If you have a question on anything having to do with St. Andrews by the Sea, just ask and we will reply as best we can.
Let any suspicion be resolved, any doubt removed and any ignorance be enlightened. All you have to do is ask!
Here goes:
If our budget is so tight how are we paying for the painting of the sanctuary?
The heating and air conditioning systems of the new additions were faulty. We litigated the contracts with several of the persons who were responsible for the faults. Some time ago the issues were settled and the HVAC systems were repaired. Now we are repainting the damages suffered by the walls and ceiling using monies from the settlement.
What does the Vestry plan to do with Ruth Rigor bequest? I hear it was substantial.
Ruth left about $105,000 as an unrestricted gift to St. Andrews by the Sea. Your Vestry decided that it should be used over a three year period to enhance our ministries and growth in such a manner as will allow us to call the very best as our new rector. Since our greatest need is to build and nurture our sense of community, the Vestry will be asking all of you to contribute your ideas on which areas of our budget need to be increased to get this done! We will be asking you repeatedly over the next three weeks to give your ideas to whichever vestry-person you wish. We do not want to call a priest who can heal or repair us. We want that priest to want to serve a vibrant, motivated, self functioning parish!
Who is in charge with the improvements such as repainting, carpets and the like?
The Operations ministry is responsible for the tremendous uplift we have seen in the Sanctuary and Narthex. Bill Froelich is the vestry person leading this ministry. He and his team have made the choices and have directed the improvements. The responses to the changes have, for the most part, been enthusiastic. Go the the Ministries menu and see the latest information.
I am struggling immensely with combating hatred with love. You mentioned it, and it says so in many parts of the bible, but I don't seem to have the strength to do it. I have trouble even cracking a smile when I'm ticked-off let alone loving. I know it's right, but I lack the fortitude to "suck it up". I keep feeling ripped-off and I guess sorry for my predicament.
The New Testament does not instruct on how to “suck it up” very much. Acts 7:54-59 describes the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr who like his Lord suffered to death as a declaration of God’s love shown the world through his Son’s life, death and resurrection. Jesus’ advice to the rich young man is as hard to follow as is your suffering.
Suffering is part of a life in Christ and you will find many examples in the lives of the early martyrs, such as Polycarp (http://www.polycarp.net/) and in the lives of modern witnesses like Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King. Their lives are examples that give comfort to all who follow.
There are almost no examples of persons who achieved a truly great thing who did not feel the effort was too great and that the goal was beyond their strength. It is easy to roar when attacked. It takes an effort beyond imagining to love the person who pushes a crown of thorns down on your head. Your example is already visible to those near to you. Don’t glory in it but “suck it up” and do it because that is the job given to you to do. However, it means giving up the idea that you deserve a life of pleasure, ease and comfort. And remember, there is a difference between "turning the other cheek" and encouraging or enabling another person's abuse.
Now it is your turn. Call or write.
