Called to Worship. Sent to Witness. Led to Welcome. | | From the Senior Warden of the Vestry | | |
An Invitation to a Holy Hike
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” ––John Muir
As Father Gary continues his Sabbatical, we will have the opportunity on Sunday, June 7 to join him – although we won’t actually be together. Throughout the summer, Father Gary is intentionally engaging in prayer, pilgrimage and sabbath. We hope that as a parish we can come alongside him in these practices as well. The Holy Hike at Conestee Nature Preserve provides us this opportunity.
During the Holy Hike, we will practice Sabbath by intentionally stepping away from the constant distractions of phone and the expectations of being available at all times so we can be fully present to God and to each other. Pilgrimage is embodied in the Holy Hike by embracing the contemplative practice of slowly walking a familiar (or unfamiliar) path. Our minds, body and soul experiencing the journey simultaneously, make us more open to God and more available to our companions who travel with us.
As we journey together, we will commune with God through prayer –– both corporately through the structured worship and through our individual conversations and meditations on God.
There is something sacred about being in nature. Many of us would say that we feel closest to God hiking in the vast outdoors, removing the distractions of this daily life, slowing down, and taking in the beauty of the earth. Add to the beauty of the natural world the opportunity to read scripture, join in prayer, and celebrate the eucharist and all our senses become engaged –– fully experiencing the presence of God together.
Our youth have been making this spiritual stroll through the breathtaking Conestee Nature Preserve for the past several years, typically as our April youth activity. On Mother Molly’s first youth group experience just a few short weeks ago we made this journey. Following the eucharistic journey, she asked our youth what their most enjoyable youth activities are. Many of our youth included the Conestee hike on the list.
Following up with some of our youth this week, I asked what is it about the Holy Hike at Conestee that makes it so enjoyable? Their answers range from getting to enjoy nature, see beautiful views, hang out with friends, get exercise and celebrate communion. Faith is being shaped through this activity in meaningful ways!
Conestee Nature Preserve is a uniquely special place. Located near the heart of Greenville, you can be surrounded by hundreds of acres of natural habitats and encounter the wild animals that call them home. Our family loves Conestee. Dan often goes on runs, I enjoy long walks, and we often go for a family walk when our sons, daughters-in-law, and grandson are home!
On Sunday afternoon I invite you to join Father Gary in spirit and our St. Andrew’s family as we engage in prayer, pilgrimage and sabbath together. Mother Molly will lead us on this worship-filled trek with the eucharist celebrated in the beauty of creation. What I know to be true is that as John Muir so eloquently states –– “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
— Leigh Randall, Senior Warden of the Saint Andrew's Vestry (2026)
| | Worship & Formation Schedule with Links | | |
Sunday, June 7 - The Second Sunday after Pentecost
8:30 AM Low Mass, Rite II, with Hymns
10:30 AM Sung High Mass, Rite I (livestream available)
Wednesday, June 10 - The Feast of Saint Barnabas (observed)
5:30 PM Healing Mass, Rite II
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| Prayer Requests & Resources | |
The following people have been commended
to the prayers of the parish:
| Bambi, Bob, Brian, Charlie, Chuck, Cleve, Don, Douglas, Holly, Jerry, Jim, Jodi, Joyce, Lyra, Margaret Lee, Margaret, Marvin, Mary, Nancy, Patt, Robin, Sarah, Shawn, Sylvia, Terry, Theresa, and Wade | | |
To add someone to the Parish Prayer List, please contact the office.
To add someone to the Daughters of the King prayer list, please e-mail dok@standrewsgreenville.org
There is also wooden box in the Narthex where you can fill out prayer cards.
The Daughters will add your names to their prayers.
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6/3 Archer Woodard
6/13 Tim Cardillo
6/14 Kate Whitmire
6/14 Reagan Wickman
6/15 Denise Blauch
6/15 Sheila Manchester
6/17 Maggie Pierson
6/18 Sandy Bridgforth
6/25 Michael Delello
6/27 Laura Carlson
6/30 Star Broyles
6/30 Linda Fitzsimmons
6/30 Davis Roeske
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Welcoming Leslie Boyette, Interim Organist & Choirmaster | This Sunday, June 7, Both Masses
Leslie Boyette will officially begin his time as our new Interim Organist & Choirmaster tomorrow, Friday June 5! To celebrate his arrival, please plan to join us Sunday, June 7 to formally welcome Leslie as he leads us on the organ at both masses. We will also have a special coffee hour reception following the 10:30 Mass. We look forward to this opportunity to receive Leslie and to celebrate his partnership in ministry at Saint Andrew’s!
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Saint Andrew’s Book Club | This Sunday, June 7 | 12:45 PM | At the Home of Kay Friddle
Join us this Sunday, June 7 for our monthly bookclub! We will gather at Kay Friddle's home (4 Phillips Trl. Greenville, SC, 29609) to discuss Ordinary Grace by Ken Kruegar. Please contact Kay with any questions or to RSVP.
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Practicing Pilgrimage: Holy Hike at Conestee Nature Preserve | This Sunday, June 7 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM
This Sunday, June 7, all are invited to gather at Conestee Nature Preserve for a Holy Hike. Mtr. Molly will lead us on a hike with several stops to celebrate the mass over the course of the journey. This event is open to all ages; participants under 17 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. We will meet at 5:00 PM at the Pavilion by the Playground at the Main Entrance (at 840 Mauldin Road).
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Nehemiah Action Celebration | June 11 | 6:30 PM | Jubilee Baptist Church
Members of Saint Andrew's are invited to attend the GOAL Justice Celebration on June 11th at Jubilee Baptist Church (525 Old Rutherford Rd, Taylors, SC) at 6:30 PM. Members of 37 congregations will gather for this exciting event to celebrate the work of GOAL Justice this year.
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Change in June Vestry Meeting | Wednesday, June 17 | Parish Hall
Due to Father’s Day, the June Vestry meeting has been moved up to Wednesday, June 17 at 6:30 PM.
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Garden Crew | June 20 | 9 - 11 AM
Join our Garden Crew on Saturday, June 20 as we continue to care for the garden and grounds of Saint Andrew’s. All experience levels are welcome. If you do not have yard tools to bring, we will have extra tools available. Contact Annette Geraghty with any questions!
| | Save the Date! | Parish Summer Potluck | Sunday, July 12 | Following 10:30 AM Mass | Parish Hall | | Join us Sunday, July 12 following the 10:30 AM Mass to celebrate the anniversary of Saint Andrew's first worship service! This potluck lunch will be a fun time of celebration. We will provide fried chicken and drinks for everyone. Please plan to bring a dish – casserole, vegetable, other side item, or dessert – to share! Contact Riley Owens with any questions. | | |
Save the Date!
- Backpack Blessing Sunday | Sunday, August 9 | During 10:30 Mass
- Youth Back to School Bowling Gathering | Sunday, August 23
- Annual Pledge Campaign Kick-off | October 4
- Bishop's Visitation | November 1
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A Note on Parish Name Tags
If do not have a name tag, have misplaced yours, or need something changed, or if you requested a name tag previously but have not seen it on the board, please let email Frances Twomey, our Director of Communications.
Thank you for helping us build a more connected and hospitable parish!
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New Saint Andrew’s Parish Directory Available
The 125th Anniversary Edition of Saint Andrew’s Parish Directory now available. Please let us know if you have not gotten your copy yet! You can pick up one per household from the Parish Office.
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Coffee Hour
Volunteers Needed!
Please consider volunteering to assist with refreshments and set up for our coffee hour fellowship following the 10:30 AM Mass. A sign up sheet can be found on the “Welcome” bulletin board in the Parish Hall or online at the link below.
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UPDATED: Parking at Saint Andrew's
For detailed parking instructions, click here.
***PLEASE NOTE - West End Baptist Church, which owns the parking lot around Saint Andrew's, has reduced the parking lot area available on Sundays to the area closer to South Main Street--with the back part of the parking lot (against Rhett Street) no longer available. As a result, please enter the parking lot via South Main Street. The map linked below has been updated to reflect that change.***
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Note: You need a parking decal to park in the designated lots. They can be found on the shelf to the left of the doors as you exit the church.
| Sunday Altar Flower and Presence Candle Dedications | |
On Sundays, we have the opportunity to offer a special dedication of the altar flowers or presence candle in honor, memory, or celebration of loved ones. The cost to the church for altar flowers is now $100 per Sunday, so we are suggesting that donations for dedicating altar flowers be in the range of $50 to $100 to help us cover those costs. The suggested donation for a presence candle dedication is $10.
If you would like to sign up for a Sunday, please see the sign up sheet on the bulletin in the Parish Hall or click on the button below. You may place a check in the offering plate with "Altar Flowers" or "Presence Candle" noted in the memo.
We will continue to only have Altar Flowers if someone has signed up and paid for the arrangements. As a result, we will need to know by the Tuesday prior to the upcoming Sunday if you would like to sign up.
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Invitation to Submit Future Parishioner Postings ...
If you have news of important milestones or work that you would like to share with the parish, please let us know!
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News from the Wider Church
and from Our Ministry Partners
| | Notes Along the Way | Culture, the Rule, and the Benedict Option | Back in the fall, I desperately wanted to argue with Wes Huff about the purpose of humanity after he became YouTube-famous and appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast. It was a great moment for cultural apologetics, but I wanted to respond to Huff's Baptist take with some Episcopal nuance. | | | Living the Reign | Your Diocesan Newsletter | | | Get Strategies and Workshop Ideas at The Learning Lab | Second Session, August 29! | You and your ministry team are welcome to join the Diocesan House at The Learning Lab - The Episcopal Operating System! Over the course of the next year, we'll provide experts in each field to discuss topics relevant to the operation of every congregation. | | | |
As we begin another summer season, we are grateful for the volunteers, donors, staff, and supporters who make this work possible. Thank you for being part of the Project Host family. We look forward to sharing stories, milestones, and plenty of smiles with you throughout the summer months. | | | |
Altar Guild Volunteers Needed
The Altar Guild is currently looking for people who may be interested in serving with them. If you are interested, or have questions, please reach out to Lesley Moore or Linda Fitzsimmons.
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Choir | Rehearsal on Sundays at 9:30 AM
We are always seeking additional volunteers for the Saint Andrew’s choir, which currently gathers on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM (and not on Wednesday evenings) to prepare the music for the 10:30 mass. This more limited time commitment provides an excellent opportunity for prospective new members to “try us out.” If you have questions, contact the Parish Office—or just show up on Sunday morning!
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Volunteers Needed
Feed Thy Neighbor
Founded in 2010, Feed Thy Neighbor is a cooperative effort of the Episcopal community in Greenville. Parish volunteers from Saint Andrew’s, St. Peter’s, St. James, and Christ Church feed the hungry each Saturday from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. We are seeking volunteers to help serve and clean up. Please contact the office if you would like to volunteer: office@standrewsgreenville.org.
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