A Message from the Rector
Practicing Resurrection and the Five Senses
The incarnation—Word made flesh—is the signature condition of Christianity, and the lens through which we know and experience the Holy One. The practicing and practices of resurrection that we see in our Easter scripture reading demonstrate this. Mary Magdalene sees the empty tomb, the linen strips, the messengers of God, and then Jesus himself; she hears Jesus’ familiar voice; the shock of meeting Jesus strangely contrasts with the ointment she had brought to anoint his corpse. The eleven disciples are huddled behind locked doors, no doubt with tense faces and voices and the smell of fear; they hear Jesus offer “Shalom,” feel his breath, and see his wounds. And Thomas is invited to put his fingers into the wound itself. Did Jesus wince? The wound marks are mentioned in all four Gospels: they bookend the swaddling clothes of the infant described in Luke. Jesus eats with his disciples after the resurrection, at Emmaus (in Luke) and a breakfast on the beach (in John).
It is so fitting, then, that American Sign Language sign for “Jesus” should appeal to the senses. To make this sign, touch the tip of the middle finger to the center of the opposite palm, and then repeat using the other finder and palm (you can see a video here https://babysignlanguage.com/dictionary/jesus/): touching the place where the nail wounds on the hands would be. It is somehow so fitting to both affirm the incarnate nature of Jesus, while invoking the experience of Thomas, who is a hero to many of us for voicing doubts that many of us feel but are afraid to voice, a sign grounded in both solid flesh and honest questioning. May we all be so bold as to voice our questions—and to be present to responses that may come in the most surprising ways.
Rev. Dr. Jennifer Oldstone-Moore, Rector
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 Omicron Subvariant of the Covid virus continues to spread. Even those who are vaccinated may become infected and transmit the virus. To protect our communities until this subsides, we suggest that you wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. We also ask that you maintain social distancing. We now encourage you to sing, but with your masks on. Many thanks to everyone for your patience.
RETURN TO COMMON CUP
At the Vestry meeting on April 17th, the Vestry decided to offer communion in both kinds—wine and bread—at Sunday Eucharist. As per diocesan guidelines, we will not intinct (dip), only drink from the shared cup, as intinction is more problematic healthwise.
Please remember that “communion by one kind” (that is, having only wine or only bread) is considered full communion; you do not need both to be completely communed. If you wish to receive wine, please guide the cup to your mouth. If you prefer only bread, simply refuse the cup.
CALL FOR LAY MINISTERS: CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND ADULTS
St. Andrew’s needs you! To return to full communion of both bread and wine, we will need chalice bearers. We also need torch bearers, crucifers, Lay Eucharistic ministers/servers (help to set the altar), lectors (read the Bible), intercessors (read the prayers), ushers, and people to bring the elements (bread and wine) from the back of the sanctuary to the altar for communion. Please let Renee or Rev. Jen know if you are interested.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE FORMING
With a new priest, we will be changing some aspects of worship. We’d love to have you participate in thinking through the prayers, bulletin, music, seasons, and special worship offerings. Contact Rev. Jen or Renee to be a part of this conversation.
FESTAL EUCHARIST WITH PRESIDING BISHOP MICHAEL CURRY
On June 4, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will be in Bloomington with Bishop Jennifer for ordinations, Eucharist, and what will no doubt be a FANTASTIC day! Let’s have a big showing from St. Andrew’s–Rev. Jen and Chris are going for the Saturday events (Rev. Jen has other places to be on Sunday…) The event (and the reception following) are free, but registration is required. You can get the information you need and register at this link: https://indydio.org/latest-news/
Event Details
Festival Eucharist with Presiding Bishop
June 4, 2022 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Monroe Convention Center – Grand Ballroom
302 S. College Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47403
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING THE PRAYER LIST
We need your help! The parish office will be keeping a record of when names are requested for prayer. Names added to the Prayers of the People will be kept on that list for a month and then moved to an on-going prayer list for three months, a list for the congregation’s daily devotions and prayers. You may request that a name be returned to the Prayers of the People list by contacting the parish administrator, Renee Hood.
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND!
Memorial Garden Workers: We are in need of interested persons to form a small group that would be responsible for caring for the garden. Please let Renee know if you are interested.
Newsletter Feature Article Writers: We would like to open this up to parishioners who would like to occasionally write a short article for our on-line newsletter which publishes weekly on Wednesday mornings. Previously this task had been done by the Rector, Wardens, and a few others. We’d like to have parishioners share their voices, poems, etc. If you are interested, please contact Renee.
Coffee Hour Hosts: If you would like to host the Sunday Coffee Hour following the Sunday service, please sign up on the sheet posted by the coffee maker. We are hoping to keep this very simple with just coffee, cookies/donuts, or something similar. The Vestry will be hosting the 1st month! Our current COVID protocol during Coffee Hour is to wear masks when moving about the room, and to remove them while sitting at tables.
Connect With Us
The Third Sunday of Easter
Sunday In-Person Morning Worship Service, May 1 led by The Rev. Jen Oldstone-Moore
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 May 1
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, April 30
• 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
Beth Benedix, friend to many of us at Saint Andrew’s
Lee Bird, nephew of Lucy Wieland
Bernice Emrick, mother of Karen Hirt Mannon
The Rev. 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 Dr. John Lovett, father of Nancy Lovett
Grayson Lyons, great nephew of Peggy Angleton
Mike Majors Sr., father-in-law of Renee Majors
Mary Mountz
The family of Marilyn Mourouzis
Gordon Redden
The family of Jordan Sanders, sister of Jim Ensley
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: Saint Philip’s Church, Indianapolis; The Rev. Michelle Roos, Rector.
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 Episcopal Church in the Philippines.
Birthdays: Josephine Glessner, May 1 . Jacob Majors, May 4 . Gordon Redden, May 7
Anniversaries: None
GCYG
Special Events and Services
