Last Sunday, on Senior Sunday, graduating senior Lane Tompkins offered a moving reflection on faith, uncertainty, compassion, and belonging. Rev. Michael Singer asked that the parish share her sermon because of its honesty and grace. Lane’s words were a powerful reminder that faith is not about having all the answers, but about learning to trust God and love others well.

Sunday School and religious education help nurture children and youth in their faith through learning, discussion, and community. As another education year ends, we thank the volunteers, teachers, and parents who support the spiritual growth of young people at St. Andrew’s. Our children are still learning and growing, just as adults are. May we continue to honor the promises made at baptism and share in the responsibility of Christian formation with grace, patience, and love.

A reflection on the importance of family, faith, and shared meals, inspired by the television shows Blue Bloods and Duck Dynasty. Though very different families, both models emphasize gathering around the table to pray, reconnect, and give thanks. The article encourages families and church communities to make time for meaningful fellowship and spiritual connection.

We offer our deepest gratitude to the Rector Search Committee for your tireless work, prayer, and discernment. Your faithfulness, wisdom, and unity have been a true blessing, guiding this sacred process with care and integrity. Because of your dedication, we now look ahead with joy and hope for the future of our parish.

Confirmation is the opportunity to claim for yourself the faith first spoken on your behalf at baptism. In the Episcopal Church, it marks a deeper step into Christian life, as the bishop lays hands on each confirmand and prays for the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide them in faith, community, and responsibility within the Church.

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.

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,

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.

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.

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is more than a festive song. Written during a time of persecution, it served as a hidden catechism for Christians. Each gift symbolizes a core belief of the faith, with the “true love” representing God and the gifts reflecting Scripture, virtues, and teachings. What sounds playful is deeply rooted in Christian history and meaning.

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”