I had the privilege of representing our parish at this year’s diocesan convention. This is actually the fourth year that I have been able to represent us at the convention! I have learned a lot about the greater workings of the diocese and the wider church. I am happy to share a bit about the plenary speakers this year. As in the past few years, this year’s speakers highlighted minority women. This year we heard interviews that Bishop Jennifer had with Rev. Kim Jackson, senator from Georgia and Episcopal priest, and Ms. Tina Tchen, Chief of Staff to Michelle Obama and life-long Episcopalian.

As many of you know, this year the diocese is encouraging the message of living a bold witness and both speakers addressed this topic. Both women are active in the political and religious spheres. They each spoke about how their faith informed and encouraged both sectors. As Christians we often are hesitant to speak out about our faith or even use the name Jesus for fear of what others might infer about us. Each speaker was not afraid to combine their religious identity with that of their broader identity in their communities and politics.

It was in fact her passion for social justice that was mirrored in her parish, that led Ms. Tchen to rediscover and grow in her faith. Ms. Tchen spoke of how so many people are seeking right now and that our churches can be a place where they are drawn to learn and grow. Her interview encouraged us to bring our passions for our community, individual and corporate, into the center of our parish life. Does someone have a passion for LGBTQ+ youth or clean drinking water in Haiti? Discuss these passions on Sundays and get the whole church involved. The clear encouragement was not to avoid controversy, but instead to embrace it and do so openly. What will invigorate and grow our churches is not what is quiet and comfortable, but instead what is a bold witness to each other and our community.

Rev. Kim Jackson lives out her bold witness both with her Senate seat and as a part of her community work as a priest. Although she firmly believes in the separation between church and state, she knows that her background in religion gives her a great opportunity to speak of religious and social justice issues in government. Just as a Senator who is also a doctor has the background to better understand and speak about medical bills, Rev. Jackson can deeply speak to those of religion and social justice. Her work in the Senate and in her community also gives her the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ, which she does as she loves and works with those who might originally see her as an enemy. In government, this allows her to work together with others of faith toward bipartisan goals. In her community, it looks like serving a Muslim community and sharing love with them, without attempting to change their beliefs.

Both women gave real life examples of bold witness, both in the church and in their workplace. I was incredibly encouraged as to how they were living out their faith in love, humility, and compassion while also doing so from a place of strength and confidence. I agree that we need to be a bold witness both in the church to each other and to our community. I want to be the kind of witness that makes people wonder why I do the things that I do, why I treat and serve others in a way so countercultural. I hope our churches’ radical love and compassion for others is visible and encouraging to those who don’t know us. I pray that we can do this in whatever way God leads us and not be afraid to be a bit controversial!

Thea Warren Simpson

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 Delta Variant of the Covid virus continues to spread. The Delta Variant is many times more contagious and believed to be more dangerous, particularly to those who are not yet vaccinated, than earlier strains. Even those who are vaccinated may become infected and transmit the virus. To protect our communities until this subsides, the Diocese has suggested that you wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status and take a congregational singing hiatus. During this time only one cantor and a small choir will be allowed. We also ask that you maintain social distancing. Please only sit in pews with prayer books and hymnals. Hopefully, one day soon, we will all be able to lift our voices in song. Many thanks to everyone for your patience.

THE GIVING TREE

It is hard to believe that the holidays are just around the corner. Once again St. Andrew’s will participate in the Giving Tree. Your generosity throughout the years has been outstanding. Putnam County children continue to benefit from your kind hearts. Each child receives three gifts; two articles of clothing and a toy. Gifts should not be wrapped. The Giving Tree program provides the gifts to the parent/guardian so that he/she can gift them to the children. Wrapping paper and tape are also given to the families so that they can wrap the gifts at home.

The deadline to return gifts to me is December 5th. The supply chain issues have necessitated early shopping so as soon as you have your gifts, please call me to plan a drop-off at 709 Toddson Drive. Cell Phone: 720-0105, Home Phone: 653-6734. If you do not wish to shop, Cathryn and I are happy to shop for you. You can send your checks to me or send them to the church and Renee will reimburse me.

Lastly, the link below is Sign Up Genius. It will take you to St. Andrew’s page to sign up for a child and gift you can choose to shop for this season.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094ca9a922a1fc1-standrews

Thank you for your open hearts,

Gwen Morris

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

We are excited to announce this year’s Christmas pageant “The Rest of the Story,” which will take place on Sunday, December 12th during the service!

Caroline and Albrecht will reach out to all parents of the cast members and will send additional information and schedule individual and group rehearsals. For questions about the Christmas pageant, please feel free to contact Caroline Good (cgood@depauw.edu) or Albrecht von Gaudecker (albrecht.von.gaudecker@gmail.com).

Thank you,

Albrecht von Gaudecker

Prayers and Reflections for this week

Sunday In-Person Morning Worship, November 28 led by The Rev. Kelsey Hutto-Ford

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: 847 8600 1703 and press #, then enter the password: pray and press # again.

Click here for the service booklet for November 28

Your prayers are asked for: