May 2022

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Spring Cleaning!

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As busy as April was, it feels as though May snuck up on me this year. But maybe that’s just time running its course more swiftly as we age. We’re in the final full month of spring, with summer starting just more than midway through June, so as long as we’re through with those surprise snowstorms (thanks, April), we can finally open the windows and air out every room, soak up the sunshine and get the seedlings planted into the warming earth. 

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It’s always been a favorite pastime of mine to turn over the garden in preparation for planting, and playing in the soil, uncovering the worms and tubers from down in the damp ground, the smells, the colors, the birdsong all around… spring in full tilt is exciting, isn’t it?

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Letting out the dusty cobwebs of winter, paring down the clutter, wrapping up the last of the reserves from last harvest in preparation and hopes for harvest yet to come lightens the burden a bit from the heaviness of the darker half of the year. And we’re being extra clean in our household, since COVID has come to visit both of us. Handwashing, antiseptic wiping down of all public surfaces, extra hydration, all essential to recovery, along with copious naps in found sunbeams, as a cat might do. Balancing rest and work can be a challenge, especially when we are finally in a season that’s simply springing with so much potential.

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The Easter season gives us fifty days for rejoicing, that’s ten days longer than the season of Lent, so we can luxuriate in the presence of the risen Christ among us on earth, soak it up, revel in the miracle and really savor the implications of the empty tomb. Jesus walks among us even now. And dances. And naps in sunbeams. Maybe while we’re getting into the garden, or throwing those windows open, we’ll catch a glimpse of our resurrected Beloved out and about in these glorious spring days.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Andrew

Holy Week Worship at Saint Andrew

Easter Sunday
David and Matthew Trombley serving with great joy and delight!

Spring Cleanup

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Our Saint Andrew property needs some spring cleanup!  

The last two years the grounds did not get the attention that was needed.  Leaves need to be raked. Shrubs need to be cleaned out. The gardeners will soon prepare the beds. The flower beds need some cleaning. 

If we can get many hands the work becomes lighter.  We plan on maybe two weekends.  If you can help in even the smallest way it would be appreciated. 

Please contact Gary Hartman for information. An email will be sent out

with the dates we will meet. 

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Our goal is to make our Saint Andrew House of Worship especially inviting to the community!

"Extravagant Moments"

(exceeding the limits of reason or necessity)

"Perseverance: The Cycle of Life --

New Beginnings"

(from Anne Cinquemani)

"Robin’s Nest Built on a Ladder"

(from Pat & Ken Miner)

If you have any moments that take your breath away please send a written description and/or a picture to Carole Glidden, Parish Coordinator.

Prayer for world peace

"Let peace fill our hearts, our world, and our universe.

Let us dream together, pray together, and work together

to build one world of peace and justice for all."

NOTE re the ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response (Ukraine)

The total amount collected thus far by Saint Andrew for Ukraine war victims was $2,275. For more info on how to donate, read on below...

URGENT --

Ukrainian Families Need You!

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Our neighbors in Ukraine are suffering and they need your love now.

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Many characterize this war as a 

"humanitarian disaster." 

Families are leaving behind everything they own and fleeing for their safety. They need immediate aid including food, water, shelter, clothing, and medical care.

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Your emergency gift will deliver urgent support and care, like critically needed items for families who fled their homes, and medicine and supplies for clinics. 

Donations for Ukraine

The ELCA's Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water, and hygiene kits.

Your gifts designated for “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” will be used entirely (100%) to provide support for victims of this war.

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YES, I want to help!

Please send your check to: -- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

ELCA Gifts Processing Center

 P.O. Box 1809

Merrifield, VA 22116-8009

and write “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” on your check’s memo line.

NOTE: -- A generous donor within the ELCA has already pledged to match up to $50,000!

May God bless you for your generosity!