Monuments are raised, buildings are dedicated, and holidays are celebrated in honor of the famous. These men and women have left marks upon history, and their benevolence will be noted through the ages. One’s life is seldom more than a meager reflection of their lives.

As much as we owe them, however, it is a rare person who actually bears the marks of the great. Most of us were influenced and guided by those who were not famous at all. They lived their lives, made no name for themselves, died without much attention, and were laid to rest by a handful of family and friends. The world at large did not notice their being or their going.

That’s a shame because they are the reality and wonder of this planet. They grew the crops, reared the children, mended the torn places, and did their best to fill the dark and empty spaces with light and love. Because of them we live, and when we sing it is their song which is heard.

Those who were not famous at all lived full lives and have passed their mantles on to us. We, who are not famous at all, are learning that such a mantle is an honor.

(From: Notes on an Unharried Journey by John A. Taylor – Unitarian chaplain at Cornell since 1971.)

Beginnings

Now much of life reminds me of endings – birthdays, long-term care bills, adult grandchildren, chronically ill friends and relatives, and too many funerals to attend.

Soon the school year will begin all over again with new teachers, subjects, friends, and activities. I’d love to be a student again – in the actual – not figurative sense. Only during my student years did I feel totally “in control” when I made Honor Roll grades and could make decisions and plans without infringing on others’ needs and expectations.

Why was I in such a hurry to finish this busy but carefree time of life?

Henrietta Schwartz

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: No drop-in hours July 24.

In-Person Sunday Morning Worship Service, July 28, led by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Oldstone-Moore, 10:15 a.m. 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 July 28.

CHARITY CRAFT – TURN T-SHIRTS INTO JUMP ROPES

This Sunday, July 28 at 11:30, help craft jump ropes for Operation Christmas Child. This is a ministry that sends shoeboxes full of gifts to children living in impoverished countries. Locally, New Life Baptist Church in Greencastle packed over 1,000 shoeboxes last year and hopes to do the same this year. We are assisting by doing the craft after the service this Sunday. Come join us for this fun and easy craft. No experience is necessary and all supplies will be provided.

AUGUST 4 INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS GAME

The Wabash Neighborhood is having an outing at the Indians baseball game on Sunday, August 4 at 1:35 p.m.

VESTRY MEETING MINUTES

If any of you are interested in what your Vestry is doing, there are two copies of each month’s minutes on the top of the piano in Hamilton Hall. Feel free to read and return!

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY

Most weeks, the Tuesday Bible and Book group meet at 4:30 p.m. Meetings will resume in early August.

THIS WEEK’S SHOPPING LIST FOR NON-FOOD PANTRY

Please add razors, Stain Remover Sticks, and shaving cream to your shopping list for the NFP for the month of July. Meals and conversation in Hamilton Hall are going well. Patrons are now able to pick out items they most need. Your contributions help our budget go farther in helping meet the needs of those in Putnam County. The next Non-Food Pantry will be Saturday, July 27 from noon – 2:00 p.m.

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.

ON-GOING COVID PROTOCOL

We continue to respond to both our county’s current CDC designation and to the current variant. Masking is optional. 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: