Called to Worship. Sent to Witness. Led to Welcome. | | Becoming a Place Where Curiosity about God & Commitment to a Life of Discipleship Are Fed & Fostered | |
Several years ago, in November 2021, at the Annual Parish Meeting that followed upon my fifth anniversary as your Rector, we reflected on what we might hope the next five years would look like.
One of the goals that we discussed was that, through expanded formation offerings for parishioners of all ages, we might become known as a place "where curiosity about God and commitment to a life of discipleship are fed and fostered."
Specifically, we talked about three ways that we might realize that goal:
First, by establishing a regular weekly Bible study where we would continuously build upon our knowledge about and love of Holy Scripture - You would find solid evidence that we are living into this goal if you stumbled upon the Parish Hall at 4 PM this past Tuesday. For there we sat at crowded tables in our Parish Hall as we read together through Chapter 32 of Genesis and pondered the mystery of Jacob's wrestling with a divine being through the night as he camped upon the precipice of the land of his ancestors. We will be back at it again next Tuesday as we conclude the Jacob Narrative within Genesis and prepare to enter the Joseph Narrative.
Second, by reestablishing regular Sunday morning formation for our youngest parishioners (as well as expanding our ministry to younger parishioners more generally) - This Sunday, you will find this goal being embodied as we gather with our 3-to-9-year-olds in The Atrium for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd -- and continue to encounter God and reflect upon our faith in that holy space. You can read more about Catechesis in the Announcements below. I also look forward to many other opportunities to broaden these offerings in the months ahead.
Third, through expanded parish workshops, teaching series, and seasonal offerings that draw upon the rich theological, spiritual, and intellectual resources of the worldwide Anglican Communion - This Saturday and Sunday, we will be treated to just such an experience as we welcome The Reverend Dr. Ben King, a scholar of church history, back to Saint Andrew's. If you haven't already signed up to join us for the dinner and talk at 5:30 PM on Saturday night, I encourage you to do so. When I last checked there were still a few spots available. (More details in the Announcements below.) If you are not able to be with us on Saturday (or if it fills up before you can register), then come here Dr. King preach on Sunday.
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In summary, I am excited about this new year of learning and growing together as we continue to become known as a place "where curiosity about God and commitment to a life of discipleship are fed and fostered" as we "continue in the apostles teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers."
Grace & Peace,
Gary+
| | Worship & Formation Schedule with Links | | |
Saturday, September 6
5:30 PM - Dinner & Lecture with Dr. Ben King
Sunday, September 7 - The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Dr. Ben King, guest preacher
8:30 AM Low Mass, Rite II
9:30 AM Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
10:30 AM Sung High Mass, Rite I, (livestream available)
Tuesday, September 9
4:00 PM Clergy-Led Bible Study
Wednesday, September 10 - The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (observed)
5:30 PM Healing Mass, Rite II
| | Prayer Requests & Resources | |
The following people have been commended
to the prayers of the parish:
| Bobbie, Bob, Brian, Charlie, Chuck, Deirdre, Dick, Don, Esley, Jim, Jodi, Joyce, Lyra, Margaret Lee, Margaret, Marvin, Mary, Nancy, Patt, Robin, Shawn, Sylvia, Wade, and Winona | | |
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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9/2 Sheri Blackshire
9/3 Laura Rhodes
9/7 Annette Geraghty
9/7 West Brunson
9/7 Alec Honohan
9/8 Emily Zaino
9/10 Robert Boggs
9/11 Isaac Cooke
9/13 Kevin Landmesser
9/15 Daniel Hunt
9/15 Jodi Coburn
9/15 Linda Considine
9/15 Rusty Infinger
9/16 Räkan Smith
9/18 Lollie Harper
9/19 Charles Shields
9/20 Weylin Brown
9/20 Jenna Henderson
9/20 June Santilli
9/21 Eliza Eichelberger
9/22 Merrie Clark
9/23 Stephen Bolle
9/23 Paul Brunson
9/23 Macie Carlson
9/23 Sebastian Herr
9/24 Porter Whitmire
9/24 Andrew Ross
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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Upcoming Anniversary Special Events:
- Saturday, September 6 | 5:30 PM | Dinner & Lecture | Parish Dinner followed by Dr. Ben King’s talk on ongoing significance of the Oxford Movement
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Sunday, September 7 | At Both Masses | Guest Preacher, The Rev’d Dr. Ben King, Professor of Church History at Seminary of the Southwest
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Sunday, October 19 | At Both Masses | Guest Preacher & Celebrant, The Rev'd Trey Garland, Former Rector
- All Saints Sunday, November 2 | At Both Masses | Guest Preacher, The Right Rev'd Dorsey Henderson, Former Bishop of Upper South Carolina
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Sunday, November 16 | Feast of Saint Andrew & Annual Parish Meeting
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The Rev. Dr. Ben King Joins Us This Weekend
As we continue our 125th Anniversary celebrations, The Rev. Dr. Ben King joins us this weekend. See below for more details, and be sure to register for the Dinner and Lecture on Saturday evening if you plan to come!
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for 3-to-9-Year- Olds | Starts Back This Sunday | 9:30 AM | The Atrium (upstairs in the Parish Hall)
We are delighted to be embarking on our second full academic year of offering Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to some of our youngest parishioners.
For those who have not experienced it yet, 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, and this relationship produces, in the child, a desire to draw ever closer to God. With Catechesis, we seek to nourish and encourage that desire for deeper relationship—drawing forth both 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 Fr. Gary or Cheryl Banks, who will continue to serve as our lead catechists this year. The email to parents of children ages 3 to 9 went out earlier this week, and it included the necessary forms. That email can be viewed here.
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Saint Andrew’s Book Club | September 7 | 1 PM
Saint Andrew’s Book Club will meet on September 7 in the Parish Hall following coffee hour. This month’s book for discussion is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. If you would like to learn more about the club, please plan to join the discussion. Alternatively, feel free to speak to or email Annette Geraghty annv51@yahoo.com.
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Clergy-Led Bible Study
Tuesday September 2 | 4 PM | Parish Hall
Our weekly clergy-led study of Genesis meets on Tuesdays at 4 PM.
| | ECW Fall Kickoff | Tuesday, September 9 | 6 to 8 PM | | ECW (Episcopal Church Women) starts back September 9 in the Parish Hall from 6-8 PM. As we begin a new year, we invite you to join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and visioning together. We’ll enjoy a provided meal of Greek dinner salads and dessert (with vegetarian options available) as we share conversation and make plans for the next year of building and supporting our community. In lieu of bringing food, please consider bringing a donation for the food pantry. | |
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West End Neighborhood Association Meeting Moved
Monday, September 15 | 6:15 PM
Due to the Labor Day Holiday, the West End Neighborhood Association has moved their monthly meeting to Monday, September 15th, from 6:15- 7:45 PM.
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Newcomers Gathering at the Rector's House
Sunday, September 21 | 5-7 PM
All newcomers, both recent visitors and new members, are invited to a casual get together with the vestry, Father Gary, and leaders of various church ministries, on the evening of Sunday, September 21, at the Eichelbergers’ house. RSVP to office@standrewsgreenville.org or online.
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September Youth Gathering | Large Episcopal Area Fellowship | Sunday, September 29 | 5-7 PM
Grace Episcopal Church, Anderson
For our September Youth Gathering, we will join up with other Episcopal youth from across the Upstate for a time of fun, food, and fellowship. More details to come.
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Parish Office Update
With our new parish staff, we have adjusted the Parish Office hours going forward. The regular hours for the Parish Office will be Tuesday to Friday from 9 AM to 2 PM. The Parish Office will be generally closed on Mondays, which is also Fr. Gary’s weekly day off. As a reminder, our new Parish Administrator, Miranda Mason, manages the daily operations of the parish office. She manages finances, facility scheduling, parish records, and most items concerning daily parish operations. She can be reached at office@standrewsgreenville.org. Our new Director of Communications, Frances Twomey, is responsible all parish communications, including the weekly bulletin, The Call, our website, social media, and printed publications. Frances can be reached at info@standrewsgreenville.org.
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Additional Upcoming Events:
- September 26-27 | Project Host BBQ Cook-Off
- Sunday, October 5 | Annual Pledge Campaign Kick-Off
- Sunday, October 5 | Blessing of the Animals | 4 PM
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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
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Living the Reign | Your Diocesan Newsletter | Have you or do you currently serve as a faith community nurse, parish nurse, or mental or emotional support for a parish in our diocese? Whether that role was a paid staff position or a volunteer role, we want to hear from you! | | | |
Notes Along the Way | Unpossessed | When Ben (not his real name) came to tell me about it, he confessed that he had assaulted both another protester and a police officer and vandalized something I no longer recall. He had done it and was convinced he was right both about the issue and the violence, despite also knowing that he was against violence. | | | |
Fall Updates for Diocesan Youth & Young Adult Ministries | | | |
September 2025 Newsletter | 🔥 Friday Night, Sept 26 | 6-10 PM Kick off the fun with the "Anything Butt" competition-where cooks bring their best non-BBQ dishes to the table! Enjoy incredible eats while rocking out toHot Yoga Band , plus a raffle, kids zone, and plenty of festival vibes.*Event Sponsors: Join us for an exclusive VIP party in the 500 Club featuring specialty cocktails, delicious food, and more. | | | | From Centering Prayer and Parishioner Cynthia Fore ... | |
Centering Prayer Workshop | October 11, 2025 |
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Clemson
This fall, parishioner Cynthia Fore is presenting the "Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop" at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Clemson. Additional information and RSVP details can be found below.
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A Benefit for Soteria CDC | October 23, 2025
Soteria CDC has been advocating for economic and social justice for individuals and families impacted by the criminal justice system for 26 years. Through housing, education, employment, advocacy, and affirmation, Soteria provides support and opportunities for previously incarcerated individuals to thrive. On October 23rd, 2025, Soteria will host their annual fundraiser and celebration. The evening will feature storytelling, art, and music that unite the community in honoring the dignity of reentry, expressing gratitude for those who support their mission, and looking toward the work ahead.
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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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