The following is the September 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 IX • September 2006

PARSON'S PARAGRAPH
"If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!" (2 Cor 5:17 NRSV) Looking through some old files, copies of bulletins from 50 years ago were found. Outwardly, there have been major changes at St. Andrew's. The simple, quaint chapel was a place where services were held regularly through the summer months. The winter congregation consisted of a few hardy souls familiar to Outer Bank's history. They planted the seeds that grew into the year round flock of Christ. From that small faithful beginning we continue as we grow in Christ's love. September is a time of renewal - when the seeds that have been planted in the spring, nurtured in the summer, begin to bear fruit. What follows is the fruit of our labors as we grow in Christ's love.

Charles+ [BACK TO TOP]

MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee convenes regularly a few days before the monthly Vestry meeting. As such the committee's responsibilities can be summarized as follows:

• Keep pace with the parish's financial position and well being
• Submit findings and recommendations to the Vestry for meaningful action.

The church's Treasurer (Skipper Hines) and Bookkeeper (Joy Kupetz) provide timely reports, tools and insight, which are essential to the work of both the Finance Committee and Vestry. As in prior months these reports exhibit a year over year downward trend in total parish revenue, (summarized below).

                                                           July 2005                                July 2006

Plate Offering:                                       43,619                                       55,546
Pledge Payments:                                  240,306                                     196,573
Other Income:                                       25,473                                         6,765
Year To Date Total:                                309,398                                     258,884

Thus far for 2006 the Committee believes that the downturn in pledge offerings predominantly is attributable to the fact that more parishioners prepaid their pledges in 2005 compared to 2006. In any case this downtrend will be monitored vigilantly as we approach the final third of the 2006 calendar year. [BACK TO TOP]

In its August meeting the Finance Committee simultaneously focused on looking backwards as well as forward. In looking backwards, the committee began exploring periodic audit alternatives. In looking forward, the committee members discussed the necessity of to reach out to the various bodies and committees that comprise St. Andrew's in an effort to glean meaningful input for the 2007 budget process. So, if you head up a committee please consider your 2007 initiatives and desired funding. Shortly each committee chair will be approached for input in the 2007 budget process. The monthly Finance Committee meeting is an open meeting, so, your attendance is welcomed.

INVITATION FROM THE VISION COMMITTEE
Our Vision Committee has been working for the past several months to see how our church can meet the needs of our parishioners. We will be trying to gather information from you concerning what you would like to see happening at St. Andrews. Be thinking about how you would answer these questions:

• What are our strengths?
• What could we do better?
ª What are our opportunities?

Your input is vital to St. Andrews as we plan for the future.   Stay tuned to hear more about our plans to discuss these questions and get to know one another better. [BACK TO TOP]

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS

"The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers..."   Ephesians 4:11

Do you have the gift to teach or assist in teaching our children and youth?   We need you for our 2006/2007 Christian Education program! We have lots of creative and fun activities planned, including a new curriculum called "All things new!" No experience is necessary, just a heart that respects children and an eagerness to grow in Christian community. Our teacher's kick off meeting is on Sunday, August 27 at 10:15 AM. For more information, please contact Claiborne Yarbrough at 261-4996 or by email at yarbrough4@hotmail.com [BACK TO TOP]

BONFIRE AND BEACH GATHERING
What a joyful gathering we had back in July with the bonfire sponsored by Neighbors in Christ and vestry liaison, Debbie Remaley (with great help from her husband, Doug, who happens to be Dare County's Fire Marshall!). Some 55 people of all ages gathered at the Bonnet Street public access at Mile Post 11. S'mores, singing and story telling around the bonfire set in the dug out sand made the evening most special.  

The next Bonfire and Beach Gathering is scheduled for Sunday, September 17 at 7 PM at the same location (Mile Post 11, Bonnet Street in Nags Head). Restrooms are available at the site and a good walkway will bring us all to the ocean's edge. Could be an even more " magical " night with musicians and slight of hand magicians. Come and have fun - bring the whole family!

NEW FOCUS ON THE ACOLYTE CORPS
The Acolyte Corps includes all youth from Grades 4 and up. Boy and girls, preteens and teens are all encouraged to share this ministry of the youth as they take leading roles in worship. This year, a renewed emphasis will be on building the Acolyte Corps with its Master Acolyte Program and presentation of Crosses. New this year is the addition of special processional banners. The Acolyte Corps is planning to attend the National Acolyte Event held at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC the first weekend of October. Contact Butch and Debbie Luke for details! [BACK TO TOP]

ST. ANDREW'S YOUTH
The mission of St. Andrew's Youth is to be members of One Body in Christ
•  Accepting Christ's Call:  "Follow me and I will make you fish for people" (Mark 1:16)
•  Belonging to Christ: "You are the body of Christ and individually members of it" (I Corinthians 12:27)
•  Changing with the love of Christ: "We must grow up in every way...into Christ" (Ephesians 4:15)

It is a joy to announce that a Youth Planning Group, members including teens and adults, will meet together through year with the one goal of developing and strengthening our Youth Program. The next meeting of this Group is scheduled for Monday evening, September 4 (yes, the Monday of Labor Day Weekend) at 6 PM. Food is provided.   It is an even greater joy to welcome the addition of several adults who have agreed to help with specific youth group events through the year.

The greatest announcement at this time is that we are blessed to welcome Luke McGee as our Youth Group Leader. Luke is a recent graduate of Randolph Macon College and is coaching football for Manteo Middle School. Luke is a committed Christian who loves the Lord and looks forward to being with our youth.

ADULT EDUCATION ON SUNDAY MORNINGS
Ever popular are books for "dummies." They grab our attention because they get to the essence of the need. This semester, the offering on Sunday mornings for adults will be "Church for Dummies."   Get to know the beliefs and practices inspired by Jesus Christ. Discover what it means to be a Christian and follow the gospel. Curious about Christianity? This friendly guide helps you understand the basic teachings of the Christian faith, exploring the common ground that all Christians share, the differences among churches and key events in Christian history, theological issues, and the many ways Christians live out their faith in today's world. Included in weekly "Episcopal Chapters" will be such topics as Why we do what we do at worship, The Book of Common Prayer for Dummies, Episcopal History for Dummies, The Bible for Dummies, Christian Parenting for Dummies, Prayer for Dummies. Come to the Sunday School Kick-Off Coffee on September 10; classes begin September 24. [BACK TO TOP]

STAY TUNED FOR THE NEW CHILDREN'S CHOIR
Following the great success of the Vacation Bible School this summer, Lisa Gutierrez, Annah Petty and Brenda Carter have joined their skills for assembling a Children's Choir at St. Andrew's. They will give out information at the opening of Sunday School on September 10 and we will all be blessed with the joy and song that these children let loose as they glorify the Lord! 

TO HONOR MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE

The Youth of St. Andrew's are preparing for a very special service with music from the Soul Surfers and a grand display of the flag with ladder trucks from fire companies on the Outer Banks on Monday evening, September 11 at the Chapel. This year's 9/11 Memorial Service will take pride in honoring the men and women of Dare County who

• Serve locally in rescue: police, fire, emergency medical services, emergency medical personnel, med-flight, life guards and a host of volunteers
• Serve overseas: foreign services, diplomatic corps, armed forces, and various missions serving others

The event will begin with a tribute to those who were lost in the attack on 9/11, 2001.   Remembered will be the courage and the love of a nation expressed in countless ways: with the signing of Cards for Courage (to be offered for display at the two Welcome Centers in Dare County, near the Wright Memorial Bridge and the Virginia Dare Bridge) and prayers for faith in the days to come.   The service will continue with the tribute to those who serve. The event will move the spirit and encourage our readiness to serve one another. Candles will be lit by all and carried forth from the service representing the light of Christ we bear. This 9/11 Service is open to all guests and visitors as well as our St. Andrew's family. [BACK TO TOP]

STARTING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
A Monday Morning Bible Study based on a Bible Reading Fellowship study, "Jesus Instead" will be held at 9:30 AM in Classroom A (next to the Book and Card Ministry).  

STARTING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Every Wednesday (omitting first Wednesdays of the month) a class will be offered by our rector entitled "How We Sing Hymns of Faith." Following the 10 AM service the study is based on the Hymnal and the fact that 'we sing our theology'. Who wrote the hymns, what are the Biblical references, when do we sing them and where they originated will provide for a fascinating study.  

BLOOD DRIVE LOCATION — ST. ANDREW'S HALL
Consider this your gift of life for someone else. Those who can donate blood are a godsend to those who have need. An emergency, an accident, a sudden illness: unknown to us are the needs we or others may have. Your gift of blood is a blessing beyond compare for those most in need. Plan to give on Wednesday, September 13, when the American Red Cross sets up its Blood Drive here at St. Andrew's. Last year we surpassed expectations for the numbers of pints collected.   May this generous spirit continue! [BACK TO TOP]

FIRST ANNUAL SERVICE SATURDAY
On Saturday, September 23, families of St. Andrew's are asked to join together for a Service Day in honor of our Lord.   We will have details doing clean up projects at the church (for example, clearing the Youth Center so that it can be painted and made into the Youth area it was intended to become) inside and out, AND helping with some community needs (for example, one of our elderly members near the church is in needs of tree trimming and shrubs being cut back).

We will gather in the old chapel at 8:30 AM for a blessing as we are sent out to do this work.   Sign up and a list of projects are in the narthex. Questions? Contact Claiborne Yarbrough at 261-4996 or yarbrough4@hotmail.com. Let's get together and make a difference!

CONFIRMATION, RECEPTION AND REAFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Sunday, September 24 will be a most memorable day at St. Andrews as we welcome Bishop Daniel for the 11 AM service of Confirmation. A number of persons are scheduled to be Confirmed, Received or to Reaffirm their faith. All will be encouraged to share this time in the fellowship of Christ with our bishop.

CATERED DINNER AT THE CHURCH OCT. 1 ST
The Stewardship Committee has set Sunday, Oct. 1 st for the Stewardship Dinner.  It will be held in St. Andrew's Hall at 6 PM and catered by the Waterfront Trellis. Nursery and activities will be available for the children and provided by the Youth Group.  

SHAGGIN' LESSONS AT A WEEKEND FOR THE FAMILY
Have you not been to a Parish Weekend before?   Ask those who have and you will hear stories of the best a beach weekend can offer without any of the usual cares. 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, 1-4PM, 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 5:30PM.  

After Dinner on Saturday there will be a Beach Shaggin' Party at the Beach House overlooking the Atlantic. The party (7-8:30PM) includes an Ice Cream Social with all the fixin's. Sunday morning features worship at the sound (Sanders' Point). [BACK TO TOP]

You will be well fed and not have a single dish to wash! Six (6) meals!
•  Enjoy a room with a private bath and decking with rocking chairs. Lodging for two nights at the beach!
•  Beach walks, good music and fellowship
•  Shaggin' & Dancing with an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social
•  All Ages: Be a Part of Your Parish Family!
•  50%   Due at Registration(Cap on Costs/household: $325)

Register in the Northex or by calling the church office at 441-5382.

ST. ANDREW'S FABULOUS BAZAAR NOVEMBER 11 th
Exciting details to follow. Save the Date!

BIRTHDAYS IN SEPTEMBER
Happy Birthday to those celebrating in September:

1 Donald Ball, Cynthia Downing, Betty Kyle, 3 Judith Oaksmith, 4 Brian Jack, Tara Maloney, Heather Maloney, Kim Stallings, 5 Nancy Bond, Kathey Lamm, Joseph Lassiter, Elizabeth Rotchford, Dan Shields, 6 Melanie Gonzalez, Linda White, 7 The Rev. Julie Tucker, 8 Kelly Lee, Ann Pierce, 9 Vicki Eareckson-Oder, 10 Matthew Moore, Helen Ray, Broderick Staats, 11 Martin Joyce, Laurie Sage, 12 Christopher Rusk, 13 C. Tyler Davidson, Ian Lassiter, Mary Alice Phelan, 14 Elizabeth Layfield, 15 Ronald Owens, J. Michael Phelan, 16 Max Pearse, Shirley Barritt, Ashley Brightbill, Tinka Martin, Rick Straub, 17 Robert Winkelmann, 18 Dorothy (Taz) Fuller, Paddison Hudspeth, 19 Carrie Houseknecht, William Moseley, 20 S. Reid Davidson, Marilyn O'Bleness, 21 Katharine Heinrich, Linda Porter, 22 Evangelyn Castellani, Lynda Wood, 23 Grace Clough, William Rea, Lisa Wheless, 24 Jonathan Farrell, George Henderson, Francesca Soluri, 25 Linda Harper, Dr. Keith Hellems, Arthur Hildebrand, Claudette Smith-Irwin, 26 Jack Eckert, Alexis Hodges, Lanna Sanderlin, 27 Jacob Brown, David Wright, 28 Mary Jo Anna McGinnis, Rachel Miller, 29 Julie Giglia, John Gillam, III, Rudy Klauser, Garrett Oliver, Jessica Runnells, 30 Myles Wood.

ANNIVERSARIES IN SEPTEMBER
Happy Anniversary to those celebrating in September:
2 James & Ginny Byrd, 3 Wallace & Nancy Harvey, 5 Jerrold & Olga Slayton, 6 Windsor & Eunice Jacques, 7 William & Wendy (Kelly) Deichler, 8 Jeffrey & Emily Lewis, 9 Robert & Eleanor Gordon, III, Joseph & Ann Lamb, Jr.,12 Robert & Laura Hobbs, 14 Dr. Tim & Candice Kling, Edward & Anna Sadler, 19 Paul & Michele Rotchford, 21 Chris & Lois Bradshaw, William & Veda Peters, 22 Ralph & Linda Coggins, 24 Alfred & Lydia Byrum, 25 Michael & Martha Melugin, 26 Peter & Kathy Rascoe, 29 Jack & Isabel Cooper. [BACK TO TOP]