This Sunday
THIS SUNDAY
9th Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 12
Celebrating the Feast of St. James, Apostle
10AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Masks are optional for those who have been vaccinated
Watch the broadcast on our YouTube channel
Service Material can be found on our website
Scripture readings
2 Kings 4:42-44
Psalm 145:10-19
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 6:1-21
A Note from the Rector
This Fall, I am planning to offer a confirmation class for those older children and teenagers who wish to be confirmed by the bishop when he visits us next, hopefully, in 2022. What exactly is confirmation? Confirmation is a special sacramental moment when a baptized person expresses “a mature commitment to Christ” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 860). In the case of those who were baptized as infants or children, confirmation represents the choice of an individual to take upon themselves the promises that were made for them and held in trust by their parents and godparents at baptism. Confirmation also imparts a special “strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” This strength is for living out the baptismal promises and following Jesus as an adult or young adult. In this sense, also, confirmation is a sort of rite of passage for many. At Holy Apostles, our traditional pattern is that older children and youth (say between the ages of 12 and 16) undergo a period of preparation for confirmation. It is one of my favorite jobs as Rector to come alongside students and walk with them on this leg of their faith journey. But, confirmation isn’t just for young people. Adults who have never had this experience are also invited to seek confirmation.
Confirmation class is FUN. Our age-appropriate preparation will be a rollicking good time as we range through a variety of topics from Scripture to Christian history, theology, and ethics. We’ll pay special attention to the baptismal covenant, and even take a peek at the catechism which is at the end of the Book of Common Prayer. Questions are encouraged and doubts are honored.
Keeping an eye on COVID restrictions as cases begin to rise again in our area and doing our best to work with family schedules, we will plan regular meetings of the confirmation class beginning in mid-September. If you or a family member is interested in joining us, let me know by filling out this Google form. This isn’t a commitment, just a way for me to find out who is interested. And, of course, if you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. If you are an adult and are interested in confirmation, let me know as well. You may want to join in the all the fun that our young people will have in confirmation class, but if not, I am happy to work with you individually to prepare for this important way station on the Christian journey.
Services
You can view our live-stream on our YouTube channel.
A link to this video will be posted to Facebook.
Sunday, July 25, 2021 – 9th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12
Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 10AM
The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Sunday, August 1, 2021 – 10th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13
Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 10AM
The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Weekday Meetings
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 Study is held every Thursday at 11AM
We are doing a combined study of the Books of Daniel and Revelation. Please join us as we discover a new view on the never-changing promises of God. No previous experience required.
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
DARBY MISSION
FOOD PANTRY
We are off to a great start on our Honey Nut Cheerio challenge. Twenty-eight boxes were donated for the July food distribution. Let’s keep it going for August 11!
BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES
During the month of August we will be looking to collect specific school supplies. Please look for details in the August Newsletter which will be in your mailbox next week!
Announcements
+ YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASS
Confirmation classes will begin in mid-September. If you or a family member is interested in joining us, let us know by filling out this google form. This isn’t a commitment, just a way to find out who is interested. And, of course, if you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to reach out to Fr. James directly.
+ MAY WE PRAY FOR YOU?
Intercession brings before God the needs of others (BCP p.857)
The Parish Prayer list is included in the monthly newsletter that is sent through the mail. Additional copies are also available on the table in the Narthex. To add your prayer needs to the list, you can contact Fr. James, Nancy Haas, or use the form on our website.
+ SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP
As some restrictions have been lifted, we are now allowed to gather for fellowship following the 10 AM Sunday service. A list has been been posted outside of the church office with summer dates. We will need volunteers to sign up to provide a cold beverage out on the lawn. At this time, no cookies or snacks are necessary, given the current restrictions in place. Plenty of dates still available for your contribution!
+ CHURCH SERVICE ATTENDANCE
We look forward to seeing you back at church if you feel comfortable there. Masks are optional for those who have been vaccinated Services will also continue to be livestreamed on our YouTube Channel. Be sure to hit the SUBSCRIBE button!
+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 Fr. James 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.
Diocesan News
This webinar is a pre-requisite to a four-part series which explores the multi-layered manifestations of systemic racism. We will identify contributing factors and define core concepts such as prejudice, privilege, race, and systemic racism. Register here.
+ LOVING PRESENCE
The Loving Presence Video captures the essence of America’s racist past through the testimonies of lay and clergy persons of the diocese. Reaffirming the recommendations of the Loving Presence Document, our video invites all people to reaffirm their commitment to ending racism in our nation and renew their baptismal covenant to Christ, creating a revolution of the heart. Watch it here.
+ FREE VACCINATION SITES
Our Diocese has partnered with several pharmacies to create free vaccination sites across the diocese. If you are looking for a vaccine, you are welcome to these places, no registration needed (but do bring ID & insurance card):
Vaccination Site & Times
• St John’s Norristown: Every Tuesday and Thursday – 2-5:45
Happy Birthday!
The following folks have birthdays in the month of July:
3rd Suzanne Lees
Linda Day
9th Andrew Meiers
10th Annette Smith
17th Sarai Colon Aquino
18th Cliff Davis
26th Anne Castimore
If your birthday, or the birthday of another parishioner is missing, please notify the Parish Office at holyapostlespa@gmail.com
1020 Remington Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096
Church of the Holy Apostles 