Dear Friends,
I am thinking this morning of the brave young Boy Scouts who endured that tornado in Iowa; their lives have been changed forever. And, of course, my heart breaks over those who lost their lives in that storm. I cannot begin to imagine what it must have been like on that day. When winds begin to roar and the sky turns green, fear and panic raise their ugly heads, and in response to that, many of these youngsters found themselves relying on what they had learned about being prepared, about taking care of those less fortunate than themselves, about survival, and they acted responsibly and bravely. Somehow, I believe that today, those who can will visit with and offer comfort to the families of the boys who lost their lives. When I think about the future, I will think about these Scouts and be comforted that they are the future leaders of this country.
Storms in our own area took lives and property, and again, I have heard stories of people helping people. How little it takes to reduce our lives to the bare minimum, and yet, there’s a neighbor who has something another does not have and is willing to share. At least, I found it to be this way!
Thinking of things to share—C.R.O.P. Walk is one opportunity that we have to share what we have to overcome world poverty. If you haven’t already, please mark your calendars for the first Sunday in October. Plan to walk or to support walkers by donating your time or money. Remember, that C.R.O.P. Walk works to overcome poverty here at home, by having 25% of the money raised staying right here in Waterford, and the rest of the money reaching across the country and around the world to stop hunger, build wells, and educate women and children who otherwise would not receive an education.
Other events and ministries that are coming up include the Exploring Your Spiritual Journey [EYSJ] program here at St. Andrew’s, the St. Andrew’s Sisters (S.A.S) birthday party, and the need for a Pastoral Care Commission. Our EYSJ program has hit a bump in the road. This bump has not yet stopped the program from happening although it raises some concerns for us. Some of you may have heard that Denise Crenshaw has resigned her post as Director of the Whitaker School of Theology. Our prayers and hopes go out to Denise as she takes up her journey and discerns her next ministry! Any change like this causes a tornado of its own. We will wait for guidance from the WSoT Board of Directors. Applications can still be made to WSoT, but be sure to note on the application that it is for the St. Andrew’s offering of EYSJ.
On September 26, 2008, the S.A.S. will sponsor another evening of fellowship and worship. It is an evening to celebrate life! It is a birthday party! Char Wall heads the team, so be sure to contact her if you want to help or have questions about the event. This ministry to women of this congregation and to the community is important. If you have ideas of how it can grow, please let us know. People who are active leaders for S.A.S. so far are Donna Noren, Char Wall, Patti Jarvis, Marcia Bottomley, and Louise Seaton.
Another ministry at St. Andrew’s is Pastoral Care. The responsibility for this is held by all of us, clergy and laity alike. Many of you are already actively involved in pastoral care, either formally or informally: Some of you make visits to hospitals and/or homes to visit those who are recovering from surgery or illness; some of you take communion to the those who are unable to make it to one of our services, some of you provide transportation when necessary; some of you listen to a friend, send cards of encouragement, and call to see if the person who generally sits in front of you but wasn’t there last Sunday is okay. A Pastoral Care Commission is about to form. It will begin with a training program. We are fortunate to have Father Bob and Carole Wollard among us. They have put together an effective pastoral care training program and delivered it to several other congregations in the past. They will design and deliver the program for us as well. Tracy Moore and others from the Ministry Development Commission [MDC] will help them in this task. Watch for more information in the bulletins as well as on the bulletin board in the Richardson Room. The training will probably begin in July, and it is hoped that the Pastoral Care Commission is ready to formally begin its work by mid-August. [Eucharistic Visitors and Healing Team members are ideal candidates for this training!]
Before I conclude this article, I want to thank you for your kind words and support, especially at the time of my induction into the WSoT Hall of Fame. [I mean a sign by the road and everything!!! Angela Jolie move over!] You made it a special moment for me! Thanks be to God for placing me here among you!
Let us go forth to love and serve the Lord!
Deacon Marlyn
