St. Andrew's
Episcopal Church
What a gift it is to be together in community -- in the larger web of belonging to one another and to Christ --

whether you come all the time to church, or hardly ever, or quickly glance through our e-newsletter or rely on this communication as your way of "doing church", or are seeking to know and be more, or whether you are in a rest or sabbatical time --

there is a gift in being connected to one another, wherever we find ourselves.

Thank you for being a part of our community.
We are blessed by you.
With care, Mother Barbara
is a time to settle in to be still and know that God is God.
Walking the Way of Love Together- Diocesan Podcast on Rest
So, here's the week I've been dreading -- when the podcast Bishop Scanlan and I did together was made public- yikes! (Please don't listen to all the times I said, "ummm....")

But I encourage you to listen to it -- because I, of course, talk about all of you -- my favorite people!

The next morning, as I opened Joan Chittister's book (above) to begin a spiritual direction session, the text fit EXACTLY with the previous evening's conversation.

I've recorded the meditation for you (it's only about 4 minutes long) in case you'd like to begin or continue this conversation of reflecting upon the intersection of heaven and earth, the rational and the mystical, and the material and the spiritual. Please click here.
Immersion
Sometimes I think we are living within a web of connection, love, and grace-- well, I guess I believe we always are, but are only sometimes aware of it.

We had an interesting and challenging conversation on Wednesday evening in our series on Death, Resurrection & Eternal Life.

We learned about someone's faithful, regular and grace-filled experiences of living in the intersection of the ethereal (or eternal) plane and that our our current earthly reality (material) plane. As we shared our stories, we were acutely aware of the holiness of this intersection and the gift that it is when we walk into those "thin places".

It was an inspiring and hopeful evening, even though it was also a bit mind-boggling!
What's Next????
As our series on Death, Resurrection, and Eternal life concludes in August, with the planning of our own funeral services, we are wondering what is next for us? What shall we delve into, explore or study? Here some ideas --

1) Read and discuss  Universal Christ  by Richard Rohr
2) Read and learn more about the Desert Fathers and Mothers
3) Discuss spirituality at different stages in life
4) Learn about and write our spiritual autobiographies and Rules of Life
5) Bible Study -- each week focus on one book of the bible (history, context, important concepts, main themes)
6) Explore and engage in activities that connect our creativity and spirituality 

Please let Mother Barbara know what you may be interested in engaging with this fall, either during the Wed. evening programs or at other times.
And of course, there are amazing courses offered at our own diocesan Stevenson School for Ministry -- for a full listing of Parish Life Courses, please click here.

Here are some we are considering taking as a parish group -- would you like to join us??

1) Ways to Pray - Spiritual Practices
2) Ways to Share our Story and to Follow Jesus
3) Introduction to Eradicating Racism
4) Spiritual Practices
5) Discovery of Gifts
6) Changing your Congregations' Money Culture
“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.
Gearing up for the fall ...
Our children & youth program
We want very much to provide a strong, faith-filled, and vibrant youth program for our young people of all ages. In order to make plans that work for the families and meet their needs, we need to know what they want.

If you are a parent or a grandparent of young people here at St. Andrew's, please click on this link and answer a few questions that will help us plan well for this year. The survey has only 12 questions and takes about 4 minutes to complete -- and will help us out so much!
This coming week, (beginning early Sunday morning) Mother Barbara and Mother Carenda will be at the College of Congregational Development in Rochester, NY. Here they will engage in study and small group learning experiences to help them become more informed and supportive leaders. This is Mother Barbara's second year at this college training. She and the vestry members have already used a number of the church models to further our understanding of who we are as a parish right now. If you need to reach Mother Barbara, she will continue to check emails at the end of the day and respond to those which are urgent. Pastoral care will be lovingly provided by Mother Pat during Mother Barbara's time of continuing education.
Social Justice Weekend
August 9-10
Called to Heal a Broken World

This is for anyone with a heart toward social justice and a desire to follow Jesus into the hard places in our world in order to make a difference.

For more information or to register, please click here.

Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training
August 22nd
after our 9 a.m. service

It is holy service to bring communion to members who can no longer come to church or are in the hospital or recovering from surgery at home.

If you feel called to this ministry, please tell Mother Barbara and we'll sign you up for this training.

Join us for a weekend of exploration and unexpected discovery, diving into the treasure trove that is the Book of Psalms. We'll explore some familiar Psalms in unfamiliar ways, including poetry, movement, art, contemplation, and music. Led by Episcopal priest Linda Watkins, and liturgical artist Janet Strickler, both Third Order Franciscans who pray the Psalms daily, this retreat will enliven your relationship with these ancient and beautiful texts.

Episcopal Church Women's Retreat
September 13-15th
at St. Andrew's


The Diocese of Central Pennsylvania Episcopal Churchwomen invite women to come together in fellowship as the Body of Christ, The Church, at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 206 E Burd St, Shippensburg, PA 17257 on September 13-15, 2019.

Our retreat program of “Adventures with the Psalms”, will be presented by Janet Strickler – The Third Order, Society of Saint Francis, Golden, Colorado and The Rev. Linda Watkins, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Waynesboro, Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.


Preparing for Sunday
Proper 11
9 a.m. service
To read the lessons in advance, please click here.

There will be a collection for SPO (fresh eggs for food pantry) this Sunday as well as a vestry meeting following the 9 a.m. service.
Acolytes: Zachary Rhodes, Julia Rhodes, Jonathan Luo
Altar Guild : Kathy Smith, Jennifer Romine, Edna Guido
Celebrant and Preacher: Mother Pat
Coffee Hour: The Rhodes Family
Counters : Lori Horst, Fred Detschel
Eucharistic Ministers: Jeanine Goodwin, Nichol Free
Gospel Bearer: Thomas Williams
Greeters : Keith Tyler, Susan Tyler
Lectors : Mary Beth Williams, Frank Mazzacua
Verger : Mike Rhodes

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
206 E. Burd St.
Shippensburg, PA 17257
717-532-8089


Mother Barbara
717-333-5590
rector@standrewsship.org