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"Life in the Spirit"
at
Church of the Holy Spirit
2871 Barndt Road
Harleysville, PA
www.churchoftheholyspirit.us
215-234-8020
Worship, ministries, and events!
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Worship Schedule
Holy Communion
Sundays In-Person
8:00 AM Holy Communion with hymns and music (in person only)
9:00 AM Sunday School
10:15 AM service of Holy Communion with hymns and choirs
(in person and online)
Or
Join us online for Sunday worship via
Facebook livestream on Sundays at 10:15 AM.
You may view this service at our website, or via our Facebook page.
Follow this link for your viewing options!
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Upcoming Worship Services
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Specific dates, Zoom links and Scheduled Readings | |
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Morning Prayer
with Deacon Johnine
Tuesdays and Fridays
9:00 AM via Zoom
Click here for the details and links
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Friday, March 1
9:00 AM
Tuesday, March 5
9:00 AM
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Sunday, March 3
8:00 AM
in-person only
10:15 AM
with music and hymns
in person and
online via Facebook
or COHS Website
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Transitions Update From Your Vestry at COHS
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Members of your Vestry from L to R:
Eric Hunt, Mo Higgins, Bill Kerwin, Emily Knorr, Rick Alderfer, Kirk Walters, Al Stevens, Kathy Clipp, Susan Fisher, Brian Ray
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Dear Friends,
Here is a recap of our 2024 Annual Meeting:
Perspective
It was just about 11 months ago that Rev. Kathy announced her retirement. I believe Church of the Holy Spirit has processed the change and embraced the transition. Many of us in leadership feel a real shift since the beginning of the year; to one of unity, hope, and faith. We have been blessed in so many ways. I believe we have gone from grieving a very personal loss to cherishing the legacy Rev. Kathy left us, and we are moving on to our next chapter together.
Ministries
All our ministries have been led and run during transition without missing a beat. A special thanks to “Mrs. Hospitality”, Cindy O’Connell, and the entire hospitality team who have coordinated and provided many Sunday’s and other events with wonderful food and fellowship opportunities.
Another ministry which deserves special recognition is our Sacristy Team. After the passing of Debbie Scholl, our dear friend and longtime Sacristy leader, the team picked up and collaborated to continue her legacy. We are thankful for Ruth Konrad and Doug Eschbach for co-chairing and for all on the Sacristy Team for the important work they do for our congregation.
Our Staff
We can never thank our wonderful staff: Sue Ellen Echard, Karen Work, Dawn Hunsdorfer, Seth Trumbore, Patrick Waldenberger, and Steve Thacker for keeping Church of the Holy Spirit together and doing all the hard work behind and in front of the scenes. A personal thank you to Eric Hunt, our treasurer, for supporting me and staff during the transition.
Transition Update:
So, what has happened so far in our Rector Transition timeline?
- In our June 2023 meeting, Vestry decided we needed time to grieve, decompress, and learn, and did not want to rush the process, so we asked for interim clergy that were not candidates for rector.
- Our retired clergy offered to help with supply on Sundays until we got an Interim Priest.
- In July, we hired a transition consultant, the Rev. Barbara Abbott, to guide us on the journey.
- Somewhere in there: August - uninterrupted, we had an incredible choir pilgrimage to Exeter Cathedral!
- Congregational visioning meetings were facilitated late summer and early fall.
- During August and September, Vestry received 5 Ministry Applications/Portfolios for Interim Priests. We interviewed 2 and called 1. This candidate chose another call. There were no more applications received – we were on our own.
- Our leadership and staff now had the task of scheduling clergy for our services. Our retired clergy graciously stepped up and said whatever you need, we will help in any way we can.
- In September, Vestry named members on both the Profile and Search Teams. The profile team began their work.
- The profile team worked diligently and in 90 days with the help of Caity Andonian, produced a parish profile document in early January that was described by vestry and parishioners with superlatives.
- In early January, we submitted all documents to the diocese of Pennsylvania and our rector opening was posted. We posted the position in the Episcopal News Service for the month of February.
- On January 27, we blessed and thanked the profile committee for their work and commissioned the search team.
- The search and discernment process is in full swing. We await in faith and hope for this holy work to result in a call for a new rector.
Outgoing Vestry
I would like us to thank and recognize our outgoing vestry members. Andrew Strite, Kent Lloyd, and Jason Sturm for their dedication and work for our church community.
Election of Vestry and Diocesan Delegates
Many thanks to Paul Bingaman for conducting our election. We thank and welcome the following:
- Completing last two years of second three-year terms: Kathy Clipp, Emily Knorr, Geri Duesberry
- Beginning their last eligible three-year term: Susan Fisher, Bill Kerwin, Brian Ray
- Starting first three-year term: Louise Beebe, Pat Fogal, Wes Paul
- Returning as Diocesan and Deanery Delegates: Maureen Higgins, Ken Patrick, and Karen Work
Thank you to all who are willing to serve in leadership positions at Church of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for and support all of your lay leaders.
Search Team and Stewardship Updates
Phil Lachenmayer gave a brief update on the progress of the Search Team. They have been meeting weekly, are bonding as a group, and learning the discernment process. They will be receiving potential candidates for review shortly.
Rick Alderfer gave a brief update on Stewardship. We have received pledges from 130 of approximately 150 pledging families for a total of $420,000 dollars pledged. They feel very confident that we will reach our targeted stewardship goals for this year. Please, if you are able to pledge and have not yet done so, make a financial commitment to your church; our ministries all depend on your financial support.
Our Retired Clergy and Deacon Johnine
Finally, I would like us to thank our wonderful, incredible retired clergy who we recognized “in gratitude for your gracious ministry” for going above and beyond supporting our parish as supply clergy for Sunday mornings and more: Reverends. Bob Coble, Marge Dean, Dean Bickel, and Bob Mitman. And then, our very own, very special COHS angel, Rev. Johnine Byrer, Deacon, has supplied our pulpit and provided so much in pastoral care and other ministries.
All of us thank you for your patience, faith, prayers, encouragement, and continued support,
Kirk Walters
Rector’s Warden
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Our Parish Profile is Complete!
Click the image at left to view or download your copy!
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A Note From Deacon Johnine
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Dear Ones,
Here at Church of the Holy Spirit, we have a vibrant gathering of individuals who pray daily for those in any kind of need whether physical, mental or emotional. Your request for prayers can include members of your family, friends, or your colleagues at work. Anyone.
This Prayer Chain is coordinated by Priya Eddy who can be reached by email at priyaeddy231@gmail.com. You can email Priya directly or myself about any concerns which need the attention of our Prayer Angels. Please consider joining this prayerful group by contacting Priya and she will make sure you are included in all the emails of prayer concerns.
Thank you for your consideration in joining this most worthwhile, holy ministry.
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Bill Kerwin and I are coordinating an effort to assist the clients who come into the Norristown Hospitality Center with goods, which will make their lives more manageable. Here is a list of the items most needed:
- 5 Minute Quaker Grits
- ground coffee (not decaf)
- 1 Minute Quaker Oatmeal
- powdered coffee creamer
- sugar
- plastic forks, knives, and spoons
If you can purchase any of these items that would be outstanding. There will be a bin entitled, "Norristown Hospitality Center" in the Narthex of the church, near the deacon's office to receive these items.
We will collect items through March 10. Thank you so much for helping those in our community who are in need.
Bill and Deacon Johnine
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Transition Prayer Gathering Schedule
We meet on the first and third Sundays of the month. The first Sunday of the month we meet in person in the chapel in the new building after the 8 AM service around 9:10 AM. The third Sunday of the month, we meet via Zoom at 4:30 PM.
Please join us for a 20-minute time of prayer, both said out loud and within our hearts. It is a holy time for all involved. All are welcome!!
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First Sunday of the Month at
9:10 AM - in person
(following the 8:00 AM service)
in the chapel, new building
2024
Sunday, March 3
Sunday, April 7
Sunday, May 5
Sunday, June 2
Sunday, July 7
Sunday, August 4
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Third Sunday of the month at 4:30 PM - via Zoom
(Click here for the Zoom link)
2024
Sunday, March 17
Sunday, April 21
Sunday, May 19
Sunday, June 16
Sunday, July 21
Sunday, August 18
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During this time of Transition, please contact me if you have a concern of a pastoral nature. Maybe someone is sick, or injured, or needs a visit, or is in the hospital or needs to talk … whatever!! You can contact me via my email address at deaconjb@gmail.com or by phone at 908-399-4170. I will definitely respond as soon as possible. Thank you.
Have a blessed week!
Deacon Johnine Byrer
View the Prayer For Transition at our website
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Lent and Holy Week at COHS
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Lenten Retreat: Trust in God
with the Rev. Dr. Christian Brocato
Both of the retreat days are currently full. We still encourage you to fill out the registration form so that we can send you emails in the future about similar programs. You will also be added to our waitlist for this program.
Join the mailing and waitlist HERE!
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Special Lenten Education Opportunity
What Is the Bible and What Do We Do with It?
With Pete Enns
Dates: March 3rd and 10th
Time: 9:00 AM (between services)
Where: Parish Hall,
Church of the Holy Spirit
It can be difficult sometimes to know what to do with this messy, confusing, and sometimes troubling book we call the Bible. And yet, it is the sacred text of the church that gives us stories and vocabulary for our on journey of faith. Managing to keep both of these balls in the air can be challenging, especially for those who many have come from a more conservative viewpoint on the Bible. This two-week class will be a conversation about navigating the Bible for the life of faith.
Pete Enns attends Church of the Holy Spirit and is a professor of Bible at Eastern University. He has written several popular books on the Bible and hosts the podcast: The Bible for Normal People.
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Lenten Book Study
Prayer in the Night
by Tish Harrison Warren
Dates: Sundays 2/25, 3/17, 3/24, 4/7, 4/14
Time: 9:00 AM
Where: COHS Chapel
Framed around the nighttime prayer of Compline, Tish Harrison Warren, author of Liturgy of the Ordinary, explores themes of human vulnerability, suffering, and God's seeming absence. When she navigated a time of doubt and loss, the prayer was grounding for her. She writes that practices of prayer "gave words to my anxiety and grief and allowed me to reencounter the doctrines of the church not as tidy little antidotes for pain, but as a light in darkness, as good news."
Please join us for a Sunday Book Study to discuss Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warren. We will be meeting on Sundays 2/25, 3/17, 3/24, 4/7, 4/14 at 9 AM in the Chapel.
Discussion will be facilitated by Janet Paul and Bill Kerwin.
Books are available at Amazon.com (direct link to the book) or your favorite book distributor.
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Click here to view all of the services and events scheduled leading up to Holy Week and Easter.
Click the image at left to view the 2024 Lenten Reflections prepared by members of the congregation.
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Give to Church of the Holy Spirit
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Thank you for your continuing generosity through your pledges and other contributions to Church of the Holy Spirit. Our ministries are only possible with your financial support. If you have questions about giving to COHS, please contact either Al Stevens or Rick Alderfer.
If you prefer to pay by check, feel free to mail your contribution to:
Church of the Holy Spirit
PO Box 575 (do NOT use the street address please!!)
Harleysville, PA 19438
There are several options to do this remotely and you can do it through our online giving platform or click the link below to view all your giving options, including support for our building expansion!
Thank you!
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The Jameson Sisters
with Helene Zisook Speer
March 15, 2024
7:00 PM
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Save the Date!
Tina Faigen, piano
Vignettes: Modern and Retro
April 26, 2024
7:00 PM
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Music During Hospitality Hour
Sunday, March 17
St. Patrick's Day is coming!
Hobie & Friends will provide contemplative Celtic music for your listening pleasure, during Hospitality, March 17th.
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Adult Christian Formation
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Al-Anon Family Group Meeting
A Path to Peace
Fridays, 10 a.m., will continue a hybrid in-person and online. For information contact our parish administrator: Karen Work, 215-234-8020. Additionally, go to al-anon.org for phone and electronic meetings all week long.
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Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry is a four-year program of studies of Scriptures, the history and traditions of the Church, and theology. It meets weekly on Thursdays at 6:30 PM at COHS.
If you would like to learn more about EfM, please contact Bob Miller.
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Spiritual Friends Meditation Group
(First Monday of the Month except when it falls on a holiday)
Monday, March 4
7:00 PM
Hobie Simms's cottage
contact Hobie Simms with questions.
Learn more about this group.
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Men's Spiritual Growth Group
(First Thursday of the Month except when it falls on a holiday)
Thursday, March 7
Gathering Place: Eric Frankhouser's Home. Contact Eric Frankhouser for more information or read more here.
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First Friday Adult Faith Forum
There will be no FFAFF in January, instead please join us in February
Friday, March 1
6 PM Potluck Supper
6:30 PM Presentation and Discussion
A time for learning, sharing, and growing in faith together!
View the topic HERE.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Saturday, March 2
10:30 AM - Noon
Deacon Johnine's Office, COHS
All those who are interested in making shawls for anyone in need are encouraged to come. There will be conversations and prayers and crocheting and knitting. We will teach you!
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Engaging New Corridors Of Recreation and Education
A ministry for people in the
second half of life!
New Events have been added for spring
Click this link to read about them
If you want to let us know if you were able to enjoy a visit to these places or share some thoughts about them, we will include them in our future communications. We welcome your thoughts/comments on these and other ideas for future tours or outings that we might enjoy. For more information, contact Louise (louise.ann.beebe@gmail.com) or Maryanne (maryanne93@msn.com).
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Don't miss anything - click the button to see all our events! | |
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Church of the Holy Spirit Clergy and Staff
The Rev. Johnine Byrer, Deacon
Sue Ellen Echard, Director of Music and the Arts
Dawn Hunsdorfer, Communications Coordinator
Seth Trumbore, Associate Musician
Patrick Waldenberger, Audio-Visual and Tech Coordinator
Karen Work, Administrative Coordinator
Ken Patrick, Head Verger
Nick Duesberry, Brian Ray, Brian Bingaman, and
Tina Michener - Vergers; Barry Norris, Verger Emeritus
Steve Thacker, Sexton
COHS Mission Statement
Church of the Holy Spirit strives to build a spiritual community that fosters welcome and seeks truth in love. We are committed to acceptance, honesty, joy, and adventure as we follow Jesus Christ. Caring and compassion run deep in this church. Through worship, shared ministries, and prayer we strive to know and express God's message in Christ through the Holy Spirit in ourselves, our communities, and our world.
Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania
News and information about the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania
may be found by clicking here.
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