This Sunday, July 25
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer in the Sanctuary at 10:00 a.m.
Live-streamed on Facebook (www.facebook.com/StAndrewsEpiscopal);
posted on YouTube (www.youtube.com/channel/UCnSoc6Lqg09s_6k5F5xmAPw)
Service leaflet is on our website (www.standrewspgh.org) under Worship/Sunday Service Leaflet;
or click here.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer in the Sanctuary at 10:00 a.m.
Live-streamed on Facebook (www.facebook.com/StAndrewsEpiscopal);
posted on YouTube (www.youtube.com/channel/UCnSoc6Lqg09s_6k5F5xmAPw)
Service leaflet is on our website (www.standrewspgh.org) under Worship/Sunday Service Leaflet;
or click here.
Lemonade on the Lawn
We are all invited to gather on the lawn after the service for conversation and light refreshments - which may or may not include lemonade. Weather permitting, of course.
Protocols for Services at St. Andrew's
Starting Sunday, July 11, we will be able to no longer require worshipers who are vaccinated to wear a mask. We still request that those who are not vaccinated wear a mask, and anyone who chooses to may continue to wear a mask. Note that we will be monitoring COVID trends to determine whether the relaxed protocols are still appropriate.
We are all invited to gather on the lawn after the service for conversation and light refreshments - which may or may not include lemonade. Weather permitting, of course.
Protocols for Services at St. Andrew's
- We will continue to maintain proper distancing in all worship and other indoor gatherings at St. Andrew’s for the foreseeable future, but masks will not be required starting July 11, except for those who are not vaccinated.
- No sign-ups are required.
- Capacity in the sanctuary has been increased to 50.
- For Sunday services, any overflow will be accommodated in Brooks Hall, where the service will be simulcast. If we repeatedly exceed capacity and need to use the overflow spaces, we will add services.
- The size of the choir has been increased to a maximum of 12 vaccinated members.
Starting Sunday, July 11, we will be able to no longer require worshipers who are vaccinated to wear a mask. We still request that those who are not vaccinated wear a mask, and anyone who chooses to may continue to wear a mask. Note that we will be monitoring COVID trends to determine whether the relaxed protocols are still appropriate.
Emergency Contact
For the next two weeks (July 19 - August 2), the Rev. Luke Zerra (412.440.8323, lukezerra@standrewspgh.org) will be on call in the event of a pastoral emergency, while our rector is taking time off.
Staff Updates
As Chris announced last week, we will experience several staffing changes over the next few months. A comprehensive review of the changes can be found in Chris's letter of July 10, which you can access here.
In particular, after eight years of faithful service, Michelle Young's last day as parish secretary will be Friday, August 6. In thanks for her service, we will be collecting a financial offering for Michelle through August 15. If you would like to contribute to this offering, please send a check to Dorothy Falk in the parish office, designating it as a gift for Michelle, or go to the St. Andrew's website (www.standrewspgh.org/ways-to-give) and make a donation through PayPal, with "gift for Michelle" in the Note field.
For the next two weeks (July 19 - August 2), the Rev. Luke Zerra (412.440.8323, lukezerra@standrewspgh.org) will be on call in the event of a pastoral emergency, while our rector is taking time off.
Staff Updates
As Chris announced last week, we will experience several staffing changes over the next few months. A comprehensive review of the changes can be found in Chris's letter of July 10, which you can access here.
In particular, after eight years of faithful service, Michelle Young's last day as parish secretary will be Friday, August 6. In thanks for her service, we will be collecting a financial offering for Michelle through August 15. If you would like to contribute to this offering, please send a check to Dorothy Falk in the parish office, designating it as a gift for Michelle, or go to the St. Andrew's website (www.standrewspgh.org/ways-to-give) and make a donation through PayPal, with "gift for Michelle" in the Note field.
Church School Volunteers
The Church School is looking for volunteers to help with the Children’s Chapel program in the fall. All volunteers must have current clearances and complete the free safeguarding program online. Please email beckymarinov@gmail.com to volunteer or for more information.
The Church School is looking for volunteers to help with the Children’s Chapel program in the fall. All volunteers must have current clearances and complete the free safeguarding program online. Please email beckymarinov@gmail.com to volunteer or for more information.
Youth Leadership of Worship
St. Andrew's will hold a workshop on a Saturday morning, most likely in late August, for children age 7 and over who would like to serve as acolytes in the coming year. If your son or daughter might be interested or you would like more information, please contact Rev. Chris Cole at chriscole@standrewspgh.org or 412.661.1245, ext. 302.
St. Andrew's will hold a workshop on a Saturday morning, most likely in late August, for children age 7 and over who would like to serve as acolytes in the coming year. If your son or daughter might be interested or you would like more information, please contact Rev. Chris Cole at chriscole@standrewspgh.org or 412.661.1245, ext. 302.
Summer Book Series-- Starts this Week
Begin your week with a dive into Thomas Merton’s classic “New Seeds of Contemplation.” Discussion sessions will be Monday mornings beginning July 12 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. via Zoom. Email Fr. Chris at chriscole@standrewspgh.org if you would like to participate.
Begin your week with a dive into Thomas Merton’s classic “New Seeds of Contemplation.” Discussion sessions will be Monday mornings beginning July 12 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. via Zoom. Email Fr. Chris at chriscole@standrewspgh.org if you would like to participate.
Backpacks for The Neighborhood Academy
St. Andrew’s is partnering with both St. Michael’s of the Valley, Ligonier, and our neighbors in Highland Park to provide backpacks for children attending The Neighborhood Academy (TNA). This school in Garfield supports students in grades 6-12 from low-income families with a rigorous college prep program. All seniors apply to college, and 100% have been accepted.
There are three ways you can help:
St. Andrew’s is partnering with both St. Michael’s of the Valley, Ligonier, and our neighbors in Highland Park to provide backpacks for children attending The Neighborhood Academy (TNA). This school in Garfield supports students in grades 6-12 from low-income families with a rigorous college prep program. All seniors apply to college, and 100% have been accepted.
There are three ways you can help:
- Purchase some of the items needed and place them in the bin on the porch of the parish house.
- Make a donation with a check in the basket at the entrance to the sanctuary or mailed to St. Andrew’s, attention Dorothy Falk. Another option is to make an online donation through PayPal at www.standrewspgh.org/ways-to-give. Please note “Backpacks” on your check or in the note field for PayPal.
- Help us fill backpacks at the church on Wednesday, August 18, from 10:00 to noon. Please contact Pat Kennedy at 412-855-9845 or pmkennedy135@gmail.com if you can assist with this.
Beloved Community Initiative
The national Episcopal Church and the Pittsburgh Diocese have been working on a Beloved Community Initiative, which is a conversation around race and faith. The mission statement of the diocese says:
"The Beloved Community Initiative (BCI) seeks to promote the liberating and reconciling love of Jesus Christ, particularly as it relates to racial justice and reconciliation. The BCI will serve specifically to develop strategies, as informed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, our Baptismal Covenant and our diocesan mission."
This fall, the diocese is providing several ways for individuals and parish leadership to take part in this initiative and bring the conversation back to their own parishes:
The national Episcopal Church and the Pittsburgh Diocese have been working on a Beloved Community Initiative, which is a conversation around race and faith. The mission statement of the diocese says:
"The Beloved Community Initiative (BCI) seeks to promote the liberating and reconciling love of Jesus Christ, particularly as it relates to racial justice and reconciliation. The BCI will serve specifically to develop strategies, as informed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, our Baptismal Covenant and our diocesan mission."
This fall, the diocese is providing several ways for individuals and parish leadership to take part in this initiative and bring the conversation back to their own parishes:
- Diocesan coordinators for the initiative, the Rev. Eric McIntosh and Shahnaz Alam-Denlinger, will visit St. Andrew's in the fall (date TBD) to lead a discussion about race and reconciliation, and how that relates to our ministry.
- On the first three Wednesdays in August, the Rev. Eric McIntosh will revive his discussions on the Black Church documentary that aired on PBS earlier this year. The discussions may include other topics as well.
- Clergy, vestry members, and other parish leaders are asked to participate in Anti-Racism Training, which is also open to everyone in the diocese.
- The diocese has put together a 90-day Racial Equity Challenge, starting in August, for those in the diocese who ae interested in a deeper dive into the conversation. Every day for three weeks, participants do one action (suggestions provided) to further their understanding of racial equity, either on their own or within a small group. During the fourth week, they will join with others across the diocese to share their observations and reflections. This process is repeated for the second and third month. More information is on the diocesan website at www.episcopalpgh.org/90-day-racial-equity-challenge.
Racial Equity Challenge
Starting in August, we are all invited to participate in a 90-day Racial Equity Challenge. Every day for three weeks, participants perform one action (such as the ones below, specific suggestions provided) to further their understanding of racial equity, either on their own or within a small group.
During the fourth week, participants will join with others across the diocese to share their observations and reflections. This process is repeated for the second and third month.
More information is on the diocesan website at www.episcopalpgh.org/90-day-racial-equity-challenge and in a flyer that can be accessed here The flyer also contains a helpful tracking sheet. If you would like to participate, please contact the St. Andrew's coordinator, Arthur Noonan, at 412.427.1954 or arthurnoonan@gmail.com.
Starting in August, we are all invited to participate in a 90-day Racial Equity Challenge. Every day for three weeks, participants perform one action (such as the ones below, specific suggestions provided) to further their understanding of racial equity, either on their own or within a small group.
During the fourth week, participants will join with others across the diocese to share their observations and reflections. This process is repeated for the second and third month.
More information is on the diocesan website at www.episcopalpgh.org/90-day-racial-equity-challenge and in a flyer that can be accessed here The flyer also contains a helpful tracking sheet. If you would like to participate, please contact the St. Andrew's coordinator, Arthur Noonan, at 412.427.1954 or arthurnoonan@gmail.com.
2021 Diocesan Convention
This year's Diocesan Convention will be held on Saturday, October 16. All members are invited to attend the convention. If you are interested in serving as a deputy or alternate to the convention, please email Chris at chriscole@standrewspgh.org as soon as possible.
This year's Diocesan Convention will be held on Saturday, October 16. All members are invited to attend the convention. If you are interested in serving as a deputy or alternate to the convention, please email Chris at chriscole@standrewspgh.org as soon as possible.
Church Office -- New Hours
The church office will now be open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for in-person visits and phone calls (412.661.1245). Michelle Young, our parish secretary, can also be reached at office@standrewspgh.org, and she will respond Tuesday through Thursday during office hours.
In the event of a pastoral emergency please contact the Rev. Christopher A. Cole at 412.475.8006, or you can leave a message for him at 412.661.1245, ext. 302.
The church office will now be open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for in-person visits and phone calls (412.661.1245). Michelle Young, our parish secretary, can also be reached at office@standrewspgh.org, and she will respond Tuesday through Thursday during office hours.
In the event of a pastoral emergency please contact the Rev. Christopher A. Cole at 412.475.8006, or you can leave a message for him at 412.661.1245, ext. 302.
Tips on Getting COVID Vaccinations
Bill Ghrist has called our attention to Vaccinate PA, a site that has information on many facilities by county. "We are a volunteer team calling hospitals and pharmacies to identify which facilities are currently administering vaccines. This website will be updated daily to reflect the latest information we are able to gather." This site appears to be quite comprehensive and up-to-date.
If you need a ride to get your vaccine, you can email Michelle in the office at office@standrewspgh.org, and she will connect you with one of our Runners.
May 9 Service Leaflet
Zoom Forum on Solitary Confinement
Bill Ghrist has called our attention to Vaccinate PA, a site that has information on many facilities by county. "We are a volunteer team calling hospitals and pharmacies to identify which facilities are currently administering vaccines. This website will be updated daily to reflect the latest information we are able to gather." This site appears to be quite comprehensive and up-to-date.
If you need a ride to get your vaccine, you can email Michelle in the office at office@standrewspgh.org, and she will connect you with one of our Runners.
May 9 Service Leaflet
Zoom Forum on Solitary Confinement
Add to the Beauty of St. Andrew’s with Your Gift of Altar Flowers
The Altar Guild's Flower Ministry invites us to sponsor one week (or more) of flowers at the altar. Donations may be made to give thanks for life’s blessings, to remember a loved one who has died, or to honor family and friends. The dedication will be printed in the Sunday service bulletin. The recommended donation is $50 per Sunday.
You can access a form for making a donation here.
The Altar Guild's Flower Ministry invites us to sponsor one week (or more) of flowers at the altar. Donations may be made to give thanks for life’s blessings, to remember a loved one who has died, or to honor family and friends. The dedication will be printed in the Sunday service bulletin. The recommended donation is $50 per Sunday.
You can access a form for making a donation here.
A Capella Interlude
Take a few minutes to enjoy our own Thatcher Montgomery (the bass in the middle of the bottom row) and 19 of his friends, the Solitary Singers, in a virtual, international cover of "Try Everything."
Take a few minutes to enjoy our own Thatcher Montgomery (the bass in the middle of the bottom row) and 19 of his friends, the Solitary Singers, in a virtual, international cover of "Try Everything."