St. Andrew's Online Giving Link | |  | |
The Call
The Newsletter
of
St. Andrew's
Episcopal Church
Centered in God,
Focused on Others
office@standrewshanover.org
www.standrewshanover.org
781-826-2062
The Rev'd Amy Whitcomb Slemmer, Esq., Rector
Suzanne Bunszel, Sr. Warden
Sean Glennon, Music Director
Joanne Bibeau, Administrative Assistant
Jesse Avellino, Sexton
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My Siblings in Christ,
It has been a whirlwind of a week! From memorials, to an ordination, to a pilgrimage to a favorite space – The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate, to a remarkable press conference and celebration for Episcopal City Mission. It has been my pleasure to join fellow parishioners in these spaces for celebrations and transformations. At each stop I have been impressed with the leaders with whom I’ve been in contact. Focused on their mission, on being generous hosts, on welcoming folks who knew what to expect and wonderfully guiding others who were new to the space or the event.
If you too are finding the return to a full Fall schedule challenging, perhaps this is a good week to remember that being prepared does not mean knowing exactly what will happen. Sometimes being prepared is arriving attentive, openhearted, and ready to meet the people and circumstances God places before us.
So, before we rush into whatever comes next, let us pray:
Gracious and loving God, in the fullness of these busy days, steady our hearts and quiet our minds. Give us what we need for what lies ahead—patience when plans change, wisdom when decisions arise, generosity toward those we encounter, and grace to notice the unexpected gifts along the way. Keep us grounded in the present rather than focused on what comes next that we miss the holiness of what is happening now. May we arrive fully present, prepared not for everything we imagine, but for whatever this day may bring. And through it all, remind us that we do not arrive alone: you are with us always. Amen+
Please find some schedule changes posted in the Call – the two courses that I had planned to begin next week will actually begin the week of Wednesday, September 30th and Thursday October 1st, so as to avoid conflicting with a pair of Diocesan events. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
I hope to see many of you on Saturday at Hanson Day, it will be lots of fun.
God’s Peace,
Amy+
| | | | OFFICE HOUR CHANGES FOR THIS WEEK ONLY | |
REMINDER: The office is open today, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
| | | | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026 | | |
Readings for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 20, Year A
Celebrant
Our celebrant will be Dane Ripellino. Dane was ordained September 15, 1979 . He worked with the Deaf and hearing impaired in his first ministry for several years. He served in parishes, and in pastoral counseling in different locations around the Boston area. This led to wanting additional education, and he received his doctorate in Clinical psychology, where he still works part-time.
He found his way to St.A's, via the power of God's Spirit, 9 years ago. The journey continues to unfold.
Dane shares that "it is a great gift and honor to be part of this loving community, and to support Amy in the sacramental ministry when needed."
Theme
God makes no sense/Endless Generosity
Music
This week, Claire DeCusati is our guest organist and leader of the choir. People will meet at 8:45 a.m. prior to the service to practice the music for Sunday.
Claire DeCusati holds a certificate in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College in New Jersey. A lifelong musician, she recently retired from full time music ministry from Pilgrim Church in Duxbury. Now she continues her music ministry by substituting for full time musicians who need time off. Claire has been a long-time member of the Boston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, where she held many positions over the years. She is passionate about involving young people in music. Claire’s other interests include needlepoint and gardening. She is a Principal Master Gardener with the Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association.
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Flowers
The flowers over the altar this Sunday will be provided in loving memory of Vernon "Vern" Gibson (October 26,1949 – September 9, 2024) by his wife Peggy and their family.
| | Facilities Reminder . . . | | "Last one out" please make sure the door near the baptismal font in the sanctuary is closed! | |
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GODLY PLAY - Come Wonder With Us
There is a place for your child here.
New and returning children (ages 3+) are warmly welcome.
Godly Play begins the first Sunday of October (10/4/26).
At 9:00 a.m. grownups bring their children directly to the Godly Play Room where we will begin our morning together.
While grownups head to worship, children enter a beautiful, welcoming space created especially for them.
Children come together to
Hear stories.
Ask big questions.
Wonder. Create. Pray.
And discover how much God loves them.
Each week, we hope children will come to know something that can shape a lifetime:
You are known.
You are loved by God.
You belong here.
After Godly Play, the children join their families in the church for announcements and Holy Communion, so that we end our Sunday morning together as one church family.
Curious? See Rev. Amy or any one of our ambassadors (Elizabeth Lehnertz, Ann Hunt, Linda Thurston, Sally Boutin, Suzanne Bunszel, Susan Soumah) after church any Sunday.
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The Parish Life Committee is working with our hospitality group in putting together our celebration and thank you to Sean Glennon who was our music director for 15 years.
Please plan on joining us on Saturday, September 26 at 5:00 p.m. for food, memories and fellowship to thank and honor Sean and his family.
See sign up sheets in parish hall or email Janet Keane at jkp482000@yahoo.com if you are able to contribute food to the potluck dinner.
Use this LINK to let us know if you will be attending.
Thank you!
| | INQUIRER'S CLASS – BECOMING EPISCOPALIAN | |
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A Six-Week Inquirers' Series
Growing in faith. Asking good questions. Finding your place in God's story.
Wednesdays • 7:00–8:30 p.m.
September 30 – November 4
Attend in person at St. Andrew's or online via Zoom.
We'll make it easy for everyone to participate, wherever you are.
Everyone is welcome. Whether you're discerning membership, preparing for Confirmation or Reception, or simply curious about the Episcopal Church, we'd be delighted to welcome you.
To register or learn more, please contact Rev. Amy.
See parish website for more details and to register. Can also use this LINK to sign up.
| | | | A CLASS FOR COUPLES:
THE ART OF BEING TOGETHER | |
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A Class for Couples:
This Fall we will spend 6 weeks focused on The Art of Being Together, and the joys and challenges of being part of a healthy couple. To love and be loved is among the greatest gifts and joys God offers and it isn’t easy. Beginning Thursday, October 1st at 7pm we’ll gather and discuss some of the fundamentals of building and maintaining a happy and healthy relationship. Whether you are dating, or married, blissfully happy or struggling to find a way forward, this class is for you. All are welcome.(Six Thursdays 7pm – 8:15pm in person or by Zoom). Please sign up HERE if you are interested and Reverend Amy will respond to any questions in advance.
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Are you a musician? Do you know one?
We seek a Director of Music who will partner with clergy and parish leadership to build upon a strong musical foundation while helping shape the next era of ministry at St. Andrew's.
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience
Part-Time (approximately 10-12 hours per week)
LINK to full description and application process
| | VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK! | |
- If you have some time on Thursday, September 17, 5-7pm we could use some help to prepare for the fair -- think moving items, cleaning, organizing, general "let's get ready". Come join us!
- First organizational meeting will take place Sunday, September 20 after service! Come learn more, share your ideas!
| | | | ST. ANDREW'S IN THE WORLD! | | | | Remembering 9/11 in Hanover. | | | | |
Join us on Saturday, September 19 (rain date 9/26/26) for Hanson Day! We will be Making Kindness Loud.
It is a fun family friendly event including a prize winning challenge:
Visit participating vendors → Complete the challenge → Get your card stamped → CONNECT 4 (or all)! Turn in card for prizes. At St. A's answer "What is one thing you can do this week to Make Kindness Loud?"
The event takes place at Indian Head Elementary, 726 Indian Head Street, Hanson MA, 10am to 2pm. See on the map -- St. A's location is at #59 so it is suggested that volunteers park on the School Street side of Indian Head School.
We are looking for volunteers to set up at 9:30 a.m., help at the table for any amount of time you are able during 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and clean up around 2:00 p.m.. Please use the sign up link to let us know when you can help out.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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This week, Claire DeCusati is our guest organist and leader of the choir. People will meet at 8:45 a.m. prior to the service to practice the music for Sunday.
| | | | SHORE TO SHORE: A JOURNEY OF FAITH & FRIENDSHIP | | |
A YOU(TH) GROUP!
Young People Change the World
Shore to Shore connects teenagers from Massachusetts to South Africa
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There are two ways to give and support this ministry. The first is to bring your spare change to church and drop it in one of the Shore to Shore change buckets (making a change with every gift!); the second is to give through the give butter platform – that link is here: please share it with your networks.
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We are excited to have the next celebration of Baptisms on Sunday, September 27th when we will baptize Theodore "Teddy" Hubbard White. This is a joyous occasion and is for anyone regardless of age, background or belief. If you or you have a loved one whom you wish to be baptized or you have any questions, please be in touch with Rev’d Amy. Looking further ahead, we will also be celebrating Baptisms on Sunday, November 1st.
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Check out our website at this LINK for the latest pictures that have been submitted.
| | Seeing the whale was amazing . . . the rainbow: a bonus gift from God! | | ST. ANDREW'S OUTREACH EFFORTS | | |
Thank you so much for the consistent donations that are making Hanover Food Pantry operations successful.
You are invited to join Rev’d Amy when she blesses the donations for the Food Pantry. She prays in thanksgiving for the donors, and for the health and wellbeing of the eventual recipients.
For the month of September we have been asked to collect cookies and "school snacks" of all kinds including gluten free and peanut free options.
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Help Us Support Dignity Matters
Our church is excited to begin supporting Dignity Matters, a Massachusetts nonprofit that provides free menstrual care products to women and girls experiencing homelessness or hardship. These essential items are rarely donated and often cannot be purchased with public benefits (like SNAP), yet they are critical to health, confidence, and basic dignity. Dignity Matters works with community partners throughout Massachusetts to get these necessities to those who need them most.
We now have a Dignity Matters collection bin at the church by the parish hall doors, and there are lots of ways to get involved! You can donate needed products, help hang flyers and spread the word in our community, or volunteer to transport our collected donations to the Dignity Matters warehouse in Westborough.
The warehouse is about an hour away and accepts drop-offs Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We anticipate needing a volunteer driver about once every other month, adjusting as we see how many donations we receive.
Dignity Matters also welcomes volunteers at its warehouse and other locations. We’re even hoping to organize a church “field trip” to the warehouse to see their work firsthand, so stay tuned!
Interested in helping or have questions? Please reach out to Elizabeth Lehnertz (774-999-9376). Learn more at Dignity Matters.
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Thursday, September 17, 5-7pm
Gathering to prepare for the Christmas Fair -- moving items, cleaning, organizing, general "let's get ready".
Saturday, September 19
Hanson Day
Indian Head School, 10am-2pm
Sunday, September 20
Organizational meeting for Christmas Fair after service
Tuesday, September 22, 7pm
online screening and conversation of "Jesus Was a Migrant"
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Saturday, September 26
Parish Life Gathering to honor and thank Sean Glennon for his 15+ years of amazing service to our parish. ALL invited to come join this celebration.
Sunday, September 27
Baptisms at 9:30 a.m. service
Becoming Episcopalian
Six Wednesdays • 7:00–8:30 p.m.
September 30 – November 4
Attend in person at St. Andrew's or online via Zoom
SIGN UP FORM HERE
Art of Being a Couple
Six Thursdays • 7:00-8:15 p.m.
October 1 -- November 5
Attend in person at St. Andrew's or online via Zoom
SIGN UP FORM HERE
Saturday, October 3
Duct Tape Committee meeting 9-11 a.m.
Sunday, October 4
- Blessing of the Animals at 9:30 a.m. service
- Parish Life Committee meeting
- Memorial service for pets who have passed at
4 p.m.
Sunday, October 11
Vestry Meeting, 11:15 am
Sunday, October 18
Shore to Shore 5 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, November 6 & 7
Annual Christmas Fair
Recurring events:
Sundays: 9:30am service; Pick Up Choir Practice 8:45 a.m.
| | | | DIOCESE OUTREACH AND LEADERSHIP | |
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The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts Office of Immigration & Multicultural Ministries, the Massachusetts Episcopal Network for Justice and Joy (ENJJOY), and Episcopal City Mission invite you to join us for an online screening and conversation of
JESUS WAS A MIGRANT
September 22 at 7pm
We will screen the film together online and then be led in conversation by The Rev. Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa, Th.D., Canon for Immigration & Multicultural Ministries. This is a chance for us to learn about one aspect of immigration, discuss our call as Christians in this moment, and hear about the work being done in our diocese and how we can support our immigrant neighbors. This is a FREE event but registration is required.
About the film: Dr. Jemar Tisby travels to the U.S.-Mexico border to examine the theological crisis at the heart of American Christianity — and what it means when a nation built on faith turns its back on the most vulnerable. A documentary about borders, belief, and what we owe each other. View the Trailer Here.
This is a FREE event but you must register in advance HERE. [When you register, put MASS in the discount field.]
If you have questions, please contact Rev. Dr. Ntagengwa at jbntagengwa@diomass.org or 617-482-4826 x400.
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EPISCOPAL CITY MISSION CHURCH CAPTAIN
St. Andrew’s is seeking a Church Captain to serve as a liaison with Episcopal City Mission, to keep us connected and updated around opportunities for learning and action related to immigrant justice, housing justice, and moving money faithfully to those most impacted by injustice. ECM builds relationships and collective power for racial and economic justice as the expression of God's transforming love. You can learn more about ECM at www.episcopalcitymission.org, and if you are interested in the position please be in touch with Rev. Amy at RevAmy@standrewshanover.org and ECM's Interim Director of Organizing, Hannah Hafter, at hannah@ecmteam.us.
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Have you considered Diocesan Leadership? Nominations are open and this is your opportunity to become a leader!
You are invited to consider serving in elected leadership roles in the Diocese. Positions include Standing Committee, General Convention alternates, Diocesan Disciplinary Board, Treasurer, Secretary, Cathedral Chapter, and other diocesan boards and committees. You can review the descriptions of the open positions here:
https://files.constantcontact.com/b96d4ee5001/0856b23d-eb01-4907-8a3e-a8537e9c3e75.pdf?rdr=true
Nominations must be submitted digitally by September 16, 2026. For more information or assistance with the nomination process, please contact the Rev. Andi Taylor, Chair of the Nominations Committee, at ataylor@stdavids4222.comcastbiz.net
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St. Andrew's would like the congregation to invite Jesus into their lives and into their homes. Find him in the sanctuary and you get to bring him home with you. Share your stories and pictures of your time with Jesus with the office (office@standrewshanover.org) so we can share them with all.
| | | | Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. | | | |
PRAYER LIST
Those in need: Christine, Derek & Kelly - Chuck F - Kevin S - Mary D - Libby Tolley - Rev. Patti – Penny - Carol & Twig - Monica - Patrick S - Louie - Betty G - John S - Sue Hislop - Carol and Chick Kastner - Edward “Ned” McCann - Sue G - Mary Robinson - Camdyn M - Matt - Aiden – safe return of Nancy Guthrie and The Guthrie Family - Eileen K - Patricia - Carol Ann - Link Family -- Stern Family -- Ben - Prescott and Mansfield families - Alec - Ann Ferzoco - Ellen Elliott -- Meredith C -- Greg Eaton - Nicol Family – John – Tracy Sprows – Dennis - Lee G – Don S – Pam E – Jan B – Leah – Katrina & Darren – Paul Nicol –Mark D – Art J – Matthew –Thomas & Gloria – Susannah L -- David – Paula – Bill – David H – Sharon M – Greyson - Rosie & Silva Family – Haley - Sarah – Valerie – Dennis -- Jesse on his seminary journey
Those who have died and their families and loved ones: Joan Dwyer - Dieter Braun - David Magraw - Celeste Hopkins – Richard Buonvicino - Joy Misek - Benjamin Tappa - Tiffany Gloria Malloy - Matilda Dale DiIorilo - Jimmy Tracy - James Busby
| | Each week this prayer list includes requests we have received through bulletin publication (Wednesday, noon). If you wish to add people to this list, please use the prayer board in the narthex or email office@standrewshanover.org or call the office or place a note on the offertory plate or give to an usher or to Rev. Amy at Sunday service. | |
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OFFICE HOURS:
MONDAY: Rector’s Sabbath
TUESDAY: 9:30 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M.
WEDNESDAY: 9:30 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M.
THURSDAY: Noon TO 6:00 P.M.
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Hybrid Worship Service
In person on Sundays at 9:30 A.M. and live streamed on our YouTube channel.
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