May 12, Fourth Sunday of Easter

The Holy Eucharist, 8 a.m., Rite I
The Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m., Rite II
Fr. Joel officiating

Rector's Class w/Fr. Joel, 9 a.m. | Choir practice, 9 a.m.
Church School 10 a.m. | Child Care 9:45 a.m.
The Collect:
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. A men.

This week’s lessons: Acts 1:12-14; Song of Mary; Luke 2:25-35 

Song of Mary:
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoices in God my Savior.
The Gospel | Luke 2: 25-35
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 

And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed   (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Schedule for the week of May 12

Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., Julian of Norwich Prayer Group
Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Charlie’s Lunch Bunch, at Sugo’s
Tuesday, 12 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Tuesday, 1 p.m., Bible Study
Tuesday, 7 p.m., Bible Study
Friday, 6 p.m., Game Night

Rector’s office hours, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 11 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

View the parish calendar online at https://www.standrews-edwardsville.com/events/ !
May 8 Vestry Meeting Highlights

  • Donna Ireland was elected to fill Sharon Hoffman's vestry slot until end 2019. Sharon was serving for two years so Donna may be elected to the remainder of Sharon's term at the annual meeting in January.
  • Bill Shaefer was elected as a Synod lay delegate, replacing Sharon Hoffman. Bill was previously a Synod lay delegate alternate.
  • Marty Cavanaugh was elected as a Synod lay delegate alternate.
  • Donna Ireland was elected as a Deanery representative.
  • Andy Mills and Marian Smithson were appointed to serve on the newly formed Stewardship Committee. Two more members from the parish will be appointed and the group will work with Fr. Joel in getting the committee underway.
  • Fr. Joel will be working with Jane Weingartner and Marian Smithson in firming up the details of the draft facilities use policy and forms for vestry consideration at the June or July meeting.
  • Rector's schedule for May and June -- May travel begins the afternoon of Sunday, May 19 with return in time for services on Sunday, May 26. June travel begins the afternoon on Monday, June 17, but his return date is uncertain. Fr. Boase will supply for both services on Sunday, June 23.
  • Riley Atwood, treasurer, was unable to attend the meeting but provided a written report in addition to reports from YCG Accounting Services.

Spring Book Fair a Success!

The Spring Book Fair had sales of $3859.75 which puts this sale in the top five of all book sales since we started back in 2003. We've come a long way! Many thanks to all the wonderful volunteers (we have no bad volunteers) who helped make the sale a success and to those who came to shop!

One of the great things about the sale is the number of customers who say "Thanks for doing this." Many show their gratitude by giving donations in addition to the price of their purchases. Another wonderful thing about the sale is the warm camaraderie among the volunteers. If you'd like to be added to the list of Book Fair Volunteers, send your email address to cynreinhardt@gmail.com .

Save the date for the Summer Book Fair. It's August 2-3!

 -Mike and Cindy Reinhardt
Amazing Growth, How Sweet. . .

We recently witnessed Mike Smithson’s confirmation and admission to membership in St. Andrew’s. It was reason for celebration, not only because Mike is a good man and cherished friend, but also because the addition of new members to our parish has become a relatively uncommon event. Fifty years ago, things were different.

In The Springfield Churchman of May 1971, St. Andrew’s reported that something new had been added: “a corporate communion and breakfast to give special recognition to those who have become members in the past three years….” The event was inspired by the fact that in the period from May of 1968 to May of 1971, St. Andrew’s had added 67 new members, representing a 43 percent increase in communicants.

The choice of venue for the celebratory event might have boded ill for the future. It was held at the Flaming Pit restaurant at 2110 Troy Road which, true to its name, burned several years later and never re-opened. The refurbished building now houses multiple businesses including, among others, a dentist’s office, a hypnotherapy clinic, and a therapeutic massage service. Unlike the Flaming Pit, however, St. Andrew’s lives on, if not quite as robustly as in 1971.

More on Ray Harmon (with thanks to Mother Bennett): Ray came to St. Andrew’s from Zion Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod) in Staunton. With a convert’s zeal, he became knowledgeable regarding the history of the Anglican Church, which probably accounts for his awareness of Bishop Ken. His beloved cat’s name was “Sweetie.” So attached was Ray to Sweetie, that he explored the possibility of having her put down and her ashes entombed with his in St. Andrew’s columbarium after his death. Mother Bennett arranged instead for Sweetie’s adoption by parishioner Nancy Bracey. It proved to be a happy arrangement for both Sweetie and Nancy.

-Jim Weingartner

Goodbye to our friend
of 50 years!

We'll miss you, Miriam!

While the parish surprised Miriam Burns with a reception last Sunday, we will have one more opportunity to wish her well in her new life in Vermont this Sunday, May 12.



Announcements

Charlie’s Lunch Bunch meets Tuesday, May 14
Enjoy a meal and good conversation at 11:30 on Tuesday, May 14, at Sugo’s restaurant in Edwardsville.

United Thank Offering Spring Ingathering
UTO Envelopes and boxes are available in the narthex and need to be returned by May 19.
Read more the about UTO on St. Andrew’s website by clicking here.

Game Night Set for Friday, May 17
Bring the family, friends, a snack to share and your favorite game to Game Night. The fun begins at 6 p.m. in Pearson Hall.

Summer, Fall Coffee Hour Dates Available
All Sundays in July (except July 14 th ), August, September and October are looking for volunteer hosts. The signup sheet is posted on the bulletin board by the restrooms near the entrance to Pearson Hall. Simple refreshments — Cheese and crackers, fruit and some kind of sweet are simple and much-appreciated. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered this year. –Pat Rudloff

Spring Cleaning?
The ECW will again hold a White Elephant Boutique in the fall. Please start saving glassware, china, pottery, silver, jewelry, seasonal items, purses, collectibles, fine linens, and the like for the sale. With the proceeds from our last sale, we were able to purchase new blinds for Father Joel’s office.