|
An engaged audience listens as author and environmentalist Bill McKibben leads a powerful conversation about hope for the future on Wednesday evening, June 24th.
Photo by Rev. Patrick Ward
| | |
Solstice & Semi-Quincentennial
At the very beginning of his visit with us this past Wednesday evening, author and activist Bill McKibben made two promises: that his talk was going to pitch us into despair but also fill us with hope. He made good on both.
Despair is to be expected of course when the topic is climate change. As I write to you this Saturday morning, Fourth of July fireworks have been banned in Utah as the Cottonwood Fire has burned more than 112 square miles of that state. Much of the nation is tinder-dry. The “heat dome” over western Europe has only cracked slightly in the past day.
My own surprise came in listening to the good news Bill shared.
- As of this spring, China has been building three gigawatts of solar panels a day (a gigawatt is approximately the output of a sizeable coal-fired power plant).
- Solar power in Australia has developed to the point where the government has decided that electricity will be free of charge for Australians from noon to three every day.
- In many parts of the world, tenants can lash a portable solar panel to an apartment balcony railing with zip ties and reduce their electric bill by 25%.
None of this fuel, McKibben notes, must pass through the Strait of Hormuz to reach consumers. All of it lessens human dependence on fossil fuel which continues to warm “this fragile earth, our island home.”
A friend of mine on Boston refers to Bill McKibben as a “saint,” but his grace and humility is such that he seems to chafe a bit with such encomiums. “Prophet” seems to get closer to the heart of this faithful Methodist’s longtime ministry. You may remember that prophecy for the ancient Israelites was less about predicting the future than it was about leading fellow citizens back into loving relationship with God and neighbor – and the reminder that compassion withers when it does not inspire action.
“Marches and protests and essays and coalitions,” writes McKibben in his 2022 memoir The Flag, The Cross and the Station Wagon are how, over time, we can change “what the world thinks of as normal and natural and obvious.” He also believes that “every movement for human betterment that I know” depends on people of faith as “an inspired part of the whole.” Christians in particular, he writes, have a “handy talent for forgiveness, which, believe me, is not otherwise a feature of political movements.” People of faith are “grounded in something, that seems to give them a sticking power.”
Halfway between Solstice and America’s Semi-Quincentennial today, I’m wondering if you recognize a bit of yourself or your possibilities in these words. He’s pointing up to the sun, of course, but also into our own identities as Christians and fellow citizens.
Bill McKibben has founded Third Act as an organization to mobilize those of us over the age of sixty for progressive change. One step you might consider is signing up HERE to learn more about Thirds Act’s work and opportunities. Or you may want to learn more about another organization here on Cape Cod, the Faith Communities Environmental Network, by clicking HERE.
Finally, if you’d like to gather in person to share your own responses to Bill’s time with us, or to consider some next steps, I’ll be available with others on Thursday, July 9 at noon in the Parish Hall (just following 11:00 am Holy Eucharist). Bring your lunch and your ideas. We’ll offer cool drinks.
See you in church!
Faithfully,
Patrick
| | |
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.
For all children during the summer months:
Soar and Explore
Join us in the Parish Hall
Arrive by 9:45 a.m.
Children will join parents in church
for Communion.
https://www.youtube.com/@churchoftheholyspiritorleans
| | | |
Sunday Afternoon Eucharist Service
Sundays at 5:00 pm in the Church
Sunday afternoon worship begins June 28 at 5:00 pm. All are welcome to join us for a 30-minute spoken service of Holy Eucharist with homily. We are beginning a three-month trial of afternoon worship to explore community response and potential.
| | |
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.
| | |
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.
| | |
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!
| | |
Volunteers - We need you!! We're hitting the ground running serving ~700 kids on June 29. We need your help to fill the following gaps the first week so we start the season with success! Contact Brenda with any questions or help signing up - brenda@food4kidscapecod.org.
- June 30 - Serve lunch at The Church of the Holy Spirit
- June 30 - July 3 - Drive to Nauset Middle and Lower Cape Outreach Council Pantry
- July 1 and/or July 8 - Serve lunch at the Truro Library
- July 2 and 3 - Pack Line and Late morning meal prep
- July 2 - Drive to Brewster Apartments
- Driving routes to Nauset Regional Middle School and to Eastham Elementary for the summer have just been added to Signup Genius!
Streamlined operations - We have made some changes to make 2026 a more manageable summer. Some of you may recall how hard we worked last summer delivering 25% more meals than 2024!
Funding - Three generous grants have come through, one repeat from 2025 - Sears Foundation for $20,000; an increase of $5k to Cape & Islands United Way grant for $20,000; and we were awarded a new Catalyst Grant from The Cape Cod Foundation for $50,000 over the next 3 years. We are excited and proud for the continuing support we receive from community organizations.
In the community -
- June 8, we hosted a table at the Early Reading Celebration at Brooks Park in Harwich. Kids planted seeds and made their own bookmarks. (PICTURE ATTACHED). The Monomoy Early Childhood book drive is donating approximately 500 books to Food 4 Kids!
- June 16, we attended the Nauset Chatham Lions Club monthly meeting to get some new volunteers and donors.
- June 17, we attended the Cape & Islands United Way grant recipient celebration at The West End in Hyannis.
- June 18, we attended the Outer Cape Community Solutions annual network and collaboration workshop in Wellfleet.
- June 19, we hosted a table at the Brewster Juneteenth event where kids took a free book, planted seeds, and made their own bookmarks.
Happenings on campus -
- Last week was a big transition week for the lower level of the Parish Hall - we are all set up and our mobile refrigerated unit arrived. Special shout outs to Russ Karber, Wayne Curry, Matthew Harman, Ray Thompson, Brenda Ridgeway, Joan Karter, Allison Wetzel, Carol Baffi-Dugan, and F4K staff members for helping out. We all enjoyed hot subs from Cibo's afterward.
- June 22 week is a big set up week with lots of staff and food arriving
- June 24 3:30-5:30 is Food 4 Kids Orientation for all staff.
We'll be ready for the season come Friday, June 26!
Thank you for you support!
Jenn Gale, Executive Director, F4K
| | |
At top: F4K Executive Director Jenn Gale receives grant award at United Way reception and converses with Jeni Wheeler of Family Table Collaborative.
Above: Our additional refrigeration unit has arrived outside the Parish Hall.
Below: Allison Wetzel, F4K board member and extraordinary volunteer, hosted the booth at Drummer Boy Park on Juneteenth.
| | Above: Seed planting activity at Brook's Park on June 8. | | |
Center: Poster depicting DESE requirements for a child's healthy meal.
Above: Child at Brook's Park event on June 8 displays her bookmark. Jenn Gale hosted this event.
Below: Children planting seeds at F4K booth at Drummer Boy Park.
| | |
Most groups ease up on their activities when summer arrives, but not The Church of the Holy Spirit. The campus is humming with activity, from the Free Shop to Galley West. Sacred Ground just wrapped up eleven sessions. Food for Kids is ready to roll. Nationally known author and environmentalist, Bill McKibben, is coming to speak. Soar and Explore has begun. Our Social Justice folks are delivering food. The Monday evening summer Book Group has begun. We are adding a new Sunday afternoon service. Wow! And let’s not forget
| | |
all the ongoing groups that faithfully meet, as well as our wonderful music program and summer choir. It is a busy place! There is such a good and caring community here.
Your vestry has been busy as well. Meeting on Tuesday, June 23, we are working with the Outreach Committee to make sure we are best able to meet some of the ongoing needs in our community. We are working to keep the campus in good repair, using space as wisely as possible, encouraging and caring for people.
| | |
If you have any cares or concerns, please let us know. Don’t hesitate to get in touch. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Priscilla Isner and Dianne Fromm, Wardens
Top: Nancy Miller has just completed arranging the altar flowers on June 14.
Middle: Joan Kirchener selects a few peonies from Nancy's beautiful bouquets.
Bottom: A crowd of onlookers at the birthday/anniversary celebration on June 21.
Photos by Cynthia Murray
| | |
Coffe Hour Reminder
The following ministries will be providing the goodies each week during coffee hour:
June 28-Pot Luck
July 5-Ladies Luncheon
July 12-Sundae Sunday- Vestry
July 19 - Music /Choir
July 26-Pot Luck
August 2- Health Ministry
August 9-Alter Guild/flowers
August 16 Outreach/Free Shop
August 23-Pastoral Care
August 30 Pot Luck
| | Pride Parade in downtown Orleans.... | | Pride Parade held in downtown Orleans on June 13. Members of CHS and many of our sister parishes on Cape Cod participated. | | | Birthday/Ordination Celebration on June 21.... | | Happy Birthday to Janet Winter on the occasion of her 100th birthday! | | |
Above: Happy Birthday to Mike Gatzkiewicz on his 90th birthday!
Below: Congratulations to The Reverend Steve Jacobson on the 60th anniversay of his ordination as an Episcopal priest.
Photos by Kate Paradise
| | An Evening with Bill McKibben... | | Soar & Explore/Church School | | |
Children’s summer art-inspired time together in the Parish Hall. Sundays through August 30, 9:45 am to 10:45 am. All are welcome! Children will enter church at 10:45 am to join their families for Eucharist.
The creative work is based on the Sunday gospel that families are hearing in church. Children then hear a story or poems which illustrate an interpretation of the reading followed by an “in house” CHS artist who will creatively respond to the story in an art form.
Questions? Contact Ruth Campbell.
| | | | |
Top: Church School students are recognized at coffee hour for their participation this school year.
Center: Patrick offers special congratulations to Ray Thompson as he graduates from Nauset High School and heads off to McGill University this fall.
Bottom: Church School students answer questions about their artwork in the CHS Gallery.
Photos by Kate Paradise
| | | |
On Monday, June 15th, the latest round of Sacred Ground dialogues concluded with an all day, retreat-like session, beginning at 9 a.m. with two videos and breakfast cake. We broke for a delicious lunch, featuring a charcuterie board, variety of sandwiches, salads and homemade desserts. The day ended at 3 p.m. with a liturgy of personal sharing of reflections and resolves…and each lighting a candle, symbols of light and hope.
Covering twenty-two weeks of videos and readings, with eleven sessions in person, the history of race, systemic racism, and white privilege was explored. This last round was the third at CHS.
Recent participants from CHS were: Brian Schnetzer, Steven Coombs, Gail Binney Sterne, Ragnhild Bjerke, Mike Peters, Priscilla Birdsall, Donna Tavano, Tessa English, and Earle Bailey. Linda Smith of Orleans Methodist Church and Lindsay Harvey of Brewster Unitarian Fellowship were participants, adding an ecumenical flavor. The Revered Nancy Hagner joined for lunch and the closing liturgy. Nancy Boccia and Doug Fromm were co-facilitators.
| | Sunday Book Discussion Group | | |
Enjoy the summer, get the book--Take this Bread, and happy reading! We'll see you in church.
Brian and Brooke
| | Monthly Book Discussion Group | | |
All are welcome on Monday, July 20th, for our monthly book gathering. It will be hosted and held at Ann Deming’s home in Orleans. Please email cherylkyle@aol.com for additional information and to RSVP. A pot-luck dinner will be served. Please bring your beverage of choice. We encourage those that wish to bring an appetizer or dessert to add to the meal.
Matt Jones will be leading the discussion of The Art Thief by Michael Finkel. A true story of love, crime, a dangerous obsession, and an insatiable hunger to posses beauty at any cost. The book is about heists, yes, but it also speaks to much more.
| | |
Greetings from Building & Grounds,
June has been a busy month of acquiring quotes for upcoming projects. As of 6/23/26 the vestry approved our three new project requests:
Project 1 is a re-shingling of the Monument Road-facing side of the church- -from the reception room door through to the west transept wing.
Project 2 is a renovation and extension of our altar to accommodate two Eucharistic Ministers and two Priests serving Holy Communion.
Project 3 is a conversion in the four bathrooms in the Parish Hall from paper towel dispensers to sanitizer hand blowers as there has been a problem with paper towels finding their way into our septic system.
This work will be completed during July with minimal disruption to parish life.
| | |
June has brought us more garden splendor…and a fair share of ‘misplaced’ plants, aka, weeds!
As summer hums along, we know family and visitors top the list of priorities. That said, if you have even an hour, I’m happy to share some areas that are in need of TLC, particularly our playground. It needs weeding, on the stairs and in the play area. If interested, please contact me and I’m happy to direct you.
Big thanks to this month’s volunteers: Chuck Dow, Celia Calhoun, Dann Ung, Ike and Fay Cole, Peter Jensen, and Lynn VanNorman. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to be in touch and we’d love to have you join us on July 25.
Next Garden Parties--all Saturdays: July 25th; August 22nd; Sept. 26th; October 17th; and Nov. 14th.
So mark your calendars and join us!
Ann Pike-Paris and Brian Ridgeway, Co-Chairs
| | |
Each month, a member of the Outreach Committee will share information about one of our community partners. Brooke writes this month about her experiences with abused women and children in Texas many years ago and about Independence House here on Cape Cod now:
When I was in my early 30s, I led a few art workshops for the women and their children at a domestic violence shelter in Corpus Christi, TX. The group spoke freely about their experiences, and I learned a lot about what women and their children endure when they live with an abusive partner. They were all very grateful that they had found a place where they and their children could be safe. My experience there led me to seek an additional degree, this time in the field of counseling. When I retired from my job at the Latham School and joined the Outreach Committee, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to be a liaison to both Latham and Independence House.
The mission of Independence House (IH) is to help all domestic violence and sexual assault victims, survivors, and children by creating opportunities for safety and empowerment through crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, referral, outreach prevention and education. Their vision is an engaged community that actively prevents sexual and domestic violence. They serve over 10,000 individuals on Cape Cod each year.
Advocates report that rurality and economic instability contribute heavily to both frequency and severity of domestic abuse. When a person is able to access advocacy to enter a shelter, the lack of affordable housing often causes them to remain in the shelter longer than intended. This reduces IH’s ability to serve new survivors in urgent need.
The expertise and collaboration of agencies who work for homeless prevention allow IH to explore creative, flexible solutions for clients to move toward long-term stability. The flexible financial support that we, other faith communities, and donors give helps IH meet the growing demand for services needed by those in crisis in our community. Thank you for your support.
Brooke Eaton-Skea
| | |
Our July Ladies Luncheon, is Thursday, July 2nd, and we hope that you will join us. Bring your own sandwich or salad and the rest will be provided. Join us for conversation in the Parish Hall about 11:45, and we’ll sit down about 12:00 to enjoy an hour or so of fellowship with each other.
We thank Andrea Stubbendick for hosting our June meeting where Bonnie Adams showed several small quilts she had made for A BABY CENTER (ABC). This is an agency in Hyannis that we support through a voluntary monthly collection.
It’s summer, and a lunch out with friends you know, or friends you’ve yet to meet, could be delightful. Come be with us.
Fay Cole, convener
| | |
Holiday Bazaar – November 7, 2026
The Spirit Moves Us as Holy Spirit Artists At Work
In the 1930s, CHS founders Florence Kimball and Vernon Smith shared their artistic gifts and helped shape our parish’s creative spirit. Those traditions continue today. The Church of the Holy Spirit remains richly blessed as a community with many artists inspired by God’s creativity, like those who exhibit in the CHS Gallery and others whose gifts are less visible and unknown to us!
To celebrate these creative gifts, we are introducing a CHS Table at the November 7 Holiday Bazaar. We invite you to donate items you create—art, crafts, handmade goods, and other works in a variety of media and price points. All proceeds from this table will be added to the Bazaar proceeds benefiting our Community Outreach.
If you would like to participate: Please complete the attached form and include photos of the items you plan to contribute. Submit your Information and photos by September 30 to the Parish Office or directly to Carol Baffi‑Dugan.
We will be in touch by October 4 with delivery instructions and next steps.
Thank you in advance for sharing your creativity! …. And….let us know if you would like to join the 2026 Bazaar Team and be part of this great event.
Sue Sasso & Nancy Boccia
| | |
We gathered together for the first ever Free Shop Celebration & Information Luncheon on June 11! Present were 25 faithful volunteers and Wayne--who sets up the shop every Monday and takes down the shop every Wednesday!
Patrick was the Master of Ceremonies!! It was a good time with shared stories, questions, concerns, policies and good food!
COME SEE - COME VISIT - COME SHOP
The Free Shop is on the first floor of the Parish Hall for the summer!
Open every Monday and Wednesday - 10 to 1.
Summer clothing donations can be brought to the shop when open or
placed in bins on the first floor of the Parish Hall, by the elevator, when the shop is closed.
Always grateful for your SUMMER clothing donations and large brown paper shopping bags with handles!
Thank you for your continued support of this Holy Sprit ministry!
Sharyn Laughton and Suzy Gray (Recycler Supreme) - Co-Directors
| | |
Artists of the Month for July will be members of the The Kimball Guild, creating art in the Kimball House workshop around the corner. They have been producing unique, handcrafted jewelry and housewares for over 90 years. Each piece is an individual work of art made using traditional hammering tools and techniques. Lightweight aluminum does not tarnish and is environmentally friendly.
| | | |  | |
Current Guild Members:
Donna Tavano
Georgia Schneider
Roger Lovejoy
Susan Cooley
Melanie Gironda
Priscilla Birdsall
Ellen Adamson
| | | |
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
| | |
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
| | |
- Sunday, June 28 - Sunday afternoon worship begins; 5 pm
- Monday, June 29 - Food4Kids begins its 14th summer season
- Thursday, July 2 - Ladies Lunch; begins at 11:45 am in the Parish Hall
- Thursday, July 16 - Bereavement Group meets in the Parish Hall; 11:45 am - 1 pm
- Monday, July 20 - Holy Eucharist at Maplewood Senior Living with Rev. Liz Tunney; 11:00 am
- Saturday, July 25 - Monthly Garden Party at CHS; 8:30 - 11:00 am
| | Birthdays - Anniversaries - Remembrances | | Please contact the office if we don't yet have your dates! | | |
Birthdays
Harold Boas 6.26 Michael Isner 6.27 Beth Whalen 6.28
Richard O'Hara 7.2 Darby Boggess 7.2 Kimberly McLaughlin 7.3
Mary Pearl 7.5 Scott Daniels 7.7 Marilyn Gass 7.9
Nancy Morgan 7.9 John Butterworth 7.14 Katherine Goddard 7.15
Deborah Meguerdichian 7.21 Brian Ridgeway 7.23
Sarah Gregory 7.23 Jack Gentile 7.25 Caroline Keeffe-Jones 7.27
Tom Murray 7.30 Susan Moran 7.31
Anniversaries
Diane and Charles Deaton 7.2
Monica Montoya-Quintero and Javier Quintero 7.6
Mary Anne and Donald Bragdon 7.18
Brenda Husson and Tom Faulkner 7.29
Maria and Jim Anderson 7.30
Jane and Dr. Ephraim McLean 7.31
Remembrances
Susan McNair 6.25.07 William Laughton 6.26.02
Mim Ridgeway 6.26.13 Christopher Boeth 6.27.05
Nancy R. LaFrance 6.27.19 Sean R. White 6.27.02
Bernice Brown 6.29.01 Madge L. Barney 6.29.12
Marilyn L. Kalinick 6.30.65
Marjory Colwell 7.01.12 William Swift 7.01.07 Lester Myers 7.02.86
Robert Taylor 7.02.16 Paul Blackburn 7.03.01 Elaine F. Dewing 7.05.10
Herb Wieboldt 7.05.19 Marion L. Young 7.07.99 Harold D. Fox 7.09.09
Louise Donham 7.12.00 John Pike 7.12.80 Donald E. Smith 7.12.08
Judith Erickson 7.14.16 Deans R. Folsom 7.14.15 Ruth Hayes 7.14.19
Mildred H. Affleck 7.15.95 William Hammatt 7.15.13
The Rev. Robert Wardrop 7.15.94 Aram Zarookian 7.15.09
Jennifer Peters 7.17.25 Eileen Dougherty 7.18.06 Elinor Felt 7.19.12
Samuel Hall 7.19.12 Sue Daniels 7.20.15 Joan Howe 7.21.19
Andrew Kalinick 7.21.12 Gilbert Merritt 7.21.20
Norman Proctor 7.21.23 Barbara S. Churchill 7.22.12 Betty Dibble 7.23.05
Herbert Frederick 7.24.99 Jeffrey Karlson 7.28.18
Jeff Nickerson 7.28.21 Laura Ellen White 7.29.98
Recent Deaths
Joseph Manson 1.10.26 Margaret M. (Rappaport) Williams 1.31.26
Richard "Dick" Anderson 4.5.26 Robert Gaston 4.8.26
Sally Drew 5.24.26 Meta Hutchings 6.15.26
Bonnie Snow 6.19.26
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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
To receive our diocesan communications,
including the monthly E-news go to: www.diomass.org
Brenda Ridgeway, Together Editor
| | | | |
