ALL SAINTS NET 2004

 

Vicar’s Message

 

 

This has been a busy fall. We hit the ground running in September with a wonderful kickoff to the program year. As the summer drew to a close, we saw the historic rise in attendance and the advent of Sunday School swell the numbers in the pews. I love the slow, easy pace of those summer Sundays, but that feeling fades when the enthusiastic faces of a multitude of children flood the aisle of the church at the main service. It is good to see energy return to St. Andrew’s, and its joy in itself is apparent to all. God has indeed richly blessed us in this interim period. The Spirit is moving among us in so many ways!

 

In this edition of the NET, you will receive much good news, though some of it will come to you not so much as notice but as a challenge to action. Even as the gifts of the Spirit move us into growth and evolution as a church, we are being called on to reach more deeply and profoundly into our personal resources to support the work of the Kingdom of God in this place. I am excited by the energy already making itself manifest in this stewardship season, and commend this NET to you as a testament to what you all, as a parish, continue to accomplish for the Body of Christ.

 

Working from a local to a global context, I call your attention first to the articles by our warden, the director of the St. Andrew’s School and the Director of Religious Education. Even as we discover new challenges in caring for the historic structures of 419 South Street, the vestry is exploring ways of dealing with preventive care for our capital resources. We have caught up with much of the deferred maintenance that had sapped our attention and energy in recent years.

 

In the School: the staff, Board and volunteers have kicked off one of the most successful school openings in recent memory. Enrollment is up, new programs are finding their footing and interest in the school continues to grow in an increasingly challenging and saturated market. All this abundance, however, does raise an new issue.  There are days, and not just Sundays, that we do not have enough spaces in the parking lot! I congratulate Diane Kostibos, director and Rachel Weinberger, Board President and their leadership teams for these advances and ask your prayers for them as we move forward into the 2004-2005 academic term.

 

Please remember to thank Joyce Kern and the devoted Sunday School committee who have grown our Sunday School numbers by a factor of two in the past year. We have met that expansion of students with an extension of program time:  more informative and more fun, giving our youth more time to learn and grow in Christ. Having become better stewards of christian formation here at St. Andrew’s we have re-established a stable Christian Education program for our youngest parishioners.  We are also now in the process of exploring the formation of a new youth ministry initiative for the pre-teens and teens.

 

This growth and change does not end in the program side of the church, however. Our efforts to reach beyond our own want and needs in the name of Christ have found a new footing on many levels. For the first time, the School Board has proposed to the vestry turning over a percentage of its revenue from its most profitable fund raiser, the Annual Golf and Tennis Classic, to the support of a Day Care/Nursery School in Trenton. The Children’s First Academy, led by Fr. Francisco Pozo, serves the people of inner-city Trenton who could not otherwise afford child care. I and the vestry are very proud of this new outreach effort. As a Church/School, the ability to transform our own good fortune into good fortune for others is the foundation of success for our mission. We have committed to strengthening that foundation and we all should be uplifted by these new strides. The traditional outreach programs of St. Andrew’s also have grown, with the parish once again committing to giving of itself so that others might have their needs fulfilled. Please see the Outreach Section further on in this NET, both as an illustration of the good works on many levels accomplished by St. Andrew’s, but more importantly as an invitation to offer your time and talent to the support of the many venues in which the members of this parish literally “reach out” to the world in the name of Our Risen Lord.

 

We have also achieved a coup with regard to a renewal of energy around our common mission as stewards of the Church in this place. Through the profound commitments of long-term members and newcomer alike, St. Andrew’s is on the brink of being able to finance the purchase and installation of a new organ. The fund is still open and growing. There are quite a number of you, however, who have not yet pledged.  Please know that there is no amount too small or which “won’t make a difference.” All pledges are appreciated and each mountain is conquered one step at a time.  Join the members who have started this climb and reap the joy of reaching the summit together.  We are all confident that we can move forward with the plan but we need each and every one of your commitments to achieve success. In the coming months we are starting a youth choir and this new organ is crucial for the maintenance of good liturgy mixed with music and growth.  This organ will be a reward for all the hard work which has been done in these recent years and more importantly it will ensure the quality of worship within these walls for the future generations of St. Andrew’s. God willing, on Easter Sunday 2005, the 45th birthday of this parish… a new organ will greet the Rising Lord (and a NEW Rector) and we will raise our voices in praise to God, supported by a sound (at this point) we can only imagine!

 

Fall 2004 is a season of renewal. For the past two weeks, we have enjoyed a revival of musical theater here at St. Andrew’s. By the good grace of Howard Dreizler, Carl Santiago, David Jules, a group of parishioners, and other musical friends of St. Andrew’s are staging a production of “To Whom It May Concern.” This show reasserts the tradition here of faith made manifest in performance. We offer a special note of appreciation for the devoted cast and crew who have made this awesome gift of the Spirit come to pass.  If you have not seen it yet, you are missing a wonderful performance with gorgeous voices and I urge all of you to come to one of the two remaining performance (see the Music Section for dates and times).

 

I realize that this column may seem like a laundry list. I usually try to present some spiritual theme for you to enjoy over your morning coffee. The reality of life here on the campus of 419, though, offers a superb illustration of God being active among us. That is very spiritual. Even as we are surrounded by the explosion of autumn colors, teetering between the hues of summer on our way to the frost of winter dormancy, the life of this church continues to bear fruit! As we move into a season of change, and as we prepare for an advent of anticipation, I hope we have been able to remind you that the life of Christ in this place is vital, vibrant and ever-green…ever blooming.

 

God’s Peace,

Marshall+

 

Warden’s Word

 

Wardens have to be adventurous people.  Every day is a day of discovery, and usually, problem solving.  For example, yesterday included spending some time in the basement assisting in the emergency repair of our sump pump (it was estimated that it hadn’t been lubricated in over 8 years), after spending an hour with a slate roof repair expert.  So in one day, I traveled from the heights to the depths.  Recent weather has served to bring dramatically forward the state of our buildings.  We have several significant but not major leaks ranging from the first floor vestment closet to the third floor ceiling, the second floor choir room and vestment closet, and of course the familiar drips in the Parish Hall.  Our Vicarage needs attention in very short order, to repair leaks which run down the inside walls during a heavy storm. Along the way I had the opportunity to review vestments and altar dressings discovered in the basement that apparently belonged to Canon Shreve.  The mouse droppings in the box were immediately recycled, I’m pleased to report.

 

Not to be dismayed I heard a brief report on the progress of the Organ Fund Drive that, although there is a ways to go to reach our goal, is impressively making progress.  Our Stewardship drive will shortly begin and our Search for a New Rector is well underway and picking up speed.  We had a tremendously successful Golf Outing and are uplifted by our first “Musical Presentation” in years.  So there’s a lot of history tucked in to nooks and crannies of 419 South Street and an enormous amount of new creative and exciting energy too! 

 

Your Vestry is committed to maintaining and improving our physical plant.  We are each personally supportive of all of the new initiatives and activities going on in our Parish and School.  It is our fondest hope that this year’s budget can be balanced and our dependence on the School for financial support can be significantly modified.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could make a contribution to the Diocese in support of our Fair Share?  We’ve accomplished almost miraculous things in the past and, with prayer, deep reflection and faith will do so again in the present moment as well as in the future.  Please give careful and thoughtful attention to your participation in this year’s Stewardship Drive.  It is a critical part of the life of St. Andrew’s and each of our personal lives as well.

 

David Morris

 

 

 

Search for The Rector

 

 

The search for a new rector for St. Andrew's has finally moved into the actual search phase.  We have begun to receive names of prospects and will begin interviewing in the next week.  The Parish Profile has been completed and is available on the church rector search website search.standrewschurch.org in the "About Us" section.  Also, copies of the Parish Profile will be available at the church.  Please limit yourself to one per family since they are costly to produce.

 

 

While we are very actively searching and interviewing prospects, it is not too late to make a suggestion of a candidate.  As you can well imagine, we are seeking someone who is a truly exceptional preacher, pastor, spiritual leader, administrator and agent for growth, among many other qualities.  If you are aware of an exceptional prospect, we welcome your referral of the name.  Please forward the name to either Denise Preston or Bob Ashmun at church or via email at pgapreston@aol.com or rash1111@aol.com.

 

Our goal is to have a new rector in place during the first quarter of 2005.  However, we are committed to finding the right person for St. Andrew's and will continue our search for as long as it takes to achieve that end.

 

Please feel free to contact anyone on the Search Committee with your questions or comments.

 

Bob Ashmun, Search Committee Co-Chair

 

 

 

Good Stewardship

 

Shortly we will be starting our ‘05 Stewardship Drive, a critical component of the continuing growth and development of this Parish.  Our momentum and progress continue to be impressive including increased attendance, increased giving, increased outreach, fund raising, and fellowship as well as significantly improved management processes and physical infrastructure.  The near total success of our Organ Fund drive is but the latest expression of the commitment of this congregation to the health and growth of St. Andrew’s and evidences our interest in building a strong legacy for coming generations.  Our ’04 budget is expected to come in with a major reduction (70%) in the original forecasted deficit. 

 

As we begin to put together the ’05 budget, however, we need to prayerfully and carefully examine our individual and personal commitment to the future of this precious place.  Parishes that depend on fundraisers to support their operating budget are engaged in specious theology and suspect financial management.  Surviving is not a good enough goal.  We, as a congregation are in a growth mode.  Your Vestry is dedicated to continuing that trend, and as regards stewardship, has already pledged approximately 20% of the anticipated ’05 budget funding.  But like other major fund raising efforts we need a broad participation from the Parish to evidence the kind of gratitude and commitment we all share to the continuation and development of our communal life in Christ.

 

You will be hearing more from the Vestry and Stewardship Committee in the near term.  It is our deepest hope that with your committed contribution/pledge that we will be able to leverage off of our progress to date and continue to establish a firm financial base for the life of our Church and School.

 

Hamilton Slye, Stewardship  Chair

 

 

Brotherhood of St. Andrew

 

Late last week St Andrew’s received the Charter for a Chapter of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew, a ministry for the spread of Christ’s Kingdom through men and youth in the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion.  The Brotherhood is an international ministry of men, with corporate offices in Ambridge, Pennsylvania.  The Brotherhood was incorporated by an Act of the U. S. Congress signed May 30, 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt.   That Act states, “the sole object of said corporation shall be the spread of Christ’s Kingdom among men.”

 

Establishment of a Chapter requires six men to begin an effective ministry.  Chapter members are called Brothers Andrew and are required to accept and observe the Brotherhood Disciplines of: PRAYER, STUDY and SERVICE.

 

Here at St. Andrew’s in New Providence, the Chapter has already met and will meet again on Saturday, Oct. 23 for Breakfast following Eucharist in celebration of the Feast of St. James.  We have identified a specific project which we will be undertaking in the very near future, and have scheduled our next meeting for November 20th.  These early meetings will be organizational in nature in order to set a path to the future and to structure a process that will engage other men to join us and accept the Brotherhood Disciplines.  COME JOIN US!  Speak to any Brother (identified by a small lapel pin illustrating the cross of St. Andrew) or a Warden.

 

Joe La Para, Sec. & David Morris, Chapter Pres.

 

 

 

Choir

 

It is a real pleasure to welcome the choir back to our regular services.  Many thanks to those of you who participated in the summer choir.  This was a new activity this year and very successful.  We all appreciate the dedication of these people in their leadership of the summer services.

 

Our rehearsals on Thursday evenings have been well attended.  In addition to the regular Sunday service music we are looking forward to doing some new anthems as well as starting preparations for the Advent and Christmas seasons.

 

We have received the music for the spring concert (mark Sunday afternoon, April 17, 2005 on your calendars now) and will start rehearsing very shortly.

 

Speaking of the concert – we would welcome the participation of members of the congregation who are unable to join the choir on a regular basis.  The music, by Mendelssohn and Leavitt, is challenging but quite interesting.  Both numbers this year will be in English.  We will be rehearsing after church on Sundays starting in the next few weeks, and alternate Saturdays starting in January.  We would very much enjoy having some of our excellent singers from the congregation join us.  Please see any choir member or me if you would like additional information.

 

We are planning a Christmas liturgy of Lessons and Carols at the regular 10:00 a.m. December 26 Sunday service.  We would welcome the participation of other folks in this service as well.  See me (Howard) if you are interested.

 

As you could see from the size of the choir last Sunday (October 10) we are still in need of new members.  Many of our members have business, family and personal matters that require them to be away at various times.  With our small numbers these absences are quite noticeable, particularly when several people have to be out at the same time.  We particularly need additional voices in the women’s sections (unusual for a church choir!), but would welcome additional people in any of the voice parts, male or female.  Please see me or any choir member, or just come to a rehearsal on Thursday night at 8:00 p.m.

 

 

Musical

 

As I write this article we are in the final week of performances for our show, To Whom It May Concern.  The opening weekend was a SMASHING SUCCESS!  While the cast members may not be from Broadway, all have extensive experience in community theater productions. The St. Andrew’s “Theater Critics” have only RAVES: “Everything about it is first-rate and outstanding.” 

 

Thanks to the efforts of Marian Bahler and her assistants the receptions after each performance have been and will continue to be a “tasteful ending” to each experience.

 

Ticket prices remain at $15.00 for general admission, with a discounted rate of $12.00 for students and seniors.  You may buy tickets in advance from Carl Santiago or Bridgett, or pay at the door.  Should you find that you need to attend on a different date than shown on the ticket you purchase, we will be happy to honor all tickets at each performance. 

 

 

 

Organ Fund Update

 

As of October 17 the Louise Larsen Anderson Memorial Organ Fund has received $69,100 in new pledges and donations.  This is in addition to the approximately $7,000 in the fund prior to the start of our campaign for a new organ.  The total of $76,100 puts us at 85% of our goal of $90,000.

 

The wardens and Marshall+ extended our deadline one more week. By the end of that Sunday we were even closer.  Though we are not completely there, we are feeling confident enough that with the latest contributions the organ WILL happen.  While we are making excellent progress towards our financial goal, we are looking for a wider range of support from the broader membership.  Several people have given substantial amounts, with 18 individuals or families outside the choir and Organ Committee returning their commitments.  Three of our young families with children have pledged to date. As we look forward to starting a youth choir, this new organ will be such a great investment toward keeping music at St. Andrew’s as vital in the future as it is for all of us today.

 

We ask everyone who has NOT participated so far to see if there is any amount that they can offer for this fund.  We are ever hopeful that as each and every one of you will look into your hearts (and budgets) so that there will be a happy end to this fund drive. Even $10 will be helpful and appreciated.  Please return your Organ Fund Pledge card or give a one-time check or a couple of dollars out of pocket to Howard Dreizler or Margaret Miano, ALL gifts, large or small, will be received with a spirit of appreciation.  We are so close, let’s dedicate our energy to the continuing joy of music here at St. Andrew’s!

 

KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING!  

Pledges & gifts for the Organ Fund can be turned in on Sunday, or mailed or delivered to the church office.

Margaret Miano, Organ Fund Committee Chair

 

 

 

Evensong Services

 

We are planning a service of Evensong to start the Advent season which will be followed by a pot luck supper.  It will be at 4 p.m. on the first Sunday in Advent, November 28.  Please mark your calendars now to reserve this date.  Plan to welcome the start of the Advent Season with this beautiful, traditional Anglican service, and to eat in the traditional St. Andrew’s fashion.

 

Howard Dreizler

Minister of Music

 

 

 
 

 


Sunday School Spirit

By Joyce Kern

 

 

 

 
 


Welcome Everyone  !

 

Opening Day was a time to welcome everyone to our Sunday school as we begin another year together.  We had a successful registration and are thankful to our Fall Term teachers for providing fine leadership to our children each Sunday.

 

Welcome Sunday Picnic Appreciation

 

Many thanks to Joan McCoy for coordinating the Welcome Sunday Picnic this year and to Foster McCoy for cooking the delicious barbequed burgers and hot dogs. He also provided a wonderful barbeque aroma that wafted through Sunday Services so the food would be ready to serve! The successful event was held outside with the beautiful weather and was a wonderful success for our parish family.  We are grateful to all those who helped plan, set up and prepare for this wonderful event for all ages at St. Andrew’s.

 

Registration

 

Our registration and classes continue to grow! We now have 65 registered from Nursery to Grade 7.  Many new families are coming to St. Andrew’s Church and have registered their children in our Sunday School. Each family is given our handbook that tells about what we do to develop a religious education for their child at St. Andrew’s. Every family should have a blue Sunday School Handbook to use as a resource for the whole year. They are available in the front entry on the table or in the Christian Education Office.

 

Teacher Appreciation

 

On behalf of the children and parents of St. Andrew’s Sunday School I want to thank the Fall Term Teachers for providing all the exciting “experiential” learning lessons and activities for our children. All of our teachers use “Living the Good News” and  “My Episcopal Faith Episcopal Curriculum Leaders” guidebooks to bring the best possible lessons to the children every Sunday.  The curriculum is lectionary-based so the children are learning about the same Gospel lesson as adults have in worship service.  The lessons include the learning styles of seeing, listening, doing, or tactile so all children can enjoy learning in their own way. We hope they have fun learning at Sunday School each Sunday! Every lesson is different every Sunday.

 

Parents Note: Ask your child about Sunday School each Sunday, read the Take Home Papers to know about their lesson, do the activities, and read the Parent Hints. This will connect the church and the home with the lessons each week.

 

All Aboard for Noah’s Ark Nursery!

 

Children and new families are coming “aboard” to join our nursery crew!  We welcome everyone on board!  Meredith Talbot is our very friendly and competent regular nursery student staff member who is there every week and provides continuity and care for the children.  In addition we encourage parents who use the nursery to sign up as parent assistants up for “a month of Sunday” at a time to serve with Meredith so there are always two adults for supervision.  We welcome all parents to stay as long as your child needs you, until he or she feels secure in the nursery.  Parents of children from infant to 6 months are welcome to use the room as a baby comfort area during the service and to come and go as needed from the service                    

 

9:30 AM Sunday School Time and “First Cup” of the Day

 

I encourage parents to bring their children on time so they can be in class when Sunday school starts at 9:30am. The teachers can then begin class right on time to provide a full lesson for the class. Our new start time allow us to have more quality time to complete lessons and experience music with Nancy Murray at 10:30am before entering the worship service to participate in the Eucharist together as a family. This timing is important for a balance between church school and worship service offering children a depth to  religious education each week… we have only 37 hours a year to teach your child in our Sunday school classes!  “First Cup” is a time for parents and interested adults to have conversation and fellowship each Sunday.

 

“Mrs. Murray’s Music”

 

In the Parish Hall at 10:30 am every Sunday, we are proud to be able to ADD MUSIC (with Nancy Murray) to the children’s Sunday School  experience.  On the third Sunday of the month (usually) we practice songs to sing together in the services.  Our many thanks to Carl Santiago for playing the guitar when the children sing in the service.

 

 

NEW Stewardship Sunday School Programs Begin October 31

 

The theme this year is “Stewardship and Discipleship.”  The word “steward” means to take care of” as the church nurtures our faith we can help the church take care of others. Children will be encouraged to bring an offering to church each Sunday to be collected in class. It will be part of the collection in church each week from our Sunday School.

 

A program will be held during Sunday School on October 31 at 10:20am before music in the Parish Hall to teach children about being stewards and why they bring in an offering to church for Grades P/K to Grade2. Grades 3 to 7 will go into the church service to hear a “Rock Story” Sermon about stewardship by Marshall Shelly

 

NEW Family “Moonjar” Moneyboxes … Spending, Saving, Sharing

 

What is a “Moonjar”? The Moonjar money program provides parents with a valuable opportunity and teaching tool to talk with your child about spending, saving, and sharing. If you would like to know more information, the Moonjar website is www.moonjar.com. Teaching children about money is an important and valuable life skill/lesson, like “reading, writing and arithmetic.”

 

On October 31 at the 9:30am “First Cup” and Coffee Hour after church service, a sample “Moonjar and information will be available to parents and families. “Moonjars” will cost $3.00 each, to help with purchasing and postage.  A sign up sheet will be available to order the Moonjars for families who are interested in this stewardship program. This program is an optional at home family project separate from the Sunday School Stewardship Program. Please sign up to order a Moonjar for use at home.

 

 

Chrismon Tree Ornament Workshop

 

The workshop to prepare the ornaments for the Chrismon Tree will be held on Sunday November 7 during regular Sunday School time. We will learn about Christian symbols.

 

The word Chrismon means “Christ’s Monogram”.  We will decorate a “Chrismon Tree” to honor Christ in Advent for illumination in preparation for the celebration of Christmas. All the ornaments are in gold and white…gold for royalty and white for purity. The theme for 2004 will be the Church Seasons. Children will learn about the Liturgical Church Year and the Symbols for each Season Decorating the Chrismon Tree with the Chrismon ornaments will be on December 12 during the service and Lighting the Chrismon Tree will be on December 19 after the children enter the service. Join us!

 

St. Nicholas Day – December 5

 

Come and visit to see St. Nicholas and learn about his good deeds for others! St. Nicholas will have gifts of Clementine oranges and gold coins for the children

 

Youth Group

 

Are you interested in having a youth group at St. Andrew’s? We would like to start a Youth Group at St. Andrew’s in January with volunteer leaders from the parish. Robert Bohrer and Caren Posniak have agreed to be two of the leaders. We would like two more volunteers to help coordinate the group. It would involve two youth meetings a month and a choice of activities to be selected and scheduled by the leaders and group. The Youth Director for the Diocese will be contacted to meet with the adults to make plans for a Youth Group. If you are interested in being a Youth Leader, please contact Joyce Kern

 

 

Christmas Narrative

 

Plans for the popular Christmas Narrative are under way!  Eileen Fairchild will be the director, leading us through the Christmas Story of the birth of Jesus. Narrative sign up sheets will be distributed in mid November Look for information in upcoming bulletins. Enjoy the spirit of Christmas at St. Andrew’s!

 

Important Dates:

Narrative Sign Up Distribution Dates:

Nov. 21, 28, and Dec. 5;

 

Narrative Rehearsal Dates:

Dec. 12, Sunday, 11:15 AM

after church in the Sanctuary

Dec. 18, Saturday, 10:00AM -11:30AM, Costume Distribution

 

Christmas Narrative:

Dec. 24, 4:00 pm Arrive at church at 3:00PM

Please mark your calendars

 

 

Operation Christmas Child Begins October 17

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child is a nationwide effort spearheaded by Franklin Graham to provide Christmas gifts to children in underprivileged countries.  Last year Operation Christmas Child delivered 6.6 million shoeboxes to children in 95 countries. These shoeboxes, filled with toys, candy, personal hygiene items, school supplies, and other gifts bring Christmas joy to children, many of whom have never received a Christmas present.  If you would like to participate – please assemble a shoebox for a girl or boy ages 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14 and bring it to church by Sunday, November 14. 

 

Each shoebox should indicate the gender and age of the intended recipient and must include a check to cover shipping for $5 made out to “Samaritan’s Purse”.  Additional information and suggestions for specific items to include in the box is available in the church office.  Thank you in advance for your participation. Jennifer Carriker, and Maggy Taylor will be helping me with our outreach project this year.  Save your shoeboxes!         

 

Cynthia Macdonald

 

Advent Celebration

 

ADVENT WREATH VOLUNTEERS

 

Would you like to help with the Advent Wreath Making event?

 

The word Advent means: “coming”…a time to prepare our homes for the celebration of Advent. The fragrant Advent Wreath of fresh greens and four candles represent the four Sundays in Advent.

 

Volunteers are needed to help prepare for this festive annual family parish event on November 28 after church service. Karen Talbot will be able to be an advisor this year to help the volunteers shop, order supplies and instruct about the set up and event preparations. We will need a person to go with Karen to order the supplies, and two others to help set up on Saturday for about two hours and to help on Sunday morning with the Advent Wreath Making. If you can volunteer to assist with this special family Advent event please contact Joyce Kern by November 1, so plans can be made.

 

Nursery School

 

Fall is in the air and the children are all enjoying the many indoor and outdoor experiences St. Andrew's has to offer.

 

Our "Fore the Children Golf and Tennis Classic," on September 27, 2004 at the Fairmont Country Club was an extremely successful event. It was a picture perfect day and all enjoyed playing Golf and Tennis. The evening brought many parents, parishioners, faculty and friends for a delicious dinner, and an outstanding silent auction. All of our guests were extremely generous with their bidding on silent auction items. Many, many thanks to our parish and school community in supporting a golf outing that raised over $30.000. Your support allows us to maintain a superb environment for our children and to aid the "Children First Academy Episcopal" day care in Trenton for underprivileged families.

 

Our  New Kindergarten Wrap Around Program began Monday September 20th. The children leave each day chattering about the event of the day, and looking forward to tomorrow! What a wonderful way to reach out to our surrounding community and offer exciting enrichment programs.

 

The first "Friday Night Out" this year was on October 8, 2004. Parent's enjoyed a night out on the town while we entertained their children from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. NOTE: It was decided that future nights will end at 8:30pm since the little ones have a hard time handling all the fun til 9pm.

 

Don’t forget to pick up your cookie dough Nov. 10th-, and pies or pretzels etc. Have a yummy treat…bake something warm and fresh for the holidays.  Why wait? You already bought them... come and get ‘em!

 

Mark your calendar!

 

October 27, 7:00 - 9:00pm Parish Hall, "Emergency First Five Minutes" presented by Overlook Hospital. Informative evening on steps to take in the first five minutes of an emergency.

 

Halloween Parades, October 26, 28, and 29, 2004 - 9:15am, 10:15am and 12:15pm.

Come and see our children's parade in that very special costume!

 

October 29, Friday 2:30pm- 4:00pm come and "Trick or Treat" at the Nursery School and Church office and the vicarage. You might not recognize us!

 

St. Andrew's Nursery School & Kindergarten will again support a children's shelter with toys and gifts for the holidays. We donated over 85 toys last year. This outreach project could not have been a success without the support of the church and school.

As always, Thank you for "always putting St. Andrew's children first"!

 

Diane Kostibos, Director of Nursery School

 

 

3rd Annual Golf & Tennis Classic

 

The 3rd Annual St. Andrew’s Golf and Tennis Classic was held September 27th at the Fairmount Country Club and was a wonderful success again this year. Over 95 golf and tennis players (and those who claimed to be . . .) kicked off the day with their respective tournaments and were joined by an additional 50 St. Andrew’s parents, teachers, parishioners and office staff at the cocktail/dinner reception and silent auction. We raised just north of $30,000.00 from the event which will be used for our school and for a donation to the Children First Academy in Trenton.  I would like to thank all of those who so generously donated their time and resources to making this such a special event this year; including members of the Church community who really came out and supported us from the outset. Special thanks go to the committee that worked tirelessly to make the day as seamless as it turned out to be; and to all the volunteers who graciously gave their time as well. We all should be proud of what we accomplished on behalf of our children and those children less fortunate than ours. Thank you again for your continued support and you now have a whole year to learn to play golf or tennis so you can join us next year!

 

Hugo Barth, Chairman of the Golf Committee

 

 

 

BUILDINGS  AND GROUNDS

 

 

We have contracted to complete landscaping of the lower School entrance and have removed the dead Cherry Tree from the playground.  The recent spate of torrential rains caused some impressive flooding in the basement of our main building and accentuated the need to address roof leaks.  Of immediate concern is a major leak in the Vicarage along with continuing problems in the first floor Vestment closet, the second floor Choir room, the Third floor front class room and the third floor middle dormer.  On the exterior, the Ethan Drive third floor roof is in need of gutters.  There is considerable seepage occurring around the windows and eaves.  A walk through with a slate roof repair expert suggests that our slate is in excellent condition with only minor individual slates to be replaced on all three main structures.  The Parish Hall roof peak is in need of re-caulking and several areas are in need of fresh flashing and caulk.

 

The beautiful Vermont slate on our roof was laid over an earlier Cedar Shake roof, increasing stress on the building from approximately 1.5 lbs per square foot to nearly 15 lbs. per square foot. The steeple will be looked at along with the flat roof over the rear portion of the sanctuary-both areas are most likely in need of repair.  Although further detailed assessment of our needs will be taking place over the next several days, it appears that we have a “several repairs” type problem versus a “total replacement” issue.

The incredible work of GOSA continues to keep our campus looking beautiful.  And, the Eagle Scout project is progressing nicely along the driveway side of the Memorial Garden.               

 

David Morris

 

GOSA REPORT

 

October 16th , GOSA volunteers did yeoman’s work on the list for  FALL CLEAN UP. The weather cooperated and we were blessed with 14 volunteers! Of course, the campus is 4 acres and so there is still a good bit of work that could be done.

 

Thank you to Bob Ashmun, Bob Craig, Jim Conover (and his chainsaw), Abby, Marty & Sue Dragos, Tom Kelsey, Barbara Pape, Doug &Linda Pitney(and their wood chipper), Denise Preston and Sheila Silverstein - they gave up their Saturday morning to help keep St. Andrew’s a beautiful place to worship!  Also Thank you Rev. Marshall, Laura, Eileen Walsh and Clarice Milbrodt for the bagels, donuts  and coffee that helped us get going .

 

Keep your eyes out for future opportunities to help weed, rake or winterize the grounds.

Every little bit helps

can you?

Ask Rick Anderson

What more needs to be done.

 

 

Rick Anderson and Joyce Kern

 

 

 

 

 

Dusting Out the Cobwebs

(And the junk and...the “left behinds” and... all the stuff folks leave)

 

The Annual Curbside Bulk Waste Pick up Week in New Providence started Oct. 11th and much to our surprise St. Andrew’s had an UNBELIEVABLE amount of BULK WASTE left in our basement back room.  On Friday Oct. 8th, staff members: Bridgett, Diane, Howard, Raphael, along with stalwart volunteers Rick Anderson and Elizabeth Jordan had the onerous and sweaty task of cleaning out the back room in the basement.  Unfortunately it had been used for all sorts of unofficial “storage.”  We in the rest of the parish owe this hearty team a debt of gratitude. The staff came to work wearing grubby clothes and enlisted Elizabeth and Rick’s ever willing hands and backs to get rid of the mountain of material that had been left, thrown, or otherwise abandoned without notice here in our basement.  Other areas that were inspected for unneeded item removal were the Parish Hall, the dumpster area, and Storage sheds. FIVE PICK-UP TRUCK LOADS FULL went to the curb that day. Everything from metal office desks, file cabinets, old furniture, floor buffers, to a large section of carpeting, crumpled up and stuffed in, tons of stuffed animals in garbage bags and… boxes on top of boxes, bags and bags of items just piled in the room collecting bugs and dust.

 

Though we realize that the basement back room seems like the only space here in church which  is “out of the way”… this space is intended for use by the staff and Raphael for storage of cleaning supplies and other daily use items.  This buildup of “stuff” had taken over the space, leaving it very difficult for the staff. Not to mention, making the room a general eyesore and cleanliness nightmare.  There was a ton of old papers in boxes that were either slated for actual filing or deemed “recyclables” (and dealt with appropriately). Also discussed was a system for cataloging of other large items with a “Tagging System”; each item would be tagged with the name of the depositor and the item’s reason for storage in church basement and where it is meant to be stored. (In the event it is moved...it could be easily replaced to it’s appropriate location.) Since all the hard work is done by the staff, in the future let’s show our appreciation for them by NOT leaving things in that room unless you have permission.

 

 

Thank You

 

Bridgett, Diane, Howard, Raphael, Rick Anderson and Elizabeth Jordan for ALL your hard work. The room looks wonderful!

 

(Cliche-phobes read no further)

 

As a church, we should remember:

Cleanliness is next to Godliness right? 

 

Rick Anderson and Laura Shelly

 

 

 

Guten Tag!

 Adults of St. Andrew’s

Join Us for Oktoberfest!

7pm –10pm

Oct. 29th

Come! Fill  your hearts and stomachs, with good food  and the good company of other St. Andrew’s “Beer & Brats” lovers.  Don’t forget the  German music—OOM PAH PAH music supplied by our own Howard Dreizler and company

Profits to be split between Cropwalk & our Operating Fund

 

Good Food, Drink  and Fun for adults. 

 

Prizes to win & 50/50 drawing!

So get a babysitter and lift a stein or two at this traditional celebration of the autumn harvest  – German Style!

$20 regular  $15 seniors

 

Outreach

Coat Collection

 

During October, coats will be collected at St. Andrew’s for the Market Street Mission’s Annual Coat Drive.  On Nov. 6th donated coats will given to those in need on the Green in Morristown.  Coats for all ages- children and adults are needed.  If you wish to donate a coat at St. Andrew’s, hang it in the basement on the rod near  the clothing bin. Pick up date is Oct. 25th. Please bring coats to the church before that date OR you can bring the coats DIRECTLY yourself to the Green in Morristown on Nov 6th!

 

Crop Walk

 

St. Andrew’s will again participate in the Annual Community Crop Walk.  Envelopes are ready for walkers to take and to begin obtaining sponsors who donate funds.  Crop Walk is being organized locally by Faith Lutheran Church in New Providence and is sponsored nationally by Church World Service. It’s goal is to stop hunger throughout the world.  It is an enormous task, and the needs are tremendous as well. Consider countries like Haiti and Sudan. Our community walk is Oct. 24th. It will start at 1:30 pm beginning at the United Methodist Church on Springfield Ave. in New Providence.  During coffee hour, volunteer envelopes may be obtained from Sarah White or Marian Bahler, the co-organizers for this outreach ministry here at St. Andrew’s

 

Turkey Feathering

 

During November we will again raise funds to buy turkeys for those in need, and we will

deliver them on Monday Nov. 22nd, just before Thanksgiving.  We raise funds by “feathering” a turkey on a display board in the foyer.  Each feather is worth  $1.00.  The Turkey poster will be on view for three Sundays in November.  Mary Engelbrechtsen will be in charge of collecting funds.  We also want to encourage those of you who have free grocery store turkeys to donate them if you do not plan to use them.  Bring them to the church by 9 AM on Monday Nov. 22nd.  The turkeys will be delivered to Grace Church, Elizabeth, and the FISH Agency in Dunellen.

 

Interfaith Council for Homeless

 

There is a great need for volunteers to help with the homeless at Faith Lutheran when this church acts as host for this group.  The need is for hosts who will sleep at the church for one night. You may also have dinner with the guests. The Mianos and the Bahlers have been faithful hosts for the homeless.  Talk to them if you want to find out how this ministry is a warm and vital one for those it serves and a rewarding activity for those who particpate. Another need is for cooks – to make a dish and help serve a meal.  See Sarah White who will pass your name on to the coordinator, Kim Delatour of Faith Lutheran, New Providence.

 

Stuffed Animals

 

In conjunction with the St. Francis’ Day blessing of the animals, we had a collection of stuffed animal to be blessed and sent to the children at Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth during the Christmas season. If you forgot to bring stuffed animals on St. Francis’ day, you may continue to bring stuffed animals to the church and they will be part of the Christmas outreach tradition of giving from our church to Trinitas Hospital

           

Knitting Group

 

We have been very busy this summer and have amassed a great collection of vests, scarves and hats for the Christmas-at-Sea Program. These will be delivered to Port Newark on Monday, November 8th.

 

As usual, we are looking for drivers to help us transport our items. Those of you who have made the journey in the past will know it is a very rewarding day. We spend the morning at Port Newark’s Seaman’s Church Institute, preparing gift packages, and then we attend Eucharist in the chapel followed by lunch. We plan to leave St. Andrew’s at 9 a.m. For more information, or to volunteer to drive, please see or call June deBang 908-464-3308 or Georgia Jervey 908-464-9393.