When I attended St. Paul’s Catholic Church from 1989 to 2013, many of those years I was one of four or five cantors covering the three weekend masses. After my retirement from DePauw in 2001 I often cantored the funeral masses at St. Paul’s, as the other cantors were working. It was not an occasion I looked forward to, but I considered it part of my service to the church. And I always gave away the stipend I was paid by the funeral home.

Of the many funeral masses I cantored, Mike Tzounakis and Mark Zeronic usually served at the altar with the priest. During the course of the mass, I often gazed upon Mike and Mark, serious and solemn, dressed in their best suits, lending great dignity to the occasion. We were not young men. I had great admiration for Mike and Mark, and I wanted to be the kind of Christian disciples they were. These two men never said no to what the church asked of them. They answered the bell every time. Whether either of them had a ” top of the mountain” experience, spoken of recently by Rev. Jennifer, I don’t know. I doubt they needed it. For they had a lifetime of serving the God they loved and lived for. The God who asked of them a life of service to others.

We don’t hear the word “duty” used much anymore. But, for my generation, and that of Mike’s and Mark’s, duty was considered a virtue. And I don’t think there is anything wrong in that. And I am not talking about blind or unquestioning obedience. It is rather what we owe to the God who created us and loves us through eternity. I refer to an allegiance to all that is good and Holy in the world. Mike and Mark were holy men, lending grace to all they did. And I remember that when we were serving together at the St. Paul’s funeral masses, how I hoped some of their holiness would find favor in me. This remains my desire, now years later. I don’t want or need to make it to the top of the mountain, nor feel the majestic and mysterious touch of God. For me, the life in Christ is lived in the simple, mundane, and everyday acts of serving God and others. It is to walk in the footsteps of people like Mike and Mark, who lent their holiness and grace to every act of service to God, church, and others. To be a graceful presence to the poor, the sick, the suffering, and, not the least to those who mourn.

Jim Mannon

Rev. Jen has set her office drop-in day as Wednesday of each week from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. for anyone who would like to stop in and visit. You are always invited to make an appointment for a time convenient for you. Mondays are her Sabbath day. NOTE: Rev. Jen will be out of the office Friday, August 25 and there will be no drop-in hours on Wednesday, September 13.

Sunday Morning In-Person Morning Worship Service, August 27, led by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Oldstone-Moore, 10:15 a.m. There will be Acolyte Refresher and Training after Worship.

You can stream the service via St. Andrew’s Facebook Page. Click on this link to view the Live Stream. We will start the Live Stream 5 minutes prior to the start of the service.

Click here for the service booklet for August 27.

ELEMENTARY YOUTH FORMATION

Formation for elementary aged youth started Sunday, August 20. Macie is leading the youth with a combination of lessons from Godly Play, crafts, and lessons suited to the church year. Please consider being a second-adult volunteer in the Elementary classroom! Volunteers need to be certified for Safe Church through on-line courses similar to many that businesses and schools require. Please consider being a volunteer!

CALLING ALL ACOLYTES

On August 27 there will be a refresher course for acolytes directly after worship. All are invited–acolytes old and new. If you have not served as an acolyte and would like to, there are many possible roles, from bringing the bread and wine to the altar at communion, to being an usher, to serving at the altar.

POND EUCHARIST

On Sunday, September 17, the Saint Andrew’s Sunday Service will be at Raccoon Lake, courtesy of the Jedele family. Details will follow soon.

LGBTQ, THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, AND YOU

For the past several decades, the question of sexual orientation and the church have been topics of great importance–and often great conflict–for Christians. On September 24 we will have an Adult Forum after Sunday service (teens and children are welcome per parental consent) about the Episcopal Church’s decisions to include LGBTQ clergy and marriage. We will look at the biblical basis for these decisions, and also strategies for your everyday discussions with friends and family about our “open and affirming” church.

THIS WEEK’S SHOPPING LIST FOR NON-FOOD PANTRY

Please add spray cleaner and toilet bowl cleaner to your shopping list for the NFP. Every little bit helps our budget go farther in helping meet the needs of folks in Putnam County. The Pantry returns on Saturday, August 26. There is a sign-up sheet posted in Hamilton Hall for folks to help with a product pick-up and/or as well as for help on August 26 at the monthly distribution. FYI: Baskets at church are now dedicated for the NFP and not the food pantry.

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS?

Every week the Wednesday St. Andrew’s newsletter has a reflection about life and faith. Most are observations about daily life and where we experience God in the midst of the “same old, same old.” We would love to feature your thoughts – – a few paragraphs that will help us all see more clearly how the Holy One touches us in our ordinary lives. Please let Renee or Jen+ know if you are interested.

FREE DAILY DEVOTIONAL

We have some large print Day by Day daily devotionals in the sanctuary that you are free to take home for your personal devotions–and if we know that people would like copies, we can order the right amount. Many of you may also appreciate the on-line version of Day to Day. Click here.

LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS

The Diocese is offering training for people to become Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV). This training licenses you to take the blessed sacrament to those who cannot come to church, including residents of The Waters. It is a wonderful way to be church! The next training is on September 7. Please consider being a LEV! Contact the Rev. Mary Taflinger at taflinger@indiodio.org with questions. Register here.

NEW ZOOM LINK

The new link can be found on the St. Andrew’s website at the bottom of the last page. Click on the Zoom icon to join as an attendee for Bible studies and meetings.

COMMUNION AT THE WATERS

Once a month Sunday services are continuing at The Waters. The next service will be Sunday, September 3 at 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. If you’d like to help with this ministry in any way, please contact Rev. Jen or Renee. All are welcome to attend!

ON-GOING COVID PROTOCOL

We continue to respond to both our county’s current CDC designation and to the current variant. Masking is optional. Those who serve bread and wine will mask so that anyone who comes to the altar can feel secure. Decisions on COVID policy have moved from the Reconvening Committee to Rev. Jen and the Wardens.

We have heard that the daily reflections and scripture readings provided during Lent were appreciated. The meditations are written by persons from Gobin UMC and Beech Grove UMC. They 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!

Click here to view the readings and accompanying links.

Your prayers are asked for: