August Christian Formation

"Faith, Grief, and Moral Courage in a Time of War"
Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025
9:15am, Trinity Commons Student Center

This Sunday at 9:15am in Trinity Commons, we'll gather for the fifth and final conversation in our August Christian formation series, "Faith, Grief, and Moral Courage in a Time of War." Our focus will be on reflecting together on what we've learned these past four weeks and discerning next steps as a parish.

Two resolutions emerged from our conversation last Sunday.

First, we'll draft a statement of Saint Andrew’s response to the genocide in Gaza. Our statement will draw on the Presiding Bishop’s recent letter (July 16) in which he reflected on the urgent address to the Church of England's annual synod by Archbishop Hosam Naoum of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East about the devastating humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Archbishop Hosam implored the wider Church to stand with Christians in the Holy Land in “brutal and damaging times.” 

Bishop Rowe reminded us that “as Christians committed to peace and reconciliation, we can stand with our siblings in Christ in the Holy Land as they continue their ministry of presence and resilience.” Our hope is to add Saint Andrew’s voice to the wider demand for an end to hostilities and to pursue justice, peace, and reconciliation. The Vestry will receive the drafted statement for formal adoption before it's presentation to the parish.

Second, we've formed a task force to research ways Saint Andrew’s can support organizations providing direct aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Inspired by recent efforts in the Diocese of New York, we hope to launch a fundraising campaign, with other parishes across the diocese, to supply funds for much needed food and medical relief.

Please join us for this important conversation as we close our summer series.