Trying out a new recipe, cleaning out drawers and closets, taking up an old hobby and trying their hands at arts and crafts are just some of the activities that congregation members at St. John's Episcopal Church, Compass, spent time on during the stay-at-home order.
Among those who took the time for a cleanout project was the Rev. Dr. Nina George-Hacker, rector of St. John's. "My husband (Rick) and I moved into our apartment four years ago and were so busy working we never had time to deal with our basement storage unit, which was a mess," she said. "One day, during our enforced stay-at-home, we spent 10 hours cleaning out and reorganizing the space. Now we know what is and isn't in there and where to find it."
In addition to the basement, George-Hacker also cleaned out and reorganized her desk drawers and dresser drawers, the home's hall closet and linen closet, three floor-to-ceiling shelves of CDs, two four-drawer file cabinets and one kitchen cabinet.
"When I wasn't cleaning out and reorganizing spaces, I did a lot more cooking - trying out new recipes and reviving old favorites," she reported, noting that one of her most successful meals consisted of panko-encrusted fish with asparagus, zucchini with cheese and quinoa and vegetables.
As a tribute to her late husband, Richard Gilfillan, lifelong congregation member Frances Gilfillan, who resides in the Tel Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook, created 25 pillows from her late husband's shirts, pants and jeans.
"He passed away in November 2019, and after deep thought I decided to make this my project," she said. "Fortunately, I was getting started on this when the virus struck, and I was counseled at Tel Hai to stay at home unless absolutely necessary to go out. Making the pillows was extremely helpful in passing the time and actually very relaxing."
Gilfillan distributed the pillows to her husband's family members, including his grandchildren.
Robin Baldwin, also a lifelong member of St. John's, spent time organizing photos and birdwatching. "My 92-year-old mother (Selena Baldwin) and I are enjoying feeding and watching the birds like never before," she stated. "We're learning about orioles, that catbirds like oranges and grape jelly and house finches like sunflower seeds and mealworms. The robins enjoy the bird baths."
To help with birdwatching, Baldwin has researched birding online and downloaded related apps, including BirdNET for identifying bird sounds and Merlin Bird ID. "Also the Facebook page 'Birding Pennsylvania' is very informative," she added.
Pat Owens, who started attending St. John's in 1974 when her family moved to Coatesville, spent time painting ceramics during the pandemic. "I started taking ceramic classes - a new thing for me - at the senior center before it closed down. I have managed to get a lot of projects and paints," she said. "I have little energy due to a medical problem and painting ceramics when I'm too tired to do anything else has kept me sane."
Owens, who recently moved out of the area, still remains connected to St. John's. "I was a faithful and active member until I had to move to Georgia at the end of May to be near my son," she stated. "I found an Episcopal church here and was just getting to feel at home and know a few people when everything shut down. Since March, I have been 'attending' church online through St. John's YouTube (channel). I still feel part of St. John's family."
St. John's currently has no in-person services, but online services are offered. "My husband, our organist, and I have been recording brief, non-Communion weekly services for the congregation and posting these on YouTube and Facebook," noted George-Hacker.
To access the services, readers may visit http://www.facebook.com/stjohnscompass or http://www.youtube.com and search for "Saint John's Church Compass."
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