Dear friends, We’re probably all familiar with the adage that in polite company, it’s best to avoid bringing up politics or religion. It’s…
Dear members of St Andrew’s,It will soon be that time again. Time for our rector and our parish to go on sabbatical. Sabbaticals sustain …
Dear friends, Beginning Sunday, March 6, masks will no longer be required inside our buildings—but they will still be recommended. As …
Asset-Based Community Development discussion on March 8All are invited to join us on Tuesday, March 8, 6:30 to 8 PM to learn about Asset-Based…
Dear friends,In both the Old and the New Testament, believers are called upon to speak up for those who are oppressed. Proverbs 31:8-9 …
Just like Advent isn't really a season in its own right, but rather a period of preparation for the celebration of the Incarnation, Lent is at its …
Dear friends,After consultation with Marc, the wardens, and Health and Safety Officer Joel Duregger; and with input from a medical …
Dear friends,I know that this question is very much on everyone’s mind. We are so tired of the pandemic and of all the ways that it is …
Bishop Haynes, in consultation with the Diocesan Health Advisory Panel, has notified all churches in the Diocese of Southern Virginia …
Dear friends, Blessings to each of you as 2022 begins! I pray that you feel God’s presence with you in this and every moment, and I continue …
Dear friends,I saw an article in the paper the other day about turtle hatchlings in Nags Head, NC. It turns out that baby turtles instinctively…
Dear friends,I once had a parishioner whose husband’s family had lived in the same big house for generations. He and his father had both grown …
This Sunday’s Gospel lesson is the familiar story of the young man who was owned by his possessions rather than the other way around. (I certainly …
This month marked the twentieth anniversary of the terror attacks in New York, Washington, and over the skies of Pennsylvania. What I remember …
Remember the episode when Granny Clampett – “Doctor Granny” had a visit from a fancily dressed woman with a hazy conglomeration of maladies? …
I mentioned in a sermon a couple of months ago that I think we live in a world where darkness truly is growing. It is only in my lifetime that …
We don't know, of course, what the summer of 2022 will bring. The landscape of our world is changing and taking unpredictable turns that leave us …
One of our Outreach Center tenants is Families in Transition (FIT). FIT offers children from the neighboring community a safe and encouraging place …
How many times has a sordid story such as this been repeated in history? King David, with his total power over people, moved them around like …
Have you heard a friend say, “I’m so busy, I can’t keep up and get everything done”? Often we hear a retiree say, “I don’t know how I …
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for a people to establish its liberty from tyranny, it becomes necessary for that people …
In thinking about what we have collectively been through, I looked at the texts of Easter hymns, because opening things up again has the feeling of …
Evangelism. There, I said it! While I'm at it, how about...revival? Yeah, yeah, I know: I'm from Kentucky, so I've experienced …
Dear friends,Exciting news! In response to the recently revised guidelines from the CDC and Governor Northam, Bishop Susan has released …
Dear friends, Pentecost blessings to you! What a joy it is finally, finally to be able to gather together again; to see each other’s eyes; to …
Good morning everyone. You may have noticed that I’m not Mark. We do both have glasses, but that’s pretty much where our similarities stop. …
Maybe you've been keeping up with St. Andrew's Racism Response Team (RRT). A great deal of work has been done with that group (along with …
Eighteen years ago I was sitting in church (Hilton Baptist) one Sunday morning when Al leaned over and pointed out an announcement in the …
Congratulations to our volunteers for two successful PORT evenings in December and March! We fielded two teams for the shelter’s final …
The feast of our Lord’s resurrection is upon us (on April 4). In our Eucharistic Prayer A, which we tend to use through the bulk of the church…
The Covid numbers in our area have been slowly climbing over the past few weeks. As of March 23, the positivity rate that we have been …
Dear friends, How will you practice resurrection this Easter? Even in the midst of a pandemic, we as Christians are Easter people, …
From Hymn 149: Verse 2So daily dying to the way of self,so daily living to the way of love,We walk the road, Lord Jesus, that you trod,Knowing …
I will be on annual retreat this month (Tuesday the 16th through Saturday the 20th), a discipline I have kept for twenty-three years now on or …
Dear Friends,With all of you, I am so thankful that the Covid infection numbers in our area are falling and that more and more people are getting …
I have never been a good passenger. As a carsick child, I sat beside Dad in the front seat on long trips while Mom and Clarke were relegated …
From hymn 135: Manifest on mountain height, shining in resplendent light,Where disciples filled with awe thy transfigured glory saw.When from there …
Dear friends, Believe it or not, Lent is just around the corner. Ash Wednesday is February 17, only a few weeks away. The staff and I …
So here is the first of my annual appeals to give Lent its proper due. We usually think of Lent as kind of a gloomy penitential time when …
Dear friends, Late last year, my friend Laura’s dog was hit by a car. Laura and her husband Jon rushed their beloved pet to an emergency vet …
Dear Parishioners at St. Andrew’s Church, This year, despite the pandemic, we were fortunate to provide Christmas gifts to 51 families and 40…
Dear friends, Since the start of the pandemic, we have not been able to offer the ministry of healing in the ways that we did prior to …
From hymn 116: “I come,” the great Redeemer cries, “To do thy will, O Lord!”At Jordan’s stream, behold! He seals the sure …
Epiphany, which we celebrate on January 6, marking the beginning of the Epiphany season, is a day and season in which we emphasize light, or more …
Dear friends, December 20 is the fourth and final Sunday of Advent. This liturgical season of waiting is almost over. Christmas will …
From Isaiah 61: The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up…
We often hear about people who are now actively using our Community Outreach Center (former school), but maybe we aren’t sure exactly who is doing …
From the bidding prayer to a service of Advent Lessons and Carols in The Book of Occasional Services (p 22): Dear People of God: In the season of …
I am so blessed to be serving a congregation of such gracious people. So many of you have asked about how the transition is going and how much…
We are quickly coming to the end of the Church Year; the last two Sundays, culminating with Christ the King Sunday, have Gospel lessons that focus …
As we approach our regathering, let’s be like Gumby: Flexible! Dear friends, The Covid-19 pandemic has created havoc in our lives in many …
I wonder how everyone is doing - I mean how are you reallydoing? We've had several months of trying to figure out how to live and function in …
I have been a parishioner at St. Andrew’s for two and a half years, but I have been an occasional visitor for at least 25. I used to visit when I …
Dear friends, Our vestry has been grappling for months with the tough decision about when to regather in person for worship. As you know, the …
Some call it Fate, others call it luck, but I prefer to think that the Lord above led me in 1992 to my incredible wife Judy and that Judy led me to …
Dear friends, As you know, the vestry is still in deep and prayerful discernment about a regathering date for in-person worship. Meanwhile, …
Saint Andrew’s has been an important part of my life for many years. It provides a place of comfort, warmth and generosity in the midst of this busy…
I have been asked to address the personal side of stewardship, and what St Andrew’s means to me. To begin, I think of stewardship as a discipline of…
During this strange time that, without exception, affects everyone, I have tried to choose music that fits the mood of the times. Sometimes we…
There is a saying that makes the rounds on Facebook here and there, attributed to the Dalai Lama or with no attribution at all. Regardless, it…
Several folks have raised this question, and it’s a good one. Here’s what’s going on: As you know, the decision about when to regather …
Dear friends, The other day I attended a webinar entitled Holy Chaos: Creating Connections in Divisive Times. The webinar …
Even under the circumstances, a lot has been happening regarding use of space in the Outreach Center: Because the risk of Covid-19 remains so…
Dear friends, During these months of pandemic, I have so missed being able to celebrate Holy Eucharist together and share in our central meal, and…
From Hymn 675:Take up your cross, the Savior said, if you would my disciple be;Take up your cross with willing heart, and humbly follow after me. …
Introductory note from Anne: Dear friends, Our fellow parishioner Bob Killebrew, who with his wife Pixie came to us from St. Paul’s, Newport News, …
Have you been practicing the art of smiling with your eyes? So much of the way we communicate with each other falls into the category of …
In case you didn't get to see the video fromMonday, August 3... We all know the biblical stories of miraculous events, everything from Jesus' first…
Textiles, including shoes and clothing, represent over 16 tons of content in our landfills each year. By supporting THRIVE Peninsula with the…
Dear friends, A number of weeks ago, St. Andrew’s own Courtney Robinson Hastings posted on social media about a new practice she and her husband …
Our team has had two meetings together so far and I am inviting you to join us in our quest to examine our own experiences and perceptions about …
At our 21 July “Virtual Vestry Meeting,” we continued our discussion about the how, what, and when of regathering in our building. Thanks to …
From Romans 8: …we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. We know that all things …
Dear St. Andrew's family, I know not everyone sees the videos Anne, others, and I are doing, so I'd like to make you aware of a new group …
Summer is here—but such a different summer from all the ones that have come before, as we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic! …
At our 16 June “Virtual Vestry Meeting,” we spent most of our time discussing the how, what, and when of regathering in our building on 45 Main …
We just celebrated on May 31 the Day of Pentecost (meaning "fiftieth day") in which the Spirit lighted upon the disciples like tongues of fire and …
(reminders of the 25thchapter of Matthew’s gospel) You might remember reading a recent “call to action” from vestry member and Building …
Dear friends, Thanks to the hard work of our Bishop Susan Haynes and the diocesan Re-Gathering Panel, we have received the guidelines that each …
Dear Friends, I hope and pray that this finds you and your loved ones safe and well in the midst of this difficult time. I miss you, and I …
Dear friends, Pentecost, which this year falls on Sunday, May 31, is a major feast in the Christian year. On Pentecost we celebrate God’s …
I am one of the callers for the "phone call ministry," staying in touch with other parishioners during this time when we are all struggling to cope …
Dear Friends, I know this question is on many people’s minds. The short answer is: We don’t know. Our bishop has called together…
I’m sure I’m not alone in this experience: every once in a while, my eyes fall on the very reading material I’m ready for. Sometimes we’re jolted …
Dear friends,As a Church, we continue our primary business: the worship of God. Every day we offer a prayer video, with a live worship …
This coronavirus situation is carrying on longer than any of us initially thought. No one expected it to last until Easter and now I'm …
I would be willing to guess that many of you do not know where my office is at St. Andrew’s or that from this office I can see, via camera, what’s …
Dear friends,The holiest days of our Church year are upon us, and this year we will walk through them in new and different ways because of the …
Following the spiritual roller coaster that is Palm Sunday (shouts of "hosanna!" as Jesus makes his "triumphal entry" into Jerusalem followed by a …
BackgroundThis Easter, we will hear the story of Jesus’ resurrection as told in John’s gospel. Easter is the high holy day of Christianity, …
The irony is not lost on me that this reflection focuses on worship at precisely the moment in which we are unable to participate in worship as …
No public worship until after Easter …
Years ago, my mother called with the upsetting news that my brother was believed to be having a heart …
Dear Friends, …
Dear friends,Blessings to you. So much has changed so suddenly for all of us in this past week, and we are all struggling to come to grips …
Dear friends,Blessings to you on this third Sunday of Lent. In this time of “social distancing”, I encourage …
Dear friends,I hope and pray that this finds each of you well. I am praying especially for God’s peace and guidance for each of us as we do …
Do not be afraid, for I am with you; …
In the Epistle to the Ephesians (2:19-22), we read, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people…
As we enter a second century at St. Andrew's and begin to imagine all the possibilities for our new multipurpose outreach facility, the vestry …
There are several "joys" of having had only one cataract surgery: do the old glasses work (not really), can you pop out one lens (didn’t work), do …
Statistics You Need to Know: 61% of people say the church website was important in their decision to attend a church. 27% of new …
I am very excited about the opportunities we have at St. Andrew’s to learn about our beliefs. One of the things I love most about the Episcopal …
I would like to introduce myself as the newest member of the Facilities Team. In this position I will be communicating facility-related information …
On the first Sunday of Lent, March 1 this year, we usually will pray The Great Litany during the opening procession at both services. However,…
Dear friends,One of the five sacramental rites in the Episcopal Church is the Reconciliation of a Penitent, more commonly known as …
Dear friends,There’s something about Ash Wednesday. Every year it happens: people who don’t come to church regularly—or, sometimes, …
I cannot think of a better way to show God’s love than through outreach. Jesus said “You are the light of the world… let your light shine …
My dear (new) friends of St. Andrew’s: Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ!I know Anne has given you something of an introduction, but …
2019 was a strong year for Gracious Giving, which embraces the spirit of our pledge campaign and the generous nature of our parish family. 2019 …
This Sunday, February 2 we will celebrate Candlemas at the 10:30 AM service. Candlemas is a Christian holiday that occurs annually on February 2, …
When someone new enters into the midst of an established group, it can seem as though everyone knows everyone else already. Fitting in can feel …
Dear friends, …
With all our hearts and all our minds, we pray to you, O Lord: Make us instruments of your peace.For the peace of the world, that a spirit of …
Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on January 6 and is the time when Christians remember the Wise Men, also referred to as the Three …
Dear friends,A few days before Christmas in 1997, I was in my car, making the 11-hour drive from my apartment in western Massachusetts to my …
Growing up as the daughter of a Baptist minister and avid hunter in Mississippi, I know that many nights our supper table was supplemented with wild…
Dear Friends, For more than 30 years our churches have partnered together for Vacation Bible School. It has been an amazing ministry! Through …
December 8, 2019immediately following the 10:30 AM serviceThe Annual Meeting is an important event in the life of every parish. At St. …
The year of our first century is winding down and Thanksgiving is upon us already. It may sound trite, but we really do have so much to be …
The Kairos Team from St. Andrew's (Matt Deller, Joe DuRant, Brad Norris) wish to thank all who helped in the preparations for this coming weekend …
At its October 27 quarterly meeting, the Outreach Team voted to disburse the remainder of the funds ($5,025) allocated to it by the vestry for this…
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad.Before landing, we circled …
Now that Lorna has followed God's call to Philadelphia, what happens next here at St. Andrew's? That is a very important question, one that the …
In recent years, St. Andrew's parishioners have had a great time on Halloween night in Hilton Village. According to the online publication, Our …
Why I give to St. Andrew'sFor most of my adult life, I have moved around: from a small Appalachian town to a large industrial city, with many kinds …
To help fill the gap left by Lorna's departure, the Rev. Bruce Cheney, former rector at St. Paul's and current rector at St. George's, will be …
We live in a world with ever increasing availability of information, new ideas and evolving perspectives, coupled with what appears to be a demise …
"Walk in love, as Christ loved us and give himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God."When we walk in Christ's love together, we pave the …
"The church is a triangle," Cliff whispered to me in the pew, repeating his observation later during Children's Chapel. As he held his little …
Dearest people of St. Andrew’s,My heart is heavy as I write this letter to you all, as I have accepted a call to another parish, St. Luke’s, …
As we welcome people to become a part of our new Outreach Center, let us remember the gift of hospitality.Make of your life a welcome home.Make your…
As we are forming the Building Implementation Team to oversee and foster …
Luke 15 seems to be about 3 lost and found parables, but Jesus makes it into lost and found and really lost. …
"Canoeing the Mountains" laid the foundation for a new conversation about the Church's role and ministry today. to build on that foundation, St. …
The election of the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia will be held Saturday, September 21, 2019, and the Consecration of our new …
Dear friends,As you know from my recent letter, we plan to convert our former school space into a multiuse outreach facility to serve the local …
Dear friends, I am delighted to report that the Building Discernment Team has completed the task of determining the best use for the former day …
In recent days and weeks, as our national discourse has continued to erode, I keep thinking about how important it is for us to remember who we are …
The Episcopal Church’s Safe Church program for the prevention of sexual misconduct is grounded in our Baptismal Covenant - our call to seek and …
Every year I get to celebrate Independence Day two times. As an American citizen, I join with other Americans celebrating the independence of my …
Where Does the Money Come From?According to our Canons (church laws), every parish is to set aside money for “such pious and charitable uses as the…
Bob Wharton and I are the vestry liaisons for Parish Life here at St. Andrew’s. Parish Life includes many sub-committees and probably affects…
Dear friends,A blessing and a challenge of liturgical worship is that the words of the service become so familiar. The blessing is that those …
Did you know the rubrics of The Book of Common Prayer call for a limited use of the word Alleluia in seasons other than Easter? If you look at the …
The Vestry earmarked $10,000 of St. Andrew’s 2019 budget for outreach. The Outreach Team has approved the following grants from those funds, …
In the Jewish tradition, Pentecost was originally known as Feast of the Harvest, an agriculture festival. Later it became a celebration of the …
You may have noticed St. Andrew’s clergy, parishioners, and staff walking around recently with a book called Canoeing the Mountains: Christian …
After the spectacular Garden Party, our next centennial celebration will be a liturgical one: a Whitsunday service on June 9th. The day…
In our Episcopal polity, the Bishop is the chief pastor of every parish. The bishop is always the Celebrant when he or she visits a …
Mark your calendars now and plan to attend a very special service on Thursday, May 30 at 6:30 PM at St. John’s Portsmouth, where Bishop Jay Magness…
Dear Friends,Periodically I hear from parishioners who miss the Morning Prayer service, with its lovely cadences and canticles. Morning …
Our Building Discernment Team has been hard at work for weeks following up on the many suggestions made about how best to use our school facilities…
Dear friends,Our senior warden John Whitley is an optimist who always sees the glass half-full. I have to confess that I tend to take a dimmer…
“Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ… So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good …
“…and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:32I am very excited about the opportunities we have at St. Andrew’s to …
Dear Friends,As we prepare to walk through Holy Week together, I thought it might be helpful to share with you some of the rich symbolism embedded …
Trail of TearsYou came on Ash Wednesday and left before I could speak to you. I don’t know your story; I don’t even know your name. But …
Audre'ana Ellis, one of our former EYC youth and a student at Howard University is spending this term in India. In a recent email to Anne, …
If you have followed the series this Lent on Facebook and Instagram presenting a daily meditation and beautiful images of St. Andrew’s Stations of …
Several of the youth of our parish are in their sixth month of preparation for Confirmation. So far, they have delved into the Bible, examined the …
I have enjoyed my time serving on the vestry and now serving as Junior Warden. I have learned a great deal serving with the leaders of our parish …
As promised in my last article, I want to share with you what goes on at the EYC meetings on Sundays at noon. The group, open to youth from age 12 …
The Congregational Development Team has worked diligently this past year to meet our objectives to invite, welcome, and connect newcomers to the St.…
Throughout my 20 years in ministry with teenagers, I have been approached by individuals and groups of Episcopalians with different kinds of …
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an …
This is an exciting time in the ministry of communications! Digital tools give us the ability to share the Gospel not only with our neighbors …
On the first Sunday of Lent, March 10, we will pray The Great Litany during the opening procession at both services. The Great Litany is an …
As a new vestry member, it's exciting to see firsthand all the different ways St. Andrew's participates in outreach in our community. The …
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your …
Have you noticed that several of our chalice bearers (Lay Eucharistic Ministers, also known as LEVs) at the 10:30 service are high school …
The Hilton Area Churches have been hosting VBS for more than 30 years. Over the past 5 years properly staffing VBS has become more and more …
Hey, it’s February and no one has mentioned anything about Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, or Lent (at least until now)! That’s because none of these…
While St. Andrew’s has its Annual Congregational Meeting, the Diocese of Southern Virginia has its Annual Council which meets each year for two days…
When someone new enters into the midst of an established group, it can seem as though everyone knows everyone else already. Fitting in can …
After a thoughtful process, whereby parishioners nominated charitable organizations for grants from the Carolyn Lackey Trust for Outreach, the …
“The time has come”, the Walrus said, “to speak of many things…” Lewis Carroll Dear Ones, This letter comes to you as we approach a new …
Dear friends,Happy Birthday! 2019 is the 100th year of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. What a blessing and privilege it is for us to be here …
Dear friends, In early December, John and I had the opportunity to meet our newest nephew, Noah, who was born on November 1. He was five …
Dear Friends, As you may know, at this past summer’s General Convention, The Episcopal Church passed a resolution allowing all rectors of …
The following parishioners have been nominated for the Vestry Class of 2021. We are grateful for their willingness to serve: Tonia GravesMoving…
Next Sunday December 2 is the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the four-week season of Advent.The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus,…
As part of the Prayer Vigil held at St. Andrew's following the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, cards expressing our grief, and …
Maybe it’s happened to you: You are coming into St. Andrew’s for a service or volunteering at the front desk or just chatting with a friend in the …
There is a time for everything...a time for everything that is done on earth.There is a time to be born and there a time to die.There is a time to …
Please join us on Monday, October 29 at 7 p.m.for a prayer vigil for the victims of attack on Tree of Life Synagogue in PIttsburgh. You can …
When God took on the form of a human being in Christ Jesus, he experienced all that inhabiting flesh entails – exhaustion, hunger, thirst, pain, …
Thanks to a substantial trust left by Carolyn Lackey to benefit the less fortunate, St. Andrew’s has disbursed over $100,000 to charitable …
In my 20 years of ordained ministry, I have attended many Confirmation services, and brought many young people to the Bishop to be confirmed. I …
The November 14-18 Kairos weekend is coming up at Nottoway Correctional Center in Burkeville. The team orchestrating the weekend for about 34…
When the church asks us for a pledge, it joins a chorus of other charities, all worthwhile and deserving. I’d like to offer 2 reasons for us …
When I was a child our family went to church every Sunday. There was never any question or decision to be made week-to-week whether or not we…
Dear friends,In our busy and chaotic world, with pressure to work ever-longer hours and accomplish more and more every day, with information …
Not to me! I know that my time, talent and treasure are gifts from God so it seems only natural that I give back to God. None of the …
On Sunday, September 9, St. Andrew’s will welcome the Rev. Bruce Cheney, rector of St. Paul’s Church, Newport News, as our preacher at both …
As you look about your home, your yard, your neighborhood, or wherever you might be, do you ever say to yourself, “I can’t be as old as I am?” …
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. …
During worship on Sunday, August 26, we will bless students and teachers as they begin a new school year. Meanwhile, here is a prayer for …
Dear Friends,Happy August! I hope and pray that the summer is going well for each of you and that you and your families are able to enjoy some …
Vacation Bible School wraps up today. We had 121 children and 73 youth and adult volunteers having a great time on the Rolling River Rampage! This…
Lord God, you’ve got the whole world in your hands: refugees and citizens; the persecuted the entitled; people of all colors; those living safely in…
Jesus said, "What you have done to the least of my brothers and sisters, you have done to me."The Youth Mission Trip, Think Globally, Act Locally …
Dear God, you are our beginning and our end, and you are with us in every beginning and ending. The closing of our school continues to be a …
Dear friends,A blessing and a challenge of liturgical worship is that the words of the service become so familiar. The blessing is that those…
Several years ago, I had a beloved friend in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who was a retired priest called Father Alex. He was an alumnus and a big …
Matt Deller will be leading our PORT ministry for the 2018-2019 season. (Thank you, Matt!) We are seeking volunteers to assist Matt, especially a …
On June 11 and 12, John and I will be in Washington, DC, participating in Bread for the World’s annual Lobby Day. Bread for the World is a …
The Texas school shooting on May 18 was the 22nd school shooting in the US thus far in 2018. Each year, 2737 children and youth die from gun …
Dear friends,I am grateful for the many ways that the people of St. Andrew’s offer a ministry of hospitality, to one another and to those outside …
Dear friends,A number of parishioners have been asking what’s next, now that St. Andrew’s Episcopal School as we have known it is closing. …
We are blessed with talented, intelligent and great young people here at St. Andrew’s. Our youth are involved in several aspects of church …
From the Collect for Easter 3: “…Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work…"Easter Sunday at St. Andrew’s, …
Finally! On Easter Day, finally, we welcome the word Alleluia back into our worship – and we do so in droves! In Easter season, Alleluia…
Dear friends,It has arrived: the holiest time of the year, the days when we commemorate Jesus’ saving actions that give our lives their ultimate …
Dear friends, One of the five sacramental rites in the Episcopal Church is The Reconciliation of a Penitent, more commonly known as …
Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an examplein speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.1 Timothy 4:12A few days after …
In February, the St. Andrew's Outreach Team approved the carefully considered plan of the steering committee of the Carolyn Lackey Trust to …
Seventy-two years ago, our church started a school as an educational mission. The year was 1946. Since that time, a lot has changed – …
Dear friends, As I mentioned in my sermon on Feb. 18, one way we can respond to the tragic school shooting in Florida is to redouble our …
On behalf of the Outreach Team, I wanted to share an exciting update on the status of some monies that had been designated to fund ongoing work at …
Dear friends,Now that February is here, the vestry, staff, and I are busy with the important task of evaluating our first year of ministry …
On February 2 and 3, 2018, I attended a conference at St. Paul's, Newport News entitled Values in Action. St. Paul's was a partner site for this …
The Congregational Development Team has been active and encouraged by the interest of our newcomers for the last few months. Since forming our…
Dear friends,By the time you read this, we will have entered the holy, challenging, introspection-inviting season of Lent. I pray that it …
This is one of the many great (and sometimes stumping!) questions I get from our parish children during Children’s Chapel. Children’s Chapel …
In the United States, February 2 is known as Groundhog Day, when if a certain groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania sees its shadow, then 6 more …
"They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." This week’s Gospel: Mark …
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. …
St. Andrew's will join Episcopalians around the world to read the Gospel according to Luke during Lent and the Book of Acts during Eastertide in …
As we begin 2018 together, I have an invitation for you, an invitation that has to do with the future of St. Andrew’s Church. At our Annual …
Beginning in 2018-2019 St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, an accredited member of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and an outreach of …
Dear friends,Our Advent waiting is almost over; the joyous season of Christmas is just around the corner. The Advent wreath adds a new flame …
Around us, there are many signs of Christmas.Christmas carols are being played on the radio, Christmas lights and decorations are adorning many …
Very soon, a special day happens that we have been looking forward to for weeks. We are looking forward to Christmas and what we may find …
As one 20-year-old at my Kairos table was wolfing down one of the 1,531 dozen cookies, he asked where they came from. “People made them for …
The last Sunday after Pentecost, "Christ the King" in the Roman Church, is a summation of the whole church year where Jesus is proclaimed King of …
Dear Friends, When I lived in Ashland, VA, I celebrated Holy Eucharist once a month in the women’s section of the city jail. During those…
Halloween is a BIG night here in historic Hilton Village. St. Andrew's gave out 1500 treat bags to trick-or-treaters! A special thank you to …
I never met him. Yet I still remember him. I don’t know if he served at the Somme, in Belgium or somewhere in East Africa. Yet his service means a …
On Sunday, Nov. 5, the Rt. Rev. James Magness, Assisting Bishop of Southern Virginia will be with us at the 10:30 a.m. service. He will preach and …
From Hymn 594:Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days… The Gospel reading about the Pharisees asking Jesus about the …
Dear Friends,On October 1, as Lorna began her new ministry in our midst, you and I marked the start of our ninth month together as rector and …
First, let me say thank you to all those who attended our Episcopal Schools Sunday celebration on October 1. If you were not in attendance we …
Today was a beautiful day for St. Andrew's annual Blessing of the Animals service.
Sunday, October 1, 2017, begins a week of celebration for Episcopal Schools. This celebration includes the ministry of nearly 1,200 Episcopal…
The objective for the Congregational Development Team is to effectively extend to others the opportunity to experience the joy and blessing of …
We are very grateful to Henry Waddill - for his Eagle Scout project, he built a shed in which we can store our lawn equipment and supervised a …
Serving as Junior Warden these past two years has been a rewarding experience.The challenges involved in calling a rector, finding an interim youth…
The Hospitality and Parish Life Teams work together to create opportunities for fellowship for members and visitors of St. Andrew's. Some …
Dear St. Andrew’s family, With great joy, and gratitude to God, I have accepted the call to be your Associate for Children and Youth at St. …
Dear friends, Tidings of great joy: I am delighted to announce that the Rev. Lorna H. Williams has accepted my call to be St. Andrew's …
By Janna Outlaw, Head of SchoolBeing a small school is one thing, but being a small school by intent is another. …
Dear St. Andrew’s,Thank you so much for a wonderful three years on your staff as part time Assisting Priest. Being at St. Andrew’s has been a…
“I was raised in a family where helping others was a priority.”“I feel I have been so fortunate in my life and want to be able to give back to …
I’ve been attending St. Andrew’s since 2012, was received in 2015, and joined the Vestry in 2016. Having spent most of my career working on …
Thursday evenings, Sept. 21 through Oct. 26, 7 to 8 p.m.St. Andrew's, Newport News, invites you to join them for "Islam for Christians", a …
This week St. Andrew’s, Newport News, received a letter from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that included these words: “...I am …
My last day with you all is Sunday, August 20. Frankly I didn't expect to like you so much. I mean, how attached can you get in one …
Every three years, in accordance with General Convention Resolution #1982-D079, the Episcopal Church convenes an international youth event so …
There will be a special reception between services on August 20 to thank and recognize the Rev. Jen Kimball and the Rev. Travis Greenman as their …
I am very pleased to be serving as the Communications Team leader and, in my role as Vestry members, as Vestry liaison to Communications. …
The Worship Team gives parishioners at St. Andrew’s the opportunity to be personally involved in the conduct of our worship services. Members …
It’s been a rich time so far, as I’m doing a variety of activities during this gracious gift of a sabbatical. I have:met with several people …
Last week (July 10-14), St. Andrew's was abuzz with Vacation Bible School. Our annual VBS takes over both St. Andrew's and Hilton Presbyterian …
Dear friends,A blessing and a challenge of liturgical worship is that the words of the service become so familiar. the blessing is that those …
In 1994, at the time I went through the ordination process, we went through the same discernment process as those called to the priesthood, with the…
At our June meeting, St. Andrew's vestry members chose "liaison areas" in order to help organize our life together in this busy, active …
If you didn’t take part in one of the visits to the Ramadan celebration at Peninsula Islamic Community Center, arranged by John Herbst, you missed a…
Elections for the next diocesan Episcopal Youth Community Board were held during May Weekend at Chanco, May 19-21. Once again, St. Andrew's holds …
Dear friends,One of the greatest gifts that we can give is to pray for another person. Many times in my life, I have been deeply touched by …
Click here to read Part 2. The deacon in the liturgy represents the bridge between the church and the world, acting as herald, servant, and one who …
There’s a reason why St. Andrew’s has had only three parish musicians since the 1960’s – this church/school is a good place to work.The Vestry has …
Click here for Part 1 of this series on the Diaconate. The transitional diaconate, a period of training within a parish, has been in place for…
On Wednesday, May 3 at 7 p.m., St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church installed the first woman ever to serve as rector in our parish’s 98-year history. St. …
Circle 4 Women’s Group held its fourth meeting of 2017 on Tuesday, May 2, continuing its program series of “Getting to Know the Staff.” A …
Five kids in a station wagon before mandatory seatbelts, before DVD players, before Sony Walkman. My Dad controlled chaos by singing. …
The Easter Children's Chapel had about 50 kids! Many thanks to: Mr. Cabell Sale who corralled older children into the youth room for a discussion of…
Dear friends, St. Andrew’s is the first place I have ever had the opportunity to serve alongside a vocational deacon. What a privilege it is …
EYC Easter fun! Youth Intern Maggie with her candy mustache - there were several to be found in the EYC Easter Egg Hunt yesterday afternoon. All …
O Lord God, our Father. You are the light that can never be put out; and now you give us a light that shall drive away all darkness. You…
Circle 4 Women’s Group held its third meeting of 2017 on Tuesday, April 4, continuing its program series of “Getting to Know the Staff.” Interim …
Our beloved priest and friend, the Rev. Dick Holley, retired on March 31 after nearly 53 years of ordained ministry. We honored him on Sunday,…
Elizabeth Koerner, our Interim Minister for Children and Youth, has resigned from her position at St. Andrew's in order to take care of family …
Our beloved priest and friend Dick Holley is retiring from active ministry on March 31 after nearly 53 years of ordained ministry. We will …
In the 40 days of Lent we prepare for Easter with prayer, fasting, and offering as we follow Jesus and “walk the way of the cross.” When we …
On the morning of March 12, the One City Marathon closed roads at St. Andrew's, so instead of our usual morning services, we gathered all together …
Dear Friends, Greetings and blessings to you in this holy season of Lent. Thank you all, so very much, for your ongoing graciousness and …
Circle 4 Women’s Group held its second meeting of 2017 on Tuesday, March 7. Our very own Minister of Music Brad Norris, presented a most …
On Sunday, March 12, Newport News will host the One City Marathon. The Marathon route will impact Hilton Village with road closures, blocked …
For the seventh time in eight years, St. Andrew’s has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR certification, …
Using the documentary film The Connection as our framework, we will explore the many ways that Holy Habits foster healing in our lives. The …
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and is a season of preparation leading up to the celebration of Easter and Christ's resurrection. Come join us at St.…
So you’re sitting in the 10:30 service and you suddenly realize all the children have left. Do they know something you don’t know? Is …
The Rev. Dr. John W. Herbst, husband of Anne Kirchmier, mentioned during his Adult Forum presentation that he has been teaching about Islam for …
It was a great joy for me to attend our Annual Diocesan Council February 10th and 11th with the members of the St. Andrew's delegation. As …
Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the EYC's Souper Bowl Sunday fundraiser to benefit the Food Bank of the Virginia Peninsula. The EYC …
Dear friends, Thank you!! What an amazing, gracious welcome you have given me and John during (and even prior to!) our first days …
Circle 4’s first meeting of 2017 was held on Tuesday, February 7. The group was thrilled to have the Rev. Carol Chamberlain, our priest …
On Sunday, February 5, St. Andrew's welcomed our new rector, the Rev. Anne Kirchmier, and her husband, John Herbst. Naturally, there was a party to …
If you were at St. Andrews on Sunday, January 31, you were exploding with pride and love. Our First Responder's Community Event was a resounding …
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”Matthew …
Dear Parishioners of St. Andrew's,This year we were fortunate to provide Christmas gifts, toiletry bags, new book bags with school supplies, and new…
Sunday, February 5The day we have all been waiting for is almost here! Our new rector, the Rev. Anne Kirchmier, will be here for her first Sunday …
Join us on Sunday, January 29, as we honor the First Responders in our community - 10:30 a.m. Service of Recognition and Thanks and 1:30 Brunswick …
On New Year's Day I heard a sermon in Austin where the preacher asked a question I've been pondering ever since, "What version of the best life do …
The Rev. Carol Chamberlain will celebrate the 40thanniversary of her Ordination to the Priesthood This Sunday.The Rev. Carol Chamberlain will be …
By Jan L. RichardsonI cannot tell you how the light comes.What I know is that it is more ancient than imagining.That it travels across an astounding…
To all of our volunteers who bought blouses and shirts for the elderly at the PACE Center, many, many thanks. It was huge success. To …
The ladies of Circle 4 and their guests, along with some new faces, enjoyed a Christmas luncheon featuring delicious food at Schooner's and …
We placed over 6000 wreaths on the graves of veterans Dec. 17 in Hampton National Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America. Thanks to all the …
A special thank you to Jay Lambiotte, Sabrina Miles, Ann Turner, Mary Gibson Waddill, and John Whitley for accepting their nominations for the …
Dear People of St. Andrew’s, Blessings and peace to you. I am honored and humbled by the call to come to St. Andrew’s, and I am very …
The four-day weekend for Kairos #37 at Nottoway Correctional Center at Burkeville was a blessed event, thanks in large part to the efforts of the …
Anticipation, anticipation is making me late; it's keeping me waiting - Carly SimonThis year one of the activities during November weekend at Camp …
On Sunday, Nov. 20, folks gathered in the parish hall to make an Advent wreath for their homes. Advent, the season of expectation that prepares us …
From Hymn 477, verse 4: Wherefore, by God's eternal purpose, thou art high exalted o'er all creatures now, and given the Name to which all knees …
Dear friends,I have been asked to introduce myself and tell you what an Associate Priest is. I am a retired priest. I moved to Newport …
Circle 4 met on Tuesday, November 1. Ladies, if you didn’t make it to November’s regular meeting, we missed you (and you missed an …
EYC (Episcopal Youth Community, for grades 6-12) is off to a great start this school year. The kick-off party on on Sept. 25 was just the beginning.…
St. Andrew's took part in the annual Halloween fun in Historic Hilton Village. We put on costumes, gave out candy, as well as books and toys, to …
St. Andrew's knows how to have fun! Thanks to everyone who helped prepare and execute this year's Trick or Treat Halloween Brunch and KidFest on …
We all know the story of the children who wanted to gather around Jesus, but the disciples brushed them off. Jesus went the opposite direction – he …
Last Saturday night I went to bed listening to the roar of rain and rush of wind, and praying for Matthew to pass without creating damage in our …
Did you attend the going away reception for Fr. David? Wasn’t it a great time with delicious food? Could you help with another …
St. Andrew's invites all creatures great and small to come for a special blessing as we celebrate St. Francis Day on Sunday, October 9 at 1 …
In what is now a historic Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, a founding father once said, “Peace, peace, but there is no peace....” And …
On Sept. 18, St. Andrew's bid farewell to our interim rector, David Perkins. We sure know how to throw a party - and no one deserved one more than…
Dear St. Andrew's Church Community,Sunday, October 2, 2016, begins a week of celebration for Episcopal schools. This celebration includes …
In and around waves of heat, we have had the stirrings of autumn lately…some trees are not quite as green, as hints of yellow and orange begin to …
Summer has come to a close and so has our Lord's Prayer Challenge. All summer long, members of St. Andrew's prayed the Lord's Prayer wherever they …
Dear St. Andrew's Community,I am writing to you on behalf of the Vestry and Staff of St. Andrew's. As you know we are entering a time of …
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not stop them;for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”My own childhood …
Dear St. Andrew's Community,As the search process for a new rector enters its final phase, you and I have been anticipating the ending of the …
St. Andrew's own Jim and Bunny Neff hosted a wonderful evening of music, food, cool breezes and good friends at Fort Monroe recently. The US Air …
By Elizabeth Koerner, Interim Minister of Youth & ChildrenI am so excited to have the opportunity to serve St. Andrew’s in my new role as …
This summer, the St. Andrew's community was invited to participate in the Lord’s Prayer Challenge. Parishioners of all ages prayed the Lord's …
On July 28 a group of volunteers from St. Andrew's had the wonderful experience of reading to children at Marshall Early Learning Center as a part …
I have struggled for several hours with the question, “What do I write for the community this time?” Knowing that our time together has …
"Surf Shack" Vacation Bible School was held July 11-15. What a great week! There were 124 registered participants, three years old through fifth …
Members of St. Andrew's donned their red, white and blue for the Hilton Village 4th of July Parade. This is an annual fun, family, and pet friendly …
Our purpose to Care, Do, and Reflect Our three days of mission in the local community were rich. We had 24 youth and 7 adult missionaries go…
Please don’t forget to clean out your closets and pantry for Thrive Peninsula, our Vacation Bible School outreach ministry this year. Thank …
Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, facing arrest and death, commanded Peter to sheath his sword. He said, “Those who live by the sword will …
For grades 6 – 12 – Let us be inspired!2016-2017 EYC BoardOver ninety youth and adults were gathered from around the diocese at Chanco the weekend …
The Thursday morning bible study has gathered weekly, September through May, in the library at St. Andrew’s for many years. But this year they did …
During the summer of 2016, the St. Andrew's community is invited to participate in a Parish Lord's Prayer Challenge. Our youth did a great …
Welcome Christopher Steven Hein, son of Matthew and Ashley Robinson, who was baptized into the Body of Christ on May 15.
St. Andrew's has earned the EPA's Energy Star certification for its physical plant for the sixth time. Energy Star is a U.S. Environmental …
Pentecost is the Greek name for Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, a prominent feast in the calendar of ancient Israel celebrating the giving of the Law …
MayFest was billed as a "special Sunday in May" and it exceeded all expectations due to unbelievable teamwork.MayFest was envisioned in early April …
Join us in welcoming the newest members of the Body of Christ who were baptized at St. Andrew's on May 1 - Thomas Nathan TaylorMolly Joy …
On April 24, we had a remarkable Sunday as we saw our youth participate in all facets of the 10:30 a.m. service. Youth Sunday gives our youth …
Jesuit scholar, John Haughey, wrote of the events recorded in Acts 2, the giving of the Spirit on The Day of Pentecost: “Pentecost was a jail …
