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Called to Worship. Sent to Witness. Led to Welcome.
| | From the Interim Choirmaster/Organist | | |
A Brief History of Singing in the Christian Church
When did choral singing first begin in the Christian church? Would you be surprised to know that it dates back to at least the 4th century, following the legal recognition of Christianity in the Roman Empire under Constantine? The oldest surviving notated choral music comes from the Delphic hymns in Greece from the 2nd century B.C. The Bible offers some examples of singing in the church: the dedication of Solomon’s Temple (II Chronicles 5:12-14) and King David’s organization of temple musicians (I Chronicles 15:16-24 and 25:1-7).
For many centuries, choral singing was confined to singing plainsong in unison (can you think of an example of this that you can hear our St. Andrew’s Choir sing every Sunday morning?) When polyphony (singing in parts) first appeared, its complexity required soloists to interpret. Around 1430, Italian manuscripts hinted that music was sung in sections by different voice parts, alternating between soloists and the full choir. Music for divided choirs was developed in the early 16th century.
In the Anglican tradition, choral music began during the English Reformation in the 16 century, when services shifted from Latin to English under Thomas Cranmer. He created new daily services of Morning Prayer (“Mattins”) and Evening Prayer (“Evensong”) in the mid-16th century by combining older monastic offices. Early Tudor composers such as Thomas Tallis (c. 1505 – 1585) adapted Gregorian chant into simple four-part harmonies, creating forms of “Anglican chant” to be used for singing Psalms and canticles. Hymn singing in churches originated from the Jewish tradition of chanting Psalms and early New Testament worship practices. The earliest hymns date back to the 7th century B.C., but our modern hymn singing was actually a result of a movement in the church during the Middle Ages. Music in the service at that time was often quite elaborate: sung by a multi-part choir, typically in Latin, this part of the service was a time of quiet observation and reflection. As the Protestant Reformation began, worship (hymn singing) was brought back to the people.
With the growth of the church, the 18th century brought about some of the most beautiful and well-known hymns: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” or “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.” These were devotional, doctrinal, and deeply rooted in Scripture. We have a meaningful tradition of choral singing in the Christian church.
How can we keep from singing!
Yours In faith,
Leslie Boyette
| | Worship & Formation Schedule with Links | | |
Sunday, September 13 - The Sixteeth Sunday after Pentecost
8:30 AM Low Mass, Rite II
10:30 AM Sung High Mass, Rite I (livestream available)
Wednesday, September 16 - The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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:
| Amanda, Bob, Brian, Carl, Charlie, Chuck, Cleve, Don, Doug, Drew, George, Jackie, Jan, Jim, Jodi, Joe, John, Joyce, Malachi, Margaret Lee, Margaret, Marvin, Mary, Nancy, Patt, Sarah, Shawn, Sylvia, Ted, 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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9/3 Laura Rhodes
9/6 Sheri Blackshire
9/7 West Brunson
9/7 Annette Geraghty
9/7 Alec Honohan
9/8 Emily Zaino
9/8 Quentin Wooten
9/10 Robert Boggs
9/11 Isaac Cooke
9/13 Kevin Landmesser
9/15 Jodi Coburn
9/15 Daniel Hunt
9/15 Rusty Infinger
9/15 Linda Considine
9/16 Räkan Smith
9/18 Lollie Harper
9/19 Charles Shields
9/20 Weylin Brown
9/20 June Santilli
9/20 Jenna Henderson
9/21 Eliza Eichelberger
9/22 Merrie Clark
9/22 Willam Jornov
9/23 Stephen Bolle
9/23 Paul Brunson
9/23 Sebastian Herr
9/23 Macie Carlson
9/24 Andrew Ross
9/24 Porter Whitmire
9/26 Todd Miller
9/27 Judi Gregory
9/27 Earle Gregory
9/27 John Fenn
9/28 Stefan Herr
9/29 Sonya Vehorn
9/30 Lee Gray
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Parish Office Update
Due to recent staff changes, the Parish Office will be open weekly from 9 AM - 12 Noon, Tuesdays through Thursdays, until further notice.
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Choir Rehearsal Schedule
Starting Sunday, the choir will begin rehearsal at 9:00 AM in the Parish Hall before moving to the sanctuary at 9:30 AM for the remaining time. Mid-week rehearsals continue on Thursdays at 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall. If you have any questions, please email Leslie.
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Requiem Mass for Riley Owens | September 12 | 1 PM
A Requiem Mass will be held for our beloved friend, Riley Owens, this Saturday at 1:00 PM. Given this loss to our parish, there is abundant opportunity for us to help shoulder hospitality responsibilities that Riley so faithfully carried at Saint Andrew's. If you are interested in honoring Riley in this way and assisting at the reception, please reach out to Patty Slay.
| Day of Discernment Set for September 12 | Is God calling you to ministry? Take an enriching journey into the day-to-day experience for people being called by God into either ordained ministry or lay ministry. The Day of Discernment is the first step along a years-long path toward ministry. This discovery day is an opportunity to ask questions and gather information in a no-pressure environment. | | | |
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for 3-to-9-Year- Olds | This Sunday | 9:30 AM | The Atrium (upstairs in the Parish Hall)
We are delighted to embark on our third full academic year of offering Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to some of our youngest parishioners. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to Christian formation that builds upon Montessori methods of learning — starting with a fundamental awareness that a deep bond between God and each child already exists. This relationship produces a desire to draw ever closer to God. Within Catechesis, we seek to nourish and encourage this desire for deeper relationship—drawing forth joy and wonder in the child (and in the adults who get to be a part of this good work!). If you have any questions, feel free to speak with Laura Rhodes or Cheryl Banks, our lead catechists. All children will need updated forms. Please email the completed forms to formation@standrewsgreenville.org. There will also be printed forms available on Sunday.
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September Youth LEAF Gathering | September 13 | 4 PM | Episcopal Church of the Advent, Spartanburg
Our September youth gathering will be with the Large Episcopal Area Fellowship this Sunday at 4 PM at Episcopal Church of the Advent in Spartanburg. If you are interested in attending, please email formation@standrewsgreenville.org or reach out to Mother Molly+.
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Clergy Led Bible Study | Tuesdays | 4 PM | Parish Hall
Clergy-Led Bible Study continues Tuesdays, weekly at 4 PM. All are welcome to join us as we continue in our study of the Gospel of Matthew. If you haven't already, sign up below to receive emails about Bible Study.
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Confirmation Class| Wednesdays, September 16 - October 21| Parish Hall
Interested in learning more about our the bible, church history, and teachings of the church? Join us for Confirmation classes beginning Wednesday September 16, 2026. Confirmation is a sacramental rite in the Episcopal Church, in which an individual "express(es) a mature commitment to Christ, and receive(s) strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (Book of Common Prayer, p. 860). Confirmation is a wonderful opportunity to reaffirm the faith professed in baptism, and to develop friendships with fellow companions in the journey of faith. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mother Molly+.
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Monthly Mass at Woodlands | Thursday, September 17 | 1 PM | Community Village Room
The third Thursday of each month, our priests preside over a monthly service of Holy Eucharist at the Woodlands Retirement Community at Furman. If you have friends or family members residing at the Woodlands who might want to participate, feel free to share this information with them. If you are interested in assisting with the mass, please let one of our priests know.
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Garden Crew | Saturday, September 19 | 9 - 11 AM | Parish Grounds
Join our Garden Crew next Saturday, September 19 for our monthly gathering as we tend to the garden and grounds of Saint Andrew's.
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CHANGE OF DATE!
Fall Choir Kick-Off Party | September 19 |
Home of Dan Hunt
Join us September 19 at 5 PM for a choir kick-off Party at the home of Dan Hunt (813 Pope Field Road, Easley, SC 29642). We will provide BBQ, and have a sign-up sheet for attendees to bring side dishes. If you need transportation, let Leslie know! Spouses/Partners welcome. Please invite anyone you think would be interested in joining the Choir! This is a wonderful opportunity to fellowship, eat, and get to know other members of the choir.
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Fall Newcomers Gathering at the Rector's House| September 20 | 5-7 PM |
All newcomers, both recent visitors and new members, are invited to a casual get together with the vestry, our clergy, staff, and leaders of various church ministries. Join us the evening of Sunday, September 20, at the home of our rector, Fr. Gary, and his wife, Kacey.
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Saint Andrew's Choir Retreat | October 10 | 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM | Christ Church Episcopal |
Join us on October 10 at Christ Church Episcopal for our Choir Retreat! We will gather from 10 AM to 2:30 PM - lunch will be provided. The day will be led by Chase McAbee, Assistant Parish Musician at Christ Church! This will be a time of working on a few upcoming anthems, improving our musicianship, and having fun together! If you need transportation, please let Leslie Boyette know. A signup sheet will be available later this month.
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SAVE THE DATE! Rebuild Upstate Work Day | October 31
Our Rebuild Upstate fall build day is on October 31 (spooky!) We will start at 8:30 AM and work until 2:30 PM. If you are considering serving on the Saint Andrews work team, or if you have any questions about the day, please email Ellen Mays. More details coming soon.
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Additional Future Events
- 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 | The Away Game - Campus Ministry | Two. The young adults who were active in church had maintained connection through college with the instructional church, doing ministry with others through campus ministries. They did not always stay with Episcopal campus ministries , but they stayed connected with faith organizations that represent the church. | | | Living the Reign | Your Diocesan Newsletter | on mobile, please rotate your phone to a landscape orientation for best display experience. | | | From Episcopal Relief and Development... | Donate to International Disaster Fund for Venezuela | Give urgent support to families and communities impacted by disasters like the Venezuelan earthquakes by supporting Episcopal Relief & Development's International Disaster Fund. | | | 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. | | | |
CC Pearce Culinary School class! We are excited to welcome our newest group of students as they begin their six-week journey of building culinary skills, gaining confidence, and preparing for new opportunities. We can't wait to see all that this class accomplishes. | | | |
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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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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