January

DEACON'S DIALOGUE, THE REV. PORTIA SWEET-

Happy New Year. Happy Fresh Start. Happy New Beginning. Happy Epiphany.

Epiphany: the revealing of Christ to the Gentiles. Secularly, the word, with a “little e” loosely means a bright idea revealed. It is perhaps exciting to think that in this time of new beginnings, each of us might have significant, transforming epiphanies in 2014 that spur us further on our spiritual journeys. They can, you know, if we ask God’s help in discerning their meaning and for courage to act on the response we hear from that prayer. Remember that God will equip the willing.

The transforming power of Christ is alive and well within the parish of St. Andrew’s. Witness the baptisms, confirmations, newer parishioners becoming involved in many ministries and serving in a myriad of ways. Each time we step out of our comfort zone in the name of Christ, we risk transformation. Each time we refuse to do so, we risk dry rot!

St. Benedict of Narsius said we should seek to see the face of Christ in everyone we meet. Jesus said that if we have served the least of our brethren, we have served him. What possibilities for transformation are being revealed to you? How are you responding? If you have an idea for either inreach or outreach service and would like to explore possibilities, please contact me. If you feel a restlessness to serve but are unclear what to do about that, please contact me.

Martha Gallagher would like to hear from you if you would like to be part of a team to provide food and/or other assistance to parish families when there is a crisis, such as a hospital stay, a death, etc. She may be reached at 281-501-2294 or mgg0413@gmail.com. 

We have begun collaboration with the Housing Area Community Services (HACS) agency to reach homeless persons in our community. Each month the HACS van will park in front of St. Andrew’s House while sack lunches are being distributed to let recipients know services and resources available through their agency. Located at 18th Street and Seamist, HACS offers healthcare (including AIDS testing, pediatrics, and women’s health services), case management, and referrals for housing and other resources.

January marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas and introduces Epiphany on January 6 as the Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. What a marvelous time to reflect on our Christmas past and the future year. As of early December (the Voice is prepared a few weeks in advance of publication), we were down on pledges even with 9 new additions giving us a total of 70. Further contacts will be made to see if we can bolster our rolls and not cut the budget. All of your participation certainly is appreciated. It is never too late to pledge and our St. Andrews community certainly would appreciate you commitment at any time.

During 2014, the Stewardship Committee will be undertaking some efforts to do its part to realize the vision of St Andrew’s of ‘Being A Caring Community’. We plan to reach out to our parish - You - to make sure that all is well with you and that we have extended a hand to all of those that we have not heard from for a while. February will be our first “Attend Church Month” to see who we have heard from and then in March to reach out to those we haven’t. God Bless. Jerry Gallagher, Stewardship Chair, jcg0151@gmail.com

October

DEACON'S DIALOGUE, THE REV. PORTIA SWEET-

It is that time of year when it seems everyone and every organization has a hand out. The temptation is to ignore them all and perhaps put on a cloak of guilt. It is true that one person, one household, one bank account cannot solve all the problems and fix all the woes of the world. We, as Christians, can however make a huge difference in the place where each of us is planted. We are commissioned through our Baptism to spread the Gospel by living as Christ lives. Jesus did not, according to Scripture, personally heal the whole of Judea. Yet, he brought Good News through his acts to those around him. That is what we can and must do. I urge us to be mindful and prayerful in our giving this season.  Know the causes and organizations with which you share your abundance. Ask God how He would have you share, desiring the fulfillment of his purpose in the world. Remember, too, that sharing our abundance of time, talent, education, etc. is equally important and is a blessing to others, to God and to ourselves.

A Grief Support group has formed and will meet on the first Saturday of each month to share and sojourn together through the process and work of grieving. Anyone who has suffered a recent loss is invited to meet with us. Loss is defined as the death of a relationship and is not just the death of a loved one. We grieve when we lose employment, when we go through divorce, when we have to relocate, etc. This group is lead by the Deacon. If you have an interest or questions, please contact me

The Ministries Fair from the Deacon’s view was quite successful. I personally thank all who participate in any of the many outreach projects of this parish. The week prior I received requests from Heights Interfaith Ministries, and these were filled that day!

Pat Gentry generously agreed to help with meal delivery to Height Towers and Heights House while Jennifer Moffett from St. Mark’s is on medical leave. If anyone else is interested in this ministry, more hands could mean the ability to deliver more meals to homebound persons.

Ward Birkett and Brian Harrison will represent St. Andrew’s on the Heights Interfaith Ministries committee to plan this year’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Our parish hosted this event a few years ago. Anyone desiring to be a part of the 2013 event, please see Ward or Brian. 

Do you hear that clicking sound? It is the knitting needles of Priscilla Burroughs who brought several wool hats to the Outreach Table and said more were in the planning. There are kits and instructions for both crocheting and knitting located on the bench in the Oak Table Room.

Elaine Massey has agreed to continue to provide oversight for the Sack Lunch Project, and a full committee has formed, sharing the responsibility for individual items to place in the lunch bags. Several more signed up for the October preparation (Scheduled for Oct. 6) and there are ample opportunities for everyone to commit for November and future months. Remember to stop in the back hallway and place your name on at least one line of the Sack Lunch chart. If you are not able to shop and transport these items, you may participate by donating funds for one of the committee members to fill in what is needed. You can offer your check, with “Sack Lunch” in the memo corner, with the alms on Sundays or mail it to the church office.