August 2022

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Pentecost season, in the church year, wears the color green, to represent growth, or what is called "ordinary time." 

There are a few green Sundays in the season of Epiphany, too, which looks a lot more like snow this far north of the equator, but of course takes place in summer for our southern kin. Being so closely reliant on the agricultural cycles as we are, summer green is also a sign of hope that we will survive the season of heat and harvest well, to keep us through the coming changes of season.

It used to be that I would joke with colleagues about the monotony of green, that wearing the same stoles and paraments for months gets boring as the weeks blend together. But as I hear our lawn crunch underfoot in the morning, brown from heat and lack of rain, I think about how often we take the planet's cycles and seasons for granted, and how Paul writes in his letter to the church in Rome about the whole creation groaning in longing for the children of God to recognize their adoption as God's own

(Romans 8:19-24 -- cf. below).

We are not of the empire, above nature, to just "take" without consequence until the "new earth" arrives, but we are made of the same stuff, iron and water and dust and air, partners with God in tending the gardens of the world as they become new over and over again each year.

May we also be renewed by our relationships with this planet (yes, even the parish groundhog, somehow or other) as we adapt together with compassion to craft the future God has dreamed for us. 

​

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Andrew

​

"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen?"

Romans 8:19-24 

Rev. Dr. Becca Ehrlich

and husband Will Platnick

Dear Pastor Becca and Will:

Wishing you both the WARMEST WELCOME to our Saint Andrew family! 

We are delighted to learn that you, Pastor Becca, will be available to serve as

our Guest Celebrant from time to time.

Again, WELCOME to Saint Andrew!

May God always bless and keep you both!

Change for Change

It is Change for Change time again!

Formerly known as Change for a Dollar, we have had exceptional success with this program and with your generosity, we were able to assist many people and, of course, our 4-legged friends in need as well.

We look forward to making that happen again this year!

​

Our campaign will run through Sunday, September 11, which is this year’s God’s Work, Our Hands Day of Service. We welcome any change you may have jingling in your pockets or taking up space in your purse.

And of course, paper money is also welcome!

​

The Social Ministries team will be asking the congregation to provide the names of charities you would like to submit for consideration in our Change for Change Campaign this year. Each of you may submit up to 3 charities from Saratoga, Warren, or Washington counties. We will collect these names and create the final list. We will ask the congregation to vote on that list on our "God’s Work, Our Hands" Day of Service (September 11th) and will announce the recipients the following Sunday, September 18th. 

Special Congregational Meeting

July 10, 2022

After considering several paving company's bids, a proposal was presented for the repaving of Saint Andrew's parking lot and driveway from JP Asphalt for approximately $43,000.

Fortunately, there are sufficient funds in our general checking account along with the redeeming of a CD that matured on July 3rd to fully cover this cost. 

With the recommendation of the Finance Team and the Church Council, the congregation voted "YES" to proceed with this project.

​

The paving work is scheduled to be completed on

Monday and Tuesday, August 1-2, 2022.

​

NOTE: -- Due to the Asphalt Paving, the Saint Andrew parking lot and driveway will be CLOSED

from Monday, August 1 to Saturday, August 6, 2022 --

the parking lot and driveway will reopen for

parish use on Sunday, August 7, 2022.

(If you need to come to the church or office, perhaps to check your garden, please park on the grass).

THANK YOU for your support and cooperation in this matter!

Our Saint Andrew "Spring Cleanup" has been rescheduled for
Saturday, August 27, at 9:00 am. 
The shrubs need pruning. The bittersweet needs to be tackled. General cleanup
and trimming is also needed. 
Please bring any tools you may have that will help with these chores. 
Refreshments will be served!
THANK YOU, in advance, for your help and support!

"Extravagant Moments"

(exceeding the limits of reason or necessity)

"Hummingbird Hello!"

"Deer escaping the heat
-- under a trampoline!"

Submitted by Dorein Pascalides

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!

​

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

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

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.

​
 

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.

​

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!