St. Andrew's Vision Statement
We are a Christ-centered community,
joyfully making a difference by….
Worshipping, Loving, Welcoming, Including, Supporting
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Have something you want in this electronic newsletter? E-mail
Please send prayer requests to Erin. I will publish them in the service prayers of the people, and here.
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Thanksgivings and prayers for this coming week:
Birthdays: Parker Woodson, Betty White (her 90th!!), Carolyn Fleming, Billie Lee, Jim Ortman, Shelly Smith, Cheryl Huss, Shaun Rife, Mike Spence, Don Baxter
Anniversaries: Wayne and Camille Culp
Prayers: Peggy, Terry Macholan and Sharon Kryger, Jeanette, Pam, Rinda, Wendy Hanny & her son Kenner, Betty Hill, Bob, Scott
Thanksgivings: Joyce Rickard thanks you for the prayers for David. He is now doing well.
Long Term Prayer List: John Mabry, Joe Engle, Diane Taylor, Clarine Black
Send prayer requests to Erin Rhian: erin@standrewsomaha.org
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To view our service online go to this link and look for the word video on the left hand side. A reminder that you do not need a Facebook account to view the service. Also, the service is recorded, as are all of our services, and can be viewed at any time. We do hope you will join us for the live service that starts every Sunday at 10:30 am.
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The bishop recently amended his guidelines for worship. Outdoor worship is now allowed. Our reopening planning committee will meet on August 9th to discuss the possibilities for outdoor worship.
The first of a couple of upcoming letters that you will be receiving was sent this week concerning our plans for reopening. You can also read it here.
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A Message from FR. Bob:
The Gift of Hope
As humans we often give gifts to ourselves that we do not want. Daily we open up the gift of doubt, worry, and fear. It is a gift God does not give to us, but we decide to give to ourselves. What God gives us, however, is the gift of hope. I urge all of us to open up the gift of hope that we receive from God. Even in situations where it does not look like anything can be hoped for, God can and will show us the way. We often neglect the great gift of hope that God gives us.
Hope is something we have with us from the beginning. It is instilled within us at our creation. No matter what is going on in our life, we can call upon that gift of hope so that we can manifest it in our own mind and our own life day to day.
A child was on a train trip. The child asked when he could see his Dad. The mother responded, “Tomorrow.” The child didn’t really understand the concept of tomorrow, so the child said, “Please explain tomorrow to me.” The mother said, “After it gets dark and then light again.” Not long after the conversation, the train entered a tunnel. When it emerged on the other end, the child asked, “Is it tomorrow yet?”
That is the essence of hope. Knowing that there will be a tomorrow. Knowing that things are going to get better. Knowing that God is with us and we can expect, in great faith, that things are going to turn in a positive direction. Hope is hearing the melody of the future…faith is dancing to that melody.
We always have a choice. We do not have to live in the doubt, fear, and panic of the moment. We can live in God’s hope.
Psalm 42:5-6 says, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God…"
God created us to be an expression of Divine hope. We express this by understanding that radiant hope is the perfection of mind and body. Let us give expression to it beginning today. Knowing who we are and who we were created to be, let us go forth each day, each week, and each year fulfilled by and giving expression to hope, faith, belief, and love in God.
In Jesus Christ's name, we pray in the hope of God. Amen.
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Just for fun! This video has been making the rounds on social media. Enjoy! "You'll be back" - a parody of a song from the Hamilton musical.
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Each Sunday from 9 AM to 10AM we host a virtual coffee hour. This is a chance to reconnect with people at St. Andrew's. There is no particular agenda, other than to reconnect and see one another. Here is the information you need:
Consider joining even if you never have before. It's a good way to connect with our church members for an informal conversation.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 496 764 969
You do not need these numbers below unless you intend to use a telephone.
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,496764969# US (San Jose)
+13462487799,,496764969# US (Houston)
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NEW DIRECTORY
You can find a copy of our Church Directory here. We encourage you to reach out to your fellow parish members and keep in touch.
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REFLECTIONS FROM THE PEW BY DAN SITZMAN August 9
Before this week, the last time I had attended a live worship service in person was on March 1; the last time I had sat at my desk at work was March 2; the last time I was in a school building was March 3. For over five months, like many of us, I have remained engaged with our church family and with my work responsibilities through the computer. Not being present in person is the opposite of my preferred format, and definitely not what I signed up for 30 years ago as a teacher and over the years in my involvement at St. Andrew’s. Being back at church last Sunday to read the Lessons and the Psalm, I felt a little pep in my step, even though I knew I’d be looking out at empty pews while Fr. Bob monitored the iPad camera. Returning to my traditional work space on Tuesday, fully masked while collaborating to plan professional development for our district’s science teachers, it was energizing to be in the same room, albeit more than 6 feet apart, with my colleagues.
The news of decisions to be made and the still-developing understanding of the means of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’ transmission and ramifications of the COVID-19 disease it causes, slowed the pep in my step and tempered the energy of in-person collaboration. Then, Wednesday, I read a letter composed by some local high school students, many of whom I know from their multiple talents, curiosity, and pursuits in the classroom, athletics, and academic competitions. These are the young people who embody school spirit. Yet, their letter calls for a move to full remote learning, not because they want an easier year or to get out of responsibilities, but because of their concern for others: their teachers, their teachers’ families, their peers, and their community. Instead of vying for school-record performances, writing newspaper columns, refining robots, and calculating complex, advanced calculus problems to round-out their college application resumés, they have spelled out a case, with evidence and passion, that would result in personal goals not being reached and traditional milestones being missed, while recognizing the complexity of their position on parents, peers, and our city.
As I reflect on this Sunday’s lessons, I recognize a theme of overcoming threats and challenges through faith in action and trust. As I consider the impact of our current environment on me, what can I do to act for the good of others? Sunday’s Collect brings focus through these words: grant to us, Lord, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will.
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St. Andrew's Episcopal Church| 925 S. 84th St. Omaha | 402-391-1950 | Email | Website
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