St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

Father Daryl will offer confirmation classes for anyone who would like to be confirmed or received by the bishop. Classes will start on Sunday, September 8, at 10:15 a.m. in the Sharp Room.

Confirmation is when a baptized Christian makes a mature, public affirmation of their faith in the presence of the congregation, and receives the laying on of hands by a bishop to receive strength from the Holy Spirit to grow in their life in Christ. For those who desire to be confirmed, the church requires that they have been baptized with water in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, have been instructed in the Christian faith, are penitent for their sins, and are prepared to affirm their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

If you are at least thirteen years old, in the 8th grade, and ready to do these things, please join Father Daryl this Sunday!

It was so great seeing everyone tonight at First Friday Open Doors. See you next month!

Experience an evening of fun at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church TONIGHT at First Friday Open Doors. Ring the historic bell and enjoy a Chocolate Gallery cookie while touring the stunning church and listening to pipe-organ demonstrations. Our youth will also sell bottled water and popcorn onsite to fund upcoming field trips.

In addition, you are welcome to the Parish Hall for a first look at Amanda J. Sisk's exhibition, "FROM THE SKETCHBOOKS." A family-friendly drawing activity with Amanda will also be available that evening.

Finally, we'll wrap up the night with our Choral Compline by Candlelight at 9:00 p.m. We invite you to join us and experience the beauty of Saint Andrew's Church in a new and memorable way. We hope to see you there!


Destination Bryan, Texas

We are excited to announce that children, youth, and parents can order their own Saint Andrew's t-shirts to wear when we are out and about in the community. Click the link below to place your t-shirt order.

https://impactshirts.chipply.com/standrews/

What a treat to hear from our A-I-R tonight at First Wednesday Potluck & Program! Don't forget to stop by on First Friday to see her Art Exhibition: FROM THE SKETCHBOOKS.

In August of 2024, our Artist-in-Residence’s practice of spending one hour per day in contemplative creativity unfolded within the gifts of sketchbooks. Following travels in New Mexico, the month-long commitment continued in Texas. In her new Art Exhibition, FROM THE SKETCHBOOKS, Atelier Sisk offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a creative life in Spirit - its challenges, joys, materials, and processes - and will hopefully encourage others to set aside time for creative play.

Join us in the Parish Hall on First Friday, September 6, at 6 p.m. to get a first look at the exhibition. The A-I-R will be hosting a fun and family-friendly drawing activity that evening.

We'd love to see you there!

A week full of events happening at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church:

Wednesday, September 4
📖 Rector’s Bible Study: The Book of Genesis at 10A
🎶 Choir Practice at 3P & 7P
🧆 First Wednesday Potluck & Program at 6P

Thursday, September 5
👨‍💼🍳 Men’s Breakfast at 7A
🙎‍♀️🥞 Ladies’ Breakfast at 8:30A

Friday, September 6
🪘Music Play with Ms. Patty at 9:30A
🔔 First Friday Open Doors starts at 6P
✍️ Art Exhibition: From the Sketchbooks at 6P
🛐 Choral Compline at 9P

Sunday, September 8
⛪️ Sunday Services at 7:30A, 9A, & 11:15A
🤲 Confirmation Classes begin 10:15A
📝 Faith Formation for all ages at 10:15A
🌮 Second Sunday Lunch at 12:30P

🌞 Morning Prayer is offered Monday through Friday at 8A
🌙 Evening Prayer is offered Tuesday through Thursday at 5P

The Church Office is closed today, September 2, in observance of Labor Day.

For Labor Day
Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer, p. 261

The new program year for Faith Formation has officially kicked off with an absolutely fantastic start!

The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 1

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Don't forget that today, we return to three services:
7:30 a.m. The Holy Eucharist: Rite I
9:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist: Rite II with Children's Chapel
11:15 a.m. The Holy Eucharist: Rite I with Choir

Faith Formation returns this Sunday at 10:15 a.m. for all ages. Godly Play, StoryMakers, and TeenZine will meet upstairs while the adults meet in the Parish Hall for an Introduction to C.S. Lewis.

Don't forget that we are returning to three services starting Sunday, September 1.

7:30 a.m. Rite I with the Holy Eucharist (quiet service and no music)
9:00 a.m. Rite II with the Holy Eucharist + Children’s Chapel (family-oriented with congregational singing)
10:15 a.m. Faith Formation for all ages
11:15 a.m. Rite I with a Choral Eucharist

Two of our Music Play musicians enjoying Ms. Patty’s drum. 🎶

If you missed Music Play today, join Ms. Patty next Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

For more information about Music Play, visit: https://sites.google.com/view/standrewsmusicplay/home

Join the Women In Need of Episcopal Companionship on Friday, August 30, at 6:00 p.m. at Uncorked in College Station for a night out with fellow Episcopal women. Bring a friend and make new acquaintances.

Saint Andrew's Music Play with Ms. Patty will return starting Friday, August 30, at 9:30 a.m. It is designed for children ages newborn to 5 years and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers. The class is free and open to the community. For their first class, RSVP by contacting the church office.

Sunday, September 1, we will return to three Sunday services. Our Sunday worship includes the Holy Eucharist at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., or 11:15 a.m.

Then, at 10:15 a.m., join us for Faith Formation for all ages. Children and youth will have the opportunity to participate in engaging activities like Godly Play, Storymakers, and Teen Zine upstairs, while adults can gather in the Parish Hall for a thought-provoking Introduction to C.S. Lewis. And don't worry, the nursery is available for children aged four and under, starting at 8:45 a.m.

We are located at 217 W. 26th Street in downtown Bryan.

Just a sneak peek from Rally Day today! Stay tuned for more…

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 25

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Today is Rally Day! The doors will swing wide open, and a welcome will await you! The morning will include worship, ministry booths, food, live music, a bounce house/waterslide, and more. Come one, come all!

It was a lovely morning for coiling baskets. Thank you to our Artist-in-Residence for another wonderful workshop!

Explore the Book of Genesis with Father Daryl this fall! Join us for an in-depth study every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Our first session begins on Wednesday, August 28.

Don't forget to join Fr. Daryl for the Rector's Book Club tonight, August 21, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. This month's book is "Reading Genesis" by Marilynne Robinson. Whether you've finished the book or not, your presence will be valued!

On Wednesday, August 21, at 5:30 p.m., Saint Andrew’s will offer a Public Service of Healing with Holy Communion for mind, body, and spirit.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 18

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Join us for the Holy Eucharist and Blessing of the Backpacks at 7:30 and 10 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., join us for the final session of Spiritual Gifts & Community with Fr. Daryl.

The Saint Andrew’s Choir devoted the morning to perfecting their talents and preparing to share God's glory through another season of exquisite music. A heartfelt thank you to Julia Hall, guest choir clinician, and Dr. Linda Patterson, our esteemed Director of Music! Join us tomorrow at 10 a.m. to witness the incredible talent of our choir!

The slow, contemplative art of coiled basketry pre-dates pottery. It is rich in spiritual symbolism, from the transformative nature of a spiral to an empty basket’s unspoken potential for giving and receiving.

In our coiling circle this August, each participant will learn how to create a miniature basket or the start of a larger one. Bring your own materials or choose from those provided.

Please contact Saint Andrew’s to RSVP.

How are we equipped for ministry? This is the question Fr. Daryl will address in the last session of Adult Faith Formation: Spiritual Gifts & Community on Sunday, August 18, at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-6

What a lovely visit from the Rt. Rev. Orlando Gómez, Bishop of Costa Rica, this evening. He shared about the companion relationship between The Episcopal Diocese of Texas and Iglesia Episcopal Costarricense and how we can reach across cultural and geographic boundaries to form new friendships, prayer partners, pathways for mutual learning, and expanded awareness of each other and the world.

Saint Mary the Virgin
August 15

O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

According to An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been an object of veneration in the church since the Apostolic Age. She has been a favorite subject in art, music, and literature. Her humility and obedience to the message of God at the time of the Incarnation have made her an example for all ages of Christians. The following events of her life are in the NT: her betrothal to Joseph; the annunciation by the angel that she would be the mother of the Messiah; her visit to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist; the birth of Jesus; the visits of the shepherds and the wise men; the presentation of Jesus in the temple; the flight into Egypt; the visit to Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve years old; the wedding at Cana; an occasion when Mary and Jesus' brothers asked to speak to him while he was speaking to the people; the crucifixion when Jesus commended her to John; and the meeting with the apostles in the upper room after the Ascension. Early in church history she was honored and esteemed. Irenaeus called her the New Eve, Athanasius taught her perpetual virginity, and the Council of Ephesus in 431 declared her Theotokos, Mother of God, because of the hypostatic union of divinity and humanity in the one person Jesus Christ. We will celebrate this major feast day with Holy Communion today, August 15, at 12:15 p.m.