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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
Joanne Bibeau, Administrative Assistant
Jesse Avellino, Sexton
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Dear Siblings in Christ,
I write on this beautiful Wednesday, halfway between the joys and heartbreaks that continue to echo in our sanctuary, and the anticipatory excitement of next Sunday’s church gathering.
Last weekend we launched Godly Play. We give thanks for the welcome and story telling given to our children by Ann Hunt and Laurie Ozelius. My prayer is that Godly Play becomes rooted on Church Street, and young people enjoy this self-directed learning program and formation opportunity. (See our welcome sign, pointed to the busy parking lot – thank you Dave Thurston for your professional installation!)
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Last weekend our Shore to Shore teens also gathered, and talked about the incomparable Miriam Maceba. We listened to her music and learned that she began her life in a South African prison -- an inspiring trajectory. We are investing lots of time between now and the end of the year raising money for our planned trip to South Africa. We are committed to barrier-free participation so that any Shore to Shore teen can make this sojourn regardless of their families’ financial resources. While the amount of money needed to realize our vision is daunting, the pursuit also feels holy. Our mission is to support young people who are comfortable navigating across differences, whether socio-economic, geographic or spiritual.
Our community also took steps toward the realization of our Best Christmas Fair EVA! Donations are arriving, plans are underway. I offer my deepest gratitude for the Fair-Fairies and leaders. One of the mixed blessings of actively using our space for our growing children and youth programming is that fair set up for Grandma’s Attic and the toy room will require more hands and a concentrated effort (details elsewhere in today’s Call).
A Prayer for St. Andrew’s’ Volunteers (adapted from Thomas Aquinas)
Gracious God, may your spirit make us wise, may it guide us, renew us and strengthen us, so that we may be strong in faith, discerning in proclamation, courageous in our witness and persistent in good deeds. Amen+
With Love and Gratitude,
Amy+
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Readings for the Twenty First Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24, Year A
Welcome Vocational Deacon
Welcome Molly Breiling, a vocational deacon in formation who willhe will be with us on Sundays through May, 2027. In addition to pursuing ordination as a deacon, she is an entrepreneur, wife and mother. Molly is a chef, baker, food writer and scholar, seeker - passionate about food justice issues with an eye on reducing food waste while improving sustainable practices. She is the owner of Divine Culinary Enterprises. Her clients include the Sisters of St. Margaret in Duxbury.
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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.
Flowers
The flowers over the altar this Sunday are in loving memory of Sophy Richmond Phillips Church, July 11, 1885 - October 22, 1940.
| Sister of Ada, Catherine, Fanny Phillips, mother of Margaret, Sophy, and Frances. In her diary on October 22, 1934, she wrote: “Church with all children. Twins to Sunday School. Dr. Fisher preaches.” | | Vestry meeting this Sunday, October 18. All welcome! | |
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All Saints’ Sunday - Remembering Those We Love and Baptizing our newest members — November 1, 2026
On Sunday, November 1, we will celebrate All Saints’ Day, giving thanks for the communion of saints and remembering those who have gone before us in faith.
During our 9:30 a.m. worship service, we will remember and honor members of our St. Andrew’s parish family and loved ones who have died during the past year (November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2026).
We invite you to share the names of those you would like remembered aloud in our prayers and included in our service bulletin. Please send their names to Joanne in the parish office at office@standrewshanover.org or call 781-826-2062.
As we gather in gratitude, remembrance, and hope, we celebrate the love that endures beyond death and the promise that, in God, we remain connected to one another.
We bless your holy name, O God, for all your servants who, having finished their course, now rest from their labors. Give us grace to follow the example of their steadfastness and faithfulness, and to make kindness loud in our own lives; through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
| | | | GODLY PLAY IS NOW UNDERWAY | |
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FOR ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED, CURIOUS OR WONDERS ABOUT GODLY PLAY:
Before 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 to hear stories, ask big questions, wonder, create, pray and discover how much God loves them.
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'd Amy or any one of our ambassadors (Elizabeth Lehnertz, Ann Hunt, Linda Thurston, Sally Boutin, Suzanne Bunszel, Susan Soumah).
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CHRISTMAS FAIR UPDATES, PLANS, REQUESTS --
THE FAIR IS THREE WEEKS
FROM THIS COMING FRIDAY!
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NEXT PLANNING MEETING,
THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 AFTER CHURCH!
Help us get the word out -- post a flyer; plant a yard sign; shout the news on facebook/instagram/your social network!
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Bruins Tickets Raffle
TWO tickets to Tuesday, January 12th, 7pm game
Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Section 309, Row 8, Seats 3 & 4. (Value $300)
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PUBLICITY CHAIR/TEAM NEEDED!
Are you good with social media, posters, talking to people, publicizing events? We NEED your help. We are looking for one or more persons to lead our publicity efforts to get the word out to the community of the best Christmas Fair eva! Let Dianne Nicol or Sarah Kelbaugh know if you are interested.
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In addition to the Gift Baskets items listed at the LINK above, we welcome ready-to-go Themed Baskets (we can wrap & complete) and empty baskets that we can fill.
Some theme suggestions:
• Patriot’s/Red Sox/Bruin’s/Celtic’s fan
• Dog/cat lover
• Tea/coffee drinker
• Wine and cheese
• Baby boy/girl
• Movie/game night
• Teacher thank-you
• Spa/relaxation
• Gourmet treats
• Holiday baking
• Christmas morning breakfast
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Donations Needed:
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For "Rooms". Donations are needed for the Toy Room, Grandma's Attic, the Holiday Room, and the Boutique. All donations should be left on the stage in the parish hall.
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For our Bake Sale Table. Donors name and ingredient list should be included with each donation.
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Fudge. Watch for tins & recipe.
| We need your food for the St. A's Cafe . . . | Apple donations needed! Please bring to the kitchen. . . | | | |
Craft/Artisan Tables . Once again, our vendors tables are going to be held exclusively for parishioners and their family/friends. For a $50.00 rental fee, and a willingness to be at the table for both days of the fair, everything the vendors make from their sales is theirs to keep! To reserve your table, (or share one with another church friend) see Sarah Kelbaugh. | | | | THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT! | | PARISH LIFE HALLOWEEN PARTY | |
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HALLOWEEN PARTY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Plan to join our next parish life event -- HALLOWEEN PARTY FOR ALL AGES!
Saturday, OCTOBER 24, 5-7 p.m.
Potluck Food; Games; Fun; Costumes Encouraged!
Use this LINK to sign up!
| | | | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 HAPPENINGS! | |
- In anticipation of final preparations for the Christmas Fair, the Duct Tape Committee will be meeting on Saturday, October 31 at 9-11. (NOTE date change!)
- In late afternoon/early evening the Church doors will be open and we will be handing out candy to trick or treaters!
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While the storm caused us to postpone our celebration of Baptisms on September 27, it has just heightened our excitement for our next celebration of Baptisms on Sunday, November 1. 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.
| | Calling "yarn magicians"! We are in need of small baby blankets (suggested maximum 2' x 3') to be included in our baptism baskets. You can leave them in the sacristy or bring them to the office. Thank you! | | 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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Sunday November 8 || TIME TO BE DETERMINED!
Great Food, New Friends, a Place of Belonging
Need a Ride? Contact Jim Laprade — JFLaprade@comcast.net (617) 312-4631
https://www.standrewshanover.org/shore-to-shore.html
✨ All Teens Invited ✨
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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Keith MacLeod is getting ready to reconvene St. Andrew’s Bridge Builders – a group of aspiring bridge players who gather and learn the game together in the Parish Hall. New members and beginners welcome each week! Come join the fun, learning, companionship.
We hope to start again the week of October 19.
Use this LINK to let us know if you are interested and what is the best day/time for you -- Tuesdays (9-12), Tuesdays (1-4), Wednesdays (9-12), Wednesdays (1-4).
| | ST. ANDREW'S IN THE WORLD | | |
Sarah's son Brady ran the Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth
Terry's son Greg ran the Maine Marathon in Portland . . .
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Check out our website at this LINK for the latest pictures that have been submitted.
| | 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 October we have been asked to collect pudding cups and fruit cups.
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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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Sunday, October 18
Christmas Fair planning meeting after church
Vestry Meeting, 11:15 am
Saturday, October 24
Parish Life Halloween Party, 5-7 p.m.
Saturday, October 31, 9-11 a.m.
Duct Tape Committee
Saturday, October 31
Church doors open to trick or treaters!
Sunday, November 1
All Saints & Baptisms at 9:30 a.m. service
Parish Life Committee meeting
Friday and Saturday, November 6 & 7
Annual Christmas Fair
Sunday, November 8
Shore to Shore TIME to be determined!
Sunday, November 15
Vestry Meeting, 11:15 am
Recurring events:
Sundays:
Godly Play 9:00 am
Pick Up Choir Practice 8:45 a.m.
Service 9:30 am
Coffee Hour following service
A Six-Week Inquirers' Series
Wednesdays • 7:00–8:30 p.m. (in person or via zoom)
September 30 – November 4
See parish website for more details and to register and for Zoom link. Can also use this LINK to sign up and use this LINK to join by Zoom.
A Six-Week Class for Couples focused on The Art of Being Together
Thursdays • 7:00-8:15 p.m. (in person or via Zoom)
October 1 – November 5 (in person or via zoom)
Attend in person at St. Andrew's or online via Zoom). Please sign up HERE
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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
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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: Darren and Katrina - Nicole - Linda - John G - Christine, Derek & Kelly - Chuck F - Kevin S - Mary D - Libby Tolley - 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 – 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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