Building God's Kingdom through
Worship, Outreach and Fellowship
Harmony of the Lessons
How many times has a sordid story such as this been repeated in history? King David, with his total power over people, moved them around like chess pieces. He sent his general, Uriah, into battle with the hope he would not live. Then he could seemingly innocently marry Uriah’s widow. So easy, so manipulative, so destructive.
 
The prophet Nathan calls David out in no uncertain terms and pronounces God’s harsh judgment. That is the Old Testament reading this Sunday. The psalm that follows it is David’s response to that judgment. “Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness…” This is the familiar psalm that is read by everyone on Ash Wednesday.
 
Sometimes there is a harmony connecting our Bible readings. Look for that; it creates a richer church experience.
 
Brad Norris, Minister of Music
Office closed today for Team Appreciation Day

To honor and thank our talented and hardworking staff, Anne established an annual Team Appreciation Day as a time for fellowship, fun, and relaxation. This year the staff will enjoy breakfast together in Hampton before taking a ride on the Miss Hampton Harbor Cruise. So that every member of the staff team can participate, the office will be closed today, July 28 and there will be no Healing service.
This Sunday

Hunter Rue Sopko, daughter of Rachael and Caulen Sopko, will be baptized this Sunday, August 1, at the 10:30 AM service. Join us as we welcome Hunter Rue into the household of God!

Also this Sunday we welcome Matthew Frey as the guest organist at the 10:30 AM service. Many thanks to Matthew for filling in while Brad is away.
New Lending Library Available at St. Andrew’s

Our Response to Racism Team has been busy assembling books to loan to parishioners to help us all further our understanding of people's diverse backgrounds and experiences. One of our Vestry’s goals for this year is to focus on impacting social injustice. You are always invited to come to our Responding to Racism meetings, so please put us on your calendar; but even if you can’t attend a meeting, please come to the labeled shelf in the parish library and check out one of our books.
St. Andrew’s Outreach Center makes a difference in the lives of children
One of our Outreach Center tenants is Families in Transition (FIT). FIT offers children from the neighboring community a safe and encouraging place for virtual learning. “In the last year there have been five shootings and one stabbing in the community these children call home,” said Maura Hampton, program director. “There is no way I can possibly communicate what our program meant to these children, and their parents, in the midst of this increased violence.”
 
St. Andrew’s Outreach Center helps to make it possible for FIT to provide this programming – art and STEM projects, Bible study, snacks, and a home base for field trips, including Monty’s for ice cream!
 
“We aren’t in a bad place here,” said one student. “When we’re at our houses, there’s a lot of noise. I actually get help here. They make sure I’m okay and believe in me a lot. They also make me finish my work – but in a good way,” said another. 
 
Learn more about FIT at www.fitnn.org.
Feed my lambs, tend my sheep: Let's fill up St. Nicholas Chapel!
Please remember to bring a canned vegetable, soup, fruit, meat, and pasta; a box of cereal, pasta, and crackers; or a jar of peanut butter or jelly each Sunday. Specific needs are: canned tomato sauce, carrots, peas, baked beans, pork & beans, fruit; packages of pudding; and boxed or packaged mashed potatoes.  
St. Andrew's conducts annual Safe Church audit

St. Andrew's is committed to providing a safe environment for all God's children, young and old. Each year, we conduct a Safe Church audit to ensure our compliance with diocesan policies, which includes informing the congregation that there are procedures for responding to concerns and/or incidents of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Copies of these procedures and contact information are available in the hallway info section outside the church office and can be provided upon request. You are encouraged to take advantage of familiarizing yourself with these policies and procedures so that we all do our part in keeping the most vulnerable among us safe.
Receiving Communion while worshipping virtually
If you would like to partake of communion at home while participating in the service virtually, you can call Bill Wilds (880-5460) during the week from 9:00 AM to noon and make an appointment to come and pick up consecrated communion kits for your family to use during the following Sunday’s service. 
Please remember to create/designate a “holy place” in your home to store the consecrated Body and Blood between the time you pick it up and Sunday morning.
Upcoming at St. Andrew’s
The church calendar is available on our website here.

Wednesday, July 28
No Eucharist with Healing Prayer due to office closure for Team Appreciation Day
5:15 PM - Centering Prayer (Parish Library)

Thursday, July 29
7:30 AM - Centering Prayer (Parish Library)
7:00 PM - Responding to Racism Team (Parish Hall)

Sunday, August 1
8:00 AM - Holy Eucharist (in person)
10:30 AM - Baptism & Holy Eucharist (in person and live-streamed)

Tuesday, August 3
1:00 PM - Crafters (Parish Library)

Wednesday, August 4
11:00 AM - Holy Eucharist with Healing Prayer
5:15 PM - Centering Prayer (Parish Library)

Thursday, August 5
7:30 AM - Centering Prayer (Parish Library)
2:00 PM - Service at The Chesapeake (hosted by St. John's)
We're here for you!

What if I need to reach the parish clergy or staff?
You can reach us by email, even if we are working from home. Please make note of our NEW email addresses:

What if I have a pastoral emergency or know of someone else who is ill?
Call or text Anne directly at 804-687-5396.