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.

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.

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.

During their visit to St. Nicholas’ Greek Orthodox Church, St. Andrew’s youth encountered the beauty and depth of Orthodox worship firsthand—from sacred iconography to treasured reliquaries that connect faith, history, and prayer across generations.

Summer Arts Camp 2026 is open! Children ages 4 through rising 6th grade are invited to a joyful week of art, music, movement, and daily worship at St. Andrew's On-the-Sound. Camp runs June 22–26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Daily snacks are included, and the week culminates in a music performance and art show. Cost is $45 per camper.

We are pleased to announce the slate of vestry candidates for the Class of 2026: Stephen Clinard, Jane Mickelson, Melinda Rider, and Stephen Schillreff . These candidates will be voted on at the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, December 14. We give thanks for their willingness to serve and for their dedication to the life and ministry of St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound. Read more about each candidate: Steve Clinard has been a member of St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound since 2002. He and h

Confirmation is a sacrament—or a sacramental rite—in which the candidates “express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop”

For over a century, St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound Episcopal Church has been a place of worship, service, and connection along Wrightsville Sound. The First 100 Years is a beautifully written and richly illustrated book that tells the inspiring story of our parish—from its quiet beginnings at Lebanon Chapel to the vibrant ministries of today.