HOLY COW RESULTS SITE PLAN UPDATE. (3 rd -5 th grade) and the nursery upstairs to try it

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1 Harmony April 2018 Cows, Classrooms and Other Great Events HOLY COW RESULTS The results are in! (Or at least they will be on Sunday, April 15.) Thanks to everyone who participated in the Holy Cow! Congregational Assessment Tool in February. Canon Earnest Graham will be with us on April 15 to preach and then, after the 10 a.m. service, to present to the parish the results of the survey. April at a glance 4/1 Easter Sunday Brunch and Egg Hunt 4/15 Parish Potluck and Holy Cow! Survey Results 4/20 Youth Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Table of Contents Sunday Mornings P. 4 News and Events P. 5 Fellowship Announcements P. 6 Parish Life P. 7 Articles P Stewardship/Finances P. 11 SITE PLAN UPDATE I m sure you ve noticed a few important facilities changes over the past nine months. We have moved Godly Play (pre-k through 2 nd grade), Kids of the Kingdom (3 rd -5 th grade) and the nursery upstairs to try it out, and we have removed portions of pews to better accommodate accessibility needs. So how has it worked, and what s next? How we got here. In 2013, our strategic planning process identified the need to improve children s and youth space and improve campus-wide accessibility. In 2015, we conducted surveys and convened small groups, which led our architect and Site Planning Team to propose re-establishing children s spaces in the upstairs hallway, to improve the environment and to make this a visible part of our ministry on Sunday mornings. Trial Period Successes. Rather than start with a big capital project, we thought we d move some furniture around and try it out first. The trial period has produced some helpful insights and raised a few questions as well. By most measures, moving children s classes continued p. 2 1

2 Continued from p. 1 upstairs has been a clear success: classes have grown, we have had more children present in worship, and both teachers and children have appreciated the change. Kids of the Kingdom has grown faster than we expected, and more children will age into it next year. That class has been meeting in the Cloister, which is less than ideal. Trial Period Learning. The nursery has not yet changed in levels of participation during the Sunday service, so the Site Planning Team has proposed that we return it to the Undercroft for now and use that room for 3 rd -5 th grade. This is a clear need that we must address by this fall. Other spaces remain in flux. The library and conference room, for example, is clearly not a finished product. We have tried it out as a small-group space for our Lenten classes with some success, but the best arrangement has not yet presented itself. The Challenge. The challenge, of course, is that for all the gifts of space that we ve inherited, this campus was built using a different space-usage model than that of today. The Undercroft and Herman Hall have significant limitations for usability because of accessibility, lighting and hospitality. Now that all of our classes occur on the main level, our Site Planning Team has been thinking creatively about how to best serve our children, youth and adults. We value these ministries and want to see them continue to grow and flourish as they have for the last past nine months. The Good News. The good news, though, is that we really do have what we need right now. Our children s ministry is experiencing growth and consistent numbers since their move. This growth tells us we made the right decisions. Yet it is also important to see our adult programs thrive, and for our facilities to be a place of study, community and ministry for those in all generations. What s Next. The Site Planning Team has resumed regular meetings in order to walk, step by step, towards the best arrangement we can with the space we have. This is a period of trial-anderror and transition as we respond to the needs that we have while thinking forward to our hopes for tomorrow. We re in a period of testing things out, and may well be in that place for a few years. We are testing so that we can meet our needs today while getting the clearest picture possible of our needs tomorrow, a picture we can only get by taking our time. Think of it this way: We re gaining lots of information and growing our ministries incrementally while spending very little money. And when it s time to make bigger changes, we ll be ready to spend our money well. In the meantime, let s work together not only to use our space well, but also to discern the needs of the parish in the short term (2-3 years) as well as the longer term. If you have ideas or concerns, bring them to me or to members of the Site Planning Team: Betty Atwell (Chair), Mike Van Ormer, Scott Durham, Lorin Kaley and Charles Kappauf. Continued p. 3 2

3 Continued from p. 2 PARISH LIFE AND FUNDRAISING For many years, St. Andrew s has raised money for worthy causes (and had a great time doing it) through the ministry of the Bazaar. The people of the parish have supported our ministries and the needs of the community by sharing something of themselves: their time, their craftwork, their cooking and their own material resources. More often than not, the communion of saints at St. Andrew s can be envisioned gathered together around craft tables, stockpots, and barbeque chopping blocks, and sharing in festive prayers in the moments before the doors opened. Take a look at the pictures of the Bazaar through the years, and you will see the people and the spirit of St. Andrew s church. That spirit is as lively and as generous as ever and will be with us tomorrow and in the decades to come. However, the leaders of the Bazaar (or, most recently, the St. Andrew s Market) have prayerfully discerned that while there is great energy in the parish for festive fundraising and serving the community, that energy is found less and less in a single major fundraiser and more and more in other opportunities that are emerging. We might remember a day when most people in the parish were available for one big event. That isn t the reality today, and we d like to find a model that better engages the whole parish. Over the past few years, the Bazaar s proceeds have gone entirely to outreach, including $11,500 from last year. We want to continue to support the community through our fundraising, and we want to continue to gather as a parish for great events. So, we hope to have several events next year. In October, we are considering a festive reception and a live auction. We are also exploring the possibility of a smaller December event that is open to the public. We also would like to have some kind of spring fundraiser, but we don t yet know what that will be. This is a great opportunity to establish a new event in the life of St. Andrew s. It might even take a few years to fine-tune, but now is a time to be thinking what would you like to see, and what could you support? Are there great events or ideas elsewhere that you ve seen? Are there ideas that express who St. Andrew s is today that can also help us to serve the community through fundraising? If you would like to be part of a team that will discern a spring 2019 event, and within the next few months move from brainstorming to planning, please let me know. We find ourselves, from Holy Cow! surveys to site plans to fundraising, in a place of new energy but also unfamiliar territory. This is a time for trying new things, for considering new possibilities and even being open to some spirit-filled surprises. Rather than something to be avoided, these times of transition are signs of health and vitality. I give thanks for the generous spirit of St. Andrew s, and for the hopeful energy that makes us who we are. BJ+ 3

4 Sunday Mornings in April Sunday 11:30 April 1: First Sunday Fellowship The 10 a.m. service will be followed by the Easter Egg Hunt and Parish Brunch. April 8: The Haphazard Evolution of the Anglican Communion The Rev. Dr. Leon Spencer will explore the beginnings of the Anglican Communion as a missionary endeavor of the Church of England that grew from a colonial project to a community of autonomous provinces. We ll also consider how we still fit together as a communion. April 15: Parish Potluck and Holy Cow! Survey Join us with Canon Earnest Graham as he talks to us about the results of the Holy Cow! Survey. April 22: One Body of Christ: Anglicans and those others The Rev. Dr. Leon Spencer will share how Anglicans have been a part of the ecumenical movement of the last century, and look at where we are now in the movement. April 29: The 1979 BCP: Guiding Principles for Crafting Liturgy We continue our yearlong study of the Book of Common Prayer by considering how those who write, craft and lead liturgy make the choices they do. Led by the Rev. Bernard J. Owens. 4

5 News & Events Holy Week & Easter Services 3/26-28 Holy Eucharist Rite II, 5:30 p.m., Chapel 3/27 Holy Eucharist Rite II, noon, Chapel 3/29 Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m., Sanctuary 3/30 Good Friday, noon, Chapel 3/31 The Great Vigil of Easter, 8 p.m. 4/1 Easter Sunday, 8:30 & 10 a.m. Holy Cow! Presentation & Parish Potluck April 15 The Rev. Canon Earnest Graham will join us on April 15 to preach at both services and to share the results of the survey at a parish-wide potluck lunch after the 10 a.m. service. Please bring a dish to share. New Member Liturgy April 15 On Sunday, April 15, we ll offer a brief service of welcome during both services for new members of St. Andrew s in the past year. If you d like to participate, contact the Rev. Bernard J. Owens. If you d like to become a member of St. Andrew s, let BJ (bernard.owens@standrewsgso.org) or Kimberly Rathburn (parish@standrewsgro.org) know. Lindley Elementary Partnership St. Andrew s Episcopal Church is exploring the idea of partnering with our neighborhood school, Lindley Elementary, during the 2018/19 school year. Parishioners who are interested would devote an hour (or so) of time per week to partner with a student at Lindley and serve as a reading, math or lunch buddy. Scheduling of this time of service is flexible. Interested in learning more about this outreach opportunity? Contact Rachael Revell at revellr@gcsnc.com for more information, or talk with Charles Kappauf. Parish Calendar It s almost time to assemble our parish event calendar for next year. In April, Vestry members will work with their committees and ministries to think ahead to next year. In May, the Vestry will ask for proposed calendar dates so they can prepare an annual calendar that is meaningful and engaging for all. St. Andrew s Mission and Outreach The Mission and Outreach Team will be participating in a regional outreach forum with representatives from other Greensboro Episcopal churches on Tuesday, April 10. For more information, contact Doug Sanecki at dpsanecki@gmail.com. We Pray For: Mary Stalter, Anna Stalter, Ella Janssen, Sarah Lipscomb, Jeff Cummer, Art Bishop, Jean Lange, Judy Wells, Hien Phan, Norma Bullock, Bailey Hobgood, Moira Ermentrout, Hugh McLawhorn, Doug Scott, Laurie Simon Queen, Albert Madden, Gisselle Rivera, Don Allen, Esther Mallard and family, Bonita Beshears, Bruce Adkins, Anne Hansen, Ashlen, Nathan, Landyn, Charles and Rebecca Goodrum, Dee Dee Fulton, David, Judy Stancil, Linda Adams, Xavier and Sue, Maria Wilmoth, Baby Dowd, David R. Heck, Robert Franklin, Barbara Sherer, Eula Wray, Leslie Prayers for Seminarians: Margie Baker and Jenn Phillips with James and Eden Expectant Parents: Drew and Alice Courtright; Lisa and John Keegan; Adam and Katie Brannan Freseman 5

6 Fellowship & Christian Formation EYC Spaghetti Fundraiser Please join the EYC for our 2018 Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser! Dinner will be served on Friday, April 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. We re preparing a delicious menu of bread, pasta and dessert. We ll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Tickets are $10 a person or $25 for families, and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds will benefit EYC and our Glory Ridge trip. We hope to see you there! Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt The Children s Support Team and Youth Support Team are excited to host our Annual Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt. We invite the whole Parish to celebrate with us in the Parish Hall, following the 10 a.m. service. After brunch, we ll have our egg hunts. Children ages 3 and under will have a special egg hunt on the playground, while all other children can join us on the front lawn. We re looking forward to sharing this special day with everyone! Children s Sunday School in April 1 st Sunday(4/1) 2 nd Sunday(4/8) 3 rd Sunday(4/15) 4 th Sunday(4/22) 5 th Sunday(4/29) Godly Play Godly Play Godly Play Godly Play Godly Play (age 4-2 nd Grade) (age 4-2nd Grade) (age 4-2nd Grade) (age 4-2nd Grade) (age 4-2 nd Grade) Kids of the Kingdom (3 rd -5 th grade) Kids of the Kingdom (3 rd -5 th grade) Kids of the Kingdom (3 rd -5 th grade) Kids of the Kingdom (3 rd -5 th grade) Kids of the Kingdom (3 rd -5 th grade) Children s Sunday school takes place during the 10 a.m. service. If you have any questions regarding Children s or Youth Ministries, please contact Felicia Cole, Children and Youth Coordinator, at felicia.cole@standrewsgso.org or

7 Parish life A Little Night Music 7

8 Lay Eucharistic ministry Visiting in the Name of Christ From the Rev. Brooks Johnson The Very Rev. Denis Brunelle was a key figure in my formation as an Episcopalian. He was the Rector of St. Peter s Episcopal Church in Bay Shore, Long Island, NY, where I first became a member of the Episcopal family in the 1990s. He left that church in 2009 to serve at the Mercer School of Theology and is currently the Rector at St. Luke s Episcopal Church in East Hampton, Long Island. He was the head of the Diocesan (Long Island) Liturgy and Church Music Commission as well as serving on the Commission on Ministry. It was he who first encouraged me to take communion to people in need as a Lay Eucharistic Minister. I will never forget that transformational experience. As a late twenty-something, I tried every excuse in the book not to do so. It was not that I wasn t interested; it was actually out of fear that I might do something incorrectly. My concluding excuse to his persistence was not only do I not know what I am doing; I am not even a confirmed Episcopalian! Father Denis wouldn t have it. Perhaps the transformational part of my recollection is that I distinctly recall him telling me why he thought I should be doing it. He explained that it is not about a specific language or proper procedures within a denominational tradition. This surprised me a bit considering his roles within the Diocese. What he went on to explain is that, first and foremost, it is about one s heart! It s about breaking bread with our neighbor. It s about transferring God s compassion through the act of communion, which by definition necessitates an exchange between people. The Catechism teaches us: Q. What are the benefits which we receive in the Lord s Supper? A. The benefits we receive are the forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life. Q. What is required when we come to Eucharist? It is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people (BCP ). What beautiful imagery! I am particularly strengthened and nourished in my union with Christ and one another every time I partake in the Lord s Supper, no matter where it is celebrated. The idea of being in love and charity with all people also is as pervasive now as ever. What an opportunity to bring hope and healing to people and open the door to potentially meet other needs of our neighbors. I asked two St. Andrew s parishioners about their experiences as Visiting Ministers. Here are their responses. I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. (Matthew 25:36, NASB version) These words from Matthew are on signs in front of St. Andrew s. By being among the visiting ministers to the sick (or well) we are all at one table one community of faith, loving brothers and sisters that care for each other. (Barbara Van Cleve.) Continued p. 9 8

9 Continued from p. 8 One of our newest Vestry members, Steven Loch, had this to say in response to the question about his involvement in parish life and community activities, which he was asked in consideration of becoming a Vestry member. I am, primarily, just an excited, passionate, and inspired congregant. Beyond that, serving as a Lay Eucharistic Minister is one of my personal passions. It is a humbling honor and privilege to bring the Eucharist (along with the spirit of St. Andrew s) to members of the church family that, for various reasons, aren t able to join us on Sunday mornings. I could not have said it better myself! We are all invited to one table. As in the prayer said when Visiting Ministers are given their communion box, we partake of one bread and one cup. To this end, all members of St. Andrew s who are going to have surgery and will be out for an extended period of time, should let us know. And if a family member becomes ill and will be confined, either at home or in the hospital, please let us know so that we can arrange for a visit if desired. At some point during the seasons of Easter and Pentecost, I hope to gather together those who are currently Visiting Ministers and those who may have an interest in becoming one. The purpose will be to share our experiences, welcome new visitors, discuss the expectations of St. Andrew s and the Diocese. and share new ideas or visions for future engagement. Together we can contribute to the beautiful imagery described in the Catechism, and strengthen our union. This may lead to new opportunities and new union. And it simply starts with the desire of the heart. Thank you from the Altar Guild The Altar Guild wishes to thank all parishioners for their support with donations at Easter, Christmas, and for providing flowers for the Altar throughout the year. We also want you to know that whenever you see just one vase in the center under the cross, rather than two arrangements on the side tables, we only have one donor for that particular Sunday. When you donate flowers, you may either pick up the flower vase(s) after the second service or leave them for the members of the Altar Guild to deliver to one of our members who might need their lives brightened by knowing their church family is thinking of them. A Sunday bulletin is delivered along with the flowers during a short visit. We have a few supporters who donate flowers more than once during the year, and some who donate two vases for one Sunday. Please give this matter of donating flowers some thought! We have quite a few Sundays in need of a sponsor. Currently our flower arrangements are billed from the florist for about $45 each. If you are willing to donate flowers once a year or just once in a while, in honor of or in memory of a person or an event, please contact Carolyn Hackett, vice president of the Altar Guild. at , or by to carolyn322@gmail.com. Thank you for your support! Vestry Notes Robin Bartlett was elected at the Vestry retreat as Senior Warden, joining Junior Warden Scott Durham in leadership of the Vestry. Ashley Wigglesworth has stepped down from the Vestry, and George Platt will complete the last year of her term. +Brooks 9

10 Seeing the Face of God in Each Other The 78th General Convention of our Church (2015) did a remarkable thing: the General Convention invited us as a church to take up this Jesus Movement. We made a commitment to live into being the Jesus Movement by committing to evangelism and the work of reconciliation beginning with racial reconciliation across the borders and boundaries that divide the human family of God. This is difficult work. But we can do it. It s about listening and sharing. It s about God. Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry Sermon Preached on November 1, 2015 Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church Seeing the Face of God in Each Other Place: St. Andrew s, Greensboro Date: Saturday, May 12 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Facilitators from the Bishop's Committee for Racial Justice and Reconciliation will lead a daylong seminar entitled Seeing the Face of God in Each Other. This seminar is one of many efforts in realizing our diocesan commitment to Becoming Beloved Community. It is one step toward strengthening our shared commitment to racial justice, and to grow as members of a community of reconcilers and healers. This seminar will use material developed by The Episcopal Church. Through interactive exercises, videos, and small group discussion, participants will explore how institutional and systemic racism impede our ability to create an inclusive community. This seminar helps to raise awareness that dismantling racism is a spiritual discipline, grounded in our Baptismal Covenant. Save your seat! The Seminar is limited to 40 people. There is no fee to attend but registration is required, Lunch will be served. Online registration will be available online; watch the Sunday bulletin for details. 10

11 February Financials February- YTD YTD Actuals Actuals Budget Total Income $24,214 $84,009 $56,853 Total Admin & Mission/Forma. Expenses $23,403 $46,773 $51,322 Total Operating Expenses $14,234 $24,008 $19,945 Total Expenses $37,637 $70,781 $71,267 Net Result ($13,423) $13,228 ($14,414) HARMONY Published monthly except in July by St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 2105 W. Market St. Greensboro, NC Editors: Kimberly Rathburn and Tony Bengel Rector: The Rev. Bernard J. Owens Deadline for May Harmony: April 16 by Noon to: Staff Vestry 2018 The Rev. Bernard J. Owens, Rector The Rev. Brooks Johnson, Deacon Debbie Dowd, Pastoral Associate Kimberly Ann Rathburn, Parish Administrator/Business Manager Robin Bartlett, Senior Warden Scott Durham, Junior Warden Susan Brannan Dottie Clark Alice Hill Steven Loch Bob Mills Carol Phillips George Platt Cindy Shane Pat Stultz Brenda Swearingin Ann Doyle, Minister of Music Linda Cummer, Clerk Chris Berger, Treasurer Felicia Cole, Youth and Children s Minister felicia.cole@standrewsgso.org 11