
Fay Cole
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A happy customer by Sharyn Laughton
A HAPPY PLACE - A SAFE PLACE - A WARM SPACE
We continue to be grateful for your Winter clothing donations
and large brown paper bags with handles!
Spring is coming but not quite yet!
Your clothing donations can be dropped off into bins located
on the first floor of the parish hall - by the elevator.
COME SEE. - COME SHOP - COME VISIT
Open every Monday & Wednesday - 10 to 1
We welcome your help! Please consider working
ONE Monday or ONE Wednesday per month.
Sharyn Laughton & Suzy Gray - CoDirectors
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Carnival of Creation
This March, enjoy the art and craft of Harwich Port resident Donna Idman Tavano. The multi-genre artist celebrates her God-given gift of the joy of creativity. On display, and for sale, will be wall-hung mosaics assembled from local shells and broken pottery, paintings and needle felted “critters,” as well as other of her creations.
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The 2026 Gallery calendar is full!
Looking ahead - coming in November - Offrenda!
Looking way ahead - the 2027 Gallery calendar is in the gallery
window by the door. Choose a month to exhibit/sell your art/craft in 2027!
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The season is shifting, and so is Galley West. This year is particularly special as we begin the lead-up to our 5th Anniversary as an artists' collective this October.
To mark this milestone and celebrate our journey from 1850's shipwreck to bustling art gallery, we're honoring our roots with a fresh look: a striking and historic woodcut by the legendary Vernon Smith, the artist behind the stunning, fully-restored whaling mural in the gallery.
By bringing his work back into the light and sharing it more widely, we recognize the creative spirit that continues to thrive at Galley West.
We look forward to seeing you when the Gallery reopens May 6!
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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 Michele Puzo.
If you are unable to attend one of our Eucharist services and would
like to receive communion at home...or...
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
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CPR CLASS
We are very happy to be offering a basic CPR class this spring in the Parish Hall, including AED (defibrillator) instruction, thanks to the Orleans Fire Department! Cost will be $50/ person, as able. Please reach out to the office or Meg Nemitz if you are
interested in helping us plan. We are aiming to schedule in May or June!
Health Resources:
Barnstable County Human Services: www.bchumanservices.net (Comprehensive website
with multiple resources on the Cape)
Councils on Aging
Orleans: 508-255-6333Brewster: 508-896-2737 Chatham: 508-945-5190
Eastham: 508-255-6164Harwich: 508-430-7530Wellfleet: 508-349-0319
Yarmouth: 508-398-9866Truro: 508-487-2462
VNAs of Cape Cod
Hyannis: 508-957-7400Falmouth: 508-495-5716So. Dennis: 508-957-7400
Cape Cod Hospital Social Services Department
508-862-5501
Cape Cod Healthcare Newsletter: Go to this link: https://www.capecodhealth.org/
First page has a free sign up.
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line
Call or text: 833-773-2445 (BHHL)
Online chat: masshelpline.com
Alzheimer’s Family Support Center
alzfamilysupport.org (508)896-5170
Cape Wellness Collaborative
cape wellness.org (774)408-8477
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Wednesdays, February 25 through March 25: For Such a Time as This 5:30 to 7:00 pm (Parish Hall soup suppers)
- Palm Sunday, March 29: 10:00 am Holy Eucharist
- Tuesday, March 31: Labyrinth 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
- Wednesday, April 1: Labyrinth 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Stations of the Cross 10:00 am and 5:00 pm (Church)
- Maundy Thursday, April 2: Labyrinth 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Holy Eucharist 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Church)
- Good Friday, April 3: Labyrinth 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Good Friday Service 12:00 to 1:00 pm (Church)
- Easter Vigil, April 4: Holy Eucharist 7:00 to 8:00 pm (Church)
- Easter Sunday, April 5: Holy Eucharist 10:00 am
Breakfast 11:15 am to 12:30 pm (Parish Hall)
| | Birthdays - Anniversaries - Remembrances | | Please contact the office if we don't yet have your dates! | | |
Birthdays
Mae McLaughlin 3.1 Ian Ellison 3.3 Matthew Thompson 3.5
Christian Chung 3.5 William Rich 3.7 Jean Gatzkiewicz 3.8
Barbara Knisell 3.11 Betsy Dow 3.12 Suzanne Gillespie 3.13
Parker Keeffe-Jones 3.14 Kevork Meguerdichian 3.16 Philip Suraci 3.17
Evie Ellison 3.19 Phyllis Calsson 3.19 Richard Paris 3.23
Mary Hammatt 3.25 Keith Silva 3.25 Sue Lederhouse 3.26
Peter Zimmerman 3.26 Paul Colwell 3.28
Joan Kirchner 3.30
Anniversaries
Martha and Richard Williams 3.21.
Deborah and Kevork Meguerdichian 3.25
Remembrances
Elizabeth Clarkson 3.01.91 Matthew Mapes Nickerson 3.02.89
William Mines 3.03.98 Shirley Adamson 3.05.07
Evelyn M. Burroughs 3.06.08 Aram Kachadorian 3.06.92
Rosamond G. Thomas 3.07.14 William Ranscht 3.07.22
Dorothy Skeats 3.09.03 Marcia Birdsall 3.10.20.
James Hammond, Sr.3.11.95 Katherine Recknagel 3.11.99
Wally Houghton 3.12.03 Richard Payne 3.12.20
Lester Knisell 3.13.07 Richard Miller 3.13.19
The Rev. Richard Payne 3.13.20. John Rayner 3.14.05
Robert Munson 3.15.15 Nancy Aucoin 3.15.21
Anne Crocker 3.17.18 The Rev. Sherrill Smith 3.18.14
Carol Potter 3.19.15 Freda Bonin 3.20.14
Marion A. Eckhardt 3.20.08 Gordon Hampton 3.22.04
Deni Jacobson 3.23.18. Harold Lockwood 3.23.90
Victor von Schlegell, Jr. 3.23.08 Kenneth Dennis 3.24.99
Amy McDonald 3.24.22 Robert Thorley 3.25.15
Joan Gironda 3.26.20 Marjorie Burling 3.27.02
Paul Perry 3.28.04 Patrician Nickerson Flor 3.30.21
Frances Pike 3.31.99
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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.,
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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
Brenda Ridgeway, Together Editor
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