St. Andrew's Online Giving Link | |  | |
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
Sean Glennon, Music Director
Joanne Bibeau, Administrative Assistant
Jesse Avellino, Sexton
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My Siblings in Christ,
I am writing just after watching Sunday’s service with the incomparable Rev. Dane Ripellino as our celebrant, whose voice and kindness were conveyed across the internet – THANK YOU Dane! I also write the day after our remarkable presence at Hanson Day. Thank you so much for all of the volunteers and leaders who made both events possible.
If you have not yet seen the wonderful poster board with the heading “ONE Thing I can do THIS WEEK to Make Kindness Loud” post-it notes from Hanson Day, I recommend them to you. They are insightful and hopeful AND we will incorporate their beautiful sentiments into next Sunday’s service.
Between now and then, we have a schedule change and the crescendo of Sean Glennon’s beautiful ministry with St. Andrew’s. We are postponing the beginning of Becoming Episcopalian and The Art of Being Together until next week. We will gather as a community on Saturday, September 26th from 5-7pm to thank and celebrate Sean and his family for their generous work for the last 15 years.
On Sunday we will joyfully baptize Theo White and welcome his family to St. Andrew’s. Our assigned scripture invites our consideration of Obedience and what it means to be obedient to God. I look forward to seeing you and to celebrating Sean and the wonderful music ministry that has evolved on Church Street.
May the morning's chilly air encourage deep breaths and gratitude, and may you find this fresh fall season inspiring.
God’s Peace,
Amy+
| | | | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026 | | |
Readings for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21, Year A
Scripture Theme
Obedience and what it means to be obedient to God
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.
| | Facilities Reminder . . . | | "Last one out" please make sure the door near the baptismal font in the sanctuary is closed! | |
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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 the first Sunday of October (10/4/26).
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.
Children come together to
Hear stories.
Ask big questions.
Wonder. Create. Pray.
And discover how much God loves them.
Each week, we hope children will come to know something that can shape a lifetime:
You are known.
You are loved by God.
You belong here.
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. Amy or any one of our ambassadors (Elizabeth Lehnertz, Ann Hunt, Linda Thurston, Sally Boutin, Suzanne Bunszel, Susan Soumah) after church any Sunday.
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WEATHER ALERT!
We are hoping that this event will go on as scheduled, but we do want everyone to be safe!
Watch for further communication
of any plan changes.
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Please plan on joining us on Saturday, September 26 at 5:00 p.m. for food, memories and fellowship to thank and honor Sean Glennon who was our music director for 15 years.
If you would like to donate food for the reception, please email Janet Keane at jkp482000@yahoo.com.
Anyone bringing food, please bring it to the parish hall by 4:00 p.m. so that we can set up the celebratory buffet for Sean and his family.
Use this LINK to let us know if you will be attending.
Thank you!
| | INQUIRER'S CLASS – BECOMING EPISCOPALIAN | |
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A Six-Week Inquirers' Series
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. Amy.
See parish website for more details and to register. Can also use this LINK to sign up.
| | | | 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 Reverend Amy will respond to any questions in advance.
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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
| | CHRISTMAS FAIR UPDATES, PLANS, REQUESTS! | |
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THANK YOU to the twelve people who attended our first organizational meeting -- great ideas and input, even greater enthusiasm! So grateful for the response to our open invitation.
- 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. | | | |
Donations Needed for "Rooms". Donations are needed for the Toy Room, Grandma's Attic, the Holiday Room, the Boutique and the Basket Table (watch for list of suggestions coming soon). All donations should be left on the stage in the parish hall. | We are in need of jewelery, scarves, shawls, accessories and handbags to stock the shelves of the Boutique. | | | |
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 CHRISTMAS FAIR REQUESTS, SIGN UP SHEETS, NOTICES.
THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT!
| | ST. ANDREW'S IN THE WORLD! | | Thank you to all who set up or "peopled" the booth (Rev. Amy, Dianne, Janet K, Janet P, Sarah, Linda T, Rob), dropped by and/or in any way added to "Making Kindness Loud" in our community. | |
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.
| | | | 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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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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We are excited to have the next celebration of Baptisms on Sunday, September 27th when we will baptize Theodore "Theo" Hubbard White. 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. Looking further ahead, we will also be celebrating Baptisms on Sunday, November 1st.
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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 September we have been asked to collect cookies and "school snacks" of all kinds including gluten free and peanut free options.
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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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Saturday, September 26
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.
Sunday, September 27
Baptisms at 9:30 a.m. service
Becoming Episcopalian
Six Wednesdays • 7:00–8:30 p.m.
September 30 – November 4
Attend in person at St. Andrew's or online via Zoom
SIGN UP FORM HERE
Art of Being a Couple
Six Thursdays • 7:00-8:15 p.m.
October 1 -- November 5
Attend in person at St. Andrew's or online via Zoom
SIGN UP FORM HERE
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 for pets who have passed at
4 p.m.
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. 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: Nicole - Linda - John G - Christine, Derek & Kelly - Chuck F - Kevin S - Mary D - Libby Tolley - Rev. Patti – 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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