Thanks to Gloria Jean Waller and, of course, the Daughters of the King!

Dave Dabour's photos from the Good Friday Day of Service >

More photos from Holy Week and Easter

All of us are upset by what is happening in Ukraine, especially when we see some of the heart wrenching photos of children and families fleeing their homeland which is being overtaken by another country.

Hello CHS Members, 
​A friend of mine, Tracy Fink, has put together a list of much needed items for people in the Ukraine.  She has partnered with Pandemic of Love and Global Empowerment Mission and created a wishlist on Amazon based on their recommendations.   

How it works: You buy from her wishlist link below and the items go to a Florida warehouse for processing and then onto Poland/Ukraine.  Make sure you use the GEM/Doral FL (warehouse) shipping address.  Please don't buy anything not specified on the list. 
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1BISBTTEEWKUQ?ref_=wl_share
Janet Matts

Attached is a copy of a letter June Filipski received from Phil Beekman, Sr VP of Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation, outlining how they are joining with other hospitals to send supplies.  They have committed $20K, but will use additional donations to purchase more supplies.

If you would like to join the Health System in supporting these efforts, you can make a tax-deductible donation through Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation. 100% of your donation will be used for the purchase of additional medical supplies for Ukrainian hospitals. Please visit the Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation website (hltps://foundation.hunterdonhealthcare.org) and click on the yellow "DONATE" button located at the top of the screen. Once redirected, enter in your desired donation amount in the space provided, and under "Gift Designation" click on the option "Direct my gift to" and then select "Ukraine Humanitarian Relief' from the drop-down list. 

Follow these steps:
1. click to their web https://foundation.hunterdonhealthcare.org/​,
2. click donate,
3. scroll to inputting dollar amount
and then
4. select  “Direct my gift to”
5. and then scroll down to the end
to “Ukraine Humanitarian relief. “

As always, Episcopal Relief and Development is reaching out with support in a crisis.
As we pray for an end to violence and for those fleeing Ukraine, please also pray for Episcopal Relief & Development and other ecumenical agencies working to respond to the current crisis. Specific needs will change as the crisis evolves. As of right now, there is a need for cash, blankets and hygiene supplies. Please consider partnering with Episcopal Relief & Development in this response. Visit episcopalrelief.org for more information. Attached is a flyer.
Go to the website (https://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-you-can-do/give/donate-now/individual-donation/) and choose Ukraine Crisis Response Fund.

Sunday Services
In Person and Online - Holy Communion at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

During this time of the Covid-19 epidemic, we will follow the diocesan guidelines.

Find the most recent update here >​

CHS Worship is also on FaceBook Live  (available without Facebook) 

 8:00 a.m. - Holy Communion

Church of the Holy Spirit is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96238557143?pwd=SUlqdVpqUHdTdVdOWUY5U1BpU0NBUT09
Meeting ID: 962 3855 7143
Passcode: 087656
​
FaceBook Live site link
http://tinyurl.com/CHSWorship
or http://online.churchholyspirit.net

  10:00 a.m. - Holy Communion

Church of the Holy Spirit is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91376817129?pwd=WGg5SGZyRnN5RmtyNWp3UVQwbFFzUT09
Meeting ID: 913 7681 7129
Passcode: 254800

FaceBook Live site link
http://tinyurl.com/CHSWorship
or http://online.churchholyspirit.net
 
Follow and pray along using the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)

 

During the quarantine, when we did not have live services, flowers were not needed on the altar.  Prior to last March, we welcomed donations of flowers for Thanksgivings, Memorials, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Births, or other special occasions.
 
We are again LIVE at CHS and are asking for your donations of flowers for the altar each week.
 
To have flowers placed  at the altar and ambo, please use the "Donate" button below. Please indicate the reason so that we can acknowledge your gift in the bulletin. Right under the "Make this a monthly donation?" there is a tiny pencil.  That is where you click and type your reason - "in thanksgiving for the birth of our grandchild" .  No, it is not obvious!  If you can't figure out how to make the memorial online, email your reason to Support@churchholyspirit.net  along with the information that you donated online.

Altar Flower Donation

(If you use the  DONATE button at the bottom of CHSNews, the Trumpeter and/or the website please indicate that it is a flower donation and the reason so that we can acknowledge in the bulletin.)

To have your offering listed in the bulletin each week, we ask that you make your donation online no later than one week before; if you wish to pay by check, please email your information to Support@churchholyspirit.net no later than one week prior and mail your check to the church, attention Altar Guild.  The suggested donation amount remains at $35 per offering.
 
It will be lovely to have flowers on the altar every week.  Thank you for your donation.

We are modifying some of the CHS Lay Ministries to enable more parishioners to serve again in our current Hybrid (worship in-person & virtual) environment:

• 1st Reader / Psalm – can be virtual or in-person.  Reads the Old Testament Reading and The Psalm.
  
• 2nd Reader / Intercessor – can be virtual or in-person.  Reads The Epistle and The Intercessory Prayer.
  
• Prayers of the People Responder – can be virtual or in-person.  This lay minister will be un-muted, if virtual, or given a microphone, if in-person.  They voice the People's responses (italicized) after the Intercessor voices the People's petitions.  If you have been a Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM), we are hoping you will temporarily serve as Responder to the Prayers of the People.
  
• Usher/Greeter – Serves in-person.  We have combined the Ushers and Greeters.  This lay minister is changing the most.  She/he will be stationed at a control console located in the sanctuary and will:    
  >Welcome parishioners and visitors joining the Zoom or arriving in person
  >Control which camera feed is being broadcast
  >Aim moveable camera(s) upon different subjects (for example, the congregation, musician, preacher)
  
• Altar Guild - in-person.  Prepares the sanctuary for Sunday worship.
  

Please note that the following lay ministries will continue to remain temporarily paused:  Acolytes, Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV), and Counters.

The next scheduling period will be from February 7th  through April 25th.   Please update your availability in Ministry Schedule Pro (MSP) by Wednesday, January 28th.   We will generate the new schedule Thusday morning, January 29th. 

Since the onset of the pandemic, the Shawl Ministry at the NJ Women's Prison has been shut down. No shawls are currently being made by the inmates of the prison. Consequently, our stock of shawls for distribution by CHS to persons in need has been almost totally depleted. If you are a knitter or crocheter, think about picking up your needles and hooks to help replenish our supply. Yarn is available in the hallway bins adjacent to the church office. If you need patterns or advice (or encouragement), ask any member of the Prayer Shawl Prison Ministry: John Andrews, Susan Kane, Vicki Brooks, Diane Bendahmane, Karen Murray, Roberta Maas, Judy Linger, Carol Crawford Jones, Anne Simpson, Dot Hospador, and Father Philip. Unleash your creativity and help the Shawl Ministry through this tough period. You will be glad you did.
 

Dear Friends,
 
The only way through is through.
 
I am asking for assistance to develop our worship life in a hybrid environment.
 
With great technical help, and generous donations, we are becoming more adept at broadcasting our worship over the internet and integrated those at home with those capable of coming to in-person worship at Haytown Road.  
 
We are slowly creeping up the learning curve and all of you have been most patient.  Every week, we have an unanticipated technical breakdown and its different and adds to the helplessness of the moment.  However, with constancy and devotion, we lumber on.
 
That said, we are looking  to bouncing forward, not merely bouncing back.
 
Even when the pandemic is over, hybrid worship is here for good. The reality is, there will never be another "snow day."  (Sorry kids- school ain't never gonna be canceled again!)  There will be Sunday worship even on bad weather days cause there will always be internet broadcasts, even if from my
"basement chapel."
 
So who's up for helping?  We will begin with a creative conversation on Zoom, of course.  A date will be announced to those who respond directly to me.  
 
In the short run, we are also looking for vocalists to join our merry band - we are healthfully separated using mics in different spaces safely for all concerned.   It’s is our good fortune to have a modern worship space that allows for safe public worship. AND - remember, as always, no one should feel in any way pressured about coming here live.  Please stay home as only you can know best.  With folks only singing along softly in their masks, it's nice to have a PA system sharing the lyrics with a few voices, and if we had some harmony there, it would be great.  In the future, post-pandemic world, we're still going to want to broadcast hymn singing for those at home, so we are not just filling in temporarily.  This is a long term adaptation. And it will grow the mission of this church.  
 
Pardon for the bluntness here, but I know the world sucks right now and for a bunch of reasons and all at once.  Some days I just want to pull the covers up and hide for four months. But even so, we must rally, as we are able.  I have no idea what a "choir" looks like in the future.  One will have to be rebuilt here.  Among other things.  Our worship will need to emphasize the power and resilience of what a common life in Christ can build in the midst of chaos and calamity. 

Resolve.  Mindfulness. Courage. Tenacity.  How are these exhibited in our gatherings, our common prayers and ritual actions?  The unity of being one body in Christ is threatened.  The integrity of the witness of Jesus in the Gospels is put to the test and some are understandably confused by disparate messengers.  The Church has been here before.  We stand in the long train of the faithful, living through Nero, Caligula, and Diocletian, any number of plagues, the Dark Ages, and more.  We are reminded of their faithfulness and steadfast hope.  
 
So for those who want a stake in the shape of this worshiping life, give me a shout.  As goes worship, so too outreach, and stewardship, and formation, and all of it. All of it (us) will be bouncing forward.  We might not know what reshaping our ministries will look like except that they will all look more like Christ.
 
The only way through is through.
 
Philip+
 

Dear friends,
We recently received a letter from the Open Cupboard Food Pantry, thanking us for donating nearly 700 pounds of food in 2020. This was a great achievement, because COVID made everything so very difficult!! To continue our generosity, please consider donating canned soup, pasta, or vegetables for the next two months. Also, if you are fortunate to receive a free ham or frozen lasagna from a grocery store, the Food Pantry will gladly accept the donation (they have freezers and fridges). Personal toiletries, diapers, and even gift cards are most welcome. Katie and I will be glad to deliver your donations. We gave them 130 pounds of food recently, and they were so delighted, because donations continue to be fewer than usual. Thank you so very much for your kind support.

Suzanne and Katie Higgins

You can bring groceries to CHS or to the Open Cupboard in Clinton. [If it’s more convenient, send a check or ShopRite gift card to the Open Cupboard Food Pantry, 37 Old Highway 22, PO Box 5071, Clinton 08809.]

Generally, the pandemic has everyone short of nerve, and easily annoyed.  The stress factor is obviously carried from the personal to group behavior.  As pastor, I am asking for additional effort be expended to ensure we establish and maintain a gracious gathering across the many small groups that take place.  On top of the COVID factor, there is the challenge of an internet environment under which we exist in small groups which subject us to further risk of disharmony and disaffection.
 
General ethos:
1.     Our small groups do not gather to group think.  It is not our goal to agree.  The natural  tendency in these conflictual times is to long for agreement and to be annoyed should that not occur.  Be reminded that our goal is simply to share and listen.  Then we move along, without anxiety, should the conservation reach a dead end. “OK then. What’s next?” is a helpful mantra. 
​
2.     If we are not agreed with, there is no reason to take it personally.  That would be unhelpful.  Humans can disagree without being disagreeable.  A lighthearted, taking -ourselves-less-seriously approach is the only approach.  On this, you should all agree (kidding)!
 
Tech Considerations:

1.   Zoom meetings are deeply flawed.  It takes work to be gracious and Zoom makes it easy to be rude.  Rudeness happens when we fail to mute ourselves when not talking.  We should practice muting regularly. There is no reason to have an open mic.  Muting ourselves is a gracious and spiritual task.  Think of it as an important pause to collect your thoughts.  It might make our sharing more meaningful.  For those who enjoy more spontaneous conversation, we shall have to modify our behavior in this environment and see if we find  some benefit through the discomfort of it all.
   
   
2.   It is easy to talk over each other, or to suffer through awkward pauses, etc.  If we intend to pass the conversation off to one person, we need to declare it explicitly.  On the other hand, if it is an open question to the whole group, then we should allow for folks to jumble along and it will eventually clear up.  Asking someone else, “Sorry if I jumped in, did you finish your point?” is good etiquette.   If you get offended because someone talked over you, that would be taking it personally and that won’t help.  Better to chime in later,   “I wanted to finish by adding  . . .” and express yourself. 

 
Generally:
 
It takes intentionality to be gracious, forbearing other’s verbal and technical trespassing, and being present to a group through the flawed medium of internet communications.  Intentional graciousness, happily enough, is a charism well known and practiced among us already.  We just need to dial it up.                                    

​ Philip+

To take advantage of this time apart, some in our parish have expressed an interest in using this time to gain remotely a new skill, strengthen an existing talent, investigate a new hobby, or delve deeper into a new area of interest. Some lack the motivation to do so or don’t know where to start.

This is an opportunity for all ages to teach and learn!

Recognizing that many among us may have gifts and graces to share with others, Judy Linger has agreed to help match folks with remote “classes” (applied loosely) to offer, with members interested in growth.

Some examples:  Marge Keller agreed to help with learning conversational Spanish if the interest is there.   Fr. Phil indicated he’s willing to broaden our understanding of The Book of Common Prayer. Perhaps one of our gifted photographers could help us improve our photo compositions. Any history buffs interested it sharing fun facts, especially regarding local sights?  All done remotely, of course.

To kickstart this effort, please leave your thoughts about what you can share and when you are available with judy.linger@gmail.com.   It need be no more than one or two sessions but might continue as long as interest remains and folks are willing to teach or learn.

It’s true that much can be learned through YouTube or the Internet these days but such offers no opportunity for back and forth dialogue. Our current separation makes human interaction so much more precious and meaningful. As Fr Phil stated Sunday, interacting remotely when we know each other yields rewards we don’t anticipate

To get your creative juices flowing, here are some suggestions for “classes” you might like to teach or join:
Do you knit?  Crochet?  Do origami?  Paint or sculpt?  Scrapbook? Quilt?  Bake?  Do you want to learn how to tie beautiful bows for packages? Arrange scarves to good effect? Play the recorder?  The harmonica?  We can take advantage of our access to shared on-line programs like Zoom to connect safely with others in meaningful ways.  God gives us the talent.  Why waste it?

From the Church of England's "Thy Kingdom Come" website, resources for the family during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The last few months have certainly looked very different to normal. For many families, there has been more time to spend together and with the summer holidays swiftly approaching, we wanted to share some of our favourite family based resources with you. Our hope is that you can grow in faith as a family during this time.

Did you get to complete our Family Adventure Prayer Map? If you haven't, why don't you try it over the summer? If  you have, you could try it again and go deeper! Click on the image to find the map!

The Family Prayer Adventure podcasts are a fun and engaging way to help families pray together. At 10-12 minutes long, they feature a game, an interactive Bible story, a chance to pray and great music. Click on the image to hear the podcasts!

​Have you got young people in your household? Why not encourage them to work through the devotional series in this year's Prayer Journal which explores the theme 'The Fathers Love'. Click on the image to find the journal.

Further Ideas

'Bright Ideas for Families' has some creative and fun activities to help families pray together, such as pebble prayers or rocket prayers! Click here to see more >

Help Needed to Begin a Lay Ministry for Livestreaming

Volunteers are needed to help in the restructuring of our worship, both in its delivery over the Internet and how it is projected for those worshiping in church. This might include delivery to handheld devices.

Going forward we will always be live-streaming our worship. The sharing of bound books and hymnals will be discouraged for use during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond, so we need to have a plan for utilizing the technology available to give people as much access as possible to all components of worship - the liturgy and the hymnody in particular - both online and within the church building.

Please note that the plans to be developed will not be as drastic as it sounds: it's just adapting to our situation and in keeping with our Episcopal Tradition. We are a prayer book church and will continue to be so, though perhaps not with as much paper in our hands.

If you are interested in helping with this new ministry, please let the Marge Keller, Eva Lesniak and Father Phil know at admin@churchholyspirit.org.

Based on an idea generated by the Peyton Heart Project, we too will be giving heartfelt items to individuals. Originally meant to help “end suicide and bullying and the stigma surrounding mental health issues”, we can expand our project to include family, friends and neighbors; anyone having difficulties coping. There may be a need when this quarantine ends slowly, and the “new normal” is unexpected. Some people may have repercussions financial or otherwise, or may be dealing with PTSD from COVID.

This project is for all ages. CHS youth and teens group may especially want to help with the suicide and bullying issues.

Make small (2” wide) knitted, crocheted, cut felt, or sewn hearts. Sewing 2 inch heart ”quilts” would also be nice.

Our hearts are to be made now and saved until the quarantine is over. Of course the hearts will be washed after the virus event.

Attached, are tags with supportive messages. Do NOT tie the loops or put on tags or (just leave 2 tails of about 6". They will be tied and tagged after washing. For now we will just collect the hearts.

The tags could have text such as:  

• Front    vs     Back
  
• EGTBOK  ;  Everything’s going to be OK.
  
• I Love     ;     I am loved
• I’m OK    ;    You’re OK.  
• Heartfelt.  ;   Hopeful 
• No one is alone   ;   I am not alone 
• Survivor    ;    Savior
• Take Heart   ;  Give
• My Heart’s Content  ;  Contented Heart

More text ideas are to come from you, and may be specific to the need.

The link below is to the Peyton Heart Project concept. There, find links to instructions and the full description of the Peyton Project.
http://www.thepeytonheartproject.org/
or just click on the following how-to knit or crochet links. 

Even if you are not adding tags to the hearts you are sending you must make a tied-off loop.

If you want more pattern choices you can find them on Ravelry.com. It is a free website for people who knit and crochet.

Please, do not attach buttons, snaps, beads, or anything else on a heart that a small child could choke on.