Dear Friends in Christ, 

Have you heard of this new term, “Maycember?” This term popularized by online influencers describes this time of year which involves the “year-end” events from the end of school, sporting conclusions, graduations, celebrations, and more. It is the busyness of December in May to a new degree! As we approach this time, how might we be drawn to a different way of being? 

One difference is to emulate the character of Jesus who often stepped away to pray. This Sunday, we will hear from our Shrine Mont Retreat team and we can register for the retreat. (I also ask you to see if you might support the scholarship fund to help everyone attend). The time to step away often needs much advanced planning and I encourage you to step away with our parish retreat this October. In this time, how might we plan and take those opportunities to step away from Maycember and into the peace of Christ? 

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we step away from the busyness of life and into the literal sanctuary to participate in the love of Christ. 

Faithfully yours,

Saturday, April 20th

@ 6:00 p.m. – Taizé

Sunday, April 21st

@ 8:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist: Rite I

@ 9:00 a.m. - Bible Study

@ 10:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist: Rite II

@ 11:30 a.m. - Sunday School

@ 11:30 a.m. - Adult Forum: Shrine Mont

@ 1:00 p.m. - Confirmation Class

@ 4:00 p.m. - FoMA Concert: Monica Berney, organist

Wednesday, April 24th

@ 9:30 a.m. - Morning Prayer

Links to our online services and Bible Studies are available on our website.

Opening - I want to walk as a child of the light (Hymn 490)

Sequence - The King of love my shepherd is (Hymn 646)

Offertory Anthem - My shepherd will supply my need (Virgil Thomson, 1896 - 1989)

Communion - The Lord my God my shepherd is (Hymn 663)

Communion - Jesus came, adored by angels (Hymn 454)

Closing - Jesus lives! thy terrors now (Hymn 194)

Giving statements have been sent out (via email) and we encourage you to take a look to ensure that they are accurate. Computer and human errors can occur and are easily fixable when reported quickly. Email Michelle if you have any questions.

Join us during Forum Hour this Sunday, April 21st to learn more about Shrine Mont and our retreat. 

Each fall, our Parish journeys to Shrine Mont (Orkney Springs, VA). Called “A Place Apart” Shrine Mont is where people are more important than things; prayer, reflection, rest, and recreation are more important than appointments and tasks. From meaningful conversations to moments of spiritual revelation, the retreat promises to leave a lasting impact. It’s a wonderful time away, and all are welcome. You’ll find the perfect combination of relaxation, community, and spiritual growth amongst the gorgeous fall foliage. We hope you will join us. 

Register (http://tiny.cc/ShrineMont2024) and look forward to spending time apart from the hustle and frenzy of our lives and together in community the weekend of October 25th-27th.

Our last concert for the 2023-2024 season will be held on Sunday, April 21st, at 4:00 p.m. in the Nave. A true star among young classical musicians, Monica Berney, née Czausz, has made a name for herself as one of the finest organists on the scene today. Known for her technical mastery, effortless musicality, and engaging stage presence, she has been inspiring audiences from coast to coast with “artistic mastery far beyond her years” (The American Organist). Ms. Berney was appointed Director of Music at St. Paul’s Parish, K Street (Washington, D.C.) in August 2023.

On Sunday, April 28th, at 4:00 p.m., the Adult Choir of St. Andrew’s will travel to St. Paul’s, K Street in Foggy Bottom to appear as the guest choir at Evensong and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. St. Paul’s is home to a storied music program of international reputation and has offered Evensong and Benediction regularly since 1936, one of the rare parishes in the country to do so. This will be a fantastic opportunity for both our choir and parishioners to experience a different flavor of liturgy at a nearby parish, and all are invited to support the choir! Music will include works by Gabe Simerson and William Bradley Roberts as well as Charles Villiers Stanford’s mammoth anthem “For lo, I raise up,” the most ambitious work the choir has presented in recent memory. 

This Mother’s Day, help us sweeten the day for Mothers who need a little extra treat. St. Andrew’s will collect chocolates (i.e., Godiva/Lindt or your special Chocolate treat, individually wrapped) for ECHO to deliver throughout May to mothers supported by ECHO services. A donation basket will be in the Hallway at St. Andrew’s. The last day to drop off chocolates will be Mother’s Day, May 12th.

Save the date: our annual Spring Clean-Up will take place on Saturday, May 4th (rain date May 11th). We will be working both inside and out, so dress appropriately. More details to come.

We are busy with preparations for the celebration of our beloved Amy Tibbetts, who will be leaving us in May for her next life adventure in Oregon. We face this farewell with thanksgiving and joy for the ministry of Amy here at St. Andrew’s over the past 22 years, 7 of those years as our Director of Family Ministry. We will have a special farewell in the liturgy for Amy on Sunday, May 5th to be followed with a farewell reception for her. You can help with the setup and food by signing up here: http://tiny.cc/FarewellAmy.

Our Pre-K and Nursery class, which watch our youngest members from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Sundays, needs helpers. We have a paid staff member, but for the safety of everyone, we need at least one helper with them throughout the morning.

Our Nursery needs an adult helper each week, and our Pre-K class needs an adult or teen helper each week. Teen volunteers (14+) can earn service hours for their work.

Sign up here to volunteer: http://tiny.cc/babywatch-spr24.

Our Youth Car Wash will happen during the 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. services on Sunday, May 19th. All youth (grades 7th – 12th) and their parents are encouraged to participate. Funds raised will support year-long youth programming and the Group Mission trip. More information to come.

Your financial gifts to St. Andrew’s are of vital importance to support our ongoing ministries and our outreach to the most vulnerable among us. Please continue to offer your faithful gifts by:

• Mailing your check to our church office (6509 Sydenstricker Rd, Burke, VA 22015)
• Hand delivering cash or checks to the church mailbox (cash or check should be sealed in an envelope marked with your name)
• Using your bank’s online bill-pay feature
• Using St. Andrew’s online giving feature. You will be asked to provide your email address, an amount, date of gift, whether it is one-time or recurring, and a fund. In the fund box, you can click the arrow at the right-hand side to see the drop-down menu (the current options are Pledge and Plate Offering). The next page will give you the option of paying via your bank or debit/credit card. Please note that St. Andrew’s will pay fees on these transactions and you will be asked if you would like to increase your donation to offset these fees.

emily@standrews.net | www.standrews.net

(703) 455-2500