tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56371422011-09-13T17:42:27.930-05:00Welcome to the weblog of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Mer Rouge, Louisiana.Kennoreply@blogger.comBlogger961100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-78945383259676752142010-04-02T10:02:00.001-05:002010-04-02T10:03:23.786-05:00

Why do Christians call this day “Good?” How can the day that Jesus died be considered good? The answer lies in the Good that comes from this day. From this day come Easter and the resurrection! From this day come forgiveness and life everlasting! As God always does, God draws good from this day. God draws good from whatever ever happens. Perhaps from the worst of all events, God draws the very

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-90493453636665255332010-03-27T20:02:00.000-05:002010-03-27T20:02:02.149-05:00

St. Andrew's and Church of the Redeemer will have a very active Holy Week. This is fitting since it is the climax of the Church's year. Our schedule is as follows: Palm Sunday: Holy Eucharist at Oak Woods – 1:00 p.m. FUEL at St. Andrew’s – 4:00 p.m. Holy Monday: Fr. Whit - Holy Week Lunch – 12:00 Noon - First United Methodist Church, Bastrop Evening Prayer – 6:30 p.m. - Begin Holy Week by

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-51029905022631274572009-03-31T08:09:00.007-05:002009-03-31T19:23:27.838-05:00

If you would like to make donation for lillies as a memorial or gift for the church's Easter celebration, now is the time. Please contact Ken Brodie or Fr. Whit to make your donation and specify who is to be remembered. There will also be a sign-up sheet at the church and an envelope for your contribution.Thanks for your help in making our church beautiful at Easter!

Kennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-38222918673453383762009-03-27T13:10:00.006-05:002009-03-28T11:31:49.323-05:00

Please join us for one or all of the following chances to worship during Holy Week and on Easter:Palm Sunday: Holy Eucharist - 9:30 a.m.Stations of the Cross for Teenagers – 6:30 p.m.Holy Monday:Evening Prayer – 6:30 p.m.Begin Holy Week by joining us as we read Evening Prayer.Holy Tuesday:Fr. Whit will be away for the Mass of Collegiality.Holy Wednesday:Holy Eucharist – 6:30 p.m.Maundy Thursday:

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-432273199119186962009-02-08T14:53:00.005-06:002009-02-09T19:04:46.506-06:00

Bishop MacPherson will make his annual visit to St. Andrew's and Church of Redeemer on March 8, 2009. Because he is visiting both churches, we will have a simple early brunch at St. Andrew's beginning at 8:30 a.m.Following the Eucharist, the Bishop and Fr. Whit will travel to Redeemer for the 11:00 a.m. Eucharist. Redeemer will also host a small reception for the Bishop following their worship.

Kennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-78273605585381812812009-02-07T10:52:00.004-06:002009-02-07T11:04:49.266-06:00

All college, high school and middle school students in the Diocese of Western Louisiana are invited to attend this annual event hosted by the Bishop and his wife, Susan.This year's event will be held on February 14, Valentine's Day from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Alexandria. Complimentary bus transportation is provided and our bus will leave from Grace Episcopal

Whit+noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-55395960092262688922009-02-07T10:47:00.003-06:002009-02-07T10:48:20.953-06:00

Shrove Tuesday (named for the shriving or confession and absolution of the faithful) is the Church’s name for the day proceeding Ash Wednesday. Most of us in Louisiana know it as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. It is one last day to celebrate before the more penitent days of Lent. On Tuesday, February 24, 2009, St. Andrew’s will host its Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. We’ll have the pancakes,

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-43362725841891389062009-02-07T10:40:00.003-06:002009-02-07T10:43:49.191-06:00

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2009. St. Andrew’s will have two liturgies that day. The Ash Wednesday Liturgy with Eucharist will be held at Noon and 6:30 p.m. Join us for the imposition of ashes and Eucharist as we begin our Lenten preparation.

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-50443583382411490842009-02-06T16:55:00.005-06:002009-02-06T19:59:31.673-06:00

Dear Members and Friends,As you may or may not know, I have been asked to chair the altar guild of St. Andrew's Church. It is the time of year that we need to make a new schedule of the upcoming year. I would like to ask anyone who would like to serve our Lord and our church in this way to please let me or Fr. Whit know.I personally have found that serving God in this way is very meaningful and

Kennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-6675456295499847282009-02-06T15:56:00.003-06:002009-02-06T16:34:54.333-06:00

St. Andrew's current calendar of events will now be posted at the bottom of this page.To add an event to the calendar, just contact Fr. Whit or Ken Brodie.

Whit+noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-64613072102866487242009-02-06T10:40:00.007-06:002009-02-06T11:20:16.851-06:00

Ken Brodie will also be editing and contributing content to St. Andrew's weblog now. This along with our newsletter improvements should help keep the church informed about upcoming events and news. Look for posts with my name on them and be sure to let me know if you have something to contribute to our blog.

Kennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-3348105342344136452008-12-18T19:18:00.001-06:002008-12-18T19:21:35.880-06:00

Join us at St. Andrew’s and Church of the Redeemer as we celebrate Christmas, the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Please refer to the list of times below – we are sure you will find these worship services a way to deepen your Christmas celebration.Christmas Eve Holy Communion at 5:00 p.m. with reception following at Church of the Redeemer, Oak Ridge.Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at St. Andrew's

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-90441817358577333672008-02-29T14:48:00.006-06:002008-03-22T09:23:47.819-05:00

St. Andrew's will offer a wide variety of worship opportunities from Palm Sunday through Holy Week and Easter. Please take note of these liturgies and join us to deepen your Easter worship.Palm Sunday, March 16:Holy Eucharist – 9:30 a.m.Stations of the Cross for Teenagers – 6:30 p.m.This is something new this year for the youth. It is a Stations of the Cross liturgy geared to the concerns of

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-75963597457012173132008-02-02T11:28:00.000-06:002008-11-12T19:52:22.274-06:00

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 6, 2008. St. Andrew’s will have two liturgies that day. The Ash Wednesday Liturgy with Eucharist will be held at Noon and 6:30 p.m. Join us for the imposition of ashes and Eucharist as we begin our Lenten preparation.

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-36136604816094942052008-02-02T11:24:00.000-06:002008-11-12T19:52:22.422-06:00

Shrove Tuesday (named for the shriving or confession and absolution of the faithful) is the Church’s name for the day proceeding Ash Wednesday. Most of us in Louisiana know it as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. It is one last day to celebrate before the more penitent days of Lent. On Tuesday, February 5, 2008, St. Andrew’s will host its Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. We’ll have the pancakes,

Whit+noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-85076136341938848862008-01-13T11:58:00.000-06:002008-01-13T12:01:35.691-06:00

St. Andrew’s Church will hold its Annual Meeting and a Brunch on Sunday, January 20, 2008 following the liturgy. We will elect an new Vestry member, Diocesan Convention Delegates and approve the 2008 Budget. We will also talk about our goals and plans for the year. Please join us!

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-8742861145315905722007-12-24T12:15:00.000-06:002008-02-02T11:24:07.636-06:00

European humor at its best! This should be a warning to us preachers… don’t bore your people, and watch out for Mr. Bean. (Thanks to O.L. Harper for this!)

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-66870753888192079152007-12-24T10:57:00.000-06:002007-12-24T11:10:10.913-06:00

Join us at St. Andrew’s and Church of the Redeemer as we celebrate Christmas, the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Please refer to the list of times below – we are sure you will find these worship services a way to deepen your Christmas celebration.Christmas Eve Holy Communion at 5:00 p.m. with reception following at Church of the Redeemer, Oak Ridge.Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at St. Andrew's

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-58683805208028934052007-04-03T16:55:00.000-05:002007-04-03T16:57:16.649-05:00

“Alleluia! Christ is risen.”“The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!”Our Easter proclamation is the thing that allows us to have hope. We live in a world were filled with death and unhappiness. Yet on Easter, we proclaim our trust in a God who is able to bring life out of death. Nothing, not even death, is the last word, if God is our hope. The same God who raised Jesus from death is our God and no

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-56426222980215344332007-04-03T16:54:00.000-05:002007-04-03T16:55:23.611-05:00

Dawnell Smith Stodghill will be ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop MacPherson on Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. This will be a wonderful celebration with many guests. Please join us!

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-72723131332436152472007-04-03T16:53:00.000-05:002007-04-03T16:54:13.813-05:00

Parents and other Adults wanting to help take a rotation as a Sunday School teacher are asked to meet with Fr. Whit following the liturgy on April 22, 2007. Please join us!

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-20340724609404186822007-04-03T16:50:00.000-05:002007-04-03T16:53:01.523-05:00

Holy Monday:Evening Prayer – 6:30 p.m.Begin Holy Week by joining us as we read Evening Prayer, part of the Church’s daily office. Holy Tuesday:Fr. Whit will be away for the Mass of Collegiality at Church of the Redeemer in Ruston, Louisiana.Holy Wednesday:Holy Eucharist – 6:30 p.m.Maundy Thursday:Holy Eucharist and Foot Washing – 6:30 p.m. - The Maundy Thursday Liturgy is a beautiful service that

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-43267787360563243732007-03-22T14:54:00.000-05:002007-03-22T15:01:37.807-05:00

From the Episcopal News Service on March 22, 2007 By Neva Rae FoxEpiscopal Life Online has been launched to widen church coverage. Faster access to current churchwide headlines is now offered via the new website, Episcopal Life Online. The site offers reporting from Episcopal Life, the award-winning monthly printed newspaper, along with the latest coverage from Episcopal News Service [ENS].

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-32127707902390968782007-02-15T16:39:00.000-06:002007-02-15T16:44:42.532-06:00

Offering an online overview of news and views "left, right and center," the Episcopal Church's Office of Communication has launched anew web log, or blog -- available at http://episcopalchurch.typepad.com/episcope/.Called "epiScope: looking over the Episcopal Church," the blog seeks "to add perspective and context to some stories, and to correct the record in other instances," said the Episcopal

Whit+noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-46787357068506722602007-02-03T20:59:00.000-06:002008-11-12T19:52:22.836-06:00

Bishop MacPherson has been asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury to come to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. At that time, he and two other Bishops from the Episcopal Church have been asked to make presentations to the meeting of the Primates. One is Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburg, the convener of the Anglican Communion Network. The other is the Presiding Bishop's ecumenical officer, Bishop Chris

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-85721561137114249792007-01-01T21:28:00.000-06:002008-11-12T19:52:23.051-06:00

St. Andrew’s new adult education class will begin on January 17th at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. We will be reading and studying The Acts of the Apostles. Our texts for the course are The New Collegeville Commentary; The Acts of the Apostles by Dennis Hamm and The New Daily Study Bible; The Acts of the Apostles by William Barclay. The books are available at Amazon.com. Students will also need

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-36646998874946172032007-01-01T21:26:00.000-06:002007-01-01T21:27:53.741-06:00

St. Andrew’s and Church of the Redeemer had two exciting Christmas Projects this year. First, the children, with the help of adults, put together 100 gift bags for the residents of Oak Woods Home for the Elderly here in Mer Rouge. The bags contained tissue, chapstick, lotion and a holiday snack. The residents loved it when the children delivered the bags with a hug!Second, all the Christmas Eve

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-3257590598434815552007-01-01T21:25:00.000-06:002007-01-01T21:35:23.377-06:00

Happening is a program designed for high school youth. The weekend retreat seeks to bring young persons to a fuller knowledge of what it means to be a Christian and to a deeper level of commitment to doing God’s work. Father Whit will serve as a spiritual director for Happening which will be held a Camp Hardtner on the weekend of January 26th, 27th and 28th. Please keep the candidates and staff

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-51653425005110720872007-01-01T21:24:00.000-06:002007-01-01T21:25:38.979-06:00

Confirmation Class will be held January 7th, 14th, 21st, and February 4th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Dinner and a good time will be provided.

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-16708661595989305262007-01-01T21:23:00.000-06:002007-01-01T21:24:04.487-06:00

St. Andrew’s will hold its Annual Meeting and Parish Potluck Lunch on January 21st following the liturgy. We will elect a new vestry member and delegates to convention. Please join us.

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-10308560653992782007-01-01T20:13:00.000-06:002007-01-01T20:28:37.436-06:00

We have a new look for At the Crossroads - Online for 2007. Please let us know what you think.

Whit+noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1150683777686357632006-06-18T21:20:00.000-05:002006-06-18T21:43:14.273-05:00

Katharine Jefferts Schori, bishop of the Diocese of Nevada, has been elected June 18 by the House of Bishops as the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. The House of Deputies has confirmed the election, as is required by church canons. Bishop Schori said: “I am awed and honoured and deeply privileged to have been elected.” Bidding farewell to Nevada, she thanked its people, “who

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1149904786848313682006-06-09T20:58:00.000-05:002006-06-09T20:59:46.856-05:00

News about the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church may be found at this link. Please pray for our Bishop, our deputation and all attending.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1128026732617351642005-09-29T15:32:00.000-05:002005-10-08T12:25:35.966-05:00

We continue to offer Bingo as a way to pass the time for the evacuees out at King's Camp. About eighty people are living out at the camp from the Magnolia School located in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. The developmentally delayed adults and the staff from the school have been at King's Camp for almost a month and should return to their homes at the end of September. We served soft drinks and

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1126812418246509942005-09-15T14:12:00.000-05:002005-09-15T14:32:54.830-05:00

The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, in Pleasant Hill, California, sent a package of beautiful cards made by children and adults at their church. Church of the Resurrection was one of the churchs that Whit and Dawnell were involved in while in California. The church sent half the cards to St. Andrew's and the other half to Camp Hardtner for the evacuees and as way to support those of us

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1126811213190195462005-09-15T13:45:00.000-05:002005-09-15T14:10:33.326-05:00

Our dinner for the evacuees at King's Camp, near Mer Rouge, was a big sucess! The group from the church meet around 5:00 p.m. and headed out with cars loaded with drinks, food and smiling faces. As we drove up, people started heading for the cafeteria. The evacuess are developmentally delayed adults and the staff that serves them. After the blessing, there was a loud, "Amen," and everyone lined

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1126726706718866082005-09-14T14:33:00.000-05:002005-09-14T14:38:26.723-05:00

President Bush asked all Americans to pray on Friday, September 16, 2005 for all whose lives have been touched by hurricane Katrina. We will gather that day at 6:30 p.m at St. Andrews for Evening Prayer. Please join us to pray for those who have died, those who suffer and all those who are working to help.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1126659023386876562005-09-13T19:41:00.000-05:002005-09-13T19:50:23.390-05:00

St. Andrew's and Church of the Redeemer members will provide dinner for a group of about fifty developmentally disabled nursing home evacuees at King's Camp just outside of Mer Rouge on Wednesday night, September 14, 2005. The evacuess and the staff who serve them (about thirty workers) will have a meal of chicken spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, peach cobbler and ice cream. Thanks to all our

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1126281552093308572005-09-09T10:50:00.000-05:002005-09-09T10:59:12.093-05:00

Members of St. Andrew's and Church of the Redeemer have been busy with hurricane relief efforts. Food and clothing were delivered to the Bastrop Municipal Center for distribution. Others worked to provide a computer with internet access at the Municipal Center for evacuees to use to file necessary paperwork and check on the where-a-bouts of loved ones. Another group is working to host a Bingo

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1126280893173342402005-09-09T10:43:00.000-05:002005-09-09T10:48:37.030-05:00

Our brothers and sisters at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in San Rafael, California raised $2550, which was sent to the Diocese of Western Louisiana for hurricane relief. The Rector at Church of the Nativity is the Rev'd Stacey Grossman and was a classmate of Whit and Dawnell at seminary. Thanks!

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1124719780906368892005-08-22T09:07:00.000-05:002005-08-22T09:09:40.913-05:00

Here is the link for a great new weblog about other Episcopal weblogs. There is also a link for a "ring" on the site that lets you move from blog to blog. Check it out and have fun surfing.http://episcoblogs.blogspot.com/

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1122922256645901712005-08-01T13:33:00.000-05:002005-08-01T14:04:19.443-05:00

Now At the Crossroads - Online can feature pictures. This one is from our recent submittal to the National Episcopal Church's Historians and Archivist for their 2006 Historic Episcopal Churches Engagement Calendar. The photo was taken by Guy W. Carwile. Mr. Carwile is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Louisiana Tech University and a member of The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Ruston

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1112319445271125152005-03-31T19:26:00.000-06:002005-04-01T08:10:47.496-06:00

St. Andrew's new adult education class is underway. We are reading The Question of God by Armand M. Nicholi, Jr. and watching video clips from the P.B.S. documentary of the same name. "C. S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud debate God, Love, Sex and the Meaning of Life," in this fascinating book. Class discussion will be based on the readings and video segments. Join us on Wednesday nights in the parish

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1103553721133034012004-12-20T08:38:00.000-06:002004-12-20T08:42:01.133-06:00

She was five, and sure of the facts, and recited them with solemn solemnity, convinced every word was revelation. She said they were so poor they had only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to eat and they went a long way from home without getting lost. The lady rode a donkey, the man walked, and the baby was inside the lady. They had to stay in a stable with an ox and an ass (hee-hee) but the

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1102035969353180542004-12-02T19:04:00.000-06:002004-12-06T17:24:56.780-06:00

The reading from Isaiah for the First Sunday of Advent uses the image of beating swords into plowshares. We might say in our time, “One day, we will make tanks into tractors.” These words remind us that peace is a precious thing. The kingdom of God, when it comes, will be a place of peace and it is our charge to help bring that kingdom. This year, as we prepare our hearts for the birth of our

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1102035789383061122004-12-02T19:01:00.000-06:002004-12-02T19:03:09.383-06:00

Join us at St. Andrew’s and Church of the Redeemer as we celebrate Christmas, the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Please refer to the list of times below – we are sure you can find a worship time that will fit your holiday schedule. Holy Communion at 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve – with reception - Church of the Redeemer, Oak Ridge. Christmas Eve Midnight Mass - St. Andrew’s. Christmas hymns

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1102035292229194652004-12-02T18:52:00.000-06:002004-12-02T18:54:52.230-06:00

The Episcopal Diocese of Washington unveiled its first online Advent calendar today as a joint venture with the National Cathedral's Visitor Programs office. The Calendar can be found on-line at: http://www.edow.org/spirituality/advent/index.html

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1087427865352453992004-06-16T18:14:00.000-05:002004-06-16T18:20:54.786-05:00

Gracious God, we remember and pray today for fathers everywhere. We ask your blessing on our own fathers, for the fathers of those we love, and for the grace to be fathers ourselves to those who are in need. We ask this and all our prayers in the name of God our Father, through Jesus Christ his child, with the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thanks to The Rev. Stacey Grossman for

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1086656609162999402004-06-07T19:58:00.000-05:002004-06-07T20:03:29.163-05:00

The first of June marks two anniversaries for our rector. On June 1, 1996, Whit was ordained a deacon in the Church and on June 7, 1997, he was ordained priest. So, today marks Whit's 7th anniversary as a priest.

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1086137748209832812004-06-01T19:52:00.000-05:002004-06-01T19:55:48.210-05:00

Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EFM, is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1085970005714472192004-05-30T21:17:00.000-05:002004-05-30T21:20:05.713-05:00

This prayer is from The Book of Common Prayer, page 839. For Heroic Service O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1084319994998441082004-05-11T18:55:00.000-05:002004-05-11T19:01:50.990-05:00

On Sunday, May 16th, Church of the Redeemer will have its annual Rogation Sunday Celebration and blessing of the fields. Crosses will also be blessed for all to take home to their own fields or gardens. The Holy Eucharist begins at 11:00 a.m. Following the Eucharist and blessing, a brunch will be held. Please make plans to join us.

Whit+noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1081041587315641052004-04-03T19:19:00.000-06:002004-04-04T17:18:14.920-05:00

We hope that Holy Week and Easter will be exciting and meaningful time. We have many things planned. Please join us! Holy Wednesday: Holy Eucharist, Rite Two – 6:00 p.m. Adult Education Class - 6:30 p.m. – Meets in the parish hall. Maundy Thursday: Holy Eucharist and Foot Washing - 7:00 p.m. - The Maundy Thursday Liturgy is a beautiful service that includes foot washing where we remember Jesus

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1080865673593199552004-04-01T18:27:00.000-06:002004-04-01T18:30:31.796-06:00

There is no evil that humankind can commit that Jesus has not taken upon himself and carried freely to the Cross. Through the Cross, evil has been defeated, and life in all its unimagined fullness–-animated by God’s mercy and truth, God’s justness and peace--has been unleashed upon an unsuspecting world. Such is the power of the resurrection. Such is the ground of our hope. Such is the root of

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1079391477572210122004-03-15T16:57:00.000-06:002004-03-18T19:31:55.450-06:00

For the past few days a steady stream of clothes have been arriving at St. Andrew's by mail. We have received four big boxes. The clothes are being sent from Ruth's House Thrift Store in Haverhill, Massachusetts. They are to a gift to be forwarded to the Sanyu Babies' Home in Africa. We are planning on sending them on to Africa this week. We really appreciate the help we have received from

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1074813491758073372004-01-22T17:18:00.000-06:002004-01-22T17:23:56.123-06:00

There is an excellent letter on the Episcopal News Service from our Presiding Bishop and Primate, Frank Griswold, about the state of the Church. I encourage you all to read it.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1074733536813670382004-01-21T19:05:00.000-06:002004-01-21T19:08:25.170-06:00

St. Andrew's will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25th. Following the liturgy, we will have a short break for coffee and then gather in the church for our 2004 meeting. One vestry-person will be elected along with a slate of new convention delegates. Preparations for our 150th Anniversary celebration will also be discussed. Following the meeting, we will gather for a potluck luncheon

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1073862841430529302004-01-11T17:14:00.000-06:002004-01-11T17:15:18.890-06:00

Happening is a program designed for high school youth. The weekend retreat seeks to bring young persons to a fuller knowledge of what it means to be a Christian and to a deeper level of commitment to doing God’s work. During the weekend, participants experience the love of our Lord Jesus Christ as shown through the sacraments and the ministry of fellow students, clergy, and lay adults. Teens are

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1073700033454419882004-01-09T20:00:00.000-06:002004-01-10T16:57:42.623-06:00

Renovation of St. Andrew's kitchen is well underway. All of the appliances are being replaced, cabinets and countertops reworked, a dishwasher added and much more. But, that's not all... Painting of the nave and chancel will soon be underway and the restroom renovation will be completed. Come take a look around - but watch out for the dust!

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1073350688855151502004-01-05T18:58:00.000-06:002004-01-05T19:00:43.826-06:00

Each year on January 6th, we celebrate The Epiphany. It is the day when we remember that Jesus was recognized not only by the his own people, the Jews, as special, but also by the people of of the nations, or gentiles. The wise men symbolize this recognition by their coming to visit the child and their presentation of gifts. May each of us come to our own epiphany about who Jesus is and what he

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1073259789417832412004-01-04T17:43:00.000-06:002004-01-05T13:34:16.500-06:00

Shortly after Christmas, we received and e-mail from a volunteer at Ruth's House Thrift Store in Haverhill, Massachusetts. They had been searching around on the world wide web looking for a place that needed some children and babies' clothing and found our article about the Sanyu Babies' Home in At the Crossroads - Online. After a couple of e-mails, to work out the details, they are sending us

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1072974559403552352004-01-01T10:29:00.000-06:002004-01-01T11:25:14.716-06:00

Everybody knows the old southern tradition of eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day. It is supposed to bring a good new year, good luck and prosperity. It you feel like you need a little help this year, click here for some good recipes, or better yet - make it your new year's resolution to come to church. Prayer, study and good friends will surely help you more than a few peas once a year!

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1072918667982256772003-12-31T18:57:00.000-06:002003-12-31T18:58:53.966-06:00

Here's wishing you all a safe and happy new year's eve and 2004. May the peace of God which passes all understanding be with you now and always.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1072488995513835962003-12-26T19:36:00.000-06:002003-12-26T19:37:36.903-06:00

St. Andrew's and Church of the Redeemer both had wonderful Christmas celebrations. Combined attendance for our Christmas liturgies was 116 and included lots of children. Thanks to you all for bringing family and friends to celebrate with us the birth of our Lord.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1072488616062573302003-12-26T19:30:00.000-06:002003-12-26T19:32:26.390-06:00

Thanks to the nice people at Blogger, At the Crossroads - Online is now ad free and looks better than ever!

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1071789550595661972003-12-18T17:19:00.000-06:002003-12-18T17:21:50.373-06:00

Please join us to celebrate Christmas at one of the following liturgies: Holy Communion - 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve – Church of the Redeemer. Christmas Eve Midnight Mass - St. Andrew’s - Hymns begin at 10:45 p.m. Christmas Day - Holy Communion at 11:00 a.m. – St. Andrew’s.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1071330175237808582003-12-13T09:42:00.000-06:002003-12-13T09:43:43.450-06:00

St. Andrew's and Church of the Redeemer are collecting clothes for children and babies this year as our Christmas project. The clothes will be sent to the Sanyu Babies' Home in Africa. This orphanage cares for children who have lost their parents to AIDS. It is an ongoing outreach project of the Church of the Redeemer. Please help us!

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1071329922586122902003-12-13T09:38:00.000-06:002003-12-13T09:39:30.840-06:00

Bobbie Coats Wondrasch’s sister and family are celebrating her birthday this year with the Twelve Days of Bobbie’s Birthday. As part of this celebration, Bobbie is being prayed for in four churches around the country on Sunday, December 14th, the fourth day of her birthday! Happy Birthday Bobbie!

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1070232920331624912003-11-30T16:55:00.000-06:002003-11-30T17:06:51.340-06:00

The Bishops Ball, for the High School Youth of the diocese will be held at Camp Hardtner on Saturday, December 20th 2003 from 7-10pm. There will be music, food, and fellowship in a Winter Wonderland setting. Dress is formal (don't put away those prom dresses just yet) and admission is any medical item (cough syrup, children's Tylenol, etc) to be used during our January mission trip to Honduras.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1069801159701858122003-11-25T16:59:00.000-06:002003-11-25T17:01:01.716-06:00

There is a spectacular exhibit of Russian icons from the private collection of Daniel Bibb at the Biedenharn Bible Museum in Monroe. Some Mr. Bibb’s collection premiered in 1998 at the Biedenharn Museum, however, many more have been added to the collection and have never before been seen in public. All are welcome. The museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sundays

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1069715374700962672003-11-24T17:09:00.000-06:002003-11-24T17:10:04.733-06:00

St. Andrew’s Church will celebrate Holy Eucharist on Thanksgiving Day at 10:00 a.m. As is our tradition, we will decorate the altar with local produce and plants of the harvest. This celebration helps complete our Rogation Day blessing of the fields and gives us all a chance to thank God for the bounty of the harvest. Thanks to all who helped by bringing decorations. Please join us!

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1065917806214251002003-10-11T19:16:00.000-05:002003-10-11T19:19:32.753-05:00

St. Andrew's next family night is Wednesday, October 15th at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Our theme for this month's family night is Asian Food. For some great recipe ideas, click here.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1065917381021798892003-10-11T19:09:00.000-05:002003-10-11T19:14:02.053-05:00

On Wednesday, October 15th, Godly Play will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Christ Church in Bastrop. This program of Christian Education is a joint effort of St. Andrew's and Christ Church. This is the third year for the program which draws between fifteen to twenty students a week. Godly Play is open to children from 3 to 10 years old. Come let your child try it out! Homework Club is a study group that

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1065578996798777902003-10-07T21:09:00.000-05:002003-10-07T21:14:39.983-05:00

St. Andrew’s has several things planned for Halloween and All Saints’ this year that should make the event spooktacluar! On Friday, October 17th, Jr. High and High School age youth will meet at Messiah Lutheran Church in Monroe at 6:00 p.m. to go to The Edge of Madness in Calhoun. After the screaming, we will eat, tell each other all about it and return home. This event is sponsored by MAYO -

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1065578144346308692003-10-07T20:55:00.000-05:002003-10-07T20:55:43.700-05:00

The Monroe Convocation will meet on Sunday, October 19th at 3:00 p.m. in Kilbourne Hall at Grace Church in Monroe. We will be electing a layman* to the Diocesan Executive Committee for a three-year term. It will also serve as a chance to have a pre-convention briefing. * Please note that we alternate between laymen and laywomen. Since the retiring member is a woman, we will elect a man in the

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1064363636802807422003-09-23T19:29:00.000-05:002003-09-23T19:45:15.830-05:00

Come visit us at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Holy Eucharist (Communion) is celebrated at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday. We are located at the intersection of Louisiana Highways 133 and 2 in Mer Rouge, Louisiana. Click here for a map.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1064068600238209012003-09-20T09:30:00.000-05:002003-09-20T09:37:42.016-05:00

As many of you know, I am on the board of trustees for All Saints' Episcopal School in Vicksburg, Mississippi. All Saints' is a truly fine school with great faculty, students and staff. The buildings and grounds are beautiful as well. The only way to really experience the school is to visit it, but the next best thing is their super website. Its address is www.allsaintsweb.com. Take a look. All

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1063322750535650142003-09-11T18:21:00.000-05:002003-09-11T18:28:24.353-05:00

St. Andrew's next Family Night Potluck is Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. The theme for the evening is Italian Food. For some Italian style super supper recipes from Food Network, click here. Join us for a great evening of fellowship and fun!

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1063116986105951212003-09-09T09:16:00.000-05:002003-09-09T09:16:26.263-05:00

The Roman Caltholic, Lutheran and Episcopal Churches have a joint ministry for students and faculty at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (U.L.M.). The Backdoor Coffeehouse meets twice a month at U.L.M.'s Catholic Student Center on Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. We drink coffee, share some snacks and discuss issues of theological and religious interest. Join us this Thursday, September 11, 2003

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1063116635314119162003-09-09T09:10:00.000-05:002003-09-09T09:10:35.380-05:00

It is hard to believe that another September 11th is here. Please remember in your prayers all those who died that day and all those left behind. St. Andrew's will remember the events of September 11th at our celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sunday, September 14, 2003.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1062797961753106642003-09-05T16:39:00.000-05:002003-09-05T16:40:50.293-05:00

The Monroe Convocation of the Diocese of Western Louisiana met at Grace Episcopal Church in Monroe on September 4, 2003. Our bishop, The Rt. Rev'd D. Bruce MacPherson shared some of his thoughts about the events of the 2003 General Convention with the group. The Bishop then openned the floor to the laity and clergy of the convocation. Many there shared stories of how they had studied the

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1062207622448274412003-08-29T20:40:00.000-05:002003-08-29T20:40:22.436-05:00

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

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1061850570234118042003-08-25T17:29:00.000-05:002003-08-25T17:31:58.616-05:00

At the Crossroads - Online is our new web-based parish newsletter - but how many of you really check in and read it? If you are one of our readers, drop us an e-mail by using the link at the left. Thanks for checking in!

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1061850157212954982003-08-25T17:22:00.000-05:002003-08-25T17:23:06.210-05:00

St. Andrew's Adult Education Class will begin soon. We will be reading The Old Testament - An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible by Stephen L. Harris and Robert L. Platzner. Class begins on September 3, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Come and join us for the first class and see if you would like to attend. Food, fun and fellowship are part of every session!

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1061646146047247192003-08-23T08:42:00.000-05:002003-08-23T08:43:25.493-05:00

As we read in Bishop MacPherson's Pastoral Letter of August 10, the laity and clergy of the Monroe Convocation will gather at Grace Episcopal Church, in Monroe, on September 4, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in Kilborne Hall to discuss the events of the 2003 General Convention. Please make plans to attend this important meeting.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1061335609309893272003-08-19T18:26:00.000-05:002003-08-19T20:23:07.676-05:00

St. Andrew's will have its August Family Night Potluck on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Bring a dish and join us for good food, fun and fellowship. Need a recipe? Click here for a link to Food Network's Mexican recipes.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1061310556730211662003-08-19T11:29:00.000-05:002003-08-19T11:30:57.953-05:00

Information and resources assembled by Episcopalians opposed the Rev'd Gene Robinson's confirmation as bishop-elect can be found at communionparishes.org. The website includes news, letters, articles and the viewpoints of those against the Church's decision to confirm Canon Robinson.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1061306876127260712003-08-19T10:27:00.000-05:002003-08-19T17:34:37.170-05:00

A parishioner brough me a copy of an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal by Harvey Cox about the Chruch's confirmation of the Rev'd Gene Robinson and the Episcopal Chruch's long history of living with differences. The author supports the decision. The title of the article is A Schism Averted? and is available from the Harvard Divinty School website. Mr. Cox is the Hollis Professor of

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1060810295380599352003-08-13T16:31:00.000-05:002003-08-13T16:41:50.470-05:00

The clergy of the Diocese of Western Louisiana will assemble at St. James Episcopal Church at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2003. They will gather for Eucharist; then join together in the parish hall for a time of conversation about the events of the 2003 General Convention and for lunch. Please note this event is for clergy only. During gatherings that will be offered over the next couple

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1060617245577872952003-08-11T10:54:00.000-05:002003-08-11T18:22:04.613-05:00

St. Andrew's began its discussion of the events of the 74th General Convention at the coffee hour following Holy Communion on August 10, 2003. During the liturgy, a pastoral letter was read from our Bishop, The Rt. Rev'd D. Bruce MacPherson. In the conversation that followed, it is clear that we don't all see this issue the same way. Yet, while we don't all agree, we showed the love in Christ we

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1060375450323519362003-08-08T15:44:00.000-05:002003-08-08T15:44:10.343-05:00

Reacting to events this week at General Convention, the Archbishop of Canterbury has called a special meeting of the primates of the Anglican Communion in London, October 15-16. According to a news release on the Anglican Communion News Service's Web site, Dr. Rowan Williams said a meeting is needed. "I am clear that the anxieties caused by recent developments have reached the point where we

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1060205085604844622003-08-06T16:24:00.000-05:002003-08-06T16:30:21.216-05:00

We have received word from Bishop MacPherson concerning the confirmation of the Rev'd Gene Robinson as bishop coadjutor-elect of New Hampshire. In an e-mail to the clergy of the diocese, our bishop said, "I will be sending a pastoral to you and the entire diocese." The letter will be read in the churches of the diocese on Sunday, August 10, 2003. The bishop is also planning to call the clergy

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1059946093376475362003-08-03T16:28:00.000-05:002003-08-03T16:29:13.876-05:00

News and information about the 74th General Convention can be accessed by clicking here.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1059873357111845282003-08-02T20:15:00.000-05:002003-08-02T20:16:26.246-05:00

St. Andrew's Son Harvest Vacation Bible School was a big success! The Spires' Itsacinch Ranch was transformed into our fair ground. We had great food, music, lessons, crafts and games. The hayride and clown had the kids lined up for more. Thanks to all who helped! This is the third year that Christ Church and St. Andrew's have put together a great V.B.S.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1059753815027434972003-08-01T11:03:00.000-05:002003-08-02T20:00:21.100-05:00

At the Crossroads - Online may be accessed from St. Andrew's Website by clicking the link at the bottom of that page or at the following address - http://standrewsmrla.blogspot.com You may also go directly to St. Andrew's Website from At the Crossroads - Online by clicking the link at your right.

Whit+noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637142.post-1059750436971385502003-08-01T10:07:00.000-05:002003-08-02T20:01:18.856-05:00

On Friday, August 1, 2003, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church began its online newsletter called At the Crossroads - Online. Look for more information soon.

Whit+noreply@blogger.com