The following is the April 2006 edition of the St. Andrew's Tidings publication. You may download a copy to your computer by clicking on this pdf icon.

TIDINGS
VOL. CL IV• April 2006

PARSON'S PARAGRAPH
"The Light of Christ!"  
"Thanks be to God!"
With this proclamation, the Great Vigil of Easter, held in the Chapel, will usher in the Easter season on the eve (April 15 at 7:30 PM) of Easter Sunday. As the sun is setting on Holy Saturday, a new fire will be kindled and the Paschal Candle lit. The Exsultet will be sung, vigil readings shared and children (and an adult) baptized.   

In the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the Church will gather in huge numbers to await the kindling of the new fire of the Paschal Candle as a witness to the Light of Christ that emerges from the darkness of the sepulcher or tomb.

A blessed season as we grow to know the story of God's Love,  

May we look forward to God's blessing as we share this Easter season upcoming!

Charles+ [BACK TO TOP]

STEWARDSHIP IS THE MAIN WORK OF THE CHURCH
Never again should the "s" word bring silence to our conversations. Stewardship is all about mission and ministry and how we return to the Lord the joyful service of loving God and our neighbor. Too often the "s" word is lost and misunderstood. Instead, some will think that their relationship is more like that of a consumer or a subscriber or a patron when, in fact, our only relation to the church is that we belong to Christ and are marked as His own forever.  

Year round, our stewardship will focus on spiritual gifts.  "From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Eph. 4:16). That is, every Christian has a part in the church which is instrumental to the growth of the Body of Christ.   1 Corinthians 12:7 says, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."   Consider the gifts that God has given: hospitality, teaching, giving, leadership, helps, music, faith, mercy, and so on. The church is "gifted" in each member bringing his or her gift to the table as an offering to God: this is our year round stewardship goal.

In the fall season, just after summer, we will all, young and old, longtimer and newcomer, be asked to make a pledge of our treasure referred to as a tithe due to the biblical standard of a tenth being returned in thanks-giving to God out of the full bounty God has given us (" all things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee"). [BACK TO TOP]

From our vestry, Emily Lewis chairs our Stewardship Committee. As the main work of the church is stewardship, consider the gifts of time, talent and treasure you may be able to provide.   Know that God is counting on you to provide a tithe portion for His church and that God will provide well for all that glorifies His name.

THE VESTRY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Would you like to be more involved in the life of our parish? We hope so and the Vestry would be pleased to encourage your participation in any of a number of areas of responsibility they serve. If any of these ring a bell for you, let them know:

1. Stewardship: Year Round Program for Commitment to our Ministry Needs and Annual Pledges for the Budget--Emily Lewis

2. Buildings' Maintenance & Facilities' Use: Servicing & Cleaning; permitted use of space--George Henderson

3. Memorials & Grounds: Encouraging Memorial Gifts, Care of Outside Memorial Gardens & Altar, Grounds Maintenance & Plantings--Jay DeVore [BACK TO TOP]

4. Neighbors in Christ: Prayer, Care and Fellowship among our Neighborhoods, Newcomers' Ministry & Welcome Gatherings, Detailed Planning for Annua Parish Weekend--Debbie Remaley               

5. Servant Ministry & Mission: Outreach Far and Near in Serving Others; Planning Mission Trips; Support of Book & Card Ministry--Linda White

6. Communications: Web Site, Newsletters, Press Releases, Sign Boards & Postcards--George Embrey

7. Christian Education: Support of Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Enquirers' Classes, Adult Forums, Bible Studies--Lou Cleaver

8. Youth Advisors: Support and Building of Youth Programs for Teens; Acolytes, Sunday School for Teens & Confirmation Classes--Butch Luke

9. Fellowship & Hospitality: Support of Church Social Events, Receptions, Fish Fries, Picnics,   Funeral Receptions, Community Suppers, Breakfasts, Lenten Suppers, Supplies and Set Up/Clean Up Needs--Lydia Byrum

10. Finance: Regular Review and Planning Related to our Budgetary Picture--Dorothy Toolan

11. Worship: Support and Gathering of Those who Serve Ministries in our Corporate Worship (From Acolytes to Ushers)--Sandy Carter [BACK TO TOP]

12. Personnel: Support of Staff; Permitted Use of Facilities by Others--Joyce Pickrel

NEW CLERK OF VESTRY
The Vestry wishes to sincerely thank Gail Leonard, who has most recently served as our Clerk of the Vestry. She took careful and most helpful notes and minutes through our double workshop vestry meetings in February--no small task!

Now, we are pleased to announce that Claudette Irwin has accepted our offer to become the new Clerk of the Vestry as Gail has resigned the position. Claudette is well known to us as she put her skills to work in organizing the choir files and runs the press for our Tidings! We welcome her skills and presence at Vestry meetings.

NEW NURSERY KEEPER
Mitzi has joined Sheila Tames as our newest nursery care provider on Sunday mornings (and at special events like the Lenten program, etc.).   We welcome her and are pleased to hear from mothers and fathers how pleased they are with the care offered in our nursery. [BACK TO TOP]

FOSTER CARE
Foster Care in Dare County is a necessity and not an option. The children in need of a temporary or forever home will be most grateful for your care.   Wonder how God might be calling you to serve?   Consider the possibility of foster care for a child or children. The experience guarantees to be life-changing and is a sure witness that God's love reigns. For more information please contact the church office

ANNOUNCING OUR NEW WEB SITE!
Our hats are off to Wendy Kelly who has crafted our new web site. Working with the rector, office staff, and many others, she has produced a highly effective new web site design. Check it out on the web at www.standrewsnagshead.org .

PARISH WEEKEND COMMITTEE FORMING
You can help make the best Parish Weekend October 20-22 the best ever!   We aim to have this year's edition bring out young families and children as well as longtimers and seniors. Let Debbie Remaley know if you are able to assist in planning.  [BACK TO TOP]

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NEEDED
St. Andrew's has a great track record of helping young men and women in Dare County enter their freshman year in college. Over the past several years we have awarded numerous scholarships, last year awarding ten $500 scholarships.  

Again this year, a matching grant has been offered.   Consider your scholarship gift as a way to support the best efforts of a young Christian man or woman in education. Scholarship candidates will meet with the St. Andrew's Scholarship Committee on Monday, April 24. Please make your contributions as soon as possible so that we will know the awards available to be offered this year.

WE NEED YOU TO SELL COOKBOOKS--PLEASE
The Outer Banks Companion is a gem of a cookbook. It has fully funded the purchase and installation of the Mueller Pipe Organ in the church. With a matching grant, we were able to provide for the organ installation and pay for the cost of publication by initially charging $16. Now, the only cost to us is that of keeping the remaining books in storage with the publisher. At a price of $10 each, the cookbooks are a real bargain. There are enough boxes of books remaining that the sale of these should cover future costs of servicing and tuning this fine instrument for the coming years @ $600 annually plus some long range servicing noted below:

Primaries and valves in a pipe organ have a limited lifespan and need to be releathered. A goodly number have been attended to but there are about 105 valves left to do in the two main chests and there are 44 valves and primaries needing the same in the 8 pedal principal chests. The original ones lasted 60 years; it is anticipated that new leathers will last as well. At the tune of $3,250 - $4,000 these additional costs are anticipated over the next several years. [BACK TO TOP]

Therefore, you are encouraged to buy a box of cookbooks and either give them as gifts or sell them. Your good work will "pay off"!

BOOK N' CARD SHOP
Looking for a unique and thoughtful gift for that special person? Look no further than St. Andrew's Book N' Card Shop. T-shirts, tote bags, mugs, coffee, cards, Episcopalian reference materials, prayer books, children's books, and new music (just to mention a few of our items) are sure to please. Stop by the shop on Sundays from 9 AM until noon and Wednesdays from 10 AM until noon. Did you know the profits from the Book N' Card sales support St. Andrew's outreach efforts? So stop by and feel good when you shop! The Book N' Card shop is in need of volunteers. If you are interested in helping call the church office. [BACK TO TOP]

SOCIAL MINISTRY & MISSION OUTREACH
The St. Andrew's Outreach Committee met on Thursday, March 9 to make plans for the upcoming year. The budget was finalized with an emphasis on the Interfaith Community Outreach program, support of African mission projects as well as Community Care Clinics and various other community outreach projects. The committee is reaching out to our parish to find families to provide much needed foster care for children in our community and to provide support to these families who so generously open their home and hearts to these children.  

We are looking for volunteers who are interested in giving their time and talents in any of a variety of church and community projects.   If you are interested call Linda White at 441-4464 or attend the next Outreach Committee meeting on April 13 at 4:30 PM in the classroom near the parish hall.  

1. The Gospel passage is read aloud. Everyone underlines or writes down the word or phrase that catches his or her attention.
2. Everyone shares this phrase or word with the group.
3. Another person reads the Bible passage aloud again. Everyone writes down or underlines where this passage touches his or her life today.
4. Everyone shares his or her thoughts with the group.
5. Another person reads the Bible aloud again. Everyone writes down or shares his or her thoughts based on two questions:
1. From what I have heard what do I think God is calling me to do or to be?
2. Does God invite me to change in any way?
6. Close with the Lord's Prayer.

Two studies are/will be offered at St. Andrew's so that everyone may have the opportunity.   

•  Come on Sundays right after the 9:30 AM service or just before the 11 AM service (from 10:20-10:50) in the upstairs Classroom "B".    Our deacon, Grace Wood, leads the study using the Gospel reading in preparation for the following Sunday.

•  Beginning Thursday, April 27, Steve Slaughter will lead a Lambeth Bible Study on Thursdays from 7-8 PM in Classroom "A" next to the Book and Card Shop, great for those who cannot make the Sunday sessions.

YOUTH:  "FROM ALPHA TO OMEGA"
Teens and Pre-Teens are filling the Youth Room (old kitchen) on Sunday mornings from 10:20-11AM for this class.   A threesome of Matt Fretwell, John Donlan, and Della Gill lead the class.   Appropriate for those who may wish to be Confirmed by the bishop (in the fall; September 24) as well as for all teens (pre-teens) this class is biblically centered and has had a great effect on this amazing group of fine young people. "Plenty of room--don't crowd" is the welcome you will receive in spite of the uncommonly good showing of teens for this class.

OUR YOUTH GROUP IS GROWING!
Every other Sunday evening at 5 PM, our youth gather in the Youth Center at St. Andrew's.   Plans are afoot for an air-hockey table and for painting the room; also for arranging local and distant short term mission teams.The Interfaith Community Outreach and a sister parish relationship with a church affected by Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi are working up plans for hands-on service and mission work by our youth.   Debbie and Butch Luke and Jay Tutwiler are the adult sponsors for this group. [BACK TO TOP]

CHILDREN'S LENTEN JOURNEY
Our children and your neighbor's children have been blessed by the wonderful Lenten Journey offered throughout Lent on Sunday mornings at the Sunday School hour. Every Sunday, they were blessed with stories, crafts and music all related to the events of Jesus' death on the Cross and of His Resurrection marked by Easter. Although there is no Sunday School April 9th (Palm Sunday) or April 16th (Easter), Sunday School continues strong on April 23rd.   On Palm Sunday, April 9, we begin Holy Week. The children are asked to gather at 9:00 AM on Palm Sunday in the St. Andrew's Hall to prepare to sing the hymn "Give Me Oil in My Lamp" for the start of the 9:30 AM Palm Sunday Service."

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS
Sunday, April 2 begins Daylight Savings Time. Remember to "SPRING FORWARD" one hour before going to bed on the evening of Saturday, April 1--no fooling! That is, you lose an hour of sleep and must get up an hour earlier.

INTERFAITH COMMUNITY OUTREACH YARD SALE
You won't want to miss the fabulous yard sale being planned by the Board of the Interfaith Community Outreach! One person's discard becomes another's treasure. And the proceeds will all go to further the cause of this excellent ministry we share in community with other churches, businesses, and our local government. Mark your calendar for April 21-22 in Kitty Hawk at the Foreman Lumber Company yard.  

DON'T MISS BREAKFAST!
On Sunday, April 30, from 10:15-10:55 (during the Sunday School "hour") breakfast will be served in the St. Andrew's Hall. Everything is provided and you are the only ingredient needed to make the event complete! All ages are welcomed.  

The breakfast will give us a chance to find out about upcoming events for Sunday School and for all ages, such as the Youth Sunday being planned for May such as Teacher Appreciation Sunday (May 7) and Youth Sunday (Mothers' Day, May 14) and the Parish Picnic (May 21).   [BACK TO TOP]

And summer is coming.   
•  Find out more about United Thank Offering Sunday as we celebrate the ministries of those who serve at worship (choirs, acolytes, altar guild, ushers, lectors, lay Eucharistic ministers, greeters and leaders of the Prayers of the People).
•  Vacation Bible School being planned for June 19-23

Overall, this breakfast will celebrate the joy we share in making our commitment to Sunday School and to the upcoming season after summer. Don't miss this! Who knows, your picture may be featured.

SEXUAL ETHICS TRAINING
Sexual Ethics Training will be offered on May 2 and 20, 2006 from 9AM to Noon in St. Andrew's Hall. Anyone working with children or youth at St. Andrew's or participating in activity with children or youth under the auspice of the church must be certified as having completed a training session in Sexual Ethics. Call the Church office to sign up for one of these classes.  

MOTHER'S DAY
Save The Date! Saturday, May 13th there will be a special Mother's Day event. There will be a lunch and fashion show in St. Andrew's Hall. Ladies and Children's clothing will be modeled, courtesy of Gray's. This event is sponsored by ECW and the Altar Guild. For more information, check the church bulletins and Tidings. [BACK TO TOP]

A MUSICAL NOTE FROM DAVID SPANGLER
The Bell Choir from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, will present a concert at St. Andrew's Sunday afternoon, May 28th at 4 PM. Mark your calendars for this afternoon of pure ringing delight. Bring a friend & enjoy.

BIRTHDAYS IN APRIL
Happy Birthday to those celebrating in April:
1 Beverly Farster, 2 William Dorsch, 3 Rachel Hurd, 4 Nancy Silver, 5 Olan Downing, Dylan Ellis, Eleanor Gordon, Cole Gruninger, David Oaksmith, 6 Annetta Brightbill, 7 Daniel Hardy, Mollie Silver, 8 Teresa Osborne, 9 Ann Ball, Theresa Hurd, 10 Linda Foster, Stephen Moore, Frances Ries, 11 Nancy Brightbill, Sam Eure, 12 Wade Cobb, Mischelle Hayman, Dr. Jerry Pickrel, 13 Maude Diehn, Celina Olds McGee, Laurin Meredith, Carolyn Taylor, 15 (Taz) Dorothy Fuller, Theodore Moseley, John Silver, 16 John Cleaver, Jr., Donna Evans, Harriet Workman, 17 Betsy Bennett, Carolyn Shields, 18 Harry Elam, 19 Lindsey Coggins, Erika Harmon, Sonja Jones, 20 Walter Jones, 21 Isabel Cooper, Margaret Yarbrough, Katherine Yarbrough, 22 Bonnie Campion, Katherine Catoe, Dorian Rotchford, 23 John Harrington, Gail Hodges, Elizabeth Woolard, 24 Michael Casey, Brandon Farrell, 25 J.B. Cheshire, Jr., Sophia Jordan, 26 Richard Harper, Betsy Sioussat, 28 Jeff DeBlieu, Lauren Straub, 29 Stephen Ball, Elizabeth Catoe, Stephen Slaughter. [BACK TO TOP]

ANNIVERSARIES IN APRIL

Happy Anniversary to those celebrating in April
3 Dr Raymond & Catherine Hyer, 7 The Rev. Beverley & Julia Tucker, 11 George & Marcella Austin, 12 Drew & Lisa Wright, 16 Bradley & Genia Smith, 21 Albert & Phyllis Benoit, Robert & Lorena Godley, 23 Godfrey & Elizabeth Cheshire, Stephen & Karen Sawin, 24 Rory & Karen Lee, 29 James & Janet Ellis, William & Ivy Ingram.