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By The Reverend

Canon

Stephen C. Casey Dear friends in Christ:

There are certain times in

the year which symboli-

cally at least present

themselves as opportuni-

ties to start anew, putting

aside those things we dis-

like in ourselves, in favor

of new habits, “new reso-

lutions” if you will. For

me,

the

sea-

son of

Ad-

vent

is one

such

time

of

re-

newal. In the liturgical

calendar, Advent is the

church’s “new year,” the

first season in the great

cycle of Advent, Christ-

mas, Epiphany, Lent, Ho-

ly Week, Easter, and Pen-

tecost.

Advent takes its name

from the Latin Adventus

which means “coming.”

It signifies the coming of

our Lord Jesus as a babe

of Mary at Christmas.

For centuries the church

the first week of Advent,

each Monday and Friday,

noon-day prayers from the

Book of Common Prayer

will be offered in the church.

In addition, each Wednesday

after the mid-week healing

service of Holy Communion,

and each Friday evening at

6:30 in the Parish Hall there

will also be an opportunity to

“Walk in the Starlight” and

through prayers and medita-

tions, reflect on our own

journey of faith.

With the

exception

of the

Contem-

porary

service

Sunday,

between

the ser-

vices I

shall be offering an oppor-

tunity to reflect on the story

of Jesus’ birth as recorded in

the gospels of Matthew and

Luke. And on the Fourth

Sunday of Advent, in place

of the 10:15 service of Holy

Eucharist, there will be a

service of Nine Lessons and

Carols: nine lessons from

scripture interspersed with

some of the wonderful

Christmas hymns we get to

sing but once in the year.

(Continued on page 2)

has considered Advent in

the same way it considers

Lent, as a time of prepara-

tion and penitence, a time of

renewal. In Advent the li-

turgical colour changes to

blue, the symbol of Mary

and of a new beginning.

Throughout Advent each

service will begin with the

lighting of the Advent can-

dle. As a reflection of the

penitential nature of Ad-

vent, the liturgical settings

take on a somber tone, the

Gloria in excelsis is re-

placed by the Kyrie, “Lord

have mercy,” and the text of

the hymns tell the story of

preparing for Emmanuel,

God is with us, the Christ

who came and will come

again at the end of time.

To help us prepare for the

coming of the Christ child,

Emmanuel, the Spirituality

Ministry will be offering a

number of opportunities to

meditate on the meaning of

the season. Beginning in

Special points of interest:

Worship services and Parish hours are on

the back cover of the Scepter

Staff and Vestry Members are listed on the

back cover of the Scepter

Christmas Services 2

Advent Meditations and Services 3

More Than Just Notes 6

Blanket Drive 8

Children's Church Tour 12

Knit Wits 16

Trio Clavino at St. Edward’s 17

Inside this issue:

ST

.

ED

WA

RD

’S

E

PI

SC

OP

AL

C

HU

RC

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December 2014

Reflections From the Rector’s Desk

Sc

ep

ter

“the season of Advent is not a time for rowdy

celebration but of quiet reflection and anticipation of the coming of Jesus, the Incarnate

Lord.”

Although the shops and malls are already

dressed for Christmas, the season of Ad-

vent is not a time for rowdy celebration

but of quiet reflection and anticipation of

the coming of Jesus, the Incarnate Lord.

It is the time of the “now and not yet;” a

time of renewal and I encourage you to

enter it.

Blessings

Fr. Stephen+

(Continued from page 1)

Parish Office Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fri-

day:

9 AM – 3 PM

Tuesday: 9 AM – 1 PM

Parish Administrative Assistant:

Michelle Bentley

Scepter

Production Staff:

H. J. “Mac” Miller

[email protected]

If you're the last person to leave

the building following Sunday ser-

vices or an event, please take the

time to make sure all the lights are

turned off (including the rest

rooms) and the doors are locked.

S CE PT ER

Information

Reflections

Father Christmas?

By Rayelenn Casey

and Photoshop

December 21st Sunday

10:15 am Service Lessons & carols

December 24th, Christmas Eve

4:30 PM - Family Service of Holy Commun-

ion

Praise Band will be playing music

commencing at 4:15 pm.

Children’s Sermon

8:00 PM Festival Holy Eucharist with Choir

10:30 PM – Midnight Mass with Choir

Nursery will be available for children

up to age 4 at the 4:30 PM and 8 PM

services

December 25 Christmas Day

10:00 AM – Holy Eucharist Rite II

Christmas Services

Not quite.

Patrick Ishler rehearsing with the choir.

Military News

Please keep in your prayers those

close to us who are serving in the

military. Brandon Fox

Gordon Frankenfield

Brandon Fuhrman

Matt Fuhrman

Adam and Christina Grim

Drew Johnson

John Lewis

CWO5 Barry Loar

Craig Massey

David Miller

Hank Morrow III

Richard Mutari

David Peck

Capt. Andrew Pfeiffer

Rev. David J. Sparks,

Mike Spurr

David Sternberg

Allison Tomich

Evan Westgate

Seamas Whitesel

1st Lt. Thomas Whitesel,

Ian Williams

www.sainteds.org

UTO Boxes

Sunday November 2 marked the

Ingathering of the giving boxes for

the United Thank Offering. Did YOU

fill a UTO box this year? If not, you

can start a new box now! Just drop

your spare change in it and bring it

for next year's Ingathering.

By Fr. Casey

To help us prepare for the coming of the

Christ child, Emmanuel, the Spirituality

Ministry will be offering a number of

opportunities to meditate on the meaning

of the season. Beginning in the first

week of Advent, each Monday and Fri-

day, noon-day prayers from the Book of

Common Prayer will be offered in the

church. In addition, each Wednesday

after the mid-week healing service of

Holy Communion, and each Friday even-

ing at 6:30 in the Parish Hall there will

also be an opportunity to “Walk in the

Starlight” and through prayers and medi-

tations, reflect on our own journey of

faith.

With the exception of the Contemporary

service Sunday, at Adult Forum between

the services I shall be offering an oppor-

tunity to reflect on the story of Jesus’

birth as recorded in the gospels of Mat-

thew and Luke. The shops and malls

may already be dressed for Christmas,

but the season of Advent is not a time for

rowdy celebration but of quiet reflection

and anticipation of the coming of Jesus,

the Incarnate Lord. It is the time of the

“now and not yet;” a time of renewal and

I encourage you to enter it.

Advent Services

Bishop Search

Charlotte Weaver-Gelzer, the chair

of the Diocesan Search Committee.

worshipped with us at the 10:15

service recently, and had a chance

to talk to parishioners about our

progress in the search for a new

Bishop.

S CE PT ER

Members of Anglican Communion

Churches worldwide are being invited to

celebrate Advent through prayer, medita-

tion and by contributing to a global Ad-

vent calendar on Instagram.

Advent — from Nov. 30 to Dec. 24 — is

the season when Christians observe a

time of expectant waiting and preparation

for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at

Christmas.

The Anglican Communion Office and the

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

(SSJE) are teaming up to offer Anglicans

and Episcopalians around the world a

daily word, meditation and beautiful im-

age sent to their e-mail inboxes.

Playing around with time. The brothers

use technology that allows their daily

Advent e-mail to arrive in people’s in-

boxes at 5 a.m. wherever in the world the

recipient is.

“5 a.m. is about the time we get up to

pray,” said SSJE’s Brother Jim Wood-

rum. “Of course you can look at your e-

mail after 5 a.m., but we want to make

sure it’s there when you wake up.”

Though people are used to the idea of

monks involved in prayer and meditation,

they might be surprised to know that

monks have camera phones too.

“We are hoping that people will join us

in praying with their phone this Advent,”

said Woodrum. “After reading the medi-

tation, we’d love for people to snap a

picture that reflects the theme or their

response to it and post it to Insta-

gram.”#Adventword

Participants are invited to take a photo

with their phone or tablet to share their

interpretation of the word for that day –

these include #Abide, #Thrive, #Become,

#Imagine – and post the picture to Insta-

gram adding the day’s tag plus

#Adventword.

“People need help with their daily spir-

itual practice,” said Brother Geoffrey

Tristram, SSJE superior. “During Ad-

vent, we anticipate the coming of Christ,

an event that awakens our deepest desires

and longings. This Advent, we are invit-

ing you to join us in looking clearly and

honestly at our lives and taking action.”

Jan Butter, director for communications

at the Anglican Communion Office, said,

“It’s all too easy for Christians to be con-

sumers in today’s world — especially

during the Advent season. Here we have

a chance to not only receive during Ad-

vent, but also take part in a global action;

to give back to other Anglicans and Epis-

copalians worldwide by sharing our pho-

tos with each other.

“This is also a chance for people who

might never have connected with an An-

glican religious community before to

benefit from the deep thought, meditation

and prayer that emanates from such com-

munities all around the world. (Visithttp:/

ommunities.anglicancommunion.org/ for

a list of other Anglican Communion reli-

gious communities.)

To be part of this global Advent initia-

tive, sign up at http://www.aco.org/

adventword.cfm. The initiative starts on

Nov. 30. To learn more about SSJE vis-

it www.ssje.org/adventword

By ACNS staff | November 12, 2014

[Anglican Communion News Service] From Episcopal News Service

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/201

4/11/12/anglicans-invited-to-celebrate-

advent-using-your-camera-

phones/#.VGM8DfHw3sQ.twitter

Editor’s Note: Everyone can receive the

daily pictures via email, but you will need

an Instagram account on your mobile

device to submit your own photos.

Anglicans Invited to Celebrate Advent Using Camera Phones

The monks are inviting Anglicans

and Episcopalians to join them in

prayer, meditation and taking pho-

tos during Advent. Photo: SSJE

“Thrive”

“Abide”

“Become”

“Imagine”

Flowers

People have often asked how our flower

ministry works. The altar flowers are a

beautiful component during the church

seasons. Our flower ministry is 100%

contributed by parishioners. These are

the following opportunities for you to

donate flowers during the year:

Altar Flowers: The chart is in the nar-

thex, with giving envelopes. Each week-

ly donation is $50 made payable to St.

Edward’s with a memo line that reads

“Altar Flowers.” Envelopes can be

placed in weekly collection plate or

dropped by the church office.

Place the name “given by” and “in re-

membrance of” on the flower chart

(please write neatly so that we can print

all names properly) and the remembrance

will go in the designated Sunday bulletin.

A new chart is placed in the narthex for

the following year every December.

Christmas Flowers: In remembrance of

and in thanksgiving for friends, family,

and loved ones. Special sign up sheets

will be in the narthex 3 weeks prior to

Christmas for sign up. Each designation

request is for $10 and there are envelopes

for the donation. Please make check pay-

able to St. Edward’s and mark in memo

line “Christmas Flowers.” Envelopes can

be placed in collection plate or dropped

by the church office.

Easter Flowers: In remembrance of and

in thanksgiving for friends, family, and

loved ones. Special sign up sheets will

be in the narthex 3 weeks prior to Easter

for sign up. Each designation request is

for $10 and there are envelopes for the

donation. Please make check payable to

St. Edward’s and mark in memo line

“Easter Flowers.” Envelopes can be

placed in collection plate or dropped by

the church office.

** Note: Advent and Lent we have spe-

cial arrangements for those seasons, but

we encourage giving and your remem-

brance will be placed in the service bul-

letin.

A Welcoming Congregation

7 Practical Tips

By Neal Michell

If you’re not excited about your church,

nobody else will be either. A positive

attitude is infectious.

Growing churches are welcoming church-

es

Many growing congregations grow, not

because they have a particularly excellent

newcomer’s ministry, but because they

are a welcoming congregation. Although

it certainly helps to have a quality new-

comer’s ministry, many congregations

grow because they are, quite simply, wel-

coming congregations. They are aware of

the newcomers in their midst, and they

have a value of “welcoming the stranger.”

The following suggestions for becoming a

welcoming congregation are not so much

programmatic as they are values that indi-

viduals can embrace:

1.Remember the rule of 3 to 1

Talk to three newcomers on any given

Sunday for every one “regular” person

that you talk to. Remember that the

church is for fellowship as well as church

work and that busy leaders should avoid

the impulse to spend times of fellowship

doing “business” with other busy leaders.

2.Don’t leave a newcomer hang-

ing

Pass off the new person you’ve just met

to someone else. Don’t just greet some-

one and say, “It was nice to meet you.”

Introduce them to someone else. Let your

newcomers connect to as many people as

possible.


By Patrick Ishler, Choir Director

Once in royal David's city:

taken from Lifeministries.org; Andrew

Landown

There are many carols that people love

to hear and to sing during the Christ-

mas season. One favourite is “Once in

royal David’s city”.

This carol was written

in the mid-nineteenth

century by Cecil

Frances Alexander.

Mrs Alexander wrote

hundreds of songs and

several of them are still

popular today, more

than a century after her

death. “There is a green

hill far away”, a song

about the crucifixion of

Jesus, is still widely known and loved

among Christians. And Christians and non

-Christians alike continue to be fond of

her song about the Creator and his crea-

tures, “All things bright and beautiful”.

“Once in royal David’s city”, a song

about the birth of Jesus, is perhaps Mrs

Alexander’s best known song. As with

most of her songs and poems, she wrote it

for children. And as with most good chil-

dren’s writing, it also appeals to adults.

The carol’s first stanza describes the facts

of Jesus’ birth: Once in royal David’s

city/ Stood a lowly cattle-shed,/ Where a

mother laid her baby/ In a manger for his

bed. The mother and the child are named

in the last two lines of the stanza: Mary

was that mother mild,/ Jesus Christ her

little child. The carol begins with

“Once”—not because it is a once-upon-a-

time story but because it is a once-long-

ago story. This story is not a flight of fan-

cy but a fact of history. (The historical

accounts upon which Mrs Alexander ba-

ses her carol can be found in the opening

chapters of the Gospels of Luke and Mat-

thew in the Bible.) Historically, Jesus was

born in Bethlehem, the birthplace of King

David. He was born in a stable and put to

bed in an animal feeding-trough. His

mother was Mary and his own name was

Jesus (meaning, “Saviour”) Christ

(meaning, “God’s chosen and anointed

one”).

The second stanza continues the theme of

the nativity and touches on the identity of

the baby, the irony of his birthplace and

the implications of his birth. The first two

lines declare: He came down to earth from

heaven,/ Who is God and Lord of all. Je-

sus was no ordinary baby. He was/is God

the Son, sharing the same life and nature,

the same existence and being, as God the

Father and God the Spirit, who together

make up the one true and living God, the

Trinity. Before he took on our humanity

he lived in his deity in heaven from eter-

nity. He did not come into existence at

conception, like an ordinary human being.

He came down from heaven and, without

ceasing to be God, became a human. The

next two lines declare: And his shelter

was a stable,/ And his cradle was a stall.

What an irony! The One who is “God and

Lord of all” came not to a palace but to a

stable, not to satin-covered bassinette but

to a cattle-slobbered feed-box. The last

two lines of the second stanza de-

clare: With the poor and mean and lowly/

Lived on earth our Saviour holy. Even

more remarkable than the place to which

he came are the people to whom he came.

He came not to the prosperous but to the

poor, not to the distinguished but to the

disregarded, not to the haughty but to the

humble. And he came to be their

“Saviour”—that is to say, he came to

“save his people from their

sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Stanza three shifts focus from the birth to

the childhood of Jesus. The first four lines

describe the behaviour of Jesus as a

child: And through all his

wondrous childhood/ He would honour

and obey,/ Love, and watch the lowly

mother/ In whose gentle arms he lay. Je-

sus loved his mother (not to mention his

stepfather, Joseph). He considered her

example, obeyed her instructions and rel-

ished her tenderness. Mrs Alexander’s

sentiments about Jesus’ attitude as a boy

to his parents are not mere poetic license,

for the Bible states that “he … was obedi-

ent to them” (Luke 2:51). Having noted

the perfection of Jesus as a child, Mrs

Alexander proceeds in the last two lines to

hold him up as a model for children to

follow: Christian children all must be/

Mild, obedient, good as he. These lines

strike the modern reader as moralistic. But

they are in fact a right and necessary ap-

plication. Jesus’ life is not merely of his-

torical interest: it is of ongoing im-

portance. And part of that importance has

to do with moral example. So then, Chris-

tian children (that is, children who love

and trust Jesus, as all children are invited

to do) should strive to follow the example

that Jesus set as a child.

The fourth stanza continues to focus on

Jesus’ childhood and to draw from it prac-

tical truths for children everywhere. In

this stanza, however, the

practical truths are not moral and chal-

lenging but emotional and fortifying: For

he is our childhood’s pattern:/ Day by day

like us he grew;/ He was little, weak, and

helpless,/ Tears and smiles like us he

knew. Jesus knew what it was like to be a

child. He knew what it was like to be little

and helpless. He knew what it was like to

be happy and smiling or sad and crying.

Children can take comfort from knowing

that Jesus experienced the very things that

they are experiencing. But more im-

portantly, they can take comfort from

knowing that Jesus’ experience creates

within him a deep sympathy for them. It is

to this thought that the stanza shifts and

on which it ends: And he feeleth for our

sadness,/ And he shareth in our gladness.

These words touch adults, too. For Jesus

sympathises with the grownups just as


S CE PT ER

More Than Just Notes

Cecil Alexan-

der

http://Lifeministries.org

x-apple-data-detectors://2


Welcoming cont’d

Welcoming cont’d

much as with the growingups. Because of

the humanity that he shares with us and

the love that he has for us, Jesus under-

stands us perfectly and sympathises with

us completely. Referring to Jesus as our

high priest, the Bible says: “For we do

not have a high priest who is unable to

sympathise with our weaknesses, but we

have one who has been tempted in every

way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

Let us then approach the throne of grace

with confidence, so that we may receive

mercy and find grace to help us in our

time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

And it is to the throne of grace that the

carol now leads us. For the fifth stanza

begins: And our eyes at last shall see

him,/ Through his own redeeming love;/

For that child so dear and gentle/ Is our

Lord in heaven above. Jesus is now in

heaven and thanks to his “redeeming

love” those who trust in him will one day

see him there. It is easy to be sentimental

about “baby Jesus” during the Christmas

season. But Mrs Alexander reminds us

that Jesus is no longer a baby. He is Lord

of all and he reigns from heaven. Further-

more, his reigning power is able to finish

what his redeeming love began. Having

brought his followers out of sin he is now

bringing them into heaven, as the last two

lines state: And he leads His children on/

To the place where he is gone.

The sixth and final stanza continues to

focus on the exaltation of Jesus in heav-

en: Not in that poor lowly stable,/ With

the oxen standing by,/ We shall see him,

but in heaven,/ Set at God’s right hand on

high. Jesus’ present glory in heaven is in

marked contrast to his past poverty on

earth. Never again will he stoop to live in

a stable (and never again will he debase

himself in death for our sins), for he

achieved his purpose in doing so long

ago. And that purpose is expressed in the

last two lines of this last stanza: When,

like stars, his children crowned/ All in

white shall wait around. The time is com-

ing when “his children” will be cleansed

completely and admitted to his company

in heaven. This will represent both the

ultimate triumph of Jesus and the ulti-

mate joy of those who trust in him.

All these extraordinary things have come

and are coming about because Once in

royal David’s city/ Stood a lowly cattle-

shed,/ Where a mother laid her baby/ In a

manger for his bed


More Than Just Notes

visited a church where the line to talk to

both priests was about 25 people long. So,

I left rather than wait to visit with them.

They need to be available to greet new

folks. The pastor is one of the greatest

evangelistic tools that the church has.

5.When giving directions, take;

don’t point

When I go to my local sporting goods

store, I’m always so impressed that when I

ask for directions, the customer service

agent never points me in the direction

where I need to go. This person usually

walks with me until we get to the depart-

ment that I’m looking for.

In most of our churches, this kind of per-

sonal assistance only takes a minute. Don’t

point them in the direction of the nursery,

take them there. It is so gracious. (Besides,

my mother always told me that is not po-

lite to point.)

6.Have a positive attitude about

your church

If you’re not excited about your church,

nobody else will be either. A positive atti-

tude is infectious.

7. Don’t just meet, invite and en-

gage

That is, don’t just say hello to the new-

comer, find out what his or her interests

are and connect that person with an appro-

priate activity or person in the church,

such as ministry, small group, Sunday

school class, Bible study, and so forth.

This article is presented

with the permission of:

The Rev. Canon Neal O.

Michell who is the Can-

on to the Ordinary with

the Diocese of Dallas.

This essay is an excerpt from his book,

How to Hit the Ground Running: A Quick-

Start Guide for Congregations with New

Leadership (2005: Church Publishing).

3.Introduce yourself with a

question

Many people don’t like to talk to new-

comers because they are afraid of em-

barrassing themselves by mistaking a

long-time member with a newcomer. An

easy way to get around that fear is to

introduce yourself:

“Hi, my name is ________. I’ve been

coming here two years. How long have

you been coming to this church?”

This open-ended question doesn’t pre-

sume that the person you’re speaking

with is a newcomer or a member. It al-

lows them to reveal either.

4.Don’t monopolize the pastor

Most newcomers really would like to

visit with the pastor or priest. I once



S CE PT ER

The Krist Kindling pot luck dinner will

be on January 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the mul-

ti-purpose room.. Please bring table ser-

vice and a main dish and salad OR des-

sert to share. Beverages provided. Partic-

ipants and anyone else who is interested

in the “goings-on” is encouraged to at-

tend. If you have any questions you can

contact

Meredith Aul: [email protected]

Krist Kindling Dinner

Hi Gram,

Tell everyone thanks a lot for the popcorn tin. It has come in handy since I just finished all of my other sweet snacks that I brought at the beginning of the year. The variety of the different types of popcorns, cookies and jellybeans is very nice since they all happen to be my favorites. Once again thanks a lot.

Love,

Alex

Dear St. Edward’s Family

I was excited when I heard that I received a package the other

day from St. Edwards. I, as always, appreciate all the church

and its community do for me. It might sound odd for a college stu-

dent to say this but, I miss getting up Sunday mornings and going

to church. Even if I’m only half awake (8:00 AM service). I en-

joyed the popcorn tin very much, it’s a surprise that there’s

any left. I can’t wait for thanksgiving break when I can return to

Lancaster and see my church family. Thank you again!

Sincerely, Chad Reiner

Dear St. Edward’s,

I loved the popcorn tin! Made my

week even better to have something to

snack on while working on my pro-

jects. Thanks for thinking of me.

Sincerely,

Ian Bentley

By Meredith Aul

By Lisa Kernic

I was inspired by how simple yet worthy a

blanket drive can be by a youth service

project conducted at school 2 years ago. I

felt it something important to try and hope-

fully continue each Advent time. at St.

Edward's.

I have a gray Rubbermaid bin in the library

area for blankets- I will make a sign to

place on the outside of the bin.

What: any household blanket- clean out

your linen closets, oust the old throws and

freebees from conferences. Any size

*clean*. If not laundered, then (and please

only then) place in a plastic bag so I can

launder them. Clean blankets can just go

right in the bin. New blankets are not nec-

essary- but certainly welcome as well

Who: Christian Ed kids/ Lisa Kernic is the

contact 575-9885 (text/call) or email lisa-

[email protected]

Benefits: Needy and homeless families in

the Hempfield School District via student

services

When: now until Dec 12- any items you

want to donate after that time- contact Lisa

K directly

Many thanks and here we go!!!!

Blanket Drive

College Care Package Thank You Notes

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Include your news and announce-

ments in the next Scepter. Deadline

for January will be:

December 20th.

Send articles and announcements to:

[email protected]

Dear Parents with Young Children in Church

By Jamie Bruesehoff

Blogger

I am totally *That* Mother’”

http://

www.iamtotallythatmom.blogspot.com/2

013/05/dear-parents-with-young-children

-in.html

You are doing something real-

ly, really important. I know it’s not easy.

I see you with your arms overflowing,

and I know you came to church already

tired. Parenting is tiring. Really tiring.

I watch you bounce and sway trying to

keep the baby quiet, juggling the infant

car seat and the diaper bag as you find a

seat. I see you wince as your child cries. I

see you anxiously pull things out of your

bag of tricks to try to quiet them.

And I see you with your toddler and your

preschooler. I watch you cringe when

your little girl asks an innocent question

in a voice that might not be an inside

voice let alone a church whisper. I hear

the exasperation in your voice as

you beg your child to just sit, to be quiet

as you feel everyone’s eyes on you. Not

everyone is looking, but I know it feels

that way.

I know you’re wondering, is this worth

it? Why do I bother? I know you often

leave church more exhausted than ful-

filled. But what you are doing

is so important.

When you are here, the church is filled

with a joyful noise. When you are here,

the Body of Christ is more fully present.

When you are here, we are reminded that

this worship thing we do isn’t about Bible

Study or personal, quiet contemplation

but coming together to worship as a com-

munity where all are welcome, where we

share in the Word and Sacrament togeth-

er. When you are here, I have hope that

these pews won’t be empty in ten years

when your kids are old enough to sit qui-

etly and behave in worship. I know that

they are learning how and why we wor-

ship now, before it’s too late. They are

learning that worship is important.

I see them learning. In the midst of the

cries, whines, and giggles, in the midst of

the crinkling of pretzel bags and the

growing pile of crumbs I see a little girl

who insists on going two pews up to

share peace with someone she’s never

met. I hear a little boy slurping (quite

loudly) every last drop of his communion

wine out of the cup determined not to

miss a drop of Jesus. I watch a child ex-

citedly color a cross and point to the one

in the front of the sanctuary. I hear the

echoes of Amens just a few seconds after

the rest of the community says it together.

I watch a boy just learning to read try to

sound out the words in the worship book

or count his way to Hymn 672. Even on

weeks when I can’t see my own children

learning because, well, it’s one

of those mornings, I can see your children

learning.

I know how hard it is to do what you’re

doing, but I want you to know, it matters.

It matters to me. It matters to my children

to not be alone in the pew. It matters to

the congregation to know that families

care about faith, to see young people…

and even on those weeks when you can’t

see the little moments, it matters to your

children.

It matters that they learn that worship is

what we do as a community of faith, that

everyone is welcome, that their worship

matters. When we teach children that

their worship matters, we teach them that

they are enough right here and right now

as members of the church community.

They don’t need to wait until they can

believe, pray or worship a certain way to

be welcome here, and I know adults who

are still looking to be shown that. It mat-

ters that children learn that they are an

integral part of this church, that their

prayers, their songs, and even their badly

(or perfectly timed depending on who

you ask) cries and whines are a joyful

noise because it means they are present.

I know it’s hard, but thank you for what

you do when you bring your children to

church. Please know that your family -

with all of its noise, struggle, commotion,

and joy – are not simply tolerated, you

are a vital part of the community gathered

in worship.

Answer to Page 9 Puzzle

All Saints' Sunday was a beautiful day for a baptism!

Father Stephen welcomed Claire Ann Marie McEvoy

into the family of God --and her grandparents, Vance

and Debbie Spicer, couldn't have been happier.

Baptism

S CE PT ER

Kid’s Corner

Bible Quiz

What’s the name of the angel who told Mary she

would give birth to God’s Son?

A. Gabriel

B. Raphael

C. Michael

D. Jonathan

Answer: A (See Luke 1:26ff.) Christian Ed Calendar

December

7

14 Contemporary service / no classes

21

28 no classes

A Christmas picture

for you to color.

Our children and their spiritual

nurture are such an important

part of our life together at St. Ed-

ward's. Van Miller, grandson of

Paul and Dottie Gschwend, shines

with the light of God as he waits

quiet and ready for the Body of

Christ

Answer key on Page 7

Thurible

Christian Formation Classes Tour Church Pictures and captions contributed by Tina Shank

On November 16 and 23, Deacon Hank taught the children all about the things we use during worship services at St. Edward's.

What is it?", "Why do we use it?", "What is it called?" questions were pondered. Following the 10:15 worship service on Nov. 23,

Father Casey gave the children a "tour" of the church and sacristy. A lunch for the Christian Ed teachers, the children and their fam-

ilies concluded the event. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone had a fun time and learned a lot.

Participating in this event were Erik, Regina, Maya, and Cadence Anderson , Lisa Kernic, Tim, Anna and Kristen Rosenberg, Beth

and Seth Hake, Brian, Susan, Braden and Barrett Newsome, Kim and Jenna Stauffer, Rosie Westgate,Thomas Ishler, Deacon Hank

Morrow, Fr. Stephen and Rayelenn Casey, Bill, Amy and Cole Swiernik, Leslie Arnold, Tina Shank

What’s in here?

The parts of the church Deacon Hank showing pictures of vestments.

S CE PT ER

Sanctuary Light

Christian Ed Church Tour

Looking at the Gospel sym-

bols

What’s in the back of the

church? Paschal Candle

Purifacttor Through the eyes of a child Why do we use candles?

Oils in the Aumbry Aumbry Pyx

Chasuble Burse

Third Saturday of

Each Month

Next Service

5:30 PM

December 20th

Rite II

Saturday Service

S CE PT ER

Altar Guild

“Maybe Christmas,

[the Grinch] thought,

doesn’t come from a

store.”

—Dr. Seuss

By Mike Patrone & John Meyer, co-

chairs

The St. Edward’s Men’s Group continues

to combine good food and good fellow-

ship for breakfast on the last Saturday of

the month. Guest speakers provide in-

teresting and educational information.

The November topic is climate change.

In January, Bill Swiernik will talk about

changes in our community.

The year is coming to an end and the

holidays are upon us so the Men’s Group

will not be meeting in December. We

wish you all a very Merry Christmas and

a very Happy New Year.

Men’s Group All Saints

Alice Will did a fine job of clean-

ing up a wax spill while Barbara

Shultz and Mary Snyder cleaned

the vessels. Thanks to ALL mem-

bers of the altar guild for their

never failing service to St. Ed-

ward's.

The Feast of All Saints was

marked by Ted Cardwell prayerful-

ly reading out the names of those

who have gone before us in this

parish family.

"We feebly struggle -- they in glo-

ry shine."

Pictures by Rayelenn Casey

All Saints

Coffee Hour

Thank you to the

following parish-

ioners who served

as hosts for the No-

vember coffee

hours:

Karen Grant

The Keener Family

Roger and Ginny Kloepping

Barbara and Harry West

The Newsome Family

Peggy Thomas

The Cardwell/Troop Families

Anna and Frank DiFilippo

Martha Rutledge

Mike and Sandy Patrone

R.B. Mullineaux

Mary Snyder

Alice Will

Join us for fellowship and conversation

after the services on Sunday. It is a

wonderful and relaxed way to meet your

fellow parishioners. We have a new

table configuration that is warm and

welcoming, wonderful goodies and ex-

cellent coffee. We like to say: “Hope to

see you Sunday at the Coffee Hour!”

The St. Edward's Book

Club will be on sabbatical

during December so mem-

bers can devote time to all

their holiday festivi-

ties. We will resume our

meetings January 8, 1:00 at

the church. We will use this meeting to

plan what books we will read

and schedule the dates for the next 6

months. We will then include that list in

the February Scepter so than anyone

interested in joining us will have ad-

vance notice and can join us even if it is

for just one book discussion. As always

this is an open meeting and anyone in-

terested in joining us is welcome.

We wish you all a Blessed Christmas!

Book Club News

Christina and Joe McLaughlin have

been attending less than a month and

look! -- they are already happily tak-

ing their place in the kitchen, serving

coffee hour goodies! Thanks to eve-

ryone who is involved in the coffee

hour ministry. Anyone else want to

join in?

Barb Shultz gets caught with her hand

in the “cookie jar”. Did you know that

it takes approximately $30-$40 in ex-

pense each Sunday to have the coffee

hours? With your generous donation

of time, to serve as host(s), as well as

your donations of “breakfast treats,”

coffee hour continues to be a wonder-

ful source of fellowship. But, we still

need your donations to cover our cof-

fee, tea, creamers, and other supply

costs. We have our “Coffee Hour” jar

on the serving table for your much-

welcomed donations. Thank you!

Ministries

We thank God for the wonderful

ministries of the parishioners at

St. Edward's. Here Troy and Cyn-

thia Crockett carry out the minis-

try of presenting the elements for

communion before the altar. Is

this a ministry you might feel

called to do?

Pictures by Rayelenn Casey

S CE PT ER

Knit Wits News Pictures from Sandy Patrone

Kim Kline's class for whom the Knit-Wits made hats, gloves,

and mitten sets.. “What great pictures. I am just so excited

to be able to share all of this with the whole congrega-

tion. Thanks everybody and God’s Peace. Sandy”

Carol Hopwood, Kim Kline, Peggy Thomas, Sandy Pa-

trone, Irene Achey, Mary Christenson, Sue Bianco, RB

Mullineaux, Barbara O’Brien with some of the many items

they have created throughout the year.

In addition to the gifts, the Knit Wits lovingly make hats,

scarves, mittens, and headbands for each Jesse Tree child

to have included in with the gifts. Please visit the narthex

between this Sunday, November 23rd and Sunday, De-

cember 7th. We have supplied enough knitted items so

that each child can have ONE of the following: A

“packet” of the hat with matching gloves, OR a hat with a

scarf (separate items you can choose to put together), OR

a scarf with a knitted headband. There are also knitted

bookmarks (first come, first serve) in the event you would

like to take one to include with your gifts if one is a

book. The tables are marked with signs to help you in

choosing your items.

Trio Clavino at St. Edward’s

The Trio posed with Libby Sternberg, after the

concert. Libby is chairperson for the Cultural

Events committee who organized this program.

Simon Maurer (violin), Xun Pan (piano) and Doris Hall-Gulati (clarinet), members of the Trio Clavino, enchanted a large audience

at an October 24 concert celebrating the church’s new piano. On the program: Xun Pan presented a breathtaking bravura perfor-

mance of two Chopin Etudes; Simon Maurer offered a sublime Schubert viola Sonata; while Doris Hall-Gulati played an evocative

Matthew Arnold Sonatina. The program ended with the sweet and fun Serenade for Three by Peter Schickele, a number that

brought the audience to its feet. After this, the ensemble

played an encore, a Chinese piece written with them in

mind. Artists and audience connected in this engaging pro-

gram, attended by many outsiders as well as church mem-

bers. It was a great night for St. Edward’s, showcasing what

the gift of the piano means to the church, and delighting the

artists, as well, as they discovered what a perfect venue the

church is for such programs.

Captions by Libby Sternberg

Simon Maurer (violin/viola), Xun Pan (piano) and Doris Hall-

Gulati (clarinet)—the Trio Clavino—performed at an October

24 concert celebrating the church’s new piano.

Xun Pan wowed the crowd with his virtuoso

performance of Chopin Etudes.

Mary Ann and Curt Franck and other attendees

chatted with the performers in the lobby.

Rose Dixon and her sister led the audience that

leaped to its feet at the end of the program.

Sunday Services

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (said)

10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II

Contemporary Service ((2nd Sunday, Sept – May) ).

Wednesday

12:00 Noon – Holy Eucharist with healing

Saturday

5:30 Holy Eucharist Rite II (Third Saturday)

2453 Harrisburg Pike

Lancaster, PA 17601

ST . ED WARD ’S EPISCOP AL CHURCH

Phone 717-898-6276

Email: [email protected]

www.sainteds.org

The Reverend Canon

Stephen C. Casey,

Rector

The Rev. Hank Mor-

row, Jr., Deacon

Leslie Arnold Senior War-

den

Michelle Bentley, Parish

Administrative Assistant

Parish Office Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thurs-

day, Friday: 9 AM – 3 PM

Tuesday: 9 AM – 1 PM

Staff Worship Services

Vestry

(year term ends)

Leslie Arnold (2016)

Tony Bianco (2016)

Michael Freshwater

(2015)

Maura Keener(2016)

Bill Kline (2015)

Mike Patrone (2017)

Peg Reiley (2017)

LOOK FOR US ON THE WEB!

www.sainteds.org

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