Tuesday January 4, 2022
 
Dear Friends of St. Andrew’s,
 
Here is some news to report.  The office will be closed today through Friday because on Monday I tested positive for COVID.  I need to fulfill the required five days of isolation. I am asymptomatic and feeling fine.  I am working from home.  At the same time, our administrator Christina remains at home with COVID symptoms and is not fit to return to work as of yet. 
 
On a brighter note, I will be cleared to return to work this Sunday. This is the First Sunday after the Epiphany and the Baptism of Jesus.  Darrin the Music Director will be back as well to bring music to our Sundays again.
 
At the 8:30 Eucharist we will participate in the Renewal of Baptismal Vows.  At the 11:00 service Bishop Rayford High will confirm candidates and celebrate the Eucharist. Both services are online only.  There will be music, but no choir.  Only those being confirmed, and a few essential staff will be present in person.
 
Roy Hinajosa and Erick Reynero are the folks being confirmed. They were very enthusiastic students in the Essential story class and prepared well for their confirmations.  Both Erick and Roy are looking forward the liturgy by which they officially join the Episcopal Church and our St. Andrew’s congregation in particular.
 
I know missing out on important friendships at church is a real spiritual and emotional loss.   So, as we weather this wave of COVID, we will return to in-person services and fellowship as soon as possible.  When we get back to in-person gatherings we will pay attention to the COVID safety precautions -knowing that gatherings or any kind comes with some risk.  Please everyone get your vaccines and your booster shots.
 
On behalf of the vestry, staff, and myself thank you all for your patience and ongoing prayerful and financial support of the life and ministries at St. Andrew’s. 
 
May the God of hope, fill us with all joy and peace in believing, through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13.)
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Fr. David

The Peace Partner network consists of individuals and institutions (congregations, dioceses, seminaries, etc) who are seeking to grow their peace and justice ministries with the support of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship

https://epfnational.org/.  Explore this website and consider if you would like to get involved at this level of developing St. Andrew’s as a member of this national group who are supporting each other in local peace and justice initiatives.

Volunteers can continue to work each week end at the Habitat neighborhood build site or for an important one time day of volunteering see the Frame Day below.

* Special call for FRAME DAY Volunteers comes up Sept. 9 & 10.   Sign up here as new housing starts get there walls put up.

* Click here to see our NEW video of the joint even and thanks for supporting this work of alternative housing for lower income people.

Registration is open for the Fourth Annual Border & Migration Ministry Summit, a virtual summit for anyone engaged or interested in migration ministries. Attendees will gather October 21 – 23 to learn from experts and reflect on migration topics through the lens of refugee resettlement, asylum & border ministries, and accompaniment. Early-bird rates will be available through Saturday, September 11.

Respite Center San Antonio Respite Center opened its doors as a day-time resource for people seeking asylum. Located outside of San Antonio’s downtown hub, the respite center will welcome individuals and families referred by ministry partners along the border who continue to experience high numbers of people requiring shelter, after being approved and dropped off by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).