Volume 58/Lead Like Andrew:

"LEAD LIKE ANDREW"

Membership Newsletter

Brotherhood of St. Andrew

Tom Welch, Editor

Welcome to our bi-weekly newsletter

Volume 58, "LEAD LIKE ANDREW"

It's a quick-read, multi-topic news channel for members to see what is going on, what is planned, and what successes from the previous weeks.

We urge you to contact us with news, tidbits, or notices of upcoming events in your area so that we can include them! We also value your feedback on this newsletter or how your national office is serving you.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with Conrad Jones (email Conrad) , Dr. Roy Benavides (email Roy) or Tom Welch (email Tom) feedback or for sharing newsletter information!

Please share this newsletter with other men in your parish or community.

ALERT:

MINISTRY DUES Renewals coming up!

Here's some tips which have been successful at a chapter in Florida.

Brothers,

For a number or years our chapter had difficulty collecting annual dues promptly. It was made more difficult when the national office attempted to be the collection point. This added a great deal of back and forth trying to see who was on the chapter roster and added delay and uncertainty to follow-up of non-paying members. Last year our chapter tried a new approach. The timeline is described below:

October – Remind chapter at monthly meeting of the rededication in November. Remind them that the chapter will send one check to national office for all members dues. So, members should make dues payment to the church for deposit in the BStA account.

October – Send out Email/letter as seen below:

Brothers, it will soon be November and time to pay your annual BStA dues of $50.00. Again, this year our chapter will collect the dues and then send one check to the BStA national office. There are 3 ways to pay your dues:

1. Pay online by selecting the weekly Christ Church Chronicle in your email file. Then clicking on "give online". Then enter $50.00. Then select "BStA Dues" from the drop-down menu. Then complete the credit card information. Then submit. (Note: This option will only be available during November.)

2. Pay by check. Check payable to (Your Parish) with "BStA Dues" on the memo line. Your check may be submitted by mailing it to the church, putting it in the Chapter Director's office drop slot, placing it in the offering plate or bringing it to the breakfast meeting 18 November.

3. Pay by cash at the breakfast meeting 18 November.

Our goal is to complete the dues renewal drive by the end of November. So please "Step Up" and pay your dues. God's peace through prayer, study, and service.

November – At monthly meeting collect dues as members arrive. Conduct rededication service found in the BStA Devotional Handbook.

November – Participate in Brotherhood Sunday. Process and sit together. Rector recognize BStA. Members serve as scripture readers.

December 1- 15 – Send one check from the local church’s BStA account for all chapter dues to the national office along with Annual Chapter Report (ACR).

Note:

1. The check is for all brothers who have paid their annual dues for the next year.

2. These brothers are the new roster of membership submitted with the ACR.

3. Anyone paying dues after the chapter check is submitted must send their payment to the national office. When the local chapter is notified by the national office that payment has been received, they are added to the roster.

January – BStA Chapter officers meet to plan new year activities including Rededication meeting in November. Get on Rector’s calendar for rededication service and Brotherhood Sunday. Arrange for special speaker for rededication meeting.

February – Publish calendar of events for year and distribute to all members.

This worked very well for our chapter last year.

Here we go again.

God’s peace,

Lee Wright, Director,

Christ Church Chapter, Pensacola Florida

Recruiting new Brothers?

by Conrad Jones

Try inserting something like this in your church bulletin, or even email it out to men in your parish or community. I found it very successful at bringing men in to give us a "test drive" and see what we are all about. I created this to use in several parishes I've been with or helped re-establish:

Gentlemen,

At some point either during a conversation at church or during one of our fellowship events, you have expressed some interest in the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. I hope that you will consider taking the opportunity now to visit with the men in our parish who are members of our Brotherhood, and see firsthand how close it will bring you with many of us in that common bond.

THIS IS NOT A PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY GROUP OF MEN

THIS IS NOT A SERVICE/MANPOWER GROUP OF GUYS

THIS IS NOT A MEN’S SOCIAL GROUP THAT HAVE A GOOD TIME

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is ALL THREE and then some! We are the oldest and largest Episcopal Men’s organization. Founded in 1883, it was named for the Apostle Andrew, the first to be called by Jesus. Each time Andrew is mentioned in the New Testament, he is introducing someone to Jesus. We are a ministry to men and boys and as a member of the Brotherhood we adhere to a Rule of Life that focuses on the Disciplines of Prayer, Study and Service.

We start every meeting with fellowship and a “Hearty Breakfast”, followed by a time of prayer for those we hold up to God’s care. We have a short business meeting to shore up plans for our service to others and fellowship. And we discuss the Gospel lesson which will be read on the following Sunday in an open, casual and understanding way.

Believe me, I promise to you it can be the most rewarding and uplifting 75 minutes you will spend. We meet the (insert here the date and time you meet)

Just give us a try, it will be worth it even if you just get a free breakfast!!!

Blessings to you all,

Pictured above at the Ohio Diocesan Convention left to right: Executive Director Tom Welch, Bishop Anne Jolly and Member-at-Large Andrew Holt Frazier.

From the Director's Chair

By Tom Welch

What a great lead into the Thanksgiving holiday. Last week we had the opportunity to represent our mutual ministry at the Convention for the Diocese of Ohio; the first time in over a dozen years. We had both clergy and laity request zoom meetings with me for further discussion about chapter formation or re-chartering. One of our newest members, Member-at-Large Andrew Holt Frazier (pictured above) at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Jefferson, Ohio, is one of those seeking further discussion.

The "thanksgiving" gratefulness comes in from your prayer support, dues and networking throughout the country. All of your efforts then raise the awareness of our message. Thank you! A reoccurring theme throughout this particular convention from laity and clergy alike was the value of in-person gatherings. One spoke of the "loneliness factor" had impacted the uptick in the in-person attendance at their parish functions. This emphasizes the message we at the Brotherhood heard during our last webinar, "The Loneliness Epidemic." For a look at that webinar go here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1tDJmcVL1g

Join the Chicago Assembly

in celebrating the Brotherhood’s 140th anniversary at the historic St. James Cathedral where our organization began back in 1883. Enjoy tours of the historic facilities, music by the Shannon Rovers Bag Pipers, and presentations made by the National Brotherhood organization. Refreshments and a luncheon are included after a short business meeting. This all takes place Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. Invitations will be sent out in November, but Save the Date!

UPCOMING CONVENTIONS

11/17-18

Diocese of Chicago Annual Convention

Diocese of North Carolina Convention at

the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem

Registration is open at

https://tinyurl.com/2024Triennial

or download hard copy here to mail with check

Make your hotel reservations at

https://tinyurl.com/2024TriennialHotel

Registration & Reservation Deadline is January 15, 2024

Chapter and Brother News!

Send us pictures and short writeups of what great things are going on in your Brotherhood world! We'd love to share!

WHAT??? We have a formal men's ministry program for our parish?" asks Rev. Kelly Aughenbaugh of St. Paul's in Medina, OH during the 207th Annual Diocesan Convention. Ruth Mercer on the bishop's staff assures her it's true!! Ruth's husband John is a BStA chapter officer at Christ Church in Neachwood, OH

Kingfisher Chapter

Shaker Heights, OH

In the month of October, the Kingfisher Chapter of Christ Episcopal Church-Shaker Heights, Ohio, experienced “The Escape Room" as an afternoon chapter outing. The brothers and guests collaborated together to solve the hidden clues for the Al Capone’s Speakeasy exhibit. The Brothers and their guests were Cleveland detectives, and where they had to find evidence to shut down the notorious barbershop ran by Al Capone and his underboss Don Vincenzo. Sadly, the brothers and their guests did not accomplish their task that afternoon.

Membership Updates

(Through 11/15/23)

1,457 Sr. Members paid

including 236 New Members!

554 Life Members

11 Junior Members

35 Associate Members

That's 2,057 Total!

RETREATS

I’ve been the Diocesan Coordinator for the BStA in the Diocese of the Rio Grande since my ordination in 2001. Since Roy Benavides lives in the DRG, together we have done an annual retreat every year since then with a couple of exceptions. This year our retreat was on prayer and the retreat leader was The Rev Dr. Adam D. McCoy, OHC, Order of Holy Cross and an Episcopal Benedictine. The Retreat was at the Norbertine Spiritual Center in Albuquerque and was attended by brothers from New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The time with Father Adam was wonderful and the Center beautiful, spiritual and welcoming. The time could not have been more beneficial and pleasant.

We prayed four times a day using the app, “Mission St Clare – Praying the Daily Office” on our phones and finished the retreat with Holy Eucharist. We chanted one Evening Prayer with the Norbertine priests, thanks to Father Adam being monastic, and were always welcome to join them. This was special to all the Brothers St. Andrew in attendance. The sanctuary had the altar in the center and the congregants sat on four sides. It was modern and attractive (see photo).

The Retreat was organized into five sessions with Father Adam making presentations and the brothers adding to the conversation. Father Adam was impressed the brothers were so willing to share. Most of us read “The Work of Prayer: A Manual for Those Who Would Pray Well” by James O. S. H. Huntington, OHC and one session was devoted to the book.

I encourage all to attend retreats. I think it helps become what God would want us to become, that is kinder, better people with a better relations with God. Let me give a brief sampling of the wisdom of Father Adam and the power of prayer as it affects the BStA as encouragement:

The purpose of Prayer is the Purpose of Life: Getting into a relationship with God.
Most people find it easy to ignore the Spiritual World. Prayer is a way to bridge this gap.
A good worship service is a pre-test of heaven; when everyone comes together in love and fellowship. We need unity; we need a sense that we are one with one another. We feel joy and unity when we are one with one another. What kind of community are we if we put up barriers? Praying for one another can help us be aware of one another.
A fruit of prayer is an awareness of who we are.
We can choose to be in sync with the energy of God through prayer.

“I became serious about prayer thanks to Brotherhood St. Andrew,” reported Brother Chris Matthews of Houston.

I’ll see you at a BStA Retreat!

Rev. Br. Tom Bates

Church of the Good Shepherd

Silver City, NM

Recognizing Our

Sustaining Members

Sustaining Members refers to Brothers who have made a commitment to offer a monthly (or quarterly) donation to the Brotherhood over and above their regular Sr. Membership dues or a Life Membership.

Many of us do make additional donations throughout the year (Ex: special appeals, purchase of the Sweepstakes tickets, etc.), but this a pledged commitment of recurring donations in a regular, consistent recurring donation throughout the year. It represents a commitment to financially support our ministry on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

Thanks be to these Brothers for their commitment to financially supporting our ministry

throughout the year.

Br. James Miller, Br. John Streeter, Br. David Adams,

Br. Evans Clements, Rev. Br. Ellis Clifton, Br. Nick Cox, Br. Cecil Buxo, Br. Walt Joyce, Br. Leland Metheney,

Br. Louis Surles, Br. John Blossom, Br. Eric Fisher,

Rev. Br. John Thompson-Quartey, Br. Arthur Simpson, Br. Oliver Evans, Br. Peter Gilmour, Br. Ken Holloway, Br. Roy Benavides, Br. Conrad Jones, Br. Ed Milbrada, Br. Ray Talbird, Br. George Shumard, Br. Jeff Butcher, Br. Tom Simpson, Br. Dick Hooper, Br. Eric Haralson, Br. Tom Welch, Rev. Br. Ed Bartle, Br. David Penley,

Br. John Fitzgerald, Br. Billy Harrison.

Can you commit to a $5 or $10/month (or more) donation to this ministry and community of men that you belong to? That's less than a lunch at McDonald's! It is important, if not critical, to the ongoing vitality of our ministry to men and youth. If you'd like to discuss more, email me by clicking here:

conrad.jones@brothersandrew.net

sent to you!

Members At Large

(MAL) News!

Bro. Lyn Reavis hosts a monthly zoom "breakfast" meeting for Members At Large (MAL). Using the Brothers Andrew Devotional Handbook, the meeting ritual begins with our Chapter Devotional. His Life Line format focus on Study, Prayer, and a Commitment to Service in each members local parish or community. The Study usually considers a Saint from the church's liturgical calendar. Members At Large or anyone interested in the Brotherhood is invited. Check our Members Newsletter "Lead Like Andrew" for more information about the zoom link and schedule. Otherwise, the session usually falls on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. (Central Time). Bro. Lyn can be reached at lyn.reavis@brothersandrew.net.

JOIN US IN PRAYER EACH WEEK

Mid-Week

Mid-Day

Pray Day

Join us...

What better way to level set during the middle of the week? We will hold a weekly Wednesday noon (CDT) prayer time over ZOOM open to all Brothers and guests. Let's pray for the Brotherhood, for our Brothers, and even share some stories of how Prayer has impacted you or someone you know!

We can all spare 20 minutes in prayer. It's like stopping at the faith service station to fill up your prayer tank!

Please join us every week when you can to recharge your prayer batteries!

The Zoom link can be accessed by clicking here.

Copy and paste this Zoom link into your calendar so you can join us for 20 minutes

every Wednesday at 1 pm EST/noon CST/11 am MST/10 am PST!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89341488609?pwd=RStUSjJKbVF2eVY2c2cxMHpRTm9Pdz09

If you'd like to help lead, pick an empty date and contact conrad.jones@brothersandrew.net or roy.benavides@brothersandrew.net

It's simple...we already have the script made out (in our devotional handbook or the Book of Common Prayer)!

Prayer Leaders Schedule

Nov 15 - Br. Roy Benavides

Nov 22 - Need volunteer

Nov 29 - Br. Roy Benavides

Dec 6 - Br. Dick Hooper

Dec 13 - Need volunteer

Dec 20 - Br. Tom Welch

Dec 27 - Br. Tom Welch

Ministry News!

Scouting and Youth

Racial Reconciliation

Social Justice

Veterans

Recovery

Restorative Justice

Discipleship and Mentoring

Information Resources!

We need stories from Chapters and Ministries

Our editor Kathy Copas really would like to include news of chapter events and ministry meetings or events. If you have something to share, please send to

editor@brothersandrew.net