A Message from a Parishioner:
Thoughts from a Pilgrim
On July 9th we began our journey to explore Anglican spirituality and the abolition of the slave trade as it affected northern England through the 19th century. On our journey we were in seven cities in our seven non-international travel days. We had comfortable bus accommodations, experienced and knowledgeable leaders, plenty of good food, incredible fellow pilgrims and my first experience of life in a youth hostel. Our creature needs were well attended to.
What I had read about, but not experienced firsthand were the hundreds of years of abbeys, monasteries and cathedrals that grace the land. Places echoing the songs and prayers of generations of Christians. People, like us, who searched for a deeper connection to their God. Simultaneously, we humans exemplified the non-Christian characters of war, intolerance and persecution of people “different” from us. How could and how can this dichotomy of human existence be?
For me, I found great comfort, peace and hope in worshipping and celebrating the Eucharist with other people, in another land. Everyone, regardless of country of origin, their race, sexual orientation or age were seeking the word and connection to God. We were together singing and praying just like pilgrims had been doing for centuries. Why does the turmoil continue to exist? How should we “march on?”
We learned that people have been forcing others into slavery for centuries. Most civilizations have been participants. Wars and uprisings sometimes brought it to an end. In some places, like England and the U.S. governments have taken the lead in “formally” ending the practice of buying and selling others. We, as Christians have a unique example as to how we should walk through this world. Our seven days reassured my hope that there have been compassionate and committed Christians worshipping and living together for centuries, but our world continues to be plagued by wars and intolerance. We all have the responsibility to continue to press on to promote the dignity of all God’s children. Maybe 100 years from now there will be people who remember St. Andrew’s as a place where tolerance and justice were practiced; a place where all were welcomed and a community was lifted up. For this I pray.
Sue Murray
Connect With Us
Rector’s Office Drop-In Time
Rev. Jen has set her office drop-in day as Wednesday of each week from 9:00 – 11:00 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: No drop-in hours September 25 or October 2.
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 21B
In-Person Sunday Morning Prayer Service , September 29, led by Kate Berry, 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 5 minutes prior to the start of the service.
Click here for the service booklet for September 29.
THANK YOU
Many thanks to the Murrays for their generous donation for the staining of the Advent House back stairs to the 2nd Floor and also the power washing and staining of the ark play area.
Most especially we need to thank Sue and Dave who spent their own time staining the new back porch handrailing that was provided at no cost to us by SAWS. The grounds are looking beautiful and your hard work and donations are much appreciated!
The Latest Updates
DEVOUR
Please join us as we take a walk down Seminary Street on Saturday, October 5th. We’ll start at the Murray’s at 514 East Seminary for hors-d’oeuvres at 5:00. Moving on, we will make our way across the street to the Oldstone-Moores’ at 601. Our St. Andrew’s group will then head up the street to the Glessner’s (609 East Seminary) and finally to Martha and Carl’s (707 East Seminary) for dessert.
Unlike some of our get-togethers there is nothing you need to bring, except your appetites and good cheer. We’ll be spending an average of 30-45 minutes at each stop. Please leave a message with Renee at the church office by October 3rd if you will be able to join us.
CHOIR
The Choir of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church resumed its Sunday Morning offerings on September 22nd. The first portion of the season will include music by Greene, Stanford, Durufle, and Vaughan-Williams. If you are interested in singing in the choir, please meet with our Organist and Choirmaster, Nicholas J. Voermans, during coffee hour or you may reach out to him at nicholas.voermans@gmail.com. The choir meets at 9 AM on Sundays beginning with a 5 to 7 minute warm-up followed by the repertoire of the day using spare time to rehearse music for the following weeks.
HELP NEEDED
A spouse of a Waters resident would like to hire someone to help her husband at mealtime. Particularly needed is assistance for the evening meal (5:00-6:00 p.m.), and lunch on the weekends; noon meals are also available through the week. For the job posting, please click here.
SACRED POETRY GROUP
Our Sacred Poetry group will gather again beginning this fall. We will be reading the sacred poetry of George Herbert and John Donne. Please let Jen+ know if you are interested and we will find a time that suits all!
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
The Book and Bible Group has begun again, meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays with Evening Prayer celebrated at 4:00 p.m. Our next meeting is October 8. At that time we will begin reading “Take This Bread” by Sara Miles. After that, we will read “Sabbath” by Abraham Joshua Heschel.
BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION, AND EXPLORATION OF CHRISTIAN FAITH
Our Confirmation class begins on Sunday, October 6. It is for those interested in baptism, confirmation, reception – and those who are curious! We will meet on the 2nd floor in Murray Suites about 15 minutes after the service. Please let Jen+ know if you are thinking about Baptism or Confirmation.
VESTRY MEETING MINUTES
If any of you are interested in what your Vestry is doing, there are two copies of each month’s minutes on the top of the piano in Hamilton Hall. Feel free to read and return!
THIS WEEK’S SHOPPING LIST FOR NON-FOOD PANTRY
Please add razors, Stain Remover Sticks, and shaving cream to your shopping list for the NFP for the month of September. Meals and conversation in Hamilton Hall are going well. Patrons are now able to pick out items they most need. Your contributions help our budget go farther in helping meet the needs of those in Putnam County. The next Non-Food Pantry will be Saturday, September 28 from noon – 2:00 p.m.
FREE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
We have some large print Day by Day daily devotionals in the sanctuary that you are free to take home for your personal devotions–and if we know that people would like copies, we can order the right amount. Many of you may also appreciate the on-line version of Day to Day. Click here.
ON-GOING COVID PROTOCOL
We continue to respond to both our county’s current CDC designation and to the current variant. Masking is optional. 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. 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, September 28
• Noon to 2:00 p.m.
There will be a distribution in Hamilton Hall and light lunches will be served inside. We are grateful for all those who have worked so hard to obtain supplies for the Non-Food Pantry. Items are having to be purchased from a variety of sources making it 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
Pat Baylis
Toppy Beach, sister of Skip Sutton
Beth Benedix, friend to many of us at St. Andrew’s
Kim Frank, sister of Pamalee Smith
Katie Gleichman, relative of Jim & Cathryn Ensley
Carole Greenawald
Janet Jenks, friend to many at St. Andrew’s
The family of Lisa Breese Kincaid, daughter of Bob & Mimi Breese
The family of Whitney Morrill, friend to many at St. Andrew’s
Mary Mountz
Tom Mullen, father of Patti Harmless
Lucas Murray, grandson of Dave & Sue Murray
Marilyn & Leo Nelson, sister & brother-in-law of Joanne Haymaker
Elizabeth & Natalie Sheffler, daughter & granddaughter of Page & Narda Cotton
Skip Sutton
Karen Swalley, friend of Thom & Gwen Morris
Dwight Ziegler, uncle of Stephanie Gurnon
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: St. Michael’s Church, Noblesville.
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 Church of Pakistan (United).
Birthdays: Pam Smith, October 3; Larry Sutton, October 4.
Anniversaries: Larry & Skip Sutton, October 5.
Special Events and Services
