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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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My Siblings in Christ,
We are on the cusp of closing the books on September 2026, and what a month we have had! With all of the schedule changes, dramatic weather events, celebrations and remarkable advancements, I offer my deepest thanks and gratitude for your faithful perseverance and divine flexibility! We gathered as a hearty band on Sunday in the sanctuary, and bless each of you who joined us on-line. Please give Stephen Ryerson a shout out if you were able to connect and be spiritually nourished from the safety of your home through the storm.
TONIGHT we begin our small group ministry – with our inquirer's class called Becoming Episcopalian. This will be a six week exploration of what it means to be part of the Episcopal Church. We'll explore our core beliefs, dip into a bit of history and find room for holy questions. You are very welcome to join this group, either in person or on-line. We'll be using Walk in Love as our companion book – one of my favorites – as our guide. Anyone who completes this class will be eligible to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church.
Our second small group gathering tomorrow night will be The Art of Being Together – a course on nourishing relationships with our significant others, or for anyone who is curious about the elements of a healthy romantic relationship. Each of these groups is open to anyone who is interested. Books will be in the Parish Hall. We will meet for the next six weeks exploring our faith, faithful relationships and deepening our roots and connections to St. Andrew’s.
TOMORROW – anyone who is interested, curious or wonders about Godly Play is invited to join a gathering at 4pm tomorrow. We’ll talk about the program, the opportunities to invest time in this new ministry and the joys and challenges of formation for our children and youth in this era. We’ll meet in the Vestry Room on the first floor at 4pm.
Sunday we will bless our animals and share a memorial for our furry family members who have died. Please join us at 9:30 to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, surrounded by animals and gathered in peace and love. At 4pm, our second service on Sunday will be devoted to remembering and honoring our pets who have died – giving thanks for the impact they have had on our lives.
I look forward to seeing you on Church Street, and am grateful for all that this community is doing to Make Kindness Loud!
God’s Peace,
Amy+
| | | | CELEBRATION OF SEAN AND HIS REMARKABLE TENURE AT ST. ANDREW'S | | |
Please plan on joining us on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. for food, memories and fellowship to thank and honor Sean Glennon for his 15 years of joyful service as our music director.
Use this LINK to let us know if you will be attending.
Thank you!
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Readings for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 22, Year A
Welcome Vocational Deacon
Please join Rev'd Amy in welcoming Molly Breiling, a vocational deacon in formation. She 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.
Theme
Blessing of the Animals, The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Music
This week, Kevin Galiè 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.
A native of Philadelphia, Kevin holds a B.S. - B.A., Boston University (Music /Computer Science); J. D. (Juris Doctor) Boston University School of Law; an M. Mus., The Boston Conservatory/Berklee School of Music (Orchestral & Choral Conducting, Organ) and a Certificate from the Pontificio Istituto di Musica Sacra - Roma. His principal performing instrument, in addition to choral and ballet/opera/orchestral conducting, is classical pipe organ, especially in collaborative settings such as symphony orchestras, chamber music for organ and various instruments, and with choruses. From 2019 until Spring 2023, Kevin was based in Munich, Germany, with his wife, Dr. Franziska Galiè. Though now based in Boston, he still travels frequently to Munich as well as to his home in Italy, and around the world for his various engagements.
| | 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! | |
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GODLY PLAY - Come Wonder With Us
There is a place for your child here.
New and returning children (ages 3+) are warmly welcome.
Godly Play begins Sunday, October 11.
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FOR ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED, CURIOUS OR WONDERS ABOUT GODLY PLAY:
Answer Rev'd Amy's invitation above and come to the informational gathering on Thursday at 4 p.m.
FOR PARENTS:
At 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).
Click on images below for printable "Invitation to Parents Letter" and "Sign Up Form"
| | | | INQUIRER'S CLASS – BECOMING EPISCOPALIAN | |
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A Six-Week Inquirers' Series BEGINNING TONIGHT
Growing in faith. Asking good questions. Finding your place in God's story.
Wednesdays • 7:00–8:30 p.m.
September 30 – November 4
Attend in person at St. Andrew's or online via Zoom.
We'll make it easy for everyone to participate, wherever you are.
Everyone is welcome. Whether you're discerning membership, preparing for Confirmation or Reception, or simply curious about the Episcopal Church, we'd be delighted to welcome you.
To register or learn more, please contact Rev'd Amy.
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 CLASS FOR COUPLES:
THE ART OF BEING TOGETHER | |
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A Class for Couples:
This Fall we will spend 6 weeks focused on The Art of Being Together, and the joys and challenges of being part of a healthy couple. To love and be loved is among the greatest gifts and joys God offers and it isn’t easy. Beginning Thursday, October 1st at 7pm we’ll gather and discuss some of the fundamentals of building and maintaining a happy and healthy relationship. Whether you are dating, or married, blissfully happy or struggling to find a way forward, this class is for you. All are welcome.(Six Thursdays 7pm – 8:15pm in person or by Zoom). Please sign up HERE if you are interested and Rev'd Amy will respond to any questions in advance.
| | | | CHRISTMAS FAIR UPDATES, PLANS, REQUESTS! | |
- Next organizational meeting will take place after church on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
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Are you good with social media, posters, talking to people, publicizing events? We could use 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 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. | Our TOY ROOM is in need of gently loved toys. Are you tripping over your children’s toys? Bring them here. If all your children are grown, do you have any neighbors or friends who would like to make room before Santa makes another delivery? The toy room is lovingly turned into a mini-toy store experience every year by Carol Scott. Let’s see what we can do to help. | | | |
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. | | | |
Watch for more volunteer opportunities . . . in the Cafe, baked goods for the Bake Sale Table, more. | | | | THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT! | | |
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
| | ST. ANDREW'S IN THE WORLD! | |
Send us "we survived the nor'easter" pictures! | | | | 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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Next meeting: Sunday, October 18 at 5 p.m.
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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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.
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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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Wednesday October 1, 7-8:30p.m.
Becoming Episcopalian
Attend in person at St. Andrew's or online via Zoom
SIGN UP FORM HERE
Thursday, October 1, 4p.m.
Godly Play informational Gathering
Thursday, October 1, 7-8:15p.m.
Art of Being a Couple
Attend in person at St. Andrew's or online via Zoom
SIGN UP FORM HERE
Friday, October 2, 6-8pm
Parish Life Gathering to honor and thank Sean Glennon for his 15+ years of amazing service to our parish. ALL invited to come join this celebration.
Saturday, October 3
Duct Tape Committee meeting 9-11 a.m.
Sunday, October 4
- Blessing of the Animals at 9:30 a.m. service
- Parish Life Committee meeting, 11 a.m.
- Christmas Fair planning meeting after church
- Memorial service at 4 p.m. for pets who have passed
Sunday, October 11
Vestry Meeting, 11:15 am
Sunday, October 18
Shore to Shore 5 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, November 6 & 7
Annual Christmas Fair
Recurring events:
Sundays: 9:30am service; Pick Up Choir Practice 8:45 a.m.
| | | | DIOCESE OUTREACH AND LEADERSHIP | |
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EPISCOPAL CITY MISSION CHURCH CAPTAIN
St. Andrew’s is seeking a Church Captain to serve as a liaison with Episcopal City Mission, to keep us connected and updated around opportunities for learning and action related to immigrant justice, housing justice, and moving money faithfully to those most impacted by injustice. ECM builds relationships and collective power for racial and economic justice as the expression of God's transforming love. You can learn more about ECM at www.episcopalcitymission.org, and if you are interested in the position please be in touch with Rev'd Amy at RevAmy@standrewshanover.org and ECM's Interim Director of Organizing, Hannah Hafter, at hannah@ecmteam.us.
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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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