A Message from the Senior Warden
Dear friends,
Here we are in the midst of Christmastide, the ringing in of 2022, and our celebration of Epiphany. I hope you are enjoying these days with friends and family, keeping warm and dry, and most especially staying well. It seems that the Omicron variant and Covid have not taken their leave, by any means, and it is our challenge to stay vigilant and to be flexible.
Flexibility was most certainly on display at St. Andrew’s as we lit all the candles on our Advent wreath at St. Andrew’s last Friday evening. Albrecht, the choir, and some very talented instrumentalists had been practicing diligently to bring us a pre-service concert and a worship service filled with music glorifying the birth of Jesus. Covid had other plans. Albrecht’s daughter, Anna, came down with COVID. Although Albrecht’s testing had shown negative results, he knew his place was at home, caring for Anna, and keeping everyone who was to share the choir loft with him safe. The concert was canceled and that’s when Barbara, Carrie, Terry, Pam and Orcenith took over. The choir moved to the first floor, some changes were made in the program, Carrie and Barbara played the piano, and the service was wonderful. For all who were able to be present there seemed to be a palpable feeling of great joy, as we all made accommodations, and once again heard the story about a teenage mother, her husband and the stable birth of our Lord and Savior.
Blessings, this day and always.
Sue Murray
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING SINGING, MASKING, AND SEATING
As we gather in person for Sunday worship, please remember we still need to be protective of each other as the Delta Variant of the Covid virus continues to spread. The Delta Variant is many times more contagious and believed to be more dangerous, particularly to those who are not yet vaccinated, than earlier strains. Even those who are vaccinated may become infected and transmit the virus. To protect our communities until this subsides, the Diocese has suggested that you wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status and take a congregational singing hiatus. During this time only one cantor and a small choir will be allowed. We also ask that you maintain social distancing. Please only sit in pews with prayer books and hymnals. Hopefully, one day soon, we will all be able to lift our voices in song. Many thanks to everyone for your patience.
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Prayers and Reflections for this week
We have heard that the daily reflections and scripture readings provided during Lent were appreciated. Those of us writing them have also found it an enriching experience and have decided to continue. The meditations are written by persons from Saint Andrew’s, Gobin UMC and Beach Grove UMC. The daily meditations will be in the newsletter each week and go from Wednesday to Tuesday, except for Sunday. Whether you enjoy these every day, or as the Spirit moves you, may this resource continue to bring you spiritual food for the journey. Blessings!
The Second Sunday of Christmas
Sunday In-Person Morning Prayer, January 2 led by The Rev. Kate Wilson
You can connect to the service via Zoom. Click on this link to connect. If you have not used Zoom before, you will be prompted to download Zoom, go ahead and do that. When you enter the meeting you should be able to see and hear others and others can see and hear you. If you come in a little late, please listen for a moment before speaking. In order to see everyone, go to Gallery view (upper right on PCs and upper left for Macintosh). When we get started everyone except the speaker will be muted. If you are reading or playing music, please be sure to unmute yourself.
If you are connecting via telephone dial 301-715-8592 and when prompted enter the Meeting ID: 847 8600 1703 and press #, then enter the password: pray and press # again.
Click here for the service booklet for January 2
Non Food Pantry Latest
Saturday, January 29
• Noon to 3:00 p.m.
There will be a drive through distribution coordinated by Alex Roehrkasse and sack lunches will be given out. We are very grateful to Kate Berry, Martha Rainbolt, Carl Huffman, Karen Hirt Mannon, and Christiane Wisehart who have worked very hard to obtain supplies for the Non-Food Pantry. Kroger is not able to acquire enough products for us so the items are being purchased from a variety of sources. This is much more expensive. Donations to help offset this extra cost will be gratefully accepted!
Top 3 Needed Items
Your prayers are asked for:
The family of Jack Angleton, brother of Peggy Angleton
Rick and Jena Baker, nephew of Lucy Wieland
Russell Ball, husband of Jennifer Ball
The family of Wolfe Beckman, grandfather of Thea Warren-Simpson
Beth Benedix, friend to many of us at Saint Andrew’s
Bernice Emrick, mother of Karen Hirt Mannon
The family of Margaret Anne Ervin, sister of Bob Haymaker
The Rev. Nancy Ferriani and the family of Bob Ferriani, friends of the Warren and Connie Macy
The family of Eric Fladeland, friend of Tim and Caroline Good
The family of David and Janis Gerkensmeyer, parents of Sarah Gerkensmeyer
Jim and Susan Grivas, friends of St. Andrew’s
Mary Ellen Gurnon, aunt of Daniel and Stephanie Gurnon
Keith Keysor, friend of Andy Cullison
Lisa Breese Kincaid, daughter of Bob and Mimi Breese
The family of Dr. John Lovett, father of Nancy Lovett
Grayson Lyons, great nephew of Peggy Angleton
Majors family, family of Renee Majors
The family of Art Mannon, brother of Jim Mannon
Mary Mountz
Marilyn Mourouzis
Leo Nelson, brother-in-law of Joanne Haymaker
The family of Helen Noble, mother of Terry Noble
Gordon Redden
The family of Jordan Sanders, sister of Jim Ensley
Elizabeth and Natalie Sheffler, daughter and granddaughter of Page and Narda Cotton
Gloria Smith
Barbara Stinson, friend of Joanne Haymaker
Skip Sutton
Sydnor Thompson, brother of Harriet Moore
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Trinity Church, Bloomington: The Rev. Matthew Seddon, The Venerable Connie Peppler.
Our companion dioceses: The Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil: The Most Rev. Mauricio Jose Araujo De Andrade, Primate of Brazil and Bishop of Brasilia. The people and Diocese of Haiti and Saint Andre’s in Mithon.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Province of the Anglican Church of the Congo.
Birthdays: Albrecht von Gaudecker, January 2 . Connie Macy, January 4 . Chris Torrence, January 8
Anniversaries: None
GCYG
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