October 2005 | The Net | Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church, Irvine, CA

October 2005 | Vol. XX, No. 8

THE VICAR’S VOICE

To raise a child, first you need a village

This past Tuesday night, Dan Menzel and I attended our deanery meeting at St. George’s in Laguna Hills. While there were many interesting things that were discussed at this meeting, there was one report that was presented that I found particularly compelling. It came from the World Mission Group about the construction of a new Anglican village in El Salvador, and our opportunity to help. How does the saying go—“It takes a village to raise a child”? Well, you have to have a village, first. The World Mission Group, along with the bishops of our diocese, is asking each deanery to contribute $4,000 toward the construction of homes in the village. The village will consist of a school, 50 homes, a chapel, and a medical clinic. If you would like to know more about this village, there is an article in this month’s Episcopal News.

Restoring and reviving the sanctuary

YOU CAN HELP The cornerstone of our fall fundraising drive to renovate our worship space is the ‘Mi amore, Saint Andrew’s’ dinner on Oct. 14.

Our fall fundraiser to “Revive and Restore the Sanctuary” is underway. The projects that we are raising money for are 1) new carpeting; 2) painting the walls of the sanctuary and 3) putting hot water in the bathrooms off the narthex.

OUT OF DEEP WATERS | HURRICANE RITA

Stranded couple find sanctuary with strangers

In his sermon on Sunday, Sept. 25, the Rev. William Miller said, “God didn’t send the storm. God seeks to work amidst the storm.” He might have been talking about the Lesinas, who were stranded in the middle of the night, 40 miles north of Houston without food or water as Hurricane Rita bore down on the Gulf Coast.

[Above link takes you to the website of the Episcopal News Service.]

By the numbers

The Bishop’s Committee has decided to revive the practice of publishing monthly financial information in the Net. Thanks to everyone for keeping their pledges current!

96% [current pledge amount]

116% [plate contributions]

[Expressed as a percentage of budget]

Blessing of the Animals: Oct. 2

All creatures great and small are cordially invited to come to church on Oct. 2. The occasion is of course the Feast of St. Francis, friend of all four-footed beasts, so if you have one of those in your house, please bring him or her to either the 8 or 10 a.m. service for a special blessing.

Social Group has four fun things upcoming

Oct. 22: Sea World, San Diego
Nov. 12: Game Night, North Room at church
Dec. 11: UCI’s annual Madrigal Dinner
Dec. 28: The Glory of Christmas, Crystal Cathedral

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Social Group activities—young, old, single, married, whatever. It’s a great way to spend time with other members of the Saint Andrew’s family—and at our field trips, a great opportunity to see a particular attraction that you know you’ve been meaning to see but haven’t gotten there yet.

More details...

Confirmation set for Nov. 20; classes begin Oct. 2

The Rt. Rev. Robert Anderson, Assisting Bishop of the diocese, will be here at Saint Andrew’s on Nov. 20 for the regularly scheduled visitation by a bishop. While Bp. Anderson is here, he will preach and celebrate, and also administer confirmation, as well as performing receptions and reaffirmations.

Work Day set for Oct. 22

Another Work Day is upon us. Come to Saint Andrew’s on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. Everyone is welcome to come down to church and spruce up the place. For more information, please call Carolyn Ybarra at 949.262.0515, or ybarra2004@yahoo.com.

CHILDREN’S CENTER CORNER

Thanks for all of the books!

Approximately $1300 worth of books was collected for the Children’s Center during the months of June, July, and August. This outreach effort will provide the Children’s Center with about 200 new books. Thanks for your donations.

Center appreciates support during art supplies drive

Dear Members of Saint Andrew’s,

I want to personally thank you for the art supplies that you collected for the Children’s Center during the months of May and June. In fact, we were in desperate need of markers and paint, and lo and behold!—a shopping cart appeared that was filled with art supplies, paint, crayons, markers, and paper. Thank you so much!

—Glenda Akers, co-director

City holds ‘torchière trade-in’ on Oct. 15

Get rid of that halogen floor lamp and get a free energy-saving fluorescent floor lamp instead.

Community members who currently use halogen floor lamps in their homes or businesses will have the opportunity to save an average of $250 off their energy bills without any out-of-pocket costs. On Saturday, Oct. 15, the city of Irvine, in conjunction with the Community Energy Partnership, will hold a “Torchière Trade-in” event in the Irvine Civic Center parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This drop-in, drive-through event is designed for lamp owners to trade their halogen lamps for a free black or white fluorescent floor lamp provided by the Energy Coalition. Volunteers will be available for loading. Please call 949.724.6459 for more information or visit the city’s website at www.ci.irvine.ca.us.

Send the Cantú kids a card

Donna and Hal Becker report that their grandchildren, Brandon, Monica, and Shannon Cantú are living in Texas now with their father, but will be back in the summer to visit. They’d welcome cards and letters from the Saint Andrew’s family. [Contact Donna and Hal if you’d like the address. —the Webmaster].