Our all-parish annual meeting will take place virtually onSunday, January 31 after the 10am service. We will meet on Zoom, vote to pass a budget and elect new members of the vestry. Look for details in the Acts of the Apostles, and plan to join us for this important business meeting.
This Sunday
10AM Holy Eucharist Limited to 10 in-person attendees – Social distancing and masks required Sign Up Watch the broadcast on ourYouTube channel Service Material can be found on our website
Several weeks ago I wrote about angels in this space and promised to write more. I wanted to link some of the descriptions of angels that we can find in Scripture to our actual liturgy and practice as Christians. I am trying to get at what angels actually have to do with you and me in our lived experience. I want to start with an early Christian theologian and reader of Scripture who took all the various references to angelic beings in Scripture and in other sources, ancient Jewish literature for example, and systematized them into categories. Now, boxing such things into categories is satisfying but dangerous. Nevertheless, I think these categories of angelic beings are interesting and can, at least, give us a framework in which to think about them, as long as we aren’t too dogmatic about it. [more]
Services
You can view our live-stream on our YouTube channel. A link to this video will be posted to Facebook.
Sunday January 3, 2021 – 2nd Sunday after Christmas Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 10AM Live-streamed, In-person attendance limited to 10 The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Wednesday January 6, 2021 – Feast of the Epiphany Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 6:30PM Live-streamed, In-person attendance limited to 10 The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Sunday January 10, 2021 – 1st Sunday after the Epiphany 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
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
+ There will be a special weekday service on Wednesday, January 6 @ 6:30PM to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. The service will be limited to 10 people in attendance but will also be live-streamed to our YouTube channel. We hope you’ll join us for this special day in the church calendar.
+ Pledge Update: Hold Fast With 34 pledges received our current pledge number is $119,094. We are still expecting several more pledges and are on track to meet last year’s pledge amount and meet our budget needs for 2021. If you have been meaning to pledge, there’s still time! Send in your pledge card, or request a new one from James or JT. Thank you so much to everyone who gives of their time, talent, and treasure so that Holy Apostles can remain a faithful, hopeful, and generous community of faith that spreads the love of Jesus in our neighborhoods and world.
+ 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
+ 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 January.2nd Paul March 4th Jamie Grant 5th Bradford Smith 7th Katie Gentile 20th Deborah Stambaugh 21st Maddie Johnson Paige Johnson 25th Christine Costello If your birthday, or the birthday of another parishioner in your family is missing, please notify the Parish Office at holyapostlespa@gmail.com
Join us Sunday for our 10 AM livestream to see the 2020 Children’s Pageant. So many have worked so hard to create this special event. Don’t miss it!
THIS SUNDAY:
10AM Holy Eucharist & Children’s Pageant 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 foundon our website
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
Services
You can view our live-stream on our YouTube channel. A link to this video will be posted to Facebook.
Sunday, December 20, 2020 – 4th Advent Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 10AM Virtual Christmas Pageant! Live-streamed; In-person attendance limited to 10 The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Thursday, December 24, 2020 – Christmas Eve Family Service Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 4:30PM Live-streamed; In-person attendance limited to 10 The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Thursday, December 24, 2020 – Christmas Eve Late Service Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 10PM Live-streamed; In-person attendance limited to 10 The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Friday, December 25, 2020 – Christmas Day 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 27, 2020 – 1st Sunday after Christmas Lessons & Carols 10AM Pre-recorded; no in-person attendance The Rev. James Stambaugh, presider
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
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
+ Connect by Night – Last minute gift needs: Our next dinner for Connect by Night is this Wednesday, December 23, which will also be the night of gift distribution. We can still use donations of the following: shampoo (9 regular OR 18 travel size) gloves (5) toothpaste (8) gently used winter coats gratefully accepted Any surplus items collected will be saved for additional CBN guests and distributed as needed. More Giant gift cards will also be delivered to St Mary’s Pantry this week for distribution. To arrange drop off, please email Cassie Woestman or phone/text at 610-608-5440. And thank you again for your extraordinary generosity to those in need.
+ Silent Night Candlelight Video: Join us in a reimagining of a CHA Christmas tradition. Arrange a time for one of our videographers to visit your home. We provide the candles. You and your family will step out onto your porch, stoop, front walk, etc. and be videoed holding your lit candles. Singing is not required. Please contact Joe Zorc or David Lees to arrange your post-dusk video time. All videos must be taken by end of day Monday, December 21.
+ Church-wide Christmas Card: You still have a few days to send in your Christmas photo for our Church-wide Christmas card. Please send your photo to Katie Gentile 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: Don’t forget to click this link and take 2-3 minutes to fill out 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.
+ Chrismon Tree: The Chrismon tree will be erected and ready for decorations beginning Sunday, December 20th Traditionally all ornaments are white and gold. White is for joy and God’s holiness, while gold symbolizes God’s glory. Ornaments can be crowns, crosses, doves, stars, and butterflies, as well as balls, ribbons and white lights. If you need ideas, you can find patterns for ornaments on the church website: Come join us in decorating the tree and welcoming our Savior and King!
+ BuildOn Julia and Sarah Zorc are members of the BuildOn service club at Lower Merion High School. You may remember this organization from Robbie Zorc and Barbara Peck’s trip to Malawi, Africa 5 years ago. BuildOn is hosting a virtual gala on Saturday, December 19th from 5:00-8:00 pm to raise money for the construction of a primary school in Burkina Faso, Africa. Although students cannot travel there this year, all funds raised will go towards its construction costs. You can access the BuildOn Gala through a livestream on the Lower Merion District Website For every $10 that you donate by Saturday, you will be entered in a raffle for over $400 worth of prizes! You can donate during the event, or in advance on the BuildOn fundraising page. If you have any questions please feel free to email Julia Zorc or call/text her at 610-592-6105.
+ 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
+ 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
+ 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.3rd Patricia Mattoon 7th Beth Johnson, Victoria Henderson 12th Connie Cunningham 16th Robert Mattoon 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
To borrow a line from Jo March of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Christmas won’t be Christmas without… fill in the blank. Many of us are feeling that way in 2020. At Church of the Holy Apostles you can join in on any one or all of the following events to help us feel more together, even as we must keep our distance.
Video Christmas Pageant – a vital part of our live-stream service on 12/20
Christmas Eve Services, live-streamed at 4:30 pm & 10 pm
Christmas Day Service, live-streamed at 10 am
Lessons and Carols Service (pre-recorded), broadcast on 12/27 @ 10 am
See the Announcements section below for details on these events and plan how you and your family can participate!
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 foundon our website
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
Recently an article of mine called “The Spirit-Drenched World and the Renewal of the Episcopal Church” was published by the online publication, Earth & Altar Magazine. It’s something of a provocation and a little bit provocative. It’s not necessarily something that I would write for my weekly parish column. The article is about how the wider church is in need of spiritual renewal. This wider renewal will of course have ramifications on the parish level. One implication, I wrote, is that in the parish “We need to teach and preach again about the existence of angels, demons, and miracles.” I thought maybe I should practice what I preach. As Christmas nears and we hear and recall stories of angels appearing to Mary and to shepherds and wise men, I thought I would spend some time sharing with you about angels.
I am not a materialist. That is, I don’t believe the material world which is experienced by our five senses and explored through the scientific method is all there is to reality. I believe there is something more…
You can view our live-stream on our YouTube channel. A link to this video will be posted to Facebook.
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
Sunday, December 20, 2020 – 4th Advent Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 10AM Virtual Christmas Pageant! Live-streamed; In-person attendance limited to 10 The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Thursday, December 24, 2020 – Christmas Eve Family Service Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 4:30PM Live-streamed; In-person attendance limited to 10 The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Thursday, December 24, 2020 – Christmas Eve Late Service Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Prayers of Spiritual Communion 10PM Live-streamed; In-person attendance limited to 10 The Rev. James Stambaugh, celebrant & preacher
Friday, December 25, 2020 – Christmas Day 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 27, 2020 – 1st Sunday after Christmas Lessons & Carols 10AM Pre-recorded; no in-person attendance The Rev. James Stambaugh, 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
*note: the password for all Zoom meetings is “love”
Announcements
+ Connect by Night Gifts: A huge THANK YOU to all who have contributed to this year’s Connect by Night events. If you are providing items for the gift bags that will be presented at dinner on December 23, please remember that the deadline for drop off is this Tuesday, December 15th. Items still needed:
Non-alcoholic mouthwash
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Washcloths and hand towels
Ankle & wrist weights
Jump ropes
If you have questions or need help in getting your items to the church, please contact Cassie Woestman at grammysqrd@gmail.com or 610-608-5440. And thank you again for your extraordinary generosity to those in need.
+ Video Christmas Pageant: Don’t miss the live-streamed service next Sunday, December 20 @ 10AM! Innovation has been the key to putting this year’s pageant together and it is sure to be an event like no other. If you must miss the live-stream, you can watch the broadcast at any time on our YouTube channel
+ Silent Night Church Family Video: There is nothing quite like a full church on Christmas Eve with everyone holding a lighted candle during the singing of Silent Night. It’s so special, that we have devised a plan to share in that same spirit. This year, you don’t even have to leave home to participate in this custom. One of our videographers will visit you at a pre-arranged time at your home and provide the candles. You and your family will step out onto your porch, stoop, front walk, etc. and be videoed holding your lit candles. Singing is not required. Please contact Joe Zorc or David Lees to arrange your post-dusk video time. All videos must be taken by end of day Monday, December 21.
+ Christmas Memorial Poinsettias : If you would like to participate in this CHA 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.
+ Zoom Christmas “Caroling” Party: Come one, come all to our Zoom Christmas party on Saturday, December 19 @ 7pm – caroling not required. No wonderful nibbles from Suzanne Lees this year, you’ll need to provide your own refreshments of the edible and liquid variety. Come as you are – Christmas PJ’s get bonus points! We’ll be using the Compline Zoom link for a time of fun and fellowship. Won’t you stop by?
+ 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.
+ Chrismon Tree: We will put our Chrismon tree outside in the church garden area so that everyone may enjoy it and help to decorate it with symbols of Christ and the Christian faith. Traditionally all ornaments are white and gold. White is for joy and God’s holiness, while gold symbolizes God’s glory. Ornaments can be crowns, crosses, doves, stars, and butterflies, as well as balls, ribbons and white lights. If you need ideas, you can find patterns for ornaments on the church website: Come join us in decorating the tree and welcoming our Savior and King! The tree will be erected and ready for decorations beginning Sunday, December 20th
+ 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
+ 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
+ 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
+ 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.
3rd Patricia Mattoon 7th Beth Johnson, Victoria Henderson 12th Connie Cunningham 16th Robert Mattoon 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
December 27, 2020 – Lessons & Carols – Pre-recorded
THANK YOU to all who have volunteered to pre-record readings for the Lessons & Carols service. If you have questions about your assigned reading or how to record, upload, etc., please contact Katie Gentile
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
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
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.
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
*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.
+ 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
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.
