September/October 2015 - St. Andrew`s Episcopal Church

The CRIER
September-October 2015
A Newsletter of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Greetings from your RenewalWorks Team! The magic number
is 184!!!! Yes, 184 people filled out the RenewalWorks Survey for St.
Andrew’s. Thank you so much for your participation. The information
gathered in the survey has been enlightening and helpful in the four
workshops the RenewalTeam did over the summer. In July, we also
hosted “Yeah, But…” conversations with the parish where we gathered more thoughts and ideas from you.
These conversations conveyed to us the importance of liturgy, music, discipleship, outreach and especially
Children and Youth to your life at St. Andrew’s. After we completed the four workshops, the team graciously
agreed to meet two more times in order to fine tune their work.
So what did we get from the information the 184 of you gave us? We got 58 pages of data! We had
33 “markers” of growth areas. We found three main areas of growth desire, which, coincide with the mission
statement of the church: Worship Christ, Grow Together; Serve Others. Items were ranked on a 1 to 6 scale.
Scale: 6 is “knocked out of park”; 1 is “Titanic: you’re sunk.” Of the 33 markers, 30 rated St. Andrew’s as 4+
out of the 6, giving the parish a 60—80% positive rating. Even the 3 markers below 4 were 3.7 or 3.8 and
close to 4. There were no 50% or less satisfaction rating issues. Six of the 33 items indicated a growth
expectation. Scattered throughout this month’s CRIER you will see the RenewalWorks logo with “Survey
Says” and one of the 6 points that showed the congregation’s to desire for 10% improvement.
What does this mean? St. Andrew’s parish is the thriving, vibrant, healthy organization with an
achievable desire to be better. Expectations of 100% improvement would be tough; 10% is doable.
On August 18th, Pat Hamilton made an initial report to the Vestry which will be followed up by a
written report and another appearance at the Vestry meeting in September. Through the survey, you have told
us about your love for Jesus, for St. Andrews and for the Sacraments. You also have indicated where we need
to do better in terms of helping you grow in your relationship with God and Jesus Christ and also in serving
those in need both in our parish and in our community.
So how does this translate from finds and theory into practice and application?
FIRST, the parish told us what we’ve known: worship continues to show a desire to grow and be more
significant. You will note that the piano and the choir will be in the front. This puts music “in front” of the
congregation to help “lead” in song, not in back behind the congregation. In ancient Israel, when the army
went to battle they were led by the singers. Jeanne will have opportunity to lead the congregation in a familiar
hymn as a heart preparation before the processional. October we will host a choir tune-up and workshop for
our choir and other community church choirs.
SECOND, we will embark on as vigorous effort in the area of spiritual gifts as we did with the
renewalwork survey. Survey, sermon series, and the variety of offerings will be geared to helping YOU know
what your God-given spiritual gift is and where you engage more fully in the life of St. Andrew’s.
FINALLY, when you know what your gift is, we will “til-up the ground” to make sure you are planted
where you can be watered, fertilized and nurtured. And grow to be the fullness of God’s plan for you and a
blessing to the community.
Please join me in thanking the 14 member RenewalTeam-- for the giving of their time and talent, for
their dedication to the process and to St. Andrew’s, and for their creative and bold work to the honor and glory
of our God and Savior. The team members are: Tim Ames, Dick Beach, Karen Brenner, Sarah Colias, Jack
Given, Bernie Hartsough, Greg Lasky, Ava Massarella, Dave Nevill, Mance Parks, Jill Ritchie, Toni Sanchez,
Dave Thurman, and Kim Tolliver. YAY TEAM!!
In our final meeting., Fr. Roger led us in the celebration of Holy Eucharist to complete our work.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer with joy, thankful for your
partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure that he who began a good work in you
will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:3-6)
PS. We will take this survey again in 12 to 24 months and use it as a bench mark on how we have taken what
we have learned about ourselves and worked together to improve our Worshiping Christ, Growing Together
and Serving Others. Again, thank you all SO very, very much for your time and consideration in taking the
survey and sharing your thoughts, hopes and dreams for our parish with us.
SUMMER SUMMARY
This year’s VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL theme
was Cokesbury’s curriculum, G-Force. Our curriculum had 7
components; Bible, music, crafts, science, snacks, games,
mission. The science, Bible, and game components were the
most engaging and the most popular. We ran VBS from July
20-24th from 9am-12pm. the last session included a family
picnic and obstacle course outside. We registered 40 children,
39 attended at least 3 of the 5 days. The children were aged 310. Fifteen of the children were from our church, 25 were
either unchurched or from neighboring parishes. We had
about 22 adult volunteers and 5 youth volunteers. As an
outreach, VBS participants donated food for the Christian
Food Pantry’s Summer Lunch Kits. We collected over 100
items.
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Of the curriculum components, adults
and children liked the music, science, the
obstacle course and the lunch on the last day.
The decorations were easy to setup, it was
well organized and the opening and closing
skits with Checkers the puppet, were very
popular. Everyone involved liked the
diversity of kids from outside our church.
Thanks to Fr. Roger (aka Checkers),
our volunteers and parish members who gave
both time and/or financial contribution and
all the supplies they bought. It was greatly
appreciated. VBS is a seed-planting for the
future of St. Andrew’s.
A thank you to David Nevill for providing back packs and for
the many, many people who helped fill them and provide supplies.
Strange as it may seem in what appears to be affluent
Valparaiso, there are 3 grades schools that receive Title VIII grants for
kids in poverty. Healthlink is a health care service for people in
poverty. And just this summer the Valparaiso School Corporation
instituted a summer school lunch program to provide needy students
with at least 5 meals a week. There is poverty and need among us and
we were blessed to put Proverbs 19:17 into action; “Whoever is kind to
the poor lends to the LORD, and he pays wonderful interest.”
“Provides worship that is challenging and thought provoking.”
Survey Says: We r ated our selves as being a 4.5 and wanting to
be a 5.0. Worship and growing together.
FALL FOCUS
Shifting into
HIGH GEAR
for the Fall !!
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BREAKFAST, BIBLE AND BROs kicks off another exciting season the
Tuesday after Labor Day. Meet with this great group of guys for breakfast
.(a shared event as several of the guys know there way around a kitchen like Emeril
Lagasse and will, on occasion, engage in a gourmet treat of Pennsylvania Dutch
scrapple.
This years study is a chapter by chapter review of the book of Proverbs with
each of the guys taking the responsible for a chapter. Study comes complete with
verse notations of selected verses and study questions. Wanna be a wiser guy
tomorrow than you are today? Join this study every Tuesday morning from 6:30 AM
to 7:59 AM SHARP!!
MIDWEEK EUCHARIST star ts again but moves to TUESDAY star ting SEPTEMBER 8. In addition
to being a spiritual father to the parish, Fr. Roger is also a parent father to a son on a Wednesday soccer team.
EUCHARIST and Homily begin at 6:00 PM and ends at 6:45. A brief potty break and trek by the
desert table for C-A-K-E, most generally and social chat and share time in preparation for the bible study.
STARTING SEPTEMBER 22, we will a study of SURPRISED BY HOPE by N.T. Wr ights, led
by Lynda Gravier.
In Surprised by Hope, Wright, one of today's premier Bible scholars, asserts that Christianity's most
distinctive idea is bodily resurrection. He provides a magisterial defense for a literal resurrection of Jesus and
shows how this became the cornerstone for the Christian community's hope in the bodily resurrection of all
people at the end of the age. Wright then explores our expectation of "new heavens and a new earth," revealing
what happens to the dead until then and what will happen with the "second coming" of Jesus. For many,
including many Christians, all this will come as a great surprise.
Wright convincingly argues that what we believe about life after death directly affects what we believe
about life before death. For if God intends to renew the whole creation---and if this has already begun in
Jesus's resurrection---the church cannot stop at "saving souls," but must anticipate the eventual renewal by
working for God's kingdom in the wider world, bringing healing and hope in the present life.
PRIME & THE PRIME PARTNERS - A PROPOSED BOLD new outr each for PRIME Member s
wanting a cross-cultural experience. PRIME PARTNERS could be linking up with Bernie Hartsough to be
friendly visitors and aids to her 2nd graders in Gary. Reading, painting, sharing across the cultural lines and
barriers, this creative foray may become the highlight of your month. Returning to St. Andrew’s by 4:00 PM,
the PRIME PARTNERS will join the PRIME PRAYER PARTNERS who have been praying for the effort
during the day for an early dinner, picture and story sharing time. And dessert!
Join us Wednesday, September 16 at the regular 11:30 AM meeting in the Gathering Space to share
your views, inputs, suggestions OR ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS for the PRIME 2015-2016 season
FAMILY FOCUS SUNDAY - Don’t forget that the 1st Sunday of every month is Family Focus and our
children assume the major roles of readers, prayer leader and expanding roles as they are able and interested in
doing. We’re always on the lookout for kids wanting to be acolytes.
FANTASTIC FOURTH! Continuing our Fourth Sunday pattern, Dr. Julien Smith will be preaching at
both of the Sunday Services (and hopefully at the Saturday Evening service.) Nab a friend or neighbor for this
mini-class from the VU Christ College Professor Smith who is always able to explore complex topics from
scripture with down-to-earth here in Valparaiso application. Who will ever forget the spiritual lessons Dr.
Smith explored as he contemplated his actions of rescuing chickens from a burning hen-house?
“Helps me understand the Bible in greater depth” Survey
Says: We r ated our selves at present at 4.4 and want to move to
4.9. Growing Together.
STORIES OF OUR LIVES
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At one of the “yeah, but” sessions after the Revealworks survey, several comments were made that
people would like to hear stories/testimonies about how God was moving, challenging, working, supporting,
etc. people in their daily lives and struggles. Our goal is to share 2 or 3 stories about God at Work in our
parish and our parishioners lives. Pray and consider if God would have you share His work in your life.
Here are a sample of a few parishioners who are sharing God at Work.
Jen Pearson
Do you ever have one of those moments that you have to stop and ask yourself how
you got to this point in your life? Are you completely amazed or completely baffled by the turn of events that
brought you to the present day? Do you stop and wonder about that fork in the road and where it would have
taken you? I have and this is my story.
I am 37 years old and I am blessed. I am blessed to know the Lord. I am blessed that Christ loved me
enough to die for my sins. I am blessed to know that in my weakness that He is strong. I am blessed to know
that He is in the act of constantly perfecting me even when I feel the least worthy. I am blessed that He keeps
me humble that when I am not in accordance with His will He lets me know and He allows me to ask for
forgiveness. I am blessed that He loved me enough to want more for me than I would have to known to have
asked for.
Have I always been blessed and the answer is yes. Have I lead the perfect life that makes it easy to
answer yes and go about my merry way and the answer is no! However, do I regret a moment of my life and
the answer is a resounding NO! Would I change a single solitary moment and still the answer is NO! If I did
not live and experience life in the way that I did would I really be able to appreciate life. Better than that
would I have realized the awesome extent of God’s love…even if it is only in retrospect?
I was raised in what most would consider a good home, a mom who was able to be home during the
day with her children and father who worked in the mills. We had a comfortable home in a nice neighborhood
with nice things. However under the material comforts there was a life of addiction and battery going on.
There were days and weeks spent in abuse centers. There were tears of despair from both parents. One who
cried in despair trying to figure out how to protect her children when she was having a hard time protecting
herself. One who cried in frustration at his inability to shake an addiction that he knew was tearing his family
apart and causing him to do unthinkable things. There was so much sadness and yet things remained the same
day after day. Change came like most change comes in life, in the face of a harsh reality, make the change or
die. My mom chose to live; my father, a few years later, chose to die with his addiction hanging over him.
Life continued on but like most stories there tends to be repetition. My mom chose another man, my
dad, who had addictions and those addictions again lead to more abuse. That abuse lead to more shelters. I
saw what one human could do to another and I grew weary. I saw the breaking of hearts once again as one
woman wondered why she should live and one man struggled to overcome his addictions and his powerful
emotions. I felt lost and confused but never did I feel alone. I couldn’t understand how but I just knew that
the little cross that hung on my wall was a place to look when my mind just couldn’t comprehend what was
going on. I vividly remember looking at the cross and praying for an end to the yelling and fear. With God’s
grace and timing, that is just what happened and healing began for my parents and for us as a family.
I was never bitter about what happened. I just accepted that it happened and I could either chose to let
it swallow me or I could do something about it. In this case God did something about it. He introduced me to
Angie, under some bizarre high school drama conditions, and she befriended me. In her boldness at a slumber
party she explained to me who God was and who Christ was and how my sin separated me from God but that
Christ stood in the walkway through His blood and through Him I could be made clean and whole and could
come before God. It sounded good but like most teenagers I sort of took it in for later processing.
Not that God left it at that. He drew me into an amazing youth group. He continued to astound me with
stories of transformations and still I held out. I didn’t understand why, it seemed so easy, but I just knew I
wasn’t ready.
“Allows me to use and develop me spiritual gifts”. Survey
Says: We r ated our selves at 4.2 and want to move to 4.7.
Spiritual gifts, growing together and serving others
STORIES OF OUR LIVES (continued)
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Then one day it happened and of course like all great teenage revelations it came in with all full force
of the Holy Spirit. Someone apologized. Now they did not have to. I was content to let things slide but that
apology altered me. This man did not have to ask but he did and I did not have to accept but I did without
hesitation. Then I realized how completely idiotic I was being. Who was I to not ask for forgiveness from the
one person who had never hurt me and had only protected me in very trying times? Who was I to act like there
was nothing wrong with me when I knew deep in my heart that something was missing? It was with this
revelation that I ran to Angie, who was preparing to leave for a youth trip, to pray with me to accept Christ as
my Savior.
This was over 19 years ago and I count my blessings every day that I know Christ and I know
forgiveness. I count my blessings that I am not a worldly statistic. I am a living example of what God has
done and what He continues to do in our lives on a daily basis. I count my blessings not because life is easy
but because life is lived to glorify God, no matter the circumstances.
Dana Murr
My husband Jim and I have been parishioners here at St. Andrew's since 2004. We
have been Blessed with 3 very active boys. Cael is 10, Brannon is 9, and Declan is 7. I have been active in
Ministry at St. Andrew's by participating as a Scripture reader on occasion, and doing the church's Ministry
schedule, which requires quite a bit of patience! I help when I can with Sunday school and Vacation Bible
School.
I would like to tell you how deep my Faith runs. In 1996, when I was almost 28, I was diagnosed with
a disease called Multiple Sclerosis. At that time, the only person I knew who had the disease was the original
Mouseketeer Annette Funicello. I was devastated. My life flashed before me. I thought, "I can't be sick, I don't
have time for this". I was in denial for some months, plugging along in the stages of grief, all the while trying
to figure things out. I had a lot of difficulty. It is a neurological and autoimmune disease. At some point, I had
to decide to either have the disease and deal with it, or let the disease have me and win. Even though at the
time when I was diagnosed, we didn't attend church regularly, I had a lot of Faith. Faith that things would be
okay no matter what. MS is a rough disease. It is chronic, it can be relentless. It tests your body like you
wouldn't believe. I had people lay hands on me, and through the years, I have had so many people praying for
me.
As I went on year after year with this disease, I realized that it is all in God’s hands. I learned early on
that we all will have at least one trial in our lives, but if you have Faith, then you can get through anything. We
are not meant to always have an easy road. I worked in the mental health field when I first got MS, so I had to
be patient and caring. Suffering brought me closer to God. In Job 42:5, it says “I have heard of thee by the
hearing of the ear, but now mine eyes seeth thee”. Job endured great suffering, yet he was brought closer to the
Lord.
Suffering has made me even more caring and patient. I am able to be a great comfort to people who
have endured suffering, because I have suffered. In 2Corinthians 1:3-5, it says “Blessed be God, even the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our
tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we
ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ”. I taught Sunday school one morning, and we talked about being healed versus being
cured. I had to think of a way to make it understandable to a 10 year old child. I explained it like this: I said
that I have MS, and even though I am not cured of the disease, I am healed in the eyes of the Lord. I lost my
mom tragically in 2008, and again I was tested. It has not changed my strength in God, in fact, that has made
me even more Faithful.
Remember, God is there for us in good times and trials. If you leave things in His hands, you will find
more Peace and strength than you can ever imagine.
Nancy Sederberg My neuropathy seems to have worsened over the past year. I cannot drive nor can
I walk without my walker. Roger has been a big help, even though he was dealing with horrible pain in his
hip. After 3 shots of cortisone over the past year and a half, he had back surgery to relieve the pain. The issue
was arthritis in the lower spine that had caused some of the vertebrae to shift and pinch the nerve. He is now
in rehab at Avalon, and enjoys the visits and cards from friends and church members. God has provided many
friends in our lives who have taken me to visit Rog, getting mail and groceries. We are blessed.
SEPTEMBER—OCTOBER PARISH LIFE & EVENTS
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BLOOD DRIVE Thursday, Sept 3 3—7 pm
Call Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS or sign up online at
www.redcross.org/blood
to schedule your appointment.
Walk-ins Welcome!
Minis-TREE Fair - Yes, As a combination of our annual ministry fair and our
launching a Sermon Series on Spiritual Gifts we’ll be giving each of you an
opportunity to “Leaf” us your skill ability or interest on a cutout paper leaf to put
on the tree in the Gathering Space.
Our Minis-TREE fair will be September 12 & 13.
THE SAME DAYS AS OUR FALL KICK-OFF
Starting SEPTEMBER 19 - The JOYFULS are back!!!
With DOUBLE the leadership! Yes, replacing Maggie are Theresa Arguetta
and Joanna Maas! On the Family Focus Sunday, they will be coming in to sing during
the communion celebration.
Teresa is director of Imagination Station preschool in Michigan City. She has 2
young children and a passion for music.
.
Joanna is a nursing student at Ivy Tech. She has 2 girls. She has a background in
singing and actually sang in a Kids Choir directed by her Mom so she comes by her
interest in leading music “genetically”.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23 Diocese Listening Session at St. Andr ews;
after a 6 PM Eucharist,
St. Andrew’s will host the Western Deanery’s conversation with the Bishop and our Diocesan Deputation.
Come armed with your questions and comments and join us for a candid conversation on the issues.
Join us for our annual FALL OUTING
Wander thru the Maze
Cider—Donuts
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27
2pm
LADIES NITE OUT! 4th THURSDAY of every month @ 6:00PM
September 24—China House—Downtown Valparaiso
October 22—Burger Haus—North Valpo
Report on the Bishop Search
The Diocesan Profile will be posted to the search website shortly after August 24th. Beginning September 1st
nominations will be open for the 8th Bishop of Northern Indiana. You should be receiving a communication
from the search committee with instructions for criteria for nominations, and how to nominate someone. This
information will also be available on the bishop search website edninbishopsearch.org. Anyone who is a
member of the Diocese of Northern Indiana may nominate a priest for Bishop, just be sure that you ask that
person if they wish to be nominated. This is very important! This priest need not be a member of this diocese.
The period for nominations closes September 18th.
“Helps me develop a prayer life that connects me with God
regularly.” Survey Says: We assessed this as being a 4.1 and
we want to move up to a 4.8. Personal worship and growth.
SEPTEMBER—OCTOBER PARISH LIFE & EVENTS Page 11
OCTOBER 3 CREATION MASS & PET BLESSING!
We ask everyone to bring in a new stuffed animal for United Way's "I Need a Hug" program. These animals
are distributed to all the social workers in the Valpo schools for when kids in distress or stressful
situations come to their offices - the animals help calm them.
At 2pm we hold a live Pet Blessing outside at the church. We also ask for donations of cat and dog food,
Kitty litter, old towels and blankets, crates, etc. More info, check www.portercoanimalshelter.com.
Fall Tune UP ! !
St. Andrew’s Choir, the VNA Hospice Choir and
community church choirs are pulling into our Gathering
Space “garage” for a fall tune-up on an cool
OCTOBER EVENING ! Watch for Details!
Do you sing in a choir? Have you sung in a choir? Would you be willing to work with others to lead the
congregation is praise and worship? (In ancient Israel, the singers went out ahead of the army to conquer an
enemy). We all realize that a fine choir is work—like a finely tuned engine on a BMW—and we’ve been
blessed to have VU music professor Eldon Balko and Hospice Choir director Deena Lawley.
10-24/25
Remember George Bailey? Well,
his life made a big difference in
the life of the people of Bedford
Falls. And George is a archetype
of a lot of people… a lot of people
at St. Andrew’s. Watch the 201516 Stewardship Drive kick off and
see our own “Clarence” get wings
117th Annual Diocesan Convention
Saturday, October 24, 2015
7:30am to 4:00pm
St. Michael & All Angels
53720 N Ironwood Rd—
South Bend, IN, 46635
Join St. Andrew’s men in the lively art of conversation
(topics like sports, politics, civility in society, religion strongly encouraged:
make God a part of your public life!)
Saturday Mornings Sept 12 & 26 & Oct 10 & 24 @ 7:30 AM at St. Andrew’s
We welcome Chris Kado heading up Hospitality. Chris has a great vision of what we can
do to minister to the parish in this area. If you’ve been to the recent funerals and the ordination,
you’ve seen Chris’s marvelous planning and implementation skills.
She replaces Michelle Mitchell who gets our thanks and appreciation for her work.
Thanks, Michelle.
LOOKING FORWARD TO
2016
90+ day notice of Annual Meeting
January 24, 2016
John 14:1-3 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to
prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will
take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
PARISH
Pastoral Care
MINISTRIES
Page 12
Karen Brenner
WHY YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT(S) MATTER
The Bible says that spiritual gifts are abilities God bestows on every believer for the
common good of the body of Christ. They are a large part of the answer to the question we
may all ask at one time, “What should I do with the life God gave me?” As a Christian, we
must seek to identify our spiritual gifts. Each believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit. “Do
you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have
received from God? You are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
God wants us to use our gifts. We need each other. That is the way God
designed the body: all parts work together to enable the body to function as it
should. As the Body of Chr ist, we need each member , and each member
needs to use his/her particular gift and to use it fully, with love and commitment.
God created all of us to bring Him glory. Every spiritual gift reflects
God’s design and direction for our lives. As we use our gifts, we will find joy,
passion, and love. They will also be a place of deep spiritual formation in our
lives as God uses them to connect us to Him and to expose areas of our souls
that need His forgiveness and redemption.
September has always been a kick-off month for St. Andrew’s. This year you will notice two trees with
bare branches on the wall in the Gathering Space. We need to fill these trees with leaves. Not just any leaves,
but those where we will identify our spiritual gift(s) through choosing one or more ministries in which we can
serve God. It is remarkable how we will deepen our relationship with God as we each uncover and live out
the gifts He has bestowed on us.
What would St. Andrew’s and our world look like if each of us used the gift(s) God has given us?
Altar Guild
Nancy Seeley
Why do I participate in altar guild? It began many years ago when I was a member of St.
Paul’s church in Indianapolis. A few friends asked me to participate in their altar guild ministry
and I was more than thrilled. Then, it seemed like I was peering into the secrets of the church with
the antique silver vessels, the ornate linens and how the altar was set up before services.
Now I have a different view of the altar guild ministry as a ministry of service and feeling the presence
of Christ. As I quietly iron the linens I think about the Last Supper and wonder who were the women behind
the scenes preparing the table and baking the bread. I pray that my service of ironing, cleaning the vessels and
preparing the altar is pleasing to God. I also think of Fr. Roger when he prepares for the Eucharist: “is
everything in place? Are the proper linens being used?? And is everything perfect?:” I feel that the perfection
of this ministry allows Fr. Roger to perform these services without an interruption of “this is the wrong linen”
or “we are missing a chalice.”
I’m a visual learner and this ministry certainly allows that. From our green bible (How Altar Guild
Works) we are taught how to prepare for weddings and funerals, a gift to families with traditions steeped in
Anglican history, as well as traditional Eucharist or a High Mass.
Yes, there are parts of being on the altar guild that are not FUN!. Hurrying to get everything ready for
the service in 3 minutes or trying to figure out how to get a stain out of the fair linen. Then there is always
someone to help you along and teach you the ins and outs.
As Valerie Schlink has stepped down from Ministry Leader duties. Missy Parks, Suzie Devine and I
have assumed the responsibilities (temporarily) and are happy to answer any questions you may have. (Yes, it
does take 3 people to fill Valerie’s shoes!) Your time commitment is as much or little as you want. You may
shadow someone one Sunday and see how you like it or you can just come back to the sacristy and watch.
Come and talk with us sometime. It’s a quiet, significant and meaningful ministry opportunity. St.
Andrew’s will be blessed by your service and you will be blessed as you serve. I am!
PARISH
MINISTRIES
Page 13
Liturgy & Worship
Pam Harris
The vast expanse of Green Time/the Sundays after Pentecost/Ordinary Time is coming
to a close. School is back in session. Football and the World Series dominate the news. Ah,
fall is here in all its glory! This is the time when the workload for our agrarian ancestors
increased the need to bring in the harvest, can, salt and lay fruits and vegetables to rest under
layers of straw in the root cellar to provide food for them during the long sleep of winter. The
Church recognizes this time as well. The colors of flowers change to include yellow, red and orange, to reflect
the changing colors of the leaves. It is the time of Harvest Home, “Come ye thankful people come”,” We
gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing”, “We plow the fields…”. This is the time when we are called
together to remember God’s Good Creation, and His command to care for and preserve it for His good
pleasure, not to destroy and corrupt it for ours; to be good stewards of God’s bounty, giving thanks for His
many blessings and working to bring nearer the Kingdom. The readings begin to talk about the end times and
the ancient prophesies predicting the coming of the Son of God. As the season ends with the beginning of
Advent, the circle of the Church Year comes to and end and a new beginning. Let this be our joyful shout,
“Come Lord Jesus!”
General Convention conversations
Do you have questions about what happened at General Convention, wish further
information or just want to hear our take on what happened? Mark your calendars. On
Wednesday, September 23rd.at 7:00 PM., St. Andrew’s will host the Western Deanery’s
conversation with the Bishop and our Diocesan Deputation. Come armed with your
questions and comments and join us for a candid conversation on the issues. Usually this
discussion happens closer to the event, but this year the Bishop’s and Diocesan scheduled
caused postponing it to later in the summer. See you all there.
Financials
A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
Actual
Budget
INCOME
$ 165,523.
$ 177,596.
EXPENSE
$ 175,663.
$ 180,837.
OPERATING
BUDGET
Thru 7-31-15
# Families who
Worship at
St. Andrew’s
Pledging
Units
150
82
Dick Beach
NET
MORTGAGE
REDUCTION
FUND
BUDGET
Thru 7-31-15
($ 10,140.)
# Families who
worship at
St. Andrew’s
Pledging
Units
150
45
Actual
($
Budget
3,241.)
One Sunday
and announced
"I have good
news and bad
news. The good
news is, we have enough
money to pay for our new
building program. The bad
news is, it's still out there in
your pockets."
Mortgage
Balance
“Provides liturgy that
INCOME
$ 36,902.
$ 23,030.
EXPENSE
$ 34,383.
$ 23,030.
NET
$ 2,519.
-0-
$ 304,427.
feeds
my
spirit.”
Survey Says:
We
rated this as 4.0 and
want to move to 4.7.
Improve our worship.
PARISH
September Anniversaries
Dan & Faye Kachur (51)
Derek & Pam Smith (36)
Shawn & Michelle Mitchell (21)
Jack & Suzie Devine (52)
Dan & Amy Hayes (25)
9/5
9/9
9/24
9/28
9/29
September Birthdays
Rev. Beverly Collinsworth
Megan Myers
Beth Bartniczak
Jim Black
Christopher Casson
Gavin Zizzo
Wanda Andrews
Hope Feller
Laurie Sendera
Dale Schlink
Hannah Campolattara
Jack Houser
Margaret Mollman
Art Munro
Janet Gast
Linda Goble
Paul McCusker
Addison Esola
Candace Korbel
Jacob Winchell
Tami Jones
Lynda Gravier
Amy Hayes
Jen Pearson
Rich Davis
Christina Nevill
Dave Brock
Teagan Myers
Keira Zizzo
Shirley Hudgins
Steve Grimm
Russell Scheibel
Tari Parks
Harley Snyder
Charlie Foster
Mike Gravier
9/1
9/2
9/4
9/4
9/4
9/6
9/7
9/7
9/7
9/8
9/10
9/10
9/10
9/10
9/11
9/11
9/11
9/12
9/13
9/13
9/14
9/15
9/16
9/16
9/17
9/17
9/19
9/19
9/19
9/20
9/21
9/21
9/22
9/25
9/26
9/27
PRAISES
Praising God
For the Gift
Of Marriage
Praising God for
The gift of
Life
To give
someone
a blessing
is the
most
significant
affirmation
we can
offer.
Henri
Nouwen
Page 14
October Anniversaries
Jim & Sarah Colias (29)
Jason & Megan Myers (13)
Fr. Dave & Jen Pearson (15)
Ken & Janice Martinek (34)
Stu & Megan Summers (34)
Steve & Maddie Grimm (3)
September Birthdays Cont.
Charlene Lindsey
Jim Conrick
Kim Tolliver
Abigail Adamson
Jack Given
October Birthdays
Casimir Morris
Cole Zizzo
Katie Horne
Jack Brink
Christopher Bower
Jeannine Lemarie
Paul Nelson
Luke Hartsough
Maddie Grimm
Tim Millender
Steven Stanford
Fred Harris
Judith Leatherman
Michelle Mitchell
Jaxen Frazier
Megan Summers
Jennie Brock
Pam McBride
Nancy Seeley
Jason Myers
Theresa Argueta
Rich Fleming
Becky Ames
Kate McCusker
Missy Parks
Jesse Harper
Emily Smith
Bob Jacobs
Shelley Foster
10/4
10/5
10/7
10/16
10/17
10/27
9/27
9/28
9/29
9/30
9/30
10/2
10/2
10/2
10/4
10/8
10/8
10/8
10/9
10/10
10/11
10/11
10/12
10/13
10/14
10/15
10/16
10/17
10/17
10/19
10/20
10/21
10/22
10/23
10/23
10/24
10/25
10/25
10/26
10/28
PARISH LIFE & EVENTS ….ACTIVITIES
Olivia’s baptism with
Susan and Emily Smitko
Whitney, Reese and Harris Anderson baptisms
Page 15
Theresa Compton’s
baptism
Evangelism
Jack Given
This month I’d like to share that EVANGELISM is not as much an activity as it is a
lifestyle. Three examples of living the life - sharing a cup of cold water evangelism - are
shown here in one on-campus and two off-campus - of people in our congregational family
seeking to serve the needs of others and in so doing fulfilling the law of Christ.
Caring Continues as St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Valparaiso initiates a
valet parking service for people with special needs.
Recognizing both the needs of the elderly for whom a walk across the parking lot
at church in itself is a daunting venture and people with recent surgeries or other physical
impairments, St Andrew’s initiated a valet parking service. For people with a special
need all 3 services – Saturday, 5:30 PM, Sunday 8 AM and 9:30 AM will have trained
volunteers to welcome you at the portico, help you out of your car and into the church
then conveniently park your car. At the conclusion of the service, simply give them your
car number ticket and they will also bring your car to the portico for you.
The above description appeared in THE TIMES. KLOVE, national Christian
radio has also included it on their website
http://www.klove.com/search/?
q=valet+parking
Molly Gravier, daughter of Lynda and Mike was recently featured in THE TIMES for her work in
helping victims of human trafficking.
Read this inspiring article on the web at http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaisohigh-school-graduate-wants-to-help-victims-of-human/article_68d25314-71fa-516a-96747aafde57279c.html
Chuck Roth, of Chesterton Feed and Garden, presented a gift certificate to
Walter Lenckos, and Porter County Parks Foundation President Dave Nevill, to
help complete a natural playground project. More than 100 volunteers met at
Porter County Park’s Sunset Hill Farm County Park on Aug. 21 for Day of
Caring presented by the United Way of Porter County. They will be working on
a multitude of projects throughout the park. .
“Provides training on how to integrate my faith in service to
those in need.” Survey Says: We r anked this the lowest at 3.8
and are wanting to improve to a 4.4 level. Spiritual gift & service.
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE PAID
VALPARAISO, IN 46383
PERMIT NO. 369
St . Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Sharing Jesus Christ with the
Valparaiso community since 1864
505 Bullseye Lake Road
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-462-4946
email: [email protected]
Change Service Requested
VIST US AT
WWW.STANDREWSVALPO.ORG
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/standrewsvalparaiso
Grab a seat! In the next 2 months you’ll hear Fr. Roger’s sermon
on spiritual gifts, have an opportunity to discern YOUR gift and
grow in ways you might not have imagined. Curtain going UP!!!
This CRIER edition has a Spiritual Supplement. It contains Julien Smith’s August sermon for a
time of spiritual reflection and growth and an Essay by Garrison Keillor for a time of reflection.
page 7
One of the blessings we have at St. Andrew’s is the benefit of Christ College Professor Julien
Smith who preaches the 4th Sunday of every month. In August, Dr. Smith answered the
question, “Where does God live?” And if you’ve never thought about what God’s address is,
you will really appreciate Julien’s thoughts.
Where Does God Dwell?
Proper 16 - August 22-23, 2015
1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11], 22-30, 41-43; Psalm 84:1-6
Page 707, BCP, Ephesians 6:10-2; John 6:56-69
Just the other week, our family went up to Michigan for a few days to spend time with Hope's family.
We stayed in this beautiful house--it was spacious, had beautiful grounds, lots of light--we really enjoyed it.
But every time I had to find something in the kitchen, it took me 5 minutes. And every morning I woke up with
a stiff back from sleeping in a different bed. So, even though I love to travel, I love coming home even more.
A home is a special place. It's where you sleep. It's where you eat. In past generations it was probably
where you worked, where you grew and produced the food you ate. Then as now, a home is the place where
you live. I remember the feelings I felt as a boy when I would visit a friend's home for the first time. Curiosity:
You have carpet in your bathroom? That's so cool! Excitement: Your parents aren't here and we can do
whatever we want? Let's go on the roof and shoot spitballs at passing cars! (That was fun until the police
showed up.) Nervousness: I don't know your family rules and so I better be on my best behavior.
I also remember my best friend Pete once telling me: "When I'm at your house, I feel like I'm in my
own home." He didn't say that because he didn't like his own home--he lived in a lovely home with wonderful
parents. What he meant was that he felt like he truly belonged in my home. He had a place where he was
always welcome. A place that felt like home.
Have you ever wondered where God calls home? Have you ever asked your parents, "Where does God
live?" It's not an entirely easy question to answer. God doesn't live in a place, doesn't call a place home, in the
same way that we do. The Scriptures we heard today are all answering that question--Where does God live?-and helping us understand why the answer matters. The Old Testament reading narrates the dedication of
Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. (If you like home improvement shows, you should read 2 Kings chapter 6,
which gives all the rich, intricate detail of the building of the temple and its extravagantly beautiful
furnishings.)
It is a bit difficult for us to understand what the Temple meant to the people of Israel, because we don't
have anything like it. We might compare it to the church where we are right now, but in some ways the church
is more like the synagogue--it's where we gather for worship, teaching, and fellowship.
But imagine if, when we built this building, instead of a sacristy behind the altar, we had built a small
house attached to the church. Not a house for Fr. Roger, but a house for God. An actual house for God. A place
that belonged to God, and not to us. We would not be invited in. The altar guild would have to store their
things somewhere else. And where you're sitting right now, this place would be like God's porch.
And if we were all sitting on
God's porch, we might feel a bit
different than we do now. We might feel
like we were on Boo Radley's porch:
Ring the bell and run! Or we might feel
like we were standing in front of the lion
cage at the zoo--with the cage door
open.
If you've read The Lion, The
Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S.
Lewis, you'll remember that wonderful
scene when the children learn for the
first time that Aslan is a lion. Naturally,
they want to know whether he is a safe
lion. "Of course he's not safe," replies
the beaver. "But he's good."
Spiritual Supplement page 8
I'll bet it was a big surprise for the priests on the day of the
Temple dedication. No doubt they understood it was a special day. I'm sure they wore their priestly finest. But
I also wonder if they thought it was somewhat routine. We've done this sort of thing before. We know how to
sacrifice the animals, where you put the utensils, the proper words to say at the proper time. I wonder, as they
were carrying the ark of the covenant to its new home, if any of them thought: What's so special about the ark?
There's nothing in it but two stone tablets.
Imagine their surprise as they start to see a thin layer of mist on the ground. Where'd that come from?
Their surprise quickly turns to fear as the mist grows into a cloud. Panic sets in as the cloud quickly fills the
Temple. The priests scramble towards the front door, relieved to escape with their lives.
What the priests learned that day is something we tend to forget: the one true and living God, creator of
the cosmos, had come to dwell among humans. And being that close to God's home was indeed a bit scary.
Reverence, awe, even fear is a good word to describe what we might
feel if we knew that on the other side of that wall the one true God dwelled. But the Psalmist also reminds us
that God's home is a place we long to be with every fiber of our being. Even though it is not our home, God's
home feels strangely more like our home than even our own home does. Like my friend Pete once told me:
When I'm here, I feel like I'm at home.
God's home is a paradox: Because God dwells there, it is a place of awe, even fear, a place we literally
can't stand to be in, as the priests themselves discover. Yet it is also a place where even sparrows freely make
their nests, right by the side of the altar. When I imagine the best three years of my life, the Psalmist says, I'd
give them up in an instant for just one day in God's home.
God has come to dwell among humans, and that means we are not alone in the universe. God is not far
away, but closer than our own breath, more real than our own thoughts. And that changes things. Let's look
more closely at Solomon's prayer of dedication. He begins this way: "O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God
like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk
before you with all their heart" (v. 23). What does it mean that God "keeps covenant"? God's covenant with
Israel--first with Abraham, then later with Moses--was His promise to set to rights the evil that had been set
loose in Creation as a result of the first humans' disobedience.
Has anyone here ever bought a home that needed fixing up? About a week after we bought our home,
we walked down into the basement after a big storm to discover an inch of water in our basement. We were
pretty motivated to get that problem fixed, because, well, it was our home. We lived there. God, in making his
home among us, is making a commitment to fix the place up. God is not an absentee landlord, distant,
unconcerned.
God is a homeowner, and his covenant with Israel means: "This earth is my home, and I'm going to set
it to rights." God's plan to do this is through his people Israel. So when Solomon declares that God keeps the
covenant, it means that God is partnering with us humans to set to rights all the wrongs that sin has set loose in
God's Creation, God's home.
But notice that, although God starts this covenant restoration plan with Israel, the vision is ultimately
much larger than that. Solomon continues: "when a foreigner comes and prays toward this house, then hear in
heaven your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you, so that all the peoples of
the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel" (42-43).
God starts with Israel, but the plan is ultimately to bring all of humankind, indeed all of Creation, back
into a good and right relationship with the Creator. Sometimes, out of convenience, I'll refer to St. Andrew's as
"my church". Or we might think of it as "our church". But the truth is that we are God's church, which is
nothing less than the worldwide community of God's restored humanity. I know it doesn't always feel that
way. In fact, it often feels just the opposite, that we are just a small slice of humanity, and that most of our
friends or family are elsewhere. But friends, don't forget where we live. This church, this world, this cosmos,
is God's home.
When we understand what the Temple means--God has come to make his dwelling among us--we can
better understand the ministry of Jesus. Early on in John's Gospel, Jesus comes into the Temple and starts
driving out the money-changers and those selling animals for sacrifice. When the authorities demand an
explanation, Jesus responds, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19). What Jesus
meant by this is that he himself, his very physical body, is the new Temple, the place where God now dwells
on earth.
This explains the tremendous power Jesus possesses: power to heal disease, power to cast out demons,
power to take ordinary matter--five barley loaves and two fish--and do extraordinary things with them. But the
truly miraculous thing going on in this passage is not simply that Jesus feeds about 5,000 people with such
meager rations. The truly astonishing thing is Jesus' explanation for the miracle.
Jesus says: "Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, Spiritual Supplement page 9
and I in them" (John 6:56). The meal I provided was an appetizer, a taste of the main course. That snack is
just a sign pointing to Me, the Bread from Heaven. Eat Me, Jesus says, and your hunger for God will be
satisfied. The longing of the Psalmist to dwell in God's home is finally satisfied in Jesus.
The other Gospels--Matthew, Mark, and Luke--give us the Lord's Supper, the Eucharist, in the context
of Jesus' imminent death. When we eat it, we remember and proclaim Jesus' death until he comes again. But
John's Gospel places the Eucharist right in the middle of Jesus' life. When we eat Jesus' flesh and drink his
blood, John tells us, we are participating in Jesus' life, and God's divine life and power enters us as well. When
the crowds hear Jesus talk this way, many of them turn away. I think perhaps they understood what Jesus
meant, and it scared them. After all, who wants to live with an uncaged lion? Living with God’s power
around you, inside you, is scary, it's dangerous. The crowd is perfectly happy to receive the free lunch, but
they want nothing to with God's life-changing power in their lives.
But that, Jesus says, is exactly what we must not do. "It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless,"
Jesus explains. "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (v. 63). You can't take Jesus' miracle,
without also taking his words. The flesh and the spirit go together.
Some months ago, I had a toothache. It hurt to chew. It hurt to drink cold liquids. It hurt to drink hot
liquids. It hurt while I slept. So I ignored it. I took Tylenol. I took Advil. Eventually I got sick of the pain and
wanted it to go away, so I called my dentist. Once you let a dentist into your mouth, he or she is going to want
to change things. The dentist doesn't just want the pain to go away. The dentist wants to fix the problem that’s
causing the pain.
That's what happens when God comes to make his home with humans. Jesus wasn't offering to make
life comfortable or pain free. He didn't promise to make us successful, or powerful, attractive, thin, or popular.
He came to set to rights the horribly destructive effects of sin, in our lives and in the world we live in. That's
hard and often scary work. Peter, bless his heart (that's my absolute favorite expression I learned in Texas), got
so many things wrong, but here he gets it right. When Jesus asks the Twelve if they want to quit as well, Peter
says, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life" (v. 68). What Peter means here is not, "I
believe that you will die for my sins, and therefore when I die I'll go to Heaven." Jesus' death does of course,
wash away our sins, but that's not what Peter is getting at. Peter understands that Jesus is the "bread that came
down from heaven" (v. 58), God's very presence come to make his home with us and in us. Jesus didn't come
simply to give us life after death. He came to give us a different kind of life, God's life.
And he came to give us that life now. And when we have God's life in us, nothing can take it away, not
even death. God's life is eternal life, forever life. Friends, the God of Israel is not a tame lion. He is good, but
he is also dangerous. Following Jesus is liable to lead us into all sorts of places we would rather not go. Paul
tells us that when we follow Jesus, we are in fact following him into battle.
The church's fight is not against people, but against the
spiritual forces of darkness arrayed against God's plan to restore
Creation. The power of sin in our world goes beyond the power of
individuals and even governments and armies to do evil. This fact
should not surprise us, if we pay attention to history and current
events. As anyone who has served in combat will know, it is a good
idea to have the proper equipment. That's precisely what Paul tells
the church in Ephesus. Not only has God made his dwelling among
you, but he has given you his armor, God's own armor, to protect you
in the battle.
If
we allow God to make his home in us and begin to change us and the
world around us, it will often appear that we are fighting a losing
battle. It will often seem that standing up to evil, walking in the light,
proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ--it will often seem that
this is hopelessly naive. In those moments we must put on the whole
armor of God, knowing that in fact the battle is already won, that God
has come to make his home among us and within us, that nothing and
no one can take away the life Jesus gives us, now and forever. Amen.
Garrison Keillor on Episcopalians …
Spiritual Supplement page 10
An essay:
We make fun of Episcopalians for their blandness, their excessive
calm, their fear of giving offense, their lack of speed and also for their
secret fondness for macaroni and cheese. But nobody sings like them.
If you were to ask an audience in Des Moines, a relatively
Episcopalianless place, to sing along on the chorus of “Michael Row the
Boat Ashore,” they will look daggers at you as if you had asked them to
strip to their underwear. But if you do this among Episcopalians, they’d
smile and row that boat ashore and up on the beach! ….And down the
road!
Many Episcopalians are bred from childhood to sing in four-part
Gary Edward "Garrison"
harmony, a talent that comes from sitting on the lap of someone singing
Keillor (bor n August 7,
alto or tenor or bass and hearing the harmonic intervals by putting your
1942) is an American author,
little head against that person’s rib cage. It’s natural for Episcopalians to
storyteller, humorist, and
sing in harmony. We are too modest to be soloists, too worldly to sing in
radio personality. He is
unison.
known as host of the
Minnesota Public Radio show
When you’re singing in the key of C and you slide into the A7th
A Prairie Home Companion
and D7th chords, all two hundred of you, it’s an emotionally fulfilling
(called Garrison Keillor's
moment. By our joining in harmony, we somehow promise that we will
Radio
Show
in
some
not forsake each other .
international
syndication).
I do believe this, people: Episcopalians, who love to sing in fourKeillor created the fictional
part harmony are the sort of people you could call up when you’re in deep
Minnesota
town
Lake
distress. If you are dying, they will comfort you. If you are lonely,
Wobegon, the setting of many
they’ll talk to you. And if you are hungry, they’ll give you tuna salad!
of his books, including Lake
Episcopalians believe in prayer, but would practically die if asked to pray
Wobegon Days and Leaving
out loud. Episcopalians like to sing, except when confronted with a new
Home:
hymn.
Episcopalians believe their Rectors will visit them in the hospital, even if they don’t notify them that
they are there. Episcopalians usually follow the official liturgy and will feel it is their way of suffering for
their sins. Episcopalians believe in miracles and even expect miracles, especially during their stewardship
visitation programs or when passing the plate.
Episcopalians feel that applauding for their children’s choirs will not make the kids too proud and
conceited. Episcopalians think that the Bible forbids them from crossing the aisle while passing the peace.
Episcopalians drink coffee as if it were the Third Sacrament. Episcopalians feel guilty for not staying to clean
up after their own wedding reception in the Fellowship Hall. Episcopalians are willing to pay up to one dollar
for a meal at church .
Episcopalians still serve Jell-O in the proper liturgical color of the season and Episcopalians believe
that it is OK to poke fun at themselves and never take themselves too seriously.
And finally, you know you are a Episcopalian when:
-It’s 100 degrees, with 90% humidity,
and you still have coffee after the service.
-You hear something really funny during the sermon
and smile as loudly as you can.
-Donuts are a line item in the church budget, just like coffee.
- When you watch a Star Wars movie and they say,
“May the Force be with you,”
and your
respond, “and also with you.”
- And lastly, it takes ten minutes to say good-bye . . . .
(NOTE: Garrison Keillor attends
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in
St. Paul, Minnesota)
4
Children & Youth Programs Insert
Bernie Hartsough
It’s hard to believe another school year has started. Children and youth participation are an
integral part of our church. As you schedule your family’s activities, I want to inform and invite you
to our upcoming Christian Formation activities for youth and children.
The nursery will be attended from 9-11:00am on Sundays.
Godly Play will be offered at 9:25am during the 9:30am service on the second, third, fourth
and some fifth Sundays of the month. The first Sunday is a family service. See more on that below. Children
will join their families at the peace. Godly Play is a child centered, Montessori based program for children.
Our classroom is setup to accommodate special materials. Godly Play is offered to children 3 years through 5 th
grade. I’ve enclosed a registration form and a calendar with a schedule of lessons.
Our junior high and high school students are invited to join Ignite. It will be a youth group/faith
formation group that fuses together music, art, social justice/service, faith and fellowship. Our first meeting
will be in the youth room on September 13th at 9:00am for the fall kickoff. Come join us as we discuss our
mission, plan activities and learn about the group. Food will be provided. Also join us at 4:00pm on
September 20th at the Brauer museum for a guided tour of Borders, (an art display around campus depicting
people). We’ll return to church for pizza and our first Torch Talk.
On the first Sunday of the month, all children will attend church. It is my goal to help make this a children’s
service with lots of child participation. Children will be invited to help adults greet, acolyte, bring up the gifts,
do the readings, prayers and sing. If your child wants to greet, acolyte, bring up the gifts or read please let me
know by emailing me at [email protected]. Children wishing to participate will be trained in
September.
I am pleased to announce that the Joyfuls will again be singing at the 9:30am service. The Joyfuls are a
children’s choir composed of Pre-kindergarten through elementary aged children. They will meet in the youth
room at 9:10am on Sundays. They will sing two songs at the family service.
Please join us on September 13th at 9:00am for the fall kickoff. We will have activities for the children,
a Godly Play orientation for adults and a youth orientation/meeting in the youth room. This is the time to
register for Godly Play and find out about Ignite, our awesome new youth program.
Thank you for sharing your faith with your children. It is a pleasure to minister to them and welcome
them into our faith community. If you have any questions contact me at 219-718-4643 or
[email protected]. I hope to see you soon. Sincerely, Bernie Hartsough, Dir. Of Christian Formation
Godly Play Schedule
Our kids really enjoy the
hands on experience of
Godly Play!
Observers are always
welcome in the Godly
Play room but please just
observe. Godly Play is a
prepared, holy space for
our children.
2015 - 1st Sunday: Family Worship
2016 – Godly Play with kids
Attending 1st Sunday Family Worship
September 13- Fall Kickoff
January 10-Epiphany
September 20- The Holy Family
January 17- Baptism
September 27- Creation
January 24- Parable of the Good Shepherd
Oct 4- Family Sunday
January 31- Parable of the Samaritan
October 11-Circle of the Church Year
February 14 until March 20 (Lent)
October 18-The Great Family
Faces of Easter
October 25-The Exodus
March 27 EASTER
November 1- Family Sunday
April 10- The Good Shepherd
November 8-The Ten Best Ways
and World Communion
November 15-The Ark and the Tent
April 17 – The Synagogue
November 22-The Exile and Return
and the Upper Room
November 29-Advent 1
April 24-Circle of the Holy Eucharist
December 6- Family Sunday
May 8- Parable of the Great Pearl
December 13-Advent 2 and 3
May 15- Parable of the Sower
December 20-Advent 4
May 22- Paul’s Journey
December 27-NO Godly Play
Bernie Hartsough has a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master s in Education. She is cer tified
in kindergarten, elementary and junior high. . She currently teaches second grade reading to gifted students in
the Gary public schools. She has been in the Episcopal church since age 11, and has taught Sunday School
since she was 14. She is certified in Godly Play and Bernie is now Director of Christian Formation.
Children & Youth Programs
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#standrewsignite on Twitter and Instagram
IGNITE is the re-launch of St. Andrew’s Youth Ministry!
Recognizing that God’s spirit burns within us and fuels our gifts and passions, IGNITE seeks to do just that:
set youth hearts on fire to live out the Gospel. Bernie Hartsough, Angie Crossin and their “fired-up” team
have planned a series of activities through the rest of 2015 including TORCH TALKS: opportunities to put
the fire into a guiding light TORCH to lead youth.
THEME ACTIVITIES OR MUSIC/
& DATES
TRIPS
MEDIA
September
“Reflecting on
the Other.”
October
Teamwork
November
Serve others
December
Traditions,
Serve others
9/13 4:00pm Kickoff
Zao Island
9/20 4:00pm VU walking
tour of sculpture then
Shoe’s Pizza
9/27-Countyline Orchard
10/10 Harbor Mission
Sandwiches
10/24 Pumpkin carving
and bonfire
11/15 Ice Skating
11/16 500 Turkeys for the
needy
12/19 Caroling to shut-ins
of the church.
12/20 youth party
TORCH TALK
5 PM First Sunday of every month at
church; Bible Study to IGNITE and
light the path of your life.
“Ocean” and
“Heart of
Gold” by Fr.
Pontifex
9/13 DURING OUR KICKOFF
Youth Interest Survey Youth planning a worship
service
Bluefish
video
Oct 4 5:00om “Friends” part 1
& 2 Teen curriculum by
Bluefish TV video, discussion,
Bible study
TBD
TBD
Nov 1 5:00pm Friends part 3 &
4, short video, discussion and
Bible study
Dec 6 5:00 TORCH TALK # 3
TOPIC TBD
Donations needed for Christian Formation
AND….be sure to check out our NEW
12 black and white composition notebooks
YOUTH FOCUS bulletin board on the wall
small notebooks-4x6" lots
outside the youth room across from Fr.
5 packs various colored markers pencils(lots)
Roger’s office. It is our goal to give our
500
sandwich
size ziplock bags -50 gallon size ziplock bags
youth a place of their own (in the youth
10 lbs. Crayola airdry clay (white or terra cotta)
room) AND a medium for the congregation
500 post-it-notes
to get to know who are active youth are and
3 crib sheets for a pack and play
what they are contributing to the
electric pencil sharpener
community. Welcome St. Andrew’s youth to
Many, many boatloads of prayer
the inspiring 2015/16 IGNITE SEASON.
And carloads of smiles and blessings!
There are 7 copies of the IGNITE logo scattered and hidden throughout the CRIER. The color of the logo
may make it blend in, but the outline of the word IGNITE is there. Be the first to text Bernie Hartsough the
four locations and you win a free itunes card.