Dear St. Andrew’s family and friends,

I hope warm memories of a joyous Thanksgiving are still filling you hearts as we move into the new beginning of our church year and prepare for the birth of our Lord. This Sunday we will be celebrating the second week in Advent, practicing for our children’s Christmas program and getting ready to “hang the greens” in the Sanctuary.

Following the service this Sunday Albrecht and Caroline Good will be meeting all children interested in being part of the December 12^th program. They will practice for about half an hour.  Canon Kristin White is also with us this Sunday and she will be meeting with those interested in continuing to explore their faith and learn about the Episcopal Church in Hamilton Hall. On December 19 Rev. Kelsey will be offering an acolyte training after the service for everyone interested.

Finally, many, many thanks to everyone who has so generously pledged to help continue the work and life of St. Andrew’s in 2022. If you have yet to join our Every Perfect Gift effort this year, please prayerfully consider how you might help contribute to the life and ministry of our St. Andrew’s parish. We need you. If you should need a new pledge card, please contact Renee in the parish office at 653-3921. If you would like to make a contribution in memory of someone or in thanksgiving or in honor of someone by buying a poinsettia for the altar, please send those contributions to the church, or simply put it in the Sunday offering. All gifts will be listed in our Christmas mailings and bulletins.

As was mentioned on Sunday, your Search Committee and Vestry have been working hard. We patiently wait and fervently pray that we soon will have joyous news to share with you all.

Meanwhile, I send much love and wish many blessings for you all.

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.

THE GIVING TREE

It is hard to believe that the holidays are just around the corner. Once again St. Andrew’s will participate in the Giving Tree. Your generosity throughout the years has been outstanding. Putnam County children continue to benefit from your kind hearts. Each child receives three gifts; two articles of clothing and a toy. Gifts should not be wrapped. The Giving Tree program provides the gifts to the parent/guardian so that he/she can gift them to the children. Wrapping paper and tape are also given to the families so that they can wrap the gifts at home.

The deadline to return gifts to me is December 5th. The supply chain issues have necessitated early shopping so as soon as you have your gifts, please call me to plan a drop-off at 709 Toddson Drive. Cell Phone: 720-0105, Home Phone: 653-6734. If you do not wish to shop, Cathryn and I are happy to shop for you. You can send your checks to me or send them to the church and Renee will reimburse me.

Lastly, the link below is Sign Up Genius. It will take you to St. Andrew’s page to sign up for a child and gift you can choose to shop for this season.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094ca9a922a1fc1-standrews

Thank you for your open hearts,

Gwen Morris

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

We are excited to announce this year’s Christmas pageant “The Rest of the Story,” which will take place on Sunday, December 12th during the service!

Caroline and Albrecht will reach out to all parents of the cast members and will send additional information and schedule individual and group rehearsals. For questions about the Christmas pageant, please feel free to contact Caroline Good (cgood@depauw.edu) or Albrecht von Gaudecker (albrecht.von.gaudecker@gmail.com).

Thank you,

Albrecht von Gaudecker

Prayers and Reflections for this week

Sunday In-Person Morning Worship, December 5 led by Canon Kristin White

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 December 5

Your prayers are asked for: