From The Rev. Gerard Gaeta OblSB

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Blessings and peace be with you in abundance!

In the last edition of this newsletter, I announced the return to the use of the common cup for the reception of wine at Holy Communion. Along with the cup, an intinction cup will be available. The Memorial Funeral Mass for Charles Johns offered us an experience of these options of receiving the wine. 

The Episcopal Church recognizes that receiving communion in either bread or wine, provides the same spiritual benefit of union with the precious body and blood of Jesus as if you were receiving both bread and wine. So, although it is our tradition to receive both, both are certainly not required.

Beginning on Sunday, September 10 we will have these options:

1. You may receive both the bread and the cup as is traditionally served in the Episcopal Church  OR
2. You may receive only the bread  OR
3. You may receive only the cup  OR
4. You may receive both the bread and the wine through intinction

This is entirely your choice. I invite you to decide which option is most comfortable for you.

Peace,

Fr. Jerry

Dear Sisters & Brothers of St. Andrew’s Church…

God’s blessings rest upon each one this day!

Several weeks ago, member David Hoag shared the helpfulness and joy he’d discovered in offering daily prayer. As I recall it, David shared that he began a daily prayer with a simple prayer of thanks and offering of himself. Later, he discovered that the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) had several orders of prayer – Morning Prayers, Evening Prayer & Compline (or Night Prayer).  Giving those a go, David said that he found that he was ready for those forms of prayer and that they were helpful for him.

David offered us all a very helpful resource. It was joyful to hear several folks join in with their own witness to the spiritual value of daily prayer. One person shared the resource that is daily available from the Washington National Cathedral (Episcopalian) at Cathedral.org. Each day, the clergy of the Cathedral take turns leading folks via Internet in BCP daily prayers. This is an especially rich resource.

Another is Canterbury Cathedral at www.canterbury-cathedral.org. I’ve not checked this site. A dear friend followed their Morning Prayer liturgy for many years. Finally, there are many (MANY) opportunities for daily prayer available to anyone who wishes to journey into the life of prayer.  I’ll encourage your search for something that will ‘fit’. 

Further, please know that I am always available as a resource. Ring me up (610-737-9509) to chat or to meet at the Church Office (I’m there on Fridays 10-4). It’s always a good idea to call first for a specific time as I can’t guarantee that my responsibilities may call me away at times.

Sharing from experience of many – as well as my own – I’ll offer that beginning some daily prayer routine (from a one- or two-line prayer or a more structured liturgy) one soon discovers that for a full life in Christ, Sunday worship just isn’t enough.  You and I need to be in prayer with our God frequently that we may learn even more how to listen, how to hear, how to praise. 

There is so very much in daily life that we need to bring to God.  There are also so many opportunities during our days to praise God. 

Give it a go!  You’ll find a richness in your relationship with our Lord!

Peace,

Fr. Jerry (June 7, 2023)

God’s blessings hold and support you on your journeys these Easter days. It was a privilege for me to journey with you during the balance of the Holy Season of Lent, Holy Week and the beginnings of the Easter Season.

I was a bit surprised at how drained I was after the Easter Day liturgy. With that in mind, we need to remember all those who worked so very hard to prepare for each of the liturgies throughout the seasons. Particular thanks to Deacon Lane, the Acolytes, Readers, Intercessors, Ushers, to our talented

musician, the Altar Guild, Eddie Boskett (fire builder for the Vigil), and all others who labored so very hard. Forming a list like this always brings a risk that someone will be omitted. Please receive your omission not as a slight, but as the fault of a very tired mind who continues to recover!

Personally, it was a joy for me to be part of the planning as well as to preside. It was a memorable experience and a joyful affirmation to our faith as we journeyed through these Holy Days.

Looking to the months ahead, it is with considerable joy that I anticipate the continued labors engaged by so many toward the Calling of a Rector. Much of this work is ‘behind the scenes’ yet it is not ‘private’. Rather, each person involved is very aware that they labor faithfully on behalf of all members of this Congregation. 

More information will be coming as the various projects are prepared. In the meantime, it’s important that each of us continue to hold this labor of love in our daily prayers. God already knows who He chose for the position. The task now is to follow God’s will. Thus, prayers for clarity and faithfulness!

Peace,

Fr. Jerry