Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
God is our hope and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, will we not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;… The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Portions Psalm 46).
As we enter the year-end seasons of reflection and thanksgiving in Advent and Christmas, we are thankful for the return to a new normal in Church service and fellowship. Things that were too long silenced due to the pandemic.
We have been watching the historic shifts in traditions and practice not just with church attendance, but with how we receive medical care, how our children can be educated, and how child care and family life must adjust and modify. And new traditions have evolved for the good. The restrictions over the past year have caused fear and anxiety, and in those tragic cases, great grief.
Be reminded of the deep and abiding message of the love of God during times of difficulty and turmoil given to us in our tradition. Remember, each November, we celebrate the feast of St. Andrew, Apostle, our Patron Saint (November 30), and annually, we renew our Baptismal Covenant to “proclaim by word and example of the Good News of God in Christ” and seek to follow the Apostle as disciples. It was joyous indeed to be able to have our celebration in person this year.
Thankfully, the pandemic did not silence the messages of devotion, compassion and stewardship so strongly witnessed by our membership. You have faithfully sent in, delivered or paid online your donations to the operating costs of the church and you have offered pastoral care to one another - even in the midst of our grief at the tragic loss of our beloved friend and rector, Rev. Beverly. The fellowship, love and genuine care for one another and our Church home has been overwhelming. Thank you all.
We continue to look forward together in hope for the continued mission and ministry of St. Andrew's. To plan ahead, we must prudently review our finances and attempt to loosely budget our goals for 2022. As ever, we look to you for your help in this endeavor. We ask that you prayerfully consider continuing your pledge to St. Andrew’s in 2022. If you are able to continue your pledge from last year at the same level, please let us know by using the pledge form below or you may simply email the Parish Office with your intent.
As ever, we remain extraordinarily grateful for all of you. Thank you for making our Church home a haven of faith, love and peace; where we can not only re-charge ourselves, but rise together to meet the needs of our Parish family and the community we serve.
Faithfully,
The St. Andrew's Vestry
