Candlemas

This Sunday, February 2 we will celebrate Candlemas at the 10:30 AM service. Candlemas is a Christian holiday that occurs annually on February 2, the fortieth day after Christmas, to commemorate the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple when he was a baby. Candlemas is based on the account of the presentation of Jesus in Luke 2:22-40. This Feast of the Presentation is one of the oldest feasts of the Christian church, having been celebrated since the 4th century AD in Jerusalem.

The term “Candlemas” means “Candle Mass,” which refers to the practice of the blessing of candles by the priest during a church service (mass) for use during the year in church and in homes. These blessed candles serve as a symbol of Jesus Christ, who referred to himself as the “Light of the World.”

In some countries, it is customary to remove Christmas decorations on Candlemas. In France, February 2 is also considered the day of crepes, representing the return of Spring after the dark and cold of Winter. In Mexico, the meal of the day is tamales. In Luxembourg, people roam the streets with lit lanterns singing traditional songs at each house they pass, hoping to receive a reward of sweets or coins. Other countries celebrate with parades and dances.

Building Community… One Photograph, Name Tag, and Cup of Coffee at a Time

When someone new enters into the midst of an established group, it can seem as though everyone knows everyone else already. Fitting in can feel like a daunting task. When Al and I first came to St. Andrew’s folks seemed genuinely interested in getting to know us and that made a huge difference! Now, when I look around on Sunday mornings, I see a lot of new faces and that gladdens my heart! We all have a desire within us to know and to be known. Here are some practical ways to help that process along.

Instant Church Directory Online

Our online church directory can help all of us get to know one another, AND it’s always up to date. All you need to do to get it on your Apple, Android or Kindle Fire device is:

1. Go to your device’s App Store
2. Search for Instant Church Directory and download the app
3. Enter your email as it is listed in our directory
4. Follow the directions to set up your unique log in.

To get the directory on your computer: go to members.instantchurchdirectory.com/signup and follow the directions to create your login. If you need help, I will gladly assist you. Note: if you’re not yet in the directory, I’d love to add you! For security reasons, the program will not allow you to create a log in unless you’re in it.

Name Tags

Wearing our name tags is a great way to help all of us learn one anothers names. If you are new to St. Andrew’s and have not received your name tag, please let me know and we will order one for you. Everyone else, please remember to wear your name tag every Sunday! It is a big help! 

A Cup of Coffee (or juice or hot tea)

Visiting over a good cup of coffee is another great way to break the ice and get to know one another. Thanks to a team of volunteers we have coffee and snacks between services and after the 10:30 service. Let’s all make it a point to stop in the lobby for a few minutes to welcome new folks and begin getting to know them and introducing them to others.

Rachel Roby

Parish Administrator

The Rev. Marc Vance called as associate rector

Dear friends,

I am delighted to share with you the happy news that I have called the Rev. Marc Vance of Columbus, Indiana to serve as Associate Rector at St. Andrew’s. A native Kentuckian, Marc was ordained in 1998 and has served parishes in Missouri, Florida, and Indiana. As you will discover, Marc is warm-hearted and personable, with a deep love for Jesus. He comes with a breadth and depth of experience, wisdom, and pastoral skills, including work with youth. He is excited about our Outreach Facility and has been focused for years on trying to help his church adapt to the new, post-Christendom situation in which we find ourselves. In other words, he is singing our tune.  

Marc’s ministry at St. Andrew’s will include oversight of Christian Formation for all ages and oversight of our Community Outreach Facility. He will also share with me in pastoral care and liturgical leadership. His intended start date is March 1 (depending on moving dates and other logistics).

I am grateful to our interview team of Dawn Edquist, Roman Klinger, David Lilley, Lindsey Nicolai, Chris Robinson, and Susan Sale, whose good questions and wise insights helped to solidify my own sense of Marc’s call to be among us; and to the vestry for their faithful leadership in making the call possible. Above all, I am thankful to God for bringing Marc to us.

Marc is married to Leticia, who is a Doctor of Nursing Practice. They have three young adult children: Shelby, Elizabeth, and Rebecca. Elizabeth will be moving to Newport News with Marc and Leticia. The whole family loves Disney and visits annually. Marc, who recently earned a black belt in taekwondo, loves nature, reading, and music. I am so looking forward to having all of you meet Marc!

Please join me in holding Marc and Leticia and their family in prayer as they prepare to join us in March.  

Joyfully, 

Anne+

Pictured L to R: Shelby, Elizabeth, Leticia (behind Elizabeth), Marc, and Rebecca

A Litany for the New Year based on a Prayer attributed to Saint Francis

With all our hearts and all our minds, we pray to you, O Lord:

Make us instruments of your peace.

For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations, we pray to you, O Lord:

Where there is hatred, let us sow love.

For our enemies and those who wish us harm, and for all whom we have injured or offended, we pray to you, O Lord:

Where there is injury, let us sow pardon.

For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our divisions may cease and all may be one as you and the Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord:

Where there is discord, let us sow union.

For those who do not yet believe, for those who have lost their faith, and those in despair and darkness that they may receive the light of the Gospel, we pray to you, O Lord:

Where there is doubt, let us sow faith.

For the poor, the persecuted, the sick and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord:

Where there is despair, let us sow hope.

For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O Lord:

Where there is darkness, let us sow light.

For those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; that they may be comforted and healed; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation, we pray to you, O Lord:

Where there is sadness, let us sow joy.

Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

(Bill Wilds)

Epiphany traditions

Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on January 6 and is the time when Christians remember the Wise Men, also referred to as the Three Kings or the Magi, who visited Jesus and brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  It is also when some Churches remember Jesus’ baptism, when he was about 30, and started his preaching ministry.  Epiphany means “revelation” and both the visit of the Wise Men and his baptism are important times when Jesus was “revealed” to be very important.

The celebration of Epiphany varies from country to country.  In Spain, it is the day children’s presents are delivered by the Three Kings. In Italy, the presents are brought by an old lady called “Befana.”  She also fills their stocking by the fireplace.  In Belgium, children dress up as the three wise men and go from door to door to sing songs and receive money and sweets.

In Ireland, the celebration is called “Women’s Christmas.”  Traditionally the women get the day off and men do the housework and cooking.  Many countries enjoy special cakes that are decorated like crowns.  And in New Orleans, Epiphany/King’s Day is when Christmas decorations are taken down or at least the ornaments are replaced with purple, gold and green ones.  Family and friends enjoy a “King Cake” in which a little plastic baby doll is hidden inside.  Whoever gets the piece of cake with the baby must supply the cake next year!

We will celebrate the Epiphany on Sunday, January 5, a day known as Epiphany Eve or Twelfth Night.  For many, this is the traditional day to take down Christmas decorations.

Bill Wilds