Episcopal churches plan Salute to Law Enforcement

The Episcopal Parishes of Upper Susquehanna County in Northeastern Pennsylvania will have a special Holy Eucharist and a Salute to Law Enforcement Personnel on Sunday, March 29. The service will take place at 10 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1148 Main St., New Milford.

Law enforcement personnel attending the March 29th event at St. Mark’s are encouraged to wear their uniforms.

Three churches make up the Episcopal of Upper Susquehanna County: Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Susquehanna Depot, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in downtown New Milford, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Montrose.

On 5th Sundays, these three Episcopal parishes have one unified worship service at St. Mark’s – the parish that is geographically central to the other two Episcopal parishes. This calendar year, there will be a 5th Sunday in the months of March, May, August, and November.

The Reverend Arthur Jones, III offered, “We refer to the 5th Sunday services as the Recurring Feasts of the Beloved Community. Those Sundays will be utilized as an opportunity to invite our friends and neighbors to come and worship with us. Also, the idea is to invite a group of professionals who are vital to our community so we can thank them for who they are and for what they do.

“For the 5th Sunday in March, I’m very excited that members of law enforcement will be recognized for all they do to protect and serve the citizens of this area.”

Rev. Jones serves as Priest-in-Charge of St. Paul’s in Montrose, St. Mark’s in New Milford, and Christ Church in Susquehanna Depot.

Joan Flint opined, “St Mark’s is especially thankful for our local law enforcement. Their quick response to our needs is very much appreciated.” Flint is the Senior Warden at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Lynne Graham said, “Where would we be without our dedicated law enforcement workers? This salute is one small way to honor them and acknowledge the challenges they encounter on a daily basis.” Graham is the Senior Warden at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Todd Moffett said, “We welcome an opportunity to honor those who keep our communities safe and see things that we may not. All people of faith pray for God’s protection over our communities. Law enforcement plays an important role in this.” Moffett is the Senior Warden at Christ Episcopal Church.

Commissioner Judy Herschel stated, “Our men and women in law enforcement and their selfless acts of courage and devotion for our safety and well-being is the epitome of what public service and self-sacrifice is truly about! This mass is not only a day to commemorate them, but to remind us all that need our prayers every day.” Herschel is also a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

During the Holy Eucharist and Salute to Law Enforcement a special homily will be given by Rev. Jones – entitled “More Than Watchmen.” Prayer and applause from the congregants and a special blessing from Rev. Jones will be given. For their continued protection, each law enforcement officer will be offered an anointing of holy water by the clergy and the laity.

Immediately after the conclusion of the Holy Eucharist, everyone present is cordially invited to partake in a free, catered Community Meal in the St. Mark’s Parish Hall.

The three parishes of Upper Susquehanna County are all members of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem.

Anyone who has questions about the March 29th Unified Holy Eucharist and Salute to Law Enforcement can email Reverend Jones at: JonesAL0@sewanee.edu; or call him at: [570] 665-1707.