Christmas has come and gone, as have the Wisemen following the Star. We are in the church season known as Epiphany.

“Epiphany” means ‘revealing’ or ‘showing forth’. Thus this season celebrates the showing forth of Jesus and his ministry to the Gentile. (Gentiles are everyone who is not Jewish, including us!)  Epiphany proclaims Jesus as Savior of the whole world.

The season of Lent follows Epiphany. Ash Wednesday, February 13th, is the official start of Lent. Lent is a season particularly set aside for us to honestly look into our hearts, as we ask for God’s help. We seek and need help for any number of reasons, but particularly as we recognize and accept that we have sinned in our lives.

St. Andrew’s has two  Ash Wednesday services: one at 12:10 pm and one at 7:00 pm. Both services offer the imposition of ashes and confession as well communion.

During the remainder of Lent there will be  soup suppers on Wednesday evenings. The first supper is Wednesday the 20th of February, starting at 6:00 pm. Supper will be until 6:30 pm followed by a service of Evening Prayer.  Following the service, there is a Lenten book study. The first supper is February 20th; the last will be Wednesday March 19th.

This year’s Lenten book study will be Why?: Making Sense of God’s Will. This book and study will focus upon questions like “Does God cause bad things to happen to good people?” or “Why is there so much suffering in the world?” or “Why does God let these bad things happen?”. Although there are no easy answers to these questions, this is no reason to avoid them. Contact the office to sign up so that a copy of the book may be ordered for you.

Holy Week  begins with Palm Sunday services March 24th at 10:30 am. A Tennebrae service is at 7:00 pm.  This service is similar to Christmas “Lessons and Carols”, but is focused upon Holy Week and Easter events. Maundy Thursday service is at 7:00 pm, including the stripping of the altar and a communion service. A traditional Good Friday service is held at 12:00 pm, including Stations of the Cross, as well as a 7:00 pm Good Friday Service.

Our Easter services begin with an Easter Vigil with communion on Saturday evening, 7:00 pm.  and an Easter Day choral service with communion Sunday the 31st at 10:30 am. An Easter egg hunt for children 5th grade and younger follows the service.  

St. Andrew’s Christian education program continues, with pre-school through 6th grade meeting on Sundays, beginning at 10:30 am, thereafter joining the service for communion. Middle School and High School youth groups meet at 7:00 pm the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month.

If you have questions about our services or any matter please contact Fr. Tom.  He may be reached at the Church Office, 788-2595 or on his cell phone, 648-5870.

Come and worship with us!  Our Sunday service begins at 10:30 am and is followed by a social time of coffee and conversation.  Coffee and conversation follows each service.