Shining the Light Welcoming. Growing. Caring. All with Joyous Hearts.
Announcements for June 17, 2020
THIS SUNDAY AT FROM OUR RECTOR: THE REV. DOROTA WRIGHT- ST. ANDREW'S PRUSKI June 21, 2020
Dear ones, Third Sunday after Pentecost A wise friend of mine has a knack for offering pithy, profound phrases. One of my favorites is, "Do what you can, not what you can't."
On one level this is so obviously true. One can only do what one can do, not what one cannot do. And yet, how often do we attempt to force ourselves to try to do what we cannot do, or beat ourselves up for not doing what we cannot do? "Do what you can, not what you can't" shifts our focus from the things we can't do (but think we should do) to the things we can do.
We have been operating in crisis mode for months. Now would normally be the time some of us would find a somewhat slower rhythm, taking some time for rest, retreat, and play. Instead, life is more intense than ever--and for very good Click Here to Join Us reasons. We are having important conversations about major Virtually at 10:00am for issues as a nation, as church communities, and as families. Sunday Worship And we are acting in new ways that reflect our values and our dreams. This is all incredibly important.
At the same time, we are entering the fourth month of READINGS FOR pandemic life. Now is a good time to remember to do what we SUNDAY: can, not what we can't.
Today, when you read this week's e-news, you'll see that there First Reading: are many wonderful things going on at St. Andrew's--including Romans 6:1b-11 a prayer vigil, an awesome series on Black art and theology led by Celal Kamran, virtual meet-ups, the Garden of Hope, Gospel: the AFAC food drive, the book club, the recipe exchange, not Matthew 10:24-39 to mention our fantastic weekly worship and fellowship gatherings. As you look at what is available, do what you can. Pick several opportunities that will stretch or nourish you, or that you need as you grow with God and live out your faith. READERS FOR THIS Sign up or show up for those things. And then, don't do what SUNDAY: you can't. Let that be okay. It is okay.
I look forward to joining you at St. Andrew's for the things you Not yet filled can do.
With love and gratitude for each of you, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Rev. Dorota+ The Rev. Dorota Wright-Pruski, Rector
Quick Links: TODAY: A CONVERSATION WITH ARLINGTON'S
St. Andrew's Website COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY PARISA DEHGHANI- TAFTI
The Arlington Race Project (a collaboration between Trinity Episcopal Church and Nova Catholic Community in Arlington) invite all members of the Arlington Episcopal Region to a conversation with our Commonwealth Attorney, Parisa Deghani-Tafti. The conversation will focus on policing in Arlington and ideas for reform.
This Zoom conversation will take place today, June 17, at 12:00 p.m. All are welcome. To register, please click here and enter your information. You will immediately be given a Zoom login link.
THOUGHTS FROM OUR SEMINARIAN
As many of you know, we have recently welcomed a five- month-old puppy into our lives. He is the cutest, sweetest and :: wildest thing I have ever had to take care of. I knew puppies are wild and they constantly need watching, but I guess in my naivete I did not believe them. Our first dog has always been a good boy, so why wouldn't our next one, I reasoned. And now I wake up at 4:30 a.m. with a dog who wants to chew on, eat, and destroy everything all the time. Our home has become very loud with constant playing, gnawing, and puppy barks. There is respite for an hour here and there when both dogs nap but it never lasts long.
But despite the craziness, I am starting to love the dog, especially when he naps. Especially when he is getting ready to nap, resting his head on my lap, looking up with his big doe-like eyes, thumping his head down, and immediately falling into a deep slumber. But it does not last, and the craziness ensues as soon as his eyes open. It is that moment of calm, both for myself and Rajah, which has me hopeful for a time beyond puppy years, puppy teeth, and puppy energy.
Another time I find peaceful during these long puppy days are our early morning walks, when dawn is about to break and the birds are first starting to chirp. No one is around in our courtyard, with is usually a mess of children, dogs, grills, and other community commotion. The serene atmosphere invites a prayerful mindset regardless of whether I am actively praying in that particular moment. This time in the morning seems to be brimming with hope and newness. In the chaotic business of my day, I find peace even though I would rather be in my cozy bed at that hour.
Finding these quiet moments, is important for me and for all of us especially during this time. As we are adjusting to pandemic life, racial tensions are thrust into the national spotlight. There is a lot going on in all of our lives and a lot to worry about. This is why I am grateful for those quiet moments. These are moments from God, however we choose to use them, as long as we appreciate them whenever they appear. Because we can all use moments of peace and maybe they can bring us some hope. Hope for a just, safe, and loving world.
BLACK ART AS A SOURCE OF LIBERATION AND THEOLOGY
Join us for a virtual formation series discussing topics in liberation and theology as they appear in popular Black art.
Each week we will look at a different Black artist and discuss how they showcase themes of liberation as a religious experience. We will move through the visual album, Lemonade by Beyoncé, the grand portraits of Kehinde Wiley, the potent lyrics of Kendrick Lamar, and the oftentimes jarring poetry of Langston Hughes and James Baldwin. All this will be done through the lens of our religious and racial context.
Discussion will be led by our summer Seminarian, Celal Kamran. Our discussions will be Mondays, July 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 7:15 p.m. Sign up information will be available in next week's e-news.
Email Celal for more information or if you have any questions.
PRAYER VIGIL FOR RACIAL HEALING
On Thursday June 25th, the one-month anniversary of George Floyd's death, St. Andrew's will line our church property with luminaries, that is, white paper bags lit with LED tea lights. The bags will be decorated with prayers for racial healing, and will be lit for as many nights as weather permits, beginning on the 25th.
To participate:
First, add your prayers to the luminary bags. Each household is invited to take home 2-3 bags, available at the church office doors, to decorate with drawings and prayers. Please return the bags no later than noon on Thursday, June 25.
Second, join us in prayer. We will not formally gather at a specific time on the evening of June 25 for safety reasons, but all members, friends, and neighbors are invited to prayerfully walk through (wearing a mask, keeping distance from one another) after sunset on the 25th, or on any day through the end of June, unless weather forces us to remove the luminaries sooner. Prayer resources will be made available for those who wish to walk the lighted path and pray.
Third, consider helping us with set-up and take-down. If you are able to help with the practical aspects of this vigil, please email Rev. Dorota. FREE COVID-19 TESTING THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 19
On Friday, June 19, the County Manager's Office is sponsoring a one-day Covid-19 testing event. This event is available to those who may otherwise lack access to testing services. Tests are free, and no appointment is necessary. Drive thru and walk up testing is available beginning at 8:00 a.m. until tests run out at the Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center, located at 4200 S Four Mile Run Drive.
FAMILY MINISTRY
Dear ones,
A special thank you to everyone who came to the Family Service of the Word this past Sunday. It really was such a treat to see you, gathered around screens in your homes, different ages and different generations. As we read the story of Abraham's hospitality from Genesis 18 I realized all over again how lucky we are to be...connected in this way.
As we talked about the Rublev icon together, then Chagall's rendering of Abraham's hospitality to the three angels, I noticed new things about each work of art that have since inspired my thinking and actions. Over the last two days I've continued to think about the story we read about Abraham's hospitality, what it means to be a good host, what it means to be a good guest, and how I can help everyone have their deserved place at the table. As you all know, I truly believe art can be a fantastic point of entry into the sacred text it represents, and from there to so many of the issues of social justice we face today.
So often, our stories from Scripture have to do with inequality, and in particular with trying to address the pain that comes from feeling a deep absence-- a lack of resources, of justice, of opportunities. Despite what may well have been a healthy fear of the three strangers who passed by his tent, Abraham nonetheless invites them in to rest, wash up, and refresh themselves with the resources his family has. Abraham and Sarah see a need in these three strangers and try to help in practical ways, treating them with love.
Today's world still contains an overwhelming amount of iniquity. Families, you all talk together at home about what's going on in the world today, and how the recent and overwhelming support for the Black Lives Matter movement has led to public protests for change. We know there is tremendous inequality based on skin color in our country, and we know this manifests in nearly every area of life, from healthcare to education to opportunities many of us take for granted.
What Abraham's hospitality shows all of us, as Lulu's mum Leigh remarked, is that 'everyone deserves a seat at the table.' We know that every single person deserves all the resources they could possibly need to be healthy, to be educated, to be happy, to grow up, and to have a full life. As we each contribute to the cause of making that full life a reality for every person in our country, let's keep Abraham and Sarah in our hearts. After all, they 'entertained ahgels without knowing it' (Hebrews 13:2). It's not hard for us to see the angelic or godly qualities in another person, when we look with hospitable eyes. Let's let that vision guide our actions.
Please know that I'm here if you need support. You can always get in touch.
In love, Carolyn+
Compline for Kiddos continues! It's Wednesday at 5:30pm, and here's the recurring link: https://wesleyseminary.zoom.us/j/96209904165
Meeting ID: 962 0990 4165
To dial in: +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
One tap mobile +13017158592,,96209904165# US (Germantown) +16465588656,,96209904165# US (New York)
May God's love be with you all.
Carolyn+
VIRTUAL MEET-UPS OVER SHARED INTERESTS
Based on a suggestion during coffee hour recently, we are taking a survey to see who is interested in participating in virtual meet-ups. These would be times set aside to meet with others virtually, likely over a video platform, to talk about or participate in a common interest. Potential shared interests could include sports, knitting, cooking, languages, cultures, books, podcasts, social issues, etc. Please consider completing this short survey, which takes about 4 minutes. Thank you for your participation!
MUSIC NOTES
Calling all musicians!
Do you sing or play an instrument? Brandon would love to discuss with you some ways that you might participate. This could be anything from an audio recording to be included in a hymn/choral anthem to a vocal or instrumental solo performed live during the Zoom service, or anything in between.
You may have seen our joint choir anthem on Pentecost. ( You can watch it here.) We are also planning some simple hymn recordings. There are many ways we can make our music even more fulfilling, and we'd love to include you in it. Let's get creative!
Check out this survey if your interest is sparked. Or contact Brandon at [email protected].
ANNUAL MIDSUMMER POETRY FEST SUNDAY JULY 12, 2020 at 3:00PM VIA ZOOM
This is no time to do without poetry, so let's have our 11th annual poetry fest over Zoom. The theme (a suggestion, not a requirement) will be pandemic-related poems. You might choose a poem of solitude or reunion, loss or renewal, sickness or recovery. It does not have to be something you have written yourself, but original works are always welcome. All ages may participate.
If you are interested and would like to take part, please let Helen know by email ( [email protected]) as soon as you can. No need to specify what you will read at this point. If you would like to listen but not read, you are also welcome to join us.
A link to the event will be provided in this space in the next few weeks.
AFAC FOOD DRIVE
A huge thank you to everyone who has donated to our food drive in support of AFAC! We have already donated a trunk-load-plus of food, and hope to be able to do it again soon so please keep the donations coming! In addition, please remember that they are not accepting anything in glass containers so please refrain from contributing any of those as we'll sadly have to throw those items away. As a reminder, food donations should be limited to items from AFAC's list (below) and can be dropped off inside the plastic bin outside the entrance to the church by the church office.
Items acceptable for donation: *Low sodium preferred. *No glass please! * Canned Tuna & Chicken * Canned Soups * Canned Vegetables * Canned Tomatoes * Peanut Butter (in plastic jars)
If you prefer, monetary donations can also be made via AFAC's website.
Finally, if you are interested in driving the donations to AFAC for a contactless drop off, please contact Marcela Scott at [email protected]. Thank you for your support!
GARDEN OF HOPE
If you are interested in volunteering, please sign- up through Sign-up Genius.
We still are practicing our procedures to ensure volunteer safety:
A maximum of 10 people may be in the garden at a time Volunteers must sign up here or RSVP to Ted Edwards in order to ensure that we are under our volunteer limit Volunteers must wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose Volunteers must maintain 6' of distance from other volunteers while in the garden (exceptions made for volunteers from the same household) Volunteers must bring their own gardening gloves Other general materials volunteers should bring as needed: a water bottle, sunscreen, sun protection (e.g. hat, sunglasses, etc.)
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Earlier this week, our construction crew found a 45-year-old bulletin, dated June 15, 1975, with three services held on that Sunday.This find is also important for who it recognizes as the rector. The Rev. Robert Andrews, who served from 1958 to 1978, was beloved by the church and critical to its history of inclusion and tolerance. Under his leadership St. Andrew's held integrated dances when local high schools refused to do so, and oversaw the church's first ever candidate for the holy orders, Ms. Lynn Honeycutt, after the Diocese opened up the priesthood to women in the mid 1970's.
STAY-AT-HOME BOOK CLUB
During this stay-at-home period, the Welcome and Fellowship Committee is coordinating a virtual book club.
On Saturday, July 11 at 10:00AM, we will meet virtually via Zoom to discuss the memoir Educated by Tara Westover. If you plan to attend the book club meeting or if you have any related questions, please contact Corttney Roan at [email protected].
Please also check out the book club webpage on the St. Andrew's website for information and discussion topics that will be posted closer to the meeting date.
CALLING ALL COOKS AND BAKERS
The Welcome and Fellowship Committee has created a webpage for the cooks and bakers of St. Andrew's to post their latest culinary creations and share their great recipes. Please share your favorite comfort food, baked good, limited ingredient, or other recipe that you are enjoying during this "stay-at-home" period or that you plan to enjoy later. We would also love to see pictures of your creations.
Parishioners can comment and "like" recipe posts on the page as well. Instructions for how to post recipes and comments are available on the webpage. The webpage link is: St. Andrew's Stay At Home Recipes. Some great recipes are already posted. If you have any related questions, please contact Corttney Roan at [email protected].
GIVING TO ST. ANDREW'S
Your financial gifts to St. Andrew's are of vital importance to support our ongoing ministries and our outreach to the most vulnerable among us. Please continue to offer your faithful gifts by mailing your check to our church office (4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington VA 22207), or by dropping off your check at the church.
You may also use a special online portal established through our diocesan office for electronic giving to St. Andrew's. Use the link and put "St. Andrew's Arlington" in the memo line of the online form. This online portal is being made available by the Diocese through the summer. If you use the diocesan portal, please also email our Treasurer, Doris Smith, to alert her of your contribution so she can track it. Please note that transactions have a 3% fee associated with them. If you are making a very large donation, it may be more practical to send it by check to the church directly.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PROGRESS
The elevator installation and undercroft and kitchen renovations will be completed in early June, and our final bill to our contractor will be due around the same time. For those who have not yet fulfilled their pledge to the Growing Seasons Capital Campaign, we invite you to consider fulfilling your pledge by the end of June. This will help us minimize the amount we will need to borrow as a bridge loan until the capital campaign concludes in the fall.
Thank you to all those who have contributed to this project. We could not do any of this without your generosity and support!
If you have not yet contributed to the capital campaign, it is not too late to join this effort! Checks can be made out to St. Andrew's with "Capital Campaign" in the memo line.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Compline: Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. A brief contemplative service of nighttime prayers
Morning Prayer: Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Our principal weekly worship service with readings, hymns, a sermon, and a breakout session for families with young children; followed by a virtual coffee hour
All services can be accessed via this link for a video connection or, for an audio-only connection you can join by phone! Simply call (253) 215 8782 and enter 592 431 032 when asked for the meeting ID number. CONTACTING ST. ANDREW'S
Here is the best way to reach the staff of St. Andrew's at this time:
Rev. Dorota - [email protected] or call 414-704-9694 Emily Blecksmith - [email protected] Brandon Heishman - [email protected] Rev. Carolyn Rosen - [email protected] or call 406- 696-4113 Celal Kamran, Summer Seminarian - [email protected]
To view St. Andrew's online member directory, go to members.InstantChurchDirectory.com and follow the prompts under "Sign In" to "Create a login now." There is also a free mobile app available in most app stores. Simple search for "Instant Church Directory" to get the download. You will need to use your email address as listed in the directory to create a log-in the first time you use the directory online and via the mobile app.
For those who would rather receive a printed copy please contact Emily Blecksmith [email protected].
To our readers: Have a social activity or event you want published in Shining the Light? The deadline for submissions is Tuesday evening. As always, we welcome your comments, ideas or suggestions. Email the church office at [email protected] or call (703) 522-1600. Your input is very much appreciated.