September 2005 | Vol. XX, No. 7
THE VICAR’S VOICE
Helping those who’ve felt Katrina’s wrath
Over the past few days, we have witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, perhaps the worst natural disaster in American history. Already many have been killed and tens of thousands have been left homeless. Some of the worst-hit areas are also some of our nation’s poorest, which means that the relief effort will be doubly challenging because of a lack of community resources. The question I keep asking myself is, what can I do to help? What can we, the people of Saint Andrew’s, do to help?
In the wake of the deadliest storm to hit the U.S. in recent memory, Episcopalians send aid—and pray.
By MATTHEW DAVIES and JAN NUNLEY,
Episcopal News Service
Episcopalians are working tirelessly to assess and respond to the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, a category four hurricane that ripped through the Gulf Coast August 29, leaving at least 120 people dead and countless more displaced and homeless.
A REFLECTION | BARBARA CAWTHORNE CRAFTON
If I were a Revelation watcher, I’d have my calculator out this morning, running the numbers again and again to see if the world might not be ending. Hurricane Katrina’s devastation has grown worse with the advent of the deadly floods that are her aftermath.
REPAIRS & REPARATIONS
Church sewer gets clean bill of health
Rescue Rooter was called in to do some major drain clearing in the narthex bathrooms during the summer. The drain clearing process included taking a video of the sewer line from about where the North Room stands to the main street connection on Barranca. The good news is that the sewer line is in good working order. This should give us some peace of mind, as the line is over 25 years old.
30 PEOPLE TAKE THE SURVEY
‘Natural Church Development’ helps
Natural Church Development is a process developed by Christian Schwarz and Christoph Schalk after analyzing thousands of churches of different denominations in over 60 countries in an effort to determine the characteristics of a healthy, developing church. They found that growth is a natural outcome when eight traits are present, just as plants grow with nutrient-rich soil, water, and sunlight. Thriving churches have the following eight characteristics in common: empowering leadership, gift-oriented ministry, passionate spirituality, functional structures, inspiring worship services, holistic small groups, need-oriented evangelism, and loving relationships.
ON THE CALENDAR
Get out your datebooks: Social Group makes plans
[updated from the print edition] The Saint Andrew’s Social Group has exciting trips planned for the coming months, so grab your calendars, mark down these dates, and join your fellow parishioners. Everyone is welcome to come along.
Mark Oct. 14th down for ‘Mi amore, Saint Andrew’s’
Saint Andrew’s is hosting a special dinner that you won’t want to miss! “Mi Amore, Saint Andrew’s” will be held on Friday, Oct. 14th at Antonello Ristorante in South Coast Village next to South Coast Plaza. This is our fundraising event of the year, with 50% of ticket proceeds going to benefit Saint Andrew’s “Restore & Revive the Sanctuary” project.
Kickoff Sunday to be Sept. 18th
BEGINNINGS Sunday School, choir, Children’s Chapel all start up again
September 18th is “Kickoff Sunday,” when we begin the fall season of activities at Saint Andrew’s. Sunday School begins on this date, as does Children’s Chapel at 9:45 a.m. The choir commences singing at the 10 a.m. service, too, after taking the summer off (rehearsals begin for the choir on Thursday, Sept. 8). Come join us on Sept. 18th as we kick off another year of ministries at Saint Andrew’s.
Saint Andrew’s goes to the animals!
In July, Saint Andrew’s Social Group visited the San Diego Zoo. It is one of the largest zoos in the world and we live so close! We had a great day visiting the mammals, birds, and reptiles, but especially the pandas and giraffes. We even got to feed them!
FULLERTON EVENT: SEPT. 24
Deanery 9 sponsors ‘Who Will Take Care of Me?’ seminar on caregiving
Deanery 9 is looking forward to having people come to their Sept. 24 workshop, “Who Will Look After Me?”, which will be a discussion on the issues of caregiving with Pauline Abbott, Ed.D., the director of the Institute of Gerontology and the Ruby Gerontology Center at Cal State Fullerton.
Registration for Sunday School takes place Sept. 4 and Sept. 11
Sunday School registration will be held on Sundays Sept. 4th and Sept. 11th. Saint Andrew’s fall Sunday School session will begin on Sunday, Sept. 18th. Additionally, we are actively looking for Sunday School teachers—and no experience is necessary! Full time or part-time—and there are lots of benefits. Please contact Sarah Campbell for more information at 949.856.4392 or sarah247@cox.net.
Thanks for the art supplies donated to the Children’s Center
During the month of April and May our outreach focused on collecting art supplies for the Children’s Center. We had a tremendous response and collected nearly $1000 worth of items. The Children’s Center is very thankful for our donations.
Habitat accepts donations, too
Habitat for Humanity is also accepting donations for hurricane Katrina victims. You can donate by going to their homepage, http://www.habitat.org, or by mail by sending a check to Habitat for Humanity, 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709-3498.
Youth Group starts Sept. 23
The Saint Andrew’s Youth Group will begin its fall session on Friday, Sept. 23, with a meeting at the church. Watch for further details in the Sunday announcements.
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