St. Andrews Nags Head

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

PARSON'S PARAGRAPH
The shimmer of summer heat is most appreciated at the water's edge. Here it sparkles, invites and delights hundreds of thousands. Reflected in the shimmer of 75 pairs of eyes was appreciation for an amazing Vacation Bible School held June 19-23 at St. Andrew's. The children 'visited' five countries (Mexico, Brazil, Poland, China and Kenya) learning "Jesus loves me" in five languages. Each day a character from the Bible greeted them and shared his or her faith (Ruth, King David, Esther, Andrew and Paul). The grand finale was celebrated at the 9:30 service on June 25 with the children leading the worship and singing their new songs of joy about Jesus.

Speaking of grand fanales: our prayers and best wishes are with Bill and Jeanie Brake who begin "real" retirement. Godspeed and our love to the both.

Meanwhile, this summer in Columbus, Ohio the Episcopal Church held its triennial convention--the "75 th General Convention". Of particular consequence and sensitivity would be the forthcoming response to the Windsor Report (note excerpts in this edition of a sermon preached on July 9 regarding this).

While most are taking a summer break, your church family is planning for a fantastic fall season together, read on!

WHAT HAPPENED AT GENERAL CONVENTION?
Note: There is an educational board "Episcopal Events" displayed in the Narthex that tells much about the polity and work of the General Convention and of the Episcopal Church

• The proper name of the Episcopal Church was long the Foreign and Domestic Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Then it became known as the Protestant Episcopal Church USA (PECUSA), then simply as ECUSA. At the 75 th General Convention (GC) it was realized that ECUSA consists of many churches not in the US. The name was therefore officially changed to "The Episcopal Church" to reflect that fact.

• An election was held for a new Presiding Bishop (PB) to assume that role in November when our current PB, the Most Rev. Frank Griswold, retires. Elected by the House of Bishops, was the Rt. Rev. Katherine Jefferts Shori, Bishop of Nevada.

• A response from this General Convention to the Windsor Report was expected and ran into some difficulties until PB Frank Griswold called a joint session of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies to work out a resolution (Posted in the narthex)

• There were consents given for newly elected bishops, among the more controversial being that of the new Bishop of Northern California, who has been divorced twice and married three times.

• Mission was a priority with authorization and direction of the giving of 0.7% of the budget to the Millennium Development Goals, which are as follows: [BACK TO TOP]

EXCERPTS FROM SERMON DELIVERED BY OUR RECTOR JULY 9
Now is the time for a rebellion for the good. As a minister of the Gospel, I pledge to rebel against the high tide of our culture and to rebel against the low tide of departure. The high tide of our culture is leading us down a path that is the way of our destruction. Like a high tide, our culture has become too much, too self-serving; too strong a force against the grain of who we are as the Body of Christ. Against the low tide of departure, my rebellion is against the easy out of leaving the Church. This is no time to leave the Church. We are the Church! We must be faithful as we stand together. [BACK TO TOP]

So this is the resolve that your rector has, and I pray and ask, yea even challenge you to join me. I redouble my commitment and ours to our youth: to the teaching of our youth. An immediate reflection on 75-80 children here at St. Andrew's for Vacation Bible School, not just having a good time, but learning about characters in scripture, understanding the realm of God's love throughout the world of which we are a part.

I redouble our commitment to our youth, acknowledging and affirming and supporting the inception of a new Children's Choir. There are leaders that have come forward from this most recent Vacation Bible School, both children and adult. More than redouble our commitment to our youth groups. It is about our resolve to be there for our youth and to highlight their gifts and talents and to share the effect of the Good News of God in Christ in their lives.

But I see a new light on the horizon. In fact, we are a part of a new light. There are adults who have come forward, ready to serve. And I also see that the capacity of groups like our Brotherhood of St. Andrew which has as it resolve "to bring men and youth to Christ" has an even greater purpose in this place; so do the Women of the Church, for women and youth in this place.

There is the resolve, I trust, of our vestry to fund these needs If we are about the work of Christ, we do need a full time associate. I am not the minister of this Church We are all ministers of this Church. But the specific function of a priest is to help equip the ministers of the Church for where to go and serve as missionaries in society. And it cannot be done in a church of this size by one. It will take your digging deeper: digging deeper as stewards into our hearts where the abundance of God's love in Christ resides among us. It will take your ministry of bringing others into the fellowship of Christ to grow our membership and capacity to serve the Lord, to effectively reach this goal.

A resolve needs to be for a Youth Minister. Someone who will be there to observe and to watch our children in our community and to speak to them and to guide them in the life of the Church.

You see, the great mission of our Church is to engage, not escape. Our mission is to evangelize society with Good News, the Good News of Christ. This Church is meant to be the conscience of our nation. And believe you me; our nation needs a good conscience.

We are the ones God calls at a place and in this time. The time is coming and is now. [BACK TO TOP]

And if you are a visitor today, pray that as you return home, you will realize God's calling in that place. Locally, we will engage more with our Neighbors in Christ There is a new Bible study that is available and ready to be prepared for use in every Neighbors in Christ group, because the Church must be close to the word of God.

I have come to realize that these next years are perhaps the most significant that we shall ever share. A new form may be emerging for the Episcopal Church and this has much to do with our bishops, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the instruments of unity in the Anglican Communion. You can be assured in these next months, even years, much will be happening.

But here is where my commitment falls and is. I commit to you, God willing and God not having other changes for us, I commit to you the next two years in preparation for this endeavor. Your faithful attendance, your attentiveness to the need as we grow in faith and serving Christ, will indeed be part of showing forth in this Church, in this society, in this nation and in this world that we are God's people. [BACK TO TOP]

MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Thanks to all of you who give so generously of your time, talent and treasure to support the ministry of St. Andrew's. As you can see from the figures below, plate offerings are up and current year pledge payments are down.Total revenues are down and we think that is attributed to the fact that many of you prepaid your pledges last year to help offset the seasonality that affects our budget.On the expense side, we are tracking as expected and are in line with the budget. The following is a comparison of the year to date income through May 2006 as compared to the same period last year:

Plate offerings                                     31,852                     40,587
Pledge payments                                    198,796                  161,911
Other Income                                         22,740                    6,227
Total Year To Date                                   253,388                  208,725

Last month we mentioned our monthly Finance Committee meetings and encouraged anyone that is interested to attend. What we did not include was the names of the members who participate in making these important financial decisions: Ray White, Emily Lewis, Bill Deichler, Joyce Pickrel, our rector, and our book keeper Joy Kupetz. All of the committee's recommendations and findings are passed along to the Vestry each month for any necessary action.

The Finance Committee is beginning to look towards next year's budget and are recommending that a representative from each church committee attend a meeting during the next few months to present their 2007 budget. This will give each individual committee a chance to talk about their areas of responsibility, their goals, hopes and desires for the future.

Again, many thanks to all of you who contribute so much in so many different ways to our church and to our community. We appreciate all that you do. [BACK TO TOP]

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew welcomes all men to join them for the best in men's fellowship in Christ. Starting promptly at 7 AM every Tuesday morning and ending as promptly at 8 AM, this is an hour not to be missed. More than 30 men share in the rotation of preparing breakfast (as simple as cold cereal -to- as fancy as Eggs Benedict) and in the preparation for the Bible Study (a Bible Study by men and for men). Plan to come this Tuesday--you will be welcomed!

The Bible and Breakfast for Women welcomes all women to savor the space and time together in Christ's love and fellowship. Every Wednesday from 8:30-9:30 AM there is a breakfast prepared by one of the dozen or so women who regularly attend. The Bible Study is as fresh as the coffee and as inviting. Plan to come this Wednesday--you will be welcomed!

The Rector provides a Bible Study at Spring Arbor every first Thursday of the month. This gathering of residents enjoys monthly studies geared to an event highlighted in that season or month (e.g. Independence Day offered a study on freedom and what it means when we say of Jesus "whose service is perfect freedom"; August we will look at Virginia Dare and the faith of those who follow God's call to new places, as did Abraham and Sarah).

The Rector provides a broad sweep overview of the Psalms every second Thursday at the GEM Adult Day Care Center in Kill Devil Hills for the dozen or so gathered there. This past month, we looked at David and the gear needed by a shepherd (flute, sling shot, shepherd's rod & staff--they loved the fact that the shape of the walking cane came from David's staff!).

• STARTING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Every Monday Bible Study at Church based on the Bible Reading Fellowship study, "Jesus Instead."

• STARTING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Every Wed. (omitting first Wednesdays) Bible Study "Hymns of Faith" following the 10Am service based on the Hymnal and the fact that 'we sing our theology' who wrote the hymns and what are the Biblical references [BACK TO TOP]

• EVERY NEIGHBORS IN CHRIST' HOSTS DISCIPLINE GROUP
Bible study based on "Growing Grace" with regular gatherings of all NIC groups for covered dish at the church at the end of each segment of the study

OUR CHILDREN LOVE TO SHARE
Each day of Vacation Bible School, our children were invited to learn about the children of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi. There, the effects of last year's Hurricane (Katrina) are still enormous. Many families are refugees and have found a safe home in Jackson; even though many had lost their homes, their neighbors and their hopes for the future. By mid-week, the children were filling a treasure chest with offerings and prayer cards filled with colorful drawing of butterflies representing new life. The children contributed over $210! Their letter to the children in Jackson encourages them to know of our love in Christ and to use this money to prepare for a Vacation Bible School at St. Philip's Church.

If we are looking for models of good stewardship at St. Andrew's, we need look no further--our children are our witness!

CHILDREN'S CHOIR FORMING
The sound of music filled the church like never before! During Vacation Bible School the children grew to appreciate the difference their voices make in praising God! Recognizing that "Jesus makes a world of difference" they sang from the heart.In one week's time, it became clear that what was forming was the start of a children's choir.

Lisa Gutierrez, Brenda Carter and Annah Petty will work together to see that this choir continues to enjoy and share their praises of God at 9:30 services regularly in the fall. The future of this Church is her children and we are blessed with an abundance of young and energetic children and their parents. That the future is now is clear. Choir practice will be held on Sunday mornings before the 9:30 service. A notice will be sent to all children's parents and guardians. [BACK TO TOP]

NEW YOUTH GROUP FORMING
The Youth of St. Andrew's start meeting this fall. During the summer, a group of youth and sponsors is building a new program based on the success of a similar program at St. James', Wilmington. Attending a youth leaders' workshop at Trinity Center in August and planning with the guidance of Cookie Cantwell, this group has great things in store. Contact Martha Wickre or Celina and Chris McGee for more details through the church office. Want to be a part of the planning? Come to the Planning Sessions--for teens and sponsors--to be held (pizza and/or burgers served) on Monday nights, July 31 and August 28 at 6:30 PM.

LOVE TO SING? COME AND WORSHIP! EVENING PRAISE!
On the second Sunday of the month, the Chapel is wide open with hymns of praise and wonderful expressions of faith. Every member of the church ought to get a dose of the joy and love shared in this fellowship of Christ. It is a treasure to gather in the Chapel! See you at the next EVENING PRAISE on Sunday, August 13 at 6:30 PM!

GETING ON BOARD WITH OUTREACH
There is no better way to get connected at St. Andrew's or within the community than through the service of outreach, reaching out to help others in Christ's name. Our Outreach Committee meets monthly (except August) and has paved the way for several worthwhile opportunities to roll up our sleeves and help others. [BACK TO TOP]

Excerpts from a meeting held in June: "We had a special guest, Aleena Long with Sail Ministries. She has asked our church to participate in a mission to provide dinners to our beach lifeguards this summer. What she has proposed is that St. Andrew's be responsible for preparing a meal, Thursday, August 10 for about 60 young people and serve it at the Kill Devil Hills Town Hall. Other churches in the community will be doing this on other Thursdays with the result that our lifeguards will get a "home-cooked" meal each Thursday night!"

We are also about to join other churches (Duck UMC and Grace Lutheran) participating in "Food for Thought." This program provides meals for those who fall between the cracks and do not otherwise receive a proper diet. Our areas of responsibility will include a portion of Nags Head Elementary School. Celina McGee is heading up this great outreach for St. Andrew's and will be grateful to know of your interest in it. [BACK TO TOP]

The GEM Adult Day Care Center is also looking for someone(s) who can assist in preparing lunches for the center on Tuesdays. A suggested menu is available or you may choose your own within the confines of dietary needs for the elderly. Persons who can contribute the food are a double blessing, the GEM Center will provide the funding otherwise. Contact the rector or church office for more details.

JESUS GAVE EVERYTHING FOR US
Stewardship is our grateful response. It is not a pledge or an obligation but a manner of the heart. As we 'mind' our manners with heart and soul we strengthen the heart of the Body of Christ so that it is able to be bold in serving others, and to be vibrant in her worship of our Lord. As we come to the fall season, let's prepare our hearts for great expressions of gratitude, it has the potential of changing the lives of others and of renewing our sense of true purpose in living. [BACK TO TOP]

KNOCK, KNOCK - WHO'S THERE?
We hope YOU will be! We told you in last month's "Tidings" about the formation of a Vision Committee to get a clearer picture of the desires of our church family. Plans are shaping up for small group gatherings to bolster conversations about the future of St. Andrew's. We are enlisting the help of our Neighbors in Christ groups to organize gatherings in the homes of members of our congregation.

We ask only that you search your heart and your mind and come with ideas and suggestions regarding our worship, fellowship, youth ministry, outreach and whatever else may be of concern to you. What a fun and exciting way to discover who we are and who we want to be within our community!

Watch for future notices as we attempt to reach our entire church family via mail, email, telephone, church communications and word-of-mouth. The gatherings are not restricted to "church members". If you know of anyone interested in being a part of the future of St. Andrew's, we ask that you please help us reach out to them. The neighborhood gatherings will take place between mid-September and mid-October. If you are interested in hosting one of our group gatherings, please call Pat Fearing at 473-3307 or Shawn Nunemaker at 480-9983.

WONDER WHERE TO FIND THAT GIFT OF FAITH AND LOVE?
Come to the Book 'N Card Ministry and browse through the collections of Bibles, prayer books, devotionals, inspired cards and notes. Find a tote bag, mug or daily diary with St. Andrew's logo. Give two cookbooks for the price of one and make it a triple gift (two for the price of one and the proceeds goes 100% to the care and maintenance of our organ). Sample the treasure of sweet and thoughtful gifts in glass, wood and handmade items. We are open every Sunday between services and on Wednesdays from 10-Nooon. Elizabeth Robbins has assembled a fine crew of volunteers--let her know and you could be added to the number!

BONFIRE AND BEACH GATHERINGS PLANNED
Want to enjoy treasured moments with your St. Andrew's friends and family? Come to the BONFIRE & BEACH GATHERINGS scheduled this summer for Sunday evening, July 30 at 7 PM and Sunday evening, August 13 following Evening Praise. The location of the pit fire (weather permitting and, thus, permit allowed) will be at the Bonnett Street Public Access, Mile Post 11 across from the YMCA in Nags Head. Parking and restrooms are available there, too.

DON'T MISS OUT--PARISH WEEKEND FOR ST. ANDREW'S
Theme: "Earth & All Stars"

What a wonderful time we have in store for the 2006 Parish Weekend! The weekend is Friday evening, October 20 ~ Sunday morning, October 22 and is planned for all ages: Adults, youth and children!

It takes place at Trinity Center starting on Friday evening with supper. After dinner, we will begin some Parish Family Fun in the Conference Room, ending at 9 PM with a service of Compline.

Saturday morning (9-Noon) will feature Trinity Center. This is a premier conference center for the Church and this will be our weekend to get close to it and to care for it and her staff. Unlike any other Parish Weekend, we will give a little (mulching, trimming, picking up trash, beautifying and caring for Trinity Center) and take a little (getting a taste of the programs offered: Pelican House, Elderhostel, Camp Trinity, Sound to Sea, and the "Ropes" course.

Saturday afternoon (1-4 PM) will offer time and space; a rest for heart, soul and mind. Join or watch a rousing game of Softball at 4 PM and then relax at the Parish Reception at 5:30 PM.

After Dinner on Saturday there will be a Beach Shaggin' Party at the Beach House overlooking the Atlantic. The party (7-8:30 PM) includes an Ice Cream Social with all the fixin's.

Sunday morning, we will gather at Sanders' Point for a Eucharist right at the water's edge. Then we will pick up our bagged lunches either for the ride home (ferry ride?) or to stay a while and eat in the shelter overlooking the ocean.

What to bring: Casual clothes, play clothes, bathing suit (if desired), yard work clothes and a spirit for having fun! Some will want to bring a good book and THE Good Book! Please leave radios behind as this is a time for getting away! Linens and towels are provided in each room.

Sign-up's are underway. Space is limited to 32 rooms or about 75 people. Check it out in the narthex ASAP, call the church office or send in your registration with deposit (space available on first come, first served basis). Costs are minimal and some partial scholarships are available if needed. There are significantly discounted prices for larger households or families attending.

1 Mike Melugin, Leah Poerter, 3 Gloria Copeland, Tammy Cross, Francis Crutchfield, Dale Petty, Creecy Silver, 4 Jean Marx, Jess Godfrey, 5 Pamela Griffin, BB Griffin, Victoria Perry, 6 Matthew Huth, 7 Velma Crumpler, The Rt. Rev. A. Light, 8 Sean Clarkin, Lloyd Eure, Jr., Zachary Miller, Robert Montgomery, Ann Schmidt, 9 Katy Alker, JoAnn Small, 10 Samantha Drumm, Brandy Dorsch, Tyler Hess, Linda Spangler, 12 Brooke Rusk, Alice Skinner, Charlotte Holt, 13 John Luke, Peter Rascoe, III, Patricia Respess, 14 Margaret Bryant, Joyce Hellems, Sylvia Jacocks, 15 Robert Manners, Lauren Montgomery, 16 Jacob Hutchins, 17 Godfrey Cheshire, Matthew Gray, Emmalee Kovacs, Joseph Kovacs, Ticia Valentine, Don Seaton, 18 Charles Brookes, Robert Wade, 19 Virginia Layfield, 20 Hailey Fretwell, Ray Hall, 21 Marjorie Cheshire, Katelyn Rea, Eliza Vaughan, 22 John Bayliss, Jr., Seth Melugin, Rebecca Miller, Walter Milliner, Laura Skrypek, Maxine Staats, 23 Robert Vinson, 24 Peebles Harrison, Matthew Liverman, Charles Robinson, 25 Joyce Elder, Sarah Petty, David Roberts, Jr., 26 Robert Howison, 28 Jacob Budde, Scott Ramm, Doug Remaley, Paul Skrypek, Betty Stokes, 29 Gail Leonard, Mary Oliver, Katheleen Plyler, 30 Paul Northrup, Randy Saunders, 31 Rachel Hayman, LTC Charles Leet, Ret., William Skinner.

1 Floyd Hall, III, 3 Erin Hunt, Caroline Jordan, Wayne Sample, Karen Sawin, 4 Katheryn Godfrey, 5 Betty Butler, Garnette Gardner, Ernest Kerber, 6 Connie Mebane, Christopher Puma, Rachel Roberts, Bill Schmidt, 7 John Boyd, Matthew Oliver, 8 Tanya Cobb, Ann Holt, 9 Stephen Burch, Samantha Delucia, Steven Evans, David Jones, Jr., Pamela Matthews, Nicole Northrup, 12 Daniel DeVeau, 13 Jonathan Harris, Thomas Jacocks, 14 Isabella Cooper, Savannah Sawin, 15 Janet Ellis, Charles Foreman, Julie Gray, Donna Trivette, 16 Courtney Straub, 17 Marcella Austin, Margaret Disharoon, William Overman, Jr., Jeremy Staats, 18 Rebecca Hodges, 19 Veda Jones, Mary Malmborg, 20 Emily Marie Cross, Beau Silver, 21 Drew Edwards, Mary Ray, 23 Karen Beardsley, Dr. J. Hodges, Jr., Love Little, Larry McCarter, Mary Vaughan, John White, 24 Carolyn Ballance, James Graham, Alex Harrison, 25 Mary Glover, John Hayman, John Myers, III, Jacqueline Wade, 27 Theresa Herndon, Windsor Jacques, Mimi Silver, 28 Ashley Beardsley, John Woolard, III., 29 Janet Anderson, Candice Kling, Olivier Maramenides, 30 Jennifer Anderson, John High, Gaylon Layfield, 31 Otis Hurd.

ANNIVERSARIES IN JULY

5 Luther & Helen Hodges, 8 Robert & Mary Manners, Noble & Joan Woodall, 11 K.E. & Mary Malmborg, 12 Alice & Thomas Skinner, 17 Adam & Heather Sakers, 20 Fred & Barbara Chatelain, Otis & Theresa Hurd, 26 Charles & Della Gill, 29 Kenneth & Elizabeth Brown, Fletcher & Linda Willey.

ANNIVERSARIES IN AUGUST

1 Richard & Linda Harper, 5 Doug & Debbie Remaley, 6 Pat & Elizabeth Hudspeth, 7 Al & Alexis Hodges, 8 Robert & Carrie Houseknecht, 9 William & Dawn Edwards, 10 Jerry & Harriet Workman, 13 Allen & Grace Wood, 18 Ralph & Gail Hodges, 19 Martin & Judy Joyce, 20 Howard & Helen Cliborne, 22 Norman & Evangelyn Castellani, 23 Gregory & Katie Bell, 24 Ronald & Peggy Owens, 25 Mark & Tammy Cross, Keith & Joyce Hellems, William & Harriett Skinner, 29 Robert & Elizabeth Anderson.