The Messenger
Growing together in God's Love
May, 2018
|
|
Dear Friends in Christ,
May promises to be an exciting month at St. Andrew’s. Very soon, inspired by the Holy Spirit and led by the catalyzing leadership of Jaime Polk, we will welcome with much joy Tariq, Maryam, Taha, Tayeb and Tasnim to their new home on the Connecticut shoreline. As I read the history of this congregation, I was pleased to discover that this is the fourth family St. Andrew’s will help resettle. I believe that engagement in such ministry may well be an integral aspect of our communal DNA. It certainly seems to be a facet of the parish’s response to Jesus’ call.
This may provide us fodder for prayer as we approach the Feast of Pentecost on May 20. For as we celebrate Pentecost, we have the opportunity relearn how God equips those who yearn to be faithful with the ability to defy societal constraints and leads those who are vastly different into deep mutual understanding.
|
|
Coming up at St. Andrew's . . .
|
|
Calendar Highlights
Saturday, May 5
10am: SouthEast Region Confirmation-at St Johns Niantic
Tuesday, May 15
7:00 pm: Vestry meeting
Saturday, May 19
2-5pm: Healing Prayer Workshop
Wednesday, May 23
7pm: Film:
Journey of the Universe
(in Farmer Hall)
|
|
Good Book Club
Schedule of Readings
|
|
Film:
Journey of the Universe
|
The film
Journey of the Universe: An Epic Story of Cosmic, Earth, and Human Transformation
is an extraordinary work—and we will be showing it Wednesday evening, May 23 at 7 o’clock in Farmer Hall. Don Rankine will introduce the film and lead a discussion after the showing.
Here’s what Yale University Press, publisher of the book-version of the film, has to say:
|
|
|
"In
Journey of the Universe
Brian Thomas Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker tell the epic story of the universe from an inspired new perspective, weaving the findings of modern science together with enduring wisdom found in the humanistic traditions of the West, China, India, and indigenous peoples. The authors explore cosmic evolution as a profoundly wondrous process based on creativity, connection, and interdependence, and they envision an unprecedented opportunity for the world's people to address the daunting ecological and social challenges of our times.
"Journey of the Universe
transforms how we understand our origins and envision our future. Though a little book, it tells a big story—one that inspires hope for a way in which Earth and its human civilizations could flourish together."
|
|
This is a free event and the entire Shoreline community is invited. Spread the word, and bring a friend!
|
|
Altar Guild lnvites New Members
|
|
Our Mission: Setting the Table
|
Each week, members of the Altar Guild prepare the Altar for the Eucharistic services. They drape the Altar and hang the pulpit/lectern hangings with the appropriate color according to the Church calendar. They fill the candles with oil. They change the sanctuary candle over the aumbry to insure that the light of God is always present. They “set the table” on the Altar for each service, setting out the gifts of bread and wine. They “wash the dishes” and reset the table between services.
These tasks have traditionally been carried out by a dedicated group of women of the Church—the Altar Guild. Their responsibilities vary by church. At St. Andrew’s our responsibilities also include handling and cleaning of the altar linens and keeping the various vessels clean and polished. There have been many dedicated women serving on the Altar Guild at St. Andrew’s over the years. Their mission is generally conducted “behind the scenes” so they may not have even been noticed in carrying out this essential mission. Currently the Altar Guild has 9 active members. We take turns, in pairs, to be responsible for Altar Guild duties one week at a time. Many of our members are also active in other St. Andrew’s missions, such as Choir, Flower Guild and Chalice Bearers.
Altar Guild duties are not difficult or too time consuming. Generally, setup for Sunday services is on Saturday mornings, although this is flexible and can be done during a weekday. Clean up and setup between and after Sunday services is usually split between pairs. Instructions and training are provided so that tasks are not difficult or forgotten.
We would welcome some new members to join us in this important mission. The Altar Guild is not restricted to only the women of the Church—we welcome male members. If you would like some more information, please speak to Shariya or any member of the Altar Guild. You may also contact Mary Potenziani at
mpotenziani@comcast.net
or call any evening, 203-421-5291.
|
|
Refugee Family from Afghanistan
|
|
Family will live in Clinton
|
As the
Messenger goes to press, our Afghan refugee family is hopefully in the air winging their way to JFK. The Hussaini family (Tariq and his wife Maryam, and sons Taha and Tayeb and daughter Tasnim) are scheduled to land Tuesday, May 1. Volunteers will be there to greet them and bring them home to Connecticut.
We are still looking for permanent housing for the family in Clinton, but in the meantime the Church of the Holy Advent has graciously made their rectory available. A horde of volunteers worked tirelessly over the weekend to arrange their new (temporary) home.
In a few days the Hussainis will start visiting government offices to get Social Security Cards, sign up for SNAP and HUSKY and arrange for various kinds of temporary assistance. Our volunteers will accompany them every step of the way. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Jaime Polk:
jaime.sue@hotmail.com. And if you are aware of any two-bedroom housing in Clinton, please let her know!
|
|
Middle School Youth Group
|
|
MSYG spent a fun, recreational night playing laser tag and Cybersport at the CT Sportsplex in April. Fun and fellowship had by all!
MSYG welcomes 5-8th graders, and our current 8th graders are encouraged and invited to move up to HSYG in the fall.
Anyone interested in helping out with MSYG next year is invited to our May 11 gathering. Please contact Sandy or Mary with any questions.
|
|
Mark Your Calendar
May 11 - End of year celebration at the Butler’s with potluck supper, 6:30-8:30pm.
We will share a potluck dinner and dessert, assemble and play 9 Square-in-the-Air, tag and Manhunt. We’ll recap our past year and plan for the 2018-2019 year ahead.
|
|
Did you know. . . 60,000 people in New York City are homeless?
Our overnight trip to YSOP (Youth Services Opportunity Project) was a chance to see the realities of food insecurity and homelessness up close. Check out the
pictures
of our youth working at the Relief Bus, food pantries or soup kitchens as they served those in need.
CAMP WASHINGTON offers SUMMER FUN!
Visit
www.campwashington.org
for the complete schedule and fees. We already have middle schoolers from St. Andrew’s heading to camp in Lakeside, CT the first week of July. The camp offers mini-camps of two nights for kids who have never spent a night away from home. Wilderness Camp, Leadership Camp and more - for kids 5-16 years old. Scholarships available. Give it a try!
Why Sleep in When You Can Play? Vacation Bible School is BACK! June 26-29,
we have a slightly shorter week due to the never-ending school year and will be operational for four full days from 9am - 12:30pm, Tuesday through Friday. Get ready for a wonderful week of learning more about the amazing and enduring love of our God for each of us! Are you a teenager with free mornings? Speak to Mary or Shelby Auletta if you would like to volunteer that week:
merklemaryk@gmail.com
or 203-980-8175. Middle school kids will once again prepare and serve brunch to the seniors, weed and harvest at the community garden in Clinton and enjoy stretching their muscles rock-climbing. SIGN UP NOW! Unfortunately, we cannot be responsible for procrastinators who decide too late to join VBS fun. This does fill quickly.
NEED A JOB?
College or high school students with time to spare should contact Mary or Shelby to volunteer for Vacation Bible School, June 26-29, 9-12:30pm or to work with Grant for the summer ARTS CAMP, July 9-13.
Student Leaders Needed for this Summer’s H.O.M.E. Trip!
Is your son or daughter ready to take the next step in helping to plan and lead during this summer’s H.O.M.E. trip? Please
click here
or see Mary if you are interested in helping out with this summer’s trip in this capacity. Student leaders help organize and lead fundraisers, games and offer ideas and mentoring to younger students.
The H.O.M.E. Mission Trip is in full swing with meetings and fundraisers scheduled for the next two months
. Many thanks to all who volunteered and attended the annual Pancake Breakfast this past Sunday! We appreciate your support! We raised $500! This is one of our largest fundraisers, and monies we raise are used to buy important building materials for our construction projects while in Maine. Couldn’t make it to church on Sunday, but still want to show your support? Make checks payable to: St. Andrew’s - H.O.M.E. and those funds will be directed to our construction account. Our next H.O.M.E. / high school youth group meeting will be May 6th at 6-7:30pm--dinner, games, car wash prep and more. All HOME trippers are expected to attend.
Join the fun and SAVE THE DATE!
A very special thank you in advance to Dennis and Rachel Salvo for coordinating this year’s June 10th H.O.M.E. car wash from 11am–3pm. Please bring your dirty car to get the wash of the summer!
|
|
Seen and Heard Around the Church
|
|
Our former priest-in-charge, the Rev. Steve Domienik ("Father Steve") recently was married to Brenda Wood. The couple celebrated their marriage in the Dominican Republic. Since leaving St. Andrew's Steve has been part-time priest-in-charge of two churches in the Detroit area.
|
|
|
l to r: Lynnea Domienik (Steve's daughter), Eve Wood (Brenda's daughter), Brenda (in the orange gown), Steve, the baby Jude Pearson, his mother Brittany Pearson (Brenda's other daughter), Brent Pearson (Brittany's husband)
|
|
Spaghetti Supper and Auction was a Great Success !!
|
|
Special thanks to so many for contributing:
•
Barb Gibbons prepared a delicious meal, featuring her homemade sauce.
•
Maira Rieger decorated Farmer Hall with St Paddy’s Day flair.
•
Lynn Milner took care of the check in and check out process.
•
Amanda Hayward and Patches Earle served as Auctioneers with distinction.
•
Anastasia King managed the silent auction, while Gary and Brenda Naegel served as organizers extraordinaire.
We had generous contributions from many parishioners which included TWO handcrafted “signature” Don Rankin benches, sail boat rides, a week in New Hampshire, event tickets, and a beautiful quilt hand stitched by Pat Hill. Farmer Hall was busy with excitement, laughter and rapid-fire bidding. Ten families made financial contributions as sponsors and we thank them as well as our winning bidders for their generosity.
You can still “get in on the action“ by signing up for a few remaining spots in two events:
•
Bea, Gary, Anastasia and Alex will host an authentic Thai Dinner for $50 per person on July 21 in Farmer Hall . Tickets are available for a 5:30pm seating.
•
Ladies are invited to sign up for a High Tea on Saturday, August 25 at the home of Jaime Polk for $25 each.
W
e are pleased to report that the auction net proceeds totaled $13,800
. We appreciate the support of the parish, which has enabled this event to become quite a tradition over the past 27 years !
--Kristen Garnett and Sue McCann
|
|
Seen Around the Church . . .
|
|
Click on any of the images below to hear some of our music or see an album with more pictures.
|
|
Summary of April Vestry Meeting
|
|
Gift to Endowment.
The vestry voted to commit a $5,000 gift from the estate of late parishioner E. Bosworth Grier, Jr., to the Endowment Fund.
Confirmation.
The vestry voted to spend $150 to purchase Bibles as gifts to the members of this year’s confirmation class. The confirmation will take place May 5 in Niantic. Ten young people from the parish will be confirmed.
Septic.
Buildings and Grounds Chairman Gary Cimmino is getting three estimates on how much it would cost to replace the church’s failing septic system. Cimmino recently met with the town health inspector and a representation from Kyttle Sanitation to inspect the septic system and a 9-foot test hole showed that the soil in the front of the church was not suitable for a leach field.
The Rev. Molegoda pointed out that the window of opportunity for doing this work is a narrow one – it must be sandwiched between the sessions of the church school and the church’s summer arts camp.
Human Resources.
Senior Warden Gary Naegel said that a Human Resources Committee had been formed to redefine the jobs held by various staff and church officials. St. Andrew’s now employs a part-time bookkeeper, which necessitates the redefinition of the roles of both the treasurer and the church administrator. The committee currently consists of Naegel, Treasurer Colleen McHugh, Mark Auletta, and John Armstrong.
Outreach – H.O.M.E.
The vestry approved a $2,000 transfer from the Outreach Budget line to support this year’s H.O.M.E. trip to Orland, Maine, by the church’s youth. H.O.M.E. (Homeworkers Organized for More Employment) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1970 dedicated to keeping and enhancing the quality of life for low-income and homeless families.
Finance.
Treasurer Colleen McHugh said that based on what she had learned at the Episcopal Church of Connecticut’s “Spring Training,” St. Andrew’s should be working toward the goal of adopting a balanced annual budget. The congregation had adopted a budget with a deficit of $41,000 at its annual meeting.
--Louise Beecher, Vestry Clerk
|
|
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
|
|
 |
Staff
Rev. Shariya Molegoda,
Rector
Barbara Gibbons,
Parish Administrator
Grant Underwood,
Music Director
Mary Merkle-Scotland,
Youth Minister
Shelby Auletta,
Church School Coordinator
|
|
|
|
Officers
Gary Naegel,
Senior Warden
Gary Cimmino,
Junior Warden
Colleen McHugh-Heflin,
Treasurer
Louise Beecher,
Clerk
|
|
|
|
Vestry members at their April Retreat.
L to r: Ray Hencir, Mark Auletta, Louise Beecher, Matt Valentine, Nancy Karas, Gary Cimmino, Laura Downes. Jane Kraus, Rev. Shariya, Gary Naegel.
Missing: John Armstrong (photographer), Maeve Merkle-Scotland, Anastasia King, Mark Tardie, Colleen McHugh-Heflin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
