Church family, are we living into our vision? Are we striving to meet our mission? If not, why not? and how can we reach the goals we have set for ourselves both personally and collectively?

Mission Statement

To love and serve God and our neighbor, by striving to meet the needs of God's people.

Vision Statement

To be a Christian community of faith where love lives, love works, to spread the good news of God's grace and mercy.

Our history is too much to be contained in one month! Check out the PDF by clicking on the link below. There is a wealth of information for you to expand your knowledge.

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS/Anniversaries

See what's happening this month.

The Season of Epiphany

For the 6th Sunday after Epiphany, Year A (Feb 15, 2026), the season after the Epiphany ends in glory, with Jesus revealed once more as Christ. There are many epiphanies within the season: the visit of the magi, the presentation of Jesus in the temple (and Simeon’s response), the Lord’s baptism, his first miracle at Cana. On this Sunday, the last of the Epiphany season before Ash Wednesday takes us into Lent, we see Christ in all his glory, his transfiguration, atop the mountain.

We celebrate the Transfiguration twice each year: on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, and on the feast day itself, August 6.

Key Points and Details for February 15, 2026:

• Thematic Focus: The Transfiguration (Jesus' face shining like the sun, clothes dazzling white) and the revelation of him as the beloved Son of God.
• Significance: It serves as a transition from revealing Christ’s glory to preparing for his journey toward the Passion (Lent).
• Lectionary Readings (Year A):
• Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 (Transfiguration).
• Old Testament: Exodus 34:29-35 (Moses' face shines).
• Epistle: 2 Peter 1:16-21 (Eyewitness to the majesty).
• Psalm: Psalm 99.
• Themes in Preaching: The call to listen to Jesus ("Listen to him!"), The strengthening of faith to bear the cross, and the anticipation of the future glory of Christ.
• Liturgical Color: White or Gold. 

This day connects the manifestation of Christ to the world (Epiphany) with his ultimate glorification, setting the stage for the solemnity of Ash Wednesday (Feb 18, 2026). 

Thank you to everyone for making our Annual Meeting and fellowship successful. We make a great team! As a result, we are officially changing the service hours.

Bible Study-9:30 AM to 10:15 AM

Worship Service- 10:30 AM

In addition, we would like to congratulate our newly elected Vestry Members: Dr. Roderick Adams, Dianne A. Smith, and Andrea Porter. By God's grace, we welcome you to our leadership cadre and look forward to serving with you. The Vestry also elected its Senior Warden, Carmen Wildgoose, and its Junior Wardens, Dianne Smith and Darcel Arrington.

We also thank members Jerome Rubin, Les Blakemore, and Lois Jackson for the service they each rendered during their elected term, which has expired.

365 AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY 365

St. Andrew's 2025 Vestry members. Senior Warden- Carmen Wildgoose, Junior Warden- Lois Jackson/clerk, Dr. Giesele Greene, Andrea Appling, Jerome Rubin, Darcel Arrington, Les Blakemore, Will Kessell, and Brenda Shepherd.

The Vestry will meet Tuesday,January27 at 7:00PM via ZOOM

Current Vestry News

Vestry Summary January 27, 2026

Vestry Members in Attendance via ZOOM: Andrea Appling, Lois Jackson, Jerome Rubin, Carmen Wildgoose, Giesele Greene, Darcel Arrington, Will Siefert-Kessell

Exused absence: Les Blakemore, Brenda Shepherd,

We began the meeting with prayer and Bible study. Following the Check-in, the

Clerk Lois Jackson presented the November minutes, which were accepted as

presented with corrections.

January 27, 2026 

Meeting Summary 

Meeting Purpose

To approve the 2026 budget and review key church initiatives.

Key Takeaways

• 2026 Budget Approved: The Vestry approved a $203,550 income, $246,245 disbursement budget, projecting a $42,695 deficit. This follows a successful 2025, which ended with a small surplus despite a projected $44k deficit.
• Major Community Partnership: St. Andrews will host a Sunday service for the Charles W. Chestnut symposium on Sept 27, 2026. The Rofant Club will fully fund the event, providing musicians, organ tuning, and catering, creating a high-profile, no-cost outreach opportunity.
• Property Development Opportunity: The Cleveland Restoration Society invited St. Andrews to partner on redeveloping two adjacent East 46th Street properties. This could create a larger, more attractive parcel for a developer.
• Annual Meeting Prep: The Vestry is finalizing the annual meeting, including a new Bible study evaluation, a revised 2026 calendar, and a push to recruit chairs for key events like Anniversary Sunday and Family Unity Day.

Topics

2026 Budget Approval

• The Vestry approved the 2026 budget, which projects a $42,695 deficit.
• Projected Income: $203,550
• Projected Disbursements: $246,245
• Key Income Assumptions:
• General Pledge: $122,000 total.
• $112,200 from 38 pledge cards.
• $10,000+ from non-pledging parishioners, now formally budgeted.
• St. Andrews Foundation: $27,000 grant.
• Key Disbursement Assumptions:
• Diocesan Assessment: $30,000 total.
• $6,000 to cover the 2025 balance.
• $24,000 for 2026 ($2,000/month estimate).
• New Line Item: "Adoptive Bill Offerings" was created for transparency on utility assistance funds.
• 2025 Performance: The church ended 2025 with a small surplus, a significant improvement over the projected $44,080 deficit.
• Actual Income: $198,976.53
• Actual Disbursements: $215,324.74
• 
  

The Vestry members are trusting in God to bring all ideas and necessary functions to fruition.

In Christ,

The Vestry