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ST. ANDREW'S 2007 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. The Sunday Plus programs
and schedules that were launched last year have had an energizing effect
on the parish. St. Andy’s Café has provided the opportunity for increased
fellowship on a weekly basis. The Rev. Rhonda Wheeler and Lucy Wright’s
oversight of Christian Education has produced a delightful variety of
Sunday offerings for all ages. And, the addition of two student interns
from CNU, Lauren Brooks and Laura Downing, as Youth Leaders has helped to
further strengthen our Episcopal Youth Community. We continue our shared
commitment to "drawing people into a deeper knowledge of, love of, and
service to the Lord" through the ministries outlined in this booklet. We
hope that this booklet will enable you to become more aware of the
multitude of ministries that issue forth from here and that it 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 Rob Marston+
TREASURER' REPORT
I would like to thank the Finance Committee for
2007: Bill Blount, Virginia Darden, Saint Lee, Norman Palmer, Mary Poole,
and Rob Saunders. The Finance Committee each year consists of the
Treasurer (Chairman), two Assistant Treasurers, Senior Warden, Junior
Warden, and two other members of the Vestry.
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: ASSETS:
ACOLYTES Currently we have 41 active acolytes at
St. Andrew’s ranging from 2nd through
12th grade. The acolytes have been great
at answering this call for Christian service. We are always ready to
welcome new faces and will gladly train any child 2nd through 12th
grade for this service. If you have someone who is interested, please get
in touch with Pat Marcolini through the church office or Bill Wilds,
595-0371.
ALTAR GUILD In conjunction with the Memorial Committee, the
following items were purchased for use at services at St. Andrew’s: a
scattering urn for ashes and new four alms basins and a receiving basin.
Two flower vases are on order but have not been received to date. The six
office candles were repaired, polished and lacquered. The school candles
were polished and lacquered. The processional cross was repaired during
the summer. We are in the process with the Memorial Committee of completing and updating all sets of seasonal hangings. We are, also, considering ordering new Stations of the Cross for use on Good Friday. A twelve piece pottery set of Eucharistic vessels was purchased with Altar Guild funds to replace an older, damaged set. Twenty-eight glass bobeche for the candelabra were bought. With the death of Charlie Weiss this
year, the Altar Guild lost their most knowledgeable, most loved and
longest serving Altar Guild member. He could do any job, answer any
question. We have not gotten used to the sacristy without him.
CHURCH PERIODICAL CLUB
Thanks to all of you at St. Andrew’s, the Church Periodical Club has had a great 2007! We sent $146.00 to the Diocese General Fund of the Church Periodical Club and $80.00 to the Miles of Pennies Fund. The most exciting happening was
being able to purchase ten hymnals and ten Prayer Books in Spanish for our
Spanish-speaking services at a cost of $357.73.
CUB SCOUT TROOP 48 Cub Scout Pack 48 serves a diverse
group of boys from St. Andrew’s Church, St. Andrew’s School, the
neighborhood of Hilton Village, and surrounding neighborhoods. Pack 48
meets on Monday evenings at St. Andrew’s from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. While the
emphasis is on fun, Cub Scouts also work toward making rank each year,
starting with Tiger Cubs in first grade and progressing through Wolf, Bear
and Webelos. During the fifth grade, Cub Scouts "cross over" to Boy
Scouts, frequently to Troop 48, which has been sponsored by St. Andrew’s
for over 50 years. Although Cub Scouts work on rank each year, new Cub
Scouts need only work on their age appropriate rank after learning the
basics by earning the Bobcat badge. Thus, Cub Scout Pack 48 is open to new
boys starting in any age group from first to fifth grade. Cub Scouting is fun! While having fun, Cub Scouts discover the importance of core values such as citizenship, sportsmanship, family, safety, self respect and reverence. The founder of Scouting described it as "fun with a purpose." The fundamental purpose of Scouting, starting with the Cubs, is developing timeless values that will make them successful and responsible men throughout life. Pack events for the past year included: * Camping - Thanksgiving in the Woods with Troop 48 * Pinewood Derby race * Cub Day Camp * Food collection for LINK and the Food Bank * Adopt-a-Spot clean-up of Main Street each quarter * Overnight camp-in at Virginia Air and Space Center * Overnight camp at Sandy Bottom Nature Park * Hilton Village Independence Day Parade * Jamestown Extravaganza celebrating the 400th anniversary with 2,000 other Scouts * Overnight camp at the grand opening of the new Bayport Scout Reservation on the Rappahannock River
DAUGHTERS OF THE KING The Order of the Daughters of the King
is a "religious order." A "Daughter" takes a lifetime vow to live by the
Rule of the Order. The Rule of Life requires a spiritual discipline to
daily prayer, service and evangelism. Because of the vow we are considered
an order, rather than an organization. The mission of the Daughters of the King is for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through prayer, service and evangelism. We have made a commitment to serve God our King. We wear crosses as an outward and visible sign that we cannot live a day without Christ in our lives. We have grown from eight members in 1995 to eighteen members today. During the past year the chapter has served our church community by: helping with St. Andy’s Café, the Red Cross Blood Drive (to be held again this coming January 21), helped in cleaning the church and St. Nicholas Chapel, keeping "Prayer Request Cards" in all of the pews and upon receipt, immediately adding the names to our prayer list. This is done with utmost confidentiality. We are planning an Advent Quiet Day on December 1 with our "own" Rev. Mantelle Bradley as the leader. The Quiet Day is open to everyone, including the men. If interest is shown to become a new member, we will gladly begin a new training class. If you are interested, please contact Marian Simpson. Marian Simpson
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
CIRCLE 1 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. Some Beneficiaries of Circle 2 Outreach Funds:
> * EYC Mission Trip to Virginia Beach * St. Andrew's Mission Trip to Belize * Sponsorship of a local "Learning for Life" student to attend Camp Chanco * Food Bank of the Virginia Peninsula, with a portion of the funds given especially for the Backpacks for Kids Program. Many children in Newport News are in need of food over the weekend. This program provides a backpack of food to take home on Thursday or Friday for hundreds of Newport News school children. * LINK Personal Hygiene Project, Newport News * PORT Meal Program, Newport News * Miscellaneous projects are allocated as they arise
CIRCLE 4 Circle 4 is a small Circle with large hearts full
of love for each other that meets on the first Tuesday of the month,
October through June, at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Library. Our effort is
to get things done we have planned for this year. We plan to work hard and
see what happens.
FACILITIES COMMITTEE
What we’ve accomplished this year:The Facilities
Committee has been busy this year. We have completed a number of major
repair and maintenance projects – some planned and some unexpected. Some
of the larger projects completed this year include: In addition to the larger projects, we have been challenged this year by a number of plumbing and electrical problems and roof leaks. Our church home is just like our own home – we must plan for adequate maintenance and make proper repairs when necessary. And just like with our own homes, there are some projects we can do ourselves, and some we must turn over to the professionals. All of this maintenance and repair work can be very expensive.How can you help? The Facilities Committee has compiled a list of small repairs and maintenance projects that you can help us get done. These are great projects for small groups, families, or an individual. Our members have already been busy painting walls, power washing, installing a new church sign, cleaning the St. Nicholas Chapel, changing light bulbs, and even cleaning windows. Come help out for an hour or a day. Take on just one project or make maintenance your ministry to St. Andrew’s. There is always a lot to be done and the gift of your time, and maybe a little sweat, will help us be prepared financially for the unexpected expensive repairs. Maintaining and caring for our church building is a challenging, but rewarding task. The many repairs and projects undertaken each year are supported not just by budgeted funds, but also from the generous hands-on work of church members. Thanks to our staff and Facilities Committee Members I would like to thank the members of the Facilities Committee and our dedicated staff members: Rachel Roby, Bill Wilds, Cary Kelly and Vernon Coppedge. Their hard work and dedication help us keep our church home a beautiful, safe and comfortable place to worship. Mary Poole
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. We went to the Neffs last November, the
Moores in December, and the Stutts in August. If you would like to host a
gathering, please call Bill, 595-0371. 59'ers LUNCHEON The 59'ers Luncheon is an internal outreach program of St. Andrew’s. The luncheon is usually held on the third Wednesday of each month at 12:00 noon following the Wednesday morning communion service. All members of St. Andrew’s congregation and staff, as well as their guests, are welcome. Please join us for this enjoyable, and hopefully tasty, luncheon. Reservations are required for the luncheon and should be made by calling the church by 4:00 p.m. on the Monday preceding the Wednesday luncheon. Take out orders are also accepted. The luncheon is prepared and served by the 59'ers cooks: Dede Copeland, Joy Johnson, Lois Holley, Margot Nevins, Hennie Noland and Mary Gibson Waddill. New additions to the kitchen staff are welcome!
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.
Jim Shamblen
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 goal of the guitar choir is to provide accompaniment for parishioners to sing at various church gatherings. Those who sing, pray twice. Anyone who is interested in joining the group is encouraged to come to the Thursday practice. All are welcome. Patty VonOhlen
KAIROS
The mission of Kairos ministries is to bring Christ’s love and forgiveness to all incarcerated individuals, their families, and those who work with them, and to assist in the transition of becoming a productive citizen. Kairos is ... *
Christian – Kairos volunteers represent the Christian faith
and *
Ecumenical – Kairos Prison Ministries International, Inc. *
Lay-led – Kairos leadership is drawn from lay persons, although *
Volunteer – Kairos is an overwhelmingly volunteer organization *
Ministry – Kairos ministers to incarcerated individuals, their How can you help? * Be a team member. Volunteers
come from all walks of life, even * Be a prayer partner. All Kairos activities are covered with prayer. * Be a Support Volunteer. Bake
cookies, write letters and prepare * Be a Ministry Financial
Booster. All activities are funded by Everyone with an incarcerated loved one needs a supporting community. If you would like more information, contact Jim Neff.
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) has continued to meet monthly to address and access
program on the five priorities established in the 2003 Strategic Plan. In
addition, the LRPC hosted a half day Vestry retreat in September 2007 to
confirm and review progress on each priority and establish goals and
objectives for 2008. Specific goals for 2008 include:* engaging existing members with an emphasis on the "Sunday Morning Experience" and more direct communication with new and existing members. * continued development of diverse and appealing Christian Education programs. * new programs and services for young adults (and their families). * leadership development for both the Vestry and staff. The LRPC will continue to meet monthly and host Vestry retreats to keep a focus and accountability on the long range goals and priorities of the St. Andrew’s community. Jeff Verhoef
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Efforts to provide
a warm welcome to visitors and new members at St. Andrew’s are spearheaded
by the Membership Committee. We reach out in several specific ways. Bob
Kelly makes sure that there are Greeters at each service to welcome
newcomers and give them a St. Andrew’s coffee mug (with all services
printed on it). We are in the process of updating the newcomers’ booklet
that has traditionally been provided to newcomers. Follow-up with visitors
is made through the church office and by a committee member in the week
following their visit. Two Newcomers’ Receptions were held this year
during St. Andy’s Café. Most recently, a link for newcomers (developed by
Rachel Roby) was added to the St. Andrew’s webpage.
Bev MacMahon MEMORIAL COMMITTEE There are times when we want to remember a special someone by giving a donation to St. Andrew’s in that person’s name. Such gifts do not have to be great in size. When money is given in memory without a specific gift designation, it is placed in the Memorial Account. As sufficient funds accumulate, the Memorial Account is able to purchase appropriate gifts for the church. The Memorial Garden, the Tree of Remembrance, the St. Nicholas Chapel door, the scattering urn, the alms basin and plates, the church sign, landscaping, the verger, altar hangings, frontals, cassocks, vestments and chasubles, and new brass vases for the altar have all been purchased with gifts to the Memorial Account. In cooperation with the day school, the Memorial Committee has contributed to the update of the fire alarm system and the purchase of defibrillators. There is a photographic archive maintained of all memorial gifts in the Parish Library. All memorial donations are acknowledged and greatly appreciated. An ongoing "wish list" is maintained. Such items include: new stackable chairs for the church, new Stations of the Cross, improvements to the newly designated Meeting Room, a cabinet in the Narthex, and new podiums. All suggestions are welcome. The committee members are: Roland Friedman, Joy Johnson, Rob Marston, Rob Saunders, Vestry representative, Conway Sheild, BoBo Smith, Bill Wilds, and chairperson, Mary Gibson Waddill. Mary Gibson Waddill MEMORIAL FLOWER CALENDAR COMMITTEE This committee requires only one person. An annual calendar is prepared in January each year listing the memorials for each Sunday. Families may designate a Sunday to honor the memory of loved ones or to express thanksgiving for a special occasion. One may reserve a specific Sunday each year or just once. Different families may also share a Sunday. The designated names are printed in the newsletter and Sunday pew bulletin for the week and announced during each church service. The cost for the week is $65.00. Certain times of the year are reserved for Lent (no flowers), Easter lilies and poinsettias. Many choose to remember a loved one at Easter and/or Christmas this way. There is not a specific charge for this. A contribution amount is decided upon by each family. To reserve a spot on the flower calendar, one may call Debbie Tanner, 595-8067, or leave word in the church office. The yearly calendar is posted on the bulletin board outside the Parish Library. This committee is part of the Altar
Guild and a member of the flower committee arranges the flowers for each
Sunday on a rotating basis. Special requests are encouraged. MEMORIAL GARDEN COMMITTEE The Memorial Garden was an idea that came to fruition with donations to the Memorial Committee in memory of Svein Lassen. Granite blocks and a memorial plaque were installed outside the church behind the flag pole and a Tree of Remembrance installed in St. Nicholas Chapel. To date there have been two interment of ashes in the Memorial Garden and five pre-arrangements have been made. The committee has made a presentation at an Adult Forum and two of our circles. If you are interested in additional
information about the Memorial Garden, please contact Bill Wilds,
595-0371.
MUSIC
How often, making music, we have found
a new dimension in the word of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia! (Hymn 420) 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:
Brad Norris
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.
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The members of the Outreach Committee are: Diana
Skelton (Chair), Kohl Coffman, Melissa Saunders, Steve Saunders, and Karen
Wible.
Some of the special collections conducted during 2007 include:
*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 500 bag lunches. Diana Skelton
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 544 individuals were served. This number also includes individuals from Isle of Wight and Richmond. There was an increase of elderly persons and youth coming out of foster care. There were sixteen individuals over 60 years of age. There were four individuals over the age of 70; the oldest was 79. St. Andrew’s has been involved since its inception fourteen years ago. We are a partner church – with Hilton Presbyterian for a week in December and Denbigh 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. Anyone interested in volunteering to support this worthwhile endeavor should contact Diana Skelton Diana Skelton
PI SQUARED
Pi Squared is a committee that evolved out of the church’s Long Range Plan in 2005. The committee is comprised of the Rev. Rhonda Wheeler, at least one current Vestry member and several church parishioners. Meeting are held monthly to discuss ways in which to further engage the young adults of St. Andrew’s through various activities – those who are post-EYC through those in their 50's. In addition, Pi Squared currently oversees all Under the Hill functions. We hope to offer other activities in the future to strengthen and build relationships within our parish. If you are interested in serving on this committee or helping with a function, please contact Rhonda Wheeler or Julie Duregger (current committee chair). Julie Duregger
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. ANDY’S CAFÉ St. Andy’s Café began in 2006 as a time of refreshment and fellowship every Sunday morning from 10:00 to 10:30. St. Andy’s Café is off to a great start again this year, thanks to the support of many groups in the parish. Now it is time to take the next step by extending the opportunity to host the Café to the church at large. We hope to find 36 individual families (or perhaps two families working together) to take on this ministry, beginning in January 2008, by hosting the Café one time over the course of the year. A great deal of thought has gone into making this program as streamlined and easy as possible and we continue to fine-tune procedures based on feedback we are receiving. If you have questions, or to sign up to host St. Andy’s Café, call Rachel Roby (595-0371) or Bev MacMahon. Please prayerfully consider hosting this enjoyable and important time of fellowship. Rachel Roby
ST. ANDREW'S DANCE CHOIR
A Dancer’s Creed (Schagot) I believe in God, the choreographer of the dance of life’s movements. I believe in Jesus Christ, the Lord of the dance, as teacher, example and dancer of the Word. Christ lived, died, and leapt from the cross, that I might join the dance. I believe in the Holy Spirit, as the divine rhythm of life to which my body must dance in response, so that all will join the company to dance God’s love. The Sacred Dance Guild defines Sacred/Liturgical Dance as: a language of praise and celebration. Sacred/Liturgical dance is considered a ministry by the members of our group. It is biblically based and historically relevant to the Church as a way to enhance worship. This past year The Moving Spirit Liturgical Dancers and The St. Andrew’s Dance Choir have continued our outreach to the community by dancing in other churches and denominations. In December both groups danced at the United Church of Christ as a fundraiser for the Food Bank. We were recently a part of a fundraiser for United Campus Ministries which our Diocesan Bishop attended. We performed in two fundraisers for Menchville House, a shelter for battered women and children. We also danced at The Chesapeake and Hidenwood Retirement Homes. It was a special honor to dance in Williamsburg in June for the 400th Anniversary Celebration for The Historical Society of the Episcopal Church, the National Episcopal Historians and Archivists and The Episcopal Women’s History Project. Here at St. Andrew’s, we danced for the Spanish service, Pentecost, and several special projects. 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 girls who signed up this year will fulfill this mission and continue to represent St. Andrew’s in positive ways. We are grateful for the support St. Andrew’s has afforded us in the past. As you can see, we were quite busy sharing the joy we receive by serving the Lord in this unique way. Other activities: As director of this group, I am fortunate to be on the Board of Directors of the International Sacred Dance Guild. Patty Vannucchi and I lead two workshops for over 400 women in June 2007 at the Summer Gathering of the Women of the Presbyterian Church and have been asked to do the same in 2008. Patricia Woodbury
ST. ANDREW'S DIVINE DOLLARS
Divine
Dollars is an exciting new program giving everyone 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. To date for 2007, St. Andrew’s has earned $546.72. If you have any questions, you are invited to contact Betty Graham, Joy Johnson, or Julie Duregger. With the holidays approaching, this is a great way to support this program and make your shopping easier! Julie Duregger ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL St. Andrew’s Episcopal School has begun the 61st year of operation with 204 energetic, talented students who bring many gifts and talents to our school family. As we begin this year, we look back with gratitude for a wonderful year of growth and change. Following our 5-year accreditation visit from the Virginia Association of Independent Schools, we received a glowing report that was very complimentary of the continued progress St. Andrew’s has made during the last five years. St. Andrew’s is one of three VAIS schools on the Peninsula. Our daily chapel services continue to order our days and touch the lives of the students as we help to shape the spiritual lives of these young children. Our major facility upgrade this past year was the renovation of the River Road playground, which now sports a state-of-the-art poured in place rubber surface as well as new equipment for the students in grades 1-5. Academically, we ended the school year with our student body, as a whole, scoring in the 90th percentile overall on the standardized tests. Community service continues to be a large part of our program. Last year our students contributed food weekly to St. Paul’s, sponsored thirteen families at Christmas, sent Valentine packages to troops in Iraq, and most recently, prepared school supply bags for the new Episcopal school in Belize. At St. Andrew’s, we continue to educate the students in mind, body and spirit. Please join us for chapel any morning at 8:25 a.m. to see this wonderful outreach ministry in action. Margaret Moore
ST. ANDREW'S GREETERS
One of St. Andrew’s strong suits has been its Greeters at the front door offering a smile, a "Hello", and an outstretched hand to visitors. The pundits tell us that visitors make up their minds about a church in the first seven-and-a-half minutes. Whew! That’s fast, but now you know why thirty-eight Greeters made such a difference last year welcoming many seekers and turning them into members of St. Andrew’s. Just look around in your service and note the many new members in their twenties to forties. They found a welcome at St. Andrew’s door and will become supporters of St. Andrew’s, Vestry members and Greeters of the future. If you would like to have some fun greeting, please contact Bob Kelly. Bob Kelly
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 53 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.
ST. ANDREW'S/ST. AUGUSTINE'S
Sunday afternoons spent in the magic of the Peninsula Community Theater performances of Oliver, And Then There Were None, Greetings, A Raisin in the Sun, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, last season were a delight for members of St. Augustine’s and St. Andrew’s. They emerged from the theater awed by the performances, hurting from laughter, shaken or deeply moved. Leisurely dinners after the theater provide time to compare thoughts and reactions to the production as well as get caught up with what else is going on. The St. A’s have been doing things together for thirteen years from workshops, book studies, moving picture discussions to Sunday afternoons at the Peninsula Community Theater. The theater is their main opportunity of getting together now. They attend the third Sunday matinee for each production and invite you to join them for a play or musical and dinner. Productions for the remainder of this season are: Steel Magnolias, Harvey, Inherit the Wind, and Pippin. Surely, you want to see one of these. Just get your ticket for the third 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee and join them for dinner. See you there! Bob Kelly STEPHEN MINISTRY The Stephen Ministry has been serving St. Andrew’s parishioners since May 1997. We are a one-on-one, same sex, care giving ministry that reaches out to individuals going through a time of transition. Some examples would be: onset of an illness, death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, birth of a baby, retirement, a move to a new environment. We have twelve active Stephen Ministers and have served 71 care receivers over the past ten years. Each Stephen Minister has had 50 hours of training to include such topics as: Feelings, Listening, Christian Care Giving, Confidentiality and Assertiveness. We meet twice a month for peer supervision and continuing education. Meetings with care receivers are generally once a week for one hour. Four of our Stephen Ministers have served the congregation by the laying on of hands during our healing services. The congregation can be involved in a variety of ways. First and foremost, we ask for your prayers for the life of this ministry at St. Andrew’s Church, that we might continue to grow in our capacity to serve and in the number of referrals made to us by parishioners. Secondly, you can make a referral either for yourself or loved one (be sure to speak to the loved one first) by contacting Gloria Brooks, Referral Coordinator, the church office, or a member of the clergy. Ours is a quiet ministry but we loudly acclaim the healing which can result when a person feels heard by another in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jeanne Blount STEWARDSHIP We have dual Stewardship campaigns for 2008: an Annual Stewardship Campaign, with a goal of $670,000. This amount reflects an approximate 10% increase over 2007 and reflects the growing needs of the church to support staff, the aging facility, our expanding youth programs and missions. a Stewardship Plus Campaign, with a goal of $210,000 which is targeted to pay down the current long term debt. Eliminating the debt would reduce our annual operating cost by almost $3,000 per month and would provide significant relief for the day to day operating budget. THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY On Thursday mornings from 10:00 to 11:15, we come together to discuss a pre-determined book of the Bible or a study looking at a certain aspect of scripture. Lay people facilitate the discussion, having prepared beforehand with the use of a curriculum. Our format is informal and while it is beneficial to be present each week, it is not necessary. Last spring, we looked at Revelation and James. This fall, we are studying a Kerygma series entitled "Beginnings: The Study of the Call of God in Genesis." We welcome any and all to come and see what we’re about. It is a time of learning and growing together spiritually. Ann Lee
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 it has quickly become a popular event. Under the Hill is first and foremost a wonderful way for parishioners to socialize in their peer groups and enrich peer relationships. Planning is underway for our next gathering for sometime in December. Please contact Julie Duregger for more information. Julie Duregger
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 eight teams of
ushers serving at the 10:30 a.m. service, and at occasional special
services such as Christmas, Easter, Maundy Thursday and ordinations. Each
of these teams has at least five members. A small group of ushers serves
at the 8:00 a.m. service.
If you would like to serve as an usher at St.
Andrew’s, please contact Dick Barnwell.
WOMEN OF THE WORD WOW (a.k.a. Women of the Word) is
entering its fifth year and we have a devoted, growing group of women who
desire to dive into God’s Word and form their journey of faith more
closely to him. Each week, we discuss homework, wrestle with difficult
questions of faith-filled living and watch the accompanying video lecture.
WOW meets on Wednesday evenings from
6:30 to 8:30. All women, ages 18 and older, are welcome. Kris Wessler
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Annual Reports