Join us for a Candlelight Vigil

We are holding a candlelight vigil at St. Andrew’s on May 25 at 7:30 p.m. in memory of those who suffered a violent death due to the color of their skin, their faith, their gender identity, their cultural heritage or because of whom they chose to love. We’ve lost too many brothers and sisters to hate: we want to remember their names and advocate for loving our neighbors. We are inviting other faith communities in Irvine, our mayor and city council and other city officials. Your friends and neighbors are welcome to join us. 

Our vigil will include: 

• Lighting of the candles
• Opening comments
• Victims’ names
• Close with a song of hope

Pentecost 5/28 - Wear Red

Pentecost Sunday The term means "the fiftieth day." It is used in both the OT and the NT. In the OT it refers to a feast of seven weeks known as the Feast of Weeks. It was apparently an agricultural event that focused on the harvesting of first fruits. Josephus referred to Pentecost as the fiftieth day after the first day of Passover. The term is used in the NT to refer to the coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1), shortly after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension. Christians came to understand the meaning of Pentecost in terms of the gift of the Spirit. The Pentecost event was the fulfillment of a promise which Jesus gave concerning the return of the Holy Spirit. The speaking in tongues, which was a major effect of having received the Spirit, is interpreted by some to symbolize the church's worldwide preaching. In the Christian tradition. It emphasizes that the church is understood as the body of Christ which is drawn together and given life by the Holy Spirit. Some understand Pentecost to be the origin and sending out of the church into the world.

READERS NEEDED: During the first reading we would like volunteers who can read another language to help with the reading. We will be reading Acts 2:1-11 in different languages simultaneously. This will symbolize the cacophony of the many people in Jerusalem speaking in different tongues as the Spirit descended on them that first Pentecost.

Sign up here if you would like to help with the reading.

Climate Connections Pilot Program

St. Andrew’s is one of 8-10 congregations in the diocese participating in the Climate Connections Program. This is a project of the Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change. We hope to address the increase in climate disasters with this program. Climate change is increasing the rate and severity of natural disasters resulting from atmospheric conditions, including increase in extreme heat waves, wildfires, severe storms and flooding. Because disasters are much more than the moment at which they happen, the prospect of major disasters occurring multiple times within a decade raises the prospect that communities that could have recovered from one disaster will collapse because they lack the capacity to recover over and over again. In Southern California, the greatest increase in risk is for wildfires, extreme heat, and floods from severe storms.

Coffee Hour Composting

One way we are doing our part for the environment is by introducing composting for the food and paper waste used at coffee hour. Fellowship Court is stocked with compostable cups for coffee and tea, plates, and napkins. We have an organic waste bin from Waste Management which will be on the patio on Sunday mornings. All of these materials along with food scraps, paper towels and coffee filters can be disposed of in this bin and/or in the cardboard boxes in Fellowship Court. Please dispose of the utensils in the trash. If you are bringing snacks, there is no need to bring paper/plastic goods. We have everything needed including cloth tablecloths. If you do, we ask that you only bring compostable or reusable materials whenever possible. All are welcome to bring your own commuter cups.

May Outreach - Baby Shower

This Sunday, May 28, will be the last day we will be collecting diapers and wipes for our yearly Baby Shower for Families Forward. Our donations will go to new mothers and their babies at Families Forward to help replenish their dwindling inventory.

“We are God’s outreaching hands in the world.”

Grief Support Group

The Saint Andrew’s Grief Support Group meets on Mondays at 4 pm in the Fellowship Court. However, there will be a short hiatus because of Memorial Day and out of town absences; the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 26.

The purpose of the group is for support and for better understanding of the losses in our lives—in the light of our shared faith—and with the understanding that grief is not neatly confined to the first year following a loss. Please contact Susan Garrett ([email protected]), Catherine Sharbaugh ([email protected]), or Kathy Cartelli ([email protected]) if you are interested in attending.