THIS SUNDAY
10AM Holy Eucharist
Limited to 10 in-person attendees – Social distancing and masks required – Sign Up
Watch the broadcast on our YouTube channel
Service Material can be found on our website
Scripture readings – 5th Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 40:21-31
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
Psalm 147:1-12, 21c
A Note from the Rector
2021 is slipping away so quickly, it seems. It’s almost time for Lent. Ash Wednesday is February 17th. Following diocesan guidelines, the vestry and I have decided to move forward with the distribution of ashes in a way that mitigates the risk of potential coronavirus transmission. There will be three opportunities to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. The first will be “Ashes to Go” in the morning. Between 8am and 9:15am, you will have the opportunity to drive or walk to church, where you will find me standing near the parking lot. To avoid contact, I will use a Q-tip to impose ashes on your forehead, and will say the familiar words from the prayer book. We’ll all be wearing masks (maybe even two masks) the whole time, and my ashen Q tips will be single use.
There will also be two more traditional Ash Wednesday services at 12:15 and 6:30PM. These services of Eucharist will also include the imposition of ashes by Q-tip in the same manner. Services will limited to 20 people, and you will need to sign up in order to come.
Anglicans have often been a little skeptical of ashes anyway. The 1979 Book of Common Prayer is the first to include the option to impose Ashes on Ash Wednesday, and including this option was very controversial at the time. Many Episcopalians at the time felt like the idea of Ash Wednesday violated Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 6: “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them… whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting” (in order to build in some intentional irony and self-reflection, Matthew 6 is the Gospel reading for the Ash Wednesday service). On the other hand, many others have felt that the visceral, fragile, and potent reminder that ashes provide us is important, nonetheless. This strange ritual reminds us of our own mortality, of the mortality of our loved ones, and even the mortality of the people that we see walking around us. It is physical reminder of the fragility and preciousness of life; the need to trust in God; the need to care for and cherish others; the need to live life now, with what we’ve got, while we’ve got it; to not take tomorrow for granted—ashes on the forehead really do it for some folks. It can be a powerful and holy way to begin Lent, that season of preparation before the glory of Easter.
So, I am offering this weird symbol to those for whom it is important. I do believe that physical things, like ashes, like candles, can communicate important things and can ultimately help us receive God grace in our lives. When it comes to the sacraments—the waters of baptism, the bread and wine of Eucharist—my confidence and commitment are magnified significantly. Ultimately, this is because I believe that God became human in Jesus Christ and made material things, matter, matter. They matter in such a way that transcends our fragility and mortality and touches upon the divine. I’m staking my life on that. I believe in all of this so much that I’m willing to hang out outside in the cold and put ashes on your forehead with a Q-tip. That being said, the safest thing is to watch the service online, especially for those of us who are might be particularly vulnerable to serious illness because of coronavirus. We’ll take every precaution, but there’s always risk. So, I’ll be here if you need me. But ashes or not, regardless of me or you or what we do, God’s love for us is always nearby. God is always very near.
Services
You can view our live-stream on our YouTube channel.
A link to this video will be posted to Facebook.
To attend in person, please sign up to reserve your spot.
Sunday, February 7, 2021 – 5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 10AM
Live-streamed, In-person attendance limited to 20
The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Sunday, February 14, 2021 – Last Sunday after the Epiphany,
Feast of Absalom Jones
Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 10AM
Live-streamed, In-person attendance limited to 20
The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Ash Wednesday
Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 12:15PM
Live-streamed, In-person attendance limited to 20
The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Ash Wednesday
Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 6:30PM
Live-streamed, In-person attendance limited to 20
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 passcode: love
Zoom Bible Studyis held every Thursday at 11AM
We are just starting a study of the Books of Daniel and Revelation. Now is a great time to join us as we get ready to discover a new view on the never-changing promises of God.
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
and passcode: love
*note: the passcode for all CHA Zoom meetings is “love”
Outreach – Up Next
| Lenten Service Projects Objective: To show continued support for helping with food scarcity issues in the community Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 NRSV |
Darby Mission
During Lent our goal is to help stock and replenish the Darby mission Food Pantry and School Supplies. Below is a “top ten” list of items that would be required to meet the needs of Rev. Doris’ clients. Other non-perishable items also accepted. Children and Youth could be encouraged to concentrate on school supplies while the Adults of the congregation could take on the food and personal hygiene items.
School Supplies most needed: crayons, glue sticks, composition notebooks, pencils
Food and Hygiene items most needed: pasta, pasta sauce, tuna, cereal, tampons
Drop off locations:
In or near the designated box in the church narthex
27 Kathmere Rd, Havertown
Ship directly to CHA when ordering on line
Collection will run from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday. If you can offer to be an additional collection location, please contact Cassie.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Connect by Night
We would like to provide some simple suppers, reminiscent of our own Soup Group Nights at CHA.
What: Simple Suppers – 2 events
When: Wednesday, February 17 and Wednesday, March 10
Menu: Multiple crocks of soup for 10-12, Crusty bread, Cheese plate, Fresh Fruit
Please contact Cassie to volunteer to provide for one or both of these dinners!
THANK YOU for your continued support of those
in need in our communities.
Cassie Woestman, Outreach Chairperson, contact info:
Email: grammysqrd@gmail.com
Phone/Text: 610-608-5440
Announcements
+ Ash Wednesday Services – February 17 – See “A Note from the Rector,” above, for more details.
8 – 9:15 am “Ashes to Go” in the church parking lot – distancing and safe practices (James will be using gloves and single-use cotton swabs) during administration of ashes.
12:15 pm Ash Wednesday Liturgy and Eucharist – Watch the livestream or re-watch the service at any time on our YouTube channel
6:30 pm Ash Wednesday Liturgy and Eucharist with Music Watch the livestream or re-watch the service at any time on our YouTube channel
+ Lenten Reading – Lent is just a week and a half away! This year you are invited to participate in an All Parish Book Reading and Discussion. We will read a short, intriguing, and enjoyable book by Esther De Waal entitled
Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict
(Liturgical Press, 1984, updated 2001)
There will be opportunities during Lent to discuss the book together.
You are also welcome just to read the book on your own! You can find the book on Amazon or, you might consider supporting an independent bookstore such as Eighth Day Books or Hearts and Minds Books. You’ll want to order soon in order to ensure that it gets to you in time!
+ Church Service Attendance – Based on guidelines from Bishop Daniel and a corresponding vote by your Vestry, beginning February 7 the maximum number of attendees will be raised to 20 persons. Masks and appropriate distancing will continue to be observed. We look forward to seeing you back at church if you feel comfortable there. Services will also continue to be livestreamed. Please note that you must pre-register to attend service to allow us to continue keeping with our safe practices. If you are serving (organist, reader, cantor, tech, usher, etc.) please remember to sign up as well.
+ Girl Scout Cookies are here! For 6 years now Emma Gallagher has set up in the parish hall during coffee hour, but thanks to COVID, she is all online! Emma is in Penn Valley/Welsh Valley Cadette Troop 7031. Our cookie sales fund the troop for the year – the girls have been meeting virtually and are really looking forward to seeing each other in person hopefully soon!
Flavors ($4 per box):
Toast-Yay (new this year – which is a French toast flavor), Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Coconut Delights, Shortbreads, Lemonades and S’mores.
Click here to place an online order or go to:
https://app.abcsmartcookies.com/#/social-link-landing/d209b161-8f30-4958-aa36-8807e0d457b1 You can choose shipping, or girl delivery with a credit card. You can also contact Michelle directly and use cash, check, Venmo, PayPal, etc. Emma can deliver or set up a time to meet (socially distanced) in the church parking lot. Emma says “thank you for your support of our troop!” Cookie sales run from January 21- March 14.
+ 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 will be starting a study of the Books of Daniel and Revelation. Now is a great time to join us as we get ready to discover a new view on the never-changing promises of God. . 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 February.
6th Carter Grant
12th Jamieson Henderson
17th Mike Johnson
19th Annie Neff
Jamison Grant
23rd Lyn DeSilets
Lucas Johnson
24th Jeremiah Mustered
27th Meg Delevan
Alice Vroome
28th Braeden Wherry
Colin Vroome
If your birthday, or the birthday of another parishioner in your family is missing, please notify the Parish Office at holyapostlespa@gmail.com
Our mailing address is:
1020 Remington Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096
Church of the Holy Apostles 