A Message from Rector:
The Discipline of Compassion
Some monks came to see Abba Poemen and said to him: “Tell us, when we see brothers dozing during the worship and prayer time, should we pinch them so they will stay awake?” The old man said to them: “Actually, if I saw a brother sleeping, I would put his head on my knees and let him rest.”
— Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers
Lent is our “wilderness time,” a time of trying to find space and quiet enough to take stock of ourselves and our lives, and to have moment to make a change.
In the first centuries the Desert Ammas (Mothers) and Abbas (Fathers) went into the literal wilderness, paring down their lives to the absolute essentials. As is so often the case, in their effort to simplify and live away from ordinary life, people with ordinary lives streamed into the desert to learn from them. This little story from Abba Poeman reflects a theme throughout the Bible, in the prophets Amos, Isaiah, Micah, and others, in the psalms, and through the Gospels and New Testament: our religious practices and patterns like fasting, prayer, tithing, and worship are the means by which our hearts will be broken open to God, to our neighbor, to the stranger, and even to our enemies.
A wonderful modern writer on spirituality, Sister Joan Chittister, writes this in her “Desert Spaces” Lenten discipline book:
“In the spirtual life, we are meant to prod our souls to regular discipline so that in doing so our hearts will be softened to serve those whom Jesus served. The gentle Jesus wants clean hearts from us, not sacrifice; deep down basic commitment, not simply blue ribbons for winning the marathons we’ve run to make ourselves feel holy. “‘My only religion is kindness,’ said the Dalai Lama. ‘Do you want to be a saint? Be kind, be kind, be kind,’ a mystic wrote.”
Sister Joan suggests a beautiful and simple discipline for Lent:
Practice an act of unconditional kindness each day.
Be attentive to acts of unconditional kindness that you receive each day.
Journal about both.
Blessed be,
Jen+
Instructed Eucharist 2.0: Rich Tradition, Layered Meanings – The Sign of the Cross
“In the 4th century, Cyril of Jerusalem wrote, “Let us not be ashamed to profess the Crucified One; let us confidently seal our forehead with our fingers, let us make the sign of the cross on everything.” In the 2nd century, Tertullian said, “At every forward step and movement, at every going in and out, when we put on our clothes and shoes, when we bathe, when we sit at the table, when we light the lamps, when on the couch, on a seat, and in all the ordinary actions of daily life, we trace the sign on our foreheads.” –ACNA Instructed Liturgy Guide
The Sign of the Cross is a gesture used by Christians to mark the forehead at least as early as 200 CE. In later centuries the gesture was expanded to the whole body. The Sign of the Cross is a tangible way to mark yourself as belonging to Christ, an external profession of faith. It can also be for personal devotion, intensify the focus of an important or transitional moment. It is a physical prayer, not a magical invocation, a resource for prayer and participation that combines body, mind, spirit and heart. You are welcome to use it—or not use it—as is meaningful for you.
There are different places in the liturgy where people might cross themselves, including
- At the mention of the Trinity at the very beginning of the service in the Opening Acclamation. This is a kind of “Gentlepeople, start your engines!” at the start of worship.
- At the end of the Gloria, invoking the Trinity with the sign of the cross.
- Near the end of the Nicene Creed at the mention of the resurrection of the body. This is an “X marks the spot” moment: a bodily prayer for our own continued life beyond life and death. We also see this at the Absolution when the priest pronounces forgiveness of sins.
- At the Liturgy of the Table in the Sanctus at the words “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” These words reference Jesus; we cross ourselves to show honor and respect.
- At the Liturgy of the Table after the bread and wine has been blessed to become the body and blood of Jesus, usually followed by a prayer that we be sanctified (made holy) transformed by the Holy Spirit.
- Before and after receiving communion as a way of showing reverence and intention for the moment, and sanctifying that action.
- Outside of church, the Sign of the Cross can be made for courage, for a moment of centering, as a sign of gratitude, or even as a sign of proclamation.
At the Instructed Eucharist, Jo Jo told us this about the Sign of the Cross:
You may have noticed that throughout the service, some people will mark themselves with the sign of the cross.
The sign of the cross is ancient. Here are times in worship that people might make this sign:
when there is a blessing
when they hear words of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
when we pray for the dead
A lot of times the sign of the cross is like saying, “X marks the spot”—our hands say
“Let that blessing be my blessing” or
“May I, too, be close to God no matter what happens.”
You don’t have to make the Sign of the Cross unless you want to. It is a way to worship with actions as well as words.
In the Orthodox Church, the Sign of the Cross is made differently from the one usually used by Episcopalians. The horizontal pole goes first to the right shoulder and then ending “over the heart.”
Jen+
Tuesday 4:30 p.m. In-Person & 6:30 p.m. Zoom Bible Studies & Lenten Readings
There are two Bible studies: one that meets at 4:30 in Hamilton Hall, the other meets by Zoom at 6:30. Click here for the Zoom link. You can also find the Zoom link on the bottom of the last page of the St. Andrew’s website. On March 28 the 4:30 group will discuss Chapter 2 of The Last Week, and the 6:30 group, Chapter 1 “Palm Sunday”. NOTE: No Bible Studies on Tuesday, March 21 due to Rev. Jen being away at New Clergy Conference at Waycross.
It’s Pysanky Egg Time!
We had so much fun making Ukrainian Easter eggs at St. Andrew’s last year, and our Easter Egg tree on Easter Sunday was beautiful. All are invited to St. Andrew’s second season of making pysanky eggs: the dye pots are ready, the kistka wax holders, candles, and beeswax are in good shape, we have plenty of paper towels, and there are table cloths protecting the tables. Sign up for any of these times—and we can add more. Just get in touch with Rev. Jen and we’ll add more.
Needed for this year’s pysanky creations:
Spring shrub blossoms
Do you have any shrubs that are early bloomers like prunus, forsythia, witch hazel or pussy willow? We need boughs to force for at-home Easter egg trees, and for an Easter egg tree in the sanctuary.
Are you egg-eaters? We need the empty shells!
If you prepare quiche, egg casseroles, scrambled eggs, omelets, I can lend you an egg blower so that you can save the shells for dying. The blowers are easy to use, and you can use the eggs for many dishes. Let me know and I’ll get them to you. Quiche is the name of our game during this season…
Times
I need to know what times are best for YOU. I’ll put out a few tentative times, but it may be easier for you to let me know what days and times are best for you and then trying to match. It is probably a good idea to have 2 hours for a leisurely creation.
Summer Enrichment Program
For over three decades, the Summer Enrichment Program in Putnam County has provided a safe haven for children with identified risk factors. SEP is a 5-week summer day camp for approximately 60 children in grades 1-5. They take swimming lessons, experience music and the arts, go to the library and the Nature Park, go on field trips, play indoor and outdoor games, and learn important social and emotional skills. The children also have nutritious meals and are given take home weekend food packages. E-Mail Address: putnamsummerenrich@gmail.com
If you would like to sponsor a child, you may wish to send a donation to:
Summer Enrichment Program
P.O. Box 66
Greencastle, IN 46135
Family Support Services
Family Support Services of West Central Indiana has started a new Supportive Housing Program that will serve Clay, Parke and Putnam counties. They have rented apartments to offer victims of domestic violence a safe and secure housing option.
They are in need of donations of furniture and household items to furnish those apartments. Furniture; plastic plates and bowls; cooking utensils; and small kitchen and household appliances are being sought. If you have donations, please contact the Program Supervisor, Sarah Cofer, at 765-653-4820 Ext. 104.
Connect With Us
Sunday Worship Online Streaming
We have upgraded our Sunday worship online streaming option.
You will find our worship service being streamed from our Facebook Page or continue to go to St. Andrew’s website and be redirected from the link on the front page.
Rector’s Office Drop-In Time
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 Wednesday, March 22 so no drop-in hours that day.
The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sunday Morning In-Person Worship Service, March 19, led by 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 at 10:10 a.m.
Click here for the service booklet for March 19.
The Latest Updates
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY – 4:30 P.M. IN HAMILTON HALL & 6:30 P.M. VIA ZOOM
On March 14 we began discussing Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan’s The Last Week. This book details Jesus’ life from his triumphal ride into Jerusalem to the cross, and will be excellent preparation for the events of Holy Week. On March 28 the 4:30 group will discuss Chapter 2. The 6:30 group will start in Chapter 1 (Palm Sunday). The Zoom link can be found on the St. Andrew’s website at the very bottom of the last page. NOTE: No Bible Studies on Tuesday, March 21 because Rev. Jen will be away at a conference.
EASTER FLOWER FORMS
Easter flower remembrance forms have gone out. Please return to the church office or drop in the collection basket by Tuesday, March 28 for publication in the Easter Sunday service sheet.
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! Training is on March 15 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. There will be additional trainings on June 17 and September 7. Please consider being a LEV! Contact the Rev. Mary Taflinger at taflinger@indiodio.org with questions. Register here.
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, ORGAN RECITAL, 4:00 P.M.
Please join us today for an organ recital at 4:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s! Albrecht von Gaudecker will present organ works by Samuel Scheidt, Johann Sebastian Bach, Jeanne Demessieux, Louis Verne and others. A free will offering will be collected to benefit the Non-Food Pantry.
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, POTLUCK, FUN, & FELLOWSHIP, 5:30 P.M.
Come to Albrecht’s organ recital – and then stay for food, fellowship, and fun! Please bring a covered dish to share and be ready for good eats, good friends, and good times. In the past this had been Irish themed, but you are welcome to bring whatever dish you’d like. Our friends from St. John’s, Crawfordsville have been invited to join us.
DEVOTIONALS
Forward Movement Day by Day devotionals are available in the Narthex. They are an easy way to take on a Lenten practice, reading a reflection and a prayer each day.
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.
COMMUNION AT THE WATERS
Once a month Sunday services have resumed at The Waters. The next service will be this Sunday, April 9 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.
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 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, March 25
• Noon to 3:00 p.m.
There will be a drive through distribution 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:
Haile Bane, grandson of Joanne Haymaker
The family of Gary Barcus, friend of Joanne Haymaker
Beth Benedix, friend to many of us at Saint Andrew’s
Douglas Butler, brother-in-law of Claudia Butler
Richard A. Butler, father-in-law of Claudia Butler
Adam Cohen, friend of St. Andrew’s
Family & friends of Michael Condra
The family of Mark Einwich, friend of Joanne Haymaker
The family of Bernice Emrick, mother of Karen Hirt Mannon
Bob Fatzinger, brother of Barbara Pare
Nancy Ferriani, friend of Warren & Connie Macy
Katie Gleichman, relative of Jim Ensley
Alan & Vickie Good, father of Tim Good
David Grueber, stepson of Scott Kissinger
Kimberly Heithaus, niece of Joe & Jenny Heithaus
Shandol Hoover, friend of Dave & Sue Murray
Terumi Imai, friend of Jen+
Kaylee, Ryan, and baby
Lisa Breese Kincaid, daughter of Bob & Mimi Breese
The families of those killed in the Monterey Park shooting, Sara Nimori & Ross Whitten
Mary Mountz
Tom Mullen, father of Patti Harmless
Emmanuel Myril, Karen Hirt Mannon’s son-in-law’s father
Michael Oldstone, father of Jen+
Sarah Oldstone, sister-in-law of Jen+
Pamela & Linda
Gordon Redden
Elizabeth & Natalie Sheffler, daughter & granddaughter of Page & Narda Cotton
Gloria Smith
Skip Sutton
Jerry Taylor, friend of Warren & Connie Macy
Beth Thoenen, friend of Jen+
Sydnor Thompson, brother of Harriet Moore
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis: The Very Rev. Dr. Gray Lesesne, The Rev. Hipolito Reina, The Rev. Greg Baker, The Rev. Jodi Baron, The Rev. Tom Kryder-Reid, The Rev. Fatima Yakubu-Madis.
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 Southern Africa.
Birthdays: Ava Jedele, March 9; Joanne Kissinger, March 19; Stephen Jones, March 20.
Anniversaries: Karen and Jim Mannon, March 20.
Special Events and Services
