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The Call
The Newsletter
of
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Centered in God, Focused on Others
office@standrewshanover.org
www.standrewshanover.org
781-826-2062
The Reverend Amy Whitcomb Slemmer, Esq., Rector
Linda Gelinas, Sr. Warden
Sean Glennon, Music Director
Joanne Bibeau, Administrative Assistant
Jesse Avellino, Sexton
Courtney Hill, Sunday School Director
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Beloved Community,
How is your Lent going? Have you found a way to be mindful, or are the days slipping by without you choosing a habit to embrace or eschew? On Sunday we welcomed our new season with new hymns and a reminder of God’s commands to us – we read the Decalogue responsively. We also confessed our sins against God and our neighbors. It was a beautiful service that included a procession of our children and young people delivering our Hanover Food Pantry gifts to the altar so that God could bless them and we could bless and pray for their recipients.
This Sunday, we will reflect on Jesus’ fearless response to Harrod and his lament about humanity. We will continue with our Lenten observance with a sung Lord’s Prayer and the choir’s sung litany.
Our inaugural Inquirer’s Classes only have 2 more sessions each and we continue to welcome anyone who is interested to join us, Sundays at 11:15 am or Thursday evenings at 6 pm. The material for each class is the same and the class discussion has been rich and wide-ranging.
I will share more micro-details about my Lenten Discipline in my blog. The snapshot is – feeding and watching the birds in Hull is outstanding! My 10 minute walks are also energizing. I’ve walked first thing in the morning, and at sunset. Today’s walk was in the median strip at the intersection of Routes 139 and 53. (more about THAT part of Lent will appear elsewhere as well but there are pictures below!)
Our modest but mighty staff will meet as a team tomorrow. If you have any feedback or questions for us, please let me know and I will be very happy to raise it in the group.
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God bless each of you as you navigate this austere season and as you embrace vulnerability and change. This work can be challenging, and I know that the dividends are guaranteed.
Praying for God’s Peace,
Amy+
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Calling All Singers
Do you love to sing? Have you ever thought about joining our choir? Well, NOW is the perfect time to join! During this period of Lent, instead of giving something up (i.e., "fasting"), perhaps you'd like to try taking something on. As we prepare for Holy Week, this is an ideal time to join the choir. No auditions; and no experience or sight-reading ability necessary. The choir is a very friendly and supportive group of individuals that would LOVE to have you join! The choir rehearses every Sunday in the parish hall at 9:00am. All are welcome. Please do not hesitate to contact a choir member or Sean Glennon (617-909-6426, sean.glennon@comcast.net) with any questions or concerns. And remember, in the words of St. Augustine, "Those who sing pray twice."
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LENTENT SERVICES, DISCIPLINES & OPPORTUNTIES | |
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The Chosen Group Watch Party & Potluck
Friday from 6-8 pm
Compline every Saturday afternoon via Zoom at 4pm
(USE this LINK to calendar. Then click on appropriate date for Zoom link.)
Lenten Book Group: “Being Mortal”
by Dr. Atul Gawande.
3 Thursdays beginning April 3rd
at 7 pm (in person & Zoom)
Books available on Sunday.
Join Keith MacLeod and come play/learn Chicago style Bridge on Wednesdays 1-4
NEXT gathering March 26
Holy Week April 13 - April 20
Palm Sunday 4/13 - 9:30am
Maundy Thursday 4/17 - 7pm
Good Friday 4/18 - Noon and Tenebrae 7pm
Great Vigil of Easter 4/19 - 5pm
Easter Sunday 4/20 - 10am
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Group Watch Party -- The Chosen from 6-8 pm.
Our binge watching continues! Join us this Friday at 6pm to watch season 1, episode 2 of The Chosen and share a pot luck supper. Bring something to eat and to share. Need not be warm, nor fancy. We’ll bless the food and our gathering, deepen our relationships and enjoy the widely acclaimed series. (If you missed the first gathering, you can watch The Chosen Season 1, episode 1 in the "Come and See/The Chosen" app online.) ALL ARE WELCOME! Sign Up Here
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Lenten Book Group:
Plan Ahead! We will read Being Mortal, by Dr. Atul Gawande. The first meeting will be Thursday, April 2nd at 7 pm. This will be an on-line and in person gathering.
Copies of the book are available in the Parish Hall.
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Have you considered shaking up your communion experience by drinking from the common cup? The choice of intinction (dunking the body of Christ in our crystal sherry glass) is a relatively new offering. Many have migrated to this method in order to avoid germs or to catching anything. The Centers for Disease Control and the Journal of Infectious Diseases report that there has been NO REPORTED TRANSMISSION of any illness from the common cup, and that the risk of contracting an illness is “so small as to be undetectable.” (Comprehensive, peer-reviewed-literature summary here) Many factors keep the propagation of germs at bay: the alcohol in the wine is a modest sanitizer, and the constant wiping of the rim, using our linen purificators is also helpful. | | | |
Do you play Bridge? Are you interested in playing at church? Are you available on Wednesday afternoons? Continuing on Wednesday, March 26th (we are skipping 3/19) from 1-4pm St. Andrew's is hosting a brand new bridge game, under the leadership of our own Keith MacLeod. We welcome bridge players of all abilities who are interested in playing Chicago style bridge. While it is not necessary, we encourage you to sign up using THIS LINK if you plan to attend in March or April so that we can plan accordingly. If there is interest, Keith plans on this being a regular gathering to continue after Lent. LINK to printable explanation of Chicago style Bridge.
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BUILDING THE PARISH'S NEW DATABASE | |
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Joanne has started the process of building the parish database with current information and needs your help!
Watch your email and/or use the form in the last week's or this week's bulletin and return it to the box in the narthex.
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Any interested men who would like to discuss the common good during divided times is graciously invited to join facilitator Skip Aluisi (netglobal@verizon.net) for a regular get together. This group will begin by establishing a foundational framework by reading the book Morality by Jonathan Sacks. Reading and discussions will take place over several weeks. For anyone concerned with the cost of the book, free copies will be available in the downstairs parlor’s bookshelves. For more information, please reach out directly to Skip. (781) 826-7143
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At the request of online donors, we now have "ONLINE DONOR CARDS" in the narthex that you can place in the collection plate. | | | |
HANOVER FOOD PANTRY: St. Andrew’s collects items for the Hanover Food Pantry. We will be collecting one item in particular need each month. For March, we will be collecting toilet paper. | | | |
Wellspring multi-service centers | |
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Have you been curious about how Wellspring MultiServices has changed since its founding by Diane Edson? It is THRIVING! The Board of Directors voted last night to explore buying a building in Weymouth that would allow us to expand our services and the reach of the 40 year old organization. (click on logo to link to their website.)
Please consider attending the anniversary gala. Invitation below. This April gathering will be a joyful celebration of the history and the future of this vital social service organization.
Wellspring Multi-Services Centers is also hiring its first ever Chief Financial Officer to work closely with Vinny Harte, Wellspring's CEO and the Board of Directors. If you or someone you know is looking for the opportunity to do God's work at a non-profit and strategy and finance are among your talents, this is a wonderful place to work! Talk with Reverend Amy if you have any questions.
LINK to Gala Tickets and Sponsorships: https://wellspringmultiservice.org/wishes-for-wellspring
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LINK to Rev. Amy's blog --- MORE THAN JUST GHANA STORIES.
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O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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PRAYER LIST
Bill MacLellan – Nicol Family – John – Tracy Sprows – family of Amy Motta—Dennis Lee G – Don S – Pam E – Jan B – Leah – Katrina & Darren – Paul Nicol –Mark D – Art J – Joyce – Matthew –Thomas & Gloria – Susannah -- David – Margie T – Paula – Pam & Tom – Bill – David Nickerson – David H – Sharon M – Greyson -- Kristan Lanoue -- Kristian Pedersen & his family- Jesse & Krystin -- Rosie & Silva Family - Haley
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PRAYER LIST
Each week this prayer list includes requests we have received through bulletin publication (Thursday, 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:
TUESDAY, 9:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, 9:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.
THURSDAY, Noon TO 7:00 P.M.
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Hybrid Worship Service
Sundays 9:30 A.M.
Please note the following updated worship guidelines:
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Masks are encouraged if you have symptoms.
- Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance to the church, and for use before and after Holy Communion.
For those participating in the service from home, please join us on our Facebook link:
www.facebook.com/standrewshanover
We want to thank you for your patience during this time. As always, the safety and health of our members is paramount.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak with a member of the Vestry.
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