It’s Friday, a day of darkness, suffering, and loss, when hope seems gone. But Sunday is coming—a day of light, resurrection, and new life. Even in our darkest moments, we hold on, trusting that hope will rise again.

On April 22, 2026, our youth partnered with Addie Catz Sanctuary to assemble 21 adoption care packages for rescued cats. Along the way, they learned about rescue work, compassion, and caring for animals in need.

If you read my article last week, you will remember I have asked the children 5 years of age through the Fifth Grade, in our Christian education classes, to memorize the words of the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23 this Lent. These comforting words will last them a lifetime.

The Ninth Annual Shuck-On-the-Sound Oyster Roast brought parishioners and friends together for a beautiful spring afternoon filled with oysters, music, and fellowship. With special thanks to Kevin Davidson, the Hospitality Committee, and all who helped make the event possible, it was a joyful celebration of community at its best.

Each summer, young people from across the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina gather along the shores of Bogue Sound for a special experience of faith, friendship, and outdoor adventure at Trinity Center. Camp Trinity is a summer camp program for students in grades 2 through 12. Set in the beautiful coastal landscape between Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, the camp provides a place where young people can step away from the routines of daily life and discover the joy of Ch

Prior to the season of Lent, I asked Caroline Johnson, our Director of Christian Formation, to have the children of St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound memorize Psalm 23 and The Lord’s Prayer during this Lenten season. I have asked this because these are words that will last children for the remainder of their lives. Over years of my ministry, in pastoral situations, I have prayed The Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23 with countless individuals. Even for those not aware of what was going on,

Children in the Atrium explore the world of Holy Week by building the City of Jerusalem.

One of the beautiful ways we live out our faith at St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound is through partnership with ministries that care for families in need. Recently, our congregation came together for a Household Supply Drive to support Family Promise, and the response was truly inspiring. What follows is a heartfelt note of thanks from Niki Bloomquist, sharing the impact of your generosity and the opportunities still ahead. As you read, we hope you will celebrate what God is doing t

Our life as Episcopalians is shaped by common prayer and shared tables. We gather around the altar each Sunday, and we gather around kitchen tables during the week. In both places, God meets us. The same grace we encounter in bread and wine is echoed in flour and water, in hands working together, in simple food shared with gratitude. Through ordinary things, Christ forms us into one body.

Most of our lives now exist online — and whether we plan for it or not, our families inherit that reality. After years working in IT and watching technology evolve from punch cards to artificial intelligence, I’ve seen how dramatically our lives have shifted into the digital world. This article explores what our digital presence means — and how planning ahead can turn what we leave behind into a blessing rather than a burden.

Showing Up for One Another — One Meal at a Time Looking for a simple, meaningful way to care for our church family? Consider joining the Meal Train Team . Throughout the year, we organize meal trains to support parishioners during important life moments — welcoming a new baby, recovering from surgery, grieving a loss, or navigating a challenging season. In these times, even small gestures can carry great comfort. A home-cooked meal (or a favorite takeout delivery) can ease s

There’s still time to make a difference. Our Household Supply Drive for Family Promise runs through February 28 , and we invite the entire parish to help us finish strong. The Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) is leading this effort to support Family Promise , an organization that serves families experiencing homelessness and housing instability in the Cape Fear region. Through practical assistance, stable housing support, and compassionate care, Family Promise helps families r

Last Sunday evening, February 22, our Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) gathered for a meaningful and joy-filled night together. In addition to sharing dinner and fellowship, our youth worked on a special outreach project—assembling college care packages for students connected to our parish community. With enthusiasm and care, they put together twelve college care packages , each one filled with thoughtful items and handwritten notes of encouragement. College students today fac

Whose dignity matters? Our faith gives a clear answer: everyone’s. Safety built on fear is an illusion. True safety comes when we replace fear with compassion, violence with justice, and unchecked power with accountability. In the face of fear, we choose hope.

Shrove Tuesday was a joyful celebration of fellowship, music, and shared tradition as we prepared to enter the season of Lent. In the Episcopal Church, this feast day marks a final moment of gathering before Ash Wednesday, inviting us to move from celebration into reflection. Thanks to your generosity, donations from the evening will directly support our youth program, helping nurture faith, leadership, and community among our young people.

Lent invites us into a quieter rhythm of prayer, reflection, and renewed intention. Whether through Morning Prayer, a simple candlelit moment, or reading from the Book of Common Prayer, this season offers space to draw nearer to Christ. Explore meaningful resources for all ages and discover simple ways to keep a holy Lent at home and in daily life. Come and see.

A welcoming church doesn’t start with signage or branding—it starts with people. When members practice small, intentional acts of grace, guests feel it right away. A warm introduction, an invitation to sit together, clear guidance, and patient kindness toward families all communicate belonging. Church culture is shaped not by programs, but by everyday habits that reflect the heart of Christ.

St. Andrew’s youth are leading a supply drive for Family Promise, an organization that helps prevent and end homelessness for families with children. We’re collecting household essentials like paper towels, laundry detergent, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies. Donations can be dropped off in the Old Parish Hall.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday: 40 days of repentance and renewal, preparing our hearts to grow closer to Jesus before Easter.

A journey of peace is unfolding one step at a time. Nearly 20 Buddhist monks are walking from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., carrying a simple message of compassion, unity, and inner peace. Welcomed by supporters across the country and followed worldwide, the monks walk not to protest, but to remind us that peace already lives within each of us—and that even small steps can spark meaningful change.