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ST. ANDREW'S 2006 VESTRY
RECTOR'S REPORT
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church continues to be one of the largest and most active parishes in the Diocese of Southern Virginia. This fall has been an especially exciting time as Sunday Plus was officially launched on September 10th with a variety of new programs and schedules. At the heart of the Sunday Plus concept is the opportunity for increased participation resulting in a deepening of our "knowledge of, love of, and service to the Lord." We hope that this booklet will enable you to become more aware of the many ministries that issue forth from here and will inspire you to become actively involved in one or more of them. A Prayer for the Parish Almighty and everlasting God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ASSISTANT RECTOR'S REPORT It has been an exciting year at St. Andrew's. In this time of growth and change and transformation God has been in our midst in a palpable way making all things new. Yet in the midst of all that is new, our fundamental work continues. Over this past year youth and adult members of our community embarked on three mission trips: one to David, Kentucky, in the heart of Appalachia, to work with The David School to provide a Vacation Bible School for local children, and two to the Bay St. Louis area of Mississippi to aide in the recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina. Our mission outreach involved, at some level, literally hundreds of St. Andrew's parishioners and touched literally hundreds of lives in the communities where they occurred by building relationships and planting seeds of faith. Our youth program continues to flourish under the able direction of our youth leaders, Elise Wall, Curt Lowery, and Samantha Hamilton and their team of adult volunteers. St. Andrew's Episcopal Youth Community continues to grow in numbers but more importantly it continues to exemplify all that is good and hopeful in our parish. In support of the youth, a team of faithful folks, led by Joy Johnson and Linda Colley-Toothaker, have come together to prepare hot meals for the kids each Sunday evening. It is good to know that our kids are being fed spiritually and literally by such a committed group of adults. We are truly blessed. As a part of Sunday Plus, Saturday Night ALIVE has moved to a new time – the first Sunday night of the month at 5:30 p.m. and it is now called ALIVE. Joan and Jeff Verhoef along with John Warters have continued to lead this important liturgical ministry at St. Andrew's. As St. Andrew's continues to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit I anticipate that this service will become a new important avenue for growth in our parish. What a wonderful way to worship our Lord! There isn't enough space in this report for me to honor all of the hard work of so many people, in the plethora of ministries I am privileged to be involved with. The time, talent and treasure that is shared so freely by so many at St. Andrew's is inspiring to me. May God continue to richly bless our parish and those who call St. Andrew's home.
TREASURER' REPORT
I would like to thank the Finance Committee for 2006: Norman Palmer, Virginia Darden, Barbara Stafford, Bill Blount, Mary Wood, and Vance Field. The Finance Committee each year consists of the three treasurers, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and two other members of the Vestry. Our budget for 2006 was $715,000, with $609,000 coming from 288 pledges. The expenses of $715,000 were broken down as follows:
Each month a financial report is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office after the Vestry has accepted it. All bills are paid to date. LIABILITIES: On January 1, 2006, we had one loan. This loan is the consolidated loan for various building improvements since 2000. The original amount of the loan in 2004 was $310,000 at a fixed rate of 5% for 7 years. The balance November 1st was $229,303.06. ASSETS: We have restricted program funds held in a money market account. These funds are for specific programs such as: Altar Guild, ECW, EYC, New Music, Contemporary Service, Stephen Ministry, Fishermen, Warm Fuzzies. These may be used at any time as designated by the controlling organization. The balance November 1st was $31,605.33. So far in 2006 we have received $13,699 as memorials to deceased members. These are funds given in memorial at the time of the death of a member of the parish and are disbursed by the Memorials Committee. The balance November 1st was $25,949.60. The St. Andrew's Perpetual Trust was established in 2004. As of November 1st the balance is $57,525.04. The use of these funds is limited by the trust agreement. They are invested in American Funds Balance Fund. Other investments: Over the years St. Andrew's has received money in wills. Unless specified, these are considered undesignated bequests and the Vestry determines the use. As of November 1st the balance is $226,476.37. They are also invested in American Funds Balance Fund. The budget for 2007 will be posted when approved by the Vestry. A complete financial report for 2006 will be available in January 2007. A summary will be included in St. Andrew's Net.
ALIVE BAND
The ALIVE Band took a different direction this year, moving to Sunday night. We have approximately ten singers and instrumentalists whose chief mission is to lead Christian worship in a contemporary setting. Our music is a blend of beautiful melodic tunes with a scriptural base and modern renditions of traditional hymns. We offer joyful songs which point to the majesty and wonder of a mighty God as well as lyrical ones which are valuable for personal reflection and inner change. In all ways, our music is chosen to honor God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to point the glory where it is due - unto Him.
ALTAR GUILD
In March Confirmation for the diocese was held at St. Andrew's. In light of that large gathering and others in 2005, a verger's gown and verger's wand were purchased with memorial funds. A verger assists with seating and directions when a full church is anticipated. Two hangings, one white, the other green, were bought with memorial funds for informal services along with linens in the proper size. Sanctuary kneelers were made from designs by Bob Miller. It was Howard Saunders' wish to have special hangings for Holy Week. A Lenten Array was purchased in his memory. Two ash pyxis were bought for ash imposition on Ash Wednesday. Sam Colley-Toothaker has donated many vestments that once belonged to the Rev. Al Wray to St. Andrew's. The Altar Guild added one new team member and one new flower arranger during the year. The guild participated in the Ministry Fair in September. All the Altar Guild team chairmen met with the three priests in September to review the service changes. The five teams are making the adjustments to the new Sunday schedule. Altar Guild Members
Flower Guild
BIBLE AND BREAKFAST
This fall, we have been using the Rewired curriculum produced by Ron Luce (Acquire the Fire) and Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship Ministries. We have been studying the ways culture influences us and how we can live godly lives through a biblical perspective. We decided to sponsor four children of incarcerated prisoners this Christmas and have received the names of our four children, ranging from age 5-15 in the Newport News area. We will be buying, wrapping and delivering gifts in the name of their incarcerated parents. We accomplished this through sponsoring a yard sale and donations.
BOY SCOUT TROOP 48
St. Andrew's sponsors Boy Scout Troop 48, one of the oldest troops on the Peninsula. BSA Troop 48 has been in continued service for over 50 years and, during that time, has introduced to hundreds of boys the character building principles embodied in the Scout Law and Scout Oath. The troop meets in the Parish Hall every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. This was an exciting year for the troop, with Summer Camp in Western Virginia and camping trips to Kiptopeke State Park, Bear Creek Lake, and to a farm in King and Queen County. Last fall the troop conducted an impressive United States flag retirement ceremony in Newport News Park, which became the subject of an in-depth story in the Daily Press. The troop marched in Hilton's 4th of July parade and participated in a fishing tutorial on Hilton pier. The troop most recently provided support service for the launching ceremony for the nation's newest aircraft carrier, under construction in the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard, with the President and former President of the United States in attendance. Today's Troop 48 has 27 Scouts of whom three are in the final stages of completing all requirements for the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. In the spring one of the troop's long time members, Scout Master's Assistant and Eagle Scout Brian Fries, left the troop and began the rigorous course of study at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. The troop is lead by Scoutmaster George Pongratz and Committee Chair Paul Clear. John Edelblute is the Scouting Liaison Representative for St. Andrew's. The troop may be contacted through the church office. If you have a boy who is interested, we encourage you to suggest he give Troop 48 a look.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Christian Formation continues to grow at St. Andrew's this year. We are blessed to have very active Sunday morning classes from preschool through adults. Our superb group of teachers share God's word using their time and talents. When teachers are not in their "teaching role" they are encouraged to participate in Christian Formation themselves. Our Sunday morning Christian Formation encompasses the Nursery, open continually from 8:45 until 11:30 a.m.; Children's Chapel, offered at the 10:30 a.m. service for children beginning at age three; and Sunday school classes, offered at 9:00 a.m. for preschool through adults. Preschool through second grade utilizes the Godly Play curriculum where stories are told and children are able to "wonder and think" with the Bible story. Third grade through adults use a lectionary based curriculum where they are given time to explore the lectionary and see how they can apply it to their daily lives.
As fall approached, we implemented our Sunday Plus schedule with two regular services, Christian Formation, and time for fellowship at St. Andy's Café. The classes were bustling all around the church. Wednesday evenings are a time for a women's Bible study, a Beth Moore study led by Kris Wessler, and Movie and a Message. This year we have many individuals presenting movies and encouraging discussion of the movie clips as they apply to our daily lives. Our Thursday morning Bible study chose a Kerygma Bible study this year on Romans. We are looking forward to a blessed Advent with cookie baking and card making and lots of intergenerational time in December. We will complete our year with a wonderful Christmas pageant at the family Christmas Eve service.
CURSILLO
Cursillo is an attempt to rekindle the heart, spirit, and support system of the "Early Church". It is a swing "back to the basics". It re-teaches us what has always been there in the Christian religion but was lost. The three main parts of Cursillo are discipline, total submission to Christ, and a support system. The purpose of a Cursillo weekend is to create a support system, a small group, by which one's walk with Christ is nourished, sustained, and empowered. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of what it means to follow Christ, Cursillo may be for you. Ask someone who has completed a weekend to sponsor you. Since the last annual meeting, the following weekends were held with members of St. Andrew's on team or as candidates:
The following are dates of upcoming weekends:
If you have any questions, please contact: Bunny Neff, Jim Neff, Gloria Brooks, Corky Brooks, Lucy Wright, Laurens Wright, Melissa Saunders, Rob Saunders, Curt Lowery, Bev MacMahon, Patty VonOhlen, Sam Colley-Toothaker, or Rob Marston.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
CIRCLE 1 While members individually participate in St. Andrew's various Christian Formation opportunities, Circle 1 continues it focus on Outreach. While Biblical history will always remain important to us, many feel a special need, as Jesus did, to identify with people surrounding us who are too easy to ignore, because of differences in race, addictions, lack of jobs, education and without safe housing, regardless of weather conditions. Our daytime sessions are on the first Monday of each month from October until June at 10:15 a.m., with lunch following. We've gradually become a "geriatric circle" and meetings, traditionally held in members' homes, are sometimes now "Dutch treat" lunches held in restaurants with private meeting space. Gatherings open with meditations and prayer, before reviewing Vestry minutes, and collecting Love Offerings to share with others. This year we've supported Heifer Project, Menchville House, Lackey Free Clinic, "Virginia Cares" Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Peninsula Rescue Mission, Jackson-Feild Home, Episcopal Relief and Development Fund (Hurricane Relief), and St. Paul's Community Service Ministries. Our first guest speaker was the Rev. Sam Colley-Toothaker, and we met at St. Paul's downtown, where a more intimate introduction combined themes of "Getting to Know You" with "Getting You to Know Us", while Isabel Steilberg served bag lunches to demonstrate what it means to be dependent. Sam learned about people of all faiths who volunteer service to enrich their own spiritual life. Carolyn Moore came with a program about "Virginia Cares," a service none of us knew existed. Dr. Jim Shaw of Williamsburg told of his work since retirement in 1995, providing indigent families free medical care at Lackey Free Clinic. After Melissa Saunders returned home from volunteer work with the Red Cross following Hurricane Katrina, she shared her personal experiences with us.
CIRCLE 2 Circle 2 is a ministry. Our focus has been outreach to our local community and to sharing our journeys with other women of the church. We begin our meetings with prayer and a devotion and end with prayer requests and prayer. Circle 2 members describe ourselves as "Fishers of Women." We know that women cannot easily find time to commit to another activity. Circle 2 meets only one time a month, the 2nd Tuesday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Room. We spend about an hour at our gatherings. Our members know that they do not have to be at meetings to be a part of Circle 2. Outreach opportunities in the form of the Brunswick Stew sale in November and Silent Auction and Spaghetti Dinner in the spring allow those who cannot attend meetings to be active participants and contribute to the community and to the church. Circle 2 means fellowship in a sisterhood of women. Circle 2 provides an opportunity to build relationships and friendships. It's fun! Circle 2 provides a way to be involved in the church and to be part of the greater Episcopal Church. Our circle is a contributing member of the Episcopal Church Women. Member dues are $3.00 per year. Women of any age are welcome to join us at any time. Please contact Circle 2 Leader Barbara Daniels. Some Beneficiaries of Circle 2 Outreach Funds:
St. Paul's Episcopal Church's Homeless Ministry, Newport News EYC Mission Trip to The David School, David, Kentucky Jackson-Feild Homes for Girls, Jarratt, Virginia St. Hilda's Anglican School Feeding Program, Georgeville, Belize Sponsorship of a local "Learning for Life" student to attend Camp Chanco Kairos Prison Ministry Food Bank of the Virginia Peninsula LINK Personal Hygiene Project, Newport News PORT Meal Program, Newport News Miscellaneous projects are allocated as they arise CIRCLE 3/5 From October 2005 through June 2006, our circle met monthly in the homes of its members. In keeping with the year's goal of understanding and responding in Christian love to the needs of our circle members and to members of the communities in which we live, we tailored programs that focused our attention on both resources and needs. We learned about the lives of Muslim women and about the women in our own community and reflected on stories of women in the Bible. We also learned about the work of St. Andrew's missionary teams in David, Kentucky, and the impact of that work on the young people in our church. Additionally, we offered prayers for one another's needs and for the suffering people in war-ravaged parts of the world. We contributed to the Food Bank of the Peninsula and provided Christmas gifts for a needy family in the community. We contributed to LINK as well as to memorial funds for one of our departed members. Our focus for the future will be on the difference that women have made and can make in bringing God's light to others. CIRCLE 4 Circle 4 meets on the first Tuesday of month, October through June, at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Library to continue fellowship and spiritual growth together. Circle members took a trip a Camp Chanco for a tour of the campus and lunch. Our support of many Outreach projects include:
FACILITIES COMMITTEE
This year your Facilities Committee has been very busy solving puzzling situations, putting out "fires", and working on keeping our church a beautiful place to worship. We had a few close calls which brought to mind the story of Moses leading his people out of Egypt which ends on a high note in Exodus 13:29 – "But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left." The heavy rains last spring caused a near collapse of the roof of the south organ pipe enclosure on our roof. During the storm our roofing contractor protected our valuable system with the "blue tarp" and in the next week made complete repairs - this was truly a close call. Later this year a short circuit under our recreation field caused a flickering and loss of electricity to parts of 301 Ferguson and our Youth House. Although this unexpected, non-budgeted expense was disappointing, it was caught in time before more serious damage to our facilities occurred. Puzzling situations arose from such events as random losses of our phone, internet, computer services, HVAC outages, electrical outlet failures, and many, many more. It takes time and talent to work on such issues but your Facilities Committee members were there to offer their services to see that work returned to normal at both church and school. Finally, your committee want you to pay particular attention to the current project to beautify the front, or River Road, entrance to our church. This project will replace the aging and deteriorating plywood fascia as well as the molding around our stained glass windows with new, maintenance-free construction materials. A new church sign for the corner of Main Street and River Road has been designed and should be in place within the next few months. These projects are supported not just from funds budgeted for the Facilities Committee but from financial support from all St. Andrew's Church members. On behalf of the Facilities Committee I thank you for the opportunity to serve in this task.
THE GAP
After the 59'ers Luncheon and Under the Hill were up and running so well, the need arose for a group to "bridge the gap" between the two groups. Then came The GAP. This group is open to everyone who knows their age, won't admit their age, or doesn't care about their age! Those who attend come for the great food and fellowship. Just this fall, we have already had a beautiful evening at the VonOhlens in September, and we are going to the Neffs on November 19th at 6:30 p.m. and the Moores on December 17th at 7:00 p.m. Please plan to join us for both of these gatherings.
FISHERMEN
The Fishermen is the men's group of St. Andrew's. This group was formed to promote friendship, camaraderie, and growth among the men of the church. There is a monthly breakfast held on the fourth Saturday of every month, September through May, at 8:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. All men of the parish are invited to attend. The breakfast is a time of getting to know the other men of the church with some good conversation over some good food. The next Fishermen breakfast is November 18th (this is the third Saturday this month!). The Fishermen are also very active in the outreach of the church. Our major annual program is the "Warm Fuzzies," which will begin on December 3rd this year. Money is raised through a special collection for three weeks and is used to buy warm sleepwear and other essentials for disadvantaged children and to support other needy outreach programs as funds are available. The Fishermen assisted the church this past year in the following:
GUITAR CHOIR
Often, a song or music can touch the soul in a special way. The mission of the St. Andrew's Guitar Choir is to learn and share music that has the ability to touch hearts and bring us closer to God. The small group meets weekly, Thursdays at 5:00 p.m., for an informal practice/jam session of singing and guitar playing – songs that can be described as a combination of folk/praise music. Songs from Cursillo and Shrine Mont are often used. The guitar choir plays and encourages singing at the Wednesday evening programs and can help out with Sunday School songs and Children's Chapel. Traditionally, guitars are part of the Wednesday night Lenten services and the Easter sunrise service. Anyone who is interested in joining the group is encouraged to come to the Thursday practice. All are welcome. Patty VonOhlen
HURRICANE RELIEF COMMITTEE
This committee was formed in September 2005 and is comprised of the following members: Diana Skelton, chair; Bill Wilds, Melissa Saunders, Nancy Boxx, Linda Belding Williams, Bill Moore, Dan Langdon, and Warren Stephens. NOTE: It is anticipated that this committee will be abolished by December 2006. Hurricane relief will be absorbed under the Outreach Committee or Mission Committee. The committee communicated its accomplishments through items in St. Andrew's Net, the Sunday pew bulletins, oral reports at all three services, shared information at the Special Council meeting, special presentation to the Fishermen, and through daily conversations with members of St. Andrew's.
LAY READERS
Each Sunday at the 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services at least five parishioners fulfill a vital ministry to St. Andrew's by reading lessons, prayers of the people, and chalicing. There are additional times when lay readers are needed: Wednesday's service of Holy Eucharist with Healing, Wednesday evening Lenten services, Maundy Thursday service, Easter sunrise service, and occasionally for funerals. Lay readers serve for three-year terms. They must be at least sixteen years old and confirmed. If you are interested in becoming a lay reader, please call Bill Wilds at 595-0371, ext. 19, or e-mail him at saec.bill19@verizon.net. Lay Readers and Chalicers
LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) was formed in the spring of 2004 in order to facilitate the creation of a Long Range Plan for the church. It is made up of the Rector, Senior Warden, and several other Vestry members. During the annual Vestry retreat, the Vestry began the process of creating a Long Range Plan (LRP) for the church. The LRP would serve as a reference point for the committee and the Vestry and help with planning the future goals of the church. At the retreat, the Vestry renewed its desire to implement changes that focused on the five priority issues previously identified in 2005 as areas within the church that needed further attention and continuing focus. The five priority issues are:
2. Better minister to the needs of young adults (post EYC - 40's) 3. Strengthen and enhance Christian Formation 4. Review and examine core service offering(s) and Sunday/other services 5. Strengthen leadership and administration After much discussion and deliberation, the concept of Sunday Plus evolved, which will assist us in accomplishing our stated vision: To re-introduce passion and energy into all aspects of parish life. St. Andrew's LRP is still evolving and, once formulated, will be used as a guide for directing parish activities. The LRP will be reviewed periodically, both in Vestry meetings and at an annual LRP retreat.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
It is the responsibility of all members of St. Andrew's to welcome people into our parish family. The Membership Committee provides a framework for additional ways of welcoming and communicating with newcomers through:
Mary Wood
MUSIC
When in our music God is glorified,
and adoration leaves no room for pride, it is as though the whole creation cried Alleluia! The Adult Choir participated in two out-of-the-parish events in 2006: an evensong with St. John's Choir in January and a Candlelight Concert at Bruton Parish in May. Left were 300 services between the church and day school that required music. Many thanks to the following people who added beauty and meaning to our liturgies:
NURSERY
Often the first encounter an infant, toddler, or two-year old has with the Christian community is the church Nursery. It is our hope that the parents and other adults in the congregation will recognize the Nursery as more than rooms, and that our children will experience the Nursery as a safe place where they feel God's love through nurturing experiences the caregivers provide. The church welcomes children into the family of faith through Baptism. When we nurture the newest members of God's family, we begin to respond to the promises made in Baptism. A child's foundation of faith begins when he or she can trust others, themselves, and eventually the world. The church then is a partner with parents in Christian faith and development.
Our caregivers possess these qualities: Our caregivers are required to: We are always looking for assistance in the Nursery. Whether you have time to help a few times a year, each month or weekly, we would love your help. If you use the Nursery we ask that you volunteer at least once in a six-week period. Contact Katherine Harris or Kathleen Aiello for more information. Kathleen Aiello
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The members of the Outreach Committee are: Diana Skelton (Chair), Ann Lee, Melissa Saunders, Karen Wible, Steve Saunders, and Kohl Coffman. Warren Stephens stepped down as committee chair in December 2005 and the Vestry approved Diana Skelton as the new chair. On February 13, 2006, the Vestry approved an annual outreach budget as follows:
The following special collections were conducted during 2006: *NOTE: The Outreach Committee approved the following use of the non-allocated funds: One additional outreach program is Turkey Sandwich Day in December when bag lunches are made for the downtown Christmas party for the homeless. Last December we made 485 bag lunches, almost 225 additional sandwiches (which were used by St. Augustine's), and then the left over turkeys provided meals for four more families.
PEOPLE OFFERING RESOURCES TOGETHER (PORT)
The PORT Emergency Homeless Winter Shelter Program operates under the auspices of LINK. Annually, twenty site churches along with numerous support churches provide emergency shelter, dinner, and breakfast to local homeless men, women, and children. The program runs for 20 weeks, seven days a week from November through March. This past year over 605 individuals were served (the highest ever recorded). There was an increase of elderly persons (62+) and youth coming out of foster care. PORT was established thirteen years ago. St. Andrew's has been involved since its inception. We are a partner church – with Hilton Presbyterian for a week in December and Carver Memorial Presbyterian for a week in February. Besides providing transportation, family placement assistance, food, clothing and shelter, additional services of PORT include:
St. Andrew's continues to make a difference in our community by providing volunteers to register clients, cook meals, serve meals, and remain overnight. St. Andrew's EYC put together over 120 personal hygiene kits for the clients and the Fishermen helped provide one of the dinners. If you are interested in volunteering this season, please contact Diana Skelton.
PI SQUARED
Pi Squared is a committee that evolved out of the church's Long Range Plan in 2005. Led by Fr. Sam, we meet monthly to discuss ways in which to further engage the young adults of St. Andrew's – those who are post-EYC through those in their 50's. Pi Squared currently oversees all Under the Hill functions and we hope to offer other activities in the future to strengthen and build relationships within our parish.
PRAYER CHAIN
The St. Andrew's Prayer Chain was started years ago when Doug Burgoyne was rector. Doug's wife, Joannie, participated in a prayer chain at a previous church and wanted to start one here. She and Jean Harrell were the two founding members. There are currently twenty Prayer Chain members, including the clergy. Each member offers daily concentrated prayer for those persons with illnesses/needs (physical, emotional, or spiritual) of a critical nature. Members also pray weekly for people who have chronic or long-term illnesses/needs, those who are homebound, and those in nursing/assisted living/retirement facilities. This is a quiet ministry of intercessory prayer where confidentially is strictly observed. Anyone needing prayer may be added to the list. If you feel this is a ministry to which you are called or if you have a prayer request, contact one of the clergy, the church office, or Gloria Brooks, Prayer Chain Chairman.
ST. ANDREW'S DANCE CHOIR
Sacred/Liturgical dance is defined as a language of praise and celebration. The members of our dance choir consider sacred/liturgical dance as a ministry. We will be dancing periodically at the Spanish and ALIVE services. In addition, we will continue our outreach to the community by dancing in other churches and denominations as well as some retirement homes where some of our former parishioners now reside. We see this as outreach and evangelism in a different form. The ARTS – music, dance, poetry, paintings – help unite us to transcend our differences and communicate a spiritual/Christ message through an entirely different medium. God speaks to us and through us in many ways and our prayer is that we may be instruments and channels of God's love and grace. I am sure the eleven girls who signed up this year will fulfill this mission and represent St. Andrew's in positive ways. We are grateful for the support St. Andrew's has afforded us in the past. I will not list the numerous times we danced this past year, but we were quite busy sharing the joy we receive by serving the Lord in this unique way. A Dancer's Creed (Schagot)
I believe in God, the choreographer of the dance of life's movements.
ST. ANDREW'S DIVINE DOLLARS
Divine Dollars is an exciting new program giving everyone an opportunity to provide ongoing funds for our church
What is the Divine Dollar Program?
How do Divine Dollars help St. Andrew's?
Who is Great Lakes Scrip Center? Cards are on sale each Sunday morning. If you have any questions, you are invited to contact Joy Johnson, Julie Duregger, Betty Graham, or Jennifer Batcha.
ST. ANDY'S CAFÉ
St. Andy's Café is a weekly fellowship time for the parishioners of St. Andrew's that began in September 2006. Held in the Parish Hall after Christian Formation, the café allows people a chance to connect with one another while enjoying a variety of breakfast food items, juice, tea, and delicious freshly brewed coffee. The café is "staffed" by volunteers, led by a volunteer coordinator, and is always in need of a few more helpers! Please consider volunteering for this new weekly ministry that feeds our bodies as well as our spirits. For more information or to volunteer, contact Julie Duregger.
ST. ANDREW'S GREETERS
Experts say you must win a visitor to your church in the first seven and a half minutes. If you don't do that, the visitor will go to another church the following Sunday. Are Greeters vital to St. Andrew's? You bet they are! Some forty-nine parishioners did their part last year welcoming visitors to St. Andrew's. These Greeters persuaded eighty-one of those visitors to sign the Guest Book. Signing the Guest Book meant that those visitors had their own Parish Partner from the New Member Committee call during that week to say hello, welcome them to St. Andrew's, and make a date to meet them the following Sunday after church. It also meant the visitor received a letter of warm welcome from the Rector. Greeting is a lot of fun. You always see all of your own friends as they arrive and leave and often meet astonishing strangers who sorely need a church home. You become their first link to St. Andrew's. If you are not greeting and would like to, contact Bob Kelly or the church office, 595-0371.
ST. ANDREW'S KNITTERS
The goal of the St. Andrew's knitters is to provide hand knitted hats for newborns at Riverside Hospital. The group consists of approximately a dozen ladies. A few were new to knitting and many are former knitters who have come out of retirement for this worthy project. Since the group started last February, they have completed 33 dozen hats. A satellite group from the Chesapeake Retirement Center has joined the St. Andrew's knitters. Instructions and lessons are available for anyone who would like to be a part of this project.
THEATER-DINNER PARTIES WITH ST. AUGUSTINE'S
Sunday matinees at the Peninsula Community Theatre (PCT) can be hilarious, scary, thrilling, or thought provoking depending on the musical or play given. For years a number of St. Andrew's parishioners have been attending the third Sunday matinee with parishioners from St. Augustine's and then going to a good restaurant for our evening meal together. Though more go to the theater, we usually end up with twelve to fourteen dining together and having a wonderful time. If you would like to join this group, you need to call PCT at 595-5PCT to get your ticket for the third Sunday matinee and contact Bob Kelly to make your dinner reservation. Productions still ahead this season are: Greetings, December 17th; A Raisin in the Sun, March 11th; and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, May 20th. A warm welcome is extended to you for some good fun.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
We meet every Thursday morning at 10:00 in the Parish Library during the school year. We are currently studying the New Testament book of Romans, but the Old Testament books are not a mystery to us either. Part of our study is to learn how the Old Testament impacts the New Testament and how our lives today are impacted by both the Old and New Testaments. This could sound very "heavy duty" and yet we laugh a lot and love a lot as we learn.
UNDER THE HILL
"Under the Hill" was formed in 1997 as a way for young adults of St. Andrew's to meet and get to know one another in a social atmosphere. We try to meet several times a year, and traditionally have about 30-35 people attending a dinner. We mostly attract the 30- and 40-something crowd, but the 20-something crowd is welcome too! Over the years we have had wine and beer tastings, many delicious full course meals, and we began the tradition of holding a cookout in the Marston's backyard on the James River in 1998. The first annual Chili Cook-off was held in January 2006, and we are planning another wine-tasting for November 17th. Starting in 2006, any money raised through the meals is used to fund mission trips. Under the Hill is first and foremost a wonderful way for parishioners to socialize in their peer groups and enrich peer relationships. An added benefit of the gatherings is raising money for mission programs. Contact Julie Duregger for more information.
USHERS
Again this year the ushers schedule has been published for a full year so that it can be coordinated with the schedules for acolytes and lay readers. This is intended to facilitate family participation. There are now nine teams of ushers serving at the 10:30 a.m. service and at the occasional special services. We really appreciate the men who usher voluntarily at the 8:00 a.m. services. Most of the teams have five members. If you would like to serve as an usher at St. Andrew's, please contact Dick Barnwell.
2006 Ushers
ST. ANDREW'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
St. Andrew's Episcopal School has had a wonderful year that included the addition of new programs, new staff, and facility improvements. In the fall of 2005, we opened our new pre-kindergarten class in the Youth House, site of the early kindergarten classes for St. Andrew's. In preparation for the new class, the day school made improvements to the kitchen area, installing new cabinets for use by church groups as well as a low sink for the students. Cabinets and shelves were also added to the classroom spaces. Improvement have also been made to our soccer field behind 301 Ferguson as well as the Ferguson Avenue playground. A porous rubber surface was laid and new equipment, sized for 4 - 6 year olds, was installed. The rubber surface has improved the drainage on both playground spaces and reduced the number of injuries. The day school has also added an Extended Day Program for early morning drop offs and after school care. This service has met the need of many of our parents and had a very favorable response from both working and non-working parents. This year we welcomed new teachers in our pre-kindergarten and one second grade class. Our Board of Trustees is currently working on a new strategic long range plan for the school and will be meeting throughout the remainder of the fall and early winter to finalize goals for future years. In March 2007 we will host a visiting team of educators representing the Virginia Association of Independent Schools who will be conducting an interim evaluation for our school's ongoing accreditation. St. Andrew's has been an accredited member of the VAIS since 1973. We would welcome any church members to join us for our day school chapel at 8:25 a.m., Monday through Friday. This daily tradition continues to leave a positive mark on each of our students as they go through SAES and beyond.
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Annual Reports