St. Andrew's Children's and Family Ministries |
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Dear Families,
Two weeks ago, I was in Julian recharging and enjoying the crisp fall weather at the annual Diocesan Children’s and Youth Ministry Retreat. We don’t have a showy fall in southern California. Even in the higher elevations like Julian, the landscape is dominated by the forever green costal live oaks with an under story of green scrub oak and manzanita.
But, if you look closely, this time of year you will see a splash of color here and there, as if a painter had been careless and left gold and red droplets on a grey green canvas. As you hike into the forest, the ruby stems of manzanita line the path adding to the black oak leaves’ splashes of gold. It is all set against the deep blue-green of spruces and pines. It is a distinctive and subtle beauty.
This is the beauty that surrounded us at Camp Stevens as we got to work. And work we did. We had a powerful presentation and discussion about mental health and suicide prevention. Then, we talked about how our unique roll gives us the opportunity and responsibility to help those in trouble or at risk. We shared stories and resources, brainstormed solutions to shared challenges, and celebrated successes. And we laughed. Laughed loudly.
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Almighty God;
you give seed for us to sow,
and bread for us to eat;
make us thankful for what we have received;
make us rich to do those generous things
which supply your people’s needs;
so all the world may give you thanks and glory.
Amen.
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It was joy and work; it was retreat into community. God was all around, in every step, every leaf, every nurturing hug. We saw Christ in every face and listened for the Holy Spirit as she blew insistently through the pines. I’m pretty sure she caught up with most of us.
Free time was plentiful and spent walking the labyrinth, hiking, reading, journaling, chatting, or petting pigs and goats. And laughing as we petted pigs and goats, of course. Did you know pigs can learn to sit? One pig, Fancy, even tried to sit up and beg! The food was sublime, much of it grown on the property, and we were all grateful we weren’t the ones cooking and cleaning up. There was so much to be grateful for, and a perfect way to kick off this season of gratitude.
As we move through November and into Advent, I will keep this experience as a touchstone for busy days ahead.
With deep gratitude for you all,
-Erin
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This Week in Sunday School
This week in Sunday School the children will be working hard on something special for everyone at the 10 am service. Bring your child and an animal costume (or use one of ours). It will be fun! Don't miss next week when the children join us in church so they can help us celebrate the Ingathering.
To make sure you are in the know about all things Sunday School, including this year's enrichment opportunities, please register. Even if you're not sure you can make it on a regular basis, registration helps us plan and keep your children in the loop for special activities. You can fill out online registration here or you can print out this PDF and give it to me at church.
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Important Dates
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November 6: 10:00 Animal Skit No Rehearsal needed. Meet at the Neighborhood and Education Center at 9:50 am. Bring your own costume or use one of ours!
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November 13: Feast of St. Andrew and Ingathering No Sunday School
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12/9-10: Good News Festival + Bishop Curry
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12/18: Nativity Pageant dress rehearsal after 10 am service
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12/24: 4 pm Nativity Pageant
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12/25: No Sunday School
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Prepping & Serving
Thanksgiving Dinner
Wed & Thurs, 11/23-24
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We plan to serve a sit-down dinner to our Saturday Morning guests on Thanksgiving Day at 11am. Some prep will be required on Wednesday, and we’ll need you to bring sides, pies, and help serve on Thursday. Although this is not an official Family Day of Service, it is a great way for kids to tangibly contribute to their community. More details to come soon! |
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Opportunity to hear Presiding Bishop Curry
December 10
6th graders are invited to join a free diocesan youth event and hear Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preach in person at the Good News Festival. This rare opportunity puts youth front and center for Bishop Curry's message, and I hope you and/or your youth can attend. It's open to all youth (grades 6-12)- you don't have to be Episcopalian to attend- so you can bring a friend. Youth can register here. Adults can join the Good News Festival by clicking here. Please see more information about the youth event here, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
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Who are You Remembering?
"Could this be prayer? This singing, this walking, this time together holding hands underneath the vast sky?"
-Kimberly Knowle-Zeller
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Worship
(Masks Recommended)
Sundays, 8 & 10 am
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If you can't join us in the nave for the 8 or 10 am service, click here to join our livestream worship. If the livestream is unsuccessful, there will be a recorded version posted to the website on Tuesday of the following week. Click here to access this week's bulletin. If you enjoy participating in this new version of online worship, make sure you hit the thumbs-up button below the video or leave a comment!
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The eScrip online mall features your favorite retailers and donates a portion of your purchases back to St. Andrew's.
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St. Andrew's earns up to 7% of your Amazon.com purchases when you shop via the link above or on our website.
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