Saint Andrew's Celtic Easter 2014
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Saint Andrew’s Celtic
Easter 2014
From the Rector ..…………………………………...Page 2
Holy Week Schedule ……….………………….…..Page 3
From the Altar Guild…………………….…………..Page 4
From Our Seminarian .………………………...…..Page 5
Children’s and Youth Ministries ….……………..Page 6
Buildings and Grounds……………………………..Page 8
Vestry Minutes…………………………….………….Page 10
From the Rector
It’s spring, finally! As I write this, the cherry blossoms are peaking, and the early flowering trees
are in full bloom. Yes, there’s still a lot of brown out there—trees that would normally be in leaf by
now are barely in bud. And yet there is beauty in the starkness that’s still with us. Against such a
backdrop, the first blooms of this long-awaited spring are all the more stunning.
Our journey through Lent has brought us to another flowering, the flowering of God’s love in the
events we observe during Holy Week. This flowering takes place against a landscape darkened by
the cruelties of human power schemes. It takes place as calamity and chaos tear the disciples
apart and send them into hiding. We who know the joy of Easter also know the devastation that
gripped the followers of Jesus as they saw the wheels of power turn against Jesus--as they stood
by, helpless and afraid.
Our faith tells us that the seeds of new life were being sown throughout Jesus’ ministry. Even in
his suffering and death, even in the great absence we observe as Jesus is crucified and laid in his
tomb, we sense that something is happening, something that will change everything.
This week we celebrate the mystery of Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday (April 13) and end-
ing on Easter (April 20). I encourage you to join in the journey, both in your personal devotions,
and as we gather as a community to commemorate the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Fri-
day. On Saturday evening, we will set the Easter fire and light the new Paschal candle as we hear
the story of our redemption and celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter. On Easter Sunday, we will
continue our celebration with a half-hour musical prelude before the 10:30 service featuring or-
gan, brass and timpani, and Handel’s “Halleluiah Chorus” sung by choir and congregation.
St. Paul tells us that Jesus died and rose for us while we were still sinners. This is the great hope we
mark this week, that each of us, and all of us, have a share in the life of Jesus. No one is beyond
redemption. Our Holy Week observances remind us that Jesus loved his friends, even those who
betrayed and abandoned him. Jesus forgave his enemies, even as he hung from the cross. And he
had compassion on those who suffered for the love of him, who grieved and mourned his death.
In all of this, we are given an incredible gift, one we see replicated every spring. The crucified and
risen Jesus will be with us in our dying and rising. The crucified and risen Jesus is part of the dying
and rising of our planet. Jesus is with us as we join him in the work of bringing about God’s King-
dom, with hearts newly opened to God’s love for us—and the world.
With my prayers for you to have a blessed Holy Week and a joyous Easter,
Carol+
2
Holy Week Schedule
Maundy Thursday, April 17 6:00 pm Family Maundy Thursday Service Parish Hall
7:30 pm Holy Eucharist and Foot Washing Sanctuary
Good Friday, April 18 ` Noon Good Friday Service Sanctuary
7:30 pm Good Friday Service Sanctuary
Saturday, April 19 7:30 pm Easter Vigil Sanctuary
Sunday, April 20 8:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I Sanctuary
10:00 am Musical Prelude Sanctuary
10:30 am Festival Holy Eucharist Sanctuary
3
From the Altar Guild
Color Shift from Lent to Easter
The period of Lent through Easter on the church calendar is both the most solemn and the most
joyous in the church year. As the mood shifts during that time, the colors that cover the altar (and
up until Easter, veil the metallic crosses as well) also change. The season of Lent begins on Ash
Wednesday (March 5 this year) and ends on Holy Thursday. The word Lent comes from a Middle
English word meaning springtime — a time of renewal. During Lent, we are asked to cultivate our
lives through penance, prayer, and love as we anticipate the joy of Easter. The colors of Lent, vio-
let and rose, reflect these endeavors. Violet, the primary color of the season, is a blend of red
(passion, penance) and blue (devotion). On the fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday (from the
Latin to rejoice), we take a break from the privation of Lent and contemplate the joy of Easter.
With the shift in focus to love, the color changes for that day to rose.
Three years ago, Mike Platt envisioned the design at the left and
sketched it on a piece of sheet music. Inspired by that image and
with the blessing of the vestry, Mike created our Lenten altar hang-
ings and vestments. The panels, made of violet and rose noil, incor-
porate of the tonalities and texture of Lent. The cross and crown of
thorns made of dupioni silk stand out on the subdued background —
vivid symbols of Christ’s suffering.
At the beginning of Holy Week, the mood of our worship changes
and so do the colors of the altar hangings. At St. Andrew’s on Palm
Sunday and Holy Thursday we anticipate Jesus’ suffering and death
more intensely; the altar hangings are red which suggests blood.
However, some churches (more likely to refer to Thursday as Maundy (commandment) Thurs-
day ) choose to commemorate the Lord’s Supper and Jesus’ commandment that we love one an-
other (John 13:34-35). Then the altar is decorated in celebratory white.
In any event, at the end of the Thursday service, the mood grows very dark. The altar is stripped
bare: it reminds us that Jesus’ garments and life were stripped from him. Furthermore, just as Je-
sus was removed from us while in the grave, the Eucharistic vessels and elements are removed
from the altar. On Good Friday, the color is black and the only symbol (in front of the altar) is a
wooden cross. Throughout Lent, the metallic crosses in the church are veiled. The metallic
crosses venerate the risen Christ; veiling them reminds us to focus on Jesus’ passion and suffering.
The liturgical mood changes dramatically again during the Easter Vigil. It begins in the dark and
breaks into light accompanied by the sound of bells after the parishioners renew their baptismal
vows. The altar hangings are white which is associated with light and joy.
4
From our Seminarian, Alex Moreschi
Resurrection Reflections
“Daily we die by installments. Daily we live by hope. Do we have the courage to hope?” This is a
statement made by The Rev. Paul Roberts Abernathy and it has given me quite a lot to think
about. Especially in spring, when flowers are rising from the ground and the sun is warming our
island home, it is easy to think about resurrection not only in the latter days, but now, in this
life. Often times in the Church we talk about resurrection as something that happens after this life
is over. While this is the case, I think that the idea of resurrection permeates all that we are in the
here and now. Every day brings little deaths: the loss of a loved one, the loss of a dream, the
death that comes with the simple thought “I just don’t care.” Therefore, we must believe that we
can be resurrected from these installments of death that punctuate our existence. The way we
must do this is through hope: hope and belief that all of these little deaths are resurrected daily,
that we practice resurrection through the grace of God every day. Dare to hope, and remember
that spring, Easter and the resurrection that comes is here. Alleluia.
Farewell
I owe all of you a huge debt of gratitude. I have been able to grow and be
formed thanks to the kindness and compassion of this community. As my
time here draws to a close and I set my sights on ordination and a new posi-
tion, I want to say that I will always remember my time at Saint Andrew’s,
and I am the better for it. Thank you all so much for embracing me into the
community and teaching me lessons which will be integral to my upcoming
vocation. It has been a huge honor.
New Accessibility Committee
The newly formed Accessibility Committee will meet on Sunday, May 4, during coffee
hour. Making St. Andrew's more accessible to everyone is an initiative that emerged as a congre-
gational priority during last year's Long Range Planning exercise. Co-chairs Hope Christensen and
Dianne Niedner and Vestry Liaison Kay Gilcher invite you to attend the meeting on May 4 to
discuss our committee's purpose and goals and to share ideas about ways to enhance accessibility
at St. Andrew's. All are welcome.
5
Children and Youth Ministry News
Holy Week
Maundy Thursday. 6 - 7 p.m.
Please join us for a simple potluck which incorporates a Eucharist recalling the Last Supper. The
service also includes a footwashing ceremony. The service is open to all ages and is a wonderful
way to participate in Holy Week.
Easter Egg Hunt 10:00 a.m. (but arrive early)
Once again Catherine Johnson and team will host an Easter Egg Hunt at St. Andrew's at 10:00
a.m., Saturday, April 19. There will be hunting areas divided by age. Please bring some cookies
and stay for fellowship after the very quick hunt. The children are amazing at finding the over 700
eggs hidden.
Last Year’s Easter Egg hunt
on the front lawn.
Sunday School
New furnishings
Please come to the lower level under the Parish Hall and take a look at our new tables, chairs,
shelving and chapel storage. These items are funded by the Prange Fund from the Endowment
and have improved the accommodations for Sunday school from first grade through youth.
Paint, etc. We plan to continue to paint our reclaimed spaces. The youth will paint their own
room, but stay alert for announcements of a work day for the other two rooms. Our sorority
friends from the neighborhood recently helped prepare the walls for painting. If you wish to help
at your own schedule, please contact the Rev. Elizabeth Ewing for time and materi-
als. dcym@saeccp.org or call the church office.
6
Trying out Whirl
On April 27, our Sunday School will try out a new curriculum called Whirl. We are looking at con-
tinuing to make Sunday School an exciting place to learn about our faith in practice.
Safe Church
Many of you have participated in the training, Safeguarding God's Children, provided by our dio-
cese. This training assists those working with children (from Sunday School teachers, to vergers,
to staff) know the signs of potential abuse problems and provides tools for maintaining a safe
space for all.
The next training takes place on April 26. We have a group of parishioners going and hope that
others will join in. You can register via the diocesan website, www.edow.org. Please contact the
Rev. Elizabeth Ewing should you have further questions, wish to car pool, or need guidance with
registration.
Where in the world is Mother Elizabeth?
The Rev. Elizabeth Ewing will be taking a course and pilgrimage to Israel from May 12 - 29. The
program is sponsored by St. George's College, Jerusalem. This is part of the Second Three Years
program offered by Virginia Seminary with assistance from the Lilly Foundation.
Mother Elizabeth is receiving support from the Lilly Foundation, St. Andrew's, and her mentor's
parish. Many thanks, St. Andrew's, for your support.
Mother Elizabeth will be posting updates on her trip on the St. Andrew's Facebook page and wel-
comes you to take a look. In fall 2014 Mother Elizabeth will lead a series on the Middle East in-
cluding a session to talk about her experience in Israel and for others to share their own experi-
ences in the region.
Safeguarding God's Children training
In an ongoing commitment from this parish and the diocese, all parishioners whose work may in-
volve children in the parish or as guests, recipients of parish services are both encouraged and re-
quired to take this training. It offers practical advice and useful specific discussion among trainers
and participants. The next training is at St. James in Potomac Maryland, on Saturday, April 26,
from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A group of St. Andrew's parishioners is registered to attend and car-
pooling is available. To register, please go to http://www.edow.org/for-clergy-and-parish-leaders/
safe-church/safeguarding-gods-children-training. If you have any questions, please contact the
Rev. Elizabeth Ewing on dcym@saeccp.org.
7New Neighbors (still) on their way.
Update on Maryland Book Exchange Property Development
The construction across the street continues . Now that it is warm enough to pour
concrete the trucks are coming thick and fast. Enjoy that view of the Chapel, at the
current pace of construction it will be obscured by June.
As we continue to adjust to our new parking situation, please remember the City
parking garage above the Ledo restaurant, and please remember to leave the
marked Visitor spaces for our visitors and those with mobility limitations. If you en-
joy walking in this pleasant spring weather, walk on down from the Ledo lot and
leave a spot on the lot for someone who isn’t moving with ease that day. This will
also take you past the Farmer’s Market on the way back to your car, which makes a
nice finish to your trip to College Park.
8Buildings and Grounds
Help from our neighbors
A few o f the students from the Pan
Hellenic Council who came to lend a
stylish hand to some messy work on
a Saturday in March. They cleared
out some large items to make room
for some new shelving for the Altar
Guild and helped make the court-
yard ready for some spring plant-
ing.
Most of the work done by the Buildings and Grounds group this winter was routine, but our favor-
ite plumber finally found the source of that pesky leak that had been making a small puddle on the
floor by the Emack Room.
Spring Clean Up Day
Stay tuned for a clean up day announcement for a great time at Saint Andrew’s on a Saturday in
May or early June.
Report from the Finance Committee
In addition to pledging, there are other ways to support St. Andrew’s, such as the many volunteer
opportunities. There are also other ways to help financially when you are able. There are occa-
sional special offerings for a particular cause, such as at Easter, which are made in addition to a
pledge. There are gifts that can be given at the time of birthdays and anniversaries to support
outreach programs, and there is the donation basket at coffee hour. Other outreach programs
such as Warm Nights and Loaves and Fishes also accept donations to help with their work.
9VESTRY MEETING JANUARY 27, 2014
PRESENT: Carol Jablonski, Kay Gilcher, Mary Marshall Levy, Mike Miller, Frank Rose, Ed Bohls, Vicki
Cheeseman, Charlie Jones, Ben Gribbon, Maureen David, Bonnie Beck O’Brien, David McCabe
ABSENT: Jennifer Thorson
OTHER: Edna Paulson, Carolyn Small, Elizabeth Ewing, Larry Merkle
The meeting began with prayer led by Rev. Jablonski at 7:04pm.
Cheeseman made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 23rd meeting. Jones seconded, and
the minutes were approved.
Gilcher then made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 26th special meeting, as revised. Rose
seconded, and the minutes were approved with one abstention.
A proposed agenda had been circulated without any times assigned. Rev. Jablonski reviewed the agenda
and asked each member who was responsible for a particular section of the agenda to estimate how long
each section would take.
Plans for Lower Level of the Parish Hall
Rev. Ewing passed out to the Vestry a sheet outlining the status of this project. She noted that several
places in the Parish Hall are very active meeting places. There is now worship space (primarily for children)
and three active classrooms in the Lower Level. The floors of these classrooms will need to be covered up,
and rugs are being used to cover potentially cracked floors. The rooms still need to be painted. The rooms
are habitable, and some tables and chairs have been moved in, and others will be brought in in the near
future. The result of this work is that the downstairs space is an increasingly welcoming place.
Rev. Ewing stated that repairing the flooring will be expensive, and she would like Vestry guidance. The
new furnishings were paid for from the Endowment Fund in 2013. She intends to ask for money from the
Endowment Fund in 2014 to pay for repairing the flooring, and estimates that that project will cost about
$2,500. Rev. Jablonski noted that the St. Andrew’s Day offering of about $1,500 had been designated for in
-reach, but had not yet been specifically earmarked.
Beck O’Brien commented that the Thrift Corner looks great and that the storage problems had been re-
solved. The Thrift Corner made over $5,000 in 2013.
Stewardship Campaign Report
Merkle passed out to the Vestry a summary sheet of the Stewardship Campaign for 2014 as of January 26th.
A total of 121 pledges had been received, and a total of $348,164 has been pledged. The total amount
pledged is about 1.8% lower than last year. Fourteen new pledges were received this year.
He asked the Vestry for guidance about what to do about the “time and talents” pledges. The pledge card
that was used for the 2014 campaign was not clear about whether an individual was reaffirming something
they were already doing or whether it was an expression of interest in something new. It was suggested
that the names of those who filled out the “time and talent” pledge be sent to the different committees
and commissions.
Merkle also expressed concern about giving the appearance of “hounding” people about pledging. It was
suggested that perhaps there would just be an announcement in a Sunday bulletin and the pledge box
would be left out on the table at the back of the church for a few more Sundays. At the end of the first
quarter of 2014 there could also be a statement about the total number of pledges received and the
amount pledged.
10Jones suggested that a list be created of different activities and needs around the parish, and people can
offer their time and talent.
Budget Follow-Up
After the end of the special Vestry meeting the previous day, Gilcher sent a revised proposed budget to the
Vestry via email. She made a motion that the Vestry present the budget to the parish in the context of
possibly getting additional revenue from pledges, and that if we were to get additional revenue, then we
would reduce the amount we are carrying over from last year, or possibly reinstating anything that had
been cut. Levy suggested having the Vestry revisit the budget if additional revenue is obtained. McCabe
commented that the Vestry and the parish need to recognize that the Building Reserves Fund is not being
contributed to. Cheeseman noted that there are many positive things about the proposed budget, such as
increasing Mission-Beyond-Parish by 10%.
Gilcher stated that the Vestry needed to pass the budget as a deficit budget. She then introduced a revised
motion: that the Vestry pass the budget as proposed, and allow for any new pledges that come in before
the Annual Meeting to be factored into the budget that is presented to the parish at the Annual Meeting.
McCabe seconded, and the 2014 budget was approved with one abstention.
At this point, Rev. Jablonski asked that a period of silence be kept.
Jubilee Commission
M. David stated the Edna Paulson is the outgoing chair of Jubilee, and Carolyn Small is the new chair. The
Christmas Offering to Community Crisis Services, Inc., was $4,122.
There had recently been concern about the behavior of homeless or marginalized people in church. Rev.
Jablonski stated that several Safeguarding God’s Children sessions have been held at St. Andrew’s, but we
do not currently have our own comprehensive safeguarding policy.
There was extensive discussion about the issue of balancing being both a safe place and a welcoming place.
It was noted that children’s activities have always been monitored, but that parents also have to be respon-
sible for their own children. Small passed out a statement from Jubilee about their commitment to minis-
tering to area homeless and marginalized people through food, fellowship and other services.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Levy made a motion that the Vestry commit to researching and articu-
lating Safe Church policies and practices in cooperation with all concerned groups at St. Andrew’s over the
next year. While there are already Safe Church policies in place, they need to be tailored specifically to St.
Andrew’s. This motion was approved unanimously.
Two New Committees
Levy had previously sent to the Vestry proposed charges for the Welcoming and Accessibility Committees.
She noted that something may need to be added to the charge for the Welcoming Committee in order to
communicate Safe Church policies and to make sure that they are balanced with welcoming policies. She
asked the Vestry to take a look at the charges and vote to approve them via email. She would like to pre-
sent these charges at the Annual Meeting. She noted that some volunteers have come forward for some of
the committees, and she suggested having two co-chairs for each Committee.
Vestry Nominating Committee
McCabe gave a brief verbal report. He noted that the four nominees for Vestry are: Wes Snyder, Keith Ar-
naud, Jennifer Rigg, and Larry Merkle. He thanked Jim Barnes and Gilcher for their work. There are two
candidates for Diocesan representative: Edna Paulson and Beck O’Brien.
11Congregational Care Committee
Rose noted that Vicki and Ros Cheeseman have signed up to do Coffee Hour during the Annual Meeting.
He also thanked those who stepped up to do Coffee Hour at short notice due to a scheduling glitch.
Buildings and Grounds Committee
Jones noted that the new windows have been installed in the Parish Hall and they look wonderful.
Rev. Jablonski noted that there had been several instances of ice falling off the sanctuary roof during the
8am service on January 26th. She stated that a parishioner had been slightly injured when he tried to get
the ice off the roof above the Sacristy door. In the future, traffic cones can be placed by exterior doors if ice
is about to fall off the roof nearby.
She also noted that repairs to the furnace in the sanctuary still need to be made. Cheeseman also com-
mented that there had been an icy patch between the large parking lot and the sidewalk.
Adult Education
Rev. Jablonski commented that the discussion of Marcus Borg’s Speaking Christian is continuing.
Episcopal/Anglican Campus Ministry
M. David stated that she needs help fixing dinner for students after the Sunday evening services during the
semester.
Rector’s Report
Rev. Jablonski gave a brief verbal report. The Vestry Retreat will be held on February 21-22 at the Church
of Our Savior at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Powder Mill Road. Graham Segroves will
be the facilitator. At the conclusion of the Retreat, Senior and Junior Wardens will be elected. She asked
Gilcher and Levy if they would be willing to serve as interim wardens between the Annual Meeting and the
Vestry Retreat. Both Gilcher and Levy agreed.
The next Vestry meeting will be February 24, 2014.
Upcoming Events:
Vestry Candidate Forum (February 2nd)
Annual Parish Meeting (February 9th)
Vestry Retreat (February 21st-22nd)
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Mardi Gras (March 4th)
The meeting concluded at 8:55pm with prayer led by Beck O’Brien. She asked the members of the Vestry
to share things they are thankful for.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew Brethauer
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