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
There is a lot to be said about a little. Just a little bit of some things can make a huge difference: the small flame of a candle dispels the darkness, a speck of faith no more than that of a mustard grain can move mountains. On the other hand (or foot) a little bit of sand or grit in your shoe can be a big bother. I would far rather wriggle my toes in a whole beach of sand than to have a few grains misplaced between my toes!

During summer we take a small break from our routines. Regular schedules of schools change: Sunday School, for example. Sunday School concluded the winter/spring semester on the day of our Parish Picnic, May 21. For the summer our schedule is as follows:

• STARTS JUNE 11: Adult Sunday School (Bible Study) will resume on Sunday, June 11 (10:15 AM) for the summer season through August 27.

• STARTS JUNE 11: Pre-Teens and Teens and Adults will be offered an Enquirers' Class with the rector and lay-teachers upstairs in the new classroom beginning June 11 and running for 8 Sundays, through August 13 (not meeting on June 25 or July 2). One class will be held on the beach!

• STARTS JUNE 19: Vacation Bible School for the week of June 19-23 will be a highlight of the summer for children Pre-School--Grade 5. Daily journeys will find the children "traveling" from Mexico to Africa and looking right at home as they realize the love of God given in Jesus for all people. Come and get your passports stamped as we go "Trading Places."

So it is that we aim to light the fire of God's love, wonder the miracles of faith as small as a child's, and wriggle our toes in lots of sand!

BILL BRAKE RETIRES THIS MONTH
St. Andrew's provided Bill Brake a month's sabbatical in May and welcomes him (and Jeannie) back for the month of June. Over the past 7 years Bill has "gathered the forces" of our lay ministers on Sunday before worship, seeing that acolytes were ready and the procession in order, and served us Sundays through Wednesdays in parish ministry. Of particular note have been the offerings of a Bible study on Monday mornings ("Bible Brake") and classes on "Anglican Christianity" on Wednesdays. It has been his joy to bring together men of the parish as the Brotherhood of St. Andrew was recharged and chartered. Likewise a woman's Bible and Breakfast was begun as a Lenten program and has grown into a year round offering. Numbers of adults have learned much about the Episcopal Church and our Faith through his Enquirers' Classes offered annually.

We will miss his sermons, his jovial and direct commentary on life and his presence among us as a member of the staff. We pray that God will bless Bill and Jeannie with the best of health and the joy of fellowship in Christ that is our daily Bread.

Sunday, June 25 is Bill's last Sunday among us as our Priest Associate. We will honor and celebrate the relationship we have enjoyed with a reception following each of the services on that day.
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THE GENERAL CONVENTION OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The General Convention of the Episcopal Church USA is a triennial event (taking place every three years). Likewise, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) has its triennial meeting for all the chapters at the same place and time. The last General Convention (GC) was in Minneapolis and our rector was a deputy to that GC. The GC taking place this year will be held June 13-21 in Columbus, Ohio. George Embrey, a member of our Vestry, has gotten his credentials and will attend as a guest working in the area of the press (good choice!). George is from Columbus and this will be a great opportunity for him to be back home--and a great opportunity for us to get a bird's-eye view of happenings and events associated with this GC.

In May, some of the Deputies from our Diocese to this GC met to share what they know of upcoming resolutions and to listen to our questions and thoughts, concerns and hopes. Joyce Pickrel (Senior Warden), Edith Winkelmann, and Connie Mebane joined our rector. A lively discussion followed; much was learned and shared.

The most significant portion for us is to pray. Consider well that "the Spirit intercedes for us" (Romans 8). Join me in using this simple and profound prayer: "Lord, bless the work of this General Convention that the name of Jesus may be honored and glorified and that we may draw closer to the Word of God as we do God's will. Amen." [BACK TO TOP]

Significant opportunities for change will be forthcoming in the leadership of the GC:

• There are 110 dioceses each with 4 clerical deputies and 4 lay deputies (880 deputies in all). They will elect a new President of the House of Deputies

The bishops of the church will elect a new Presiding Bishop (who will assume this role in November, 2006)

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

4. Neighbors in Christ: Prayer, Care and Fellowship among our Neighborhoods, Newcomers' Ministry & Welcome Gatherings, Detailed Planning for Annual 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

12. Personnel: Support of Staff; Permitted Use of Facilities by Others--Joyce Pickrel [BACK TO TOP]

GREETINGS FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE!
This is the first of what will be a monthly message from the Finance Committee on the financial status of the church. We hope that you have had a chance to review the 2006 budget summary that was included with your quarterly pledge statement to provide a better understanding of our budget for the current year. If you did not receive the information, extra copies are available in the church office.
The following is a comparison of our year to date income through April 2006 and as compared to the same period last year.

Plate offerings                                        $ 24,088                             $35,539
Pledge payments                                     $178,183                             $157,390
TOTAL YEAR TO DATE                              $202,271                              $191, 929

Please call us if you have questions or would like additional information. We encourage anyone who is interested to attend our monthly Finance Committee meeting held the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 AM in the Classroom adjacent to the Book and Card Shop.

Skipper Hines                                                      Dorothy Toolan
Treasurer                                                            Chairman, Finance Committee
441- 5580 (day time)                                            480-2969 (evenings)
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THE THEOLOGY OF OUR HYMNS
The Rector will begin a new Wednesday offering (in September) following the 10 AM service weekly (exception: not on the first Wednesday of each month) in Classroom A. We sing our theology and our hymns are full of many blessings that lead us through all times. Come and learn the joy of knowing the context of these hymns, when they were written and why, and consider your love of them today and their meaning for life as we share our faith today.

INTERFAITH COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Interfaith Community Outreach (ICO) provides emergency "gap" services and assistance to those in our community who are in need and have no other place to go for help. St. Andrews has been a vital part of this ministry. Our Rector and Gail Leonard serve on the Board. Dave Huff started the Home Rehab service for clients in need of access ramps or minor home repairs. Joyce Pickrel helps with administrative duties. So many seeking help come because an accident or illness has resulted in loss of income and, consequently, rent and utilities cannot be paid. In 2005, the ICO was able to help 735 people with $54,500 in assistance and the need continues to grow. Please consider volunteering and/or financially supporting this wonderful organization. For additional information, please call Gail Leonard at 441-7476 or Director, Ginger Candelora at 480-0070.

PRISON MINISTRY
St. Andrews continues a ministry of worship services at the Dare County Detention Center. We have expanded to four leaders who can lead a worship team. Eight of us participate in the program. The service is a modified Morning Prayer with hymns. As time passes the detainees are invited to participate more and more. Our last visit, lead by Jay Tutwiler, had four rousing hymns, three lessons read by detainees,

a brief talk by Jay and a long list of prayer requests from all of us. A prayer list is distributed to all of the prison ministers to add to their prayers until we next meet at the Detention Center. Jack Overman hand built a beautiful lectern from oak and donated it for our ministry. Steve is presently organizing a crew to replace the worn carpet in June.

New efforts include contacting other churches who are on the schedule to coordinate all to improve the frequency of services and to initiate other programs in coordination with the Diocese. The Christians we serve at the Detention Center are very vocal about their need for and appreciation of formal worship. We are doing what we are told to do: "Feed my sheep". We regularly receive financial and prayer support from the whole Parish of St. Andrew's. [BACK TO TOP]

FALL BAZAAR
Needed now for the Fall Bazaar - Your scarves and bangle bracelets. The Crafty ladies are busy sewing and scheming. Please bring items to the church office. Your donations will be greatly appreciated. Any questions, call Isabel Cooper at 480-1684.

WHAT DO PARISHIONERS OF ST. ANDREW'S WANT?
A visionary committee will try to define this question through survey's and community meetings. The Vision Committee has been charged to consider our needs for the next five years and to get a clearer picture of the desires of our members. The committee is made up of a diverse group of members, both young and not so young. Their charge also includes determining the cost not just in dollars and cents for delivering these needs and desires, but what it will take to get the silent to speak, how to reach out and give those who have stopped attending a strong reason to participate again, and to attract new members. Understanding our function as a part of the larger church community and getting input on areas of Vestry responsibility will also be addressed. Now is your chance to be a part of an historic time at St. Andrews. Please respond favorably to your invitation to attend a meeting in your neighborhood to impact how we can do a better job at what we are doing better. [BACK TO TOP]

Did you know that the kids in our Trading Spaces Vacation Bible School will learn how to say Jesus Loves Me in Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Chinese and Swahili?

Help us make these languages and countries come alive by sharing your stories, artifacts and pictures from MEXICO, BRAZIL, POLAND, CHINA and KENYA. We will be focusing on each of these countries for one day and we need lots of props to make our kids feel like they have traveled to another country. Please drop off anything that might be appropriate in the church office, by Monday, June 12. Please mark each item clearly with: 1) a description and any special instructions, 2) its country of origin, and 3) your name and phone number.

Vacation Bible School at St. Andrew's will be held Monday - Friday, June 19, 20, 21, 22, & 23 from 9 AM to 12 noon daily. Registration & payment in advance is required. The cost of $20 will provide each child with some very special memories. (NOTE: the maximum cost per family is $40; (Third and subsequent children are free!) For those in need, full and Partial Scholarships are available).

Parents, adults and youths in 6 P th P grade or higher are invited to come & volunteer for one or more days. Please contact Annah Petty at 473-1594 or Lisa Wheless at 473-6277 to find out more details and where help is needed most.

We aim to make this a highlight of the children's summer memories! A Children's program will be presented June 25 P th P , the Sunday after Vacation Bible School at the 9:30 AM service.
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THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW & DARE DAYS
On Saturday, June 3, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew cooked up a great day! The Shot Cox Memorial Cooker was in action as the men prepared softshells, fish and hushpuppies galore! Held on the Manteo waterfront and it began at 9 AM and ran throughout the day. Our thanks to the Brotherhood, especially the guidance of Buster Nunemaker and George Henderson in this successful event.

UNITED THANK OFFERING RECEIVED THRU JUNE
The ingathering of the United Thank Offering (UTO) is received through the month of June. The gift of the holy spirit given to the Church is honored as we make our our special offering to UTP. From community care clinics offering dental and medical assistance to those in need to farming techniques taught to entire villages in Africa through the church, the UTO meets amazing calls for help with grants.

The UTO is truly thanks through prayer and offering: " What we do in the United Thank Offering is first to offer our prayers of thanks to God. This is the major difference between us and other groups. The United Thank Offering is prayer oriented. Then we give tangible thanks for the blessing in the form of coins or bills. This money is an offering, not a donation." [BACK TO TOP]

Join us in June and bring your offering that it, too, may become a part of our United Thank Offering!

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE
Mother's Day marked the first of St. Andrew's Sunday Evening Praise Services and we took the opportunity to lift our voices up for the Lord. A deluge and tornado watch kept a few folks at home, but those that attended were blessed. Deacon Grace Wood led the congregation in an exploration of the goodness of God through the window of her personal journey of being called to The Orders of the church while being accompanied by the Lord the whole way, always beckoning her to "Taste and See." The Soul Surfers shared some uplifting praise music as the lyrics were presented on a screen to follow along with, and many joined in to capture a wonderful spirit of fellowship.

We were also engaged by a visual presentation set to the current country hit "She's Somebody's Hero" that was a tribute to all mothers everywhere and in all times. A special thanks goes out to Dwight Kirschmann for his touching work that left us clapping with blurry eyes. Each mom left with a rose in appreciation for all they are. A time of fellowship followed the service and kids of all ages enjoyed cookies and limeade.

Where were you? Mark June 11th at 6:30 PM on your calendar now, and come see what surprises will await us all as we have our first Evening Praise Service of summer! [BACK TO TOP]

"ENQUIRING MINDS AND HEARTS"
Throughout the summer months there will be a class on eight (8) Sundays, beginning June 11 (and continuing through August 13; no class on June 25 or July 2). This is an opportune time to learn the facts about how the Episcopal Church has come to be and to understand the dynamics of the faith we share. The classes will have a steady diet of history, tradition, reason and experience that provide for a healthy discernment of issues of faith.

Realizing that some cannot attend every class, there will be a summary email review offered of each class sent to enrolled participants and a hand out provided at each class for that session (and available the following week upon request for those enrolled).

The class is open to all adults, teens and pre-teens and will meet in St. Andrew's Hall from 10:20-10:50 (30 minutes). Persons may take this class as a portion of the requisite for being Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church. Additional reading and study will be assigned for this purpose. Register for the class at the church office.

"EARTH AND ALL STARS"
Planning for a fabulous weekend together for all ages is taking shape. "Earth and All Stars" will be our lead song as all ages will enjoy a weekend of fellowship, good food and hands-on work together. Trinity Center is an ocean-to-sound oasis between Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle. It is a premier conference center for the Episcopal Church and a part of our diocese here in East Carolina. Mulching, trimming, raking, painting, litter pick up, all will highlight our good stewardship as we spend the weekend together. Added treats will be the "Beach House Dance" with our own Buster Nunemaker as the disc jockey (shagging lessons, too!), an ice cream social and a "low ropes" course for all ages. Nursery care and relaxation are keys to a memorable time together.

We would love to have your input in the planning. Come to St. Andrew's Hall on Monday, June 19 at 1 PM to share your ideas and get involved! The Parish Weekend is October 20-22 (begins with a late supper Friday and ends with a bagged lunch on Sunday--to eat overlooking the ocean or, perhaps, on a ferry-ride home from Cedar Island to Ocracoke). Contact Debbie Remaley for details at 441-1950 or by email at remaley940@earthlink.net [BACK TO TOP]

CALLING ALL MEN
Men: I could really use your help on Sunday, July 2nd. I would like the men of St. Andrew's to sing "America the Beautiful" at the 11 o' clock service. We will meet at 10:30 in the choir loft to rehearse before the service. Hope to see you there. Thanks for the help. We'll sound great!

Save the Date! We are in the planning stages for our St. Andrew's Service Weekend, scheduled for Saturday, September 23, from 9 AM to 12 PM. Our Service Weekend will provide all members of the St. Andrew's family with the opportunity to be of service on our campus, on the Outer Banks and in the world at large. Details include activities for children and youth, a prayer component, and a celebration.

Help is needed to plan this parish activity. Two or three meetings over the summer should get everything in order. Please contact Claiborne Yarbrough at 261-4996 if you would like to help.

September 10 Fall Sunday School begins Sunday
September 11 Bible Study (9:30) begins & "9/11" Community Service
September 13 "The Theology of our Hymns" begins after 10 AM service
September 24 The Bishop will be at St. Andrew's
October 20-22 *Parish Family Weekend at Trinity Center!

* The Parish Family Weekend is special this year. Our focus will be on serving as members of the Diocesan Family as we learn, work together and depend on one another through a weekend of hands-on activities at Trinity (from ropes course to repair work to growing together in the Spirit!). There is something for all ages to do together ; plus time for relaxed trips into Beaufort or to the beach. Be ready to sign up your household this summer! [BACK TO TOP]

HAVE YOU TAKEN YOUR SABBATICAL?
Often I have been asked this question by members of our diocesan family. It is expected that every 5 years in East Carolina, some sabbatical time be available for the clergy. "No, not yet--we're working on it." Has been my frequent reply for several years. The fact is, St. Andrew's has had a wonderful and eventful few years since that 5 year period of 1999. We have planted a new church, were serving a mission congregation on Hatteras Island and built a fantastic new complex of buildings at St. Andrew's. It has been a joy to see things come together and a lot of time has been spent working out the bugs of our new space.

God willing, you will join me in taking this time for refreshment. This sabbatical time is intended as much for the congregation as for the rector. During the "away time" the laity will be assuming many areas of leadership and that will be to the benefit of us all. A "Vision Committee" has begun meeting and will be bringing to and seeking from the congregation opportunities to engage in the process of envisioning and acting upon our call as we serve as the Body of Christ.

My vision for a sabbatical? To again stand in awe of God: including time to study Francis of Assisi and mission time in Africa with Bishops Baji (Tanzania) and Shalita (Uganda). Then, some personal work writing, learning the guitar and carving a decoy or two!

When? We will wait and see about the grant and I will be working with the Bishop and Vestry on securing the assistance of someone fresh and helpful for the St. Andrew's side of the sabbatical. Hopefully, this could occur from January-May of 2007 if all parts fit together. Flexibility continues to be the key. Meanwhile, I love serving our Lord among you while witnessing the same from you!

ST. ANDREW'S SENIORS - GRADUATES
Our congratulations and best whishes to ten (10) of our finest who have completed their high school education and are now gearing up for the commencement of greater things. Each of these persons should connect with our rector as he has a special gift from the parish family to share with them.

The 2006 grads are: Taz Fuller, Mark Gill, Orry Gray, James Joyce, Matt Liverman, Webb Pickerel, Matt Preston, Coy Shearin, Eliza Vaughan, and Sheldon Woolard.

ANNIVERSARIES IN JUNE

7 Donald & Sandra Ball, Dale & Annah Petty, 10 William & Brandy Dorsch, 11 James & Mimi Iacone, 12 John & Kerry Harrington, Steven & Jennifer Kovacs, The Rt. Rev.A. & Mrs. Sarah Light, 13 Dr. Richard & Ann Hines, Jr.,15 John & Samantha Delucia, 16 Don & Buffy Seaton, 17 James & Sylvia Sparks, 18 Greg & Ann Ball, James & Dorothy Fuller, 19 Jeff & Jan DeBlieu, 20 Mike & Regina Lee, Michael & Frances Reeves, Bob & Jacqueline Wade, 21 Charles & Annalee Brooks, 22 Ray & Linda White, 23 Charles & Shirley Votaw, 25 Elliot & Catherine Shook, 27 Wayne & Jackie Sample, 28 Dan & Carolyn Shields, 29 Bee & Carolyn Baum, 30 Ted & Mary Jeannette Moseley.

1 Sandra Carrithers, Lola Davis-Jones, Judy Joyce, Isabel Pitcher, Sean O'Neal, 2 Robert Horn, 3 Frances Gaither, 4 Chelsea Boyd, Gene Carter, Cameron Maramenides, 5 Grace Wood, 6 Robert Trivette, 7 Leopold Dean, Colby Gardner, Jennifer Classen, 8 Robert Mitchell, William Small, Marisa Smith, 9 Joshua Budde, Bryson Casey, Linda Coggins, Shawn Morton, 10 Darby Boyd, Logan Daniels, Deb Taylor, 11 Michael Hess, Kira Straub, 12 Reid DeBlieu, Greg Eng-Hong, Maren Ingram, Bradley Smith, Charles Spruill, Jr., Allen Wood, 13 Matthew Harrington, K.E. Malmnorg, 14 Hopelyn Kovacs, James Partington, Stephen Sawin, 15 Drew Anderson, James Fuller, Larry Gray, Ralph Hodges, Jr., Pamela Jack, Brandy Rhoads, 16 Michael Bryant, Cordelia Fuller, Joseph Lamb, IV, William Love, Jr., Arielle Pickrel, John Welch, 18 Donna Greenlee, Evelyn Schmitt, 19 Anisley Daniels, Watson Harvey, Cecelia Hill, John Luke, Jr., 20 Jane Holt, 21 Elizabeth Burton, Crile Chrisler, Megan Luke, Hanna Montgomery, Sheldon Woolard, 22 Scott Leavel, Stan Leggett, 23 Katherine Lamb, Caroline Reeves, 24 John Bernd, 25 Holton Bond, Reba Easty, 26 John Delucia, Emmy Trivette, 27 Don Overton, 29 Brian Brumfield, Dr. Jennifer Halloran, Dr. Richard Hines, Jr., Stellings Lee.