St Andrews Newsletter
December — January
Letter of Thanks for Undie Sunday
We received the following letter from the Clothing Bank
Thank you to the parishioners of St Andrew’s for the “Undie Sunday” donations.
This year you donated the following items:
Socks Underwear
Men’s—10 pair Men’s—30
Women’s—8 pair Women’s—5
Boys’—11 pair Boys’—57
Girls’—17 pair Girls’—57
3 pairs of glove and 2 crewneck long underwear. These items are always needed Thanks for your support of our program!
-Mary V Keinath
Twelfth Night Dinner
We will be having our annual dinner to celebrate the Epiphany on Saturday, January 3rd. The evening will begin with a social hour at 5 pm, with the grand dinner following at 6 pm. Save the date now for a real St. Andrew’s tradition! Make your reservation by Sunday, December 28th via the sheet on the bulletin board across from the kitchen. A goodwill offering to cover the cost of dinner is will be taken and any donation is appreciated.
Closed for the Holidays
The office will be closed from December 26th through January 2nd.
NEW Online Giving is HERE!
At the Vestry’s request, Fr. Tom has set up an online giving portal for members and guests of St. Andrew’s to give electronically via debit, credit, or direct bank transaction. Called Tithely, it is accessible via the QR code in this newsletter (below), on the bulletin, or through our website. Many members already give through their bank’s online bill payment system and should continue to do so. This new service is for convenience sake and occasional times when cash or a check is not available. Fees are 2.9% for credit or debit cards, 1% for ACH/Bank payments, and 3.5% for AmEx cards. All also have a 30 cent fee per transaction. Members may choose to cover the fees or have them deducted from their donation. Because of the fees, it is recommended that donations of $500 or more be made via check or direct bank transfer rather than online. Any contributions through Tithely will be added to your Giving Statement. See Fr. Tom, Phil, or Betty if you have any questions.
From the Vestry
The Vestry had their last meeting of the calendar year on Wednesday, December 17. We reviewed both the Treasurer’s Report, which showed us within budget for both income and expenses, with plate (undesignated) contributions being ahead of expectations. The Vestry was particularly thankful for several unrestricted bequests which will address our long-term needs. Betty, Josh, Lynne, and Alice are rotating off of Vestry and, per our bylaws, are on the nominating committee with Fr. Tom. We are in need of three members to serve three year terms and one to serve a two year term. No previous experience is needed, just a desire to participate in the governance and discernment of the church. See Fr. Tom or a member of the nominating committee if you are interested or have questions. Terms begin at the conclusion of our Annual Meeting on February 1.
From the Priest-in-Charge:
With the recent deluges, I’ve been working from my church office when I can and home when things look a little too exciting outside. Members are welcome to contact me by cell phone (call or text) or email if needs be. I’ll also be out of the office during the week it is closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The new year of 2026 will bring new opportunities to chart the future course of St. Andrew’s. We hope members will make a renewed commitment to supporting the church by attending worship, helping with projects as needed, and regular financial gifts. If you have not yet submitted your pledge card, there is still time! Cards are in the Parish Hall and may be placed in the offering plate or mailed in or turned into the office. The Vestry and I will be putting out a survey in January asking for opinions about worship, outreach, etc… Please look for either the electronic or paper version and return it by the Annual Meeting on February 1.
We also now have a way of giving to St. Andrew’s electronically via our new Tithely service. Look for the QR code elsewhere in this newsletter or on the Sunday bulletin.
Lisa and I are settling in, though we’re feeling a little like hibernating bears with all of the rain and wind outside. Blessedly, the church building and congregation are both in good shape and spirits and I look forward to the new year.
— Tom+
Flooding and Flood Relief
As many of you are aware, recent storms have sent local rivers to record-breaking levels, displacing thousands of people. If you would like to donate to relief efforts electronically, please use the donation link on the diocesan web site, using “special offering” and noting “flood relief.”
You may also mail a check to:
Diocese of Olympia
Attn: Flood Relief
1551 10th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98102
Episcopal Relief and Development is on standby, ready to assist. Finally, any members of St. Andrew’s that need financial or other assistance, please contact Fr. Tom
Communion Wine
It is a custom at St. Andrew’s to invite members of the congregation to provide bottles of communion wine for use in the coming church year. We collect the offerings, and on the Sunday following Epiphany we will present them all at the offertory during our 10 o’clock service. Safeway will soon have a supply of our wine, Christian Brothers Ruby Port, available for $7.00. To participate you may bring wine or mark contributions of $7.00 for wine in the offering plate. We were so generous in 2023 that we have had a full supply since then!
Blessings and Peace,
St. Veronica’s Altar Guild
Upcoming Baptismal Date
Our next date for baptisms is Sunday, January 11 (Baptism of our Lord). If you or someone you know would like to explore being baptized, please contact Fr. Tom. There will also be a Baptismal Preparation Class on Thursday, January 8 from 7 to 8:30 pm, assuming interest.
Request From Building and Grounds
The Building and Grounds Committee is looking for new members to lend their time and expertise (but mostly time) to helping keep the church working well and looking its best. Examples of projects are: helping to set the thermostats, washing windows, picking up trash, weeding, and painting. They’re also hoping to find someone with “handy person” skills, such as repairing plaster, changing lightbulbs, and checking for rotten trim. If you’d like to help out, please contact Merry Jo Zimmer at 360-789-7549.
Food Bank Reminder
We are still collecting egg cartons, as well as other items for the food bank, especially protein. Also, remember that milk and butter are in short supply, so things that can be made with just adding water are preferred.
Coffee Hour
We are in need of coffee hour hosts for several upcoming Sundays. If you are interested, the sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board across from the kitchen.
Prayer Chain
If you, a friend, or a family member are in need of prayer, please contact Laurel Sheffield with the details you are comfortable sharing and your request will be passed on to the congregation to be lifted in prayer. Prayer requests will initially go out through the church’s email, but if you want to make sure to receive Laurel’s emails going forward, make sure to add hir email address to your address book!
PRAYER LISTS
The following is a list of people for whom our prayers are asked. For the sick, lonely, and suffering; for those who mourn, and for those who rejoice, and others:
JoAnne A, Bob A, Mason A, the members of the AA and NA groups, Marsha, Sara, Dom Philip Bernard, Louise B, Ginger H, Mike A, Don & Judy M, Danny S, Maurice F Jr, Paul & Susie T, Dianne M, Muriel, Richard H, Pat M, Michael R, Debby M, Lorene H, Lisa N, Dennis D, Elaine P, Mike A, Cheyenne B, Don H, Barb S, Pat O, Dale O, Annette P, and Tom Q.
Those in current military service:
Andrew Roth, Breanne Gunther, Ian Gunther, Nicole Hyde, Jordan Bush, Josh Sindorf,
Madison Sylvester, Brandon Roeseler, Casey Sindorf.
Prayers for Israel, Gaza, and the Middle East:
Loving and liberating Creator, send your healing Spirit upon all involved in the current conflict and violence in the Middle East. Comfort those who mourn or who have been harmed by brutality. Stand with those who are fearful. Protect and provide for the powerless and the vulnerable. Inspire a spirit of forbearance and understanding within all and uphold those who even now work for a just and durable peace. In the name of Christ. Amen.
December
Anniversaries: Eric & Sherri H
Birthdays: Bobbi M, Charles C, Regna C, Mary K, Bruce R, Robert B
January
Anniversaries: —
Birthdays: Ray W, Sue W, Marlene C, Sammantha C, Erin C
Church Calendar
December
- December 24th—NO evening prayer; Christmas Eve Carols at 7 pm
Service at 7:30 pm
- December 25th—Christmas Day contemplative service at 10 am
- December 26th—Office closed until January 2nd
- December 31st—NO evening prayer
January
- January 2nd—Office reopens
- January 3rd—Twelfth Night Dinner; social hour at 5 pm, dinner at 6 pm
- January 7th—Evening Prayer at 6:15 pm
- January 8th— Building and Grounds meeting from 10 am to 11 am
