May 2008
The Newsline
The monthly newsletter for St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION/RECEPTION BY THE BISHOP

WEEK 2: 5/4

Introduction to the authorized texts of the

Church BCP, BOS, LFF, EOW I & II, 1982

Hymnal and supplementary hymnals.

WEEK 3: 5/11

Holy Baptism and the sacraments of the

Church.

WEEK 4: 5/18

Stewardship

WEEK 5: 5/25

Prayer and Service

WEEK 6: 6/1

Instructed Eucharist (in the church)

WEEK 7: 6/8

Wrap-up, open questions, make-up class

Bishop Benfield will make his annual visit to St. Andrew's, Mountain Home on June 15, 2008. He will confirm and/or receive new members at that time.

Thanks for Rekindling the Feeling of Hope

Tornados can do unpredictable things. On February 5^th Gil and I experienced this first hand as we saw our farm shattered into complete disarray. There was a feeling of frustration, anger and despair that order would never return. Then, out of no where, came the volunteers with their trash bags and grabbers, and rakes and chainsaws. As they set to work our surroundings began to look more familiar and we were filled with a sense of Hope that things just might return to normal and we would be O.K. Gil and I would like to send our heartfelt thanks to all of the St. Andrews volunteers who graciously gave of their time and left the gift of Hope.

Welcome Ministry

Even our name has changed! From the Newcomer Committee we have become the Welcome Ministry at St. Andrews. Our members are: Scott and April Baily, Dick and Sharon Hatton, Ellen Pugh, Margaret Weeks, Anne Carriere, Cookie Schroeder, Margie Braden, John and Gerri Prewitt, Bonnie Smith and Mother Pam. The group has been busy. New mugs were ordered with the St. Andrews logo. Jim and Margie Braden generously provided the funding for them. Each visitor on Sunday will receive a mug filled with candy and a gift bag of information about St. Andrews and the Episcopal Church. The job description for Greeters has been updated. We invite anyone interested in becoming a greeter to call the church office. A training session will be scheduled soon. Coffee will be offered in the foyer by Keller Hall before both services to encourage visiting and fellowship. A new liturgy welcoming new members and celebrating anniversaries of "old" members" will start soon. We would also like to have folks deliver fresh baked goods as a "so glad you came to visit" gift to visitors the day after they visit. If you would like to be part of that ministry please call the church office. There is no visit involved just a delivery at the door. Remember we are all part of the impression that St. Andrews makes when visitors come on Sunday or any other event. Welcome everyone as you would want to be welcomed in a new place.

Why am I a D.O.K?

DOK

Why am I a Daughter of the King? When Wally Kimmel asked me to join, I was reluctant. At that time Paul and I were going to Arizona in the winter, and I couldn't see how it would work, but Wally kept after me overcoming all my objections and convincing me that it was something that I needed to do. When we decided to stay home in the winter instead of traveling, I decided to give it a try. I was the only one studying at the time, and Wally and I became very good friends, in addition to my learning what the Daughters was all about. Thanks, Wally, for your persistence.

I have loved being a part of the order, knowing that wherever I am, whatever I am doing, someone is praying for me, asking God to give me his blessing. In addition, I am honored to be able to pray for those on my prayer list. They become very dear to me.

If you are interested in becoming a Daughter, a new training session is being discussed. Contact one of the Daughters, or call Ellen Pugh, our president. You won't regret it.

Sue Windeknecht

UNITED THANK OFFERING (UTO)

It's that time again when we thank God every day for blessings received by dropping a coin in our "UTO Blue Box." If you do not have a blue box and would like to have one, please pick one up on the table in the Narthex. "Ingathering Sunday" is the first part of June. There will be blue envelopes in the pews for your contribution.

Thank You,

Pat Bales

UTO Chairman

BEAUTIFUL SPRING FLOWERS

St. Andrew's has been blessed with beautiful greenery and flowers during this wet spring. Dorothy Alley's altar as the altar in the narthex is known as became the Altar of Repose for the Maundy Thursday service. (For those of you new to St. Andrew's, the altar was created by Dorothy's nephew in honor of her. Although Dorothy is homebound these days, she is dearly loved by all who know her.) The greenery was donated by the altar guild and other members of our congregation. Having spent time there the morning of Good Friday, I can tell you what a lovely, peaceful place was created by the placement of a variety of greenery. It was the perfect place to spend time praying.

The sunrise service on Easter morning was held outside. Once again, the ladies of the altar guild did a wonderful job with flowers to welcome the sunrise. Even though the weather was a bit chilly, those of us attending felt a warm glow coming from the decorated altar used for the service. As the spring Sundays continue, a variety of flowers will be used on the altar thanks to the generosity of all who support the flower program of St. Andrew's.

Life Line Screening July 21st

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church will be hosting a community health screening on Monday, July 21st. Life Line Screening will perform the screenings for people 40 years and older using Doppler color flow ultrasound systems and include the following:

1)     A Carotid Artery Screening -visualizes the build up of plaque in the carotid arteries, which leads to stroke. (Up to 75% of all strokes are linked to carotid artery blockage);

2)     An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) test - looks for an enlargement in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a ruptured aortic artery. The vast majority of people who have an aneurysm have no symptoms;

3)     An Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) - screens for peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities, which is closely linked to coronary artery disease.

4)     A bone density screening, which tests for the early detection of osteoporosis.

5)     Atrial Fibrillation screening - screens for an irregular heartbeat. An irregular heartbeat leads to a greater risk of vascular disease.

6) 3 Blood Tests - Complete Lipid Panel, High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, Blood Glucose (all related to vascular risk factors)

These screenings are completely painless, non-invasive, and typically not part of a routine physical. Screenings are priced individually or receive all four ultrasound tests for only $129. Other discount packages are also available. This event will also be advertised in the community so reserve your appointment today as appointments are limited and fill very quickly - call 1-800-324-1851.

Camp Mitchell Cleanup Weekend

The directors of the camp are hosting a diocesan-wide weekend for a cleanup. It begins Friday night, May 2nd, with no dinner provided, and continues all day on Saturday, May 3rd and ends with Holy Eucharist on Sunday, May 4th at midday. All vounteers are inviited to help the camp staff prepare for this summer. Saturday night the adults will be entertained in Keller Hall with live music and much fellowship. The cost is free to help and meals and snacks during the day will be provided. You can arrive Friday night or Saturday morning. If you want to make a financial contribution to help offset expenses for the weekend, it would be greatly appreciated but not required. Your time and talents to help prepare the camp for summer ahead is all that is wanted. Please try to attend and lend a helping hand if possible. There is a signup sheet in the office if you would like to participate.

Are You Interested in Education for Ministry?

As the present academic year comes to a close for the summer, the time has come to begin recruiting new members for the St. Andrew's EfM (Education for Ministry) program.

Many people think that one must be ordained in order to be "a minister," but our vows at baptism and confirmation support something different because all baptized Christians are called to be ministers. God calls all of us to be active participants in the whole ministry of the church.

What is that ministry? The church is called to continue the ministry of Jesus, who reconciled the world to God. We are call lead to incarnate that reconciliation in our own time and in our own place through worship, in service to others, and by proclamation of God's Word to all people. The EfM program is designed to help Christian lay people prepare for that ministry.

About the EfM Program

What is the Education for Ministry Program?

EfM is a distance learning theological education program of the School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Participants commit one year at a time to meet regularly in seminars led by a trained mentor. Completion of the program takes 4 years, during which participants study the Bible, church history, theology and ethics.

What is the purpose of EfM?

EfM provides a comprehensive, experiential education in the foundations and message of our Christian faith.

Who participates in EfM?

EfM is for the laity of the church. Every Christian receives the call to Christ's ministry at baptism. EfM provides the basics of a theological education in order to develop knowledge and confidence about the ministry we all share. Since its beginning in 1975, thousands throughout the United States and overseas have participated in EfM.

Why do people participate in EfM?

Many desire to increase their knowledge of the Christian heritage. Some want to continue their spiritual formation, or they wish to prepare for special lay ministries. People have joined EfM and become involved in social ministries, worked in nursing homes and hospices, become better church school teachers, lay readers, Christian education and church leaders. EfM is also a way to prepare for seminary studies or participate in local ordination programs.

How does EfM work?

Each seminar group of 6 to 12 students is led by a mentor. The group usually meets once a week during a 9-month cycle to reflect theologically, discuss the materials they have read, and to worship together. Students follow a lesson and a study guide which are to be read each week. There are no tests or papers to write because education takes place when the student is responsible for his or her own learning. For those unable to join a local seminar group EfM is now available on-line.

Who are mentors?

Mentors are men and women from a variety of professions who have engaged in serious religious study. They are comfortable with helping others express their points of view and have the ability to lead a group effectively. EfM mentors complete an 18-hour training session in order to qualify to lead a seminar group. They must be re-accredited every 18 months.

Why does EfM work?

EfM works because people are hungry for theological education. It works because the program comes to the students in his or her home town and provides credible scholarship, carefully supported by a tried and tested educational design. EfM works because it adapts to a variety of situations under a wide range of leadership styles and expectations from students.

What does EfM do for the church?

Graduates of EfM fulfill many ministries and bring to the church a laity better prepared to make decisions and fulfill the great Commission - to bring Christ to the world - in an effective and loving way. EfM's 24,000 plus graduates have become source of informed, committed, and prepared leadership for the church.

There are presently some 80,000 students enrolled in EfM.

Where is EfM used? EfM has contracts with most dioceses of the Episcopal Church. It is also used among Methodists, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Disciples of Christ. EfM is found in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, New Zealand and in Europe.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the EfM program, or have further questions, please contact Mentors Nancy Phillips - 870/453-7093, or Kathy McClellan - 870/430-5071.

Newsline Info

The Newsline, published monthly except for a combined June-July issue, is the newsletter of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 511 Coley Drive, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653.

Deadline for Submissions:

The 15th of each month! Send paper copy to the church office before the 15th, or email/attach your articles to Jason by the 15th to newsline@standrewsmountainhome.org

Deadline for June-July Issue is May 15th!

Mission Statement of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

A welcoming prayerful community devoted to proclamining to a world in crisis the love of God in Chirst

Mission Statement of The Episcopal Church of Arkansas

We share the transforming power of Christ's resurrection in worship and relationship.

Mark your calendars for MAY 1st!!

Ascension Day Celebration and Kite flying

Combined services with Holy Cross Lutheran and Christ by the Lake

5:30 pm

Hotdogs and Kite Flying following services.

ECW-Trashy Treasure and Bake Sale

Saturday, May 3rd

8:00 am - 3:00 pm

The Ozark Choral Society

Cordially invites you to their 2008 presentations of...

"A Spring Concert"

Sunday, May 4th at 2:30 pm

Dunbar Auditorium

on the campus of Mountain Home High School

Admission is free

Donations accepted

May Dinners for 6

All who have participated in Dinners for 6 are invited to a covered dish gathering at Keller Hall on May 16th, Friday, at 5:30 p.m. Bring your favorite recipe for all to enjoy.

AFM Volunteers Wanted

We are looking for volunteers to help with the selling of Angel Food Ministries. For two months in a row, we have been the leader in sales for our distribution area. As we attempt to grow the program, more volunteers are needed to help with sales. Men or women, it only requires a short time commitment, to staff the desk outside Keller Hall and assist those walking in to sign up. We sell the last two weeks of the month, Tuesday through Thursday, 9 to 4. You would only have to pull one shift, 9-12:30, or 12:30 to 4. Thanks for your consideration, Betty Brinkmeier (321-3127) And don't forget to consider purchasing for your own use - the menu for May looks pretty good, and some great specials.

DO NOT FORGET MOM!

Mother's Day is

May 11th

Happy Mother's Day to all our mothers!

THANK-YOU

A huge thank-you goes out to Steve Cushing who did some very important maintance in one of our restrooms!

THANKS STEVE!

May Birthdays:

5 - Lindsey Morgan

7 - George Waidley

13 - Betty Tovar

21 - Roger Williams

24 - Jessica Geery, Rebecca Geery, Ellie Bast

25 - Wade Geery

30 - Sharon Ward

May Anniversaries:

8 - Wade and Sue Geery

16 - Steve & Jo Cushing

23 - Art & Nancy Williams

23 - David & Kathleen Spina

26 - Russ & Ellen Pugh

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

511 Coley Drive
Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
870-425-3560

The Newsline

The monthly newsletter of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

April 2008

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

511 Coley Drive

Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653

870-425-3560

Mission Statement of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church:

A welcoming prayerful community devoted to proclaiming to a world in crisis the love of God in Christ.

Mission Statement of The Episcopal Church of Arkansas:

We share the transforming power of Christ's resurrection to worship and relationship.

Recycling...did you know?
recycle

Mountain Home High School Special Ed class has recycled 26,000 pounds of paper so far this school year. To date they have recycled 86,000 pounds of paper since they started collecting (Jan. 2005) which would be the 04/05 school year. J Go Green

Americans throw away enough aluminum every month to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.

When you toss out one aluminum can you waste as much energy as if you'd filled the same can half full of gasoline and poured it on the ground.

The 36 billion aluminum cans landfilled last year had a scrap value of more than $600 million.(Some day we will be mining our landfills for the resources we've buried)

40% of the pure water you use in your home is flushed down the toilet.

Every year we make enough plastic to shrink wrap Texas.

If all our newspaper was recycled, we could save 250,000,000 trees each year!

If you had a 15 year old tree and made it into paper groceries bags, you'd get about 700 of them. A supermarket could use all of them in under 1 hour! This means in one year, one supermarket goes through 60,500,000 paper bags!! Imagine how many supermarkets there are in the U.S.

Approximately 1 billion trees worth of paper are thrown away every year in the U.S.

Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles every hour! Most of them are thrown away!

During the winter, you can save as much as 3% of the energy your furnace uses simply by lowering your thermostat one degree F( if it's set between 65 degrees F and 72 degrees F).

You can save 10% or more of your heating and cooling costs by insulating and tightening up ducts.

About 15% of the energy you use for heating your home goes to warming up air that leaks in through the cracks.

A single guart of motor oil, if disposed of improperly, can contaminate up to 2,000,000 gallons of fresh water.

The first real recycling program was introduced in New York City in the 1890s. The city's first recycling plant was built in 1898.

Recycling steel and tin cans saves 74% of the energy to produce them.

The average American still spends 8 months of his/her life opening junk mail.

Has your car been in for an oil change lately? Have you checked the air pressure in your tires? Clean oil and properly inflated tires eliminates 1000 pounds of CO 2 per year!

It takes a barrel of crude oil to produce the rubber for just 1 truck tire.

One gallon of motor can contaminate 1 million gallons of water.

Between 5 and 15% of what we throw away contains hazardous materials.

Service for the Dedication of a New Organ

April 13, 2008

3:00 pm

Reception to follow

Organists: Sharon Boatright, Helen Tritt & Bill Weeks

AFM
Last month saw us serve 69 Basic Units and 23 Specials. Way to Go - we were the highest in Mountain Home! In other good news, after having a meeting of all churches that host Angel Food Ministries in late February, we tried one more time to have the drop site at the old Wal-Mart. It went OK, but the general consensus was that St. Andrew's would make a more ideal location, and starting in April, the whole situation returns to our parking lot on Sat. April. 19. We still won't unload the truck until around 8:30-9:00, plenty of time to get the forklift. Customers picking up orders shouldn't come in until at least 10:00 in order to give us plenty of time to count our products and get everything organized. Let's welcome heartily the members of our fellow Angel Food churches: Eastside Baptist, Salvation Army, Hopewell Baptist, Emmanuel (all Mountain Home); Riverside Church of Christ, Gassville; Clarkridge Baptist; Cumberland Presbyterian, Calico Rock; Christ by the Lake Lutheran, Bull Shoals; New Hope Baptist, Yellville, and Abundant Life, Mountain View. Some of these people travel a far distance to participate in Angel Food Ministries, and we want them to feel very comfortable and welcome at our church. Peace be with us in this happy Eastertide, John and Betty Brinkmeier, Host-Site Coordinators; John and Gerrie Prewitt, Asst. Coordinators

DOK-April Baily

I grew up in Colorado, and I don't remember a time when I didn't know God. I knew he cared about me. I was raised a Presbyterian, but as a young adult attended Methodist and Lutheran churches at various times and various places. I got married, had a couple of children, and found the Episcopal Church. I immediately felt at home with the liturgy, the beauty of the services. Soon I was confirmed; I taught Sunday School, helped with Vacation Bible School, and loved being a part of the community. Then we moved. Suddenly I was 45 miles from the closest church of any variety. My children's father was not a believer, and between the mileage and his scorn, it became easier to stay home on Sundays. I still knew that God was there, but He seemed very far away. Many years passed. My children grew up, their father died, I moved to Virginia with a new job, and left behind my support system of family and friends in Colorado. I was lonely and empty. I eventually found my way back to the Episcopal Church, by God's grace. I soon became a part of our blessed community again. It was like coming home. But something yet seemed to be missing. I finally realized that, even though I knew of God's presence, I wasn't making Him a genuine part of my life, My prayers were sporadic, brief, and perfunctory, my conversations with God few or missing altogether. Then I was invited to become a Daughter of the King. When the purpose and mission of the DOK was explained to me, I realized this would be a way to reconnect with God, to get the conversations going again. I am a person who likes some structure in her life. So I took the vows, knowing that when I knew others were depending on my prayers, that I would pray. And then I moved to Arkansas. I found a circle of women who inspire me, guide me, lead me, and strengthen me in my spiritual journey. Hearing their prayer needs and thanksgivings helps me recognize my own heeds and blessings, and every night when I pray for my needs and the needs of others, the warmth and caring of the Holy Spirit are evident to me. I am blessed to be a Daughter of the King.

CAMP MITCHELL CLEANUP WEEKEND

The directors of the camp are hosting a diocesan-wide weekend for a cleanup. It begins Friday night, May 2nd, with no dinner provided, continues all day on Saturday, May 3rd, and will end with Holy Eucharist on Sunday, May 4th at midday. All volunteers are invited to help the camp staff prepare for this summer. Saturday night the adults will be entertained in Keller Hall with live music and much fellowship. The cost is free to help and meals and snacks during the day will be provided. You can arrive Friday night or Saturday morning. If you want to make a financial contribution to help offset expenses for the weekend, it would be greatly appreciated but not required. Your time and talents to help prepare the came for the summer ahead is all that is wanted. Please try to attend and lend a helping hand if possible. There is a signup sheet in the office if you would like to participate.

April Dinners for 6
Host - Winnie Healey & Elaine Zimney

Hollands

McClellan

Host - Brinkmeier

Host - Conine

Host - Cushing

Host - Windeknecht

Prewitt

Evans-Lombe

Please note: Dinners for 6 in May will be a covered dish for all.

May 16th at 5:30 - Keller hall. Bring your favorite recipe.

April Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthdays

2 - Wendy Crissman

7 - Jess Phillips, Margie Braden

11 - John Brinkmeier

14 - Yates Holland

17 - Rudy Polacek, Dick Hatton

18 - Elaine Zimny

19 - Kaylee Shaw

20 - Nancy Williams

24 - Joe Diaguila

25 - Bryce Losurdo

Anniversaries

9 - Joe & Irene Diaguila

March 2008

The Newsline
Monthly newsletter of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

Mission statement of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church: A welcoming prayerful community devoted to proclaiming to a world in crisis the love of God in Christ.

Vicar's View

As a young girl when I first heard that "promises are made to be broken" the words made no sense to me at all. Why make a promise if you don't intend to keep it? You could say instead that you may or may not do something without involving the commitment of a promise. A promise means someone can expect something from you. That you will allow them to expect it from you, even hold you accountable until that expectation has been met and the promise fulfilled.

In the words of St. Paul, "when I was a child, I thought like a child---when I [grew up], I put aside childish things." I now know that promises are broken about as often as they are kept. Promises are made by good, loving people who have every intention of keeping them. But they don't. It seems growing into adulthood means being conditioned over time not to take promises seriously. Except we still do. At least we want to, some promises anyway, made by people we believe in, people we trust. Of course it doesn't help that promises have not faired well in our culture. In election years like this one, we will hear promises galore and we will want with all that makes us human to believe them and to trust those who make them. Some of us will despite years of conditioning not to do so. And some of us will not. Some promises will be kept. And some will not.

Church folk still put a lot of stock in promises. We give ourselves an out though. When we make promises at baptism and confirmation, we always say, "I will with God's help." We know that even with the most noble intentions we still break the promises we make. Only with God's help can we ever hope to keep them. At least we know who to seek help from when it comes to keeping promises. The God of Holy Scripture is a God who makes promises and keeps them faithfully.

The annual remembrance of the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord during Holy Week and Easter is the Church's acknowledgement of God keeping promises. As we remember the events that are central to Christian belief, we remember also that everything we know about being faithful Christians we learned from God's faithfulness to keep the promise God made to send a savior to the People of God to save them from the consequence of sin which is death. We remember also God's faithfulness to keep the promise of life on the other side of death made by God the Father to the Beloved Son, Jesus. These two promises fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are the foundation upon which the whole of Christianity rests. Each year, our recollection of the events of Holy Week and Easter gives us an opportunity to hold our lives up against the heart of our Christian faith. Everything we do in the services points to Jesus as the embodiment of God honoring the promises God made. This holy time in the church year has the potential of strengthening our faith in God who has shown us how to keep promises. I encourage you all not to miss the opportunity to have your faith strengthened this season by the knowledge that since God raised Jesus from death to life and we are united with him in the sacrament of baptism, the promise of resurrection, of life on the other side of death is ours to claim. That promise is the seed that nurtured by our Lord grows hope in every Christian heart. It is truly a promise not made to be broken!

Yours in Christ,

Pam+

G.A.P.P Spaghetti Supper Fund Raiser

We are planning a Spaghetti Supper as a fund raiser for the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) at the Mountain Home High School. Jason Stephens is involved with this group and he will be going to Germany as one of the adult leaders with them June 2nd-27th. The students and those going along have to earn money as a group to help with the cost. We will be having a Spaghetti Supper on Thursday night April 3rd to raise money for the GAPP group and Jason. This will be the German students last week in Mountain Home before they head back to Germany and will be attending with their student from Mountain Home. The Mountain Home students are planning on helping us by selling tickets, setting up the dining room, serving, greeting people and clean up. We can also use all kinds of help, selling tickets (invite your neighbors to come) setting up, greeting people, food/money donations and clean up from the members of St. Andrew's. This is a great opportunity for St. Andrews to support students from Mountain Home High School and Jason. We are also asking that if anyone has items that we could use for d�cor, please let us know. We're looking for flags of other nations or other mementoes of your travels to other lands that you might deem appropriate for decorating Keller Hall. We will return them to you promptly. Let Betty Brinkmeier know, 321-3127. If any of you would like to help in any way please contact: John and Betty Brinkmeier, John and Cooky Schroeder and Betty Pahl.

The following is a letter that the GAPP students from MHHS use while they are collecting donations and pledges for one of their major fundraiser..."Walking their Way to Germany" and explains what the German American Partnership Program is and explains some of what the Germans will do here and what the Americans will do when we go to Germany. Please make plans now to attend this Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser for the Mountain High School German American Partnership Program.

"Dear Friend of GAPP:

This is the 19th exchange between Mountain Home High School and Burg Gymnasium in Schorndorf, Germany, through the German American Partnership Program (GAPP). It is the twenty-fourth year that Mountain Home High School students and Burg Gymnasium students have been associated with the program.

The students in the German classes wanted to go to Germany, but rather than just go as tourists and sightseers, they chose to be involved in the German American Partnership Program. This program is an exchange that allows students from Schorndorf to come to Mountain home in the spring, March 12-April 5 this year! They live with the Mountain Home students and families. During the time here, the Germans attend school and take part in the American way of life. Then this summer, June 2-27, the Americans go to Schorndorf where each stays with the German student who stayed with him/her in Mountain Home. The Americans are immersed in the culture and customs of the country as they attend school and experience family life.

This has proven to be a great experience not only for the students who go, but also for the entire school population. It is bridging that friendship across nations where today understanding is crucial. GAPP literally opens the physical borders as well as the mental barriers that divide people. The experiences are invaluable.

The program is one that is much cheaper financially since the students stay with families and do not travel constantly. However less expensive that the program is, it is still a financial burden for some families. Rather than tell a deserving student that he or she cannot go because of finances, GAPP has chosen to raise money to help defray the cost of the trip.

This year's GAPP XIX has chosen to divide the mileage from Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Schrondorf, Germany, by 25 which is the number of students in this year's program. Each student will walk 198 miles before we leave for Germany in June.

GAPP XIX hopes that you will see it in your heart to help. You can give a lump sum of money or give a mileage pledge. If you are an organization and would like to help sponsor a student, he/she will be glad to appear at a functions for you and introduce you to his/her German exchange student. Then the MHHS student can return to Mountain Home and report to your organization about his/her trip, which you made possilbe.

Thank you so much for your consideration and help. You are literally opening the doors for those young people who will learn not only about another language and culture, but also a great deal about themselves. You can feel very proud of your part in the education of our youth.

Again, thank you so much for your continued support of this valuable exchange.

Sincerely,

Nancy D. Reed

Teacher of German

GAPP Coordinator

Mountain Home High School"

Editors Note: Again this is the letter that the GAPP students present when asking for donations and pledges to "Walking their way to Germany." If anyone at St. Andrew's would like to make a pledge to help a GAPP student "walk their way to Germany" please let Jason know so that he can get in contact with the students.

Senior Warden's Notes

Your vestry started off the year with a retreat on February 8-9. We were blessed to have Bishop Maze lead us in a discussion of what the proper role of the vestry should be and, more importantly, what creates a dynamic, transformational church.

This latter discussion was based on C. Kirk Hadaway's book "Behold I Do a New Thing: Transforming Communities." Hadaway's book asks us to look at the basic purpose of the church, "to change people", and whether we have lost our focus. After a review of our Baptismal Vows as a basis for this goal, we used Hadaway's model of congregational analysis to reflect on where St. Andrews fits into the various church "styles".

Hadaway's thesis is that many churches suffer from goal displacement so their primary mission is replaced by operative goals which have little to do with changing lives.

What did we learn from this? In addition to a way of examining ourselves; St. Andrews is not unlike many other churches. For example, once a new building is built there is often a period of excitement followed by a lull. Also that much of a church's influence in changing lives comes directly through its members,-- independent of its programs.

Many of you do this through volunteer activities outside the church. We view this as outreach and would like to use you as a basis for expanding our presence. One way to do this is to share our current activities with other church members to enable them to more easily become involved, especially new members.

If you agree with this and have not already responded to Megan with your list of outside involvements, please do so at secretary@standrewsmountainhome.org or in writing. Our plan is to compile them to share.

Where do we go from here? We will consider further discussion of Hadaway's book at our next vestry meeting-(now held on the second Monday of the month, you know you are welcome?!!).

We ended the retreat by laying out planned events on the church calendar to the extent possible.

Since I am relatively new to this fine church and especially this position, I need your help to best serve you and the vicar. I can be reached at corvis@centurytel.net or 870 430-5777.

FYI---Coptic Cross

This month we start a new series regarding the different artifacts and symbols in our church.

The cross hanging above the door as you come into the nave had always intrigued me, but no seemed to know anything about it until I asked Winnie Healey. She told me that it was a Coptic cross and that it was from a collection of crosses that belonged to Helen Tanger. Helen was a member of our old church and a veritable fountain of knowledge pertaining to St. Andrew's.

The original Coptic cross has its beginnings in the Christian movement established by Mark the Evangelist around 60 AD. The Coptic cross of today has many different forms. The circle represents the eternal and everlasting love of God, and the circle's cross, represented Christ. The full cross symbolizes Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The Coptic Cross is worn by Ethiopian Christians as a symbol of faith.

When Helen wrote the National Cathedral requesting information about the cross, Susan Moody, Assistant Executive Director, answered her letter and sent her some information. She wrote that their Coptic cross was given to the Washington Cathedral by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Sellasie in 1930. The Emperor presented the cross to the cathedral because Bishop Freeman had written and read a prayer for the Emperor at the time of his coronation.

The cross and another one given later by the Emperor were on display near Bethehem Chapel until the 70's, when for safety they were put into the safe. The Emperor's grandson carried it in his graduation from St. Alban's sometime in the 70's, which may have been the last time it was used in a service. It weighed about 70 pounds, and Moody made the observation that it was simply too heavy to be used unless they had a particularly"brawny acolyte."

I have been unable to find any more information pertaining to our particular cross.

Editor's Note: My apologies to Sue for not getting this in the Newsline last month. Please enjoy this months FYI on the Stations of the Cross.

FYI...Stations of the Cross

While we were still in the old church, Anne Carriere, our vicar, approached Yates Holland and asked him if he would take a commission to carve the Stations of the Cross for the new church. He told her that he wasn't sure what the Stations of the Cross were. After Anne explained what they were, Yates said that he would be glad to carve them if he could find patterns.

He learned that the patterns were once printed in an old Mallet Magazine, but was unable to find a copy. One night while attending a dinner given by the local woodcarving club, he happened to start talking to one of the guests. The guest told him that he had copies of all the patterns and promised to send them to him.

With patterns in hand, Yates showed them to Anne, and with her approval began carving. That Lenten season the enlarged patterns were placed in the church windows so that they could be used in the worship service.

Bass wood was used for the deep relief carvings. Yates said that the hardest part of the carving was keeping his focus. The new church was being built and he wanted the stations to be finished before Bishop Maze came to dedicate the church on March 3, 2003. Yates did finish all fourteen carvings and they were blessed at the same time the church was dedicated.

There are two spaces left on the church walls, and Yates is in the process of carving two more, St. John the Beloved and the Ascending of Christ.

Yates and Barbara did not take any money for the carvings, but instead gave them to the church. We at St. Andrew's tahnk the Hollands for their time, talent, and generosity.

A.F.M News

Last month for distribution, we served 55 Basic Units and 19 Specials. Our church earns $1.00 for each unit sold. Let's participate! ECW supervises the money and distributes same for worthy causes in our church and our community. There are no income restrictions or requirements. Take a look at this month's menu; it's a great value and the specials are outstanding. We always take orders for the next month on the day of distribution and sell for two weeks following, Tues. thru Thurs., from 9 to 4, in the lobby outside Keller Hall.

You can also turn in your check during regular Sunday collection, just clearly mark that it's for Angel Food Ministries, payable to St. Andrew's. We run the checks thru the ECW account so Angel Food headquarters just receives one check from us, not dozens! If you can't personally use the food, maybe you know someone who can. Let us know to whom you would like the food distributed, and we'll get it there. In that same vein, if you can't be present on Distribution Day, just let us know, and we'll save it for you in one of the church freezers with your name clearly labeled.

Can we be further accommodating? Open to all suggestions! Many thanks to all our volunteers,

Betty and John Brinkmeier

Call Betty's cell, 321-3127

March Distribution Day: Sat. March 15 - The Ides of March are upon!

Walk the Labyrinth

During Lent the Labyrinth will be available to all who are interested in following the path to find peace and comfort in our life's journey, even some cleansing.

Tuesday   March 4th            4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

                  March 11th           4:30 - 6:00 p.m.



Friday       March 7th             12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

                  March 14th           12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

The Labyrinth is a path to explore our life and were we are . It teaches us that by putting one foot in front of the other, we can quiet our mind and find our center. As we follow the turns of the path, which are symbolic of the twists and turns of life our experiences we hopefully find our center and quiet ourselves. The journey may be difficult, even confusing, but you need to put your trust in the path.

"We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time."

T. S. Eliot

The Power of Prayer

I feel that my membership in DOK has been an inspiration for me as prayer has become a more permanent part of my life through my vow and commtment to Christ. It is comforting to know your prayer needs are shared by others. I recently read words written by the Apostle Paul: prayer is like breathing. This is a beautiful expression and sums up for me, the power and importance of prayer. Let us trust that God will hear our prayers and respond to us at a time that is best for us and in a way that is best for us.

Anne Jurek

Thank-you

To All:

My husband and I would like to extend our sincere thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes during my recovery after surgery. The Lord provides in many ways and He definitely provided us with a wonderful supportive church family.

With gratitude, Mary and Jim Waldeck

DeColores!

If you have made a Cursillo weekend and would like to join a weekly Group Reunion. Call John or Claudette Conine, 481-5825.

Mark you calendars---

As you know from reading the Senior Warden's Notes your vestry had a retreat February 8-9. At that retreat we went through the calendar and planned the events listed below. If you have any questions or would like to help with any of these events please get with any member of the vestry---

March 23-Easter Sunrise Services

March 30-Combined Services, breakfast served afterward, Spring Church clean up

April 3-Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser for MHHS GAPP

April 13-New Organ Dedication

April 22-Earth Day

May 1-Asscenion Day-Service with Holy Cross, Kite flying and hotdogs

May 3-ECW Trashy Treasure sale

June TBA-BRMC Moblie Mammogram unit and American Red Cross blood drive

June 14-Flag Day-Veterans Dinner

June 7-August 30-Saturday Services

August 30-Ice cream social

September-TBA-Baxter County Fair, Parade, and Booth

September-28-Chruch Picnic

October 4-Feast of St. Francis

October 31-Trick or Trunk

November 16-St. Andrew's Party

More events will be planned so keep your ears open and be watching the Newsline, your email inbox, and the website. Remember all events will be posted on our calendar on our website---click here

Jason

Dinner's for 6

Host- Harrington

Windeknechts

Griffiths

Host- McClellan

DeSousa

Zimney

Healey

Prewitt

Host- Holland

Cushing

Conine

Host- Friend

Bailey

Evans-Lombe

Host- Carriere

Brinkmeier

Braden

March Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthdays

1- John Carriere, Jim Waldeck

2- Sarah Losurdo

4- Kenneth Robinson

5- Cooky Schroeder, Shelly Hill, Michael Orite

7- Barbara Boucher

9- Jean Sixeby

10- Tom Hill

19- Marty Newton

20- George Brampton

27- Mary Hazel

29- Doris Houser

Anniversaries

3- Bob & Wendy Crissman

17- Michael & Pat Slice

30- John and Deanna Van Eps

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Birthday or Anniversary missing?

From time to time, names are unintentionally omitted from the birthday or anniversary calendar. Last month this happend to George Waldeck, February 1. Happy belated birthday George!

When this happens, please call or e-mail notify Megan in the church office, and also email Jason so that our records can be updated.

Sunday Services

Rite I-Holy Eucharist--8:00 AM

Adult Forum--9:15 AM

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd --10:15 AM

Rite II-Holy Eucharist (nursery provided)--10:30 AM

Wednesday Service

Holy Eucharist and Healing Service--12:00 PM

Evening Prayer-5:oo pm (during Lent)

Book Discussion and Soup Supper 5:30 (during Lent)

Newsline Editor
Jason Stephens

Newsline Deadline for April is March 15

February 2008

The Newsline
The monthly newsletter of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

Vicar's Voice

It seems appropriate while calendar year 2008 is still young to say a word or two about the liturgical, or church year. There are seven seasons in our church year. Each year is made up of two cycles during which we focus our common life and worship on the high points of the Jesus story.

First is the incarnational cycle which covers three liturgical seasons. That cycle includes the anticipation of Jesus' birth by the people of God (the season of Advent), the event of his birth (Christmastide), and the revelation that he is the Son of God, the promised Messiah (the season after the Epiphany).

Next is the paschal cycle. That cycle also spans three seasons including Jesus' victory over the temptation of sin (the season of Lent), his offering himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin through his passion and death (Holy Week), and his victory over death, the consequence of sin, made known to the world when he was raised from death to life (Eastertide).

At the end of the fifty days of celebration after Easter Sunday, we celebrate the birth of the new creation when the breath of God blew on the church at the Feast of Pentecost. The seventh and last season of the church year, the season after Pentecost, is a season of learning and growing for the church and takes up about half of the calendar year. The season of growth for us as a Christian community binds the incarnational and paschal cycles together into one liturgical or church year.

The month of February brings both the end of the incarnational cycle of the church year and the beginning of the paschal cycle on February 6^th. The church has named the opening day of Lent, Ash Wednesday. It is one of only two days in the church year that fasting is prescribed for Episcopalians. Good Friday is the other one. Ash Wednesday is a solemn day that calls us to examine our lives, to repent of sin, and prepare our hearts for the gift of grace we receive through the paschal event we remember during Holy Week and Easter.

I invite and encourage each of you to participate fully in the season of Lent. You will find details about several worship opportunities as well a book discussion to be held on Wednesday evenings throughout the season of Lent in this issue of the Newsline. I hope you will find something that you are willing to commit yourselves to this Lent. It is our goal as Christians, as a Christian community, to grow into the "full stature Christ." (Ephesians 4:13) The liturgical year helps us to find our place within the Jesus story so that year by year we continue to grow into the One whose name we bear.

God bless you,

Pam+

Thank you!

by John Brinkmeier, Treasurer

Generous parishioners of our church stepped up to the plate at our Annual Meeting to pay for the Sextons' service. Their line item had been cut from the 2008 budget due to lack of money. Just after Margaret Weeks as Junior Warden announced there would be sign-up sheets for everyone to help clean the church, the following members engaged in an enthusiastic display of shouting out their pledge of $200 each to pay the Sextons at least through January next year. John and Cooky Shroeder, Bill and Kathy McClellan, Jim and Margie Braden, John and Betty Brinkmeier, Rod and Donna Griffiths, Cotton and Liz Clark, Doris DeSousa, Winnie Healey, John and Deanna Van Eps, Bill and Shirley Evans-Lombe, Keene and Eddy Smith, and Yates and Barbara Holland. Your generosity deserves everyone's thanks.

D.O.K. News

by Shirley Evans-Lombe

Lent is approaching and the Daughters of the King would like to invite the congregation to walk the Stations of the Cross with us every Friday at 12 noon in Lent.

The Stations of the Cross originated in medieval Europe when wars prevented Christian pilgrims from visiting the Holy Land. European artists created works depicting scenes of Christ's journey to Calvary. The faithful installed these sculptures or paintings at intervals along a procession route, inside the parish church or out doors. Performing the devotion meant walking the entire route, stopping to pray at each "station".

Today, images of the Stations are on display in Catholic, Episcopal, and Lutheran Churches.

We are so lucky to have the beautiful carvings of the Stations of the Cross by Yates Holland.

Please join us on February 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7 & 14th at 12 noon to walk the stations.

ECW NEWS

by Betty Brinkmeier, Vice-President

January's meeting was well attended and much discussion was had regarding the upcoming Mardi Gras Party on Feb. 1^st. Jane Darr, Betty Paul and Cooky Schroeder are doing a great job planning the event. We know we'll have a great time and make lots of money to be used for worthwhile causes in our church as well as in our community.

Make a note on your calendar. Sat. May 3^rd is our annual Trashy Treasures and Bake Sale. Start saving your treasures! We'll be asking everyone to bring their items to the Church the week prior to the sale, as we currently do not have room to store things in advance. If anyone has a better idea, let us know.

Our next meeting is Thurs. Feb. 21, with coffee talk at 9:00 and meeting at 9:30. All women of the church are members. Please join us. Respectfully submitted,

Mountain Home Food Basket

by Kathy McClellan

Thank you for your generosity throughout 2007. Our needs contine and we would appreciate any donations, especially:

Fruit
Tomatos
Peanut butter
Potatos

Drivers with trucks (capable of pulling the Food Basket trailer) are desperately needed to help pick up food.

Pick ups are usually to Norfork, Harrison, and the local area.

Contact Marti Gilbert for more driver information: 870-424-4949

E.F.M~Education for Ministry

by Kathy McClellan

We have just completed COMMON LESSON THREE. Even though several members are in the process of reading different lessons each week, such as:

YEAR ONE - OLD TESTAMENT,

YEAR TWO - NEW TESTAMENT

YEAR THREE - THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY

When it comes to Common Lessons, everyone reads the same text.

COMMON LESSON THREE explores OUR LIFE IN CHRIST using the theological virtues

FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE. Using the text of 1Cor. 13:12-13 we look at and discuss the

strengths and limitations of our spiritual lives as an individual and within the community

of Christ.

FAITH - Deeping our Faith. In Hebrews 11:1 faith is described as "the assurance of things hoped for the conviction of things not seen". Trust - trusting God to be there for us. To rely faithfully on God in our uncertainity.

HOPE - Kindling our Hope. Knowing that in the end, there is God, that nothing can separate us from the fullness of life that God has prepared for us. Romans 8: 38-39.

LOVE - Extending our Love. The NT states over and over that love is at the heart of the Christain life. Matt. 22: 37-40 Are we willing to extend ourselves so that both our neighbors and ourselves may "grow spiritually". Are we willing to explore our differences so that we can understand not only our surface differences but what values lie underneath these opinions.

After much discussion as to where we are ourselves and how can be improve we question;

Whose voices am I not hearing?

How can I be an instrument of faith, hope and love in my own community?

What are the obstacles that limit my life in Christ of faith, hope and love?

Sharing our reflections in our lives helps to see where we are, what is lacking and how

we may improve and grow in our lives with Christ.

Where are you in your life with Christ? Explore and reflect.

From the kitchen of Winnie...

If you are like me you enjoyed the meatloaf that we had at the Annual Meeting...this month's recipe is for that wonderful meatloaf for the kitchen of Ms. Winnie Healey. Thank you Ms. Winne!!

HERB SEASONED MEATLOAF

2 lbs ground beef

1 1/2 cups Peppridge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing Mix

2 eggs

1 medium onion finely chopped

1/2 cup ketchup

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Mix altogether and shape into loaf.

Bake 350 for 1 hr or till done.

If you have a favorite recipe and you would like to share please email them to Jason at newsline@standrewsmountainhome.org before the 15 of the each month.

AFM Update

by The
Brinkmeier's

AFM Distribution day at St. Andrew's last month saw us serve 49 Basic Units and 19 Specials. We did not serve as drop-site, but rather, everyone gathered at the old Wal-Mart parking lot in the Village Mall on a cold and frosty morning. After several hours' work, our crew had a well-deserved lunch at Fox's Pizza.

February sales are going strong and we hope for a good turn-out. February's Distribution Day is Sat. Feb. 16. All hands are welcome! Don't forget as discussed at the Annual Meeting, we can buy a Basic Unit for $30 and use it ourselves, or designate it for charitable purposes. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!

Click here for more information about Angel Food Ministries

February Dinners for 6

by John Conine

Host - Elaine Zimny & Winnie Healey

Brinkmeier

Windeknecht

Host - Bradens

Friend

McClellan

Host - Baily

DeSousa

Conine

Host - Cushing

Harrington

Evans- Lombe

Host - Griffiths

Holland

Carriere

Birthdays/Anniversaries

February Birthdays

1 - Rock Engeler

3 - Nancy Phillips

4 - Rev. Anne Carriere

10 - Janie Jones

13 - Karen Herman

24 - Ray Loop

27 - Judy Solomon

28 - Quinton Morgan

Anniversaries

11 - Jim & Gail Alter

15 - Rudy & Joyce Polacek

19 - Ron & Sue Wilson,

24 - Charles & Jo Anne Ward

Birthday or Anniversary missing?

From time to time, names are unintentionally omitted from the birthday or anniversary calendar. Last month this happend to George Mabee, January 24. Happy belated birthday George!

When this happens, please call or e-mail notify Megan in the church office, and also email Jason so that our records can be updated.

Jason Stephens, Editor

Join our mailing list!

�

�The Newsline
The monthly newsletter of�St. Andrew's Episcopal Church�

January,�2008 - Vol 10, Issue 1�

Article Headline

St. Andrew's Mission Statement

Bell Tower

�A welcoming prayerful community devoted to proclaiming to a world in crisis the love of God in Christ.

�

Annual Meeting set for January 20

All members of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church are encourage to attend the annual meeting which will be held following the combined service at 9:30 am on January 20th.

Items on the agenda are vestry elections, committee reports, 2008 budget, and more.

�

Please mark your calendars, make plans now to attend, and watch for more details in the service bulletin, emails, and the church website.

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES

AFM Appreciation Time

Fri. Jan. 18, 2008

5:00 pm� Keller Hall

For all persons who ever had anything to do with Angel Food Ministries.�

Let's relax and enjoy one another's company for a little social hour.

ECW News-Betty Brinkmeier, Vice-President

ECW met on Dec. 19, 2007, and after a relatively brief business meeting, members assembled gift boxes full of toiletries and sundry items for the ladies at Sparks Gamma House.� The brightly wrapped boxes were delivered after our wonderful luncheon at the home of Gail Alter.� She and her husband, Jim, opened their beautiful home on Sycamore Springs to approximately 25 ladies who feasted on Jim's delicious baked ham and many dishes brought to pass.� Mother Anne led us in a Thanksgiving prayer. Guest of Honor was Miss Dorothy Alley, now some 90 years young and charming as ever.� All were glad to see her.� We had a great time.� Thank you Gail and Jim.� Wow, what a view.

In business matters, ECW decided to purchase vertical blinds for the windows in Keller Hall.� Vestry approval was given the night before.� This should alleviate some of the strong sun that comes in those windows and allow better viewing of any video presentations.� Also purchased was a floor buffer to keep the wax floors in better shape.� A chair truck was also purchased that can transport 6-8 chairs at a time, without straining anyone's back.� Another item discussed was the purchase of utility carts to hold the popcorn popper and allow for easier transportation of dishes when setting up or clearing the tables.�

In other news, Steve and Jo Cushing are resigning as our church coordinators for Angel Food Ministries.� John Brinkmeier and his lovely bride have stepped up to the plate to make sure this worthwhile ministry continues.

Mark your calendars for Sat. Feb. 2^nd�for our annual Mardi Gras dinner-dance. �Jane Darr, Betty Paul and Cooky Schroeder have graciously volunteered to coordinate the event.� For years, Cotton and Liz Clark have led us in the revelry, and despite the fact that Liz got the baby last year, they are ready to let others lead the parade!� The event may also include a Silent Auction (donate your good stuff) and 50/50 sales.� Monies will go toward a good cause; more on that later.� If you have any extra Mardi Gras d�cor or masks, let the girls know.

We're also discussing a Spaghetti Supper some time shortly after Easter.� No date set at this time.� Next meeting is Jan. 17, coffee at 9:00; meeting at 9:30.� All ladies of the church are members of Episcopal Church Women.� Come on out, you're missing some fun.�

Mardi Gras at St. Andrews'

Keller Hall

Dinner and Dancing

Fun! Games! Prizes! Silent Auction! 50/50 Raffle

Date and Time: TBA
�

Watch for more details!

January Laity Schedule

Lectors

�1/6-Kathy McClellan; Donna Griffiths

1/13-Nancy Phillips; Keene Smith

�� 1/20-Doris DeSousa; Bonnie Smith

1/27-Nancy Phillips; Child

�