Shining the Light

Dear People of St. Andrew’s,

We have entered into a new month, and it’s my final one with you all before Rev. Dorota returns from parental leave. It has been a quick, but wonderful and full 3 months so far, and I have appreciated your kindness, flexibility, and graciousness in this time together. 

As we enter into February, I thought I’d offer a few words about the love we experience as Christians. February is often associated with Valentine’s Day, and stores are filled with red and pink hearts. But do you know the story of St. Valentine? I had to refresh myself on the details, as it becomes easy to only see Valentine’s Day as a Hallmark holiday for making dinner reservations and spending money on jewelry and chocolates (not complaining about the receiving chocolate part!). 

St. Valentine, or Valentinus as is the Latin version of his name, was a 3rd century Roman clergyman. As one story goes, Valentinus was under house arrest of a judge, Judge Asterius, in Rome at a time of Christian persecution. Valentinus was discussing Jesus, and the judge, to put him to the test, brought him to his blind daughter for healing. Valentinus laud his hands on the girl, praying to God, and restoring her sight. The judge asked what he should do in response, and after destroying the idols in his house freeing all the Christians under his arrest, he and his whole household were baptized. Later, Valentinus arrested for evangelizing, and was sent to emperor Claudius Gothicus. When he tried to convince the emperor to convert to Christianity, he was sentenced to death, and martyred on Feb. 14, 269. One added detail, perhaps an embellishment, is that before his death, Valentinus wrote a note to Judge Asterius’ daughter signed, “Your Valentine.” 

As Christians, we hear a lot about the love of God. “For God so loved the world”…(John 3:16). “No one has greater love than this, that one would lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). “Love is patient and kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4). 

The love we hear of in Scripture is not the kind of love that we typically affiliate with Valentine’s Day. But, if we look at the story of St. Valentine, we see that love is greater than the sappy, warm, fuzzy love that we often think of around this time. The love of God is so great that God came to earth as one of us, he lived and healed and taught and died and rose again, as one of us. In Christ, we see love in its purest and most perfect form. And even as we strive for it now, as human beings, we experience love that is often imperfect. It can be tainted by selfishness or ulterior motives. Yet, there are times we experience God’s love breaking in even now, in ways big and small. It’s in those moments that we are reminded God’s Kingdom is both already here and not yet fully here. One day, we will see love incarnate face to face (1 Cor 13:12). 

This month and always, remember the love we have in Christ Jesus. It was seen in love that Valentinus demonstrated as he shared the Gospel, the good news of Christ, with all, not weighing the cost. Most especially it is seen in what Jesus has done for us and for the whole world. What a gift, and what a love, to be shared with all! 

The peace of Christ be with you all,

The Rev. Rachel Rickenbaker 

10:00 a.m. Choral and Family Eucharist

Readings: Isaiah 58: 1-9a, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, Matthew 5:13-20

Duty officer February 5 - Feb. 11: Mike Rauseo

Each Wednesday at 8:30pm members of St. Andrew's meet via this Zoom Compline link for a brief service of contemplative nighttime prayers. All are welcome to join. For those who do not have a copy of the Book of Comon Prayer at home, you may download this Compline booklet.

Join us for a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon/sausage, pancakes, doughnuts, fruit, yogurt, coffee, orange juice, and milk.

Is there something you do at home or at school that helps us take care of the earth? Do you recycle, or have a compost bin? What else can we do to help mother nature? We’d love to hear your ideas! Send them to Ms. Mallory or the Parish Administrator, Emily for publication in the next edition of The Net.

Are you seeking to deepen your faith journey in the Episcopal Church? Join Brandon Nonnemaker for a series of conversations in which we will discuss baptismal covenant, scripture & history, worship, the mission of God, and more. These sessions are open to all but may be especially appropriate for those who are new to the Episcopal Church or those who wish to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church.

Sessions will begin on Sunday, February 26, and run through Sunday, April 2. We will meet from 9:00-9:45 am in the undercroft. To participate, please email Brandon by February 15 so that a book may be purchased for you.

The 11th Annual Empty Bowls will take place on Sunday February 12 at St. Andrew's. This community fundraiser luncheon will have two seatings, 11:30am and 12:45pm. Tickets are $45 each. Email Mary Youman for tickets.

Whatever your musical skill level, don't hesitate. Reach out to Brandon via email or catch him after a service for more details. 

The Murder Mystery Book Club will gather Saturday, March 4 at 2pm to discuss our latest read, Wicked Autumn by G.M. Malliet. The first book in the Max Tudor series introduces readers to a former MI5 agent-turned-priest who also turns the town's heads as a single, good-looking vicar. But when the highly unpopular president of the Women’s Institute turns up dead at the Harvest Fayre, Max has to call upon his former skills to solve the crime. Wicked Autumn was named one of The Boston Globe's Best Mysteries of 2011, and Louise Penny has called it "a wonderful read." If you can join us, please RSVP to hostess Lloyd Starns.

For our Glorious Companions meeting on Wednesday, February 8, at 10:30 am in the Lounge, we’ll read chapter 5 in our book—Paul Among the People by Sarah Ruden.

We need volunteers for Coffee Hour. Please sign up outside of Dorota's office or using Sign-up Genius.

This week we pray for: Henry Schmidt, the people of Haiti, the people of Ukraine, Curtis and Betty Powers, Noe Henriquez, Gretchen Cox and Ruth Finley.

Would you like to add a name to the prayer list? If so, please email the church office with your request. Names will be kept on the prayer list for about a month unless otherwise specified,and will be published weekly in Shining the Light.   

Bagged lunch prep will take place this Saturday at 4:00 p.m. in the undercroft kitchen. Please consider joining us to assemble 50 bagged lunches in support of PathForward, many hands make light work!

If you are able to drive the donations to AFAC for a contactless delivery, please sign-up here.

Here is a list of items AFAC accepts.