Weekly eNews

with Advent & Christmas Calendar and Announcements


November 23, 2022

Pilgrimage: The Gift of Transformation


A Message from Our Rector


As Thanksgiving nears, I have been thinking about how gratitude shapes us. I am thankful for this community of faith that encourages me to grow and is always challenging me to deepen my relationship with God and neighbor, to expand what love looks like in my life.  


Our St. Andrew’s Pilgrimage to Selma and Montgomery: A Journey of Justice and Healing this January 17–20, is designed to open us to God’s presence and direction. It is an intentional journey towards transformation that we are making in community, confident that when we gather in God’s name, God will be in our midst. 


The pilgrimage includes visits to historic sites, thoughtful worship, lodging, and several meals, as well as transportation in a luxury motor coach that promises to be memorable. Join us! The registration deadline is December 1 and the payment deadline is December 15. St. Andrew’s has subsidized the trip and there are additional funds available if cost is a hardship. To register, click on the button below.


We are committed to racial justice and healing and are glad you are walking this way of Jesus’ love with us.


In Christ,

Rev. Ginny Bain Inman

Register for Pilgrimage

Bishop's Award Presented


At our Diocesan Convention this past weekend, Bishop Sam Rodman presented the Bishop's Award to the Rev. Dr. Leon Spencer for all of his work in global missions and as the chair of the Global Missions committee. Well done, good and faithful servant. Your service, humility, intellect and leadership are a light to us all.

Advent Begins this Sunday!


Each Sunday we worship in person and online. We are always glad when you worship with us. Nursery care is available during worship, and we offer children’s ministry time as well as activity bags to keep little hearts and hands engaged.


This Sunday we will light the first Advent candle as welcome the season of waiting at the start of this new church year.

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Advent Blessing


May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Throughout Advent: Daily Devotionals Available, Las Posadas


Nov. 27, Sun. First Sunday of Advent with Advent Event

Advent Wreath Making, Blessing of Las Posadas, and Daily Devotionals (after Church)

Adult Formation (after Church each Sunday)


Dec. 3, Sat. Deck the Halls Festival & Market (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)


Dec. 4, Sun.  Second Sunday of Advent with St. Nicholas visit

Parents’ Coffee with Mother Ginny (after Church)

Hope for the Holidays Gift Drive


Dec. 11, Sun.  Third Sunday of Advent, Lessons & Carols Service

Service of Remembrance (Chapel at 3 p.m.)


Dec. 18, Sun.  Fourth Sunday of Advent 

Birthday Party for Jesus (after Church)


Dec. 24, Sat.  Christmas Eve Services 

4 p.m. Family Service with Christmas Pageant 

7 p.m. Traditional Service with Special Music


Dec. 25, Sun. “Come as You Are” Christmas Service 

Check Your Mailbox for Our Advent Calendar

Postcards with our Advent & Christmas calendar were mailed last week. If you did not receive on, please use the button below to email our Parish Administrator so we can make sure we have your correct mailing information.

Click Here if You Didn't Receive Our Postcard

Come to Our Advent Event, November 27 – Sign Up for an Advent Wreath Kit


Advent is the special season of the church year when we prepare for the coming of Christ. We will host an Advent Event on the First Sunday of Advent in the Parish Hall after church. Everything you need to make your own Advent wreath will be provided, and we'll enjoy fellowship and conversation while we build our wreaths together. A donation of $10 per wreath-making kit is suggested but not required. Please RSVP to Martha using the button below so we can reserve a wreath kit for you!


P.S. If you have garden cutters, plan to bring them to make the greenery arranging easier.

Reserve an Advent Wreath Kit

Daily Advent Devotional Available as Booklet and Online


How can we practice simplicity as we wait the coming of Christ and new life this season? Living Well Through Advent is a daily devotional with the theme “Practicing Simplicity With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind.” Copies of the booklet will be available on November 27. You can receive these devotions as daily emails, if you prefer.


Additional online Advent offerings include the AdventWord daily meditations subscription from Forward Movement, and Kate Bowler’s Advent: The Season of Waiting (And Waiting… And Waiting) which can be downloaded as a PDF.

Sign Up for Las Posadas and Host the Holy Family this Advent


Each night of Advent, a carved holy family will travel from parish household to parish household recreating Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay as they traveled to Bethlehem. The requirements are simple: be willing to open your home to the holy family, care for them for 48 hours, and deliver them to the next household. This is an opportunity to practice hospitality, to reflect on the meaning of the season, and to make space for Jesus to be born anew. Use the button below to sign up!

Sign Up for Las Posadas

Children Begin Advent with Children's Chapel November 27


On November 27th we invite all of our children to join us for Children's Chapel in celebration of the first Sunday of Advent. Children will process out of the sanctuary after the anthem as usual, but instead of heading to the Godly Play room or playground, they will be led downstairs to our Children's Chapel for a special story, thanksgiving, and communion just for the little ones.

Join Us for Adult Formation Weekly after Worship, November 27 – December 18


The Church Cracked Open: New Hope for the Beloved Community


Sometimes it takes disruption and loss to break us open and call us home to God. It’s not surprising that a global pandemic and once-in-a-generation reckoning with white supremacy—on top of decades of systemic decline—have spurred Christians everywhere to ask who we are, why God placed us here and what difference that makes to the world. The Church Cracked Open: Disruption, Decline, and New Hope for the Beloved Community, written by the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, invites us to redefine church, not just for the sake of others, but for our own salvation and liberation.


Join Rev. John de Beer and Rev. Pam Haynes in discussion on how this critical exploration of the American Christian story and the Episcopal Church opens us up to love Jesus and others, walk humbly with the most vulnerable, and embody beloved community. We suggest that you read the book before we begin. The Church Cracked Open can be found on Amazon and Kindle. Join us in the Cloister after Sunday service. We look forward to sharing this awesome experience with all of you!

Deck the Halls Festival & Market –How You Can Help


Our Deck the Halls Special Edition went out on November 12. Please click on the link below to see all the ways you can support our annual fundraiser for mission and outreach.


There is still time for you to contribute in a number of ways:


  • We are still accepting your contributions of wine, arts and crafts, gift cards, and baked goods.



  • Help us spread the word. Use our Holiday Photo Spot on the Kensington Avenue side of the church campus to take your Christmas card picture. Then post it to social media with the date and time of Deck the Halls and our Facebook event.


If you have questions or want to help more, contact Virginia Haskett, Deck the Halls Chair, to find just the job for you!

See Our Deck the Halls Special Edition!
Shop Deck the Halls Online Store

December 4 Brings Visit from Saint Nicholas and Parents' Time with Mother Ginny


During our worship on December 4, the Second Sunday of Advent, we will welcome Saint Nicholas, complete with his traditional gift of chocolate coins, ahead of his traditional feast day on December 6.


After worship, parents are invited to join Mother Ginny in the Library for coffee and informal conversation. December, with its multiple demands and expectations, can be a particularly tough month for parents. Please join us, whether you are feeling jolly or not! Youth can hang out in Herman Hall, while children are welcome to explore the playroom and nursery. Our nursery staff will stay over that day to give parents time to chat.

Sign Up to Donate Gifts for Children's Home Society


Please bring gifts to church on Dec. 4 or by Dec. 6.


Once again, we will be joining with Hope for the Holidays, an annual gift drive for children in foster care, sponsored by the Children's Home Society. For many years we have engaged in this ministry in conjunction with our celebration of St. Nicholas who blesses the gifts we send off for these children.


Please use this button to sign up to provide a gift!

Sign Up to Donate a Gift

We ask that unwrapped presents be delivered to the church on Sunday, December 4, for the blessing. If you can't come to church that day, please deliver to the church office on December 6, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Thank you in advance for your generosity and for helping to provide a joyful holiday season to children in need.


Please contact Martha Chaires if you have questions or need to arrange for an alternate drop off time. 

Lift Every Voice and Sing—Children’s Choir Practices for Christmas Eve Service


We are excited to bring back our Children’s Choir, a beloved tradition of St. Andrew’s, for pre-k through 5th grade children. We will begin rehearsing December 4, 11, and 18, in preparation for singing at the early Christmas Eve Service, December 24 at 4 p.m. Join us in the Kids of the Kingdom room (upstairs on the yellow hall) directly after church for our 20-minute practices. Contact Ann Doyle to learn more.  

Advent Lessons and Carols December 11


The Lessons & Carols service in the Anglican tradition began in 1878 and was formalized as a Christmas service in 1880 by the Bishop of Truro, later Archbishop of Canterbury, Edward Benson. An Advent version of the service developed slightly later at King’s College in England and is now celebrated around the world, normally done one of the first Sundays of Advent. 


The service consists of scripture readings interspersed with choral presentations and hymns, all of which recall mankind’s longing for liberation from sin and death, and our hope and expectation for the coming of Christ the Lord. Through our experience of sacred Word and music, the story of the coming of Christ gradually unfolds and deepens our understanding of God’s message of love and redemption. This year, our traditional Advent Carol Service of sacred Word and music will be led by our choir, organ and guest harpist, Bethany Lancaster. 


May the words and music of this service propel you quietly toward the true joy of Christmas.

EYC December 11Top Secret Advent Mission!


On Sunday, December 11, from 5-6:30, the EYC will engage in a top secret Christmas mission and White Elephant gift exchange. Please bring a wrapped gift (keep it under $10) to share. You can read about all our offerings for Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) at the link below. If you'd like to be added to the list to receive CYF news, contact Martha Chaires.

Read Our Latest CYF eNews

Birthday Party for Jesus, December 18

Right after Worship


We invite kids (and adults!) to join us in the parish hall on December 18, the fourth Sunday of Advent, for a Birthday Party for Jesus, led by our EYC! We'll have cupcakes to decorate, crafts, and other fun opportunities to celebrate. Note that this is a time change from our original event, which was scheduled from 5-6:30, as we want to be sure all of our children from small to tall are able to attend before bedtime.

Christmas Eve Services Offered at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.


On December 24, join us for a joyous Christmas Eve service, complete with a Popup Pageant and our children's choir debut. No rehearsal is needed, and kids from birth - teen are welcome to star or help out in the pageant.

Christmas Day Sunday


On Sunday, December 25th, we'll have a Come-As-You-Are Christmas Service with carols and morning prayer. Pajamas and slippers are welcome!

Christmas Flower Dedications


Each Advent and Lent, the Altar Guild places donation envelopes in the pews providing parishioners the opportunity to make a donation expressly for the Altar Guild. These donations help cover the costs of special services and “day-to-day” altar requirements. If you are participating through the online service and would like to make a donation, simply mail your check to St. Andrews with a short note supplying the following information:


This donation for the Altar Guild is given by ________________

in memory of ______________ OR in honor of _______________.


Your contribution will be credited to the Altar Guild and will be acknowledged in the Christmas Eve Bulletin. There is not a "charge" or set amount. Your donation and dedication need to be received by the church office by December 12 in order for our Parish Administrator to create the bulletin. Thank you for your support!

All Are Invited to the Wedding of Janice Cox and Dennis Pollard


All are invited to celebrate the wedding of Janice Cox and Dennis Pollard on January 14, 2023, at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.


Please reply to Janice by text or phone (336-317-4171)

by Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, if you will attend. (No gifts, please.)


Whether or not you can attend, Janice and Dennis are grateful for your love, prayers, and good wishes on their marriage.

Keep Filling Your Burgundy Bags


Thank you for continuing to pick up a burgundy bag and bring it back the following week with your food donations. If you don't have a burgundy bag, you may leave your full bags of any color in the "burgundy bag places"the church narthex and office hallway—and they will be collected and distributed.


Items that are especially in demand include:

  • canned and dried beans
  • rice
  • pasta
  • canned vegetables
  • canned meats and fish


The Outreach Committee supports the year-round collection of canned goods and nonperishable food items for the One Step Further food pantry. Your donations help carry out our mission to feed the hungry in our community.  

Everything We Do Is through Your Generosity


We are grateful for your gifts and pledges that sustain the mission and ministry of St. Andrew’s.


To make a new gift or continue your pledge, please:



  • Click on the Giving image. Donate at abundant.co/standrewsepiscopalch/give.
  • Use the “Abundant Giving” app, choosing "St Andrew’s Episcopal Church" in Greensboro.
  • Mail a check to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Bookkeeper, 2105 W. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27403.


If you have questions about your giving, please reach out to Ray Marsh at bookkeeper@standrewsgso.org.  

This Week at St. Andrew’s 


Sunday, November 27

First Sunday of Advent

Worship (In-Person & Online) and Children's Chapel, 10 a.m.

Advent Event with Wreath Making and Fellowship, Blessing of Las Posadas, and Daily Devotionals 11:15 a.m.

Adult Formation: The Church Cracked Open, 11:15 a.m.

Coffee and Conversation,11:15 a.m.


Tuesday, November 29

Staff Meeting, 10 a.m.

Chapel Open, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

EfM, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 30

Hearing the Gospel, 10:30 a.m.

Choir Rehearsal, 7:15 p.m.


Thursday, December 1

Handbell Rehearsal, 11 a.m.


Saturday, December 3

Deck the Halls Festival & Market, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Corner Farmers Market, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.


Sunday, December 4

Second Sunday of Advent

Worship (In-Person & Online) and Children's Ministry, 10 a.m.

St. Nicholas Visit

Parents’ Coffee with Mother Ginny, 11:15 a.m.

Adult Formation: The Church Cracked Open, 11:15 a.m.

Coffee and Conversation,11:15 a.m.

We Pray For


Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Nippon Sei Ko Kai


Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Communion


Those on our parish prayer list: Mary Stalter, Norma Bullock, Moira Ermentrout, Maria Wilmoth, Johnetta Shablack, Jimmye Olivey, Patrick and Margaret Miller, Ed Morea, Cindy Shane, Julie Dameron, Traci and Erik, Barbara Cernansky, Ella Janssen, Dick Montgomery, Gabriel, Larry and Carol Phillips, Charles Claunch, Libby Eberhard, Gwen Snead, Ali Avery, Brad Stevenson and family, Martha Barrineau, Barbara Van Cleve, Noa Rucker and family, George Ellison, David Heflin, Nixie Coleman, Jeff Cummer, Brenda Ames, Tricia de Beer, Ursula Inman, Charles Kelshaw, the family of Trey and April Brooks, David McGraw


Those serving in our military: Tom Stauffer, Paul Zeigler, Stephen Johnson, Benjamin Phillips, Kenneth Gearhart, Alex Reyes, Raymond Harrison, Catharyn Nosek


Those expecting: Jessie and Richard Girardin, granddaughter and grandson-in-law of Jean and Ed Phelps


Birthdays: Susan Brannan, Ann Herman, Terese Robinette-Hagie, Marion Seaman 


Anniversaries: Bob and Kathy Mills   


Please send prayer requests to Susan Frye or call 336-275-1651, ext. 1. Names remain on our parish prayer list for six weeks. If you would like a name to be on the list for longer, please let Susan know. Please also tell Susan if you know of a birthday or anniversary that was missed in the bulletin.

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