Dear St. Andrew’s Family,
A few things to keep you abreast of all that the Lord is doing in our midst.
Greta’s House
Thanks be to God! All of the needed permits have been secured and construction on Greta’s house is imminent. If you would like to participate, please contact Sparky Witte (843.200.2549 or williamwitte@yahoo.com) or Scott Shellhaas (843.224.7214). Thank you for taking Greta and her family to your heart. It is a joy to assist her/them in such a significant manner.
Women’s Retreat
Wanting to reconnect with our women in this prolonged season of Covid, our women gathered at All Saints Pawleys Island. It was a tremendous time together. Joanne Ellison, Barbara Boatright, Jacqui Wood, and Sally Wallace were the speakers. The talks were recorded, touch base with Sally if you’d like to hear them (SWallace@StAndrews.Church).
They looked at the theme of friendship; friendship with God and friendship with one another. The reports back this week have been so very encouraging. Equally encouraging was my discovery that almost half of the women were under the age of 40! It is so good to see the Lord gather women from across the generations for mutual encouragement.
Fellows Retreat
As you may know, we launched a Fellows Program aimed at young adults in their 20’s – early 30’s. The goal of the ministry is to walk alongside these young folk as they transition into work world. Our hope is to give them some tools and an environment that develops their ability to bring their faith to bear in every dimension of their lives. A key component of their time is their Fall Retreat where they look at the Person and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Our Felllows Program this year is our largest to date with 20 young adults participating. Last weekend they slipped away to Montreat. And, similarly with our Women’s Retreat, they too had deep and profound encounters with the Holy Spirit. Praise God! If you’d like to know more about the Fellows Program contact Debbie Rupert (DRupert@StAndrews.Church).
Fort Johnson Baptist Church
Perhaps the recent news of Fort Johnson Baptist’s church on James Island burning down surfaced old memories. It certainly did for me. As we commit ourselves to reaching our Jerusalem, it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to the vestry to stand with Fort Johnson in a tangible way. And so the vestry authorized a $10,000 gift to be sent to the church. Their pastor, Marty Middleton, replied:
“Dear St. Andrew’s Church,
In times like these, it is great to know that there are people who care enough to reach out. Thank you for your generosity toward the restoration of the church building here. We are honored that you would think of us and would send such a generous gift. Donations like yours make a big difference in the work to continue ministry here as we rebuild.On behalf of Fort Johnson Baptist Church we thank you for your kindness and support. May God richly bless you for your generosity!”
This is the second time this year we’ve been able to gift a South Carolina church $10,000 after a church fire. I hope you share in the joy of the Lord as we assist brothers and sisters in Christ during their time of need.
We’ve so much for which to be grateful. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
With much love in Jesus,
Steve & Jacqui