The following is the January 2007 edition of the St. Andrew's Tidings publication. You may download a copy to your computer by clicking on this pdf icon.

TIDINGS
VOL. CLXl lI • January 2007

PARSON'S PARAGRAPH

Sabbatical Time is here!   January 1 - March 31, 2007. Just as a Sabbath's rest is time to draw close to God, the Gill's will be spending time with God and one another as they journey. Some of the time will be spent visiting family and friends in other places; some will be spent working on projects together; some will be given over to missionary work; some will be devoted to hobbies, reading and writing. Though we will not be available or present during the first three months of the new year at St. Andrew's, we commit to lifting up our family in Christ at St. Andrew's in our daily prayers.   Most important, is the fact that this sabbatical is our sabbatical. Let this be a time for you to draw closer to God.  

It is with joy and thanksgiving to God that we take this leave assured that our church family is in the good pastoral care of the Rev. Ken Tucker. As Priest-in-Charge, Father Ken will serve a sacramental ministry among us for the duration.   He has a pastor's heart fashioned by his personal devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ.I am confident of his gifts for leading a ministry with compassion and joy in the Risen Lord. It is easy to see that he is a believer, a healer, and aware that he is called into the ministry of serving Christ. Betty, his wife, is a joy! Betty's devotion to Daughter's of the King and her love of children and needlework will make their mark among us. She has been active in the Prayer Shawl Ministry of her former parish. She and Ken will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary while here at St. Andrew's. You will come to know the joy of the faith they share.  

I will be looking as much for signs of your refreshed spirit as you should be for mine when we gather again for worship on Palm Sunday, April 1 st . How will you use this time for drawing close to God at St. Andrew's?   Your support of ministry at St. Andrew's will buoy the vestry's Areas of Responsibility, the vestry is counting on you! Christ is counting on you!

Faithfully yours
Charles+

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Men and women of the US Navy know well that a large ship is a floating community.   Every person on board has distinct gifts and abilities and everyone is needed. The ship is as dependent upon the cook as upon the pipe-fitter.   All must work together for the commonwealth of all.   he vessel of our faith is the Church.   Our fellowship is marked by the relationship we all share as members of the Body of Christ. In this New Year, you have an opportunity to strengthen the body and our fellowship as you share your gifts and talents. The Vestry will be grateful for your input in one or more of the following Areas of Responsibility which strengthen our fellowship in Christ: [BACK TO TOP]

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

2. Buildings' Maintenance & Facilities' Use: Servicing & Cleaning; permitted use of space; Opening & Closing of Church - Derek Stallings

3. Memorials & Grounds: Encouraging Memorial Gifts, Care of Outside Memorial Gardens & Altar, Grounds Maintenance & Plantings - Lou Cleaver

4. Neighbors in Christ: Prayer, Care and Fellowship among our Neighborhoods, Newcomers' Ministry & Welcome Gatherings - 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 - Steve Sawin

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

9. 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 -Emily Lewis

11. Worship: Support and Gathering of Those who Serve Ministries in our Corporate Worship (From Acolytes to Ushers) - Jay DeVore

12.Personnel: Support of Staff & Staff Planning; Permitted Use of Facilities - George Henderson

Senior Warden : Emily Lewis
Junior Warden :  Debbie Remaley
Secretary :   Claudette Smith-Irwin
Treasurer :  Skipper Hines [BACK TO TOP]

DELEGATES TO CONVENTION
The Vestry is pleased to announce the following persons who will serve St. Andrew's as their delegates to Annual Convention this February 8-10 in Fayetteville:   Delegates:   Steve Sawin, Jerry Pickrel, Teresa Clarkin, George Embrey, and Elizabeth Robbins.   Alternates: Joyce Pickrel, George Henderson, Vernelle Henderson, and Karen Sawin.   Youth Representative:   Mikey Clarkin

ANGEL TREES
The funds raised for the Angel Tree in the Narthex will make it possible through the year for the Church to respond to emergency needs as they arise.   Last year this was true as we responded to those who lost everything to fire, were about to have their electricity cut off, were without adequate food, housing, etc.    The packages received for the second Angel Tree were distributed to children via Social Services and to persons at Britthaven and at Spring Arbor with special needs.

GIFT FOR THE YOUTH PROGRAM
One of our great friends of St. Andrew's has given a gift in loving memory of his wife. $3,000 will make it possible for our youth to plan for outreach and for evangelism as they open the doors of the Youth Center to the youth of Dare County.   

BOOK AND CARDS AND COOK BOOKS, TOO
The Book and Card Ministry at St. Andrew's began in a stable-like setting of a small closet in the old parish hall.   It now is the point of welcome for many who worship and visit at St. Andrew's.   Did you know that the B&C has Bibles, Prayer Books and Hymnals and is able to order for your needs, too?   Among the most popular are the Cook Books, 'The Outer Banks Companion.'   This is a timeless collection of some great recipes, fine art by fine artists among us and sweet stories that tell of our faith, humor and humility.   The forward written by Jan Karon shows that this book is a top-of-the-line cook book.

What you may not know is that the cost of publishing the cookbooks has been paid in full.   The proceeds go entirely for the upkeep of the organ and for our music needs at St. Andrew's.   At $8 a book they are a real bargain!   If every member were able to purchase one box of cookbooks and either give them or sell them, we would soon have the funds needed for releathering the pipe organ.   So, catch someone by surprise in the New Year and take a cookbook as a house-warming or hostess gift or simply keep a box of them on hand for that special occasion when something local and appreciated is needed.   You will have helped St. Andrew's while offering a time-treasured gift! [BACK TO TOP]

CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND PAGEANTRY
"Do you hear what I hear?" We have heard such joyous song and music this Christmas. Our thanks to the Children's Choir, the Pageant Choir, the Adult Choir, Hand Bell Choir and to our Music Director, David Spangler, to Jerry Pickrel who plays at the 8 AM services and to the Soul Surfers for their devoted presence and leadership at Evening Praise and on the Fourth Sundays at 9:30 AM.

ALTAR GUILD & WREATHS AND GARLAND
The Altar Guild has had the benefit of a quiet and dedicated Directress these past three years. Pam Matthews has served our Lord with devotion that speaks of great faith and love for her church family. Pam has passed this mantle on to Joyce Pickrel with the New Year.   Our gratitude is heartfelt for their ministry.  

THE PARLOR
What a gorgeous addition to our Parlor we received this Christmas as Ray and Pam Matthews gave the church two beautifully matted and framed works of art by Ray Matthews.   "Winter" is Bodie Island Lighthouse in the highlight of fresh snow; "Summer" is the ocean waves and clouds making their mark on these Outer Banks.   Our sincere thanks for these fine gifts that will be enjoyed for generations to come! [BACK TO TOP]

CARPETS CLEANED
A great gift was given this Christmas by Butch Luke who spent a day cleaning our carpets and helping to make the church fresh and clean!   Our heartfelt thanks!

O TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND CHEER
When you read about your family you cannot help but to realize how honored we are to share in the fellowship of this church at St. Andrew's. The Tidings has become a year-round journal of our journeys in faith.   Here you find a story about a friend, neighbor and fellow Christian all at once! Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of our Tidings for their great work in getting us on board with others and our activities. The Editor, Jack Cooper begins his 10th year of this ministry this New Year.

The Rector met with Jack Cooper and Martha Wickre just before Christmas and they have worked out an arrangement so that future editions of the Tidings will be even better. Possibly by March there will be pictures in each issue.  

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