This week’s scripture reading about Tabitha bring home a tension present for many of us when we read the Bible. As we read, we are often frustrated by imbedded sexism that permeates much of the Bible; at the same time if we read carefully and with information, we can be startled by the radical and subversive nature of the Jesus Movement that challenged—and continues to challenge—what is often excused as “common sense” and the “way things are.”

In my work as an historian of religion, I have yet to meet a traditional religion that manages to completely satisfy modern sensibilities and practices around equality. Teaching equality is an ideal in many religions, but since religions are embedded in specific times and places, they will reflect the prejudices of those times and places. It is one thing to profess ideals; it is another to figure out how to live out the same ideals. In fact, living out ideas in our messy world is the work of a lifetime.

I’ve heard many dismiss the church because of its sexism. Word made flesh was a son, not a daughter. We pray, as Jesus taught us, to God the Father. The woman taken in adultery in John chapter 8 is led in front of accusers to be stoned—where was the man she was caught with?

Caught up in our present conversation and convictions that we our own age finally has the right practices and opinions, we can miss the radical nature, or perhaps I should say the radical promise of Jesus’ message. It takes work to see the world from the eyes of the ancients, work that lets us see that Christianity makes profound and shocking moves toward a radical equality that in 2022 is still not manifest. Our reading from Acts chapter 9:36-43 shows that radical promise of Jesus’ vision. Tabitha has a foot in two opposing camps, the “Hellenists” (Gentiles) and the Jews. Tabitha is named as a disciple, not the wife of a disciple. From the actions and words of the distraught widows, Tabitha used her own initiative and funding to provide clothing and material to “the least of these,” the widows of Joppa. Tabitha was so important that after she died, messengers were sent to bring Peter back to her funeral.

It is easy to read Acts 9:36-43 and focus on Peter—to be caught up in questions about Tabitha’s resurrection. The passage, though, describes an event with details here that would stop ancient readers in their tracks in shock. The particulars of Tabitha’s work and contribution to the Way of Jesus would certainly be among them. Romans sneered at Christianity as a “religion of slaves and women,” clearly identifying the importance of women in the movement whose driving energy and Christian ethics challenged the Roman world order.

I hope we can find ways to work on close readings together (Bible study, anyone?), developing knowledge and sensitivity to both the context of the New Testament and Bible, and to the ways in which scripture reveals a God who has been messing with the human social order and expectations from the very beginning.

After church on Sunday I had a conversation with a parishioner that brought together the big themes of this week’s newsletter—and of the eternal truths our worship life is always pointing to and, in the best of moments, the eternal truth that we are immersed in. The parishioner said that the church she attended is the church Presiding Bishop Curry references in this lovely, eight minute video. I hope you will watch and relish this beautiful story of the power of our shared worship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USOMZpGheBc

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.

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

RETURN TO COMMON CUP

The Vestry has approved return to sharing both bread and wine at Eucharist. We are putting together a rotation of chalice bearers to serve wine. This is an important ministry. Please consider being a chalice bearer and training will be in-house. Contact Rev. Jen or Renee.

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 MEETING, SUNDAY, MAY 15, NOON

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…) There will be opportunities for youth to meet with Presiding Bishop Curry! 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

MAY 22 SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE BEING MOVED

There will be no Sunday 10:15 a.m. service on May 22. It is being moved to Saturday evening, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. due to DePauw University’s Sunday, May 22 Commencement.

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. Please note that for this week Wednesday, May 11, those hours will be 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. only.

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.

HENRI NOUWEN IN THE NAME OF JESUS–FREE!

Many thanks to Brooke Cox who offers this possibility for free access to the book I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, In the Name of Jesus, by Henri Nouwen: Nouwen’s In the Name of Jesus, is available freely, with quick account creation, in the Internet Archive. It is good to have a librarian among us! Thank you, Brooke!

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.

Sunday In-Person Morning Worship Service, May 15 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 15

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.

Your prayers are asked for: