Week of December 6, 2020
THIS SUNDAY
10AM Holy Eucharist
Limited to 10 in-person attendees
Social Distancing and masks are required – Sign Up
Watch the livestream on our YouTube channel
Service Material can be found on our website
This week’s scripture readings
Second Advent
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8
HOLD FAST
In recognition of our blessings and in faith that God keeps promises, I am asking that every member of Holy Apostles commits to memorizing at least one Scripture verse together during the next few weeks.
Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering,
for God who has promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them,
because it is the Lord your God who goes with you;
he will not fail you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
You can find lock screen images for your mobile phone for all three verses at www.holyapostlespa.org/phone
A Note from the Rector
The feast of Christmas is nearly here. It is a wonderful time of year when we remember that God became a human being for the sake of love; that God loved us so much that Jesus came to us—not as one with great power, prestige, or wealth, but as a helpless child who was born of a young woman named Mary in a stable in Bethlehem.
This year our celebration will be different. We will not be able to gather in large numbers on Christmas Eve and most of our worship and celebration will be online. However, we will still mark the great mystery and beauty of Christmas with our long time tradition of decking the church with Christmas poinsettias.
Christmas is also time when we think about and deeply miss our loved ones who have died. So, like other years we will have the opportunity to offer these Christmas flowers for the glory of God and in memory of those we love. This is our way of honoring them, praying for them, and bringing them with us into our time of worship and thanksgiving for the miracle of Christmas.
If you would like to participate in this custom, please provide us with the names of the deceased loved ones you would like to remember along with a donation. The suggested donation is $8.00 per name, but please do give only as you are able and so moved. You may email the names of your loved ones to us and use our online “give” button on website in order to donate. On the online form you will find a memo line that you can utilize to designate the donation as “Christmas flowers.” You may also mail the names and/or a check to the church office. Please have your names to the church no later than Friday, December 19th.
Thank you, and may God richly bless you during this season of Advent preparation for Christmas.
A theological reflection on wearing masks
Services
You can view our live-stream on our YouTube channel. A link to this video will be posted to Facebook.
Sunday December 6, 2020 – 2nd Advent
Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 10AM
Live-streamed; In-person attendance limited to 10
The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Sunday December 13, 2020 – 3rd Advent
Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 10AM
Live-streamed; In-person attendance limited to 10
The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Zoom Compline is held every night at 7:30PM
A brief time of prayer and checking in with other members of CHA
“Zoom Compline has been really helped me through this difficult time. It’s such a great way to close the day.” – CHA Member
Follow this link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/233415613?pwd=dTBDeUhrUUdSak9MS3RUaXdDSDhpUT09
or call into the meeting toll-free
1-888-475-4499
Callers will be promoted to enter this meeting ID:
233 415 613
and password: love
Zoom Bible Study is every Thursday at 11AM
We are currently studying the book of Hebrews. Join us as we learn together.
Follow this link to join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/788355291?pwd=R2FQRWltZ01LWG92WGtPSm54cXJSUT09
or call 1-888-475-4499 US Toll-free
You will be prompted to enter this meeting ID: 788 355 291
*note: the password for all Zoom meetings is “love”
Announcements
+ Pledge Cards: You should have already received your 2021 pledge card in your US Mail delivery. Please complete and return the card in the stamped and addressed envelope provided at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your continued support of Church of the Holy Apostles and its ministries. If you have not yet received your pledge card, please contact James: james.r.stambaugh@gmaill.com
+ Christmas Memorial Poinsettias : Please see James’ note, above. If you would like to participate in this custom, please provide us with the names of the deceased loved ones you would like to remember along with a donation. The suggested donation is $8.00 per name, but please do give only as you are able and so moved. You may email the names of your loved ones to us and use our online “give” button on website in order to donate. On the online form you will find a memo line that you can utilize to designate the donation as “Christmas flowers.” You may also mail the names and/or a check to the church office. Please have your names to the church no later than Friday, December 19th.
+ On December 10 at 6:30, the diocese is offering a special Advent reflection as part of their new “Bread for the Journey” series. This reflection will be led by the Rev. Dr. Joel Daniels who is Rector of St. George’s in Ardmore. It promises to be highly engaging and edifying. You can find more information and sign up here: https://www.diopa.org/events/bread-for-the-journey-it-s-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it-and-i-feel-fine
+ On Saturday December 19, at 10AM, you can join in a special simulcast service of Lessons and Carols that will be live streamed from Philadelphia Cathedral and Christ Lutheran Church in Bethlehem in the West Bank of Palestine. This service is a part of the diocese’s Covenant with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, and will also include Lutherans in both the Holy Land and here in Pennsylvania. This will be a special service, indeed. You can view at the diocese’s One Love Channel: For more information on how to watch click here: https://www.diopa.org/events/christmas-lesson-and-carols-simulcast-with-bethlehem
+ Church-wide Christmas Card: Take a digital photo of everyone in your household: wearing Christmas sweaters, in front of the tree or with cookies or your gingerbread house! Or just sitting in a comfy chair together. Just make sure we can see your beautiful faces. Email your photo to Katie Gentile: katie@thegentiles.com by 6pm on December 20th. Submissions will be gathered and created into a video card including everyone’s survey answers (See below). A link to the finished result will be provided to everyone who participates in the photos, and also in a special edition of the Acts of the Apostles newsletter to be mailed out on December 23rd.
+ Christmas Survey Questions: Answer our CHA Christmas Survey Questions about your favorite Christmas carols, family traditions, etc. by 6pm on December 20th. All answers are anonymous and you can use the link as many times as needed so everyone in the family can give their own answers. Submissions will be gathered and created into a video card including everyone’s photos (See above). A link to the finished result will be provided to everyone who participates in the photos, and also in a special edition of the Acts of the Apostles newsletter to be mailed out on December 23rd.
+ Connect by Night Gifts: This year, in addition to meals, we will be providing gift bags to the Connect by Night guests staying at the Upper Darby facility. Please visit the website to find out what is still needed and how you can help, or contact Cassie Woestman at grammysqrd@gmail.com or 610-608-5440. Everyone can participate in some way as we reach out to those in need in our community.
+ Sunday School: Sunday School will be held online via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month for preschool (5 years old) through 8th grade. You can join Sunday School using this link (all ages welcome): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89142013163?pwd=WFpJVDlZVFJhOUVVa1gxQ2k0djVndz09
We’re looking for more teachers! If you would like to be involved in this exciting ministry, contact Peter Patton: pmpatton307@gmail.com
+ Bible Study: Every Thursday at 11AM (currently on Zoom). We’re studying the Epistle to the Hebrews. Join us anytime using this link: https://gmail.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f491246993696e01f4487821&id=d52f77ccb0&e=fca055bb29
+ One Love: Our diocese has created an online platform where you can find inspirational videos, sermons by the bishop and other clergy, and online services. Visit DioPA One Love Online: https://episcopalpa.online.church
+ Eucharistic Visits: During this time, the rector and trained Eucharistic ministers may visit others to bring them the Eucharist. Meeting in outdoor spaces of homes will be preferred. Contact the rector if you would like to schedule a visit.
+ Giving: You can still mail pledge contributions to the church at this time. The mail is checked regularly. You can also securely give online. Go to holyapostlespa.org and click on the “Give” button on the top right hand corner of the webpage.
+ Online Worship: Online worship continues! We will be live-streaming each Sunday at 10AM. We will be calling on our virtual choir to provide music for us, and there will be occasional readings from members at home. It’s all happening on our YouTube Channel. Be sure to hit the SUBSCRIBE button!
+ Happy Birthday! The following folks have birthdays in the month of December.
7th Victoria Henderson, Beth Johnson
12th Connie Cunningham
23rd Peter Patton
25th Shaun Digel
If your birthday, or the birthday of another parishioner in your family is missing, please notify the Parish Office at holyapostlespa@gmail.com
Liturgy Participants
Can you fill an empty spot?
Readers/Intercessors: Email Katie Gentile at katie@thegentiles.com
Ushers/Greeters: Email Beth Johnson at bethjohnson514@gmail.com
December 6, 2020
- Readers/Intercessors: Annette Smith
- Usher/Greeter: Connie Cunningham
December 13, 2020
- Readers/Intercessors: John & Linda Day
- Usher/Greeter: Mike Johnson
December 20, 2020
- Readers/Intercessors: Drew & Toni Meiers
- Usher/Greeter: Annette Smith
December 24, 2020 – 4:30 pm Service
- Readers/Intercessors:
- Usher/Greeter:
December 24, 2020 – 10:00 pm Service
- Readers/Intercessors:
- Usher/Greeter:
December 25, 2020 – 10:00 am Service
- Readers/Intercessors:
- Usher/Greeter:
December 27, 2020
- We are looking for 2 more volunteers to pre-record readings for our Lessons & Carols service on Sunday, December 27. If you would like to participate, please sign up onlineor contact Katie Gentile at katie@thegentiles.com.
Church of the Holy Apostles 