A Message from Jim Mannon
In recent weeks, a few of us, lead by Rev. Jen, have been discussing a book by Henri Nouwen entitled “In the Name of Jesus”. Nouwen’s underlying theme or question in this book is: Who defines us? Are we defined by the world’s standards and expectations or are we defined by our relation to God?
Nouwen was a priest/theologian who enjoyed many of the trappings of success and honor that the world can bestow. Yet it was only when he took a position as priest in a community of persons with severe mental and physical challenges, that he realized his worldly success and honors counted for little in his attempt to minister daily to these people. Only when stripped of the world’s adornments could he relate in a deeply human way, and minister authentically to the people he was charged to help.
As Christians we are called to answer similar questions. Are we defined by the world or in our relation to God? Do we seek the world’s approval or God’s? And in these post-resurrection times; do we follow the way of the cross or the way of the world? Jesus could not have put it more plainly. He asks us to take up our cross and follow him. Herein lies a most difficult challenge. For when we choose to trod the way of the cross, we are called to imitate Jesus when he said on the cross, “Father, forgive them they know not what they do.” We must then become a forgiving people in an unforgiving world. How difficult this can be when we confront those who commit heinous trespasses against us or others.
However, in taking up our crosses daily, Jesus promises three things. When we become heavy laden (and we will be!), He offers rest. When we are conflicted and anxious, He offers peace – not as the world gives – but His peace. And at the end of our cross-bearing journey, and our own Golgotha, he offers eternal life. No matter how challenging the way of the cross, can the world deliver even the slightest fraction of what Jesus promises?
Thanks,
Jim Mannon
NEW COVID POLICY FOR WORSHIP
The volatile nature of COVID makes it necessary to revise policy for gathering. Beginning immediately, so long as Putnam Country COVID rates are designated as low (green) or medium (yellow) by the CDC, we will be mask optional, except for the choir which is in close quarters.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church COVID policy, revised by Regathering Committee and approved by Vestry, May 17, 2022. This policy is subject to revision as COVID continues to evolve. We welcome your feedback on these policies.
Putnam County COVID rates
|
Worship in person | Congregational singing | Choir singing | Communion | Coffee hour |
Green (low) | masks optional | allowed | masked | Both kinds provided | Masks optional |
Yellow (medium) | masks optional | allowed with mask | masked | Both kinds provided | Masks optional |
Red (high) | masks required | only choir | masked | Bread only | Coffee hour suspended |
–Masks are always provided and mask wearing always acceptable.
–The red, yellow, and green designations of incidence of COVID are taken from the CDC COVID website, https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/ Scroll down and choose “Indiana” and then “Putnam County” to get this week’s numbers.
–St. Andrew’s COVID policy is based on both CDC recommendations and directives from the Diocese of Indianapolis.
Recommendations from CDC
Low (green)
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
- Get tested if you have symptoms
Medium (yellow)
- If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
- Get tested if you have symptoms
High (red)
- If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
- Get tested if you have symptoms
- Wear a mask indoors in public
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
- Get tested if you have symptoms
Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness.
People may choose to mask at any time.
People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
Masks are recommended in indoor public transportation settings and may be required in other places by local or state authorities.
COVID GUIDELINES, THE COMMON CUP, INTINCTION, AND FULL COMMUNION
Ah, people of St. Andrew’s—I am getting to know you day by day. I had no idea that most of the congregation used intinction rather than the common cup for communion or I would have said just a little more about returning to communion by wine via common cup.
Background: The Diocese of Indianapolis has stated that we may return to full communion (both bread and wine), but that receiving the wine can be by common cup only. Several parishioners have had questions about this. Here’s what I’d like you to know at this point.
1. The Vestry will vote on new COVID guidelines recommended by the Regathering Committee. Please bear with us for one more week of full maskiness…
2. We might use the words “full communion” to indicate that we are finally back to both bread and wine, but it has ALWAYS been true that taking either one is a complete communion. You do not need both to fully commune.
3. The choice is yours, Eucharist by Eucharist. You can decide to let the cup pass because you have a cold; if you are worried about others you can pass; you can wait until we return to intinction. Just cross your arms over your chest—or just shake your head and quietly demur.
4. Most research has shown that the common cup transmits fewer microorganisms than intinction. Counter-intuitive perhaps; the problem with intinction is that some fingers make contact with the chalice and/or wine and the possibility of fecal-oral transmission. I’ve collated several articles for those of you who’d like to read up on this.
a. From Living Church (an Episcopal magazine): Click here https://afkimel.wordpress.com/2020/02/29/germs-viruses-and-the-common-cup-is-intinction-safer/
b. The 1943 article by W. Burrows and ES Hemmens about use of silver chalice as safe for communion. It is on JSOTR; I can get the full article if you want it. Click here https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?journal=J+Infect+Dis&title=Survival+of+bacteria+on+the+silver+communion+cup&volume=73&publication_year=1943&pages=180-190&
c. 1998 CDC statement Risk of infectious disease transmission from a common communion cup. Click here
d. Anne LaGrange Loving, “Controlled Study on Intinction: a safer alternative”. https://afkimel.wordpress.com/2020/02/29/germs-viruses-and-the-common-
1995 controlled study concludes that intinction appears to be less likely to transmit disease (but also notes that this depends on the microbes on the hands of parishioners and priest). Click here https://www.jstor.org/stable/44536847 (another JSTOR article if you’d like me to access it for you).
Yours in health, restoration, liturgical engagement, and literature review,
Rev. Jen
EXPANDING ST. ANDREW’S PRESENCE IN GREENCASTLE–St. Andrew’s Team Needed–Collaborative Partnerships in Greencastle and Putnam County
The Diocese has two training cohorts coming together for the Church Buildings for Collaborative Partnerships Project (CBCP). This is a diocesan initiative that gives us tools to form partnerships within our community of Greencastle and Putnam County that allow us to creatively use our buildings for community outreach beyond Sundays.
This is a wonderful way for St. Andrew’s to deepen connection to and service in the community by expanding our ideas of how our space might be used, and then forming community by working with partners who will use that space.
The cohort training will have a team of 3-5 parishioners plus Rev. Jen working together over Zoom and in-person sessions. Our ability to be given diocesan grants will hinge our participation in CBCP training. Please join Rev. Jen in this preparation for new work of outreach and service. You can contact Renee standrewsgreencastle@gmail.com or Jen+ priest.standrewsgreencastle@gmail.com
Looking forward to working together! If you would like to learn more, click here.
RECTOR’S OFFICE DROP-IN DAY
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. NOTE: This week she will not be in the office in the afternoon as she has a home visit and is then traveling to New Albany for a Celebration of New Ministry.
INDIANAPOLIS PRIDE PARADE
The Diocese of Indianapolis has a presence in the Indy Pride Parade on June 11. The May 4 Diocesan newsletter has the information and links on participating in the parade and volunteering for a booth shift. Please consider joining Rev. Jen and Chris in this festive event.
BIBLE STUDY BEGINNING TUESDAY, JUNE 14 AT 4:30 P.M. IN HAMILTON HALL
We will begin a Bible study on Tuesdays, reading and discussing the Gospel passage that is assigned for the following Sunday. The Gospel passage for Sunday, June 19 is Luke 8:26-39; it will be our text for the June 14 Bible study. You can always find the week’s Bible readings at lectionarypage.net/YearC_RCL. For the Season after Pentecost 2022, we are in Year C, and we will use Track One readings. Hope to see you there!
Connect With Us
The First Sunday after Pentecost – Trinity Sunday
Sunday Morning In-Person Worship Service, June 12 led by The Rev. Jen Oldstone-Moore, 10:15 a.m.
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: 858 0497 0006 and press #, then enter the password: pray and press # again. NOTE: This is a new ID number as of April 4, 2022 so be sure to enter the new information!
Click here for the service booklet for June 12.
Click here for the service booklet for June 13 Celebration of a New Ministry for Rev. Jennifer Oldstone-Moore.
Prayers and Reflections for This Week
We have heard that the daily reflections and scripture readings provided during Lent were appreciated. The meditations are written by persons from Saint Andrew’s, 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.
Non Food Pantry Latest
Saturday, June 25
• Noon to 3:00 p.m.
There will be a drive through distribution coordinated by Alex Roehrkasse and sack lunches will be served. 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
Haile Bane, grandson of Bob and Joanne Haymaker
Beth Benedix, friend to many of us at Saint Andrew’s
Lee Bird, nephew of Lucy Wieland
Douglas Butler, brother-in-law of Claudia Butler
Richard A. Butler, father-in-law of Claudia Butler
Bernice Emrick, mother of Karen Hirt Mannon
Nancy Ferriani and the family of Bob Ferriani, friends of Warren and Connie Macy
Katie Gleichman, relative of Jim Ensley
Mary Ellen Gurnon, aunt of Daniel and Stephanie Gurnon
Lisa Breese Kincaid, daughter of Bob and Mimi Breese
The family of John Lovett, father of Nancy Lovett
Grayson Lyons, great nephew of Peggy Angleton
Mike Majors Sr., father-in-law of Renee Majors
Mary Mountz
Bryan Murray and the Murray family
Lucas Murray, grandson of Dave and Sue Murray
Gordon Redden
The family of Jordan Sanders, sister of Jim Ensley
Mike Schmidt, brother of Renee Hood
Elizabeth and Natalie Sheffler, daughter and granddaughter of Page and Narda Cotton
Gloria Smith
Skip Sutton
Sydnor Thompson, brother of Harriet Moore
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Trinity Church, Lawrenceburg: Connie Betts, Senior Warden.
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 Anglican Church of South America.
Birthdays: Joe Myers, June 13 . Mary Mountz, June 15
Anniversaries: Bill and Lucy Wieland, June 15